HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2021-04-07COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. April 7, 2021
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (10) Brock, McGonigal, Nguyen, Murtagh, Gearhart, Fleming, Smith,
Kerslick, Mohlenhoff, Lewis
OTHERS PRESENT:
Chief of Staff - Cogan
City Attorney – Lavine
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Controller – Thayer
Planning and Development Director – Cornish
IURA Community Development Planner - Mendizabal
Director of Sustainability – Aguirre-Torres
GIAC Director – McBean-Clairborne
Deputy GIAC Director - Brooks
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Mayor Myrick requested the addition of a presentation from Director of Sustainability
Luis Aguirre-Torres.
No Council member objected.
PROCLAMATIONS / AWARDS:
Mayor Myrick proclaimed the week of April 11-17, 2021, as Public Safety
Telecommunications Week in the City of Ithaca.
Deputy Director of the Tompkins County Department of Emergency Response Jessica
Verfuss thanked Mayor Myrick and Common Council for taking the time to recognize the
911 Center dispatchers. She noted that it has been a challenging year and dispatchers
have difficult and stressful jobs. The 911 Center dispatchers support 18 fire
departments, 7 police agencies, 4 ambulance services, and coordinate with Cornell
University and Ithaca College public safety agencies.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Sustainability Director Luis Aguirre-Torres – Green New Deal was very ambitious
compared to the rest of the region and Country. Reviewed background and work
history. CleanTech Labs presentation (get from video).
Luis explained the delay in consideration of Ithaca Energy Code – want to make sure
that social justice initiatives are included. Some comments were more complicated than
originally thought and to address them properly, more time was needed. It will come
back to PEDC in April and on to Council in May.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council:
Zachary Winn, City of Ithaca
CONSENT AGENDA:
3.1 Amendment to Personnel Roster – DPW – Administrative Assistants
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, budget reductions in the Department of Public Works due to the COVID-19
pandemic have resulted in the reduction of financial and administrative staff, specifically
the Executive Assistant and Manager of Fiscal Operations positions; and
April 7, 2021
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WHEREAS, due to staff reductions, the Financial Management Assistants located at
Streets & Facilities, Water & Sewer, and City Hall have assumed additional financial
and administrative responsibilities which are more similar to the duties required of an
Administrative Assistant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the personnel roster of the Department of Public Works be amended
as follows:
Add: Three (3) Administrative Assistants – 40 hours/week (Grade 8)
Defund: Three (3) Financial Management Assistants – 40 hours/week (Grade 6)
Delete: One (1) Financial Management Assistant – 20 hours/week (Grade 6)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the three full-time Financial Management Assistant positions shall
remain on the DPW personnel roster in an unfunded capacity until such time as the
employees successfully complete the civil service examination process for
Administrative Assistant, at which time the positions shall be abolished; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the above changes shall be funded from the same accounts which
the Financial Management Assistants are currently budgeted, and the differential in pay
shall be funded from the vacant part-time Financial Management Assistant position that
is being deleted.
Carried Unanimously
3.2 Request to Amend Capital Project #864 – GIAC Gym Renovation
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, a capital project in the amount of $290,000 was established in 2019 to
purchase and renovate the former Immaculate Conception School gymnasium for use
by the Greater Ithaca Activities Center for city youth recreation; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, in collaboration with the Greater Ithaca Activities Center
Board of Directors (GIAC, Inc.), purchased the gym from Ithaca Neighborhood Housing
Services and now hold the deed to the facility; and
WHEREAS, GIAC received formal schematic designs with alternates, and related
estimates for the renovation portion of the project totaling $3.5 million; and
WHERAS, this past year the difficulties brought on by the Coronavirus, especially
around distancing and having space for program participants, highlighted the
importance of having this facility available for programming; and
WHEREAS, GIAC has been fundraising and is ready to move this renovation project
forward; and
WHEREAS, Common Council is desirous of progressing this reimbursement project;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project # 864, GIAC Gym
Renovation in an amount not to exceed $3,500,000, for a total project authorization of
$3,790,000, for the purposes of designing and constructing such improvements, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That funding for said Capital Project shall be derived from the issuance of
Serial Bonds with the understanding that eligible expenses will be reimbursed by GIAC,
Inc., based on private donations and grants.
