HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2022-01-05COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. January 5, 2022
PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Alderpersons (10) Brock, McGonigal, Brown, Nguyen, Gearhart, Barken,
Mehler, DeFendini, Lewis, Cantelmo
OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Lavine
City Controller – Thayer
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn Chief of Staff – Vavra ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE FOR ALDERPERSONS ELECT:
Mayor Myrick administered the Oath of Office to the following Alderpersons Elect: Alderperson Cynthia Brock Alderperson Phoebe Brown Alderperson Jeffrey Barken Alderperson Patrick Mehler
Alderperson George DeFendini Alderperson Robert Cantelmo Point of Privilege the Mayor: 10th year of service, Final State of the City Address.
Being the 44th Mayor of the City of Ithaca has been the honor of a lifetime Fighting for this community is all that I’ve done in my adult life, from the age of 20 until now. It is my only passion and what has kept me motivated. But I find myself deeply concerned
because I love our country and loves our democracy too. I really truly believe that the American experiment, this American ideal, should not matter where you were born, how you were born, is something worth fighting for, something worth defending. It is the reason, the American Experiment is the reason that I, born into homelessness
and raised by a single mother with my three sibling, could go to a school like Cornell and end up working in a place like Ithaca at all. I believe that it is a deep privilege to grow up in this governmental system and I believe too that this system is under an unique and unprecedent threat.
There are certain factions of American Society that are raging a full out assault on Democracy and the very right to vote and on the right for all votes to be counted and election results to be respected. For those reasons, I’ve decided to accepted an offer for the position of Executive Director
of the People for the American Way, an organization that for four decades has fought against fascism and for democracy. I Intend to begin the work next month, February. What that means, the folks that we are about to swear in as Acting Mayor and Alternate
Acting Mayor, most especially Laura Lewis as our Acting Mayor and Ducson Wguyen as
our Alternate Acting Mayor will have a unique responsibility and unique obligation to lead us through the challenges ahead. I want to in no way make harder their job; the job that they’ve got and the job that all of you have.
I hope though you’ll allow me the privilege of just sharing a bit about my thoughts on how
far we’ve come and just a sneak peak on what I know Laura, Ducson and all of you are committed to working on in the next year.
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State of the City:
For everything I’m about to say, you should know that the best kept secret of the City of Ithaca are our employees. A lot of cool things happen in Ithaca and Tompkins County; a lot of great organizations, non-profits, businesses, entrepreneurs, three, pretty good colleges, a lot of Nobel Prize winners and all of it is made possible by 500 people who will
just knock you out with their work ethic, creativity, imagination and perseverance. City of
Ithaca employees have led us from one trial to another. Ten years ago when I took office, we were facing our largest budget deficit in the city’s history, $3.5M. It was the largest fiscal deficit we’ve ever faced. Our employees all pulled
together. We streamlined a lot of our operations. We worked together to build and expand
our tax space. We welcomed new opportunities in and we chased down federal and state revenues to help boost up our bottom line. The result now is of course a city, who’s financial ship has not only been righted. Not only
do we have the opportunity to make investments, which we have done this past year, but
the tax rate is actually lower than what it was 10 years ago. This city staff and this Common Council have also made a series of decisions and choices to build up our infrastructure.
Ten years ago when it was crumbling with few prospects and few ideas on how we’d
replace it, to now, where we’re replacing bridges and roads at every turn, sometimes literally at every turn, it can be tough to get around in the summer especially during these last couple of years, but the parking garages, that are not just being rebuilt, but are being reimagined and made larger and more beautiful.
The Commons, once a symbol of decay, with a vacancy rate of 15-20% of store fronts was reinvigorated, completely remodeled and turned into the cultural, vibrant heart of the City where businesses are dying to open their doors and people flock to year-round, not just in the Spring or in the Fall. How did we do it? We did it by getting creative with the
story more, the sidewalk improvement district and again by chasing those state and
federal loans. Housing is and always will be the largest challenge in the City of Ithaca going into the future. In 2011, we had built basically net zero new housing in the previous 50 years, the
population had stagnated for 50 years. But over the last 10 years, we’ve built not just
more housing, but more affordable housing. $108M conference center/parking garage/ affordable housing project right next to City Hall, Breckonridge Apartments, Stone Corrdory Apartments, 210 Hancock, Ahmeeche House, West End Heights, Art House, the list goes on and on. Because of those projects, there are thousands more Ithacans
now than there were a decade ago. This is enough course of boon for our neighbors who
are able to live here, but it’s a boon for our city. There is of course more work to do, and I’d like to say Acting Mayor Lewis, if you don’t know about her, her colleagues know about her, and I hope she will permit me to
embarrass her for just a little bit because I first met Laura Lewis well before I was Mayor,
and when some friends of mine were experiencing a crisis at Cornell University. Laura, although it wasn’t part of her official job description, volunteered as she often did on INHS, volunteering for anything with the Continuum of Care, volunteering as a member of
Council to take on some of biggest, weightest subjects we’ve got, including the Ithaca
Urban Renewal Agency. Laura demonstrated to me, way back then, 12 years ago, maybe more, the size of her heart and the size of her compassion. That heart and that compassion will lead you will through the challenges you’re going to face.
First and foremost amongst them is Reimagining Public Safety, a process that is well
underway, that was triggered of course by the murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020. A process that has so far been led exceptionally well by Eric Rosario and Karen Yearwood, who’ve led a group of what will eventually become thousands of Ithacans in a process of reimagining how we deliver public safety to our community, in a way that is
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respectful of Black and Brown lives, of those who have the least, of those who have most marginal, and keeps our streets safe. I believe we can do it, and my final council meeting next February is when those recommendations are due. I’m eager to present them to
Council for your consideration and eventual adoption.
