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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-COW STUDY SESSION-2024-03-20Date: Location: Wednesday March 20, 2024 City Hall Council Chambers COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE STUDY SESSION VOTING RECORD 1.Call To Order 1.1 Emergency Evacuation 1.2 Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes. Attendance Record of Voting Members Name Present Absent/Excused Mayor - Robert Cantelmo X 1st Ward - Kayla Matos X 1st Ward - Phoebe Brown X 2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen X 2nd Ward - Kris Haines-Sharp X 3rd Ward - David Shapiro X 3rd Ward - Pierre Saint-Perez X 4th Ward - Patrick Kuehl X 4th Ward - Tiffany Kumar X 5th Ward - Margaret Fabrizio X 5th Ward - Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Meeting is called to order. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=sRTvsD05wSc Timestamp 0:34 The Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting was called to order. Alderperson Kuehl and Alderperson Lederman will be joining late. Mayor Cantelmo announced there is an open house scheduled on April 3rd from 5pm to 7pm for a paving and safety improvement project along State Route 1334 and State Route 96, being held at Ithaca Highschool in room K128. Timestamp 1:00 Discussion Summary: The Emergency Evacuation notice was read for members of the public by Mayor Robert Cantelmo. Timestamp 1:49 Agenda item 2.6 DRI Consultant Funding is being moved right after agenda item 2.1 Downtown Plan Public Outreach Intro to allow Deputy Director for Economic Development Tom Knipe to present both items in a row. Timestamp 2:31 Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo moved to review and approve minutes from the 2-21-2024 COW Meeting. Alderperson Lederman is present for the vote. Timestamp 2:58 2.Agenda Planning 2.1 Downtown Plan Public Outreach Introduction 2.2 DRI Consultant Funding Moved By: Kris Haines-Sharp Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to review and approve the 2-21-2024 COW Study Session Minutes. Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Lisa Nicholas Director of Planning and Development and Senior Planner Yamila Fournier gave a presentation on the upcoming Outreach activities for the Downtown Plan covering background information, why the plan was paused due to the pandemic, and how to participate in the outreach activities. https://cityofithaca- my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/yfournier_cityofithaca_org/EU6llrHjLchPisEAaLJeIC0BiUo0zXpcr47t0OGxopuAfA? e=pe5lJr Timestamp 3:36 Discussion Summary: Tom Knipe is joined by Nan Rohrer CEO of Downtown Ithaca Alliance to take questions. The Planning and Economic Development Department is asking for funding to support a grant writing consultant to help the city develop its 2024 Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The City has applied 6 times previously and has been unsuccessful each time. Deputy Director of Economic Development Tom Knipe expressed that hiring a grant consultant to help with this year's application will give the city it's best shot at being awarded the $10 Million Grant to support the revitalization of the greater downtown Ithaca. Timestamp 13:36 All in Favor of bringing forth a Resolution for DRI Consultant Funding to Council's April 3rd Common Council Meeting. Carried 11-0 Timestamp 42:11 2.3 Amendment to Personnel Roster- Grant Administrator 2.4 Amendment to Personnel Roster- Administrative Assistant-Building Division Discussion Summary: The Resolution has been drafted for the Grant Administrator position. This position is funded in the 2024 Budget. This position is proposed to support the entire city organization with grant writing and research. The next action would be adding this position to the personnel roster within the Planning Department. Timestamp 42:32 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Move Item to Council April 3rd Agenda. Alderperson Kuehl asked to add an additional whereas to include data on other cities that have hired a grant coordinator. Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Ducson Nguyen Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Administrative Assistant to Building Division refer to Consent Agenda. Timestamp 58:53 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously 2.5 Intermunicipal Agreement for Building Inspection Services 2.6 Amendment to Personnel Roster - DPW - Civil Engineer Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Moved as item 2.6. Timestamp 1:05:10 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: Motion to move Intermunicipal Agreement for Building Inspection Services to 4-3-2024 Council Consent Agenda Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Alderperson Kumar summarized and read resolve. Unintentionally skipped over item Administrative Assistant to Intermunicipal Agreement (Item 2.5) read Resolve for Civil Engineer (Item 2.6). Mayor instructed to proceed. Brief discussion and background summary given by Superintendent Mike Thorne Timestamp 1:00:35 Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez 2.7 Legislative Priorities 3.Reports From Committee/Commissions 4.Meeting Wrap-Up Motion Summary: Vote -0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to move to Consent Agenda. Vote 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Council provided an overview of the strategic themes and elaborated for the public as to why the themes were selected, how council arrived at selected themes, and how themes will be used to guide future work. Timestamp 1:07:09 Discussion Summary: Alderperson Kumar reported on the first Working meeting with the Public Works Oversight Committee. Alderperson reported the meeting was productive. The Committee wants to figure out the best way forward to accomplish the goals of efficiency, Council prerogative over infrastructure, expertise and adequate public. A input. A formal report to council will be coming soon. Timestamp 2:14:15 Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo asked for a motion to adjourn the Committee of the Whole to go into a Special Meeting for an Executive Session. Timestamp 2:17:20 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kris Haines-Sharp Motion Summary: Motion to Adjourn Committee of Whole Study Session. Timestamp 5.Executive Session 2:17:31 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: March 20th 2024 Special Meeting of Common Council Called to Order. Timestamp 2:17:44 Council will be moving into an Executive Session with a prospective voting item coming out this session. Timestamp 2:17:58 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Motion to Enter into Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter. Timestamp 2:18:13 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: Motion to exit executive Session. Timestamp 2:37:33 6.Meeting Adjourn. Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Clyde Lederman Motion Summary: Appointment of Human Resources Director Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: Motion to Adjourn Special Meeting of Common Council. Timestamp 2:38:59 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE STUDY SESSION AGENDA Date:Wednesday March 20, 2024 Time:6:00 PM Location:City Hall Council Chambers Watch Online:https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings No Public Comments 1. Call To Order 1.1. Emergency Evacuation 1.2. Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes. 2. Agenda Planning 2.1. Downtown Plan Public Outreach Introduction 2.2. Amendment to Personnel Roster- Grant Administrator 2.3. Amendment to Personnel Roster- Administrative Assistant-Building Division 2.4. Intermunicipal Agreement for Building Inspection Services 2.5. Amendment to Personnel Roster - DPW - Civil Engineer 2.6. DRI Consultant Funding 2.7. Legislative Priorities 3. Reports From Committee/Commissions 4. Meeting Wrap-Up 1. Announcements- Council will be entering into an Executive Session 2. Next Meeting- Special Council Meeting following Executive Session and Adjournment. 5. Executive Session Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Matter. Special Council Meeting will be held to vote on the matter. 