HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2013-04-03COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. April 3, 2013
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (10) Brock, Dotson, Murtagh, Clairborne, McCollister, Fleming, Smith,
Kerslick, Proulx, Mohlenhoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
Acting City Clerk – Myers
City Attorney – Lavine
Deputy City Controller – Andrew
Acting Superintendent of Public Works – Benjamin
Director of Engineering – West
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer – Whitney
Former Supt. of Public Works - Gray
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Myrick led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
2. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
New Business:
Mayor Myrick requested the addition/deletion of the following item(s) from the agenda:
Addition of: Appointment of Christopher G. Hayes to CAC
Addition of: Taste of Thai Alcohol Permit Request – Resolution – under consent
agenda items
Deletion of: Update from Conservation Advisory Council
No Council Member objected
3. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
3.1 Mayor Myrick proclaimed April 4, 2013 as “Kyle Dake Day in the City of Ithaca”.
Mayor Myrick read a proclamation explaining the reason for the recognition was due to
Kyle making athletic history by becoming the first person to ever win four NCAA
championships in four different weight classes in wrestling competition. He explained
that Kyle is a Lansing native and senior at Cornell University and the City of Ithaca was
proud to recognize Kyle for his significant accomplishments. Kyle came forward and
was presented with the proclamation/award and expressed his thanks and appreciation
to the City of Ithaca, and Mayor Myrick.
4. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 Town of Ithaca Board Member, Bill Goodman, reported to Common Council on
the following items:
• The draft of the town’s Comprehensive Plan has been completed and the Board
will be holding a public hearing to receive input from the public on Monday, April
22, 2013. Written comments will also be welcomed.
• The Town has entered into a contract with Fisher and Associates for design of
the entire Gateway Trail. Initial work will focus on the “bridge to nowhere” near
Buttermilk Falls State Park.
• The Town’s codes committee is working to revise its sign law as well as develop
an affordable housing ordinance.
A brief question answer period followed regarding the enforcement mechanism of the
affordable housing law.
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5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
There were no special presentations before Common Council.
6. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council on the following topics:
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, voiced concerns regarding the impacts to residents on
The Commons due to the Commons demolition and reconstruction work. She further
voiced disappointment that neither of the Common Council representatives for the
Commons attended the informational meeting held recently about the project. She
encouraged the City to make sure residents are kept informed of the progress of the
work on a regular basis.
Herb Engman, Town of Ithaca Supervisor, speaking as a member of the Bolton Point
Commission, encouraged the City to reconsider its decision to rebuild the water plant in
favor of purchasing water from Bolton Point.
Elizabeth Cameron, City of Ithaca, speaking as a representative of the Environmental
Health Division of the Tompkins County Health Department, encouraged the City to
proceed as quickly as possible with the rebuild of the water plant due to water quality
rules, regulations, and new requirements that need to be in place by October 2013. She
stated that the rebuild is urgently needed due to the precarious condition of the current
plant.
Wade Wykstra, City of Ithaca, and former BPW Commissioner and current Chair of the
Joint Sewer Committee, expressed his appreciation for the process and comments that
have taken place as the City made its decision to rebuild the water plant. He noted that
the rebuild decision was not reached quickly, and involved years of review, discussion,
and meetings. He stated that there was never an option offered by the Bolton Point
Water Commission to become an equal partner through all the years of discussion. The
only option offered was to become a customer with unequal voting rights considering it
would be the biggest customer of Bolton Point.
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, expressed support for the new housing and retail
development occurring in the Town of Ithaca.
Don Hartill, Mayor of the Village of Cayuga Heights and Bolton Point Water
Commissioner, explained the analysis he provided to Common Council on current costs
for the City to purchase water from Bolton Point versus the cost of rebuilding the water
plant. He noted that the analysis would show that the City would save significantly if it
were to purchase water from Bolton Point. He encouraged Common Council to
reconsider the decision to rebuild the water plant.
