HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2016-04-20CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. April 20, 2016
PRESENT:
Alderperson Fleming – Chair
Alderpersons (3): Gearhart, McGonigal, Smith
Mayor – Myrick
EXCUSED:
Alderpersons (1): Mohlenhoff
OTHERS PRESENT:
GIAC Director – McBean-Clairborne
Youth Bureau Director – Vance
City Attorney – Lavine
Chief of Staff Elect – Cogan
Fire Chief – Parsons
Superintendent of Public Works – Thorne
HR Director – Michell-Nunn
Deputy Controller – Andrew
IURA Director – Bohn
Alderpersons (2): Martell, Murtagh
1. Call to Order
1.1 Agenda Review
1.2 Review/Approval of Minutes: Alderperson McGonigal made a motion to approve the minutes from the
February 17, 2016 meeting of the City Administration Committee. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart.
Motion carried unanimously.
1.3 Statements from the Public
Dan Hoffman, City resident and Natural Area Commission member, spoke about the problem with and
against the recommendations for 401 Lake Street. Mr. Hoffman encouraged the Committee to go with
the recommendations from the Planning, Building & Economic Development Committee and to put this
property on the tax rolls. Mr. Hoffman stated that the public is not aware of the proposed resolution and
should be allowed to weigh in on the decision.
Ashley Miller, City resident, spoke against the proposed resolution for 401 Lake Street. Ms. Miller
stated that the 401 Lake Street parcel should be protected and suggested that the City hold a public
hearing to allow residents to weigh in on the decision.
1.4 Statements from Employees. None.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 2
1.5 Council Response
Alderperson McGonigal stated that 401 Lake Street is such a small parcel that it could not be developed
in any other way. Mr. McGonigal mentioned that there are two resolutions offering different choices
going before two Committees of Common Council; which is making the decision complicated.
2. Consent Agenda
2.1 GIAC – Amendment to Roster
Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) has proposed to add two (2) full time (35-
hours each) GIAC Program Leaders to the roster, and
WHEREAS, these positions will provide opportunities for internal promotion for qualifying GIAC
Program Assistants, and
WHEREAS, the work performed by these positions will support GIAC programming effectively, and
WHEREAS, GIAC’s 2016 budget as approved includes funding for these positions, and
WHEREAS, no additional funds are being requested for these positions; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of GIAC shall be amended as follows:
Add – Two (2) GIAC Program Leader Positions (35-hours each)
and be it further,
RESOLVED, That while the additional positions are filled via promotion, the 2 GIAC Program
Assistant positions shall remain vacant, and be it further
RESOLVED, That said roster amendment will be made within the existing funds of the 2016 authorized
GIAC budget.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
2.2 YB – Amendment to 2016 Budget
Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has requested to amend the 2016 budget due to the award of a
Tompkins County Tourism grant, and
WHEREAS, the money received from this grant will be used to purchase equipment for Ithaca Bike
Rental as proposed in the grant, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 3
WHEREAS, this amendment requires no additional funds from the City; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2016 Youth Bureau Budget as follows:
Increase expenses:
A7310-5460-1203 $5,000
Increase revenues
A7310-2070-1203 $5,000
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
2.3 IFD – Purchase of Vehicle
Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Police is a unit of the Ithaca Fire Department comprised of members of
Neriton Fire Company No. 9, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Police Unit responds to emergencies requiring traffic and crowd control,
and
WHEREAS, the work of the Fire Police involves the use of barricades, flares, portable traffic control
signs, scene lighting, and traffic cones, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department does not have a vehicle to permanently store and made
available for use for carrying traffic control equipment, and
WHEREAS, the members of the Fire Police Unit currently use their personal vehicles to transport traffic
