HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2011-08-03COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. August 3, 2011
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (10) McGonigal, Dotson, Rosario, Clairborne, McCollister, Zumoff,
Rooker, Myrick, Cogan, Mohlenhoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney – Hoffman
Deputy City Controller – Andrew
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Youth Bureau Director – Green
GIAC Director - Fort
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
3.1 Quarterly Employee Recognition Award Presentation
Mayor Peterson presented the Quarterly Employee Recognition Award to Karen Martin,
Ithaca Police Department, for her efforts to recover a stolen bicycle that had great
sentimental value to a family who just experienced the loss of a loved one. Ms. Martin
was nominated for this award for her exceptional sensitivity to the needs of others in the
community.
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
5.1 Creating Healthy Places Grant Presentation - Jeanne Lecesse and Betty
Falcao from the Human Services Coalition
Ms. Lecesse and Ms. Falcao reported that they received a $240,000 grant for each of
the next five years from the New York State Department of Health to fight obesity and
diabetes by increasing physical activity and increasing the consumption of fruits and
vegetables. They will be focusing on two specific communities for the first 2 years of
the grant, the City of Ithaca (Northside and Southside neighborhoods) and the Town of
Dryden. They will be partnering with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins
County and the Health Promotion Program of the Tompkins County Health Department
to:
• increase places for residents to be physically active, such as promoting use of
parks and recreational trails
• create a landscape conducive to physical activity, by improving accessibility and
proximity of residential areas to recreation areas
• increase the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables, through the creation of
community gardens, promoting the use of farmers markets
• increase the healthful quality of foods offered for sale, such as working with
restaurants and stores to offer a variety of fresh produce options
• develop a Worksite Wellness Component
Board of Fire Commissioners Report:
Commissioner Tom Hoard reported on the following issues:
• The Ithaca Fire Department has submitted its departmental budget to the Mayor.
The -7% scenario includes the layoff of 1 fire fighter and 1 office staff person. He
voiced his concerns about the impact this budget could have on the department.
• Resource Recovery Legislation – he noted that this item is in the City Attorney’s
Office for review and may become even more important as budget constraints
become tighter.
• The Fire Chief interviews are underway. Two candidates were interviewed on
Tuesday and two more will be interviewed on Thursday. Names should be
forwarded to the Mayor for consideration by next week.
• The Deputy Fire Chief’s activity report was distributed to Council members
electronically as a cost savings measure
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• The Gamewell Alarm System is completely out of service
• The Chiefs will be reaching out to the Town of Ithaca for funds to pay for the
heavy rescue truck.
• IFD has six open positions (3 are funded / 2 are unfunded/ Chief’s position) The
filling of positions was subject to negotiations with the Fire Fighters Union that
are ongoing so that is why they have not been filled.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Marisol Salomon, and other members of the Youth Employment Service (YES),
organizers of the upcoming Banana Festival invited the Mayor, Common Council and
the public to “Eat, Drink, and Go Bananas” on Saturday, August 13th from 12:00 – 5:00
pm on the Commons at the 1st Annual Banana Festival.
Darcey Laine, City of Ithaca, expressed her gratitude that the City is moving forward
with the Sweat-free Ithaca legislation
Tomo Shibata, City of Ithaca, distributed a proposed Resolution to Common Council
regarding promoting an equal opportunity for the City’s immigrants to participate fully in
the governance of the City. She expressed her thanks to Alderperson Rosario for his
role in supporting immigrant rights, and requested that the City ask New York State to
change the citizenship requirement for voting and holding office in the city.
Laura Branca, representing the Community Leaders of Color (CLOC), read a statement
to Council expressing their deep disappointment in Common Council’s failure to support
the Resolution that requested a dialog with Cornell University regarding the moving of
the Africana Studies and Research Center to the College of Arts & Sciences and citing it
as an example of how institutional racism operates.
Jeff Furman, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the comments made by CLOC regarding
the Africana Studies and Research Center, reminding Council that the only thing being
asked for was a dialog with Cornell representatives.
