HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03 A Newsletter for y Tompkins County • Employees and Retirees C F F' C FS March, 2006 Volume 18, Number 1 New Legislators Settle In After Ilcurs Seven newly elected County Legislators were sworn in on January 3, 2006. They have quickly been incorporated into the organization and are Health Sanitarian by now starting to meet staff and visit departments. Five of the newcomers — Dennis, Randall, Shinagawa, Sigler, and Stevenson — recently visited a Day; Actress at Night! Department Head meeting. In addition to the news that Mike Sigler and The play is called "Pirates of Pink his family own five dogs (a Rotweiler, a Great Dane, and three Chihua- Pants and the Murder of Jolly huas), here are some of the thoughts the new Legislators expressed: Roger," which is kind of a tip -off that Mike Sigler, R, District 6, Lansing, said he has concerns it's not high drama. Jane Daum, by day a Public Health Sanitarian about the sewer and water infrastructure in his district whose main job is inspecting food and about the condition of all County roads. He is also service establishments in t concerned about rapidly increasing assessments and Tompkins County, is also an actress v property taxes. His goal is to hold property taxes at their in a murder mystery dinner theater s .,F present level and to help keep an eye on future expenses. in Corning. In "Pirates of Pink Pants Mike is Vice -Chair of the Government Operations Com- etc." Jane plays a woman disguised mittee and also serves on the Budget Committee. as a man, for reasons that will un- it it Stevenson, D, District 8, Newfield /Enfield, has been a career action dfy be made clear as the firefighter for 18 years and has worked in emergency services since high action unfolds. school. He has family ties to agriculture and is interested in supporting Jane is originally from Oshkosh, farmers in his district and throughout the county. He is concerned about Wisconsin and has worked at the the high cost of taxes in the county and how it affects residents' ability to Health Department for more than continue to live here. Greg is on the Government Operations, Health and five years. She is quite immersed Human Services, and Strategic Planning committees. in the theater. She has acted in over Nathan (Nate) Sh, D, 4, , a dozen plays since high school, sents a densely populated district made up of long -time and has also been a stage man : large student population. Nate will rep- ager and director. She has also residents and a re them both, he inagawa said. R ecentl y District a student City himself . "worked the light board, done props Nate has permanent roots in the area his family lives in and sound, and designed and con - - Ulysses. He would like to see a continued leveling off of structed sets, she says. County property taxes and a balance between growth (continued on page 4) and insuring a Tong -term sustainable vision. Nate is Vice - Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee and is a member of 1 NSI F the Budget Committee, and Facilities and Infrastructure Committee. From the County Administrator 2 (continued on page 5) Then and Now: Public Works 2 Transitions: Irene Stein Retires 3 March ... / �T��YL� j Celebration of Success Poetry Slam 4 ( 1 Puzzler 4 (If \ \‘' »a New Legislators, continued 5 (� \�� R Notices &Announcements 5 Annals of Customer Service 5 r -- 1 ' Health & Wellness 6 / �1 „ III Union News 7 Bus Pass Follow -Uo 7 New Name for Corridors? 7 11° County Chitchat? The Informant? Or good old Corridors? Correction 8 • Vote on the name -- Page 7 Classified Ads 8 g Funny Bones 8 2 A Note from the This car is more like a space ship than a car. I guess County Administrator I'm showing my age, but I learned to put my tr For many years I have driven a small car, which met knobs. Now all the friendly knobs are gone, repl every need I could imagine, but the cars around me by buttons and interactive systems that do far more seem to be constantly growing as more people drive than I can even imagine. For example, the mirror large SUV -type vehicles. My annoyance at having to has buttons that open my garage door and will turn keep up a constant vigil watching out for these outsized on the lights in my house. That is, if I can ever figure behemoth vehicles ( "OBV "s) has been somewhat offset out how to program it. by the knowledge that, with soaring gas prices, at least The biggest challenge is dealing with something the cost of operating these monsters is being felt by called "bluetooth" technology. This system allows the the owners. radio in my car to interact with my cell phone, which Last fall the Federal Government somehow saw fit to I had to replace to go with