You also have a unique challenge now in this world where are we virtual, maybe we are, maybe we aren’t, what’s going on with the virus, is it bad? Why is that a particular challenge for our city? Because our city really thrives on civic participation. We’re a bit
unique in that way. We have more volunteers per person than you could shake a stick at.
That has allowed our boards and commissions to play an extremely important role in the health and vitality of our city. Now, this pandemic has turned all this upside down. Our boards and commissions are struggling and they’re looking for guidance. Our working group, led by former Alderperson Deb Malinhoff, constituting some of the members of
council, are going to take a look at how we can use city resources to reinvigorate and
revitalize our city’s boards and commissions. A couple of more things that I just want to mention because they are in process and I want everyone watching to be aware of is first: the work being done by our city staff, led
by the impeccable Nels Bohm, who’s just incredible, to reassess the city’s policy on the
unhoused, and find a humane way to make outdoor homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. Nels has engaged a broad community of stakeholders in how to do this. When his recommendations come to Acting Mayor Lewis and Common Council, I hope you give them full and thorough consideration. Similarly, Ineesa in the IURA is leading a working
group that is studying the West MLK corridor to find a way for that corridor to work for all
people who use it regardless of their social status, regardless of the status of their substance use, regardless whether they hang out there, live there, do business there, or they’re just walking or driving through, all through a red lens of racial justice and harm reduction. Similarly, when those recommendations come back, I hope you’ll give them full
consideration.
There’s still much more to do, from our electrification program that the whole world is watching to the full implementation of the Ithaca Green New Deal. Our guaranteed income pilot is set out to prove that a new form of public safety net is possible.
There’s so much work ahead and I know that you’ll be able to do it. I will not be leaving Ithaca, I will become one of your constitutes and I just know this community. I’ve seen it for 14 years up close. This is a city of do-gooders, who have one non-profit for every person. This is a city of environmentalists. We’re the city that uses sustainability so much
we forgot what the word met and then we kept using it until we remembered. We’re a city
of entrepreneurs that rally around our small business and make sure they can survive the external forces, whether it’s a virus, a box store or an online retailer. We’re the kind of city, where we believe in our young people and we invest in them. And
over the last 10 years, our investment deal only grows. Our investment in GIAC and the
Youth Bureau has increased 50% in the last 10 years because we believe that today’s youth council members are tomorrow’s Planning Directors, City Council members and Mayors. We’re a city that gives anybody a chance, even a 24 year old with passion for public service and a willingness to work and will a love for this community can lead the
city. We’re Ithaca and I truly believe that we can do everything that we set out to do.
I’m proud to have served you, I hope that I have served you well, and I’d just like to close, if you’d forgive the poetic flourish, with excerpts of what’s become my favorite poem: “As
you set out for Ithaca, every road is a long one, full of adventure and full of discovery.
May there be many summer mornings when with what pleasure and what joy you enter
harbors saying for the first time and keep Ithaca always in your mind. Arriving there is
what you’ve destined for. But don’t hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years. So you’re old by the time you’ve reached the island, wealthy with all you’ve gained on the
way, not expecting Ithaca to make you rich. Ithaca gave you the marvelous journey.
Without her, you wouldn’t have set out. She has nothing left to give you now. And if you
find her poor, Ithaca won’t have fold.”
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With that as always, I want to thank you for your kind attention. Council, I want to ask Laura Lewis if you’re still sure you are willing to serve as Acting Mayor, then we should administer the Oath of Office at this time.
Introduction of Laura Lewis… APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR AND ALTERNATE ACTING MAYOR: Mayor Myrick announced that he appointed Alderperson Laura Lewis to the position of
Acting Mayor. He administered the Oath of Office to her.
Mayor Myrick announced that he appointed Alderperson Ducson Nguyen to the position of Alternate Acting Mayor. He administered the Oath of Office to him.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS: SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Reimagining Public Safety Collaborative Human Resources Director Schelley Michell-Nunn provided a presentation on the progress the Reimagining Public Safety Collaborative has made which included the following:
Our Charge:
• NYS Executive Order: Center Communities of color.
• Local Reimagining Plans: Passed by City and County April 2021; Inclusive of plans to collaboratively Reimagine Public Safety; Create and implement Community Justice Center.
2021 Timeline & Progress:
• Spring: Plans finalized and adopted by Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca.
• Summer: City Working Group onboarded, begins work. CJC Planning Plan Sequencing work.
• Fall: Launch of RPS website for community input, several plans launched for engagement. Budgets planned for 2022.
• Winter: City of Ithaca Working Group finalizing department redesign plan. CJC Project Director hired. Plans in Progress:
• City of Ithaca: Department redesign.
• Collaborative: Community Healing Plan
• Collaborative: Alternative Response, Wraparound Health & Human Delivery.
• County: DA/Assigned Counsel Data
• Collaborative: Officer Wellness
• County: TCSO Unarmed Pilot Program Plans Launched:
• Collaborative: Traffic Stop Enforcement/Data
• Collaborative: Recruitment/Retention of Officers
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Community Justice Center:
• Project Director: Monalita Smiley – Background in youth engagement, working with criminal justice system. She will be starting January 10, 2022.
• Role & Responsibility: Lead implementation of joint RPS plans. She will oversee data analyst and administrative assistant. She will be located in the Tompkins County Mental Health Building. Will lead the implementation of all joint plans.
Publicsafetyreimagined.org:
• Community engagement tool: Gathering community ideas, reactions and comments.
• Mirror Tompkins Weekly Ad Campaign.
• Progress Tracker: News and Updates. Track plan to implementation.
• Archive of Progress To-Date: Implemented plans, plans in review.
What’s Next?
• Public Plan Launches: Next set of plans to open for community input, some events.
