Highway/Solid
Waste/Airport Committee
April 10, 2007 - 7:30 am
Present:
Dan Tagliente, Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, John Daniels, Tom Hartnett,
John Steger and Newell Willcox
Others
present:
Marilyn Brown, Chairman, Cortland
County Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Katrina Spicer,
Secretary to County Administration; Sandy Price, Legislator D 19; Danny Ross,
Legislator D 12; Richard Van Donsel, County Attorney; Donald Chambers,
Superintendent of Highways; Bob Buerkle, Deputy Superintendent of Highways;
Sandy Doty, Town Supervisor, Town of Willet; Eric Mulvihill, WXHC; and Corey
Preston, Cortland Standard;
Absent:
Steve Dafoe
Mr. Tagliente called the meeting to order at 7:24 a.m.
Mr. Willcox moved adoption of the minutes of the March 6, 2007 meeting; seconded by Mr. Hartnett. All members voting in favor; none opposed; minutes approved as printed.
** Items noted with ** and in bold print were chosen by the Highway Committee as suggested items for Legislator review.
RESOLUTIONS:
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
3.
Award Bids, Extension of 2006
Bids – Mr. Willcox moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger.
Mr. Chambers explained that this resolution was for annual material
bids and added that the specs allow for an extension of three years if it is
agreeable by both the County and supplier.
He added that the suppliers have agreed to these prices.
All members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
4.
Award Bids – Mr. Hartnett moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Chambers explained that this resolution was for the
remainder of the materials needed. He
also discussed trucking and availability being considered in the awarding of
bids. Mr. Willcox inquired about
the list of bidders. Mr. Chambers
expressed that typically the list of bidders is not part of the resolution but
offered to supply the Committee members with a list of all bidders.
All members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
5.
Award Contract to Fabricate and Install
Steel Reinforcing Bars Highland Road Bridge Project – Mr.
Chambers provided Committee members with an updated resolution.
Mr. Hartnett moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Chambers explained that three quotes were received; one
was incomplete because it did not include the price for installation.
He discussed the other two quotes that were received and the difference
in the quotes being $2,000. Mr.
Chambers expressed that the lowest quote was TRC Reinforcing LLC.
Mr. Willcox inquired about the reason for going out for a quote and not
a bid. Mr. Buerkle explained
reasons why not going out for a bid. Mr.
Willcox expressed that he would like to see the quotes.
Mr. Buerkle expressed that he would provide Committee members with a
copy of the quotes. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
P.I.N. – 3752.94– Mr. Steger moved adoption; seconded by Mr.
Hartnett. Mr. Chambers explained
that the project is complete and that this is just playing catch up for the
funding mechanisms. Mr. Willcox inquired about the County’s share of
participation. Mr. Chambers
expressed that it is roughly 5% and discussed the break down of the City of
Cortland and Cortland County’s participation.
Mr. Tagliente inquired about an update on the next phase of the
project. Mr. Chambers explained
that the project is scheduled for completion around the first of August 2007.
He added that it may be later in the Fall 2007 but it is scheduled to
be completed this year. All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
7.
Authorize Sale of Highway
Equipment – One (1) Rubber Tire Excavator – Mr. Armstrong moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr.
Chambers explained that this piece of equipment is being replaced under the
Highway Departments Equipment Replacement Plan.
He additionally explained that the Highway Department allowed
municipalities to bid on this and the winning bid was for $8,501.
All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
8. Authorize Contract/Highway Department Town of Cincinnatus (Snow and Ice – County and State Roads) – Mr. Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Chambers explained that this is to plow snow on County roads and expressed that during previous years plowing a small portion of a State road. He expressed that he would like to include this in the agreement this year. Mr. Chambers discussed contract language. Mr. Willcox inquired if this was for the same rate as last year. Mr. Chambers expressed that it was the same rate. Mr. Van Donsel inquired if the Town is obligated to plow this portion of the road. Mr. Chambers expressed that it is the County’s responsibility and the Town is subcontracting to the County for the snow plowing operations. All members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
9.