Carried Unanimously
3.3 Support for the Friends of Stewart Park’s Application to the Preserve New
York Grant Program
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
April 7, 2021
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WHEREAS, Stewart Park is a regional waterfront destination within the City of Ithaca
that offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities to residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the park’s dynamic history is represented in its existing buildings,
structures, monuments, and landscape features; and
WHEREAS, the Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) is a non-profit organization working in
partnership with the City of Ithaca to revitalize the municipally-owned Stewart Park; and
WHEREAS, as part of their revitalization efforts, the FSP promotes the park’s significant
community history through programing, events, and other projects and activities that
engage the public; and
WHEREAS, the FSP wishes to nominate the park for listing on the State and National
Registers of Historic Places to further promote its historic value locally, regionally, and
nationally; and
WHEREAS, the Preservation League of New York State and New York State Council
on the Arts have announced the availability of funds through the 2021 Preserve New
York Grant Program; and
WHEREAS, the FSP is interested in applying to the Preserve New York Grant Program
to engage a consultant to draft a National Register Nomination for Stewart Park; and
WHEREAS, the FSP will serve as the recipient and administrator of any grant award;
and
WHEREAS, the FSP will provide the funding match as required by the grant program;
and
RESOLVED, That City of Ithaca Common Council herby offers its support and
endorsement for the Friends of Stewart Park’s application to the 2021 Preserve New
York Grant Program for the completion of a National Register Nomination for Stewart
Park.
Carried Unanimously
Department of Public Information & Technology:
3.4 Approval of Outdoor Dining Alcohol Permits
By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick
WHEREAS, several downtown restaurants have requested permission to utilize certain
areas along the Primary and Secondary Commons and sidewalks in the downtown core
for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance has requested permission for wine, beer,
and hard cider tasting and sales as part of their special events for 2021, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow
the serving and consumption of alcohol on City property, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of public property for
outdoor dining and special events including the responsible sale and consumption of
alcohol, plays an important role in the vibrancy of the downtown business district, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the sale and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a
minimum of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2021, Common Council hereby approves the following
revocable alcoholic beverage permits for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol in
accord with the terms and conditions set forth in their applications, including minimum
Dram Shop coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor
dining permit:
April 7, 2021
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Bickering Twins Restaurant Simeon’s American Bistro
Red’s Place Kilpatrick’s Publick House
Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca Ale House
Mahogany Grill Café Cent Dix
Luna Inspired Street Food Mia Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Viva Taqueria Mercato Bar & Kitchen
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance be authorized to arrange for wine,
beer, and hard cider tasting and sale of bottled wine, beer, and hard cider at booths
during their special events between the dates of January 1 to December 31, 2021 and
shall comply with all applicable state and local laws, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance or the participating winery or cider
company shall agree to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and
Dram Shop Act coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 naming the City of
Ithaca as an additional insured and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the City
Clerk prior to the event.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported on the following:
Closing 2020 activity –
NYS AIM Payment – 2020 payment reduced by 5% (130,000) – get from video
2021 Activity
Sales tax – 10.1% lower than 2020 figures to date but still within budget
Parking revenue – slow improvement but 370,000 off budget – low
Building Permit revenue – 542,000 collected to date
Re-rated by Moody’s – debt continues to be high, reserves not enough – post
employment liability is very high – new conference center – dropped City to AA3 rating –
lower end of high grade investment area – will impact interest rates slightly. 314,000
debt savings by refinancing the bonds. Will go back out in July for 2nd round of
borrowing = may get rerated again.
NYS Budget – added funds for street and road improvements: CHIPS, etc…. +184,000
in 2021. Additional funds available for roads and bridge work. No word on 2021 AIM
payment yet.
Federal stimulus funds – significant funds expected but exact figure not available yet.
One-time funds that should be used to give the City financial stability. Discussion
followed on the floor regarding the potential use of the stimulus funding and the process
that will be followed to determine how to spend it. ($17 million).
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
5.1 CDBG-CV2: GIAC Youth Programming
By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (City) has received two tranches of supplemental funding
allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from The Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, & Economic Security (CARES Act), which funding is hereafter referred to as
CDBG-CV, and
April 7, 2021
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WHEREAS, HUD is providing administrative flexibility and waivers to speed approval
and delivery of funds for activities responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and
WHEREAS, the 15% cap on public service activities is waived for CDBG-CV funds, and
WHEREAS, the initial CDBG-CV allocation to the City provided $321,299 to invest in
CDBG-eligible activities of which $8,820 remains unobligated to address emerging
needs, and
WHEREAS, the second CDBG-CV allocation (“third tranche”) to the City provided an
additional $294,269 to invest in CDBG-eligible activities, and
WHEREAS, the City has contracted with the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) to
administer, implement and monitor the City’s HUD Entitlement program in compliance
with all applicable regulations, and
WHEREAS, in order to expedite delivery of funding to the community, IURA has
gathered information from stakeholders and solicited proposals for disaster
response/recovery/prevention projects, and
WHEREAS, the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) provides programs, services,
and classes to children aged preschool through teen and adults including seniors, and
WHEREAS, at least 51% of those GIAC served are Ithaca residents of low-to-moderate
income, and
WHEREAS, interruptions in schooling due to the coronavirus pandemic is causing
educational losses and disruptions which, according to research by such institutions as
Brown and Harvard Universities are likely to have disproportionate impact on African-
American and Latinx students, and
WHEREAS, GIAC’s afterschool, teen, camp, and other youth programs have a plan to
safely provide educational support, guidance, and necessary social interaction to
children of families most affected by the pandemic, and
WHEREAS, the services described above mitigate the impacts of the coronavirus as
well as prepare for, prevent, and respond to the spread of the coronavirus by providing
timely information to participants and connecting them to health resources, and
WHEREAS, the City can take final action to approve use of CDBG-CV funds following a
Public Hearing and a 5-day Public Comment period; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby authorizes an
allocation of up to $175,000 from the CDBG-CV funding source to fund Greater Ithaca
Activities Center youth programming that meets a HUD National Objective and helps
prepare for, prevent, or respond to the spread of coronavirus, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the 2019 HUD Entitlement Action Plan shall be amended to include
this activity that responds to and promotes prevention of COVID-19.
