ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMITTEE MINUTES - OCTOBER 21, 2015

MICHAEL E. PLOCHOCKI, CHAIRMAN

MEMBERS PRESENT:   Dr. Chase, Mr. Shepard, Mrs. Rapp

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mr. Burtis

ALSO ATTENDING:  See attached list

Chair Plochocki called the meeting to order at 9:10 A.M.  A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mrs. Rapp, to waive the reading of the proceedings from the previous committee minutes.  MOTION CARRIED.  A motion was made by Dr. Chase, seconded by Mr. Shepard, to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee.  MOTION CARRIED. 

1.     METROPOLITAN WATER BOARD:  I. Holly Rosenthal, Executive Director

        a.     A Resolution Calling a Public Hearing in Connection with Proposed Improvements for the Onondaga County Water District

Chair Plochocki:

• Committee only voting on public hearing - allows the process to move forward
• Asked Ms. Rosenthal to provide a brief summary; project discussed during budget and will be discussed and voted on at the November committee meeting

Ms. Rosenthal:

• Distributed copies of the Executive Summary and Implementation Plan (On file with the Clerk)
• WWTP built in 1965-1967 – received minimum upgrades
• Scheduling second legislator plant tour in early November
• Estimate $40 million for entire project; $5,472,000 for 1st phase – repairs failing roof and includes engineering, detailed design needed to move forward and provide actual cost
• Cost estimate summary (see below)

• Report includes detail on each phase of integrated project, 4 phases, must be completed in sequence  

 Chair Plochocki:

• Likely borrowing for the project as a whole not possible as certain things must be done in order

Ms. Rosenthal:

• Certain things could be fast tracked

Chair Plochocki

• Questioned length of time for completion in phases versus all in

Ms. Rosenthal:

• 4 years to complete in phases, likely 3 years for project as a whole - need time to complete design work; 4 years spreads out cost

Mrs. Rapp questioned the cost to the taxpayer in terms of water rates.  Ms. Rosenthal said that it would depend on how the debt was funded.  Historically it has been funded through the ad valorem, which is paid by property tax.  Mrs. Rapp asked if it was a line item.  Ms. Rosenthal said that it was a special district.  Mrs. Rapp asked if the charge was to all county taxpayer, including those not in a water district.  Ms. Rosenthal responded, “Yes”, everyone in the community benefits due to the economic vitality of the community as a whole.  Mrs. Rapp questioned the cost under the worst-case scenario – all applied to the water rate.  Ms. Rosenthal said she did not have the numbers today and would follow up.  If applied to the rate, the increase only applies to customers using the water.  MWB sells water to OCWA and other customers on a wholesaler basis.  OCWA then combines the costs with their program and charges the customer - not a direct pass through.  Mrs. Rapp said that the seller determines the marketing rate.  Ms. Rosenthal agreed, noting that MWB did not have a rate increase this year but that did not mean that OCWA would not have an increase in their rate.

Dr. Chase:

• Less pushback likely on increases over a four-year period versus full impact in year one

Ms. Rosenthal:

• Big impact

Chair Plochocki:

• Questioned design build

Ms. Rosenthal:

• Was a consideration - decision not yet made

Chair Plochocki:

• Questioned if ARCADIS was working on the project

Ms. Rosenthal:

• Yes - subcontractor to C&S

A motion was made by Mr. Shepard, seconded by Dr. Chase, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

2.     WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION:  Tom Rhoads, Commissioner

         a.     A Resolution Calling a Public Hearing in Connection with Proposed Improvements to the Oneida Lake Pump Stations In and For the Onondaga County Sanitary District

Mr. Rhoads:

• Commissioner’s hearing previously held, legislative public hearing also required
• Project details to be discussed at November committee meeting
• Displayed 50% drawings for Oneida Lake pump run – vintage 40 year old equipment transferring sanitary waste to the Brewerton WWTP, strictly in the Town of Cicero

Mrs. Rapp:

• Questioned if improvements were included for the Brewerton WWTP

Mr. Rhoads:

• Not in this package - a current project for the plant includes a baffle in the secondary tank and a dechlorination project, about $1 million dollars
• Long-term CIP plan includes $10 million dollars for aging infrastructure at the plant
• This project strictly for string of 7 pump stations delivering sanitary waste to the Brewerton WWTP and force mains, as needed

Mrs. Rapp:

• Questioned increase in capacity

Mr. Rhoads:

• Brewerton’s main capacity issue relates to extraneous flow - Town of Cicero completed study, implementing some things; fixing leaking sewer pipes will restore capacity
• Pump stations need to be increased in size to meet additional peak flow for areas with heavy  extraneous flow – don’t have additional capacity at the WWTP; currently seeing mechanical, electrical and structural issues
• Total project $10.1 million - $2 million previously approved, used for engineering, advanced to 50% design phase

Chair Plochocki:

• Project has nothing to do Onondaga Lake clean up, ACJ or Save the Rain

Mr. Rhoads:

• Correct – do many things beyond that
• Likely spent over $60 million in the Town of Clay over last decade
• Current project in Baldwinsville - $12 million at Oak Orchard WWTP

Mrs. Rapp:

• Asked if Oak Orchard project would increase capacity

Mr. Rhoads:

• No

Mrs. Rapp:

• Questioned potential indoor farm

Mr. Rhoads:

• Hasn’t seen wastewater generation information – can’t answer

Mrs. Rapp:

• Was told company is considering small plant on site

Mr. Rhoads:

• Through OCIDA requested consideration of onsite wastewater recycling and recovery because of the nature of activities - don’t know it will happen

Mrs. Rapp:

• Must be water intensive operation

Mr. Rhoads:

• Don’t know specifics

Chair Plochocki:

• Project not connected to $100 million dollar Westside lake project 

Dr. Chase:

• Questioned project mileage

Mrs. Rapp:

• Lake distance 20 miles

Mr. Rhoads:

• Plan not to scale – miles and miles of sewer
• Over past 2 decades Town of Cicero went from 100,000 linear feet to 300,000 linear feet of sewer

Dr. Chase:

• Many hooked up from septic

Mr. Rhoads:

• Also much development, sewer installed by developer but become town sewers
• WEP becomes maintainer, responsibility keeps growing

Chair Plochocki:

• Questioned engineering firm

Mr. Rhoads:

• Barton & Loguidice

A motion was made by Mr. Shepard, seconded by Mrs. Rapp, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

Mrs. Rapp:

• Questioned the number of pump stations

Mr. Rhoads:

• 7 county owned stations; debt service impact information to be provided next month

Mrs. Rapp:

• Debt will all be in sewer use fee

Mr. Rhoads:

• Depends on Legislature – sometimes approve project but don’t approve fee increase

Chair Plochocki asked to be provided with two copies of the 50% proposal.  Mr. Rhoads responded that he could provide marked up copies – do not order extras due to limited resources.

 3.    LAKE IMPROVEMENT:  Tom Rhoads, Commissioner

        a.     ACJ Update

• Distributed Save the Rain Third Quarterly Report 2015 (on file with Clerk)

http://savetherain.us/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2015-Q3-STR-Quarterly-Report_FINAL.pdf

Mrs. Rapp:

• Questioned meaning of $0.65/gallon capture

Mr. Rhoads:

• Annual number, divide capital costs by number of stormwater gallons captured annually, e.g., green project fact sheets include runoff reduction and award value - used to calculate capture cost per/gallon
• Green infrastructure has co-benefits and economic benefits as opposed to gray

Mr. Rhoads:

• Over 96% capture rate – 95% required by 12-31-18
• Now have both water capture and water quality milestones
• Water quality milestones difficult to achieve due to nature of urban waters; urban water issues associated with CSO’s and other upstream issues – failing septic, farms, and dirty urban stormwater
• Resiliency to manage epic storms important, getting into unique climate varieties not seen much before – green projects manage stormwater at its source
• Need green infrastructure wherever possible, every little bit helps – capture and store onsite rather than flushing

