HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2010-11-01CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
November 22, 2010
Members
Present: Alderperson Coles, Alderperson Zumoff, Alderperson Mohlenhoff, Alderperson
Rooker, Alderperson Clairborne, Mayor Peterson
staff
Present: July Holcomb (City Clerk), Dan Ramer (Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Op),
Leslie Moskowitz (Manager of Organizational Development), Valerie Saul (Deputy
HR Director), Philly DeSarno (Deputy Economic Development Director), Steve
Thayer (Controller), Scott Andrew (Deputy Controller), Schelley Michell -Nunn (HR
Director), Denise Malone (HR Executive Assistant)
Others
Present: Harmony Graves (Youth Council), Chris Kalwara (Johnson Controls), Members of the
Public, Members of the Media
Chairperson Coles called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
1. Chairperson Greeting & Opening Statement
Chairperson Coles welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the evacuation procedures.
2. Announcements
Two weeks ago the City's Committee on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Walkway had an
unveiling at the Community School of Music and Arts. The event included the unveiling of the
drawing of what will be the statue that will be placed on the Commons; the solicitation of ideas
from the public for the placement of the statue; letting the public know that this was a
fundraising event and trying to make the walkway a regional attraction that would make the
Ithaca community proud.
There was an induction of about 7 young people to the Ithaca Youth Council. The Youth Council
is a group of young people who represent the youth in the Ithaca, Dryden, and Lansing
communities. They are the immediate group between the youth and adult City populations.
3. Agenda Review and Amendments. None.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 2
4. Approval of Minutes
Alderperson Rooker made a motion to approve the minutes from the October 27, 2010 meeting
of the City Administration Committee. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried 5 -0.
Chairperson Coles stated that the September 2010 meeting minutes are still being reviewed by
the City Attorney.
5. Statements from the Public. None.
6. Employee Comments. None.
7. Common Council Response. None.
8. Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee (WDAC) Update
The WDAC met today. They discussed the Diversity Plan report -outs by departments to
Committees and how the WDAC could be of assistance to department heads. The WDAC hopes
to have the opportunity to meet with each department head prior to them presenting to their
respective Council Committee.
Discussion took place about the City's new website. The WDAC wanted to ensure that diversity
and inclusion were part of the evaluation process before the website is finalized. Mayor
Peterson then mentioned that there is a Web Committee and suggested that a WDAC
representative participate on the Web Committee.
WDAC discussed gathering information and data to put into an annual diversity report that will
be presented at the end of 2011.
9. Safety Committee Update. None.
10. Clerk's Office
1. Schedule of Fees for the Licensing of f Dogs in the City of Ithaca
Moved by Alderperson Zumoff. Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 3
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has
delegated the entire responsibility of licensing dogs to municipal clerks, and
WHEREAS, state -level restrictions on licensing fees have been largely eliminated,
provided that the fee for an unaltered dog is at least five dollars more than the
fee for an altered dog, and additional fees be collected to fund an animal
population control program, and
WHEREAS, new language in the New York State Law specifies that all licensing
revenue will be the sole property of the municipality in which it was raised, and
retains the existing provision that collected revenues be used solely for animal
control related programs; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby establishes the
following schedule of fees to become effective January 1, 2011:
Dog licenses:
Altered dog
Unaltered dog
Altered working dog
Unaltered working dog
Purebred license
Identification tags:
$15
$25
$ 5
$10
$100
Replacement tags (all) $ 1
Impoundment fees: $25 - 1St offense
$50-2 d offense within a one year period
$75-3 rd and subsequent offenses within a one
year period
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That said established fees shall remain in effect until otherwise
amended by Common Council.
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 4
2. An Ordinance to Repeal and Re -enact Chapter 164 of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code, Entitled "Dogs and Other Animals"
Moved by Alderperson Zumoff. Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff.
Ordinance # 2010-
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the City of Ithaca Common Council as
follows:
Section 1. Chapter 164 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Entitled "Dogs and
Other Animals" is hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 2. Chapter 164 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Entitled "Dogs and
Other Animals" is hereby adopted to read as follows:
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
§ 164 -1 Definitions.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DOMESTICATED PETS - Any animals, birds, reptiles or fish customarily kept in
the home or place of residence which are not vicious, dangerous or otherwise
obnoxious, objectionable or offensive.
§ 164 -2 Keeping of animals restricted.
A. Prohibition. No person shall keep, pasture, breed, raise, harbor, stable or
maintain any bees, poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese or any other fowl or
reptiles or any swine, horses, cows, mules, sheep, goats or any other animals,
except domesticated pets, within the City.
B. Exception. This section shall not apply to any educational, scientific or research
institution maintaining, with adequate safeguards as to public health, safety,
comfort and convenience, any animals or other creatures for scientific, medical or
other research purposes.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 5
§ 164 -3 Animals at large.
No person shall suffer any cattle, horses, goats, sheep, swine or poultry to be at
large within the City.
§ 164 -4 Penalties for offenses.
Except as provided in the Agriculture and Markets Law, a violation of this Article
constitutes a civil offense punishable in accordance with §1 -1 of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code. These penalties shall be in addition to any other penalties provided
by law.
ARTICLE II
Dogs
§ 164 -5 Application.
This Article shall apply to all areas of the City of Ithaca.
