HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SPCC-2023-09-20SPECIAL Common Council Voting Record
Date: Wednesday, September 20th 2023
Location: City Hall, 108 E. Green Street 3rd Floor, Council Chambers
Meeting Called to order: 6:02 P.M.
Meeting Adjourned: 9:39 P.M.
YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6V2ewws0joI&list=PLfplo_VA57eoynrqxkGvi11vxHlwByjZw&index=2
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
Item 1: Call To Order
1.1: Review of Agenda
YouTube Timestamp: 0:45
Discussion Summary: Due to pre-existing commitments Alderperson Haines-Sharp will leave early, City Attorney Lavine will be
attending the meeting late, and City Controller will not be in attendance; Agenda Item 3.2 Resolution will be moved by
Alderperson Cantelmo and a motion to table the vote until the October 11th 2023 Special Meeting will take place after Council’s
Discussion
Item 2: Petitions and Hearings of Persons Before Council
2.1 Statement from Public
YouTube Timestamp: 4:01
Discussion: The following members of the Public commented on the following Topics: Given the number of Speakers,
speaking time has been reduced to 2 minutes.
Cornell Mou and City of Ithaca Encampments: Theresa Alt, Olivia Vincent, James Smith, Katie Sims, Luke O’Brien, Murale,
Emme Edmunds, Trevor Cross, Eric Nord, Nick Wilson, Evelyn Kennedy Jeffe, Pierre Saint-Perez, Margaret Foster, Amanda
Kirchgessner, Siobhan Hull, Katie Rueff, Kiurn Adams, Kayla Mates, David Waingarten, Alyssa Trombitas, Fay Gougakis- Leo
Ray, Kolya Vitek, John Monkoviz, David Yearsley, Emily Turner, Ewan Robinson, James Gregoire- TIDES, Caroine Feindel,
Barbara Reganspan, Carolyn Headlam, Jason Houghton, Thomas Murphy, David Bulatek, Fred, Schoeps, Ian Sloan,
Genevieve Rand, JT Lamkin, Annika Rowland, Veronica Pillar, Carolyn Chang,
2.2 Privilege of the Floor
YouTube Timestamp: 1:18:15
Discussion Summary: Council responded to the public by thanking the Public for coming out to speak. Council
pointed out this is Hispanic Heritage Month wanted to bring attention to the Latinx Community. Thanked City Staff
and Negotiators for their work on negotiations with Cornell. Council continued with addressing the Public sharing
their thoughts and concerns regarding the Cornell PILOT and Homeless Encampments. Council commended the
public for coming out and working together. Mayor Lewis made it known that the names of the Members of the
Cornell Negotiating team as well as the names of the Members of the City’s Negotiating team have been circulated
and made available.
Item 3: Special Meeting Business
3.1: Pilot Policy To Manage Homeless Encampments on City Property
YouTube Timestamp: 1:35:55
Moved By: Alderperson DeFendini
Seconded by: Alderperson Brock
Discussion Summary: Director of Planning and Development Lisa Nicholas was present for questions and comments from
Council. Mayor Lewis thanked the working group for their time spent on this complex topic and challenging issue. Alderperson
Brock offered two suggested changes to the Policy. Alderperson Brock proposed an amendment to the Resolution and Policy;
Alderperson Brock provided the language in an email to the City Clerk and to Council. Alderperson Gearhart added that it is
the intent of PEDC to bring forward another Policy that will address a separate Policy that will look at how to develop an
Enforcement Protocol for the remaining public lands that are not identified in this current policy. Alderperson Brown was
absent from the vote.
Friendly Amendment- change the words “annually” to “quarterly” in the Policy; add the word “and safety” in section 5A to read
health and safety.
Proposed Amendment to Resolution to add a second Resolve to read “Resolve that item 8 of the policy be amended as
follows…”
Alderperson Kumar- Call The Question
Alderperson Cantelmo- Point of Order.
Alderperson Kumar- Call The Question Withdrawn
Vote Passed: 8-0
Member All In Favor Oppose Abstain
Cynthia Brock X
George McGonigal X
Phoebe Brown ABSENT
Ducson Nguyen X
Donna Fleming X
Rob Gearhart X
Jorge DeFendini X
Tiffany Kumar X
Robert Cantelmo X
Kris Haines-Sharp ABSENT/EXCUSED
3.1 Pilot Policy to Manage Homeless Encampments on City Property
WHEREAS, on August 29, 2022, Mayor Lewis appointed the Working Group on Unsanctioned
Encampments (WGUE) charged with developing a draft City policy regarding unsanctioned encampments
on City –owned property, including a recommended methodology for policy enforcement given competing
demands for limited City resources and a desire not to criminalized homelessness, and
WHEREAS, camping is currently prohibited on all City property, and
WHEREAS, the WGUE brought forward a draft pilot policy to the June 21, 2023 meeting of the Planning &
Economic Development Committee (PEDC) featuring the following land classification approach to manage
encampments on City property:
• Green Zone – camping temporarily allowed with basic hygiene and sanitation services provided
• Amber Zone – camping prohibited but lower priority for enforcement
• Red Zone – camping prohibited and top priority for enforcement, and
WHEREAS, the draft pilot policy further recommended a six-step, week-by-week, progressive enforcement
protocol to respond to encampments located where prohibited, and
WHEREAS, no PEDC consensus was achieved regarding an enforcement protocol, and
WHEREAS, the PEDC discussion resulted in staff direction to bring back a revised policy containing the
following elements:
• Establish a sanctioned camping area with a buffer from any residential neighborhood
• Provide basic living facilities and services in the sanctioned camping area
• Retain the existing prohibition on camping outside the sanctioned area
• Request Tompkins County convene a cross-agency multi-sector task force to address unsheltered
homelessness.
Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby modifies Items 5 and 8 of the Pilot
Administrative Policy to Manage Homeless Encampments on City Property, dated September 15, 2023, as
follows:
5. Intervention Framework
Approaches to City intervention are as follows:
A. The City will work with community partners and service providers to develop and implement a plan to
promote public health and safety, and to support the needs of persons experiencing homelessness.
B. At minimum, basic living facilities to be provided shall include toilets, a drinking water supply, sharps
disposal container, garbage collection and clean-up of abandoned camps. Additional facilities such as hot
water showers, storage, phone charging, security lighting, and facilities for meeting with outreach workers
may be provided as resources and staffing are available.
C. Existing policies and practices that prohibit camping on other City properties continue unchanged. City
interventions to prevent establishment of encampments on other lands may include erection of fencing,
vegetation clearing and mowing, and conversion to inclusive public spaces for use by all persons, including
those experiencing homelessness.
8. Evaluation
The City shall annually review this pilot policy quarterly for revision and improvement. Staff, in collaboration
with service providers, will develop appropriate metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy, including,
but not limited to the following:
• whether availability of a sanctioned camping area significantly minimizes the number of scattered
encampments in other areas of the City
• whether the sanctioned camping area is providing a reasonably safe and sanitary location for
persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness where they can meet daily living requirements and
reliably connect with outreach workers
• whether the mix of facilities, services, and maintenance is sufficient to induce campers to locate in a
sanctioned camping area
• whether the size and character of the sanctioned camping area is sufficient to accommodate
persons lacking access to shelter
• whether public health, safety, general welfare and protection of environmental resources are being
effectively maintained
• document the estimated public investment required to operate and maintain facilities and services at
the sanctioned camping area for comparison against alternative uses of public resources to address
homelessness.
RESOLVED, that the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby adopts the Pilot Administrative Policy to
Manage Homeless Encampments on City Property, dated September 15, 2023, as amended, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that City of Ithaca Common Council recognizes that a City land management policy regarding
encampments does not address the root causes of unsheltered homelessness and therefore requests
Tompkins County, as the primary administrator of the social-welfare services for needy persons throughout
the County, convene stakeholders to establish a cross-agency, multi-sector working group charged with
recommending solutions to reduce unsheltered homelessness, and be it further
RESOLVED, that City staff is directed to work with community partners and service providers to develop and
implement a plan for demarcating a sanctioned camping area and to provide supportive facilities and
services in the area beginning no later than April 15, 2024, and be it further
RESOLVED, the Mayor is hereby authorized to appoint City representatives to a County convened cross-
agency, multi-sector task for to address unsheltered homelessness.
Carried 8-0
(Haines-Sharp) Excused
(Brown) Absent
3.2 Resolution to Authorize Amended MOU for Voluntary Contribution by Cornell
YouTube Timestamp: 2:20:52
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded By: Alderperson Nguyen
Discussion Summary: Alderperson skipped reading the Resolves; Discussion proceeded with Council Members and
Members of the Cornell Negotiating Team. Concluding Council’s discussion Mayor Lewis invited a Motion to Table the Vote
until the October 11th Special Council Meeting. Mayor Lewis highlighted the tenth “Whereas” to highlight the agreement in
principle increases Cornell’s annual payment, an approximately $2.4 Million true-up payment to be made within 30 days of
execution provides the City and its residents immediate and significant new financial resources.
Motion To Table the Vote
YouTube Timestamp: 3:35:58
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
Vote Passed: 8-1
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 ABSENT/EXCUSED
3.2 Resolution to Authorize Amended MOU for Voluntary Contribution by Cornell
WHEREAS, for over 150 years, the City of Ithaca and Cornell have recognized the importance
of each entity to the other; and
WHEREAS, despite the tremendous overall economic impact that Cornell brings to the region
and the city, it bears a moral obligation to support its host city with direct financial contributions
of a scale commensurate with its leading role in the community; and
WHEREAS, Cornell’s tax-exempt real estate holdings in the city represent nearly half of the
city’s assessed property value (roughly 45% as last calculated); and
WHEREAS, under its now-expiring agreement with the City, Cornell contributed $1.6 million to
the City in 2023 and, due to expiration of that agreement, is not currently scheduled to make
any payment to the City in 2024 or thereafter; and
WHEREAS, the City and Cornell held a series of negotiating sessions since April, and the
Common Council received multiple briefings on the progress of those negotiations; and
WHEREAS, the City benchmarked its proposals across those negotiations against 25% of
approximately $33 million in property taxes that Cornell would pay were its property taxable, or
roughly $8 million, against which it provided Cornell with some credit for the many municipal-
like services that Cornell provides in lieu of City expenditures on the same; and
WHEREAS, as of August 11, Cornell stated that its final offer was approximately $3.15 million
per year, to which the City responded by proposing approximately $5 million per year; and
WHEREAS, beginning on September 7, an additional round of negotiations commenced in
which Cornell and the City expressed a willingness to meet at the mid-point of their previous
proposals; and
WHEREAS, this round of negotiations resulted in an agreement in principle—subject to
approval by the Common Council and the Cornell Board of Trustees—that has garnered the
support of the administrations at both the City and Cornell; and
WHEREAS, that agreement in principle, as reflected in the Term Sheet included herein,
increases Cornell’s current annual payment of approximately $1.6 million to $4 million,
including an approximately $2.4 million true-up payment to be made within 30 days of
execution, thus providing the City and its residents immediate and significant new financial
resources; and
WHEREAS, across the next two decades, this agreement in principle is anticipated, with
inflation adjustments, to result in total payments by Cornell to the City in excess of $100
million; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council approves and ratifies the Term Sheet included herein,
specifying that Cornell shall commence annual payment to the City of $4 million, plus upward
adjustments for inflation, each year for 21 years, beginning in 2023; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized, on the advice of the City Attorney, to execute an
amended Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Ithaca and Cornell University,
reflecting the foregoing Term Sheet, in a form substantially similar to the amended
Memorandum of Understanding included herein.
Tabled Until October 11th Special Meeting
Carried 8-1 (McGonigal)
Meeting Adjourned
YouTube Timestamp: 3:37:05
Moved By: Alderperson Cantelmo
Seconded By: Alderperson DeFendini
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 ABSENT/EXCUSED
Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
noreply@civicplus.com < noreply@civicplus.com >
Sun9/17/2023'l:31 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 Sarah
Last Name Yengo
-
Street Address
ti/unicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
14850
State NY
Topic of Discussion CORNELL UN IVERSITY CONTRIBUTION
Your Comments As a lifetime resident of lthaca for 82 years and city taxpayer
for nearly 60 years I would like to request that the subject of the
Cornell contribution be tabled, The outgoing mayor nor city
attorney should be able to speak for the taxpaying citizens of
this city or make such a decision. Cornell is a mega rich
university and yet reaps the benefits of our city's facilities,
emergency and fire services, ICSD to name a few, yet they pay
no taxes and now offer a palsy amount of contribution like
they're doing us a favor. The mayor does not speak for me or
most other taxpayers or to our benefit. l'd be interested to know
that while the major and members of Common Council are
obviously residents of lthaca, how many of them are property
owners (taxpayers). How many of them pay school taxes? How
about a vote to see how many taxpaying citizens feel about this
when they realize that they are paying for all the facilities
Cornell gets to use pretty much for free while we pay for it!
