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Home My WebLink AboutMN-CC-2024-05-01COMMON COUNCIL MEETING Voting Record Date: Location: Wednesday May 1, 2024 City Hall Council Chambers 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 1. Call to Order Discussion Summary: YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=DbnslDxwVlY&list=PLfplo_VA57eoynrqxkGvi11vxHlwByjZw&index=3 The May 1st meeting of the Ithaca Common Council is called to order. Timestamp: 0:41 1.1 Emergency Evacuation Discussion Summary: Mayor Robert Cantelmo read the Emergency Evacuation Notice instructions for everyone in attendance. Timestamp: 0:46 2. Agenda Review Discussion Summary: No additions or deletions to the agenda. Timestamp: 1:32 Mayor Robert Cantelmo acknowledged the month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and Mental Health Awareness month; the mayor also recognized from President Biden's proclamation it is also Jewish American Heritage month, and lastly acknowledged May as clean air month with No Mow May being an appropriate theme as Council will be considering a vote on Justice50 Timestamp: 1:38-2:24 3. Reports of Municipal Officials Discussion Summary: Town Legislator Rob Howe and County Legislator Veronica Pillar presented municipal updates to Common Council. Timestamp: 2:38-17:52 4. Proclamations and Awards Discussion Summary: No Proclamations and Awards for this agenda. 5. Review and Approval of Minutes 5.1 Review of Common Council Meeting Minutes Discussion Summary: No formal discussion from Council. Moved By: David Shapiro Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to approve the April 3rd Common Council Meeting Minutes and the April 17th Special Common Council Meeting Minutes. Alderperson Kumar is absent from the vote. Timestamp: 18:07 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 Patrick Kuehl X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X 6. Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council Discussion Summary: Statements from the Public: Due to the number of members from the public, Public Comments have been reduced to 2 minutes per speaker. The following members from the public commented on topics of concern as follows: Lee Rogers- Taxes,Theresa Alt-Short-Term Rentals, Felix Teitelbaum-Squeaky Clean Carwash, Anna Cederquits Wilson-Squeaky Clean Carwash, Russell Posegte-Short-Term Rentals, James Smith-Cornell Ethics, The Jungle, EMS Response, Meg Prichard-Squeaky Clean Carwash, Adam Chandler-Squeaky Clean Carwash, Casey Carr-Short-term Rentals, Conner Gafney-Short-Term Rentals, Anita Graf and Francisco Valoy -Short- Term Rentals, Siobhan Hull-Justice50, Zach Winn-Ithaca- Arthaus/Jungle II/Mental Health Stabilization Unit, Rich Stedman- Airbnb, Veronica Pillar-Short-Term Rental/Zoning, Broods Miner-Short-Term Rentals Ordinance, Corinne Weible-Short-Term Rental Regulations, Jorge DeFendini-Short-Term Rentals/Justice50/Just Cause Working Group meeting/Good Cause Eviction Policy, Marshall McCormick-Short-Term Rentals/Squeaky Clean Carwash, Genevieve Rand-Short-Term Rental, Adrianna Hurtler-Squeaky Clean Carwash, Laurie Drinkwater-Squeaky Clean Carwash, Jesse Winter Short-Term Rental. Virtual Speakers: Cally Arthur- Short-Term Rentals, Thomas Shelly-Short-Term Rentals, Timestamp 18:13-1:12:15 Privilege of the Floor- Mayor and Council: Common Council responded to the public's topics concerning the Squeaky Clean Carwash noise pollution, Short-Term Rental concerns, EMS and IFD response time, and Mental Health. Mayor Cantelmo shared with the public that the city has launched and official investigation into the noise and code violations and will update the public with the results as soon as they are available, in addition an update to Southside Zoning will be brought to Council from the Planning Department by the end of the summer. Timestamp: 1:12:27-1:40:50 7. Consent Agenda Discussion Summary: Council Approved Consent Agenda Items 7.1-7.5. No Discussion from Council Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to approve Consent Agenda. Timestamp: 1:41:03 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 7.1 Amendment to Personnel Roster- Human Resources 7.2 Green Hydrogen Capital Project 7.3 Amendment to Personnel Roster- Ithaca Youth Bureau 7.4 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant 7.5 Outdoor Dining and Alcohol Permits 8. New Business / Member Filed 8.1 Justice50 Discussion Summary: Moved by Alderperson Brown and summarized by Alderperson Matos. This resolution is establishing a minimum of 50% investment of the city's capital budget to serve Climate Justice communities, 40% representation of an all green workforce allocating 10% of that budget to participatory budgeting. Director of Sustainability Rebecca Evans was present to take questions and comments from Council. This Council is the first City in the United States to adopt and operationalize Climate Justice and has the most aggressive resolution in the entire country. Timestamp: 1:41:21-1:43:28 Moved By: Kayla Matos Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Motion to adopt the Justice50 Framework and to Operationalize Climate Justice in the Ithaca Green New Deal. Timestamp: 1:43:36 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 8.2 Water Meter Replacement Maximum Charge Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint- Perez moved and summarized water meter replacement maximum charge set at ($1000) One-thousand dollars. Superintendent Mike Thorne was invited up for discussion with Council. Superintendent Thorne noted there were slight changes to the resolution to clarify this only applies to a one-time meter change that occurs between January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, a "Resolve" was added that adds an appeal process for under payments that have already been paid that exceed the $ 1,000 limit, and a modification to the final Resolve offering customers an option to pay the overpayment in one lump sum or a 2 year payment plan. Discussion continued with questions and comments from Council. Timestamp: 1:43:49- 1:48:33 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Motion to approve resolution to limit underpayments of water bills due to meter replacements with the maximum limit set at $1000 Timestamp:1:48:40 Vote Passed 10-1 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 8.3 Restore NY Communities Initiative Grant Application Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez moved and summarized resolution. Brief discussion between council members for clarification. Timestamp: 1:48:53-1:52:00 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Motion to approve resolution authorizing the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency to administer and implement the City's Restore NY Grant Award. Timestamp: 1:52:07 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 8.4 Short-Term Rental Ordinance- Declaration of Lead Agency Discussion Summary: Declaration of Lead Agency. Mayor Cantelmo noted that debate on the substance will be the third discussion, this action is for Council to declare themselves as the Lead Agency on this Ordinance. Timestamp: 1:52:23 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Kris Haines-Sharp Motion Summary: Declaration of Lead Agency for Short-Term Rental Ordinance moved and summarized by Alderperson Lederman Timestamp: 1:52:43 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 8.5 Short Term Rental - Declaration of Environmental Significance Discussion Summary: Negative Declaration moved and final Resolve read by Alderperson Lederman. No further discussion on item. Timestamp: 1:53:14 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Declaration of Enviornmental Significance for Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Timestamp: 1:53:50 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 8.6 Short-Term Rental Ordinance Discussion Summary: Ordinance moved and summarized by Alderperson Lederman. Megan Wilson, Deputy Director of Planning respond to council's questions and comments and concerns. The Short-Term rental resource page will be uploaded and made available to public. Timestamp: 1:53:57-2:14:41 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: An Ordinance Amending the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325 "Zoning" Timestamp: 2:14:49 Vote Passed 10-1 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 8.7 Zoning Permits Ordinance- Declaration of Lead Agency Discussion Summary: Common Council of the City of Ithaca declares itself lead agency for Zoning Permits. No discussion from Council on declaration Timestamp: 2:15:03 Moved By: Ducson Nguyen Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: Declaration of Lead Agency on the Ordinance to Amend the municipal code of the city of Ithaca Chapter 325 entitled "Zoning Permits" Timestamp: 2:15:30 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 8.8 “Zoning Permits” - Declaration of Environmental Significance Discussion Summary: No discussion from Council on the declaration of environmental significance. Alderperson Nguyen read the last resolve. Timestamp: 2:15:37 Moved By: Ducson Nguyen Seconded By: Kris Haines-Sharp Motion Summary: Declaration of Environmental Significance on Zoning Permits Ordinance. Timestamp: 2:15:56 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 8.9 Zoning Permits Ordinance Discussion Summary: Megan Wilson noted council should expect additional "clean up" amendments in the next few months to address minor changes that need to be made to the Ordinance. Brief discussion with comments from Council members. Timestamp: 2:15:56-2:18:03 Moved By: Ducson Nguyen Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 325 "Zoning" of the City of Municipal Code to replace article VI "nonconforming uses, buildings, and lots" to establish Section 325-41,"Zoning Permits" Timestamp: 2:18:10 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 9. Mayor Appointments 9.1 Mayor Appointment- Ithaca Housing Authority Board Discussion Summary: No Discussion. Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Judy Briggs is appointed to the Ithaca Housing Authority Board for a 4 year term. Timestamp: 2:18:45 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 10. Report of City Controller 10.1 City Controller Report- Month of May Discussion Summary: Acting City Controller Scott Andrew presented Council with updates for the month of May. Discussion continued with questions and comments from Council. Mayor Cantelmo requested that Audit updates be provided at Committee Meetings. Timestamp: 2:19:31-2:29:39 11. Report of City Manager 11.1 City Manager Monthly Report- Month of May Discussion Summary: City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff presented Council with the city manger report and strategic themes update for the month of May. The city manager talked to council about building in an opportunity for council to weigh in on the city budget ahead of time. A Budget Basics presentation will be given to Council in June. Timestamp: 2:29:51-2:54:40 12. Reports from Council and Staff Discussion Summary: Council Liaison reports have been moved to the Council Study Session Meetings. Timestamp:2:54:54 12.1 Report of the City Clerk Discussion Summary: Deputy City Clerk Shaniqua Lewis presented and announcement from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency announcing the availability of Draft Plans for public comment and scheduled public hearings for the HUD Entitlement fund. Timestamp: 2:55:05-2:57:18 13. Executive Session (If Needed) Discussion Summary: No formal action taken to move into executive session. Council will not be reconvening; this Session is Advice of Council. Timestamp: 2:59:01 14. Meeting Wrap Up Discussion Summary: No announcements or further discussion. Timestamp: 2:59:09 Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Meeting Adjourned Timestamp: 2:59:15 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 First Name Last Name Street Address Municipatity *Note this may be different f rom your zip code State Topic of Discussion Your Comments Common Council Public Comment Form Crista Shopis Ithaca Desperate need of recreation The skate community in lthaca is very big. It brings together roller skaters, skate boarders, roller bladers and people in wheel chairs. Gettting together to skate is a wonderful cummunity building, healthy activity. But it is so hard to find a suitable place to skate in lthaca! Some people can skate at the skate park, if weather provides. Some people can skate along the waterfront trail, again if weather provides. Ithaca really needs a smooth cement floor, large enough to skate on, that is covered at least from the rain and snow. lt does not need to be heated, just needs to be a dry smooth surface. We want to be health and skating is a very healthy, community building activity. Old people and young people alike all enjoy this form of recreation. lt gets people across generations having fun together, being healthy together. There is so little to do in this town for free fun! This would be such a welcome addition to lthaca. I urge you to please consider budgeting for a covered cement skate floor - perhaps at Stewart Park, where the tennis court is (most people choose instead to play tennis at the IHS courts). We need spaces where we can build community. Thank you. Contact lnformation c- NY Common Council Public Comment Form First Name Esther Herkowitz - 14850 Last Name Street Address Municipatity *Note this may be different from your zip code State Topic of Discussion Your Comments Contact lnformation NY representation lwould like to know what the options are when a representative does not accept invitations to meet with constituents and stops answedng emails, texts, phone messages and personal requests to set up meeting time. There have been many requests made since Oec 2023. I made such a request, again, a week ago and, as usual, there has been no reply. This is not representation. lam not sure what it is but I know there is a salary attached to it. Please advise. lthought meeting with reps was welcome and part ol the process.The other rep for my ward was able to set up a meeting and it was productive. Thank you. Esther ryIi-E Common Council Public Gomment Form First Name Felix Teitelbaum G 14850 Last Name Street Address Municipatity "Note this may be d ifferent from your zip code State Topic of Discussion Your Comments NY Squeaky Clean Car Wash I'm here to talk about the approval of the Squeaky Clean car wash at Rt 13 and S Titus Ave. Again. l'm dismayed-but not at all surprised-to hear that folks living on Center St and N Titus are suffering from this travesty of city planning. Countless hours went into creating the Southside Plan which laid out the neighborhood's wishes for development in the area and for that lot. lt was designated "mixed urban use," which includes development such as ''high-density housing, officelspace], retail, restaurants, and hotels." Not car washes. Further the plan indicated "the design of new development lshould] take[s] into account the close proximity of the residential neighborhood." Many of us in the neighborhood voiced our opposition lo this project as it made its way through the planning process but it was approved anyway. The Planning Board made changes to the physical appearance of the project. But a pig with lipstick is still a pig. And a car wash is still a car wash. We went through the proper channels. We created a plan. Then the Planning Board disregarded