January
24, 2008 – 6PM
Meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM by Chairman Daniels followed by the Salute to the Flag.
The Clerk took Roll Call with all members recorded as present.
The minutes of the January 3, 2008 Organizational Meeting were unanimously approved.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Paul Slowey, President of the IDA/BDC introduced the new Director of the IDA/BDC stating that after a long and arduous search process Mr. Gillson was selected with a background of running the NYS Empire Development for a previous administration. Mr. Gillson thanked legislators and told them that the agency is going to take a simple and direct approach. He said that 2008 offers challenges for everyone and his approach is going to be a simple and direct approach to economic development. That will be workforce development, helping existing businesses, recruit new businesses, work with local government to change things at the local level and to continue to do community development work that Linda Harsock did so well. He invited all to visit his office anytime.
PROCLAMATIONS & RECOGNITIONS
Chairman Daniels called Larry Cornell to join him to honor Karen Funk who has been recognized as the NFHCA High School National Coach of the Year. The Clerk read the proclamation. Mr. Cornell said it was an honor as a brother, not a legislator to present Ms. Funk with this recognition. He said that her goal and vision was to bring girls sports to the Marathon school district and believes it is the highest honor given to any coach in Cortland County. Ms. Funk said that just when you think things can’t get better, they do. She credited the Marathon staff, hardworking kids, supportive parents and the school’s agreement in her coaching philosophy. She said that all she ever wanted was a section title and this is just the icing on the cake.
RECEIVE AND FILE REPORTS OF STANDING, SPECIAL AND ADHOC COMMITTEES
The 2008 County Budget, 2008 Committee Assignments, Designation of Minority Leader Danny Ross and the Annual Report- Department of Weights & Measures were unanimously received and filed.
RESOLUTIONS
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Steger and all members voting aye Agenda No. 1 became Resolution No. 12-08 Re-Appoint Legislative Member Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell Agenda No. 2 was introduced. Mr McKee noted that the term for the appointment should be two years and made a friendly amendment to correct the term, second by Mr. Ross and all members voting aye. Amended Agenda No. 2 became Resolution No. 13-08 Re-Appoint Members Soil and Water Conservation District Board with all members voting aye.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and all members voting aye Agenda No. 3 became Resolution No. 14-08 Appoint Members Board of Health.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye, except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Spaulding and Mr. Tagliente voting nay, Agenda No. 4 became Resolution No. 15-08 Appoint Member Cortland County Convention and Visitors Board of Directors.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr.
Cornell and all members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Hartnett, Mr.
Spaulding and Mr. Tagliente voting nay, Agenda No. 5 became Resolution
No. 16-08 Appoint
Members Criminal Justice Advisory
Board.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. McKee and all members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Spaulding and Mr. Tagliente voting nay, Agenda No. 6 became Resolution No. 17-08 Re-Appoint Members TC-3 Financial Oversight Committee.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and all members voting aye Agenda No. 7 became Resolution No. 18-08 Appoint/Re-Appoint Members Central New York Regional Planning and Development Board.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Ms. Price and all members voting aye Agenda No. 8 became Resolution No. 19-08 Appoint Members Southern Tier East Regional Planning Development Board (STERPDB).
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Troy and all members voting aye Agenda No. 9 became Resolution No. 20-08 Appoint Members Communications Advisory Board. Clerk’s note: Correction made to appointment term to end 2009.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Ms. Price and all members voting aye Agenda No. 10 became Resolution No. 21-08 Appoint Members Cooperative Extension Board of Directors.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 11 became Resolution No. 22-08 Appoint Member Open Space Commission-NYSDEC.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr.
Troy and all members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Spaulding
and Mr. Tagliente voting nay, Agenda
No. 12 became Resolution No. 23-08
Appoint
Member Cortland County Traffic Safety Board.
