PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
 March 17, 2010

** NOT APPROVED **

 Committee Members Present

F. Sinclair, D. Pullen, M. Healy, T. Hopkins, K. LaForge, A. McGraw, P. Curran and T. O’Grady

 

Others Present

C. Crandall, J. Margeson, M. Alger, D. Fanton, J. Foels, S. Grugel, M. Burke, T. Miner, B. Rigby-Riehle, D. Button, T. Ross, L. Blevin, G. Hanchett, L. Gridley, C. Whitwood, H. Evans, M. Gasdik, and K. O’Stricker (Cornell Cooperative Extension - Catt. Co.)

 

Planning & Economic Development Chairman Fred Sinclair called the meeting to order at 10:07 a.m.

 

Approval of Minutes

The February 17, 2010, Planning & Economic Development Committee minutes were approved on a motion by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried 8-0 with one change noted by Legislator Hopkins.  On page 2, second paragraph, line 5, change “Chairman” Hopkins to “Legislator” Hopkins.

 

Old Business

Notification of extensions for the Helmer and Engle Lots has been forwarded to the proper entities.

 

County Attorney Opinion on Sanitarium Lot – The current agreement is not adequate for the students to use the property for other than educational purposes.  The County Attorney recommends that a formal agreement be entered into between BOCES and the County to address BOCES continued use of the Sanitarium Lot.  Such agreement should require BOCES to indemnify and hold the County harmless from any liability resulting from their use of this property.  Adequate insurance should be in place to assure proper resources to cover any claims.  If the County wishes to pursue a formal easement across the BOCES property to aid in harvesting timber, this will need to be negotiated with BOCES and most likely require reciprocal hold harmless requirements from the County to BOCES.  (See attached opinion). 

 

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle – Lynn Blevin gave a report and provided materials regarding the borer beetle and management of the county parcels.  Some of the county parcels have a small percentage of ash and the migration period is mid-May to August.  There has been no evidence of the beetle within a 15 mile radius.  Saplings and trees with less than 2” diameter can be affected.  There are several insects that can be problematic but the emerald ash borer is the most immediate for this area.  A map was disbursed showing the quarantined areas.  The beetle can move 3-5 miles on its own; but the real challenge is in transportation of firewood that could be infected.  Kits are available through the DEC, Agriculture Office and at the county fair.  A program will be offered April 14th in Ellicottville for First Responders on how to identify signs and symptoms.

 

Hazard Mitigation Plan – The agreement presented by the Soil & Water Conservation District for an update of the Countywide Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan fell through.  The decision was made to update the plan in-house and contract with Walker Business Services for an employee to assist with the update, which will be orchestrated with the County Planner and Chairman Sinclair at the Crossroads Center.  Legislator O’Grady questioned the Plan falling under the direction of the Office of Emergency Services and why the update was not being done by that office, and why funds were being spent to outsource the work versus OES doing it.  Chairman Sinclair responded that the update was done jointly by OES and Soil & Water, but it is also part of the County Comprehensive Plan.  There was discussion regarding the timeline to update and meet the target date of April 29, 2010 which is the anniversary of the plan. 

 

Board Appointments

Southern Tier West Appointment - The Chairman of the Board of Legislature plans to appoint Frederick Sinclair of Scio, New York, to fill the remainder of Brent Reynolds’ unexpired three-year term ending May 31, 2010, as a member of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board, subject to confirmation by the Board of Legislators.

 

Legislative Chairman Crandall also plans to reappoint Frederick Sinclair as a member of the Southern Tier West Regional Planning Board for a three-year term commencing June 1, 2010 and expiring May 31, 2013, subject to confirmation by the Board of Legislators.  Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to approve this appointment.  Motioned by T. Hopkins; seconded by M. Healy.  Motion carried 8-0.  Prepare Resolution

  

New Business

Walker Business & Staffing Services Contract – An agreement was presented to board members to contract an employee through Walker Business Services to update the Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The hours will not exceed 720 and all expenses will be covered up to $17,000 through the Homeland Security funds awarded to Office of Emergency Services.  Chairman Sinclair reiterated the update requires someone to contact and interview all townships and process the plan.  Chairman Sinclair entertained a motion to enter into an agreement with Walker Business & Staffing Services and refer to the Ways and Means Committee.  Motioned by T. Hopkins; seconded by D. Pullen.  Motion carried 6-0; 2-opposed (T. O’Grady & P. Curran).  

