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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-COMSERV-2005-08-10 COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MINUTES—UNAPPROVED August 10,2005 Committee Members Present: Alderpersons Maria Coles,David Whitmore,Mary Tomlan, Michael Taylor, and Robin Korherr (Chair) Staff and Other Council Members Present: Carolyn Peterson,Mayor;Michelle Berry,Joel Zumoff, Alderpersons; and Jan Pfleiderer, Fire Dept. 1. Meeting called to order at 7:10 pm 2. Greeting from the Chair 3. Approval of Minutes On a motion by Taylor, seconded by Coles, the May 11, 2005 and July 13,2005 minutes of the Community Services Committee were approved unanimously (5-0)as written. 4. Agenda Review There were no changes to the agenda. 5. Introduction Korherr introduced Jan Pfleiderer, employee of the Ithaca Fire Department, as the new support staff person to the committee. 6. Public Comment Larry Roberts, Chair of the Disability Advisory Council, expressed admiration for the efforts of the Pedestrian Awareness Committee. Joel Harlan, a resident of Newfield, commented about the need to attract more people to downtown. 7. Response to Public Comment/Committee Privilege of the Floor Mayor Peterson introduced Kent Johnson as the new Intern in the Mayor's Office. Coles discussed the important input that advisory boards have to Council and the Mayor and suggested that the recommendations be expanded or strengthened. 8. Intermunicipal Communications A. Report from Tompkins County liaison—Coles reported changes in parking fares from meters and the parking garage in Collegetown,with a decrease in parking meter rates and an increase in lost ticket charges. New rates would be in effect as of August 15, 2005. Taylor expressed that the increase in lost ticket charges for the garage should encourage honesty and discourage ticket loss to avoid full payment. B. Report from Town of Ithaca liaison- No report. 9. GIAC Teen Programming Needs 2005-2006—Presentation Marcia Fort,Director;Leslyn McBean-Clairborne,Deputy Director;and Cassandra Nelson,Teen Program Supervisor,joined the committee for discussion. Fort presented an overview of the ongoing challenges and successes, as well as additional resources needed this year. Nelson outlined the reasons for needing an increase in funding at this time. Fort explained many of the concerns of the young people GIAC serves through the Teen Program, as well as the stability and positive needs it fulfills. Taylor confirmed the fact that the need for volunteer assistance was not readily available when GIAC appears to need it most during the summer months.Without • emergency funding Fort stated that late night programming, full use of the food cart and other programs would cease. Reductions in summer programs have already occurred. Coles commented that the request was reasonable for what it would accomplish. Korherr thanked Nelson for the valuable care she has provided to the young people of our community and explained that the specific request for additional funds should be directed to the City Administration Committee. 10. Pedestrian Awareness Committee - Discussion Korherr stated that the task before the committee task was to develop a work plan from the lengthy list of recommendations.Tomlan asked for clarification regarding conflicts between bicycles and pedestrians.Taylor questioned who was responsible for snow/ice removal on sidewalks,homeowner/landlord, or tenant. Coles would like to adopt the entire set of recommendations but is aware that is not possible. Korherr suggested that Tim Logue be included in future discussions,given his role at Transportation Engineer for the City.Tomlan welcomed the opportunity to work with this committee. A lengthy discussion ensued. The committee agreed that the recommendations be discussed among the City committee Chairs,with input from BPAC.The two priorities set forth by the BPAC will be incorporated into planning; establish policy to fully embrace awareness, and provide viable solutions before the winter season. 11.Transportation Demand Management (TDM)—Report of Subcommittee Whitmore introduced David Lee,Director of Public Information, Cornell Transportation&Mail Services,who joined the Committee for discussion. Mr.Lee described several Cornell to downtown travel initiatives,including the Cornell Park and Ride Survey and program,with the overall goal of efficient, effective access to downtown. Other related topics discussed were "no fee"passes offered in exchange for non-purchase of a parking permit, the Guaranteed Ride Program, daily parking pass booklets, and a residential parking permit system. Members confirmed Council's struggle with the high cost of parking garage construction to support downtown developments. Mr. Lee reviewed the economics of parking spaces vs. transit passes. Mr. Lee made clear that the creation and maintenance of an effective TDM system would result in a smoother transition during the reconstruction of the Green Street Garage,while ensuring the promotion of a successful downtown and the conservation of natural resources. Kent Johnson offered related comments, suggestions and assistance to the TDM subcommittee. 12. NYS Sex Offenders Act Request for Amendment—Resolution Korherr presented the resolution to the committee, co-sponsored by Taylor. The City of Corning has invited cities throughout New York to call upon Governor Pataki to alter the Sex Offender Registry Act to incorporate language prohibiting high level sex offenders from living within close proximity to youth organizations. The committee had several questions relating to enforcement, fairness, offender levels, etc. Motion to table by Coles, seconded by Whitmore. Motion Carried unanimously. 13. On a motion by Taylor, seconded by Whitmore, the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 9:10 pm.