HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-L&G-1996 LAW AND GOVERNANCE MINUTES 2/13)/96
Meeting called to order at 7:35 PM.
Attending: Efroymson, Shenk, Sams, Johnson, Cohen, Geldenhuys.
Excused: Blumenthal
1. Residency requirements for police chief, deputy chief, and other police officers
Deputy Chief Barnes, PBA President Gray, and Community-Police Board Commissioner
Seligman were in attendance. After hearing testimony, it was decided that we would not
require the deputy chief or other police officers (other than the chief) to live in the city. It was
agreed that we should look into incentives to encourage police officers and other city employees
to live in the city.
RESOLVED the chief of police should be required to be a city resident. Passed unanimously.
The city attorney will draft the appropriate language.
2. City-Cornell Working Group
We discussed priorities. David Stewart joined in the discussion. Efroymson reported that he
had not received any priority suggestions from any other Council members or department
heads. Stewart stated that Cornell reps will be V.P.'s Dullea, Craft, and Rogers.
Committee suggested that the group begin looking at the following issues:
Fire department
Bunkers
Increased encouragement
Summer work for bunkers
Include in admission information packets
Tuition assistance
Reasonable access for the general community to libraries
AccesWassistance for youth services
Access to recreational events, programs and facilities
Summer and after school jobs for youth
Assistance for city youth to attend Cornell
Assistance for City Hall departments
Off-campus housing could assist Building Department
data for department
advertise housing, health, parking rules
Economic development initiative cooperation/assistance
Tutors for civil service exam
Financial investment possibilities in the community
Assistance for ICD aides to go back to school
It was also suggested by Stewart that the following items might be relatively easy
to deal with:
Assistance on bicycle plan
Ithaca Falls
Free parking by City personnel for official business
3. Computer Technology. Computer committee chair Doug Foster and Bill Kaupe joined
in discussion. The computer committee will be making a presentation to CC regarding
each department's computer capabilities and its plans for the future. Foster stated that
the committee perceives that its mission is to create a network for increased
communication in order to increase efficiency.
Kaupe was asked to provide the minutes detailing the establishment of his split
responsibilities.
Kaupe has placed the following on the World Wide Web:
CC minutes, city roster, CC member info, schedule for meetings, and has put up the
three ordinances (property maintenance, off-street parking and ). He will attempt to
make it possible to get a running count of the number of people who "visit" the Ithaca
City home page.
4. Resolution re: support for restoration of funding for N.Y.S. Occupational Safety and
Health Training and Education Program (OSHTEP). Passed unanimously.
5. City Code/referendum discussion
Geldenhuys will be researching which laws may require referendum. Some will be clear
cut (eg: Planning Board) Efroymson asked that before laws are assumed to be void,
Common Council and Mayor get together and discuss. Agreed. Efroymson raised issue
that BZA was not cited in recent memo, therefore no chance for discussion. Cohen
stated that this was an oversight. Geldenhuys stated that Board of Elections needs at
least 60 days lead time for referendum to make it on ballot. We should be voting on
possible referendum by June meeting.
6. Solid Waste agreement. There were two issues that we wanted explored: Shenk will
speak with Henry Vaughan re: section 2A(what happens if T.C. sells facility) and
Geldenhuys will speak with County attorney re: section 2C (what is a significant impact,
and who gets to decide). With those two conditions,
RESOLVED that City agrees to proposed compensation program. Passed unanimously.
7. Johnson reported on several County Board issues: Transit consolidation, Statler sales
tax, Sales tax agreement being worked on by Caferillo, T.C. Planning Dept. interested in
working with other municipalities re: land use, and moving forward with Electronic
Futures Committee. Shenk asked how we are involved with $100,000 grant re: Six Mile
Creek. Johnson will explore.
8. Resolution to allow the Intermunicipal Cable Commission to negotiate on behalf of
local municipalities. This would not take away our power to act on our own. Passed
unanimously.
9. City-County quarterly meetings. Efroymson and Cohen will arrange an initial
evening meeting with the City reps on the Board of Reps. Subsequent meeting will be
held at Law and Governance Committee meeting time.