the car. Now the car is balance the existing accelerated depreciation supposed to know that a call is coming in, mute the allowances for the "OBV "s with a tax credit for radio, identify who is calling, and answer the call! alternative fuel vehicles. A little quick math led me to The younger generation deals with these new the conclusion that this was a great time for me to trade technologies without a thought, but I wonder if I will in my hybrid - electric vehicle (HEV) for a newer one master my car before it is time to get a new one The car I ended up with was not what I int ed, which I am sure will drive from point A to point B with but kind of fun. It's "Barcelon a simple voice command. Red instead of the more `' �� '�"° ma On another note, I would like to wish Wendy Skinner conservative "Pearl Mist" I „z expected, and it's equipped �� . `_ .-' the best of luck at TCAT after serving many years �.; `x . ?;.: as our Public Information Officer and as my very with some very strange i t a y y stuff. The red I am getting valued advisor. Wendy, thanks for your dedication, used to, the equipment true caring and excellent work. I am sure you wi is still giving me pause. ® very well at TCAT. We will miss you greatly. — Steve Whicher Ieunion Public Works "Old Gang” Gets Together 41, . ifi 4 By Cheryl Nelson, Public Works Administrator it : On December 1, 2005 a reunion - , , Y luncheon was held with the "old gang" ; , ; �: of Public Works division managers. trZz w Former Commissioner of Public � � � �' �� Works, Bill Mobbs, suggested that the group meet to catch up with each other, and the holiday season seemed af' ° I t like the right time. The last time the 4 . ° i group got together was on December � �° } 21, 1998. It was great hearing about ? ' t, families, children that have grown, s " careers, chat about the past, and ,�., " '" - ► 1 _:11 hopes for the future.' DECEMBER 2005. Standing, L- R: Bill Mobbs (retired, formerly the Com- If you have been wanting get in touch missioner of Public Works now working for C &S Engineers), Dwight Me with former co- workers or friends, (TCAT), Jim Kazda (formerly Sr. Civil Engineer now working for Cornel maybe this will inspire you to give citifies). Seated, L -R: Barbara Eckstrom (Solid Waste Manager), Ward Hungerford (retired, formerly County Highway Manager now independent con - them a call. Time passes too quickly sultant), Cheryl Nelson (Public Works Administrator), Arel LeMaro (Facili- to put it off! ties Manager), and Bob Nicholas (Airport Manager). 1 3 1m Transitions OFA Director Irene Stein Retires By Lisa Holmes, Aging Services Planner Irene Stein, long -time Director of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging and stalwart advocate of senior citizens, retired at the end of February. Irene worked for the County for 20 years, first as the Office for Aging's Planner in 1985, and then as the Director since May 1992. During her tenure at COFA, Irene brought with her an era of assessment, evaluation and Tong -range planning of services for seniors, exploring community needs and making continuous .,. strides for improvement. Not only have Tompkins County seniors benefited from her efforts, Irene has also shared her expertise statewide and <.° nationally, participating as a delegate at two White House "4114kit Conferences on Aging. When asked about her experiences, Irene mused, "Tompkins County has been a great employer, and being the Director of the Office for the Aging has been a very rewarding job. I've had the best job of anybody I know!" We will miss her presence here in the Courthouse basement; however, we know we will be seeing her around town, active in WI ntless other endeavors. In the coming months, a civil service exam is scheduled for the position, and a search be conducted to hire a permanent Office for Aging Director by the summer of 2006. Lisa Holmes is COFA Interim Director Beginning March 1, Lisa Holmes will be acting as Interim Director of the Office for the Aging. Lisa has F` been the Planner at COFA since 1998. King Houston Heads to Arizona King Houston, who worked for Information Technoligy Health Department News Service for ten years, has left the County for a sunnier The Health Department has welcomed several new climate. King will start his retirement in a new home that was just completed for him in Arizona. King was employees, Director Alice Cole reports. actively involved with the Finger Lakes Independence Center in Ithaca, and enjoys spending time with his Ted Halpin is the new Bioterrorism Preparedness daughter and grandchildren. Best wishes, King! Coordinator, and Dain Lindquist is the new Director of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Gail Birnbaum, Kim Hamilton, and