HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2015-10-07COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. October 7, 2015
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (10) Brock, McGonigal, Murtagh, Clairborne, McCollister, Fleming,
Smith, Kerslick, Martell, Mohlenhoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney – Lavine
City Controller – Thayer
Building - Planning & Development Director – Cornish
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Myrick led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Consent Agenda:
Mayor Myrick requested the addition of Item 8.3 under the Consent Agenda entitled:
“Request of Downtown Ithaca Alliance to Permit Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider Tasting
and Sale of Bottled Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider at the 2015 Oktoberfest – Resolution”
No Council member objected.
New Business:
Alderperson Martell requested the addition of Item 12.1 - Resolution to Implement a
Temporary Waiting Period for the Cayuga Street Bicycle Lanes.
No Council member objected.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
Mayor Myrick proclaimed October 24, 2015 as Into the Streets Day in the City of Ithaca.
Mayor Myrick proclaimed October 24-30, 2015 as Seal the Cracks Climate Offset Week
in the City of Ithaca.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council:
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, voiced concerns regarding the Cayuga Street bicycle
lanes and suggested that they be moved to Tioga Street. She further voiced concerns
regarding the amount of construction and development happening at the same time in
the downtown area and suggested a one-year building moratorium. She also
highlighted issues happening in DeWitt Park and criminal activity throughout the City.
Chris Setlock, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes, noting
that they are essential for child safety.
C.J. Randall, City of Ithaca/Planning Board member, shared bicycle transportation data
and spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bicycle lanes.
Patrick Braga, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes.
Thomas Garrison Lovely, City of Ithaca, Co-founder & President of the Prison Reform
and Education Project, introduced the Ban the Box campaign. The goal of the Ban the
Box movement is to remove the stigma of criminal convictions for job applicants by
removing the checkbox on employment applications that ask if applicants have been
convicted of crimes. If this initiative is successful, employers would evaluate applicants
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on their qualifications and review any criminal history information prior to an offer of
employment.
David Nutter, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes as they
connect the schools to downtown. He further thanked the Mayor for advocating for
energy efficiency.
Dwight Mengel, City of Ithaca, stated that he supports adding cycling accommodations
to the streets and voiced his support for the Cayuga Street bike lanes.
Amanda Zerilli, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes noting
that they also facilitate vehicle traffic as it sets a level of predictability.
Marshall McCormick, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes
and noted that Bike/Walk Tompkins has collected 500 signatures in support of the bike
lanes.
Victoria Armstrong, City of Ithaca spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes and
encouraged Common Council to take measures to make cycling more comfortable for
everyone to bike.
Andrejs Ozolins, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes and
spoke to the safety measures that designated bicycle lanes offer to children and
seniors.
Kevin Kircher, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes.
Andy Ruina, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Cayuga Street bike lanes noting that
the right of way is for the public good, it does not give rights to park in front of homes.
He advocated for the Department of Public Works to assist those who need special
parking accommodations.
Tom Knipe, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of dedicated bike lanes for Cayuga Street
noting that sharrows are often confusing to motorists. He noted that the newly adopted
City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan talks a lot about this mode of transportation.
Marc Messing, Town of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding issues he and his family
are having with the Cascadilla Boat Club (CBC). He noted that Common Council did
not ensure public access to CBC programs as the club made his family’s membership
contingent upon certain conditions. He further questioned how citizens could access
CBC records.
David West, City of Ithaca, Chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, shared
his frustration over the rhetoric created around the Cayuga Street bike lane issue and
voiced his disappointment regarding the extra costs that will be incurred due to the
painting of the bike lanes being interrupted. He reviewed the public process that was
followed and addressed the perceptions of parking problems in the area.
Laurence Clarkberg, City of Ithaca, Owner of Boxy Bikes, spoke in support of the
Cayuga Street bike lanes. He noted that his business is growing but many people
express fear about biking. He urged Council to continue to expand bicycle
infrastructure.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Murtagh responded to comments made regarding the Cayuga Street bike
lanes. He clarified that the issue was with the process that was followed, not that
Council members are opposed to biking. He noted that Common Council members
don’t always follow all of the issues being considered by the Board of Public Works and
suggested that staff could have communicated better. He stated that this issue will be
forwarded to the Planning & Economic Development Committee for further discussion
along with an update on the Bicycle Boulevard.