control equipment to emergency incidents, and
WHEREAS, Neriton Fire Company No. 9 has offered to fund the purchase of a vehicle, up to twenty
thousand dollars ($20,000), and
WHEREAS, Neriton Fire Company No. 9 has offered to provide funding for retrofitting, and major
repairs of the Fire Police vehicle, and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has recommended that the Fire Police Vehicle be owned by the City of
Ithaca for it to be eligible for insurance and registration under the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the Fire Police Vehicle, when not in use, will be parked or stored on City owned property,
and
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief supports the request of Neriton Fire Company No. 9 to purchase a vehicle
for the Fire Police Unit; now, therefore be it
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 4
RESOLVED, The Common Council of the City of Ithaca approves the acceptance of funds from Neriton
Fire Company No. 9 for the purchase of a vehicle for the Fire Police Unit, and, be it further
RESOLVED, The funds provided by Neriton Fire Company No. 9 for the purchase of a Fire Police
Vehicle shall be transferred to Account A3410-5215-12200, and, be it further
RESOLVED, The funds provided by Neriton Fire Company No. 9 for retrofitting, and major repairs to
the Fire Police Vehicle shall be transferred to Account A3410-5476-12250; and, be it further
RESOLVED, The cost of registration, insurance, fuel and routine maintenance will be paid for out of
existing Fire Department funding; and, be it further
RESOLVED, The Common Council authorizes the purchase of a Fire Police Vehicle at a cost not to
exceed funds provided by Neriton Fire Company No. 9; and, be it further
RESOLVED, The Common Council authorizes the retrofitting and major repairs of the Fire Police
Vehicle not to exceed funding provided by Neriton Fire Company No. 9.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
3. City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
3.1 Restructure of Boards & Committees
Moved by Alderperson Smith. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart.
WHEREAS, in 2011, the City of Ithaca contracted with an outside consulting firm to evaluate the city’s
organizational structure as it relates to performance measurement and efficiencies, resulting in what we
now call “The Novak Report”, and
WHEREAS, based on the Novak Report, the Common Council identified as a priority the task of
performing a comprehensive analysis of the City’s approximately 30 boards and committees, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council now desires to complete that analysis and consider recommendations
for restructuring of many of the City’s boards and committees (which shall, for purposes of this
resolution, include commissions, councils other than the Common Council, and groups), though
generally not the City’s quasi-judicial boards and committees; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That a Boards and Committees Restructuring Working Group (“BCRWG”) shall be
formed to gather input from existing boards and committees, and the public, on possible models for
restructuring, and to propose to the City Administration Committee a realigned structure for the City’s
boards and committees that supports the following goals:
1. To create a structure in which volunteers and citizens effectively engage in order to drive
change and address changing needs.
2. To make effective use of volunteer time and energy.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 5
3. To create a structure in which volunteer committees can bring new ideas and initiatives
forward to Council for adoption in an easy and consistent manner. To also create a
structure in which Council and/or the Mayor can assign an emerging issue to a committee
for research, public input, and analysis.
4. To define clearer relationships between City committees and Council.
5. To better utilize staff resources in order to most effectively empower the committees.
6. To be even more responsive to the needs of our community.
7. To make recruitment of new board members easier.
8. To create a structure that is fluid enough to be both proactive and reactive depending on
the situation or issue.
9. To provide citizens better visibility and access into government and how to create
change.
