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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.