MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS INVITED TO MEET WITH COUNTY ON "TOWERS" ISSUES

Rep. Barbara Blanchard reported that this Friday’s regular meeting of the Intermunicipal Planning Coordination Committee will be entirely devoted to "town-county" relationships regarding the County’s proposed Public Safety Communications System project. Blanchard said the County is anxious to clear up any misunderstandings regarding towns’ concerns about possible communications tower sites. All town supervisors have been invited to the meeting. The County is examining options for replacing or improving the 30-year-old countywide emergency communications system. A public information meeting with the project consultants will be held 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 23 at the Human Services Building, 320 West State Street.

COUNTY MATCHES STATE GRANT TO MARKET AIRPORT

The Board of Representatives approved (by a vote of 9-0; six members were absent) a grant of $35,000 from the New York State Department of Transportation to market the Tompkins County Airport. The County’s contribution will be $55,000. Some of the funds may be used to create and put in place a new logo and a new name for the airport. Airport officials have reported that recommendations from the Chamber of Commerce, Tompkins County Area Development, and others indicate that a name that includes "Ithaca" would help make the airport more recognizable as a regional facility.

HEARINGS SET FOR NEW PROPERTY TAX BREAKS

The Board of Representatives set a date for two hearings on changes in the real property law dealing with property tax exemptions. One proposal increases the income limit for eligible disabled persons. The other would offset an increase in property assessment as a result of construction or alteration of living quarters to house an elderly parent or grandparent. The hearings will take place at 5:30 p.m., March 6, in the County Courthouse, 320 North Tioga Street, Ithaca.

SNOWMOBILE CLUB TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR TRAIL UPKEEP

The Board voted unanimously (9-0; six members were absent) to accept a $9,875 snowmobile trail grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. The funds will be transferred to the Dryden-Caroline Drifters, a local snowmobile club, to pay for maintenance of 125 miles of trails in Tompkins County, in accordance with state requirements.