the expressed and legally binding will of the plan and the Southside community. As you'll hear in detail from my neighbors today, this has caused people in the neighborhood real and tangible harm. The sound from the facility degrades the quality of life for area residents. lt also degrades the experience of pedestrians using the greenway along the creek. lt affects wildlife in the creek. The project also worsens traffic in an already very dangerous interseclion. An intersection where l've personally been both hit by a car while riding my bike, and where I struck a pedestrian with my car. What's more, this development has resulted in a roughly $1 million decrease in the property's assessment while residential tax payers have seen their assessments and property taxes skyrocket. Our already overburdened and underserved neighborhood is essentially being forced to subsidize the degradation of our own neighborhood while enriching one Lansing-based developer. It's clear that this application should never have been approved. Now the Southside is left, once again picking up the pieces, and dealing with the horrific abdication of responsibility on the part of the Planning Board. I support any efforts to remediate the car wash's ill effects on the neighborhood. For example, it could be required to completely close at 8pm, especially given that the applicant's own sound study showed that nighttime sound levels violate the city's noise ordinance. However, we must go further to prevent more damage to our communities caused by negligent and harmful planning choices. Short of calling for the resignation of any planning board members who voted for this project, how can we ensure future planning decisions will truly honor the will of our communities? Contact lnformation While I commend city investment in the walkability of the Rt. 13 corridor in the Fall Creek area, once again, Southside gets the short end of the stick: more car-cenlric developmenl dumped at the gateway to an existent, well-loved, greenway along Sx l\4ile Creek. Street Address Common Gouncil Public Comment Form First Name Jason Woodward -az Ithaca Last Name Municipatity *Note this may be different from your zip code State Topic of Discussion Your Comments New York STRs: NIay 2024 Common Council Ordinance amending Chapter 325 "Zoning" "Short Term Rentals (STRs)" Thanks for the opportunity to address the proposed zoning changes on May 2024's Common Council agenda related to STRS ("short-term rentals"). I do not support the current proposed ordinance, primarily because it is unclear that it supports the stated policy objectives, and lprovide a suggested path to getting to a good one ldo support. Below I starl by reviewing the stated policy objectives, make an argument for why I don't think the proposed regulation changes meet these objectives, make suggestions for how to get us to the point where we can meet those objectives, and then conclude with more detailed commentary on individual policy objective points. While the stated policy objectlves of "Preserve housing affordability in the long-term rental and homeownership markets", "Allow residents to generate additional income from their primary residences" and "Balance the positive impacts of short-term rentals (increased supply of lodging, especially during peak demand periods) with potential negative impacts (health and safety concerns for those staying in short-term rentals, impacts on neighbors due to noise, traffic, trash)" are Iaudable, it is my intuition that the currently proposed zoning changes will not meet these goals. I do not think we have enough good local data to make projections on whether or not these changes will meet these objectives, or if they'll create more work than is necessary to meet these objectives, or if it'll result in creating more restrictions on behavior than is necessary to meet these objectives. lndeed, City staff have, during public presentations on STRS, reported that one of the problems of the current situation is that we don't know how many units of STRS there are, what ownership of them looks like, or if the aforementioned impacts like noise, traffic and trash are correlated to STRS or LTRS or even homeowners. Since it is unclear from the publicly presented data how many units will return to the homeownership and LTR markets, it is unclear if this zoning change will achieve this policy objective. We can speculate, but speculation does not make good policy, and recent discussions in community groups have revealed conflicting research on the matter, none of which was done with data from lthaca. At this point it would be a guess, based on research done on markets which may or may not be like lthaca, or worse based on personal value judgements. Therefore, I recommend an approach that makes the necessary changes in order to collect that information, and come back in a year or two to make local-data-driven policy and zoning decisions. More commentary on each point of the stated policy objectives follow below my recommendations. I suggest the following modifications to the current proposed ordinance; * require registration and posting requirements and procedures as proposed (gets us the data we need) - don't limit to >184 nights of host-occupied (simplifies registration and enforcement) 'don't limit to real persons as registrants (advise waiting until we have good local data before making limits) 'don't limit to one property per registrant (advise waiting until we have good local data before making limits) This would: * be easier to enforce because we can rely on data straight from service provider data aggregators, instead of having to do bed checks, for instance (data aggregators can only know when a property was offered, not when it was owner-occupied) * allow decisions to be driven more by lthaca-sourced data instead of guesses or feelings . allow us to learn from this real data, see how many units would potentially be transferred to other pools, see jf there's really any of the things listed above in the "potential negative impacts" section, and if so what changes in inventory or enforcement of existing statues would be required to mitigate those problems And then next year or two make data-supported policy decisions and zoning modifications. lf seeking good local data before making zoning changes is not chosen, but there is a desire to limit the number of "many property STR hosts', for lack of a quantified description, without impacting "small-time hosts", lwould suggest: * require registration and posting requirements and procedures as proposed (gets us the data we need) . don't limit to >184 nights of owner-occupied (simplifies registration and enforcement) * limit registrants to real humans as currently proposed * limit the number of units to one or two per registrant lf seeking good local data before making zoning changes is not chosen, but there is a desire to support "small-time hosts", and to stop the groMh of the STR inventory, I would suggest: . allow hosts following the exisling rules (tax registration, eertificate of occupancy, taxes) to continue to operate just those properties without occupation restrictions "in perpetuity" * ...or only one or two of those properties per host * apply the "owner-occupied >184 days" rule only to new registrants Finally, there does not seem to be any "grace period" provision in the current proposed "Ordinance Amending the City of lthaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325, Zoning", as there has been discussed in previous hearings and communications. ln the case that it's not there, I have the following comments: * Due to the illiquid nature of housing, there should be at least a one year period before any changes requiring termination of rental activities to take effect. * Requirements related to registration and posting placards could be implemented quickly with minimal disruption to existing activities * Changes that require ceasing operations should not take effect for at least a year. Here's more detailed commentary on each of the policy objective points. "Preserve housing affordability in the long{erm rental and homeownership markels" * Since it is unclear from the publicly presented data how many units will return to the homeownership and LTR markets, it is unclear if this zoning change will achieve this policy objective. " Will moving some from the STR pool to the other two have this effect? Will moving all? We can speculate, but speculation does not make good policy, and recent discussions in community groups have revealed conflicting research on the matter, none of which was done with data from lthaca. At this point it would be a guess, based on research done on markets which may or may not be like lthaca, or worse based on personal value judgements. * [,4y takeaway from presentations by City staff to the community and to Common Council is that hard data in lthaca is hard to come by due to the lack of registration and lack of aggregate data extractions from the services generally facilitating STRs (airbnb. vrbo. etc). . We do know this proposed change will dlrectly impact some people: people trying to offset their housing costs, people making a living by running STRS as a business, or even long- time residents with unusual situations trying to maintain their part-time active participation in the community in the presence of other life situations pulling them elsewhere. Should some of those folks' situations be held in lower regard versus others'? ln some situations yes that's a value judgement l'd personally agree with. But it is a value judgement, and since we have no good data on thls, it's still speculation on the scope of the effect it'll have. "(increased supply of lodging, especially during peak demand periods)" * Accessory apartments will continue to serve this need, as will full-time owner-occupied places where the hosts have the ability to "go elsewhere" during major events like graduation weekends for instance. But we don't know how many there are of these versus the rest of the inventory, so we don't know if this zoning change will substantially support this policy objective.. . There will be a few "full homes" where folks live there part time that will continue to be available, but we don't know how many without data. l'd speculate that's very few. . Because we don't have inventory data, we don't know if this zoning change will support the policy objective of continuing an increased supply of lodging during peak demand periods. "(health and safety concerns for those staying in short-term rentals; impacts on neighbors due to noise, traffic, trash)" 'Are there increases in these problems due to STRS? ldon't recall data being presented on this, and since we know we don't have good inventory data it stands to reason we also don't have good data on this. " ln my experience in lthaca, STR guests take better care of properties ("noise, traffic, trash") than some LTR renters. We need to see good dala on this to know if restricting STRs will reduce these problems, or how similar problems correlate to LTRS and homeowners. * There are already regulations in place for managing noise, traffic, trash. Restricting the number of STRS won't restict or increase the capacity for enforcement of these existing regulations. Thank you for the opportunity to make these comments. I believe there is a good course of action to be taken at this time, and that is to add regulation with the immediate goal of collecting good local data from which good data driven zoning changes and policy decisions can be made in the future. Jason Woodward Email not displaying correctly?View it in vour browser Contact Information - First Name Last Name Street Address Municipatity *Note this may be different from your zip code State Topic of Discussion Your Comments Common Council Public Comment Form Jesse Winter Tompkins New York I am a native of lthaca and when my mother became lll I bought our family home which I have needed to use it as a short term rental to keep up with the mortgage payments and increasing taxes and supplement my freelance income. lwork locally and travel and I have to stay here to help my mother and service my clients. So while I live here the majority of the time off season, I also go to visit my daughter in NYC and stay in a guest room of my tenants. I have an old friend and neighbor who helps me Host my property (he's currently undergoing cancer treatment and this job gives him some income) The laws that are being proposed are way too severe and restrictive, lwould potentially lose this property or not be able to use it for myself to help my family and friends. The stress around these changes has already impacted my well being and vision for the future including helping my daughter go to college. While I meet the requirements of residence on my properly the limits on the permits every year and the implication that lcould be rejected for 3 years on a permit would force me into deeper financial despair and the loss of my family home, Air bnb has given me the opportunity to hold onto my place in lthaca and work remotely. lhave built up many reviews and a strong reputation. All this work and effort would be erased and I don'i know what : would do without it!!! PLEASE work towards a fair and balanced approach which includes the well intended individuals in this process so we can have a vibrant and enlightened liberal community. Please Protect current STR'S in lthaca l\.4y house is my only real investment PLEASE PROTECT STR's for individual owners and local property investors. Please protect the STR's now and allow our vibrant and diverse community to remain open minded and fair to everyone who is responsible and accountable in their neighborhood. We are real people with real lives who have built sustainable small businesses with our available resources not corporations for example I also I help my cleaning people have jobs and I create an experience for visitors to enjoy my home and my town which is enriching the local economy. PLEASE DO NOT put this legislation into law!! We need an approach which cares for the individuals who rely on the seasonal business to keep our homes for ourselves to use as we need and our community to be enjoyed and respected as a place of inclusion and freedom. Thank you. - Jesse Contact lnformation Gommon Council Public Comment Form Milene Garbim Gaiotti eD Ithaca Ourdoor Skate Rink Hello. The skating community in lthaca is big and growing but we still don't have a flx outdoor space designated for rollerskating or rollerblading. The skate park is a different sport than most of us practice, such as jam skating, artistic skating or just regular skating. lwant to suggest to use the old tennis court at Stewart park that is abandoned as most play tennis at the High school or Cass Park. All we need is for that cement to be smooth it out (similar to a basketball court or the skate park cement). lf possible we can involve the skate community on participate in raising money for this to happen. Many people gave up of this healthy and fun activity for the lack of space. First Name Last Name Street Address Municipatity *Note this may be different f rom your zip code State Topic of Discussion Your Comments Contact lnf ormation NY Thanks [,4 ilene First Name Last Name Street Address State Topic of Discussion Your Comments Common Council Public Comment Form Meg Prichard r-. 