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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2013-01-02COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. January 2, 2013 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Alderpersons (10) Brock, Dotson, Murtagh, Clairborne, McCollister, Fleming, Smith, Kerslick, Proulx, Mohlenhoff OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Lavine City Controller – Thayer Acting Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Myrick led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Government Performance and Accountability Committee: Alderperson Mohlenhoff requested that order of Items 10.1 and 10.2 be switched. No Council Member objected. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 4.1 Appointment of Acting Mayor and Alternate Acting Mayor – Oath of Office Mayor Myrick appointed Alderperson Ellen McCollister as Acting Mayor and Alderperson Deborah Mohlenhoff as Alternate Acting Mayor with terms to expire December 31, 2013. Mayor Myrick administered the Oath of Office to both the Acting Mayor and Alternate Acting Mayor. Mayor Myrick reported that new City Court Judge Scott Miller and Alderperson Stephen Smith were sworn into office at a small ceremony in his office on December 31, 2012. 4.2 Appointment of Marriage Officers – Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne RESOLVED, That the following Alderpersons be designated as Marriage Officers for the year 2013: Alderperson Dotson Alderperson Brock Alderperson Clairborne Alderperson Murtagh Alderperson McCollister Alderperson Fleming Alderperson Smith Alderperson Kerslick Alderperson Mohlenhoff Alderperson Proulx Carried Unanimously PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: The following people addressed Common Council on the following topics: Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield: snow removal, especially around curb cuts; obstacles to development in Tompkins County. Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca: snow removal from sidewalks; proposed development in the City; parking concerns; the lack of an increase in voluntary contributions from Cornell University, and hydro-fracking concerns. Daniel Keough, City of Ithaca, offered to loan Council members a book on transportation and parking issues. January 2, 2013 2 Julie Schroeder, expressed her opposition to the sale of the parking lot near the Community School of Music and Art (CSMA) due to the variety of parking needs in the area. She further discussed the historic nature of the CSMA building. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Alderperson McCollister, Liaison to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC), reported that the ILPC will be looking closely at historic buildings that are not currently landmarked, in relation to the multiple development proposals in the City. Mayor Myrick responded to comments made regarding fracking, noting that it is a New York State concern and that the City has not banned fracking because there is no place to drill in the city. He stated that the City continues to advocate for environmental protections and he has signed a letter directed to the Governor and New York State Legislature in opposition to hydro-fracking. Alderperson Brock announced that the annual MLK Breakfast at GIAC will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. She encouraged everyone to attend. There will also be a luncheon on Monday, January 21, 2013 at GIAC with key note speakers. Volunteers are welcome! Alderperson Clairborne announced that there would be a Senior lunch for Northside and Southside residents on January 17, 2013. He also reminded everyone that February is Black History Month. Alderperson Fleming thanked the Mayor, Acting Police Chief Barber, and Tompkins County Sheriff Lansing for hosting the upcoming gun buy-back program. She noted that it is a great program and encouraged everyone who is able to participate. She also noted that posters to advertise the event are available at the Ithaca Police Department. 2013 State of the City Address: Mayor Myrick presented the 2013 State of the City Address as follows: “The City of Ithaca municipal code dictates that the Mayor shall, at the beginning of each year, address Common Council with “respect to the needs and resources of the city, including such programs and proposals for the good of the city as he/she may wish to recommend.” One year ago I told you that the State of the City was strong, but that we had immense challenges to overcome. We had millions of dollars of infrastructure to repair. Streets, bridges, water pipes, that badly needed investment, and we didn’t have the resources to do it. We needed to adapt to a new era of communication; needed to adopt technology to communicate more aggressively with Ithacans, but we also needed to do a better job of telling Ithaca’s story in Albany and in Washington DC. We needed to promote smart, sensible growth. Instead of the sprawl that has characterized decades of development in our community, we needed to encourage projects that would expand the tax base, put Ithacans within walking distance of local businesses and break down the socio-economic and geographic boundaries that too often divide us. We had to do all this while undertaking one of the most difficult budget years in Ithaca’s history - staring down a multi-million dollar deficit for the fifth consecutive year. That is where we were one year ago. Today, I am pleased to report that the state of the City of Ithaca is stronger than ever because we came together. Common Council, City staff, and volunteer citizens of Ithaca all worked together - not setting aside our differences, but working through them - to get the job done. January 2, 2013 3 The Budget We closed a $3 million budget