Contact lnformation
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease nate: comments must be 3
minutes (or shorter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
Ru/es of Order. Until we can all be together again, we wish you good health!
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Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
noreply@civicplus.com < noreply@civicplus.com >
Sun 9/17 /2023 1 1:38 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 Karen
Last Name Rodriguez
Street Address
Municipality "Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
14850-3608
NY
lt/lOU with Cornell University
Dear Common Council Members,
I would like you all to vote "NO" on the upcoming discussion
regarding the new Memorandum of Understanding between
Cornell University and the City of lthaca. The new agreement is
unacceptable for the following reasons:
1) Cornell University should not be restricting the activity of the
City Council in any way and they are forbidding specific actions
by the city over the years of the agreement. This alone should
give you pause.
2)The agreement goes on for WAY too long. 5 years
MAXIMUM and then you can review it.
3) Cornell should not be dictating or restricting how the funds
are being spent. As is, I believe that they restrict $3.2 million to
the area of the City immediately surrounding Cornell.
4)The amount they have offered is too low.
lf 1-3 weren't part of the agreement, then perhaps the amount
would make sense. As is, the City of lthaca would be being
paid off for an insultingly paltry sum.
Please let me know how you intend to vote.
My best,
Karen Rodriguez
Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com >
Mon 9/18/2023 4:00 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 Counci! Public Comment Form
First Name Sara and William
Last Name Benson
Street Address
Municipality *Note this may City of lthaca
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion Cornell PILoT payments
Your Comments We urge you to reject this low ball offer from Cornell. lt is far
less than other Universities are doing for their communities.
And many of those other Universities do it of their own free will
rather than being scolded into doing it. For shame! We lthacans
are also very sick of making up the gap with our ridiculously
high property taxes.
Do not let Cornell lock into this very long term cheap skate
commitment to our city! I am shocked that the mayor and the
city attorney were fooled into this proposal.
Reject it because we deserve much better from Cornell
Contact lnformation Field not completed.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease nate: commenfs musf be 3
minutes (or shofter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
Rules of Order. Until we can all be together again, we wish you good health!
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NY
Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
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Mon 9/18/2023 7:33 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 Robert
Shepherd
tEr
Last Name
Ivlunicipality "Note this may
be different from your zip
code
City of lthaca
State NY
Topic of Discussion Cornell MOU
Your Comments I urge you to vote yes on the new MOU between Cornell and
the City of lthaca. While not privy to the fine details of the
negotiation process, I find the IVIOU your negotiations team has
returned with to be a significant win for our City. The context of
this negotiation is important, Cornell is not required to provide
any financial assistance. The fact your team obtained a
substantial increase with an inflationary adjustment clause is
impressive. Having sat across the table from your negotiators, I
am glad to see the City is working to increase external
contributions to the City instead of exclusively attempting to
balance the budget on the backs of City workers. These funds
are necessary to support the infrastructure and essential
services that Cornellwould otherwise contribute towards via
taxes. Use these funds to pave roads, provide competitive
compensation packages, and properly staff our City. lf you are
looking to make an impact regarding non-profits and their tax
free status, look to partner with a state level labor union to
lobby lawmakers in Albany instead of the risky rebuke of this
MOU. The New York State Professional Fire Fighters
Association annually supports a bill addressing this issue. Vote
yes on this MOU, waiting only exposes us to Cornell backing
out of the deal.
Contact lnformation rshepherd22T@g mail.com
Street Address
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease nate: comments must be 3
Online Form Submitta!: Common Council Public Comment Form
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rue 9/19/2423 1 1:25 AM
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 David
Last Name
Street Address
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Regenspan
-
Ithaca
NY
14850
Dear Common Council members,
I would like to urge you to reject Cornell's "generous" offer of $4
million dollars a year to the city in lieu of taxes. The offer is
pitifully small and represents an insult to the lthaca community.
I and my wife Barbara have recently become homeowners in
Fall Creek, purchasing the house (207 Cascadillla Avenue) in
which we had been renting the lower level for seven years. This
also makes us landlords as well (the second floor is still a
rental). I should add that both Barbara and I have been linked
to Cornell in the past--l received a masters degree there some
years ago, and Barbara has taught a Cornell summer course
for four consecutive summers. We both therefore are aware of
the high educational value of Cornell.
Nevertheless, the shockingly high taxes we will be compelled to
pay (and barely be able to afford) mean that we take Cornell's
refusal to give more aid to the city that supports its very
existence personally. We fear that we will have to raise our
tenant's rent in the future, something we do not want to do. We
also see other results of Cornell's negligence aside from our
own situation: potholes, dangerous sidewalks, cuts in TCAT
services, and (right outside our front door on Cascadilla
Avenue, deteriorating conditions in the fencing and concrete
walls around Cascadilla Creek at our high foot traffic location,
an accident waiting to happen if the fence collapses or the
creek eventually undermines the walls. We are also strong
supporters of public schools and want to see them better
funded and their teachers better supported.
lf you have not already done so, I would also strongly urge you
to read Charles Guttman's op-ed in the lthaca Voice on this
issue. He says it all, with the facts and figures to prove it.
I appreciate the hard work that you do, and realize that saying
no to funds is not an easy thing. Nevertheless, Cornell needs to
realize that the city is serious about fighting for its profound
moral right to receive more support from the university. lf
Cornell needs to be shamed into giving more, then so be it.
Respectfully yours, David Regenspan
Contact lnformation d il.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!
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Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
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Tue 9/19/2023 4:5'l 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.o rg >
Common Council Public Comment Form
First Name Eli
Last Name Marshall
Street Address C
Municipality *Note this may City
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion Cornell MOU
Your Comments I believe more comment from the public should be solicited
before final decisions. I had not heard of this issue until a two
days ago. Final decisions should involve the school district and
county as well.
The university has a huge "moral responsibility," as it has been
referred to. This includes a (likely larger) sum of money, but
also recognition of partnership and its effect on the quality of
life - from transit to pedestrian safety to neighborhood design.
l'd suggest a consultative group of public planning, far larger
and different in spirit and mission than the $100,000 grant to a
single faculty member for research.
ln terms of a tax burden on homeowners, this is clearly an
important issue, and one which should be viewed organically -
we all deserve excellent public services and not have to swim
against the tide for a good quality of life. Whether that means
lower taxes or better services is a matter for further debate.
Contact lnformation elimarshall@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease note: comments musf be 3
minutes (or shorter) in tength when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
Rules of Order. lJntilwe can all be together again, we wish you good health!
NY
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Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
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Tue 9/19/2Q23 6:38 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 Wendy
Wallitt
Street Address
Last Name
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
14850
NY
Cornell contribution to the city
Dear Council lvlembers
I urge you to vote against accepting the unfair contribution to
the city that Cornell is proposing to give. lt is way too small
compared to donations other well/ endowed universities are
providing to the communities they are in and also when one
considers all the services and benefits the city provides to
Cornell.
Thank you.
Wendy Wallitt
209 Valley Rd
Ithaca
Contact lnformation Field not completed.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease note: comments musf be 3
minutes (or shofter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
Rules of Order. lJntilwe can all be together again, we wish you good health!
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Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
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Tue 9/19/2023 7:57 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 Maureen
Last Name Gilroy
Street Address
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State NY
Topic of Discussion voting yes for increase in cornell funding to city of lthaca
Your Comments I urge the common council to vote yes to the increase that
Cornell has proposed (4 million)to the city.
Contact lnformation Field not completed.
Thank you for sharing your thaughts with us. Please nate: cammenfs musf be 3
minutes (or shofter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
Ru/es af Order. lJntil we can all be together again, we wish you good health!
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Online Form Submittal: Common Council Public Comment Form
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Iue 9/19/2023 9:33 PM
To:Common Council <council@cityofithaca.org>;Laura Lewis <MayorLewis@cityoflthaca.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 Malvika
Last Name Talwar
Street Address
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Contact lnformation
14850
NY
Cornell Contribution
Hello,
While I am glad Cornell is discussing increasing its contribution,
I am very troubled by the 20 year lock. ls the possible to get
Cornell to explain the rationale or reject this deal. From the
outside (without knowing the inner workings of the agreement)
it really seems very short sighted for the city to accept this
lreeze. Surely, the over taxed citizens of the city can expect
Cornellto do better!
Thank yau for sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease note: comments must be 3
minutes (or shofter) in tength when read, and must adhere to the Common Council
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fue 9/19/2023 9:50 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 David
Last Name Bulatek
Street Address
-
Ivlunicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Ithaca
NY
proposed "PilotAdministrative Policy to Manage Homeless
Encampments on City Property" daled 911512023
I believe that the proposed "Pilot Administrative Policy to
Manage Homeless Encampments on City Property" dated
911512023 is an lNlTlAL step in the right direction. This
proposal is a city land use policy, how to USE a parcel of land,
and a place where facilities and services can be provided by
April 15th, 2024.|t includes exploration of collaborative efforts
with Tompkins County, adjaeent municipalities, and service
providers to reduce unsheltered homelessness.
But we must recognize that, "lf we build this, they will not ALL
come".. Some people will continue to camp on other city
parcels by personal choice or for other reasons. The methods
to address that need to be defined in a near future proposal.
This proposal does not corral the homeless, nor does it
criminalize homelessness.
For this future proposal, I would suggest that lt may be possible
to model or incorporate something similar to the Tompkins
County Crisis Alternative Response and Engagement (CARE)
Team or some other programs in other cities to achieve this.
However, here, in cases where campsites are unsafe, openly
dangerous, create issues of public health, or damage to
neighboring property, the city will close/remove the campsite.
And, as stated in this policy, "Law enforcement shall respond
and investigate alleged crimes committed at encampments
consistent with laws and policies that govern other criminal
investigations, irrespective of location or whether the victim or
suspect is sheltered or unsheltered." Again, this proposal does
not criminalize homelessness.
Now...
Calling people homeless, or even unsheltered, oversimplifies
the problem.
These are people that are clearly in need, but for many
different reasons. I would guess that for most, homelessness,
or lack of shelter, is the result of another issue, and not the
direct problem that needs to be solved.
By only providing shelter, we are not solving the problem.
By providing the designated green area on the map, we are
providing a place where the problems that cause
homelessness can'be determined, individually, and addressed,
over time. And then, the city and the county can provide the
services and guidance that assist in placing the person in
housing, and periodic follow-up to maintain the person in
housing. Periodic follow-up is crucial.
Thank you for your efforts in addressing this growing and
complex problem.
And I implore you to vote in favor of this proposal. lt is a first
step in an essential direction that we must take.
Contact lnformation dbulatek@gmail.com 607-793-848 1
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Wed 9/2A/2023 8:05 AM
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 Counci! Public Comment Form
First Name Peter
Last Name Wissoker
Street Address
Municipality "Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Ithaca
14850
MOU with Cornell University
From: Peter Wissoker, 705 N. Tioga St. lthaca, NY
To: City of lthaca Common Council
Date: Septe mber 20, 2023
Re: Memo of Understanding with Cornell University
Please vote no on item 3.2 of your agenda, the Resolution to
Authorize Amended It/OU for Voluntary Contribution by Cornell,
and hold out for a better agreement. Permit me to enumerate
some of my concerns and suggestions:
1. While $4 million is a compromise figure, it is insufficient. The
initial negotiating strategy, aiming for 25% of the taxes the
university would pay to the city and compromising from there,
set the bar too low. The university's offer is not even $4 million,
but rather $3.2 million, since we as a community are obligated
to spend the remainin g 20% of the funds on proiects approved
by Cornell and that are adjacent to Cornell.
2. You've likely seen the numbers regarding New Haven and
Yale, but the idea that Yale is paying $1,533 per student to New
Haven while Cornell is offering $160 is a pretty dramatic
difference (appx. 10-1). At a minimum we should be seeking a
figure that halves that differential, $20 million (still offering
Cornell the $800,000 they request). ldeally, Cornell should
meet the Yale challenge and agree to a $40 million payment,
although I would be comfortable if they divided the $40 million
between the city, the school district, and TCAT.
3. The term of the agreement is far too long. As Fred Schoeps
noted in a letter to the Fall Creek list serve, a five-year
agreement would seem more appropriate given the one-sided
terms that were negotiated. I recognize that the previous
agreement lasted 20 years, but the cily should be receiving a
far better deal if it is to sign on to something for that long a
period of time again.
4. ln its present form Clause 6 of the Undertakings section
should be stricken from any document you approve.
-First, the city should notAgree that it will "take no step to seek
a change in lthe tax-exempt] status of the University, whether
through ludicial, legislative, or other means." So many things
happen in twenty years, it is not in our interest to be bound to
this; and we shouldn't be held hostage on this issue for such a
small part of the City's budget.
5. ln the present draft of the agreement the annual increase in
the payment to the city is tied to the rale of inflation. Please
consider linking it to the annual increase in the value of
Cornell's endowment as well, with the increase in the payment
being whichever is greater in any given year.