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Alderperson Murtagh also stated that he supports bringing the Ban the Box legislation to
a Council committee for consideration. In addition, he responded to comments made
regarding downtown development and the Trebloc building.
Alderperson Brock stated that she also supports the Ban the Box movement and
suggested that Cornell University, Ithaca City School District, and Tompkins County be
included in these discussions as large employers in the area. She also responded to
comments made regarding the Cascadilla Boat Club, expressing her opinion that
public/private partnerships should be held to the same level of transparency,
accessibility, and accountability as local governments.
Alderperson McCollister responded to comments made about property rights and
expectations as well as the obligation to accommodate special needs. She stated that
the City needs to do a better job of communicating with the residents.
Alderperson Kerslick commented that sometimes the impact of decisions are not felt for
years. He thanked Alderperson Martel for bringing this issue up for further discussion
as it is controversial so it is appropriate to make sure that the right decision is made.
Mayor Myrick stated that this was not an easy decision as Cayuga Street residents are
being negatively impacted; however, lots of others are being positively impacted. He
voiced his support for the installation of the bike lanes and noted that the public process
followed by the Department and Board of Public Works was more comprehensive than
the process followed by adding the discussion/Resolution to this meeting. He reiterated
the fact that Common Council may reverse the decision if they choose to.
Alderperson Martell explained that she thought the issue was still in discussion and that
the bike lanes would be installed in the spring. She noted that there are 14 households
who don’t have driveways along that stretch of Cayuga Street. She noted that she
completely supports bicycle infrastructure but this project only provides designated bike
lanes from Lincoln Street to Marshall Street and does not extend to the schools. She
suggested that the project be finished to connect the schools.
Alderperson McGonigal thanked all of the speakers noting that he’s learned a lot. He
also thanked Alderperson Martell for representing her constituents, commenting that it is
not easy in a room full of people with different opinions. He noted his belief that the
decision was not communicated well as many people did not know about it.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
8.1 Human Resources - Establishment of Standard Workday as Required by
New York State Retirement System - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System requires that the standard workday
be established for all positions in City government for the purpose of determining
reportable days worked; and
WHEREAS, a Recreation Program Assistant position has been amended since
Common Council last updated the standard workday designations; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes the following standard workday
for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York State and
Local Employees’ Retirement System for the position indicated:
Six (6) hour workday; Thirty (30) hour workweek
Recreation Program Assistant 1
Carried Unanimously
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8.2 Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development –
Amendment to Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
WHEREAS, the Department of Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development
has been reconfiguring its support staff to improve the efficiency of its operation; and
WHEREAS, the elimination of the Receptionist position and the addition of a Permit
Clerk position were voted on by Common Council on September 2, 2015; and
WHEREAS, as the next step in this reconfiguration, the Civil Service Commission
classified a proposed position as Database Specialist at their September 2, 2015
meeting; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Department of Planning, Building,
Zoning, and Economic Development shall be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Database Specialist (40 hours)
Delete: One (1) Office Assistant Position (40 hours)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Database Specialist shall be assigned to the CSEA
Administrative Unit at salary grade 8; and, be it further
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).
Carried Unanimously
8.3 Request of Downtown Ithaca Alliance to Permit Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider
Tasting and Sale of Bottled Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider at the 2015 Oktoberfest –
Resolution
By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
WHEREAS, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance has requested permission for wine, beer,
and hard cider tasting and sales as part of the 2015 Oktoberfest; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance be authorized to arrange for wine,
beer, and hard cider tasting and sale of bottled wine, beer, and hard cider at booths
during the Oktoberfest on the Ithaca Commons, October 24, 2015; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and participating wineries shall comply
with all applicable state and local laws and ordinances, and shall enter into an
agreement providing that it will hold the City harmless and indemnify the City on
account of any claims made as the result of the sale or tasting of wine and hard cider on
the Ithaca Commons; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance or the participating winery or cider
company shall agree to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and
Dram Shop Act coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 naming the City of
Ithaca as an additional insured, and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the City
Clerk prior to the event.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 A Resolution Authorizing Implementation and Funding in the First Instance
100% of the Federal Aid-Eligible Costs and State “Marchiselli” Program-Aid
Eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-Aid Project, and Appropriating Funds
Therefore
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Smith
WHEREAS, a Project for the Route 13 at Third & Dey Streets, Sidewalk & Pedestrian
Improvements, P.I.N. 395035 (the “Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S.