deficit with the lowest tax increase since the year 2000. We did it - not with gimmicks or tricks - but with hard work and difficult decisions. We did it with the hard work of structuring a retirement incentive that works, the hard work of streamlining processes to save staff time, the hard work of changing vehicle policies to save gas and wear on the vehicles. We passed our budget by making difficult decisions: we merged departments and made changes in our day to day operations so that - even though we have fewer employees - we are still able to deliver the vital services that keep our City a safe, healthy place to live. Now we must look ahead to next year’s budget. For years the City has used a budget development process that frustrates Common Council, wracks the nerves of the staff and is confounding to the public. We must this year move towards a budget development process that is more collaborative and is easier to understand. To that end I’ve asked Chris Proulx to Chair the City Administration Committee and work with all of Council to develop such a process. An improved process will still include many difficult decisions in 2013. Pension costs and health care costs continue to rise at a rate that is many times inflation. That means our only options once again are to reduce spending, increase taxes or take from our savings. In 2013 we need help from our labor unions - particularly the Police Benevolent Association. The PBA must come to the table and work with us to find a contract that works for everyone. The Police Department is full of excellent, hard working, professional officers - but the personnel costs are rising too fast for the taxpayers of the City of Ithaca. The result has been fewer police officers on the force, but a budget for the department that is higher than it has ever been. I believe we can work together to find a contract that rewards the hard work of our officers while still allowing us to add personnel to former levels - but the union must come to the table to make it happen. Communication In just one year we’ve radically transformed the way we communicate with Ithacans. We’ve completely remade our website so that it is easier to use. We’ve rolled out our online ‘Report a Problem’ service so anyone can report a pothole, request a permit or give an anonymous tip to IPD 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We’ve also created out an entirely new monthly City Newsletter - one with in depth reporting and common sense tips. We’ve made it easier than ever to keep up with Common Council by uploading video of our meetings online, along with a service that allows the viewer to skip directly to the portion of the agenda they’re interested in. We’ve entered the world of social media - connecting in real time with Ithacans to let them know about roadwork, snow storms and zoning changes. Just as importantly - although it hasn’t always made us comfortable - we’ve used social media to allow anyone to provide us with real time feedback. We’ve taken a more strategic and coordinated approach to our communication so that this summer, for example, when our roadwork, the State’s work and our replacement of the Clinton Street Bridge together conspired to bring traffic to a halt, all Ithacans were aware of the impending “Carmageddon” and knew what to do to avoid it. Our attention to communication has resulted in a citizenry that is better informed about how their tax dollars are being spent, and are more actively involved in the shared work of making our City great. January 2, 2013 4 Advocacy We’ve also extended the reach of our communication outside our community alone. We have been actively telling Ithaca’s story to the entire country - and making our case in Albany and in Washington DC. The results have been nothing short of remarkable. $6.3 million of state and federal funding will flow into our Commons Rebuild project this year to replace our aging and broken infrastructure, remake the face of our City and upgrade our transit system. We will prevent flooding and enable boating thanks to $13 million we’ve received from New York State to finally dredge our inlet. Next year we will take a huge leap forward in making Ithaca a truly walkable City thanks to $800,000 we’ve successfully pursued from New York State to turn Old Elmira Road into a ‘Complete Street’ with sidewalks, curbs, lightings and a rebuilt street surface. Hundreds of thousands more in other grants to help fix our infrastructure, plant trees, and battle hydrilla in our inlet. Public Safety In 2012 the City of Ithaca was named the most secure small city in America by Farmer’s Insurance. That ranking took into account crime statistics, extreme weather, and risk of natural disasters, among other factors. It is an accomplishment that our Police Department and Fire Department should rightfully be proud of. It is a reflection of their hard work and dedication. But this security is also the reflection of the investment that Ithaca has made in its human capital. Job training programs through the IURA, summer camps for young people at the Ithaca Youth Bureau, afterschool programs at GIAC and musical instruction at Southside are all examples of city supported programs that help create a people that are resilient, a community that is culturally inclusive, and a City that is safe and secure. With that lesson in mind my administration is committed to a comprehensive approach to fighting crime in our community. Four broad strategies will attack the problem of drugs and crime in our community from every angle. Aggressive community policing, investment in prevention, creation of economic opportunity and provide treatment. Aggressive community policing. Thanks in large part to Chief Vallely, Acting Chief Barber and Deputy Chief Tyler we’ve already begun a new era