• CJC Onboarding and Data Analyst Search
• City Working Group Delivers Report to Common Council in February on Department Redesign
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: The following people addressed Common Council:
Susan Holland, Executive Director for Historic Ithaca, City of Ithaca: Thanks the Mayor for everything that he’s done for the city. Ithaca’s Green New Deal and an invitation to view a Deconstruction in Action project @ College Ave and Catherine St. on Jan. 8 from 10a-2p. Believe it is a Great Step in the Green New Deal for creating jobs for the residents.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – MAYOR AND COUNCIL Alderperson Mehler thanked Mayor Myrick and wished good luck to Acting Mayor Laura Lewis and Alternate Acting Mayor Ducson Nguyen.
Alderperson Nguyen thanked the Mayor and his applauded his dedication to housing development and zoning efforts. Alderperson McGonigal said the Mayor has made a huge effort to house people who
didn’t have decent housing. He has accomplished that and the City is a better place for it. That will go down in the history of this town. Always admired the fact that he’s had the courage to try new things if something is not working. He has a tremendous wit and sense of humor which has been a huge asset. Welcome to the new members of Council – you are now part of a tremendous team – there are amazing people who work for the
City of Ithaca. Encouraged them to get to know them and learn about their jobs. This past Monday there was a crisis at the Mental Health Bldg – the specialized response team and crisis negotiation team were able to successfully resolve the issue without injury to anyone – wants to commend them!
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Brock – Welcome the new Council colleagues – a fantastic, resilient, professional, dedicated group of people who make the city work. Their dedication is tremendous. Here to serve constituents but also to serve the city staff. Thanked the Mayor for his
service – has disagreed on many things – mainly on strategy but not objectives.
Appreciative and grateful for leadership and willingness to take big risks. Creating collaborations and put time and resources to make things happen. The City has been a leader on the national stage on many issues. Expressed deepest gratitude and appreciation for his service.
Brown – This announcement hit her in her heart as she was looking forward to working with him. Thanked him but is heart broken – has been dreaming and planning on how to approach Svante. Appreciated his support during her campaign. Thanks for being a role model for young black and brown people. Will miss fighting with him.
Gearhart – Welcome to new colleagues – looking forward to working with them. Will have a difficult time imagining Council meetings without the Mayor at the helm. He is leaving the City of Ithaca better than when he found it. Glad he will still be around.
Cantelmo – thanked staff and Council for a smooth onboarding process. Mayor has left
his marked on the City and we’re blessed to see that he will be continuing this level of service around the country. Thanks for leadership, service to the City of Ithaca. Says Myrick has left his mark on the City and that we are blessed to see him carry his work out on the National level.
DeFendini – Mayor has done a tremendous job for the City – leading the “Fighting 4th”, left such a mark that people outside of Ithaca know and follow his leadership. Lewis – Welcome to new Council colleagues – proud to be serving with all existing
members of Council and the outgoing members of Council who dedicated 10 years of service to the City. Mayor has given everyone on Council a voice to be true to themselves and question others ideas – a role model in respectful engagement. Change is hard, but there can be very positive outcomes. Reimaging Public Safety, Electrification, Proud that Council has dedicated resources to these initiatives showing
that Council has put it’s money where its values are ….. thank you for dedication and work and role model that he’s been to young and old alike. Impact will be long lasting.
CONSENT AGENDA:
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 3.1 Finance/Controller - Designation of Official Newspaper
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-113 of the City Charter, the Ithaca Journal be
and is hereby designated as the official newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year
2022.
Carried Unanimously
3.2 Finance/Controller - Collateral to Secure Deposits
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
RESOLVED, That the collateral deposited by the Tompkins Trust Company, JP Morgan Chase and M&T Bank as reported be approved as to form and sufficiency.
Carried Unanimously
3.3 Finance/Controller - Public Employee's Blanket Bond
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 11 of the Public Officers Law, the following Bond, which is on file in the Office of the City Clerk, be, and is hereby approved in
all respects for the year 2022.
Faithful Performance Blanket Bond Coverage by
Travelers Insurance Company $1,000,000 Carried Unanimously
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3.4 Finance/Controller - Designation of Common Council Meetings
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council, for the year 2022, be held at 6:00 p.m., on the first Wednesday of each month, through the City of Ithaca Public Meetings YouTube Channel unless otherwise determined by Common Council.
Carried Unanimously
3.5 Finance/Controller - Designation of Official Depositories
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-34 of the City Charter, the Tompkins Trust Company, the JP Morgan Chase Bank and the M & T Bank be, and they are,
hereby designated as the official depositories of all City Funds for the year 2022.