and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Mayor shall select, recruit, and appoint seven members of the BCRWG as
follows, who shall additionally be advised by the City Attorney:
Two present or former board or committee members
Two members of the Common Council
Two City staff with familiarity with the City’s board and committee structure
The Chief of Staff; and be it further,
RESOLVED, That a member of the BCRWG shall provide progress updates to the City Administration
Committee at most meetings of the City Administration Committee.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4. Finance, Budget and Appropriations
4.1 IURA – Natural Area Commission Recommendations for 401 Lake Street
Moved by Alderperson McGonigal. Seconded by Alderperson Smith.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca acquired property located at 401 Lake Street (tax parcel #12.-1-2) and
vacant tax parcel #12.-1-1 through tax foreclosure proceedings in 2015, and
WHEREAS, the 401 Lake Street property contains a vacant, boarded-up 840 square foot single family
dwelling located immediately adjacent to Fall Creek, and
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2015, the Common Council took action to:
retain ownership of the 401 Lake Street and tax parcel #12.-1-1;
direct staff to consider rezoning 401 Lake Street and tax parcel #12.-1-1 from R-3b to a P-1
zoning district designation
designate tax parcel #12.-1-1 for inclusion in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area; and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 6
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2015, a decision whether to retain 401 Lake Street for public use and designate
it for inclusion in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area was postponed pending review by the Natural Areas
Commission (NAC), and
WHEREAS, the NAC recommends the following actions:
1. Retain 401 Lake Street for public use and designate it for inclusion in the Ithaca Falls Natural
Area;
2. Rezone 401 Lake Street and the adjacent tax parcel #12.-1-1 from R-3b to P-1;
3. Demolish and remove the vacant house at 401 Lake Street;
4. Undertake a management plan for the Ithaca Falls Natural Area; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca comprehensive plan, Plan Ithaca, recommends that land use decisions be
made in accordance with the Future Land Use Map, which designates both parcels in an
Environmentally Sensitive land use category, and
WHEREAS, Plan Ithaca also includes a goal that “[g]orges throughout the city will be protected to
ensure their continuation as critical natural assets for current and future use”, and
WWHEREAS, the Planning and Economic Development Committee considered NAC recommendations
regarding zoning and natural area designation, and
WHEREAS, asbestos investigation, abatement and demolition of the structure at 401 Lake Street is
projected to cost approximately $25,000, and
WHEREAS, the City has not yet fulfilled its obligation to develop and adopt a management plan for the
Fall Creek Recreational River corridor, as required by the New York State Department of Conservation
(NYSDEC), and
WHEREAS, fencing restricting public access to portions of the Ithaca Falls Natural Area for the past 10
years may be removed upon a NYSDEC determination that the recently completed environmental
investigation and remediation of the city-owned Ithaca Falls Overlook site has been satisfactorily
accomplished, and
WHEREAS, development of management plans for municipally-owned recreational and natural areas
are eligible for matching reimbursement grants through the Environmental Protection Fund Municipal
Grant program, and
WHEREAS, Under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQRO), the NAC
recommendations are classified as follows:
Type I (due to proximity to Fall Creek) - Designation of city-owned parcels into the Ithaca Falls
Natural Area
Type I - Rezoning to P-1
Type I (due to proximity to Fall Creek) - Demolition of structure at 401 Lake Street
Type II - Development of management plans, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 7
WHEREAS, the proposed actions under consideration by the CAC are demolition of the structure at 401
Lake Street and submission of a grant application to develop management plans, which are classified
under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQRO)as a Type I action and an Exempt
action, respectively, and
WHEREAS, environmental review has been completed for the proposed actions, and
WHEREAS, City staff has estimated demolition costs for the Lake Street structure to be $25,000, and
WHEREAS, we can use a portion of the proceeds from the upcoming sale of City land for the Canopy
Hotel to support the demolition expense related to Lake Street and avoid borrowing for this expense;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby establishes Capital Project #829,
Demolition of Vacant Structures in an amount not to exceed $25,000 for the purpose of demolishing and
removing the vacant structure at 401 Lake Street, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the $25,000 in needed funds for the demolition project will be derived from a portion
of the sale of City land for the Canopy Hotel, and be it further
RESOLVED, The Common Council hereby authorizes submission of a grant application for
development of a management plan for the Fall Creek Natural Area and a management plan for the Fall
Creek Recreational River Corridor, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this resolution will take effect contingent on the passing of a companion resolution
currently pending in the Planning Committee.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Yes (2): Gearhart, Smith
No (2): Fleming, McGonigal
Motion failed 2-2.
