Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CA-2009-01-01CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE Regular Meeting January 26, 2009 Members Present: Alderperson Coles, Alderperson Zumoff, Alderperson Clairborne (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Alderperson Korherr, Alderperson Schuler (arrived at 7:15 p.m.), Mayor Peterson Council Members Present: Alderperson Myrick, Alderperson Tomlan, Alderperson Dotson Staff Present: Ed Valley (Police Chief), John Barber (Deputy Police Chief), Tom Parsons (Deputy Fire Chief), Erik Whitney (Asst Supt - W &S), Bill Gray (Supt of Public Works), Debra Parsons (City Chamberlain), JoAnn Cornish -Epps (Acting Planning Director), Philly DeSorno (Deputy Economic Director), Tom West (Asst City Engineer), Dan Hoffman (City Attorney), Steve Thayer (Controller), Scott Andrew (Deputy Controller), Schelley Michell -Nunn (HR Director), Leslie Moskowitz (Mgr of OD), Denise Malone (HR Executive Assistant) Others Present: Nels Bohn (IURA), Paul Mozzarella (INNS), Cynthia Brock (BPW Board Member), Members of the Public, Members of the Media Chairperson Coles called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. 1. Chairperson Greeting & Opening Statement Chairperson Coles welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained the evacuation procedures. 2. Announcements. None. 3. Agenda Review and Amendments. None. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 2 4. Public Hearing 1. Proposed Disposition of Property Steamboat Landing Site Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to open the public hearing on the Proposed Disposition of Property Steamboat Landing Site. Seconded by Alderperson Korherr. Motion carried 3 -0. (Alderpersons Schuler and Clairborne were absent from the vote.) No one came forward to speak at the public hearing. Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to close the public hearing on the Proposed Disposition of Property Steamboat Landing Site. Seconded by Alderperson Korherr. Motion carried 3 -0. (Alderpersons Schuler and Clairborne were absent from the vote.) 5. Approval of Minutes Alderperson Zumoff made a motion to approve the minutes, as corrected, of the December 29, 2008 City Administration Committee meeting. Seconded by Alderperson Korherr. Motion carried 3 -0. (Alderpersons Schuler and Clairborne were absent from the vote.) 6. Statements from the Public. None. 7. Employee Comments. None. 8. Common Council Response. None. 9. Workforce Diversity (WFD) Committee Update The WFD Committee met today. They discussed the hiring process and the department heads report -out on their diversity competency plan. At the next meeting with the Mayor, the HR Director will update the Mayor on these two items. The WFD Committee welcomed two (2) new members: Jim Crowley (Fire) and Sue Kittel (IURA). City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 3 10. Safety Committee Update. None. 11. Communication Committee Update. None. (Alderperson Schuler arrived at 7:15 p.m.) 12. Regular Reports from Departments Reporting to CA - City Attorney's Office The Committee welcomed City Attorney Dan Hoffman to the meeting. Mr. Hoffman distributed the department's Summary of Major Areas of Attention. Some major areas of attention are • Administrative: The Attorney's Office is at full staff. The Executive Assistant position was filled by an employee who transferred from another department and the Assistant City Attorney position has been filled by a female person of color. They have two interns for the spring semester; a law student from Syracuse University and a paralegal from TC- 3. • Office Renovations: The office is housed in cramped quarters. The department will be renovated by converting a cubicle into a real office. The cubicle is used by the new Assistant City Attorney. To fund the renovations, $14,000 was approved by Common Council for the 2009 budget and $5,000 of a $15,000 request to encumber unused money from the 2008 budget was submitted to the Controller's Office. • Labor /Employment including litigation (Donna): The new Assistant City Attorney will handle grievances, arbitrations, human rights complaints, Section 207 issues, etc. • Litigation & Notices of Claim (Dan; Donna, outside counsel): Outside counsel will handle most of the personal injury and property damage cases. Cases handled by this office are surrounding eminent domain, protected speech on Commons and liaison with outside counsel handling personal or property injury claims. • FOIL requests & appeals (Khandikile): FOIL requests continue to increase especially since the State changed the law allowing e-mail requests. FOIL requests require a lot of searching and reviewing documents to ensure that no confidential information is released. • Real Property (Dan): Periodically, the City purchases, sales or transfers real property as well as review requests for encroachments, easements, licenses, and leases. • Contract /MOU drafting, review, revision (Khandikile, Donna) Khandikile is the primary person responsible for reviewing and drafting of contracts, MOU, etc. for projects such as the 911 Center, City /Town Fire Contract, Youth Services, TCAT Shelters, etc. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 4 • Review, interpret and draft local laws, ordinances, resolutions, policies & procedures (Dan, Khandikile & Donna): Pending examples and completed examples are Regulation of outdoor smoking, Taxicabs (comprehensive update of ordinance), Tenant protection, building & fire code changes, Common Council procedures to name a few. • City Court /Enforcement of City Code Provisions (Bob): The part -time Assistant City Attorney works in City Court prosecuting violations of City Code. • Land Use, Development & Zoning (Dan): Dan handles pending or completed cases such as Collegetown Moratorium, Former Ithaca Gun site, Cayuga Waterfront Trail, Gateway Creek Walk, etc. City Attorney's Office Diversity Plan: The Attorney's office consists of five positions (2 full - time attorneys, 2 part -time attorneys and 1 support staff). Currently, all positions are filled. There are two men and three females of whom two are persons of color. The department hires interns from different colleges and university. This spring semester, they hired two females of color from Syracuse University and TC -3's legal program. Physically, there is no room for expansion. As mentioned in his earlier report, the department has solicited requests for proposals (RFPs) to convert a cubicle into an office. Steps the department has taken to contribute to or enhance diversity: Have regular staff meetings to address concerns. Allow flexibility in the work schedule to meet family needs. Outreach efforts to include minority presence in their recruiting for interns and an increase in pay for interns. Mr. Hoffman recognizes the need to do more and be more mindful of the City's retention strategies and keeping the workforce as diverse as possible. The Committee thanked City Attorney Dan Hoffman for his report. (Alderperson Clairborne arrived at 7:25 p.m.) 13. Police and Fire Department Moved by Alderperson Zumoff. Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne. WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department and the Ithaca Fire Department have been working collaboratively to craft design and equipment requirements for a City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 5 replacement mobile incident command vehicle that will serve the needs of both departments during a large -scale emergency response, and WHEREAS, a new replacement Mobile Command Vehicle will cost approximately $456,000 through Farber Specialty Vehicles under the New York State contract, and WHEREAS, the Common Council approved $250,000 of funding through the 2009 Capital Project # 751 and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca received additional funding or pledged funding for the Mobile Command Vehicle as follows: Triad Foundation $100,000 Tompkins County Sheriffs Office $68,000 (Homeland Security Funds) Tompkins County District Attorney's Office $25,000 Other Funding Sources $50,000 $243,000 and, WHEREAS, the final amount for the Mobile Command Vehicle pledged and received to date totals $493,000, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby accepts and appreciates the various organizations that have pledged or already provided, funding for this critical project, and be it further RESOLVED, That Capital Project #751 Mobile Command Vehicle Acquisition is hereby amended by an amount not to exceed $243,000 for a total project authorization of $493,000 for the purposes of funding the acquisition of said Mobile Command Vehicle. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 6 14. Fire Department 1. Request to Increase Fees Moved by Alderperson Korherr. Seconded by Alderperson Schuler. WHEREAS, section 181 -9 F(1) of the Code of the City of Ithaca states the Fire Chief shall promulgate a fee schedule applicable to the permits authorized under such code; and, WHEREAS, §181 -9 F states that fees established in the fee schedule shall reasonably reflect the cost of receiving, investigating, processing, and issuing each of said permits; and, WHEREAS, §181 -9 F requires that any schedule and required changes proposed thereto shall be submitted to the Common Council for adoption prior to the collection of such fees; and, WHEREAS, firstly, the permit fee schedule is based on the labor costs of performing the inspections and processing the permits; secondly, the last time the fees were updated was February 15, 2006; thirdly, because of subsequent salary increases and increasing cost of fringe benefits the current fees do not reflect the actual costs of the services being provided; and, WHEREAS, a proposal has been prepared and submitted to increase fees generally and as stipulated in the attached schedule, from $40.00 to $44.00 per hour, and from $60.00 to $66.00 per hour for work performed during non - business hours, to increase the monthly processing fee for running permits from $11.00 to $12.00 per permit, and to add an additional fee of $12 per location for temporary propane permits, thus having fees more accurately reflect current costs; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners did consider and approve this proposal at their regular meeting of November 18, 2008; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, The Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby approve the proposed increase in permit fees herein proposed; and, be it further City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 7 RESOLVED, These changes shall be authorized upon adoption of this resolution by Common Council, with an effective date of February 4, 2009. After discussion, Alderperson Clairborne made a motion to amend the 5t" Whereas as follows: WHEREAS, a proposal has been prepared and submitted to increase fees generally and as stipulated in the attached schedule, from $40.00 to $44.00 per hour, and from $60.00 to $66.00 per hour for work performed during non - business hours, to increase the monthly processing fee for running permits from $11.00 to $12.00 per permit, and to adjust the fee for temporary_ propane permits to $12 per additional location, thus having fees more accurately reflect current costs; and, Seconded by Alderperson Korherr. Motion carried 5 -0. A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 15. Chamberlain's Office 1. Local law to increase income limits for eligibility for the disability real property tax exemption Moved by Alderperson Korherr. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Pursuant to an increase in the income ceilings at the State level for disability tax exemptions, section 300- 26(B)(1) of Article V entitled "Disability Exemption" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code shall be amended to increase the amount of the partial real property tax exemption for certain disabled persons/ Section 1: Section 300 -26B (1) of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: B. Exemption granted. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 8 (1) Pursuant to the provisions of § 459 -c of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, real property located in the City of Ithaca owned by one or more persons, each of whom is disabled and whose income is limited by reason of such disability, or real property owned by husband and wife, or siblings, one of whom is disabled and whose income is limited by reason of such disability, shall be partially exempt from taxation by said city for the applicable taxes specified in § 459 -c based upon the income of the owner or combined income of the owners. Such partial exemption shall be to the extent set forth in the schedule following: Annual Income of Owner or Combined Annual Income of Owners Up to but less than $28,000 [$27,000] Up to but less than $29,000 [$28,000] Up to but less than $30,000 [$29,000] Up to but less than $31,000 [$30,000] Up to but less than $31,900 [$30,900] Up to but less than $32,800 [$31,800] Up to but less than $33,700 [$32,700] Up to but less than $34,600 [$33,600] Up to but less than $35,500 [$34,500] Up to but less than $36,400 [$35,400] Assessed Valuation Exempt From Taxation 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% Section 2. 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 portion. Section 3. Effective Date. This Local Law shall take effect immediately in accordance with law upon filing with the Secretary of State. After discussion, Alderperson Korherr made a motion to amend the resolution by removing "husband and wife" in Section 1:B and replacing it with "a married couple ". Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne. Motion carried 5 -0. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 9 A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 2. Ordinance to increase income limits for eligibility for the real property tax exemption for persons over 65 Moved by Alderperson Clairborne. Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff. Section 1. Pursuant to an increase in the income ceilings at the State level for tax exemptions for senior citizens, sections 300- 1(A)(1) and 300 -2(A) of Article I entitled "Senior Citizens Exemption" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code shall be amended to increase the amount of the partial real property tax exemption for certain senior citizens, as follows: § 300 -1. Exemption granted. A. Pursuant to the provisions of §467 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, real property in the City of Ithaca owned by one or more persons, each of whom is 65 years of age or over, or real property owned by husband and wife or by siblings, one of whom is sixty -five years of age or over, shall be partially exempt from taxation by the city based upon the income of the owner or the combined incomes of the owners. (1) Such partial exemption shall be to the extent set forth in the schedule following: Annual Income of Owner or Combined Annual Income of Owners Up to but less than $28,000 [$27,000] Up to but less than $29,000 [$28,000] Up to but less than $30,000 [$29,000] Up to but less than $31,000 [$30,000] Up to but less than $31,900 [$30,900] Up to but less than $32,800 [$31,800] Up to but less than $33,700 [$32,700] Up to but less than $34,600 [$33,600] Assessed Valuation Exempt From Taxation 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 10 Up to but less than $35,500 [$34,500] 10% Up to but less than $36,400 [$35,400] 5% (2) The partial exemption provided by this article shall, however, be limited to such property and persons as meet the conditions, exclusions and limitations set forth in §467 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York. § 300 -1A. "Income tax year" shall mean a twelve -month period for which the owner or owners filed a federal personal income tax return or, if no such return is filed, the calendar year. Where title is vested in either the husband or the wife, their combined income may not exceed such sum. Such income shall include social security and retirement benefits, interest, dividends, total gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset in the same income tax year, net rental income, salary or earnings and net income from self - employment but shall not include a return of capital, gifts or inheritances. In computing net rental income and net income from self - employment, no depreciation deduction shall be allowed for the exhaustion, wear and tear of real or personal property held for the production of income. § 300 -2. Limitations on exemption. No exemption shall be granted: A. If the income of the owner or the combined income of the owners of the property exceeds the sum of $36,400 [$35,400] for the income tax year immediately preceding the date of making application for exemption as consistent with the schedule provided in herein. Section 2. 5everability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this law is held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall in no way affect the validity of any remaining portions of this law. Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately in accordance with law upon publication of a notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. After discussion, Alderperson Schuler made a motion to amend the resolution by removing "the husband and wife" in Section 1:13 and replacing it with "a married City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 11 couple" and by removing "the husband or the wife" in Section 300 -1A and replacing it with "spouse ". Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne. Motion carried 5 -0. A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 16. Department of Public Works 1. Federal Stimulus Projects (Discussion) Chairperson Coles asked all interested parties to sit around the table to discuss the stimulus package. Chairperson Coles read from the summary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Summary stated that this program intends "to create and save 3 to 4 million jobs" and that "since 2001, as worker productivity went up 96 %, the income growth in this county went to the wealthiest 10% of society. While a small percentage of the population were benefiting from record high worker productivity, the remaining 90% of Americans were struggling to sustain their standard of living ". The Executive Summary claims that there would be "unprecedented accountability" and then it goes on to talk about how the funds will be distributed. The City is interested in a portion of the $16 billion to repair public housing and make key energy efficiency retrofits in the $6 billion to weatherize modest income homes; $30 billion for highway construction; $19 billion for clean water, flood control and environmental restoration investments; and $10 billion for transit and rail. This stimulus package will provide relief to protect vital services such as teachers, police officers, and fire fighters without taxing middle class income people further. IURA Director Nels Bohn provided a list of possible City projects that might qualify for some of the funding. Mayor Peterson stated that a number of City officials and employees participated in a conference call with NY Conference of Mayors (NYCOM) and Tim Gilchrist from the Governor's Office of Economic Development where they discussed the stimulus package. The Mayor stated that a cover letter from Peter Baynes, Executive Director of NYCOM, explained that much of the $550 billion of City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 12 proposed stimulus funding will be distributed through existing federal and state local programs. Also, the Governor's Office advised that any list of shovel ready projects referenced in recent weeks should not be considered final. Projects that meet the stimulus criteria and that can be initiated in 90 -180 days are eligible to receive funding. Descriptions of any potential project must be submitted to the appropriate State agency. The Mayor stated that a number of meetings will be scheduled in the near future with one already scheduled for February 2nd at 3:00 p.m. at the Human Services Building. All municipalities and municipal representatives should attend. ITCTC (Ithaca Tompkins County Transportation Council) will schedule a meeting for the end of February to discuss transportation type projects. Last week, the Tompkins County Council of Governments (TCCOG) started discussions on the stimulus package. The Mayor raised a number of questions: What is the most sensible and efficient way to request help? Should municipalities work on their own, or as part of the County or as a locality plus non- profits and other entities that are also interested in applying for these funds? What is the best way especially for smaller localities or counties like ours to make sure that we are heard? The City must decide what to do and the most efficient and helpful way to get Ithaca noticed. Superintendent Gray stated that things are continuously changing. He reported that Traffic Systems Engineer Tim Logue received a call today from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) who received a call from the NYS DOT (Department of Transportation). They wanted to know if the City had $750,000 worth of requests for accessibility related projects. If so, these projects should be added to the list. After reading the 20+ page document, several Engineering employees have said not to forget the carbon emission reduction plans. As of 2009, there are projects that have been rejected by Common Council and that we might consider taking off our list of capital projects. This could be helpful to the City in terms of saving money or freeing up money. After reading through the stimulus list, Mr. Gray thinks that there are items in the stimulus package that the City would be very interested in such as improved web access and renewable energy. Engineering staff suggested looking at all available projects and every opportunity that comes our way. If the projects do not get funded but the City is helped in other ways, then the City is in a better position to make decisions. Chairperson Coles received an e -mail from Larry Roberts, Disability Advisory Council ([)AC). He wrote that after the passing of the American Disability Act City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 13 (ADA), the City was required to undertake a self assessment. That survey was completed in 1992. The DAC is working with Planner Leslie Chatterton in updating that survey. There may be priorities in the survey that merge with stimulus projects and meet the criteria for inclusion. Toward that end, Ms. Chatterton has assigned an intern to get the new survey to department heads and to ask them to identify any ADA compliance gaps for which a stimulus project might be a good way to fill an ADA compliance gap. There was a discussion about this at the BPW (Board of Public Works) meeting. Can this be done? Alderperson Schuler stated that the stimulus list includes renovating public buildings. Two projects that could be included are the window replacement and the HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning) that are part of the Courthouse facility repairs. Would these two projects be covered by stimulus monies and are these projects ready to go? Superintendent Gray stated that this is the kind of project the City should submit. And, if the timing is right, the City could include GIAC. Assistant Superintendent Whitney received a phone call from the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC). EFC is now interested in funding a number of the projects that the City has had on EFC's list for years because they can generate jobs. In fact, Mr. Whitney found out that it is possible that several million dollars worth of work that the City has finished maybe eligible for funding