A. In the event that any dog owned by a non - resident of the City of Ithaca is
harbored within the City for a period of 30 days or less such dog shall be
exempt from the identification and licensing provisions of this Article
provided such dog is licensed pursuant to the provisions of law of the area of
residence.
§ 164 -6 Definitions.
As used in this Article, the following words shall have the meanings indicated:
ADOPTION - The delivery to any natural person 18 years of age or older, for the
limited purpose of harboring a pet, of any dog, seized or surrendered.
ALTERED - Refers to a dog that has been spayed or neutered.
AT LARGE - An unleashed dog not under control of the owner and off the premises
of the owner
DANGEROUS DOG - Any dog which
a. without justification attacks a person or domestic animal, as defined
in this chapter, and causes physical injury or death, or
b. behaves in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a
serious and unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or
death to one or more persons or domestic animal, or without
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 6
justification attacks a "Working Dog" and causes physical injury or
death.
The term "Dangerous dog" does not include a "Police Work Dog ", while being used
to assist one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official
duties.
DOG - means any member of the species canis familiaris.
DOG CONTROL OFFICER - any individual appointed by the City to assist in the
enforcement of this Article or any authorized officer, agent or employee of an
incorporated humane society or similar incorporated dog protective association
under contract with the City to assist in the enforcement of this Local Law.
HARBOR - to provide food or shelter to any dog.
IDENTIFICATION TAG - a tag issued by the City of Ithaca which sets forth
an identification number, together with the name of the municipality, the State
of New York, contact information, including telephone number for the
municipality, and such other information as the licensing municipality deems
appropriate.
OWNER - If the dog is licensed, the owner is considered the person who
purchased the dog license or in whose name the dog was last licensed. If a dog
is not licensed, the term of "owner" shall designate and cover any person who
has custody or control of, harbors, or is otherwise responsible for any animal
which is kept, brought or comes within the City limits. Any person owning or
harboring a dog for a period of one week prior to the filing of any complaint
charging a violation of this Article shall be held and deemed to be the owner of
such dog for the purpose of this Article. In the event any dog found to be in
violation of this Article shall be owned by a minor (under 18 years of age), the
head of the household in which said minor resides shall be deemed to have
custody and control of said dog and shall be responsible for any acts of said
dog and violation of this Article.
PERSON - any individual, corporation, partnership, association or other
organized group of persons, municipality, or other legal entity.
UNALTERED - any dog that is not spayed or neutered.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 7
WORKING DOG - any dog that is trained as a Guide Dog, Hearing Dog, Police
Work Dog, Service Dog, Therapy Dog, War Dog or Working Search Dog as
defined by Article 7 of the New York State Agriculture & Markets Law.
§ 164 -7 Prohibited Acts.
A. Except as otherwise set forth in this section, any owner of a dog or any
other person who harbors any dog in the City of Ithaca shall be in violation
of this Article if such dog:
(1) Is not restrained by an adequate collar and leash when not on the
property of the owner or any other person harboring or having custody or
control of the dog.
(2) Engages in unreasonable howling and /or barking or other noise, audible
beyond the property line of the property where the dog is harbored, that
disturbs or annoys any person of reasonable sensitivities other than the
person owning or harboring such dog. Unreasonable howling or barking or
other noise shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
(a) Howling, barking or other noise made by a dog and continuing for
more than three cumulative minutes in any sixty- minute period; or
(b) Howling, barking or other noise made by a dog which is determined
to be unreasonable, taking into account the following factors:
[1] The proximity of the noise to residential property.
[2] The time of the day or night when the noise occurs.
[3] The time duration of the noise.
[4] Whether the noise is repetitive.
[5] The volume of the noise.
[6] The existence of complaints concerning the noise from persons
Iiving or working in the vicinity of the noise and who are affected by
it.
[7] Malicious provocation resulting from such activity as trespass,
vandalism or badgering.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 8
(3) Causes damage or destruction to public or private property or defecates
(unless the solid waste is promptly picked up and removed by the owner or
other person responsible for the dog) or otherwise commits a nuisance on
public or private property other than on the property of the person owning
or harboring such dog. This provision shall not apply for a service animal for
people with disabilities in performance of its trained duties.
(4) Chases or otherwise harasses any person in such manner as reasonably to
cause intimidation or to put such person in reasonable apprehension of bodily
harm or injury when not on the noncommercial property of the person owning
or harboring such dog.
(5) Chases, leaps on or otherwise harasses:
(a) Any bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or any other vehicle or device
used by persons for travel or as a conveyance or any riders or
occupants thereof.
(b) Any cat, dog, or domestic animal.
(6) Is unlicensed when four months of age or older or unlicensed due to
failure to renew a dog license.
(7) Is not wearing a current and valid dog license identification tag while at
large, whether or not restrained by an adequate collar and leash.
(8) Is not redeemed within five days after the owner has been notified,
either personally or by mail, that said dog has been seized and impounded
pursuant to the Agriculture and Markets Law, § 118.
(9) Harasses, attacks, annoys or otherwise interferes with a service animal
for people with disabilities which provides assistance for mobility and other
major life functions to people with disabilities.