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, echoed the comments of the previous speakers regarding
the Africana Studies and Research Center; Cornell University ownership of property in
Collegetown; the recently adopted ban on hydro-fracking in Dryden; the proposed nets
under Cornell and City owned bridges; the drunken behavior of students.
Robert Boothroyd, City of Ithaca, urged Common Council to take action in changing the
zoning laws. He noted that the Planning Board is spending a lot of time on the
consideration of variances and special permits that could be resolved with legislative
changes.
Gordon Terry, Town of Spencer, urged law makers to allocate more money to mental
health and suicide prevention noting a recent suicide of a local man in the “Jungle”.
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, addressed the issue of Cornell buying property in
Collegetown. He urged Council members to go to Loaves and Fishes to eat with people
and learn about what is going on in their lives.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson McCollister clarified a comment made by a speaker noting that the Ithaca
Area Wastewater Treatment Plant does not accept fracking waste water and never has.
She further voiced her agreement with comments made by Ms. Gougakis regarding
binge drinking and substance abuse by students, noting that those behaviors have
tragic results and they are not being dealt with.
Alderperson Myrick expressed his thanks to the students from the YES program and
noted that he is looking forward to the Banana Fest. He further thanked Darcey Laine
for speaking in support of the Sweat-Free Ithaca initiative, noting that it is an important
issue.
Alderperson Myrick also expressed his thanks to the speakers who spoke on behalf of
CLOC and explained that he had communicated directly with Cornell administrators in
person, via phone and e-mail, and had also worked with students on this issue. He
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stated that President Skorton went to the Calvary Baptist Church in January and in April
to speak and listen to members of the community. He explained that his vote was not
against the Africana Studies and Research Center. He did not support the Resolution
because it asked for a dialog to be held before a decision was to be made and the
decision to move the Africana Center had already been made.
Alderperson Clairborne announced the times and locations of the neighborhood farm
stands as follows:
Mondays at the Neighborhood Pride (former P&C) parking lot from 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Wednesdays at the Department of Social Services Plaza from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
Alderperson Clairborne congratulated the students from the GIAC Summer
Conservation Corps who were featured in the Ithaca Journal for their work in setting an
example to others in reducing the amount of materials that end up in the waste stream
by recycling and reusing materials.
Alderperson Clairborne thanked the members of CLOC for their letter, stating that it is
important for people to know the impact that the Africana Studies and Research Center
has in the community and across the country. He stated that it is still not too late to take
action.
Alderperson Rosario thanked the speakers for their comments, and thanked CLOC for
their letter. He noted that he heard concerns expressed about the city’s credibility with
Cornell University during the discussions on the Africana Center Resolution. He stated
that the city’s credibility should be with the community first and he referenced the impact
those comments have on the community. He stated that it was a meek Resolution
simply seeking the establishment of a dialog.
Alderperson Rosario thanked Ms. Shibata for calling attention to the immigrant right to
vote issue. He further noted that the city has lagged behind in the hydro-fracking issue
and that the Planning & Economic Development Committee would be taking some
tentative efforts on the issue such as issuing a response to the SGEIS, and discussing
what regulatory protections should be put in place.
Alderperson Cogan thanked the members of CLOC for their letter and taking the time to
explain the impact that Council’s action had on the community. He explained that
Council first became aware of this issue at the April City Administration Committee
meeting. The Committee thought that a Resolution would be prepared for the May
Common Council meeting. The Resolution was not prepared in time to be included with
the June Common Council meeting agenda, so it was presented to Council on the night
of the meeting. A few Common Council members objected to it being added to the
agenda on short notice, so it could not be added. The Resolution was added to the
June City Administration Committee meeting and it did not receive enough support from
the Committee to be placed on the Common Council agenda in July; however,
Alderperson Clairborne added it to the agenda as an Individual Member Filed
Resolution. By the July meeting, Cornell had already made their decision regarding the
moving of the Africana Studies and Research Center, so he did not support the
Resolution as written.