148s0 New York Squeaky clean carwash vacuums and noise violations Squeaky clean car wash on 501 south meadow street has been violating noise ordinances since they opened in March. I live at 339 Center street just over the creek and can see the carwash from my kitchen window.Their vacuums are near 74 decibels when lwent to measure them with a dB meter. And an email from TG Miller and Gary Sloan, the owner oI the carwash, to Lisa Nicholas from dec glh 2022 clearly states that Mr. Sloan conducted a study with an approved decibel measuring device measuring from 50 feet away was "at most 72dB." At his other location with all 6 vacuums running lhis was the 72 decibel reading. The city noise ordinance states 60 decibels is an acceptable level for a mixed use area. Yet even after this email it was concluded that no further sound attenuation was required. None. Even though lilr. Sloan created his own math equation saying that because the Route 13 traffic measured 64-68 decibels at rest and without the vacuums that the 72 decibels sound like 58. One, that's not how sound measurements work. Even if 58 were accurate (which it is not) the nighttime noise ordinance is 50 decibels. I went twice to an employee on shift and a manager who both told me yesterday not only do they not turn off the vacuums at night but they are not going to shut them off because they get too many complaints from customers. 58 is I decibels above the accepted nolse ordinance from 10pm-7:30am. The vacuums are used at all hours. I have 5 separate days recorded on video from March 15th 2024 and even up until this Sunday when there was a car blasting music and vacuuming at '10:37pm, 11:30 and later.The sound decibels at night with a Municipatity *Note this may be different from your zip code Contact lnformation vacuum and car music is 62 decibels by my reading on my porch. Now the vacuums are in violation every time they are run at 4 minute intervals. At day or at night. There is nothing that stops them from running all night long. Not a gate, not a sign, not a sound wall. The manager told me il's a 2417 hour business when it comes to the vacuums. Even if they the vacuums are running within 7:30am-10pm daytime hours 72 decibels is not 58. 58 would still be cause for concern and further sound assessment as it violates the evening ordinate decibel level and is incredibly close to the noise limit. Why was this approved? Now thal it's here and violating the noise ordinance how are you stopping it from causing more harm? I go home each day and the vacuums are one. At night too. lt unacceptable. I want the planning board, the common council, Gary Sloan and TG Miller to be held accountable for harassing my neighborhood by allowing these noise pollutions to continue. Email not displaying correctly? View it in vour browser. Date: Time: Location: Watch Online: Wednesday May 1, 2024 6:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION AGENDA 1.Call to Order 1.1. 2.Agenda Review 3.Reports of Municipal Officials 4.Proclamations and Awards 5.Review and Approval of Minutes 5.1. 6.Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council 6.1. 6.2. 7.Consent Agenda 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. 8.New Business / Member Filed 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 8.4. 8.5. 8.6. 8.7. 8.8. 8.9. 9.Mayor Appointments 9.1. 10.Report of City Controller 10.1. 11.Report of City Manager 11.1. 12.Reports from Council and Staff Emergency Evacuation Additions, Deletions, or changes to the agenda. Reports from County Legislator. Review of Common Council Meeting Minutes Statements from the Public Privilege of the Floor - Mayor and Council Amendment to Personnel Roster- Human Resources Green Hydrogen Capital Project Amendment to Personnel Roster- Ithaca Youth Bureau Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant Outdoor Dining and Alcohol Permits Justice50 Water Meter Replacement Maximum Charge Restore NY Communities Initiative Grant Application Short-Term Rental Ordinance- Declaration of Lead Agency Short Term Rental - Declaration of Environmental Significance Short-Term Rental Ordinance Zoning Permits Ordinance- Declaration of Lead Agency “Zoning Permits” - Declaration of Environmental Significance Zoning Permits Ordinance Mayor Appointment- Ithaca Housing Authority Board City Controller Report- Month of May City Manager Monthly Report- Month of May 1 13.Executive Session (If Needed) 14.Meeting Wrap Up 1. Report from Council Liaison 2. Report from Clerk's Office 3. Report from City Attorney 2 Public Comment Forum The public can provide short statements during this portion of the meeting. 3 minutes is the maximum time allotted, but the chair reserves the right to modify the amount of time per individual at the start of the meeting. Only the first hour of the meeting is set aside for Public Comment. Groups of 3 or more speakers are allotted more speaking time. For Longer Speaking Time - Multiple speakers on the same topic can speak as a group with one Designated Speaker to represent the Group. This will give you more time to share your thoughts and concerns during the Public Comment Forum. 3-4 Persons with One Designated Speaker - Alotted 5 minutes 5 or More Persons with One Designated Speaker - Alotted 7 minutes Can't Come to the Meeting but still want to speak? Register to Speak Virtually - https://tinyurl.com/7ts9zmku Attending the Meeting to Speak in Person? Pre-Registration Not Required Comment Cards are provided to those who attend in person. Once you have filled out your Comment Card, please hand your card to the Clerk. Your name will be called to speak in the order the cards are received. Please Note Comment Cards will be accepted up until the Public Comment Forum begins or a maximum of 30 speakers, whichever comes first. Once we have reached a maximum of 30 speakers, you can submit your comment using the Written Comment Link Below. Want to Submit a Comment and Not Speak in Person? To Submit Written Comments - https://tinyurl.com/mr9kdhw8 *Written comments submitted with be compiled and entered into the record. 3 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Shaniqua Lewis Deputy City Clerk DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Review of Common Council Meeting Minutes CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM 4-3-2024 Common Council Meeting Minutes 4-17-2024 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes 4 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Common Council Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Clerk's Office DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Statements from the Public CP#:n/a MEMORANDUM Members of the Public share thoughts and comments of topics of interest 5 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Privilege of the Floor - Mayor and Council CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Mayor and Council's Response To The Public 6 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Human Resources Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Valerie Saul, Deputy Director of Human Resources DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Amendment to Personnel Roster- Human Resources CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM 7 "An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification." CITY OF ITHACA OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES / CIVIL SERVICE 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-5690 Telephone: 607 / 274-6539 Fax: 607 / 274-6574 MEMORANDUM TO: Common Council FROM: Valerie Saul, Deputy Director of Human Resources DATE: March 14, 2024 RE: Request to Amend Personnel Roster Over the years, City Hall departments have transitioned from 35 hour/week departments to 40 hour/week departments. The managerial positions in the Human Resources Department transitioned to 40 hour/week positions years ago, but the administrative support positions have remained rostered at 35 hours/week. Both administrative support positions regularly work in excess of 35 hours/week due to the high volume of work. I am requesting that these two positions be formally adjusted to 40 hour/week positions to reflect their true workloads. Not only will the increase in hours align their work schedules with the rest of the Human Resources Department staff, it will also align their workweeks with those of their administrative support peers throughout City government. Due to the staffing changes occurring in the Human Resources Department, we have ample funds in our approved budget to cover the cost of this roster change. 8 Amendment to Personnel Roster – Human Resources WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department has requested that the work hours of its administrative support staff be increased from 35 hours/week to 40 hours/week in recognition of their workloads, and WHEREAS, this change will align the workweek of the Human Resources Department administrative support staff with the workweeks of other administrative support staff throughout the City, as well as with the workweeks of the managerial staff of the Human Resources Department, and WHEREAS, the approved 2024 Human Resources Department budget contains sufficient funds to support this change, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Person nel Roster of the Human Resources Department be amended as follows: Increase: One (1) Human Resources Executive Assistant from 35 hours/week to 40 hours/week Increase: One (1) Human Resources Administrative Assistant from 35 hours/week to 40 hours/week and be it further RESOLVED, that the funds for these changes shall be derived from within the approved 2024 Human Resources Department budget. 9 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Sustainability Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Rebecca Evans, Director of Sustainability DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Green Hydrogen Capital Project CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Authorization to issue $526,000 bonds to support "Green Hydrogen" to be reimbursed by the Dept. of Energy 10 M E M O R A N D U M Date: 28 March 2024 To: Common Council From: Rebecca Evans, Director of Sustainability RE: Authoriza�on to Issue Bonds to Support “Green Hydrogen” EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this memo is to provide background informa�on on the Resolu�on: “Authoriza�on for the Issuance of $526,000 Bonds of the City of Ithaca to Support ‘Green Hydrogen as a Non-Wires Alterna�ve Pilot’ Project Funded by the Congressionally Directed Spending. PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS In FY22, the City of Ithaca was awarded $1,000,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending from Senator Chuck Schumer’s oﬃce to support the project �tled, “Green hydrogen as a non-wires alterna�ve to increase ﬂexibility, defer investment, and minimize demand on the City’s distribu�on grid”. Partners on the project include Standard Hydrogen Corpora�on and SHIFT Capital. KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED • The U.S. Department of Energy has determined a 50% cost-share for the project, which will be provided via in-kind services or covered by project partners • Capital Project crea�on is needed in order to start drawing funds for budget periods 1 and 2 QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL • Crea�on of Capital Project for budget periods 1 and 2 (through March 2025) • Authoriza�on for the issuance of $526,000 bonds for budget periods 1 and 2 BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING Total cost breakdown for budget periods 1 and 2 is included in Table 1. Table 1 Category Budget Period 1 Budget Period 2 Personnel $20,076 $20,076 Fringe $3,000 $3,000 11 Supplies $4,000 $5,500 Recipient/Contractual $461,913 $495,640 $0 $0 Engagement $75,000 $50,000 TOTAL COST $563,989 $576,216 REIMBURSABLE AMOUNT $279,001 $247,502 The total cost share breakdown is included in Table 2. Table 2 Organization/Source Type Item Budget Period 1 Budget Period 2 City of Ithaca In Kind Staff Hours $20,076 $20,076 SHC In Kind Staff Hours $120,000 $275,638 SHIFT Capital In Kind Staff Hours $41,912 $30,000 City of Ithaca Cash Fringe Benefits $3,000 $3,000 ENERGYWERX In Kind Consulting $100,000 0 TOTAL COST SHARE -- -- $284,988 $328,714 NEXT STEPS A�er crea�on of the capital project, sustainability staﬀ will con�nue ac�vi�es in budget period 1 and begin budget period 2 ac�vi�es, including community engagement, si�ng, permi�ng, and engineering. A second capital project will be needed a�er close out of budget period 2, likely early 2025. 12 Authorization for the Issuance of $526,000 Bonds of the City of Ithaca to Support “Green Hydrogen as a Non-Wires Alternative Pilot” Project Funded by Congressionally Directed Spending Whereas, the City of Ithaca has demonstrated its desire and commitment to be a leader in sustainability and social equity, as exemplified by the adoption of the Ithaca Green New Deal; and Whereas, the Ithaca Green New Deal resolution was adopted unanimously in June 2019 included a goal of community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030; and Whereas, in 2021, sustainability staff applied for Congressionally Directed Spending from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office to support a “Green hydrogen as a non - wires alternative pilot project”, which the Senator awarded $1,000,000; and Whereas, Budget Period 1 and 2 activities related to this project have already commenced and will close in March 2025, fees for which total $526,503.00; and Whereas, the remaining balance of those fees will be applied to Budget Period 3; and Whereas, it is necessary to establish a Capital Project in advance of receiving award funds; therefore be it RESOLVED, that a capital project is hereby established in the amount of $526,000; and RESOLVED, that capital project funds shall be derived from the issuance of bonds to the City; and RESOLVED, that the city manager is hereby authorized, on the advice of the City Attorney, to negotiate and enter into agreements with appropriate contractors or other counterparties in connection with the “Green hydrogen as a non -wires alternative” pilot project, with funding to be derived from the issuance of bonds to the City and submitted for reimbursement to the U.S. Department of Energy; and RESOLVED, that the city will continue to support the development and implementation of strategies to accelerate the development of programs to meet the goals established in the Ithaca Green New Deal. 13 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Ithaca Youth Bureau Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Gregg Houck, Director of Ithaca Youth Bureau DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Amendment to Personnel Roster- Ithaca Youth Bureau CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Vote to defund the position of Financial Management Assistant and fund the position of Administrative Assistant for the Youth Bureau 14 Ithaca Youth Bureau 1 James L. Gibbs Drive Ithaca, New York 14850 Phone: (607) 273-8364 “Building a foundation for a lifetime.” MEMORANDUM To: Common Council From: Gregg Houck, Youth Bureau Director Re: Amendment to Personnel Roster – Administrative Assistant – Ithaca Youth Bureau Date: March 29, 2024 The Youth Bureau is requesting permission to amend the 2024 personnel roster. We would like to fund the authorized roster position of Administrative Assistant – 40 hours to our 2024 roster. To fund this position, we would like to defund the Financial Management Assistant – 40 hours position. We have evaluated the current needs of the Youth Bureau, consulted with HR, and have determined this position better fits the responsibilities and duties needed. These changes do not require any budget amendments and will be covered within our approved 2024 budget. 