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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2025-12-03YouTube Link:https://tinyurl.com/yd7frkzp Date: Location: Wednesday December 3, 2025 City Hall Council Chambers 12-03-2025 COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES VOTING RECORD 1.Special Presentation- Presenting at 5:30pm 1.1 Pride Of Ownership 2.Call to Order (10Min) 2.1 Emergency Evacuation Notice 2.2 Agenda Review 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 Kuehl is absent. Alderperson Shapiro arrived late Discussion Summary: 2025 Susan Blumenthal Pride of Ownership Awards presented to, 601 State Street Building 2, 404-404 1/2 N. Cayuga Street, Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science, the Dorothy Cotton Mural, and the Ithaca's Farmers Market Phase 1: Parking Lot and Steamboat landing Timestamp 8:13- 27:31 Discussion Summary: The December 3rd 2025 Common Council meeting is called to order at 6:00pm, with Alderperson Kuehl absent, and Alderperson Shapiro arriving late; The Evacuation notice was read for those in the audience. Alderperson Lederman requested to add a resolution to release funds previously placed in restricted contingency for fiscal year 2026 budget for TCAT funding. There was no dissent from Council. County Legislator Veronica Pillar provided Council with updates on the County budget, the Code Blue Shelter, community housing development, and other related matters. Timestamp 30:15- 38:42 2.3 Reports of Municipal Officials 3.Proclamations and Awards (10Min) 3.1 Quarterly Recognition 4.Review and Approval of Minutes (5Min) 4.1 Common Council Meeting Minutes: 9/17/25 Spc Meeting, 10/15/25 Spc Meeting, 11/5/25 Common Council Meeting. 5.Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council (90Min) Discussion Summary: Employee Recognition Award presented to Ithaca Youth Bureau's Kim Olsen. Kim was nominated for being an outstanding supervisor and mentor. Timestamp 38:45-39:39 Discussion Summary: The following meeting minutes were moved by Alderperson Saint- Perez. Minutes were unanimously approved. Timestamp 39:44- 40:09 9-17-25 Special Common Council Meeting 10-15-25 Special Common Council Meeting 11/5/205 Common Council Meeting Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Tiffany Kumar Motion Summary: Motion to approve previous meeting minutes, moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Kumar. All In Favor of approving the minutes. Motion carries 9-0 with Alderpersons Kuehl and Shapiro absent. Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Members of the public addressed the Common Council on various topics related to the City of Ithaca, with each speaker allotted three minutes. Following public comment, Council members provided responses as appropriate. Exiting Council members also offered final remarks, thanked the public, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve, and encouraged continued public participation at Council meetings. Timestamp 40:10- 1:04:02 5.1 Statements from the Public 5.2 Privilege Of The Floor- Comments From Council and The Mayor 6.Consent Agenda (10 Min) 6.1 2026 Annual Resolutions Discussion Summary: Consent Agenda Item 6.1- Annual Resolutions was considered and approved by Council. Timestamp 1:04:06-1:04:11 Designation of Official Newspaper Approval of Travel Policy Designation of Official Depositories Collateral to Secure Deposits Public Employees’ Blanket Bond Designation of Common Council Meetings Appointment of Marriage Officers Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Kayla Matos Motion Summary: Motion to Approve Consent Agenda Item 6.1- Annual Resolutions Designation of Official Newspaper, Approval of Travel Policy, Designation of Official Depositories, Collateral to Secure Deposits, Public Employees’ Blanket Bond , Designation of Common Council Meetings ,Appointment of Marriage Officers, moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor of Adopting Consent Agenda, that carried 9-0 with Alderpersons Kuehl and Shapiro absent. Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X 7.Order of Business- No Order of Business 8.Member Filed 8.1 TCAT Fund Resolution 9.Mayor Appointments (10 Min) Discussion Summary: No Order of Business Considered. Discussion Summary: Resolution to Release Funds Previously Placed in Restricted Contingency for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to Fund TCAT is moved and read into the record by Alderperson Lederman. The City of Ithaca authorize the additional payment of $280,000 be issued to TCAT in 2026 from the approved 2026 budget, from the city's restricted contingency fund. Timestamp 1:04:13- 1:05:21 Moved By: Clyde Lederman Seconded By: Ducson Nguyen Motion Summary: Resolution to Release Funds Previously Placed in Restricted Contingency for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget to Fund TCAT, moved by Alderperson Lederman, Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen, All In Favor 9-0 with Alderpersons Kuehl and Shapiro absent. Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Recuse Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo, asked to move into Executive Session before considering Appointments to the Board of Electricians. Council entered into executive session with an anticipated vote upon return. Mayor Cantelmo introduced the resolution into the record, to accept the resignation of the City Manager. The Mayor expressed appreciation for the City Manager’s years of service and reflected on their long professional relationship, noting her mentorship, leadership, and dedication to public service. He highlighted her integrity, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership across multiple roles within the City, particularly during a period of organizational transition. The Mayor emphasized her commitment to stabilizing and strengthening City operations and thanked her on behalf of the City, wishing her success in future endeavors Timestamp 1:05:22- 1:45:11 Mayor Cantelmo introduced a resolution Establishing Oversight and Performance Reporting Protocols for the Acting City Manager. Timestamp 1:45:12- 1:48:18 Mayor Cantelmo moved to reappoint Robert Sparks to the Examining Board of Electricians. Timestamp. 