Tom Hanna, City of Ithaca and former Common Council member, voiced his
disappointment that it took more than twenty years to reach a decision to rebuild the
City’s water plant. He further expressed his disappointment that the joint meeting on
March 25th with Common Council and the Board of Public Works to review the decision
to rebuild the water plant was not more publicized or attended by the media and the
public. He noted that an extraordinary amount of work and involvement by staff,
Council members, and the Board of Public Works went into the decision to rebuild the
water plant. He stated that everyone should be very proud of the decision that has been
made and encouraged the City to move forward with plans to construct the new water
plant. He also noted that it is very disappointing to see the recent analysis and cost
estimate for purchasing water from Bolton Point appearing at this late time as well.
7. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderpersons Murtagh and Clairborne responded to comments about the meeting with
residents about the upcoming Commons demolition and reconstruction, and apologized
sincerely for not being able to attend that meeting due to conflict in their schedules.
They both will make every effort to attend meetings in the future.
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Alderperson Clairborne further announced the following upcoming community events,
and encouraged everyone to attend: “Five Broken Cameras” film and Palestinian dinner
being held at Beverly J. Martin School on Saturday, April 6th at 4:00 p.m.; “Impacts on
Gas Drilling” film to be shown at the Unitarian Church on April 16th at 7 p.m. He also
congratulated Kyle Dake on his achievements and noted that he was pleased to see the
City of Ithaca honor him in this way.
Alderperson Dotson apologized for missing the joint meeting of Common Council and
the Board of Public Works on March 25th. She further expressed thanks to the Town of
Ithaca on their initiative to develop and affordable housing law.
Alderperson Brock encouraged everyone to attend the All Community Viewing of Race:
The Power of An Illusion – Understanding to Overcome”. It will be held at the State
Theatre on April 8, 15, and 22, 2013 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. is free and open to the
public.
8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk’s Office:
8.1 Sushi O Sake Japanese Restaurant Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the Sushi O Sake Japanese Restaurant has requested permission to utilize
certain areas along Aurora Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow
the serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Sushi O Sake Japanese Restaurant, including the responsible sale
and consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a
minimum of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2013, Common Council hereby approves a revocable
Alcoholic Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Sushi
O Sake Japanese Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms
and conditions set forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop
coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
Taste of Thai Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has received a request to allow the Taste of Thai Restaurant to
utilize certain areas along the Primary Commons for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Taste of Thai Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
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WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2013, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Taste of Thai
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
City Administration Committee
8.2 DPW – S&F – Request for Undertaking by NYSDOT - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby authorize Ray
Benjamin, Acting Superintendent of Public Works, to enter into agreement with New
York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for Undertaking in connection with
work affecting state highways as per the attached document from NYSDOT
Carried Unanimously
8.3 DPW - S&F – Request to Transfer Funds from a Maintainer Position to a
Light Equipment Operator Position - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the 2013 authorized budget included funding for a Maintainer position in
the Highway Division, and
WHEREAS, a retirement in late 2012 has left a Maintainer position vacant and funded,
and
WHEREAS, DPW staff has determined that the Light Equipment Operator position has
a larger operational need at this time than the Maintainer Position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby transfers funding from the vacant and
funded Maintainer Position in the DPW Highway Division to the vacant and unfunded
Light Equipment Operator Position in the DPW Highway Division, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds for said position transfer shall be made within the existing 2013
authorized budget.