B. Exemption. Effective as of January 1, 2009, Subsection A(1) above shall not
apply to owners whose dogs are off -leash in the fenced portion of the area owned
by the City (and managed by New York State pursuant to an agreement between
the City and the state) and known as the "Festival Lands," which lands are adjacent
to Allan H. Treman State Marine Park and which are shown as Parcel B on a survey
map of Cass Park dated August 15, 2001, by T.G. Miller, PC (which fenced area
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 9
subject to this exemption may extend onto immediately adjacent state parklands),
provided that such owners are in compliance with all rules and regulations duly
established for such off -leash area.
§ 164 -8 Enforcement.
All peace officers in the City, the Tompkins County Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals and its employees, pursuant to contract with the City, and all
employees of any bog Control Officer appointed by the Common Council shall
administer and enforce the provisions of this article and for such purpose shall
have the authority to issue appearance tickets pursuant to Article 150 of the
Criminal Procedure Law. Appearance tickets may require payment by mail of a
designated fine or appearance in Ithaca City Court and shall be in such form as may
be prescribed by the Judge of the Ithaca City Court. In assessing penalty, the
Judge of the Ithaca City Court may take into account the status, upon proper
documentation or other supporting evidence, of an attacked animal as a service
animal for people with disabilities which provides assistance in mobility, and other
major life functions, to people with disabilities.
§ 164 -9 Filing of complaints.
Any person who observes a dog causing damage or destruction to property of a
person other than its owner or committing a nuisance upon the premises of a
person other than its owner may file a signed complaint, under oath, with the City
Judge of the City of Ithaca, specifying the objectionable conduct of the dog, the
date thereof, the damage caused, a description of the dog and the name and
residence, if known, of the owner or other person harboring said dog.
§ 164 -10 Appearance before City Judge.
Upon receipt by the City Judge of any complaint against the conduct of any
particular dog, the City Judge may summon the alleged owner or other person
harboring said dog to appear in person before him /her. If the summons is
disregarded, the City Judge may permit the filing of an information and issue a
warrant for the arrest of such person.
§ 164 -11 Minor owner; responsibility of head of household.
In the event that any dog found to be in violation of this article is owned by a
person under 17 years of age, the head of the household in which said person
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 10
resides shall be deemed to be the owner or person harboring such dog and
responsible for the acts of said dog for purposes of this article.
§ 164 -12 Presumption.
The fact that a dog is at large in the City of Ithaca elsewhere than on the
premises of the owner or person harboring such dog or in the area described in
164 -7 (B) above, shall be presumptive evidence that the dog has been permitted to
be at large with the knowledge of the owner or person harboring the dog.
§ 164 -13 Licensing.
All dogs being harbored in New York State are required to be licensed pursuant to
Article 7 of the New York State Agriculture & Markets Law.
A. Application for Original License.
[1] The owner of any dog reaching the age of four months shall immediately
make application to the City Clerk for a dog license on a form provided by
the City Clerk's Office. No license shall be required for any dog which is
under the age of four months and which is not at large, or any dog that is
residing in a pound or shelter maintained by or under contract or agreement
with the state or any county, city, city or village, duly incorporated society
for the prevention of cruelty to animals, duly incorporated humane society
or duly incorporated dog protective association.
[2] In the case of a dog being redeemed or a dog being adopted from a
shelter or pound the City Clerk and the manager of the facility shall
establish a licensing procedure that is agreeable and beneficial to both the
City of Ithaca and the shelter or pound.
B. Rabies Vaccination Required. All applications for a dog license shall be
accompanied by a valid rabies certificate signed by a licensed
veterinarian provided such certificate or affidavit shall not be required
if the same is already on file with the clerk or, in lieu thereof, a
statement certified by a licensed veterinarian stating that the dog is too
young to be vaccinated or because of old age or another reason, the life
of the dog would be endangered by the administration of vaccine. In the
case of a dog being redeemed or adopted from a shelter, copies of all
documentation shall be forwarded to the City Clerk. Such records shall
be kept on file by the City Clerk and be made available upon request for
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 11
rabies and other animal disease control efforts.
C. Spay /Neuter Certificates. In the case of an altered dog, every
application shall also be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed
veterinarian or an affidavit signed by the owner, showing that the dog
has been spayed or neutered. In lieu of the spay or neuter certificate an
owner may present a statement certified by a licensed veterinarian
stating that he has examined the dog and found that because of old age
or other reason, the life of the dog would be endangered by spaying or
neutering. In such case, the license fee for the dog shall be the same as
for a spayed or neutered dog.
D. License. Upon receiving a complete application, the required documents
and the fee, the City Clerk shall issue a license and identification tag.
E. Expiration of License. An original license shall be issued for a period of
one year, and shall expire on the last day of the month of the period for
which it was issued.
F. License Renewal.
[1] The license renewal will be mailed to dog owners prior to the month of
expiration by the City Clerk.
[2]A new rabies certificate shall be required if the one on record has
expired or expires within 30 days of the date of renewal.
[3]A spay /neuter certificate shall not be required if one is already on
file with the City Clerk. In a case where the dog has been altered during
the preceding year, the certificate shall be presented to the City Clerk
in order to receive the reduced fee for an altered dog.
[4]Renewing licenses early or late will not change the renewal month;
however, owners having more than one dog may request common renewal
dates for their licenses which may be granted at the discretion of the
City Clerk, provided that all other licensing and renewal requirements are
met. Licensing fees will not be prorated, refunded, or waved when
accommodating such a request.