15 Resolution to defund the position of Financial Management Assistant and fund the authorized position of Administrative Assistant within the Youth Program Unit of the City of Ithaca Schedule of Authorized Personnel for the Year 2024 WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has assessed its current administrative support needs and has determined that there are needs beyond just financial support; including payroll and human resource support; WHEREAS, the typical work duties for the position of Financial Management Assistant limits the ability of that role to support these broader needs; WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has an unfunded Administrative Assistant position; 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; WHEREAS, this amendment does not require any amendments to the 2024 Youth Bureau budget now, therefore be it RESOLVED THAT, that the City of Ithaca Schedule of Authorized Personnel Youth Program Unit shall be amended effective May 6, 2024 as follows: Defund: One (1) Financial Management Assistant – 40 hours Fund: One (1) Administrative Assistant – 40 hours 16 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Fire Department Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Rob Covert, Fire Chief DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Vote to accept the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant in the amount of $29,064.86 17 Resolution to Accept Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant 2 April 2024 WHEREAS, The Ithaca Fire Department is responsible for responding to and mitigating water rescue incidents; and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department has specialty water rescue equipment that has reached the end of its useful life; and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department applied for and was awarded $29,064.86 through the Quarter 2 2024 Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant to purchase specialty water rescue personal protective equipment; and WHEREAS, there are no matching funds required to receive the grant; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the Ithaca Fire Department to accept the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Grant in the amount of $29,064.86 to purchase specialized water rescue protective equipment. 18 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Alan Karasin, Acting City Clerk DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Outdoor Dining and Alcohol Permits CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Vote to approve annual outdoor dining permits for restaurants on/near the Commons and for the DIA. 19 PIT - Approval of Outdoor Dining Alcohol Permits WHEREAS, several downtown restaurants have requested permission to utilize certain areas along the Primary and Secondary Commons and sidewalks in the downtown core for outdoor dining, and WHEREAS, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance has requested permission for wine, beer, and hard cider tasting and sales as part of their special events for 2024, and WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the serving and consumption of alcohol on City property, and WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of public property for outdoor dining and special events including the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, plays an important role in the vibrancy of the downtown business district, and WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public property involving the sale and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, For the year 2024, Common Council hereby approves the following revocable alcoholic beverage permits for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set forth in their applications, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit: Collegetown Bagels Creola Southern Steak House Lev Kitchen Luna Inspired Street Food Mia Tapas Bar Red’s Place Revelry Yards Simeons on the Commons and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance be authorized to arrange for wine, beer, and hard cider tasting and sale of bottled wine, beer, and hard cider at booths during their special events between the dates of January 1 to December 31, 2024, and shall comply with all applicable state and local laws, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance or the participating winery or cider company shall agree to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and Dram Shop Act coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 naming the City of Ithaca as an additional insured and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the City Clerk prior to the event. 20 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Sustainability Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Rebecca Evans, Director of Sustainability DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Justice50 CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Review of Justice50 framework and resolution 21 M E M O R A N D U M Date: April 10, 2024 To: Common Council From: Rebecca Evans, Director of Sustainability RE: Resolu�on to Adopt Jus�ce50 Framework EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this memo is to provide addi�onal informa�on on the resolu�on to adopt the Jus�ce50 framework. Adop�on of the Jus�ce50 goals will support the City of Ithaca’s commitment to ensuring the beneﬁts of the Ithaca Green New Deal are shared among all local communi�es to reduce historical social and economic inequi�es, as described in the Ithaca Green New Deal (IGND) resolu�on adopted in June 2019. More informa�on on the process and proposal can be found in the recording of the September 2023 mee�ng of the Sustainability & Climate Jus�ce Commission. PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS The Common Council adopted a resolu�on accep�ng a local deﬁni�on of climate jus�ce communi�es in May 2022 (pg. 12). This deﬁni�on supplements the NYS and federal deﬁni�ons of “Disadvantaged Communi�es”. The criteria used to inform this deﬁni�on were then used to map climate jus�ce communi�es by census tract and neighborhood. We expect to bring a plan to collect addi�onal local data for Council’s considera�on in the coming months. The background work to inform the Jus�ce50 framework began in 2019, shortly a�er the adop�on of the IGND. Under the leadership of Building Bridges and the Dorothy Coton Ins�tute, project partners collected and analyzed informa�on about the community’s hopes and expecta�ons of the IGND and how its “jus�ce- related” work could impact their lives. Addi�onally, for a year beginning in 2022, staﬀ researched best prac�ces and met with industry experts, including the U.S. Dept. of Energy, UCLA, the U.S. Digital Services Jus�ce40 working group, the USGBC, and local ac�vists, educa�on, and non-proﬁt leaders. These conversa�ons with local and na�onal experts informed the development of the proposed Jus�ce50 framework. KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED • A need for increased democra�c engagement across all local communi�es • A need for balance in the City’s investment in local communi�es • An ongoing need for transparency, accountability, and par�cipa�on in government processes by the public 22 BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING The Jus�ce50 framework will require a percentage alloca�on of the City’s budget to ensure equity in its ﬁnancial investment in infrastructure and programming. Addi�onally, it proposes an addi�onal 10% alloca�on of the City’s capital project budget for par�cipatory budge�ng, which is subject to a public vo�ng process. The total dollar amounts earmarked for fulﬁlling Jus�ce50 goals will vary depending on the budget year. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Near unanimous feedback on how to structure the Jus�ce50 framework was to priori�ze direct ﬁnancial investment in priority or disadvantaged communi�es. This is considered the leading prac�ce in achieving community equity. NEXT STEPS If Council chooses to adopt the Jus�ce50 framework as writen, the next steps for staﬀ are to: 1. Create a “rubric” to determine if proposed capital projects serve climate jus�ce communi�es, ensuring that 50% of total funds are directed to those communi�es. This will be implemented as part of the FY 2025 budget process. 2. Organize and implement a community-wide survey to collect addi�onal climate jus�ce community determina�on data in fall 2024. 3. Iden�fy and periodically track themes and investments in capital project budge�ng for City Manager review. 4. Create a working group of community members and local leaders tasked with proposing a structure and implementa�on plan for par�cipatory budge�ng. 5. Present the dra� par�cipatory budge�ng proposal to Common Council no later than May 2025. STRATEGIC THEME Jus�ce50 PROPOSAL OVERVIEW • Establish a minimum investment ﬂoor of 50% of total IGND program funding to be allocated to serving Climate Jus�ce Communi�es (CJC), as deﬁned by the City of Ithaca. • Establish a goal of 40% of par�cipants in green jobs workforce training and development to iden�fy as climate jus�ce individuals, including popula�ons that do not meet the CJC criteria but s�ll experience substan�al economic burden, such as individuals who were formerly incarcerated, those without reliable internet access, and underemployed single parents. • Establish a minimum investment ﬂoor of 50% of the City’s total capital project budget to service Climate Jus�ce Communi�es. • Allocate 10% of the City’s capital project budget to par�cipatory budge�ng, which will be designed in collabora�on with community members. FRAMEWORK’S PROPOSED PRIORITIZATION RUBRIC CRITERIA Health & Safety Project reduces or eliminates health hazards like traﬃc/vehicle accidents, hazard exposure, or illness 23 Neighborhood Beneﬁts Project posi�vely aﬀects quality of life for the neighborhood (e.g. improves visual appearance, reduces noise, reduces air or water any Public maintaining public health, proper nutri�on, adequate medical 24 RESOLUTION to Adopt the Jus�ce50 Framework and to Opera�onalize Climate Jus�ce in the Ithaca Green New Deal Whereas, the City of Ithaca has demonstrated its desire and commitment to be a leader in sustainability and social equity, as exempliﬁed by the adop�on of the Ithaca Green New Deal; and Whereas, the City of Ithaca has further demonstrated its commitment to social and racial equity and sustainability, as exempliﬁed in the Comprehensive Plan, Plan Ithaca, and the City’s 2017 Assessments of Fair Housing; and Whereas, to fulﬁll the social equity ambi�ons of the IGND, a transforma�ve eﬀort must be made to priori�ze popula�ons that have been historically marginalized; and Whereas, current and historic marginaliza�on can manifest in ways that are not well- represented solely by income and therefore the City accepted a local deﬁni�on of Climate Jus�ce Communi�es in May 2022; and Whereas, the eﬀects of climate change may combine with other current and historic social and economic stressors, becoming a threat mul�plier and dispropor�onately impact vulnerable popula�on groups; and Whereas, priori�zing Climate Jus�ce Communi�es for municipal investment may result in a more equitable distribu�on of the economic, social, and environmental beneﬁts of the IGND among all residents; and Whereas, the Center for American Progress has provided guidance on implemen�ng the federal Jus�ce40 program under President Joe Biden, which seeks to advance environmental jus�ce and economic opportunity across the United States; and Whereas, in 2019 the State of New York signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protec�on Act (CLCPA or Climate Act), which commited New York State to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure 35% of all energy and climate investments are directed to Disadvantaged Communi�es; and Whereas, the UCLA Luskin School for Public Aﬀairs and Innova�on released guidance on the equitable implementa�on of the federal Jus�ce40 program that priori�zed direct ﬁnancial investment over trickle-down beneﬁts; and Whereas, par�cipatory budget program have proven to increase government engagement among tradi�onally diﬃcult to reach communi�es such as communi�es of color, immigrants, and youth; therefor be it 25 RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca commits to enforcing the Jus�ce50 program, a whole-of- government approach to implemen�ng the IGND in a way that beneﬁts all residents; and RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca hereby adopts the Jus�ce50 policy framework, consis�ng of the following elements: • Establish a minimum investment ﬂoor of 50% of total IGND program funding to be allocated to serving Climate Jus�ce Communi�es, as deﬁned by the City of Ithaca • Establish a goal of 40% representa�on in all green workforce training and development program by climate jus�ce communi�es, including popula�ons that do not meet the CJC criteria but s�ll experience substan�al economic burden, such as individuals who were formerly incarcerated or underemployed single parents. • Establish a minimum investment ﬂoor of 50% of the City’s total capital project budget to service Climate Jus�ce Communi�es, as deﬁned by the City of Ithaca • Allocate 10% of the City’s capital project budget to par�cipatory budge�ng, which will be designed in collabora�on with community members; and RESOLVED, that City staﬀ are directed to create a capital project priori�za�on rubric and repor�ng structure; establish and populate a working group on par�cipatory budge�ng; facilitate mee�ngs of the working group; and provide periodic tracking and/or repor�ng of Jus�ce50 progress to Common Council; and RESOLVED, that the City will con�nue to support the development and implementa�on of strategies to accelerate the development of programs to meet the goals established in the Ithaca Green New Deal. 26 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Public Works Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Mike Thorne, Superintendent of Public Works DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Water Meter Replacement Maximum Charge CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Water Meter Replacements Maximum charge $1000 27 Resolution to Limit Underpayments of Water Bills due to Meter Replacements WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works is replacing approximately 5500 water meters in the City of Ithaca as the current meters and remote reading transmitters are reaching or have already reached the end of their useful life, and WHEREAS, when the remote reading transmitter fails, water bills are based on estimated readings from historical averages until the meter is replaced, and WHEREAS, with each replacement, a final meter reading is physically taken from the old meter, and differences between the final meter reading and the account record are normally found, indicating an overpayment or underpayment by the customer, and WHEREAS, most reading differences are minor and accountscan bebalanced byminor adjustmentsin future waterbills, and WHEREAS, some reading differences can be large due to a combination of multiple billing cycles of estimated meter readings, andundetected water leaks that continue to go unnoticed for a lengthy time period, and WHEREAS, other water utilities and municipalities encounter similar circumstances during meter replacements, and limit the amount of underpayment owed to help alleviate large unexpected financial burdens on customers, now therefore beit RESOLVED, the City has reviewed underpayment data from the meters replaced since January 1, 2021, and believes thatamaximumlimit of $1000be set forunderpayments due to meter reading differences for meters replaced between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED, that the underpayment limit of $1000 applies only once per metered service replaced between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2025, and be it further RESOLVED,theCityManagerwill direct stafftodevelopan appealsprocessfor underpayments thathavealreadybeenpaidthatexceedthe$1000limit,andbeitfurther RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca will collect underpayments up to the limit setherein, through a lump sum adjustment to the following quarterlywater bill, with a 2-year payment plan option available upon request to the City Chamberlain. 