HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2014-02-19COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. **February 19, 2014
(**Regular Meeting scheduled for February 5, 2014 canceled due to snow storm)
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (9) Brock, McGonigal, Murtagh, Clairborne, McCollister, Fleming,
Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney – Lavine
City Controller – Thayer
Building - Planning & Development Director – Cornish
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Director of Engineer - West
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Martell
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Myrick led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Planning & Economic Development Committee:
Alderperson Murtagh requested the deletion of Item 10.1 (A, B, C) from the agenda: An
Ordinance to Amend the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325, entitled “Zoning”
to Rezone Portions of the R-U Zoning District to R-3aa and to Amend the R-3aa Zoning
District in Order to Add Language Stating That in Locally Designated Historic Districts,
Any Non-Contributing Buildings Will Be Excluded From the Calculation to Determine the
Maximum Building Footprint Size.
He further requested the addition of Item 10.2 - Amendment to Capital Project 724 --
Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project – Resolution.
No Council Member Objected
Appointments:
Alderperson Brock requested the addition of the appointment of Ashley Popp to the
Rental Housing Advisory Commission.
No Council member objected.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 The J. Diann Sams Annual African-American History Month Recognition
Honoring Elder Ronald Benson
By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
WHEREAS, since 2004 the City of Ithaca Common Council has recognized an
individual in our community of great esteem and stellar leadership during African-
American History Month and, in so doing, established a tradition of honoring
outstanding leadership, courage against unspeakable odds, and an unwavering
commitment to community that is in keeping with the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson,
founder of African-American History Month; and
WHEREAS, Common Council first bestowed this honor in 2004 on Alderperson J. Diann
Sams following her retirement from serving on Council; and
WHEREAS, Alderperson Sams was a civil rights leader, long-time public servant, and
the first African-American woman who also was disabled to serve on Common Council;
and
February 19, 2014
WHEREAS, this annual recognition was renamed in 2007 in honor of Alderperson
Sams, after her passing, recognizing her tireless efforts on behalf of African Americans
and other underrepresented populations in and around Ithaca; and
WHEREAS, subsequent years have seen Council award the following outstanding
leaders with said recognition:
- 2005, Dr. James E. Turner, world-renowned scholar and founding director of the
Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University;
- 2006, Mr. Calemeze (Cal) D. Walker, community advocate and visionary leader with
the Village at Ithaca;
- 2007, Mrs. Frances Eastman, first woman of color supervisor of medical records at the
former Tompkins County Hospital and past Tompkins County “Senior Citizen of the
Year” recipient;
- 2008, Ms. Lucy J. Brown, a dedicated citizen with an unwavering commitment to social
justice and promoting local civic collaboration and participation;
- 2009, Ms. Marcia J. Fort, longtime director of the Greater Ithaca Activities Center
(GIAC), so honored for her steadfast advocacy for the voiceless and oppressed of our
community and elsewhere;
- 2010, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham A. and Denise C. Dendtler Lee, long-time career
educators in the Ithaca City School District who lend their time, talent, and personal
resources to create or further local achievement for area children;
- 2011, Mr. Karl A. Graham, longtime community and youth-education advocate whose
work pushes for access and social improvement for all local residents;
- 2012, Mr. Kenneth E. Glover, an ardent supporter of Town-Gown relations to achieve
success through education, employment, and community involvement for area youth
and young adults;
- 2013, Mr. William (J.R.) B. Clairborne, Jr., and Mrs. Leslyn E. McBean-Clairborne,
elected officials whose public service advocates for social and economic justice through
inclusion, fairness, and accessibility to government services for, and sensitivity to, those
in need; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Woodson’s lifelong devotion to educating African Americans about their
own culture and history as part of U.S. history led to the modern-day, month-long
observance of Black, or African American, History Month, which highlights the positive
impact people such as this award’s recipients have had on society; and
WHEREAS, such an individual who has made an indelible stamp upon Ithaca history
and is so revered that he is worthy of community support is the Elder Ronald Benson,
pastor of the Baptized Church of Jesus Christ, whose continuous support of people at
all levels of society is a true model for faithfully serving humankind; and
WHEREAS, during his 25 years as a pastor in Ithaca, Elder Benson has lead a church
that has become a quiet space for prayers and meditations any time someone is in
need, provides a place for another minister’s weekly service for men, and, in essence is
a safe haven and refuge for many of our community’s “vulnerable” populations; and
WHEREAS, Elder Benson’s ministry extends, in person, to those at the Tompkins
County jail and Auburn Correctional Facility, as well as to many others through Public
Access Channel 13’s longest-running television program (20 years), which has received
awards for religion and philosophy; and
WHEREAS, Elder Benson offers through his church and parishioners a food pantry