The Committee continued to discuss this resolution. The following resolution was voted on:
Moved by Alderperson Smith. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca acquired property located at 401 Lake Street (tax parcel #12.-1-2) and
vacant tax parcel #12.-1-1 through tax foreclosure proceedings in 2015, and
WHEREAS, the 401 Lake Street property contains a vacant, boarded-up 840 square foot single family
dwelling located immediately adjacent to Fall Creek, and
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2015, the Common Council took action to:
retain ownership of the 401 Lake Street and tax parcel #12.-1-1;
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 8
direct staff to consider rezoning 401 Lake Street and tax parcel #12.-1-1 from R-3b to a P-1
zoning district designation;
designate tax parcel #12.-1-1 for inclusion in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area; and
WHEREAS, on June 3, 2015, a decision whether to retain 401 Lake Street for public use and designate
it for inclusion in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area was postponed pending review by the Natural Areas
Commission (NAC), and
WHEREAS, the NAC recommends the following actions: 1. Retain 401 Lake Street for public use and
designate it for inclusion in the Ithaca Falls Natural Area; 2. Rezone 401 Lake Street and the adjacent
tax parcel #12.-1-1 from R-3b to P-1; 3. Demolish and remove the vacant house at 401 Lake Street; 4.
Undertake a management plan for the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, and
WHEREAS, The City also encourages the retention of useable housing, not only to provide residences
but also to generate property tax revenue, and
WHEREAS, the house at 401 Lake Street could be made habitable and does not detract from the view or
enjoyment of Ithaca Falls, and
WHEREAS, the City has already set aside the large parcel adjacent to the site as a Natural Area, now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the house at 401 Lake Street be not be demolished by the City but instead by offered
for sale in some manner to be determined, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this resolution will take effect contingent on the passing of a companion resolution
currently pending in the Planning Committee.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Yes (3): Fleming, McGonigal, Smith
No (1): Gearhart
Motion passed 3-1.
4.2 DPW – Boat Storage Rack Funding
Moved by Alderperson Fleming. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, a proposal to install, maintain, and license 5 boat storage racks at a total of 4 locations
within Stewart and Cass Parks was approved by Common Council on March 2, 2016, and
WHEREAS, the capital cost to construct the boat storage racks is estimated to be $5,000 with a revenue
stream to the City expected to be $6,000 per year, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 9
WHEREAS, funds to pay for the initial installation will come from account A7111-5483, Parks and
Forestry Construction Supply, which were not anticipated in the 2016 Department of Public Works
budget; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the transfer of $5,000 from unrestricted contingency to
account A7111-5483.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4.3 DPW – Sidewalk Assessment Approval
Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, on May 7, 2012, the Board of Public Works directed new sidewalk construction by City
forces along the west side of Cornell Street, between East State/MLK Jr. Street. and Eastwood Avenue,
in accordance with Uniform Sidewalk Improvement sections of the City Charter, pursuant to plans and
specifications prepared by the Office of the City Engineer, and under the direction of the Superintendent
of Public Works, and
WHEREAS, after a recommendation from the Board, Common Council created Capital Project # 779 in
the amount of $50,000 for Cornell Street sidewalk construction and associated costs, with the
understanding that approximately half of that amount would be recoverable under sidewalk assessments
authorized under the Uniform Sidewalk Improvement sections of the City Charter, and
WHEREAS, on June 4, 2012, the Board of Public Works directed new sidewalk construction by City
forces along the north and south side of the 700 block of Hancock Street, in accordance with Uniform
Sidewalk Improvement sections of the City Charter, pursuant to plans and specifications prepared by the
Office of the City Engineer, and under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works, and