Carried Unanimously
3.6 Common Council - Approval of Travel Policy
Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
WHEREAS, there is to be held during the coming official year a) the New York
State Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting and Training School; b) the New York
State Conference of Mayors Fall Training School for Fiscal Officers and Municipal
Clerks, and other national and regional conferences as applicable; and
WHEREAS, it is determined by the Mayor and Common Council that attendance by
certain municipal officials and City employees at one or more of these meetings,
conferences or schools benefits the municipality; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council, the Mayor and City employees are hereby
authorized to attend said conferences or other applicable training events during 2022; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the cost for all events must be derived from existing 2022
Departmental Budgets with appropriate approvals obtained as applicable; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Carried Unanimously 3.7 Youth Bureau – Amendment to the 2022 Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
WHEREAS, The Youth Bureau is requesting permission to amend the 2022 personnel
roster; and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau requests a decrease in hours for the current PSMP Youth Program Coordinator (40 hours) to 35 hours; and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau would like to fund the vacant Youth Program Coordinator (35 hours) and defund the Youth Program Coordinator (40 hours) on their roster; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Youth Bureau shall be amended
effective January 1, 2022, as follows:
Fund One (1) Youth Program Coordinator (35 hours)
Defund: One (1) Youth Program Coordinator (40 hours)
Carried Unanimously 3.8 HR - Amendment to Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
WHEREAS, Common Council adopted the 2022 budget on November 3, 2021; and
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WHEREAS, the approved 2022 Human Resources Department budget included the
upgrade of the Human Resources Office Assistant position to Human Resources
Administrative Assistant, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Civil Service Commission has adopted the proposed Human
Resources Administrative Assistant job description; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Human Resources Department be
amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Human Resources Administrative Assistant
Defund: One (1) Human Resources Office Assistant
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Human Resources Office Assistant position shall remain on the
Human Resources Department personnel roster in an unfunded capacity until such time
as the employee successfully completes the civil service examination process for Human
Resources Administrative Assistant, at which time the position shall be abolished, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Human Resources Administrative Assistant shall be
assigned to the Confidential Employees Compensation Plan at salary grade 5, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the
New York State and Local Employees Retirement System the standard workday for
this position shall be established at seven (7) hours per day (thirty-five (35) hours per
week), and be it further
RESOLVED, That additional funding in the amount of $2,009.00 to implement this
change using the recently adopted 2022 Confidential Employees Compensation Plan
shall be derived from the existing 2022 authorized budget.
Carried Unanimously 3.9 IPD - Acceptance of Donation for Improvements to Training Building
By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Nguyen
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department (IPD) was recently notified that they have
received a $5,000 grant from an anonymous donor for 2021; and
WHEREAS, the funds will be used to continue the improvements for the newer building
at the department’s range; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby accepts the $5,000 grant for the Ithaca
Police Department to help make further improvement to the newer building at the range,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 2021 Authorized IPD Budget be amended as follows:
Increase Revenue Account
A3120-2705 Gifts and Donations $5,000
Increase Appropriation Account
A3120-5480-05017 $5,000
and, be it further
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RESOLVED, That the Common Council thanks the anonymous donor for their generous
donation for the City’s Police Department.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 4.1 A Resolution Authorizing Implementation and Funding in the First Instance 100% of the Federal Aid-eligible Costs and State “Marchiselli” Program-aid eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-aid Project, and Appropriating Funds
Therefore.
By Alderperson Cantelmo: Seconded by Alderperson Mehler WHEREAS, a Project for the Elmira Road Overlay and Signal Replacement, P.I.N. 375592 (the “Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be borne at the ratio of 80%
Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds, and
WHEREAS, on September 7, 2016, Common Council approved a Master Agreement with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) for local sponsorship of the Project, and established Capital Project #832 for the Project in the amount of
$210,600 for Preliminary Engineering/Design with the understanding that the City’s
share would be approximately $24,000, and WHEREAS, on July 1, 2020, Common Council approved a Supplemental Agreement with NYSDOT for additional phases of the Project, bringing the total authorization to
$2,619,100, and
WHEREAS, NYSDOT has provided a second Supplemental Agreement for additional federal and state aid for the Project funding for the Construction and Construction Inspection phases of the Project, 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 all Phases of the Project; and WHEREAS, the scope of the Project is a maintenance type project and therefore has
been categorized as a Type II action in accordance with City Environmental Quality
Review Ordinance (City Code Section 176.5 (c) (2)) and SEQR (6 NYSRR Part 617.5(c)(2)); now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves the above-subject project,
and, be it is further
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 Preliminary Engineering/Design and Construction/Construction Inspection work for the Project or
portions thereof, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the sum of $350,000 is 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
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project # 832, Elmira Road Overlay and Signal Replacement, to increase the funding authorization in the amount of $350,000, to a total authorization of $2,969,100, 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, the 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 the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to
execute all necessary Agreements, and the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute all necessary certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal
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Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca with the New York State Department of Transportation 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 federal-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 will be roughly 7% of said portion, currently estimated
at $195,330 of the $2,969,100 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, 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, This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the location of the project and how much
work is still needed.
Brock – What part of Elmira Rd is going to be addressed with this funding if we know?
Cantelmo turns it over to Addisu Gebre: Gebre: Not informed about this project, can’t
answer any questions. Myrick: Starts just inside the city, but not sure what portions.
DeFendini – complaints throughout the city about infrastructure not up to par – make
sure funding is appropriated as appropriate and that the project is brought in on time.
Brock responding to DeFendini: Something that could be flushed out further with DPW
because all department heads will speak to those concerns. Thanks him for raising that.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
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4.2 DPW - Cecil Malone Drive Bridge Replacement Project By Alderperson Cantelmo: Seconded by Alderperson Brock WHEREAS, Sponsor will design, let and construct the “project”, and
WHEREAS, a Project for the Cecil Malone Drive Bridge over Flood Relief Channel, P.I.N. 375589 (“the Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs such program to be borne at the ratio of 95% Federal funds and 5% 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 Design, Right-of-Way Incidental, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Construction and Inspection, and
WHEREAS, in November 2018, Common Council authorized $2,172,000 (95% Federal
and 5% Local Share) of BRIDGE NY funding that was made available by New York State Department of Transportation for Project, and WHEREAS, the project budget is increased by $822,000 as a result of project scope
change and construction items increase due to COVID-19 pandemic, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is responsible for all cost of the Project which exceed the amount of the BRIDGE NY funding awarded to the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, Department of Public Works has decided to allocate $396,000 in
Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) fund, $55,000 from the Sidewalk Program, and $371,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 to cover Water and Sewer fund to cover the budget shortfall, and
WHEREAS, the amended project budget is projected to be $ 2,994,000; now, be it
further RESOLVED, That, Common Council here by approves an increase of Capital Project #863 by an amount not to exceed $822,000, for a total project authorization of
$2,994,000, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That funds needed for said $822,000 amendment shall be derived from the following sources:
CHIPS $396,000
Sidewalk Program $55,000 ARPA $371,000
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That in the event of full federal and non-federal share cost of the project
exceeds the amount appropriated above, the City of Ithaca shall convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the New York State Department of Transportation thereof, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to
execute all necessary Agreements and the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to execute all the necessary Certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal Aid and /or State-Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca with the New York State Department of Transportation 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 federal-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 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, be it further
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RESOLVED, This Resolution shall take effect immediately. Brock – is this allocation of funding in the 2022 budget or is it outside of the budget.