[5] Upon renewal the City Clerk shall provide a validated license to the
owner that is valid for a period of one year and shall expire on the last
day of the month of the period for which it was issued.
G. License Fees.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 12
[1] All applications for original licenses or renewals shall be accompanied
by a fee established by the City of Ithaca Common Council. The total fee
for an unaltered dog shall be at least $5 dollars more than the total fee
for an altered dog.
[2] All revenue derived from such fees shall be used for controlling dogs,
enforcing this Article and Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and
Markets Law, and to subsidize education programs and the spaying or
neutering of dogs.
[3]License fees are not refundable or partially refundable in the event
that a dog is lost, stolen, sold, given away, surrendered or deceased
before the expiration of the license.
[4] An additional fee of $5 dollars shall be charged for all dogs that are
identified as unlicensed during an enumeration. Such additional fee shall
be used to pay the expenses incurred while conducting the enumeration.
[5] An assessment of $3.00 for each unaltered dog and $1.00 for each
altered dog shall be collected for the purpose of carrying out population
control efforts as mandated by Article 7 of New York State Agriculture
and Markets Law. Money derived from such assessment may be used to
subsidize the spaying and neutering of cats as well as dogs pursuant to
Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
H. Identification of dogs.
[1] When a dog is originally licensed, a City of Ithaca identification
number will be assigned and an identification tag shall be issued, which
shall be worn by the dog at all times.
[2]No identification tag shall be affixed to the collar of any dog other
than the one to which it was assigned.
[3] Working dogs shall be assigned a special tag for identifying the
designation of such dog in addition to the City of Ithaca identification
tag. Both tags shall be worn by the dog at all times.
[4] Lost tags shall be replaced at the expense of the owner at a fee set
by the City of Ithaca Common Council.
I. Change of Address / Change of Ownership.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 13
[1] When there is a change of address for the owner of record, the
owner shall notify the City Clerk's Office of such change.
[2] In the event of a change in the ownership of any dog licensed in the
City of Ithaca, the new owner shall immediately make application for a
license for such dog. Additionally, the original owner of record shall
notify the City Clerk's Office of the change of ownership. Such
original owner of record shall be liable for any violation under this
Article until such filing is made or until the dog is licensed in the name
of the new owner.
[3] If any dog which has been licensed in the City of Ithaca is lost,
stolen or deceased, the owner of record shall notify the City Clerk's
Office within ten days of the discovery of such loss, theft or death.
J. Purebred Licenses.
[1] The owner of two or more purebred dogs registered by a nationally
recognized registry association may make an application to the City Clerk
for a purebred license in lieu of the individual licenses.
[2]At the time of application, the City Clerk shall assign a Purebred License
identification number.
[3] Application for a purebred license shall be on a form provided by the City
Clerk and shall include rabies vaccination certification for every dog
listed on the license. Copies of registry papers for every dog or a
comprehensive list of registry numbers and associations shall be required.
All dogs over four months of age must be listed and included in the
purebred license.
[4] Purebred Iicenses shall be issued for one year and renewed annually.
[5]All applications for and renewals of purebred licenses shall be
accompanied by a fee as set by the City of Ithaca Common Council. In
addition, an assessment of $3.00 for each unaltered dog and $1.00 for
each altered dog shall be added for the purpose of carrying out
population control efforts as mandated by Article 7 of New York State
Agriculture and Markets Law. No fee or portion thereof shall be
refundable once the license is issued.
[6]No purebred license is transferable. Upon change of ownership of any
dog licensed under a purebred license, the new owner shall immediately
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 14
make application for a license, except when the new owner holds a valid
purebred license and adds the dog to such purebred license.
[7] Identification tags may be requested by a holder of a purebred license.
All purebred tags shall include the identification number assigned to the
purebred license and the cost shall be paid by the owner at a fee set by the
City of Ithaca of Ithaca Common Council.
5 164 -13 Conditions for Keeping bogs.
All premises occupied by dogs shall be kept in a clean, sanitary condition. Adequate
food, water, shelter and space must be provided for each dog owned. For the
purpose of this Section, "adequate" shall mean sufficient for age, size and number
of dogs on the premises.
§ 164 -14 Liability of Owner.
A. If a domestic or companion animal is injured or killed as a result of being
attacked, chased or worried by any dog, the owner of said dog shall be liable for
damage. The owner of such injured or killed animal may make a complaint to the
bog Control Officer or a police officer who shall proceed pursuant to the
Dangerous bog Section of Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and
Markets Law.
B. In no event shall the City of Ithaca be held liable for any damage done by
any dog.
§ 164 -15 Enforcement /Appearance Ticket.
All police officers in the City, the Tompkins County Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals and its employees, pursuant to contract with the City, and all
employees of any bog Control Officer appointed by the Common Council shall
administer and enforce the provisions of this article and for such purpose shall
have the authority to issue appearance tickets.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 15
§ 164 -16 Seizure, Impoundment, Redemption and Adoption.
A. Any dog belonging to a person found in violation of any of the provisions of
this Local Law may be seized pursuant to the provisions of New York State
Agriculture and Markets Law.
B. Any dog believed to be dangerous and which poses an immediate threat to
the public safety may be seized.