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Code, as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be
borne at the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a commitment
of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Design, Right-of-Way Incidentals and
Acquisition, Construction, and Construction Inspection; and
WHEREAS, on May 2, 2007, Common Council approved the Project, established
Capital Project #718 and authorized in the first instance a project cost of $726,502, with
the understanding that the cost to the City would be approximately 20% or $145,300,
and with the intent of applying for Community Development Block Grant funds to cover
the local share; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as the lead agency, declared on July 27,
2011, that the Project would not have a significant negative environmental impact in
accordance with the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance and the New York
State Environmental Quality Review Act; and
WHEREAS, on June 18, 2013, the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council
adopted the 2014 – 2018 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), amending the
Project to include an additional $538,220 of which $430,576 would be federal funds,
and $107,644 would be non-federal funds, though the City of Ithaca, as sponsor, would
have to provide funding in the first instance; and
WHEREAS, funding for this Project was included in the 2013 Action Plan for Community
Development Block Grant funds (a reimbursement program) in the amount of $143,000;
and
WHEREAS, on June 10, 2014, the Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council
modified the Project on the Transportation Improvement Program to include an
additional $60,000, of which $48,000 would be federal funds, and $12,000 would be
New York State funds, though the City of Ithaca, as sponsor, would have to provide
funding in the first instance; and
WHEREAS, as part of the 2014 City Budget, Common Council approved an additional
$110,000 for the Project, as a match for additional federal aid; and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2015, the Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council
amended the TIP to increase funding for the project in a total amount of $88,764, of
which 80% or $71,011 would be federal funds, and 20% or $17,753 would be a City
share; and
WHEREAS, to date, Common Council has only specifically approved by resolution the
May 2007 authorization, but in order to be reimbursed for the federal, CDBG, and state
shares of the project, Common Council must authorize funding in the first instance; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves the above-subject project;
and, it is hereby further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to pay in
the first instance 100% of the federal and non-federal share of the cost of Design, Right-
of-Way, Construction, and Construction Inspection work for the Project or portions
thereof; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project #718, Route 13 at
Third & Dey Streets, Sidewalk and Pedestrian Improvements to include the additional
Project costs of $829,984, for a total authorization of $1,556,486; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That the sum of $829,984, which includes the $110,000 authorized as part
of the 2014 Final Budget, is hereby appropriated from the issuance of serial bonds and
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made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase of the Project; and,
it is further
RESOLVED, That in the event the full federal and non-federal share costs of the project
exceeds the amount appropriated above, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca
shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon
the notification by the NYSDOT thereof; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to
execute all necessary Agreements, certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal
Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca with the New York State Department of
Transportation in connection with the advancement or approval of the Project and
providing for the administration of the Project and the municipality’s first instance
funding of Project costs and permanent funding of the local share of federal-aid and
state-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within appropriations therefore that
are not so eligible; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That this project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost
of the Project to the City of Ithaca will be roughly 20% of said portion, currently
estimated at $270,700 of the $1,556,486 authorized for this portion of the project, in
monies and in-kind services as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and
monitored by the City Controller; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State
Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in
connection with the Project; and, it is further
RESOLVED, This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff clarified that this is the last financial authorization for the Rt. 13/
Dey Street project. She noted that when the original quote was provided by the
Railroad, it did not include the asphalt needed to go over the rails so staff is in
negotiations for the portion of the work that still needs to be completed.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding prior authorizations that were approved in
part through the budget process.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
City Controller’s Report:
City Controller Thayer reported on the following:
Budget deliberations are underway – the interactive spreadsheet has been
finalized and is ready for use
Financial reporting is a primary focus for his department right now
2015 Activity
Sales tax collections remain slightly lower than 1% less than 2014 collections
most likely due to lower fuel prices
Overtime - $800,000 was been spent of the $947,000 budget line, and is on pace
to exceed the budget
Building Permit revenue - $909,000 has been collected /$700,000 was budgeted
Parking revenue - $1.7 million has been collected of the $2.1 million budgeted.