program, food and meals to individuals and families in need outside of the regular
February 19, 2014
pantry hours, and serves as a member for 21 years of the Southern Tier Food Bank
Network; and
WHEREAS, Elder Benson’s advocacy of community and faith has led to his involvement
with Healing Ithaca, Local Leaders of Color with Cornell University, the Equity Inclusion
Leadership Council of the Ithaca City School District, the host for Community Leaders of
Color, and his elevation to District Elder of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World;
and
WHEREAS, Elder Benson freely and regularly gives of his time to attend school
meetings, to speak at court hearings, and to attend meetings with Department of Social
Services personnel; and
WHEREAS, in its nominating statement, the panel of this award’s past recipients note:
“Pastor Benson has long been a staunch advocate for youth and families,
particularly with the educational, social services, and court systems…. He is a
passionate advocate, often speaking at meetings to insure that issues negatively
impacting the underrepresented and disenfranchised are heard and understood,”;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council urges all citizens to recognize the
invaluable contributions of this positive, affirming, and dedicated citizen – the Elder
Ronald Benson – who, through his commitment to community through faith with the
residents of our community, has become a stalwart example of the many prominent
figures we celebrate throughout history, particularly African-American history; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That in so doing, the Elder Ronald Benson is worthy of honor not only
each year in February, but throughout the entire calendar year.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Clairborne, along with members of J. Diann Sams family presented the
award to Elder Benson and spoke about the many attributes that make him so worthy of
this award.
Elder Benson expressed his gratitude and noted how humbled he was to receive such a
prestigious award. He spoke about how his faith-based journey led him to Ithaca and
he described his love for this community.
Mayor Myrick congratulated Elder Benson on his award, and noted that Diann Sams
broke barriers when she was elected to Common Council and those broken barriers are
what allowed him to aspire to the position he holds now.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Natural Areas Commission
Joe McMahon, Chair of the Natural Areas Commission, provided an overview of the
2013 activities of the Commission:
“Explore Your Watershed” walks were well attended
Nature walks for kids were well attended
New map & brochure of the natural areas will be available in the Spring
Ranger Program – big improvements from past years (less trash, fewer campers,
less disruption for nearby residents, increased respect for the rangers, and
reduction in gorge accidents / no fatalities). This has been attributed to the
strengthened partnership between the Gorge Ranger Program and the Ithaca
Police Department.
DPW work in natural areas without prior notification continues to be an issue
Thanks to Asst. Superintendent of Water & Sewer Erik Whitney for his updates
on the Water Plant project
The issue of liability regarding the use of volunteers in the natural areas still
needs to be resolved.
February 19, 2014
The Commission would like to be informed of the potential sale of city property
near natural areas
The Southwest area of the city still lacks an official designation as a natural area
Goals for 2014:
Dredging of creeks & the inlet
Better signage regarding hunting & fishing prohibitions
Stream bank repair
Increasing the effectiveness of city boards & commissions
Combatting Hemlock disease and the woolly adelgid infestation
Ithaca Falls Overlook Park
Designation of a BPW Liaison who can regularly attend meetings & provide
updates
IPD continued support of the Gorge Ranger Program
Review of Giles Street parking issues
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council:
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, congratulated Elder Benson on his award, and spoke of
other great American heroes worthy of having places/things named after them. He
further spoke about the need for additional funding for the Commons Project.
Trevor Peyus, President of the Ithaca Paid Fire Fighters Association expressed his
concerns regarding the proposed roster change for the Ithaca Fire Department. He
distributed information to Council members regarding recent retirements and the
number of positions being left unfilled until June/July.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Mayor Myrick announced the availability of the 2014 Annual Disclosure Forms for the
Mayor and Common Council. These forms are available for review by the public in the
Department of Public Information and Technology during regular business hours.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
8.1 Youth Bureau - Roster & Budget Transfer in the Youth Employment
Services - Resolution
By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the Youth Program Assistant position is currently funded at 25 hours per
week, and
WHEREAS, the normal demands of the Youth Employment Services Program have
resulted in additional hours worked on a continuous basis, and
WHEREAS, an increase in the Youth Program Assistant hours is budget neutral, as the
individual is currently paid for the 35 hours, the additional hours are paid out of the
seasonal line, and the individual is currently receiving benefits; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2014 Youth Bureau Roster and
Budget as follows
Increase: Youth Program Assistant hours from twenty-five (25)
to thirty-five (35) per week
Transfer: $8,374 from A7310-5120-01202 Part-time Hourly
to A7310-5110-01202 Staff Salary
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That said roster and budget amendment be derived from the existing
Youth Bureau budget.
