Highlights Of The 1/7/25 Meeting Of The Tompkins County Legislature
Published on January 09, 2025
Appointment of Legislative Chair, Vice Chair for 2025
The Tompkins County Charter calls for the annual review and election of the Legislative Chair. Veronica Pillar (D-Ithaca) nominated Dan Klein (D-Danby) for re-appointment; stating Klein “has done a steady job, is a clear communicator and an excellent listener” as a few reasons for nominating Klein for a second term. This nomination was seconded by Randy Brown (R-Newfield), who echoed Pillar’s sentiments, stating that he “likes his leadership style” and “is honored to nominate him”. No other candidates were nominated. The motion to re-elect Dan Klein for Chair was unanimously adopted.
Travis Brooks (D-Ithaca) nominated Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) to serve as Vice Chair; stating, “I really appreciate Mezey’s willingness to listen, his ability to pivot and take in information from others, to include that in his thought process and decision making.” The nomination was seconded by Amanda Champion (D-Ithaca), who added that Mezey is “detail-oriented, hard working, and would be a great addition to our leadership team this year”. No other candidates were nominated. The motion was carried 12-2, with Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) and Susan Currie (D-Ithaca) opposed.
Dan Klein (D-Danby) and Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) accepted their elected positions. Chairman Klein expressed his sentiments to the members of the legislature, stating that, “My goal is to live up to your expectations”.
Addressing the homelessness crisis in Tompkins County
Public comment was heard from multiple residents bringing forward concerns about the housing and homelessness crisis in Tompkins County. In statements during municipal officials' privilege of the floor, City of Ithaca Common Council Alderman Pierre Saint-Perez expressed the need for support from the County to address housing needs, sharing the development of a City Homelessness Taskforce in the new year. Saint-Perez also discussed short-term rental permitting and enforcement as an element of the City’s plans, as well as city-wide re-zoning.
Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee Shawna Black (D-Ithaca) shared the committee’s interest in exploring alternative methods for obtaining feedback from the community beyond Legislative Public Comment, requesting a report from County Administration and Department of Social Services on the status of developing a Department of Social Services Advisory Board. Chairman Dan Klein (D-Ithaca) shared that the law which mandates the development of this Advisory Board is being reviewed.
Chair of the Housing and Economic Development Committee Greg Mezey (D-Dryden) stated there will be updates provided on local homelessness and housing issues from the Continuum of Care, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and the Code Blue Shelter Services, at their meeting on January 9, 2025.
Chairman Dan Klein (D-Danby) added that Community Recovery Fund Advisory Committee will be hearing a proposal from the Tompkins County Human Services Coalition for designated funds to support individuals in their move to permanent housing that have not yet been utilized as intended.
Among other business
New County Administrator, Korsah Akumfi, joined the County Legislature’s meeting during his first week in the role and received a warm welcome.
Mike Lane (D-Dryden) shared the release of a booklet by the County’s Historical Commission, “William H. Miller, Architect: Making the World Beautiful”, written by Mary Tomlin. The booklet is available at the History Center, and features the local work of William H. Miller, including the William Henry Miller Inn (Ithaca), Cornell’s Uris Library, Southworth Public Library (Dryden), Groton Public Library, as well as private residences.
Chairman Dan Klein (D-Danby) shared that the town of Danby was awarded a Community Development Block Grant from the NYS Office of Homes and Community Renewal, for the amount of $695,000, to be used towards low-moderate income home-owner housing rehabilitation. In 2024, the Tompkins County Legislature had awarded the town of Danby $8,000 to hire a grant writer for the purpose of pursing the CDBG. Chairman Klein stated, “this is excellent news for Danby, and shows what a good investment the county’s $8,000 was.”
Chair of the Public Safety Committee Rich John (D-Ithaca) shared a press release issued by the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office following the death of an inmate at NYS operated MARCY Correctional Facility at the end of December 2024. John echoed the sentiments of Sheriff Osborne, reiterating that “we work really hard in Tompkins County to ensure nothing like this will ever happen”. Several preventative policies and procedures are outlined in the Sheriff’s release, including “Duty to Report”, use of body cameras, commitment to de-escalation training, and more. Sheriff Osborne states in the release, “Our local jail is not associated with the NYS prison system. We are proud of our county-wide approach to alternatives to incarceration, with most of our inmates being housed for very short periods of time.”
Facilities & Infrastructure Chair Lee Shurtleff (R-Groton) shared an announcement from Ithaca Airport regarding resumption of flights to Washington, D.C.
Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee Chair Veronica Pillar (D-Ithaca) shared a call-out to community members to consider joining the committee. To learn more and apply, visit the County Legislature’s Advisory Board web page and download an application.
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