PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES

JUNE 16, 2010

 

** NOT APPROVED **

Members Present:  F. Sinclair, D. Pullen, M. Healy, T. Hopkins, K. LaForge, P. Curran, C. Crandall

 

Absent: T. O’Grady, A. McGraw

 

Others Present:  D. Fanton, J. Margeson, T. Miner, M. Alger, B. Rigby Riehle, J. Foels, J. Garmong, S. Grugel, K. Dirlam, L. Gridley, and W. Brown   

 

Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order by Chairman Fred Sinclair at 10:53 a.m.

 

Approval of Minutes

A motion was made by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Curran and carried to approve the minutes of May 19, 2010.

 

Board Appointments

Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany and Steuben Southern Tier Extension Railroad Authority - The Chairman of the Legislative Board plans to reappoint Timothy O’Grady of Wellsville, New York, for a three-year term commencing August 28, 2010 and expiring August 27, 2013, subject to confirmation by the Board of Legislators.   Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to recommend this appointment.  Motioned by Legislator Pullen; seconded by Legislator Healy.  Motion carried 6-0; w/2-absent (T. O’Grady and A. McGraw).  PREPARE A RESOLUTION.

 

Employment & Training Director - The Chairman of the Legislative Board plans to reappoint Jerry Garmong of Friendship, New York, for a three-year term commencing August 25, 2010 and expiring August 24, 2013, subject to confirmation by the Board of Legislators.   Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to recommend this appointment.  Motioned by Legislator Hopkins; seconded by Legislator Healy.  Motion carried 6-0; w/2-absent.  PREPARE A RESOLUTION.

 

Transfer of Funds

 

A Memorandum of Explanation was presented by J. Garmong, E&T Director, requesting the Board of Legislature approve a resolution for the transfer of funds in the amount of $73,200 within appropriated budget accounts.  There will be no increase in budget or fiscal impact.   Upon discussion, Legislator Hopkins motioned to approve the transfers and refer to Ways & Means Committee; seconded by Legislator Healy and carried 6-0; 2 absent.  REFERRED TO WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE.

 

Legislator Hopkins asked about the status on the Employment & Training Summer Program.  J. Garmong reported he received an update just yesterday and that state has allotted $15.5 million, of which $75,000 is Allegany County’s share.  He will be able to put 25-30 more individuals to work, putting his total at approximately 50, which is down 40% from last year.  Chairman Sinclair questioned the condition of the Employment & Training Building and J. Garmong stated it has been kept up well and is functional.  The windows are problematic as some don’t close properly and there is a crack in the basement wall.  The sidewalk has been repaired and he commended the County Public Works Maintenance Department on the excellent job they do to keep meeting the needs of the building as he requests. 

Saddle Horse Group

 

A report from the County Attorney’s office, regarding the legal issues concerning the Saddle Horse Group using County Reforested Lands, was disbursed.  There was discussion regarding:

·       Establishment of access parking areas

·       Responsible parties for maintenance of trails; trail erosion

·       Usage and concerns of trails

·       Public land being available for the general public’s use

·       Setting precedent for county land use

 

County Attorney Miner clarified that the County can restrict uses and leases should not be created for individual groups, however, agreements for recreational use of the lands could be established. There was question as to setting a precedent allowing individual groups to have access.  T. Miner gave an update on the law regarding land usage, i.e., no ATV access.  It’s one thing to access land to ride trails and another to create trails.  Risk needs to be minimized.  Legislator Pullen suggested individual groups provide liability insurance or bond and Attorney Miner agreed that hold-harmless agreements should be recommended.

 

Legislator Curran recommended that the Equestrian group define their needs and proposal regarding trails and access.  Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to authorize the County Attorney to work with the horse group and bring a proposal to this committee for review.  Motioned by Legislator Curran; seconded by Legislator Hopkins, and carried 6-0; w/2-absent.   

 

Good of the Order

 

Office of Development/IDA - J. Foels reported on active projects in place noting County Route 20 has active prospects; the OFA/Veterans building is on track and within budget; and he is working with County Planner Kier Dirlam regarding the Swain Ski Resort and potential purchase by the owners currently leasing resort.  J. Foels commended the committee and Legislative Board on their confidence in bringing Kier Dirlam on board as Planner.  The County Planner position is significant with the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.  The Comprehensive Plan Implementation Group (CPIG) is active and moving forward.