WHEREAS, the Cornell Street and Hancock Streets sidewalks were constructed by the City Department
of Public Works in the summers of 2012 and 2013, respectively, and
WHERAS, Common Council passed Local Law No. 3-2013, effective January 1, 2014, in essence
modifying the City Charter’s policy in regard to responsibility for sidewalk construction costs, and
WHEREAS, in the context of the new law, and through the adoption of the 2014 Sidewalk Improvement
District budget and work plan, the Board indicated their intent to share the costs of the new sidewalk
between the adjacent property owners and the newly created Sidewalk Improvement Districts, and
WHEREAS on June 9, 2014, the Board held a duly advertised public hearing in accordance with Section
C-89 of the City Charter, in regard to apportioning and assessing sidewalk costs for both Cornell Street
and Hancock Street construction, in accordance with plans and schedules of cost prepared by the Office
of the City Engineer, and
WHEREAS, on August 18, 2014, the Board of Public Works approved an apportionment of costs as
shown in the attached schedule of costs prepared by the Office of the City Engineer, and recommended
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 10
to Common Council to assess such apportioned costs to the adjacent property owners in accordance with
Section 89 of the City Charter; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Common Council does hereby approves the apportionment of cost as approved by the
Board of Public Works on August 18, 2014, and be it further
RESOLVED, that Common Council does hereby direct the Finance Department to assess the
apportioned costs to the adjacent property owners as follows:
Address Assessment
10 Cornell Street $ 5,364.06
1120 East State Street $ 5,515.63
622 Cascadilla Street $ 5,721.52
702 Hancock Street $ 3,393.00
710 Hancock Street $ 3,213.60
711 Hancock Street $ 273.00
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Yes (3): Fleming, Gearhart, Smith
No (1): McGonigal
Motion passed 3-1.
4.4 DPW - Hydrilla Project Agreement
Moved by Alderperson Smith. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
Entering into Contract with Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District for coordination
and implementation of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Hydrilla Project in the Cayuga Inlet, Fall Creek and
Southern Cayuga Lake for 2016.
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District (District) is working to
eradicate the Invasive Hydrilla plant from the Cayuga Inlet, Fall Creek, adjacent tributaries, and the
southeast corner of Cayuga Lake, and
WHEREAS, the Finger Lakes-Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FLLOWPA) has received
NYSDEC administered grant funding (Aid to Localities Contract No. C304750) for hydrilla eradication
efforts (including in-field management/treatment, extensive plant community and hydrilla tuber
monitoring), and
WHEREAS, NYSDEC requires a “full reimbursement” process for Hydrilla Project activities, including
coverage of all up-front Project costs before NYSDEC funds can be accessed and reimbursement
requested, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 11
WHEREAS, the District does not have appropriate funding on hand to cover up-front Project costs, but
must continue the coordination and implementation of critical Hydrilla Project activities with the
Hydrilla Task Force to ensure Project success, and
WHEREAS, in order to make this a possibility and cover the needed up front $300,000 project costs, the
City of Ithaca has combined with Tompkins County to lead the funds with a later reimbursement; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, By the City of Ithaca that,
1.) The City of Ithaca enters into a contract with Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation
District to provide local funding support of $100,000 for Hydrilla Project activities for the 2016
treatment season.
2.) The Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District (on behalf of the Hydrilla Task
Force of the Cayuga Lake Watershed), will secure sub-contracts with Project contractors in order
to implement necessary in-field Hydrilla Project activities, including hydrilla management and
eradication treatments, and plant community and hydrilla tuber monitoring.
3.) Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District will submit reimbursement requests to
NYSDEC via FLLOWPA for Project costs incurred during the 2016 treatment season.
Reimbursement requests will be submitted on a quarterly basis (per NYSDEC contract terms).
