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Meeting Minutes

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMITTEE MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

CHAIRMAN JAMES CORBETT

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mrs. Rapp, Mrs. Ervin

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mrs. Tassone, Mr. Buckel

ALSO PRESENT:  Mr. Rhinehart and See attached list

Chairman Corbett called the meeting to order at 10:12 a.m.  Motions were made by Mrs. Rapp, seconded by Mrs. Erwin to waive the reading and approve the minutes of proceedings from the previous committee meeting.  MOTIONS CARRIED.

1.     LAKE IMPROVEMENT:  Michael Lannon, Acting Commissioner; Matt Millea, Deputy County Executive

        a.     ACJ Update (On file with the Clerk)

HIGHLIGHTS

• Clinton Storage Project awarded to Jett Industries, granted notice to proceed; trolley lot has been shut down with full page ads placed in the newspaper, physical construction will be very rapid on site
• METRO WWTP Optimization Report submitted to DEC as required by, speaks to a number of enhancements theorizing that the enhancements will not achieve lower effluent phosphorus levels
• Improvements include installation of baffles for equal flow, use of aluminum salt
• Report subject to approval of the DEC will meet next week to review, due to short window of evaluation have requested additional trail for aluminum salt

In response to Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Lannon stated the report was required to be delivered to the DEC by August 31, 2011.  The complicating factor is that the use of iron salt changes the chemistry of the phosphorus such that it greatly enhances the lake.  They want to make sure that the aluminum salt does the same thing.  Chairman Corbett added that there has to be a certain amount of time for full evaluation.  We don’t know what the long term effects will be.

• Flow pacing of chemicals will provide better treatment and possible savings on chemical cost
• CSO Green Facility Plan received conditional approval by the NYSDEC, green infrastructure will be used to abate 6 identified CSO’s, viewed as full approval – small items need to be addressed; next step to procure an engineer for implementation for the hard design
• Midland 044 production has ramped up installing additional ground water monitoring wells and sheeting, recovery schedule in place with the contractor, working with them on a daily basis to insure progress
• Open House Saturday, September 17th

Chair Corbett stated that he would be in Vancouver and unable to attend the open house.  His daughter and son in-law work for WEP in New Jersey and will be coming up to take the tour. 

Chairman Corbett noted that you could millions of dollars and never obtain the Phase 3 limit of .02 mg/l for phosphorus.  There has to be some sort of fiscal balancing with the environmental request.  Mr. Lannon stated that there is a phosphorus work plan being completed that identifies what has to be done at Metro to potentially meet the ultimate limit of .02.  As part of this analysis, they are adding the financial costs.  It will speak to what is a reasonable unit charge for rate payers and how this balances with all the other projects.  The potential outcome may be an extended window due to hardship.  Report will be submitted by December 31, 2011. 

GRAY PROJECTS

• Harbor Brook Interceptor Replacement Project pretty much completed, coordinating with the City School District
• Midland CSO 044 Abatement recovery schedule in place, DEC approval for this project required a robust monitoring program of chlorides in the area, concerned with how they potentially affect Onondaga Creek, participate with the contractor for sampling, if the chlorides reach a certain level in the creek a sample must be sent to METRO and another sampling regime is set off, to date chlorides low enough to run into the creek
• Clinton CSO Abatement moving ahead, currently installing a duck bank to run electricity to the site
• Lower Harbor Brook Conveyances bid received, meet with low bidder just over $4 million, awarded soon to JJ Lane
• Bids for Lower Harbor Brook Storage Facility due by October 4, 2011
• Advertising for CSO 022 & 045 Sewer Separation Project within the next few weeks

Chairman Corbett commented that he has looked at some of the work being done at Harbor Brook.  For about 2 weeks in the South Wilbur Avenue area, it looks as if there has been some type of water break.  Near the Fowler football field, a street comes in by the liquor store to South Wilbur Avenue, there is what appears to be an old driveway on the park side and water has been flowing out of the hill.  Mr. Millea responded that the City is doing a drinking water project in conjunction with the Harbor Brook project.  He will look into who is responsible.  Chairman Corbett commented that they may not be able to see it today due to the rain.  It was dry when he was in the area, with a solid trickle of water coming out of the hill.

Green Projects

• Large number of projects under construction, listed alphabetically in the report, 7 projects in the bidding phase, stills a number of projects in the design stage
• Gaining momentum on the Save the Rain projects goal of meeting 50 by year end
• New fact sheets have been included

Mr. Millea stated that Chairman Corbett would be receiving a formal invitation to join the Green Improvement Fund Review Committee as Chair of the Environmental Protection Committee.  They are also inviting CenterState CEO to appoint someone from the business community.  The changes will be made this month.   

Chairman Corbett asked if they would have the ability to project what has been captured in flow by December 31, 2011.  Mr. Lannon responded that they are obligated to provide annual reports to the DEC by April 1st; will have the information by early 2012.  He added that with green being new there has to be some customizing of the swim model to acknowledge green and its effect.  This is currently being worked on.  Chairman Corbett added that this would quantify everything and would assist some of the legislators that may not have an in depth understanding of how green will slowly turn into a major component of what we are doing. 

Mrs. Rapp stated there was a question as to the amount of capture and cost per gallon for the War Memorial cistern project at session.  Mr. Lannon responded the fact sheet list 400,000 gallons per year in run off production.  Mr. Millea added that the cost per gallon depends on if you are using a gross or net calculation.  The gross calculation with the bids was $1.3 million and the capture quantification is between 300,000 and 400,000 gallons, depending on rainfall.  As he has previously stated, the War Memorial project on a cost per gallon is one of the more expensive projects, coming in around $2 per gallon.  If we net out the $71,500 grant the figure comes down.  We also have a $3 million dollar grant for the civic strip.  Depending on how we elect to use the grant funds, they could be used to blend the cost down making this project meet the metric of $.35 per gallon for the rate payer.

In answer to Mrs. Rapp, Mr. Millea stated that $.35 per gallon is the median cost they are looking for throughout the life of the project between now and 2018.  The City Hall project has been tabled.  He agrees that the numbers are too high.  Chairman Corbett added that this is what he tried to allude to during session without getting totally into this.  The original City Hall project was listed at $24,000 - $27,000 and then the project increased to $300,000 because of other things that were added which had nothing to do with capture.