1:48:22-1:48:48 Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Clyde Lederman Motion Summary: Motion to Move Into An Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter. The Moving Council Member is moving to enter into executive session with the common council, the city attorney, deputy city manager, and the five new present Alderpersons elect in the audience. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Lederman. All In Favor of moving into Executive Session. Motion Carried 9-0 with Alderpersons Kuehl and Shapiro absent. Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Pierre Saint-Perez Seconded By: Robert Cantelmo Motion Summary: Motion to Exit Exeuctive Session. Moved by Alderperson Saint-Perez, Seconded by Alderperson Matos. All In Favor of exiting Executive Session, motion carried 9-0 ( Absent: Kuehl, Shapiro). Vote Passed 9-0 Carried Unanimously Member Approve Oppose Abstain Robert Cantelmo X Kayla Matos X Phoebe Brown X Ducson Nguyen X Kris Haines-Sharp X Pierre Saint-Perez X Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Clyde Lederman Motion Summary: Resolution Accepting the Resignation of City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff. Moved and read onto the record by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Lederman. Let the record reflect that Alderperson Shapiro is in attendance. Motion Carried 10-0 with Alderperson Kuehl absent. Vote Passed 10-0 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 Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Pierre Saint-Perez Motion Summary: Resolution Establishing Oversight and Performance Reporting Protocols for the Acting City Manager. Moved by Mayor Cantelmo, Seconded by Alderperson Saint- Perez. All In Favor of adopting resolution. Motion Carried 10-0 (Absent: Kuehl) Vote Passed 10-0 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 Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Moved By: Robert Cantelmo Seconded By: Motion Summary: Motion to Reappoint Robert Sparks to the Examining Board of Electricians, moved by Mayor Cantelmo. All In Favor, motion carried 10-0 (Absent: Kuehl) Vote Passed 10-0 Carried Unanimously 9.1 Appointment to Board of Electricians 9.2 Council Proclamations 10. Reports from Council and Staff (30 Min) 10.1 Reports of Council Liaisons 10.2 Reports from Working Groups 11.Monthly Reports To Council- No Reports 12. Executive Session (If Needed) 13. Meeting Wrap Up 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 Tiffany Kumar X Margaret Fabrizio X Clyde Lederman X Discussion Summary: Mayor Cantelmo presented proclamations to Council members Brown, Haine-Sharp, Saint-Perez, Kumar, and Lederman recognizing and thanking them for their service to the City. Business concluded and the meeting was adjourned. Timestamp 1:49:00-1:55:30 Public Comment Forum Submitted: 1-7-2026 Adopted: 01-07-2026 Shaniqua Lewis, Deputy City Clerk Resolution to Release Funds Previously Placed in Restricted Contingency For the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget WHEREAS, Section 3.5 of the Transportation Agreement Among the City Of Ithaca, the County Of Tompkins, Cornell University, and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. requires an annual contribution be paid by each TCAT, Inc. underwriter by the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the TCAT, Inc. Underwriters agreed for Fiscal Year 2026 to set the annual contribution of each Underwriter at $1,314,357.67; and WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca budgeted $1,034,357.67 for the annual contribution for FY 2026 and placed an additional $500,000 in restricted contingency as part of the adopted 2026 budget; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the additional payment of $280,000.000 to be issued to TCAT, Inc. in 2026 from the 2026 approved budget and be it further; RESOLVED, an amount not to exceed $280,000.00 for said payment be derived from Account A1990-5000 restricted contingency and transferred to A5630-5435; and be it further RESOLVED, the remaining funds originally set aside for this purpose be returned to the general fund balance. Carried Unanimously 9-0 (Absent: Kuehl, Shapiro) Resolution of the Common Council of the City of Ithaca Establishing Oversight and Performance Reporting Protocols for the Acting City Manager WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca operates under a Mayor-Council-Manager form of government, in which the city manager serves as the responsible party for the daily administration of government and the policies and directives of the mayor and Common Council; and WHEREAS, the Council recognizes the need to ensure effective oversight, transparency, and accountability during the interim management period following the vacancy of the permanent city manager position; and WHEREAS, the Council seeks to preserve organizational stability and public confidence through clear expectations for communication, reporting, and performance evaluation of the acting city manager; and WHEREAS, the Council finds that adopting defined benchmarks, reporting protocols, and oversight procedures will promote continuity of government and alignment between legislative and administrative priorities; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby establishes the following oversight and performance reporting protocols for the