Mrs. Rapp:

• Questioned if Cicero was contemplating green infrastructure

Mr. Rhoads:

• Hasn’t seen a green project

Mrs. Rapp:

• Will suggest – more cost effective

Mr. Rhoads:

• Need to look at lifecycle cost
• Porous pavement initial cost 10% higher, lifecycle cost better – needs less salt and withstands cold climate better
• Many private parking islands have curbing that keeps water from going inside the island - prefer water enters the island area; incremental capture changes make a difference for water quality
• Oneida Lake pump run created due to failing septic systems and lake water quality issues; water quality directly relates to quality of life and property values – huge

Mrs. Rapp:

• Makes sense to incorporate green in strategic plan - use while making improvements

Mr. Rhoads:

• Yes – town also has local flooding issues
• Are alternative ways to manage stormwater, not always easy, very flat and close to groundwater table

The meeting adjourned at 9:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

KATHERINE M. FRENCH, Deputy Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

* * *

WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES - OCTOBER 23, 2015

DAVID KNAPP, CHAIRMAN

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Holmquist, Mr. May, Mrs. Ervin, Ms. Williams

ABSENT:  Mr. Kilmartin, Mr. Jordan

ALSO PRESENT:  see attached list

Chairman Knapp called the meeting to order at 8:50 a.m.  A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. May, to waive the reading of the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.  A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. May, to approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

1.     INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:  Kevin Sexton, Chief Information Officer

        a.     Amending the 2015 County Budget and Authorizing an Amendment to an Intermunicipal Agreement with the City of

                Syracuse Regarding the Provision of Services of PeopleSoft Financials and Hyperion Software Systems ($125,000)

Mr. Sexton:

• City was implemented onto our PeopleSoft environment on July 1st. 
• Had an IMA of $125,000 initially to help with that project – that funding ran out around June
• County has provided services since then, and continues to do so
• The charged amount each month is on an up and down basis, depending on what the City is looking for
• This amendment will allow the County to receive additional funding
• There are a a number of initiatives in the works for the City – biggest one is the 1099 process
• Will be a continual type of arrangement with the City for future years to come, as the County will be providing additional services, specific configurations, and occasional customizations to support their work flow

Chairman Knapp referred to the the initial IMA for $125,000, and asked if the City has paid the County or approved payment for the work.  Mr. Sexton said that payments have been received, but doesn’t believe the entire $125,000 has been received.  Chairman Knapp said that the amendment is for another $125,000.  Mr. Sexton agreed -- the City has recently approved the amendment.

Mr. May asked how much of the first $125,000 did the County get.  Mr. Sexton said that it was approximately $30,000.  In answer to Mr. May, Mr. Sexton said that the County started providing services around this time last year.  Chairman Knapp said that this got caught up in the email situation between the Common Council and Mayor, and asked if it is still being held up.  Mr. Fisher said that Common Council passed an ordinance, by a 5 to 4 vote, last month to budget another $125,000.  They had to appropriate money; now the Mayor can sign the amendment.  The money is there; even if the City is tardy in paying, they are good for the money.  Mr. Sexton said regarding the computer use policy, a special provision was made for the Common Council.

Ms. Williams asked when it is anticipated that the County will get the rest of the first $125,000.  Mr. Fisher said that “we talked to them today, when we realized we still haven’t seen a check”.  The payment is for the bills through June.  As soon as this goes through, they will be sending the July, August, and September bills. 

Mr. May asked if the City is actually using our PeopleSoft system for the business of the City of Syr.  Mr. Sexton said “correct”.  Mr. May asked if it is felt that the billing arrangements thus far is fair and equitable for the county taxpayers.  Mr. Sexton said that he thinks that it is; the County charges the City for every hour of service provided to them by county staff or consultants.  Mr. May asked if it is felt that we are charging the City in the exact same way that we would account for services across county government.  Mrs. Venditti said that she thinks it is similar.

Mr. May said that he wants to make sure that there is a fair and equitable approach for everybody using County services.