Mr. Millea added that they are watching this very closely.  If you do the metrics, 250 million gallons is their target @ $.35 per gallon it will cost roughly $86 million.  The current budget is $78 million.  By 2018 they hope that a number of projects will occur organically; zero cost for some gallons and blending everything together they hope to come in below $.35 per gallon.  On a cost effective basis they feel that $0.35 per gallon is the cost we should be shooting for but this is not to say this is the target they will be aiming for on every single project; the War Memorial project is an example.

Mrs. Rapp stated the additional costs of the City Hall project would make you take notice.  Mr. Millea responded that it was a jump.  They are drilling down on this now, noting that benches don’t capture water.  They need to talk about why this is a part of our project.  They will not revisit the City Hall project until they have gotten answers.  They will be doing some additional work also.

Mr. Rhinehart stated that there was some concern in regards to maintenance of the War Memorial project.  Mr. Millea stated that with any structure there is a life cycle.  The majority of the short term maintenance can be conducted in house by county plumbers working for Facilities.  Bulbs and filters will need to be changed but there are not a lot of mechanical items that would require short term replacement.  This will last a very long time and with appropriate maintenance the annual maintenance will be very marginal.

In response to Mr. Rhinehart, Mr. Millea stated the system works year round, operating with snow melt in the winter.  The drains lead directly into the system; with a bypass for the first flush.  

GREEN IMPROVEMENT FUND

• Good community response, continue to receive applications, number of fact sheets included

METRO WWTP PHOSPHORUS PROJECTS

• Work continues on the financial capability analysis and effect on the rate payers
• Model development more robust over time, currently in the process of peer review, expect to have sign off sometime soon, at that point the DEC will have all the tools they need with the optimization report and work plan to develop a TMDL and identify what the target will be for Metro
• Continuation of ambient monitoring program per the ACJ, July 2011 had some fecal coliform bacteria violations for a few locations, some are attributed to storms, will look further into to this for better understand 
• Sampling of tributaries for the past year is being done specifically for compliance assessment, 5 samples per month

Chairman Corbett stated that testing of the NYS fairgrounds where the tents are set up for the carnival workers would find a marked increase in fecal coliform if you were to take a sample the week before the fair verses during the fair.  Before his tenure is up he will discuss with the fair the need for providing a more adequate means of containment.

• Three Rivers and CSO 044 sampling continues
• Year to date in compliance with total phosphorus levels in the lake from June 30 – September 30, some concerns earlier in the year to water clarity due to heavy storm runoff
• Biological monitoring of the lake continues
• Onondaga Lake Fishery fact sheet has been added, speaks to the continuing recovery of Onondaga Lake, up to 66 species at this point, includes photos of actual fish caught in Onondaga Lake

Chairman Corbett added that a few months ago there was a 7-8 foot lake sturgeon decomposing on the shore line.  The fisheries have made an amazing comeback.  He is a member of the DEC Fish and Wildlife Board and they are also amazed by the progress.  In conjunction with Honeywell’s restoration reclamation, they will be putting in a bass breading ground in the cleared Harbor Brook area.  By 2018 this will be one of the better fisheries around and one of the only urban lakes that will be able to attain this type of status.  The lake will become a tremendous asset to our community for fishing tourism.  Mr. Lannon added that this relates to the County’s efforts with the CSO’s and Metro.  They expect continued enhancement in water quality of the lake.

LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY/MEDIA UPDATE

• Open House flyer, number of articles for GIFT and green projects

FINACNAIL UPDATE

• Project summary for Clinton, Harbor Brook and Midland
• Editing error for location of financial tracking sheet, should have been located in the appendix, nothing new has been in previous reports just placed in the wrong location
• New budget sheet for sewer separation projects, will be able to track as the projects move along

APPENDIX

• Details of grant reimbursements and EFC
• Chronology listing of project construction starts, contractor awards and dollar amounts

Chairman Corbett stated the update is very extensive and complimented those who put it together.  Mr. Lannon stated that he wants to give credit to Mr. Millea as it was his thoughts and ideas.  Mr. Rhinehart stated that it was Mr. Lannon and his team that did the work.  Mr. Lannon responded that it was a team effort.   Mr. Rhinehart added the updated book is the best he has seen in the 7 years he has been with the Legislature.

Mr. Lannon provided the following information in regards to questions:

• Excess flow coming into the Metro plant would bypass the secondary system and go to the bypass tank for disinfection and de-chlorination, due to the heavy flow they are not able to test before releasing
• Midland plant is working well

Mr. Rhinehart stated that he has not seen the Midland plant working during a storm.  There is no way to get into the plant as it is all locked up.  Mr. Lannon responded that they could give him a tour.  He would need air monitoring.  It is protocol to check in with the Metro Board, there is a log listing those entering and leaving the building.

2.     WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION:  Matt Millea, Deputy County Executive; Michael Lannon, Acting Commissioner

        a.     Confirming Appointment as Commissioner of Water Environment Protection (Arthur T. (Tom) Rhoads)

Mr. Millea stated he was thrilled to stand before the committee on behalf of the County Executive and give their full support and endorsement of Tom Rhoads for Commissioner of WEP.  He thanked Mr. Lannon for the great job he has done.  He is thrilled with the synergies that he sees with Mr. Roads, Mr. Lannon, Mr. Capozza and Mr. Voss.  Each brings important elements to the leadership team.  Mr. Lannon will still serve a very important role at WEP and has done a great job as Acting Commissioner. 

• Mr. Rhodes spent 6-7 weeks in discussions with the Executive office, had meetings with members of the WEP team
• Tremendously successful years with OCCRA and as a county official in PA.
• Posses the right credentials as an engineer and the leadership to provide great outreach for the suburban communities with regard to the capacity management issues in context with the sewer use ordinance
• County Executive asked that he help put together a strategic plan for the organization moving forward, considering the entire infrastructure for the next 4 years, laying out a plan to insure that our collection and treatment systems for the entire service area are up to speed

Mr. Millea apologized for the additional amendment to the resolution.  They feel that Mr. Rhoads’ experience allots him consideration for 3 weeks vacation.  This amendment allows for 5 years of service credit, the threshold for 3 weeks vacation.  They believe this to be a minor ask based upon his 15 years with OCRRA. 

