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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2020-09-02 with public commentCOMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. September 2, 2020 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Alderpersons (9) Brock, McGonigal, Murtagh, Nguyen, Gearhart, Fleming, Smith, Kerslick, Lewis OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Lavine City Controller – Thayer Director of Planning and Development – Cornish Fire Chief – Parsons Director of Engineering - Logue Chief of Staff – Cogan EXCUSED: Alderperson Mohlenhoff ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. Mayor Myrick announced that local resident and frequent Common Council meeting attendee/speaker Joel Harlan passed away in August. Mayor Myrick recognized him for his civic spirit and community engagement. Proclamations and Awards City of Ithaca Proclamation In Honor of Kirby Edmonds By Alderperson Brock: Seconded by Alderperson Smith WHEREAS, since arriving in Ithaca in the 1970s to attend college at Cornell University, Kirby V. Edmonds has dedicated his life to envisioning a brighter future for our City and its residents, and WHEREAS, a strong and nurturing presence, for over forty years Kirby has encouraged Ithacans of all ages and backgrounds to engage in dialogue and activities challenging personal and structural barriers to positive growth – on issues as varied as addiction and treatment, to addressing the dynamics of oppression and racism, to aiding re-entry after incarceration, to dispute resolution, to seeking the eradication of poverty, to protecting indigenous rights, to promoting community involvement in City planning and sustainable development, and WHEREAS, ever-present behind the scenes, Kirby focused his efforts by training people to honor themselves and champion those most directly affected by disenfranchisement and inequity, he applied his knowledge of groups, organizational and interpersonal conflict, the dynamics of structural racism, building values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and the challenges of getting and being healthy in an unhealthy society – he gave of himself to build individual and collective empowerment and strength, and WHEREAS, Kirby Edmonds’ many endeavors include being Managing Partner of TFC (Training for Change) Associates, Senior Fellow and Program Coordinator of the Dorothy Cotton Institute, co-founder of the Building Bridges network, Coordinator for Cradle to Career Collective Impact Initiative, Chair of the Ultimate Reentry Opportunity Advisory Committee, supporter of the Childhood Nutrition Collaborative, working with indigenous people in the Northwest Territories, organizing international delegations to discuss resistance to the Occupation of the West Bank, Co-founder of Human Rights Educators USA (HRE USA), promoting family engagement in My Brother’s Keeper Ithaca, facilitating with his partner Laura Branca the original Multicultural Resource September 2, 2020 2 Center’s Talking Circles on Race and Racism, mediator and coach for the Community Dispute Resolution Center, lead facilitator in the development of the City of Ithaca’s Comprehensive Plan, and promoting community involvement in Ithaca’s Green New Deal, and WHEREAS, eternally soft spoken and kind, Kirby modeled the art of inclusive leadership, often asking “who is missing from the table?”, and encouraged Ithacans to face head-on issues of violence, racism, oppression, poverty, hunger and intergroup conflict - Kirby never shied away from going after large-scale social issues, and WHEREAS, may Kirby Edmonds’ great example and significant contributions continue to inspire each of us to use positive action to seek social justice and racial equity, to make our community thrive; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That I, Svante Myrick, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, do hereby proclaim September 2, 2020, as Kirby Edmonds Day in the City of Ithaca. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Special Presentations Before Council Reports of Municipal Officials – Town of Ithaca Supervisor Rod Howe Supervisor Howe noted that Mr. Harlan attended many Town of Ithaca meetings as well. He further expressed his appreciation for Kirby Edmonds’ contributions to the community and spoke about his level of dedication to the Green New Deal. Supervisor Howe highlighted current collaborations with the City: • Telecommunications legislation and public education efforts • Historic Preservation – consolidation of historic preservation activities • Green New Deal – the Town is developing its own Action Plan but is sharing a sustainability position with the City • Post Office – communicating with US Post Office and working to finalize the lease to keep them downtown. • Deer Management – Six Mile Creek Natural Area • Gateway Trail – there are some issues that still need resolution He further recommended future collaborations: Gorge Safety – Six Mile Creek Natural Area Short term rentals The Town’s bi-centennial celebrations – they would like to involve the City Cornell Town Hall Q & A with Common Council Vice President for University Relations, Joel