Tiffany Putnam - Northrup Wendy Skinner Gets on the Bus have joined the roster as Community Health Nurses. After working for the County for eight years, two Former BT Coordinator Carol Griep, who left the County months, and 29 days (but who's counting ?), Public briefly, is back, also as a Community Health Nurse; Information Officer Wendy Skinner has hopped on the and Mary Ridley has moved from the Department of bus to go work for TCAT, Inc. where she will be Emergency Response to work at Health as an Manager of Communications and Marketing. While Administrative Assistant. W has enjoyed working for the County, the mission TCAT more closely fits her personal goals, says There have also been two promotions recently. Deb Wendy. To all her co- workers, she says: "Part of my Thomas and Roseanne Lahr were both promoted from job at TCAT will be customer service, so please let Community Health Nurse to Team Leader. Also worthy me know what your experience riding the bus is like." of note is Physical Therapist Carol Franco's 35 years Wendy says thanks to everyone for their smiles. as a County employee as of January 13, 2006. — 4 E414 - -- - -- – Celebration of Success: Recognizing the Achievements 0 ; r I' RY of Independent Youth 1 1b The Celebration of Success is a ceremony to '�� celebrate the accomplishments of the youth who Till participate in the Life Skills Program run by the / Tompkins County Department of Social Services ' �ua`..,.<:, ? n • m Youth and Family Services Unit. The program 1 provides a series of classes and one -on -one � t tke � ► ve- i ? . training and support for Tompkins County youth to help prepare them for independent living. Bring your creative talent to . Applications due by Beverly J. Martin The event celebrates the hard work and 1 April 14, 2006 accomplishments of this group of youth. It Elementary School P g p Y ; Send applications to on April 28th 2006 for a Poetry promotes self- esteem and a feeling that the j Carol Purcell Slam to beat all Slam's! community appreciates and acknowledges the 320 W. State St. work that goes into overcoming barriers to Ithaca, NY 14850 1 7pm - 9pm I success that these youth face. It educates the community to their accomplishments and . For more involves adult supporters in the ongoing effort of information the youth to reach their goals. The event is very Call 607-274-5325 following locations: Y 9 rY Tompkins County Human Services Building similar to awards banquets that are often held in 320 W. State St, Ithaca NY schools. It provides gift certificates, food, Youth Advocate Program decorations and more for approximately 35 youth, it PRIL 28, 200 910 West State St, Ithaca, NY ages 14 – 21 and guests. Last June was our . : King David's celebration, and the youth were appreciative. ' `a r?y "Center Ithaca" on The Commons want to make this an annual event and have slo.00 Ithaca, NY scheduled the 2006 celebration for June 9. Application for ages 13 -18 or sls.00 www.celebrationofsuccess.homestead.com The Youth and Family Services Unit is fundraising Applicati ages 18 for this event. Our upcoming Poetry Slam, April "Poetry is the language in which man explores Iris own amazement." 28,at the Beverly J. Martin School, is open to the Christopher Fry public. Bring your creative talents! Pass the word and enter to present your poetry. Actress at Night (continued from page 1) If that's not enough, Jane is also a clown. "Jangle," a character she first developed as a teenager, has made appearances at birthday parties, company picnics, and a Health Department holiday party. Jane is a member ,�,� 0 of Lake Community Players, ; ,. , :-~ k based in Watkins Glen. She's , ,�� :: also part of a troupe called the �`� ', Market Street Irregulars that does t dinner theater in the Cornin �`$ Area Her upcoming perfor- "; '- . mance is at Fat Cats Jazz Club .4 *v,, ` 3 in Corning, where the show will t be playing every Friday night .: ,., now through March 24. - LEFT Jane Daum-Oliver the pris- � :� • . oner of pirates in a funny spoof she a describes as `Pirates of Penzance meets Monty Python." 5 i New Legislators (continued from page 1) Notices & Announcements • Dennis, D, District 1, Ulysses, is a recently -re- Foster Care /Adoption information Meetings tired schoolteacher who served on the Ithaca Com- mon Council in the 1970s and `80s. His top interests in For anyone who may be considering becoming a foster County government are assessment, public health, and parent or adoptive parent and wants more information, public safety. He is not a micro - manager, he said, and Tompkins County Department of Social Services will hold confidence in the professionalism of the DH. Jim chairs informational meetings at the Human Services Building, the new Personnel Committee. He is also a member Room 142, 320 W. State St., Ithaca, NY on March 9, of Planning Committe and the Library Committee. 