Local governments and agencies here in lthaca have a history
of being bullied and threatened by corporations that say they
will take their money elsewhere if we do not accept their "Iinal"
offer. Yet saying "no" has led to final offers magically turning
into better offers. Please vote against this agreement and
return to the bargaining table for a belter one.
According to The Chronicle of Higher Education, l\4artha
Pollack, president of Cornell, earned approximately $1.1 million
plus benefits ,n 2022. ls Cornell really only willing to dedicate
3x the president's salary to the city? That is fundamentally
wrong. Cornell is better lhan that, and we should make them
-Moreover, lwould urge you to get Cornell to sign a PILOT. lt is
a common courtesy, despite the language in the clause saying
they would never do so- lf you look at what a PILOT is-not
paying taxes but instead paying monies that are used to
improve the area surrounding a property-it is hard not to
consider the 2Oo/o share of what they are offering as doing
precisely that. Given that the entire payment is used to
maintain and improve Cornell's environs, for that in one sense
is what lthaca is, even as it functions in many other roles as
well, it really ought to be covered by a legal agreement that
obligates both parties to its terms.
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Wed 9i20/2A23 8:27 Attzl
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 Linda
Last Name Holzbaur
Street Address
tttlunicipality .Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Ithaca
NY
Cornell payments to the City of lthaca
I am urging you to reject the proposed agreenrent with Cornell
regarding payments to the City, and to support returning to the
negotiation process with the University.
Four million a year FOR THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS is a slap
in the face to the people and government of lthaca. As
everyone who owns or rents in lthaca knows, property and
school taxes increase every year. Why should Cornell's
"contribution" be frozen decades in advance?
Respectfully,
Linda Holzbaur
111 liilonroe Street
Ithaca
607-280-8496
Contact lnformation Lindaholzbaur@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your thaughts with us. Please nate: commenfs musl be 3
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Wed 9120/2023 12:30 Ptrl
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
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Common Council Public Comment Form
First Name John
Last Name Klepack
Street Address
tVlunicipality *Note thrs may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Ithaca
New York
City of lthaca - Cornell t\iOU
I am writing to urge the council to be reasonable and consider
Cornell's offer in the fulOU critically, fairly, and in good faith.
I do not have the expertise to determine whether the offer is the
best possible deal the city might obtain. However, it does seem
to be an offer made in good faith and represents a substantial
increase from the current agreemenl between Cornell and the
City. Council must make sure to engage in similarly good faith.
It must not bend to the loud voices that demand we reject the
offer and instead hold out for an amount that seems completely
unrealistic.
There is value in fostering a collaborative. harmonious
relationship between the city and Cornell. While I believe there
is truth on both sides of the table in this matter, I reject the
narrative that Cornell is solely a parasite on lthaca and that the
only justice is for it to funnel fantastical sums into the City's
pockets. This narrative weakens us, regardless of how much
money it extracts.
Finally, my main concern regarding the t\,{OU is its duration.
Twenty years seems extremely long. Rather than look for more
money I would look to reduce this by half so that we can revisit
this conversation more frequently.
Respectfully,
John Klepack
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Wed 9120/2A23 12:53 PN/
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 Annika
Last Name Rowland
Street Address
lVlunicipality .Note this may
be different from your zip
code
r4850
State
Topic of Discussion Ithaca and Cornell Ir;1OU
NY
Y*ur Comments I have not prepared my comments yet but will speak on the
meeting tonight, 9/20
Contact lnformation Field not completed.
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Wed 9/20/2023 2:53 Ptr.,l
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 Regi
Last Name Teasley
Street Address
lVlunicipality "Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Ithaca
NY
tMOU with Cornell
I wish to speak virtually
Contact lnformation Rltcayuga@gmail.com
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Weti 9/2012023 3:36 Pltl
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@cityof ithaca.org >
Common Council Public Comment Form
First Name [/urali
Last Name Sitaraman
Street Address
tvlunicipality "Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State NY
Topic of Discussion Cornell MOU-please table!
Your Comments Love Cornell! Love the city of lthaca! Don't like this family
infighting. City's ask of $BM seems fair with about an B-year
timeframe. Please table this deal and return with a better one
Thanks.
Contact lnformation murali.sitaraman@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing yaur thoughts with us. Please nate: camments must be 3
minutes (ar shorter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Comman Cauncil
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Wed9/20/2023 3:42 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@cityof ithaca.org >
Common Council Public Comment Form
First Narne Edward
Last Name Boutros
Street Address
IVunicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comnrents
NY
14850
Decline the proposed Cornell agreement, which would allocate
only $4 million annually to lthaca in a new fVlemorandum of
Understanding (IVOU
I implore the council members to decline the proposed Cornell
agreement, which would allocate only $4 million annually to
Ithaca in a new lVlemorandum of Understanding (MOU). The
absolute minimum acceptable allocation should be $25 million,
to be shared between lthaca and the county. lt is high time for a
shift in priorities, placing the welfare of individuals ahead of
entities such as Cornell, lthaca College, or Cayuga Health. This
reflects the "people before organizations" principle evident in
unionization movements at Amazon and Starbucks, as well as
strike warnings at UPS and work stoppages involving the three
major automakers.
We currently find ourselves in an era marked by significant
financial and social inequality, with a clear divide between
those who possess wealth and those who do not. ln lthaca,
residents bear the burden of taxes to support services primarily
utilized by privileged students attending Cornell University. I
currently reside in a place where, during the fall season, private
jets soar overhead as college students arrive for their classes.
Previously, it was limousines, now, it's private jets. These
individuals avail themselves of the services provided by lthaca
and Tompkins County. Yet, it remains baffling why the
hardworking locals struggle due to the exorbitant property taxes
imposed to support a multibillion-dollar endowed university.
lvy League institutions such as Cornell count billionaires like
Bill Gates among their benefactors, who make substantial
donations and arrive on private jets in lthaca. Corporate board
members from massive corporations also fly in for meetings,
and it is we, the localtaxpayers, who finance the infrastructure
they use. This glaring financial inequality is a pervasive
problem in our country, and we must end exploiting the poor
and middle class in every aspect, including finances.
Additionally, we should question how much property taxes the
Cayuga Medical System pays, considering it's another
organization requesting donations.
Once, I received an invitation to a party through a friend, and
individuals in the hedge fund industry hosted it. lt struck me
that wealthy people don't use their own money; they use other
people's mone-y-Thoi; party,waq sponsored by various
contributors, illustrating how those with resources often rely on
externalfunding. This pattern is mirrored by Cornell University,
and I end up paying for things that others get for free.