Malina, led a Town Hall question-and-answer session with Common Council to address issues and concerns regarding the University’s plans to welcome students back during the pandemic. He reviewed the University’s Re-opening plan: 1.) They are working with the Tompkins County Health Department/Cayuga Health System 2.) They created a public Dashboard of testing efforts which is currently on a 2- day delay due to the time it takes to receive confirmed test results 3.) They have developed color coded alert levels: Green, Yellow, Red • The surveillance testing program starts tomorrow – undergrads are required to test twice a week; faculty, staff & grad students are required to test once a week; staff not working on campus are required to test once every 2 weeks • They will be processing 50,000 tests per week – a COVID testing lab has been created at the Vet school • COVID Cluster – was first reported on Friday evening. Most of the cases in the CU community are from this cluster. • If there are 100 positive cases in a 2-week period – all classes will be offered online only (the students won’t go home). Take-out meals will be provided from the dining halls. They are encouraging everyone to pay strict attention to the safety guidelines. September 2, 2020 3 • Student quarantine procedures: They created moving-in cohorts – everyone will be tested and quarantined until results are available. They moved people into hotels – positive cases go to Statler Hotel. There are 4,000+ students in on- campus housing. Students from travel restricted states were quarantined immediately. • Residence Assistants have more than adequate PPE – face shields, hand sanitizers, masks, etc. • Student behavior – all models assumed a certain level of misbehavior. A Public Health campaign has been started. There is a compliance team that is composed of 100 staff & ambassadors who will review complaints and issue temporary suspension of students. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: The following people addressed Common Council: Angela Devivo Saba Weatherspoon Zachary Winn Ary Stewart Elli Pfeffer Meek A Carmel Rome Ruby Nancy Corwin Malina Melanie Marsh Allison Desario Genevieve Rand Molly Kornblum Marie Molnar Andrew Molnar PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Alderperson Brock thanked the speakers and City staff for navigating the new meeting procedures. She responded to comments made about Sunday’s protest, the safety of colorful murals painted on the streets, and the presence of police officers in the schools. She further addressed the issue of meeting decorum and providing a welcoming environment for everyone. Mayor Myrick responded to comments made about resource officers in the schools and reinventing public safety. He stated that he would release video footage of Sunday’s protest tomorrow along with a statement. Alderperson Kerslick reiterated comments made by Alderperson Brock regarding meeting decorum during public comment. He further responded to comments made about the Black Lives Matter street mural. City Attorney Lavine noted that the Common Council Rules of Order includes the use of foul language. Alderperson McGonigal thanked the speakers for their continuing educational efforts regarding 5G technology. He further commented on Sunday’s protest, and the need for peaceful engagement between the community and the police department. Alderperson Murtagh shared a constituent suggestion that Clinton Street be closed completely during protests to protect everyone involved. Alderperson Fleming confirmed that Sunday’s protests did not have permits. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: 3.1 IFD - Amendment of 2020 Budget for Purchase of Equipment By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart WHEREAS, on August 5, 2020, the Ithaca Fire Department was notified that it had received a FEMA Assistance Firefighters Grant to purchase hydraulic extrication tools, replacing equipment that is over twenty years old, and WHEREAS, the budgeted amount to purchase the extrication tools is forty thousand, five hundred, seventy-five dollars ($40,575), and September 2, 2020 4 WHEREAS, up to thirty-six thousand, nine hundred, eighty-one dollars ($36,981) for the purchase of the extrication tools are funded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, and WHEREAS, ten percent (10%) of the total costs to purchase extrication tools, estimated at three thousand ninety-nine dollars ($3,699), will be paid from the 2020 fire department operating budget; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2020 Fire Department Budget as follows: Increase Expenses: A3410-225 Equipment $36,981 Increase Revenues: A3410-2770 Unclassified Revenue $36,981 Carried Unanimously (9-0) 3.2 IFD - Amendment of 2020 Budget for Purchase of Personal Protective Equipment Due to COVID-19 By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Gearhart WHEREAS, on August 5, 2020, the Ithaca Fire Department was notified that it had received a FEMA Assistance Firefighters Grant to purchase personal protective equipment used in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and WHEREAS, the budgeted amount to purchase personal