The City is seeing more efficiencies & reduction in expenses.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff shared budget process updates, noting that the Ithaca Police
Department presentation has been moved to October 13, 2015. She requested that all
questions and requests for departmental information be sent to her in advance of the
meetings.
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PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 Resolution to Select Artwork for a Mural Installation at Cass Park
By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to,
among other duties, review and advise the Common Council on proposals for the
exhibition and display of public art in the City’s public spaces; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank
walls within the city, while providing local artists from all sections of the community an
opportunity to showcase their work; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works approved several locations for future murals and
street art by resolution on May 19, 2010 and added the exterior of the main building and
the five outbuildings at Cass Park to this list on September 14, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Ramiro Davaro-Comas submitted a proposal for a mural featuring owls,
cats, and zebras to be installed on the large pool filter building at Cass Park, as part of
the PAC’s Mural and Street Art Program; and
WHEREAS, the PAC held a public comment period on the mural design and location at
its meeting on August 26, 2015 to gather input on the proposed installation, and the
majority of the responses to the proposal have been positive; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Parks Commission supports the installation of the
proposed mural in Cass Park; and
WHEREAS, the artist will donate his time and materials to install the mural, and the
installation will be budget-neutral to the City; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting on August 26, 2015, the Public Art Commission voted to
recommend that the Common Council select Ramiro Davaro-Comas’s mural to be
installed at Cass Park; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council selects Ramiro Davaro-Comas’s
mural featuring owls, cats, and zebras, as recommended by the Public Art Commission,
to be installed on the large pool filter building at Cass Park and to be added to the City
of Ithaca’s public art collection; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the selected artist may proceed with the installation of the mural
upon the execution of an agreement with the City as reviewed by the City Attorney.
Carried Unanimously
10.2 Fair Housing Action Plan – Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Program - Resolution
By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Martell
WHEREAS, in the Fall of 2003, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) notified the City that it qualified as an ‘Entitlement Community’ and that it would
be receiving an annual allocation of HUD funds through the Community Development
Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program;
and
WHEREAS, in order to access these funds, the City is required, every five years, to
undertake an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) and develop an
Action Plan to address the impediments identified in that analysis; and
WHEREAS, in June 2014 the Tompkins County Office of Human Rights (OHR) was
retained as a consultant to conduct the City’s AI and did deliver the completed analysis
to the City in May 2015; and
WHEREAS, the AI identifies nine direct and one indirect impediments to Fair Housing
Choice in the City of Ithaca; and
October 7, 2015
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WHEREAS, under the terms of the February 14, 2013, agreement between the City of
Ithaca and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA), the City has designated the IURA
as the Lead Agency to plan, administer, implement, and monitor the HUD Entitlement
grants awarded to the City in accordance with all program requirements; and
WHEREAS, at their June, July, and August 2015 Neighborhood Investment Committee
meetings the members reviewed the AI submitted by OHR, discussed the identified
impediments, and prepared a Draft Action Plan for the consideration of the IURA and
Common Council; and
WHEREAS, at their August 2015 meeting the IURA reviewed the Draft Action Plan and
recommended its adoption; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby adopts the IURA-
recommended Fair Housing Action Plan, dated August 14, 2015.
Alderperson Murtagh stated that the Action Plan is in response to an analysis that was
completed by the Tompkins County Department of Human Rights which highlighted
nine direct impediments and one indirect impediment. The proposed actions are
designed to address those impediments.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
12.1 Resolution to Implement a Temporary Waiting Period for Cayuga Street Bike
Lanes
Alderperson Murtagh noted that Transportation Engineer Tim Logue will be at the
Planning & Economic Development Committee to discuss this project and the process
that was followed, along with a more comprehensive overview of the Bicycle Boulevard
project.
Mayor Myrick stated that the lane striping contractor will come back and complete the
installation of the bike lanes for a nominal fee; however, he has not confirmed when he
would be available to finish the work.