On motion of Mr. Daniels, second by Mr. McKee and all members voting aye Agenda No. 13 became Resolution No. 24-08 Appointment Fire Advisory Board.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Willcox Agenda No. 14 was introduced. Ms. Wilcox asked to abstain from voting due to her employment connection and said that the addresses are reversed in the wording of the resolution. On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Cornell and all voting aye Ms. Wilcox was allowed to abstain from the vote. On motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Williams a motion to amend the resolution to reflect proper addresses passed with all members voting aye. With all members voting aye and Ms. Wilcox abstaining amended Agenda No. 14 became Resolution No. 25-08 Authorizing Cortland County to Participate in the Tax Assessment Challenge Issues with the City of Cortland.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Willcox Agenda No 15 was introduced. Mr. Ross asked why $10,000 was picked as a cap. Mr. Suben said the figure was picked arbitrarily as he cannot be certain how extensive the work will be and the attorney’s comfort knowing that there is an appropriation as he is not seeking a retainer. Mr. Suben added that this will move this forward in a more common sense manner. With all members voting aye except Mr. Piombo voting nay, Agenda No. 15 became Resolution No. 26-08 Authorizing The Engagement Of Outside Legal Counsel For Cortland County, The Cortland County Legislature And Its Officers And Employees In Litigation Of Certain Actions.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr.
Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 16 became Resolution No.
27-08 Authorize Agreement Cortland County Chamber of Commerce.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr.
Hartnett and all members voting aye Agenda No. 17 became Resolution No.
28-08 Authorize Agreement Finger Lakes Library Association.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Mr. Spaulding Agenda
No 18 was introduced. Ms. Wilcox referred to item 5 that states that the
County Auditor “may request verified accounting be rendered to the County
each quarter….” and asked if this happens. Mr. Schrader said that we
actually get that information without a request. Mr. Ross asked Chairman
Daniels if Mr. Dempsey could come to a legislative session to inform the body
what the Convention & Visitors Center actually does. Mr. Daniels agreed.
With all members voting aye Agenda No. 18 became Resolution No. 29-08 Authorize Agreement Cortland
County Convention and Visitors Bureau For Provision of Public Benefits
Services For Promotion and Publicity.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Ms. Price Agenda No. 19 was introduced. Mr. Dafoe made a friendly amendment to correct the first WHEREAS to 2008, second by Mr. Tagliente, and all members voting aye. Mr. Willcox asked if this is just for heavy equipment and not pick up trucks. Mr. Schrader answered yes. Agenda No. 19 became Resolution No. 30-08 Authorization to Bond for Highway Department Equipment Highway Department as amended.
On motion of Mr. Troy, second by Ms. Price Agenda No. 20 was introduced. Ms. Tytler reminded legislators that to be fair, these monies need to be looked at in future budgets as the Brockway Museum and other organizations may need to share this amount or we should be increasing the budgeted amounts if other agencies are added. With all members voting aye Agenda No. 20 became Resolution No. 31-08 Authorize Agreements Cortland County (1890 House and Historical Society).
On motion of Mr. Loomis, second by Mr.
Troy Agenda No. 21 was introduced. Mr. Dafoe asked why we were spending good
money after bad when we know that these noise making machines do not work. He
said the money would be better spent by giving it to the Cortland Library. Mr.
Willcox agreed. Ms. Wilcox asked if there was a plan in place to address who
will be using the equipment, what vehicle will be used to transport it, who
determines the scheduling and who will be responsible for the equipment. Mr.
Schrader said that the committee requested a plan be developed and Public
Health and Environmental Health are working on that. He said the intention is
to use a surplus highway vehicle to transport the equipment and the priority
will be given to not-for profit and educational organizations that serve
children. He added that the responsibility for equipment will be the agency
requesting assistance. Mr. Hartnett stated that all that we are doing is
injuring neighborhoods and it is a waste of money. Mr. Willcox said he would
vote against this if the money would be given to the library. Mr. Tagliente
agreed. Ms. Tytler voiced her support due to concerns raised in her district
from the YWCA daycare play area and that the City was unable to fund
assistance. She commended Mr. Parker with his forethought on a mobile unit to
help others. Ms. Arnold asked if
anyone has documented evidence that this works. Mr. Schrader said we are going
by the evidence that the machine placed at the Courthouse is preventing crows
to congregate in that area. He said that is working, whether or not it is a
permanent fix is the question. Ms. Wilcox asked if this will require
additional staff to transport the equipment. Mr. Schrader said that most
likely an existing Highway or Buildings & Grounds employee will drop off
and pick up the equipment. With
all members voting aye, except Mr. Dafoe, Mr. Hartnett, Mr. Spaulding, Mr.