AMENDMENT TO ITEM 2a

And, be it further

RESOLVED, that in consideration of said appointee’s extensive experience in the public sector; that said appointee hereby is granted five years of service credit for the purposes of vacation accruals.

Mr. Rhoads stated meetings with the WEP team have demonstrated they have a very capable team, however there is a lot going on.  He is very excited about the opportunity and looks forward to working with everyone.  What is happening with the environment and WEP is incredible.  He has found that Mr. Millea is very kind in what he says about others members of the team, but his many years of work in EFC make him very capable of helping the County manage the important transitions of financing and keeping cost control on the forefront.  He knows that this is critical for everyone at this table.  Two things are being balanced, the environment and the costs of controls that we are being asked to put in place.  These are things that we need to find the right balance for and take forward each day.  Your feedback on all these things, the environment, the cost, and the efficiencies are tremendous opportunities for all of us to continue to better the program.

Chairman Corbett stated that this committee and whoever will chair it for the future, has evolved into one of the more challenging committees.  He asked that the good direction provided in the past continue.  He has confidence that Mr. Rhoads will be able to do so, that is why his name in on the resolution.   He warned Mr. Rhoads that not all meetings will be like this; they will not always love you.  Mr. Rhoads responded that he will be bringing Mr. Lannon for at least a few meetings, as he knows all the technical details and is tremendous.  The balls that are in air are pretty phenomenal.  He’s hat is off to the entire WEP team, as well as the committee, for staying abreast of everything. 

Mr. Rhoads provided the following information in response to questions:

• Moving targets associated with the DEC will be the biggest challenge
• Some of the things going on with phosphorus push the envelope for the DEC’s interpretation of what they want to see, big cost implications, difficult for us to finance
• Opportunity to take the Save the Rain program from education to engagement; engaging more and more people, trying to drive down the costs and get infrastructure as part of the basic road map for our community so that we are not investing public funds
• Implemented the first property reassessment in over thirty years as a Real Estate Department Director in PA, assessment is handled at the county level in PA;
• Posses a PE license

Mr. Rhinehart stated that the legislature was concerned that a requirement for the position be that the candidate posses a PE license.  He as well as other members of the legislature believes that this is very important.  He added that he was happy to hear Mr. Rhoads state it was an opportunity to take the Save the Rain program from educational to practical, which is just what he did with OCCRA. 

Mr. Rhinehart stated that they are going to have to discuss the five year service credit, it is new and they did not know it was coming.  He is supportive of the appointment.

Chairman Corbett stated that he would like to accept the amendment and move the resolution forward to Ways and Means.  This will give everyone a chance to discuss this further.

A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mrs. Rapp to approve the item as amended.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

        b.     Approving the 2010 Industrial Wastewater Surcharge ($1,098,581.36)

Mr. Lannon provided the following information:

• Industrial waste surcharge applied to permitted industrial users that discharge wastewater at high levels 
• Any industry anticipated to have a surcharge greater than $10,000 are billed in advance, resulting in real time payments, reconciled at the end of the year
• Surcharge to date is $1,098,581.36, paid to date $1,116,819.22 (Attachment 1); 3 industries overbilled and entitled to a refund, remainder will receive an additional bill to complete their cycle for 2010
• Net effect $18,237.86 will be paid, have had the benefit of having the funds real time
• Heavy users are RockTenn and Ultra Dairy, surcharge reacts to this by making sure that they pay their share for treatment costs that are incurred in that regard

In answer to Chairman Corbett, Mr. Lannon confirmed that RockTenn added a treatment plant when it was Solvay Paper Board.  The water has already gone through the treatment plant prior to coming to the County.  Chairman Corbett stated that he is surprised that their BOD (bio chemical oxygen demand) discharge would be so high.  Mr. Lannon stated that they are trying to reuse water and have increased production as far as their actual process.   They just received an application from them to put in an additional treatment unit that will take out some of the total suspense solids and lower down the BOD.  For all these types of industries there is a balancing act; comparing the cost of the treatment system verses paying the County.  

In response to Chairman Corbett, Mr. Lannon stated the flow meter installed at Clinton’s Ditch is their meter not the County’s.  They have been put on notice that this has to be corrected and in fact are currently working on it with an engineer. 

Chairman Corbett stated this is a source of revenue for the County though not a money maker because it costs us for treatment.  Even though we are losing revenue on the high scale end, we are not getting as much wastewater that we need to treat and be responsible for.  He would rather see our revenue decrease as the users a doing what they need to do to stop the wastewater from coming to us.  Mr. Lannon agreed.

• 20 year history (Attachment 2); higher years are reflective of Bristol discharge prior to pretreatment            
• Industry surcharge breakdown for 2009 and 2010 (Attachment 3)
• Surcharge formula (Attachment 4)
• Surcharge is determined using data as current as possible, look at the prior year often times have a rolling average, some conversations with the industry asking if they anticipate any increase in discharge, some are required to submit self monitoring reports, use this data in addition to our wastewater sampling data

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

3.     ONONDAGA COUNTY RESOURCE RECOVERY AGENCY:  Andrew Radin, Director of Recycling and Waste Reduction; William Bulsiewicz, Legal Counsel

        a.     Proposed Recycling Local Law

Chairman Corbett stated this item was brought before the committee at the last meeting.  As of this date he has not received any feedback from Legislators.  Yesterday it was determined that some legal language needs to be changed or adjusted.  This is a very significant piece of legislation that will become law.  He asked that everyone review the item, allowing for one more opportunity to provide input.  Sample fines are listed in the handout.  After certain warning and fines it will become a misdemeanor.   

Section 5.  ENFORCEMENT:
The enforcing authority shall issue a written letter of warning for the first violation of this local law by a WASTE GENERATOR, WASTE HAULER/RECYCLABLES COLLECTOR or MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY/RECYCLING FACILITY. Fines for subsequent violations for the same failure to comply shall be as follows:

• Failure of a residential WASTE GENERATOR to comply with any of the provisions of this County Source Separation Law designated as Violations shall carry a fine of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) for the first Violation; Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for the second; Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for the third, and One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each subsequent Violation.  