Carried Unanimously
8.4 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend 2013 Youth Bureau Budget - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has received funding through the Tompkins
County Workforce Investment Board for the Tompkins Summer Youth Employment
Program, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has received $16,201 in cash contributions from
local donors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2013 Youth Bureau budget as
follows:
Increase revenue account:
A7310-4820-1202 Youth Employment Service $7,703
A7310-2070-1202 Youth Employment Service $5,965
A7310-2070-1221 Outings $3,978
A 7310-2070-1240 College Discovery Program $6,258
$23,904
Increase expenses:
A 7310-5120-1202 YES Part time/Seasonal $11,682
A 7310-5120-1221 Outings Part time/Seasonal $3,400
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A7310-5120-1240 CDP Part time/Seasonal $5,349
A7310-9730 Social Security $1,563
A7310-9740 Workers Compensation $1,910
$23,904
Carried Unanimously
9. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
No items were submitted for the agenda. Alderperson Dotson announced that she was
stepping down as Chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee
because of becoming Chair of the TCAT Board. It is proving too difficult to do both well.
She further announced that Alderperson Seph Murtagh had agreed to become Chair of
the committee, and extended her congratulations to him.
Mayor Myrick extended his thanks and appreciation to Alderperson Dotson for her hard
work and dedication as chair of the committee for so many years.
10. GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE:
No items were submitted for the agenda. Alderperson and Chair of the Committee
Mohlenhoff announced that the April GPA Committee would be held on Tuesday, April
16, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. in Common Council Chambers.
11. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
11.1 Finance - Approval of 2011 Single Audit - Resolution
By Alderperson Proulx: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
RESOLVED, That the Independent Auditor’s Report for the period January 1, 2011,
through December 31, 2011, prepared by the accounting firm of Ciaschi, Dietershagen,
Little, Mickelson & Company, LLP, be accepted to comply with all the City’s applicable
Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 34 and other related
audit and single audit requirements.
Alderperson Proulx explained that the auditors recommended some changes, and that
staff are working to complete the 2012 audit on schedule, which is a HUD requirement.
He extended his thanks to City Controller Thayer and Deputy City Controller Andrew for
their work on the audit. Deputy City Controller Andrew expressed his thanks to staff for
their continued dedication and hard work on behalf of the City.
11.2 DPW – Engineering – Request to Adopt the City of Ithaca Title VI and LEP
Plan – Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project - Resolution
By Alderperson Proulx: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is a sub-recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
Funding for the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project, and
WHEREAS, as a sub-recipient of FTA funding the City is obligated to comply with Title
VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which ensures that no person in the United States
shall, on the ground of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in,
be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or
activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the FTA, and
WHEREAS, as a sub-recipient of FTA funding the City is obligated to comply with
Executive Order 13166, titled Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited
English Proficiency, which directs agencies which receive federal funds to ensure that
discrimination based upon a person’s inability to speak, read, write or understand
English does not take place, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has prepared the City of Ithaca Title VI and LEP Plan to
ensure compliance with both the spirit and the letter of the obligations set forth above
relating to the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project; now therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca certifies that, as a condition
of receiving Federal financial assistance under programs administered by the Federal
Transit Administration, it will ensure that no person, including people of limited English
proficiency will be subjected to discrimination in the level and / or quality of services and
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benefits of the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project on the basis of race, color,
or national origin, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca will compile, maintain and submit, in a timely
manner, Title VI information required by FTA Circular 4702. 1B dated October 1, 2012
and in compliance with the Department of Transportation’s Title VI regulations at 49
CFR Section 21.7(a), and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca will submit a Title VI assurance every three years
as part of the annual Certification and Assurance submission to the primary recipient,
Tompkins County, and the Federal Transit Administration, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca makes it known to the public, that those persons or
people alleging discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin as it relates
to access to or provision of services and benefits of the Ithaca Commons Repair and
Upgrade Project may file a complaint with the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County Human
Rights Commission, U.S. Department of Transportation and / or the Federal Transit
Administration, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca adopts the City of Ithaca
Title VI and LEP Plan for the Ithaca Commons Repair and Upgrade Project dated
January 2013
Alderperson Clairborne stated that he would like to see Council have a discussion about
who works on these projects and what control the City has over that as far as promoting
diversity in its workforce and throughout the community.