protective equipment is six thousand, five hundred, twenty dollars ($6,520), and WHEREAS, up to five thousand, nine hundred, twenty-seven dollars ($5,927) for the purchase personal protective equipment is funded through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, and WHEREAS, at least ten percent (10%) of the total costs to purchase personal protective equipment, estimated at five hundred, ninety-three dollars ($593), will be paid from the 2020 fire department operating budget; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2020 Fire Department Budget as follows: Increase Expenses: A3410-5460 Program Supplies $5,927 Increase Revenues: A3410-2770 Unclassified Revenue $5,927 Carried Unanimously (9-0) CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 4.1 PBZ&ED – Declaration of Lead Agency for Environmental Review of Design Guidelines for the Installation of Small Cell Facilities to Support Small Cell Wireless Technology Governed by a Master License Agreement By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR, Part 617, of the State Environmental Quality Review Law and Chapter 176.6 of the City Code, Environmental Quality Review require a Lead Agency be established for conducting Environmental Review of projects in accordance with local and state environmental law, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council has one pending action for approval of the installation of small cell facilities, infrastructure, and/or equipment to support small cell wireless technology governed by the terms of the City’s Small Wireless Communications Facilities Master License Agreement, adopted by the Common Council on May 6, 2020, and September 2, 2020 5 WHEREAS, applicants must ensure adherence to the adopted design guidelines and all other applicable standards, regulations, and laws, consistent with the Common Council’s regulatory roles over the right-of-way as indicated by Article II, Chapter 152 of the City Code, and over the aesthetic and design concerns of the City as indicated by Article VA, Chapter 325 of the City Code, and WHEREAS, applicants must have an executed and valid license agreement prior to submission of an application to the Office of City Engineering for the required street permit to, and WHEREAS, this is a Type I Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQRO”) and the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”), and is subject to Environmental Review, and WHEREAS, State Law specifies that, for actions governed by local Environmental Review, the Lead Agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and funding or carrying out the action; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council does hereby declare itself Lead Agency for the Environmental Review of design guidelines and all other applicable standards, regulations, and laws, consistent with the Common Council’s regulatory roles over the right-of-way as indicated by Article II, Chapter 152 of the City Code, and over the aesthetic and design concerns of the City as indicated by Article VA, Chapter 325 of the City Code. Mayor Myrick recused himself from the discussion of this item. He stated that he has a family member who works for Verizon and noted that although there would be no financial benefit to him nor any employment implications for his family member, he wished to avoid any perceived conflicts of interest. Alderperson Kerslick explained that this action is simply a declaration stating that Common council will be the Lead Agency for the Environmental Review of the design guidelines and related regulations. He further stated that Common Council is continuing to follow up on questions and concerns expressed at the City Administration Committee meeting. Discussion followed on the timelines for hiring a consultant and releasing the design guidelines for public comment. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (9-0) PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 5.1 Resolution to Enter into an Agreement with New York State for the Black Diamond Trail trailhead in Cass Park By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Brock WHEREAS, in 2008, the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) adopted a Master Plan for the Black Diamond Trail, including environmental review in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review act; WHEREAS, State Parks has submitted a plan for a trailhead in Cass Park for the Black Diamond Trail; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recommended approval of the trailhead and associated agreement at their March 2020 meeting, and WHEREAS, City Code Chapter 170 “Use of City Real Property” vests in the Common Council sole authority to grant approval of any agreement to make nontransitory use of City parkland; now, therefore, be it September 2, 2020 6 RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby finds that State Parks’ proposal to construct and maintain the Black Diamond Trail trailhead supports the broader public recreational activities in Cass Park and for the State’s Black Diamond trail, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves an agreement with State Parks to this end and authorizes the Mayor to execute such an agreement in consultation with the City Attorney. Carried Unanimously (9-0) INDIVIDUAL MEMBER FILED RESOLUTION Mayor Myrick requested the addition of the following Resolution to the agenda in order to send it to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission later this month. He referenced an article written by Tompkins County Historian Carol Kammen regarding the historical accuracy of the First White Settlers monument, stating that it was erected by an organization that intended to reframe the history of the region in a way that made it appear that the first people who were here were white settlers. He further noted that the monument has been defaced several times and the city doesn’t have the resources to continue to protect it. Discussion followed on the floor regarding how this legislation was presented, the need for more information, and the acceptance of the monument by the History Center as a teaching tool if the legislation was approved. There was not unanimous support to add this item to the agenda, so it will be sent to Committee and will be placed on the October 7, 2020, Common Council agenda. 6.1 Resolution to remove First White Settlers monument from Dewitt Park WHEREAS, Dewitt Park is within the Dewitt Park Historic District, and WHEREAS, an historical marker in Dewitt Park, dedicated in 1933 by the Daughters of the American Revolution, purports to recognize the first White settlers in this area, though there is dispute over the historical accuracy of this claim, and WHEREAS, regardless of who were actually the first non-indigenous settlers of this area, this area was already settled by the Haudenosaunee, who were ejected from this land, forced to sign unfair treaties, and were never fairly compensated, and WHEREAS, the choice of who is recognized in the stories we tell from history is a statement about who is valued and who is not, and WHEREAS, this historical marker purposely excludes the stories of Black and Indigenous people, who have long and important histories in this community, and WHEREAS, this historical marker has generated numerous complaints and has been a magnet for vandalism, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to tell a more inclusive story of our region’s history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council authorizes the removal of the First White Settlers monument, pending a certificate of appropriateness from the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Approval of January 8, 2020 and February 5, 2020 Common Council Minutes By Alderperson Nguyen: Seconded by Alderperson Smith RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the January 8, 2020, and February 5, 2020, Common Council meetings be approved as published. Carried Unanimously (9-0) September 2, 2020 7 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The video of this meeting can be found on the City’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityofIthacaPublicMeetings ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick City Clerk Mayor 8/5/2020 7:08:02 PM Asif Ullah Ithaca Stop 4G/5G/small cell antennas Hi, I am a resident of ithaca and am concerned about the 5g plan, especially as I work in healthcare and worry about the impact this will have on us - all of us. 8/19/2020 9:05:17 PM Jennifer Biasillo Ithaca Traffic reconfiguration on Court St As the owner of Veterinary Care of Ithaca, residing at 712 W Court St, I oppose the suggestion of making Court a one way street. This change would undoubtedly affect the business by decreasing accessibility and likely affecting revenue. Our location and accessibility contribute significantly to the growth of the business. In addition, road work and construction negatively impact the business. There are many disruptive factors, including traffic congestion, re-routing and substantial noise- which is not a small factor in a medical setting such as ours. We are already experiencing this daily with the construction occurring across the street, near Court and 13N. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jennifer Biasillo 8/22/2020 4:16:42 PM Racquel Riccardi Ithaca Reducing speed limit on 366 My partner and I live on 366. We have been working from home much more during this pandemic. Many times a day there are bikers and cars that choose to overlook the 45mph speed limit on our section of the road by immensely exceeding it. Immensely! Some even choose to do so by throttling their engines as they pass at 5:50am. With many families and pets living on this road, I pitch the speed limit be reduced and better enforced in order to make this a safer space for all. My hopes is to prevent major accidents that seem pretty eminent with the way things are going. Thank you dearly for your time and consideration on this matter. 8/25/2020 11:37:01 PM Carmel Rome City 5g technology I require that any wireless facility must be at least 1500 feet away from residences, schools, hospitals, and day care facilities!!! Doe to the dangerous health effects of EMF !!!! (Children are 10 times more vulnerable to EMF!!! ) Why not instead of this health hazard choose the smart and the responsible option of fiber optic cables and copper uses -it is much less energy than wireless!!! Private wireless companies should not be allowed to hoard the use of fiber optic cables in the public rights-of-way for their sole benefit. Instead, the fiber optic cables can be shared with the residents as a condition for gaining access to the public rights-of-way.” There is no reason to inrole 5g in ithaca- we simply don’t need it!! There are NO benefits and the health risks are great!! Use fiber cable and protect our health and well-being!!!!!! 8/26/2020 12:12:54 PM Britton Dougherty Ithaca 5G implementation Hello council members, I am a concerned citizen who does not want 5G small cell implementation to happen in ithaca. There are thousands of scientific studies showing biological harm from pulsed and polarized non ionizing radiation (aka wireless radiation). To exponentially increase everyone’s mandatory exposure, including young children whose bodies absorb up to ten times more radiation than adults, is a horrible thing to do. If you are wanting people to have access to faster internet, Ethernet connections/ fiber optics are the way to go. Please do not do this to your fellow community members. We need you to stand up for public health. Please do not do this to us. Wireless radiation is not benign. In addition to that, stacking frequencies of 3G, 4G, and millimeter waves (which is what 5G is) has not been tested for safety. There is no reason to push this on your community. None. I will post some scientific studies below showing harm from pulsed and polarized non ionizing radiation, which is what 5G technology is. Study 1: In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in use of Wi-Fi devices along with mobile phones, globally. Wi-Fi devices make use of 2.4GHz frequency. The present study evaluated the impact of 2.45GHz radiation exposure for 4h/day for 45days on behavioral and oxidative stress parameters in female Sprague Dawley rats. Behavioral tests of anxiety, learning and memory were started from day 38. Oxidative stress parameters were estimated in brain homogenates after sacrificing the rats on day 45. In morris water maze, elevated plus maze and light dark box test, the 2.45GHz radiation exposed rats elicited memory decline and anxiety behavior. Exposure decreased activities of super oxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione levels whereas increased levels of brain lipid peroxidation was encountered in the radiation exposed rats, showing compromised anti-oxidant defense. Expression of caspase 3 gene in brain samples were quantified which unraveled notable increase in the apoptotic marker caspase 3 in 2.45GHz radiation exposed group as compared to sham exposed group. No significant changes were observed in histopathological examinations and brain levels of TNF-α. Analysis of dendritic arborization of neurons showcased reduction in number of dendritic branching and intersections which corresponds to alteration in dendritic structure of neurons, affecting neuronal signaling. The study clearly indicates that exposure of rats to microwave radiation of 2.45GHz leads to detrimental changes in brain leading to lowering of learning and memory and expression of anxiety behavior in rats along with fall in brain antioxidant enzyme systems. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29153770/ Study 2: Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) can induce or modulate several neurobehavioral disorders. Duration and frequency of exposure of EMR is critical to develop cognitive disorders. Even though EMR-2450 is widely used, its effects on cognition in relation to mitochondrial function and apoptosis would provide better understanding of its pathophysiological effects. Therefore, a comparative study of different frequencies of EMR exposure would give valuable information on effects of discrete frequencies of EMR on cognition. Male rats were exposed to EMR (900, 1800 and 2450 MHz) every day for 1 h for 28 consecutive days. The cognitive behavior in terms of novel arm entries in Y-maze paradigm was evaluated every week after 1 h to last EMR exposure. Animals exposed to EMR-2450 MHz exhibited significant cognitive deficits. EMR-2450 MHz caused loss of mitochondrial function and integrity, an increase in amyloid beta expression. There was release of cytochrome-c and activation of apoptotic factors such as caspase-9 and -3 in the hippocampus. Further, there was decrease in levels of acetylcholine, and increase in activity of acetyl cholinesterase, indicating impairment of cholinergic system. Therefore, exposure of EMR-2450 in rats caused cognitive deficit with related pathophysiological changes in mitochondrial and cholinergic function, and amyloidogenesis. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12038-018-9744-7?fbclid=IwAR2MuPdSh9O-p6SonqJD1ngE90JHVuowEM7W5v4qxmBAFwXcsJK3SVe_DQc Study 3: The objective of the study was to explore the effects of behavioral and cognitive development in rats after prenatal exposure to 1800 and 2400 MHz radiofrequency fields. Pregnant female rats were exposed to radiofrequency fields beginning on the 21st day of pregnancy. The indicators of physiological and behavioral development were observed and measured in the offspring rats: Y maze measured at 3- weeks postnatal, open field at 7-weeks postnatal, and the expression of N-methyl-D- aspartate receptors (NMDARs) measured by reverse transcription-PCR in the hippocampus at 9-weeks postnatal. The body weight of the 1800 MHz group and the 1800 MHz + WiFi group showed a downward trend. The eye opening time of newborn rats was much earlier in the WiFi group than in the control group. Compared to the control group, the overall path length of the 1800 MHz + WiFi group was shortened and the stationary time was delayed. The path length of the WiFi group was shortened and the average velocity was increased in the error arm. The 1800 MHz + WiFi group displayed an increased trend in path length, duration, entry times and stationary time in the central area. In both the 1800 MHz + WiFi and WiFi groups, NR2A and NR2B expression was down-regulated, while NR2D, NR3A and NR3B were up-regulated. Moreover, NR1 and NR2C in the WiFi group were also up-regulated. Prenatal exposure to 1800 MHz and WiFi radiofrequency may affect the behavioral and cognitive development of offspring rats, which may be associated with altered mRNA expression of NMDARs in the hippocampus.” https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31927574/ There are so many more studies showing harm. Please do not push this onto your community. Sincerely, Britton Dougherty 8/26/2020 2:35:27 PM Alen Cameron Ithaca 5g My name is Alan Cameron. I am a long term resident of Ithaca. I am writing to urge you strongly to ban the 5g network. I have a child who I wish to protect as well as the rest of my family. This 5g technology is proven to be harmful, especially on the developing nervous system of a growing child. As a safer alternative to 5g, there is a choice to go with fiber optics, the infrastructure of which, I believe, is already in place. 5g, on the other hand, has already been banned in other countries and communities around the world. 8/30/2020 9:34:47 AM Shelly Neuman Ithaca 5G in Ithaca In a country rife with regulatory exploitation by corporate power, I urge you to look beyond the US, at other countries who are taking time to explore the full impact of 5G on their people. Yes, people over profit is a catchy slogan. It is also in Right Action. Remember that you are honor-bound to serve the People. Thank you. 8/30/2020 1:24:49 PM Todd Kurzweil City of Ithaca Common's Ordinance To: Common Council; Jennifer Kuznir; Kris Lewis; Joanne Cornish From: Todd Kurzweil and Deirdre Kurzweil Re: Commons Ordinance Date: Sunday, August 30, 2020 Permitting/Registration In the times of Covid, we believe all people using The Primary Commons for incidental music and/or panhandling and/or work should be registered and permitted in order to be contacted, in needed, for contact tracing. Animals/Pets All pets should be leashed at all times. No exceptions. It’s the law. The Outdoor Store has made some progress recently. Bikes/Wheeled transportation devices (uniwheel vehicles, bicycles, skateboards, etc.) is really out of hand. I really recommend bike lanes down the middle driving pedestrian traffic to the sides. This will help retail. The free for all with wheels on the Pedestrian Commons should not continue as is currently. Busking/Street Performing I encourage you to read the incidental music regulations issued by NYS to see if these categories fit incidental music (especially vocally) Smoking I know what to say about this one. We don’t let anyone on Sunny Days property smoke. We really wish there were a regular uniformed officer that would occasionally walk the Commons on Friday and Saturday evenings with regularity. These are issues that we’ve written about pre-Covid, during Covid and now again. I encourage you to help out us and our retail neighbors by helping to provide a more family friendly Downtown Ithaca. The Ordinance, Regulations, Signage and Enforcement are out of whack! Thanks for reading! Todd 9/1/2020 9:19:09 PM Sonja Taylor Tompkins Equal opportunity employer How many businesses are actually keeping up with the EOE policy. In order for us to understand the struggle we must find out what is holding us back from being successful. The town should have mandated audit of employee contrast to focus on cultural deversities and fairness. Diversity training for employees should be mandated in any business. 9/1/2020 9:46:30 PM Taylor Moon Ithaca Evictions and rent cancellation Why has rent cancellation not gone through? For countless residents this is an emergency: they face houselessness during a pandemic, the impacts of which can be devastating. It’s unacceptable to publicly support such a measure, then fail to follow through while people suffer. The minimum alternative is to stop evictions. Why has this not been done? 9/2/2020 11:19:30 AM Lisa Bertuzzi City of Ithaca 5G in technical class "high risk" I’d like to share a few different thoughts. First, I want to clarify that the term 5G in how it’s being used is a MARKETING term, not necessarily a technical one. It’s a catch-all term referring to small cell antennas placed nearly every block in towns. These antennas usually also hold 3g and 4G technology - wavelengths all over the microwave radiation band. The increase of antennas yielding the large increase in radiation exposure is what is centrally concerning to so many people. Second, the danger of these antennas is clearly seen by the universal agreement by insurance companies that they are in the technical class deemed HIGH RISK. Because they are high risk and categorized as a pollutant, insurance companies WILL NOT COVER TELECOM COMPANIES for wireless activities. Whether you believe in the science around 5G or not, this alone should be compelling. A quote from CFC, a large underwriting firm: The Electromagnetic Fields Exclusion is a General Insurance Exclusion and is applied across the market as standard. The purpose of the exclusion is to exclude coverage for illnesses caused by continuous long-term non-ionizing radiation exposure. Finally, the high risk and danger of cell technology is clear from the telecom companies themselves. From Verizon: our wireless business also faces personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits relating to alleged health effects of wireless phones or radio frequency transmitters.We may be required to pay significant awards or settlements. From T-Mobile US: governmental investigation results could require us to pay significant amounts or lead to onerous operating procedures. Our business could be adversely affected by findings of product liability for health and safety risks from wireless devices and transmission equipment, as well as by changes to regulations and radio frequency emission standards. From At&T "In the wireless area, we also face current and potential litigation relating to alleged adverse health effects on customers or employees who use such technologies including, for example, wireless devices. We may incur significant expenses defending such suits or government charges and may be required to pay amounts or otherwise change our operations in ways that could materially adversely affect our operations or financial results. I urge the Council to hear all the evidence you’ve heard over these past months against installing antennas all over the city and do everything you can to limit them. 9/2/2020 11:26:17 AM Amanda Moretti City of Ithaca 5 g Hello Council members , Thank you for listening to the concerned members of Ithaca regarding the dangers of installing 5 g . I appreciate your work to check and look into this issue we are faced with that will affect our children most of all. Sincerely, Amanda Moretti 9/2/2020 2:27:03 PM Benjamin Torrey Lansing IPD vilifies protestors On Sunday August 30, a car attempted to drive through a protest happening on East Clinton St in front of the police department. The car struck at least one protestor, who then calmly attempted to deescalate the situation by speaking to the driver and passenger inside through their passenger-side window. According to IPD, the car was "surrounded and damaged," and a bystander was later "shoved to the ground by some protestors". Video footage circulating social media and IPD's own security footage provides a more truthful account contrary to what IPD reported, as does testimony from many eye witnesses who attended the protest on Sunday. In both the case of the car and the "bystander", the driver and the pedestrian instigated conflict with protestors, (protestors who were either on the defensive or were actively trying to deescalate conflict). To purposefully demonize protestors as aggressors in written report is grossly irresponsible and dangerous, and emboldens those deluded into believing cities need to be defended by "unruly" protestors into enacting violence against them, much like the 17-year-old who shot three protestors, killing two, in Kenosha, WI. I ask that we as a community do better to empathize with those looking to be heard during protest instead of vilifying them—especially when video footage illustrates (in this case and many others) that protestors are simply groups of concerned citizens attempting to strengthen their communities in solidarity, and raise awareness of society's failings in times of crisis. 9/2/2020 3:00:32 PM Vanessa Wood Ithaca 5G Based on your decision to hire a consultant last time, I just wanted to thank you and say that I appreciate you listening to your constituents regarding 5G. It is really important that you listen with this topic since it is some thing that we will be subjected to if it’s implemented regardless of how we feel. I am so happy that we have more time for everyone to learn more, and perhaps another option for strengthening our Internet such as fiber Optic cables will prove to be a smarter choice. Either way, I really like that you are taking this seriously, and that you are taking time and getting support and understanding this issue which is very complex and still evolving as a technology. You are very much appreciated. Best, Vanessa 9/2/2020 3:12:55 PM Zachary Winn City of Ithaca Black Lives Matter Mural on Plain Street This is the text of a letter I sent the City Council on August 28th, 2020. 