6. Meeting Adjourn. Not all meetings have a Public Comment segment. The City of Ithaca wants to hear from you! You are encouraged to share your thoughts with Common Council using the options below: To Submit Written Comments please use the link below. https://tinyurl.com/mr9kdhw8 *Written comments submitted will be compiled and entered into the record. CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Mayor Cantelmo DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes. CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Vote to approve 02-21-2024 COW Study Session Meeting Minutes 3 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Yamila Fournier DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:Downtown Plan Public Outreach Introduction CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM The Planning Department, working together with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) and a community Advisory Committee including some Common Council members, have drafted a Downtown Neighborhood Plan with recommendations to guide the next 10-15 years of Downtown Ithaca’s priorities. In April, the Planning Department will do outreach to solicit public feedback about the drafted plan. This update will serve to inform Common Council members about the content and extent of the Plan and will enlist members to ensure their constituencies are informed. 4 All Downtown Plan Recommendations as of February 2024. The Planning Department, working together with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) and a community Advisory Committee including some Common Council members, have drafted a Downtown Neighborhood Plan with recommendations to guide the next 10-15 years of Downtown Ithaca’s priorities. The Downtown Neighborhood Plan covers the Downtown Core, the West State Street Corridor, and the West End, as illustrated in this map: All recommendations are sorted into the following chapters, though many overlap: 2.0 Land Use 3.0 Economic Development 4.1 Housing 4.2 Historic Preservation 4.3 Public Safety 4.4 Physical Infrastructure 4.5 Health, Wellness, Support 5.0 Mobility & Transportation 6.1 Natural Resources 6.2 Cultural Resources 7.1 Energy 7.2 Water Resources & Stormwater Management 5 Red = Define, will add this term to a Glossary A. Create regulations that ensure seamless transitions between our high-density areas and lower-density zones. B. Encourage developments to include through block non-vehicular crossings in the West End to connect blocks between Meadow and Fulton Streets. C. Create design guidelines for the West End that establish material recommendations but still allow for creativity. D. Create requirements to make appropriately wide accommodations for sidewalks and green space, including tree lawns and green infrastructure, on private property if they do not exist on public land. E. Explore zoning options to increase density in the West End and other areas. F. Preserve and improve access to the Six Mile Creek corridor as a major amenity and pedestrian/bike connection connecting downtown to recreation, nearby southside neighborhood, and shopping. G. Work with property owners to support and encourage redevelopment of parcels that could support more density. H. Evaluate and amend, if necessary, boundaries and definitions in the Street Level Active Use Overlay Zone. I. Evaluate zoning codes to see if there are any obstacles to encouraging District Energy Networks or other goals of the 2030 Climate Action Plan. J. Explore form-based code in the downtown area. K. Explore zoning tools to encourage and incentivize Affordable housing. L. Develop targeted strategies to address chronically vacant and distressed properties in the downtown study area. A. Work with community partners to ensure the success of the Ithaca Downtown Conference Center, promote tourism, and expand downtown tourism offerings, including events. B. Support retail growth and implement recommendations of the 2024 Retail Study to attract targeted retail and service business types including family- and student- oriented entertainment and businesses that provide daily necessities and amenities to downtown residents. C. Implement the Small-Scale Manufacturing Action Plan through targeted financial support, technical assistance, and marketing. 6 D. Encourage new food businesses through shared commercial kitchens, food halls, and other resources that build on downtown’s established international food culture and nighttime economy. E. Explore options for a business improvement district or similar system for the West End and West State Street. F. Utilize existing state and local incentives (including CIITAP) and explore new incentives for promoting target uses in the established Density District. G. Focus attention and resources on the retention of bricks and mortar businesses downtown. H. Invest in pedestrian and vehicular wayfinding, branded mini-districts, and cohesive marketing to make downtown navigation easier. I. Conduct a study of the current supply of vacant office space to determine right-sizing. J. Understand and meet the needs of Downtown’s residents as we continue to densify the area. K. Encourage the development of childcare facilities and child-friendly spaces to support downtown workers and families. Our vision for a vibrant, dense downtown includes building more units at every price point and increasing the kinds of amenities that make downtown living desirable. A. Explore incentives, partnerships, and policies that facilitate the construction of non- market rate housing in the downtown core where land and construction costs are the highest. B. Support policies and initiatives that improve the livability of the West End to attract a variety of housing types that serve a wide range of incomes, including adequate staffing to ensure the success of those initiatives. C. Explore mechanisms and incentives to encourage the conversion of vacant downtown office space to housing. D. Redevelop the Seneca Street Parking Garage site to include housing, public parking, and other compatible uses. A. Update the Reconnaissance Level Survey of Historic Resources for the downtown study area to ensure all resources that possess architectural, cultural, or historic value are identified. B. Locally designate resources identified as historically or architecturally significant, including the following already identified resources: 1. The former Fraternal Order of the Eagles Building (currently used by the Community School of Music and Art) at 330 East State Street; 7 2. The former Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks building (currently used by the Cornell Daily Sun) at 139 West State Street; 3. The former No. 5 Fire Station (currently a single-family residence) at 136 West State Street; 4. The National Register-listed Ithaca Downtown Historic District. C. Encourage and facilitate the use of existing financial incentives for historic preservation, including the State and Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credit Programs and the local property tax exemption and or CIITAP, to help finance the rehabilitation of existing buildings. D. Promote sensitive and historically compatible redevelopment within the Ithaca Downtown Historic District or adjacent to the neighborhood individual landmarks. E. Expand access to historic interpretation information, such as audio walking tours and map layer overlays. A. Ensure neighborhood representation on the Community Police Board (CBP) to engage and involve the downtown community in public safety policy deliberations. B. Proactively work with IPD, City staff, DIA, and other partners to address safety issues and concerns within the downtown area, including quarterly meetings and improved communication with downtown businesses. C. Establish coordinated protocols and communications for downtown safety incidents among municipal partners, private property owners, and local businesses. D. Maintain a network of visible public security cameras that cover heavily used and traveled public spaces and encourage stronger coordination between public and private security efforts. E. Maintain adequate lighting conditions, while meeting Dark Sky Standards, in public and private spaces through: a. Installing and maintaining lighting on City-owned property and in public spaces; b. Pruning of street trees to ensure they do not interfere with appropriate lighting; c. Working with private property owners to maintain well-lit storefronts and to provide additional lighting as needed. F. Work with the DIA to help private property owners make vacant commercial spaces feel safe, including short-term activation of empty storefronts, provision of adequate lighting, and exterior property maintenance. G. Implement improvements in DeWitt Park to increase visibility and sight lines into and out of the park and ensure adequate staffing to maintain those improvements. H. Provide a stronger, visible presence of public safety responders, including IPD, community outreach team, and other service providers at peak times in areas of greatest need. 8 I. Explore and establish programs and tools to ensure safety of late-night patrons of downtown businesses, such as a Late-Night Companion Program or emergency communication systems. J. The City and DIA will partner to play an active role in placemaking and cleanliness, keeping downtown a safe, clean, and welcoming place. A. Evaluate the feasibility of buried utility