C. Any dog may be seized, which has been judged to be a Dangerous Dog
pursuant to New York State Agriculture and Markets Law and whose owner
has failed to obey a Ithaca City Court order pertaining to said Dangerous
Dog.
D. Every dog impounded dog shall be properly cared for, sheltered, fed and
watered.
E. Each dog which is not identified, whether or not licensed, shall be held for a
period of 5 days from the day seized during which period the dog may be
redeemed by its owner. Said owner shall provide proof that the dog has
been licensed pursuant to this Article and pay an impoundment fee
established by the City of Ithaca Common Council.
F. In the case of an identified dog, the owner of record shall be promptly
notified by the Dog Control Officer of the seizure and the procedure for
redemption either personally or by certified, return receipt requested mail.
If notification is personally given, the dog shall be held for a period of 7
days after the day of notice, during which period the dog may be redeemed
by the owner. If such notification is made by mail, the dog shall be held for
a period of 9 days from the date of mailing, during which period the dog may
be redeemed by the owner. Said owner shall provide proof that the dog has
been licensed pursuant to this Article and pay an impoundment fee
established by resolution of the City of Ithaca Common Council.
G. Any dog unredeemed at the expiration of the appropriate redemption period
shall be made available for adoption or euthanized pursuant to the provision
of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
H. If the owner of any unredeemed dog is known, such owner shall be required
to pay the impoundment fees.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 16
I. The seizure of any dog shall not relieve any person from any violation of this
Article or New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
§ 164 -17 Complaint.
1. Any person who observes a dog in violation of this Article may file a
complaint, under oath, with a City- designated Dog Control Officer or Agency
specifying the nature of the violation, the date thereof, a description of the
dog, the location of the violation and the name and residence, if known, of
the owner of such dog. Such complaint may serve as the basis for enforcing
the provisions of this Article.
2. Upon receipt by the City- designated Dog Control Officer or Agency of any
such complaint, that Officer or Agency shall issue an appearance ticket to
the alleged owner of the dog to appear before the Ithaca City Court at a
date and time specified.
§ 164 -18 Penalties for offenses
Except as provided in the Agriculture and Markets Law, a violation of this Article
constitutes a civil offense punishable in accordance with §1 -1 of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code. These penalties shall be in addition to any other penalties provided
by law.
§ 164 -19 Disposition of fines
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all moneys collected as fines or
penalties by any municipality as a result of any prosecution for violations of the
provisions of this Article or Article 7 of the New York State Agriculture and
Markets Law and all bail forfeitures by persons charged with such violations shall
be the property of the municipality and shall be paid to the financial officer of
such municipality. Such moneys shall be used only for controlling dogs and
enforcing this Article. Said revenue may also be used to subsidize the spaying or
neutering of dogs, any facility as authorized under Article 7 of the New York
State Agriculture and Markets Law, and subsidizing public humane education
programs in responsible dog ownership.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 17
Section 3. Severability.
If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, Article or part of this ordinance, now
or through supplementation or amendment in the future, shall be adjudged by any
court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment shall not affect,
impair or invalidate the remainder thereof, but shall be confined in its operation to
the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, Article or part thereof directly involved
in the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 2011, and upon publication of notice
as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to amend the Ordinance as follows:
§ 164 -6 Definitions. At Large: Dog not under control of the owner and off the
premises of the owner.
5 164 -13 Licensing. G. License Fees. [5} An assessment of $3.00 for each
unaltered dog and $1.00 for each altered dog shall be collected for the purpose of
carrying out population control efforts as mandated by Article 7 of New York
State Agriculture and Markets Law. Money derived from such assessment may be
used to subsidize the spaying and neutering of cats as well as dogs pursuant to
Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. This assessment is
included in the license fee determined by Common Council.
§ 164 -13 Licensing. J. Purebred Licenses. [5] All applications for and renewals of
purebred licenses shall be accompanied by a fee as set by the City of Ithaca
Common Council. Tig eddit:eg An assessment of $3.00 for each unaltered dog and
$1.00 for each altered dog, she'! be e-' for the purpose of carrying out
population control efforts as mandated by Article 7 of New York State Agriculture
and Markets Law, is included in the license fee determined by Common Council. No
fee or portion thereof shall be refundable once the license is issued.
Seconded by Alderperson Rooker. Motion carried unanimously.
