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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-C&OI-2008-07-15Community and Organizational Issues Committee Proceedings Regular Meeting July 15, 2008 7:30 p.m. PRESENT: Chair J. R. Clairborne Vice Chair Daniel Cogan Alderpersons (7) Robin Korherr, Svante Myrick, Joel Zumoff, Mary Tomlan, Jennifer Dotson, Maria Coles, Eric Rosario OTHERS PRESENT: Mayor — Carolyn K. Peterson City Clerk — Julie Conley Holcomb GIAC Director — Marcia Fort Youth Bureau Director - Allen Green City Attorney — Daniel Hoffman Superintendent of Public Works — William Gray EXCUSED: Alderperson Nancy Schuler ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Mayor Peterson requested the addition of an Executive Session to discuss labor negotiations. No committee member objected. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the March 12, 2008, April 15, 2008, May 20, 2008 and June 17, 2008 Community & Organizational Issues Committee Meeting Minutes - Resolution By Alderperson Myrick: Seconded by Alderperson Koherr RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 12, 2008, April 15, 2008, May 20, 2008, and June 17, 2008 Community & Organizational Issues Committee be approved with noted corrections. Ayes (8) Coles, Dotson, Clairborne, Rosario, Zumoff, Myrick, Korherr, Cogan Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Tomlan Carried PUBLIC COMMENT: Eric Acree, Town of Ithaca, addressed the committee regarding the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Read Project. This project grew out of the "Achieving Equity" workshops that Sean Eversley - Bradwell and Barry Derfel presented earlier in the year. Selected members of the Ithaca City School District, Village at Ithaca, Multicultural Resource Center, Family Reading Partnership, Tompkins County Public Library, and others have met to plan this community read and other events around the writings of Martin Luther July 15, 2008 King, Jr. They are working on ways to get the book Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community, written by Martin Luther King, Jr. republished for this project. The tentative kick -off date is January 19, 2009. The group's goal is to learn and possibly apply some of Dr. King's teachings to tough issues facing the Ithaca community. Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca, shared the results of his personal study conducted 3 -4 years ago, regarding the options of rebuilding the Water Plant and purchasing water from the Bolton Point System. He stated that some of the information is outdated; however, the issues of water quality and the use of chemicals have not changed. JoAnn Cornish, Town of Ithaca, spoke in favor of the Youth Council. She explained that 3 of 5 of her siblings served on previous Youth Councils under Mayor Bill Shaw. Their experiences have led them to a life of volunteerism, philanthropy and public service. RESPONSE TO PUBLIC / PRIVLEDGE OF THE FLOOR BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Alderperson Korherr applauded the efforts of the Multicultural Resource Center and inquired as to what was involved with the re- printing of the book. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS: Water Supply Decision: Quality Rick Gell, O'Brien & Gere; Liz Moran, Ecologic; Chris Bordlemay, Cornell University Water System; Paul Tunison, Bolton Point Water System, Superintendent of Public Works Bill Gray, and Acting Director of Planning & Development JoAnn Cornish joined the Committee to discuss water quality issues. Superintendent Gray noted that the City's goal is to provide a safe and reliable water supply for the next 100 years. The two options that the City is reviewing are to either rebuild the water treatment plant or to purchase water from Bolton Point. A comparison of data between the two water sources showed that both plans would produce a higher quality of water. Tests showed that the City exceeded appropriate levels for lead in 2 of 30 samples and sodium levels were exceeded in the Bolton Point water. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the public information messages that should be released regarding how to reduce levels of lead at the tap; and that people with severely restricted sodium diets should consult their health care providers. Raw water quality indicators show that Six Mile Creek has more dirt / turbidity than Cayuga Lake therefore more chemicals are needed to treat the water. Both water supplies have low pathogen classifications. Unregulated compounds were found at very low concentrations in both water supplies. These compounds include pharmaceuticals, animal and human antibiotics, herbicides and pesticides. This is predominantly a wastewater issue, but it does have implications for drinking water treatment. It is unlikely that one single technology will be effective treating all compounds; however, the City should consider the need for additional water treatments in the future. Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding screenings for 61 July 15, 2008 contaminants, sampling protocols, and the difficulty finding certified laboratories that perform these types of tests. Alderperson Rosario questioned whether there was enough data to determine whether the water treatment chemicals were interacting with the emerging contaminants to produce higher levels than the raw water samples. Mr. Gell noted that City staff has been running pilot tests for nearly a year and they believe the results may indicate that the City can reduce its use of chemical treatments by half at the current water plant. Alderperson Clairborne questioned what the cost difference was to produce high quality water at either site. Mr. Gell responded that the City would have significantly higher chemical costs with the Six Mile Creek water source while Bolton Point would have higher utility costs due to water pumping. Mayor Peterson noted that an upcoming education session would focus on cost issues. Workforce Diversity Committee Orientation for Departmental Diversity & Inclusion Reports Marcia Fort, Chair of the Workforce Diversity Committee and Committee members Nancy Bereano, Liz Vance, Audrey Cooper, and Human Resources Director Schelley Michell -Nunn joined the discussion. Ms. Fort stated that beginning in the Fall of 2008, department heads would be making progress reports on their diversity competency during their quarterly presentations to the standing committee they report to. Ms. Fort provided a history of the transition of the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee to the Workforce Diversity Committee. She explained the development of the Workforce Diversity Plan and its 14 attributes. A 2006 audit on the communication and diversity competencies showed that annual reports, measurement tools and incentives were needed to improve performance. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the City's workforce statistics. Liz Vance reviewed the work that has been done in recent years to create a safe and inclusive environment including the development of the annual Inclusion Award, staff participation in Talking Circles and the Un -doing Racism session, Human Resource outreach and recruitment efforts, and Workforce Diversity Committee participation on search committees for department head positions. Audrey Cooper discussed issues of accountability. She stated that diversity and inclusion efforts should be a way of life in the city organization. She stressed that the Mayor and Common Council members have responsibilities and liability if the City does not take steps to protect their interests. She stated that hard conversations are needed regarding how to "add teeth" to the workforce diversity initiative. She stated that the Employment & Training Coordinator position in the Human Resources Department '43 July 15, 2008 should be funded and filled to help the City incorporate the Diversity & Inclusion Plan into daily operations. Nancy Bereano, discussed items that obstruct progress on the Diversity Plan. She noted that leadership is needed in this initiative. She encouraged the Mayor and Council members to ask questions during the department head presentations that will highlight what issues are keeping them from moving forward with their plans. Alderperson Coles stated that she was impressed that the Workforce Diversity Committee offers a 2 -way communication flow between the committee and department heads. Ms. Fort noted that she would like the Committee to be viewed as a resource. Human Resource Director Michell -Nunn noted that diversity and inclusion does not happen by chance, it takes a concerted effort. She stated that systems and protocols should be put in place that are consistent, and in alignment with the City's Vision, Mission and Values Statements. Chair Clairborne stated that when people look outside their comfort zone and bring in fresh minds and people with differences, the organization realizes many benefits. He further stated that the intention of tonight's presentation was to provide the Committee with a basic knowledge base so they would know what to listen for and what questions to ask. Youth Council Sub - Committee — Action Item Karen Friedeborn, Ithaca Youth Bureau and three other Youth Bureau staff members joined the discussion. Alderperson Myrick stated that he is very proud of this initiative and noted that the proposed Ordinance represents many months of work. He provided a brief history of Ithaca's Youth Council initiatives that took place in the 1940's, 1960's, and the interactive meeting between a group of youths and the former Community and Neighborhood Services Committee in 2006. AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE CITY OF ITHACA YOUTH COUNCIL WHEREAS, in 2006, a group of community youth appeared before the Community and Neighborhood Services Committee of Common Council and called for effective advocacy of their needs in the Ithaca area, and WHEREAS, their needs encompassed compliments and complaints regarding the Ithaca City School District, the Ithaca business community, and services provided youth via the City's youth services departments. Their voice became the catalyst for re- instituting a representative body of and for local youth, and WHEREAS, various and intermittent iterations of a youth council date back locally to 1948 and have spurred creation of services and highlights including the Ithaca Youth Cl July 15, 2008 Bureau, Youth Employment Service program, and Hangar Theatre and members also negotiated representation on local governmental bodies, and WHEREAS, youth councils have been a successful model for developing civic leaders in the community and Ithaca Youth Council alumni include a former City of Ithaca mayor, the current acting director of Planning & Development, Ithaca City School District Board of Education members, and well- respected teachers, emergency service, and other members in the community; now therefore ORDINANCE 2008 — BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: SECTION 1. The City of Ithaca Municipal Code is hereby amended by