PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 February 17, 2010

** NOT APPROVED **

Committee Members Present
F. Sinclair, D. Pullen, M. Healy, T. Hopkins, K. LaForge, A. McGraw

 

Committee Members Absent

P. Curren and T. O’Grady

 

Others Present

C. Crandall, J. Margeson, M. Alger, D. Fanton, G. Benson, N. Ungermann, J. Foels, S. Grugel, C. Cash, C. Braack, T. Miner, B. Rigby-Riehle, D. Button, T. Ross, E. Eicher, L. Blevin, L. Gridley, B. Quinn

 

Planning & Economic Development Chairman Fred Sinclair called the meeting to order at 10:11 a.m.

 

Approval of Minutes

The January 20, 2010, Planning & Economic Development Committee minutes were approved on a motion by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Hopkins and carried.

 

Soil & Water Conservation

Two agreements were presented to the committee for extensions:

 

Helmer Lot Agreement - An extension is necessary for Baldwin Lumber to finish clean-up work on the Helmer Lot in the Town of Grove.  The work is done, but cleanup was not completed due to inclement weather.  Payment to the county has been made and their agreement is dated 12/7/07, with an extension request through 12/31/10.  Baldwin's performance bond in the amount of $5,000 is being retained until the work is completed.

 

Engle Lot Agreement - Robbie Chamberlain requests a one year extension of the agreement made 1/15/09 for the Engle Lot in the Town of Angelica.  Clean-up was to be performed in 2009 and still has not occurred due to inclement weather.  An extension is requested through 1/15/11.  Chamberlain's performance bond, in the amount of $5,000 is being retained until the work is completed.

 

Legislator Pullen questioned outcome if extensions were not granted.  Chairman Sinclair indicated the county could utilize their bonds to do the work but that is a last resort.  Legislator LaForge agreed the past year was one of the wettest years on record and it was difficult getting work done.  Legislator Fanton questioned how much ash wood there was in county forests and the advisability of harvesting.  Chairman Sinclair said it was only a small percentage.  There was discussion regarding the timber and possible infestations.  Lynn Blevin of Cornell Cooperative Extension commented there were no adult Emerald Ash Borer beetles found and her agency will be doing training this spring and can determine if there is marketable timber and what percentage of the harvest is ash.  Chairman Sinclair asked that Lynn assist Paul Kretser and this committee to gather information on status of the beetle.   Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to accept the two extensions as presented.  The extensions were approved on a motion by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator LaForge and carried 6-0 w/2 absent.

 

County Forest Timber Removal Request - Joe Collins, Natural Resources Teacher @ BOCES, requests removing timber from the Sanitarium Lot which is directly behind BOCES for his class. He only intends to remove dead/downed trees as a clean-up demonstration.  If approved, a formal letter is required granting permission.

 

Chairman Sinclair reported that Allegany County has an agreement with BOCES regarding use of 25 acres of county owned forest contiguous to BOCES woodlands.  The agreement states the lot across from BOCES can be accessed for educational purposes and forest products have been removed in the past by students.  There are no trees of value removed from the property.  Chairman Hopkins inquired as to who performs the work and is the county covered legally for students who may be injured.  John Margeson, County Administrator, commented the agreement has been in place for years and that it does allow BOCES to cut the trees, which they have done previously.  He further stated, to the best of his knowledge, the County is held harmless if any student is injured, but that it’s not a perfect guarantee.  Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion the committee revisit the agreement, and upon review by the County Attorney, if he advises we are on solid ground, a letter will be sent.   Motioned by Legislator Hopkins; seconded by Legislator McGraw and carried 6-0 w/2 absent.  Referred to County Attorney

 

Hazard Mitigation Plan

An agreement was presented by the Soil & Water Conservation District for an update of the Countywide Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan according to the terms of the requirements of the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and/or the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).  In order to access funds, the plan needs to be updated.  Upon review, Legislator Hopkins commented that there was a meeting with the District Board last evening and with regards to Item 9 on Page 3, the delivery date of April 29, 2010 is an unrealistic date to meet.   Chairman Sinclair noted there will be no access to the program until the update is completed.  They anticipate the update being completed by 4/29/10 as that is the due date, but it can be extended.  He asked it be made clear to the District what the date actually means.  Upon discussion, the P&ED Committee agreed to content of the Plan but the date needed to be changed.  Chairman Sinclair did not see a problem with adjusting the date as this is a draft.