Authorize Contract/Highway Department
Town of Homer (Snow and Ice - County Roads) – Mr. Hartnett moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Steger. Mr. Chambers explained part of this authorizes the Town of
Homer to plow a Town road, Townline Road, which leads to the Landfill.
He further explained that the County uses straight salt and the Town of
Homer uses a mixture. Mr.
Chambers explained that the use of salt on this road could lead to problems at
the Landfill and further discussed those possible problems.
All members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
10.
Authorize Contract/Highway Department
Town of Taylor (Snow and Ice - County Roads) – Mr. Steger moved
adoption; seconded by Mr. Hartnett. Mr. Chambers explained that this is a contract for the Town
of Taylor to plow Town and County roads in order to increase efficiency.
All members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
LANDFILL
11.
Authorize Amnesty Day (Lime Hollow
Nature Center) – Mr. Daniels moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Willcox.
Mr. Chambers explained that this is to hold an Amnesty Day for Lime
hollow Nature Center. He
explained that the Town of Cortlandville will allow them to use a truck and
they would bring a truckload or two to the Landfill.
He added that this is to clean up Linear Park.
All members present voting in
favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
12.
Authorize Amnesty Week – Mr.
Armstrong moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Daniels.
Mr. Chambers expressed that this is done annually and that the date is
tentative. Mr. Willcox inquired
about accepting tires at the Landfill during this amnesty period.
Mr. chambers expressed that they do accept tires and added that 90% of
the tires collected are collected during this amnesty period.
He added that the cost to dispose of these tire is between $10,000 and
$12,000. Mr. Steger addressed his
concerns regarding the date and its involvement with the Mother’s Day
weekend. Committee members
discussed changing the date. The consensus of the Committee was to keep the date listed in the
resolution. All members present
voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
RECYCLING CENTER
12A.
Authorize Agreement, Fire Alarm
System, Recycling Center – Mr. Daniels moved adoption; seconded by Mr.
Steger. Mr. Chambers explained
that this resolution is for the Fire Alarm System at the Recycling Center and
added that there is a need for fire protection. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
DWYER
PARK
13.
Authorize Issuance of a Theatrical
Production and Custodial License, Dwyer Park (Cortland Repertory Theatre)
– Mr. Daniels moved adoption; seconded by Mr. Willcox.
Mr. Schrader explained that this is for an agreement to allow Cortland
Repertory Theatre to use the pavilion for performances.
Mr. Hartnett inquired about the status of the repairs to the pavilion. Mr. Chambers and Mr. Buerkle explained that they are waiting
for changes to the plans to come back and added that once these changes are
received they will begin to have Highway Department personnel make the
temporary repairs to the structure. They
added that the temporary repairs would be made by the time CRT opens for the
season. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
DISCUSSION:
1.
**Daisy Hollow Road – Petition filed at March 22, 2007 meeting of the
Legislature – Mr. Tagliente expressed his concerns regarding the slope
failure of Daisy hollow Road. He
explained that a petition was received and filed at the March 22, 2007
Legislative Session regarding these repairs.
Mr. Tagliente explained that he has had a meeting with Mr. Chambers and
Mr. Buerkle in regards to this matter. Mr.
Tagliente discussed the slope failure and added that this is a reoccurring
problem. Mr. Chambers added that
it does involve a couple of hundred feet of road failure.
Mr. Tagliente discussed the reoccurring problem and suggested that an
engineering study be completed regarding this.
Committee members discussed an engineering study regarding these
repairs and a temporary repair to the roadway for the immediate future.
Mr. Buerkle explained that this is a classic slope failure problem and
the need to fix this problem on a more permanent basis.
He added that a geological engineering study is needed to determine the
problem in its entirety and to know the amount needed to fix this roadway on a
more permanent basis. Mr.
Chambers explained that the slope failure is about sixty feet beneath ground.
Mr. Willcox inquired about an estimate of the cost to repairing this.
Mr. Tagliente and Mr. Buerkle explained that the cost could be between
$250,000 and $750,000. Mr.
Tagliente expressed that this is only an estimate.
Mr. Buerkle explained that the course of the project depends entirely
on the will of the Legislature to fund the project and makes land purchases
involved. Mr. Van Donsel
discussed eminent domain and justification for such.