Issues of governmental efficiency and confidentiality were deferred until next meeting.
Community Issues committee will appoint a school board liaison.
Meeting adjourned at
Submitted by Efroymson
Dear Council Members, Mayor, and Department Heads,
The following is a list of issues that have been raised in the past. At Tuesday's Law
and Governance Committee we will be prioritizing the list for the City-Cornell committee.
Please let me know YOUR priorities. Also, please let me know if there are any issues that
you'd like added. Of course, this is by no means your final chance for input. It will be a
continuing process.
John Efroymson
Possible items for discussion with Cornell (not in any particular order)
(updated 1/3/96)
Fire department
Public safety programs
Program to reduce false alarms
Bunkers
Increased encouragement
Summer work for bunkers
Include in admission information packets
Tuition assistance
Enhanced access for the general community
Reasonable access to
Libraries
Athletic facilities
Cultural including bringing speakers/events downtown
Access/assistance for youth services
Access to recreational events, programs and facilities
Expansion of community service program; clearinghouse for interns
Employment issues
Assistance for city youth to attend Cornell
Summer and after school jobs for youth
Assistance for City Hall departments
Computer technology assistance
Training/workshops for staff/boards
Architectural advice for community projects
Free parking by City personnel for official business
Off-campus housing could assist Building Department
data for department
advertise housing, health, parking rules
Economic development initiative cooperation/assistance
Look for additional ways to cooperate with IPD
Assistance on bicycle plan
Ithaca Falls
Tutors for civil service exam
Access to fitness programs
Financial investment possibilities in the community
Involvement with Collegetown Neighborhood Council
Continuation of reviewing transient merchant issues
Discuss off--care housing vs. on-campus housing
Help attracting and retaining downtown businesses (establish Cornell "presence" downtown)
Law and Governance Minutes 3/12/96
Meeting called to order at 7: 35 PM.
Attending: Efroymson, Shenk, Johnson, Cohen, Blumenthal
Also in attendance: Geldenhuys, Marcham, Gray,
Absent: Sams
1. Public Comment
Introduction of Angela Chen as an intern
2 . Minutes : Blumenthal called for correction of minutes:
City Cornell Working Group - "not received any" to "received very few"
Addendum to Agenda: 11 . 6-Mile Creek 12 . Memo of understanding regarding
tax sales. Unanimous approval of minutes from 2/13/96
3. Cornell Relations
David Stewart, Director of Community Relations from Cornell University. No
meetings on zoning so far. Common Council passed resolution okaying aerial
photography for parking study.
Stewart presented the Committee with handouts listing some outreach
programs for youth and also information on community reports from the past
five years . Shenk asked for samples of Cornell Outreach programs and
suggested that Cindy be included in task force meetings. Library access
issue was briefly discussed.
4. Deputy Department Head Salaries
Shenk will gather more information regarding rates of pay raises and the
current salaries of the all deputy department heads, as well as the next
top five people. Johnson wanted to look at the residency requirements in
Ithaca as well as requirements of other municipalities (Glen Falls,
Kingston) . Shenk explained that residency requirements acted as incentives
for occupying the deputy chief' s office in a municipality. Committee also
recommended looking at entry level salaries and over-time pay. NYCOM
suggested as a source of information.
5. Code and Referendum
Geldenhuys reported that nothing definitive can be added so far to the
memorandum. Efroymson brought up question of whether issues should be
packaged or separate on the referendum. Marcham added that the Mayor's
powers must be taken into consideration.
6. Governmental Operations
Efroymson commented that the Council heads have not been active enough
partners with the Mayor and vice versa on the issue of government being
friendlier to the public. Efroymson also discussed a need for improved
intra-committee communication and communication with non-committee members.
--Cohen reported that, starting the next Common Council meeting, he will
compile a brief monthly work and progress report on current committee
issues, as an experiment to enhance communication between the Mayor and the
committees .
--Cohen also suggested setting goals for department heads in the Fall of
1996 and evaluating them in 1997; eventually he hopes the evaluation
process will lead to better government accountability.
