Agriculture/Planning/Environmental Committee
February 8, 2007 - 7:30 am
DRAFT MINUTES
Members: Danny Ross, Chairman; Merwin Armstrong, Vice Chairman; Tom Hartnett, John Steger, John Troy and Carol Tytler
Others Present: Marilyn Brown, Chairman of the Legislature; Scott Schrader, County Administrator; Mike McKee, Legislator, District 17; Katrina Spicer, Secretary to County Administration; Richard C. Van Donsel, County Attorney; Dan Dineen, Director of Planning Department; Claudia Hicks, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Absent: Kay Breed
Mr. Ross called the meeting to order at 7:31 a.m.
Mr. Troy moved adoption of the minutes of the
January 11, 2007 meeting; seconded by Mr. Armstrong.
All members voting in favor, minutes approved as printed.
RESOLUTIONS
1. Sub-Committee Report - Carol Tytler – Ms Tytler explained that she has been in contact with Carl Ford’s Office and they gave her dates that Mr. Fords could meet with her and a group regarding this project. After a briefly discussion of dated the consensus of those present involved with this project and subcommittee was to meet with Mr. Ford on the afternoon of February 27, 2007. The Committee discussed that Mr. Ross, Ms. Tytler, Mr. Troy, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Dineen would be in attendance at this meeting. Mr. Ross volunteered to contact Amanda Barber in regards to the meeting and Ms. Tytler would contact Mr. Chambers. Ms. Tytler further explained that Mr. Ford is from Department of Transportation and is working on the Route 281 project here in Cortland County and she had spoken with a representative from his office and that person suggested that she contact Mr. Ford regarding the possible opportunity for collaborative retention project. She discussed that the area in question is the green area near County Inn and Suites. Mr. Ross expressed that the Town of Cortlandville and the City of Cortland have worked together and cooperated in regards to the Starr Road flooding project. He added that it is good to see municipalities working together.
2. Cornel Cooperative Extension – Mr. Ross turned the meeting over to Claudia Hicks. Ms. Hicks explained that she worked with Cornel Cooperative Extension and part of her responsibilities included Energy Education. She expressed that she worked to educate people on fossil fuels and worked with young children in regards to alternate fuels. She discussed that they need to begin to think about it now. She additionally explained that she also taught children ways to conserve energy. Ms. Hicks explained that the energy efficient light bulbs actually do work and discussed some of her own experiences. Mr. Hartnett inquired about the availability of information in regards to small business and energy conservation. Ms. Hicks explained that she had no information with her on that but would refer it back to the office. Ms. Hicks explained that with the energy efficient light bulbs, even if you spend a little more up front, you would gain in future savings. She briefly discussed some 4H programs geared to conserving energy. Ms. Tytler inquired about programs and working with schools to have children actually do something in regards to energy conservation. Ms. Hicks explained that they do go to schools and they also have a booklet of different programs that teachers can use if they so desire. She discussed the energy bike that is used in children’s programs. Chairman Brown inquired about the down side to using the energy efficient light bulbs. She explained that she had purchased one and there was a warning that it may affect remote controls. Ms. Hicks explained that she was not aware of that. She further discussed that they light bulbs are fairly new to the market and that market is just beginning to pick up in this area but added that consumers need to be careful and make certain that they purchase light bulbs with the Energy Star. Ms. Hicks further discussed that some light bulbs may have mercury inside of them so disposal is a concern. Mr. Armstrong inquired about any type of recycling program available for these light bulbs. Mr. Steger explained that the Cortland County highway Department is planning a Household Hazardous Waste Day and suggested that Ms. Hicks check with him in regards to that. Committee members discussed the Household Hazardous Waste Day. Mr. Ross thanked Ms. Hicks for attending and providing the Committee with this information.
Mr. Troy expressed that he was impressed with the information he received last month regarding wind energy and thinks that the county should pursue this. Mr. Ross expressed that he is meeting with Mr. Augenstern on February 26, 2007. Mr. Steger questioned if the County has enough wind to support this. Mr. Ross explained that there is not enough to support a large facility but smaller facilities could be beneficial. Mr. Hartnett asked if there was test site put up a few years ago regarding this. Committee members discussed that it was explored no funding was received to implement a test site. The consensus of the Committee was to look further into this and they discussed that 12 sites were established and that has been narrowed down to three sites.