2006 and April 13, 2006 from 12:00 to 1:00. (These informational meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of Duane (Tyke) Randall, R, District 9, Groton, /Dryden/ the month. Tompkins County Youth Services is also Lansing, said that his biggest concern is affordable looking for Host Homes for teenagers for short-term housing, particularly in the rural areas of the county. respite. Please call 274 -5266 for more information. He hopes to apply a lifetime of experience in the con- struction industry to helping solve the problem. He Classes for Prospective Foster brings to the Legislature a pro- active rural voice, he or Adoptive Parents said. He is also interested in holding spending and taxes Tompkins County Department of Social Services will down. Tyke is Chair of the Facilities and Infrastructure hold certification /approval classes for prospective Committee and also serves on the Government Op- foster /adoptive parents starting Thursday, March 16th erations, and Planning committees. from 6:00 -9:00 and running for 11 weeks at the Hu- man Services Building, Beverly Livesay Conference Although Legislators Mackesey and Hattery were un- Room (1st floor), 320 W. State St., Ithaca, NY. For able to attend the Department Head meeting, here is a more information or to register for these classes, 'little information about each of them. please call Judy Voorheis at 274 -5266. ° °° Pamela Mackesey, D, District 1, City. From Pam's website: "Pam Annals of Customer Service: What's the • Mackesey has lived in Ithaca for over Geographic Center of Tompkins Count 35 years. She graduated from the Cornell School of Industrial and La- An e -mail came in recently from a citizen ask - bor Relations and worked in labor or ing for the location of the geographic center of ganizing and education for many Tompkins County. GIS wizard Sharon Heller said years. Most recently Pam has she could figire that out in a jif." Sharon very worked as a substitute school- quickly determined that the center is "in the park - teacher, which [gave] her the flexibility to serve her ing lot of the Cornell Equine Metabolism Unit just second term on Common Council." Pam is Vice -Chair off 366 across from the orchards." of the Budget Committee and is on the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee and the Personnel Committee. Michael Hattery, R, District 14, Dryden /Freeville, comes to County governmetnt with 15 years' experi- ence in village and town govern - ment. Mike was a Village of Dryden : Trustee for 13 years, 11 of which he also served Deputy Mayor. Most > ° recentyl, Mike was on the Dryden Town Board. His website cites him as `working ... to keep tax increases below the rate of r n while making needed capital investments." is on the staff of Cornell's Local Government Pro- — I gram; he holds a masters degree in public administra- I tion. Mike serves on the Public Safety, Health and Hu- I man Services, and Strategic Planning Committees. Now 6 Itrl & Wellness in this study was evert more modest than cull" FLIC Offers "Try-It" Room Federal guidelines of 30 minutes or more of moderate for Assistive Devices physical activity five or more days a week, suggesting that following current recommendations could yield The Finger Lakes Independence Center has a "Try - even greater cost savings. It room that allows interested citizens to discover new assistive devices that may help in your everyday The study found that physically active people had fewer activities. The use of assistive devices can help hospital stays and physician visits and used less anyone in daily living activities. Visit the Try-It room medication than physically inactive people. The cost for an explanation of each device, what it is used for, savings were consistent for men and women, for those who would use it, and how to use it. Much of the with and without physical limitations, and even for equipment is available for a two -week loan period. smokers and nonsmokers. The Try-It! Room is open 9 a.m to 5 p.m., Monday The biggest difference in direct medical costs was through Friday, at FLIC, 215 Fifth Street, Ithaca. Call among women 55 and older, supporting the widely to confirm: 272 -2433. held belief that the potential gain associated with physical activity is especially high for older women. Study Reports that Physically Active The authors state that "a population -wide strategy might People Have Lower Medical Costs produce cost savings among most adult age groups." The benefits of moderate physical activity are well "We must make it easier for people to