--Cohen reported that he discussed with the County Clerks office their need
for more friendly treatment of customers.
--Cohen is looking into a systemwide inquiry/complaint tracking software,
which is a record of phone calls regarding complaints, suggestions and
inquiries the public makes . For example, the information would contain:
who is making the inquiry, the age of the inquirer, what the inquiry is
about, and the political district the inquiry comes from. As a result, a
list of inquiries/complaints could be generated, by ward, to make Council
more responsive to its constituents. Information is entered in the
database as the call is being handled and the department heads can manage
the information. Cohen has talked to department heads and he will talk to
people who answer the phone calls about the software. Cohen will report on
the cost of the user friendly software next meeting.
--Computers and technology - Cohen encouraged members of Council to attend
the Ithaca Net conference. Cohen will work to reduce service redundancy by
going over roles of each employee. He also wants to create a map or order
of action to eliminate the cost of redoing mistakes.
--Cohen is exploring the possibility of combining the fire and building
departments in order to provide for code enforcement in tandem with the
regular duties of fire fighting. The issue of membership in the fire
department union also came up.
--Cohen discussed the possibility of central voice mail system for the city
to direct calls more quickly.
Blumenthal discussed the property maintenance law and methods of getting
information to the public, via tax bills or water bills . Efroymson
cautioned that awareness is needed when telling the public what the
specific laws are - truncation of the information can be detrimental.
Blumenthal will try to reach college students in addition to regular
property owners.
Efroymson brought up the issue of a timetable for agendas/minutes. Shenk
and Blumenthal pointed out that a schedule already exists for the agenda
for a few committees. Shenk believed it impossible to create minutes in
less than a week, according to a strict schedule. No changes made to
schedule of minutes for now.
7 . Confidentiality
Geldenhuys stated the need to disseminate information, perhaps through
e-mail, to Council members when there is pending litigation and before
contacts are made with individual members to discuss the merits of a case.
Geldenhuys and Cohen will talk more about the subject of confidentiality in
the next meeting.
8 . City/County Issues
Efroymson announced a meeting dealing solely with City/County relations on
March 28th, 7 : 30 PM, Old Jail House. County board reps and City board reps
would be present. Johnson reported that the planning process was moving
along in the Human Service Building Construction Committee. Johnson will
keep the Committee posted on the efforts to shore up the Six Mile Creek
bank.
9. Status of liaison with School District. No report.
10. Cable Commission Issue
Geldenhuys reported that the meeting to look at the model franchise was
postponed.
--Cohen quickly described the plans for a skate board park in Cass Park,
but an asphalt surface is needed.
11. Youth Bureau Outings to Six Mile Creek - need to change city codes
In years past, the Board of Public Works restricted activities that took
place in the gorge and recommended the restrictions to the Council. The
Youth Bureau supervises activities such as rock climbing and repelling in
the gorge. Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee made a recommendation to the
Board to allow certain activities to take place at certain times through a
change in the code. Ithaca Agency knows of the activities, but before the
Council votes on the resolution, there will be a verification that there
won't be a substantial increase in insurance premiums. The Board of Public
Works passed a resolution supporting a change in the City Code.
Resolved that the City Code be amended to allow the Board of Public Works
to grant specific revocable exceptions to any of the prohibitions regarding
the use of Six Mile Creek upon consultation with the Six Mile Creek
Advisory Committee and a finding of special circumstances. Passed
unanimously.
12 . City/County Regarding Unpaid Taxes
Version 1 and Version 2. Tax foreclosure done by Counties in the past, but
there was the problem of outstanding City taxes as well as outstanding
school taxes. County agreed that the City' s tax lean would not be wiped
out by the foreclosure.
V. 1 proportionate sharing of taxes between County and City, City lean wiped
out - original agreement
V.2 City's tax lean not wiped out, buyer subject to City lean - applied to
sales occurring that following week to see if the version is feasible
(interim agreement)
Geldenhuys will find out the figures on how often foreclosure of property
occurs and the geographic area of the City.