A vote on the main resolution as amended resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 18
11. Department of Public Works
1. Johnson Controls Energy Savings Project
Moved by Alderperson Rooker. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility's Special Joint
Committee (hereinafter SJC) entered into an agreement with Johnson Controls,
Inc. (hereinafter JCI) to develop a performance contract for the Special Joint
Committee's municipal owners consideration on June 12, 2009, based on capital
improvements which produce energy savings from lighting system modifications,
installation or upgrades to energy management systems, energy efficiency
improvements to building envelope, HVAC Systems, and replacement of the
digester mixing equipment, cogeneration facility, heat exchanging equipment,
boilers and aeration blowers and dissolved oxygen control systems, and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals entitled "Energy Savings Performance
Contract for Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility" was issued on
September 2, 2010, and
WHEREAS, JCI responded and met all stipulated requirements of the
aforementioned RFP, and
WHEREAS, the identified facility improvement measures to be included in the
performance contract are projected to reduce energy consumption at the facility
by 69% and reduce the facility green house gas emissions by 961 tons of carbon
dioxide per year, and
WHEREAS, JCI has submitted a proposed program of improvement and draft
performance contract for review consisting of approximately $8.03 million in
improvements or modifications under a contract that guarantees a specified level
of energy savings over the period of the contract (15 years), and
WHEREAS, Approximately $ 6.9 million of the identified improvements are
improvements that would need to be made within the next five years to replace
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 19
aging digester gas storage, cogeneration, aeration blowers, dissolved oxygen
controls and boiler equipment and infrastructure at the facility, and
WHEREAS, the facility improvements associated with the building envelope and
HVAC systems and the purchase of a 5 kW photovoltaic solar panel are being
funded by a $406,179 NYSERDA grant, and
WHEREAS, That as a qualified responder recommended by IAWWTF Chief
Operator, JCI was approved by the SJC on October 13, 2010, for development of
the performance contract, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Facility Energy Improvements in the amount not to exceed $8,030,000,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Facility Chief Operator to negotiate a contract based on the proposal
submitted by JCI, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Mayor to sign said
contract, and be it further
RESOLVED, That said agreement shall be contingent on the approval of the
contract by the Towns of Ithaca and Dryden, and be it further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the performance contract to be negotiated
between the IAWWTF Chief Operator and JCI, funding for said project minus the
$406,179 NYSERDA grant award will be made by the owners based on the
following schedule,
Owners
Percentage Project Cost
City of Ithaca
57.14 $ 4,354,193.14
Town of Ithaca
40.88 $ 3,115,145.52
Town of Dryden
1.98 $ 150,880.34
$ 7,620,219.00
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 20
either through a municipal lease negotiated by the City Controller's Office, the
issuance of Serial Bonds which are to include interest rates as stipulated by the
City of Ithaca Controller, or by the individual owners own funding mechanism,
based on the above schedule, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the performance contract to be negotiated between the
IAWWTF Chief Operator and JCI will guarantee energy savings to offset the
project funding costs as follows,
Owners
City of Ithaca
Town of Ithaca
Town of Dryden
Percentage
57.14
40.88
1.98
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
12. Common Council
1. Apprenticeship Policy Working Group - Report
Energy Savings
$ 5,593,037.48
$ 4,001,459.08
$ 193,808.44
$ 9,788,305.00
Passed unanimously.
Alderperson Clairborne distributed a letter from the Apprenticeship Policy Review
Working Group about the Findings and Recommendations on the Apprenticeship
Policy. The letter gave background information on the policy and the findings by
the Group. The Group recommended "that the "Apprenticeship Policy" that was
established by resolution of the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, on January
5, 2005, be repealed."
2. Repeal of the of the City of Ithaca's Apprenticeship Policy
Moved by Alderperson Rooker. Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne.
WHEREAS, in 2001 the New York State Legislature adopted a new law (Labor Law,
Section 816 -b) that gives municipalities the option of requiring contractors and
subcontractors for a construction contract (to which the municipality is a direct or
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 21
indirect party) to have apprenticeship agreements (providing for the approved
training and placement of apprentices); and
WHEREAS, in January 2005 Common Council exercised its authority under said
statute and adopted a resolution that required that all City construction contracts
for more than $500,000 "must include contractors that participate in New York
State certified apprenticeship programs," that this requirement is to be imposed
upon "all bidders and all subcontractors under the bidder," is to apply to "each
apprenticeable trade or occupation represented in their workforce," and that all
bidders and their subcontractors "must abide by the apprentice -to- journeyman
ratio for each trade prescribed therein," but that 25% of the monetary value of
the general contract may be exempted from the apprenticeship requirement "to
permit the use of small or specialty subcontractors who would otherwise be
excluded ;" and
WHEREAS, by 2009 the Mayor and the Council were made aware by staff of
certain problems and concerns associated with the implementation of the City's
Apprenticeship Policy; and
WHEREAS, as a result of these concerns, Common Council decided in December
2009 to suspend the Apprenticeship Policy until August 5, 2010, and to ask for a
"working group" (including staff and Council members) appointed to research the
matter to make a recommendation on the subject to Common Council before August
5, 2010; and
WHEREAS, this working group, chaired by Alderperson J.R. Clairborne, met
regularly over the past year and heard directly from union representatives,
affected contractors and others; and
WHEREAS, the working group sought an extension until November 10, 2010
(Common Council Resolution of August 4, 2010), to allow the group additional time
to complete its examination of, and deliberation about, the issue of the
Apprenticeship Policy or possible alternative approaches to the goal of enhancing
employment readiness and opportunities for City residents - particularly those who
are young and /or disadvantaged - and to provide a recommendation to the Mayor
and the Chair of the City Administration Committee; and
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 22
WHEREAS, the working group, having identified several flows with the
Apprenticeship Policy (including the substantial expense incurred by the City in
selecting only those contractors with an accredited apprenticeship policy without a
showing that this extra expense results in the local job creation that was originally
intended; internal administrative problems associated with the selection process
for qualified bidders whose apprenticeship programs qualify for consideration,
etc), concluded that the existing Apprenticeship Policy had not yielded the
intended results as outlined in the original Resolution establishing the policy, and
that as such its continued implementation was not justified, and
WHEREAS, the 2009 -2013 City of Ithaca Consolidated Plan, which sets priorities
for spending of HUD Entitlement Funds in Ithaca, establishes a goal of Job
Training and Placement in the City and job- training programs and /or job- creating
activities have been funded yearly since 2004 under this program, and
WHEREAS, the working group supports these activities and the exploration of
additional job- creating opportunities, possibly in conjunction with the IURA, and
WHEREAS, the working group has submitted a report to the Mayor and the
Common Council with its findings and recommendations, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the "Apprenticeship Policy" that was established by resolution of
the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, on January 5, 2005, be and hereby is
repealed.
