HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2023-08-02COMMON COUNCIL Voting Record
Date: Wednesday, August 2nd 2023
Location: City Hall, 108 E. Green Street 3rd Floor, Council Chambers
Meeting Called to order: 6:00 P.M.
Meeting Adjourned: 9:20 P.M.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMvbY5OPBYg&list=PLfplo_VA57eoynrqxkGvi11vxHlwByjZw
Attendance Record of Voting Members
Name Present (In Person) Remote Absent / Excused
Mayor – Laura Lewis X
1st Ward – Cynthia Brock X
1st Ward – George McGonigal X
2nd Ward – Phoebe Brown X
2nd Ward - Ducson Nguyen X
3rd Ward- Donna Fleming X
3rd Ward – Rob Gearhart X
4th Ward – Jorge DeFendini X
4th Ward - Tiffany Kumar X
5th Ward – Robert Cantelmo X
5th Ward - Kris Haines-Sharp X
Total voting members for this meeting 9
Item1: Call To Order
YouTube Timestamp: 0:30
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis read the Emergency Evacuation Notice, then began the meeting by pointing
out that Alderperson Haines-Sharp is excused from tonight's meeting, and Alderperson Cantelmo will be joining
Council late.
1.1: Agenda Review
YouTube Timestamp: 2:13
Discussion Summary: Update to 6.2 under new business and member filed. The original Resolution initially
included in the Agenda Packet has been updated. The new updated version has been given to Council.
1.2: Reports from Municipal Officials
YouTube Time: 2:33
Discussion Summary: County Legislator Pillar joined the meeting and gave a report after the Mayor’s
Proclamations and Awards (Timestamp: 9:26). County Legislator presented 4 updates; Tompkins County
Recycling Materials Managements Sold Wast Draft- the county is accepting public written comments on the draft
plan until August 7th; The County is also seeking public input on its first Strategic Planning Process by completing
a Survey and going on their Interactive Collaborative Website TompkinsCountyNY.gov; The County has officially
accepted monies from the GIVE Grant; The County is in the process of restructuring the Solid Waste Fee for
Colleges and are currently in talks with 3 Colleges. Mayor Lewis mentioned that the City is partnering with
County/Sherrif’s Department on GIVE Grant. Council did comment on the article about the Detox Center and
wanted to know if the County has a plan on opening the Detox Center or if the County is in talks about what other
uses there could be for the building.
1.3: Proclamations and Awards
YouTube Time Stamp: 2:48
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis presented Alderperson Brown and Jeff Furman with the City of Ithaca
Proclamation to celebrate Democracy in the City of Ithaca in honor of the August 6th 1965 Federal Voting Rights
Act, and Proclaims August 6th of each calendar year a day to celebrate democracy in the City of Ithaca, that this
day will be to celebrate Voting and Civic Engagement. Mayor Lewis presented Proclamation to Ithaca’s Farmers
Market, proclaiming August as Ithaca Farmers Market Month with August 17th being the official 50th Anniversary
date.
County Legislator Pillar joined the meeting and was invited to present a Municipal Report after the Ithaca’s
Farmers Market Proclamation.
1.4: Review and Approval of Minutes
YouTube Time Stamp: 15:03
Moved By: Alderperson Fleming
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Discussion Summary: January – June 2021 CC, February 2021 COW, July 12th 2023 COW, July 5th 2023 CC
Minutes presented to Council for review and approval. Mayor Lewis thanked the Deputy City Clerk and the Clerks
office for their efforts in working on getting the minutes completed and up to date. Alderperson Cantelmo was
absent for the vote. Alderperson Haines-Sharp was not in attendance for the Meeting.
Vote Passes: 8-0
Member All In Favor Opposed Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo
Kris Haines-Sharp
Item 2: Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council
2.1: Statements from the Public
YouTube Timestamp: 16:37
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis spoke to the public informing the public once the meeting is in progress,
Public Comments Cards will not be accepted throughout the meeting.
