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Home My WebLink AboutMN-CC-2024-11-06YouTube Link:https://tinyurl.com/mspuz9b9 Date: Location: Wednesday November 6, 2024 City Hall Council Chambers 11-06-2024 COMMON COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Voting Record 1.Call to Order 1.1 Agenda Review 1.2 Proclamations and Awards 1.3 Reports of Municipal Officials 2.Review and Approval of Minutes 2.1 9/26/24 SPCC Minutes, 10/1/24 Reg CC Minutes, 10/9/4 SPCC Minutes Attendance Record of Voting Members Name Present Absent/Excused Mayor - Robert Cantelmo X 1st Ward - Kayla Matos X 1st Ward - Phoebe Brown X 2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen X 2nd Ward - Kris Haines-Sharp X 3rd Ward - David Shapiro X 3rd Ward - Pierre Saint-Perez X 4th Ward - Patrick Kuehl X 4th Ward - Tiffany Kumar X 5th Ward - Margaret Fabrizio X 5th Ward - Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: The November 6th 2024 Common Council Meeting is called to order at 6pm. Timestamp 0:53 Discussion Summary: No additions or deletions to the agenda. Timestamp 1:53 Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo presented JR Clairborne with a proclamation honoring Veterans Week in the City of Ithaca. Timestamp 2:01-5:48 Statement from the Mayor to President-Elect Donald Trump. Timestamp 5:58- 10:14 Discussion Summary: County Legislator Veronica Pillar presented a county report update to Council. Legislator Pillar responded to questions and comments from Council. Timestamp 10:17- 18:09 3.Public Hearing # 3 Moved By: Kayla Matos Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen Motion Summary: Motion to approve the previous meeting minutes. Timestamp 18:21 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Kayla Matos Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl Motion Summary: Motion to open Public Hearing #3 on the Proposed 2025 Budget Timestamp 18:39 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Kayla Matos Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to close Public Hearing No. 3 on the 2025 Proposed Budget. Timestamp 59:10 3.1 Proposed 2025 Budget 4.Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council 4.1 Statements from the Public 4.2 Privilege of the Floor- Mayor and Council 5.Consent Agenda Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Public Hearing No. 3 was opened for the public's feedback on the proposed 2025 Budget. Timestamp 18:46-1:03:14 Discussion Summary: Members of the public came before Council to share their thoughts and concerns on matters regarding the City of Ithaca. Timestamp 1:03:29- 1:12:43 Discussion Summary: Common Council responded to the public's comments. Mayor Cantelmo reminded the public that November 16th is the deadline to adopt the final budget, pointing out that if Council does not adopt a budget by November, the Executive Proposed Budget set by the Administration will then be automatically adopted. Timestamp 1:12:49- 1:31:43 Discussion Summary: No discussion on consent. Mayor Cantelmo gave a brief summary of the item for the public's edification. Timestamp 1:31:48- 1:32:05 Moved By: Ducson Nguyen Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to approve consent agenda item 5.1 Amend 2024 Authorized Budget for NYS Health Care Workers Bonus for IFD. Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously 5.1 Amend 2024 Authorized Budget for NYS Healthcare Workers Bonus for IFD 6.Order of Business 6.1 Adoption of 2025 Budget Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Budget moved by Alderperson Lederman and Seconded by Alderperson Matos to open discussion on the Budget. Timestamp 1:32: 1:53:45 Alderperson Kumar motioned to amend the Budget to remove funding for BikeShare, seconded by Alderperson Fabrizio, All in favor. The debate opened on reconsideration to remove funding. Timestamp 1:53:53 - 2:09:31 Discussions continued on Budget picking up with Alderperson Saint Perez. Alderperson Saint Perez motioned to Table the Budget, Seconded by Alderperson Shapiro. Discussion Timestamp 2:10:35- 2:22:51 Discussion continued on the proposed budget picking up with Alderperson Nguyen. Alderperson Kuehl motioned to amend the staff development line of the Human Resources section of the Budget reducing by $10,000. Discussion on the motion from Council continued. Timestamp 2:23:21-2:32:22 Mayor Cantelmo made a motion to reconsider the level of additional funding to Council Training and Travel Line, seconded by Alderperson Shapiro. Motion to reconsider carried 9-2 with Alderperson Kuehl and Fabrizio against. Discussion on motion from Council Timestamp 2:33:01- 2:36:45 Alderperson Shapiro made a motion to reduce the training and travel line to zero dollars, seconded by Alderperson Fabrizio. There was discussion on the motion. Timestamp 2:36:52- 2:41:44 Budget discussion continued with Alderperson Fabrizio opening a discussion on the low barrier navigation center. Alderperson Lederman asked the Council for unanimous consent to reduce the authorization from the fund balance for the mayor's salary by $32,500. Mayor Cantelmo recused himself from the discussion, Alderperson Nguyen sat in as acting Mayor on the Motion for Unanimous Consent. Alderperson Nguyen set a 3 minute limit for each council member to speak on the motion. Unanimous Consent failed 9-1 with Alderperson Saint Perez in objection. Timestamp 2:43:57-3:03:00 Motion to reconsider the addition of $32,500 to the mayor's salary budget line was made by Alderperson Lederman and seconded by Alderperson Fabrizio; the motion to reconsider carried 9-1 with Alderperson Saint Perez against. Discussion on reconsideration opened with comments from Alderperson Saint-Perez. Timestamp 3:03:07-3:09:32 Alderperson Shapiro moved to table the vote on the budget until the next meeting, Wednesday November 13th at 6pm seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Discussion on the Table motion opened with comments from Alderperson Fabrizio. Timestamp 3:10:36- 3:18:58 Alderperson Saint-Perez asked for Unanimous Consent to extend the meeting for an hour until 11pm, no descent from Council. Alderperson Saint-Perez motioned for a 5 Minute recess, seconded by Alderperson Shapiro, motion carried 9-2 with Alderperson Kuehl and Matos against Timestamp 3:19:05- 3:19:37 Council reconvened after recess. Mayor Cantelmo moved the next order of business to Planning and Development Roster Amendments with unanimous consent from Council. Timestamp 3:24:27-3:24:39 Moved By: Tiffany Kumar Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Motion to Amend funding to BikeShare - to add $50 Thousand Dollars to BikeShare. Reconsidering previous amendments to the budget, Aye vote will fund Bikeshare, Nay vote will remove funding from BikeShare. Roll Call vote on the motion. Motion fails 4-7. Funding will be removed from the Budget. Vote Failed 4-7 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kris Haines-Sharp Motion Summary: Motion to Table the Budget Vote Failed 2-9 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Patrick Kuehl Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Motion to Amend Human Resources Staff Development Line. Reduce by $10 Thousand Dollars, from $39,300 to $29,300. Vote Failed 3-8 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: David Shapiro Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Motion to amend the Amendment to reduce the Council Travel and Training line to Zero Dollars ($0) Vote Failed 4-7 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Motion to amend budget