28 M E M O R A N D U M Date: April 17, 2024 To: Common Council From: Michael Thorne, Superintendent of Public Works RE: Water Meter Replacements—Limits on Underpayments EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of Public Works (DPW) is replacing the 5500 water meters throughout the city. With each meter replacement, there is normally a diﬀerence between the ﬁnal reading from the old meter and our account records, indica�ng either an overpayment or an underpayment from the customer to the City. Most of these are small and can be addressed through minor adjustments to the water bills. However, a small percentage reveal larger diﬀerences which can create ﬁnancial hardships on some customers. This memo provides background informa�on on the meter replacement program, reasons for reading discrepancies, an analysis of the data we have received to date, and recommenda�ons to limit the amount of underpayments owed to the City to help alleviate excessively high water bills to customers. PROJECT HISTORY, BACKGROUND, & ANALYSIS More than 20 years ago, the Water & Sewer Division of DPW was staﬀed with a team of meter technicians that physically collected readings from each of the 5500 meters in the City’s service area for quarterly billing. In 2005, water meters were ﬁted with batery powered transmiters to allow remote data collec�on. This technology enabled greater billing eﬃciency with less staﬃng requirements, and eliminated the need to coordinate access with property owners since water meters are located inside the buildings they serve. For these reasons, many water u�li�es and providers were switching to this type of system. The batery life on a transmiter is 15 to 20 years, and just prior to and during the COVID pandemic, we started no�cing increasing numbers of failures. Because of staﬃng and funding uncertain�es, along with other restric�ons during the pandemic, a meter replacement program was delayed and as a result the number of failed meter transmiters has grown to nearly 25% of the total. When remote meter reading is no longer possible, es�mated readings based on historical averages are used to calculate water bills. Each water bill indicates whether es�mated or actual readings are used, informs customers to contact the Water & Sewer Division if es�mated readings are used, and states that the customer is responsible for diﬀerences between actual and es�mated readings. Meters con�nue to accurately measure water usage on analog dials or local electronic memory even a�er the transmiter has failed. When meters are replaced, ﬁnal actual readings are taken and there are usually diﬀerences from the es�mated readings, 29 indica�ng an underpayment or overpayment. Other u�lity providers such as NYSEG provide es�mated readings for electricity and gas usage when they are unable to physically take readings, and billing adjustments are made based on actual readings. When a customer no�ces a water leak from a toilet or faucet, it is usually ﬁxed soon a�er it is discovered. However, some leaks can go unno�ced for a long period of �me, such as in vacant rental units or from piping or valves that are not readily visible, and the customer is not aware of the leak un�l they get an unusually high quarterly water bill. (Note that our replacement meters oﬀer real time data collection, allowing immediate notiﬁcation when a leak is suspected). When a customer with an unno�ced leak is billed on es�mated readings through several quarterly billing periods, the amount owed can become quite high once an actual reading is taken. Many municipali�es and water u�li�es acknowledge that this occasionally happens and place limits on the amounts collected for diﬀerences in readings, since a customer in this situa�on cannot reasonably know that they have a problem or have any control over the amount owed. As of April 6, 2024, the Water & Sewer Division has replaced 463 or 8% of the old meters and we are no�cing consistent trends in the data. For customers that owe money to the city: • 54% owe less than $100 • 87% owe less than $500 • 93% owe less than $1000 • 94% owe less than $1500 • 95% owe less than $2000 Staﬀ recommends a limit of $1000 for underpayments due to reading diﬀerences. Amounts over $1000 are likely caused by undetected leaks combined with mul�ple billing cycles of es�mated readings. The City recognizes that it bears some responsibility for large underpayments due to a delayed meter replacement program. Customers bear some responsibility in that instruc�ons to contact DPW for a meter replacement were neglected, and that they would be responsible for underpayments. With this in mind and the data collected to date, staﬀ believes a limit of $1000 is reasonable for underpayments owed to the City. Credits that the City owes to customers for overpayments have similar percentages, however, limits cannot be placed on these credits. KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED Not applicable. QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL 1. Does Council agree that a limit should be placed on underpayments for water bills to prevent ﬁnancial hardship on customers? 2. If so, what dollar amount should be the limit? 3. For customers who have already paid more than the proposed limit, should there be an appeals process? 30 BUDGET IMPLICATIONS & FUNDING This will lower the amount of revenue collected for the Water & Sewer funds to help oﬀset the credits that are owed to customers for overpayments. PUBLIC FEEDBACK Not applicable. NEXT STEPS A resolu�on will be brought to the May 1, 2024 mee�ng of Common Council sta�ng the limit of underpayment agreed to at the April 17, 2024 mee�ng. The Chamberlains oﬃce needs to start issuing quarterly water bills star�ng the ﬁrst week in May and will need to develop a system to limit underpayments before the ﬁrst bills are sent out. 31 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Nels Bohn DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Restore NY Communities Initiative Grant Application CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM 32 1 Proposed Resolution Common Council May 1, 2024 Authorize Restore NY8 Funding Application Whereas, the City of Ithaca is eligible for grant funding under Round #8 of the Restore NY Communities Initiative Municipal Grant Program (Restore NY), and Whereas, the goals of the Restore NY program are to (1) revitalize urban centers, (2) induce commercial investment, and (3) improve the local housing stock, and Whereas, Restore NY funding is available only for projects involving the demolition, deconstruction, rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of vacant, abandoned, condemned or surplus properties, and Whereas, municipalities with populations under 40,000 are eligible to submit one project, not to exceed a request for $2,000,000, and Whereas, the Common Council for the City of Ithaca has considered proposals that qualify for funding under the program and selected one project to be included in an application that will be submitted to Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) as follows: Ithaca Flatiron Building - Redevelopment of vacant commercial buildings located at 900, 910, and 912 W. MLK Jr./State Street, Ithaca, NY. The project will demolish two vacant commercial buildings and construct an affordable rental housing project including ground floor parking and 24 apartments on three upper floors , And Whereas, a Restore NY application must include a municipal resolution supporting the application that includes specific findings, and Whereas, the property owner has agreed to provide all required local match contribution, so no City funding is required; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby supports and will sponsor an application for Restore NY funding for the Ithaca Flatiron Building project at 900-912 W. MLK Jr./State Street and will administer the grant in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations established by Empire State Development Corporation, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby finds the proposed project is consistent with the City comprehensive plan and Urban Renewal Plan; that the proposed financing is appropriate for the project; that the project facilitates effective and efficient use of the existing and future public resources so as to promote both economic development and preservation of community resources; and the project develops and enhances infrastructure 33 2 and/or facilities in a manner that will attract, create, and sustain employment opportunities where applicable, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Manager is hereby authorized to take all actions necessary to submit a Restore NY application in accordance with this resolution, including, but not limited to, certification of the application, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Manager is authorized to modify the proposal to address any unforeseen feasibility issues that would impact competitiveness of the application, and RESOLVED, that, if awarded, the City Manager, upon advice from the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with the Empire State Development Corporation, and any other documents necessary to receive the Restore NY grant, as well as an agreement with the property owner to implement the project, and be it further RESOLVED, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is hereby authorized to administer and implement the City’s Restore NY grant award. 34 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Planning DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Short-Term Rental Ordinance- Declaration of Lead Agency CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Provide Regulations for Short-Term Rentals - Declaration of Lead Agency 35 Common Council Resolution 4/24/24 An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Provide Regulations for Short-Term Rentals - Declaration of Lead Agency WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposal to amending the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to provide regulations for short-term rentals. 36 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Megan Wilson DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Short Term Rental - Declaration of Environmental Significance CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Provide Regulations for Short-Term Rentals - - Declaration of Environmental Significance 37 Common Council Resolution 4/24/24 An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Provide Regulations for Short-Term Rentals - - Declaration of Environmental Significance WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to add definitions to §325-3, “Definitions” and add §325-27, “Short-Term Rentals” to provide regulations of short-term rentals in the city, and WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated March 25, 2024, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is an “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental Assessment Form, dated March 25, 2024, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. 38 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Megan Wilson DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Short-Term Rental Ordinance CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM "An Ordinance Amending the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325, “Zoning”- Discussion 39 An Ordinance Amending the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325, “Zoning” WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council recognizes that the presence of full-time short-term rentals decrease the housing supply available for homeownership and long - term rentals, and WHEREAS, the Common Council also recognizes that hosting short-term rentals provides residents with a source of additional income to defray their cost of living, and WHEREAS, after discussion and research by staff, Common Council established the following objectives for the short-term rental ordinance - Preserve housing affordability in the long-term rental and homeownership markets - Allow residents to generate additional income from their primary residences - Balance the positive impacts of short-term rentals (increased supply of lodging, especially during peak demand periods) with potential negative impacts (health and safety concerns for those staying in short-term rentals; impacts on neighbors due to noise, traffic, trash), and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca desires to amend Chapter 325 of the Ithaca City Code to meet the above objectives; now, therefore ORDINANCE NO. 2024-XX BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Section 3(B) of Chapter 325, Zoning, of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to add the following definitions: HOST Any owner or long-term leaseholder of a property who offers a short-term rental. LONG-TERM RENTAL A dwelling unit that is offered for rent in whole or in part for 30 or more consecutive days. PRIMARY RESIDENCE A dwelling unit where the owner or long-term leaseholder resides for a minimum of 184 days per calendar year. SHORT-TERM RENTAL A dwelling unit that is offered for rent in whole or in part for less than 30 days. 40 Section 2. A new section (Chapter 325, Section 27) entitled “Short-Term Rentals”, is hereby added to the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, to read as follows: § 325-27.1 Title. This section shall be known as and may be cited as the “Short-Term Rental Ordinance.” § 325-27.2 Purpose and Intent. The intent of the policy is to regulate short-term rentals in the City of Ithaca in order to: A. Preserve housing affordability and availability in the long -term rental and homeownership markets. B. Permit owners and long-term leaseholders to generate additional income from their properties. C. Protect the health and safety of guests staying in short-term rentals. D. Increase lodging supply during peak demand periods. E. Ensure compliance with the City’s hotel occupancy tax. F. Reduce the negative impacts of short-term rentals on neighbors. § 325.27.3 Applicability. This section applies to all short-term rentals offered and/or placed under contract within the City of Ithaca on or after the effective date of this ordinance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any short-term rental stay already under contract prior to the effective date of this ordinance shall not require an operating