Gebre – this would be charged to the 2022-2023 budget. Not sure that the ARPA is in
the budget. McGonigal – do foresee the possibility that all of this money may not be needed?
Gebre, yes, when we put together the budget, the only way we could get authorization
for the project from the state is based off of what we have based on the current material price. Steel price is about a 100 thousand dollar increase. For the water and sewer part, we’re seeing $150,000 increase based on the most recent projects that have been done around the state. The more realistic number that we have in order to gain authorization
for another contractor to do the job, we have to use this number. If we receive a lower
bid, our exposure would be much less that $800,000. We also have to understand that cheap funding is 100 person state funded. If we get a low bid number, we’re not saving or gaining anything. The state would take for their own infrastructure. We added new sidewalks between the bridge and road crossing. The timing is good, we have a
designer to do the job. We may even save a lot of money. 100% covered water and
sewer portion of the project. We need this $800,000. Brock – what is the time line for the project – how long will the bridge be out of service. Should start the project in May – and should be reopened in December.
Nguyen – NYS gave us $1.2 million for the Black Diamond trail bridge. a pedestrian bridge…take existing pedestrian bridge and use that for the flood control project.
Gebre – No, maybe I Misspoke. Yes we got $1.2M for the Black Diamond Bridge
project, we are hoping to assist with the Cecil Malone Project. Different project goes with the $1.2M. We’re putting together an application together to hopefully get the money, but this pedestrian bridge will be apart of the Cecil Malone Project The Black Diamond Trail Project is self funded project.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 4.3 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $3,819,440 BONDS OF THE
CITY OF ITHACA, TOMPKINS COUNTY, NEW YORK, TO PAY THE COST OF CERTAIN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN AND FOR SAID CITY. By Alderperson Cantelmo: Seconded by Alderperson Mehler WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the capital projects hereinafter described, including compliance with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality
Review Act, have been performed; and WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing of such capital projects; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, by the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the total voting strength of the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. For the object or purpose of paying the cost of certain capital
improvements in and for the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, there are hereby authorized to be issued $3,819,440 bonds of said City pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, apportioned among such capital improvements in accordance with the maximum estimated cost of each. The capital improvements to be financed
pursuant to this bond resolution, the maximum estimated cost of each, the amount of
bonds to be authorized therefor, the period of probable usefulness of each, and whether said capital improvements are each a specific object or purpose or a class of objects or purposes, including in each case incidental improvements, equipment, machinery,
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apparatus, appurtenances, furnishings and expenses in connection therewith, are as follows:
a) Certain new City costs of the Cass Park Ice Rink enclosure, in and for said City,
at a maximum estimated cost of $469,200. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object or purpose shall consist of the issuance of $469,200 bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the
aforesaid specific object or purpose is 15 years, pursuant to subdivision 19(c) of
paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; b) Purchase of a trackless sidewalk snowplow, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of $144,840. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object or purpose shall consist of the issuance of $144,840 bonds of the
$3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution.
It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is 15 years, pursuant to subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; c) Purchase of a vacuum truck, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of
$382,500. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object
or purpose shall consist of the issuance of $382,500 bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is 15 years, pursuant to subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law;
d) Purchase of a garbage packer truck, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of $178,500. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object or purpose shall consist of the issuance of $178,500 bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution.
It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific
object or purpose is 15 years, pursuant to subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; e) Purchase of police vehicles and related equipment, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of $280,500. It is hereby determined that the plan for the
financing of such class of objects or purposes shall consist of the issuance of $280,500
bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects or purposes is 3 years, pursuant to subdivision 77(1st) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law;
f) The City’s share of the cost of the purchase of a fire response vehicle for the Fire Department, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of $53,000. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object or purpose shall consist of the issuance of $53,000 bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby determined that
the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is 20 years, pursuant to subdivision 27 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; g) Design costs for the Cayuga Waterfront Revitalization project, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of $1,500,000. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object or purpose shall consist of the issuance of
$1,500,000 bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose is 5 years, pursuant to subdivision 62(2nd) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
h) Construction of new sidewalks and related pedestrian safety improvements on
Fall Creek Drive and Oak Avenue, in and for said City, at a maximum estimated cost of $810,900. It is hereby determined that the plan for the financing of such specific object or purpose shall consist of the issuance of $810,900 bonds of the $3,819,440 bonds of said City authorized to be issued pursuant to this bond resolution. It is hereby
determined that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or
purpose is 10 years, pursuant to subdivision 24 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law.
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Section 2. The aggregate maximum estimated cost of the aforesaid objects or purposes is $3,819,440, and the plan for the financing thereof is by the issuance of the $3,819,440 serial bonds authorized by Section 1 hereof, allocated to each of the objects
or purposes in accordance with the maximum estimated cost of each stated in Section 1
hereof; provided, however, that the amount of serial bonds will be reduced by any Federal or State grants-in-aid received therefor, including as specifically provided herein.