 

Tourism – Transfer of Funds  
John Foels, Director of Development presented a request to make the following budget adjustments and transfers to support the tourism contract with the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce:

From:                                                     To:                                                                                          Amount

A6989.476  (I Love NY $$)                 (Expense reduction of grant)                                             ($16,250)   BA

A10.3715.00 (I Love NY $$)                               (Revenue reduction of grant)                            ($16,250)   BA

 

A02.1989.04                                         Revenue increase for ad sales                                       $10,000    BA

A6989.478                                            Exp. increase for unrestricted funds                                               $10,000    BA

 

A1990.429 (Contingency)                  A6989.477 (Tourism Contract)                                         $  3,250    TRAN

 

A1990.429 (Contingency)                  A6989.478 (Unrestricted Funds)                                     $  4,000    TRAN

(To allocate monies to tourism based on coop ads revenues already budgeted.)

 

A6989.475 (County match of grant) A6989.477 (Tourism Contract)                                         $16,250    TRAN

(Reallocate the reduction of County’s match needed for I Love NY Grant to line item for increase on Chamber Contract.)

Terri Ross, Treasurer commented that these transfers are based on the new contract presented by the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, which includes a change in allocations to the contract and redistribution of monies to cover the new agreement, if adopted.   Chairman Sinclair commented the new contract is currently before the board and this transfer will be attached to the new agreement.  The transfers were approved on a motion by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried, 6-0 w/2 absent.  Referred to Ways & Means Committee  

 

Planning – Transfer of Funds  

 

J. Foels presented a request to transfer $1,200 from A8020.101 (Planning – Personnel) to A8020.493 (Planning – Contractual) to cover the monthly $400 expense to Planning Board Liaison Kier Dirlam for the first quarter until such time a Planner is hired.  The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator McGraw and carried 6-0 w/2 absent.    Referred to Ways & Means Committee

 

Request to Fill Position – Employment & Training

Carol Cash presented a request, on behalf of County Employment & Training Director Jerry Garmong, to fill the position of “Summer Remedial Teacher/Counselor” for the summer youth program.  Ms. Cash presented a brief overview of the program and its benefit to our communities and youth.  There are federal and state funds (state funds are channeled through federal) that are allocated to this program annually.  Chairman Sinclair questioned the length of time the youth are employed, which is mid-May through mid-August.  Applications are received from counselors and college students who are in their 3rd-4th year with a major in education or psychology.  Legislative Chairman Curt Crandall commented on the excellence of the program and encouraged all legislators, old and new, to tour the program.  The request was approved on a motion by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried, 6-0 w/2 absent.  Referred to Ways & Means and Prepare Resolution.   

 

Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group Update

Ed Eicher, Chairman, reported the group is currently working as a committee of the whole, with plans to break into sub-committees when and as needed.  A presentation on the “Genesee River Wilds Project” was viewed by the group who is now considering the best way to move the project forward.  The group is in the process of opening a window for additions to the Comprehensive Plan with two primary reasons:

 

1.      It allows consideration of submissions in reasonable quantities; and

2.      Being part of the Comprehensive Plan is extremely important in grant applications for some of the groups involved.

 

At this time, the group has recommended the “Nurturing Livable Communities Strategic Plan” and the “Allegany County Comprehensive Substance Abuse Prevention Plan” for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan.  The group is also writing a letter of support for the “Partners for Prevention in Allegany County’s” upcoming grant application.  Their next meeting will consist of working on public relations and improving Allegany County’s image.  The meeting will be at Crossroads Center on Thursday, March 11th at 2:00 p.m. and all are welcome to attend.