adding $5,000 to the base council travel and training line instead of $10,000 to the base council travel and training line. Vote Passed 8-3 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Motion to reconsider the addition of $32,500 to the Mayor's Salary Budget Line. Vote Passed 9-1 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio Motion Summary: Motion to keep the additional $32,500 of the Mayor's Salary Budget Line. Alderperson Nguyen called a roll call vote for the motion. Vote Failed 4-6 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: David Shapiro Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Motion to Table the Budget Vote until 6pm Wednesday November 13th. Vote Passed 9-2 6.2 Adoption of 2025 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: David Shapiro Motion Summary: Motion for a 5 Minute Recess. Vote Passed 9-2 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Alderperson Lederman gave a brief preview and summary. Discussion opened with questions and comments from Council members. Mayor Cantelmo asked for a roll call vote. Motion carried 11-0 Unanimously. Timestamp 3:30:00-3:43:39 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to Adopt the 2025 Ithaca Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget Timestamp 3:29:39 Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously 6.3 Adoption of the 2025 Tax Rate 6.4 2025 Water and Sewer Rates 7.New Business / Member Filed Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo requested Unanimous Consent to Table the Adoption of the 2025 Tax Rate. No descent from Council. 2025 Tax Rate has been Tabled following the adoption of the 2025 Proposed Budget. Timestamp 3:43:45 Discussion Summary: Mayor asked for a mover to adopt the 2025 Water and Sewer rates. There was some discussion with some questions and comments from Council members. Adoption of the 2025 Water and Sewer Rates carried Unanimously 11-0 with a roll call vote. Timestamp 3:43:58- 3:49:44 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to adopt the 2025 Water and Sewer Rates. Timestamp 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 7.1 Planning & Development- Amend Personnel Roster-Senior Planning Position 7.2 Planning & Development- Amend Personnel Roster- Office Assistant Discussion Summary: Unanimous Consent from Council to move next order business to discuss item 7.1 and Item 7.2. No descent from Council. Discussion opened with Director of Planning responding to question from Council. Timestamp 3:24:27 - 3:29:34 Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen Motion Summary: Motion to defund Senior Planning Position to fund a Planner Position. 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 Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to defund an Administrative Position and fund an Office Assistant Position. Vote Passed 10-1 8.Mayor Appointments 9.Report of City Controller 10.Report from City Manager 10.1 City Manager Report 11.Reports from Council and Staff 11.1 Report from City Attorney 11.2 Report from City Clerk 12.Executive Session Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: No Mayoral Appointments. Discussion Summary: No Controller Report. Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo clarified Alderperson Shapiro's question about the Fireboat; Alderperson Fabrizio reserved the option to email further questions to the City Manager. Timestamp 3:50:40 Discussion Summary: City Attorney Victor Kessler presented council with a report on the foreclosure proceedings. The City Attorney's goal is to foreclose on zero properties this year. Timestamp 3:51:02-3:52:02 Discussion Summary: No Report from City Clerk's Office Discussion Summary: Council entered into executive session to discuss a matter leading to the appointment employment promotion demotion discipline suspension dismissal or removal of a particular person. Council returned to vote on the matter. Timestamp 3:52:10- 4:37:49 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar 12.1 Matter leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person. Motion Summary: Motion to Enter In Executive Session Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to Exit Executive Session. Vote Passed 11-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Dominick Recckio is hereby appointed to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective December 30th, 2024, at the 2024 Management Compensation Plan Grade 12, Step 4 salary of $143,750. Timestamp 4:38:04- 4:39:01 Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Appointment of the Deputy City Manager 13.Meeting Wrap Up 13.1 Announcements 13.2 Next Meeting 13.3 Meeting Adjourn Vote Passed 8-3 Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Patrick Kuehl Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Meeting Adjourned. Vote Passed 10-1 Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X David Shapiro X Pierre Saint-Perez X Patrick Kuehl X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: No Announcements Discussion Summary: Next Meeting November 13th. Discussion Summary: Mayor called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 10-1 with Alderperson Fabrizio against. Timestamp 4:39:06 Submitted: 12-4-2024 Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk Adopted: 12-4-2024 FSP Remarks to Common Council re 2025 Budget Public Hearing 11/6/2024 l'm Rick Manning, Exec. Dir. of Friends of Stewart Park. We are here to seek your support for the Stewart Park Splash Pad and Seasonal Bathroom, the final phase of the lnclusive Playground. This playground is Tompkins Gounty's most accessible playspace where children and caregivers of all ages and abilities can play together. Since its July 3rd opening the response has been overwhelmingly positive! According to the Youth Bureau Day Gamp staff, the splash pad has been a game changer for campers, especially those with special needs who cannot independently use Gass Park's water play facilities. FSP has requested $150,000 in the 2025 Budget towards the project. Based on months of conversation with City leadership, FSP was confident that our request would be funded. While we are grateful for the proposed $50,000, we respectfully suggest project support in the amount of $75,000 in 2025 with an additional $75,000 in 2026. As background, in 2023 the estimated cost for the proiect was $920,000, funded by a $500,000 state parks grant, $170,000 in FSP - raised matching funds, and $250,000 in state funding from State Representative Kelles. When the project was bid for construction, the low bid was $150,000 over budget, raising the total cost to $1,070,000. At that point, the FSP Board voted to use a portion of a bridge Ioan from the Park Foundation to cover the $150,000 needed to fund the Splash Pad shortfall, ensuring the Splash Pad would be open for summer of 2024. The playground's total cost for all three phases is $2,980,000. To date, the City has contributed $40,000 from its 2023 Budget. With an additional $150,000, the city's contribution would total$190,000,6% of the total construction cost. sf;'fffiffir pAn(F We feel this funding request is fair and reasonable given the scope of the work FSP has undertaken, in partnership with the City, to build this important City asset. Diana I'm Diana Riesman, Board President of FSP and ED of Wharton Studio Museum. As you know, the Picnic Pavilion Addition is under construction and will be completed by spring 2025. The new Addition consolidates IYB's Stewart Park Day Camp function in the Picnic Pavilion, providing safer, better lit, and accessible storage for camp equipment and supplies. The Addition frees up lakefacing space in the historic Wharton Studio Building for the Wharton Studio & Cafe. FSP raised $370,000 in NYS funding from both Assemblymember Kelles and Senator Webb for this project. The bids for the Addition came in at just under $470,000 - $100,000 over budget; unfortunately par for the course. To ensure the Addition would move fonuard, FSP and WSM went to work and raised that $100,000 shortfall from our donors. The project is currently ahead of schedule. Also, FSP and WSM partnered to build the first year-round bathrooms - they're accessible - in the park, located in the Wharton Studio Building. Prior to 2021 , one could not pee in Stewart Park between October and May. FSP and WSM spearheaded this project and managed the construction. We raised all the money -$120,000 - that includes $50,000 from the County - to make the project happen. We did not ask for financial support from the City. FSP and the City are partners in the revitalization of this beautiful, historic, lakefront park and we are grateful for this productive working relationship. While we absolutely understand the City's Budgetary constraints, this requested $150,000 investment - 6% of the playground, splash pad and bathroom building total - is essential as FSP and WSM continue to work on the Wharton Studio & Cafe, maintenance funds, and other projects. Our donors - many of whom are city residents - stepped up to cover the $100k Picnic Pavilion Addition shortfall, and we are respectfully requesting the Gity do the same to cover the Splash Pad & Seasonal Bathroom shortfall. Thank you for your consideration. We encourage you to consider support in the amount of $75,000 in the 2025 Budget and $75,000 in the 2026 Budget for this project. Thank you. Had our confidence in the City covering the $150k shortfall ofthe Splash Pad & Bathroom not existed, our donor resources would have most likely not been used on the Picnic Pavilion Addition, leaving this important project and the Park revitalization plan in ieopardy. Date: Time: Location: Watch Online: Wednesday November 6, 2024 6:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings 11-06-2024 COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION MEETING AGENDA- AMENDED 1.Call to Order 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 2.Review and Approval of Minutes 2.1. 3.Public Hearing # 3 3.1. 4.Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council 4.1. 4.2. 5.Consent Agenda 5.1. 6. Order of Business 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4. 7.New Business / Member Filed 7.1. 7.2. 8.Mayor Appointments 9.Report of City Controller 10.Report from City Manager 10.1. 11.Reports from Council and Staff 11.1. 11.2. 12.Executive Session 12.1. 13.1. 13.2. 13.3. Agenda Review Proclamations and Awards Reports of Municipal Officials 9/26/24 SPCC Minutes, 10/1/24 Reg CC Minutes, 10/9/4 SPCC Minutes Proposed 2025 Budget Statements from the Public Privilege of the Floor- Mayor and Council Amend 2024 Authorized Budget for NYS Healthcare Workers Bonus for IFD Adoption of 2025 Budget Adoption of 2025 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget Adoption of the 2025 Tax Rate 2025 Water and Sewer Rates Planning & Development- Amend Personnel Roster-Senior Planning Position Planning & Development- Amend Personnel Roster- Office Assistant City Manager Report Report from City Attorney Report from City Clerk Matter leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion,discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person 13. Meeting Wrap Up Announcements Next Meeting Meeting Adjourn 1 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. 2 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Controller's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Controllers Office DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Amend 2024 Authorized Budget for NYS Healthcare Workers Bonus for IFD ITEM #:5.1 MEMORANDUM Consent Item: To amend the budget for the HWB payment received that was distributed to eligible IFD staff on the 8/22/2024 payroll. The bonus was 100% covered by NYS. ATTACHMENTS: Health Care Worker Bonus Resolution 2024.pdf 3 Finance – Controller – Amend 2024 Authorized Budget for NYS Health Care Worker Bonus (HWB) Program WHEREAS, As part of the 2022-2023 enacted New York State Budget, Governor Hochul and the State Legislature allocated $1.2 billion in funding to the NYS Health Care Worker Bonus (HWB) program for the payment of bonuses for certain frontline health care workers during the COVID Pandemic as Part ZZ of Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2022. The HWB Program provision allows for the payment of bonuses to "recruit, retain, and reward health care and mental hygiene workers" meeting certain eligibility requirements, and WHEREAS, the program covers 100% of the bonuses to be distributed to qualiﬁed individuals including the employer share of any payroll taxes, and WHEREAS, the members of the Ithaca Fire Department who are EMTs qualiﬁed for this bonus, and WHEREAS, the City submitted to the Program, documentation of the ﬁreﬁghters who qualiﬁed for this bonus and this documentation was approved. The City has received the funds from the program and have disbursed the bonus to the qualiﬁed individuals; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends and directs the City Controller to make amendments to the Fire Department budget for 2024, to account for the receipt and payment of said HWB funds, as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A3410-3489 - State Aid-Other Health $ 211,532.25 Increase Appropriation Accounts: A3410-5110-12050 - Staff Salary $ 10,218.00 A3410-5110-12100 - Staff Salary $ 15,720.00 A3410-5110-12150 - Staff Salary $ 1,965.00 A3410-5110-12200 - Staff Salary $ 98,250.00 A3410-5110-12250 - Staff Salary $ 58,950.00 A3410-5110-12300 - Staff Salary $ 3,733.50 A3410-5110-12350 - Staff Salary $ 7,663.50 $ 196,500.00 A3410-9030 – Social Security $ 15,032.25 $ 211,532.25 4 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 City Manager's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Adoption of 2025 Budget ITEM #:6.1 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: Final Vote on 2025 Proposed Budget ATTACHMENTS: Resolution- Adoption of 2025 Budget.pdf 5 Adoption of 2025 Budget WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Executive Budget for 2025 at its November 6, 2024 meeting as approved by the Committee of the Whole, and WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total appropriations and estimated revenues, as set forth in said Amended Executive Budget for 2025, and as those amounts may be altered by action of this Common Council at its November 6, 2024 meeting, are adequate for the operation of the City during 2025; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Executive Budget for 2025, together with any additional changes made in said budget at Council's November 6, 2024 meeting as the City of Ithaca Budget for 2025, in the total amount of $106,413,764 and be it further RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2025 Budget be approved: A)General Fund Appropriations B)Water Fund Appropriations C)Sewer Fund AppropriationsD) Solid Waste Fund AppropriationsE)Sidewalk Special District Fund AppropriationsF)Stormwater Drainage Special District Fund Appropriations G)General Fund Revenues H)Water Fund RevenuesI)Sewer Fund RevenuesJ)Solid Waste Fund RevenuesK)Sidewalk