Section 3. The faith and credit of said City of Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, are hereby irrevocably pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on such obligations as the same respectively become due and payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such obligations becoming due and payable in such year. There shall annually be
levied on all the taxable real property of said City, a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such obligations as the same become due and payable. Section 4. Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and
sale of the bonds herein authorized, including renewals of such notes, is hereby
delegated to the City Controller, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner, as may be prescribed by said City Controller, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 5. The powers and duties of advertising such bonds for sale, conducting the sale and awarding the bonds, are hereby delegated to the City Controller, who shall advertise such bonds for sale, conduct the sale, and award the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the interests of the City; provided, however, that in the exercise of these delegated powers, he shall comply fully with the provisions of the
Local Finance Law and any order or rule of the State Comptroller applicable to the sale of municipal bonds. The receipt of the City Controller shall be a full acquittance to the purchaser of such bonds, who shall not be obliged to see to the application of the purchase money.
Section 6. All other matters, except as provided herein relating to such bonds,
including determining whether to issue such bonds having substantially level or declining debt service and all matters related thereto, prescribing whether manual or facsimile signatures shall appear on said bonds, prescribing the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds, appointing the fiscal agent or agents for said
bonds, providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and if said bonds are to be
executed in the name of the City by the facsimile signature of the City Controller, providing for the manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a designated official of the City), the date, denominations, maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of payment, and also including the consolidation with other issues, shall be
determined by the City Controller. It is hereby determined that it is to the financial
advantage of the City not to impose and collect from registered owners of such serial bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and insuring bonds transferred or exchanged by the fiscal agent, and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00 of the Local Finance Law, no such charges shall be so collected by the fiscal agent. Such
bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in section
52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals in addition to those required by section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the City Controller shall determine.
Section 7. The validity of such bonds and bond anticipation notes may be contested only if: 1) Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which said City is not authorized to expend money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be complied with at the date of publication of
this resolution are not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the date of such publication, or 3) Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.
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Section 8. This resolution shall constitute a statement of official intent for purposes of Treasury Regulations Section 1.150-2. Other than as specified in this resolution, no
monies are, or are reasonably expected to be, reserved, allocated on a long-term basis,
or otherwise set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the object or purpose described herein. Section 9. This resolution, which takes effect immediately, shall be published in
summary form in the Ithaca Journal, the official newspaper, together with a notice of the City Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section 81.00 of the Local Finance Law. McGonigal – thought that ARPA was going to finish the Cass Park Rink project. Thayer
– this is for renovations – the ARPA funds were used for the Cass Park pool
improvements. What is the $1.5 million Cayuga Waterfront Design project consist of? Thayer response : Engineering and scoping to redesign less than a mile on the Route 13 corridor for pedestrian/bicycle facilities and traffic calming measures in that area. Approved with the budget.
DeFendini – Section 1 E - $280,500 – police vehicles – what is this for? Thayer: The City acquires equipment on a large scale at the end of the year. We used to be able to fund these purchases within the operating budget; but now we’re in a position where we have to borrow for these types of purchases. For purchases of larger equipment – what
is the rationale for purchasing new vehicles. Thayer – life of vehicles is approximately 5
years because they take a beating – there is an annual replacement program to keep the fleet operating without vehicles breaking down/repair costs. Looking into electric vehicles too so in the future, you will see more and more electric vehicles in our fleet.
Brown – with reimagining policing – why would we need to continue to purchase new
police cars. Was this thought about when it was considered this year? Thayer – yes, will be continually evaluating the needs of the department.
A roll call vote resulted as follows:
Alderperson Brock – Aye Alderperson McGonigal – Aye Alderperson Brown - Nay Alderperson Nguyen – Aye Alderperson Gearhart – Aye Alderperson Barken – Aye Alderperson Mehler – Aye Alderperson DeFendini – Nay
Alderperson Cantelmo – Aye Alderperson Lewis – Aye Carried 8-2
REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER: City Controller Thayer reported on the following:
Welcome and Congratulations to the New Council members and congratulations to the Mayor and thank you for your years of dedicated service to the City and to the community. It will definitely be a loss for us here in the City, but obviously your opportunity will bring about great change for others and we’re looking forward to that.
Congratulations to Laura as the Acting Mayor, I’m looking forward to working with you during the coming year. End of Year Activity:
Sales tax – collected 15.1 million collected to date – 2 more collections for 2021 – 20% higher than 2020 numbers ($2.3 million). Sales tax recovery seems to be moving faster than expected. Unemployment, supply, demand concerns - challenging to forecast for the future.
Parking revenue – slow improvement – $500,000 under budget to date – COVID, construction activity – Green Street parking garage under construction – expect it to be
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back online in mid-2022. Building permit revenues – 1.6 million collected – 2.7 million budgeted – project delays,
breaks impacting revenues 850,000 below budget to date
CPI – 2021 – spike in March….5.5% with November reflecting highest CPI to date at 6.8% - 4.5% increase for the year to date. Good for CU – MOU payment. Higher costs for city operations and consumers. Go as far back as 2008 to see numbers this high.