Alderperson Fleming questioned how the work got interrupted. Mayor Myrick explained
that Alderperson Martel brought the issue to the Board of Public Works for discussion;
however, the work had commenced earlier that day. He stated that he asked
Superintendent of Public Works Thorne to ask the contractor to stop work until the BPW
met. He originally thought it would be a one day delay, but it turned out to be longer.
Mayor Myrick stated that Common Council will need to make a decision on how to
proceed as the center lane has already been painted on the road and it is not in the
center of the street due to the accommodation of bike lanes. The lines can be scrubbed
and repainted; however, logistically, it is easier to install the bike lanes as planned than
to reverse course without another round of public input. He stated that he would
support a neighborhood meeting. He further noted that the odd/even parking
regulations will go into effect November 1st and the east side of the street would have a
24-hour parking regulation under new plan, if implemented.
Alderperson McCollister noted that the center lines of the street cost more money to lay
down than the bike lanes.
Alderperson Murtagh questioned when the signage would be installed as there is
confusion over where people should be parking and at times it is creating a dangerous
condition. Mayor Myrick responded that the signs should be installed this week or next.
He further agreed that the City should be doing everything possible to communicate the
new rules to residents.
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Alderperson Fleming stated that as the BPW Liaison she feels bad about the confusion
surrounding this issue. Last spring when the BPW made a decision not to install a
protected bike lane but did approve the installation of a dedicated bike lane. She
explained that the City Clerk sent out a news release to Common Council on March 5th
that requested public input on the project. She further expressed her opinion that
Council should proceed with the plan and make an effort to communicate with the
residents as well as making accommodations for special needs.
Alderperson Martell clarified that there are 8 houses impacted by this project, 6 of those
houses are duplexes which results in 14 impacted households.
Alderperson Kerslick stated that he agrees with the need for signage installation. He
noted that he was confused about timing of the project, spring vs. late fall. He further
questioned how priorities were determined as he’s been waiting for nearly 2 years for
the E. State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street crosswalk striping.
Mayor Myrick clarified that the controversial issue in the spring was whether to install a
protected bike lane vs. painting a dedicated bike lane. It was decided that the dedicated
bike lane installation should wait until Cayuga Street was re-paved.
Alderperson Clairborne questioned how the placement of handicap parking spaces
would impact the bike lanes. Mayor Myrick responded that handicap parking spaces
cannot be installed on the side of the street that is designated as No Parking. Further
discussion followed regarding the fact that Cayuga Street is also designated as a Snow
Emergency Route and the potential parking impacts that could create.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff stated that there was poor communication about how quickly
this change would take effect for residents. She stated that she supports bike lanes and
believes the same result would have been reached; however, communication with
neighborhood should have been a key factor. She further noted that the bike lanes are
not complete and may not help people trying to commute to school and work.
Mayor Myrick echoed the concerns raised about communication and highlighted the
challenges that presents as people are bombarded with information.
Alderperson Smith noted that he identifies with the frustrations being expressed and
stated that he doesn’t believe that moving the bike lanes to another street would alter
the habits of cyclists as everyone looks for the shortest, fastest route.
Alderperson Brock stated that a community meeting would have been coordinated if an
intersection was going to be redesigned, and highlighted a crack in the City’s
communication process. She stated that the City needs to include sidewalks and bike
lanes in transportation change processes, noting that the decisions are not easy when
you are considering the benefits to the community at large vs. the residents who live in
the affected area.
Alderperson Martell stated that she wants the street to be safe for everyone and
questioned whether 2 blocks of bike lanes would achieve that. She questioned whether
it was possible to extend the bike lanes to the high school. Mayor Myrick stated that he
would investigate that option.
Alderperson Murtagh recommended that departmental communication cultures be
modified to include more staff outreach to the affected Common Council members and
staff attendance at committee/Council meetings to explain projects more thoroughly and
answer questions when there is an item on an agenda.
Mayor Myrick stated that he would update Common Council when he hears back from
the contractor and let them know who will be doing the work (contractor vs. DPW) and
when the signage will be installed. Alderperson Mohlenhoff stated that a fact sheet
should be developed with information to share with residents.