Cornell seems disconnected from our community and prevents
us from forming meaningful connections. I regularly pass by
their facilities while they tend to their interests. Tuition keeps
rising, and one can't help but wonder where ali that nroney is
going, ceftainly not toward benefiting the local community,
regardless of whether it's indirect or direct.
We must consider the long-term implications beyond the
present moment, spanning the next two decades. The welfare
we provide to Cornell needs to cease. Since lthaca likes to be
at the forefront of things, this is another issue that is critically
important and should draw the line. Other places like Pittsburgh
grapple with similar issues regarding their universities and
healthcare networks. These supposed nonprofit institutions
don't operate like nonprofits; otherurise, tuition would be
considerably lower. There's more to it than meets the eye, with
grants, corporate agreements, and profit-oriented activities in
play.
Cornell lrolds patents and engages in profit-making ventures,
offering little in return to the community except for expenses.
Why should l, along with our neighbors, be responsible for
Cornell University's taxes?
lf there's ever a time to champion socialjustice for our
community, it's now. We should stop being subservient to
Cornell and cease providing services to them. Let Cornell take
responsibility for its actions. lt's evident that this planet belongs
to us all. and we must collaborate. Having an lvy League
institution, in parlicular, fosters arrogance and division.
This arrogance was evident when Cornell presented its plans
for developing East Hill Plaza in previous years, where it
assumed an authoritative stance on everything. lt's time to halt
pernrits and service provisions to Cornell. Cornell's impact on
our community is immense, contributing to the unaffordable
housing situation in downtown high-rise apartments and
exacerbating the property tax burden, making housing even
less attainable for our residents.
As a side note:
Key board members of Cornell influence the market
capitalization of over half a trillion dollars. Therefore, these
companies and their executives on the Cornell board are
comfortable extracting money from taxpayers.
The total market cap of the following companies as of
September 2023 are
Anaplan: $9.59 billion
DDJ Capital [\{anagement: $13.5 billion
Farm Credit East: $8.3 billion
Hilton Worldwide: $36.6 billion
JLL Hotels & Hospitality: $7.9 billion
JP fvlorgan Chase: $519.2 billion
King & Spalding LLP: $1.4 billion
KKR Prisma: $tt.+ billion
Korea lnstitute of Fusion Energy: $1.2 billion
IvlcKinsey & Company: $10.5 billion
New York Private Bank & Trust: $6.3 billion
Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman: $0.9 billion
Seneca Foods Corp: $0.4 billion
Versant Ventures: $3.2 billion
The total market cap of these companies is $637.7 billion
Contact lnformation edboturos@mac.com- 607-2 1 6-5589
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Wed9120/2A23 3:52 Plt/
To:Common Council <council@cityofithaca.org>;Laura Lewis <lrrlayorlewis@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 Fred
Last Name Schoeps
Street Address (-
f\tlunicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Town of lthaca
NY
Proposed IVIOU between City and Cornell
I had hoped to speak via zoom and sent in my request this
morning, however, have not received an email to link.
As a City of lthaca taxpayer I request that you return to the
negotiating table and to strengthen your hand by declaring that
lhe 2024 budget will be prepared without including any
monetary benefits from Cornell.
lf and when the City and Cornell reach an agreement, then
budget line items may be increased based on a process the
present Council, or the future Council and city manager
establish.
Cornell should not hold the Council and city taxpayers hostage
by dangling money that would go into the budget. implying if
you sign it's yours if you don't it's your loss.
Recently I became aware that during the period the MOU was
in effect, average home sale price increased 145o/o and the
corresponding City tax bill increased 150Yo. By contrast, the
Consumer Price lndex to be used for Cornell's future payments
increased 60%.
I am willing to support tightening the belt by another notch even
if it hurts near-term. CORNELL STUDENTS have already
shown their support for the City and are a force to be reckoned
with. What is happening in lthaca is beginning to be noticed by
CORNELL ALUIVINI and will be by the broader public as it
draws media attention. Reputation such as Cornell's is long to
achieve and is on the line.
Historically just before budget time in 1995 and 2003 the City
and Cornell signed. The Cornell Board of Trustees is meeting in
October as previously. lf I were negotiating for Carnell. wouldn't
I play the 'take it or leave it card expecting the City to take it?
It's time for a 21st Century Town and Gown Partnership that
could and should align with what supposedly are mutual
commitments - City and Cornell - to Social Justice and Social
Equity - and work in partnership to demonstrate it LOCALLY.
After all, as the old IVOU stated in the preamble: Cornell was
among the first universities in the nation to make voluntary
payments to itslocal municipality in support of purblic services,
and it remains committed to doing so within the availability of its
financial resources.
Contact lnformation kmtalk@earthlink.net
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Wed 9/20/2A23 3:57 PN/
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 Richard
Last Name John
Street Address
lVlunicipality .Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State New York
Topic of Discussion Encampment Policy
Your Comments I understand that the policy has evolved to avoid the issue of
enforcement and any clear statement about where
encampments are aliowed and not allowed. Actually, I find it
hard to comment as there is almost no policy here at all. These
are people in crisis where an urgent response seems to be in
order. Continuing the status quo and hoping individuals will
move to a central location on their own seems like weak tea.
Further, as the City and County need to work together on this
issue if we wish to have any success, I suggest that at least
receiving County input before adopting this position would be a
more prudent course. IVIy view is that we can do far better than
what is currently on the table.
Contact lnformation Field not completed
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Wed 9/2A/2023 4:35 Pl"ri
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 Jon
Last Name Raimon
Street Address
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State NY
Topic of Discussion 14850
Your Comments Dear Common Council [\Iembers,
Please vote against the current plan for the the contribution that
Cornell plans to give. lt is not enough and we must push for
more. I think of allthe human service and similar agencies that
are constantly underfunded. The turnover rate of youth
workers, teaching assistants, and many other helping jobs
nrakes it hard to hold up our community. Cornell is able to give
nrore to help sustain these programs and agencies that support
our fellow lthacans. I would appreciate a response and rational
for how you decide to vote.
