ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION COMMITTEE MINUTES – DECEMBER 8, 2020
VIRTUAL
CASEY
E. JORDAN, CHAIRMAN
AUDIO/VIDEO
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mrs. Tassone, Mrs. Abbott-Kenan*, Dr. Chase, Mr. Holmquist
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Burtis, Ms. Cody, Mr. DeSantis, Ms. Vilardi, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Mento, Ms. O’Connell, Mr. Paro, Ms. Velasco, Mr. Frantzis, Mr. Durr
*Arrived immediately after roll call
Chairman Jordan called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. A motion was made by Dr. Chase and seconded by Mrs. Tassone to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Dr. Chase and seconded by Mrs. Tassone to approve the minutes of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED.
1. WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION: Frank M. Mento, P.E., Commissioner
a. A Resolution Calling a Public Hearing in Connection with Proposed Improvements for the Onondaga County Sanitary District ($200,000)
Mr. Mento:
A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mrs. Tassone to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
b. A Resolution Calling a Public Hearing in Connection with Proposed Improvements for the Onondaga County Sanitary District ($4,000,000)
Mr. Mento:
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Seeking $4M for rehab at the Metro treatment plant campus which is made up of many electrical and mechanical components; consultant prepared a report which assessed the equipment; also utilized Maximo reporting
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Projects within the $4M include primary clarifier systems, skimmer on top of tank that runs continuously, pumps, aeration systems, secondary clarifier systems, underground galleries that contain pipe chases and electrical components, screen and grit area
A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mrs. Tassone to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
c. A Resolution Calling a Public Hearing in Connection with Proposed Improvements for the Onondaga County Sanitary District ($6,250,000)
Mr. Mento:
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Force main at the Rt 481/298 Industrial corridor – near Byrne Dairy and Inficon – traditionally the discharge has flowed through the neighborhoods – this will redirect away from neighborhoods and send it to the trunk sewer at Carrier Circle
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Will free up capacity for other potential industrial users which may want to come and build
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Engineering consultant is currently doing design work; $6.25M will be for construction within the next year to eighteen months
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In answering Mr. Jordan’s question regarding tying into development on Kirkville Road - already has sewers but this will free up capacity for additional flows; inflows are pretreated prior to entering County Sewers
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In answering Dr. Chase’s question; yes it is for 2021 CIP
A motion was made by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan, seconded by Mrs. Tassone to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
d. A Local Law Authorizing the Lease of Sewage Disposal Systems from Certain Municipalities within the Onondaga County Consolidated Sanitary District for County Purposes
Mr. Mento:
A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mr. Holmquist to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
e. A Resolution Approving the Proposed Leasing of Sewer Systems from Certain Municipalities within the Onondaga County Consolidated Sanitary District
A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mr. Holmquist to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
f. A Local Law Authorizing the Sale of County Property Located at 102 Dickerson Street City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York Known as the Trolley Lot South
Mr. Donnelly:
Dr. Chase:
- Will this continue as a parking lot? Armory Square, Theater attendees use this lot
Ms. O’Conner:
- Seamless in terms of what the community will see
- 435 total parking spots; 185 are monthly spots which is now down to 110 because of reduction in downtown workers
- Syracuse Urban Partnership only needs about 100 spots – CE felt strongly that they didn’t want to be in the parking business
- Intent is to continue public parking and use Allpro as the third party to manage the lot
- Will open up Clinton Street side gate as an entrance which would enhance usage of lot
Mr. Donnelly:
Mr. Burtis:
- How much did the County purchase the lot for and what is the assessment?
Mr. Donnelly:
A motion was made by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan, seconded by Dr. Chase to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Chase:
- What is going on with Barrett Road – rumors about taking homes by eminent domain
Mr. Jordan:
A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mr. Holmquist to adjourn the meeting at 9:30am. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
MELANIE VILARDI, Deputy Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES – DECEMBER 9, 2020
VIRTUAL
KEVIN A. HOLMQUIST, CHAIRMAN
AUDIO/VIDEO
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. McBride, Mrs. Abbott-Kenan, Mr. Kinne, Mr. Williams
ABSENT: Mr. Kinne, Mr. Williams
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Knapp, Ms. Cody, Mr. DeSantis, Ms. Vilardi, Mr. Frantzis, Mr. Skahen, Ms. Lesniak, Ms. Velasco
Chairman Holmquist called the meeting to order at 9:07 a.m. A motion was made by Mr. McBride and seconded by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Mr. McBride and seconded by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan to approve the minutes of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED.
1. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Martin Skahen, Director
a. Authorizing the Onondaga County Executive to File the 2020 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs ($3,277,870)
Mr. Skahan:
Mr. Knapp:
Mr. Holmquist:
- Echoed Mr. Knapp’s appreciation
Mr. Knapp:
- Items will be on the December 17th Session agenda
Mr. Skahen
- Answered Mr. McBride’s question - recipients will be notified via letter after vote of the full Legislature
A motion was made by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan, seconded by Mr. McBride to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
b. Authorizing the Transfer of Tax Delinquent Properties to the Onondaga County Housing Development Fund Company Item b
Mr. Skahen:
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Eight homes were on the County tax auction listing – asking to transfer for a $1 each – houses will be rehabilitated and sold to low income, first time home buyers through a grant from NYS which allows a $30K mortgage subsidy
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Select homes that would not appeal to house flippers – less attractive because of the amount of work the homes need
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Fix up the worst eyesore house on the street; the subsidy helps low income, first time buyers – life changing as it allows an opportunity to own a house – there is a 10 year lien on the house so after 10 years they have equity – if renting they would never get ahead
Mr. Holmquist:
- How do you determine that a house flipper is not attracted to the house?
- Concerns about competing with the private sector
- Makes a huge difference in neighborhoods
Mr. Skahen:
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Historical experience – the $1 purchase payment allows for more money to put into the house; drive around and see houses that have been abandoned for a while – Howlett Hill Road house is brick and stone – water damage, front porch falling apart, brick and stone makes it more expensive to repair
Mr. McBride:
- Extensive renovations – what is the timetable
- Which one will be first, second…?
- Time frame for the home in the Town of Onondaga
Mr. Skahen:
- Never more than two years – lost three months this year because of non-essential services halted but then sold five in a month
- Quit claim deeds are filed with County Clerk, if home is not empty then have to go through eviction process
- Currently have a home in Bayberry that is occupied and can’t evict because of COVID
- Home inspectors decide order depending on other tasks such as lead work
- Goal is to have homes ready to sell next summer
Mrs. Abbott-Kenan:
- Are potential buyers identified or is it similar to other home sales
Mr. Skahen:
A motion was made by Mr. McBride, seconded by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
A motion was made at by Mr. McBride, seconded by Mrs. Abbott-Kenan to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:24 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
MELANIE VILARDI, Deputy Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES – DECEMBER 9, 2020
VIRTUAL
JULIE ABBOTT-KENAN, CHAIRMAN
AUDIO/VIDEO
MEMBERS PRESENT: Dr. Chase, Ms. Cody, Mr. Bush
MEMBER ABSENT: Mr. Kinne
ALSO PRESENT: Chairman Knapp, Mr. DeSantis, Ms. Vilardi, Mr. Frantzis, Ms. Velasco, Mr. Wears, Dr. Gupta
Chairman Abbott-Kenan called the meeting to order at 10:36 a.m. A motion was made by Ms. Cody and seconded by Dr. Chase to waive the reading of the minutes of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Dr. Chase and seconded by Mr. Bush to approve the minutes of the previous committee. MOTION CARRIED.