through this agency. They are not sure how this would play out in the stimulus package. But it is a fall -out of the EFC's ability to package up all of this and put into the bond market. Alderperson Schuler stated that the City is a small municipality. Larger municipalities already have projects that are shovel ready. She stated that the City is probably more ready then we think we are. Mayor Peterson stated that there might be other methodologies already available to the City for which we do not have to submit paperwork. There may be an across the board increase in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or for home funding received by IURA (Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency). This methodology could apply to transit as well. IURA Director Nels Bohn stated that to get the money distributed, the IURA has to talk about using existing programs that distribute funds. The City receives City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 14 CDBG and HOME funds. The proposed House Appropriations bill, which will change again, had an additional $1 billion for CDBG grants. Usually there is $4 billion in an annual budget year, so this is a 25% supplemental appropriation. If it does change, the City is ready to receive and distribute these funds. That would be about $200,000 in additional funds. For the HOME program, which funds affordable housing, IURA gets about an 80% increase under that bill. That would be about $1.7 billion, which translates into $400,000 - $450,000 of additional funds for affordable housing. This could include weatherization projects and in some cases, new construction. If we use the existing models and programs that already provide funds, we really want to look closely at what programs we're currently eligible for and see if we can generate projects that are ready to take advantage of additional funding streams. Mr. Gray stated that ideas are flowing in and his staff is making suggestions based on these ideas. Suggestions are coming from every department. People will be suggesting that the Fire Department upgrade equipment or that the Water Plant /Wastewater Treatment Facility should be making changes. There are projects we might want to put forward as favorite items. The City will have to be prepared to react to the kind of projects that come at us not only in next 3 -4 weeks but over the next several months. Chairperson Coles asked if it would be helpful to go over the list to decide what projects would be useful. Alderperson Korherr stated that there is not enough clear grant guidance to go through each one and pick out particular projects. Alderperson Korherr asked that in the event the City wants to take a regional approach for application, will other beneficiaries of this program (e.g. Tompkins County Area Transit [TCAT], Ithaca City School District [ICSD]) be invited to attend the TCCOG meeting? Mayor Peterson stated that she was unsure sure who has been invited to this meeting. Alderperson Korherr stated that there are $4 billion available nationwide for protecting vital services. Alderperson Korherr asked if funding sources for additional Fire Fighters could be a shovel ready project. Alderperson Schuler stated that they are still looking for guidance on what the next step should be. Should all ideas and resources be packaged into one category, City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 15 or should a number of projects be submitted or is this a City, County, Town regional project. Mr. Bohn stated that the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, David Obey, pledged that he would not include any earmarks in the bill that he put forth. However, the bill might get earmarked after it leaves the appropriations committee. Thus suggesting that this is not going to be the method to get projects funded. It will more likely be competing in a stream of funds. A large amount of the funding will go to the State and the focus will be on the State to help decide priorities that coincide with the City's priorities. Be selective in what programs you seek funding for, look at the projects that have the best chance to get funding and, then, devote your resources to those projects that look like they would bring in the funding. Mr. Mazzarello stated that many of us have had experience getting money from federal programs. You have to figure out how the money is going to be delivered. Two general ways are by a formula or in some kind of competitive process. The best we can do is try to stay on top of what we have to do to maximize our participation in whatever system they come up with. Put together a list of good projects and figure out where it is most advantageous for the City to apply. Several people have said "Ithaca is a small City ". We are small but we have a sophisticated group of people who know how to understand the game. Figure out the rules and play them. Mayor Peterson has asked staff from various departments to look at any of these divisions, brainstorm items that would fit under each of these categories, and identify what qualifies under what category. As we hear more about the direction that the federal government is going, we can make changes as needed. Assistant City Engineer Tom West stated that the City has seen the protocol for this kind of program in the state transportation project. Money from the federal government would be funneled through the NYS Department of Transportation (NYS DOT), then through the regional offices and then through the Municipal Planning Organizations (MPOs). The City has been the recipient of $25 million of federal highway monies for taking part in this program over the last 8 -10 years. The protocol is established through the MPO. Most of the projects on the list under the transportation infrastructure have been proposed under the City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 16 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and are available for funding in