of aggressive - but community minded - police actions to make our streets safer. Undercover details targeting hand-to- hand drug deals, ‘saturation patrols’ in high crime neighborhoods to curtail crime before it happens, and the first of its kind gun buyback are all examples of an ever expanding community policing program. Investing in prevention. GIAC, the Ithaca Youth Bureau and Southside Community Center are, along with our partners at the Ithaca City School District, vital in preventing crime. These agencies build character in young people, making them resilient. They provide safe havens and positive role models. Their programs ensure that young people are put on the right track and develop into healthy, contributing citizens. Our continued investment in these programs will continue to pay immeasurable dividends. Creating Economic Opportunity. The support of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency have assisted entrepreneurs to build businesses, and existing businesses to expand and create more jobs right here in Ithaca. As a result we have, at around 5%, the lowest unemployment rate in the state. But so long as we have people who are struggling to find a paycheck, or struggling to find a paycheck large enough to cover their basic expenses, we will have people in our community who turn to the drug market or engage in property crime. January 2, 2013 5 That is why we must continue to encourage the kind of housing and hotel development that supports existing businesses while continuing to invest in TCIDA and the IURA programs that lead directly to job creation. Finally, providing treatment. Too many of our crimes are related to drug use and abuse. An effort to get addicts into existing treatment programs has to go hand-in-hand with our Police Department’s efforts to get drug dealers off the streets. That is one of the reasons I forwarded the appointment of Judge Scott Miller to the City Court. Judge Miller understands the importance of rehabilitation instead of simply repeat incarceration. I believe that following through on these four strategies, aggressive community policing, investing in prevention, creating economic opportunity and providing treatment will overall make our City an even safer place to live. But, in some cases it is clear that we must do more. In October of this year we were all shocked when Officer Tony Augustine was shot and injured on West Hill. The shooting, unfortunately, was just one of many symptoms of an area that now has a tragically disproportionate number of crimes. In recent months I have been working with the Ithaca Police Department, Acting Chief John Barber, former Chief Ed Vallely, and the Cornell Public Service Center to fully study the conditions on the ground. This study will be grounded in community planning principles and will use participatory action research methods to examine every aspect of life on West Hill. We’ll seek to do so with full participation and partnership of the people who live there - renters, homeowners and landlords alike. The process will strengthen the ties of community on West Hill, and in the end the main outcome of the study will be the kind of data the City needs to make policing, infrastructure, housing, planning and budgetary policy decisions for a safer and healthier West Hill. Economic growth and planning It is in the best interest of our taxpayers, our environment, and the cultural life of the city for us to continue to encourage smart, sensible growth in the core of the city. We’ve taken a tremendous step toward that goal this year by reforming the ‘City Investment Tax Abatement Program’ to make it more straightforward and predictable, but we still have work to do. Our ‘Comprehensive Planning Committee’ is continuing the tough work of a master plan for our entire City. This plan, once complete, will result in widespread zoning changes that will protect and enhance our beautiful residential neighborhoods while encouraging the development of safer, more architecturally sensitive projects where growth makes the most sense. But the full work of the committee may take years, and we cannot afford to remain in place while the world moves around us. New development projects will be prepared, proposed and built while we wait for the complete plan. We must take action now to ensure that this new growth is environmentally healthy and architecturally sensitive. That is why I’m asking Council to take action this year - in the coming months - to update the zoning code downtown, improve the zoning code in Collegetown and upgrade our code citywide by eliminating minimum parking requirements. Update the zoning downtown. Already a proposal to rezone our central business district is being circulated. The working group still has work to do - and I’ll admit that the proposal is not yet perfect - but we are on the right track and with the input of the public, the Planning Board and members of Council we can craft a zoning amendment that allows for positive, healthy growth while preserving the architectural history that is so important. Upgrade the zoning in Collegetown. Similarly in Collegetown we’ve spent years debating the best plan forward. It is clear that the status quo is unacceptable. Rents are exorbitant, the quality of housing is low, too many of the houses remain vulnerable to fire, and too few of the developments that have moved forward have been in keeping with the neighborhood character. The latest working group, composed of January 2, 2013 6 alderpersons from the 3rd and 4th wards and the chair of the Planning Board, are nearing a plan that will allow for the addition of housing in the core while preserving sensitive transition zones towards traditional residential neighborhoods. Once they complete their work it is my hope that Common Council will