 

Friendship Empire Zone – W. Brown reported that the Empire Zone Program will sunset June 30, 2010, with a possible extension pending state legislation.  However the program will still need monitoring for businesses that are grandfathered and this responsibility will fall to the Friendship Empire Zone Board.  The Board will be responsible for updates on the 85 businesses whose benefits remain in place for nine more years and the collection and entering of data on the NYS database.  There will be no more certifying for new businesses.  As of 6/30/10, there is a $5,000 fund balance in the Empire Zone budget from the county participation.  These funds can be used for consultant fees to process the annual state reports and any other necessary documentation.  This program has worked well for the county as the $4 million in tax credits returned to the 85 businesses came back to the county, which can be used for new investments and employees.  There is over a 30-to-1 benefit back to Allegany County compared to what it costs the county in tax credits.  If the extender bill is passed, NYS may extend the Empire Zone Program until March 2011, which is the end of the state fiscal year.   J. Foels suggested that W. Brown serve as the consultant at such time reports need to be processed and follow-ups with companies.  The Empire Zone Board will be meeting again on June 28th and any future meetings will be on an “as-needed” basis.  J. Foels reported W. Brown has communicated well with all the existing businesses so they are aware of their future contact person for any concerns or questions.  He also thanked Wendall for his efforts over the past 9 ˝ years as Director of the Friendship Empire Zone.  Chairman Sinclair also thanked Wendall on behalf of the committee and noted he has been a great asset to our economic development efforts.

 

County Planner - K. Dirlam reported he is putting together a project list based on the request for stimulus monies and Southern Tier West listing.  The Implementation Committee (CPIG) has until July 4th for input and comments and then it will be presented to the full legislative board.  Chairman Sinclair expressed concern the list is sterile and won’t be a good fit to add as an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan, to which K. Dirlam pointed out it’s only a starting point.  K. Dirlam gave on update on tourism efforts he has assisted with and the Genesee River Wilds project.  There are issues regarding canoe access and hiking trails and signage for more accessibility during county tourism events. 

 

Tourism / County Chamber – S. Grugel presented the committee with the new Events Guide and Spring/Summer guide.  They are currently working with the County Planner on scenic and motorcycle tours.  S. Grugel is also working with the county planner to determine signage and information kiosk placement.  S. Grugel has also met with Alfred State College to determine a project for students and they may be doing a mapping of farms in the county.  S. Grugel updated on the Genesee River Wilds Preservation (GRWP) - their NYS Parks and Recreation & Rural Preservation Association has placed the Genesee River Wilds Preservation in the NYS Master Plan. This is great news for the County and the GRWP as it will help with funding opportunities. S. Grugel will attend a meeting in Rochester tonight regarding the formation of Blueways (a system of water trails).  This will also be a key component for the Rochester to Williamsport, PA Greenway trail system.

 

Hazard Mitigation Plan – Chairman Sinclair reported there have been two regional meetings that were well attended.  The next two meetings are scheduled for tomorrow, June 17th, at the Crossroads Center with a morning and afternoon session.  Updated information has been gathered from the townships for compilation with the old plan.  The Town of Friendship was assisted with filing an application for a $75,000 mitigation project to protect the sewer line.  The application was a complicated and detailed process and County Planner Kier Dirlam assisted with providing maps.    There is $9 million in funds available and townships will need assistance in any future application process.  There was discussion to consider a contractual arrangement to help the municipalities get their applications prepared. 

 

Alfred Conference – Chairman Sinclair attended a planning conference yesterday on sustainability. There will be another conference in 2011.  

 

Outdoor Wood Burning Legislation - Legislator Pullen reminded those in attendance that the Public Hearing was tonight at 5pm regarding state legislation for restrictions on outdoor wood burning units.

 

A motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to adjourn the meeting at 11:51 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted:

 

 

Cathleen L. Whitfield

Recording Secretary