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
3. HUD Entitlement Program - Reaffirm Job Training as a Priority Community
Development Need
Moved by Alderperson Clairborne. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is making considerable efforts to increase the
number of jobs in the city and is consistently advocating for quality employment
opportunities for city residents, in particular young people in the city, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 23
WHEREAS, maintaining a qualified and skilled labor force is essential to a healthy
and dynamic local economy, and
WHEREAS, it is desirable to establish employment principles to guide future
decisions of the City, and
WHEREAS, in January 2005 Common Council exercised its authority under New
York State Labor Law, Section 816 -b, and adopted a resolution that implemented
what became the City's Apprenticeship Policy, and
WHEREAS the City's Apprenticeship Policy was intended to increase the number of
training and job opportunities for local residents, however, it has been determined
that in its implementation this intent was not fully realized, and
WHEREAS although the Common Council for the City of Ithaca is repealing the
Apprenticeship Policy in December 2010, it wishes to implement in its place a
program that will more fully accomplish the job- training and job- creation goals
that were envisioned by the same, and
WHEREAS, the City receives an annual formula allocation of funds to address
community development needs through the HUD Entitlement Program from the
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships
Program (HOME), and
WHEREAS, the Common Council has designated the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
(IURA) as the lead agency to develop and administer the HUD Entitlement Program
on behalf of the City, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council adopted the 2009 -2013 City of Ithaca
Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan) that identifies goals, objectives and
strategies for use of HUD Entitlement Program funding to address community
development needs, and
WHEREAS, the Consolidated Plan establishes 15 locally identified priority
community development needs, of which one is "job training and placement
opportunities for low- and moderate - income persons," and
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 24
WHEREAS, the Consolidated Plan further identifies "children, teens, young adults
and people of color" as focus populations targeted for assistance in public service
programming, and
WHEREAS, since 2004 the IURA has recommended HUD Entitlement funding for
several job training and placement programs including the commercial driver's
license program, the pre- construction preparedness program, and the Significant
Elements job- training project; now, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby reaffirms its
finding in the 2009 -2013 City of Ithaca Consolidated Plan that job training and
employment placement is a top priority community development need, particularly
for young adults and persons of color, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, in its role as lead agency to
develop the City's HUD Entitlement Program, is strongly encouraged to seek out
and develop effective job training and placement projects, especially for teens,
young adults and people of color, for funding through the HUD Entitlement
Program through 2013.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff made a motion to amend the resolution as follows:
5t" Whereas: WHEREAS, Although the City's Apprenticeship Policy was intended
to increase the number of training and job opportunities for local residents, it has
been determined that in its implementation this intent was not fully realized
although the Apprenticeship Programs are still available through local unions and
continue to provide valuable job skill development and services, and
6t" Whereas: WHEREAS although the Common Council for the City of Ithaca is
repealing the Apprenticeship Policy in December 2010, the Common Council also
wishes to implement in its place a program that will more fully accomplish the job -
training and job- creation goals that were envisioned by the same, and
Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Motion carried unanimously.
A vote on the main resolution as amended resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 25
13. Human Resources
1. Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution
Moved by Alderperson Mohlenhoff. Seconded by Alderperson Rooker.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca hereby establishes the following as
standard work days for elected and appointed officials and will report the
following days worked to the New York State and Local Employees' Retirement
System based on the record of activities maintained and submitted by these
officials to the clerk of this body:
Title
Name
Social
5ecuri
ty
Numb
er
(Last
4
digits)
Registrat
ion
Number
5tandar
d
Work
Day
(Hrs /do
y)
Term
Begins /E
nds
Participate
s in
Employer's
Time
Keeping
System
(Y /N)
Days /Mo
nth
(based on
Record
of
Activities
)
Elected Officials
Council
Daniel
Cogan
6
1/1/10 -
12/31/11
N
10.75
Appointed Officials
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 26
On this
day of , 20,
(Signature of clerk)
Date enacted:
I, , clerk of the governing board of the
Of
(Name of Employer)
the State of New York, do hereby certify that I have compared the foregoing with
the original resolution passed by such board, at a legally convened meeting held on
the day of , 20_
on file as part of the minutes of such meeting, and that some is a true copy
thereof and the whole of such original.
I further certify that the full board, consists of
such members were present at such meeting and that
in favor of the above resolution.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto
Set my hand and the seal of the
(Name of Employer)
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
members, and that of
of such members voted
(seal)
Passed unanimously.