Tagliente, Ms. Wilcox and Mr. Willcox voting nay,
Agenda No. 21 became Resolution No. 32-08 Authorize
Transfer (Buildings & Grounds).
On motion of Ms. Tytler, second by Mr. Troy and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 22 became Resolution No. 33-08 Accept Funds Health
Department/Administration
American Cancer
Society.
On motion of Ms. Tytler, second by Ms. Price and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 23 became Resolution No. 34-08 Authorize
Agreement/Accept Funds Health Department/ Jacobus Center for Reproductive
Health (State Grant).
On motion of Ms. Tytler, second by Mr.
Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 24 became Resolution No.
35-08 Amend Budget Mental
Health Department (NYS Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services).
On motion of Ms. Tytler, second by Ms.
Price and all members voting aye Agenda No. 25 became Resolution No.
36-08 Amend Budget Mental Health Department
(Mental Health Association).
On motion of Ms. Tytler, second by Mr. Troy and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 26 became Resolution No. 37-08 Authorize Agreements/Accept
Funds Health
Department/Children With Special Needs (NYS Facilitated Enrollment Program).
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Ms. Price and all members voting aye Agenda No. 27 became Resolution No. 38-08 Approval for County to Apply for “Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act” Grant Funding Highway Department / Airport.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 28 became Resolution No. 39-08 Authorize Highway Equipment – One (1) Pickup Truck Highway Department.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Ms. Price and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 29 became Resolution No. 40-08 Authorize
Highway Equipment Five (5) Pickup Trucks
Highway Department.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe voting nay, Agenda No. 30 became Resolution No. 41-08 Award Highway Equipment – Snow Plow/Dump Trucks Highway Department.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Ms. Price and all members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe voting nay, Agenda No. 31 became Resolution No. 42-08 Award Highway Equipment Tractor Trailer Truck Highway Department.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Troy and all
members voting aye except Mr. Dafoe voting nay, Agenda No. 32 became
Resolution No. 43-08
Authorize Highway Equipment – One (1) Wheel
Loader Highway Department.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Cornell Agenda No. 33 was introduced. Mr. Willcox asked if there is a time expenditure on this. Mr. Schrader answered that it will be for a two year period. With all members voting aye except Mr. Willcox voting nay, Agenda No. 33 became Resolution No. 44-08 Household Hazardous Waste Application Highway Department/ Landfill.
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Ms. Price and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 34 became Resolution No. 45-08
Authorize Issuance of a Theatrical Production And Custodial License Highway Department, Dwyer Park (Cortland Repertory Theatre).
On motion of Mr. McKee, second by Mr. Cornell Agenda No. 35 was introduced. Ms. Wilcox asked if the $10,000 is in addition to the $125,000 currently paid to the Murray Center. Chairman Daniels said yes. She asked if this is due to an increase in recyclables. Mr. Daniels answered yes, for the short term. Ms. Wilcox asked the definition of short term. Mr. Schrader said this equates to approximately 1000 hours, covering 4 employees for 4 additional hours a day for about 1 ½ to 2 months. Mr. Willcox questioned whether Mr. Schrader can increase this automatically. Mr. Schrader said the process will be that the Highway Superintendent would come to me and under this resolution I am able to grant up to $10,000. If we exceed that amount then we will be returning to the legislature. This will be on an as needed basis depending on the influx of recyclables. With all members voting aye Agenda No. 35 became Resolution No. 46-08 Amend Budget/Transfer Funds Highway Department/Recycling.
On motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Troy
and all members voting aye Agenda No. 36 became Resolution No. 47-08 Authorize
Application Area Agency on Aging (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program).
On motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Steger and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 37 became Resolution No. 48-08 Authorize
Agreement Area Agency on Aging (Long
Term Care Ombudsman Program).
On motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr.
