Agriculture/Planning/Environment Committee

March 13, 2008 – 8:00 am

DRAFT MINUTES

 

Present:                      Danny Ross, Chairman; Kathie Arnold, Vice Chairman; Steve Dafoe, Mike McKee, John Steger, and Gene Waldbauer

Others present: Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Sandy Price, Majority Leader; Mark Suben, County Attorney; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Dan Dineen, Planning Department; Syd McEvoy, Cooperative Extension; and Evan Geibel, Cortland Standard

Absent:                       Carol Tytler (excused)

Mr. Ross called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.

Mr. McKee moved adoption of the minutes of the February 14, 2008 meeting; seconded by Mr. Steger.  All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.

RESOLUTIONS:

1.                  Authorize Chairman To Sign Agreement, Amend 2008 Budget, Planning Department, (Federal Section 5311 Transit Capital Equipment Project)– Mr. McKee moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Arnold.  Mr. Dineen explained that a grant was applied for last fall to fund more busses.  He explained that the application included eight light duty busses, six bus shelters and 15 bus stop signs.  He mentioned that the plans regarding the use of the funding could be changed.  He stated that no county funds are used for this purchase but there is a requirement of a 10% local match, which is being funded by First Transit.  Committee members discussed the need for more bus shelters.  Mr. Ross explained that he and Mr. Dineen discussed transit issues in Cincinnatus and they discussed installing a bus shelter and a Park & Ride.  Mr. McKee explained that the Town of Taylor has an area for a Park & Ride on Route 26.  Mr. Ross explained that very little local funds are spent regarding this program.  All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution approved.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1.                  Cornell Cooperative Extension Update, Syd McEvoy – Mr. McEvoy thanked those who attended the Sixth Annual Economic Conference last week.  He also invited Legislators to attend an Ag Day Dinner at the Elks Club on April 1st.  He explained that they all should be receiving invitations, if they haven’t done so already.  He discussed brainstorming next week with Danny Ross, Carol Tytler and Kathie Arnold in regards to agriculture in Cortland County.  He explained that his office is working in regards to the VITA program, which assists seniors in filing for the tax stimulation package that is being put in place by the federal government.  He explained that they have processed over 300 returns and are booked up to April 14th at 4:30 pm.  Mr. McEvoy also explained that his office has applied for the Governors Traffic Safety Grant for Bike Safety.  He discussed and explained the abundance of 4-H members attending a variety of competitions.  Mr. McEvoy explained that the Tractor Safety Course, which is required for all 14 to 16 year olds, before they can work on a farm not owned by their parents, was full.

2.         Ag Summit, John Steger – Mr. Steger explained that at the recent Ag Summit the Town of Preble has endorsed the Town of Homer and Town of Scott going together to apply for the Farmland Protection Grant.  He explained that the Town of Preble is off to a good start and they would like to encourage others to apply. 

3.         Tompkins Cortland Tioga Public Transportation Coalition, Sandy Price – Ms. Price explained that she recently attended a meeting at TC3 regarding regional public transportation with a focus on improving the transportation needs in our area.  She explained that as a result of the meeting, Tompkins Cortland Public Transportation Coalition was formed.  She expressed that their goal is to help improve general transportation.  She discussed area students from SUNY Cortland, TC3 and Cornell University are looking for transportation to and from school, shopping and recreation.  She added that another meeting is being planned; no time or date has been set.  She also stated that Sandy Perry from Cortland Transit would be leaving.  She added that she has been very responsive and responsible to transportation issues and it is sad to see her leave.  Mr. Dineen discussed a transportation survey that is being drafted.  He added that the needs of service agencies, community leaders, college reps, schools reps, mayors and town supervisors would be taken into consideration.  He further discussed the possibility of extended service hours and expanded routes. 

4.          Broadband Communications Sub-Committee Report – Mr. Ross explained that the sub-committee is off to a good start.  He stated that the first meeting was very up beat.  He stated that the next meeting is scheduled for April 9th.  Mr. Ross explained that there would be four presenters of broadband at this meeting.  He further discussed sending our surveys and the economic needs of broadband.  He explained that maps are being compiled of coverage areas.

5.          Cortland County State Park – Mr. Ross explained that Cortland County is the only county in the State of New York without a State Park.  He further discussed looking into an area within Mr. McKee’s district for a State Park.  He added that he has spoken with Senator Seward and the Senator suggested obtaining a letter from Cortland County supporting the project.  Committee members discussed past attempts to establish a State Park.  They further discussed this project being a smaller scale than those of the past.  A preliminary concept plan map was distributed and discussed among committee members.  Mr. Steger asked if a State Park is maintained by the State.  Mr. Ross stated it was.  Committee members discussed no land being taken off the tax roles, the property proposed is already existing state land.

6.         Cortland County SPCA Contract, Scott Schrader – Mr. Schrader explained that the SPCA would like to formalize the process in which court ordered impounds are handled.  He explained that this is a result of Purr-fect World incident.  He stated that language has been added regarding reimbursement for the cost of court ordered impounds.  Mr. Schrader stated that he wanted to inform the Legislature of the change.  Mr. Suben explained that he would like to see a clause added regarding auto insurance.  He further discussed adding a confidentiality clause to the contract.  He added that the clause would state that if the contractor came into possession of health insurance information it would be treated with confidentiality.  The consensus of the Agriculture/Planning/Environment Committee was to agree with the changes to the SPCA Contract.  No objections were made to these changes. 

Mr. Ross adjourned the meeting at 8:28 a.m.

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