The Following Members of the Public commented on the following topics:
Janis Kelly- Board of Public Works
Amanda Kirchgessner- Reimagining Public Safety
Nathan Sitaraman, Wayles Browne, Mark Silverman, Deidre Silverman, Theresa Alt, Katie Sims, Patrich Sewell, -
Cornell MOU/PILOT/Negotiations/Transparency/Taxes
Jordan Clemons-Unbroken Promise Initiative
Sarah Curless-Cornell PILOT 2024
Jeff Furman- 1965 Voter Registration Act Proclamation
Margaret Foster, Caitlin Blanchfield, Trevor Cross, Pierre Saint Perez, Caroline Byrne, Aurora Rojer, Carolyn
Headlam, Genevieve Rand- Cornell MOU/PILOT/Negotiations/Transparency/Taxes
Kathryn Russell- Cornell PILOT/Transparency- Comment submitted through Public Comment Form.
Zach Winn- City of Ithaca
Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
noreply@civicplus.com < noreply@civicptus.com >
Wed 8/2/2023 4:22 PM
To:Common Council <council@cityofithaca.org>;Laura Lewis <Mayorlewis@cityofithaca.org>;Deb Mohlenhoff
<dmohlenhoff@cityofithaca.org>;Clerk <clerk@cityofithaca.org>;Alan Karasin <AKarasin@cityofithaca.org>;Shaniqua Lewis
<slewis@cityofithaca.org >
Common Council Public Comment Form
First Name kathryn
russell
Street Address 434 Snyder Hill Rd
Last Name
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Ithaca
NY
More transparency for Cornell PILOT discussion
I am a parent of a Cornell alumna. She and her husband went
to Cornell graduating in 2001 .My 2 grandsons are considering
going to Cornellfor college. Personally, we have spent lots of
money sending our daughter to Cornell so we have a fiscal
right to ask Cornell to pay more taxes to the city of lthaca. We
live right by the border of the town of lthaca and consider
ourselves lthacans. I am a proud professor emerita from SUNY
Cortland where I taught philosophy. The City should take the
fiscal and moral stance for more transparency in the
discussions. I support all the reasons below of the Make
Cornell Pay Coalition:
-Cornell peddles in financial speculation, busts unions on its
own campus, and has demonstrated itself to be a bad faith
partner to key public utilities like TCAT. What is legal is never
necessarily moral, and this is one such case. Given all of the
above and plenty more, what is truly OWED back to the
community is nothing less than the fulltax burden Cornell
currently pawns off to the rest of us in the form of high property
taxes and thus high rents.
-Cornell claims to have an "almost infinite time horizon" for its
endowment. But we need action now to stop climate change.
With Cornell's help, lthaca can be a national example for
environmentalism and sustainability.
-Cornell's endowment is worth over 4 times more than all
taxable property in the city combined. A 1% share of
endowment revenue would reduce the burden on taxpayers
and increase funding for vital public services, all without
affecting Cornell's operating budget.
-ln his own words, Cornellwished to "do the greatest good to
the greatest number of the industrial classes." 150 years later,
Ithaca's most vulnerable working families are stillwaiting for
that financial benefit.
Thank you, Kathryn Russell
Contact lnformation kathystute@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease note: comments must be 3
minutes (or shorter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
Ru/es of Order. Untilwe can all be together again, we wish you good health!
Email not displaying correctly? View it in ypgtlrowscr.
2.2: Privilege of the Floor
YouTube Timestamp: 1:14:43
Discussion Summary: Council thanked the Public for their comments. Council responded to the public with
agreeing with the Publics’ thoughts and concerns surrounding Cornell Negotiations. Council encouraged the
Public to also take their comments and concerns to Cornell’s Administration located at Day Hall.
Council addressed homelessness by offering to read a letter from the United States Interagency Council a
Federal Agency with a sole Mission focused on preventing and ending Homelessness in America; This written
letter was read aloud and into public records.
Item 3: Consent Agenda- No Items Submitted
Item 4: City Administration- No Items Submitted
Item 5: Planning and Economic Development Committee- No Items Submitted
YouTube Timestamp: 1:34:45
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis spoke to the public to inform the Public the City Administration Committee
and Planning and Economic Development Committee did not meet in the month of July. There are no items to
consider on the Agenda for tonight's Meeting. Moving to New Business/Member Filed next on the Agenda.