The following item was not moved or seconded so therefore not considered:
October 7, 2015
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12.1 Resolution to Implement a Temporary Waiting Period for Cayuga Street Bike
Lanes
WHEREAS the Board of Public Works is authorized by Section 346 4 of the City Code
to adopt and to amend a system of Schedules in order to administer the Vehicle and
Traffic Law and
WHEREAS the Board of Public Works passed a resolution on April 13, 2015 that
consolidated on street parking to the east side of the street in the 500-1000 blocks of
North Cayuga Street and the elimination of all on street parking in the 1100-1200 blocks
of North Cayuga Street in order to install bicycle lanes in the 500-1200 blocks of North
Cayuga Street and
WHEREAS on October 5, 2015 the lines of North Cayuga were striped in such a
manner than eliminated all on street parking in the 1100-1200 blocks of North Cayuga
Street but did not yet install the bike lanes on both sides of the street
WHEREAS it appears that public comment has come primarily from the biking
community and a broader public comment is sought to represent all residents of the City
of Ithaca that will be affected by the loss of parking; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the City of Ithaca Common Council implements a temporary waiting
period on the bike lane installation on North Cayuga Street until after the outcomes of
the October 2015 Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting in order to
allow for some broader public discussion.
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
14.1 Appointment to the Rental Housing Advisory Commission – Resolution
By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff
RESOLVED, That Millicent J. Kastenbaum be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory
Committee to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2017, and, be it further
14.2 Appointment to the Tompkins County Youth Services Board – Resolution
RESOLVED, That Common Council recommends the appointment of Sarah E. Wolff to
the Tompkins County Youth Services Board as a City of Ithaca Representative, and, be
it further
14.3 Appointments to the Community Police Board - Resolution
RESOLVED, That Bruce Beem-Miller be appointed to the Community Police Board to
fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2016, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Nicole LaFave be appointed to the Community Police Board to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2017.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISONS:
TCCOG
Alderperson Clairborne reported on a meeting that TCCOG held with TCAT regarding
municipal concerns and the decisions that TCAT makes regarding service. TCCOG has
been given a seat on the Transit Services Committee.
Discussions are ongoing regarding levels of municipal funding for TCAT.
Disability Advisory Council
Alderperson Brock stated that the DAC recently had a tour of the new intersection
infrastructure that has been installed as part of the Sidewalk Program. She noted that
accessibility and transportation issues are still very challenging for people; however, the
City has taken significant steps to improve. She voiced her appreciation for the work of
Sidewalk Program Manager Eric Hathaway, especially as it relates to accessibility.
Community Advisory Group
Alderperson Brock reported that the Ithaca Falls lead contamination removal project is
complete. She stated that the 3rd year of soil vapor materials testing is underway and
October 7, 2015
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approximately 30 homes have been tested – 20 homes are getting mitigation systems
installed. She encouraged everyone who is eligible for this program to participate.
Board of Public Works
Alderperson Fleming stated that the Board of Public Works was asked to consider a
curb change at E. State/Martin Luther King, Jr Street and Aurora Street to
accommodate the proposed Campus Advantage housing project. The Board of Public
Works opposed the proposal.
A portion of Lake and Adams Streets has been discontinued as part of the 210 Hancock
Street housing project.
The improvements at the Skate Park have been completed and so has the work at the
Seneca Street Parking Garage.
Alderperson Fleming announced that Transportation Engineer Tim Logue will become
the new Director of Engineering upon the retirement of Tom West at the end of
November.
Alderperson Brock asked about the proposed re-direction of traffic in the E. State/Martin
Luther King, Jr Street and Aurora Street area. Alderperson Fleming noted that the
discussion was part of the Truck Safety Plan that is under development and the
proposal is strictly hypothetical at this point.
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
Alderperson McCollister noted that the Chapter House has been demolished.
DEC Clean-up at Ithaca Falls
Alderperson Martell commented on the community meeting and public outreach that
was conducted regarding the vapor contamination at Ithaca Falls. She further noted
that Joe McMahon, Chair of the Natural Areas Committee wrote a very good editorial
piece on the lead contamination clean-up efforts at Ithaca Falls.
Rental Housing Committee
Alderperson Martell stated that the Rental Housing Committee has been working on
amending the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance fine structure.
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Approval of the September 2, 2015 Common Council Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
This item was deferred until the November 4, 2015 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick
City Clerk Mayor