Spaulding and all members voting aye Agenda No. 38 became Resolution
No. 49-08 Enter into Agreement Employment and
Training Department And P.A.C.S. Security.
On motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Troy and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 39 became Resolution No. 50-08 Amend Budget Department of
E&T Grant Administration.
On motion of Ms. Price, second by Mr. Cornell Agenda No.
40 was introduced. Ms. Price stated that we welcome the state funding that
will allow someone from the Victims of Violence Program at the YWCA to
accompany caseworkers in appropriate circumstances. With all members voting
aye Agenda No. 40 became Resolution No. 51-08 Amend Budget Department of Social Services.
On motion of Mr. Williams, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 41 became Resolution No. 52-08 Authorize Agreement Fire & Emergency Management Satellite UHF Site, Town of Cortlandville.
On motion of Mr. Cornell, second by Mr. Troy and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 42 became Resolution No. 53-08 Accept Funds Bicentennial
Oral History Project.
On motion of Mr. Ross, second by Ms. Price
and all members voting aye Agenda No. 43 became Resolution No. 54-08 Authorize
Agreement Cortland County (Cornell Cooperative Extension).
On motion of Mr. Ross, second by Ms. Price and all
members voting aye Agenda No. 44 became Resolution No. 55-08 Authorize
Agreement Cortland County (Federation
of Sportsmen).
On motion of Mr.
Ross, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 45 became Resolution
No. 56-08 Authorize
Payment Cortland County (Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation
District).
On motion of Mr. Ross, second by Mr. Troy Agenda No. 46
was introduced. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Schrader what the County’s obligation is
regarding investigations into animal cruelty reports. Mr. Schrader said the
investigations fall under the jurisdiction of the police agencies where they
occur. Since our Sheriff’s Department services the entire County, we are
obligated to investigate where there is no police agency. Ms. Wilcox asked if
we receive reports from the SPCA on what they do and are they providing
24-hour answering service. Mr. Schrader said that the money approved in the
budget covers 5 days a week, Monday thru Friday during business hours
coverage. In the past they provided 24 hour coverage however to continue that
they requested $78,000. Now the SPCA will provide the coverage Monday thru
Friday during business hours and the rest will be handled through dispatch at
the Sheriff’s Department. Ms. Wilcox said that the resolution does not
indicate that. Mr. Schrader said that it will be corrected. Ms. Wilcox asked
if the money is disbursed monthly. Mr. Schrader said he believes the contract
call for semi-annual payments. With all members voting aye and Ms. Wilcox
voting nay Agenda No. 46 became Resolution No. 57-08 Authorize
Agreement Cortland County SPCA.
On motion of Mr. Ross, second by Mr. Cornell and all members voting aye Agenda No. 47 became Resolution No. 58-08 Authorize Agreement Lime Hollow Nature Center
On motion of Mr. Ross, second by Ms. Price and all members voting aye Agenda No. 48
became
Resolution No. 59-08 Authorization
to make Application for Section
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Price announced that the CCTVS meeting will be directly following this meeting in room 304 with Highway and Roads as the subject for discussion.
Ms. Wilcox announced a combined meeting with City Wards 5 and 8 will be held on Wednesday, January 30th at Randall School and all are invited to attend.
Mr. Williams questioned the disbursement of information mailed to legislators and asked the Clerk to poll members to see how they wish to receive information. He said he prefers only electronic notification. Mr. Tagliente said we ran into problems last year where some legislators claimed they did not receive information during the South Main Street project so it was determined at that time that direct mail was to be used to correct that situation. Ms. Price agreed that the mailing has corrected the problem, is working and everyone is receiving the same information. Mr. Williams requested the Clerk to approach individual legislators regarding their needs. He personally does not want the mailing as it is a waste of money. Mr. Willcox said he wants his to be continued. The Clerk said that she would continue the mailings to everyone other than those who advise her differently.
Mr. Troy thanked the Sheriff and his staff for the tour of the Jail. It was well attended by legislators and very informative.
Meeting
was adjourned at 6:52 PM
Minutes
prepared by Susan Morgan, Clerk