be active," said known: lowered risk for heart attack and stroke, Dr. Koplan. "We need to make a serious national effort reducing weight, and improving mood. Researchers to promote physical activity and support changes in the at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention environment that get people moving again. "Cha s (CDC) recently documented another major advantage that promote physical activity may be as simp — improving the health of the Nation's health care improving the location and appearance of stairwel s to expenditures. A study in the October issue of The encourage walking at work or as complex as the Physician and Sportsmedicine found that physically redesign of communities." active individuals had lower annual direct medical costs than did inactive people. The cost difference Some communities have existing infrastructure that was $330 per person, based on 1987 dollars. supports physical activity, such as sidewalks and bicycle trails, and work - sites, schools, and shopping The potential savings if all inactive American adults areas in close proximity to residential areas. In many became physically active could be $29.2 billion in 1987 other areas, such community amenities need to be dollars, or $76.6 billion in 2000 dollars.This is the first developed to foster walking and cycling as a regular study ever to examine direct medical costs associated part of daily activity. with various levels of physical activity by reviewing actual medical expenditures. Previous studies in the field have — The above article was posted on the "Worksite used estimates to project the economic costs of Wellness for Tompkins County" website, which is . physical inactivity. The CDC researchers ... found that linked from the employee Intranet. Americans 15 years and older who engaged in regular physical activity –at least 30 minutes of moderate or County Employees Can strenuous physical activity three or more times a week– - - had average annual direct medical costs of $1,019 Get a Rebate on Health ;. . versus costs of $1,349 for those who were inactive. Club Membership Personsy were excluded from the study. This study �F •a �= has significant implications, Did know you can said Jeffrey Koplan, M.D., you Y get r .:, M.P.H Director of CDC. "It suggests that we can make up to $150 from the sfrp. a major impact on reducing health care costs by County to help pay for a 3 ; encouraging regular physical activity. The amount fitness facility member- ��� " Ate . of physical activity required to make a difference is ship? Check out the form reasonable and well within the reach of most posted on the Intranet. Americans." The level of physical activity measured 7 N IJnicn News early Retirement Incentive - Is it a potential reality in Tompkins County? Excerpt from Jan. 20, 2006 NYSAC "Weekly Wire:" In order to participate, an employee must be at least 50 years old and have at least 10 years of service esek The ( New York State) budget credit. Benefit reduction provisions will be in effect for proposal includes language any individual electing to retire under the incentive, to authorize an early who has not reached the age or service level plateau retirement incentive option for counties. County contained in their Tier or special retirement plan. employees who are members of the New York State Police and Fire Retirement System and elected Participating counties will not be required to abolish officials are not eligible to participate. positions targeted for the early retirement, but will be required to demonstrate a savings of at least 50% of The proposal will require counties to enact a local the base salary of the participating employee in the law or resolution by August 31, 2006 authorizing the subsequent 2 years. county to offer an early retirement incentive to eligible employees. The Incentive will provide one month's Employers will begin paying the cost of the incentive additional service credit for each year of service up in SFY 2007 -08, for a period not to exceed 5 years. to a maximum of 3 years to employees opting to The State Comptroller's fiscal note estimates the cost participate. of the incentives to be 60% of the final average salary of the participating employees. Upon enactment of a law or resolution participating counties must offer their employees a window of If this might affect you, I urge you to stay on top of the opportunity to participate of between 30 and 90 days. enactment dates and window of opportunity periods. The window cannot be extended beyond December 0 2006. David Chase, President, CSEA Local 855 Bus Pass Follow -Up New Name for Corridors? Katy Prince's article in the December 2005 issue of County Corridors has sparked internal discussion