Item 6: New Business/Member File
6.1: Youth Bureau – Consolidated Funding Application Grant-Cass Park Improvements for Accessible
Pavilion, Restroom Project
YouTube Timestamp: 1:36:05
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis mentioned two community events taking place over the weekend; Cass
Park’s Anniversary Celebration and GIAC’s Gus Macker Basketball Tournament. The Mayor encouraged
everyone to come out and take part in those two events. Liz Klohmann was present to take questions and
comments from Council. Klohmann thanked members for accepting resolution as a member file item. Grant has
was due July and has been submitted. The City’s financial obligation is a 25% Match.
Vote Passes: 9-0
Member All In Favor Opposed Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
Youth Bureau- Request for authorization to apply for a New York State Consolidated Funding Application grant for
the Cass Park Improvements for Accessible Pavilion, Restroom Project
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau recommends an application to the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Grant
Program for Parks, Preservation and Heritage, Consolidated Funding (CFA) 2023 for the Cass Park Improvements for
Accessible Restroom and Pavilion Project on behalf of the City of Ithaca and
WHEREAS, the Cass Park Pavilion, Restrooms and Parking serve as a trailhead and gathering place for thousands of
regional visitors to Cass Park, the Black Diamond Trail, and the Ithaca Children’s Garden and is widely recognized as
a valuable public asset; and
WHEREAS the City has completed the Cass Park Capital Plan which identifies the Cass Park pavilion, restroom
building replacement, and parking improvements as high-priority projects, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Common Council authorizes the Director of the City of Ithaca Youth Bureau to file an application for
funds in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for the Cass Park Improvements for Accessible Restroom and Pavilion
project from the New York State CFA, and upon approval of said request, to enter into and execute a project
agreement with the State for such financial assistance to the City of Ithaca for the Cass Park Improvements for
Accessible Restroom and Pavilion Project; and, be it further
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca is authorized and directed to agree to terms and conditions of the Master Contract
with OPRHP for such Cass Park Improvements for Accessible Restroom and Pavilion Project.
Carried Unanimously 9-0
6.2: Resolution for Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) – Additional Boiler Replacement
and Facility Improvements
YouTube Timestamp: 1:41:45
Moved By: Alderperson Brock
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Discussion Summary: Scott Gibson responded to questions and comments from Council, the cost of a Capital
Project and Infrastructure and the importance of considering repairs that exist today and are continuing to
escalate. We are down another Boiler and under Capacity to Heat for the Winter. Alderperson Brock pointed out
that improvements is for our Waste Water Facility; the debt and revenue to pay for debt comes out of our Water
Sewer Fund and is not attached to the City General Funds.
Vote Passes: 9-0
Member All In Favor Opposed Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
Resolution for Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) – Additional Boiler Replacement and
Facility Improvements
WHEREAS, in 2022, the Special Joint Committee (SJC) of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility
(IAWWTF) recommended to its municipal boards the approval of Boiler Replacement Phase 1 and Phase 2
funding for the replacement of a non-functional IAWWTF cast iron boiler in an amount, not to exceed, Six
Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($650,000); and
WHEREAS, in 2023, additional related work under a Boiler Replacement Phase 3 project included pump
replacement, boiler exhaust flue modifications, enhancements to combustion air intakes, glycol feeder
improvements, automated controls, plumbing modifications for heat control, bonding, and engineering services for
a cost, with contingencies, not to exceed, Two Hundred Fifty-Five Thousand Dollars ($255,000); and
WHEREAS, during efficiency improvement work in Boiler Replacement Phase 3, plumbing, heat exchanger,
valving, and general mechanical reconfiguration was made to eliminate unnecessary boiler capacity, invoke
energy savings measures, and offer seasonal operational variability; and
WHEREAS, said modifications revealed several additional supportive improvements in other areas around the
plant to ensure that efficiency and operability are mutually maintained; and
WHEREAS, J.W. Danforth has provided a 9 Item cost proposal dated July 21, 2023, in an amount not to exceed
$2,703,205.00 for the following items:
Item 1: Additional Boiler Replacement - There are three remaining boilers that feed process-specific systems at
the plant including the digester, turbines, and general gallery areas. Two condensing Camus Boilers are in various
states of disrepair and a recently non-functional HB Smith “dirty” methane boiler dating to the age of the plant
must be replaced to meet upcoming winter demands. The cost for this work is $695,690.00;
Item 2: Boiler Zone Control Valves – There are five heating zones at the plant that currently have no means of
valving control. With the various mechanical modifications made to improve efficiency during Phase 1 – 3 of the
cast iron boiler replacement, it is recommended to furnish and install new and replacement valves, gauges,
electrical, and accessories to allow for proper process control. The cost for this work is $124,945.00;
