Highlights of the January 7, 2003 meeting of the
Tompkins County Board of Representatives
JOSEPH WILL CHAIR COUNTY LEGISLATURE IN 2003
By unanimous vote (12-0; Reps Richard Booth, Tim Joseph, and Thomas Todd were absent), the Board elected Tim Joseph to be its chair for another year. Peter Penniman nominated Joseph, noting that Joseph's strengths include a concern for the welfare of all citizens, dedication to the job of leading the legislature, and a gift for analyzing complex issues and boiling them down to the essential points. Joseph, who took over the top spot in 2002, has been a member of the Board of Representatives since March 1993. He was absent from Tuesday night's meeting for personal reasons. Michael Lane was elected vice-chair of the Board, also by unanimous vote. There were no other nominations for either office. Committee assignments will be announced at the January 21 meeting of the legislature. Contact: Michael Lane, 844-8440.

COUNTY TO PURCHASE BUILDING FOR FOODNET
Through the issuance of serial bonds, Tompkins County will purchase the land and building currently occupied by Foodnet and lease the property back to the agency. Foodnet uses the facility at 2422 North Triphammer Road to prepare and coordinate home-delivered meals to elderly and shut-in residents. The measure, approved by unanimous vote (11-0; Reps. Richard Booth, Tim Joseph, and Thomas Todd were absent; Michael Lane abstained, stating a separate business connection with the owners of the property), will result in savings to both the County and Foodnet. The purchase price of the property is $300,000. Foodnet's first payment to the County will not be due until March 2004. Contacts: County Attorney Jonathan Wood, 274-5546; Foodnet Director Steve Griffin, 266-9553.

BOARD APPROVES TCAT GRANT
By unanimous vote (12-0; Reps Richard Booth, Tim Joseph, and Thomas Todd were absent), the Board approved a $669,000 state grant to Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit. The funds, which were announced by the New York State Department of Transportation in October 2002, will be allocated to purchase a low-floor diesel bus, and provide upgrades to bus stops and facilities. Contact: Barbara Blanchard, Chair, Public Works Committee, 277-1374.

2003 BOARD MEETING DATES SET
The County legislature will meet in the County Courthouse at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month in 2003, with the exception of the first meeting in November, which has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 5 so as not to fall on election day.
 
 

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