Alderperson Cogan noted that this issue has been referenced as being similar to the
action that Common Council took when the Ithaca City School District was talking about
closing the Fall Creek Elementary School. He identified the impacts that action would
have had on the neighborhood and the economic development implications it would
have had. He stated that the Africana Studies and Research Center was not being
closed, the structure of the organization was changing and it appeared as if resources
for it were being increased, so it was not clear what the impact would be on the
community. He stated that he wanted people to understand the context of why he voted
the way he did and stated that he realized that an opportunity has been missed. He
noted that the speakers made compelling arguments and that this has been a very
educational process.
Mayor Peterson thanked all of the speakers, and stated that she tried to find mutually
agreeable language changes to the legislation for the Africana Center. She provided a
brief history of the center.
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Mayor Peterson further announced that there would be a Special Common Council
meeting on August 31, 2011 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm for the purpose of a presentation on
the capital projects that will be proposed as part of the 2012 City budget.
Alderperson Clairborne responded to comments made about the timeline of the Africana
Studies and Research Center Resolution, noting that he was surprised that the item
was not added to the June Common Council meeting agenda as the issues had all been
heard before and that other items have been added to the agenda in the past, even new
items. He further clarified his comments about the comparison of Council’s actions with
the Ithaca City School District regarding the potential closure of Fall Creek Elementary
School.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
8.1 Fire Department - Amendment to Personnel Roster - Fire Alarm
Superintendent Position - Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, as part of the 2011 Authorized Fire Department budget, the Fire Alarm
Superintendent position was funded for three quarters of the year in 2011 because the
Gamewell Fire Alarm System that was the primary responsibility of the Superintendent
was being discontinued, and
WHEREAS, $74,710 was appropriated in the 2011 Fire Department Budget for two
recruit Fire Fighters, and
WHEREAS, these two recruit Fire Fighters will NOT be hired in 2011 resulting in salary
savings for 2011, and
WHEREAS, the Department will have continuing work dismantling the Gamewell
System, alarm testing and station electrical work, and
WHEREAS, the cost of funding the Fire Alarm Superintendent’s position for the
remainder of 2011 (3 months) is $14,798; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $14,798 be designated from current funds
in Account A3410-5110 to fund the Fire Alarm Superintendent position for the remainder
of 2011, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2011 Authorized Personnel
Roster for the Fire Department as follows:
Fund the position of Fire Alarm Electrician from 10/1/11 – 12/31/11.
Carried Unanimously
8.2 Police Department - Request to Approve Funds for Boiler Replacement -
Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
WHEREAS, the 1999 Police Department Facility Boiler has recently failed and is in
need of replacement prior to the upcoming heating season, and
WHEREAS, DPW staff have estimated the new boiler cost at $45,000, and
WHEREAS, a portion of the funds can come out of Capital Reserve #24 Energy
Program Improvements with the remaining funds to be derived from the Unrestricted
Contingency Account, and
WHEREAS, the boiler replacement will need to be bid out as it exceeds the public
works project bidding threshold of $35,000; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the appropriation of funds in an
amount not to exceed $45,000 for the purposes of replacing the failed boiler at the
Ithaca Police Department Facility, and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the sources of funds for the boiler replacement shall be derived from
the following:
Unrestricted Contingency $25,000
Capital Reserve #24 $20,000
$45,000
and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby directs the City Controller to transfer an
amount not to exceed $25,000 from Account A1990 unrestricted Contingency to
Account A3120-5225 Police Department Other Equipment for purposes of accounting
for a portion of the cost for the boiler replacement at the Police Department.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 Youth Bureau - Request for Authorization to Apply for a New York State
Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Grant for the Cass Park Ice
Rink Project - Resolution
By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Myrick
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau would like to apply for a grant from the New York
State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation on behalf of the City, and
WHEREAS, the Cass Park Ice Rink opened in 1972 and is now almost 40 years old,
and
WHEREAS, in 2002, the Thomas report recommended that the City address serious
spatial deficiencies at the Cass Park Ice Rink that negatively impact year round
programming, and
WHEREAS, the grant funds would enable the City to move forward with the next stage
of refurbishment of the antiquated Ice Rink facilities at Cass Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Director of the City of Ithaca Youth Bureau, is hereby authorized
to file an application for funds from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation in accordance with the provisions of Title 9 of the Environmental