act and set this extremely important neighborhood in the right direction. Eliminate Parking Requirements. It is time too for Council to consider the elimination of parking requirements. Minimum parking requirements drive up the cost of housing while driving down the cost of vehicle ownership. They lead to traffic congestion, air pollution and the paving over of backyards on East and South Hill. They’ve been an impediment to the development of safer, more affordable housing. That’s why I’ve asked Jennifer Dotson as Chair of the Planning and Economic Development committee to work with the committee to begin working through a thorough, rigorous discussion about the elimination of parking minimums. Amending the parking requirements along with the code in downtown and collegetown will ensure that future development in those areas achieves our economic development goals, protects our historic neighborhoods and expands our tax base. The Commons The economic and cultural core of our City is also one of our most complicated pieces of infrastructure. Built in the early 1970s, a complete rebuild is now overdue. Council has approved a redesign that balances the needs of our small businesses that need Downtown to be an attractive place to shop, eat and drink with needs of a general public that needs the Commons to remain a hub of political, musical and social activity. Over the past 12 months we’ve successfully competed for over $6 million from outside sources to fund the majority of this rebuild. Now, the difficult work will begin. Completely replacing the aging water and sewer lines, the Commons surface, the pavilions and planting dozens of new trees will without a doubt create a challenge for anyone who lives downtown or does business on the commons. It will take the combined efforts of every City department along with the work of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance, to ensure that we emerge on the other side of this project with a strong, vibrant downtown. After 12 months in this office I know that we are up to the challenge. We can communicate, about the changes, we can complete the work and we can keep everyone safe while we do it. Governmental Reform This year we’ve made some impressive governmental reforms. Administrative changes have saved resources while Council’s merger of the Planning and Building Departments and the Chamberlain and Controller’s office will streamline processes and improve our customer service. This year our challenge will be managing the transitions that are now in progress. We must focus on the details of these changes. Managing our personnel as they work through the kinks. Fine-tuning and correcting our policies as necessary. And though we’ve done a great deal to improve the organization’s performance, there are still reforms to make. We must begin to measure our performance. Creating benchmarks will hold ourselves accountable, allow us to reward our employees who exceed expectations, and inform our budgetary decisions. So, I’ve asked Deb Mohlenhoff to continue to Chair the Government Performance and Accountability committee in order continue to work toward a Citywide Report Card that measures our performance and reports it directly to the public. We’ll also seek to add one very important metric - and that is a measurement of our diversity awareness and sensitivity. Thanks to work of the Workforce Diversity Advisory January 2, 2013 7 Committee we’ve made great strides in our recruitment, hiring and training practices. But like in any organization there are still areas we can improve. Working with the WDAC to create a diversity report card will be a priority of my office in 2013. In the coming weeks I’ll be asking some of you to serve on working groups to investigate two important processes that need review and improvement. First, is a committee to investigate changes to the city’s sidewalk policy. Our policy of holding property owners responsible for maintaining their own sidewalks is unfair to some property owners while letting others - particularly those with dozens or hundreds of tenants - off the hook entirely. It’s also meant that the state of too many of our sidewalks is, frankly, lousy. I know that if we put our heads together we can do better. I’ll also be asking Council to lead a review of our fire inspection process. Redundant inspections cost the city money and cost residents time and headache. Working with the new Planning, Building and Economic Development Department and the Fire Department I hope Council will create a blueprint for change that cuts cost, improves customer service, and maintains public safety. The State of the City is strong. But it can be stronger if all of us commit ourselves - for the next twelve months - to working impossibly hard, with love in our hearts, and a smile on our faces. We’ve accomplished a great deal this year, but we cannot now rest on our laurels. In truth we must now redouble our efforts. The change we fought for in our respective campaigns, the change the staff fight for every day in the trenches, the change our residents so badly desire, the change into a city that is financially stable, a city’s whose infrastructure is equal to its indomitable spirit, a City where every resident has the peace of mind and the economic opportunity they need - that change is just around the corner. We have the opportunity to become the kind of City where every resident can, in the words of Bobby Kennedy, ‘live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can’. One year down. Awards, grants, rankings. Deficits closed and services delivered. Add it up and what do you have? You have a bottom line that is stronger than it was a year ago. A city that is on the cusp of a grand revitalization - a rebirth - because with our backs against the wall we, each of us, stepped out and stepped up. But those dollars - that bottom line - tell a story that is incomplete. It was again Kennedy who said that the bottom line, “does not allow for the health of our children, the quality of their education, or the joy of their play. It does not include the beauty of our poetry or the strength of our marriages; the intelligence of our public debate or the integrity of our public officials. It measures neither our wit nor our courage; neither our wisdom nor our learning; neither our compassion nor our devotion...it measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile. And it tells us everything about America except why we are proud that we are Americans." These accomplishments, these numbers can never tell the story of a year that was made special by moments - not measured - but felt. The celebration of a life, and the grief over the death of a local hero who was brought home to rest. The pent up joy of couples who have waited decades for the legitimacy of their love to finally be recognized by the State of New York - who have seen their dream deferred - but were finally wed. Many of them right here in these chambers. Many of them by some of us. The concern and the love of an entire community directed toward a police officer injured in the line of duty. An outpouring that laid bare the fact that may seem contradictory to outsiders: we are a progressive, liberal community that supports and appreciates those in uniform who keep us safe. January 2, 2013 8 The laughter of children on the playground in the Commons. That summer night in July when we all looked up together at the same sky. Lit with fire and alive with the cheers of Ithacans of all ages. A night where it didn’t matter where we lived, how much money we made, or who we voted for. All of us were shoulder to shoulder, looking up at the one sky over Ithaca. That feeling of shared purpose and common understanding is what we must strive to recreate - not just on Independence Day - but every day of the year. If we can achieve that, the State of our City will be very strong indeed. Thank you.” CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: City Administration Committee: 8.1 Finance/Controller - Designation of Official Newspaper - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That, pursuant to Section C-113 of the City Charter, the Ithaca Journal be and is hereby designated as the official newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year 2013. Carried Unanimously 8.2 Finance/Controller - Collateral to Secure Deposits - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That the collateral deposited by the Tompkins Trust Company, JP Morgan Chase and M & T Bank as reported, be approved as to form and sufficiency. Carried Unanimously 8.3 Finance/Controller - Public Employee's Blanket Bond - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 11 of the Public Officers Law, the following Bond, which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, be, and is hereby approved in all respects for the year 2013. Faithful Performance Blanket Bond Coverage National Grange Mutual Insurance Co. $250,000 Carried Unanimously 8.4 Finance/Controller - Designation of Common Council Meetings - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council, for the year 2013, be held at 6:00 P.M., on the first Wednesday of each month, in the Common Council Chambers, at City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York, unless otherwise determined by Common Council. Carried Unanimously 8.5 Finance/Controller - Designation of Official Depositories - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-34 of the City Charter, the Tompkins Trust Company, the Fleet Bank, the JP Morgan Chase Bank and the M & T Bank be, and they are, hereby designated as the official depositories of all City Funds for the year 2013. Carried Unanimously 8.6 Common Council - Approval of 2013 Travel Policy - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick WHEREAS, there is to be held during the coming official year a) the New York State Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting and Training School; b) the New York State Conference of Mayors and Fall Training School for Fiscal Officers and Municipal Clerks, and other national and regional conferences as applicable, and January 2, 2013 9 WHEREAS, it is determined by the Mayor and Common Council that attendance by certain municipal officials and City employees at one or more of these meetings, conferences or schools benefits the municipality; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council, the Mayor and City employees are hereby authorized to attend said conferences or other applicable training events during 2013, and be it further RESOLVED, That the cost for all events must be derived from existing 2013 Departmental Budgets with appropriate approvals obtained as applicable, and be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Carried Unanimously 8.7 Finance/Controller’s Office - Request Authorization to Cover Red Accounts - Resolution By Alderperson McCollister: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That the City Controller be empowered to make transfers within the 2013 Budget appropriations, as needed, for the remainder of the 2013 Fiscal Year. Carried Unanimously PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: There were no items submitted for the agenda. Alderperson Dotson announced that there would be an information session prior to the Planning and Economic Development Committee next Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. regarding the proposed new tax abatement program. GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE: 10.2 Update from Last Committee Meeting: Alderperson Mohlenhoff reported that the committee is on track for completing the draft 2012 City of Ithaca Report Card. She further asked Council members to be on the look out for an e-mail from the Mayor regarding plans for a retreat with senior staff being scheduled for late January. 