Agriculture/Planning/Environmental Committee
February 9, 2006 - 7:30 am
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Danny Ross, Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, Vice Chairman; Kay Breed, Carol Tytler, John Troy
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Sandra Price, Legislator, District 19; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Susan, Morgan, Clerk of the Legislature; Dan Dineen, Director of Planning Department; Syd McEvoy, Cooperative Extension; Jeremy Boyland, Cortland Standard; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC
Absent: Tom Hartnett and John Steger
Mr. Ross called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.
Mr. Armstrong moved adoption of the minutes of the January 12, 2006
meeting; seconded by Mr. Troy. All
members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
1. Authorize Amendment to Agreement (NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and Cortland County to Acquire a Conservation Easement on the Leslie F. and Lorraine Chace Farm Mr. Ross pulled this resolution.
2.
Amend 2006 Budget (Conservation Easement
on the Chace Farm, Henderson Farm & Sears Farm
Mr. Troy moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.
Mr. Dineen stated that this was to set up an account for 2006 for these
farms. Ms. Breed inquired about New
York State involvement. Mr. Van
Donsel explained what would happen and state involvement.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
3.
Authorize Agreement (Cortland County and
First Transit, Inc. Transportation to Cornell) Mr. Armstrong moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy. Mr.
Dineen stated that this was an agreement between Cortland County and First
Transit providing transportation to Cornell Monday through Friday. Mr. Dineen stated that there have already been discussions
with Tompkins County and the Department of Transportation and they do not
foresee any problems. Ms. Breed
inquired about any Budget impact. Mr.
Dineen stated that there is no Budget impact.
Committee members asked to have STOA State Transportation Operation
Assistance- spelled out in the resolution.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
4.
Authorize Option Letter (Release to
Purchase one Bus) Ms.
Tytler moved adoption; seconded
by Ms. Breed. Mr. Dineen stated
that Chemung County put this out to bid and Cortland County has gone in on the
bid. He further stated that this
would allow Cortland County to purchase a bus.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
5.
Amend 2006 Budget (Federal Section 5311
Transit Capital Equipment Project)
Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Ms. Tytler.
Mr. Dineen stated that this would set up an account for the purchase.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
6.
Amend 2006 Budget (Auction/Sale of Public
Transit Buses) Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Troy.
All members voting in favor; none
opposed; resolution adopted.
DISCUSSION/PRESENTATIONS:
1.
Capital Bus Purchase Mr. Dineen explained to the committee that
smaller buses went in on a bid with another county.
Chenango County asked that we reject all bids.
Mr. Dineen stated that the reason for the rejection is that the one
company that was selected has not been providing requested information.
He went to state that Chenango County no longer wants to take the lead
but Allegheny County is interested in taking the lead. Committee members inquired about the advantages and
disadvantages in going in on it with Allegheny County.
Mr. Dineen stated that there is no real advantage or disadvantage.
Mr. Dineen asked who should have the authority to sign.
Committee members stated that there was no problem having Mr. Schrader
draft a letter regarding this. Mr.
Dineen asked if the committee was interested in going in with Allegheny County. Committee members did not note any problems with going in
with Allegheny County.
2. Greyhound Bus Station Mr. Schrader stated that Ms. Price came to him with a concern regarding the Greyhound Bus Shelter. Ms. Price discussed some unsuccessful efforts she has had in the past in regards to attempt to improve that area. Mr. Schrader went on to state that he had gone to look at the shelter and our smoking shack at the County Office Building is in better condition than the bus station shelter. He explained to the committee that the structure is not suitable and he has contacted Greyhound and asked for their assistance. Mr. Schrader went on to discuss that he had contacted Gary VanGorder at the Chamber of Commerce and they have discussed this. Mr. Schrader stated that the owner of the property will be looking into this and that Mr. VanGorder has volunteered to sit down and look at designs of a new shelter and justify the expense of building it. Mr. Schrader also stated that when he contacted Greyhound they expressed to him that they are willing to work with us regarding this matter. Mr. Armstrong questioned if all the 120 busses arriving weekly are Greyhound busses. Committee members stated that Trailways and Adirondack also use that bus station. Committee members further discussed liability regarding the bus station and the exact location of a shelter. The exact location and the design are not known at this time. Committee members further discussed lighting of the shelter. Ms. Price stated that she had contacted the phone company and they have agreed to install a working payphone.
3. Cooperative Extension Mr. McEvoy discussed with the committee a brief update of the Cooperative Extension Department. Mr. McEvoy discussed the success with the Ag Conference and explained that they are getting ready for Camp Owahta. Mr. McEvoy expressed an invitation to Legislators to come up and see the camp. He went on to explain that his department is also working with the Fair Board to add additional restrooms at the Fairgrounds. He added that this would only benefit the venue and make it more attractive. Ms. Breed discussed Camp Owahta and stated that it is very successful while other camps in New York State have closed and have declining enrollment. Mr. McEvoy stated that he must credit the Camp Director.
Ms. Price discussed a new 4-H group in Virgil which is a pilot program with an after school program. She went on to state that it is very successful and four other groups are also starting up.
Ms. Tytler announced that the next Planning Sub-Committee will be on Tuesday, February 28, 2006 at 7:30 am.
Mr. Troy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:04 a.m.