the next several years. TIP is set up as a five year program. Some of these projects are ones that have passed some sort of muster here in the City, at the regional level of the MPO and at the State DOT regional level. We have also heard that aside from the 180 day window for projects, and we are working to identify projects that could be moved along to get them into that window, there is also a 24 month window being discussed. Some projects (Old Elmira Road Multi -Modal Improvements, Cayuga Waterfront Trail) down on the list could be accelerated to get into that window. Some projects are on the list and projects in Engineering's own project pool would be eligible if the City was going to be aggressive in seeking these funds even over that 2 -year period. To do this, more staff hours would be needed. The Engineering Department is looking for guidance and how much to push on those projects at the expense of projects that are already on their plate. What it boils down to is staffing. They can be creative and come up with ideas. But at this point they need additional staff to keep these projects active, move them forward, and progress through the process. Otherwise the City will not bring in those dollars. Alderperson Dotson stated that TCAT has had conversations with the MPOs and with the County. They need buses and capital improvements. The Local Action Plan (LAP) Committee talked about the stimulus program and they are very interested in anything that could help the City conserve energy. It is a big investment into the future and reducing our cost. Look at future savings such as weatherization in the community, improving our buildings, setting us up to be in a better place to use less energy. Alderperson Myrick stated that the projects he suggests are included in the Collegetown plans, the automated or electric meters that would replace the coin operated meters. Alderperson Myrick thought about this because of the high initial cost for pay stations. When the City talks about creating and sustaining public sector jobs, the plans say it would create additional jobs to maintain those stations. Those stations would eventually increase a revenue stream for the City. Using those stations the City could remove a number of meters that impede pedestrian traffic, enforce turnover which would increase economic development and use of the price package, to reduce the number of cars, which in turn would reduce the amount of emissions and increase sustainability. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 17 HR Director Schelley Michell -Nunn stated that the City has to look at staffing not as connected to this process but really as a short and long term implication. If the wish list is fulfilled, there would be a great impact on staffing. Ms. Michell -Nunn suggested looking at staffing as part of the consideration as we go through the process and not as an after thought so that we will be scrambling. Alderperson Clairborne stated that the City should think outside of the box. Mr. Clairborne suggested linking the Commons so that there are skywalks downtown, where you can go to all of the buildings without having to go outside or cleaning up the lake at Stewart Park. In talking about clean water and air, this would qualify to clean up the lake so that swimming could return to the park. Could these projects be part of the 24 month window or is there more emphasis on projects already on the shelf. Alderperson Zumoff stated that there is so much we don't know about. What would be funded or not, how much money and in particular the time frames. Mr. Zumoff expressed concern about situations that happen all the time, where a pool of money is made available for a particular purpose. For instance, if you get a pool of money that would let the City hire more police officers or fire fighters and that pool of money expires in 3 years. What does the City do? Are we obligated to make up the differences ourselves because it was short term money? This is something that we need to really think about before we commit to accepting money, which is somehow going to obligate us to provide our own funds later on in the future. Mayor Peterson stated that the City accepted grants for 3 years for new police officers. The grants would start at 100% and the municipalities would be responsible for 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, then the full cost. We don't know how anything will be structured. In looking at the list, some of the projects are for internal staff and some of the projects are for external construction jobs, contracting out, getting people to work. The Mayor will schedule a meeting with Mr. Gray, Mr. West and Ms. Michell -Nunn to discuss the impact the stimulus list will have on internal staffing. Alderperson Tomlan stated that people have addressed important items. Ms. Tomlan is looking beyond the actual projects to other benefits and the cautionary tale about our own staffing. There are a lot of exciting possibilities here for City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 18 getting things we have wanted for a long time but once you get them that is it. We benefit, which is nice, but it would be nice to also look at projects that would generate not only the construction jobs but also be an economic stimulus, to get other people to hire that wouldn't commit us to hiring but it would stimulate the economy and benefit us in another way. Look at some of these projects and just see which ones keep having future ripple affects. Chairperson Coles asked what should follow after the response from various department heads on the project list. Mayor Peterson stated that it would depend on how quickly we find out information. It may require special meetings for Common Council and the Board of Public Works. At this point, it is unclear. The City needs to be flexible to react. Some members of Common Council expressed concern about staff putting out these lists. Staff is already reacting in that mode