The following information was provided in response to questions:

• Apartment complexes are already required to comply with the current 25 year old recycling law, no new requirements
• Current penalty is $15 for all users
• Language in terms of the penalties would be incorporated into the proposed update of the 1989 allowing for consistency with the law passed in 2003 at the suggestion of the Law department; for OCCRA this is not about the penalties
• Trying to fix the problem of fine disbursement with the current law, fines are split between the enforcing municipality and agency, currently no mechanism in place to make this happen, suggest revising with the penalty going to the enforcing municipality; OCRRA would not receive anything in terms of the fine
• Enforcing municipality is not spelled out in the law, most common instance would be a Sheriff, OCCRA has 2 deputized Sheriff’s working for the agency therefore the enforcing agency would be the County
• Cannot be handled by a code enforcement officer as it is not a code violation; must be a policing agency

Mr. Bulsiewicz stated that he spoke with Ms. Tarolli this morning.  They were struggling with the issue of how to make the 2003 law, which is a flow control law consistent with this law.  Recycling language was put into the 2003 law as they were concerned that the law might not be constitutional without enough environmental language in it.  In 2007 the US Supreme Court considered a case involving the Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority and ruled that flow control laws are legal.  The recycling language is no longer needed in the 2003 law.  He stated that Ms. Tarolli suggested that they take all the recycling language out of the 2003 law, making this law their recycling law.  This law can be fine toned so that there is only one law that applies to recycling.

• Fines listed in the 2003 law were a good reference and determined by the Legislature to be reasonable
• Enforcement of the current law is difficult due to the $15 fine, people thumb their nose at the agency for $15, know the fines are ridiculous but need a commitment from the DA’s office to stand behind the law, generally go into court against a small corporation, representation by counsel is required, once they learn this they agree to recycle
• Currently recycling is being enforced because of the provisions of the court system not because of the law, cheaper to recycle than pay an attorney to appear on their behalf at court proceedings
• Believe the fines that are proposed will create a system that works
• Municipal and private waste haulers are subject to the same law

Mr. Radin stated that this is not about the residential generator.  They have never applied a fine against any homeowner.  There is no change to the $15 fine, however if you are one of the largest corporations in the community you are currently subject to the same $15 fine.  There are some neighboring communities where the first instance of being fined results in $2,000.  A written warning will be sent before any fine is applied per the committee’s suggestion.

Mrs. Rapp asked if a new flow control law would also be passed.  Mr. Radin responded, not in connection with this law.  Mr. Bulsiewicz added that when the Supreme Court wrote their April 2007 decision they basically said that you have to show a system that has environmental benefits which we can do.  He believes the flow law would withstand.

Mr. Rhinehart stated that as a legislator he does not like to vote for laws that are not enforceable.  He likes what he heard about getting results.

Mr. Rhinehart stated that there is no reference to out of county trash coming into the county.  He questioned if there was a fine.  Mr. Bulsiewicz responded that the Legislature in 1989 and 1992 passed a ban on out of county trash.  Mr. Rhinehart asked if he thought there should be a fine.  Mr. Bulsiewicz responded that the main problem is surrounding counties.   We will call them and advise them that they have waste coming into our system.  Surrounding counties have flow control laws like ours and will go after the hauler, telling them to stop bringing the trash into our county.  This has worked very well; they really don’t see a lot of waste coming.

Mr. Rhinehart stated that one of the things that will be talked about down the road is some type of out of county trash.    He has brought this up himself to board members over the past two years; adding this is a different topic than today.

• Revised law includes fines for any kind of dirty MRF
• Almost all recyclables collected end up in 1 of 2 privately operated local MRF’s, the material is separated further, processed and bailed
• Item 5.4 speaks to this provision, haulers are already prohibited from delivery trash to the MRF, this would prohibit the MRF from accepting trash

Chairman Corbett stated that we have become the posture child as the green county, not just for NYS but all of the United States.  Once finalized, this law will increase our capture and reuse.  He is looking forward to getting this completed before the end of his term; it may not be completed in October because of the budget.  Mr. Rhinehart agreed that it should be completed before the change in legislators.

• Blue bins are not purchased yearly, last purchased @ $4.25 each; bid going out for 80,000 bins, some storage at the Amboy composting site, purchased in bulk for better rate, 80,000 will last a few years
• Residential bins last 10 years or more, good investment
• Bin material is recyclable, however a critical mass of this plastic would be required to do so
• Recyclable pricing is currently up; particularly paper over $100 per ton
• Revenue sharing arrangement with 2 privately owned MRF’s for the residential recyclables, share revenues when values are high and provide floor support for low pricing; ensures that there is a 0 tip fee and a place for the recyclables to go so that they aren’t trashed, structure has worked for about 20 years
• Majority of the recyclables are delivered to the 2 privately owned MRF’s; other facilities in the community receive product, particularly paper products
• Law allows businesses to contract with whomever they choose, not required to send recyclables to a certain location
• 700 jobs are supported in our community by recycling; updating the law is an economic engine supporting recycling
• OCRAA has the ability to issue appearance tickets, ticket is not a criminal charge  

Chairman Corbett stated that this item will be tabled for further review and revisions.  He and the legislative Chairman will be kept abreast until they have a product that can be put on the table and passed.  Mr. Bulsiewicz added that he would be meeting with Ms. Tarolli on this item by next week.  He believes that they are on the same way length and just need to work on some of the wording. 

Mrs. Ervin stated that yesterday she received information from the City pertaining to hydrofracking and questioned if they would be talking about this at some point.   Chairman Corbett responded that we currently have flow laws that prevent this.   He has asked the Law department to review the material and respond letting him know if this is something that we already have laws in place for or if further action is needed. 