permit. § 325.27.4 Short-Term Rental Regulations. A. Short-term rentals are permitted only in zones in which residential uses are allowed. B. Short-term rentals are only permitted in: 1. Single-family dwelling units 2. Two-family dwelling units 3. Any owner-occupied dwelling unit within a multiple dwelling or mixed-use building C. Prior to offering a short-term rental, every host is required to hold a valid short-term rental operating permit issued by the Director of Planning and Development. Each short-term rental operating permit shall identify all of the host’s units on the property authorized for use as a short-term rental. D. A short-term rental operating permit may only be issued for a property that is the primary residence of the host. E. Only natural persons shall be eligible to receive a short-term rental operating permit. Corporations, limited liability companies, trusts, and other such entities are prohibited from offering short-term rentals, serving as hosts, and/or receiving a short-term rental operating permit. F. A host who is not an owner of the property to be offered as a short- term rental must provide written authorization from the property 41 owner as part of each application or renewal for a short -term rental operating permit. G. There shall be no limit on the number of days for which a dwelling unit may be offered or rented for short-term rentals pursuant to a valid short-term rental operating permit, provided that the host(s) maintain their primary residence on the property. H. It shall be a violation to rent, offer, or advertise a short-term rental without a valid short-term rental operating permit. § 325.27.5 Permit Application Process. A. Hosts must submit a completed short-term rental operating permit application on a form approved by the Director of Planning and Development, along with all additional materials required by the Director. Such additional materials may include, but shall not be limited to: 1. Proof of primary residency 2. Owner’s Authorization, if applicable 3. A permit fee as set and revised from time to time by the Director. B. The Director of Planning and Development shall review the application and confirm that it meets the requirements set forth in § 325.27.4. Upon completion of this review, including verification of a valid certificate of compliance as required by Chapter 210, Housing, of the City Municipal Code, the Director shall issue the short-term operating permit for a period of one (1) year. C. Short-term rental operating permits are nontransferable and valid only for the dwelling unit(s) and host(s) for which they are issued. D. Upon expiration of a short-term rental operating permit, the host shall be required to apply to renew the short-term rental operating permit prior to offering further short-term rentals at the property. E. An application to renew a short-term rental operating permit may be submitted and approved prior to the expiration of an in -force short-term rental operating permit. § 325.27.6 Operational Requirements. A. A valid certificate of compliance must be maintained for the rental period covered by the short-term operating permit. B. All required City and County hotel occupancy taxes must be remitted as required by Chapter 105, Room Occupancy Tax, of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code. C. Occupancy of a short-term rental shall never exceed the maximum occupancy stated on the certificate of compliance. D. Hosts must post the following information in the main entryway of each dwelling unit used as a short-term rental: 1. Copy of the short-term rental operating permit. 2. Copy of the certificate of compliance, which states maximum occupancy of the unit. 42 3. Emergency contact information including police, fire, and poison control, as well as the property’s full physical address. E. Hosts must include their short-term rental operating permit number in all short-term rental listings. § 325.27.7 Revocation of Permit. Failure to meet any requirement of the Short-Term Rental Ordinance shall result in the immediate revocation of the short-term rental operating permit. Any host that fails to meet any requirement of this Short -Term Rental Ordinance shall be ineligible to apply for a short-term rental operating permit for a period of 3 years from the date of the revocation. § 325-27.8 Permit Renewals. A. Hosts must apply to renew their short-term rental operating permit each year by submitting a completed renewal application and all requested documentation to the Department of Planning and Development. B. If the host’s certificate of compliance remains valid, the host must submit an Affidavit of Compliance stating that the short-term rental units continue to meet the conditions of approval. If the certificate of compliance has expired, a new certificate of compliance must be issued before the permit is renewed. C. Hosts must be current on all required occupancy taxes before their permits are renewed. § 325-27.9 Penalties and Appeals. A. If a property or host is found to be in violation of any provision of this section, the owner of the property and/or the host shall be strictly liable of the offense and shall be subject to the penalties provided in Section 325-47, Penalties, of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca. B. In addition to any penalty imposed by a court of competent jurisdiction, a host found to be in violation of any provision of this Short-Term Rental Ordinance shall be ineligible to apply for a short-term rental operating permit for a period of 3 years from the date of conviction. C. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Director pursuant to the provisions of this section may appeal such decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals, as provided in Section 325-37 of the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca. This appeals process shall not apply to prosecutions or other legal proceedings brought in the name of the City or the People to enforce the provisions of this section. Section 3. Severability. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 4. Effective date. 43 This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. 44 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Megan Wilson DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Zoning Permits Ordinance- Declaration of Lead Agency CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots”and to Establish §325-41, “Zoning Permits”- Declaration of Lead Agency 45 Common Council Draft Resolution 4/2/24 An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots”and to Establish §325-41, “Zoning Permits” - Declaration of Lead Agency WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local environmental review, the lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action, and WHEREAS, the proposed zoning amendment is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR) Ordinance, which requires environmental review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself lead agency for the environmental review of the proposal to amending the Municipal Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to provide replace Article VI and establish a zoning permit procedure. 46 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Megan Wilson DATE:May 1, 2024 RE: “Zoning Permits” - Declaration of Environmental Significance CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots” and to Establish §325-41, “Zoning Permits” - Declaration of Environmental Significance 47 Common Council Draft Resolution 4/2/24 An Ordinance to Amend The Municipal Code Of The City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning” To Replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots” and to Establish §325-41, “Zoning Permits” - Declaration of Environmental Significance WHEREAS, The Common Council is considering a proposal to amend the Municipal Code of the City Of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Entitled “Zoning,” to replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots” in its entirety and to add §325-41, “Zoning Permits” to establish a procedure to allow staff-level approval of specific area deficiencies on existing structures, and WHEREAS, the appropriate environmental review has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), dated March 25, 2024, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is an “Unlisted” Action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as lead agency, has reviewed the SEAF prepared by planning staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental Assessment Form, dated March 25, 2024, and be it further RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action at issue will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, that this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and forward the same to any other parties as required by law. 48 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Megan Wilson DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:Zoning Permits Ordinance CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 325, “Zoning”, of the City Municipal Code to Replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots” and to Establish §325-41, “Zoning Permits” 49 1 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 325, “Zoning”, of the City Municipal Code to Replace Article VI, “Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots” and to Establish §325-41, “Zoning Permits” WHEREAS, many of the properties within the City of Ithaca were constructed prior to the adoption of the City’s first zoning ordinance and others were constructed prior to subsequent amendments to the zoning ordinance, and WHEREAS, these properties often do not comply with all of the area requirements that were enacted after their construction and thus are considered nonconforming to the zoning ordinance, and WHEREAS, many of these nonconformities reflect the established character of the neighborhood and have limited or no impact on nearby properties, and WHEREAS, nonconforming properties are currently required to obtain area variance for nearly all zoning deficiencies, and this process adds a significant amount of time to approval requests for minor alterations, and WHEREAS, the City supports property investments and alterations that maintain existing structures, improve accessibility, and enhance the property owner’s use and enjoyment of the property, and WHEREAS, the creation of a zoning permit process for minor zoning nonconformities on existing structures would streamline the approval process of limited alterations for property owners while still ensuring that significant deficiencies and those involving new construction would receive full review by the Board of Zoning Appeals; now, therefore, be it ORDINANCE NO. 2024-XX BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, as follows: Section 1. Article 1, General Provisions, Section 3, Definitions, of Chapter 325, Zoning, of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code is hereby amended to add the following definitions: DIRECTOR The Director of Planning and Development or designee ZONING PERMIT An authorization issued by the Director to permit the enlargement of a nonconforming structure which is used as permitted, and will continue to be used as permitted, in the district in which it is located, but does not comply with the minimum lot size; the maximum lot coverage by buildings; the maximum building height; and/or yard setbacks applicable in the district. 50 2 Section 2. Article VI, Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots of Chapter 325, Zoning, of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code is hereby repealed and shall be replaced in its entirety to read as follows: Article VI. Nonconforming Uses, Buildings, and Lots § 325-32. General Requirements. A. Any use, building or lot that was lawfully established prior to, and has been made nonconforming as of, the effective date or subsequent amendment of this chapter, may continue so long as the nonconformity remains otherwise lawful and complies with this section. Any rights conferred upon a nonconformity run with the property and are not affected by changes in tenancy or ownership. B. The burden of establishing the prior existence of a nonconformity is on the property owner or applicant. When applying for any permit or approval related to a nonconformity, the applicant may be required to submit evidence of a prior permit or other documentation showing that the nonconformity existed prior to the date on which it became nonconforming. C. When the boundaries of a district are changed to transfer a lot from one district to another district with different regulations, or when the use or area regulations of a district are changed, the provisions of this article shall apply to any nonconforming uses or structures created. § 325-33. Nonconforming Uses. A. A nonconforming use may not be expanded in area or increased in intensity, except by means of a use variance granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals. B. The structure containing the nonconforming use may be altered only if the alterations constitute ordinary repairs or maintenance or are designed to eliminate a nonconformity. C. A nonconforming use may only be changed to a use permitted in the district in which it is located. Once changed to a conforming use, no building or lot shall be permitted to revert to a nonconforming use. 1) A change of use is deemed to occur when an existing nonconforming use has been terminated and another use has commenced. D. Should the nonconforming use cease to operate for a period of 12 successive months or more shall terminate the right to operate the nonconforming use. E. When a structure containing a nonconforming use is damaged or destroyed by fire or other cause of damage that is not within the control of the owner, the nonconforming use may be reestablished provided that no new nonconformities are created and the previous nonconformity is not exacerbated. A building permit for repairs or 51 3 reconstruction must be granted within one year of the date of damage or destruction. In the event that a building permit is not obtained within one year of said date, the nonconforming use may not be reestablished. § 325-34. Nonconforming Buildings and Lots. A. A nonconforming building or structure may be altered in the following circumstances: 1) The alteration is required by law or is necessary to restore the structure to a safe condition upon the order of any official of the City of Ithaca. 2) The alteration constitutes routine repair or maintenance or is designed to eliminate a nonconformity. 3) The alteration conforms to the provisions of this chapter and does not exacerbate the existing deficiency or create a new nonconformity. 4) The alteration exacerbates an existing deficiency or creates a new nonconformity and has been granted a Zoning Permit by the Director of Planning and Development or an area variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals. B. When a nonconforming building or structure that is used in its entirety for a conforming use is damaged by fire or other cause of damage that is not within the control of the owner, it may be rebuilt or reconstructed to its previous condition. A building permit for repairs or reconstruction must be granted within one year of the date of damage or destruction. In the event that a building permit is not obtained within one year of said date, the structure must be repaired or rebuilt in conformance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. § 325-35. Zoning Permit and Variance Eligibility. A. The Director may issue a Zoning Permit for specific deficiencies on existing nonconforming buildings, structures, or lots. Zoning Permits shall be available for the following area deficiencies: 1) Lateral or vertical extension of an existing yard deficiency. 