Sincerely,
Jon C. Raimon
Contact lnformation jcraimon@gmail.com
Thank you far sharing your thaughts with us. Please nate: commenfs ,xusl be 3
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Wed 9/20/2A23 5:04 Plt4
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 Hannah
Last Name Lewis
Street Address
tt/unicipality *Note this may Tompkins County
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion lMake Cornell Pay
Your Comments Hi everyone,
I am a student at Cornell University and a member of Climate
Justice Cornell. I would love to see this school give back to the
community it resides in. Not only does this institution have
more than enough money to improve lthaca, but it is not even
paying taxes because it is a so-called "non-profit". On top of
building better roads, Cornell can help revamp the TCAT public
transit and electrify buildings, all of which would be parl of
achieving the lthaca Green New Dealgoals.
There is so much good Cornell has the potential to do, and they
have the financial power to make it happen. I urge lthaca
Common Councilto reject Cornell's PILOT contribution that
they are offering. They want to give a fraction of what they can
actually do, and lthaca deserves way more.
I hope this proposal is rejected, so open negotiations begin to
allow lthaca to get the money they deservel
Thank you for your time,
Hannah Lewis
Contact lnformation Field not completed.
NY
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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
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Common Council Public Comment Form
First Name David
Last Name Waingafien
Street Address
fi/unicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
NY
Ithaca
2023 Proposed Cornell tt/OU
The proposed MOU is a bad dealfor lthacans. We need to
renegotiate and get Cornell to pay their fair share.
I am a homeowner in Fall Creek. ti/y property taxes have gone
up 200% in just two years.
This level of taxation is due to Cornell owning so much property
and being tax exempt. The proposed t\4OU doesn't even come
close to covering the gap created, and continues our
community on an unsustainable course of being a town no one
can afford to live.
We - the citizens and taxpayers - cannot subsidize the gap in
funding on behalf of Cornell who is making hundreds of millions
of untaxed dollars via profit centers such as student housing,
their hotel, and bookstores.
Ithaca is already unafforadable for many today.
This is not a tax issue - it is a LIVABILITY issue.
Our son's public school teachers cannot afford to live in our
community because landlords are passing on higher property
taxes in their rents.
We cannot afford to retire here.
Our son won't be able to afford pay rent here.
One of the Alderpeople I spoke with this week told me they
won't be able to afford to live in the Ward they represent if their
landlords' taxes get rasied and they choose to pass those costs
on via rent hikes"
This is not a future or abstract issue, it is the CURRENT
REALITY. Accepting Cornell's offer and locking us into a 21-
year period will reinforce and deepen this problem for
generations to come.
Contact lnformation
Other Colleges are choosing to voluntarily pay more. Yale,
Dartmouth, and Harvard are contributing tens of millions of
dollars annually to their communities via PILOT programs.
This is what we need.
We are a small city with rents as high as major metros like
Boston and crties in Silicon Valley.
We cannot accept another 21 years of this inequity, while
Cornell continues to make millions in profits, from non-
educational assets and their multi-billion dollar endowment.
Cornell - paying more is also in your best interest! You can't
recruit the best talent to teach in your institution if those people
can't afford to live and raise their families here!
Best true to your mission to do the greatest good. Right now,
you're perpetuating inequity and harm.
Do better.
'- i.' . .' "i.l '
david.waingarten@gmail.com
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minutes (or shorter) in length when read, and must adhere ta the Common Council
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Wed 9/?0/2A23 5:i8 PIV
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 lVarian
Last Name lvlumford
Street Address
tvlunicipality .Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca 14850
State NY
Topic of Discussion Cornell proposed t\tlOA is inadequate
Your Comments I think 4 million from Cornell is grossly inadequate. By
comparison, Daftmouth College, the smallest lvy League
school with a student population of fewer than 7000, is required
to pay property taxes to the small town of Hanover. which had a
population of 1'1 ,000 in 2A21. Dartmouth annually pays
approximately 8 million in property taxes to Hanover. lt's
shameful what Cornell gets away with. Please do not approve
this new proposal. lt will not nteet our needs.
Contact lnformation
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Please nate: cammenfs niusf be 3
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R{.r/es af Order. Untilwe can all be tagether again, we wish you gaod health!
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607-351 1 -0459
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Wed 91?*/2A23 5:45 Plt/
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 Patricia
Last Name Dutt
Street Address
tVunicipality "Note this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comnrents
14850
New York
MOU Cornell
September 20,2A23
Dear Common Council,
I am writing to express my outrage at the paltry sum Cornell is
'willing'to pay The City of lthaca and other municipalities for the
services Cornell uses. According to an lthaca Voice arlicle
(February
16,2An) "Tompkins County 2022 assessment data shows
Cornell's city
property exempted from taxes totals more than $2.7 billion.
Cornell pays city taxes on appox $8 million worth of property.
Cornell's reporled operating budget is currently $5.5 billion and
its
endowment is $10.5 billion.
Currently a savings account (CD) returns five percent interest.
On an
endowment of 10.5 billion it's approximately 500 million. 1l2}lh
of one
percent of that is about $4 million, the current offer.
Even if Cornell contributed $10 million (which seems
reasonable) that
would only amount to 1/10 of a percent of the interest on its
endowment.
Even that amount is a miniscule part of their overall budget.
Cornell is a wonderfultop-notch educational institution. No one
can
disagree there. And Cornell uses the area's roads, schools,
services,etc. Given its population during the school sessions it
represents a sizable percentage of the community and
everyone needs the
basic utilities ( sewer and water ) and its infrastructure
improvements.
ls there any computation of the appox 7500 students that live
campus's equivalent propefty/school tax contribution?
A corporation would have to pay taxes. Cornell may not be a
legal
corporation, but when an institution's interest on its endowment
is in
the hundreds of millions of dollars, you have to wonder what
that word
'corporation' really means.
A fair tax payment from Cornell could help homeowners in the
City and
Town of lthaca who are struggling to pay real estate and school
taxes.
The City and the Town of lthaca have become so expensive
that it's
nearly impossible for an average person to buy a home here.
Sincereiy,
It/ike Drury, 135 West Haven Road, lthaca, NY
Patricia Dutt, 135 West Haven Road, Ithaca NY
Contact information pduttster@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. F/ease note: comments must be 3
minutes (or shorter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Cauncit
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Wed9/20/2A23 5:51 PNI
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 sally
Last Name schwaftzbach
Street Address
-
lvlunicipality nNote this may
be different from your zip
code
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
14850
NY
Contribution Agreement between Cornell U and the City of
ithaca
To [Vayor Lewis and all members of Common Council:
I am very disturbed by the proposed CU-lthaca agreement that
will be put up for vote at Council. lt is very shortsighted on the
City's part. The current agreement does not end until June
2024.\a have a lame duck [Mayor and many lame duck council
members voting on such a long term proposal is just not
acceptable. Yes, CU brings lots to our community. Yes, CU
takes a lot from our community. The benefits and
responsibilities should go both ways-equitably.