He reminded the committee that he had proposed a resolution restricting the acceptance of hydrofracking fluids.  To his surprise there was a law already in place.  The manifesto must declare the exact components of product being delivered, including the chemical content.  We have the right to refuse to accept it.  Mr. Rhinehart stated that there is a lot of misinformation.  Hydrofracking fluids do not have to be accepted and we have no intention of doing so.  We have millions of dollars invested in the treatment plant and would not take the risk of messing this up.  Chairman Corbett added that there is no point in Onondaga County creating a law for something that is already in existence.  He did not want to bring this before the committee until he had all the information from the Law department.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:40 a.m.                                           

Respectfully submitted,

Katherine M. French, Deputy Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

* * *

COUNTY FACILITIES COMMITTEE MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

KATHLEEN A. RAPP, CHAIR

MEMBERS PRESENT:  *Mr. Masterpole, Mrs. Tassone, Mr. Cox, Mr. Kinne, **Mr. Lesniak

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mr. Dougherty

ALSO PRESENT:  See attached list

Chair Rapp called the meeting to order at 9:04 a.m.  A motion was made by Mr. Lesniak, seconded by Mr. Cox to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the proceedings of the previous committee meeting; MOTION CARRIED.

1.     DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION:  Brian Donnelly, Commissioner

        a.     Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into an Agreement with the State of New York for Snow and Ice Control on State Highways for the 2011-2012 Season ($1,760,192)

• Annual agreement with NYS DOT to cover 219 miles of state road; no other change in terms
• Reduction of $600,000 due to a drop in the price per ton for salt
• Last month was accepting money for severity factor for the 2010-2011 season – new contract for 2011-2012
• Salt pricing dropped 5% $4,342 – $4,022/ton – new vendor: American Rock Salt; Cargo was previous vendor
• American is out of Buffalo; years since worked with the County; don’t anticipate problems; towns happy with services

A motion was made by Mr. Cox, seconded by Mr. Lesniak to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED. 

• Make sure sheds full; product usually in every 3 or 4 days so sheds do not run dry; no issues in last few years
• Record how much used; put that amount in to keep sheds at uniform level – if there is any delay, there would be enough to get through an extended period of time 

2.     FACILITIES MANAGEMENT:  Brian Lynch, Commissioner

        a.     Informational – Preparation for Budget Review 

• Flooding: all buildings in good shape except building S1 near Van Duyn – roof collapsed, flooding; moving employees
• Large changes to Facilities budget; change mindset – what Facilities can do for little or no cost; maximize space
• NYC closed an office building – saving $5 million – not paying utilities or contractual costs
• Entire survey of County: Civic Center has 190 empty cubicles; employees in County Office Building total 150
• Can move employees from Office Building to Civic Center; can’t say moving all but paying for outlying buildings
• Does MWB need to be on route 31 – prime real estate; piece of land and building across from Great Northern Mall

Mr. Wixon answered Mr. Cox that the building on Rt. 31 is approximately 28,000 sq. ft. for both floors.

*Mr. Masterpole arrived at the meeting.

Mr. Lynch continued:

• To move and maximize it is a large CIP; asked for $0 in 2011; asking for $16 million in 2012
• $16 million includes window replacement for Civic Center; roofs, office renovations, new mechanicals
• Improvements original to buildings – Civic Center window glazing system failed - 2 windows blown out; address ASAP
• Want Facilities involved County wide; done with HVAC take over; supported several departments throughout 2011
• Proposing to have all Parks skilled labor transferred to Facilities; Oncenter buildings in good shape; maintain buildings
• Parks and Recreation – little staff; no one to cover if someone is out; Facilities has 4 electricians vs. 1 at Parks
• Need a construction administrator – millions of dollars for onsite representation; pay 10% of bid to provide this
• Propose a $52,000 position – payback would be less than 2 months, cost savings initiative
• Need a data person – get someone on payroll for phone repairs; pay contractor $108
• Current projects for construction admin – War Memorial roof, green roof on Oncenter, basement of War Memorial

Mr. Wixon added this person would be involved with the 7th and 8th floor of the Civic Center, PSB elevator, Patrol Division renovation, Erie Canal Museum windows, and miscellaneous support for other departments (Parks, DOT) that would normally be contracted.  The position would not be involved in the $5 million project that would require full time supervision. 

Mr. Lynch continued:

• Overseeing person, Kim Lyons, to provide support – the person to be hired would not be left to drown
• Budgeting for computer maintenance program - asset tracking; utility piece for cost and demand; work order system; implement in 2012 – have good data in, good data out – maximize what we have
• Maximize what Facilities has; not just focusing on 2012 – 20 year plan; plans for PSB – what will it be in 20 years?

Mr. Lesniak asked about the possibility of moving the administration from the jail in the PSB to another facility and renovating it for more cells.  Mr. Lynch responded that the jail has been decommissioned.  The Justice Center is a possibility for moving out the administration.  Mr. Lesniak said the County needs to look at population; otherwise the Justice Center will have to start shipping to Jamesville.  Double bunking at Jamesville will cause overtime hours to go sky high.  Mr. Lynch stated these are all things Facilities is looking at.  Mr. Lesniak added there are 190 cubes in the Civic Center; use it for the Justice Center instead of moving personnel from the office building.  Mr. Kinne commented no matter what happens in budget, municipalities are trying to take advantage of places already there; don’t want everything in one spot.  Chair Rapp responded it would be great consolidation to move them all into one place.  Mr. Lynch replied it is a point well taken, and he will come back with findings.

Mr. Lynch continued:

• Improving office space is part of the $16 million – renovating the Parks Department, moving administration downtown on a floor that would function properly for the use – will not be renovating that building after the move

Mr. Lesniak commented that the building at Onondaga Lake Park is in rough shape.  Chair Rapp commented the North Area Garage is falling down and only holds vector control for the summer.  There are talks of moving them to the Parks building; rearranging to be the most effective.  Mr. Cox responded the County should tear down the building, as it is the most cost effective versus renovating.

Mr. Lynch continued:

• Working on right sizing department; planning office renovation for 20 years - what will it look like
• Reduction of 500 people; another 5 years from now is it going to be less; private sector going to open, shared spaces
• Probation: all employees have place to sit; on road 80% of time; only need a data port and phone; office space
• Focus is on changing layout and the way business is done
• $16 million total – $5 million cash, $11 million in bonding; $1 million going to the War Memorial

Mr. Kinne requested a one page summary of the money that has been spent on the War Memorial in the last 10 years for budget.  Mr. Lynch responded that he will provide it.