 

Resolution – Comprehensive Plan

Mr. Eicher presented a resolution to “update the County Comprehensive Plan, via the addition of approved Community Plans.”  Upon review, Legislator Hopkins inquired if a SEQR needs to be done to which Chairman Sinclair responded they will look into it and he will counsel with County Attorney, if need be.  Legislator Hopkins commented that if they upgrade now, it is not upgrading as the original plan specifies.  Chairman Sinclair noted that by doing the upgrade now, it is advantageous to entities who are applying for grants, that they can state they are part of the Comprehensive Plan.  It gives them credibility and extra points in the grant process.   It was suggested the upgrade would be an insert as, “in addition to” because there are four community plans and two agency plans currently interested in being inserted.  Legislator Pullen commented that it wouldn’t be an approval just starting the process.  Chairman Sinclair noted there would need to be a Public Hearing and the process of contacting all the towns and villages and a timeframe would be approximately two months.  There will be a full review of the plan next year.  Legislator Hopkins expressed concern with the cost, realizing you can’t bundle it all together, but how to finance the review.  John Margeson commented there are funds in the Planning Budget this year and it could be budgeted for next year as well.  Legislator LaForge commented on inserting town plans and does that incorporation mean we sanction their town plan.  Chairman Sinclair reported that yes, we would be sanctioning their plan.  Discussed pursued regarding due process in sanctioning town plans and making recommendations.  Ed Eicher confirmed the County Planning Board reviews and approves all plans before adoption into the Comprehensive Plan.   Legislative Chairman Crandall encourages moving forward with the update to keep it fresh at minimal expense.  Chairman Sinclair motioned to accept the resolution to update the County Comprehensive Plan, via the addition of approved Community Plans; seconded by M. Healy.  Motion carried 6-0; w/2 absent.

 

Economic Development Perspectives

Chairman Sinclair gave an overview of his meeting in Albany for the New York Association of Counties (see attachment).  He addressed how NYS comes into and out of recessions and the degree of decline is starting to slow down.   We need to “grow out of it” and not “tax our way out of it.”  Nationally, as a state, we are ranked low in quality of workforce and seen as the most highly unionized.  However, this is not the case in Western New York.  He highlighted areas on building an agenda for economic development and creating economic hubs and welcomed suggestions and comments from the group.  Legislative Chairman Crandall commented that Cattaraugus County spent money to hire a consultant to look at specific areas of development and look at hubs, which are a center of economic activity, interest and focal point where you can use community assets to create and support new growth.  Belmont is a good example of a hub with the pharmacy, hotel, hardware expansion and future activity at the former Belmont School.

 

Empire Zone

Chairman John Foels reported that the zone is still on deck with New York State to sunset in June 2010.  Over ninety companies are currently in the zone and will continue to have administrative support from the county after the program ends.  The Empire Zone Board took action to retain Wendall Brown as a part-time coordinator for services after June, if there is no continuation of the zone program.  This will allow our businesses to have local contact for their continuing zone benefits.  There are sufficient funds through the end of June and then perhaps the Excelsior Program will take over.  

 

Communications & Technology Ad Hoc Committee     

Chairman Dave Pullen reported they held their first meeting February 3, 2010 and met with a consultant who looked at studies and funding and possibly additional fiber optics service throughout the county.  The Ad Hoc Committee will be evaluating future residential, commercial and municipal needs and gaps in service.   They concluded their goal is to provide infrastructure with long term dealings with Public Safety issues and to provide high speed Internet service to more of our population in Allegany County.  There are too many large areas in the county with little to no service or dial-up, which is unacceptable.  There next meeting will be March 22nd following the Legislative Board meeting.  Richard Zink of Southern Tier West will be attending. 

 

Chairman Pullen sighted an article from the Bar Journal regarding the corporate perspective and “that AT&T recently suggested in a response to FCC that it was time to transition away from plain old telephone service (POTS) in favor of a phone network that is completely based upon Internet telephony.  In fact, according to Network World, AT&T informed the FCC that the ‘death of landlines is a matter of when and not if.’  It further suggested that the FCC establish a certain date by which such existing networks be unplugged.” The article further stated, “In rural communities and remote areas, wireless service is spotty at best.  In addition, the likelihood of a local carrier investing in equipment necessary to bring such areas up to speed has been unlikely until major telecommunications investment is made possible by stimulus money.  And for those communities selected to receive stimulus funding, actual implementation is still months, if not years away.”