Protection Act of 1993, in an amount not to exceed $400,000.00, and upon approval of
said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for such
financial assistance to the City of Ithaca for the Cass Park Ice Rink Project.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Dotson
RESOLVED, That the following clause be added to the Resolution as the 3rd Whereas
clause:
“WHEREAS, the Cass Park rink serves thousands of Ithaca area residents on a year
round basis and is widely recognized as a valuable public asset, and”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
9.2 Attorney’s Office - Approval of Easement for Emerson Power Transmission
Vent Stack (Re: South Hill Remediation Program) - Resolution
By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Dotson
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is the purported owner of a triangular parcel of property
between East Spencer Street and Turner Place, at the northerly end of what is known
as Block 81 for tax map purposes; and
WHEREAS, a City of Ithaca sewer main is located beneath the surface of the above-
referenced parcel, in the southerly portion thereof; and
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WHEREAS, in past decades, said sewer main apparently received contaminated
wastewater and/or solvents from the former Morse Chain and National Cash Register
facilities, and the Therm, Inc., facility, all of which are located uphill from this parcel; and
WHEREAS, said contamination apparently escaped from the sewer main along its route
and residues and/or vapors remain in the surrounding soil; and
WHEREAS, the Morse Chain property was subsequently acquired by Emerson Power
Transmission (EPT), and EPT has been identified by the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) as a responsible party, with regard to mitigation
of the contamination; and
WHEREAS, EPT has proposed to NYSDEC a mitigation program that is intended to
allow vapors to enter a passive-ventilation system along the route of a 300-foot-long
section of said sewer main, via a new, perforated pipe to be installed parallel to a new
sewer main, and to be vented through a 25-foot-tall stack to be located on the above-
referenced City-owned parcel (so as to not infringe upon the public sidewalk thereupon);
and
WHEREAS, EPT seeks a permanent easement and temporary easement from the City,
affecting said parcel, within which easements EPT would install, operate and maintain
the vent stack (including bollards or other protective elements); and
WHEREAS, any environmental review required for said mitigation program, including
the proposed vent stack, is the responsibility of the NYSDEC; and
WHEREAS, written comments on this request have been received from the City’s
Community Advisory Group (dated June 17. 2011); and
WHEREAS, a portion of the above-referenced parcel is currently developed with a
small, gravel-based parking area that is accessed via a curb cut to East Spencer Street,
which parking area apparently serves an adjacent residential property immediately to
the south (141 E. Spencer Street); and
WHEREAS, to date, the City has been unable confirm that the owner of 141 E. Spencer
Street has current permission from the City to encroach upon or use the City-owned
parcel for parking or other purposes, and, in any case, any such permission would
presumably be in the form of a license that can be revoked on short notice by the City;
and
WHEREAS, Chapter 170 (“Use of City Real Property”) of the City Code stipulates that
“the authority to convey a permanent easement across or involving City land is and shall
be vested in the Common Council, and no such easement shall be issued without the
Council’s approval;” and
WHEREAS, in a resolution approved on July 27, 2011, the City’s Board of Public Works
determined that the use of the subject City-owned parcel as requested by Emerson
Power Transmission, and the granting of a temporary and permanent easement
therefor, would serve a valuable public purpose and will not interfere with any other
essential public use of the parcel, now or in the foreseeable future, and recommended
that the Common Council grant such easements, subject to certain confirmation and
certain special conditions (as described in said resolution); now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That, subject to:
a. confirmation that any required environmental review associated with the vent
stack has been completed by NYSDEC,
b. confirmation that the City’s right to convey the requested easements is not
constrained by any existing, non-revocable property rights affecting the
proposed easement area, and
c. the City’s having legal authority to revoke any rights held by a third party
pursuant to a City-issued license or other permit, to exclusive use of the
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relevant portion of the subject parcel, which authority the Mayor is hereby
authorized to exercise, as needed;
the Common Council hereby approves the request from EPT for temporary and
permanent easements across the City-owned parcel at the north end of Block 81, for
the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating a vent stack as described
herein, and authorizes the Mayor, upon consultation with and the advice of the
Superintendent of Public Works and the City Attorney, to execute an easement
instrument that includes standard City provisions, as well as the following:
1. Consideration to be paid by EPT to the City in the amount of at least
$2,000 (for 100 square feet of permanent easement area);
2. EPT to indemnify and hold City harmless as to any injury or damages
claimed to arise as a result of the installation, existence, operation or
repair of the vent stack;
3. EPT shall secure any other permits required for installation of the vent
stack (including a building permit).