10.1 Amendment to Personnel Roster – Department of Planning, Building and Development - Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson McCollister WHEREAS, the Building Department will be incorporated into the Department of Planning and Development on January 1, 2013, thereby creating the Department of Planning, Building and Development, and WHEREAS, the merger of the two departments will result in staffing changes at the managerial level, and WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission classified the position of Director of Zoning Administration and adopted the job description for the position at their December 12, 2012 meeting, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Department of Planning, Building and Development shall be amended as follows effective retroactive to January 1, 2013: Add: One (1) Director of Zoning Administration (40 hours) and be it further RESOLVED, That the position of Director of Zoning Administration shall be assigned to the Managerial Compensation Plan at salary grade 4, and be it further January 2, 2013 10 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 eight (8) hours per day (forty (40) hours per week). Alderperson Clairborne stated that he is opposed to this proposal, as he is uncomfortable with the process that was followed to get to this point. He stated that his opposition is not a reflection on staff. Alderperson Brock stated that she shares the same concerns raised by Alderperson Clairborne, but that she would vote in support of the resolution. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (9) Dotson, Brock, Murtagh, Fleming, McCollister, Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff, Proulx Nays (1) Clairborne Abstentions (0) Carried CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 11.1 City Clerk’s Office - Request to Amend Personnel Roster - Resolution By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Murtagh WHEREAS, the 2013 Budget adopted by Common Council on November 7, 2012, transferred two employees from the Department of Information Technology to the City Clerk’s Office to work on public information initiatives and electronic communication technologies, and WHEREAS, the Civil Service Commission has approved the New Position Duty Statements for the new positions in the City Clerk’s Office and Department of Information Technology; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That effective to January 1, 2013, Common Council hereby amends the Personnel Roster for the City Clerk’s Office and Department of Information Technology as follows: City Clerk’s Office: Add: One (1) Manager of Electronic Communications (40 hours) Add: One (1) Executive Assistant (40 hours) Department of Information Technology: Delete: One (1) Manager of Electronic Communications (40 hours) Delete: One (1) Executive Assistant (40 hours) Alderperson Clairborne stated that most committee members supported this resolution; however, he does not because he feels that there was a better way to do this. He further stated that his opposition is not a reflection on staff. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (9) Dotson, Brock, Murtagh, Fleming, McCollister, Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff, Proulx Nays (1) Clairborne Abstentions (0) Carried 11.2 City Clerk’s Office - Request to Amend 2013 Budget - Resolution By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick WHEREAS, the 2013 City of Ithaca Budget adopted by Common Council on November 7, 2012, transferred two employees from the Department of Information Technology to the City Clerk’s Office to work on public information initiatives and electronic communication technologies, and January 2, 2013 11 WHEREAS, Common Council has approved the new personnel roster for the City Clerk’s Office, and WHEREAS, the 2013 budget needs to be amended to reflect the transfer of certain duties and functions from the Department of Information Technology to the City Clerk’s Office; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2013 Authorized Budget to account for said transfer of duties as follows: -Transfer $500 from Account A1320 -5405 (Telephone) to Account A1316-5405 (Telephone) to cover Manager of Electronic Communications cell & mobile device needs - Transfer $6,600 from Account A1320-5435 (Contractual Services) to Account A1316-5435 (Contractual Services) to cover E-Gov Services licenses and maintenance costs - Transfer $1,500 from Account A1320-5440 (Staff Development) to Account A1316-5440 (Staff Development) to cover training costs for Manager of Communications and the Executive Assistant A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (9) Dotson, Brock, Murtagh, Fleming, McCollister, Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff, Proulx Nays (1) Clairborne Abstentions (0) Carried 11.3 Department of Public Works - Request to Approve Urban and Community Forestry Grant Application – Round II - Resolution By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Brock WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is currently a "Tree City USA," and has been so designated for 24 consecutive years, largely due largely to its progressive urban forestry program, and WHEREAS, the East Hill and South Hill neighborhoods of the city have seen a prevalence of vandalism in the form of young, newly planted trees being pulled from the ground or snapped at the base of their trunk, resulting in the repeated loss of newly planted trees, and WHEREAS, the City Forester seeks to apply for a grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that