Referred to Ways & Means Committee  

 

 

Allegany/Western Steuben Rural Health Network Presentation – Carrie Whitwood, Director introduced Helen Evans, Madeleine Gasdik and Kate O’Stricker who presented “Complete Streets“ which is a vision for livable communities in Allegany County.  Their Strategic Plan is now complete and moving forward.  This presentation is an update to their initiative.  The livable communities are geared for all ages and include healthcare and housing.  AWSRHN has also been partnering with Madeleine Gasdik of the Allegany County Office for the Aging with housing research.  K. O’Stricker of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Cattaraugus County spoke regarding infrastructure with roads, sidewalks and right-away for mobility and walk-ability with regards to bicyclists, pedestrians and vehicles, with the goal of all streets being usable by everyone.   AWSRHN will be hosting a legislative educational dinner on May 26, 2010 featuring Will Stoner, Assistant Director of AARP, as guest speaker.  All town and village officials, planning boards and the County Legislature are invited.

 

Communications & Technology Ad Hoc Committee     

Dave Pullen, Chairman of Committee, reported they met earlier this month and looked at different options to proceed.  At this point there are two focal points:

 

1.    Provide actual “last mile service” for high speed broadband to local businesses and residents through wireless technology.  There is more work ahead with actual providers to determine “hot spots,” which are specific islands or nodes that need service. 

 

2.     Long-term “middle mile” with how to provide infrastructure.  What can be done through public safety streams from the Federal Homeland Security level down to the County 911 emergency responders.

 

Legislator Pullen further stressed the need to investigate these options or end up being on the wrong side of infrastructure.

 

Energy & Resources Ad Hoc Committee

Kevin LaForge, Chairman of Committee, reported the Coudersport Gas Expo is today and tomorrow and encouraged those interested to attend.  Today stressed the job phase and Thursday would be the business phase.  The Marcellus Shale is a top priority for this committee and outcome of the Expo will be discussed at the next meeting scheduled for March 22nd at 11:00.  Legislator Pullen commented on a news release he received from NYSAC that counties to the east are passing resolutions and taking a stance regarding energy resources.  He would like to see us explore all energy resources and suggested Allegany County consider adopting a policy or press release as this is a critical benefit to the county and poses significant benefits and opportunities to our area.  If landowners are waiting for an absolute guarantee, he fears we will never move forward and should send something to NYSAC noting our interest.  Legislator LaForge noted that the Mission Statement of this committee relates exactly to this endeavor and he has a map showing the fairway to Marcellus Shale and Allegany County is included.  Legislator LaForge agreed the committee will pursue adopting a resolution to encourage moving forward.   Legislative Chairman Crandall commented we should ensure our state and federal representatives understand the importance of this project to our county and to fight for positive legislation.  The Ad Hoc Committee will do a proclamation or resolution at the next meeting to be presented to the Board of Legislature.

 

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

Greater Allegany County Chamber – Sherry Grugel, Executive Director, introduced Michael Burke of Angelica, also owner of Angelica Winery, as the new Tourism Specialist who will be assisting the Chamber with the Tourism Program.   Legislator Hopkins reminded attendees of the County Chamber annual dinner on Saturday, March 27th, to be hosted at the Angelica Grange with a “Western Theme.”  He noted the County Legislature has promoted the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce and all should attend, show their support and he has tickets.

 

Legislator Hopkins also reported on a new committee, Blue Ribbon Task Force, which is supported by NYSAC.  Wyoming County was instrumental in its creation and their first meeting was held with 25 members.  The Task Force looked at an overview of the agriculture culture and broke into groups to look at areas to address.  By Fall, there will be a resolution to vote on at the Legislative level.  This is important for Allegany County as we are located in such a rural agricultural area and we need to remain competitive, as anytime government increases the cost of milk in New York State, we can become less competitive.   

 

Executive Session

A motion was made by Chairman Sinclair, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to enter into executive session at 11:27 a.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  Immediately following discussion, a motion was made by Legislator Hopkins, seconded by Legislator Pullen and carried to close the executive session at 11:44 a.m. and return to the regular meeting.

 

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 11:45 a.m.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Cathleen L. Whitfield, Recording Secretary

Confidential Secretary to the Director of Development