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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-COMSERV-2005-05-11 T
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COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
MINUTES - UNAPPROVED
May 11, 2005
Committee Members Present: Alderpersons Maria Coles, Mary Tomlan, and
David Whitmore (Chair)
Staff and Other Council
Members Present: Tim Logue, Neighborhood 86 Economic
Development Planner; Carolyn Peterson, Mayor
1. Meeting called to order at 7:02 pm
2. Greeting from the Chair
Whitmore explained that Council members Taylor and Korherr were not
able to make the meeting. He also announced that this would be his last
meeting as committee chair.
3. Approval of Minutes
On a motion by Coles, seconded by Tomlan, the March 9, 2005 minutes of
the Community Services Committee were approved unanimously (3-0) as
written.
4. Review Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
5. Public Comment
Joel Harlan, a resident of Newfield, said that he would miss Whitmore on
the committee and encouraged him to pursue higher levels of government.
He spoke about Slope Day and the Harbor Fest at Oswego. He ended his
comments by saying, "I've got the power. I can move mountains."
6. Response to Public Comment/Committee Privilege of the Floor
Tomlan and Coles both thanked Whitmore for his time and efforts as
committee chair and as a Common Council member in general.
7. Intermunicipal Communications
A. Report from Tompkins County Liaison - Coles reported that there have
been a series of meetings at the County level to discuss possible cost
reductions and consolidation of services, including a focus on
municipal health insurance costs, streets and facilities services, and
the court system. Despite looking at a number of options, no solutions
have been found yet that municipalities aren't already taking advantage
of, she said; discussions will continue.
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B. Town of Ithaca Liaison Report- No report.
8. Community Police Board - Report
Bob Wigden, chairman of the Community Police Board, reported to the
committee on the function and activities of the Board. He handed out a
Citizen Information Sheet, a list of required activities of board members,
and statistics on cases from the past seven years. He spoke of some of the
difficulties the board has faced in years passed, including Police Chief
turnover, weak connections to Common Council, a lack of knowledge
about the efficacy of their recommendations, and the frequent absence of
witnesses in cases before the board. Though encouraged by the new chief,
he said, the board does not have much power, especially compared to
other community police boards around the country, some of which even
have the power to subpoena and discipline police officers. A short question
and answer period followed, during which time Mayor Peterson arrived.
9. Taxi Rates - Discussion/Possible Resolution
While Whitmore gave some background on this item, John Kadar and Ron
Fay of Ithaca Dispatch, Inc. joined the committee for discussion. Mr. Fay
presented information about fares and expenses in the first quarter of
2004 and 2005. Discussion ensued. Coles and Tomlan both expressed
disappointment that they did not receive information ahead of time for
consideration. Peterson said that she would be interested to see ridership
numbers during this time period. After further discussion, Coles made a
motion to extend the existing sunset on increased fares for three more
months (to the end of September 2005). Tomlan seconded the motion and
it carried unanimously (3-0). Whitmore said he would write up the
ordinance amendment and forward it to the Clerk's Office for the next
Council meeting.
10. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) - Update
Whitmore gave a short update on the work of the TDM subcommittee,
which has been focused on developing goals, objectives, and strategies for
a downtown TDM program. He hopes that the committee will be ready to
make some recommendations by this summer. A short discussion
followed, including a discussion of how Council's current deliberations on
the future of the Green Street garage relate to a TDM program.
11. On a motion by Coles, seconded by Tomlan, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 8:15 pm.