HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2009-04-01CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
April 29, 2009
Members
Present: Alderperson Coles, Alderperson Zumoff, Alderperson Cogan, Alderperson Rosario,
Alderperson Schuler
Council
Members
Present: Alderperson Tomlan
Staff
Present: Dan Hoffman (City Attorney), Allen Green (YB Director), Tim Logue (Traffic
Systems Engineer), Brian Wilbur (Fire Chief), Erik Whitney (Asst Supt of Public
Works), Ed Vallely (Police Chief), Bill Gray (Supt of Public Works), Steve Thayer
(Controller), Scott Andrew (Deputy Controller), Schelley Michell -Nunn (HR
Director), Denise Malone (HR Executive Assistant)
Others
Present: Alan Cohen (MHATC Board Member), Nels Bohn (IURA), Hernando Gil (City
Contractor), Members of the Public, Members of the Media
Chairperson Coles called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
1. Chairperson Greeting & Opening Statement
Chairperson Coles welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the evacuation procedures.
2. Announcements. None.
3. Agenda Review and Amendments
Chairperson Coles stated that Agenda Item 5 - Public Comments will be moved after Agenda
Item 7 - Special Presentation Before City Administration Committee.
4. Approval of Minutes
Chairperson Coles stated that the approval of the minutes will be postponed.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 2
5. Employee Comments. None.
6. Special Presentation Before City Administration
Angelo DiGiacomo and Bob Andree expressed their concerns about Phases 2 and 3 of the Cayuga
Water Front Trail.
Angelo DiGiacomo stated that he is one of the property owners that will be negatively impacted
by Phase 2 of the Water Front Trail by having to forfeit the majority of his property, which
will result in a major loss of available parking and loss of potential business. He spoke against
closing the lane on Route 96 over the flood control bridge, stating that this would cause serious
traffic problems and issues of public safety. Other options or locations for the trail need to be
explored. Mr. DiGiacomo submitted a petition in hopes that it will convince Common Council that
this plan being considered has serious design flaws and should be revisited.
Mr. DiGiacomo read a letter from Fire Commissioner Bob Romanowski. Mr. Romanowski
expressed concerns about the issues he sees with the Cayuga Water Front Trail Phase 2
project.
Bob Andree stated that people on the east side of the inlet are against the Cayuga Water Front
Trail Phase 2 and 3 as it is currently proposed and believe that it will not have a significant
positive impact on their business. Mr. Andree gave reasons for their opposition (e.g. they will
lose business, unsafe to park near his fence line because of the propane tanks, project was
designed and funding supplied without talking with anyone who would be affected, removal of
right hand lane on 96 heading toward the hospital, taking property by eminent domain for
recreation trail, etc.) Mr. Andree stated that the design of the propane tanks is such that
when sun shines on them and they reach a certain pressure inside, there is an automatic relief
valve that automatically releases propane. He expressed concern about people walking along
during this process, flicking a cigarette and causing a fire or explosion. If there was a fire or
explosion related to the trail, who will assume that responsibility. Mr. Andree is in support of
the proposal for the bridge, which would be on City property. He asked the City to consider
their concerns when making its decision on the Water Front Trail.
In response to the liability issue, City Attorney Hoffman stated that in the offer that the City
made to property owners for a permanent easement, there is language that makes it clear that
the City would be liable as long as none of the businesses did anything to the trail.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 3
7. Statements from the Public
Tim Bangs, City resident and owner of Bangs Ambulance, wants the trail for personal reasons
but spoke against the removal of a lane due to safety concerns of the patients they transport
through this area.
Stuart Lewis, retired Ithaca businessman, stated that the City should start with a vision and
work backwards to achieve its goal. Mr. Lewis commended the City on previous projects and
explained why the foot bridge was needed.
Steven Powell, Town of Ithaca, presented a petition along with several comments in favor of the
Cayuga Water Front Trail Phase 2 and 3. He asked that the written comments of this petition
be included in the official record on behalf of all of the submitters.
John Schroeder, City resident and Chair of the City Planning Board, spoke on behalf of the City
Planning Board. At its April 28, 2009, the Planning Board voted unanimously in support of Phase
2 and 3.
Sandra Brink Hill, Ithaca resident, asked the City how they will police or maintain the trail if
they could not maintain the Commons or Stewart Park.
Doug Reid, Cayuga Heights resident, spoke against the closing of a lane on Route 96 and the
problems caused by doing so.
Beverly Baker, Ithaca resident, asked if a study had been done of who actually use this trail and
if this phase had to be completed. Ms. Baker encouraged the Committee to walk the trail and
make his /her own decision.
Carol Mallison, Newfield resident, supports the Water Front Trail in its current design. She
thanked everyone for their support and asked them to support the trail as it is currently
designed.
Taylor Peck, resident of Alpine, NY, comes to Ithaca most week days. He strongly supports this
trail. To show his support he donated $2000 for a bench in memory of his mother. The bench
is in Phase 2. Mr. Peck encouraged all to walk the trail. Mr. Peck suggested having at the
intersection of Route 96 and Taughannock Blvd dedicated left turn signal lights for all four
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 4
directions and having all walk signs similar to the ones at the intersection of Green Street and
Cayuga Street.
bewi Rainey, Trumansburg resident and Ithaca business owner, felt bad about the problems
experienced by the relevant land owners. Ms. Rainey spoke in support of the trail. She felt it
would be a great tourist attraction and an asset to the community.
Rick Manning, Ithaca resident, wants the Water Front Trail to be a vibrant fun place to visit
with full boat access to that area. The Water Front Trail initiative is not only in building the
trail but also to enhance the places that the trail goes through. A vibrant strong friends
organization will help the City maintain its park and make the waterfront something to be proud
of. Businesses on Inlet Island have made huge investments as evident by the quality of the
landscape. The organization will work hard with the land owners to make the trail an asset for
their properties. Increased pedestrian access would enhance the value of the properties and
the businesses that are located there.
Fay Gougakis, Ithaca resident, spoke against the current phase of the Water Front Trail and
asked if there was another alternative to this phase.
Steve Flash, Town of Ithaca and part owner of the Boatyard Grill, submitted a statement that
was signed by business owners who are in support of the trail as it is now. The trail would be an
asset for the community and good for their business. Mr. Flash appreciated all of the work and
efforts put forth by the City.
Joel Harlan, Newfield resident, was neutral on this subject but spoke about the affect this is
having on people.
Cande Carroll, Town of Ithaca, spoke against Phase 2 and 3 of the Water Front Trail as it is
now. She is against invocation of eminent domain against West End businesses or land owners
and the increase in traffic in an already congested area. Ms. Carroll is in favor of exploring
other options.
bona Paul, resident of Ithaca, spoke in favor of the implementation of the Water Front Trail.
The trail gets people out of cars causing a decrease in traffic in traffic sensitive areas.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 5
Jean McPheeters, Town of Caroline and President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that
the Chamber of Commerce has received requests from visitors who wanted, but were unable, to
get to the water. Ms. McPheeters encouraged the Committee to move this initiative forward.
Chairperson Coles thanked everyone for coming to the meeting to address this issue.
8. Common Council Response
In response to the comment about Cornell University, Alderperson Rosario stated that Cornell
University is in the picture and that the City is currently negotiating with them.
9. Workforce Diversity (WFD) Committee Update
The WFD Committee met this past Monday. Pete Meyers from the Workers Rights Center
attended the meeting to discuss the criteria for the City to be a certified employer for living
wage. The living wage is at $11.11 per hour with health insurance. The City is not expected to
pay a living wage for camp counselors or college students. The Center does expect the City to
pay a living wage to seasonal employees who work more than three months. The Committee
asked HR Director Michell -Nunn to provide information on how many employees would be
affected and how much it would cost the City to pay the living wage.
The WFD Committee discussed providing readiness training for the Police Recruitment Team
and the Fire Recruitment Team. These teams will work with Kirby Edmonds, who will conduct
the training. In trying to increase diversity in these departments, it is important that the
environment be prepared and ready to receive employees of diverse backgrounds.
The WFD Committee discussed the Affirmative Action Sub- Committee (AASC) Resolution. The
AA5C currently focuses on protected classes, which include women. The problem is if you have
in your candidate pool women and people of color and your department is comprised of women,
this selection would not go through the AASC review. The WFD Committee discussed what the
appropriate language would need to be to allow the City to accomplish its intent. Alderperson
Rosario stated that the key term is "under represented ". Ms. Michell -Nunn asked how "under
represented" is defined. Is it defined by the organization or by the department? In some
departments white males are under represented. So, the language must be clear in this area.
10. Safety Committee Update. None.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 6
11. Communication Committee Update. None.
12. Regular Reports from Departments Reporting to CA. None.
13. Planning /Department of Public Works
1. Water Front Trail (Presentation & Discussion)
Chairperson Coles asked Traffic Systems Engineer Tim Logue, Fire Chief Wilbur,
and Police Chief Vallely to come forward. Chairperson Coles stated that comments
have been heard by members of the public on the Water Front Trail. Mr. Logue
will present a brief overview of the process that lead to this point and to the
objectives of this trail.
Mr. Logue explained that the Cayuga Waterfront Trail was a project proposed in a
few waterfront planning documents from the late 1990s. The overarching goals of
the approximately six -mile, multi -use trail were threefold: to increase public
access and improve waterfront parks, to encourage appropriate economic
development (including tourism), and to improve linkages between waterfront
destinations, existing residential neighborhoods, and business districts. Phase 1, a
two -mile loop in Cass Park, is constructed and well used. Phase 2 will connect Cass
Park, Inlet Island, the West End, and the Farmers Market. Phase 3 will connect
the Farmers Market to Stewart Park, the Youth Bureau, the Visitors Bureau, and
the Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Logue addressed some of the controversial aspects
of Phase 2, particularly the use of a portion of the Route 96 bridge over the Flood
Control Channel, and he gave some of the five year history on the project. He
explained that the Route 96 bridge proposal has received approvals from the City
of Ithaca, New York State Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway
Administration. He also explained that the private property owners affected by
the trail project have all received written purchase offers for permanent
easements, including a cash offer for the fair market value of the easements, as
determined by a licensed real estate appraiser. Lastly, Mr. Logue addressed the
concept of building a trail bridge from the Farmers Market directly to Cass Park,
thereby eliminating the connections with the business district in the West End and
Inlet Island. He explained that this alternative did not meet the project goals and
that it would be not only more expensive than the budget for Phase 2 construction,
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 7
but that it would be more expensive than the budget for all three phases of the
six -mile trail.
Chairperson Coles asked Chief Wilbur and Chief Vallely if either of them had public
safety concerns about the proposed trail crossing on the Route 96 bridge over the
Flood Control Channel. Both Chief Wilbur and Chief Vallely stated that they did not
have public safety concerns about the proposal. Chief Vallely stated that the
proposal could potentially be a safety improvement for motorists by eliminating the
"race to the end of the bridge." Chief Wilbur stated that, though he did not have a
concern about the trail project specifically, the Fire Department is working with
the Department of Public Works to pursue a traffic signal pre- emption project to
improve response times through the West End and across the Route 13 corridor.
2. Water Front Trail (Resolution)
Moved by Alderperson Cogan. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff.