Mr. May said that he is glad that the City is good for the money and has committed by resolution to compensate the county of the services being provided.  He stated for the record, that he is concerned about a 5 – 4 vote when what we are doing is helping them run the business of city government, hopefully better than ever before from an administrative standpoint.  He does not want to talk politics; “that inertia within their legislative body really concerns me.”  If politics are coming into those decisions, he has a problem with it.   It is very concerning to hear a 5 – 4 vote over a matter like this.  IMA’s are really good things for taxpayers, when things are being done right. 

Chairman Knapp asked if one of our consultants is helping them, and we are getting billed $100, are we then billing the City at least $100.  Mr. Sexton said that we are; every cost we incur, we charge the city.  For our internal employees that work on it – their hourly rate plus fringe is charged to the City.

A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Mr. May, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

2.     CNY ARTS:  Steve Butler, Executive Director

        a.     Amending the 2015 County Budget to Make Funds Available to CNY Arts for Distribution to Musical Associates of  

                Central New York, Inc. ($68,750)

Mr. Butler:

• Request contingency funds to distribute to Symphoria
• Symphoria just closed their prior year successfully; has launched their next season
• Ticket sale subscriptions are up 21% for Masterworks and Pop series
• Itzhak Perlman concert in November, which has already sold out
• Embarking on new marketing campaign with Pinckey Hugo – proving successful; expect sales to be up by 7%
• Strategic alignment with Opera & Lawrence Loh, Artistic Dir.–good synergy--ties Lawrence more to our community

Chairman Knapp asked about the Cirque performance.  Ms. Underhill said that Cirque de la Symphoria was the first Pops program - was fantastic, had a really full house.  It was the biggest Pops so far – people loved it; had 30% new audience for it.  

Mr. Butler said that they have a new Flex Pack subscription – assumption is that single ticket buyers are moving into it.  Turning a one-time transaction into a long-term relationship is what they always try to do in the business.  

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item.

Mr. May congratulated Symphoria; what you do for this community is very important and answers a response to a need that some people have and appreciate.  During the budget process he tried to pursue a different way of funding going to Symphoria, because he supports its mission.  He does not agree with how it is funded now.  He will continue to vote no until he can find a way to vote yes – has to vote against the use of ROT.  Chairman Knapp said it is constructed a little bit differently for next year.

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item.  AYES:  4 (Ervin, Williams, Holmquist, Knapp); NOES:  1 (May); MOTION CARRIED.

3.     PERSONNEL:  Peter Troiano, Commissioner

        a.     Standard Work Day & Reporting Resolution

A motion was made by Mr. May, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

4.     FINANCE, REAL PROPERTY TAX:  Don Weber, Director

        a.     Approving and Directing the Correction of Certain Errors on Tax Bills

Mr. Weber:

• Correct property tax bill for SUNY Upstate Medical
• Assessor erroneously removed exemption from a house that they own
• Original tax bill was about $17,000--most is not county money – will be charged back to school and Town of Manlius

Chairman Knapp asked if they pay property taxes at all.  Mr. Weber said that they would pay the sewer unit charge and water. 

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mr. May, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

5.     PROBATION:

        a.     Amend 2015 County Budget to Release Contingency Funds for a Bail Expeditor Program ($25,000)

Chairman Knapp:

Mr. May has heard the same thing; they are doing a great job; very helpful.

A motion was made by Ms. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Ervin, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

6.     PURCHASE:

        a.     Revenue Contract Report - NONE

7.     GREATER SYRACUSE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CORP.

        a.     Confirming the Reappointment to the Board of Directors of the Greater Syracuse Property Development Corporation

                (James Corbett)

Chairman Knapp said that Mr. Corbett has done a great job and highly recommended his reappointment.

A motion was made by Mrs. Ervin, seconded by Ms. Williams, to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

Mr. Fisher said that this is a joint appointment of the County Executive and Mayor; the Mayor will be asking the City Council to approve it.  The appointment will take effect on October 8th – it is 3 year term. 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

* * *