2) Setback deficiencies for replacement accessory structures under 500 SF. 3) Yard setback and/or lot coverage by building deficiencies resulting from accessibility improvements on nonconforming structures or uses. 4) New or exacerbated side or rear yard deficiencies where at least 50% of the yard is provided. 5) Exacerbated lot coverage by buildings deficiencies where total lot coverage is increased by 5% or less over existing conditions. 6) New lot coverage by buildings deficiencies on existing structures where total lot coverage does not exceed the district maximum regulation by more than 5%. 7) Temporary area deficiencies that will remain for less than 30 days. 52 4 B. The Board of Zoning Appeals must review area variance requests for the following area deficiencies: 1) Any deficiency created by the construction of a new primary structure. 2) Off-street parking deficiencies. 3) Telecommunication setback deficiencies. 4) Lot area deficiencies resulting from an increase in residential units or occupants. 5) Any deficiency not specifically listed in § 325-35A above. 6) Any deficiency referred to the BZA by the Director. Section 3. Article VII, Administration and Enforcement, of Chapter 325, Zoning, of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code is hereby amended to add § 325-41, Zoning Permits, to read as follows: § 325-41. Zoning Permits A. Applicability. This section shall apply to specific area deficiencies on existing buildings, structures, and lots, as noted in § 325-35A. All other nonconformities are subject to a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals, as described in § 325-40. B. Criteria for Approval. The Director of Planning and Development shall grant the zoning permit if the proposal meets the following criteria: 1) The location and size of the structure and its relationship to the lot and public right of way shall be such that the property will be in harmony with the existing or intended character of the neighborhood and will not discourage the appropriate development of adjacent land and buildings or impair the enjoyment or value thereof. 2) Use of the structure or lot in connection with the proposal shall not be significantly more impactful to nearby property by reason of noise, fumes, increased vehicular traffic or parking demand, vibration, or flashing lights other than the operation of the existing nonconforming structure. 3) The proposed work shall have no negative impacts on traffic, congestion, environment, property values, municipal services, character of the surrounding neighborhood, or the general plan for the development of the community. C. Application Process. 1) Applicants shall submit a completed zoning review application on a form approved by the Director, along with all additional materials required by the Director. Such materials shall include but not be limited to: a. Narrative description of the proposed work. b. Site plan showing the location of existing buildings, proposed work, and dimensions of all yards. c. Permit fee, as set and revised from time to time by the Director. 53 5 2) The Director shall review the submitted application for completeness and communicate with the applicant regarding any additional information that is needed to complete the application. The Director continues to retain the right to request further information from the applicant and may deny an application or refer it to the Board of Zoning Appeals for failure to provide such requested information or for any other reason. 3) Once the application is deemed complete, the Director shall confirm that the application meets the requirements for a zoning permit, as set forth in § 325-35A. If the application does not meet the requirements for a zoning permit, the applicant may apply for an area variance pursuant to § 325-40. 4) Within 5 days from confirmation of a complete application, the Director shall notify the Council members in whose ward the lot under consideration is located with the details of the application. The Director shall also forward the same notification to relevant City staff. Council members and City staff shall be allowed 5 days to comment on the application before a decision is rendered by the Director. 5) The Director shall issue a written decision on a complete application within 20 calendar days of the expiration of the comment period. 6) The Director may impose conditions on the zoning permit to mitigate any potential adverse impacts on neighboring properties. If adverse impacts cannot be mitigated by such conditions, the zoning permit shall be denied. D. Referral to the Board of Zoning Appeals. At any point prior to issuing a decision on an application for a zoning permit, the Director may determine that the application should be decided by the Board of Zoning Appeals, in which case the application shall be referred to the Board of Zoning Appeals for consideration of an area variance, pursuant to § 325- 40. Notice of such referral shall be communicated to the applicant in writing along with any additional requirements to apply for an area variance. E. Expiration of a Zoning Permit; Renewals. Any zoning permit granted by the Director which enables an applicant to do construction requiring a building permit, for which the applicant has not obtained a building permit or, has not substantially completed construction pursuant thereto within two years, shall be void. The applicant may submit a request to extend the zoning permit for a period of an additional two years, provided that the request is made in writing to the Director prior to the expiration of the original permit. A zoning permit may only be renewed one time for a period of two years. F. Revocation. The Director shall revoke a zoning permit issued hereunder should the applicant violate any provision of this chapter or any condition imposed upon the issuance of the zoning permit by the Director. 54 6 G. Appeals. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Director regarding a zoning permit may appeal such decision to the Board of Zoning Appeals, pursuant to § 325-37. Any person aggrieved by any decision of the Board of Zoning Appeals regarding a zoning permit may apply to the Supreme Court for review by a proceeding under Article 78 of the Civil Practice Laws and Rules. Section 4. Severability. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion. Section 5. Effective date. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. 55 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:May 1, 2024 RE:Mayor Appointment- Ithaca Housing Authority Board CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Judy Briggs is being appointed to the Ithaca Housing Authority Board for a 4-year term. 56 Mayor Appointment to the Ithaca Housing Authority Board RESOLVED, that Judy Briggs be appointed for a four-year term ending October 17th, 2027 to the Ithaca Housing Authority Board. 57 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Controller's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Acting City Controller Scott Andrew DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:City Controller Report- Month of May CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM City Controller's Report for the Month of May 2024 58 Controller’s Report to Common Council 5/1/24 Our office is busy closing out 2023, which will take us until May 2024. In addition, we are busy catching up on the financial reporting for 2021 and 2022. The 2021 financial audit is in progress with the plan of completing that by April 2024. We will then move onto the 2022 audit work with the estimated completion date of December 2024. Also, we are trying to fill our open positions in the Finance Department. We have an open position in the Chamberlain’s office and two open positions in the Controller’s Office. It’s currently a difficult hiring environment. We have temporary assistance working on audit work, but that person will leave us in April. In addition, we have Steve Thayer assisting us in his retirement, but his time is limited due to NYS pension requirements regarding earnings in retirement. We have many new staff members in the Chamberlian’s Office and training those members and doing the daily work is difficult. That’s the reason for the limited hours in the Chamberlain’s Office currently. 2024 tax collections went as smooth as possible considering all the new staff. It has been a real struggle filling our open positions. We look forward to the day we have a fully trained staff. 2023/2024 financial items: We still have several economic items currently impacting our city operations. Inflation, supply chain issues, and staffing issues all are impacting the City operations. As a result, almost all costs are increasing and making it more difficult to operate. Here is a look at some of the 2023 and 2024 activity: Sales tax: We budgeted $17,108,600 in sales tax for 2023. We now have our final 2023 collections, which are $18,016,269. 2023 sales collections started out strong but finished weaker during the last quarter of activity. Overall, we finished over budget by 5.31%. In addition, we had our first sales tax collections of Adult Use Cannabis. These collections are done on a quarterly basis. With one payment remaining for 2023, we have collected an additional $148,500. Please note the Adult Use Cannabis store on the Commons is currently under renovations, expected to open back up in April. The renovations will have an impact on the 2024 collections. The 2024 sales tax budget is $18,500,000. This estimated amount included Adult Use Cannabis collections as we did not receive a separate collection for Cannabis tax until December 2023. To date our 2024 sales tax collections have been lower than compared to the same time frame collections from 2023. We have collected $3,441,800 to date. We are currently running 1.7% lower than 2023 collections. This gap from 2023 is decreasing as collections are showing slow improvement. We caution that collections can swing significantly during a one-month period due to timing of collections. We like to evaluate collections after a quarterly period has been completed. So, don’t get caught up in the early lower percentage collections, but just be aware sales tax collections are off to a slower start. Update on parking revenues. Although we continue to see slow improvements in parking revenues, we are still running well below budget. We have collected $2,073,000 in 2023 parking revenue to date. We still have final collections to post from 2023, which should be done in the next couple of weeks. This revenue source has never bounced back from the pre-covid period. There are many reasons for the lower revenues in this area. Lots of construction in and around the downtown area, safety concerns on and around the commons, equipment issues, staffing issues, a frustrated attitude for the downtown parking area, and lack of retail stores in the downtown area may all have a negative impact on our parking revenues. We have made some rate increases for 2024 and we should closely monitor our activity to see if on-street parking rates need to be slightly adjusted as well. We will have the new 59 Conference Center coming online in mid-2024 and the construction should ease in the downtown area. We will see how revenues respond to those changes. Building permit revenue for 2023 was budgeted at $1,320,000. Our budget estimate continues to reflect the higher construction activity anticipated inside the city, but less than some recent years’ activity. We collected $1,930,000 in permit revenue for 2023. This is good news and hats off to the hard work the Planning and Building Department does for the city! Site development fees were budgeted at $300,000 in 2023. We collected $272,000. Overall, building revenue exceeded our budget estimates. The 2024 permit revenue is budgeted at $1,480,000 and site fees at $140,000. This is a difficult area to budget since many projects are out of our control and the economy can delay project time schedules. For 2024 so far, we have collected $209,914 for Building Permit Fees and $22,050 for Site Improvement Fees. CPI 2023/2024 – It appears inflation hit its peak in June of 2022 at 9.1%. Since that time, lower CPI percentages have been the trend. The 2023 CPI ended up at 4.1%. This compares to the 2022 CPI of 8%. The March 2024 CPI was 3.5%. It has been a slow decrease in inflation for the last several months. Good news, but overall prices and operations are still higher because of inflation. We would love, and so would the Feds, to see the rate around 2%. On the one hand a higher CPI is good for our Cornell MOU payment, which is driven by the CPI, but mostly it means higher operating costs for City operations and higher costs for the consumers. Hopefully, we can see more reasonable pricing increases for the remainder of 2024. The Cornell contribution payment was estimated to increase by 2% in 2024. Instead, it will increase by 4.1%, bringing a total 2024 contribution of $4,164,000. Room Tax collection update - As you know we established a city room tax to help fund city costs related to the Conference Center. We collected $1,374,819 in 2021 (started in April 2021), collected $2,306,259 in 2022 and collected $2,431,000 in 2023, final 2023 reconciliations have not been done (the 2023 budget is $2,349,869). All collections have exceeded estimates to date. We will be hoping that trend continues. New York State Budget – The NYS Budget, which was due by April 1st, was approved. We will give you any applicable details that may affect the City when they become available. One item of note, there was $50 million in temporary funding for AIM of which the City was allocated an additional $303,123 for 2024. Another result of high inflation and high interest rates, Mortgage tax revenue is down from 2022, but still meeting budget as we knew inflation would have a negative impact on our budget in this area. We budgeted $600,000 in 2023 and will collect a total of $660,619 in 2023. That compares to a 2022 total of $1,342,407. In 2024, we budgeted $625,000. Early report on higher assessment rates. As most of you have heard, Tompkins County property owners, including the city, are receiving their preliminary assessments for their 2025 tax period. Early reports reflect a 20% average increase for the county overall. The city average increase looks to be about 15%. The city won’t receive the final 2024 assessments from the county until July 1st, 2024. The assessments are done by Tompkins County but are driven by the local housing pricing and the local housing market. If housing prices continue to climb and properties are being sold at those higher prices, the assessments will continue to climb. The 2024 assessments are the basis for the 2025 tax levy. The 2025 tax rate is the other piece of the equation. The 2025 tax rate and tax levy will not be finalized until 60 November 2024. The Common Council has an opportunity in October to discuss, amend and approve the City Manager’s 2025 budget. That budget will include recommendations for the 2025 tax rate and tax levy. The 2024 tax levy for the city increased by 5%. The 2024 tax rate remained the same in 2024 at $11.98 per $1,000 assessed value. Please note there are many reasons why the tax levy increased in 2024. Some of the main reasons include increasing labor costs, including fringe. All labor rates increased in 2024, with the lowest increase at 2.25% and many increasing well beyond 5%. We currently have all labor contracts approved during 2024, which is a rare experience. Labor rates had to increase significantly to be competitive with the local labor market. The city has had and still has significant vacancies in many departments and the need to increase salaries is real and costly. Related 2024 fringe benefit costs are also increasing much higher as health insurance premiums increased by 8% and pension contributions for the city increased by 14.5% to 19.5%. With 70% of the city budget devoted to personnel, it’s difficult to have much flexibility in making other adjustments. Not to mention, all costs of city operations increased over the last two years due to the rising inflation. It’s a difficult balance of services and costs for this community. As you learn more and more about city operations, you will see how difficult it can be to keep costs to a minimum, but at the same time provide the community with the necessary services. It’s a necessary balance and a constant battle, but one we take seriously and work hard to achieve. End of report. All areas highlighted in green are changes from the previous month. 