Something to pay attention to over the next few months and the coming years.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: No items were submitted for consideration Chair Laura Lewis – 1st meeting will be January 19th – thanked former Alderperson
Murtagh for his many years of service as Chair of the PEDC. Brown – new member
Brock Brown Gearhart Mehler Brock – as Laura takes on Acting Mayor – will someone take on Laura’s seat as the Mayor doesn’t have a vote? The Charter allows for the Acting Mayor to retain her seat
and vote on Common Council until such time that a subsequent Mayor is elected at a
special election in November. Lewis – this is a unique set of circumstances – Deb was Acting Mayor and Chaired the CA Committee. Brock – Acting Mayor is usually a temporary appointment – not 11
months. That is a lot to ask someone to do in addition to their constituent services and
at the Council salary. Reduction in representation. Mayor – an accurate representation – Charter language. Leave it to Common Council and the City Attorney. Much more to discuss over the coming month.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER FILED RESOLUTION Request for Authorization to Apply to the “American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge”, managed by the Economic Development Administration, US Department of Commerce – Filed by Alderperson Brock By Alderperson Brock: Seconded by Alderperson Cantelmo
WHEREAS, the Director of Sustainability has identified the “American Rescue Plan
Good Jobs Challenge” as a funding opportunity to help develop the necessary workforce to meet the objectives of the Ithaca Green New Deal (IGND), and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (City) has demonstrated its desire and commitment to be
a leader in sustainability and social equity, as exemplified by adoption of the IGND, and
WHEREAS, to implement the IGND, the City will need to adopt emissions reduction strategies to reach the goals stipulated in the resolution to adopt the IGND, and
WHEREAS, the implementation of the IGND will require reduction of greenhouse gas
emissions from energy use in buildings and transportation, and WHEREAS, to reduce emissions in new construction and major renovations the City adopted the Ithaca Energy Code Supplement in May 2021, and
WHEREAS, to further reduce emissions the City require a city-wide effort to maximize energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy use in existing buildings, and
WHEREAS, this effort would lead to the creation of an estimated 400 local jobs within the next five years in the following areas:
• Building retrofitting (150)
• Heat pump installation and maintenance (100)
• Solar panel installation and maintenance (100)
• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure installation and maintenance (50), and
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WHEREAS, the development of the necessary workforce will require the implementation of a new workforce development program in coordination with Tompkins Cortland Community College, TST Boces, Finger Lakes ReUse, Tompkins County
Workforce Development Board and Cornell Cooperative Extension, and
WHEREAS, this program will rely on the federally recognized apprenticeship, training and certification program: Roots of Success for Environmental Literacy and Work Readiness, and
WHEREAS, the current available workforce in the City of Ithaca is insufficient to meet the estimated demand, the City intends to partner with the following municipalities:
• Binghamton
• Syracuse
• Rochester
• Elmira
To create a regional “green jobs corridor”, and WHEREAS, the establishment of the regional green jobs corridor will be coordinated by
the City of Ithaca and will require the implementation of a unified training and
certification curriculum in all municipalities, and the deployment of shared transportation and childcare infrastructure, and WHEREAS, there is an opportunity to apply to the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs
Challenge, managed by the Economic Development Administration, US Department of
Commerce, to request the necessary funds to create the green jobs corridor with the following categories and estimated annual costs:
• Implementation of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs - $600,000
• Implementation of training and certification programs - $400,000
• Deployment of shared transportation infrastructure - $700,000
• Deployment of local childcare infrastructure - $800,000
• Creation of a Good Jobs Challenge Backbone Organization office - $100,000, and
WHEREAS, funds are needed to support this effort for the following 5 years, with a total
requirement of $13,000,000, and WHEREAS, there is no need for matching funds when applying to the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the City to partner with regional workforce development organizations in the cities of Binghamton, Syracuse and Rochester, with the City of Ithaca as the Backbone Organization, and, be it further
RESOLVED, that Common Council authorizes the City to apply to the American Rescue
Plan Good Jobs Challenge, requesting a total amount of $13,000,000 for the implementation of a regional Green Jobs Corridor, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the city will continue to support the development and implementation
of strategies to accelerate the development of a new local green workforce to meet the
goals established by the Ithaca Green New Deal. Luis Aguirre-Torres, welcome to new Council members, congratulations to the Mayor. Opportunity to create jobs because of the Green New Deal. Want to attract industries
that will attract companies to create jobs locally. Estimated to make 400 jobs just from
the Electrification program, but there is an opportunity to make over 1,000 jobs in the next 10 years from the GND. 30,000 people live in Ithaca. We do not have enough people right now to meet the demand of the workforce. We are the first municipality in the entire country to do what we’re trying to do. There is qualified people leaving
Binghamton, Rochester, Elmira and a number of vulnerable populations and different
groups that are unemployed or under employed and we believe that this is an opportunity to not only promote economic development but to address some of the
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historical inequities that the Ithaca GND. They can help us by learning on the job, doing apprenticeships and they can go back to their own municipalities and help develop their own workers development. Through these, I believe that we can hope for a more
qualified, more comprehensive workforce in Ithaca, but also at the same time, we can
be assisting other municipalities in the region. Brown – concerned when she sees all of these organizations coming out when the big grants come out – and elbow out the grass roots people who black and brown people
trust. Wants to see more grass roots organizations addressed in here as well. Luis –
response…and listed all of the local organizations – centering the proposal around underserved communities. DeFendini – echoed comments made by Alderperson Brown – trying to get people from
black and brown communities ….working with existing unions to diversify…to create
longtime careers. Luis response – yes, Anna Kelles has been assisting with facilitating the conversations because the intention is to change that within the unions. We need to make sure they are more diverse and that they start accepting people from different groups, but also they need to be included we need to accept the way they work. I think
that before this application is done, we’re going to get their support in the way that we
are presenting this service to these communities and in their programs. I’m hopeful that we get this done before the application deadline. McGonigal – more minority membership in trade unions is something that Council has
been working on for years – an important effort and encourages him to join. Positive
feedback has been received from most of the unions. Pre-apprenticeship programs are being created. Thanked Luis for answering questions and providing background information. Not excluding Elmira, Corning, or other southern tier communities that are in poverty. Luis - Elmira has recently agreed to join on.
Friendly amendment to add Elmira to the list. Lewis – huge thanks to Brock and Luis for bringing this forward. She also hopes to see the development of more apprenticeship programs that will lead to career positions.
Nguyen – friendly amendment to add all of the local organizations Luis – if you prefer, this could be deferred to the February Common Council meeting to be more comprehensive….deadline is February 10th.
