PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

MEETING MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

** NOT APPROVED **

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Members Present: F. Sinclair, D. Pullen, K. Graves, M. Healy, A. McGraw, K. LaForge

Absent: T. Hopkins, P. Curran

Others Present: J. Margeson, M. Alger, D. Fanton, B. Rigby Rhiele, J. Foels, K. Dirlam, S. Torrey, J. Luckey

Chairman Sinclair called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m.

A motion was made by Legislator LaForge, seconded by Legislator Graves and carried, to approve the minutes of August 17, 2011.

Hazard Mitigation Plan

Chairman Sinclair reported on the status of local Plan adoption and 20 town and five village resolutions have been approved by FEMA. This is good progress for localities adopting the Plan. It was noted during budget negotiations, the County has cut projects for stabilization of roads which could be potential HMP projects. The site by the landfill will continue to be suggested as a consideration and the county needs to be prepared with a letter of intent. It was suggested a referral be made to the Department of Public Works Committee that the County be ready to file a Letter of Intent to FEMA.

J. Luckey, Director of Emergency Services, explained the difference between funding unrelated to disasters and disaster related. Legislator Graves noted that when the existing 10% HMP funds are tapped into there needs to be an ROI (Return on Investment). Chairman Sinclair responded that applications need to be processed in detail with a Letter of Intent and a benefit/cost ratio needs to be demonstrated. He suggested we get into “pre-disaster hazard mitigation mode” to be better prepared to get funding for these projects. J. Luckey noted that FEMA has denied, based on compiled damage results, any funding for damages from April 25, 2011 through May 8, 2011.

A motion was made by Legislator Pullen, seconded by Legislator Healy and carried, to refer this item to the Public Works Committee for a Letter of Intent to be prepared regarding the road stabilization hazard mitigation projects within the County. REFER TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE.

Comprehensive Planning & Implementation Group (CPIG)

The committee reviewed a proposal from CPIG for small color-coded signs to be placed along county right-of-ways for the “Scenic Drive Trails.” A request was made for the Planning & Economic Development Committee to review this matter and if approved, to refer this item to the Public Works Committee. Legislator Fanton questioned how many signs and could they be attached to current signage. Chairman Sinclair noted there are approximately 100 signs, which is open to negotiation, and a map will be provided for locations.

A motion was made by Legislator Healy, seconded by Legislator LaForge and carried, to refer this item to the Public Works Committee for approval. REFER TO PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE.

Communications Report

A draft report has been released, with the narrative section only, for review. The final edited version, including conclusions and recommendations, will be available next month for distribution.

Department Reports

Soil & Water Conservation – S. Torrey reported they continue to work on the updating of county forests and what timber can be sold. Numbers are being tallied with possible areas ready to go including oak. There are open field pine plantations that need to be timbered. Maintenance work needs to be completed to access the Weir lot in Angelica and he reported on concerns with that plantation. There was consensus of the P&ED Committee for the Soil & Water Conservation District to continue harvesting and cutting lots for possible sale. There is some ash available which is more valuable than oak. Oak should not be cut unless it is over-matured.

Work also continues on county streams and repairs. Chairman Sinclair suggested permanent bypass be maintained to take pressure off the bank. Legislator Fanton said it is not the county’s responsibility and let the Army Corp of Engineers handle it. Chairman Sinclair noted constructed bypasses should be cleared out. He noted the District is responsible to maintain the FEMA funded River Projects in Amity and Belfast, but it’s not a county responsibility.

Development & IDA - J. Foels reported on the Western New York Regional EDC that was held at Alfred University. It was the first meeting in Allegany County and approximately 60 people attended, which was a quality turnout. Erie County had the largest attendance with 200. Funding is being made available for projects by the end of October, 2011. The Crossroads Water Project at Belvidere has been listed for funding this year at $150,000. J. Foels continues negotiations regarding the Belvidere expansion with land acquisition the number one priority and the second being the developer’s rights. There is progress as well with partners Hodgson Russ and Labella Engineers.

The Swain Ski Resort sale is expected to close the first week in November to the current individuals leasing the property. They had an exceptional year as a four-season event resort. It is noted to be a Regional Tourism Center for us and most of their attendance is out of county tourists.

Planning – K. Dirlam reported that his efforts have been toward the ARC application requested by Southern Tier West and the Federal Government. He also continues to work on the database for the communication towers. The ARC grant is moving forward and he continues to actively pursue four other grants available.

Swain is moving forward with their building project and has committed to building 10-12 housing units, with the possibility of 23. Homes have to be a minimum square footage and selling prices will range from $200,000 – $225,000. Swain does not have their own public sewer system so the project will tie into the existing system at Swain. They anticipate building half the homes by next year.

With no further business, a motion was made by Legislator Graves, seconded by Legislator LaForge Graves and carried to adjourn the meeting at 11:46 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Cathleen L. Whitfield

Confidential Secretary to Director of Development