(1) WHEREAS, on June 13, 2001, Common Council authorized and established
Capital Project #445 (then entitled Cass Park Waterfront Trail) in the amount of
$425,000, to design and construct Phase 1 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail (Phase
1 being a two -mile loop in Cass Park, which has now been completed), and
(2) WHEREAS, on April 2, 2003, Common Council approved the funding of Phase 2
of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail (which would connect Cass Park to the Farmers
Market) from the same Capital Project as Phase 1, authorized the addition of
$677,724 to Capital Project #445, for the costs of design, right -of -way
acquisition and construction of Phase 2, and authorized the Mayor to execute all
necessary agreements or requests for federal funds for Phase 2 (through the
Transportation Enhancement Program) and to provide for the administration of
Phase 2 and the funding of the local share (with the understanding that the
apportionment of the costs for this portion of the project would be roughly
72.05% federal and 27.95% local), and
(3) WHEREAS, on September 28, 2004, environmental review of the proposed
design for Phase 2 of the Trail was completed, by the City of Ithaca Planning and
Development Board, the designated lead agency for such review, and site plan
approval for Phase 2 was granted, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 8
(4) WHEREAS, on May 3, 2006, Common Council amended Capital Project #445, by
adding $50,000 for a feasibility study of Phase 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
(from the Farmers Market to Stewart Park and the Visitors Center), half of which
amount was to be derived from a New York State Environmental Protection Fund
grant, and $10,000 of which amount was to be derived from non -City funds to be
raised by the Cayuga Trails Initiative, and
(5) WHEREAS, on November 1, 2006, Common Council approved Phase 2 of the
Trail, added $480,000 to Capital Project #445, to cover additional costs
associated with Phases 1 and 2, and authorized the Mayor to execute all necessary
agreements or requests for federal funds for the project (through a SAFETEA -LU
member item) and to provide for its administration and the funding of the local
share (with the understanding that the apportionment of the costs for this portion
of the project would be roughly 80% federal and 20% local), and
(6) WHEREAS, also on November 1, 2006, Common Council authorized the
expenditure of up to $250,000 from Capital Project #445 as just compensation
for the acquisition of certain required easements for Phase 2 of the Trail,
authorized the Mayor to offer, negotiate and determine the amounts to be paid to
individual property owners, and authorized the Mayor to enter into agreements for
purchase or donation of such easements, and
(7) WHEREAS, on June 6, 2007, Common Council again approved the Trail, now
including Phase 3, subject to environmental review (of that phase), added
$720,000 to Capital Project #445 to cover the combined cost of the three
phases, and authorized the Mayor to execute all necessary agreements or requests
for federal funds for the project and to provide for its administration and the
funding of the local share (with the understanding that the apportionment of the
costs for this portion of the project will be roughly 80% federal and 20% local),
and
(8) WHEREAS, as part of the 2007 project agreement, the New York State
Department of Transportation combined Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the trail into one
Project Agreement (PIN 395024) for administrative purposes, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 9
(9) WHEREAS, fair market value offers (based on professional appraisals) were
made to the affected property owners in the spring of 2007, by the Mayor, and to
date no written responses have been received by the City of Ithaca, and
(10) WHEREAS, in late 2008, the New York State bepartment of Transportation
notified the City of Ithaca that due to the time elapsed since the offers were
made, appraised values for the easements need to be updated, and the State
offered to administer and facilitate the right -of -way acquisition phase of the
project (including the updating of appraisals), and
(11) WHEREAS, certain aspects of the non -local funding of the project, including
the internal allocation of funds among Project components and the City's
responsibility for the "fronting" of costs to be paid by the federal government,
have changed (although not the total amount of the allocations), and
(12) WHEREAS, to effect these changes in project administration and
management, a second Supplemental Agreement for the project must be executed
with the State of New York, and
(13) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the remaining phases of the
Cayuga Waterfront Trail project (i.e., Phases 2 and 3), with the above - described
modifications and as expeditiously as possible, and
(14) WHEREAS, the approval contained in this resolution constitutes routine or
continuing agency administration or management of an existing project (and does
not create any new programs or major reordering of priorities that may affect the
environment), and, as such, is a Type II action not subject to environmental review;
now, therefore, be it
(1) RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby reaffirms its support for Phases
2 and 3 of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail project, as currently designed, with the
above - described modifications in administration and /or management of project