Carried Unanimously
February 19, 2014
8.2 Youth Bureau - Amendment to the 2014 Personnel Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has requested an adjustment to the 2014
personnel roster to better meet the demands on the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program,
and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has a vacant funded Youth Program Leader position at
17.5 hours per week and an unfunded Youth Program Assistant at 17.5 hours per week,
and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau would like to hire at the Youth Program Assistant level
and increase the hours from 17.5 to 22 hours per week, and
WHEREAS, this amendment is budget neutral, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2014 Youth Bureau Personnel
Roster as follows:
Unfund: One (1) Youth Program Leader (17.5 hours per week) position
Fund: One (1) Youth Program Assistant and increase hours from 17.5 to 22
hours per week
and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the increase in hours is budget neutral.
Carried Unanimously
8.3 Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Facility - Modification of Work Hours
for Administrative Coordinator - Resolution
By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, to provide adequate administrative support to the Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) the Water and Sewer Division of the City of Ithaca
Department of Public Works requested and received an increase in the workweek of an
Administrative Coordinator from twenty (20) hours/week to thirty (30) hours/week. This
was accomplished by resolution of item 8.5 of the Common Council Agenda on
September 5, 2012, and
WHEREAS, it is our experience over the time period of August 13, 2012 to date that this
position demands no less than thirty five (35) hours/week, and
WHEREAS, to allow the Water & Sewer Division the additional weekly hours to cover
the administrative needs of the IAWWTF; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the work week of one Administrative Coordinator position in the
Water and Sewer Division of the Department of Public Works be and hereby is
increased from thirty (30) hours/week to thirty five (35) hours/week, and be it further
RESOLVED, That for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the
New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, the standard workday for
this position shall be established at six (6) hours per day (thirty (30) hours per week) for
the period August 13, 2012 through February 5, 2014, and at seven (7) hours per day
(thirty five (35) hours per week) from February 5, 2014, thereafter, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said work week adjustment be derived from the
existing, authorized 2014 Water, Sewer, and Wastewater budgets.
Carried Unanimously
February 19, 2014
8.4 Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Facility - Amendment to Personnel
Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the Wastewater Collection Systems Supervisor retired on September 13,
2013, and
WHEREAS, the 2014 work plan and budget request were developed with a temporary
downgrading of the Wastewater Collection Systems Supervisor position to a Working
Supervisor position, both to accommodate budget constraints and to be in line with the
capabilities and qualifications needed for planned projects in 2014, and
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Division has the immediate need of a Working
Supervisor for the Sanitary Sewer Maintenance Crew , and
WHEREAS, the division currently has an unfunded Working Supervisor position, while a
Wastewater Collection Systems Supervisor position is currently funded, and
WHEREAS, the salary range for the Wastewater Collection Systems Supervisor is
$21.24/hr to $25.49/hr. and the salary range for the Working Supervisor is $20.25/hr. to
$24.30/hr. A small savings will be realized by a temporary downgrade of the funded
position to Working Supervisor; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Wastewater Collection Systems Supervisor position be unfunded
and remain on the Department of Public Works Water and Sewer roster as unfunded,
and the Working Supervisor position be funded and filled as soon as practicable, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the necessary funding for the roster change shall be derived from the
existing, authorized 2014 Water and Sewer budget.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 Engineering - Amendment to Personnel Roster – Addition of Sidewalk
Program Manager - Resolution
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, the Common Council adopted on September 4, 2013, a Local Law creating
five Sidewalk Improvement Districts, and
WHEREAS, the 2014 assessment levies for said five Sidewalk Improvement Districts
are cumulatively sufficient to fund a staff person to manage the Sidewalk Program, and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that each individual Sidewalk Improvement District would
contribute that portion of the cost of employing said staff person that is equal to each
District’s portion of the Citywide sidewalk assessment levy, and
WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission classified the position of Sidewalk Program
Manager and adopted the job description for the position at their January 15, 2014,
meeting, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the personnel roster of the Engineering Division of the Department of
Public Works shall be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Sidewalk Program Manager (40 hours)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Sidewalk Program Manager shall be assigned to the
CSEA Administrative Unit at salary grade 13, and be it further
RESOLVED, That for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the
New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, the standard workday for
February 19, 2014
this position shall be established at eight (8) hours per day (forty (40) hours per week) ,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the necessary funding for the roster change shall be derived from the
existing, authorized levy for each of the 2014 Sidewalk Improvement Districts.