1. HEALTH DEPARTMENT:
a. INFORMATIONAL: Update ~ Dr. Indu Gupta, Commissioner
- Dealing with pandemic since March
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Team working seven days a week including holidays; data has to be clean and reflective of what is happening in the community; data comes from people so every case becomes a number to include age, date of birth, background, hospitalized, traveling – all tedious work to obtain but this information becomes the data
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The data digging includes the investigation; continue to learn how to bring data to the public so precautions can be taken – very important from a policy making standpoint in deciding where the money should be spent
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Where to focus testing – all a result of modifying collection of data – constantly adding additional information – shown on the evolving Health Department website
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Evidence has to be based on good data – taken very seriously and a lot of background work being done to get the data
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Important to realize the Department takes their job very seriously to justify spending
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Navigated through the Health Department website enunciating:
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Quick access link to test location sites – shows fine tuning and improvements to make it easy and less painful for everyone to find information
- Confirmed cases by municipality
- Congregate living settings, nursing homes, businesses
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Testing count section shows how many positive per day; hovering around 300 – last summer was 20-30, curve was flat when the community was following guidelines
- Hospitalization trends – seeing reported deaths everyday
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Selected States showed different behavior and human nature picks up bad habits - watching Florida and Wyoming where they aren’t following guidelines
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More weddings, church services – saw some fluctuations in positive cases – community didn’t realize their actions were making a difference - difficult to hide as one case leads to many
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Who pays the price – African Americans, those hospitalized and/or those age 50 and over are disproportionately impacted
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Those 20-29 years of age have the largest percentage of positive but least percentage hospitalized
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Older population have small percentage of positive but high percentage of hospitalization
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A bit of freedom for individuals but large impacts on the community – events should be set aside until next year
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Hoping lawmakers help make the point to constituents – what you do today could save lives – people are still traveling – if community wants to save the economy and small businesses then they should do their part
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If everyone does their part and bans large gatherings this would help restaurants and small businesses
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Healthy economy equals healthy people and vice versa
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Community could not ask for a better leader with the CE – meet almost daily to discuss testing, data, how to keep schools open
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Regarding vaccination – the Governor will have more announcements on roll out – Feds will be working with pharmacies – first will be hospitals and nursing homes – not everyone will get it initially – patience will be important – because of the small number of vaccines there will be last minute announcements
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Tomorrow is with hope and joy
Mrs. Abbott-Kenan:
- Couldn’t be prouder to have Dr. Gupta in this position, a shining light, can’t imagine being in this day in and day out
- Any advice for people put in quarantine and haven’t heard from contract tracing
Dr. Gupta:
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More than 300 cases per day – each case is so complicated – happens repeatedly that someone had symptoms a week ago, go to school or work, test a week later – already a week behind – put in a log for contract tracing; NY still has 14 days even though CDC has 10 days
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Remind people if symptoms and been exposed get tested and put yourself in isolation – contact those that you have exposed
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There becomes a time when the contract tracing is almost impossible – we are close to this point
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The quarantine notice from School Superintendents is an official notice
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Change the mindset – if the school provides notice take this as official and not wait on contact tracing
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How contact tracing strategizes – focus on congregate settings like large employers, childcare, nursing home
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Tell your constituents – if your school or employer notifies you of exposure then quarantine yourself – take it upon yourself to reach out to those you exposed
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NYS regulation States employer is to cover salary for 14 days
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Manlius swan pond – at one time two swans there – community pulled together to protect the pond and the rest of the swans – similar to City of Syracuse – when there is a trauma or gunshots that community reacts by pulling together – same as COVID – the community should ban together to protect its own
Dr. Chase
- What percentage of positive are asymptomatic?
Dr. Gupta
- About 30-50% depends on the day and the testing - insurance changed to say not paying unless symptomatic
- Data is skewed because without symptoms people don’t get tested – as more testing was available percentage goes up
- Masks and physical distancing is so important
- Treat 9-12th graders like adults – wearing masks and social distancing
Mr. Abbott-Kenan:
- What are the chances the Governor will shut down the County?
Dr. Gupta
-
Flip the question – what are the chances our community will be the champion of wearing masks and following guidelines – they have the power in their hands – if they do what is right we will not be shutdown
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Not only concerned with getting COVID but heart attack patients, car accident victims, all could be turned away from hospitals because they are overwhelmed
- Everyone has a stake and should do their part
A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Ms. Cody to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
MELANIE VILARDI, Deputy Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES – DECEMBER 11, 2020
VIRTUAL
TIM BURTIS, CHAIRMAN
AUDIO/VIDEO
MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. May, Mr. Rowley, Mr. Ryan, Mr. Jordan, Mrs. Ervin, Mr. Williams
ALSO ATTENDING: Chairman Knapp, Ms. Cody, Ms. Kuhn, Dr. Chase, Mr. McBride, Mr. Bush, Mr. Donnelly, Ms. Primo, Mr. Morgan, Mrs. Venditti, Mr. Durr, Mr. Mento, Mr. Hummel, Mr. Weber, Mr. Masterpole, Mr. Skahen, Ms. Velasco, Mrs. Tormey, Mr. Knauss,
Ms. McNamara, Mrs. Lesniak, Mrs. Vilardi, Mr. Frantzis and Mr. DeSantis
Chairman Burtis called the meeting to order at 9:35 a.m. A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. May to waive the reading of the previous committee meeting. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED. A motion was made by Mr. May, seconded by Mr. Jordan to approve the minutes of the previous committee meeting. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
1. PARKS AND RECREATION:
a. Accepting Donation from Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and Amending the 2020 County Budget ($200,000) (Sponsored by Ms. Cody)
Mr. Morgan:
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Accepting donation from Friends; improvements and projects at Zoo; support new animal health care center; specifically to support medical equipment and furnishings; total amount $1.1 mil; initially $200,000 to start
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Added to project for equipment; when nears completion, more funds available; would come over and accept remainder
- Not offsetting bonding for project; it is filling the rooms
A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
2. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Martin Skahen, Director
a. Authorizing the Onondaga County Executive to File the 2020 Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant, Home Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant Programs ($3,277,870) (Sponsored by Mr. Holmquist)
Mr. May gave Mr. Skahen and his team kudos for working in different ways. Behind the spreadsheet of numbers is a lot of work. Normally the committee dives into each project, but virtually it was more difficult to do. Nice to see that everyone is getting something, and everyone has local dollars invested.