components and subject to any further, required environmental review (for Phase
3), and be it further
(2) RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca, upon consultation with the
City Attorney and other involved staff, be and is hereby authorized to execute a
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 10
Second Supplementary Agreement for Administration and Implementation of the
Cayuga Waterfront Trail, which Supplementary Agreement will modify the internal
allocation of funds for certain aspects of Phases 2 and 3 (but not the total
allocated amount) and will transfer responsibility for the acquisition of easements
for the Trail from the City to the State, and be it further
(3) RESOLVED, That the Mayor be and is hereby authorized to execute all other
necessary agreements, certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal Aid
on behalf of the City of Ithaca, with the New York State Department of
Transportation, in connection with the advancement or approval of Phase 2 or
(pending completion of environmental review) Phase 3 of the Project, and providing
for the administration of the Project and the municipality's first instance funding
of Project costs and permanent funding of the local share of federal- aid - eligible
Project costs and all other Project costs within the appropriations therefore that
are not so eligible, and be it further
(4) RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to
pay the non - federal share of the cost of right -of -way incidentals and acquisition to
the State of New York, in the amount of $58,322, with the understanding that the
City of Ithaca no longer must pay in the first instance the federal share of such
costs ($233,288) and will not seek reimbursement for the federal share of such
costs, and be it further
(5) RESOLVED, That Common Council recognizes that Capital Project #445
(Cayuga Waterfront Trail - formerly known as Cass Park Trail) does not need to be
amended for this change in project administration, and remains at a total project
cost of $2,384,876, which amount represents Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the
three -phase project, and be it further
(6) RESOLVED, That except as explicitly amended in this resolution, Common
Council's previous resolutions concerning the Project, as referenced above, still
remain in full force and effect, and be it further
(7) RESOLVED, That the City Clerk be and hereby is authorized and directed to
file a certified copy of this resolution with the New York State Commissioner of
Transportation, by attaching it to any necessary, supplemental agreement in
connection with the Project, and be it further
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 11
(8) RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
14. Department of Public Works
1. Prospect Street Reconstruction and East Clinton Street Rehabilitation Projects
Moved by Alderperson Cogan. Seconded by Alderperson Schuler.
WHEREAS, a Project for the Prospect Street Reconstruction - East Clinton
Street Bridge Rehabilitation, P.I.N. 375457 (the Project ") is eligible for funding
under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the
costs of such program to be borne at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-
federal funds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a
commitment of 100% of the non - federal share of the costs of 5coping, Preliminary
Design, Detailed Design, and Right of Way Incidentals, NOW, THEREFORE, the
Common Council, duly convened does hereby
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves the above - subject project;
and it is hereby further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to pay
in the first instance 100% of the federal and non - federal share of the cost of
5coping, Preliminary Design, Detailed Design, and Right of Way Incidentals work
for the Project or portions thereof; and it is further
RESOLVED, That the sum of $465,000 is hereby appropriated from Capital
Project # 725 the sum of $280,000 and from the Capital Project # 726 the sum
of $185,000 and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above
phase of the Project; and it is further
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 12
RESOLVED, That in the event the full federal and non - federal share costs of the
project exceeds the amount appropriated above, the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount
immediately upon the notification by the NYSDOT thereof, and it is further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca of the County of Tompkins be
and is hereby authorized to sign all necessary Agreements with the New York
State Department of Transportation to secure Federal Aid and Marchiselli Aid on
behalf of the City of Ithaca and the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized
to sign all necessary construction documents, contracts, certifications and
reimbursement requests, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be and is hereby authorized
to administer the above project, and be it further
RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York
State Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary
Agreement in connection with the Project, and it is further
RESOLVED, This Resolution shall take effect immediately
After discussion, Alderperson Schuler made a motion to add a 3rd Whereas:
Whereas, This project constitutes a replacement of a facility in kind on the same
site as well as maintenance or repair involving no substantial change in an existence
structure. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 5 -0.