Carried Unanimously
9.2 Fire Department - Request for Roster Change – Addition of Assistant Fire
Chief - Resolution
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, in 2009 Common Council approved the creation of an additional Fire
Lieutenant position in the Fire Department to facilitate the supervision in the Fire
Prevention Bureau as part of a department reorganization that reduced the number of
funded management positions from three to two; and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief is currently the only full-time management position funded in
the 2014 budget; and
WHEREAS, there are currently two unfunded and vacant Deputy Fire Chief positions;
and
WHEREAS, the areas of responsibility and the workloads of the Fire Chief that are
distributed to the Assistant Fire Chiefs need to be adjusted from time to time for the
efficient operations of the fire department; and,
WHEREAS, the nature of the work of the Fire Prevention Bureau, the responsibilities of
the Fire Marshal, the need for day-to-day guidance and quality assurance is very time
intensive; and,
WHEREAS, the Fire Department has proposed this adjustment to facilitate future
succession of anticipated retirements of the current Assistant Chiefs; now, therefore be
it
RESOLVED, Common Council hereby authorizes the creation of an additional Assistant
Fire Chief position to direct and supervise the operations of the Fire Prevention Bureau,
thus allowing the Fire Chief to delegate the responsibilities of Fire Marshal to that
Assistant Fire Chief; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That without further approvals from Common Council to do otherwise,
once the new Assistant Fire Chief’s position in the department is filled, a position in the
Fire Lieutenants’ rank will be eliminated from the fire department roster, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the funding for the new position will be derived from the existing,
authorized Fire Department budget.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the title of Fire Marshall and the people who
have filled that role in the past. Alderperson McGonigal voiced his support for Fire Chief
Parson’s recommendation. Alderperson Brock clarified that the approval of the Town of
Ithaca is not required for the creation of this position or the filling of vacancies.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff disclosed that her spouse is a Fire Fighter but no conflict of
interest exists with this issue.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
February 19, 2014
9.3 City Controller’s Report
City Controller Thayer reported on the following items:
Moody’s has re-rated the city and our Aa2 rating has been maintained
(comments were included regarding the city’s need to maintain and improve our
reserve accounts, and focus should be placed on increasing the city’s tax base
due to the current reliance on sales tax.)
2014 Flooding cost estimates are close to $100,000
Snow removal - overtime budget has been exceeded
- 86% of labor budget has been exceeded
- increased calls for the Fire & Police Departments
- sales tax collection has been slow
NYS Budget Proposal – proposed property tax freeze with tax cap requirement
- CHIPS funding unchanged from $450,000
- AIM funding unchanged
- No mandate relief proposals
2013 Activity - $260,000 deficit / $300,000 was appropriated
- Sales tax collection is complete = $12.8 million
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 An Ordinance to Amend the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325,
entitled “Zoning” to Rezone Portions of the R-U Zoning District to R-3aa and to
Amend the R-3aa Zoning District in Order to Add Language Stating That in
Locally Designated Historic Districts, Any Non-Contributing Buildings Will Be
Excluded From the Calculation to Determine the Maximum Building Footprint Size
A. Declaration of Lead Agency – Resolution
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
B. Declaration of Environmental Significance – Resolution
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
C. An Ordinance to Amend the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Chapter 325,
entitled “Zoning” to Rezone Portions of the R-U Zoning District to R-3aa and to
Amend the R-3aa Zoning District in Order to Add Language Stating That in
Locally Designated Historic Districts, Any Non-Contributing Buildings Will Be
Excluded From the Calculation to Determine the Maximum Building Footprint Size
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
10.2 Amendment to Capital Project 724 -- Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade
Project. - Resolution
By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
1. WHEREAS, in 2007, the Common Council authorized, as a part of the 2008 capital
budget, $250,000 to begin preliminary design on repairs and upgrades to the Ithaca
Commons, and Capital project 724, Ithaca Commons Design and Construction, was
established, and