4. Footprint for permanent easement not to exceed approximately 100
square feet, to be located as close as possible to the southeast corner of
the City-owned parcel, and not to interfere in any way with use of the
existing public sidewalk in said vicinity;
5. Height of vent stack not to exceed 25 feet;
6. EPT to be solely responsible for all costs associated with the vent stack;
7. Operation of the passive-ventilation system will not be altered without City
consent;
8. Appearance and exact location of vent stack to be subject to expedited
site plan review;
9. EPT to maintain a schedule of quarterly indoor air quality and soil testing,
within ___ feet of the vent stack, with reports to be submitted thereafter to
the City;
10. EPT to provide City with timely copies of any performance reports EPT is
required by NYSDEC to file, regarding the passive-ventilation system;
11. Stipulation that easement holder maintain vent stack in good repair and
safe condition, and that it designate a contact person to handle any
complaints about noise or needed maintenance;
12. To maintain easement, EPT must submit to City, on or by every 10-year
anniversary of the execution of this easement, a summary report of
system performance and statement of continuing need. Failure to submit
such report/statement within 6 months of said anniversary shall constitute
grounds for revocation of the easement by the City;
13. Easement will terminate if EPT removes the vent stack and does not
replace it, or if EPT ceases to maintain it; and
14. Upon termination of the easement for any reason, EPT shall be
responsible, at its sole cost, for removal of vent stack, in-ground
foundation elements (not including the 300’ perforated pipe), and any
other above-ground elements of the passive-ventilation system, and for
restoration of the affected area.
August 3, 2011
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Alderperson Dotson questioned whether provision number 1 is an annual fee or a one
time fee. City Attorney Hoffman stated that it would be a one time fee per the
recommendation of Superintendent of Public Works Gray and the Board of Public
Works.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Dotson: Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal
RESOLVED, That provision number 9 above be amended to read as follows:
“9. To determine whether the selected remedy is effective to mitigate ambient
and indoor toxins, EPT shall implement all the procedures specified in the
WSP “COMMUNITY AIR MONITORING PLAN / SEWER RESTORATION
PROJECT,” revised July 15, 2011. EPT shall test the ambient air quality at
FOUR upwind and FOUR downwind testing locations, widely-spaced but within
100 feet of the perimeter of the excavation area, during sewer excavation,
construction and resurfacing, and monthly following completion for the first three
months and then quarterly for an additional year. Thereafter, such ambient air
testing will be conducted twice a year until all eight site-related chemicals for
all test sites are below 1 ug/m^3. EPT shall also offer to perform
indoor-air testing (comparable to the tests they performed on South Hill
during project phases 1 - 5) annually on each home adjacent to the sewer
excavation area (consisting of eleven properties along East Spencer Street),
and on four OU3-area properties upgradient of the vent stack, until
basement air levels for all eight site-related chemicals in that property
fall below 1 ug/m^3 or fall to or under background levels;"
Alderperson Dotson explained the importance of testing to see if the mitigation
measures are working as designed.
Discussion followed on the floor with Scott Peterson and Jim Bullman representing
WSP Environmental, the engineering group working with Emerson Power Transmission.
City Attorney Hoffman explained that he received a response from Emerson stating that
the proposed amended language is not acceptable to them, and further noted that the
document referenced in the amendment has already been approved by the NYS
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Mr. Bullman added that the testing
of 2 upwind and 2 downwind testing locations was approved by the NYS Department of
Health (DOH).