A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
2. Request to Create Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee/
Instrumentation Technician Position
Moved by Alderperson Schuler. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 13
WHEREAS, the current employee in the position of Wastewater Treatment Plant
(WWTP) Operator /Instrumentation Technician is planning for a retirement date in
December of 2009 or very soon there after, and
WHEREAS, to provide for a smooth efficient transition of both the technical
knowledge and the specific duties of the position the City of Ithaca DPW Water &
Sewer Division, Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF)
succession planning with a transition overlap of the positions is essential, and
WHEREAS, there is a current vacancy at the IAWWTF for a WWTP Operator
Trainee, and
WHEREAS, a new job description and new position duties statement for a WWTP
Instrumentation Technician Trainee have been drafted and approved by the Civil
Service Commission at their April 1, 2009 meeting, and
WHEREAS, the position of WWTP Instrumentation Technician Trainee will be
unoccupied and unfunded until the future filling of the Operator /Instrumentation
Technician, and therefore will not result in an additional position, nor the need for
additional funds, and
WHEREAS, the new employee hired into the position of WWTP Instrumentation
Technician Trainee should have at least a six (6) month period of on the job
training with the current Operator /Instrumentation Technician, in order to
accomplish this, we will need to advertise the new position during the month of May
2009 for an anticipated hire date in June of 2009; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the creation of the WWTP
Instrumentation Technician Trainee position with the condition that funding for
this position will be derived from funds already approved and allocated for the
WWTP Operator Trainee currently vacant, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Ithaca Area Waste Water
Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) of the W &S Division of the Department of Public
Works be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) WWTP Instrumentation Technician Trainee
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 14
Delete: One (1) WWTP Operator Trainee
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of WWTP Instrumentation Technician Trainee be
assigned to the CSEA Administrative Unit at Salary Grade 4.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
15. Youth Bureau
1. Request to Amend 2009 Budget
Moved by Alderperson Schuler. Seconded by Alderperson Cogan.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has been advised by the Tompkins County
Workforce Investment Board that they will be receiving $162,590.00 in new
funding to develop a Summer Jump Start Jobs Program, and
WHEREAS, the goal of this program is to provide short -term subsidized
internships for 90 eligible teens needing assistance in securing employment; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2009 Youth Bureau budget to
account for said funding as follows:
Increase Anticipated Revenue from Tompkins County Workforce Investment Board
A7310- 4820
-1202
Youth Employment Service
$153,215.00
A7310- 4820
-1400
Administration
$5,875.00
A7310- 4820
-1200
Administration (Y. Development)
$3,000.00
A7310- 4820
-1221
Outings
$500.00
$162,590.00
Increase Appropriations:
A7310- 5110 -1202
Staff Salary
$6,288.00
A7310- 5120 -1202
Part time /Seasonal
$121,568.00
A7310- 5405
-1202
Telephone
$550.00
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 15
A7310- 5425 -1202
A7310- 5445 -1202
A7310- 5460 -1202
A7310- 5460 -1221
A7310- 5435 -1200
A7310- 5120 -1400
A7310- 5420 -1400
A7310- 5437 -1400
A7310- 5475 -1401
A7310- 5476 -1401
A7310- 5480 -1401
A7310 -9010
A7310 -9030
A7310 -9040
Office Supplies
Travel & Mileage
Program Supplies
Program Supplies
Contract Services
Part time /Seasonal
Gas & Oil
Merchant Service
Property Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance
Building Maintenance
Retirement
Social Security
Workers' Comp.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
2. Request to Transfer Funds for Pool Repair
$451.00
$750.00
$5,708.00
$500.00
$3,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,400.00
$875.00
$800.00
$830.00
$830.00
$440.00
$9,781.00
$7,819.00
$162,590.00
Passed unanimously.
Moved by Alderperson Cogan. Seconded by Alderperson Schuler.
WHEREAS, during the annual inspection of Cass Pool it was found that some
unexpected serious repairs are needed to the pool's decking and shell, and
WHEREAS, it has been estimated by staff that the cost to repair the pool will be
no greater than $18,000, and
WHEREAS, if the repairs are not made to the pool, then the pool will be unable to
open for operation this summer and cost of a future repair will only increase; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby transfers an amount not to exceed
$18,000 from Unrestricted Contingency Account A1990 to Account A7310 -5475-
1314 Cass Pool Project Maintenance for the purpose of repairing Cass Pool.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 16
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
16. Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
1. Loan Subordination on Behalf of Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins Coun
Inc.
