HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2025-05-07YouTube Link:https://tinyurl.com/222588dc
Date:
Location:
Wednesday May 7, 2025
City Hall Council Chambers
May 7th 2025 COMMON COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
VOTING RECORD
1. Call to Order
1.1 Emergency Evacuation
1.2 Agenda Review
1.3 Reports From Municipal Officials
2.Special Presentation
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
Also Present: Alderperson Haines-Sharp is excused with a qualifying absence. Alderpersons Fabrizio, Kuehl,
and Shapiro arrived late to the meeting.
Meeting At A Glance
Discussion Summary: Mayor Robert Cantelmo called the Ithaca Common Council meeting
of May 7, 2025, to order at 6:00 PM. Alderperson Haines-Sharp was excused due to a
qualifying absence. Alderpersons Fabrizio, Kuehl, and Shapiro were noted as arriving
late. Alderperson Saint-Perez requested the consolidation of agenda items 7.2 and 8.4 for
sequential discussion. Alderperson Lederman moved to remove items 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4
from the agenda for referral to Committee. The motion did not receive unanimous
consent, with Alderperson Saint-Perez dissenting. County Legislator Veronica Pillar
provided updates from the County. Timestamp 0:55-7:50
Discussion Summary: Before introducing the TCAT presentation, Mayor Cantelmo asked
for a moment of silence to acknowledge the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second
3.Proclamations and Awards
4.Review and Approval of Minutes
4.1 April 2nd 2025 CC Minutes
5.Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council
5.1 Statements From The Public
World War. Timestamp 7:52-8:17
2.1 TCAT Funding presentation to Council
Discussion Summary: Slideshow Special presentation given by TCAT
representative General Manager Matthew Rosenbloom-Jones and TCAT Board
Member and Former Mayor Laura Lewis. The presentation is to provide Council
members a brief review of how TCAT is structured and funded and to give Council
an opportunity to ask questions about TCAT. Timestamp 8:20- 37:23
Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo recognized the first full week of May as
Professional Municipal Clerk's week. Timestamp 37:24-39:30
Discussion Summary: The mayor asked for a Mover for the April 2nd meeting
minutes. No Discussion on the minutes. Timestamp 39:35-40:04
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl
Motion Summary: Motion to approve the April 2nd 2025 Common Council meeting
minutes. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Kuehl.
Motion carries 8-1. Alderperson Brown stepped away and is not present for the
vote.
Vote Passed 9-1
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
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Community members addressed the Council to express
their views and concerns regarding ADUs, the Green New Deal, CIITAP, homeless
5.2 Privilege Of The Floor- Comments From Council and The Mayor
6.Consent Agenda
6.1 Amendment to Personnel Roster- Accounts Receivable Specialist
6.2 Accept Easement for Fire Lane Access on Summit Avenue
6.3 Mural Proposal - Reawakening the Underground Railroad Mural
6.4 Ithaca City Police Department Enforcement Technology (LETECH) Program
6.5 Proposed Sale of 205 W. MLK Jr./State Street to INHS.- Lead Agency
6.6 Sale of 205 W. MLK Jr./State Street to INHS.- Negative Declaration
encampments, and workplace harassment. Given the number of speakers, the
time for each speaker was reduced to 2 minutes. Timestamp 40:04- 1:33:14
Discussion Summary: Council members responded to public comments,
addressing the concerns raised. Community members were thanked and
encouraged to continue to come out and speak on every issue, as it does have an
impact on how Council votes. Timestamp 1:33:19-1:52:58
Discussion Summary: The consent agenda was moved. Alderperson Fabrizio has joined
the meeting. Timestamp 1:53:06-1:53:16
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Kayla Matos
Motion Summary: Consent agenda items 6.1-6.8. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez,
Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor. Motion carries 10-0.
Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Abstain
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
6.7 Lease Extension- 506 First Street- Lead Agency
6.8 Lease Extension- 506 First Street- Neg Declaration
7.Order of Business
7.1 Local Law 186- Flood Damage Prevention
7.2 Ordinance- Accessible Dwelling Units- ADU's
Discussion Summary: Local Law was moved and summarized by Alderperson
Lederman; this local law makes mandatory changes to ensure Ithaca's
participation in the National Flood Insurance Program. Mayor Cantelmo called for a
roll call vote. There was no discussion or debate from Council. Timestamp
1:53:24-1:54:35
Moved By: Clyde Lederman
Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Motion Summary: Local Law 186 Flood Damage Prevention was moved by
Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Saint-Perez. Motion carries 10-
0 by Roll Call Vote.
Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Declaration of Lead Agency and Declaration of
Environmental Significance is moved and summarized by Alderperson Lederman.
No discussion or debate on the motion. The Ordinance is moved and summarized
by Alderperson Nguyen and seconded by the Mayor. Discussion and debate began
between Council. Deputy Director of Planning Megan Wilson answered questions
from Council. Alderperson Saint-Perez offered motions to make amendments to
the Ordinance, those motions failed. The Main Motion carried 7-3 by roll call with
Alderpersons Shapiro, Fabrizio, and Saint-Perez against. Timestamp 1:54:33-
2:51:28
Moved By: Clyde Lederman
Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen
Motion Summary: Declaration of Lead Agency moved by Alderperson Lederman,
Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. All In Favor. Motion Carries 10-0
Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen 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: Kayla Matos
Motion Summary: Declaration of Environmental Significance moved by Alderperson
Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor. Motion carries
Unanimously 10-0
Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Moved By: Ducson Nguyen
Seconded By: Robert Cantelmo
Motion Summary: Ordinance amending the City Of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter
325, "Zoning" is moved by Alderperson Nguyen, seconded by Mayor Cantelmo.
Motion Carried 7-3 by Roll Call with Alderperson's Shapiro, Saint-Perez, and
Fabrizio against.
Vote Passed 7-3
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen 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 to amend moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded
by Alderperson Shapiro.
SECTION 6. Reevaluation.
The City of Ithaca shall reevaluate this ordinance during the fifth year after it takes
effect, and evaluate the success of the ordinance based upon, in decreasing
priority:
The number of units on owner-occupied parcels.
The number of units owned by local residents.
The total number of units built.
Motion to amend fails 3-6 with Alderpersons Matos, Brown, Nguyen, Kumar,
Lederman, and the Mayor Against. Alderperson Kuehl temporarily stepped away.
Vote Failed 3-6
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio
Motion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez made a second motion to amend the
ordinance to Add to section C: For five years following the effective date of this
ordinance, in the South Hill Overlay the owner must use the parcel as a primary
residence, Seconded by Alderperson Fabrizio. Motion fails 3-6 with Alderpersons
Matos, Brown, Nguyen, Kuehl, Lederman, and the Mayor Against, Alderperson
Kumar is temporarily out of the room for the vote.
Vote Failed 3-6
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio
Motion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez made a third motion to amend the
Ordinance. The amendment is as follows:
Add to Section C: For five years following the effective date of this ordinance: in the
Bryant Park neighborhood, with boundaries defined as:
(a) Starting at the intersection of Bryant Ave and Dryden Rd., the boundary
proceeds east along Dryden Road to the intersection with Cornell Street, then
south on Cornell Street to Miller Street, then east on Miller Street to the East Ithaca
Recreation Way. The boundary then proceeds southeast along the East Ithaca
Recreation Way to the Southeast boundary of the City of Ithaca, then southwest
along the City of Ithaca boundary line to Route 79. The boundary then proceeds
northwest along Route 79 to Giles Street, then west along Giles Street to the
intersection with Water Street, then north along Water Street back to Route 79,
then northwest on Route 79 to Mitchell Street, then east on Mitchell Street to
Delaware Avenue, then north on Delaware Avenue to the intersection with Bryant
Avenue. The boundary then continues north on Bryant Avenue to the intersection
with Dryden Road.
(b) Within or adjacent to these boundaries, the owner must use the parcel as a
primary residence. Seconded by Alderperson Fabrizio. Motion fails 2-6 with
Alderperson's Saint-Perez and Fabrizio in favor. Alderpersons Kuehl, and Shapiro
are temporarily out of the room for the vote.
Vote Failed 2-6
7.3 Sale of 205 W. MLK Jr./State Street to INHS.
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Moved By: Kayla Matos
Seconded By: Clyde Lederman
Motion Summary: Alderperson Matos Called The Question to end the debate.
Seconded by Alderperson Lederman. Motion fails 4-5 with Alderpersons Matos,
Brown, Kumar and Lederman In Favor. Alderperson Shapiro returned to Council,
Alderperson Kuehl is temporarily out of the room for the vote.
Vote Failed 4-5
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: The council reconvened following a five-minute recess.
Alderperson Shapiro is no longer in attendance due to illness.
Alderperson Saint-Perez moved and summarized the resolution for the proposed
sale of 205 W. MLK Jr./State Street to INHS. Timestamp 2:58:46-2:59:15
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Kayla Matos
Motion Summary: Motion to approve the purchase and sale of 205 W MLK Jr/State
Street to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services. Moved by Alderperson Saint-
Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor. Motion carries unanimously
9-0 with Alderperson Shapiro not in attendance due to illness.
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
7.4 Lease Extension- 506 First Street
7.5 Pilot Encampment Management Policy
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez moved and summarized the
resolution to approve the sublease agreement between IURA and Downtown
Ithaca Childcare Center for the property of 506 First Street. There was a brief
discussion on the motion before moving forward with the final vote. Timestamp
2:59:18- 3:01:12
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Kayla Matos
Motion Summary: Lease Extension for 506 First Street moved by Alderperson Saint-
Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor. Motion carries unanimously
9-0.
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Resolution adopting the updated Pilot Administrative
Policy to Manage Homeless Encampments on city property was moved and
summarized by Alderperson Kuehl. Discussion on motion by Council; Alderperson
Fabrizio made a motion to amend the resolution to add the language " partnership
resources", Alderperson Kuehl seconded the amendment. Timestamp 3:01:12-
3:06:25
Moved By: Patrick Kuehl
Seconded By: Kayla Matos
Motion Summary: Resolution for Pilot Encampment Management Policy was moved
and summarized by Alderperson Kuehl, Seconded by Alderperson Matos.
Alderperson Fabrizio made a motion to amend the resolution to add the words
"partnership resources" in front of "periodic updates related to". Seconded by
Alderperson Kuehl. All In Favor of the amendment. Motion carries 9-0.
Main Motion to adopt the report as amended. All In Favor. Motion Carries
Unanimously 9-0
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
5 Minute Recess
Discussion Summary: Council broke for a 5-minute recess. Timestamp 2:51:30-
2:58:45
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: David Shapiro
Motion Summary: Move for A Five Minute Recess. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez,
Seconded by Alderperson Shapiro. All In Favor. Motion carries 10-0
Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Deny Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
8.Member Filed
8.1 Resolution- Common Council Labor Liaison
Discussion Summary: Alderperson Lederman moved and read the amended
resolution in its entirety, Amending the Position of Common Council Labor Liaison.
Timestamp 3:07:25-3:17:43
Moved By: Clyde Lederman
Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen
Motion Summary: Moved as Amended, Resolution Amending the Position of
Common Council Labor Liaison, moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by
Alderperson Nguyen.
Mayor Cantelmo offered a friendly amendment, to change all instances of
"him/her" to "their". This is Friendly to the seconder.
Vote on the Main motion as amended. All In Favor. Motion Carries Unanimously 9-
0
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Moved By: Margaret Fabrizio
Seconded By: Patrick Kuehl
Motion Summary: Alderperson Fabrizio made a motion to add "Resolved, labor
liaison shall report regularly on the same to the Common Council. Seconded by
Alderperson Kuehl. All In Favor. Motion Carries 9-0.