Ms. Price distributed additional pictures and explained that this has
been a long standing problem for residents and users of Daisy Hollow Road.
She expressed that this is a dangerous situation and thanked the
Committee for their consideration. Ms.
Price also discussed Congressman Arcuri’s Office being in contact regarding
this issue. Mr. Ross expressed
that he signed this petition, he does travel the road and it has become very
dangerous. He added that
repairing the road could be cheaper than a lawsuit in the future.
Chairman Brown inquired about alternatives available.
Mr. Chambers expressed that immediate repairs to the surface would cost
about $10,000. Chairman Brown inquired about how this affects the overall
plan of the Highway Department. Mr.
Chambers expressed that this would impact other projects and added that
repairs could be made to the guardrails and road surface.
Mr. Tagliente expressed that he would like to do the upkeep and repairs
and added that he would like to move forward to see how much it would cost to
fix the problem permanently. Mr.
Chambers and Mr. Buerkle explained that they would need to contact engineering
firms in regards to an estimated amount for a geological engineering study and
report back to the Committee next month.
Mr. Tagliente instructed Mr. Chambers and Mr. Buerkle to contact
engineering firms and report back to the Committee next month.
3. Delinquent Accounts – Mr. Chambers provided Committee members with a list of delinquent accounts at the Landfill. Mr. Van Donsel explained that Doug’s Trash Removal are continuing to make payments and added that he would discuss the status of Almost Anything Trash Removal in private.
2. Re-Bid MH-3 Lease (5 Year Term) – Mr. Buerkle explained that this sis the last building to be re-bid and explained which building it is. He added that currently the building is occupied by Dave Jones by an approved sublease. Mr. Buerkle explained he would like to go out for bids on this building. He further discussed a fair minimum bid price being $525 per month and added this is an increase from the current rate of $512. Committee members discussed the bidding process. The consensus of the Committee was to have Mr. Buerkle go out for bid on this building for a minimum bid of $525 per month.
AIRPORT
1.
**Establish Individual T-Hangar
Space Rental Rate New 10-Bay T Hangar – Mr. Daniels moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Mr.
Buerkle explained that this is to set the rental rates for individual units in
the new T-Hangar. He explained
that the existing T-Hangar rental rate is $200 per month per individual space.
He explained that he has surveyed other airports similar in size to the
Cortland County Airport and discussed the differences in this T-Hangar to the
older T-Hangar. Mr. Buerkle
explained that setting the rate of each individual space in the new T Hangar
at $225 per month is warranted. He
also discussed establishing rules and updating the lease agreement language.
Mr. Buerkle expressed that he would like to send out the agreements to
the first ten people on the list and give them thirty days to respond.
He added that this would speed up the process of having these hangars
rented. He also discussed working
with Mr. Van Donsel regarding the language.
Mr. Willcox inquired about subleasing.
Mr. Buerkle explained that in the current lease agreement, the Airport
Manager could approve subleasing in the best interest of the County. Mr.
Buerkle further discussed working with Mr. Van Donsel on the agreement and
bringing it to the next meeting for the Committee to review. Mr. Daniels discussed it being unfair to sublease.
Mr. Buerkle discussed requiring tenants to put down a security deposit.
Committee members discussed an amount for a security deposit in the
amount of two-month’s rent. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
2.
**Award Sale of Surplus Automated
Weather Observing System (AWOS) Equipment – Mr. Daniels moved adoption;
seconded by Mr. Armstrong. Mr.
Buerkle explained that in 1990 the FAA provided funding for an AWOS and in
2006 that AWOS was replaced. He
explained this is to award the sale to the highest bidder.
He explained the bids will be opened later today and he would supply
the information for the highest bidder. Mr.
Willcox inquired if there was a minimum bid.
Mr. Buerkle explained that there was no minimum bid required.
Mr. Chambers explained that because this was federal funding supplied
to the Airport that the proceeds from the sale of the equipment would need to
be put back into the Airport budget. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; resolution adopted.
Authorize Travel to New York City, Cortland County Airport–Mr.