and communication lines for improved fire access, climate resiliency, and pedestrian enhancements. B. Incorporate public green space as part of the planned pump house replacement at Meadow and W Buffalo Street and ensure staffing and funding for long-term maintenance. C. Continue working with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), City staff, and developers for transformative improvements in the West End to include signal replacements, pedestrian improvements, milling and paving of Meadow and Fulton Streets. (refer to the BUILD grant). D. Identify locations and funding opportunities for additional amenities including public restrooms, handwashing facilities, drinking-water stations, and dog-friendly spaces on the Commons and along the West State Street corridor. E. Implement a long-term plan and funding strategy for the maintenance and refurbishment of the Commons and Creekwalk, including their plantings and features, and ensure there is adequate staffing for continued maintenance. F. Determine the future of the pedestrian bridge over Six Mile Creek between the Creekwalk and the City Court building. Secure funding for either removal or repair. G. Remove, renovate, or redesign aging street furnishings (waste receptacles, benches, planter boxes, etc.) throughout the study area in coordination with larger streetscape design efforts, particularly on the 100 & 200 blocks of West State Street and the 100 blocks of N & S Cayuga Street. H. Work with property owners to make upgrades and improvements to DeWitt Park. I. Review 2016 Downtown Parking Study and work with hotels to get parking data to identify opportunities to adjust parking locations throughout the Downtown. 9 J. Plan for the eventual closure of the Seneca Street Garage site, including parking alternatives and redevelopment support. K. Plan for Downtown area bike storage for both bike share and personal bicycles. A. Encourage active transportation through improved pedestrian and bike connections (Six Mile Creek Waterfront, the Commons, DeWitt Park, etc) and newly developed parks or parklets by installing multi-modal green paths or green streets. (Add map showing this connection). B. Look for opportunities to improve mobility and access between the downtown area and social and medical service providers. C. Encourage wellness programs and activities in DeWitt Park, the Commons, Six Mile Creek waterfront, and newly created plazas in the West End. D. Encourage new developments to adopt healthy architecture practices, such as exterior and interior gathering spaces, particularly in the West End and the West State Street corridor. E. Work with community partners to create accessible programming and community spaces for youth, teens, seniors, and their families in the downtown area. F. Work with the County and non-profit partners to strengthen the Outreach Worker Program. Ensure outreach workers have adequate resources, benefits, and staffing to effectively service the downtown. G. Support a low-barrier shelter within the study area. H. Provide accessibility accommodations for people with limited mobility throughout the Downtown Core. I. Seek a service provider to provide a day use facility for unhoused and vulnerable populations. Pedestrian & Bicycle A. Redesign crossings at Meadow and Fulton, for improved pedestrian and cyclist safety and comfort as well as access to and from the Commons and Waterfront. B. Redesign other Downtown high volume traffic intersections for improved pedestrian and cyclist comfort and safety with special attention to the needs of people with mobility issues. C. Identify feasible areas for reduced vehicular or parking lane widths to allow for larger sidewalks, bike lanes, and/or plantings and green infrastructure. D. Determine if there are some areas where vehicular parking should/could be converted to bike parking and/or other micro-transit accommodations. E. Complete the Six Mile Creek trail system to create a seamless pedestrian connection between Downtown and its adjacent neighborhoods, especially the SW Shopping area. 10 F. Work with NYSDOT, the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), and other interested agencies to transform Meadow and Fulton Streets into urban boulevards with improved pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure for the purpose of reconnecting areas of the city separated by these major roads. (reference BUILD grant). G. Fund, design, install, and maintain bike lanes that improve the safety of bikers in the downtown study area. H. Address issues related to snow removal and sidewalk accessibility in the Downtown Study Area, particularly on the Commons and key intersections. Business Needs I. Balance the needs of pedestrians/cyclists, on demand transportation and micro-transit needs along with the business needs when making decisions regarding parking. J. Identify and designate spaces for on-demand pick up/drop off and take out/delivery use. Transit K. Encourage and sustain strong campus to Downtown transit connections. L. Create and support connections between Downtown and nearby emerging development centers, such as the redevelopment of the former Emerson Chain facility. Vehicles/Roadways M. Continue to advocate for increased City control of Seneca and Green Streets. N. Evaluate Aurora/Cayuga Street to determine if alternative configurations are desirable (two-way, pedestrian-only, extended one-way, etc.) O. Provide comprehensive centralized information and education about downtown parking options, including garages, metered parking, and free nearby on-street parking. P. Pilot the temporary closure of street parking in certain areas of West State Street for expanded pedestrian, outdoor dining, or informal park space. If successful, consider permanent, temporal, or seasonal closures. Q. Explore the temporary, periodic, or seasonal closure of the 100 block of East State Street and Aurora Street for events or other uses. A. Improve access along the entire Six Mile Creek waterfront through wayfinding and trail improvements. B. Increase street trees and landscaping in the public right of way along Meadow and Fulton St. to create a buffer from traffic; ensure long-term maintenance by staff. 11 C. Pursue opportunities for new green spaces in private development, particularly in the West End and West State Street. D. Seek opportunities to incorporate and connect private and/or public green spaces. E. Prepare a biennial plan for aerial tree management on the Commons to ensure the trees are healthy and sized appropriately for the pedestrian mall, do not block lights, or obstruct visibility. F. Prepare maintenance and replacement plan for perennial and shrub plantings on the Commons and ensure their long-term maintenance by staff. G. Complete the Six Mile Creek walk behind or around the Mental Health Building to improve connection between downtown and the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. A. Work in partnership to support special events in the downtown area: 1. Ensure adequate staff resources to support event permitting and activities. 2. Offer resources to support event organizers, such as training, planning services, digital documents, online applications, and permitting orientation. 3. Encourage new and different event types. 4. Explore opportunities to target support and funding for events sponsored by neighborhood and community groups that may otherwise lack the capacity and resources. B. Support and increase public art in the entire downtown by allocating staff resources, leveraging partnerships, and targeting areas in the West End and West State Street. C. Enhance key gateways to the downtown area (e.g. Meadow and Fulton, base of E State Street) with highly visible public art, welcoming signage, intersection improvements, and improved lighting. D. Look for creative opportunities to expand use of public space, such as 100 block of West State Street and the Six Mile Creek walkway for outdoor events, programming, art installations, and activities. E. Seek to attract entertainment businesses appealing to a wide range of people (students, families, teens) particularly in spaces providing large square footage. F. Dedicate funding and seek new and creative funding mechanisms to support arts and culture and preserve and enhance our cultural resources. G. Work with community partners, including educational institutions, to hold cultural events, regular programs, and locate satellites of key cultural resources in the downtown study area. H. Utilize and strengthen existing communication tools to promote events, exhibits, cultural organizations and sites, and provide information on transportation options. Work with TCAT to provide safe and convenient transportation to these spaces. I. Retain and expand cultural assets including arts organizations and not-for-profits. 