Reimbursement funds will be sent to TCSWCD, which will then be sent to the City of Ithaca.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4.5 DPW – CP for Renzetti Place
Moved by Alderperson Smith. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, two sanitary sewer mains along the west end of the South Hill Trail have experience storm
related high flows on at least two occasions since 2011 resulting in overflows which spilled onto the trail
and along the south ditchline of Renzetti Place, and
WHEREAS, the carrying capacity of the two mains is exceeded during high flows due to slope, size, and
both mains being connected perpendicular to the flow in the Hudson Street sanitary sewer main at the
same location, and
WHEREAS, installing four new manholes and 463 feet of new 15 inch diameter pipe to make a new
point of connection with the sanitary sewer main on Hudson Street downhill of the existing connection
will provide both increased slope and a more hydraulically efficient transition in that the flows will be
converging in the same direction, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division staff has estimated the maximum
cost for this project to be $36,000.00, and
WHEREAS, a 41.57% share of the costs of this sanitary sewer project could be reimbursed by the Town
of Ithaca under the Joint Sewer Interceptor Agreement in an amount not to exceed $14,965.20, and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 12
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division staff estimates our Crews could
complete this work in two to four weeks. Work would be schedule for summer or fall of 2016; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes Capital Project #630 with an amount not to
exceed $36,000.00 to facilitate the construction of a 463-foot length of sanitary sewer main along South
Hill Trail above Renzetti Place.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4.6 DPW – CP for Water and Sewer Mains
Moved by Alderperson McGonigal. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart.
WHEREAS, the City’s water main on the 200 block of Dryden Road is 106 years old, originally
constructed in 1910, and the City’s sewer main is 120 years old, originally constructed in 1896, and
WHEREAS, the current redevelopment of two parcels located in the 200 block of Dryden Road includes
overhead electric and communications being moved to underground installations as well as the addition
of a medium pressure natural gas main underground, and
WHEREAS, the cost of replacing the City’s water and sewer would be significantly higher if done after
the new underground electric, communications, and gas have crowded the available space in the street
right-of-way, and
WHEREAS, the street surface, curb, and drainage are all in need of replacement and will be further
disturbed necessitating a full depth street rebuild, and
WHEREAS, in order to take advantage of a substantial cost savings, the Department of Public Works
Water and Sewer Division is requesting funding to perform this work, which entails replacement of 385
feet of sanitary sewer main and 377 feet of water main, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division staff has estimated the maximum
cost for replacement to be $236,000.00, and
WHEREAS, City Department of Public Works Water & Sewer Division staff estimates City crews will
complete this work in six to eight weeks and is to be scheduled during the time frame from June 2016, to
August 2016; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council establishes Capital Project #631in an amount not to exceed
$236,000.00, to facilitate the construction of replacement of water and sewer mains on the 200 Block of
Dryden Road.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 13
4.7 DPW – Increase CP for Water Plant
Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson McGonigal.
WHEREAS, within the original design and contract for the Water Supply Project was for City’s two
clearwells at the Water Treatment Plant both to be relined and made watertight. The 1929 clearwell was
successfully sealed and relined. The 1903 clearwell because of its condition cannot be sealed or relined,
and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to the function of the Water Treatment Plant and Water Distribution System
that 1903 clearwell be replaced in that it both provides for balanced and efficient operation of the
membrane filters and the required storage for emergency supply and fire flow, and
WHEREAS, the City’s Engineering Consultants for the project, O’Brien and Gere have estimated the
maximum budget for replacement of the 1903 clearwell to be $1,250,000.00, and
WHEREAS, the projected June 2016 contingency remaining in the project budget for Contract 4 under
Capital Project 510 is $927,667.00, this includes expenditure of $50,000.00 to be used for Engineering
design and construction phase services for the 1903 clearwell rebuild, and
WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent for the City of Ithaca DPW Water and Sewer Division along
with staff Engineers have reviewed, discussed, and determined that the additional project construction
and engineering costs are in line with best practices, are necessary, and recommend to the Board of
Public Works authorization of an additional budget authorization in the amount of $1,200,000.00 with
the understanding that at the close of Contract 4 the balance of the contingency line will be all applied
first towards this additional work to minimize the amount of the additional funds expended, now
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes additional funding for Contract #4 under Capital
Project 510 in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.00, and be it further
RESOLVED, That at the close of Contract #4, the balance of the contingency line will be applied
towards this additional work to minimize the amount of the additional funds expended; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes additional funding for Capital Project 510 in an amount
not to exceed $1,200,000.00 to be derived from the balance of the contingency line at the close of
Contract #4 estimated to be $927,000 and the remaining amount of $272,333 would be derived from the
issuance of Serial Bonds.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4.8 DPW – Request for funding for WWTP
Moved by Alderperson Smith. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 14
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant requires constant upgrading to meet the
rigorous water quality and clean energy standards embodied in its long range planning goals, and
WHEREAS, upon review of the findings from the March 2016, Primary Treatment and Anaerobic
Digester Improvements Feasibility Study, and
WHEREAS, results of said study and past long term planning studies supplied staff with information
leading to the conclusion that the next phase of improvements should include mechanical thickening of
organic solids prior to anaerobic digestion, replacing existing grit removal technology and improving the
administration building, and
WHEREAS, GHD Engineers has submitted a proposal for performing the design study for an amount
not to exceed $159,000, and
WHEREAS, the funding supplied by this resolution will be placed in accounts for Capital Project 420J;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the SJC hereby recommends an amount not to exceed $159,000 to fund the proposed
agreement with GHD Engineers set to expire December 31, 2016, authorizing funds from Capital
Reserve Account and establishing CP 420J, and be it further
RESOLVED, That SJC hereby recommends this CP420J contingent upon action by all wastewater
partners and their respective attorneys committing their percentage of reimbursement shares to the Joint
Activity Fund allocated per the Joint Sewer Agreement as follows:
Municipality Percentage Project Cost
City of Ithaca 57.14 $90,852.60
Town of Ithaca 40.88 64,999.20
Town of Dryden 1.98 3,148.20
$159,000.00
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4.9 IFD – Approval of SAFER Grant
Moved by Alderperson McGonigal. Seconded by Alderperson Smith.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers and awards annual grant
funding directly to professional and volunteer fire departments to ensure they have adequate personnel
and equipment to respond to and safely perform at incident scenes and provide protection from fire and
fire-related hazards for their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department is eligible for and has submitted an application for funding
assistance under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program to fund the
salaries and benefits for two years associated with the filling of (4) firefighter positions that were
eliminated through attrition as part of the 2011, 2012, and 2013 fiscal year City Budgets; and
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 15
WHEREAS, as a result of said request, the US FEMA SAFER program requests a letter of commitment
from the City’s governing body agreeing with the terms and conditions of the SAFER grant program,
should an award be made; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor is authorized to submit a letter of commitment to US FEMA outlining a
clear understanding of the terms and conditions of a FY 2016 SAFER grant.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
4.10 IFD – CP for USAR Grant
Moved by Alderperson Fleming. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Fire Department (IFD) was awarded $79,400 under the FY 2014
Technical Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Grant Program, and
WHEREAS, the funding for this initiative is provided by the federal Department of Homeland
Security’s State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), and administered by the New York State Division
of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and
WHEREAS the award provides reimbursement for the purchase of trench rescue team equipment, and
the personnel costs for trench rescue equipment training; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Controller’s Office to establish Capital
Project #829 IFD Technical and Urban Search and Rescue in the amount not to exceed $79,400 with all
funds issuing from the FY 2014 Technical Rescue and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Grant
Program.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Passed unanimously.
5. Performance Measures. None.
6. Common Council. None.
7. Meeting Wrap-up
7.1 Announcements
Alderperson McGonigal mentioned that he would be bringing forth to Common Council a petition from
a constituent about plastic bags hurt animals.
7.2 Next Meeting Date: May 18, 2016
7.3 Review, Agenda Items for Next Meeting. None.
City Administration Committee Meeting
April 20, 2016
Page 16
7.4 Adjourn: With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Gearhart, the meeting was
adjourned at 8:18 p.m.