Moved by Alderperson Rosario. Seconded by Alderperson Cogan.
WHEREAS, Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County, Inc. (MHATC) owns
and manages 28 units of affordable housing located in the Northside Triangle
neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, MHATC seeks to manage better its long -term debt by refinancing
several existing loans into a consolidated loan of up to $675,000 with Tompkins
Trust Company (TTC), and
WHEREAS, a condition of TTC financing is a first - mortgage lien on the following
properties:
• First Street (tax parcel #25.- 3 -1.1)
• 512 Alice Miller Way (tax parcel #25. -3 -1.21)
206 Third Street (tax parcel #44. -5 -7), and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca holds a 1992 mortgage lien on the First Street
MHATC property, and
WHEREAS, MHATC requests that the City subordinate its mortgage lien to a new
mortgage lien to be given by MHATC to TTC, and
WHEREAS, MHATC management projects that the proposed, consolidated loan will
reduce MHATC's debt service payment by approximately $3,000 per month, and
includes refinancing of debt scheduled to mature in 2010 with a balloon payment
due of approximately $200,000, and
WHEREAS, in 1992 the City of Ithaca conveyed land to MHATC for phase 1 of the
MHATC project (along the 500 block of First Street) for a purchase price of
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 17
$90,000, which amount was in effect loaned to MHATC, on the condition that it be
repaid by MHATC over 24 years, with the loan to be secured in the meantime by a
mortgage on the parcel, and
WHEREAS, the terms of the City -to -MHATC loan established a 12 -year period of
3% interest -only payments ($225.00/mo.) followed by a 12 -year period beginning in
2004 of principal plus interest payments at a 7% interest rate (total =
$920.18/mo.) such that the loan would be fully repaid in 2016, and
WHEREAS, current MHATC management indicates that it only recently became
aware of this debt obligation to the City and of the fact that MHATC is not
current on the repayment of this debt (only the interest -only payments having
been remitted), and now seeks to negotiate revisions to the loan repayment
schedule, and
WHEREAS, the outstanding principal balance on the City loan is $90,000, and
WHEREAS, a loan -to -value (LTV) ratio not exceeding 80% is a common benchmark
to demonstrate that a loan is reasonably secured, and
WHEREAS, the LTV ratio is the sum of the outstanding loan balance on the City
loan plus the amount of any other senior loans divided by the fair market value of
the appraised value of the collateral securing the loans, and
WHEREAS, an appraisal of the total two - parcel, 28 -unit MHATC project prepared
by C. Clay Burruss, NYS Certified Appraiser #46000041804, concluded that the
market value of the subject property was $2,100,000 as of February 26, 2009, and
WHEREAS, the phase 1 First Street parcel (tax parcels 25.- 3 -1.1) contains 14 of
the 28 housing units and generates approximately 2 of the project's gross income,
therefore it can be deduced that the phase 1 First Street parcel for which the
City holds a mortgage lien has a market value of approximately $1,050,000, and
WHEREAS, collateral value of $1,050,000 on the First Street property will secure
a total of $765,000 in loans under the requested subordination, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 18
WHEREAS, the LTV ratio for the First Street property is below 80 %, thereby
adequately securing the City loan; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That, in order to induce Tompkins Trust Company to refinance and
consolidate the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County (MHATC) debt,
the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby agrees to subordinate its
mortgage lien on property located on First Street (tax parcel #25.- 3 -1.1) owned by
MHATC to a mortgage to be given to Tompkins Trust Company, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That MHATC is requested to submit to the City, within 45 days of the
date of this resolution, a proposal to restructure or pay off the City loan, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon advice of the City Attorney, is hereby
authorized to execute all necessary and appropriate documents to implement this
resolution, including, but not limited to, a subordination agreement and an
intercreditor agreement.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
17. Human Resources
1. Name Change for the Affirmative Action Advisory Subcommittee
Moved by Alderperson Cogan. Seconded by Alderperson Schuler.