Downside to Version 1 : City is likely to collect less than it's owed if
property is sold for less than total outstanding tax liability County
obligated to share proceeds with the City, everyone gets the same share.
Downside to Version 2: County may lose out more than in Version 1 when
taxes are collected.
Other alternative agreements that may come up will be brought to the
Committee by Geldenhuys.
Meeting adjourned at 10: 10 PM.
Submitted by Angela Chen.
LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
December 10, 1996 MEETING
1. City/County icsnPs: The working group met re: the book stores . The City
requested that Cornell discounts not be lower than local stores can
offer.
Efroymson suggested that a member of the CAC be appointed as City
liaison to the Cornell incineration group.
Ithaca Falls management is still under discussion by BPW.
Shenk asked for list of City/Cornell issues and where they stand.
There will be a fly-over during break for Cornell parking study.
2 . Cab1P franchise pr_ocass: Discussion centered around two issues: 1 .
Possible collaboration with other municipalities and the county in the
renewal/consultant hiring and 2 . Staffing for refranchise process .
Efroymson and Gray will meet with Mariette and Thys to secure staff
support .
3 . Shopping carts : Thorpe, Sams, and Efroymson will meet and explore
possible proposals .
4 . Emergency funding process for Arts Agencies: CAP has agreed to be
initial screener for arts agencies . Resolution will be written by
Efroymson. Criteria will be established.
5 . Sidewalks: Committee unanimously decided to continue to explore the
possibility of City taking back Ownership and maintenance of city
sidewalks .
6 . Establishment of Community/Drug Task Force: Committee voted unanimously
to send issue to Community Issues Committee for discussion at its
January meeting. They will develop a mission statement and possible
stakeholders.
7 . City hiring procedures: Efroymson wants to develop procedure for hiring
city residents as city workers . Shenk asked what percentage of city
applicants don't get hired? Are residents applying for jobs?
Efroymson and Sams will work with Valerie to flesh out issues.
8 . Tompkins County itsuPR: Johnson reported that County and City were
looking at possible collaboration in personnel departments.
Submitted by Efroymson
L&G Agenda item October CC
Resolution
Health and Human Services Emergency Funding Requests
Whereas, health and human service agencies have approached and
continue to approach Common Council with mid-year emergency
funding requests, and
Whereas, Common Council ' s capability to meet all requests is not
possible, and its use of taxpayer funds for these purposes needs
to be planned rather than responded to on a case-by-case basis,
and
Whereas, the Human Services Coalition has agreed to review such
requests and help the agencies substantiate the appropriate
documentation, now therefore be it
Resolved that any mid -year health and human service funding
requests first be presented to the Human Services Coalition for a
mini-review to evaluate the appropriateness and need for such
funding before it will be considered by Common Council .
CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY PLANTING PROGRAM
APPLICATION
Description of program
The purpose of this program is to encourage and assist Ithaca City
individuals and neighborhood groups ( formal and informal ) in their efforts
to beautify public spaces in the community .
When individuals or groups identify a specific planting project , they
should fill out the accompanying form, and then call the City Forester at
272-1718 to set up an appointment to get approval for the project .
Reimbursements shall not exceed $75 . 00 . Applicants are certainly welcome
to contribute their own funds to supplement this amount .
Once the forester has given approval, the individual or group purchases the
needed supplies , does the planting, and sends back the completed form and
receipts to the Forester 's office at City Hall for reimbursement . Within a
few weeks you will receive a check from the City . It is hoped that the
initiators of the project will plan for its on-going maintenance. This is
an experimental program.
Examples of possible projects :
-An individual wants to plant perennials in the park across the street .
-A neighborhood group wants to plant a few shrubs along side their creek.
-A scout troop wants to do some planting at Stewart Park.
Please do not ask for funds for plantings such as annuals which must be re-
planted each year .
If you have any questions about this system, or are uncertain if your
particular project qualifies , call the City Forester at 272-1718 .
This is an pilot program . If you have any suggestions on ways to improve
the program or this form, please send them to :
The Board of Public Works
City Hall
108 E . Green St .
Ithaca, NY 14850
Thank you .
Common Council- Request to Release Funds for Planting Program
By Alderperson Efroymson
Whereas , Common Council placed $1 , 000 in the 1994 Restricted Contingency
Account to fund the establishment and implementation of a community
planting program , and
Whereas, the community planting program has been established by Common
Council and approved , in concept, by the Board of Public Works and the City
Forester to assist in the beautification of the City, and
Whereas , the established planting program would allow city residents to
plant in public spaces and receive reimbursement (up to $75) for related
costs : now, therefore, be it
Resolved , That $1 ,000 be transferred for Account A1990 Restricted
Contingency to Account A7111-485 Parks and Forestry, trees and shrubs
account to fund said community planting program .
5/3/94 DRAFT
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
•
Tuesday, February 13, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Residency issue
A. the police chief and deputy chief
Should we require the chief and also the deputy chief to live in the city?
B.. the rest of the force
Should new hires police officers be required to live in the city? For how long?
What about promotions?
What are the goals and what are the pluses and minuses of such requirements?
Can we accomplish our goals without a residency requirement?
4. Cornell relations
-prioritizing issues for City/Cornell group (Committee: Bring prioritized attachment.)
-update re: zoning
5. Discussion with City Attorney regarding code and referendum
6. Computer technology--discussion with Doug Foster re: computer committee
-how to stay current with staffs needs and be relevant in policy making
-update re: deputy clerk's office and computer assistance
-city info on world-wide-web?
7. Governmental efficiency: What can be Council's role in this process?
-report by mayor re: initial ideas
8. Discussion re: confidentiality
9. City/County issues
-status of solid waste facility agreement
neighborhood protection agreement, PILOT
-dates for quarterly(?) Counci]/Bd. of Reps meetings
-report from liaisons Johnson, Sams, Marcham
10. Liaison with school district
11. Cable commission issues
Next meeting: Tuesday, March 12.
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
Attachment: Cornell-City issues sheet
cc: Common Council PBA David Stewart, Cornell
Mayor Doug Foster, chair of computer committee Ithaca media
City Attorney Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
Department heads Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, March 12, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Residency for deputy department heads (requested by Shenk)
4. Cornell relations
5. Discussion with City Attorney regarding code and referendum
6. Governmental operations: What should be Council's role in this process?
-report by mayor re: initial ideas
-discussion of committee agendas/minutes timetable (Efroymson)
7. Discussion re: confidentiality
8. City/County issues
-report from liaison Johnson
9. Status of liaison with school district (report from Sams)
10. Cable commission issues (report from Gray)
Next meeting: Tuesday, Appril 9? Discuss issue of agenda being ready so quickly after CC.
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
cc: Common Council
Mayor
City Attorney
Department heads
Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
David Stewart, Cornell
Ithaca media
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, April 9, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Approval of minutes
4. Cornell relations
5. Possible changes in Code (btEitRIC&i attendance, see attachment)
6. Establishing "Agents for Service" ltromt attachment)
7. Memorandum re: City/County property sold for taxes (review document)
8. Report from City Attorney regarding City Code issue
9. Discussion re: confidentiality (Geldenhuys and Cohen)
10. Designation of Emergency Operations Center (Request from Fire Department)
11. Governmental operations (continued)
12. City/County issues (report from liaison Johnson)
13. Status of liaison with school district (report from Sams)
14. Cable commission issues (if any)
Next meeting: Tuesday, May 14.
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
cc: Common Council
Mayor
City Attorney
Department heads
Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
David Stewart, Cornell
Ithaca media
LAW AND GOVERNANCE MINUTES 4/ 9/ 96
Meeting called to order at 7 : 40 PM.
Attending:Efroymson, Sams, Johnson, Blumenthal, Geldenhuys, Marcham,
Mayor Cohen
Excused: Shenk
(Topic numbers relate to that month' s agenda item numeration. )
1 . Approval of Agenda with three amendments
-Cindy Kramer
-City clerk (not County clerk) pg. 2
-"Cohen" changed to "the Mayor"
2 . Public Comment
-none
3 . Cornell Relations
Dave Stewart from Cornell University stated that the zoning committee had
not met so far and a second aerial study is still had to take place. No
progress on the City Committee.
Efroymson asked Stewart to work out an arrangement for free parking for
City personnel on the Cornell Campus .
Lois Chapman, head of bicycle program on Campus, identified by Stewart as
a contact person.
Stewart reminded the Committee of Good Neighbor Clean-up Day on April
27th.
5. Possible Changes in Code
Changes in City Code were considered in order to alleviate potential
problems for people finding a place to live or for home owners. Peter
Dieterich, Deputy Building Commissioner, proposed the following changes
in his memo on 4/5/96:
Section 210-5 Definition of family - issue will be further explored in
the next Committee meeting
Section 210-8 A Maximum occupancy - issue will be further explored in
next Committee meeting
Section 210-10 A(1) -- passed unanimously for Council to review
Section 210-10 A (2) (3) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-10 B (1) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-10 C (3) (4) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-10 D (2) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-12 A -- passed unanimously
Section 210-12 B (6) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-19 C -- issue will be further explored in by Efroymson and
the Fire chief
Section 210-25 A (1) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-25 A (2) -- passed unanimously
Section 210-40 B Locks -- this proposal for a code change was denied
Section 210-44 Dwelling unit information form -- issue will be further
explored by Efroymson and Eckstrom
10 . Designation of Emergency Operations Center
Fire Chief Wilbur proposed to have the Emergency Operations Center moved
out of City Hall and located at the Central Fire Station, unless the
Mayor declares otherwise. Other issues related to that relocation will
be dealt with in the B&A Committee.
7 . City/County Property Sold for Taxes
Geldenhuys reported that one of the two foreclosed properties was on the
verge of being sold and when that sale occurs, she will tell the
Committee next month if Version 2 is a viable proposal . The Committee
voted to move Version 2 for discussion at the COW. Geldenhuys will
collect information on foreclosure sales in other municipalities .
8 . City Code Issue
Geldenhuys reported some progress on this issue and that research is
still continuing. She also said that all the appropriate information
will be ready by the June Committee meeting.
11 . Governmental Operations
Mayor Cohen reported that he will wait for Council ' s budget prioritizing
meeting.
Efroymson asked that City Hall employees answer phone calls by stating
their name and title.
12 . City/County Issues
Johnson proposed the adoption of the resolution to increase CHIP' s
funding level . Johnson also stated that he will probably discuss the
resolution with Assemblyman Luster and State Senator Seward. The
resolution was unanimously passed.
Resolved, that the City of Ithaca hereby urges the State Legislature and
Governor Pataki to enact, during the upcoming 1996 session of the
Legislature, multi-year enhanced CHIP' s funding at a level of not less
than $1 billion per year.
13 . Status of Liaison with School District
Sams reported that 2 principals and 3 central office people have left, or
will leave, the school district . The City has the highest number of
problems and highest dropout rate.
Some of the school district's funding will be cut, which went toward
programs for children at risk. Also, two million dollars of grant money
for the school district is in jeopardy.
School board elections will occur on May 7th. This year' s elections is a
crucial one for the school district in terms of whether or not some
offices, like affirmative action, will be dismantled.
Three nights have been set up for community forums to screen the
candidates for a new superintendent: May 6, 13, 15 at Ithaca High School
at 7 PM.
Meeting was adjourned at 9: 32 PM.
Minutes submitted by Angela Chen.
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, May 14, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Approval of minutes
4. Cornell relations
5. Changes in Building Code (Eckstrom in attendance, bring CC May resolution)
6. Establishing "Agents for Service" (Eckstrom attachment)
7. Cable commission request to move forward with RFP for franchise renewal process
8. Report from City Attorney regarding City Code issue
9. Establishing formal liaison with Ithaca Housing Authority
10. Governmental operations (continued)
11. Decreaing City speed limit (discussion)
12. City/County issues (report from liaison Johnson)
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 11.
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
cc: Common Council
Mayor
City Attorney
Department heads
Leslie Chatterton
Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
David Stewart, Cornell
Ithaca media
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, June 11, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Approval of minutes
4. Cornell relations
5. Establishing "Agents for Service" (Eckstrom attachment)
6. Building Code discussion regarding railing requirement (section omitted at CC, 6/5/96)
7. Discussion re: graffitti
8. Report from City Attorney regarding City Code issue
9. Status of establishing formal liaison with Ithaca Housing Authority
10. Decreasing City speed limit (discussion)
11. Status of TC SW Center PILOT agreement
12. City/County issues (report from liaison Johnson)
Next meeting: Tuesday, July 9
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
cc: Common Council
Mayor
City Attorney
Department heads
Leslie Chatterton
Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
David Stewart, Cornell
Ithaca media
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, July 9, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Approval of minutes
4. Cornell relations
5. Establishing "Agents for Service" (Eckstrom attachment from June meeting)
6. City Code/Referendum (BRING AITORNEY"S NOTEBOOK!!)
7. Discussion re: graffiti/ shopping carts
8. Status of establishing formal liaison with Ithaca Housing Authority
9. City/County issues (report from liaison Johnson)
10. Agenda items in waiting
DPW resolution re: city paying for Esty Street sidewalk installation
Smoke detector ordinance
Sidewalk repair ordinance
Establishing process for emergency funding of non-profits
Two voting meetings per month?
Staffing/funding for boards and commissions
Solicitation of bids/proposals
Next meeting: Tuesday, August 13
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
cc: Common Council
Mayor
City Attorney
Department heads
Leslie Chatterton
Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
David Stewart, Cornell
Ithaca media
Law and Governance Committee Agenda
Tuesday, August 13, 1996, 7:30 PM
Common Council Chambers
1. Approval of agenda
2. Public comment
3. Approval of minutes
4. Cornell relations
-Book Store
-Schedule of negotiations
5. City code/referendum (continued)
6. Discussion re: graffiti/ shopping carts
7. Status of liaisons
8. Sidewalks
-Esty Street resolution
-discussion of City/private ownership
9. C.O.W. agenda process
-deadline for submissions
-materials to be included
-presentations
10. Tracking capital projects
11. City/County issues (report from liaison Johnson)
Agenda items in waiting
Establishing process for emergency funding of non-profits
Two voting meetings per month?
Staffing/funding for boards and commissions
Solicitation of bids/proposals
Next meeting: Tuesday, September 10
For more information contact John Efroymson, chairperson, at 272-1034.
cc: Common Council Leslie Chatterton Ithaca media
Mayor Bev Livesay, Board of Reps
City Attorney Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
Department heads David Stewart, Cornell
DRAFT
Law and Governance Committee Minutes July 9, 1996
Mtg.was called to order at 7:40PM
Attending: Efroymson, Shenk, Johnson, Sams, Blumenthal
Also in attendance: Geldenhuys, Wolan(legal intern), Mayor Cohen, Gray, Mackesey
1. Agenda revision:
Postpone discussion of following items of July 9, 1996 agenda:
5, 7, 8, 9, & 10 with the exception of Smoke Detector Ordinance
2. Public Comment:
No one addressed the committee
3. Approval of minutes:
May and June minutes to be approved at August 13 mtg.
4. Cornell relations:
• David Stewart, Cornell University's Director of Community Relations, discussion (augmented by
Marcham and Johnson) included the following:
• a summary of the University community service efforts
• University concern about future maintenance of Ithaca Falls (proposed substitute park land)
• University Ave. engineering study
• Relocation of polling places
• Partying- Linden Ave. & in Cascadilla Gorge
• Resurrection of the Collegetown Neighborhood Council
• Summer College: 400-500 students in 1995 (about 1/2 of the 25 Tompkins County residents were
minorities)
• Representatives from Cornell,the Mayor and County Board of Representatives attended a June
13th economic development mtg. at Penn State
5. Heat/Smoke Detector Compliance:
Extend compliance date to June 1, 1997 (Due to few professional installers and large# of installations)
Moved by Shenk, seconded by Sams 8 yes
6. City Code Referendum:
City Attorney M. Geldenhuys reviewed the historical background of Home Rule and New York State Law
as they relate to our current code. Committee members were provided with a notebook of cumulative
charter changes compiled by C. Wolan. City Attorney Geldenhuys advised that if Council wished these
changes to be valid they must be submitted to the voters for a referendum vote by city residents. A time
line was specified so that changes could be placed on the upcoming fall ballot. The following charter
changes were discussed and the following votes taken:
A. BZA appointments:
Johnson moved, Shenk seconded. 7 Yes 1 No (Marcham)
B. Planning Board Appointments:
Johnson moved, Shenk seconded. 7 Yes 1 No (Marcham)
Blumenthal and Johnson discussed having Common Council member function only as a liaison not a
voting member
C. Police Board Appointments:
Shenk moved, Johnson seconded. 8 yes
D. Majority Vote:
Shenk moved, Blumenthal seconded.
