BOARD APPROVES BONDING FOR THREE CAPITAL PROJECTS

The Board of Representatives authorized County Finance Director David Squires to issue bonds for three upcoming capital projects. Squires explained that although he is not necessarily ready to start borrowing, he needs authorization now to start the process in motion. In three resolutions, the Board approved a little over $6 million in bonding for the new Public Library; $862,000 for an expanded Public Works facility to accommodate the Buildings and Grounds Department; and $900,000 for air conditioning in the County Courthouse. Budgets for the latter two projects are not yet finalized, and Squires emphasized that the authorization does not mean he will go to the top limit when the bonds are actually issued. All Board members present (Reps. Daniel Winch and Frank Proto were absent) voted for the measures, except Rep. Nancy Schuler, who voted against bonding for expansion of the existing Public Works facility. Media contacts: Rep. Tim Joseph, 277-2519; Finance Director David Squires, 274-5544.

SCENIC BY-WAY GETS TOMPKINS’ SUPPORT

The Board unanimously supported an effort to gain designation of a travel route around Cayuga Lake as a New York State Scenic By-Way. Two neighboring counties, Cayuga and Seneca, were also urged to pass similar resolutions. Media contacts: Rep. Stuart Stein, 273-3500; County Planning Director James Hanson, 274-5560.

COUNTY GRANTS $6,400 TO LOCAL CELEBRATIONS

The Board approved by a vote of 11-3 (Reps. Tim Joseph, Dooley Kiefer, and Nancy Schuler voted no; Rep. Frank Proto was absent) a total of $6,400 in grants to local communities and organizations for celebrations. Recipients of the grants, which range from $400 to $1,000 each, are the Town of Danby, Slaterville Fire Company, Jacksonville Community Association, Newfield Old Home Days, Ithaca Festival, Human Rights Banquet, Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Southside Community Center, and the Multicultural Resource Center. Media contact: Rep. Stuart Stein, 273-3500.

FUNDS APPROVED FOR NEW WEAPONS FOR CORRECTIONS OFFICERS

The Board voted 12-2 (Reps. Michael Lane and Dooley Kiefer voted no; Rep. Frank Proto was absent) to allocate $78,631 for replacement of handguns carried by corrections officers at the County jail. The old and in some cases dangerously worn-out revolvers will be replaced with modern handguns. The allocation includes the cost of training with the new weapons. Media contacts: Rep. Charles Evans, 273-5488; Sheriff Peter Meskill, 257-1345.

DEVELOPMENT FIRM BUYS ELMIRA ROAD PROPERTY

County Attorney Henry Theisen announced that Widewaters Group. Inc., of Syracuse, has exercised an option to buy from the County a parcel of land on Elmira Road in the City of Ithaca. Widewaters paid the County $5,000 a year for the option to buy, which was set to expire June 30. Widewaters will pay the County a previously agreed-upon purchase price of $125,000 for the property. Media contact: Henry Theisen, 274-5546.