Discussion followed on the floor on how often this reporting would be required and the
protected classes specified under the Federal Transit Administration for Title VI. It was
noted that the City of Ithaca recognizes additional classes under Title VI.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
11.3 DPW – W&S – Recommendation to Establish Funding to Replace Water
Main on Edgecliff Place - Resolution
By Alderperson Proulx: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
WHEREAS, the City’s water main on Edgecliff Place is more than one century old, and
WHEREAS, the water main on Edgecliff Place is four inch diameter cast iron line
through which we can supply less than 190-gallons per minute. This extremely low flow
rate is indicative of a very heavily tuberculated pipe (lots of lumpy mineral and iron
nodules on pipe walls), with a substantially reduced cross section, typical of a pipe long
past its replacement due date, and
WHEREAS, Cornell University has required that full sprinkler systems for fire protection
be installed by year’s end 2013 at all associated fraternities and sororities, and
WHEREAS, the water main on Edgecliff Place cannot supply adequate water flow for
fire prevention to the fraternity at 1 Edgecliff Place, Zeta Beta Tau, and
WHEREAS, the water main is in need of replacement to meet the current and future
needs of our customers on Edgecliff Place, and
WHEREAS, City DPW Water & Sewer Division staff have completed engineering plans
and estimated the cost of replacement to be $60,000, less if rock excavation is lower
than expected, and
WHEREAS, City DPW Water & Sewer Division staff estimates one of our crews could
complete this work in six weeks or less during the late spring or early summer of 2013;
now therefore, be it
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RESOLVED, That the Common Council establish Capital Project #525 with funding not
to exceed $60,000 to facilitate the replacement of the water main on Edgecliff Place.
Alderperson McCollister questioned whether ownership of the fraternity mattered as far
as fair distribution of costs for the project or is the City paying for the full cost of the
work.
Asst. Supt. Whitney responded that the City is paying the full cost for the main in the
city’s right-of-way, which will also serve four other properties. As far as ownership, this
is just a fraternity that Cornell recognizes and as such they are requiring that all
fraternities and sororities have full sprinkler systems installed by the end of 2013.
Alderperson Kerslick voiced similar concerns as Alderperson McCollister regarding a
private entity making demands on public infrastructure and impacts on future
negotiations with Cornell University.
Mayor Myrick expressed his support for Cornell University requiring sprinkler systems in
all fraternities and sororities.
A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Carried Unanimously
11.4 Request Funding for Engineering Services Agreement for Engineering
Evaluation of Bar Screen and Biosolids Dewatering Equipment and other
miscellaneous improvements to the Influent Building - Resolution
By Alderperson Proulx: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant is in need of certain Capital
Improvements, and
WHEREAS, Capital Project 416J Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant was
authorized by Common Council in 2007 for $1,504,950, and
WHEREAS, in order for the staff to maintain its goals as embodied in its five-year
capital plan, this agreement provides engineering services for the next set of proposed
capital improvements, and
WHEREAS, this authorization for an amount not to exceed $44,500 will allow GHD to
complete an engineering report evaluating equipment for the replacement of the bar
screen, add a leachate storage system, miscellaneous improvements to the influent
building and a biosolids dewatering system, and
WHEREAS, the Special Joint Committee (SJC) approved said professional services
contract with GHD at its meeting of March 13, 2013, contingent on fund availability and
attorney approval of the agreement, and
WHEREAS, Common Council authorized funding in the amount of $1,504,950 on
December 5, 2007, for CP 416J and the available balance, as certified by the City of
Ithaca Controller, is $57,325; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby recommends an amount not to exceed
$44,500 to fund the proposed agreement with GHD Engineers utilizing funds from the
remaining authorization from CP 416J, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes this project amendment
contingent upon action by all wastewater partners committing their percentage of
reimbursement shares to the Joint Activity Fund allocated per the Joint Sewer
Agreement as follows:
Municipality Percentage Project Cost
City of Ithaca 57.14 $25,427.30
Town of Ithaca 40.88 18,191.60
Town of Dryden 1.98 811.10
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$44,500.00
Carried Unanimously
11.5 DPW – Water and Sewer - Request for Funding for Water Supply Project
Construction Phase - Resolution
By Alderperson Proulx: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, The City of Ithaca Water distribution system serves approximately 30,000
customers, and the City’s Water Treatment Plant produces approximately one billion
gallons of water annually, and
WHEREAS, the City’s Water Treatment Plant was originally constructed in 1903 and
upgraded in 1951. Since its construction, City workers have maintained the functionality
of the plant to meet changing water quality regulations. Now beyond 110 years, the
facility is operating past its useful life, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, in April 1996, issued a Request for Proposals for a
“comprehensive water system evaluation”, intended to “focus on studying,
recommending, designing and managing initial construction improvements principally to
serve the City of Ithaca and its surrounding customer needs for the next 50 years”, and
WHEREAS, following the submission of proposals, the City selected O’Brien & Gere for
this work and entered into an initial contract with them in September of 1996, and
WHEREAS, in 1999, as part of its adopted City budget for 2000, Common Council
established a Capital Project for the Water Source Project (CP#510), in the amount of
six million dollars ($6,000,000.00), and
WHEREAS, in 2005, the rebuild of City system or the purchase of water from Bolton
Point were selected as the two alternatives for evaluation by the City, and
WHEREAS, Common Council approved a new contract with O’Brien & Gere in October
of 2005 to provide “phased engineering and environmental review assistance to support
proposed improvements to the City’s water supply system”, contract executed by Mayor
and OB&G December 9, 2005, and
WHEREAS, a Final Environmental Impact Study was published in 2009, and
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2009 Common Council approved the rebuild option to
address the City of Ithaca’s future water supply needs, and
WHEREAS, and the City of Ithaca Site Plan Review process was completed in 2012,
and
WHEREAS, the City’s engineering consultant O’Brien and Gere entered the final design
phases of the Water Supply Project in 2012 and will be complete in 2013, and,
WHEREAS, we are currently in the bidding phase of the project for the membrane
purchase, the control systems integration contract, and contracts number 2 and 3 of the
Water Supply Project, and
WHEREAS, our consultant has estimated the cost of the construction phases for the
Water Supply Project and has provided us with this estimate as well as a cash flow
projection for the entire project, and
WHEREAS, the total project cost estimate is $36,969,969 which is distributed within all
the Water Supply Project contracts as follows:
Contract No. Contract Name Cost Est. Bid Date
1 Sixty Foot Dam & Reservoir Improvements $5,050,000 June 2013
2 Water System Improvements $1,300,000 March 2013
3 Giles Street and Interconnection Building $3,150,000 March 2013
4 Water Treatment Plant $15,300,000 Sept. 2013
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Part of 4 Membrane Purchase $4,000,000 Feb. 2013
Part of All Control Systems Integration Contract $500,000 Feb. 2013
OB&G Design & Construction Engineering $4,000,000
Ongoing Contingency (10%) $3,700,000
and
WHEREAS, capital project #510 Water Treatment Plant Improvements/Reconstruction
has a remaining balance of $3,041,191 from the original $6,000,000 authorization, and
WHEREAS, approximately $600,000 of the funds expended from Capital Project #510
were not included as part of the engineer’s project cost estimate and therefore need to
be added to the overall authorization, and
WHEREAS, the City has established Capital Reserve #16 Water Sources Development
with a current balance of approximately $3,766,000, to help offset some costs of said
project; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project #510 Water
Treatment Plant Improvements/Reconstruction by an amount not to exceed
$30,700,000 for a total project authorization of $36,700,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds needed for said project amendment shall be derived from a
combination of fund transfers from Capital Reserve #16 Water Sources Development
and the issuance of Serial Bonds as determined by the City Controller, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works with the Superintendent of Public Works
are authorized to bid and award of each of the component contracts (listed above).