Committee members decided to wait for more information before taking action on this.
El. Search Committee:
(Not clear on committee action)
E2. Removal Procedures:
(Not clear on committee action)
F. City Wards:
8 yes
G. BPW under direction of Common Council
Committee members decided that we needed additional information before taking action.
H1. BPW terms
Shenk moved, Blumenthal seconded. 7 yes
City Attorney will research to find out what happens if we don't act on this.
H2. CAC:
Shenk moved, Blumenthal seconded. 7 yes
I. BPW appointments:
Shenk moved, Sams seconded. 7 yes
J. Special Mtgs.:
Need more information before taking action
L. Term"Alderpersons"used in the Charter
City Attorney Geldenhuys will provide additional information.
Submitted by John Johnson, Common Council.
LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA
Tuesday, September 10, 1996
1. Approval of agenda
2 . Public Comment
3 . Approval of Minutes
4 . Cornell Relations
5. Report - Cable Commissioner Gitlin re: Washington, D.C.
conference
6. Emergency Funding Process
7 . Referendum - Special Election or Veto Override
8. City/County Issues
Next meeting: Tuesday, October 8
For more information contact John Efroymson, Chairperson, 272-1034
cc: Common Council Leslie Chatterton
Mayor Mike Lane, Board of Reps
City Attorney Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
Department Heads David Stewart, Cornell
Ithaca Media
LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA
Tuesday, October 8, 1996
1 . Approval of agenda
2 . Public comment
3 . Cornell relations
4 . Emergency funding process for Community Service Agencies
5 . Referendum publicity
6 . Cable Commission direction for access center, discussion
7 . Status of Boards and Commissions memberships
8 . Sidewalks
9 . Shopping Carts
10 . Staffing/funding for Boards and Commissions
11 . City/County issues
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 12? (Budget month)
Additional referendum items
For more information contact John Efroymson, Chairperson, 272-1034
cc: Common Council Mike Lane, Board of Reps
Mayor Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
City Attorney David Stewart, Cornell
Department Heads Ithaca Media
LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA
Tuesday, December 10, 1996
1 . Approval of agenda
2 . Public comment
3 . Cable franchise process
4 . Emergency funding process for Arts Agencies
5 . Possible establishment of Community/Drug Task Force
6 . City hiring procedures
7 . Shopping carts
8 . Sidewalks
9 . City/County issues
10 . Report from City/Cornell working group
Next meeting: Tuesday, January 14? (The Tuesday after CC)
Referendum items
For more information contact John Efroymson, Chairperson, 272-1034
cc: Common Council Mike Lane, Board of Reps
Mayor Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
City Attorney David Stewart, Cornell
Department Heads Ithaca Media
LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AGENDA
Tuesday, January 14, 1997
1 . Approval of agenda
2 . Public comment
3 . Report from City/Cornell working group
4 . City hiring procedures
5 . Shopping carts
6 . Referendum items
7 . Acting mayor voting issue
8 . Cable franchise process: establish client committee
9 . City/County issues
Next meeting: ?
For more information contact John Efroymson, Chairperson, 272-1034
cc: Common Council Mike Lane, Board of Reps
Mayor Cathy Valentino, Town Supervisor
City Attorney David Stewart, Cornell
Department Heads Ithaca Media