Alderperson Mohlenhoff questioned whether a benefit analysis had been conducted that
defends the request for additional testing over and above what has been approved by
the DEC and the DOH. She further questioned what the neighborhood priorities were
as the additional testing requirements would require further negotiations with Emerson
and may delay the project to the 2012 or 2013 construction seasons. Ken Deschere,
Community Advisory Group joined the discussion regarding the remedial actions being
taken and the need for additional testing.
Mr. Bullman stated that the remedy was selected by the NYS Department of Health, and
WSP Environmental was hired to implement the remedy. He stressed that no other
remedy is feasible explaining that the toxins are in the rock and were released 30 years
ago. Emerson’s concern is to take care of the affected homeowners and make sure
they are safe. He explained that 8 homes needed to be mitigated pursuant to the State
regulations. The homes that had vapor issues were at the bottom of the hill, and
ambient air tests were conducted. The NYS Department of Health and the Department
of Environmental Conservation have stated that additional testing is not necessary. He
further noted that 106 houses were tested, 59 houses had mitigation systems installed
in them. Each round of testing costs between $2,000 & $2,500 per test, per home. He
further stated that this proposed solution is not workable.
City Attorney Hoffman noted that since Emerson has indicated that they will not do
further testing, he offered the following options:
1.) Further negotiations (although there doesn’t appear to be much room)
2.) Emerson could propose a change in the project that does not require a city
easement
3.) City could be forced to actions by a higher governmental body
August 3, 2011
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Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding what the next steps in the process
should be. Common Council agreed to set-up a meeting with the NYS Department of
Health, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Emerson Power
Transmission and WSP Environmental, and the Community Advisory Group to find a
mutual solution.
Motion to Table
By Alderperson Dotson: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne
RESOLVED, That these items be tabled.
Ayes (8) McGonigal, Dotson, Clairborne, Rosario, McCollister, Rooker,
Mohlenhoff, Cogan
Nays (1) Zumoff
Carried (8-1)
Alderperson Myrick absent from vote
City Controller’s Report
Deputy City Controller Andrew reported on the following:
• 2012 budget preparation is ongoing. The Controller’s Office is still waiting for
property tax cap details that are expected to come the 1st of September. In the
meantime, 1.74% increase in the assessment is being used which equates to the
-7% budget scenario requested by the Mayor. The pension estimate was
received today. Initial budget packets will be received soon as all departments
have submitted their departmental budgets.
• 2010 Financial reporting: the auditors are getting ready to wrap up their field work
• 2011 sales tax: 2nd quarter was 6% over 2010 figures for the 2nd quarter, and are
currently 1.8% over the 2010 budget
• Parking revenues are still projected to be short of the budget figure
• The Cornell University voluntary contribution has been received: $1.187 million
which is 1.6% greater than 2010
• The BAN has been sold at .7% interest, and the closing is on Friday.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
There were no items submitted for the agenda.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Performance Measures Group
Alderperson Mohlenhoff reported that the final preparations for the city-wide resident
phone survey are underway. The publicity for the survey will start soon and will include
media releases, interviews, notices to the neighborhood listservs, and posters on TCAT
buses that run city routes. The Survey Research Institute will use a random digit dialing
system that will include cell phones with a 607 area code. Paper copies of the survey
will be available after the phone survey is complete and the results will be added to the
data as an addendum.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff further reported that the consultants who are conducting the
departmental performance measures will be in Ithaca during the middle of August to
interview department heads. An employee survey is being distributed electronically to
the workforce to supplement this work.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
13.1 Mayor Peterson - Designation of Marriage Officers – Resolution
By Alderperson Dotson: Seconded by Alderperson Myrick
RESOLVED, That Alderpersons Daniel Cogan and Ellen McCollister be designated as
Marriage Officers in the City of Ithaca with terms to expire December 31, 2011.
Carried Unanimously
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
14.1 Appointment of City Historian – Resolution
By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff
RESOLVED, That Mary R. Tomlan be appointed as City Historian for the City of Ithaca
effective August 4, 2011 with an indefinite term.
