HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2010-01-01COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 11:00 a.m. January 1, 2010
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (6): Coles, Tomlan, Zumoff, Schuler, Myrick, Cogan
Alderpersons-Elect (4): Clairborne, McCollister, Rooker, Mohlenhoff
EXCUSED:
Alderpersons (2): Dotson, Rosario
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Mayor Peterson wished everyone in attendance a Happy New Year!
2.1 Dismissal of Outgoing Council
Mayor Peterson thanked Alderperson Mary Tomlan for her six years of service to
Common Council, the Planning & Economic Development Committee, and the City of
Ithaca. She noted Alderperson Tomlan’s hard work on behalf of the 3rd Ward and the
Collegetown neighborhood.
Mayor Peterson also thanked Alderperson Nancy Schuler for her decades of service to
Common Council (1980-1983; 2008-2009) and the Tompkins County Legislature (1990-
2005), noting her persistence in addressing issues facing neighborhoods.
Alderperson Coles noted that she would miss both Alderpersons, commenting that she
and Alderperson Tomlan grew into their roles together. She stated that Mary acquired
the art of listening quietly and knowing how to approach difficult subjects, while Nancy
continued to display a deep devotion to the community and worked continually to make
visual and aesthetic improvements.
Alderperson Zumoff stated that it was a pleasure to serve with Alderpersons Tomlan
and Schuler noting that he would miss Mary’s late night telephone calls, and thanking
Nancy for stepping in to fill a Council vacancy. He noted the loss that Council will feel
without them.
Alderperson Clairborne addressed Alderperson Schuler noting that it was great getting
to know her as a person and as a colleague. He remarked on her level of attention to
detail and marveled at her display of the “art of the phone call”. He noted that it was an
honor to serve with her. Alderperson Clairborne further addressed Alderperson Tomlan
noting how much he had learned about Common Council and how to navigate the
“system” from her. He stated that she always took the time to listen and incorporated
people’s comments into legislation. He noted that there were times when people were
in disagreement on the issues, but no one took away anything negative from the
conversation. He remarked on how much fun it was to serve with her.
Alderperson Tomlan thanked Alderperson Schuler for the leadership role she
undertook, and her constant watchfulness and persistence during the past 30 years.
She further thanked the people of the 3rd Ward and all of the people she represented.
She thanked members of the media noting that she appreciated their good reporting,
and she thanked City staff members noting their dedication to the City and the team
efforts so often displayed. She stated that they serve the City with a good demeanor,
intentions, and a lot of heart. Alderperson Tomlan thanked Common Council for the
privilege of serving with them noting that although they were all very different, they all
care very deeply about the community. She thanked them for the atmosphere of mutual
respect that was created, and for their continued service. Alderperson Tomlan thanked
the Mayor, noting that she has kept a steady and reasoned hand on the City during
January 1, 2010
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difficult times. She introduced in-coming Alderperson Ellen McCollister and stated that
her seat would remain in good hands.
Alderperson Schuler thanked everyone for the kind words and sentiments. She stated
that it was great fun to serve with them, and she looks forward to continuing to work with
them. She laughed about her reputation as “Nancy the Nudge”, and commented on
how wonderful it was to work with Alderperson Myrick. She introduced in-coming
Council member Eddie Rooker and noted that she is confident that he will do a great
job.
Alderperson Myrick expressed his thanks to both outgoing Council members and
remarked on their different styles. He stated that he learned a lot from Alderperson
Tomlan and will always regard her as one of the best legislators and writers of
legislation. He further highlighted Alderperson Schuler’s gift of being able to get things
done, and make things happen without legislation.
Alderperson Cogan thanked both out-going Council members stating how much he
enjoyed working with them. He thanked Mary Tomlan for her years as Chair of the
Planning Committee stating that she did it with grace in the face of difficult issues. He
will remember her strong work ethic, integrity, and fair-minded approaches. He thanked
Nancy Schuler noting that he would remember her capacity to get things done, her
tenaciousness, and her impatience (a trait that he shares with her). He noted that he
will enjoy continuing to serve with her on the TCAT Board.
2.2 Oath of Office – Alderpersons Elect
Mayor Peterson called the newly elected and re-elected Alderpersons to the rostrum:
J.R. Clairborne - re-elected from the Second Ward
Ellen McCollister - newly elected from the Third Ward
Eddie Rooker - newly elected from the Fourth Ward
Deborah Mohlenhoff - newly elected from the Fifth Ward
Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson administered the oath of office and the newly elected
Alderpersons took their seats.
Mayor Peterson stated that today would be reserved as a day of celebration, noting the
first business meeting of Common Council would be conducted on Wednesday, January
6, 2010. She announced that she would make the annual State of the City address,
and hand out committee and liaison assignments at that meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor