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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2021-04-28CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. April 28, 2021 PRESENT: Alderperson Mohlenhoff – Chair Alderpersons (4): Gearhart, Kerslick, McGonigal, Nguyen Mayor (1): Myrick OTHERS PRESENT: Alderpersons (3) – Brock, Fleming, Lewis City Forester – Grace Asst Superintendent of Public Works – Gibson IURA Executive Director – Bohn City Attorney – Lavine Planning Director – Cornish Bridge Systems Engineer – Gebre Director of Engineering Services – Logue TC Chief Equity and Diversity Officer – Carrithers Chief of Staff – Cogan HR Director – Michell-Nunn Controller – Thayer 1. Call to Order 1.1 Agenda Review. None. 1.2 Review/Approval of Minutes: Alderperson McGonigal made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 24, 2021, meeting of the City Administration Committee. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Motion carried unanimously. 1.3 Statements from the Public Jerone Gagliano, Ithaca resident, spoke about the small cell design guidelines and the report submitted by Campanelli and Associates, P.C. Jerone stated that there was some language missing from the report and asked that they be added [e.g., language regarding guidelines be submitted under oath and perjury, etc.]. Irina Peress, Town of Ithaca, spoke about the small cell design guidelines and the Campanelli Report. Irina asked that the report include language about general liability insurance without pollution exclusion and accountability. Marie Molnar, Town of Ithaca, spoke about the small cell design guidelines and the report submitted by Campanelli & Associates, P.C., which provided more clarity. Andrew Molnar, Town of Ithaca, spoke about the small cell design guidelines and the report submitted by Campanelli & Associates, P.C. There was language missing from the report regarding revocability, City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 2 and accountability (e.g., who is in charge or would make the final decision?). Andrew stated that it was an excellent report and asked that the report be adopted with the suggested changes. 1.4 Statements from Employees. None. 1.5 Council Response Chairperson Mohlenhoff explained that the item is on the agenda for discussion only. Representatives from Campanelli and Associates, P.C. will be invited to the May meeting to discuss his report. 2. Consent Agenda Items 2.1 DPW – Reallocation of Position – Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public Works requested a review of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator position pursuant to the terms of the City Executive Association labor contract; and WHEREAS, the review determined that a permanent and material growth in the position’s responsibilities has occurred; and WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department reviewed the point factor evaluation of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator position and determined that the growth in responsibilities merits an increased point factor rating, which results in the reallocation of the position to a higher salary grade; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the position of Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator be reallocated from Grade 7 to Grade 8 of the City Executive Association Compensation Plan, and be it further RESOLVED, That funding in the amount of $5,820.85 to cover the resulting salary increase retroactive to February 3, 2021, shall be derived from Account # F8330-5110. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 2.2 DPW - Request to Allocate Contingency Funds to Community Beautification Program Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. WHEREAS, the aesthetics of our community are important for the quality of life for City of Ithaca residents as well as providing a positive impression for tourists to our city; and WHEREAS, Public Works projects in the City often have a landscaping component as part of the design and these additions have outpaced the City staff’s ability to keep up with the associated need for skilled maintenance; and City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 3 WHEREAS, Park and greenspace use has seen a vast increase during this past year and it is imperative these areas of respite remain attractive, inviting, well maintained and safe spaces; and WHEREAS, the City has partnered with the Tompkins County Community Beautification Program for years in the maintenance of public green spaces and gardens, however their budget is largely dependent on Tourism tax funding which has drastically decreased since 2020 and they are unable to provide additional maintenance to City gardens without additional financial support; and WHEREAS, contributing financially to this program in return for additional support in City gardens is the most efficient use of City funds to solve this maintenance need; and WHEREAS, the current City Parks and Forestry Budget does not have funds available to contribute to said program; and WHEREAS, the current balance in the Unrestricted Contingency Account is $120,000; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby transfers an amount not to exceed $7000 from Account A1990-5000 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A7111-5435 Parks Contracts to contribute to the County Beautification Program for the purpose of adding one seasonal staff position to incorporate maintenance of 10 gardens locations (38 garden beds) in City parks, along the waterfront trail, or within traffic calming features around the City. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 2.3 IFD - Amendment to Personnel Roster Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. WHEREAS, a Fire Lieutenant has been on an extended injury leave and is not expected to be able to return to duty; and, WHEREAS, the Ithaca Fire Department maintains minimum staffing levels in which this position plays a critical supervisory role; and WHEREAS, the interim practice of filling this vacancy through the use of temporary appointments is not sustainable on a long term basis; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the personnel roster of the Ithaca Fire Department be amended as follows: Add: One (1) Fire Lieutenant and be it further RESOLVED, That one Fire Lieutenant position shall automatically be deleted from the Ithaca Fire Department personnel roster upon the retirement of the injured Fire Lieutenant, and be it further City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 4 RESOLVED, That funding for this change shall come from within the approved 2021 Ithaca Fire Department budget. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3. Finance, Budget and Appropriations 3.1 IURA – Community Housing Development Fund, Round #20 – Authorize Disbursement of Funds Pursuant to an Executed MOU Moved by Alderperson Nguyen. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. WHEREAS, the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) was established in 2009, and renewed in 2015, by Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among and between the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County and Cornell University to raise and award funds to increase the supply of permanently affordable housing in the County; and WHEREAS, for 2019, Cornell University contributed $300,000 to the CHDF and the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County each contribute $200,000 available for Round #20; and WHEREAS, the Common Council determined that City contributions to the CHDF should be used solely to assist those projects located within the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, the Program Oversight Committee, which includes three City appointees, reviews, and recommends projects for awards, including the amount and funding source; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council retains authority to approve, modify or reject the POC’s recommendation for use of City funds; and WHEREAS, action to authorize disbursement of City funds requires prior completion of environmental review for housing projects; and WHEREAS, the POC recommends the following affordable housing projects for funding: Community Housing Development Fund Round #20 Recommended Funding Awards Applicant Project # Units Municipality Funding ($1,000s) Cornell County City Total INHS Founders Way 75 rentals (C) Ithaca 60 0 240 300 INHS Village Grove Apartments 46 rentals (V) Trumansburg 300 0 0 300 Park Grove Realty Carpenter Park Apartments 42 rentals (C) Ithaca 100 200 0 300 Totals 163 units 460 200 240 900 City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 5 and, WHEREAS, pursuant to the MOU, Tompkins County administers the CHDF, including collection of contributions to the CHDF and distribution of funds to project sponsors; and WHEREAS, the Founders Way project completed environmental review by the City Planning and Development Board; and WHEREAS, annual City contributions to the CHDF are placed in Restricted Contingency, now; therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby authorizes an expenditure of up to $240,000 to Tompkins County for the following affordable housing project to implement the recommended funding award for rounds #20 of the Community Housing Development Fund: Project Name: Founders Way (previously known as Immaculate Conception School Redevelopment) Location: 320 W. Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NY Applicant: INHS Project Summary: Conversion of former school to 75-unit rental housing And be it further, RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby transfers an amount not to exceed $200,000 from the Restricted Contingency Account A1990-5000 Housing Funds to Account A8020-5435 Planning Contracts; and be it further, RESOLVED, That $240,000 be appropriated from the current balance in the Housing fund of $422,200, to fund the $240,000 City portion of the City/County/Cornell Housing Trust for the above listed project; and be it further RESOLVED, that the Mayor, subject to advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a fiscal agency agreement with Tompkins County to implement this resolution. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.2A IURA – Third MOU with Tompkins County and Cornell University to Continue the Community Housing Development Fund Thru 2027 – Declaration of Lead Agency Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart. WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and Chapter 176 of the City Code, the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQRO”), require that a lead agency be established for conducting environmental review of any action subject to such review, in accordance with state and local environmental law, and City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 6 WHEREAS, SEQRA specifies that the lead agency shall be that agency which has primary responsibility for approving, funding or carrying out the proposed action, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is execution of a third consecutive 6-year Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) among and between Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca and Cornell University to continue the Housing Fund program to increase the supply of affordable housing, and the commitment of funding under the MOU, which is an “Unlisted” Action pursuant to CEQRO, thereby requiring environmental review; and WHEREAS, Tompkins County has conducted a separate environmental review on their authorization to execute the proposed MOU, and WHEREAS, no other agency has jurisdiction to fund, approve or undertake the action; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself as lead agency for the environmental review of this proposed action. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.2B IURA - Third MOU with Tompkins County and Cornell University to Continue the Community Housing Development Fund Thru 2027 – Environmental Review Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart. WHEREAS, the Common Council is considering execution of a third consecutive 6-year Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) among and between Tompkins County, the City of Ithaca and Cornell University to continue the Housing Fund program to increase the supply of affordable housing, and the commitment of funding under the MOU, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council declared itself Lead Agency for the environmental review of this proposed action, and WHEREAS, the proposed action is categorized as an “Unlisted” action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQRO), and WHEREAS, each housing project assisted through the Housing Fund program will undergo a separate environmental review as a condition of receipt of financial assistance, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council, acting as Lead Agency for the environmental review, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form, prepared by Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency staff; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby determines that the proposed action will result in no significant impact on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 7 Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.2C IURA – Third MOU with Tompkins County and Cornell University to Continue the Community Housing Development Fund Thru 2027 – Action Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart. WHEREAS, in 2009 and 2015, the Common Council authorized the Mayor to execute 6-year Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) among and between the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County and Cornell University to establish the Community Housing Development Fund (CHDF) and provide financial assistance for the creation of affordable housing units; and WHEREAS, since its inception the CHDF has awarded approximately $5.4 million to assist 815 affordable housing units with an estimated total project cost of $247 million; and WHEREAS, per the third MOU, the parties agree to the following minimum funding contributions over six years: $1,200,000 Cornell University $600,000 Tompkins County $600,000 City of Ithaca $2,400,000 Total, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca continues to experience a severe housing affordability problem where 63% of all renter households, and 17% of homeowner households, are financially stressed by paying more than 30% of income for housing; and WHEREAS, the CHDF funding has proven to be an effective tool to expand the supply of quality, affordable housing units located near services, jobs, and transit; and WHEREAS, the CHDF is managed by the Program Oversight Committee (POC) made up of representatives from each signatory; and WHEREAS, current POC representatives of the City are: • Chris Proulx • Ducson Nguyen • Seph Murtagh • George McGonigal; and WHEREAS, the POC recommends approval of the third MOU; and WHEREAS, environmental review of this matter has been completed; now, therefore, be it City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 8 RESOLVED, The Mayor is hereby authorized, subject to review by the City Attorney, to execute the third Memorandum of Understanding to continue the Community Housing Development Fund program through 2027, and be it further RESOLVED, That upon full execution of the MOU, the City’s annual funding commitment under the MOU shall be derived from an annual appropriation included the municipal budget and/or from other funding sources as determined by Common Council, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Common Council shall separately approve each funding award of City funds provided pursuant to the MOU. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.3 DPW – Walkable Ithaca: Giles Street Sidewalk Project Moved by Alderperson McGonigal. Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. WHEREAS, a Project for the Walkable Ithaca: Giles Street Sidewalk Project, NYS DEC Contract#DEC01-C01073GG-3350000 (the “Project”) has been awarded a Climate Smart Community Grant through the NYS DEC; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a commitment of 100% of the costs of Construction and Construction Inspection; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works, acting as the lead agency, declared on December 15, 2020, 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 November 4, 2020, Common Council approved the 2021 SID #2 Work Plan, which included creating $250,000 SID#2 Capital Project; and WHEREAS, on April 27, 2021, construction bids will be opened and the qualified, low-bidder will be selected, and in order to award the contract, the City needs to create a capital project; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves the above-subject project; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to pay in the first instance 100% of the cost of Construction and Inspection work for the Project or portions thereof; and be it further RESOLVED, That the sum of $800,000 be hereby appropriated from the issuance of serial bonds and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase of the Project; and be it further City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 9 RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby creates Capital Project #886, to be funded from the following sources: • $266,500 NYS DEC Grant • $250,000 approved via 2021 SID#2 Capital Project • $250,000 from CHIPS reimbursement • $33,500 SID#2 fund balance and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to execute all necessary Agreements, certifications or reimbursement requests on behalf of the City of Ithaca 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 state-aid and state-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within appropriations therefore that are not so eligible; and be it further RESOLVED, That this project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost of the Project to the City of Ithaca General Funds will be roughly 0% of said portion, currently estimated at $0.00 of the $800,000 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. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.4 DPW – South Albany Street Bridge Project Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. WHEREAS, a project for the rehabilitation of the South Albany Street Bridge over Six Mile Creek, P.I.N. 375668 (“the Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code as administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs 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 Scoping, Preliminary Design, and Detailed Design; and WHEREAS this project constitutes a reconstruction of facility in-kind on the same site as well as maintenance or repair involving no substantial change in an existing facility, and is therefore a Type II action under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulation and in accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617 requiring no environmental review; and WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, Common Council authorized $155,000 to cover the cost of participation in Scoping and Preliminary Design; and City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 10 WHEREAS, on February 26,2021, an additional $210,000 project funding made available by the New York State Department of Transportation to cover the cost of participation in Detailed Design; now, therefore, be it 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 Detailed Design thereof; and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project #879 by an amount not to exceed of $210,000 for a total project authorization of $365,000 for the purpose of covering the cost of participation in the above phase of the project; and be it further RESOLVED, That in the event the full Federal and non-Federal share costs of the project exceeds the amount appropriated above, 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 be it further RESOLVED, That funds needed for said project shall be derived from the issuance of Serial Bonds with the City’s estimated share of the project cost not to exceed 5% or $18,250; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca of the County of Tompkins be and is hereby authorized to sign all necessary Agreements with New York State Department of Transportation to secure Federal Aid and Marchiselli Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca and the Superintendent of Public Works is authorized to sign all necessary construction documents, contracts, certifications, and reimbursement requests; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Superintendent of Public Works be and is hereby authorized to administer the above project; 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, That this Resolution shall take effect immediately. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.5 WWTP – Approval of Permanent Water and Access Easements and Rights-of-Way for City of Ithaca Water Main Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart. WHEREAS, pursuant to the Joint Sewer Agreement (revised December 31, 2003, and last amended February 20, 2019) among the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca and Town of Dryden (collectively, the “Municipal Owners”), the Municipal Owners presently own, operate and maintain the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (“IAWWTF”), located at 525 Third Street in the City of Ithaca, on property owned by them and described in the Warranty Deed with Lien Covenant dated December 22, City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 11 2011, which was recorded in the Tompkins County Clerk’s Office on December 27, 2011 as Instrument Number 585279-001, Tax Map Parcel Number 24.-1-1.2 (“IAWWTF Property”); and WHEREAS, the City has requested permission to construct and install a water main on IAWWTF Property from the northern IAWWTF Property boundary on Cascadilla Creek to Station 2+05, and from Station 2+05 to Station 0+00 (“New Water Main”), which New Water Main will connect to an existing water main owned by the City and located on the IAWWTF Property, all as depicted in the Utility Plan Sheet C402 drawing titled “Phase 1 City Harbor Development, City Harbor, LLC and the Guthrie Clinic, 101 Pier Road, Ithaca, New York” initially dated July 14, 2020, and last revised on April 9, 2021; and WHEREAS, the New Water Main benefits the IAWWTF and Municipal Owners because the New Water Main will (a) create a loop in the City’s water distribution system that will provide water service redundancy to the IAWWTF; (b) eliminate water quality issues at the existing dead-end City water main located on the IAWWTF Property; and (c) significantly increase fire flows to the IAWWTF Property; and WHEREAS, at its April 14, 2021, meeting, the Special Joint Committee of the IAWWTF (“SJC”) reviewed, discussed, and approved the proposed Permanent Water and Access Easements and Rights-of-Way for City of Ithaca Water Main; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the attached Permanent Water and Access Easements and Rights-of-Way for City of Ithaca Water Main. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.6 Resolution for Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Emergency Repairs – Activated Sludge Blowers Moved by Alderperson McGonigal. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. WHEREAS, the activated sludge process is a secondary treatment component at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, and WHEREAS, biological growth in the activated sludge tanks is maintained through aeration, the process of mixing compressed air (oxygen) with settled wastewater in the process tanks to sustain biological treatment, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility has two (2) Turblex and two (2) Hoffman industrial grade blower(s) to provide compressed air to treatment processes, and WHEREAS, both of the Turblex blowers suffered catastrophic bearing and impeller failures in December 2020, and March 2021, respectively, eliminating system redundancy, and WHEREAS, a recent failure analysis, diagnostic and service report provided by BCV Systems substantiated these catastrophic failures, and City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 12 WHEREAS, in accordance with State standards, the facility cannot operate as designed without having a redundant means for aeration, and WHEREAS, in a recent April 23, 2021 MRB Group consultants draft report to evaluate a replacement blower alternative, the Turblex Blowers are identified as a type which need to typically operate at 50 – 100% of their rated airflow to perform within specifications, and WHEREAS, in that same report, Attachment 1 shows that the high speed turbo Turblex Blowers likely operated below their rated airflow on a regular basis, which could have caused mechanical concerns including surging, and WHEREAS, a rotary screw design blower is a recommended replacement which is a different mechanical design which would operate within IAWWTF efficiency parameters, and WHEREAS, in comment 4 of the report, MRB notes that the need for replacement is “urgent” and states many operational concerns which constitute an “emergency,” including lack of aeration redundancy, lack of fine aeration control, potential SPDES permit exceedances, growth of filaments, and other problems which require additional maintenance, and WHEREAS, a factory rebuild of the two (2) Turblex blowers, along with associated programming, and mechanical modifications would allow the reinstatement of the Turblex blowers at a cost significantly below the cost of replacement, and WHEREAS, MRB evaluated three vendors as options for recommended replacement of the Turblex Blowers with an estimated average cost of $328,000, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Special Joint Committee recommended at a special meeting on April 28, 2021, to its municipal boards that they approve the rebuild or replacement of two (2) Turblex blowers for a cost, including contingencies, not to exceed the sum total of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000) , and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the rebuild or replacement of the two (2) Turblex blowers at the IAWWTF at a cost not to exceed $400,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said repairs be derived from the following sources as determined by the City Controller; operating funds, fund balance, serial bonds, capital reserves, grants and Federal stimulus. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.7 Resolution for Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility Emergency Repairs – Primary Digester Moved by Alderperson Gearhart. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 13 WHEREAS, primary and secondary sludge digestion is a vital process at the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF), and WHEREAS, digestion is necessary in dewatering and stabilizing solids for disposal, biogas production for heating and electrical generation, and in the receipt of trucked in wastes, a revenue generating service, and WHEREAS, on the night of March 11-12, 2021, a blockage caused by excessive debris in the primary digester overflow line caused the liquid level in the tank to surge upwards and lift the digester cover approximately 18 inches, breaking anchor bolts, mounts, and concrete, and WHEREAS, the immediate blockage was relieved by Drain Brain sewer service and the excess liquid was drained, allowing the primary digester cover to settle back into place but it is no longer anchored in place, and WHEREAS, the digester will need extensive repairs to the cover, anchorage system, and sludge piping and valves to remove further blockages and restore reliable digester operations, and WHEREAS, in accordance with standards, the facility cannot operate as designed without the primary digester in operation, and WHEREAS, the loss of sludge management and treatment provided by this facility presents many concerns including, but not limited to, the inability to adequately maintain appropriate sludge treatment standards, the potential inability to meet plant SPDES permit requirements, the inability to adequately process sludge, increases in trucking, hauling, and disposal costs, the inability to properly receive trucked in waste from regional sources that rely on the IAWWTF for treatment, the potential loss of revenue, and increases in costly plant energy consumption, and WHEREAS, in a draft April 26, 2021 letter by GHD Consultants hired to evaluate emergency repairs for the primary digester, the opening narrative states that the issues with the Primary Digester and associated equipment constitute an “emergency situation” which requires immediate action on the part of the IAWWTF, and WHEREAS, the letter identifies several actions for the Primary Digester including removal of contents, repair of the anchoring system, evaluation, cleaning, and inspection of the piping system(s), along with potential work on the supporting appurtenances as well as Secondary Digester cleaning, inspections and repairs, and WHEREAS, GHD verbally estimates the costs for these repairs to be at least $1.5 million pending further evaluation and the issuance of a subsequent memo, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Special Joint Committee recommended at a special meeting on April 28, 2021, to its municipal boards that they approve said project not to exceed the sum total of One Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($1,650,000) for removal of primary digester contents, repair of the anchoring system, evaluation, cleaning, and inspection of the piping system(s), along with critical work City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 14 on the supporting appurtenances as well as Secondary Digester cleaning, inspections and repairs, and a ten percent contingency, and be if further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the repair to the Primary and Secondary Digesters at the IAWWTF at a cost not to exceed $1,650,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That capital project CP #422J, IAWWTF Various Improvements, be hereby amended by an amount not to exceed $1,650,000 for a total project authorization of $13,191,850, for the purpose of funding said Primary and Secondary Digester repairs, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said project shall be derived from the following sources as determined by the City Controller; insurance recovery, serial bonds, grants and Federal stimulus funds. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.8 Common Council - Extension of TCAT Transportation Agreement for One Year Moved by Alderperson Kerslick. Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen. WHEREAS, on November 7, 1990, the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, and Cornell University entered into an agreement for the design of a regional transit facility; and WHEREAS, on October 9, 1991, the City, County and Cornell entered into a 20-year construction and operation agreement for the new transit facility; and WHEREAS, on April 1, 1998, the City, County and Cornell entered into an agreement to create a TCAT joint venture to provide public transportation services; and WHEREAS, on January 1, 2005, a Transportation Agreement was signed among the three parties and TCAT to end the TCAT joint venture and have the operations assumed by a single employer, TCAT, Inc., with the agreement running through October 9, 2021; and WHEREAS, on February 12, 2018, an agreement was signed between the City and County regarding the ownership of the transit facility; and WHEREAS, the Transportation Agreement is set to expire in October of this year; and WHEREAS, the City, County and Cornell would like to extend the Transportation Agreement for twelve months, to allow time for negotiation of a successor agreement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the Mayor to sign an extension of the current Transportation Agreement for a period of one year; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor will name members to a negotiating team to meet with the County and Cornell and negotiate a successor transportation agreement, with the new agreement to be brought back to Common Council for approval before the expiration date of the extended Transportation Agreement. City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 15 A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.9 Increase in Hours for Certain Positions Moved by Alderperson Nguyen. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. WHEREAS, the significant loss of City revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated cuts to 2021 department budgets; and WHEREAS, several departments reduced their budgets by cutting weekly hours worked for some of their employees; and WHEREAS, the American Rescue Plan, signed into law by President Biden on March 11, 2021, included billions of dollars in emergency funding to state, local and tribal governments to compensate for the revenue losses stemming from COVID-19; and WHEREAS, these rescue funds will allow the City of Ithaca to make significant adjustments to the 2021 budget; and WHEREAS, the Finance and Human Resource departments have an immediate need to increase hours for employees whose hours were reduced; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2021 Personnel Roster effective May 10, 2021, for the Finance Department and the Human Resources Department as follows: Increase hours of Deputy Controller by 10 to 30 hours Increase hours of Manager of Organizational Development by 8 to 40 hours and, be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2021 Authorized Budget as follows: Increase Revenue Accounts: A1315-4389 Federal Aid Finance Dept. 19,456 A1430-4389 Federal Aid HR Dept. 14,280 $33,736 Increase Appropriation Accounts: A1315-5105 Admin Salaries Finance Dept. 15,411 A1315-9000 Fringe Benefits Finance Dept. 4,045 A1430-5105 Admin Salaries HR Dept. 11,311 A1430-9000 Fringe Benefits HR Dept. 2,969 $33,736 A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 16 Passed unanimously. 3.10 Resolution Establishing the Community Justice Center in Collaboration Between the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County Moved by Alderperson McGonigal. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. WHEREAS, the New York State Governor issued Executive Order 203, calling upon local governments that operate police agencies to study their current operations and develop a plan to address “the particular needs of the communities served by such police agency and promote community engagement to foster trust, fairness, and legitimacy, and to address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color”; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County have, by concurrent resolutions, submitted plans in response to the Executive Order, which contain both separate and joint undertakings for changes in community policing practices; and WHEREAS, in those resolutions, the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County recognize the need to determine next steps to develop the programmatic expression of the joint elements of their adopted plans, being a long term process to make substantive improvements