The current proposal is a woefully inadequate levelof
contribution. l'd like to see the figures that each side brings to
the table. Transparency is a must.
The City has time to negotiate, to study, to hear from its
constituents. This is not something that should be rushed into
as it seems to be right now.
Table this vote and go back to the drawing board internally and
return to the negotiating table with a much better proposal.
Sally Schwartzbach
Contact lnformation sschwafizbach@gmai l.com
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Wed 9120/2A23 5:58 PI/
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 Neil
Last Name Schwartzbach
Street Address
Municipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
14850
NY
Table It/OU Proposalw Cornell
As a resident who has lived in the city for almost 50 years, I am
urging you to table the vote on [t/ayor Lewis's agreement with
Cornell regarding CU's contribution to our community.
Chuck Guttman said it well in his op-ed piece in the lthaca
Voice- I cannot say it better.
The proposed contribution is woefully inadequate. The make-
up of the Council and the ltlayor will soon be almost totally
different. The very structure of the government will also change
with the new City manager. lt is the responsibility of the
incoming City representatives and new City manager to work
together and make such a far-reaching decision.
To approve this agreement, especially under these
circumstances, would be worse than irresponsible-it would be
a grave abuse of your power and residents' trust. I urge you to
table consideration of this proposal until well inla 2024.
Neil Schwartzbach
107 Park Place
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
Contact lnformation nei l@g ra ntsontarget. com
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Wed 9i2A/202i 6:04 Phl
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 Regi
Last Name Teasley
Street Address
Itttunicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State
Topic of Discussion [tlOU with Cornell
Your Comments Whatever the mayor's motivation in rushing through a
"sweetheaft" back-room dealwith Cornell, I urge Councilto
stop this.
This agreement has significant impacts on the city both
financially and culturally. We are not a "company town" to be
ruled by a major employer. lf you wish to have the continued
support of the city residents, you must not be complicit in
silencing city residents and acquiescing to the mayor's
shameful proposed deal^
Contact lnformatinn Rltcayuga@gmail.com
Thank yau for sharing your thoughts witlt us. Please nate: cammenfs musf be 3
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Wed 9/20/2023 6:07 Plr4
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 Alex
Last Name Rakow
Street Address G
State NY
Topic of Discussion CornellPlLOT
Your Comments I love our public schools in lthaca, and I want them to have all
the resources they need to provide an enriching environment
for our children, and to pay our teachers and staff in a way that
reflects their value.
It breaks my heart to see wonderful teachers leaving our
community due to low pay. Cornell's proposed pILOT is
ridiculous given how much the University benefits from public
services. We cannot lock this deal in for decades or it will do
lasting damage to our community.
Thank you for your consideration, and public service!
Contact lnformation Field not completed
Thank you far sharing your thoughts with us. P/ease nate: cammenls musf be 3
minutes (ar shorter) in length when read, and must adhere ta the Common Council
Ru/es of order. until we can all be together again, we wish you good health!
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Itlunicipality.Note this may 14850
be different from your zip
code
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Wed 9/20/2A23 7:10 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 Ruth
Last Name Yarrow
Street Address
l\tlunicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
14850
State
Topic of Discussion
Your Comments
NY
Cornell's Fair Share
To the lthaca Common Council
I am a three-time, total 30-year resident of lthaca. Here are
reasons to vote no on the proposed MOU:
1. lnsufficient funding of the City of lthaca adversely affects the
City of lthaca, Cornell University and the whole surrounding
area.
2. Cornell University has not paid its fair share for many
decades.
3. While Cornell and the City make valuable contributions to
each other, these contributions could be far more cooperative
and effective if Cornell pays their fair share.
4. The land for which Cornell has been granted tax-exemption
was violently taken from the Gayogocono Nation and
reparations would be appropriate.
5. Cornell University has enormous investments (more than 10
billion dollars) and could easily afford to pay its fair share.
6. On this planet threatened by nuclear annihilation and climate
catastrophe, signing an t\tloU for 21 years is an inadequate
rigid agreement in an unstable fragile environment.
7. ln the coming decades, new issues will emerge, such as
development at Cornell increasing runoff to downtcwn lthaca's
flood zones.
B. Returning to negotiations for a reasonable donation of $25
million from Cornellto the City would be a sound reason to vote
no on this IMOU and would be a yes vote for the future.
Thank you for reading this far.
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Thu 9/21/2023 1:01 Pl'"4
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 John
Last Name Witkiewicz
Street Address L
It/unicipality .Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State 14850
Topic of Discussion City of lthaca/Cornell lV0U
Your Comments The proposed $4 million annual contribution from Cornell
University is unreasonable. given the resources the university
possesses and the resources that lthaca needs. $2S-30 nrillion
annual contribution would be fair compensation annually.
Please hold a firm line for the future of this community.
Contact lnformation jdwitkiewicz@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing yaur thaughts with us. Please nate: commenfs must be J
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Fn 9i22/2023 1:09 Plvl
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 Denise
Last Name
Street Address
tutunicipality .Note this may
be different from your zip
code -
Katzman
Ithaca
State NY
Topic of Discurssion Cornell's IVIOU
Your Comrrents I couldn't attend the last meeting on this topic. I may not be
able to attend the 10.11 .23 meeting.
l\tloUs are weak and archaic. A contract with no wiggle room is
required; otherwise lthaca will continue to refuse to deal with
reality. 4 million is totally unacceptable. Stop abusing your
strength. Use your strength and be in control^
Contact lnformation denisekatzman@gmail.com
Thank you for sharing your thaughts with us. P/ease note: commenfs musf be 3
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Wed9/2-//2A23 11:05 AM
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 Cauncil Public Comment Form
First Name Deirdre
Last Name Weaver
Street Address
l\4unicipality *Note this may
be different from your zip
code
Ithaca
State New York
Topic of Discussion No 20-year deal and gag order. ftIake Cornell pay their fair
sharelThe people shouldn't be subsidizing CornelM
Your Comnrents Please demand a short-term deal, short-term as in 2 years. Tell
Cornellwe will not agree to having our hands tied. We must not
be bullied. No 20-year deal and gag order. Make Cornell pay
their fair share! Shame on them!
Contact lnformation Field nat completed
Thank yau far sharing your thaughts with us. Please note: comments musf be J
minutes {or shorter) in length when read, and must adhere to the Common Councit
Ru/es af Arder. Untilwe can all be together again, we wish yau goad heatth!
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