adding a new Chapter xx, entitled "City of Ithaca Youth Council" to read as follows: § X -1. Creation. In recognition of the history of youth councils in the Ithaca community, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby creates an entity that shall be known as the "City of Ithaca Youth Council," hereinafter referred to as the "Youth Council," in accordance with the following conditions. § X -2. Purpose and duties. The purposes and duties of the Youth Council shall be as follows: A. To develop future leaders by providing the teen -age members opportunities to participate in City governance and have an active role in addressing community issues. B. To give a formal voice to the youth of the community. The Youth Council will provide ongoing, two -way communication with policy makers, especially Common Council, so as to better address youth and community issues. The Youth Council will develop mechanisms to receive input regularly from other youth about their ideas and concerns. C. To help provide a hands -on civic education to participating members through direct experience with democratic processes and practical skill development. D. To contribute to the community in a concrete way. The Youth Council will plan and execute projects to improve conditions for teenagers. E. To submit an annual report to the Common Council and to report on a regular basis to the Mayor. '61 July 15, 2008 § X - 3. Membership. A. The Youth Council shall consist of fourteen (14) members, all of whom shall be voting members, appointed by the Youth Council Advisory Board subject to the approval of the Common Council. Membership will be diverse in terms of age, race, gender, family income, and local geography in order to better enable the Youth Council to represent the needs of the community. B. At least eight (8) members shall be residents from the City of Ithaca. The remaining six (6) members shall be selected from within the municipalities comprising the Ithaca City School District. The members of the Youth Council must be at least a freshman in high school, and no older than a senior in high school. § X -4. Terms; vacancies. A. The members of the Youth Council will be appointed for terms of two (2) years + one (1) renewable, or until the time of their high school graduation. Terms will begin in September, except in the case of vacancies. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, except that a vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term of office shall be filled only for the remainder of the unexpired term. B. The initial terms for members of the Youth Council, once established, shall include staggered terms ranging from one- to three -year terms. § X -5. Officers. A. Each year the Youth Council will consider which members will be officers. The manner of choosing, and the responsibilities of the officers, with roles encompassing general leadership, records keeping, and financial tracking will be decided by the Youth Council. B. The lead officer of the Youth Council shall serve as liaison to Common Council and have an ex- officio seat at Common Council meetings. C. The leadership of the Youth Council will meet regularly with the Mayor at a time convenient to all but not less than bi- monthly. § X -6. Compensation. The members of the Youth Council shall receive no compensation for their services as members thereof but may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties within the appropriations made available therefore. § X -7. Selection; supervision. A. The Youth Council Advisory Board shall oversee the activities of the Youth Council. Additionally this Advisory Board will interview all applicants and recommend for appointment on the basis of leadership potential and commitment. July 15, 2008 B. Membership to the Advisory Board shall include representatives from the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, Ithaca Youth Bureau, Southside Community Center, and the standing committee of Common Council responsible for youth services departments. Department heads and Common Council will name, respectively, said representatives to this Advisory Board. Additional members from select areas of the local education and youth advocacy communities will comprise the remainder of the Advisory Board. C. A designated City staff person shall provide advice and support to the Youth Council. Although attached to a youth services department, said staff person shall report and be responsible to the Youth Council Advisory Board. Any changes in the Youth Council staff person's duties related to the Youth Council must be approved by Common Council. § X -8. Meetings; records. The Youth Council shall meet at least monthly in Common Council Chambers and adopt rules and procedures for its meetings. It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and activities and shall file an annual report as provided in § X -2 of this chapter. SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter. Alderperson Myrick explained that the goal of this initiative is to develop future leaders. He spoke of the benefits of civic education and its success in tying youth to the community. He stated that it instills a sense of pride and commitment in young people. He reviewed the components of the legislation including the membership, terms, mentoring role of the Youth Advisory Board, and the request for a 21 -hour employee to staff the Youth Council. Ms. Friedeborn reported that the Youth Bureau has received an anonymous donation in the amount of $3,500 to match the 2008 salary requirements for the part -time position. She stated that Youth Bureau staff is already working hard to find a funding source to provide a 50% match for the 2009 salary ($9,500). Alderperson Korherr questioned the assignment of duties for the part -time staff position being made by Common Council. Alderperson Myrick responded that this position is designed to serve the community and not the department housing the employee. The civil service position, Youth Program Leader, already exists in the Youth Bureau personnel roster; however, the position is not funded. Alderperson Korherr stated that the membership of the Youth Council should include youth whose families might not encourage civic involvement. The level of learning that could occur for both the City and the youths could be tremendous. 