of Check your preference, or send us an e-mail the County's bus pass policy, which - as Katy pointed at Corridors@tompkins- co.org out - does not seem to treat all employees equally. Downtown workers can apply for a free TCAT pass Bright Side (because of a historic plan to relieve parking conges- tion), but other workers have to pay for bus fare to and _ Sunny Side of theStreet from work. The policy also seems out of synch with County Chit Chat increasing fuel costs and release of greenhouse gas emissions caused by automobile use. County Community County Clarion The issue has received quite a bit of attention, both at The Informant the administrative and Legislative committee level. Various options, costs, and partnership opportunities Keeping inTouch are being examined. The committee where these is- Tompkins Tattler sues will be discussed is Government Operations, - chaired by Kathy Luz Herrera. The Legislature Heard and Seen office staff can inform inter- 1 - . County Connections ested employees on the -- ) � eting times and ac- / < /( . )� County Corridors of this committee. (I \j,/ • tact Cathy Co- \ Watch for the results in the vent, 274-5434. I next issue of [ ?] 4 _./ ( \ o .irop• 8 CldssiIied it _ 's RANI' BONES , Acif\ For Sale: 1996 Honda Magma motorcycle - 750 cc - yellow Top Ten Signs your Co-work€410 with a custom paint job on the gas tank - new tires and battery - saddle bags - comes with 2 wind shields - 30,000 is a Computer Hacker + miles - excellent condition - $1,500 or bo. Have pictures. 10. You ticked him off once and your next Lorraine Steele (DSS - CPS) 607 - 330 -3517. phone bill was $20,000. For Sale: Area rug 8' x 11'. Light beige background with 9. He's won the Publisher's Clearing House green and rose southwestern patterning — asking $75.00. sweepstakes three years running. Inversion Table — Back support equipment — New $200.00 8. When asked for his phone number, he gives it in — asking $175.00 Indoor bike spinner — excellent condition, hex. used one season — Brand - Mag 850, Minoura — Asking $150.00 Call 539 — 6756, all above prices are negotiable 7. Seems strangely calm whenever the office LAN within reason. goes down. 6. Somehow he /she gets HBO on his PC at work. For Sale: 1998 Ski -Doo MX2 440 - $1,500.00. 2001 Ski- 5. Mumbled, "Oh, puh- leeez" 95 times during the Doo MX2 700 (only 450 miles) - $3,500. OR $4,500 for movie "The Net" both. Call Norm at (607) 227 -0863. 4. Massive RRSP contribution made in half -cent Dog Dayz Inn — A place where your dog feels "at home ". increments. Located in North Lansing. Contact Sandy Strehle at 315- 3. Video dating profile lists "public -key encryption" 497 -3467 or dogdayzinn @yahoo.com http: // amongturn -ons www.dogdayzinn.com 2. When his computer starts up, you hear, "Good Morning, Mr. President." Tastefully Simple The food you love, the time you 1. You hear him murmur, "Let's see you use that Visa deserve. Home taste testing parties. For more info, host a party, look at a catalog or place an order, please call Rhonda card now, jerk." • Grier at 607- 589 -6156 or email at rhonda0503@yahoo.com Just one taste and you'll be hooked!! Corridors is printed on 30% recyled paper. For Rent: One - bedroom apartment. Completely furnished TCE COI I IIDCIPS 11 f,AM and decorated - all utilities included — located off Rte. 13 - between Etna and Dryden. - on the bus line - $500 monthly Managing Editor - no pets - no smoking. Call Jami @ 592 -9804 L Short, SW Mgmt Division Editorial Staff Geri Lockwood, Highway For Sale - 60" Sylvania rear projection TV with remote Sara Stark, DSS control - $300. Call Roger @ 387 -5288 after 5PM. Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk Debra Patterson, DSS VCR and remote for sale - $25.00 or best offer.For more Open information, please call (607) 272 -8243. Classifieds Editor Open Nic's Kids Funcare - Licensed Home Daycare. Trained Multicultural Editor First Aid / CPR / MAT (medicine administering). Groton Open schools. Call Nicole at (607) 898 -5976. Advising Editor, Page Layout Wendy Skinner, Public Information Contributors Truck bed tonneau cover - Fits 97 -03 Ford F -150 short All County Employees and Retirees box (6 foot). May fit other makes and models. Black and is in very good condition - $75.00. Call 532 - 8975. CONTACT CORRIDORS: Got a story, event, picture, useful info, compliment or complaint? E -mail: Corridors @tompkins - co.org or call Linnett, 273 -6632. P CORRECTION: Our apologies to readers for an ` S , i error in the December 2005 County Corridors. R tiring District Attorney George Dentes' tenure / , , Tompkins County was 16 years. Please let us know about any errors or oversights you spot, so we may correct them as soon as possible.