Item 3: Waste Gas Burner - Excess methane gas generated by the plant is automatically sent to a waste stack
burner which is currently mounted on the plant rooftop near the existing digesters. The stack is out of code, has
no proper auto ignition and is required to be located at least 50 feet from a combustible source. At present,
treatment plant operators ignite the burner by hand which is a serious health and safety issue. This project
proposes to locate a new burner external to the plant with proper instrumentation and auto controls to meet
current code. The cost for this work is $739,110.00;
Item 4: Admin Building VRF Heat Pump Improvements - The Administration Building air handling system is
undersized, poorly designed, and requires duct, blower, condensing, coil, and filtration work, along with a new
transformer, control, and electrical panel. It is currently fed by a long boiler loop located approximately 300 feet
from the Boiler Room. Aside from the length of run, this method is largely inefficient requiring a nearly constant
feed of circulating hot water to ensure that the building is adequately regulated. With calls within local municipal
government for environmental sustainability commitments such as the Green New Deal, a proposal to eliminate
the boiler feed by retrofitting the building with a heat pump system is supported by staff in the amount of
$445,705.00;
Item 5: Turbine Room Supply and Exhaust Venting - Existing turbines are located in an unconditioned room
adjacent to the existing Boiler Room. These turbines are being treated with in room high temperature atmospheric
air that is not stable for operation which will cause short- and
long-term efficiency and maintenance problems. The cost to bring outside makeup and exhaust venting will be
$59,400.00;
Item 6: Influent Building Air Handling Units - Air handling units in the Influent Building are blocked and corroded
leading to hazardous atmospheric conditions for both equipment and personnel. The project involves the repair
and coil replacement of three units in the amount of $52,160.00;
Item 7: Sluice Gate Replacement – Influent slide gates which help to isolate flow into the Headworks Building no
longer function and have deteriorated to the point where one has collapsed into the channel. The cost to replace
the two units is $168,400.00;
Item 8: Administration Building Roof Replacement – The Administration Building roof is now 35 years old, has
been repaired multiple times and is in need of an entire replacement. With the potential funding of Item 4, which
will require modifications to the existing roof, it is recommended that the roof be replaced for a cost of
$364,795.00.
Item 9: Performance Bond – Performance and payment bonding is based off a percentage for Items 1-8 of the
boiler replacement project. The cost of bonding for the entire project ($2,650,205.00) is $53,000.00; and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2023, at a special meeting of the Special Joint Committee, the SJC voted to recommend
its municipal boards piggyback on the Town of Greece’s ezIQC Contract for Items 1 through 9 as detailed above,
for a cost not to exceed $3,243,846.00, which includes a 20% contingency;
Now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Capital Project 423J Boiler Room Evaluation, be hereby amended by an amount not to exceed
Three Million Two Hundred Forty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Six Dollars ($3,243,846.00) for the
purposes of funding said replacements, modifications, and facility improvements for a new total project
authorization of $ 4,167,346__, and be it further
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca share of the approved amount will be One Million Eight Hundred Fifty-Three
Thousand Five Hundred Thirty-Four Dollars ($1,853,534.00), and be it further
RESOLVED, That authorization of this project contingent upon action by all wastewater partners committing their
percentage of reimbursement shares to the Joint Activity Fund allocated per the Joint Sewer Agreement as
follows:
Municipality Percentage Project Cost
City of Ithaca 57.14 $1,853,534.00
Town of Ithaca 40.88 $1,326,084.00
Town of Dryden 1.98 $64,228.00
$3,243,846.00
---------------------------------------------
notes:
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
6.3: Resolution for the City Manager Search Team Composition
YouTube Timestamp: 2:08:38
Moved By: Alderperson DeFendini
Seconded By: Alderperson McGonigal
Discussion Summary: No comments or questions from Council. Resolution was discussed at COW
Vote Passes: 9-0
Member All In Favor Opposed Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
Resolution for the City Manager Search Team composition
WHEREAS, a search will be conducted for the first Ithaca City Manager over the next three months with the
selected candidate start date of January 1, 2024, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has retained Dr. Ian Coyle to oversee the recruitment and initial screening of
qualified applicants, and
WHEREAS, finalists will meet with the full Council, which has the final hiring authority, and key stakeholders, now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council appoints a four-member Executive Search Team comprised of the two
committee chairs (Alderpersons Gearhart and Cantelmo), the WDAC liaison
(Alderperson Brown), and Alderperson Fleming based on research she conducted previously, and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Executive Search Team will provide updates to the full Council in executive session, and it is
further
RESOLVED, that The Mayor and four city department heads will serve on the Search Team, including Rob Covert
(IFD), Schelley Michell-Nunn (HR Director and search committee chair), Lisa Nicholas (Planning and
Development), and Mike Thorne (DPW).