12 J. Support the creation of spaces for artist studios and maker spaces including live/work situations. Note: Text should explain why focusing efforts in Downtown will be particularly impactful. This also applies to other sections such as stormwater. This chapter is also an opportunity to set a standard for how we want to talk about sustainability concepts. Do we use jargon or find other ways to word concepts? Good convo to have here with City Sustainability Team A. Implement a pilot project for downtown commercial buildings that leverages bulk purchasing to improve building insulation and replace all thermal loads with electric alternatives. B. Implement a 24/7 Carbon-Free Energy strategy for downtown commercial properties that promotes community choice aggregation and the deployment of renewable energy systems through collective purchasing. C. Implement a phased study to improve energy use intensity in medium to large commercial and mixed-use properties in the downtown area by benchmarking existing conditions and requiring gradual progression of building performance standards to net zero. D. Focus and accelerate deployment of public and private electric vehicle charging infrastructure on the densest downtown locations and utilize cooperative purchasing strategies to achieve cost-savings for property owners. E. Support zero-emissions alternatives to first-mile/last-mile travel to the downtown study area. F. Promote carbon-free energy solutions by working with and educating downtown property owners in our densest neighborhoods and leveraging resources and expertise from our community partners. G. Establish a resiliency hub in the downtown study area to provide critical services in an emergency. A. Capitalize on downtown as a center of population, employment, and tourism for green infrastructure education and demonstration projects such as green roofs on downtown bus stations, retrofitting plantings beds near the library, and creating local water storage to water public plantings, etc. B. Find opportunities to enhance and protect the Six Mile Creek watershed and provide education on watershed protection through plantings, erosion control strategies, and/or interpretation. C. Promote green infrastructure in new developments within the downtown area through incentives and regulatory policies such as requiring rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavers, etc. 13 D. Create a plan to convert downtown plantings in public areas to plantings adapted to climate, including native plantings, to reduce watering. Ensure adequate staffing and staff training for successful design, installation, and maintenance of these and other City green infrastructure sites. E. Support green infrastructure maintenance by working with partners to maintain and educate about ongoing projects. F. Look for opportunities to convert impervious areas into permeable surfaces in the Downtown study area. (Callout: City as sponge) A. Evaluate food access and food insecurity throughout downtown and strengthen connections to food resources both within the downtown study area and to food hubs elsewhere in the City. B. Explore the use, maintenance, and development of vertical/rooftop edible gardens in Downtown. C. Continue to support the downtown Farmer’s Market. D. Identify and address barriers, including capacity and resource issues, that limit small food markets and other small-scale food and beverage production throughout downtown. E. Identify and remove barriers to food waste composting for downtown restaurants. F. Seek to attract food markets and/or food pantries, enabling residents to access necessities without relying on personal vehicles. G. Work with County Waste and building managers to create a centralized food waste collection spot in the walkable downtown core. 14 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Tom Knipe DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:Amendment to Personnel Roster- Grant Administrator CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Vote to add the new Grant Administrator position to the employee roster. 15 Amendment to Personnel Roster – Planning and Development Department – Grant Administrator WHEREAS, the approved 2024 City budget includes funding for a new Grant Administrator position, and WHEREAS, the City’s current process for applying for and receiving grants is ad-hoc and lacks standardization, systemization and coordination, and City staff who deal with grants spend large amounts of time on administrative tasks, and WHEREAS, the City currently misses out on opportunities to apply for and receive more grants to bring outside funding to support City priorities due to a lack of capacity to apply for and administer grants, and WHEREAS, the goals of this position are to increase the City’s capacity to secure and administer grant funding; increase overall funding secured for priority City projects; improve efficiency, coordination, standardization, and professionalism in securing and administering grants, and reduce administrative burden on City departments and staff who currently deal with grants, thereby increasing overall capacity of program staff to focus on core functions, and WHEREAS, the Grant Administrator will support departments and staff across the entire City organization with securing grant awards from State, Federal, and other sources, and administering grants that are awarded to the City including supporting research, contracting, reporting, reimbursements, compliance, and process improvement, and WHEREAS, the Department of Planning & Development has the experience, capacity, and interest to support this new position, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Planning and Development Department be amended as follows: Add: One (1) Grant Administrator (40 hours/week) and be it further RESOLVED, that the position of Grant Administrator shall be assigned to the City Executive Association at salary grade 7, and be it further RESOLVED, that for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System the standard workday for this position shall be established at eight (8) hours per day (forty (40) hours per week), and, be it further RESOLVED, that the funding for this change shall be derived from existing funds within the approved departmental budget. 16 M E M O R A N D U M Date: March 14, 2024 To: Ithaca Common Council From: Tom Knipe, Deputy Director for Economic Development RE: Grant Administrator Posi�on The purpose of this memo is to provide background informa�on on the Grant Administrator posi�on, which was approved and funded in the 2024 budget. A job descrip�on has been created with input from mul�ple departments, and the Civil Service Commission is scheduled to take this up at their April mee�ng. I look forward to atending your March 20th mee�ng to answer ques�ons and hear feedback. KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES The need for this posi�on has been discussed for many years. Key arguments for establishing a new City of Ithaca Grant Administrator posi�on now are to: - Increase capacity to secure and administer grant funding for the City. - Increase funding secured for priority City projects. - Identify and help plug gaps in fundraising. - Perform research, planning, coordination, standardization, and systemization of grant functions. - Improve efficiency and professionalism in securing and administering grants. - Reduce burden on City staff to administer grants, freeing up significant program staff time to focus on delivery of City services. To guide priorities for the position and ensure that it meets the needs of the entire organization, we surveyed and interviewed staff who currently deal with grants. We received feedback from GIAC, Public Works, Engineering, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Economic Development, Sustainability, Planning, Public Information/Clerk, Fire Department, Police Department and Controller. We asked the following questions: • In what specific areas of grant writing and/or grant administration do you feel that you or your department could use additional capacity? • What is the number one thing that you would most like a new Grant Administrator to do? • What ideas do you have for standardizing or streamlining post-award grant administration? Respondents were posi�ve, even excited, about the establishment of this posi�on, and shared though�ul and detailed ideas for improving the City’s grant processes. Their responses have guided the iden�fica�on of du�es and priori�es. Staff corroborated a need for support with both grant wri�ng and post-award grant administra�on. Many expressed an understanding that this person will not be able to, nor would it be advantageous for them to, be responsible for all grant wri�ng and grant management. 