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County Legislature Highlights |
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by Marcia E. Lynch
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Friday, 05 February 2010 |
 Legislature Concludes Update of Legislative Rules and Procedures
The Legislature completed the process begun a year ago to review and revise the rules and procedures of the Legislature. After more than an hour of thoughtful discussion, Legislators updated a dozen rules of the Legislature, not previously considered during the special review process undertaken in 2009.
The final vote on the rules changes was 11-4, with Legislators Jim Dennis, Pat Pryor, Pam Mackesey, and Leslyn McBean-Clairborne voting no. Much of the discussion focused on new language recommended by the special Legislative Rules and Procedures Committee governing use of electronic devices during meetings.
By a split 8-7 vote, language ultimately was added that supported some
guidelines on use of electronic devices in meetings, incorporating the
provision that legislators be expected to remain engaged with topics
under discussion and avoid activities which divert their attention and
are distracting to others. By a 9-6 vote, Legislators removed language
that indicated that any electronic or handwritten communications sent
during meetings are subject to the Freedom of Information Law.
It was suggested that language should more properly a take the form of
a reminder sent legislators, not a rule of the Legislature. Before
adoption of the changes, Legislators, by a vote of 10-5, also struck
proposed language that would have specified as part of the rules that
members are expected to remain in the room when a vote is to be taken.
Among other business, the Legislature
- Heard a presentation from Finance Director David Squires
regarding distribution of County sales tax, including the Municipal
Sales Tax Agreement with the City of Ithaca, in place since 1992. That
agreement provides compensation on behalf of the City to agencies that
provide a benefit to not only City residents, but also County residents
who reside outside City limits.
- Approved appointments to the Industrial Development Agency,
to serve at the pleasure of the Legislature. Appointed were
Legislators Nathan Shinagawa, Will Burbank, James Dennis, and Chair
Martha Robertson; with the appointments of at-large members Jeff Furman
and Dan Cogan, and Larry Baum (representing the Tompkins County Area
Development Board of Directors) reaffirmed. Appointments were approved
by a vote of 14-1. Legislator Leslyn McBean-Clairborne dissenting.
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