28 August 2020 Mayor Svante Myrick & Ithaca Common Council 108 E Green St, Ithaca, NY 14850 Mr. Mayor & Council members, The City of Ithaca has no business endorsing political movements with street mural projects, especially violent terrorist organizations like Black Lives Matter. Allowing & endorsing the mural on Plain Street is an insult to the countless victims of assault, arson & murder that are taking place nightly across this country. In addition, the city cannot and should not be arbiters of private expression or a free billboard for corporations such as BLM Global Network, Inc. I have enclosed a copy of the letter provided by the Director of Transportation in San Jose, California, Jon Ristow. The BLM mural on Plain Street is prohibited by Federal Highway Administration guidelines. It is also in violation of State Traffic Code. The markings on the asphalt compromises the safety of the roadway which will result in liability for the city. The person who issued the permit overstepped its bounds as a government official and may be sued as an individual for the permit it had no authority to issue. The Department of Public Works was not consulted, nor was the Department of Streets & Parking. No permits were issued for the street closure, the modifications to the roadface, or amplified sound. I doubt there was a COVID safety plan.There is no legal justification for that street mural to be painted on the road. The City erred when it facilitated the painting event. Remove the mural on Plain Street immediately. It is no different than graffiti, which is illegal. The City must effectuate the removal of the mural immediately or private individuals will be forced to act on the city's behalf and bill the city for the removal service. Urgently, Zachary Winn 9/2/2020 3:46:12 PM Alan Cameron Ithaca 5G network As a concerned member of our community, I am rather appalled that the decision to switch to the 5G network is being made without public knowledge or input. As a parent of a child, I am concerned about the number of antennas etc. packed densely in areas close to schools and homes, and the effects of electromagnetic frequencies on developing children. There are scientific studies which demonstrate that children absorb 10x more EMFs than adults do. I believe this technology to be more harmful than beneficial. A viable option, as I understand it, is fiber optic cable. I also understand that the infrastructure for fiber optics is already in place. 9/2/2020 5:31:57 PM Jerone Gagliano Ithaca Focus on Internet Equality My name is Jerone Gagliano.  I am a professional engineer and have been a local resident of the City for almost 20 years. I am very concerned about the proposed 4G/5G Small Cell infrastructure.  It is not something that we, the residents have asked for. It is not going to solve the internet inequalities that we currently have. It will be a big visual change to the beauty of our tree-lined streets and result in many trees being trimmed and/or removed.  The many hundreds of antennas will consume additional power and are overly redundant to the cell service that already exists; going against the mission of Ithaca’s Green New Deal.  It will not just be Verizon, but every other telecom who wants to compete here will have to be granted access to put up their own antennas, doubling and tripling or more the impact. I watched the Admin meeting last week and was encouraged to see that the members of the Administration came to agreement to make the draft Design Guidelines more strict to better protect the City legally, coordinate with the Town of Ithaca, take control of the process, and better protect residents. Thank you! I would like to suggest that the City of Ithaca address the real problem of internet inequality by following the example of the Town of Dryden. The Verizon 4G/5G antennas are NOT internet for our homes and businesses. They are only for mobile phones and perhaps IoT technologies in the future. What WE need is better internet for our homes and businesses. Ithaca could create a locally owned fiber optic internet service and provide this to every resident at a more competitive price than the poor and expensive service we get with Spectrum. The majority of people's mobile phone use is actually IN THEIR HOMES. So why not provide super fast and secure internet to everyone's home and they can use their WiFi router to connect their phones. This is much more economical for all residents! Thank you for your time reading and considering this! Jerone Gagliano, PE 9/2/2020 5:43:02 PM Noel Blatt Ithaca 5g Good evening, I wanted to comment on the 5g topic. First of all THANK YOU for finally taking some time to see that we don’t have all the information need to make a clear decision when it comes to our (the public) health. I see you are taking on Help as you dive deeper into weather or not this technology is safe and or needed. As you look deep I hope you also look into what is already available at higher speeds than 5g and the is the fiber cable that already exists through out Ithaca and a lot of the surrounding areas. With very little to no harm from radiation or any other wave forms we don’t yet fully understand fiber is a great alternative. There has been bills passed in NYS ALREADY to expand coverage to further areas. Please Consider this option as you look into safety and financial costs.