• War Memorial hosts concerts – American Idol which sold out; Syracuse Crunch main tenant
• Telescopic seating installed last year; lower level seats replaced; more being invested into the War Memorial
• $10 million asked for roof replacement; new Crunch locker rooms are gorgeous; 2,600 telescopic seats installed

Mr. Kinne commented it’s like putting money into a sinking hole.  Mr. Masterpole stated there is no return on investment unless it is selling out every night.  Mr. Kinne responded it is not adaptable to other functions.  Mr. Wixon stated specific performances need to stay in theatres; sporting events would stay at brand new OCC Stadium.  Delivered additional locker rooms (6 total) to be able to sell multiple team events; sectional events can come forward.  A soccer team is going to play on the flip side of home games to the Crunch this fall.  Plus during the summer it is booked with graduations and more concert events. The International Sport Horse Show was hosted there, but the event is now defunct.

Mr. Lynch:

• Things that need to be replaced are expensive - marquees are $400,000 – labor, management, overhead, etc.
• Replacing seating was expensive; sound systems for $500,000; portable lighting for $400,000

Mr. Wixon commented that part of the renovation includes an overhead structural steel that allows for larger light shows and sound systems; wasn’t able to support before. The concert would go to Rochester, Buffalo, or Albany.  A VIP area will also be created.

**Mr. Lesniak left the meeting.

• Structural steel for theatrical rigging; extend assembly hall over radius of arena for VIP lounge setting; 4 VIP box section seats up: glass front with side steps; very economical; sponsor and support based on sponsorship money
• Syracuse Crunch just engaged in a partnership with another parent company; renovating 3,000 sq ft space to enlarge their fitness area, changing area, showers, etc. – becomes a premier space for another partnership

Mr. Kinne asked if Facilities looked at Alliance Bank Stadium.  Mr. Lynch responded they have not gone there yet but will be looking at all of the County parks.  Mr. Lynch said Facilities supports Parks at Alliance Bank Stadium: painted several steel units, rails, piping, put in new roof leaders and more.  He responded to Mr. Kinne that they did not bill Parks or the Chiefs for the updates.  Mr. Kinne added that the Chiefs are supposed to be providing the amount of tickets sold for parking and have refused to do this.  The County cannot do everything and receive nothing in return.  Mr. Masterpole commented that the County needs to support the Chiefs using public money or they will be gone.  Mr. Wixon stated that the County made replacements to protect the building as an asset.  Mr. Cox added the County should tear down buildings if they’re not being maintained.  Mr. Lynch commented that Facilities has a skilled staff, and if there is money to do improvements, Facilities has the skill set to put the County in a fiscally sound, asset protection mode that would be here for 30 years to come.

Mr. Masterpole asked what is Plan B because there have been reports of Legislators saying the extra money should go back to the tax payers.  Chair Rapp commented there is a huge surplus and the 2% tax cap.  If the County were to give it all back this year, there is an artificially deflated base where the County can only increase 2%, then what; stop paying snow plow drivers or let buildings rot.  It is a whole different way of looking at the budget and giving back to the tax payers; 5 year perspective.  The object is to lay out the projects, and there will be a chance to decide priorities, but right now the County is at 12% of the debt limit, which means there is an 88% margin to move.  Most of the high debt has been retired with the tobacco securitization money.  Mr. Masterpole stated that the Legislature had this fight last year, and it’s crazy to think it won’t happen again at this year’s budget meeting.  Chair Rapp said that it’s good to have this meeting to see how to manage the County in a smart way that is sensitive to tax payers.  Mr. Masterpole responded that he is not suggesting raising taxes 2%, but the County has to do the improvements.  The Legislature cannot pretend it is going to give the money back to the tax payers but it’s already in the paper.  He does not want to promise the Commissioner of Facilities this money and then yank the rug from underneath because there are legislators saying the money will go back to the public. 

Mr. Cox commented that it is important to keep the credit rating in the County as high as possible because every basis point of money borrowed costs a fortune.  A 1% interest rate of $1 million is $100,000.  All of the debt should be looked at.  Chair Rapp stated that there is not much high interest debt left.  The bonding agencies have a rate just over 3%.  Mr. Kinne stated that there was a pay as you go for Transportation before and should not have left it.

Mr. Lynch:

• Plan B is to see Plan A; $5 million cash, $11 million borrowing - if not approved, only $290,000 for 22 properties
• Not trying to sell any buildings at this time; low interest rates so the climate for bidding contracts has not been better

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 a.m.     

Respectfully submitted,

Jamie M. McNamara, Assistant Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

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WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE MINUTES - September 12, 2011

CASEY JORDAN, Chairman

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Mr. Corbett, Mr. Stanczyk, Mr. Warner, Mr. Kinne, 1Mr. Holmquist

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Mr. Lesniak, Mr. Buckel, Mr. Kilmartin

ALSO PRESENT:  see attached list

Chairman Jordan called the meeting to order at 8:52 a.m.  The agenda was taken out of order.

3.     PURCHASE:

        a.     Revenue Contract Report – Sean Carroll, Director

Public Fax for Library

• no responses; is no interest in doing self operating faxing services.  Library is reconsidering their options.

Video Presentation Program – Dept. of Correction

• Pilot program had been discussed; Correction would like to implement a program.
• RFP will go out; revenue generator for Correction.  Will allow judges to say that a person can appear through video presentation instead of being transferred; allows counsel to see client without going to the facility

RFQ – Vendor Management – Oncenter, theaters, etc.

• RFQ released Thursday afternoon

Mr. Stanczyk questioned how the video presentation is a revenue sharing item.  Mr. Carroll explained that if a court orders a video visit, it would be the responsibility of the court to pay the vendor to provide the service. The vendor would offer the County a percentage of what they collected from the court.  If an inmate visited counsel through a video visitation conference, they would be responsible for paying for the service and a percentage would come back to the County.  Mr. Stanczyk said that he understands that the savings comes from not having to move people around; should create an incentive to encourage it rather than charge people and get a fee from it. 

Chairman Jordan believes that a large percentage of the conference between inmates and attorneys will probably be cases that have assigned counsel; it will be a County cost any way.  He suggested that if this were in place every single attorney who represents someone at Jamesville Correctional Facility will video conference if it is a nominal cost.  It will be cheaper and more profitable for the attorney to video conference than it would be to go to Jamesville Correctional Facility.