WHEREAS, the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee name was changed in 2006
to the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee to better represent the goals of
the committee, and
WHEREAS, the Affirmative Action Advisory Subcommittee has continued to
operate under its name and the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee
recommends that the subcommittee name be changed to reflect its true purpose,
now therefore be it
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 19
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby changes the name of the Affirmative
Action Advisory Subcommittee to the Workforce Diversity Selection Review
Committee.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
2. Request to Amend Fringe Benefits for Managerial Personnel
Moved by Alderperson Cogan. Seconded by Alderperson Schuler.
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Director is recommending that bereavement
leave for management be modified to include family members and close friends not
in the immediate family, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the Fringe Benefits for
Managerial Personnel, Bereavement Leave, number six (6) as follows:
Add: In the event of death of a friend, family member not in the immediate
family or associate of an employee, such employee may be allowed a leave of
absence with pay of one (1) day. The Department Head or Mayor, if the
department head makes the request, must approve this leave of absence.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
3. Director's Report. HR Director Michell -Nunn reported on the following:
Diversity Consortium Roundtable Event: The Roundtable Event will be Thursday -
May 7, 2009 - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Clarion Hotel.
18. Finance /Controller
1. Controller's Report. Controller Thayer reported on the following:
State Budget: The State Budget has passed and there was minimum impact to the
City's budget.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 20
Sales Tax Collections: Sales tax collections started strong for 2009 but are now
feeling the weak economy. The last few payments have been down substantially.
Overall the City is at a reduction of about 1.3 %. This equates to about $105,000
difference between the same time period for 2008 and 2009 collections.
NYS Aid: In the last quarterly adjustment from New York State (NYS), the City
had a significant negative adjustment of $100,000. NYS noted that there were
several payments that were initially thought to be City funds but were actually the
County's funds. If negative trends continue, the City will experience negative
impacts for the remainder of 2009 and into 2010.
Hiring /Purchasing Freeze: As a result of the negative trends continuing, the
Controller recommends that the hiring and purchasing freeze remain in effect, and
that the City trim back on Capital Plans and reduce its overall debt load.
CSEA Classification Study: In 2009, the implementation of the comp study was
delayed. The Controller recommended the implementation of the classification
study in 2010.
Fund Balance: Over the last five years, the City has worked hard to have a
healthier fund balance, which is currently in place and may be needed for the
remainder of 2009 and into 2010 to help offset any losses and revenues.
Cash Flow: The cash flow will become weaker as the City continues into 2009.
Building Permits: As a result of the deferment of capital projects, building permit
revenue will be lower throughout 2009 and into 2010.
Consumer Price Index (CPI): In 2009, the CPI is at .06 %.
Health Benefits Consortium: RFP (Requests for Proposals) have been sent out for
the medical and the prescription part of the plan. Once the RFPs are in, the
Consortium will have a premium equivalent (PE) amount to review. Estimates are
being developed and will be talked about at the next Consortium meeting. Once the
PE amounts are developed and plan designs are established with rates, the next
step is to approve the participation into the Consortium. At the next meeting, the
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 29, 2009
Page 21
Consortium will discuss detailed rates, plan designs, local controlling of cost, escape
clauses, governance, time lines and draft resolutions. Discussions will be had with
the unions. The goal is to maintain or increase benefits and at the some time
reduce cost.
Capital Projects: Requests for capital projects were sent out and are due by May
15th to the Planning Department.
Snow Removal: Snow removal is on budget with where the City was in 2009. It
would only take one storm to put the City over budget.
Tompkins County Assessment: The City received the preliminary 2010 assessments
figure from the County, which increased 3.74% over 2009.
19. Reports
1. Mayor's Report. None.
2. Sub- Committee Updates. None.
3. Council Members' Announcements. None.
4. Next Month's Meeting: May 27, 2009.
20. Adjournment
With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Schuler, the meeting was adjourned
at 10:47 p.m.