2. Adoption of Compensation Study for CSEA DPW Unit Employees
Moved by Alderperson Mohlenhoff. Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 27
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to implement a compensation structure that
is based on an objective job evaluation system and that achieves both internal and
external equity for employees represented by the CSEA DPW Unit, and
WHEREAS, the NYS Department of Civil Service and the Human Resources
Department have recommended the adoption of a point factor evaluation system
and corresponding compensation structure for CSEA DPW Unit employees, and
WHEREAS, the CSEA DPW Unit voted in favor of adopting and implementing the
recommended compensation structure, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the recommended 2011 CSEA DPW Unit Compensation Plan and
the recommended point factor evaluation system be adopted and implemented in
accordance with the procedure and schedule recommended by the Human
Resources Department, beginning February 6, 2011, and be it further
RESOLVED, That effective February 6, 2011, CSEA DPW Unit employees shall
contribute 20% of the appropriate health insurance premium; provided, however,
that if this increased health insurance contribution would result in a net salary
decrease for an employee, that employee's health insurance contribution shall be
modified or frozen as recommended by the Human Resources Department, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That effective February 6, 2011, the option to cash -in leave time will
be eliminated for any CSEA DPW Unit employee whose salary increases by $3000
or more as a direct result of the implementation of the compensation study.
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4. Director's Report. HR Director Michell -Nunn reported on the following:
Information Sessions: Excellus BC /BS and Medco (new prescription provider)
participated in information sessions to update the workforce and retirees on the
changes related to the Consortium and the Health Care Reform. Changes will go
into effect on January 1, 2011.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 28
Diversity Training: Employees and WDAC members attended diversity training at
Cornell University.
14. Finance /Controller
1. Request Authorization to cover Red Accounts
Moved by Alderperson Zumoff. Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne.
RESOLVED, That the City Controller be empowered to make transfers within the
2010 Budget Appropriations, as needed, for the remainder of the 2010 fiscal year.
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
2. Request to Amend 2010 Budget for Various Grants and Reimbursements
Moved by Alderperson Clairborne. Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff.
WHEREAS, the City has received various Grants and Reimbursements that were
unanticipated and need to be accounted for, and
WHEREAS, the Grants and reimbursements total $19,144 as follows:
Community Celebrations
$9,350
Police Vehicle Repair
1,351
Commons Cleanup
310
Police Auction and Misc. Revenue
8,133
; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2010 budget as follows to
account for said receipt and expenditures of funds:
Increase Revenue Accounts:
A1012- 2379Community Celebrations $ 9,350
A3120 -2665 Sale of Equipment 5,431
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 29
A3120- 2680Insurance Reimbursement 1,351
A3120- 2770Miscellaneous Revenue 21702
A5411- 2300Public Works Services 310
$19,144
Increase Appropriations Accounts:
A1012- 5435Community Celebrations Contracts $9,350
A3120 -5205 Police Furniture 8,133
A3120- 5476 -5001 Police Equipment Maintenance 1,351
A5411- 5475Property Maintenance 310
$19,144
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
3. Bond Resolution
Moved by Alderperson Clairborne. Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff.
A resolution was put forth authorizing the issuance of $5,638,645 Bonds for the
City of Ithaca to pay the cost of certain capital improvements in and for the City.
The capital improvements to be financed by the bond resolution and the specifics
about each capital improvement are included in the resolution.
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4. Controller's Report. Controller Thayer reported on the following:
Budget (2011): The 2011 budget process is complete. There are many challenges
ahead and discussions regarding staffing levels and services that will take place in
2011. The 2011 budget is on line and can be accessed under Link News.
Sales Tax: Sales tax will be about a 4% increase or $450,000 over 2009. This is
about 1% or $115,000 over our current budget.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 30
Parking Revenues: The City has collected $1,876,000 to date in parking revenues.
This is about $185,000 under budget.
Fine Revenues: The City budgeted $1,076,000 for 2010. Fine revenues are on pace
to be slightly over budget.
Building Permit Revenues: Building permit revenues are on pace to exceed the
budgeted amount of $250,000 by about $50,000.
Overtime: The City budgeted $901,000 for 2010. Overtime is projected to be
over budget about $149,000.
Health Insurance Cost: Health insurance claims remain very high for 2010. The
budget for 2010 is $7,235,000 and the health insurance cost will exceed this
amount. The Consortium premium rates are expecting to go up 92 percent in 2011.
Without the Consortium, the increase in renewal rates would have been about 34 %.
Pension Cost: The 2010 pension payment is $3,155,000. This payment is due by
February 1, 2011. To receive a discount the City must make the payment by
December 15, 2010.
17. Reports
1. Mayor's Report. The Mayor reported on the following:
NYCOM Legislative Meeting_: The Mayor updated the Committee on the discussion
at the NYCOM Legislative meeting.
2. Sub- Committee Updates. None.
3. Council Members' Announcements
Sweat Free Uniforms: After reading the City Attorney's memo, Chairperson Coles
will follow up on the language about items purchased above $10,000 that had to go
out to bid. According to Controller Thayer this amount has increased to $20,000.
Controller Thayer will look to see if the City has spent over $20,000 per year on
uniforms. If so, this might have an impact on the City's Sweat Free legislation.
City Administration Committee Meeting
November 22, 2010
Page 31
Shopping Carts: There is still an uproar in the community about shopping carts
being taken away from various stores and left throughout the City. Chairperson
Coles will work on this matter with help from Alderpersons Mohlenhoff and Rooker.
4. Next Month's Meeting: December 20, 2010.
18. Adjournment
With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Mohlenhoff, the meeting was
adjourned at 9:25 p.m.