A motion was made by Mr. May to approve this item.
Mr. Jordan said he appreciates that all the towns and villages received money, but there are a few that are significantly higher. Mr. Jordan asked Mr. Skahen to elaborate. Mr. Skahen:
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Always had $50,000 cap on projects; finding things getting more expensive
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Surveyed supervisors and mayors to see if they would be interested in applying for up to $150,000 for project knowing that means they might not get one in the next year or two; overwhelming support
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Sent out apps letting municipalities know they can apply for up to $150,000; also if they are applying for $150,000, then also apply for a smaller project in case the larger one does not go through
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Those 3 municipalities applied for the larger sums; everybody has opportunity to do it; these are the funds requested
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Depending on funding and allocations, a town could get $120,000 this year, then apply for $50,000 the following year, and the committee might make it work; but if they cannot, then the committee will not feel bad
Mr. Skahen responded to Mr. Rowley’s question regarding the town of Clay’s allocation because of their size:
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Town of Clay is big enough to get their own funding; agreement with county is that the county will handle administration for funding, then guarantee village of North Syracuse and Clay will get a project every year no matter what
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This has been this way
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Clay’s allocation was $281,398 - total allocation for projects to village and town is $100,000; Clay does not have to do an action plan or any administrative work, and they have the ability to apply for more than $50,000
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Clay has usually spent money on paving projects; do it themselves; also have in-kind money; village has used money for sidewalk projects to have walkable village
Seconded by Mr. Ryan. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
3. WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION: Frank Mento, Commissioner
a. A Local Law Authorizing the Lease of Sewage Disposal Systems from Certain Municipalities within the Onondaga County Consolidated Sanitary District for County Purposes (Sponsored by Mr. Jordan)
- Item a is local law that is required; same as Meadowbrook Limestone - same issues pertinent to local law; replica
- Same contract template used before – in local law and approval of lease agreement; exact same lease format, standards
Mr. Rowley requested the lease agreement exhibits. Mr. Mento said there are 4 or 5 exhibits he will share.
A motion was made by Mr. May, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item. Ayes: 6 Abstentions: 1 (Rowley); MOTION CARRIED.
b. A Resolution Approving the Proposed Leasing of Sewer Systems from Certain Municipalities within the Onondaga County Consolidated Sanitary District (Sponsored by Mr. Jordan)
A motion was made by Mr. May, seconded by Mr. Ryan, to approve this item. Ayes: 6 Abstentions: 1 (Rowley); MOTION CARRIED.
c. A Local Law Authorizing the Sale of County Property Located at 102 Dickerson Street City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York Known as the Trolley Lot South ($825,000) (Sponsored by Mr. Jordan)
Mr. Donnelly:
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Sale of Trolley Lot to Allyn foundation in support of Salt City Market project; corner of Salina and Clinton St.; Salt City Market will have restaurants on 1st floor, affordable housing on 2nd and 3rd, then office space above it
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Building almost done and need parking; on site of former lot; approached about utilization of Trolley Lot
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Property appraised at $765,000; Allyn Foundation offer $825,000 for parcel; utilize 100 spaces out of 425 for Salt City; rest for public parking
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County funds – lot purchased from city in 2010/2011; northern end is Clinton CSO Facility; funds will go back to WEP, since they made the purchase
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Parking for Armory Square still the same
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Number of permanent easements in lot for underground facilities to service CSO; can only be used as a parking lot; foundation promised to keep rest of lot open to service Armory Square
- Allyn Foundation will be responsible for security via Syracuse Urban Partnership (not for profit created for venture)
Mr. Ryan discussed the water pooling in the lot and stated for the record, “that Allyn Foundation would partner with the county to get Finger Lakes Railroad to do what they need to do down there.” It does not look good for those parking there, and hopefully it will be a partnership to make it better. Mr. Donnelly believes they will be great partners and buying this lot gives the foundation a vested interest. Mr. Burtis commented about the water getting into the lights and the lights not working.