acting city manager: • The acting city manager shall meet weekly with the mayor to review administrative performance, discuss ongoing operations, and identify matters requiring Council input. The mayor shall serve as Council’s designated point of operational oversight and administrative coordination for the Acting City Manager, ensuring alignment of the legislative priorities established by Council and administrative execution. • The acting city manager shall provide monthly executive session briefings to the full Council regarding personnel issues, operational status, departmental updates, and fiscal conditions to the extent permitted by law. • The acting city manager shall acknowledge Council inquiries within two (2) business days and provide full responses within five (5) business days unless otherwise agreed. • The mayor, in consultation with the city attorney and human resources, shall conduct an interim 90-day review and a final 180-day evaluation of the acting city manager’s performance to be submitted to the incumbent and the Common Council. Findings shall be reported to the full Council in executive session and summarized in the public record as appropriate. • Beginning February 1, the acting city manager shall submit a Monthly Vacancy Report summarizing active recruitments, anticipated separations, and hiring timelines. • Beginning February 1, the acting city manager shall submit Monthly Financial Report including revenue and expenditure status, debt service schedules, fund balance position, and audit progress, as authorized by the November 19, 2025, resolution. •The acting city manager shall deliver and implement, in consultation with the mayor, a 2026 Executive Workplan for Common Council’s legislative priorities and direction, aligning departmental goals, identifying responsible staff and timelines. After approval by Common Council, the acting city manager shall provide quarterly administrative performance reports summarizing departmental outcomes, project milestones, and progress toward legislative objectives. •Within six months, the acting city manager shall inventory the elements for developing a comprehensive municipal communications and public information system. FURTHER RESOLVED, that the mayor designates and Council affirms that Deputy City Manager Dominick Recckio shall, pursuant to section C-12(D) of the Charter, serve as acting city manager until such time as a new city manager is selected or a new acting city manager is designated by the Common Council, and shall perform all the duties and have all the powers of the City Manager; and be it further FURTHER RESOLVED, that the mayor shall transmit this resolution to the Acting City Manager and all department heads and shall ensure that the prescribed reporting framework is implemented immediately upon the effective date of this resolution; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council will adopt policy priorities to guide the 2026 Executive Workplan no later than February 2026; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that, in the event that the acting city manager’s service is required to extend beyond six months, any resolution to certify the necessity for continuation of the services of an acting city manager as described in section C-12(D)(2) of the Charter shall be introduced by the mayor and subject to approval by the Common Council; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that these oversight protocols shall remain in effect until the appointment of a permanent city manager or until modified by resolution of the Common Council; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council requests that the Human Resources Department and City Attorney’s Office provide the Common Council with guidance prior to January 7, 2026, regarding appropriate interim compensation for the acting city manager; and be it FINALLY RESOLVED, that the effective date of this resolution is January 1, 2026. Carried Unanimously 10-0 (Absent: Kuehl) Resolution Accepting the Resignation of the City Manager and Authorizing Amendment of Employment Agreement WHEREAS, on December 6, 2023, the Common Council adopted a resolution appointing Deborah Mohlenhoff as City Manager, effective January 1, 2024, in accordance with and subject to all provisions of the Ithaca City Charter; and WHEREAS, an employment agreement dated December 15, 2023, entered into by Ms. Mohlenhoff, and the City, governs certain terms and conditions of her employment; and WHEREAS, Ms. Mohlenhoff will conclude her service as City Manager at the end of the year; and WHEREAS, the Common Council and Ms. Mohlenhoff wish to amend the employment agreement to address her separation from service; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby accepts the resignation of Deborah Mohlenhoff as City Manager; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, subject to the advice of the City Attorney, is authorized to execute documents memorializing the separation and amending the employment agreement accordingly, in substantially the same form as the accompanying document to this resolution; and be it further RESOLVED, That any funds required to be paid pursuant to the amended agreement shall be derived from the City Manager salary line with the corresponding account code; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Common Council thanks Ms. Mohlenhoff for her service to the City of Ithaca and wishes her well in her future endeavors. Carried 10-0 (Absent: Kuehl) Date: Time: Location: Watch Online: Wednesday December 3, 2025 6:00 PM City Hall Council Chambers https://www.youtube.com/@CityofIthacaPublicMeetings DECEMBER 3, 2025 COMMON COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 1.Special Presentation- Presenting at 5:30pm 1.1. 