2. WHEREAS, in June of 2009, the City hired Sasaki Associates, a Boston based
planning, design, and architectural firm, to design upgrades and repairs for the
Commons, and
3. WHEREAS, after extensive analysis it was determined that due to the necessary
repairs to the surfaces and the underground utilities the entire Commons would need
to be reconstructed, and
4. WHEREAS, in October of 2010, the Common Council authorized, as part of the 2011
capital budget an amendment to capital project 724, to add an additional $800,000 to
complete the full design and preparation of construction drawings for the full redesign
of the Commons, and
February 19, 2014
5. WHEREAS, in March of 2012, the Common Council passed a resolution authorizing
staff to apply for a federal grant to fund the reconstruction of the Commons and
confirmed its intent to commit the City to matching funds of $3,500,000 towards this
project, and
6. WHEREAS, in July of 2012, the City was notified that the US Federal Transit
Administration(FTA) was awarding the City a $4,500,000 grant towards the
reconstruction of the Ithaca Commons, in addition Tomkins County has indicated that
the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will contribute an
additional $562,500 for a total of $5,062,500, and
7. WHEREAS, on July 9, 2012 the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA) passed a resolution
pledging to increase their BID assessment in order to contribute an additional
$500,000 to be used for the reconstruction of the Commons, and
8. WHEREAS, in November of 2012, Common Council authorized, as part of the 2013
capital budget, an amendment to capital project 724 to cover the upfront costs of the
reconstruction, including the $3,500,000 that the Common Council had pledged to
commit to this project and the $5,000,000 in funds to be reimbursed by the FTA and
the NYSDOT at the completion of the project, and the $500,000 in funds pledged by
the DIA, and
9. WHEREAS, in November of 2012, Common Council also authorized, as part of the
2013 Water Fund capital project 524 in the amount of $573,000 and capital project
625 in the amount of $860,000 from the City Sewer Fund as a part of this project, and
10. WHEREAS, in July of 2012, the City submitted a Consolidated Funding Application to
the New York State Southern Tier Regional Council for additional funding assistance
for the reconstruction of the Commons, and in December was notified that the they
would be receiving $1,800,000, in reimbursable funds to be used towards the
reconstruction of the Commons, and
11. WHEREAS, on February 6, 2014, the City received one bid on the general
construction contract for the Commons with a cost that was significantly higher than
the budget estimates that were prepared by the City’ s design firm, and
12. WHEREAS, if the City chooses to execute most of the contract deducts, which
include, the removal of the fountain, the two gateway structures, a reduction in the
amount of structural soil, a substitution of concrete pavers in place of granite pavers,
the removal of movable planters, the substitution of the semi-movable chairs with
movable chairs, and the removal of the play structure, the cost will still exceed the
budget by nearly $2,000,000, and
13. WHEREAS, in order to award the general construction contract, the City must elect to
execute all of the bid deducts and must also amend capital project 724, by adding an
additional $3,800,000, to include the upfront cost of the CFA funds, and the
$2,000,000, in additional expenses, and
14. WHEREAS, once the City awards a contract for the general construction there may
be an opportunity to negotiate some additional savings for the project in order to
recoup the additional expenses or to reincorporate some of the removed elements,
and
15. WHEREAS, in order to complete construction in 2014, the contractor must be given
notice to proceed by March 7, 2014, and therefore now be it
16. RESOLVED, That the Common Council approves an addition to Capital Project 724
in an amount not to exceed $3,800,000, for a total authorization of $13,850,000, and
be it
February 19, 2014
17. RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said project amendment shall be derived from
the issuance of Serial Bonds with a later State Aid reimbursement of $1,800,000 from
Consolidated Funding to New York State Southern Tier Regional Council, and be it
18. RESOLVED, That the Common Council instructs the Mayor and City staff to pursue
all available funding options in order to reduce the City's share of the Commons
Reconstruction Project, and be it further resolved,
19. RESOLVED, That the Common Council instructs the Mayor and appropriate staff to
negotiate further cost savings with the selected contractor in order to lower the City's
financial share of the Commons Reconstruction Project.
Mayor Myrick explained at $1.8 million of the funding being requested will be
reimbursed by New York State as part of a grant the city received for the is project.