Alderperson McCollister stated, with great apology – especially to former Supt. Bill
Gray, that she would not vote to support this resolution. She stated that in reviewing
background information provided it appeared to her that the issue of power and control
masked the real options available to the City and the decision before Council tonight,
which was very unfortunate.
Alderperson Smith stated that he would support the resolution, but shares similar
concerns as Alderperson McCollister. The idea not to go with Bolton Point because the
City would have to give up its decision making power is one that he disagrees with. He
feels the City’s control would not have been lost.
Alderperson Brock noted that one confusion thing through this whole decision making
process was that membership to the Bolton Point Water Commission was never offered
to the City of Ithaca; the City would only become a customer. Any offer of membership
to the City had been rescinded many years prior to the decision, and is currently not
being offered by the commission to the City as some its members seem to be alluding
to in their statements tonight to rethink the decision to rebuild the water plant. She
supports the decision to rebuild the water plant and knows the amount of work and time
that went into that decision. She encouraged her colleagues to move forward with a
decision tonight because the City of Ithaca needs to ensure clean water for its residents,
and future generations.
Alderperson Clairborne expressed his support for Alderperson Brock’s statements. He
noted that there is a natural area in the watershed that needs to be maintained, the
funds for that come from funds for the water plant. The City would still need to maintain
this natural area if it purchased water from Bolton Point, which affects the budget. He
also noted that the City controls a very important natural resource that should be
protected and preserved at all costs. He stated that a very positive benefit of the rebuild
will be that parts of the city will still be supplied with water through gravity fed pipes,
which is a huge benefit. This decision will maintain this very important natural resource
for generations to come.
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Alderperson Proulx stated that he read every single page of the Board of Public Works
minutes that were provided as background information to Common Council members as
they look to make this decision. He noted that the proposal to go with Bolton Point was
made at the eleventh hour and he wondered whether it was really ever a choice. The
work that has already been done to get to this point has been remarkable. The notion of
inter-municipal cooperation has been talked about all the time and this decision goes
against it. He encouraged Common Council members to consider that as the City/Town
fire contract is up for renewal in the very near future. He noted that the decision to
rebuild the water plant will ensure that city residents have good, clean water and a
modern technologically advanced water plant that will be in operation for another 100
years. However, he would encourage his colleagues, in the future, to start discussions
with the assumption that inter-municipal cooperation will be an option.
Alderperson Kerslick stated that he appreciated Alderperson Proulx’s comments. He
also appreciates the huge amount of work and time that went into the decision to rebuild
the water plant by the Board of Public Works, Common Council, and staff over the past
twenty years. However, the process that was followed was not appropriate considering
the discussions now that center on cooperation with other municipalities. He stated that
it sounds like a prompt decision needs to be made due to the condition of the current
water plant. He is also not convinced that a better decision could be made. He noted
that the process to get here, though, did not work. He will support the resolution with
great reluctance and wants to work to make things better in the future as far as inter-
municipal cooperation is concerned.
Alderperson Murtagh stated that decision makers through this process involved, has
involved, and will involve different Common Council members and looking back the
obstacles/barriers here have almost been at a political level to join Bolton Point. He
stated that a lot of work has already been done by everyone and at this point he does
not feel that an offer from Bolton Point can be trusted. He will also support the resolution
– will reluctance.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff stated that voting to rebuild the water plant was the first item
she voted on when she was appointed to Common Council to fill a vacancy. The
decision before Common Council tonight is whether or not to authorize the funding for a
decision that has already been made. She noted that sometimes a big decision like this
straddles different Common Council’s, and that second guessing decisions of previous
bodies of Council will not help the City move forward. She will always be a supporter of
inter-municipal cooperation; however, that is not an option here.
Alderperson Proulx stated that in 2009 the Board of Public Works and Common Council
made the best decision at the time with the information that they had at that time. His
intent in his previous comments was to express his disappointment about why the City
is not going forward with working inter-municipally with Bolton Point.