Special District Fund Revenue L)Stormwater Drainage Special District Fund Revenue M)Debt Retirement ScheduleN)Capital ProjectsO)Schedule of Funded Personnel - General FundP)Schedule of Funded Personnel - Water & Sewer Fund Q)Schedule of Funded Personnel - Solid Waste Fund R)Schedule of Funded Personnel - Sidewalk Special District FundS)Schedule of Funded Personnel – Stormwater Drainage Special District FundT)Authorized Equipment - General FundU)Authorized Equipment - Water Fund V)Authorized Equipment - Sewer Fund 6 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Mayor's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Adoption of 2025 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget ITEM #:6.2 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: 2025 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget ATTACHMENTS: Resolution-2025 Waste Water Treatment Budget.pdf 7 Adoption of 2025 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2025 as approved by the Committee of the Whole, and WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total appropriations and estimated revenues, as set forth in said Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2025 and as those amounts may be altered by action of the Common Council at its November 6, 2024 meeting, are adequate for the operation of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant during 2025; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2025, together with any additional changes made in said budget at Council’s November 6, 2024 meeting, as the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2025, in the total amount of $7,423,765; and be it further RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2025 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint Activity Fund Budget be approved: A.Joint Activity Fund AppropriationsB.Joint Activity Fund RevenuesC.Schedule of Positions – Joint Activity Fund 8 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Controller's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Mayor Robert Cantelmo DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Adoption of the 2025 Tax Rate ITEM #:6.3 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: 2025 Tax Rate ATTACHMENTS: Resolution 2025 Tax Rate.pdf 9 Adoption of 2025 Tax Rate WHEREAS, the 2025 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted, and confirmed in the total amount of $106,413,764 on November 6, 2024 in accordance with a detailed Budget on file in the Office of the City Controller, and WHEREAS, available and estimated revenues total $51,704,576 leaving $33,427,665 as the amount to be raised by taxation, and WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for 2024 certified and filed by the Assessment Department of Tompkins County, has been footed and approved and shows the total net taxable valuation as $2,794,955,255, and WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the tax limit for City purposes amounts to $49,053,708 for 2025; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the tax rate for general purposes, for the fiscal year 2025, be, and the same hereby is, established and fixed at $11.96 per $1,000 of taxable valuation as shown, certified and extended against the respective properties on the 2024 Tax Roll, thereby making a total tax levy, as near as may be, of $33,427,665 and be it further RESOLVED, That the amount of said tax levy be spread, and the same hereby is levied upon and against the respective properties as shown on said City Tax Roll, in accordance with their respective net taxable valuation, at the rate of $11.96 per $1,000 of such taxable valuation, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be, and hereby is, directed to extend and apportion the City Tax as above, and that upon the completion of the extension of said Roll, the City Clerk shall prepare a warrant on the City Chamberlain for the collection of said levy; and the City Manager and the City Clerk hereby are authorized and directed to sign and affix the corporate seal to such warrant and forthwith to file the same with said Tax Roll with the City Chamberlain, and be it further RESOLVED, That upon the execution and filing of said warrant and Tax Roll with the City Chamberlain, the amounts of the City Tax set opposite each and every property shall hereby become liens, due, payable and collectible in accordance with provisions of the City Charter and other laws applicable thereto, and be it further 10 RESOLVED, That the total sum of $106,413,764 be appropriated in accordance with the adopted Budget to the respective Boards, Offices, and Departments of the City, for the purposes respectively set forth therein. The 2024 Assessment Roll has been completed and approved by the Assessment Department of Tompkins County and resulted in the following valuation: Total Value of Real Property-$6,703,474,968 Less: Value of Exempt Property-$3,908,519,713 Net Value of Taxable Property $2,794,955,255 11 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Department of Public Works Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Department of Public Works DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:2025 Water and Sewer Rates ITEM #:6.4 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: Resolution to adopt the 2025 Water and Sewer Rates ATTACHMENTS: 6.4 2025_Water_and_Sewer_Rate_Resolution.pdf 12 2025 Water and Sewer Rates – Resolution WHEREAS, each year during budget preparation, the City Controller reviews projected water and sewer revenues and expenses, and recommends water and sewer rates for the following year, and WHEREAS, DPW staff has provided water and sewer usage and expense projections for 2025, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that Common Council adopts the following water and sewer rates and fees for bills due on or after January 1, 2025, and the rates are effective until changed: Basic Rates (per 100 cubic feet): Water $9.92 $10.83 Sewer $7.29 $7.85 Minimum Billing (per quarter year) WATER SEWER TOTAL Small 1,200 $129.96 $ 94.20 $224.16 1" 3,200 $345.56 $ 251.20 $597.76 1.5" 5,500 $595.65 $ 431.75 $1,027.40 2" 11,200 $1,212.96 $ 879.20 $2,092.16 3" 16,000 $1,732.80 $ 1,256.00 $2,988.80 4" 24,100 $2,610.03 $ 1,891.85 $4,501.88 6" 42,100 $4,559.43 $ 3,304.85 $7,864.28 Other Services • Unmetered sprinkler service: $12 per inch diameter per quarter • Metered water for circuses, carnivals contractors, etc., through suitable connection at hydrant installed by Water and Sewer: charged by use, with minimum bill of $200 per day for the first 7 days and $50 per day thereafter. • Bulk Water for street sweepers, tank trucks, spray rigs, etc., available at the Water building: $100 per load up to 500 gallons, and $25 per thousand over 500 gallons. • There will be no allowable sewer credit for pool filling. • Meter removal, meter resetting, turning water off, or turning water on at curb stop: $40 per event. • Residential Meter Testing: $150 if meter is found to be within industry tolerances; no charge if out of tolerance. 13 • Replacement of frosted or damaged residential meter:  During business hours – cost of the meter plus $50  After hours without a call-in – cost of the meter plus $125  After hours with a call-in – cost of the meter plus $220 • Replace damaged AMR meter head, caused by owner/occupant negligence: cost of new meter plus $60. • City of Ithaca “Request for Entry” letters to residence or commercial establishment to service water meter, (each request per billing cycle):  First request – No response by Owner after 15 days, written warning  Second request – No response by Owner after 15 days, $25 administrative surcharge placed on next water bill  Third request – No response by Owner after 15 days, $100 administrative surcharge placed on next water bill. $100 administrative surcharge continuously billed thereafter until service has been fulfilled. • Special meter reading with corresponding bill: $45 per special read. • Data Logs: the first obtainable data log is free, delivered electronically in a PDF format. Paper copies will be printed upon request at the cost of duplication. All additional data logs shall be charged at $45 each delivered electronically. If a City issue is found as a result of a data log, there shall be no charge. • All other special services: To be billed at cost (including overhead) with supporting bill documentation. 14 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning and Development DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Planning & Development- Amend Personnel Roster-Senior Planning Position ITEM #:7.1 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: Personnel Roster for the Department be amended by defunding the Senior Planner position and funding a Planner position without the requirement of any further action by Council; Funding for this position shall be derived from the approved 2024 departmental budget. ATTACHMENTS: Planning & Dev-Amend Personnel Roster Planner Postion.pdf 15 Authorization to Amend the Personnel Roster- Planning & Development Planner Position WHEREAS, The Department of Planning and Development (“Department”) has one funded Senior Planner position and one unfunded Planner position, and WHEREAS, the Department would like to fill a Senior Planner vacancy with a Planner position, and WHEREAS, the Planner position requires less experience and/or education than the Senior Planner position and is at a lower pay grade, and, WHEREAS, due to past recruitment challenges, the Department wants to retain the Senior Planner position until a successful search is conducted for the Planner position, and WHEREAS, The Department would like to advertise the Planner position at this time, and if unsuccessful, advertise for the Senior Planner position in the near future, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that, based on recruitment results, the Director of Planning and Development is authorized to fill a Planner position in lieu of a funded Senior Planner position, or vice versa, but in no event shall both positions be filled or funded at the same time, and be it further RESOLVED, that should a candidate for the Planner position be selected in lieu of the Senior Planner position, Common Council hereby authorizes that the personal roster for the Department be amended by defunding the Senior Planner position and funding a Planner position without the requirement of any further action by Council, and be it further RESOLVED, that funding for this position shall be derived from the approved 2024 departmental budget. 16 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Planning and Development Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning and Development DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Planning & Development- Amend Personnel Roster- Office Assistant ITEM #:7.2 MEMORANDUM Voting Item: Personnel Roster for the Department be amended by defunding the Administrative Assistant position and funding the Office Assistant position without the requirement of any further action by Council; funding for this position shall be derived from the approved 2024 departmental budget. ATTACHMENTS: Resolution-Amend Personnel Roster Office Assistant Planning Dev.pdf 17 Authorization to Amend Personnel Roster- Planning and Development Office Assistant Position WHEREAS, the Department of Planning and Development (“Department”) wishes to increase the applicant pool for a vacant office support position, and WHEREAS, the Department has one unfunded Office Assistant position and one funded Administrative Assistant position, and WHEREAS, the Office Assistant position requires less experience and/or education than the Administrative Assistant position and is at a lower pay grade, and, WHEREAS, the Department would like to advertise for the Office Assistant position as well as to consider candidates on the eligible list for the Administrative Assistant position, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that, based on recruitment results, the Director of Planning & Development is authorized to fill an Office Assistant position in lieu of the funded Administrative Assistant position, or vice versa, but in no event shall both positions be filled or funded at the same time, and be it further RESOLVED, that should a candidate for the Office Assistant position be selected in lieu of the Administrative Assistant position, Common Council hereby authorizes that the personnel roster for the Department be amended by defunding the Administrative Assistant position and funding the Office Assistant position without the requirement of any further action by Council, and be it further RESOLVED, that funding for this position shall be derived from the approved 2024 departmental budget. 18 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 City Manager's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:Deb Mohlenhoff, City Manager DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:City Manager Report ITEM #:10.1 MEMORANDUM City Manager Monthly Report and Strategic Themes Update- November 2024 ATTACHMENTS: November 6_CM Monthly Report to CC .pdf City Manager Strategic Themes Updates 11-6-24 Agenda.pdf 19 M E M O R A N D U M Date: November 6th, 2024 To: Common Council From: Deborah Mohlenhoﬀ, City Manager RE: Monthly City Manager Report for November 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 initiatives. Also, attached 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 Legislative Retreat. City Attorney Due to changes in state law, the City is ﬁling its foreclosure proceedings earlier than in past years. Due to the earlier ﬁling, property owners will now have approximately six months to pay oﬀ any outstanding taxes and have their properties removed from the foreclosure list. Property owners, Council Members, and all other interested parties are encouraged to review the list of delinquent properties and to contact anyone they might know who owes back taxes. This information will be posted on the bulletin boards in City Hall and the County Courthouse and distributed electronically to Council Members. Notices will also be distributed to owners as required by law. Property owners with outstanding taxes are encouraged to contact the Chamberlain’s Oﬃce as soon as possible to make payments or, where authorized by law, to set up an installment payment agreement. In addition to the foreclosure proceedings, the City Attorney’s Oﬃce continues to advise and support the Common Council, the City Manager, City departments, and the City’s boards and commissions in their work. The Oﬃce is especially pleased to announce that we have brought a new Assistant City Attorney on board who will support the Oﬃce’s work, who will focus on dispute resolution (up to and including litigation), enforcement issues, and supporting other departmental and legislative initiatives. Advertising and recruitment for the Oﬃce’s remaining vacancy is expected to commence later in November. Public Information & Technology/City Clerk The Department of Public Information and Technology, in collaboration with the Controller’s Oﬃce, is enhancing transparency in the City’s ﬁnancials. Soon, the OpenGov Reporting and Transparency Center will be launched, providing staﬀ, elected leaders, and the public with easy-to-understand ﬁnancial reports. These reports will display the City’s budget, along with revenues and expenses dating back to 2019. Furthermore, this information will be updated daily moving forward! 