17 This posi�on does not replace the “project manager” func�on for grant-funded projects. Rather, it provides administra�ve support and overall coordina�on across City departments, par�cularly departments with many grants. Building internal and external rela�onships to understand specific needs and opportuni�es and crea�ng systems and workflows that respond to those needs and opportuni�es will be one of the cri�cal early tasks for the posi�on. BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING This new posi�on is funded in the 2024 budget. The Human Resources Department has evaluated the posi�on and assigned it to the Execu�ve Associa�on at Grade 7, with a star�ng salary of $68,216 and a salary range of $68,216-$81,859. It is expected that over �me, this posi�on will substan�ally increase grant revenues coming to the City. Grants o�en allow the grantee to use a por�on of funds to support grant administra�on, which will be an addi�onal new direct source of revenue to help support this posi�on. It is expected that this posi�on will also free up program staff citywide by reducing the administra�ve burden on grant administra�on to allocate more of their �me to program and project implementa�on. NEXT STEPS City staff will atend the March 20th Common Council mee�ng. The Common Council is asked to vote at your April vo�ng mee�ng to approve adding the Grant Administrator posi�on to the personnel roster. Soon a�er approval, we will work to recruit a qualified and diverse pool of candidates. We hope to hire someone to fill this role this summer. The dra� posi�on descrip�on is available upon request. Atachment: - Draft Resolution, “Amendment to Personnel Roster – Planning and Development Department – Grant Administrator” 18 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Building Department Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Robert Fell-DeWalt DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:Amendment to Personnel Roster- Administrative Assistant- Building Division CP#: N/A MEMORANDUM Vote to remove position of Permit Clerk and replace with position of Administrative Assistant for the Building Division Roster 19 Resolution to Remove the position of Permit Clerk and Replace with the position of Administrative Assistant for the Building Division Roster WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca now performs all permitting and licensing functions related to Code Enforcement through OpenGov, an online software provider; WHEREAS, the typical work duties for the position of Permit Clerk, such as clerical review and processing of permit applications, collection of fees for applications, and issuance of licenses and permits, are now obsolete due to these procedures being automated in OpenGov; WHEREAS, the position now being held by the Acting Permit Clerk is solely responsible for database management, creation of reports, recording daily ledger activities of the Building Division, and managing projects related to facilitating access to property files; WHEREAS, the position of Administrative Assistant aligns more fully with the typical work duties of the paragraph above and allows for the exercise of a higher level of independent judgment in the performance of the work, now therefore be it RESOLVED THAT, the Director of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development shall remove the position of Permit Clerk from the Building Division roster and replace it with the position of Administrative Assistant. 20 “An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification” MEMO TO CITY ADMINISTRATION March 8, 2024 Proposed Revision to Building Division Roster Overview of the current duties for the position of Permit Clerk The Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department now performs all permitting and licensing functions related to Code Enforcement through OpenGov, an online software provider. The typical work duties for the position of Permit Clerk, such as clerical review and processing of permit applications, collection of fees for applications, and issuance of licenses and permits, are now obsolete due to these procedures being automated in OpenGov. For a long time now, the position of Permit Clerk has ceased to include the duties of typist, receptionist, and office supply clerk. Overview of proposed duties for the position of Administrative Assistant The position now being held by the Acting Permit Clerk is solely responsible for database management, creation of reports, recording daily ledger activities of the Building Division, managing inter-departmental projects related to facilitating access to property files, supervising the work of the Office Assistant, and providing staff support to various quasi-judicial boards. The position of Administrative Assistant aligns more fully with the typical work duties of the paragraph above and allows for the exercise of a higher level of independent judgment in the performance of the work. Costs and Other Considerations It is the opinion of the Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Department that replacing the position of Permit Clerk with the position of Administrative Assistant on the Building Division roster will be budget-neutral for the fiscal year 2024. Taking into consideration the budget for future years, the position of Administrative Assistant is two Grade Levels above that of Permit Clerk in the CSEA Administrative Unit Grade Plan. CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850-5690 BUILDING DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4th Floor City Hall Telephone: 607.274.6508 Fax: 607.274.6521 21 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning & Economic Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Robert Fell-DeWalt DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:Intermunicipal Agreement for Building Inspection Services CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM A Resolution to Reauthorize an Intermunicipal Agreement for Building Inspection Services Between the City of Ithaca and the Village of Cayuga Heights. 22 A Resolution to Reauthorize an Intermunicipal Agreement for Building Inspection Services Between the City of Ithaca and the Village of Cayuga Heights WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2011, the City of Ithaca and the Village of Cayuga Heights entered into an intermunicipal agreement to govern building and fire code inspections for certain properties straddling the border between the two municipalities; and WHEREAS, pursuant to that agreement, the City provides inspection services for said properties and is reimbursed for such services by the collection of inspection and permit fees from the owners; and WHEREAS, the City and the Village wish to update and reauthorize the intermunicipal agreement for an additional term; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that City Manager, subject to the advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to enter into an updated intermunicipal agreement for building inspection services in a form substantially similar to that attached hereto. 23 1 CITY OF ITHACA – VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT FOR BUILDING INSPECTION SERVICES This agreement, effective the __ day of ______________, 2024, by and between the City of Ithaca, a municipal corporation having its office and place of business at 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850, hereinafter referred to as the "City" and the Village of Cayuga Heights, a municipal corporation, having its office and place of business at 836 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, New York, hereinafter referred to as the "Village." WHEREAS, both the Village and the City are required to issue permits for, and cause the inspection of alterations and construction within their jurisdictional limits; and WHEREAS, both the City and the Village enforce the provisions of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the New York State Multiple Residence Law, as well as their own zoning, site plan development review, environmental review, building, housing and fire codes, where applicable; and WHEREAS, certain improvements are located on parcels which lie partially in both jurisdictions, and are therefore subject to the code enforcement programs of each municipality; and WHEREAS, both municipalities are desirous of providing qualified building and fire inspection services in a cost-effective manner and avoiding a duplication of services and/or confusion to property owners to the extent possible; and WHEREAS, the parties are desirous of entering into an intermunicipal agreement in which the City would provide the Village with required building and fire inspection service under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code and the New York State Multiple Residence Law, to the extent applicable, for alterations and construction taking place on property which lies within both jurisdictions; and WHEREAS, the City has appropriate trained and certified building and fire code enforcement personnel. 