Alderperson Brock stated that she is very optimistic towards the future with the new
water plant built and in place. At that time the City will be in a better situation to become
an inter-municipal partner because it will have a brand new, state-of-the art facility. The
issue of power and control was very important in the decision that was made.
Alderperson Dotson stated that she hopes that the City of Ithaca will soon be in a
position to embark on inter-municipal cooperation after the new facility is in place. This
decision is about control and she completely supports the decision to rebuild the water
plant. She noted that the ability to have water gravity fed to different locations is a huge
asset as well.
Mayor Myrick questioned why, after the City of Ithaca builds a $40 million water plant
would it want to share it. He noted that he has had a chance to vote on this decision
twice, once in 2009 while he was on Common Council and once at the Board of Public
Works meeting in 2013. He supports the decision although with great fear and
trepidation all related to the significant cost involved for the City and its tax payers. He
sincerely hopes that the project is able to stay on or come in under budget. He further
noted that this is the largest infrastructure investment that the City has ever made.
Common Council Meeting Minutes April 3, 2013
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A Vote on the Resolution Resulted as Follows:
Ayes (9) Dotson, Brock, Clairborne, Murtagh, Fleming, Smith, Kerslick,
Mohlenhoff, Proulx
Nays (1) McCollister
Abstentions (0)
Carried
11.6 City Controller’s Report:
Deputy City Controller Andrew reported that Common Council received the 2014 budget
expectations from the City Controller to review. If anyone has questions or needs any
additional information, please contact their office.
Alderperson Kerslick expressed his thanks and appreciation to City Controller Thayer
and Deputy City Controller Andrew for their work to get Common Council members a
first look at figures for the 2014 budget so early in the process.
Alderperson Proulx reported that the City Administration Committee would be hearing
presentations from all City departments on their 2014 budget priorities in the coming
months, and encouraged Council members to attend the committee meeting as able to
hear the presentations.
12. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
There were no reports from special committees.
13. NEW BUSINESS:
There was no new business on the agenda.
14. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
There were no individual member filed resolutions on the agenda.
15. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
15.1 Appointments to Local Board of Assessment Review - Resolution
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne
RESOLVED, That Kris Altucher and Linda Santos be appointed to the Local Advisory
Board of Assessment Review for the City of Ithaca for 2013, and be it further
15.2 Commons Advisory Board
RESOLVED, That Michael Perehinec be appointed to the Commons Advisory Board to
fill a vacancy with a term to expire December, 31, 2014, and be it further
15.3 Parks Commission
RESOLVED, That Ellen Leventry be appointed to the Parks Commission to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2015, and be it further
15.4 Public Art Commission
RESOLVED, That Samantha Hillson be appointed to the Public Art Commission to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire June 30, 2016, and be it further
15.5 Appointment to Youth Council Advisory Board - Resolution
RESOLVED, That Dr. Nia Nunn Makepeace be appointed to the Youth Council
Advisory Board with a term to expire August 31, 2014, and be it further
15.6 Appointment to Conservation Advisory Council – Resolution
RESOLVED, That Christopher Glenn Hayes be appointed to the Conservation Advisory
Council to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2014.
Carried Unanimously
16. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
There were no reports from Common Council Liaisons.
Common Council Meeting Minutes April 3, 2013
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17. REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
The City Clerk had no report.
18. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
The City Attorney had no report.
19. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
19.1 Approval of the February 6, 2013 Common Council Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 6, 2013 Common Council Meeting
Minutes be approved as published, and be it further
19.2 Approval of the February 8-9, 2013 Special Common Council
Meeting/Retreat Minutes – Resolution
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 8-9, 2013 Special Common Council
Meeting/Retreat Minutes be approved as published, and be it further
19.3 Approval of the March 6, 2013 Common Council Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 6, 2013 Common Council Meeting Minutes
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
20. ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Sarah L. Myers Svante L. Myrick
Acting City Clerk Mayor