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
6.4: Local Law Entitled “Clarification of Capital Program Committee Leadership”
YouTube Timestamp: 2:08:38
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded By: Alderperson Nguyen
Discussion Summary: Roll Call Vote. City Attorney Lavine reminded Council this is a technical Amendment that
was talked through on July 12th Committee of the Whole. No questions or comments from Council. Alderperson
DeFendini not present for vote.
Vote Passes: 8-0
Member All In Favor Opposed Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
A Local Law entitled “Clarification of Capital Program Committee Leadership”
WHEREAS, effective January 1, 2024, Local Law No. 7 of 2022 will take effect,
ushering in a Council-Manager form of government for the City; and
WHEREAS, Local Law No. 7 of 2022 requires one administrative clarification; now,
therefore
Local Law No. 2023 -
BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Legislative findings, intent, and purpose.
The Common Council makes the following findings:
1. Local Law No. 7 of 2022 was unequivocal in designating the City Manager as the
City official who, with the assistance of the City Controller, proposes a capital
budget to the Common Council each year.
2. The legislative intent behind Local Law No. 7 of 2022 was clear in designating
the City Manager as the Chairperson of the Capital Program Committee.
3. Said legislative intent is explicitly reflected in a memo to the Common Council
from the City Governance Structure Working Group, included as the leading item
in the September 29, 2021 agenda packet for a Special Meeting of Council to
discuss the City Manager Form of Government Proposal, and included again in
the November 3, 2021 Common Council agenda at which the local law was in
fact adopted. The memo was entitled “Executive Summary and FAQ for City
Manager Proposal”.
4. Said legislative intent is further reflected in the seven provisions included Local
Law No. 7 of 2022 that did in fact place the City Manager in charge of the capital
budget process and specifically named the City Manager as the chairperson of the Capital Program
Committee.
5. Despite this clarity, one sub-section of the pre-existing Code was inadvertently
omitted from the numerous authorities of the Mayor that were deleted from the
code—effective January 1, 2024—by Local Law No. 7 of 2022.
6. The capital budget development process will operate most effectively with the
City Manager chairing the committee whose work in turn informs the capital
budget that the City Manager is tasked with proposing to the Common Council.
Based upon the above findings, the intent and purpose of this Local Law is to clarify one
sub-section of the City Code, effective January 1, 2024.
Section 2. Amendment to the City Code - Effective January 1, 2024, this Section 2
hereby deletes sub-section 4-1(T) of the current City of Ithaca Municipal Code, as
previously redesignated to be sub-section 4-1(H) of said Code by Section 3(a) of Local
Law No. 7 of 2022, containing an effective date of January 1, 2024, with the remainder
of the provisions of that Local Law remaining unchanged and effective per their terms,
except that this Section 2 shall be effectuated so as to relabel subsections 4-1(I) and (J)
as designated in Local Law No. 7 of 2022 to instead be labeled 4-1(H) and (I),
respectively.
Section 3. Severability clause.
Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this Local Law. If any
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Local Law is held to be
invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Local Law.
Section 4. Effective date.
This Local Law shall take effect on January 1, 2024, and after filing in the office of the
Secretary of State.
Roll Call- Carried 8-0
Brock- Aye, McGonigal- Aye
Brown-Aye, Nguyen- Aye
Fleming-Aye, Gerhart- Aye
Kumar- Aye, Cantelmo- Aye,
DeFendini- Absent
Haines-Sharp- Excused
Carried Unanimously (8-0)
6.5: Resolution to Establish a Salary Range for City Manger
YouTube Timestamp: 2:12:25
Moved By: Alderperson Fleming
Seconded by: Alderperson Nguyen
Discussion Summary: Mayor Lewis informed Council that Dr Ian Coyle will join Council on August 9th for the
Special Meeting. Mayor Lewis advised Council Item is on the Agenda as a discussion item, however, if Council is
able to come to a Unanimous agreement, said item can be turned into a voting item, adding a vote tonight would
be beneficial in moving forward in the search process. Mayor Lewis pointed out to Council that the Consultant is
encouraging Council to look at a top salary range of 200 hundred thousand, reminding Council is the one who
sets the Salary and Range. After discussion, counsel came to a consensus on 185 as the Top Range and 160 and
the bottom range.
Move to Propose Salary Range $160,000-$185,000.
YouTube Timestamp: 2:31:52
Moved By: Alderperson Fleming
Seconded By: Alderperson Kumar
Friendly Amendment made by Alderperson Brock to insert the word “Annual” Salary Range
Vote Passed 9-0
Member All In Favor Oppose Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
RESOLUTION: To Establish a Salary Range for the City Manager
WHEREAS, the Common Council has engaged Dr. Ian Coyle of Pracademic Partners LLC to conduct an executive search for
the new City Manager, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Coyle has informed Common Council that his research and current knowledge of salaries that are expected
from those seeking City Manager positions who have the professional experience necessary to be successful, particularly
given the number of changes in city leadership and the new governance structure, will require a higher salary range, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Coyle has reviewed and provided to Common Council salary data from ICMA and various NYS Municipalities
that support a higher salary range, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Common Council authorizes an annual salary range of $160,000 to $185,000 for City Manager, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that the funds for said City Manager salary be derived from account A-1230-5105.
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
6.6: A local law entitled “Amendment of City Charter to Specify the Duties, Authority, and Appointment
and Removal Procedures of the City Manager.”-Discussion
YouTube Timestamp: 2:35:35
Discussion Summary: City Attorney Lavine lead discussion on Local Law. City Attorney Lavine gave Council
opportunity for questions and comments from Council, pointing out that amendments that were discussed on July
12th Committee Of the Whole is reflected in the draft; other amendments sent via email after July 12th have not
been included in this draft because it was unclear what portion of council supported those amendments, but can
still be proposed and incorporated into the draft. Discussion continued with proposed changes sections focused
on the Appointment, Removal and Duties of City Manager. Council was encouraged to submit any changes
and/or amendments of draft. City Attorney Lavine highlighted there is a distinction between Council Rules of
Procedure and City Charter- Council rules of procedure can be changed and flexed on a much shorter and
perhaps less considered time frame than the city Charter.
6.6b: Resolution Approving Template Employment Agreement for the City Manager- Discussion
YouTube Timestamp: 3:01:26
Discussion Summary: Copy of Employment Template is included in Agenda Packet. Council was encouraged to
submit modifications and/or edits and be ready for discussion with Consultant Dr. Ian Coyle at the August 9th
Special Meeting. Mayor Lewis pointed out section Compensation and Salary Range has been decided on tonight.
Discussion continued with Council pointing out sections under Performance Evaluation Subsection D, and Terms
of Residency, Mayor Lewis pointed out Council agreed with 12 Months within the County as establishing
residency. More discussion will continue at the next meeting on August 9th.
6.7: Resolution To Authorize Funding Contract With an Executive Search Firm- HR Director.