can provide matching funds to assist in the replacement of said trees in the two sections of the City and purchasing locally manufactured tree guards that can help protect these trees as they grow, and WHEREAS, the total costs for this project has been estimated by the Forester at nearly $22,000, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the City Forester of the City of Ithaca is hereby authorized to file an application for the 2011-2012 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Round II, Contract # T304808, for 50% matching funds in an amount not to exceed $10,750, and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the Mayor, upon review and advice of the City Attorney, to enter into and execute a project agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for such financial assistance to the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously January 2, 2013 12 11.4 Department of Public Works - Water and Sewer – Request to Amend 2012 Authorized Budget for New York State Grant - Resolution By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Brock WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has been notified it has received a $25,000 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for invasive species outreach, and WHEREAS, the grant will allow for public outreach and education of the Hydrilla eradication, and WHEREAS, the $25,000 in funds will be expended from the water fund with contracts to Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, the Tompkins County office of Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the Cayuga Lake Floating Classroom; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2012 authorized Water Fund Budget for the purpose of accounting for said New York State Department of Environmental Conservation grant as follows: Increase Revenue Account: F8321-3910 State Aid $25,000 Increase Appropriations Account: F8321-5430 Water Shed Fees $25,000 Carried Unanimously 11.5 Finance/Controller’s Office - Request Funds for Equipment Replacement - Resolution By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick WHEREAS, The first- floor City Hall copier is in need of replacement as it’s going on nearly 12 twelve years old and parts are becoming harder to find, and WHEREAS, we were hoping to push the copier for one more year, but New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is now offering a rebate program including copier and scanners, paying a 75% rebate on new equipment (base units only), and WHEREAS, we can now replace the first- floor copier for a net cost of $3,500 through the NYSERDA program, which is much less than originally estimated, and WHEREAS, the Clerk’s Office is in need of a new scanner to improve scanner capabilities for document storage, and WHEREAS, under the NYSERDA Rebate Program, the net cost of a new scanner will be $900, and WHEREAS, the second floor City Hall departments would also like to take advantage of the current rebate program by purchasing a copier at the net cost of $4,800; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby transfers an amount not to exceed $9,200 from the 2012 Unrestricted Contingency account A1990 to Account A1315-5225 $3,500, A1316-5225 $900, and Account A1440-5225 $4,800 for the purpose of purchasing a new copier for City Hall first- floor mail room, a new scanner for the Clerk’s Office, and a new copier for the second floor of City Hall. Carried Unanimously City Controller’s Report City Controller Thayer reported to Common Council on the following items: • Staff is completing 2012 year-end activity and beginning work with the 2013 budget. January 2, 2013 13 • The City is finding it difficult to find appropriate insurance coverage, and premiums are increasing due to an increase in loss claims for both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Mayor Myrick stated that the award of $2 million in the Miller case was recently overturned by the Judge, which is encouraging news for the City. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS: 15.1 Appointment to Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) - Resolution By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Intermunicipal Steering Committee has been meeting to discuss ways the local governments could work together to reduce costs to the residents; and WHEREAS, the Committee has learned that other Counties have created a Council of Governments made up of local government officials; and WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Council of Governments is intended to be an association of local governments organized to provide a forum for discussion, study, and negotiation leading to agreements for more efficient, improved, or more cost effective delivery of government services; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to be a member of the Tompkins County Council of Governments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Mayor Svante L. Myrick is hereby approved as the voting member for the City of Ithaca of the Tompkins County Council of Governments; and be it further RESOLVED, That Alderperson J.R. Clairborne is appointed as the alternate voting member. Carried Unanimously 15.2 Appointment of City Representative to the Business Improvement District/Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board – Resolution By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff RESOLVED, That Alderperson Joseph Murtagh be reappointed to the Business Improvement District/Downtown Ithaca Alliance Board with a term to expire December 31, 2013. Carried Unanimously 15.3 Appointments to the Program Oversight Committee for Tompkins County and Cornell University Joint Housing Affordability Program: By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff RESOLVED, That Alderperson Chris Proulx be appointed to the Program Oversight Committee for Tompkins County and Cornell University Joint Housing Affordability Program, and be it further RESOLVED, That Eric Rosario be appointed as the alternate member on behalf of the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously 15.4 Resolution to Appoint a Director and Alternate to the Board of Directors of the Greater Tompkins County Health Insurance Consortium By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, in 2007, the County, on behalf of Tompkins County Council of Governments, accepted an incentive grant award under the New York State Shared Municipal Services Program, and WHEREAS, the grant assisted the municipalities in Tompkins County to create a local health- insurance consortium with the intent to provide a net savings to the taxpayers of Tompkins County, and January 2, 2013 14 WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca joined the Greater Tompkins County Health Insurance Consortium via resolution dated July 1, 2009, and WHEREAS, the resolution includes the provision for this municipality to enter into an inter-municipal agreement that outlines duties of the Board of Directors, which is charged with the operation of the consortium, and WHEREAS, each participating municipality must appoint a Director to the Board of Directors who can vote on behalf of the municipality, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby appoints Mayor Svante L. Myrick serve as this municipality’s voting Director of the Board of Directors, and appoints City Controller Steven Thayer to serve as an alternate who can vote in the absence of the Director. Carried Unanimously 15.5 Appointment of Common Council Members on Department Head Search Committees By Alderperson Proulx: Seconded by Alderperson McCollister RESOLVED, That the following proposed nominees be appointed to the Department Head Search Committee as indicated in the chart below: DPW Supt IPD Chief IYB Director Liaison Donna Fleming (3- CA) Graham Kerslick (4-PED) Steve Smith (4- PED) Jennifer Dotson (1-PED) Seph Murtaugh (2-GPA) JR Clairborne (2- CA) Chris Proulx (5- GPA) Cynthia Brock (1- CA) Deb Mohlenhoff (5-GPA) Alderperson Clairborne acknowledged the good work that was done in creating the matrix but noted that there was no place for experience or expertise in the appointment criteria. Alderperson Proulx responded that this was intended to be a starting point for discussion, noting that the GPA Committee reviewed the various criteria used. He encouraged Council members to suggest amendments to improve the process. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 15.6 Appointment of City Representative to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization – Resolution By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff RESOLVED, That Roxanna Johnston, as City of Ithaca representative, be appointed to the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization. Carried Unanimously REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS: Youth Bureau Board: Alderperson Smith reported that the Youth Bureau Board members had questions regarding the search committee appointment process for a new Director of the Youth Bureau and that he will be happy to report the results of tonight’s action with them. He further reported that the Disability Advisory Council has been discussing the need for better snow removal on corner properties and curb ramps. Natural Areas Commission: Alderperson Proulx reported that the Commission is interested in developing a management plan for the Natural Areas in the City, and may start with the Six Mile Creek Natural area January 2, 2013 15 Board of Public Works: Alderperson Fleming reported that the Board held a public hearing regarding the proposed project on Old Elmira Road that will include bike lanes, sidewalks, and potential assessments to adjacent property owners. She further reported that a public hearing would be held soon regarding the traffic signal project at the East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street and Mitchell Street intersection. Youth Council: Alderperson Clairborne reported that a slate of nominees for appointment would be coming to the February Common Council meeting for approval. 16.5 Community Police Board: Alderperson Kerslick reported that the Board is still looking for a Youth member to fill a vacancy on the Board. Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee: Alderperson Brock reported that there would be a Special Common Council meeting prior to the regular City Administration Committee meeting on January 23, 2013 at 5 p.m. in order for the committee to make a presentation to Council on the accomplishments of the past year and to discuss topics and goals for 2013. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: City Attorney Lavine reported that the Attorney’s office has a busy docket of litigation cases. They have had a significant degree of success with resolved cases and the outlook is good for the City on pending cases. Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Pending Litigation – Resolution By Alderperson Brock: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick 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: 19.1 Approval of the Minutes from the December 5, 2012 Common Council Meeting – Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson McCollister RESOLVED, That the Minutes from the December 5, 2012 Common Council meeting be approved as published. Ayes (9) Dotson, Clairborne, Murtagh, McCollister, Fleming, Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff, Proulx Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Brock Carried ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick City Clerk Mayor