61 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 City Manager's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:Deb Mohlenhoff City Manager DATE:May 1, 2024 RE:City Manager Monthly Report- Month of May CP#:N/A MEMORANDUM Monthly Report to Common Council -May 2024 City Manager Strategic Themes Update - May 2024 62 M E M O R A N D U M Date: April 26, 2024 To: Common Council From: Deborah Mohlenhoﬀ, City Manager RE: Monthly City Manager Report for May 2024 I am pleased to provide this monthly report to Council that will serve as an opportunity to highlight the work of our city departments and give key updates on ongoing ini�a�ves. Also, atached to this report is a tracking form that provides updates on the City Manager ’s work mapped to the Strategic Themes set by council at their Legisla�ve Retreat. City Atorney In light of the appointment of Maury Josephson to the posi�on of County Atorney (congratula�ons, Maury!), the City Atorney’s oﬃce is beginning the search process for a new Assistant City Atorney. In the meanwhile, the City Atorney’s oﬃce con�nues to represent the interests of the City in its day-to-day opera�ons, and to work closely with Common Council and City staﬀ on upcoming legisla�ve and other ini�a�ves. The City Atorney search is also moving along and candidates are slated to be interviewed in late April-early May. Greater Ithaca Ac�vi�es Center (GIAC) The GIAC Hospitality Employment Training Program (HETP) completed its Spring cohort classroom training with 5 par�cipants successfully matricula�ng through the program. More info: htps://www.cityoﬁthaca.org/533/HETP Human Resources • In April, we hired 6 new employees and promoted 1 employee. • We did not have any re�rements this month. • We were pleased to welcome our new HR Director. Her ﬁrst day was April 15. Ithaca Fire Department • Lt Nick Raponi completed an eCornell Cer�ﬁcate program on Public Sector Leadership. • Three recruits are in week 11 of a 15-week Fire Academy. • Four IFD personnel atended the Fire Department Instructors Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, IN to take part in a variety of hands-on training and seminars. • Fireﬁghters have begun hydrant maintenance throughout the district. • Discussions have begun on the City/Town Fire Contract. • Fireﬁghter made a quick stop on an apartment ﬁre on Lake Street. • Received a $29,064.86 grant from Fire House Subs Public Safety Founda�on for water rescue equipment. • Applied for a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staﬃng For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant for $1.8 Million to pay for ﬁve addi�onal ﬁreﬁghters for three years. 63 Ithaca Police Department • We are hiring two new recruit Oﬃcers Aus�n Candea and DaeJad Leckey. They will atend the Syracuse Police Academy 4/29. • Oﬃcers were at the Applebee 4/17 to support and raise money for the athletes compe�ng in the New York State Special Olympics. • The Ithaca Police Department Peer Support Team has been established to support oﬃcers at IPD. They recently atended training with Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response and NYLEAP. • We received a leter from Chemung County Sheriﬀ William A. Schrom thanking IPD for the assistance the Ithaca Police Department provided Inves�gators in the City of Ithaca following Inv. Mike Theetge's tragic incident. Ithaca Youth Bureau • Big Brothers Big Sisters of America's na�onal staﬀ made their ﬁrst ever visit to Ithaca as part of this year's program audit and were impressed by the team's enthusiasm, crea�vity, and follow through. They also had the opportunity to meet with the City Manager to discuss the unique working agreement our BBBS has as the only municipally sponsored program in the country. • Cass Park experienced its highest season atendance since 2000-2001 with nearly 34,000 atendees. • Despite challenging weather condi�ons, the Cass Park pool project is progressing on schedule. • Ithaca Bike Rental will open for the season on May 3rd. • Spring sports programs are underway including baseball, so�ball, lacrosse, and track. • Youth Employment Services (YES) has already interviewed nearly 150 teens to date with another month to go un�l the applica�on deadline. There will likely be a large wai�ng list given the number of available placements and staﬀ capacity. The team con�nues to seek new worksite partners for the summer jobs program. • Seasonal staﬀ recruitment is going very well. There is a need for some key roles such as lifeguards, boa�ng staﬀ, and an addi�onal camp nurse. • The Youth Bureau represented the City at Cornell's Town-Gown Conference on Childcare. Public Informa�on & Technology/Clerk’s Oﬃce The Public Informa�on Specialist con�nues to push out informa�on on street cleaning. This is a great �me to remind cons�tuents to sign up for the SIREN alerts, as we push out text messages to speciﬁc streets and neighborhoods when cleaning is occurring in that area. Informa�on on signing up is here: htps://www.cityoﬁthaca.org/617/Emergency-No�ﬁca�ons As outdoor event season is upon us, here are some upcoming Commons/Event Permits approved or in process: 4/25: LACS Bake Sale – Bank Alley 4/26: Take Back the Night – march(sidewalks) to the Bernie Milton Pavilion for rally 4/27: Big Red Marching Band Spring Concert – Trolley Circle 5/1 May Day – Bernie Milton Pavilion and Bank Alley, speakers, music, tabling and games. 5/4: Asian American Heritage Celebra�on – Bernie Milton and Bank Alley performances and tabling/vending. 5/18: Rootstock – Bernie Milton and Commons. Music fes�val with vendors. 5/22: S.C. Johnson Fall picnic – more details to come. Public Works Superintendent • Held ﬂood mi�ga�on progress mee�ng with City, B&L, FEMA, and DHSES. Schema�c design work has started. • Prepared dra� workplan for cleanup of Railroad property and held mee�ng with DEC, TC Health, WATCO, and City staﬀ to ﬁnalize workplan. WATCO has started brush clearing ac�vi�es on site. • Prepared memo and resolu�on for Council to limit water meter underpayments discovered during meter replacements. Engineering 64 • In design for Stewart Ave bridge over Fall Creek (deck replacement) and N Cayuga St bridge over Fall Creek (full replacement). • Finishing work for Black Diamond Trail bridge over Flood Control channel, planning ribbon cu�ng. • In design for trail extension from there to the Kirby Edmonds bridge over Rt 13 and the Town of Ithaca's Gateway trail, including access to Butermilk Falls state park. • In the home stretch for the new GIAC teen rec center (old Immaculate Concep�on gym). • Butoning up Cass Park pool renova�ons, trying to stay on track for normal opening date. • In design development for Cass Park pavilion and bathroom building replacement project. • Held virtual public mee�ng for Hector Street over Linderman creek culvert replacement, considering adding extensive paving to the scope of work. • Hired new Assistant Civil Engineer in the Sidewalk program. • Promoted Addisu Gebre to posi�on of Assistant Director of Engineering Services. • Coordina�ng with Catherine Commons project for sidewalk and street restora�on on College Ave. • Safe Streets and Roads for All project will soon roll out an interac�ve map to report safety concerns. Otherwise in data analysis. • Reﬁning alterna�ves for Route 13/Cayuga Waterfront Revitaliza�on project (BUILD grant). Design Approval to follow. Streets & Facilities • Street Cleaning in process (en�re City) • Con�nued with storm sewer rehabilita�on on Warren Pl. & Cliﬀ Park • Con�nued with Storm sewer and curb installa�on on Cook St. • Cleaned up homeless encampments under Rt. 96 Bridge and Brindley Street Pedestrian Bridge. • Planning for Railroad property cleanup Water & Sewer • Crews completed interdepartmental project to replace Cass Park Pool drain, water inlet, and guter piping. • Working on the following contracts/bids o TG Miller to design and bid new Buﬀalo Street Pump Sta�on, sewer interceptor relining, and new forcemain crossing at pipe bridge on 6MC o Pump bid for new Buﬀalo Street grinder pumps o Approval of B&L for capital project planning at WWTP o Water tank inspec�on services o Tetra Tech Architectural Firm to design and bid package the 510 First Street Water & Sewer renova�on project • Working on DOT approval for water main replacement from Esty Street to Hancock • Obtained cost quotes and project development to by-pass erosion compromised raw main. • Repaired water main break on Warren Place • Working on rec�fying pressure and yield issues at the new Stewart Park Splash Pad • Rebuilding Stewart Park 1 pumping sta�on at Caretaker's Cotage • Troubleshoo�ng Wood Street Pumping Sta�on electrical/power problems. • Hiring new Civil Engineer Parking & Commons • Repair and installa�on of window panels in stairwells at the Seneca Street Garage • Upgraded/improved signage at the Green Street garage to alleviate a "parking in drive lane problem" on the Marriot Hotel levels, especially on the weekends when the CSO's aren't available to �cket and tow 65 City Manager Action Items – 5/1/24 Updates This document is a merger of the City Manager’s original 100-day plan and the Strategic Themes set by council at their Legislative Retreat. Items that were completed on the 100-day plan have been removed. Remaining items have been sorted into the council's strategic theme categories. Legislative priorities assigned to staff have also been added to this document. CLIMATE JUSTICE, RESILIANCE, & SUSTAINABILITY -Mitigate impacts of climate change and develop plans for resilience while prioritizing climate justice communities. Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Pass Justice 50 evaluation -Staff will begin other planning when framework is passed SOCIAL HEALTH & BELONGING -The City of Ithaca works to make sure that every person, regardless of race, religion, sex, sexuality, nation of origin, or socioeconomic status is a part of a vibrant community. Every person should have access to economic stability, community cohesion, vibrant and beautiful neighborhoods, educational opportunities, and accessible healthcare. Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Start collaboration with Collegetown BID to date to create a BID in Collegetown ONGOING employee onboarding process recommendation to HR and City Manager ONGOING 66 EFFECTIVE, TRANSPARENT, & COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT -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. Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Reestablish Advisory Boards -City Manager met with working group chair to Create a framework for capital spending/prioritization built from needs study pre-screen possible projects from departments process Capital project process is dictated in the City Code: https://ecode360.com/8385913 switch to Council-Manager form of government items that have emerged as potential inconsistencies -Legislation written to adjust charter/code for ONGOING firm, is working on the search process) candidate identified -seeking alternatives that might involve outsourcing some of the work of the controller’s Common Council & staff for feedback signing the contract and reviewing process the public to view real time budget data both for the city as a whole as well as per department are any changes needed to come in line with the more recently negotiated contracts; review management compensation plan and recruitment practices issues -analyzed current management compensation plan and will present possible plan adjustments in May comprehensive redesign of city’s website and design process for regular content review and updates -will be addressed with PIT reorganization 67 EFFECTIVE, TRANSPARENT, & COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT (cont’d) Work with staff to identify additional processes or policies that need to be modified or created at an upcoming Department Heads meeting -looking at other municipalities policy books and using them as a benchmark for our design EXAMPLE MODEL: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/ctyadmin/policy/index the City’s brand, media relations, social media strategies, public information strategies, and crisis communication. reorganization that employees are receiving regular feedback department heads agenda ONGOING budgeting and KPIs ONGOING public ONGOING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & ECONOMIC VITALITY -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. Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Reevaluate CIITAP upcoming meeting profits, local leaders of color, etc. help coordinate logistics 68 SAFE & ACCESSIBLE HOUSING -Increase housing access, quality, stability, and sustainability across a range of incomes and housing types, with equitable availability in neighborhoods throughout the city Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Implement a comprehensive approach to serving unhoused population Council -Draft job description for Encampment Response Coordinator position sent internally for review -Protocol sent to Continuum of Care for review to establish communication plan for community partner interventions when and encampment is reported -Met with County and Human Services Coalition to design a 365 day low barrier approach similar to Code Blue program -Removed new encampment from Brindley St. Tree lawn -Responded to report of encampment in Ithaca Community Gardens new encampments and working on the clean-up of the area that received a notice of violation -ADU work is in progress with staff how ADU policies are written MOBILITY, ACCESSIBILITY, & INFRASTRUCTURE -Respond efficiently to community infrastructure needs & ensure safe and accessible streets and sidewalks for all. Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Innovating solutions to address snow and ice maintenance background -Schedule discussion at upcoming Council meeting ‘request tracker’ categories -working on public marketing campaign https://www.cityofithaca.org/772/SeeClickFix -repurposed Commons position will be key to Submitted as part of the City Manager’s report for the May 1, 2024, meeting of Common Council 69