Mr. Jordan stated (in reference to item 3a) that he did get the exhibits, but there were blank spaces for options about (i.e.) outstanding debt. Mr. Jordan requested that Mr. Mento forward them the completed exhibits for a complete document before the Legislature approves it. Mr. Mento said yes and said the lease and exhibits have not yet been approved by the municipalities in the Baldwinsville - Seneca Knolls area. Mr. Jordan responded to Mr. Mento that he would like the complete documents, but feels that they would know right now if there is outstanding debt. Mr. Jordan said it is currently blank, so what is the Legislature approving (existing debts, claims?). Mr. Mento said as soon as he gets the information, he will forward it.
A motion was made by Mr. Jordan, seconded by Mr. Ryan, to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
4. PERSONNEL: Carl Hummel, Acting Commissioner
a. Accepting and Approving Contract Between the County of Onondaga and the Civil Service Employees Association, Inc., Local 1000 AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Onondaga County Local #834, Units 7800-00,01,02,03,04,06,07,08
- October county reached agreement with CSEA; 3 year agreement 2020 – 2022; 0% wage 2020, 1% 2021, 2% 2022
- Minor economic agreements and a few noneconomic; not many changes to current contract
- Approved by CSEA on November 30th; 58 to 42% vote
A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
5. FINANCE, DIVISION OF REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES: Steve Morgan, Chief Financial Officer; Don Weber, Real Property Tax Director
a. Authorize the County Comptroller to Transfer 2020 Unencumbered Appropriations and Appropriate Revenue After Expiration of the 2020 Fiscal Year upon Approval of the County Executive and the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee
b. Authorizing the County Comptroller, upon Approval of the Finance Department Division of Management and Budget and the County Executive’s Office, to Transfer 2020 Unencumbered Appropriation Account Balances in Excess of $7,500 Into, Between and Among All Interdepartmental Chargeback Appropriation Accounts and Adjust the Corresponding Interdepartmental Revenue Accounts
Mr. Morgan:
- Annual authorization; cleanup year end to close the books; get Comptroller moving forward with financial statements
- Process - review items with Chair of Ways and Means, who signs off on, then forward to Comptroller for posting
- Authorize Comptroller to make transfers approved by the Chair; County Executive to move funds between direct appropriation accounts
- 5b allows same authorization for interdepartmental accounts; authorizations are for yearend to facilitate closing process
- Take great care in using sparingly; sensitive or other items that should go to committee are taken through that process
A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. Rowley, to approve items 5a and 5b.
A vote was taken on item 5a.
Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
A vote was taken on item 5b.
Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
c. Southwood-Jamesville Water District Tax – General Apportionment
d. Southwood-Jamesville Water District Tax – Town of Dewitt Apportionment
e. Southwood-Jamesville Water District Tax – Town of Onondaga Apportionment
f. Warners Water District Tax – General Apportionment
g. Warners Water District Tax – Town of Camillus Apportionment
h. Warners Water District Tax – Town of Van Buren Apportionment
i. 2021 Town Tax Rates, Fixed, Ratified and Confirmed
Mr. Weber:
- Items c – h are 2 small water districts county levies taxes for
- c, d and e are for Southwood-Jamesville; town of Dewitt and Onondaga for fire hydrant maintenance
- f, g and h – Warners water district for Camillus and Van Buren
- Item i – establishing tax rates for each town; already approved for budget; mathematical calculation
A motion was made by Mr. Rowley, seconded by Mr. May, to approve items 5c through 5i. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
A motion was made by Mr. Ryan, seconded by Mr. May, to adjourn the meeting. Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:08 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMIE McNAMARA, Clerk
Onondaga County Legislature
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