20 GIAC • Hip Hip Hooray! With much fanfare, the GIAC Recreation/Teen Center (GRC) had its long-awaited grand opening on October 25th. This project was a labor of love, and we are profoundly thankful to City leaders, community members, State and Federal elected representatives, and private donors for making this project possible. Major thanks to Tim Logue and Brooks Hendrix of City Engineering for helping us to manage this project from start to ﬁnish. To date we have 42 teens regularly attending programs at the GRC and high demand inquiries from the community to use the space. • If you saw a bunch of big and little ghouls, witches, princesses, pumpkins, superheroes, cats, and other cartoon characters walking through the streets escorted by members of the Ithaca Police Department, no they were not being arrested for impersonation. In fact, they were participating in the annual GIAC’s City of Ithaca, Halloween Parade and Party. In collaboration with the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, GIAC hosted this annual event on Friday, October 25. Caregivers and children from the GIAC programs as well as other community families joined us to parade to McGraw House and Beechtree Rehabilitation Center to bring a treat to the residents there They then went on to trick or treat on the Commons at participating stores, returning to GIAC afterwards to enjoy chili, chicken noodle soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, and a spooky Halloween party. • The GIAC Navigators Soccer Team completed the season on Sunday, October 27, winning both division games to emerge as overall champions. In addition, several Navigators athletes placed ﬁrst in varying distances in the ﬁnal cross-country meet. • This October also saw the return of the 6th grade GIAC Firebirds Girls traveling basketball team as well as the 6th grade GIAC Wolfpack Boys traveling basketball team. • GIAC welcomed New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie accompanied by Assemblymember Anna Kelles for a visit on October 11. Along with this visit came announcements for funding of $750,000 for the renovation of GIAC’s Red & White Café project and $13 million for renovating and enclosing GIAC’s Alex Haley Municipal Pool. Both sets of funding announcements were in response to grants submitted to the State by GIAC. Ithaca Fire Department • Five recruit ﬁreﬁghters are in week 14 of 15 of Recruit Fire Fighter Training (RFFT) at the New York State Fire Academy. They will graduate of 7 November 2024 and transition to IFD speciﬁc training. • Construction continues at the new East Hill Fire Station. Anticipate the building being fully enclosed by the end of November. • Members of the Hazmat Team completed factory representative training on two new hazmat detection meters. 21 • Members of the Hazmat Team participated in a regional hazmat drill with Cortland and Auburn Fire at the New York State Fire Academy. Members drilled on specialty equipment and participated in a full scale exercise. This training was spearheaded by IFD Lt. Rich Brown. • On 18 September 2024, Senator Webb held a press conference at IFD to announce our award of a $250,000 CREST Grant to support the purchase of a Fire/Rescue Boat. • On 11 October 2024, IFD fought a signiﬁcant structure ﬁre on Kings Way (below). One ﬁreﬁghter was injured. • On 23 October, IFD fought a signiﬁcant brush ﬁre on Enﬁeld Falls Road (below). Enﬁeld Fire was brought in to assist with specialty brush ﬁreﬁghting equipment. • In late 2024 or early 2025, IFD will take possession of a new Heavy Rescue Truck. The vehicle is a 2024 demonstration unit purchased from HME, Inc. The vehicle will require modiﬁcations to meet IFD speciﬁc needs prior to being put into service. The Heavy Rescue will replace an existing vehicle that is 34 years old. Human Resources Below are the metrics for the HR department for the month of October: • Average time to ﬁll for the 4 positions starting in the month of October was 87 days from time of posting to start date. • Four (4) Job Fairs and Events Attended: GIAC Soul fest on 9/18; TC3 Career Carnival on 10/1; DCTC Roundtable conference on 10/18; TST BOCES World of Skill Job Fair on 10/30. • Trainings and Conferences - TC3 Supervising for Success training facilitated by the county - 4 registered, 3 attendees, DCTC round table conference - 22 registered, 20 attendees, New hire orientation - 4 attendees. • Stay/Exit/Engagement Interviews/Surveys, Grievances/Investigations - 0 investigations initiated, 1 Email usage/engagement survey for DPW; 1 Stay Interview conducted (department will receive feedback) • Turnover - 3 New Hires, 2 Separations, 3 Retirements 22 Ithaca Police Department • 1 new oﬃcer in the Syracuse Police Academy • Crime Analyst in Training • 44 candidates invited to the Physical Agility Test coming up after recent Sept 28th Police Test • Oﬃcers assisted in several Trunk or Treat Events around Ithaca including the GIAC parade and Trick or Treating on the Commons • Upcoming Friendsgiving/ Community Conversation- Nov 14th, 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Calvary Baptist Church at 507 N Albany St. Ithaca Youth Bureau Department Wide • We welcomed Lydia Dolch from Open the Lid to our October Staﬀ Development Meeting where she presented about building a supportive work environment for neurodivergent colleagues. • We were invited to and attended Community Resource Fairs/Trunk-or-Treat events at the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County and at Racker's Ithaca campus. We connected with many new families that weren't aware of the full scope of our program oﬀerings. • Our DEI Council sponsored a screening of the documentary, The Good Mind, on November 4th as part of our recognition of Indigenous People's Month. The event was open to all City staﬀ and elected oﬃcials. • More than a dozen Youth Bureau staﬀ members attended the Diversity Consortium of Tompkins County's Roundtable event. Staﬀ were able to delve into a variety of DEI topics, expanding their knowledge so that as a team we can continue our ongoing work of making sure that the Youth Bureau is truly a place for ALL. • We are reviewing applications for the Custodial Worker position at the Youth Bureau and hope to begin interviewing soon. • We will have our ﬁrst design progress meeting for the YB parking lot project the ﬁrst week of November. We hope to begin construction this Spring. Youth Development • Youth Council Ambassadors began with a full day retreat. 13 Ambassadors gathered to participate in team building, leadership, and planning activities for the coming year. Participants met with the City Manager to learn about the role of local government and why it matters. The group also spent some time analyzing current events at a national and local scale to learn more about civic engagement and media literacy. • Youth Employment Services received $24K in additional funding to their $223K contract with the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board to cover additional teen wages for the Summer Jobs Program. A new contract with the WDB is being worked on to oﬀer school-year subsidized employment placements for youth from low-income families living in the City and Town of Ithaca. • YES continues to oﬀer support to youth seeking private employment through their free resumé builder and Now Hiring List, which is updated every other week and includes 75 businesses in Tompkins County that regularly hire teens. 23 • Outings has had a busy fall, oﬀering many great opportunities for team building and connection with the outdoors including: o Pathﬁnders: A 5-week program for 4th and 5th graders in the Ithaca City School District, focusing on team building, map reading, ﬁre building, and leadership. Two schools pair for each session. Session 1 began with South Hill and Enﬁeld Elementary schools. o Explorers: A year-round, long-term middle school program that takes groups of students out to explore local attractions. Fall excursions included local orchards for apple picking, teambuilding and high-adventure challenges at the Hoﬀman Challenge Course, and ﬁnding their way through a giant corn maze. o Trailblazers: A weekly program for 6th graders needing extra support as they navigate their ﬁrst year of middle school. o Airborne Adventures: A 5-week tree climbing program for ages 5-11. Kids learn tree climbing using harnesses and ropes. o WILDFire: An 8-week program for homeschooled youth, featuring tree climbing, map reading, biking, and ﬁre building. o Nature Awaits: A 5-week outdoor survival program for ages 5-11, focusing on skills like water ﬁltration, wild edibles, map reading, and shelter building. • After a lengthy career at the Youth Bureau, Linda Cimakasky-Barr has retired as the Coordinator of the College and Career Discovery Program. We thank her for her many years of dedicated service to the youth of our city! • Erin Curtis has been hired as the new Youth Program Leader for the College and Career Discovery Program. • Daquan Rockett has been appointed as the Interim Youth Program Coordinator for the College and Career Discovery Program while we conduct the search for a permanent appointment. Recreation • Several Early Fall Rec programs (Cross Country, Fall Soccer & Flag Football) just wrapped up or are wrapping up this week along with sessions of art, pottery and Tae Kwon Do classes. We received lots of very positive feedback. Here are a few of “the best thing about this program” quotes: o Cross Country - “Running isn't necessarily the easiest activity to make fun for young kids, and Bethany, Lizzie(y) and their crew do it very well.” o Fall Soccer - "It was fun and friendly and not overly competitive, just really focused on skill building and the pleasure of the game." o Flag Football - “One evening it was raining and when I picked my son up to go to practice, he asked if it was canceled. When I told him no, he let out the biggest screeching of joy.” o Tae Kwon Do - “My son says ‘This is a really great experience and I've tried other martial art programs and this is the best one I've been to’." • Tot Spot opened for the season on Saturday, Oct. 26th and will run every Tues, Thurs, Sat 9:30 - 11:30am through mid-April. Families have already enjoyed some fun Halloween activities with crafts, a shadow puppet show, and Trick or Treating inside the IYB building. 24 Parks • The Cass Park Ice Rink season opened on Monday, Oct. 14th and had 647 in attendance for the public skating sessions in the ﬁrst 2 weeks of operation. The ﬁrst session of ice-skating lessons has begun, and we currently have 148 participants registered. Special thanks to Deputy Director Jim D'Alterio for going above and beyond to ensure the ice was ready for opening day despite the above average temperatures. • We are currently selling dasher board ads at the Cass Park Ice Rink to local businesses and organizations. • The addition to the "Large" Pavilion for Stewart Park Day Camp storage is coming along nicely. The foundation and exterior walls are up, and the structure should be fully enclosed soon so that interior work can continue into the colder months ahead. • We had a very productive meeting with the City’s Director of Sustainability on a number of ways we could collaborate on current and projects at Cass Park and the Youth Bureau. We are excited about continuing to build our working relationship! • We had our ﬁrst design progress meeting for the Cass Park Pavilion and Restrooms and the Union Fields Restrooms and Storage. We are hopeful that we will be able to start construction by Fall of 2025. Public Works Superintendent • Continued work with Barton & Loguidice on the FEMA ﬂood mitigation project. Scheduling another technical meeting with FEMA to clarify requirements for ﬂoodwall design. • Finalized 2025 DPW operating and capital budgets. Engineering • Design approval granted for Stewart Ave bridge over Fall Creek (deck replacement) and design is on-going for N Cayuga St bridge over Fall Creek (full replacement). • Design continues for trail extension to the Kirby Edmonds bridge over Rt 13 and the Town of • Ithaca's Gateway trail, including access to Buttermilk Falls State Park. Public meeting coming soon; will circulate info when available. • GIAC teen recreation center is OPEN! Ribbon cutting was Friday, October 25th. The center looks amazing. • Design development continues for Cass Park pavilion and bathroom building replacements, partially grant funded. • Safe Streets and Roads for All project (www.safestreetstompkins.com) is scheduling public information meeting for December. • Reﬁning draft Design Report for Route 13/Cayuga Waterfront Revitalization project (BUILD • grant, www.route13ithaca.com). Environmental review and design approval to follow. • Construction is ongoing for the addition to the large pavilion in Stewart Park. • Sidewalk contract work is complete for the year. • Sidewalk 2025 work plan is making its way through the approval process, which culminates with City Budget adoption. 25 Streets & Facilities • Completed stormwater cleaning of catch basins (Citywide) • Continue repair work on S. Cayuga St. and South Hill Terrace. • Continue with repair of utility ditches throughout City. Water & Sewer Infrastructure • 500, 400 and half of 300 block N. Albany water main and service replacement. Should be complete by November 15. Crew will then move down to Green and S. Albany intersection and continue south to Spencer. • Completed this year's water meter change out program with just under 1600 out of 5500 installed. • Rolled out the City's requirement for the Lead Service Line (LSL) program. GIS and staff helped ﬁne tune the lead services inventory for submission by October 15. Working on next steps toward the required notiﬁcation process for those customers that have either lead, galvanized or unknown services. This is due November 15. • Working on grant ideas for LSL program to subsidize homeowners affected by the LSL program. • Addressed faulty pump at the Giles Street Pumping Station • Ordered new grinder pumps for the Buffalo Street Pumping Station • Working with RIBS to vacate the Buffalo Pump Station in anticipation of its replacement • Assorted new water & sewer services based on demand Wastewater Plant • Received new SPDES permit which now includes permit limits for ammonia and mercury. Anticipated large capital improvement needs to meet ammonia levels. • Received new SPDES permit for ice melting outfalls • Pretreatment inspection EPA response to "deﬁciency list". Almost all issues were easily rectiﬁed. • Continued efforts to wind down capital improvement project - HVAC coil replacements, valve