Carried Unanimously
August 3, 2011
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REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Neighborhood Housing Initiative
Alderperson Cogan proved a brief history of the Home Ownership Investment
Committee. He stated that 6 houses were renovated and sold in the first few years that
used approximately $435,000 of the funding. The average subsidy was $73,000. The
Committee hasn’t met in several years and discussions have commenced about how to
use the $1.5 million dollars of funding that is still available. Ideas include using the
funds to demolish dilapidated housing to allow for new development. Any changes to
the scope of the initiative would have to be approved by Common Council. He further
explained that the unused funds add to the City’s debt load; however, they are not
costing the City anything to hold on to them.
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
Alderperson Clairborne provided the following IURA Liaison's report, and a report on the
County Housing Fund Oversight Committee:
The IURA did not meet in July.
At its June 23rd meeting the IURA:
1. Reviewed and discussed the Downtown Ithaca 2020 Strategic Plan recommending
1,500 housing units in the greater downtown with representatives from the Ithaca
Downtown Alliance.
2. Elected IURA officers:
- Carolyn Peterson, Chairperson
- Susan Cummings, Vice-Chairperson
3. Conducted a self-evaluation of IURA board performance
Upcoming special meeting topics:
- Review and discuss the Danter housing market demand study for the City and County
(is there demand for 1,500 housing units downtown?)
- Review and discuss the Section 8 housing program with local administrators from IHA
and TCAction:
1. Where are they going
2. What do they pay for rent (full market vs subsidized)
3. Understanding the waiting list/ backlog of demand and the number of listings +
what is timeframe and parameters for use (i.e. difficulty finding places along bus
lines or in City)
- Use Southwest area for economic development and expansion to promote job
expansion
− how to provide/ accommodate current businesses to expand rather than lose
them to surrounding municipalities?
− Economic Development arm – assist newly-primed small businesses to help
leverage local and federal funds
Target incentive programs to improve predictability
Housing Fund Oversight Committee
On 7/6/11 the Housing Fund Oversight Committee recommended unanimously funding
for one affordable housing project - $200,000 to assist phase II of the $2.6 million Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS) Holley Creek Townhouses project to construct
11 permanently affordable townhouse units to be sold to homebuyers through the INHS
Community Housing Trust. The project site is located in the Town of Ithaca near the
Danby Rd./King Rd. intersection. Recommended funding sources are $100,000 from
Cornell University and $100,000 from Tompkins County. No funding for this project is
requested from the City of Ithaca.
Rollover balances available for the next funding round are:
$130,000 City of Ithaca
$30,000 Tompkins County
$280,000 Cornell University
$440,000 Total
August 3, 2011
11
Starting this year, two Notice of Funding Applications (NOFA) are being issued each
year. The next NOFA will be issued in July with a due date of mid-October. The concept
is that successful applicants will know if they have a funding commitment from the
Housing Fund in time for the annual NYS Dept. of Homes and Community Renewal's
unified funding round held in early February.
Each calendar year for six years, Cornell contributes $200,000 and the City and County
each contribute $100,000 to the Housing Fund.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Hoffman reported that Maria Avramis has filed a second lawsuit against
the City, Common Council, Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Building Commissioner
regarding a stop work order that was issued on her Delaware Avenue property. Her suit
involves the status of grandfathered rights for the property and whether the City’s
legislation regarding occupancy and unrelated people is constitutional.
City Attorney Hoffman further reported that two lawsuits defended by the City’s
insurance carrier have been resolved, and the case brought against the City by William
Lower has been withdrawn based on the repeal of the Collegetown zoning legislation.
18. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
18.1 Approval of Minutes of the following Common Council meetings: May 2,
2011, May 12, 2011, June 1, 2011, June 22, 2011, June 28, 2011, July 6, 2011
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Myrick
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 2, 2011, May 12, 2011, June 1, 2011, June
22, 2011, June 28, 2011, and July 6, 2011 Common Council Meeting be approved with
noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor