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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2014-10-15 CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 5:00 p.m. October 15, 2014 PRESENT: Alderperson Mohlenhoff – Chair Alderpersons (8): Brock, Clairborne, Fleming, Kerslick, McCollister, McGonigal, Murtagh, Smith OTHERS PRESENT: Chief of Staff – Sutherland City Attorney – Lavine Controller – Thayer Deputy Controller – Andrew HR Director – Michell-Nunn Planner - Wilson Police Chief – Barber Deputy Police Chiefs – Townsend and Tyler 1. Call to Order 1.1 Agenda Review: Chair Mohlenhoff told the Committee she would like to move items #4.1 and #4.2 after #3.1 and then resume item #3.2 after #4.2. She explained that the discussion for item #3.2 is expected to be quite lengthy. The Committee agreed. 1.2 Review/Approval of Minutes: Alderperson McGonigal made a motion to approve the minutes from the September 17, 2014 meeting of the City Administration Committee. Seconded by Alderperson Smith. Carried Unanimously 1.3 Statements from the Public: Fay Gougakis addressed the committee and asked that a policy be considered that all Council Members have a local phone number. She told the committee that she feels public notification of all meetings should be improved. She then noted that a meeting with merchants from the Commons was held concerning dogs on the Commons. She added that she was upset because residents were not included in that meeting. As a resident, she would like to have input on the subject. 1.4 Statements from Employees: None 1.5 Council Response: Chair Mohlenhoff stated that she would add the discussion concerning local phone numbers to the upcoming discussion on Council Rules and Procedures. 2. Standing Sub-Committee and Staff Reports. None City Administration Committee Meeting October 15, 2014 Page 2 3. City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy 3.1 Planning, Building & Economic Development – Acceptance of Public Art Commission’s Another 21 Boxes project Grant Moved by: Alderperson Clairborne, Seconded by: Alderperson Smith WHEREAS, the City’s Public Art Commission was awarded a grant through the Community Arts Partnership’s Grants for Arts Program to fund Another 21 Boxes: An Electrical Box Mural Project, and WHEREAS, the grant funds will be used for artist stipends, supplies, and maps of the project; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby accepts the Grants for Arts Program from the Community Arts Partnership in the amount of $2,510 and amends the 2014 Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, & Economic Development authorized budget as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A8020-3989 Planning State Aid $2,510 Home & Community Increase Appropriations Account: A8020-5435 Planning Contracts $2,510 Planner Wilson was present to address the Committee. She indicated that the program was near completion and that it was a great success. Carried Unanimously Chair Mohlenhoff announced she had received a late request from the public to speak, which the Committee granted her request to speak. Phoebe Brown, shared her concerns about the need for Police Officers to change their way of thinking. She stated that she encourages the Officers to learn more about the community and receive sensitivity training. 4. Finance, Budget and Appropriations 4.1 2014-2015 Civil Service Agreement with the Ithaca City School District Moved by: Alderperson Fleming, Seconded by: Alderperson McGonigal RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Controller be authorized and directed to execute an agreement between the City of Ithaca and the Ithaca City School District for performance by the City for services in connection with Civil Service matters, for the period July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015, in an amount of $66,170, payable to the City of Ithaca on or before December 1, 2014. City Administration Committee Meeting October 15, 2014 Page 3 Controller Thayer explained to the Committee that charges are based on Civil Service expenses. He added that the amount has increased based on expenses and the activities preformed by the Human Resources Department. Carried Unanimously 4.2 Common Council – A Local Law to Override The Tax Levy Limit Established in General Municipal Law Moved by: Alderperson Fleming, Seconded by: Alderperson Smith Local Law 2014 – BE IT ENACTED by Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Legislative Intent It is the intent of this local law to allow the City of Ithaca to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2015, that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the “tax levy limit” as defined by General Municipal law §3-c. Section 2. Authority This local law is adopted pursuant to subdivision 5 of General Municipal Law §3-c, which expressly authorizes a local government’s governing body to override the property tax cap for the coming fiscal year by the adoption of a local law approved by a vote of sixty percent (60%) of said governing body. Section 3. Tax Levy Limit Override The Common Council of the City of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, New York, is hereby authorized to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing January 1, 2015, that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3-c. Section 4. Severability If court determines that any clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local law or application thereof to any person, firm or corporation, or circumstance is invalid or unconstitutional, the court’s order or judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder of this local law, but shall be confined in its operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, subdivision, or part of this local law or in its application to the person, individual, firm or corporation or circumstance, directly involved in the controversy in which such judgment or order shall be rendered. Section 5. Effective Date This local law shall take effect immediately upon filing with the Secretary of State. Carried Unanimously 3.2 IPD Residency Requirement Discussion Chair Mohlenhoff reminded the Committee that there were questions concerning the residency requirement the Mayor proposed for the Police Department. Alderperson Smith met with the Chief, Deputy Chief and union representatives and developed a possible compromise. He indicated that the goal is to improve trust and efficiencies between residents and the department. It is being proposed that within six months of hire, an officer would be required to move into Tompkins County for at least five years, while encouraging them to live within the City. Chief Barber stated that he thinks it is a good City Administration Committee Meeting October 15, 2014 Page 4 compromise. Alderperson McGonigal stated his concern as to why the previous requirement to live in the City no longer exists. HR Director Michell-Nunn explained that up until 1987 there was a City list in which new officers would be hired from. Currently, a county list is used. She added that while reviewing records, she could not find discussion as to why the requirement was dropped. Deputy Chief Tyler told Council that the current list established in November of 2013, consisted of 127 people with only 8 living in the City. Discussion followed concerning the requirement for Senior Staff and possible waivers for them. Alderperson Smith noted that during the discussions, it was agreed that lateral transfers could possibly have the requirement waived depending on their circumstances. Alderperson Clairborne said he would like to see new hires required to live within the Ithaca School District rather than the county. Alderperson Murtagh added that living in the county does not fulfill the goal. He noted that the real issue is the gap in trust. Alderperson McCollister indicated that she supports the proposal but would like to see it explored more. Alderperson McGonigal suggested receiving input from the department and the community on how to address the problems at hand. Mayor Myrick indicated that he believes that the proposal for county residency is a good compromise, but is willing to establish a focus group to pursue this discussion. He asked that Council Members contact him if they are interested in participating. This item will continue at future meetings. 5. Performance Measures: None 6. GPA Transition: None 7. 2015 Budget Process – Discussion: None 8 Meeting Wrap-up 8.1 Announcements. None 8.2 Review Agenda Items for Next Meeting. None 8.3 Adjourn: With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Smith, Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal, the meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m.