tagging, pump replacement, HVAC for laboratory. • Continued staffing issues. Only 2 licensed City operators remaining with one nearing retirement, only 2 operator trainees, and one Lab Director on maternity leave. Camden Group is now running about 70% of the facility. General Admin • Hired a new Administrative Assistant for the WWTP. Start date by November 14. • Hired a Financial Management Assistant for W&S. She lasted three weeks and left due to low salary. • Budget, budget, budget - Particularly with the WWTP over salary, staffing, and contracted operations. Project Work • Continued working with Tetra Tech on W&S Building renovation project. Received draft building study report. Four layout alternatives were discussed. Staff reviewing to determine ﬁnal ideas. • Met with NYSEG to discuss geothermal pilot program which would provide heating and cooling to W&S building renovation, free of charge. • Working with Cornell University consultant, crews are installing a ﬂow meter near Ithaca HS for potential geothermal exchange pilot project. • Assisted TG Miller consultants on a video inspection program for the Buffalo Street Pump Station replacement and Meadow Street sanitary interceptor relining project. Inspection was fraught with issues 26 including getting the camera stuck in the line which required overnight extraction with W&S support. The program will be repeated using bypass pumping to achieve better results. • Asset Management - GIS has been busy implementing the ﬁnal stages of our future asset management solution. Several staff meetings, and vendor discussions to ﬁne tune system. • OpenGov - Working with OpenGov on Water & Sewer application and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan workﬂow • Assisted TG Miller with a survey of the Giles Street watershed in anticipation of the raw main by-pass project. • Met with Ramboll at the 60' dam and gatehouse. Gatehouse in deteriorated condition and Ramboll will be putting a proposal together to reinforce ﬂooring and provide a new roof solution. This ties in with the overall need to rehabilitate dam and gate house and install a new intake structure. Roughly an 8M project. Parking & Commons • The Community Service Officers have stepped up their booting detail (in an attempt to bring scofflaws to some level of justice) and are generating $1000's in extra revenue per week in the process. • The Commons Crew are "buttoning up" the Commons in preparation for the winter season, as well as readying our snow removal ﬂeet (Tractors, JCB, etc). Water and power have been turned off and we are meeting with LaBella Associates to take a look at the water feature and discuss possible leak solutions for next season. • In the parking garages, we're in the process of removing the damaged/burglarized Pay On Foot stations to ease confusion and streamline the process. Lot Attendants are more dedicated to the booths now and are able to collect cash, should a customer wish to pay that way. 27 City Manager Action Items – 11/6/24 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, RESILIENCE, & 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 timeline for incorporating J50 into CP process COMPLETED 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 Goal/Action Item Progress/Action Taken Other Notes/Updates Start collaboration with Collegetown BID to date to create a BID in Collegetown 11-6 NO UPDATES Equity and Justice statement to all departments and explore a required diversity training component to employee onboarding process rollout -Identifying use of budget dollars set aside in 2024 budget for implementation of the diversity statement Strategic workplan -HR Director is developing training to be delivered to Senior Staff 11-6 NO UPDATES 28 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 These updates will now be provided by the working group chair. Staff are here to support this work as Invite Council to participate in Capital Planning; Create a framework for capital spending/prioritization built from needs study documents for 9/26 presentation to council https://ecode360.com/8385913 COMPLETED Continue to identify process changes needed to switch to Council-Manager form of government charter/code for identified minor inconsistencies COMPLETED -budget work consumed department and will resume controller search when budget is completed Common Council & staff for feedback process are any changes needed to come in line with the more recently negotiated contracts; review management compensation plan and recruitment practices has one more scheduled for November -we anticipate the contract be settled before the end of 2024 comprehensive redesign of city’s website and design process for regular content review and updates 11-6 NO UPDATES or policies that need to be modified or created EXAMPLE MODEL: https://tompkinscountyny.gov/ctyadmin/policy/index 11-6 NO UPDATES 29 Establish a position that is dedicated to managing the City’s brand, media relations, social media strategies, public information strategies, and crisis communication. 11-6 NO UPDATES that employees are receiving regular feedback develop 2025 workplans and priorities -HR starting new training programs based on into the City Budget process adopted budget so we can start reviewing the options for pulling data and sharing reports as ONGOING 11-6 NO UPDATES COMPLETED 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 -staff work is completed unless council wishes to take any action at a later date COMPLETED profits, local leaders of color, etc. 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 response groups and outreach partners 30 -participating in county convened meetings related to the Code Blue and other shelter related initiatives -Reviewing applications received for encampment response coordinator; will interview candidates in early November -working on revitalizing the Community Outreach Worker program with REACH and other partners direction and proposed policy COMPLETED ADU - ONGOING 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 previous benchmarking research on this topic Community Permit position Live link: https://www.cityofithaca.org/772/SeeClickFix Submitted as part of the City Manager’s report for the November 6, 2024, meeting of Common Council 31 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Attorney's Office Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk TO:Common Council FROM:City Attorney Victor Kessler DATE:November 6, 2024 RE:Matter leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person. ITEM #:12.1 MEMORANDUM Executive Session on a Personnel Matter. Council will be returning with a Vote 32 RESOLUTION -Appointment of the Deputy City Manager WHEREAS, on August 7, 2024, Common Council approved a resolution to amend the Personnel Roster to add a Deputy City Manager position; and WHEREAS, the search committee and City Manager have concluded their interviews for the Deputy City Manager position; and WHEREAS, the City Manager recommends the appointment of Dominick Recckio to the position; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Section C-5(C)(4)(B) of the Ithaca City Charter, the City Manager desires to appoint Dominick Recckio as Deputy City Manager, subject to the approval of the Common Council; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Dominick Recckio be and is hereby appointed to the position of Deputy City Manager, effective December 30th, 2024, at the 2024 Management Compensation Plan Grade 12, Step 4 salary of $143,750. Carried 8-3 (Brown,Shapiro,Fabrizio)