AMENDMENT By Nguyen: Seconded by Brown ADD: to 8th Whereas Clause: Black Hands Universal, Unbroken Promise Initative, Southside Community Center, Latino Civic Association and local unions. Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Mayor Myrick requested the addition of Item … Appointment of Marriage Officers. Appointment of Marriage Officers
By Alderperson Brock: Seconded by Alderperson Mehler RESOLVED, That the following Alderpersons be designated as Marriage Officers for the year 2022:
Alderperson Brock
Alderperson Nguyen Alderperson Brown Alderperson Gearhart Alderperson Barken Alderperson Mehler Alderperson DeFendini Alderperson Cantelmo Alderperson Lewis
Former Alderperson Donna Fleming No Council member objected.
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Alderperson Gearhart asked what the precedent would be if having a former elected official be set as a marriage officiant. Says it would be a good precedent to set, but what would the repercussions be. Asked City Clerk Holcomb and City Attorney Lavine who
would be allowed to perform ceremonies? City Clerk: NYS Domestic Relations Law allows for Common Council to appoint any resident in the City of Ithaca as a Marriage Officer for a determined period of time. We have had these requests before and they have been honored for a specific date for a
specific wedding. Others have been approved years ago for a year, but other councils
have said we think we’re good, we have enough marriage officers in the city already. If it turns out that we are lacking then we can open it up to others, but they chose not to (allow former officials), so this is purely a council decision. Suggesting that we consider this on an annual basis, let people self-select, whether they want to continue serving in
this capacity or not.
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS 6.1 Reappointments to the Planning and Development Board By Alderperson Gearhart: Seconded by Alderperson Mehler (?) RESOLVED, That Garrick Blalock be reappointed to the Planning and Development Board, as the Liaison from the Board of Public Works, with a term to expire December
31, 2024, and be it further RESOLVED, That Elisabete Godden be reappointed to the Planning and Development Board with a term to expire December 31, 2024, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Robert Lewis be reappointed to the Planning and Development Board with a term to expire December 31, 2024, and be it further Appointment and Reappointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals
RESOLVED, That Joe Kirby be appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a term to
expire December 31, 2023, and be it further RESOLVED, David Barken be reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a term to expire December 31, 2024, and be it further
RESOLVED, That David Barken be appointed as Chair of the Board of Zoning Appeals for the year ending December 31, 2022, and be it further RESOLVED, That Stephanie Egan-Engels be reappointed to the Board of Zoning
Appeals as an Alternate with a term to expire December 31, 2024, and be it further
Reappointment to the Cable Access Oversight Committee
RESOLVED, That Richard DePaolo be reappointed to the Cable Access Oversight
Committee with a term to expire December 31, 2024. Barken recusal – appointing his brother – David Barken Carried 9-0-1 recusal
Remainder Gearhart: Seconded Mehler – Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF COUNCIL LIAISONS: McGonigal – TC Legislature – discussing redistricting – there are only 4 representatives for the City currently. They would like the City to start deciding how we will be redistricting so they can begin their discussions. The Mayor as appointed a
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Redistricting Committee that will be announced shortly with some overlap with the County. McGonigal – the City would be better represented with 5 legislators – Mayor agrees as it would also clarify the district boundaries. The City has grown faster than
the neighboring municipalities.
Vavra – there will be a news release either tomorrow or Friday – and there will be combined meeting with the County and City and she will share this information.
Nguyen – TCAT Chair rotation – Laura is now the Chair of TCAT. Continued efforts
around electrification. Brock – WDAC – active – looking at the City’s Diversity Statements – any edits or comments can be forwarded to her or Schelley Michell-Nunn.
Neighborhood groups on the West End forming – Nates Floral Estates – and West State
Street Corridor – coalescing around issues in relation to homeless encampments. Nels Bohn policy development…expect to have meetings and discussions prior to the policy being forwarded to Council. Group of volunteers going out into the area to build relationships with residents, picking up trash, returning shopping carts, ect.
Lewis – 12-16-21 mtg of IURA – technical assistance – operational review financial request from Buffalo Street Books ($4,400) Finger Lakes Reuse – $75,000 request for the creation of 5 jobs Salvation Army – contract extension – mortgage assistance to low income home owners
Security Deposit assistance – 100% security deposit awards
Brown – are there residents of the homeless encampments involved in this work – Brock response: Proposal is being developed by Nels Bohn of IURA, first presentation of it was to the Continuum of Care (County based organization that works both with
various county service departments, numerous non-profits) they have the ability to
provide feedback and propose policy that will be coming together. Frist and foremost, I think we’re going to be working very closely with their outreach workers and those who have relationships with the residents there. There were a couple of residents who were on the call at the meeting to discuss the proposal. Doing everything to have as much
input as possible by those who would be immediately impacted.
Lewis – continuum of care – 2nd community outreach worker has been hired – Will Taylor.
Brown – With these community outreach workers, have they found someone of color to work in that community? Lewis – Not sure, but two outreach workers that are hired by county service, not city. Report of City Attorney
Welcome to new council members – wish the Mayor well – across a decade of working together. I have seen you lead with incite and kindness. You have been an exceptional, exceptional colleague and I will miss working with you both as a colleague and as a Mayor. I wish you all the best wishes in your feature endeavors.
Mayor Myrick: Hiring Ari as City Attorney was the first decision I made as Mayor and the best thing I did. Convincing Faith to come on board is the last thing that I have done as Mayor and she’s already made such an impact with her energy. Julie has been at my right hand for 10 years. I cant even tell you how she’s consolidated the Clerk’s Office
and the IT department and she’s going to lead us into the future. I cant tell you how
much time I’ve spent with Schelley and Steve. They are the brain of the nervous system that makes the city work. Thank you all for the very kind words and the very hard work and I will see you soon.
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ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick City Clerk Mayor