24 2 NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, and considerations heretofore set forth, the parties hereto mutually agree as follows: 1. All new property improvements where the improvement currently lies in both jurisdictions will be inspected by City Inspectors who have successfully completed the code enforcement training program through the Department of State of New York, and who are otherwise qualified as inspectors as a result of the current and previous employment by the City as code enforcement officials in the field of building and fire construction inspection. The properties listed below are those which contain one or more buildings or structures that are primarily in the Village and partially in the City and intended by this agreement to be inspected by City inspectors. 115 Ridgewood Road (a Cornell Sorority) 102 Needham Place (a private residence) 105 Needham Place (a multiple residence) 126 Westbourne Place (a multiple residence) 425 Wyckoff Place (a Cornell Fraternity) 208 Dearborn Place (also known as 202 N. Triphammer Road) (a Cornell Rooming House) 220 Dearborn Place (a multiple residence) 207 Kelvin Place (a multiple residence) In the event of the proposed construction of new improvements on property which lies partially in both jurisdictions, the parties may add to the above list by written agreement between the City, through its Director of Planning and Development and Fire Chief ,and the Village, through its Fire Chief and Chief Code Enforcement Officer. 2. The properties covered by this agreement shall be treated for all building, housing, and fire code enforcement purposes, except zoning and site plan development review, as though they were completely within the City of Ithaca. Each jurisdiction shall continue to enforce and operate its own zoning, site plan review, environmental review, and landmarks preservation programs, to the extent applicable. 3. The number of personnel assigned shall be at the discretion of the City, depending upon the availability of said personnel to be assigned to inspect properties which lie on the line between the jurisdictions. 25 3 4. The term of this agreement shall be ten (10) years from its effective date, subject to authorization by the governing legislative bodies of the respective municipalities. This agreement shall automatically renew in 10-year terms unless either party gives written notice, at least six months in advance of the expiration of the current term, of an intent not to renew this agreement. Either party may cancel this agreement upon six months’ written notice to the other party. 5. The City shall be reimbursed for its services by the payment of all building, housing and fire inspection and permit fees directly to the City by the property owner at the rates charged to similar properties located totally within the City limits. Both jurisdictions may charge applicants for zoning, site plan review, and/or environmental review fees, where applicable. 6. Prior to the issuance of a building permit by the City, the City will obtain written confirmation from the Village Zoning Officer that the proposed plans do not violate provisions of the Zoning Law of the Village or that a variance from the Village Zoning Law has been obtained. Properties which lie in both jurisdictions shall be subject to the zoning, site plan development and environmental review regulations and laws of both municipalities. 7. Both parties agree that they will, at their own expense, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless each other, its officers, agents, and employees from any and all liability, judgment costs, damages, attorneys' fees and expenses arising out of the negligence of its employees or by not adhering to the guidelines as established by the City or the New York State Department of State in the provision and performance of inspection work as set forth in this agreement, providing, however, that timely notice shall be given by each party to the other of any claim that may be asserted with regard to the work, labor, and services set forth in this agreement. 8. Each party will certify to the other that insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 to cover liability exists and will make the other municipality the named co-insured on said policy. 9. Each party will provide its own workers' compensation insurance covering its own employees. 10. In the event that the City or Village is, or becomes, self-insured for general liability and/or automobile liability at any time during the term of this agreement, the following language is to be 26 4 incorporated in the agreement without any need for special resolution: WHEREAS, either party, its agents, servants or employees, pursuant to this agreement between the parties are or may be performing various kinds and types of work, labor or services in cooperation with each other: be it resolved that each party agrees that it will, at its own expense, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the other, its officers, agents and employees from any liability, judgment, costs, damages, attorneys' fees and expenses arising out of the negligent performance of the work, labor or services of the respective party, its agents, servants or employees, providing, however, that timely notice be given to the other party of any action, claim or proceedings which may be filed or commenced against the parties by reason of the performance of such work. Each party certifies, by entering into this agreement, that this section was approved by the governing body of each municipality as part of this agreement, and it is binding upon each party in the event it becomes self-insured as if a special resolution had been adopted by it. [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS] 27 5 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this agreement the day and year first above written. CITY OF ITHACA By:_____________________________ Deborah Mohlenhoff, City Manager VILLAGE OF CAYUGA HEIGHTS By:_____________________________ Linda Woodard, Mayor STATE OF NEW YORK ) ) SS. COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) On this ___day of ______________, 20__, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared _____________________, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity, and that by their signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person of which the individual acted, executed the instrument. STATE OF NEW YORK ) ) SS. COUNTY OF TOMPKINS ) On this ___day of ______________, 20__, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared _____________________, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the individual whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that they executed the same in their capacity, and that by their signature on the instrument, the individual, or the person of which the individual acted, executed the instrument. 28 Amendment to Personnel Roster – DPW –Civil Engineer WHEREAS, there is currently an opening for a civil engineering professional in the Engineering Services division of DPW, and WHEREAS, the current vacancy is for a specialized title, and specialized job titles tend to attract fewer job applicants for reasons that include an implied lack of work variation, self- disqualification, and non-typical job title search terms, and WHEREAS, DPW believes that changing the title to the broader Civil Engineer title will attract more applicants with more diverse engineering work experience, and WHEREAS, transportation engineering is a subset of civil engineering, and work in this field is typically performed by civil engineers, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Personnel Roster of the Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works shall be amended as follows: Add: One (1) Civil Engineer (Executive Association, grade 8) Delete: One (1) Transportation Engineer (Executive Association, grade 8) and be it further RESOLVED, that there are no funding impacts for this change and funding shall be derived from existing funds within the Department of Public Works budget. 