 

Chairman Pullen commented Allegany County did not rank well for the stimulus money as we don’t have the number of residences or businesses and it’s difficult for us to compete with larger counties.  If the elimination of land lines occurs, then our dial-up service is also eliminated.  He stressed the importance of finding a solution and it is a critical concern, although noted we are ahead of the curve as several surrounding counties have not even begun this process.

 

Energy & Resources Ad Hoc Committee

Chairman Kevin LaForge presented the Mission Statement and Marcellus Play goals and said their first official meeting will be Monday, February 22nd at 11:00, where these topics will be discussed.  Mission statement is as follows:

 

Mission Statement

 

To facilitate development of the energy related natural resources of Allegany County in a manner that maximizes the benefit to our County’s residents, while maintaining the integrity of our environment for future generations.

 

Currently the primary focus of this committee will be the Marcellus Play as a generational bridge to renewable energy.  We shall also pay due diligence to renewable technologies such as wind and wood bio-mass to encourage further gains in economic viability. 

 

This Committee will be continuously vigilant to identify emerging technologies that, the encouragement of, would be beneficial to our county residents.

 

In summary, we will work with stakeholders to identify issues, good and bad.  We will attempt solutions to mitigate the bad and maximize the good.

 

He also commented on attending the NYSAC Conference and the environmental hurdles we will need to overcome.  He emphasized that the committee will work to do what is right and in the best interest of the county.

 

Good of the Order
 Chairman Sinclair invited any additional comments from the agencies in attendance.

Lynn Blevin, Cooperative Extension, thanked the committee and appreciates the invitation to participate.  “Making farming profitable is how we are going to maintain and grow agricultural industry.  Integrating agriculture and tourism in planning is beneficial to grow.  A willingness to work on updating the Farmland Enhancement Plan, which also includes forestry emphasis, is a priority.  Invasive species education and training will also be important for protection of our county resources.” 

 

Sherry Grugel, Tourism Specialist, reported that Monday night (2/15/10) was the first of a series of Tourism Summits held at the Crossroads Center.  Well over 50 people attended who are event organizers throughout the county.  She was greatly pleased with the response and enthusiasm of the group.  The summit was an opportunity for all the organizations to come together to market events and develop a service directory.  The group also discussed the I Love New York grant and guidelines.  There was group collaboration to establish all restaurants, attractions and accommodations in the county.  A calendar of events was posted on the wall and each organization penciled in their individual events which is helpful establishing open weekends or dates for future events.   Legislator Healy commented it was a great turnout and cooperative experience.  The new Winter Activities Guide was distributed to all attending summit.  10,000 copies have been printed and the Guide/Map is available through the Tourism Office.  Ms. Grugel reported she attended the Cleveland Travel Show last week and noted that most of the information available is for Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties.  She is working on creating more collective pieces on Allegany County for future travel shows.  Chairman Sinclair requested she bring copies of the new Winter Activities Guide to the next meeting.

 

Allegany County Historian Award

Chairman Sinclair introduced Craig Braack, County Historian, and presented him with a certificate for his 25 years of service to Allegany County and noted he was honored as Chairman of the P&ED Committee to present this award.  Mr. Braack was appointed County Historian on February 1, 1985 and also appointed as Records Management Officer in 1988.   On January 1, 2007 Mr. Braack was also appointed as the Tourism Specialist, a term he served until March, 2009.  Chairman Sinclair noted that, “Mr. Braack is much more to the County than the sum of his service.  He is a tireless resource for the aging, community groups and citizens giving presentations.  He has also assisted thousands of individuals researching ancestry and is considered an Ambassador of Allegany County.”  Mr. Braack thanked the Committee and said “it has been a pleasure to serve not only my 15 to 17 bosses, but the 50,000 citizens in Allegany County.”

 

Adjournment

There being no further business to come before the committee, a motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to adjourn the meeting at 11:47 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Cathleen L. Whitfield, Recording Secretary

Confidential Secretary to the Director of Development