7 July 15, 2008 Alderperson Coles noted that she is very impressed by this proposal but is not able to judge this proposal in comparison with the other 2009 budget requests. She stated that this request comes at a time when the City is fortunate to not have to cut positions; however, it may not be able to afford to add any positions. She further noted that she does not favor situations where City residents are the only ones to fund initiatives that serve a wider purpose, even when they are as worthy as this one. Mayor Peterson questioned what the term "non- voting, ex- officio member of Common Council" meant. She wondered whether the youth member would be required to attend all of the Council meetings and whether they would attend standing committee meetings as well. Alderperson Myrick responded that attendance at all of the meetings would not be required but they should be welcome to attend and speak on issues that affect youth. Mayor Peterson noted that she was also uncomfortable with the language regarding the part -time employee position. Alderperson Zumoff stated that he believes Section X -7(B) regarding the Advisory Board needs more work. Alderperson Dotson stated that this item should be referred back to the sub - committee for additional consideration given the number of issues (Sections 5(B), 7(B), 7(C)) that require further discussion as well as input from the City Attorney. Alderperson Myrick stated that he is happy to continue working on the Ordinance and to send it on to the City Administration Committee with a Resolution to request funding. He stated that he believes a staff person needs to be assigned or this initiative will not get off of the ground. Alderperson Coles voiced concern regarding funding the position for 2008 but not being able to fund it for 2009. Alderperson Myrick stated that he understands and shares this frustration but feels that the matching funds from the Youth Bureau makes this a bargain for the City. He stated that the City could pursue other municipalities and the Ithaca City School District for matching shares if it wanted to. Alderperson Cogan stated that he feels that $9,500 is a real value to the City although he has questions regarding the logistics. He stated that he believes this is a good investment and compared it to the Community Police Board budget of $10,100. Alderperson Korherr stated that she agrees with Alderperson Cogan and noted that the City is the direct provider of youth programming for the County. City Attorney Hoffman stated that he thinks it is wonderful to offer young people a "real world" experience; however, the Ordinance needs additional work. He stated that he would appreciate having more time to provide his input and thought he could have it ready for the City Administration Committee meeting later this month. �'3 July 15, 2008 Mayor Peterson questioned the 2009 salary amount with benefits. She stated that she is worried about the sustainability of the position if it is reliant on matching funds that may not come through in future years. She will continue to brainstorm other ideas to manage the support side of the Youth Council. She further stated that she is not comfortable with Common Council making commitments prior to the budget process. She feels strongly that the Ithaca City School District should be contributing heavily to this program. Alderperson Korherr left the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Alderperson Rosario stated that he thinks this is a wonderful proposal; however, it needs more time to develop. He agreed that this should be a partnership program with the Ithaca City School District. He suggested that perhaps Youth Bureau programming could be modified to accommodate this program. Alderperson Clairborne stated that he understood the financial concerns that were raised but was saddened by the discussion. He stated that $3,500 in 2008 and $11,678 in 2009 is an investment that could positively impact 15 lives. He noted that it is difficult to reconcile the compliments with the unwillingness to dedicate resources. He reminded Council that this proposal was an attempt to deliver on a promise that was made in 2006. UPDATES: University Avenue — Proposed Draft Agreement City Attorney Hoffman distributed a memorandum that updated Council members on the status of this issue. He noted that the public information meetings have been conducted and the environmental review is underway. The next steps include meeting with the working group to finalize the language in the agreement. Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Labor Contract Negotiations This item was withdrawn from the agenda. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Julie Conley Holcomb J. R. Clairborne City Clerk Chair 01