because they must or the City will lose its opportunity to be responsive and be part of the package. For cases where the City has little time, Common Council may have to act quickly and have special meetings. The Mayor reminded the Committee about TCCOG's meeting on February 2nd. This will be an opportunity to get a better sense of what other employers are doing and how they are reacting. Cynthia Brock stated that there are solid projects already in the queue that should be put forward. We have an opportunity to create a new vision for our City. If Ithaca is really a walking /biking community, then let's completely revamp our infrastructure to make Ithaca a walking /biking community. Look into bicycle share programs that are successful throughout the world and put in bike paths. We have this reputation as we go forward to the rest of the USA how bicycle and pedestrian friendly Ithaca is. Import that into our infrastructure through the stimulus projects. We have tremendous resources through the university /colleges in terms of students and research projects. How can we make this happen? Alderperson Korherr state that within NYS, there are 14 areas designated by the federal government as metropolitan statistical areas, which means that there is a mass surge within Tompkins County into the City of Ithaca for employment, recreation or other purposes. The designation exists because of other factors but let's leverage that. Paul Mozzarella stated that there is $6.2 billion for weatherization. Weatherization could mean two things. One is the generic process of making City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 19 houses more energy efficient. The other is an existing federal program called Weatherization, which has a set of rules and delivery system that already exists. INHS will try to get some of these federal dollars. At this point he was unsure how to go about it. Acting Planning Director JoAnn Cornish stated that she has a list of projects and can come up with more. Ms. Cornish stated that it would not be wise to act prematurely because we are stretched too thin now. The City needs to have a full understanding of what they are looking for, to see what projects the City actually wants funded, to make sure that we know exactly what we are going after and what needs to done to get there. Mayor Peterson stated that these are questions she will have for the next TCCOG meeting. Maybe the County has staff that could help us do some of this work or contribute toward the project. County has offered staffing before. The Mayor will discuss this at the TCCOG meeting. The Mayor asked the HR Director to add this item to the next Senior Staff agenda. Alderperson Coles stated that the moral of the discussion appears to be that it is good to dream but we must do it realistically. Alderperson Coles thanked everyone for their participation in the stimulus discussion. 17. IURA 1. Approval of Disposition of Real Property, IURA- Proposed Sublease of the "Steamboat Landing" Site to the Ithaca Farmers Market Cooperative, Inc. Moved by Alderperson Korherr. Seconded by Alderperson Schuler. WHEREAS, on November 5, 2008, the City of Ithaca Common Council approved the leasing of City -owned land known as "Steamboat Landing" to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) for subsequent sublease to an eligible and qualified sponsor, for use as a producer -to- consumer market of locally - produced goods and incubator for related local businesses, subject to certain lease terms and conditions as set forth in the November 5, 2008, resolution of Common Council, and City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 20 WHEREAS, the IURA has agreed to lease the premises on said terms, from the City of Ithaca, for the purpose of facilitating use of the site as a producer -to- consumer market of locally - produced goods and an incubator for related local businesses through a sublease to a qualified and eligible sponsor who commits to use the site for such purposes, and WHEREAS, on October 14, 2008, the Ithaca Farmers Market Cooperative, Inc. (IFM), submitted an application to be designated a qualified and eligible sponsor for the purpose of operating such a market at the Steamboat Landing Site, and WHEREAS, on October 23, 2008, the IURA designated the IFM as a qualified and eligible sponsor to sublease the Steamboat Landing site, and WHEREAS, on December 12, 2008, the IURA found that the proposed use of the Steamboat Landing site by the Ithaca Farmers Market Cooperative, Inc., as a producer -to- consumer market of locally - produced goods and an incubator for related local businesses, will improve the social, physical and economic characteristics of the surrounding neighborhoods thereby furthering the goals and objectives of the City's Urban Renewal Plan, and WHEREAS, on December 12, 2008, the IURA further agreed to sublease the Steamboat Landing site to the Ithaca Farmers Market Cooperative, Inc., upon terms in substantial conformance with the attached document entitled "Synopsis of Lease Terms Agreed to by IFM on 9/22/08" and any additional provisions contained in the November 5, 2008 Common Council resolution, and WHEREAS, this proposed property disposition is being conducted pursuant to §507 of General Municipal Law, which requires final approval by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, following a public hearing on the matter, and WHEREAS, a notice of the public hearing was published in the Ithaca Journal on January 16, 2009, and a public hearing was held on January 26, 2009, before the City Administration Committee of Common Council; and WHEREAS, an environmental review of this proposed action was conducted by the Common Council, acting as lead agency, and, on November 5, 2008, the Common City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 21 Council determined that the proposed action would not have a significant impact on the environment, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby approves the IURA - proposed sublease of the Steamboat Landing site - being a premises comprising approximately 5.9 acres , adjacent to the site of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, and which leased /subleased premises are identified as "Parcel B -1" on a survey map prepared by Lee Dresser, Licensed Surveyor, of TG Miller, PC, dated October 9, 2008, and revised on January 22, 2009 - to the Ithaca Farmers Market Cooperative, Inc., upon terms in substantial conformance with the provisions of the Common Council resolution of November 5, 2008, which terms are summarized in the attached document entitled "Steamboat Landing Site - Synopsis of Terms of Proposed Sublease between the IURA & the IFM - 1/20/09," and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon the advice of the City Attorney, be and hereby is authorized to execute any and all documents required to implement the provisions of this resolution. After discussion, Alderperson Korherr made a motion to amend the 1St Resolved as follows: RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby approves the IURA- proposed sublease of the Steamboat Landing site - being a premises comprising approximately 5.9 acres , adjacent to the site of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility, and which leased /subleased premises are identified as "Parcel B -1" and "Parcel B -2" on a survey map prepared by Lee Dresser, Licensed Surveyor, of TG Miller, PC, dated October 9, 2008 and revised on January 22, 2009 - to the Ithaca Farmers Market Cooperative, Inc., upon terms in substantial conformance with the provisions of the Common Council resolution of November 5, 2008, which terms are summarized in the attached document entitled "Steamboat Landing Site - Synopsis of Terms of Proposed Sublease between the IURA & the IFM - 1/20/09," and be it further Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne. Motion carried 5 -0. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 22 A vote on the resolution as amended resulted as follows: Passed unanimously. 18. Human Resources (HR) Department 1. Director's Report. HR Director Michell -Nunn reported on the following: Vacancy Review Committee: The Vacancy Review Committee has been meeting on a regular basis to discuss permanent vacant positions. Requests to fill eighteen (18) vacancies have been received, 13 have been approved and 5 have been placed on hold. CSEA Classification Study: The HR Department met with the representatives of CSEA to talk about the compensation plan. The HR Director will meet with the Mayor to discuss possible options to implement or phase in a portion of the comp study. Compensation Study: Requests for Proposals (RFPs) have been solicited for the Citywide diversity education and the compensation study for managerial personnel and the members of the Executive Association. Employee Forum: An Employee Forum was held today. It had a large agenda and was well attended by employees. Training: This time of year, the HR Department conducts a lot of training. Trainings being conducted are for the SEEC program, Safety training and Supervisory training. 19. Finance /Controller 1. Controller's Report. Controller Thayer reported on the following: Year End Activity: The Controller's Office is working on the year end activity and start up for 2009. The Office is busy with W -2s, payroll taxes, purchasing freeze, year end adjustments, reconciliations, State 5 -year plan, 2007 audits, etc. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 23 Economy: The economy continues to worsen. Cornell University has put a hold on some projects, which affects the City permits. Sales Tax: For 2008, the City collected $12,162,000. This is 6.5% over the 2008 budgeted amount of $11,415,000 and 10% over 2007 levels. Reconciliation: The City gets quarterly reconciliation from NYS. This quarter the City received its first negative reconciliation in 5 quarters from the State. Health Benefit Steering Committee: The Controller asked to include on next month's agenda a presentation from the consultant. Mr. Thayer distributed a draft of the Municipal Cooperation Agreement for the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium and the proposed timelines. The draft has been sent to NYS Insurance Department for review and approval of the program. The members of the Steering Committee have solicited RFPs for the Plan Administrator and have developed rates for the program. Implementation date is scheduled for 2010. The City and County must participate. Meetings will be scheduled for the consultant to meet with the unions. The Mayor suggested making sure that all members of Common Council are invited to next month's meeting. Questions for the consultant can be e- mailed to the Controller. 20. Reports 1. Mayor's Report. The Mayor reported on the following: County Administrator: The Mayor met with the new County Administrator, Joe Mareane. They discussed various topics such as 911 Center, joint training, project management and civil service. Employee Forum: There were a lot of discussions, questions and feedback from employees on the budget, local economy and public information. A second forum is set to be scheduled. 2. Sub- Committee Updates. None. City Administration Committee Meeting January 26, 2009 Page 24 3. Council Members' Announcements Youth Bureau 601-h Anniversary Celebration: The Ithaca Youth Bureau will celebrate its 60th Anniversary on Wednesday - January 28, 2009 - State Theater - 7:00 p.m. Theme: Bridging Racial and Cultural Divides and the Role that Youth Play. Music will be provided by 5amite. The speech will be given by Mayor Cory Booker of Newark, NJ. "I Can" Day: GIAC is holding an "I Can" Day in memory of Rashaad Richardson on Friday - January 30, 2009 - 4:00 p.m. at GIAC. 4. Next Month's Meeting: February 25, 2009. 21. Adjournment With no further business and on a motion by Alderperson Schuler, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.