in our criminal justice system, recognizing that implementation will require time, resources, investigation, and commitment, including the determination of budget priorities, cost share, and the logistics necessary for cooperation and collaboration between the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County on the joint elements of their respective plans; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County, as a conclusion to the Reimagining Public Safety Collaborative, received a Draft Report entitled “Public Safety Reimagined. Recommendations report following a collaborative effort between the City of Ithaca & Tompkins County, N.Y.,” which has served as an information resource for the respective plans prepared by the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County; and WHEREAS, the Draft Report proposed the creation of a Community Justice Center as a jointly funded City/County collaborative department to: determine implementation priorities; develop budget impacts for the implementation of plan elements; manage the implementation of the joint plan elements as approved by the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County; receive, manage, and analyze data; provide coordination of the operation of the policing systems in our community; and provide reports to the City and County regarding the progress in implementing these changes; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County have each determined that the creation and operation of a Community Justice Center is necessary to implement their respective plans; and WHEREAS, the City and County held discussions to determine the operational description, budget, and cost share for a Community Justice Center, with those details outlined in a joint memo; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the creation of the Community Justice Center as a collaborative department between the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County; and be it further City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 17 RESOLVED, That Common Council commits to funding its share of the Community Justice Center in the amount not to exceed $124,430, with the source of funds to be derived from the Unrestricted Contingency Fund, and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby transfer an amount not to exceed $124,430 from the Unrestricted Contingency Account A1990 to Account A1210-5435 Mayor Contracts, for the purpose of accounting for the City's funding share of the Community Justice Center, and be it further... RESOLVED, That Common Council will receive regular reports regarding the establishment of the Community Justice Center, and any additional budgetary requirements for implementation of the undertakings identified in the Reimagining Public Safety Plan, and shall consider this information prior to any further expenditure being made. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 3.11 A Local Law to Amend Section C-24 of the City of Ithaca Charter Regarding the Examining Board of Electricians Moved by Alderperson Nguyen. Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick. Local Law # 2021 - BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. Section C-24 of the City of Ithaca Charter, entitled Examining Board of Electricians, is hereby amended to read as follows: § C-24Examining Board of Electricians. A Membership. There is hereby established for the City of Ithaca an Examining Board of Electricians. One member of this Board shall be the Electrical Inspector; one shall be the Director of Planning and Development or his/her designee; and the remaining three, who shall be residents of [the City of Ithaca] Tompkins County, shall be appointed by the Mayor subject to the approval of the Common Council, namely, two master electricians licensed by the City of Ithaca and one member at large. The first appointments shall be for one, two and three years respectively, and afterwards for terms of three years. B. Licensing power. Said Board shall be empowered to examine, license and regulate master and special electricians and others engaging or contracting in electrical work for hire in the City of Ithaca. C. Functions pursuant to Electrical Code. Said Board shall perform its functions pursuant to the Electrical Code of the City of Ithaca as adopted by the Common Council. Section 2. Severability Clause. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Local Law. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Local Law is held to be invalid or unconstitutional City Administration Committee Meeting April 28, 2021 Page 18 by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Local Law. Section 3. Effective Date. This Local Law shall take effect upon the filing of the Local Law in the office of the Secretary of State. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 4. City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy 4.1 The Code of the City of Ithaca, New York Chapter 325, Article VA – Telecommunications Facilities and Services, and Chapter 152, Article II – Telecommunications The Committee discussed this agenda item, gathered questions they wanted to ask Campanelli regarding the report and agreed to invite representatives from Campanelli and Associates, P.C to the May meeting to discuss the report. 4.2 Governance Working Group Chairperson Mohlenhoff went through a PowerPoint presentation on the City of Ithaca Government Structure. After the presentation, she stated that she would e-mail it to Common Council. 4.3 MATCom and Snow Removal Survey: Due to the lack of time, the Committee agreed that this item would be put on the agenda for the May meeting. 5. Meeting Wrap-up 5.1 Announcements. None. 5.2 Next Meeting Date: May 26, 2021. 5.3 Review, Agenda Items for Next Meeting. None. 5.4 Adjourn: With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Nguyen, the meeting was adjourned at 9:59 p.m.