Mr. Stanczyk doesn’t understand if the County is trying to make money or encourage the use of this.  He needs to know that someone has thought this through.

Mr. Carroll said that the program is not for arraignments.  Mrs. Tarolli said that State approval would be needed to do video arraignments; this is more for voluntarily visits, family visits, etc.  Mr. Carroll said that he doesn’t have a full picture yet; the RFP process asks questions.  It is on the revenue contract list because if there is revenue generated, he didn’t want there to be questions as to why it hadn’t been talked about.

Mr. Kinne said that this was first brought up many years ago – it was supposed to save money, for example if a citizen is picked up in North Syracuse and has to go to Town of Salina, rather than having everyone go out there, it could be done through video.  Mrs. Tarolli said that the issue is that the inmate has a right to say yes or no and almost always say “no” -- would rather go in person. 

Mr. Stanczyk reiterated that he has concerns.  Mrs. Tarolli said that Law Dept. will coordinate with Purchase bringing all the different aspects into play in terms of arraignment to know what the whole picture is.  Mr. Stanczyk requested that the whole picture come back to Public Safety Committee before it gets back to Ways and Means or session.  Mr. Jordan asked for a report back on the RFP – all the responses received and a recommendation.  Once the RFP comes back it should go to Public Safety and then to Ways & Means Committee.

Mr. Corbett referred to right of refusal and pointed out that you can’t make someone do this.  If this is for family video visitation, then it is like the telephone concession – it opens another revenue stream.  Chairman Jordan asked if this is intended to be a revenue generator or to cover the cost to the County for providing the service.  Mr. Carroll said that the RFP solicitation is to find out how it should work.  The preliminary solicitations have been that the vendor typically charges a fee, and that if it is done in a County facility, then the County should be getting a percentage of it.  However, there is no idea as to what the plan will come back until RFPd.

Mr. Warner referred to the RFQ for vendor management of the Oncenter and asked what other places are considered.  Mr. Carroll said it includes the War Memorial, Oncenter, Oncenter theaters, and Alliance Bank Stadium.  Mr. Fisher said that qualifications have to be submitted by November 4th.  It is an end to end venue management RFQ – looking for someone to come in and take over an entire facility – the whole operation.  He noted that Legislator Rapp suggested to the County Executive that this be considered.  Global Spectrum presented their ideas, and as a result the RFQ was put out.  The RFP invites proposals to purchase Alliance Bank Stadium.

Mr. Stanczyk asked if the assessment will take into account the number of employees working at the different facilities; Mr. Fisher indicated that it will. 

A motion was made by Mr. Corbett, seconded by Mr. Warner to waive the reading and approve the minutes of the previous committee meeting.  MOTION CARRIED.

5.     HILLBROOK:  Ann Rooney, Deputy County Executive/Human Services

        a.     Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1385, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1387, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1388, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1390, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1391, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1396, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1397, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 1404, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 9906, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407390 9908, Det Home Counselor 1, Gr. 09 @ $43,016-$47,581 eff. Nov. 5, 2011.

                Change Title of R.P. 01 407390 1416, Teacher (Math/SCI), Gr. 10 @ $46,225 - $51,147 to Teacher, Gr. 10 @$46,225 - $51,147

                effective January 1, 2012.

                Change Title of R.P. 01 407390 1417, Teacher (Lang/Soc St), Gr. 10@$46,225-$51,147 to Teacher, Gr. 10 @ $46,225 -

                $51,147 effective January 1, 2012.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1794, Det Home Aide, Gr. 5 @ $31,220 - $34,474 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1797, Det Home Aide, Gr. 5 @ $31,220 - $34,474 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1798, Det Home Aide, Gr. 5 @ $31,220 - $34,474 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1821, Det Home Aide, Gr. 5 @ $31,220 - $34,474 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1827, Det Home Aide, Gr. 5 @ $31,220 - $34,474 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1828, Det Home Aide, Gr. 5 @ $31,220 - $34,474 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Create R.P. 01 407390 1829, Det Home Counselor 2, Gr. 11 @ $49,415-$54,691 eff. Nov. 5, 2011. 

• Agreement in place with union regarding the abolishments and creations
• During last year’s budget review, Legislature asked that the operation of Hillbrook be looked at
• The number of children being served has gone down dramatically
• Received a lot of kudos from State on how County is managing children in detention
• 2012 budgeted census number for children at Hillbrook is 14 on an average daily basis
• Want staffing to match
• Worked closely with the State Office of Children and Family Services
• Currently have Detention Home Counselor 1’s right now; have supervisors who oversee them
• Because of census and regulations from the State, the State came back along with Co. Personnel, that the work being done more closely reflects a detention home aide position, grade 5
• Because of State regulations, the supervisor in charge is asked to do all of the things that were typically done by Detention Home Counselor 1
• The Detention Home Aide will do general oversight of the children and their activities
• The State has realigned their whole system; a lot of what the State is asking counties to do is very much in alignment with what Onondaga County already does
• County is well positioned regarding services for the kids – detention is the highest level of what County does – judges need the option based on what the alleged crime is
• Getting a lot of children from other counties--Onondaga Co. gets revenue because the children have to be placed
• State is very pleased with what Onon. Co. is doing; submitted plan to the State and it was approved in 4 days
• Abolishing 10 detention home counselors grade 9, recreating 6 Detention Home Aides grade 5; creating a part time supervisor – need a pool for 24/7 coverage
• Over $400,000 savings in local dollars

Mr. Corbett asked why the titles changed for the teachers from specific titles – math/science and language/social studies to just teacher.  Mr. Troiano explained that teaching services will decrease because of the number of residents.  If gives Hillbrook more flexibility to have the generic title – can teach any part of the curriculum rather than have it differentiated.  They are the same teachers that were full time; they will now become part time.

1Mr. Holmquist arrived at the meeting .