29 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS Michael J. Thorne, P.E., Superintendent Telephone: 607/274-6531 Fax: 607/274-6587 “An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification.” MEMORANDUM Date: March 5, 2024 To: Civil Service Commission Common Council From: Michael Thorne, Superintendent of Public Works Subject: Create New Civil Engineer Position Dear Civil Service Commission and Council Members, There is an opening for a civil engineering professional in the Engineering Services division of the Department of Public Works to perform work on transportation related projects. The current vacancy is for a specialized position that works exclusively on transportation projects. However, a majority of the work performed by the Engineering Services division involves transportation related projects performed by civil engineers, and the qualification for both the broader title and specialized title is a degree in civil engineering. Transportation engineering is simply a subset of civil engineering. In our experience, specialized job titles tend to attract fewer job applicants for reasons that may include concerns over limited variation of work, self-disqualification due to a perceived lack of specialization, or simply not seeing the job posting because of non-typical job title search terms. We are requesting to eliminate the specialized title and replace it with the broader Civil Engineer title in hopes of expanding the applicant pool, and to increase flexibility and capabilities in the Engineering Services division by doing so. 30 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning & Economic Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Tom Knipe DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:DRI Consultant Funding CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM 2024 Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Grant Application Funding 31 M E M O R A N D U M Date: March 14, 2024 To: Ithaca Common Council From: Tom Knipe, Deputy Director for Economic Development RE: 2024 Downtown Revitaliza�on Ini�a�ve (DRI) Grant Applica�on Funding The purpose of this memo is to request funding to support hiring a consultant to help the City develop its 2024 Downtown Revitaliza�on Ini�a�ve grant applica�on. I look forward to atending your March 20th mee�ng to answer ques�ons and hear feedback. BACKGROUND The City and Downtown Ithaca Alliance have applied unsuccessfully six �mes over the past eight years to New York State to receive a compe��ve $10 million Downtown Revitaliza�on Ini�a�ve (DRI) grant. The DRI con�nues to be a key element of the State’s economic development program. Its goals are to transform downtown neighborhoods into vibrant centers that offer a high quality of life and are magnets for redevelopment, business, job crea�on, and economic and housing diversity. More informa�on about the goals of the DRI program and past awardees can be found on New York State’s website: htps://www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitaliza�on-ini�a�ve In 2023, the City of Ithaca decided not to apply because of the changes in City and DIA leadership, and because the Downtown Plan and Retail Study and Strategy were s�ll in process. Both of those plans will be completed this year, new leadership is in place, and we have gathered extensive feedback from Empire State Development, Southern Tier Regional Economic Development Council members, and people who have been involved with successful DRI grant applica�ons in other communi�es in Upstate NY. Based on the informa�on we have gathered, we believe that the City of Ithaca is in a strong posi�on to apply for and receive a DRI grant in 2024. Preliminary talks suggest there is support for focusing our 2024 DRI applica�on on the West State Street Corridor and West End. This area, with the downtown core, was the subject of our most recent DRI applica�on in 2022, which by many accounts was our strongest applica�on to date. These are also areas of the City where we can demonstrate a clear need and transforma�ve impact of a DRI award. It is also clear that we need to take a new approach to win a transforma�ve DRI award. The DRI applica�on is a large undertaking, requiring hundreds of hours to coordinate and write, with specific and detailed requirements. Most communi�es who have won DRI awards used the services of an outside grant consultant. We are proposing to hire a consultant this year to support the City with our DRI applica�on. The suggested consultant scope of work assumes that the City and DIA will work to convene a DRI steering commitee and will do some preliminary work to compile projects and dra� narra�ve, and that the consultant will coordinate public outreach, help ar�culate DRI projects that align with a compelling DRI vision and lead the development of the full DRI applica�on. A more detailed proposed scope-of-work is outlined below. 32 BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING The suggested budget to contract with a private economic development and planning firm to help the City with its 2024 DRI applica�on is approximately $40,000. To develop this budget, I spoke with six individuals with recent knowledge and experience about using a consultant to develop a DRI applica�on including consultants that have worked with other communi�es in Upstate NY on successful DRI applica�ons and economic development leaders in communi�es that have used consultants to win DRI awards. If successful, the City will win a $10 million DRI grant to support transforma�ve revitaliza�on and inclusive housing and economic development in greater downtown Ithaca. QUESTION FOR COUNCIL Do you support alloca�ng up to $40,000 from unrestricted con�ngency or other City source to the Planning and Development Department’s budget in 2024 hire a qualified consultant to support the City’s 2024 DRI applica�on? PROPOSED CONSULTANT SCOPE OF WORK - Conduct public outreach, to include: o Distribute call for project ideas o Community survey – draft, distribute, compile o Targeted outreach to underrepresented communities – 2 focus groups or similar method o Establish basic DRI website (optional) o Conduct public meetings – one or two – including designing display/informational materials for meetings. o Public walking tour - can be on the same day as public meeting (optional) - Articulate DRI projects o Interviews with potential DRI project partners - a handful, as needed o Produce renderings for up to 3 projects for which renderings are not otherwise available (we will not need new renderings for all proposed projects) - Develop full DRI application document o Document compilation/development o Draft narrative o Coordinate edits o Graphic design – document layout, design, and a .ppt template matching the design of the application document. NEXT STEPS City staff will atend the March 20th Common Council mee�ng. If there is support for the proposed approach, we will dra� a resolu�on for considera�on at a future Council mee�ng. As soon as funding is commited, we will distribute an RFP, with the goal of having a consultant under contract by June. In the past, Empire State Development has distributed a no�ce of funding availability in July, with an applica�on deadline in September, and we are preparing for a similar �meline this year. 33 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Mayor's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:March 20, 2024 RE:Legislative Priorities CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Review of next steps for Legislative Priorities. 34 DRAFT Strategic Themes & Legislative Priorities CLIMATE JUSTICE, RESILIANCE, & SUSTAINABILITY Definition: Mitigate impacts of climate change and develop plans for resilience while prioritizing climate justice communities. Action Item 1 Pass Justice 50 Action Item 2 Long term preparedness for disasters SOCIAL HEALTH & BELONGING Definition: Action Item 1 Reestablish Public Safety Commission Action Item 2 Start collaboration with Collegetown BID Action Item 3 Explore feasibility of Ithaca Night Sky initiative EFFECTIVE, TRANSPARENT, & COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT Definition: Action Item 1 Reestablish Advisory Boards Action Item 2 Invite Council to participate in Capital Planning Action Item 3 Create a framework for capital spending/prioritization built from needs study Action Item 4 Study duplicative services in city/town/county and opportunities to collaborate Action Item 5 Establish mechanism for operational or staff feedback to be provided in confidence Action Item 6 Exploration of new revenue streams COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ECONOMIC VITALITY Definition: The City will strive to be fiscally sound, multi-resourced, diverse, and affordable for all renters and property owners, while balancing available funding with sensible spending. Action Item 1 Reevaluate CIITAP Action Item 2 Develop an economic strategy with a workforce development component Action Item 3 Enact Just Cause labor protections SAFE & ACCESSIBLE HOUSING Definition: Increase housing access, quality, stability, and sustainability across a range of incomes and housing types, with equitable availability in neighborhoods throughout the city Action Item 1 Stabilize rents for city residents Action Item 2 Support staff enforcement of building code Action Item 3 Implement a comprehensive approach to serving