2.Call to Order (10Min) 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 3.Proclamations and Awards (10Min) 3.1. 4.Review and Approval of Minutes (5Min) 4.1. 5.Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council (90Min) 5.1. 5.2. 6.Consent Agenda (10 Min) 6.1. 7.Order of Business- No Order of Business 8.Member Filed- No Member Filed Business 9.Mayor Appointments (10 Min) 9.1. 9.2. 10.Reports from Council and Staff (30 Min) 10.1. 10.2. 11.Monthly Reports To Council- No Reports 12.Executive Session (If Needed) 13.Meeting Wrap Up Pride Of Ownership Emergency Evacuation Notice Agenda Review Reports of Municipal Officials Quarterly Recognition Common Council Meeting Minutes: 9/17/25 Spc Meeting, 10/15/25 Spc Meeting, 11/5/25 Common Council Meeting. Statements from the Public Privilege Of The Floor- Comments From Council and The Mayor 2026 Annual Resolutions Appointment to Board of Electricians Council Proclamations Reports of Council Liaisons Reports from Working Groups 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 3 CITY OF ITHACA 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-6590 Clerk's Office Shaniqua Lewis, TO:Common Council FROM:City Clerk's Office DATE:December 3, 2025 RE:2026 Annual Resolutions ITEM #:6.1 MEMORANDUM Designation of Official Newspaper Resolution Approval of Travel Policy Designation of Official Depositories Resolution Collateral to Secure Deposits Resolution - Public Employee's Blanket Bond Resolution: Designation of Common Council Meetings Appointment of Marriage Officer - Resolution ATTACHMENTS: Consent - 2026_Annual_Resolutions.pdf 4 2026 Annual Resolutions for 12/03/2025 Common Council Meeting Designation of Official Newspaper RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-113 of the City Charter, the Ithaca Journal be and is hereby designated as the official newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year 2026. _____________________________________________________________________________ Resolution Approval of Travel Policy WHEREAS, there is to be held during the coming official year various events to which municipal officials or City employees are invited to represent the City in their official capacities; and other national and regional conferences or trainings, as applicable; and WHEREAS, it is determined by the Mayor and Common Council that attendance by certain municipal officials and City employees at one or more of these meetings, conferences, events or benefits the municipality; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council, the Mayor and City employees are hereby authorized to attend said conferences or other applicable training or official events during 2026; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the cost for all events must be derived from existing 2026 Departmental Budgets with appropriate approvals obtained as applicable; and, be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect January 1, 2026. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Designation of Official Depositories RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-34 of the City Charter, the Tompkins Community Bank, the JP Morgan Chase Bank, Community Bank, N.A., M & T Bank and NYCLASS be, they are, hereby designated as the official depositories of all City Funds for the year 2026. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Resolution Collateral to Secure Deposits RESOLVED, That the collateral deposited by the Tompkins Trust Company, JP Morgan Chase, Community Bank, N.A., M&T Bank and NYCLASS as reported be approved as to form and sufficiency for the year 2026. 5 ____________________________________________________________________________________ Resolution - Public Employee's Blanket Bond RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 11 of the Public Officers Law, the following Bond, which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, be, and is hereby approved in all respects for the year 2026 Faithful Performance Blanket Bond Coverage by Travelers Insurance Company $5,000,000. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Resolution: Designation of Common Council Meetings RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council, for the year 2026 be held at 6:00 p.m., on the first Wednesday of each month, except when falling on/near a holiday in which case these meetings will be held at 6:00 p.m., on the second Wednesday of the month, and be it further RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council, following these guidelines, will be held in the year 2026 on the following dates: January 7, February 4, March 4, April 8, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2, and be it further RESOLVED, That all the regular meetings of the Common Council will be held in Common Council Chambers, at City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York and through the City of Ithaca Public Meetings YouTube Channel unless otherwise determined by Common Council. ________________________________________________________________________________ Appointment of Marriage Officer - Resolution RESOLVED, That the following Alderpersons be designated as Marriage Officers for the year 2026: Alderperson DeFendini Alderperson Fabrizio Alderperson Kirby Alderperson Kuehl Alderperson Matos 6 Alderperson Nguyen Alderperson Sewell Alderperson Shapiro Alderperson Shvets Alderperson Trumble 7 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:December 3, 2025 RE:Appointment to Board of Electricians ITEM #:9.1 MEMORANDUM Robert Sparks is reappointed to the Board of Electricians ATTACHMENTS: Board of Electricians-Robert Sparks Reapp.pdf 8 Mayor Appointment- Examining Board of Electricians Resolved that Robert Sparks be reappointed to the Examining Board of Electricians for a three (3) year term ending 12/31/2028 beginning January 1 2026 9