CD Planner Mendizabal explained the funding priorities for GIAC - all youth programs
that are not currently operating have been prioritized….
Carried Unanimously
5.2 CDBG-CV2: Community Outreach Worker
By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (City) has received two tranches of supplemental funding
allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from The Coronavirus
Aid, Relief, & Economic Security (CARES Act), which funding is hereafter referred to as
CDBG-CV, and
April 7, 2021
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WHEREAS, HUD is providing administrative flexibility and waivers to speed approval
and delivery of funds for activities responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and
WHEREAS, the 15% cap on public service activities is waived for CDBG-CV funds, and
WHEREAS, the initial CDBG-CV allocation to the City provided $321,299 to invest in
CDBG-eligible activities of which $8,820 remains unobligated to address emerging
needs, and
WHEREAS, the second CDBG-CV allocation (“third tranche”) to the City provided an
additional $294,269 to invest in CDBG-eligible activities, and
WHEREAS, the City has contracted with the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) to
administer, implement and monitor the City’s HUD Entitlement program in compliance
with all applicable regulations, and
WHEREAS, in order to expedite delivery of funding to the community, IURA has
gathered information from stakeholders and solicited proposals for disaster
response/recovery/prevention projects, and
WHEREAS, the position of Community Outreach Worker provides a critical point of
contact for homeless residents to receive information, referral, and navigation through
needed services, and
WHEREAS, the Community Outreach Worker meets and coordinates regularly with
other service providers focused on the assisting residents experiencing homelessness
to communicate about observed needs and coordinate service provision, and
WHEREAS, the role, responsibilities, and relationships maintained by the Community
Outreach Worker are critical to the response, preparation, and prevention of the spread
of the coronavirus among residents of Ithaca who are experiencing homelessness, and
WHEREAS, the Community Outreach Worker works with at least one (homeless
persons) and probably more than one HUD-presumed low- and moderate-income
clientele populations (persons living with AIDS, battered spouses, and more), thereby
meeting a CDBG national objective, and
WHEREAS, the City can take final action to approve use of CDBG-CV funds following a
Public Hearing and a 5-day Public Comment period; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby authorizes an
allocation of up to $65,000 from the CDBG-CV funding source to fund to the Community
Outreach Worker position to be implemented by Family and Children’s Service of
Ithaca, which meets a HUD National Objective and helps prepare for, prevent, or
respond to the spread of coronavirus, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the 2019 HUD Entitlement Action Plan shall be amended to include
this activity that responds to and promotes prevention of COVID-19.
Discussion followed on floor regarding the use of these funds – new position or to fund
one of the two existing positions. This will fund an existing position that the City would
normally contribute to for 2021 (was already budgeted for).
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
5g Discussion at next PEDC meeting
REPORTS FROM COUNCIL & STAFF
Reports of Common Council Liaisons:
April 7, 2021
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McGonigal – forwarded a report from Liz Thomas for watersource / watershed….from
TCCOG – may be grant money available for initiatives.
Brock – NYS has been paying attention to Harmful Algeal Blooms – water resource
management - the Total Maximum Daily Load TMDL of phosperous came out today –
Tompkins County release Hazard Mitigation Plan for public comment. Opportunities for
drafting local legislation to protect the environment from extreme weather events.
Lewis – IURA – HUD Entitlement Grant applications have been submitted and the
public hearings have taken place. The adoption of the draft action plan will take place
later this month. The Action Plan will come to Common Council in June for approval.
Report of City Clerk:
City Clerk Conley Holcomb reported that the City’s Annual Street Cleaning Program is
underway and encouraged Common Council members to help spread the message to
their constituencies so residents can avoid unnecessary tickets and tows.
Report of City Attorney:
City Attorney Lavine reported 5G Report presentation with consultant Mr.
Campanelli – get from video – at PEDC – initial conversation about the report.
Report of Mayor
Mayor Myrick reported that Search Committees are being created for the Chief of Police
and Chief of Staff positions. Three Council members will be needed to serve on each
committee.
Reimagining Task Force – timeline next Wednesday on proposed task force and scope.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick
City Clerk Mayor