In answer to Mr. Stanczyk, Mrs. Williams said that there are currently 21 employees at Hillbrook.  He asked how much revenue is received for taking in out of county kids.  Mrs. Williams said it about $1.3 million.  Ms. Rooney said that there is usually about 9 from in county and 5 from out.  Mr. Stanczyk asked what the cost comparison is if Hillbrook were closed – if the 9 were places elsewhere.  Ms. Rooney explained that the State would no longer reimburse at 50%.  The 9 kids, at an average of $200,000 each per year, would be about $1.8 million per year.  That does not include Sheriff’s costs for transportation   If Hillbrook were to close, the County is on the hook for the building; there would be an additional capital cost that would have to be reimbursed to the State.  If the County closed Hillbrook, the State would go back on everything we are doing because then the judges don’t have the high level of incarceration that they need.  It is anticipated that with the new state plan in place that other counties will become more reliant on Hillbrook. 

A motion was made by Mr. Warner, seconded by Mr. Corbett to approve this item.  AYES:  4 (Jordan, Corbett, Warner, Holmquist); NOES:  0; ABSTENTIONS:  2 (Kinne, Stanczyk).  MOTION CARRIED.

1.     TRANSPORTATION:  Brian Donnelly, Commissioner

        a.     Authorizing the County Executive to Enter Into an Agreement with the State of New York for Snow and Ice Control on State Highways for the 2011-2012 Season ($1,760,192)

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. Corbett to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

2.     WATER ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION:  Marty Voss, Administrative Director

        a.     Approving the 2010 Industrial Wastewater Surcharge ($1,098,581.36)

A motion was made by Mr. Stanczyk, seconded by Mr. Corbett to approve this item.

Chairman Jordan noted that some of surcharges have increased by 1000%.  Mr. Voss explained that they are changing their business--the higher the change upward, the more business they are doing.  In answer to Mr. Jordan, Mr. Voss confirmed that there is a standard factor for every industry and noted that engineers spend a lot of time on this; they are reviewed by the industries. 

Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

4.     WAYS & MEANS MISC.:

        a.     Local Law Authorizing the Sale of County Property to Tuscarora Golf Club, Inc. (Sponsored by Mr. Rhinehart)

Mr. Fisher:

• Used to be trolley line that went through this property (from Monroe Rd); it divides the golf course
• It is County property; if someone gets injured there is legal exposure
• When someone approaches the County to buy property, they are given a list of qualified appraisers.  They make an offer and it is entertained

Mr. Stanczyk noted that it states in the Local Law the Tuscarora Golf Club, Inc is a not-for-profit organization; questioned if they pay taxes on the property, the valuation of the property, and what the acreage of the property is.  Mrs. Tarolli said that she will get answer on the tax status and property.  Mr. Fisher said it is 75’ wide; part cart path and utility path; on 13th tee.  Mr. Stanczyk said that the entire trolley line should be evaluated; should have a fix for the whole thing rather than doing it piece meal.   

• Appraisal came in at $3,000/acre
• Payments over 15 years – interest on money is negligible

Mr. Kinne questioned it being not-for-profit.  Mr. Fisher said that golf courses are typically organized as not-for-profits; members own them, and if there is money left over it is put back on the golf course.  Mr. Kinne questioned the 15 years/annual payment.  Mr. Fisher said that it was his idea and it made it easy to reach an agreement.  Mr. Kinne suggested an examination of the path to see if some of it could be sold to other people.  Mrs. Tarolli said that some have been done over the years. 

Mr. Corbett referred to the many parcels that the County owns.  He referenced a situation that occurred 30-40 years ago where a person owned some land and didn’t do anything with it.  Someone came in and set up camp sites for 10-12 years.  When they tried to stop the camper, it went to court and he had squatter’s rights.  He asked if that pertained to land owned by the County – could someone use it as their own.  Mrs. Tarolli and Mr. Jordan said that it could happen.  Mr. Corbett said that this County owns a tremendous amount of land in many little plots.  Chairman Jordan said that with budget season approaching, it is a good avenue to look into what properties the County owns and what it needs to retain ownership of.  It is better to return the properties to the taxpayer rolls and increase revenues.  Also it gets it out of County hands so that if someone gets hurt on the property, they are not suing the County. 

Mr. Stanczyk noted that if someone owes payments for 15 years there should be some interest charged, noting that the County charges people who are delinquent in their taxes. 

Chairman Jordan has no objection to the purpose of this.  He is concerned that if this golf course goes belly up, the County had already conveyed property over to Tuscarora Golf Club.  He suggested that it be an installment contract purchase where the title doesn’t transfer until they have made the last payment. 

Mr. Corbett said that this does not need to be voted on; there are questions on it, and information is needed back before taking action. 

Mr. Kinne said that it would behoove the legislature to get a plan in place on what property the County owns and how it can get dealt with.  Mr. Stanczyk said that there is an auction process, and big parcels of land could be put in the auction; there should be something in place for this.

No action was taken on this item.

6.     PROBATION:  Andrew Sicherman, Principal Probation Officer

        a.     Abolish R.P. 01 407320 1346 Probation Assistant, Gr. 7 @ $36,411 - $40,241 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407320 1349 Probation Assistant, Gr. 7 @ $36,411 - $40,241 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407320 1377 Probation Assistant, Gr. 7 @ $36,411 - $40,241 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407320 1376 Probation Assistant, Gr. 7 @ $36,411 - $40,241 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

                Abolish R.P. 01 407320 1289 Probation Assistant, Gr. 7 @ $36,411 - $40,241 effective Nov. 5, 2011.

• Last year in the budget session; money was moved from the salary line to the contracts line
• Abolish positions for pretrial release
• Pre-trial release is the only non-mandated function of the department
• RFP went out; vendor selected, Cayuga Counseling, to provide pre trial release services for Onondaga County
• $40,000 immediate savings
• 1 positions is vacant 4 currently filled

Mr. Troiano said that two people have been promoted to probation officer positions; one will likely be hired by contractor – will hold her in a part-time position; the other person may be reinstated in another position in a different department.  There should be no layoffs by the time they are done. Mr. Corbett asked if the bargaining unit was worked with on this; Mr. Troiano said “yes”.

Chairman Jordan asked how the RFP can be awarded, as it never came to the legislature.  Mr. Sicherman said that the money was approved and moved in last year’s budget process from the salary line to contracts line. 

A motion was made by Mr. Holmquist, seconded by Chairman Jordan to approve this item.  Passed unanimously; MOTION CARRIED.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

DEBORAH L. MATURO, Clerk

Onondaga County Legislature

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