YouTube Timestamp: 3:05:53
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Discussion Summary: City Controller Thayer verified that $11,400 be allocated from Account A-1990-5000 and
$6150 be taken from existing HR funds. No Comments from HR Director Michelle-Nunn. Mayor announced,
Controller’s report had been mistakenly left off the agenda and asked City Controller to present his report after the
vote.
Vote Passed 9-0
Member All In Favor Oppose Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE FUNDING TO CONTRACT WITH AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM
WHEREAS, the City Human Resources department is conducting several major searches to fill key leadership
positions prior to 2024, and
WHEREAS, recruitment is extremely challenging not only for the city but nationwide. In addition, there is a limited
capacity within the HR department to conduct the numerous departmental and leadership searches currently
underway, and
WHEREAS, the city has retained executive search firms to conduct two of the six leadership searches, the mayor
is recommending that the city additionally fund Pracademic Partners for the Director of Human Resources search
since we have retained this firm for the City Manager search, and we are confident the Dr. Ian Coyle’s nationwide
contacts and experiences will be a maximum benefit to our efforts, and
WHEREAS, Dr. Coyle has offered a discount for additional searches, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, that Common Council authorizes the mayor to enter into a contract with Dr. Ian Coyle of Pracademic
Partners to provide executive search services to fill the Director of Human Resources position. The contract shall
be for up to $17, 550, and be it further
RESOLVED, the funds the Director of Human Resources search be derived from A-1990-5000.
Account - A1990-500 $11,400
Account A1430 Existing HR Funds $6150
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
City Controller Report
YouTube Timestamp: 3:09:10
Report- Budget Process is underway for 2024, expecting departmental submissions by the end of this week;
Sales Tax for 2023 is approximately 1.3 % ahead of 2022,
Item 7: Mayoral Appointments
7.1: Sustainability and Climate Justice Committee
YouTube Timestamp: 3:15:13
Moved By: Alderperson Gearhart
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Discussion Summary: Fernando DeAragon, Siobhan Hull, Aaron Fernando are being appointed to the
Sustainability and Climate Justice Committee. Council expressed concerns regarding creating a 5th Commission.
Mayor Lewis noted, Sustainability Director Rebecca Evans will be working very closely with this Commission.
Vote Passed 9-0
Member All In Favor Oppose Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
Resolution Appointing members to the Sustainability and Climate Justice Committee
RESOLVED, that Fernando de Aragon is appointed to the Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission for a
term of 2 years ending on December 31, 2025, and that Siobhan Hull is appointed to the Sustainability and
Climate Justice Commission for a term of 1 year ending on December 31, 2024, and that Aaron Fernando is
appointed to the Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission for a term of 1 year ending on December 31,
2024.
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
7.2: Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Board
YouTube Timestamp: 3:16:53
Moved By: Alderperson Gearhart
Seconded By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Discussion Summary: Shaianne Osterreich is being appointed to IURA Board.
Vote Passed 9-0
Member All In Favor Oppose Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
Appointment to Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Board
RESOLVED, that SHAIANNE OSTERREICH be appointed to the IURA Board effective August 3rd 2023.
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
7.3: Appointment to the Tompkins County Youth Services Advisory Board
YouTube Timestamp: 3:17:33
Moved By: Alderperson Kumar
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Discussion Summary: Ruth Merle-Boyle has been recommended by and has been appointed to represent the
City of Ithaca on the Tompkins County Youth Services Board.
Vote Passed 9-0
Member All In Favor Oppose Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown X
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp
Appointment to the Tompkins County Youth Services Advisory Board
RESOLVED That, RUTH MERLE-DOYLE be appointed to represent the City of Ithaca on the Tompkins
County Youth Services Advisory Board for three (3) years, with term to expire December 31st 2026
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
Item 8: Executive Session- No Session Held
Item 9: Meeting Adjourn
YouTube Timestamp: 3:18:28
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded: Alderperson DeFendini
Vote Passes: 9-0 All In Favor
Discussion Summary: Alderperson McGonigal gave a brief update on Labor Negotiations between IURA, IFD,
and Executives and PBA, negotiations are going quite well. Council inquired about the Chief of Police position.
Mayor Lewis noted Council is working with a consultant and feedback will be provided at the upcoming
September 6th Common Council Meeting. Meeting Adjourned.