unhoused population Action Item 4 Continue work on adopting STR & ADU legislation Action Item 5 Revise comprehensive plan to promote increase middle housing supply 35 MOBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, & INFRASTRUCTURE Definition: Respond efficiently to community infrastructure needs & ensure safe and accessible streets and sidewalks for all. Action Item 1 Building disability-justice informed, modernized, and pedestrian centric infrastructure Action Item 2 Ending deferred infrastructure Action Item 3 Innovating solutions to address snow and ice maintenance 36 DRAFT Strategic Themes & Legislative Priorities Work Plan Box shaded in GREEN is who takes the first action step CLIMATE JUSTICE, RESILIANCE, & SUSTAINABILITY Definition: Mitigate impacts of climate change and develop plans for resilience while prioritizing climate justice communities. COUNCIL STAFF FIRST STEPS/NOTES Action Item 1 Pass Justice 50 Council conducts oversight on IGND implementation, reviews and approves staff execution of policy priorities, and ensures budgetary investment reflects adopted priorities. Director of Sustainability -Staff draft proposal to bring to council -Staff working on matrix for capital project evaluation Action Item 2 Long-term preparedness for disasters -Complete legislative memo template OR provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. SOCIAL HEALTH & BELONGING Definition: COUNCIL STAFF FIRST STEPS/NOTES Action Item 1 Reestablish Public Safety Commission Mayor choose & Council appoints working group members Clerk’s Office Attorney’s Office Mayor to create a working group with council and staff. -This is similar to Action Item 1 in Effective, Transparent, Collaborative Gov Strategic Theme Action Item 2 Start collaboration with Collegetown BID Economic Development Planning -prepare short memo on what has been done to date to create a BID in Collegetown Action Item 3 Explore feasibility of Ithaca Night Sky initiative -Complete legislative memo template EFFECTIVE, TRANSPARENT, & COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT Definition: A government that provides regular, timely information to the public on progress, opportunities, and challenges; collaborates with municipal and institutional partners to deliver cost -effective services; and offers clear processes and rationales for decision-making. COUNCIL STAFF FIRST STEPS/NOTES Action Item 1 Reestablish Advisory Boards Mayor choose & Council appoints working group members Clerk’s Office Attorney’s Office Mayor to create a working group with council and staff. -This is similar to Action Item 1 in Social Health & Belonging Action Item 2 Invite Council to participate in Capital Planning City Manager City Manager is responsible for building the Budget process and is putting a budget survey together for council Capital Projects overview for Council is scheduled for September 25th. Action Item 3 Create a framework for capital spending/prioritization built from needs study City Manager Need some clarity on what this means. Capital project process is dictated in the City Code: https://ecode360.com/8385913 Action Item 4 Study opportunity for shared services across municipal partners Chief elected officials initiate a joint City-Town-Village study committee on service sharing. Working group comprised of Council, Board Members, Trustees, and any relevant staff. Action Item 5 Establish mechanism for operational or staff feedback to be provided in confidence Provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue Human Resources Attorney’s Office Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. Action Item 6 Exploration of new revenue streams Provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ECONOMIC VITALITY Definition: The City will strive to be fiscally sound, multi-resourced, diverse, and affordable for all renters and property owners, while balancing available funding with sensible spending. COUNCIL STAFF FIRST STEPS/NOTES Action Item 1 Reevaluate CIITAP Planning IURA Attorney’s Office -Prepare overview presentation for council at future work session Action Item 2 Develop an economic strategy with a workforce development component Provide set of community development and economic principles/values to inform the development of staff’s work. Economic Development Planning Work was already in progress by staff to develop a city ED strategy Action Item 3 Enact Just Cause labor protections Mayor choose & Council appoints working group members -Working Group will complete legislative memo template Attorney’s Office Mayor to establish Working Group to explore policy needs, legal authority, and recommended next steps. SAFE & ACCESSIBLE HOUSING Definition: Increase housing access, quality, stability, and sustainability across a range of incomes and housing types, with equitable availability in neighborhoods throughout the city COUNCIL STAFF FIRST STEPS/NOTES Action Item 1 Stabilize rents for city residents Provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue Attorney’s Office Planning Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. Action Item 2 Support staff enforcement of building code Provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue. Attorney’s Office Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. Action Item 3 Implement a comprehensive approach to serving unhoused population Council reviews progress of and provides policy guidance on the developments of the City’s pilot sanctioned encampment policy. Attorney’s Office DPW IPD Planning City Manager working on an update and proposal for Council to review Action Item 4 Continue work on adopting STR & ADU legislation STR – Council has provided guidance, upcoming review at April meeting. Council to request a May briefing on the history of ADUs, progress done thus far, and policy implications of adoption. Planning Latest round of STR went to Council at the March work session and will return to council in April; ADU work continuing Action Item 5 Revise comprehensive plan to promote increase middle housing supply Mayor to work with Planning staff to get update and overview on status and process for updating Comp Plan Planning Possible: presentation to Council on overview of Plan MOBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, & INFRASTRUCTURE Definition: Respond efficiently to community infrastructure needs & ensure safe and accessible streets and sidewalks for all. COUNCIL STAFF FIRST STEPS/NOTES Action Item 1 Building disability-justice informed, modernized, and pedestrian centric infrastructure Provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue DPW Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. Action Item 2 Ending deferred infrastructure Provide more details on the action to be taken or definition of the issue DPW Needs more definition before action can be taken. Staff can review once more clarity is provided. Action Item 3 Innovating solutions to address snow and ice maintenance DPW Staff can prepare a presentation on previous work and research done on this topic at a future work session. COMMON COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA Date:Wednesday March 20, 2024 Time:6:00 PM Location:City Hall Council Chambers Watch Online:https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings No Public Comments 1. Call To Order 2. Special Order Of Business 1. Vote on Personnel Matter 3. Meeting Adjourn Not all meetings have a Public Comment segment. The City of Ithaca wants to hear from you! You are encouraged to share your thoughts with Common Council using the options below: To Submit Written Comments please use the link below. https://tinyurl.com/mr9kdhw8 *Written comments submitted will be compiled and entered into the record. RESOLUTION – Appointment of the Human Resources Director WHEREAS, the search committee and City Manager have concluded their interviews for the Director of Human Resources position; and WHEREAS, the City Manager is recommending the appointment of Kemi Shokunbi to the Director of Human Resources position; and WHEREAS, Ms. Shokunbi will relocate to Ithaca in connection with her appointment, and has been offered a relocation stipend; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that Kemi Shokunbi be and is hereby appointed to the position of Director of Human Resources, effective April 8, 2024, at the 2024 Management Compensation Plan salary of $120,036; and be it further RESOLVED, that Common Council approves a relocation/transitional housing stipend of $2,000, and if Ms. Shokunbi leaves city employment before the end of her first year, she will reimburse the City of Ithaca two thirds of the stipend ($1,333.33) or if she leaves between the end of her first and end of her second year of employment, Ms. Shokunbi will reimburse the City of Ithaca one third of the stipend ($666.67). Carried 11-0