Other funds will be found in deducts from the project (such as telecom modifications
and a change in lighting fixtures), and remaining contingency funds.
Alderperson Brock inquired about the responsive bidder and reasons why more bidders
did not participate in the process. Project Manager Michael Kuo explained the
extension of the bid timeline that was afforded to all potential biddrs. Alderperson Brock
suggested that the project be put out to bid again to the city could be sure that it has
received the most competitive bids.
Mayor Myrick stated that he would support that suggestion if he was confident that the
city would get additional bidders and lower bid prices. He stated that delaying the
project would most likely increase costs, not decrease them and it would put undue
pressure on the merchants who have been struggling through the project.
Alderperson Clairborne inquired about the possibility of including local labor
requirements as the community is being asked to pay for this project. Mayor Myrick
responded that bids cannot be changed once they are released, so it would not be legal
to implement a local labor requirement after bids have been submitted.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the development of a local labor
policy. Alderpersons Brock and McGonigal recommended that this issue be discussed
at the City Administration Committee.
Further discussion was held regarding the proposed reduction in the use of structural
soil and the impact it could have on the plantings and the complicated design of the
project.
A vote on the Resolutions resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) McGonigal, Clairborne, Murtagh, McCollister, Fleming, Smith,
Kerslick, Mohlenhoff
Nays (1) Brock
Carried
NEW BUSINESS:
Mayor Myrick’s State of the City Address:
February 19, 2014
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
By Alderperson McCollister : Seconded by Alderperson Smith
Board of Public Works
RESOLVED, That David Warden be appointed to the Board of Public Works to replace
Jeanne Leccese with a term to expire December 31, 2014, and be it further
Board of Zoning Appeals
RESOLVED, That Marshall McCormick be appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals to
fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2014, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Teresa Halpert Deschanes be appointed to the Board of Zoning
Appeals to replace Jan deRoos with a term to expire December, 31, 2016, and, be it
further
Community Police Board
RESOLVED, That Madeline Spitznagel be appointed to the Community Police Board as
the youth member to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2014, and, be it
further
Joint Sewer Committee
RESOLVED, That David Warden be appointed to the Joint Sewer Committee with a
indefinite term, and, be it further
Natural Areas Commission
RESOLVED, That Ashley Miller be appointed to the Natural Areas Commission to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2015, and, be it further
Rental Housing Advisory Commission
RESOLVED, That Ashley Popp be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory
Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2016.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Human Services Coalition
Alderperson Mohlenhoff reported that Governor’s budget did not include funding for the
211 program. Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton will be holding a Town Hall meeting,
Thursday, February 20, 2014 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Town of Ithaca. People are
encouraged to attend this meeting to discuss the importance of 211 to the community.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff announced that Mayor Myrick participated in a United Way,
sandwich tasting, fundraising event hosted by Collegetown Bagels. As a result, a new
sandwich “The Mayor’s Choice” is available for sale with a portion of the proceeds to
benefit the United Way.
Youth Bureau Advisory Board
Alderperson McGonigal reported that the Youth Bureau recently hosted LeAlan Jones, a
motivational speaker who also attended a dinner with students. He stated that the
event was a great success and expressed his thanks to all of the local restaurants who
donated to the event.
He further reported that the Friends of the Youth Bureau recently raised $16,000 from
the MaGuire Dealership oil change program.
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
Alderperson McCollister reported that Cornell University is working with Historic
Preservation Planner Lynn Truame on the Fall Creek Drive repairs issue.
She further reported that Historic Preservation Planner Truame will be contacting
Director of Code Enforcement Mike Niechwiadowicz to request that 117 North Cayuga
Street (Masonic Temple building) be investigated as it is falling into severe disrepair.
February 19, 2014
Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG)
Alderperson Clairborne reported that County Administrator Joseph Mareane has
developed an alternate proposal to Governor Cuomo’s budget plan and noted that he
would share it with Common Council members.
He further reported that Cornell University made a presentation on the Governor’s tax
free zone proposal and the related economic development issues.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Motion to Enter in Executive Session
By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to discuss pending
litigation.
Carried Unanimously
Reconvene:
Common Council reconvened into Regular Session with no formal action taken.
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Approval of the January 8, 2014 Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution
By Alderperson Brock: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 8, 2014 Common Council meeting be
approved as published.
Carried Unaimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick
City Clerk Mayor