Tagliente explained that the proposal, which was made to the FAA to install
the equipment required to eliminate the obstructions at the Airport, needs to
be further discussed by the FAA. He
explained that instead of going back and forth with the FAA he would like to
send Mr. Chambers, Mr. Buerkle and a member from the Highway Committee to New
York City to meet with representatives from the FAA to resolve the issues.
Mr. Willcox inquired about the engineers going to this meeting.
Mr. Buerkle explained that they would also be going at their own
expense. Mr. Tagliente discussed
having a resolution drafted authorizing Mr. Chambers, Mr. Buerkle and a member
of the Highway Committee to travel to New York City to meet with the FAA
regarding the obstructions and proposed changes at the Cortland County
Airport. Mr.
Armstrong made a motion to authorize Mr. Chambers, Mr. Buerkle and a member of
the Highway Committee to travel to New York City to meet with the FAA
regarding the obstructions and proposed changes at the Cortland County
Airport; seconded by Mr. Daniels. All
members present voting in favor; none opposed; motion passed to draft a
resolution authorizing Mr. Chambers, Mr. Buerkle and a member of the Highway
Committee to travel to New York City to meet with the FAA regarding the
obstructions and proposed changes at the Cortland County Airport
DISCUSSION:
7. Agenda & Minutes of Committee meetings- Marilyn Brown – Chairman Brown discussed bolding items in the minutes that are deemed significant. She added that Committee Chairman should let the Secretary know which items are to be bolded. Committee members discussed the items from the meeting and concluded that the issue relating to Daisy Hollow Road and the Airport Rentals should be bolded.
4. Litigation, County Attorney – Mr. Van Donsel expressed that the issue regarding the County Airport, MH2, is being resolved in a timely fashion.
5. County Roads and Exchange of Services re: Town of Willet- Sandy Doty – Mr. Doty discussed building a salt storage shed and the possible trade of equipment usage to complete this. Mr. Willcox inquired about the liability. Mr. Van Donsel explained the usage of an inter-municipal agreement, which would eliminate the liability. The consensus of the Committee was to allow the Town of Willet to use this equipment.
Road Repairs - Mr. Doty also asked to address another issue; rural roads being in terrible shape. He discussed milling the roads and then laying them back down. He expressed that this is a step beyond oil and stone that is being done currently. Committee members discussed the cost of milling the roads and the significant amount of maintenance that is involved. Mr. Tagliente suggested looking at different plans regarding highway maintenance. Committee members discussed specific roads and maintenance. The Committee directed the Highway Department to develop a plan similar to the capital plan in regards to road maintenance.
Town of Cuyler, Mining Permit - Mr. chambers and Mr. Buerkle
explained that the Mining Permit in the Town of Cuyler is in need of renewal
and there is about $3,000 worth of engineering services that are needed in
this process. They both explained
that they have a good working relationship with the Town of Cuyler.
The consensus of the Committee
was to allow for the engineering services needed to conduct the work required
for renewal of the Mining Permit in the Town of Cuyler.
6. Lime Hollow Walking Trail-Permission to run chipper- Danny Ross – Mr. Ross explained that clean up would be done on Linear Park by a group of volunteers and added that there is a need for the use of a chipper. He added that there is a concern regarding volunteers operating a chipper. He has requested the use of the chipper and a person to operate it from the Highway Department. Mr. Van Donsel explained that he would be a volunteer and involved in the clean up. He added that he is drawing up a release and waiver for all volunteers to sign that day. Mr. Ross expressed that they would like to clear a ten foot wide path through Linear park. Mr. Chambers explained that this would involve the use of a chipper and one person to operate it; he added that this is on a Saturday and overtime would be involved. The consensus of the Committee is to allow the use of the chipper and the personnel to operate it for the Lime Hollow, Linear Park clean up.
Mr. Steger inquired as to the date set for Household Hazardous Waste disposal. Mr. Chambers explained that the date is April 28, 2007.
Mr. Chambers announced a Public Information meeting to be held on April 18, 2007, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Auditorium of the County Office Building in regards to the River Trail project. He added that the project construction is scheduled for 2008.
Mr. Tagliente adjourned the meeting at 8:27 a.m.