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
8.2 Community Investment Incentive Tax Abatement Program
8.3 Reaffirmation of the Ithaca Green New Deal
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez moved and summarized the
CIITAP resolution. Alderperson Kuehl moved that the resolution be tabled to a
Committee Of The Whole (June COW) at the discretion of the Mayor. Seconded
by Alderperson Matos. Alderperson Kuehl Called The Question on the Motion, and
that motion failed for lack of a second. Discussion continued on the Main Motion,
Mayor Cantelmo called for a vote on Alderperson's motion to table. Vote to move
CITT to a June Committee meeting carried 8-1 with Alderperson Saint-Perez
against. Timestamp 3:17:46-3:20:26
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Margaret Fabrizio
Motion Summary: CIITAP resolution moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded
by Alderperson Fabrizio.
Alderperson Kuehl moved that the resolution be tabled to a Committee Of The
Whole (June COW) at the discretion of the Mayor. Seconded by Alderperson
Matos. Motion carried 8-1 with Alderperson Saint-Perez against.
Vote Passed 8-1
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez moved and summarized the
8.4 Supporting Resident Developers in Ithaca
resolution for the Reaffirmation of the Ithaca Green New Deal. Alderperson Saint-
Perez noted this is being brought to Council on behalf of the Sustainability and
Climate Justice Commission. Timestamp 3:20:28-3:25:34
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Kayla Matos
Motion Summary: Reaffirmation of the Ithaca Green New Deal is moved by
Alderperson Saint-Perez and Seconded by Alderperson Matos. Motion carries
Unanimously 9-0
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Alderperson Saint-Perez moved and summarized the
resolution Supporting Resident Developer in Ithaca, seconded by Alderperson
Kumar. Alderperson Kumar Called The Question, seconded by Alderperson Brown,
that motion failed 5-4 with Alderpersons Saint-Perez, Fabrizio, Matos and the
Mayor against. Common Council requires a Quorum (6) to pass a vote, not just the
majority of those present. Timestamp 3:25:43-3:30:48
Moved By: Patrick Kuehl
Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar
Motion Summary: Resolution Supporting Resident Developers In Ithaca moved by
Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Fabrizio.
Alderperson Kuehl moved to Table discussion to a Committee meeting at the
discretion of the mayor based on the schedule of the Committee, seconded by
Alderperson Kumar. Motion carries 8-1 with Alderperson Saint-Perez against.
Vote Passed 8-1
9.Mayor Appointments
9.1 Ithaca Housing Authority Board Appointment
10.Report of City Manager
10.1 City Manager Report
11.Report of City Controller
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: Ithaca Housing Authority Board Appointments is moved by
the Mayor with no formal second. Joyce Kelly and Bonita Griffin are reappointed to
the Ithaca Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for a 3 year term.
Timestamp 3:30:51-3:33:50
Moved By: Robert Cantelmo
Seconded By:
Motion Summary: Ithaca Housing Authority Board Appointment moved by the
Mayor. No formal second. Motion carries 8-1 with Alderperson Kuehl against.
Vote Passed 9-1
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
David Shapiro X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Discussion Summary: No Discussion.
Discussion Summary: No Discussion
11.1 2025 Controller's Report
12. Executive Session (If Needed)
12.1 Executive Session To Discuss Negotiation Strategies
13. Meeting Wrap Up
Discussion Summary: There will be 2 Executive Sessions with No voting items. Council will
adjourn the meeting after exiting the Executive Session. Timestamp 3:33:52-3:34:22
Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez
Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar
Motion Summary: Motion to enter into Executive Session moved by Alderperson
Saint-Perez, seconded by Alderperson Kumar. All In Favor.
Motion carried unanimously 9-0
Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously
Member Approve Oppose Recuse
Robert Cantelmo X
Kayla Matos X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Pierre Saint-Perez X
Patrick Kuehl X
Tiffany Kumar X
Margaret Fabrizio X
Clyde Lederman X
Public Comment Forum
Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk
City of Ithaca, NY
Submitted- 5-30-2025Adopted- 6-4-2025Carried Unanimously 10-0