HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1980-09-03COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular Meeting 7:30 1'.IM. September 3, 1980
PRI'SI:N.I
Alayor Bordon i_
Aldermen (10) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Boronkay, Dennis, Gutenberger,
Holman, Nichols, Saccucci, Schuler, Slattery
_OTIIERS PIZIiSI�NT.
City Controller - Spano
Personnel Administrator - Coll-ills
City Attorney - Shapi-ro
(bwel Bu:Idi.ng Commissioner - Hoard Director, Planning F1 Development - van Cort
Del). Fire Chief - Sanford
City Clerk - Rundle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Bordoni led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
By Alderman Ba1if ield: Seconded by Alderman Boothroycl
t RESOLATED, That the Minutes of the August 6, 1980 meeting be approved
1 as published, with the following addition:
y' P. 6, Item Interview li?�L)ense, add the phrase, "in accordance with
the present travel mileage reimbursement rate" at the end of the
!_A resolution.
Carried IlnanI moils] y
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Budget and Adm.inistrat_ ion Committee
Aldermaan Cutenherger requested the add -ition of an item concerning the
vacancies in the Fire Department.
No Council member objected.
COMMUN I CAT I ON :
Lettdr -aoni the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
?Mayor Bordoni read the £ol.lowin(T communication to the Council:
"August 13, 1980
Common Council - Attn: Joe Rundle, City Clerk
Dear Mr. Rundle:
In that the issue is now back on the agenda (the rezoning of the 400
block of No. T] ogA Sty-eol-
OF (;Oliiinerc:e of Tom r�k ins CCi.nt�>
1.k_
would like to restate its resolution on the Subject which was
J passed on
;'May 28, 1980. It is attached hereto and we would appreciate your
communicating this stand to Common Council.
Most sincerely,
Ralph L. Jordan
I;xecuti_ve Director
Copies to: Alayor Raymond Bordoni
Chamber President, Brenda Wallace
(400" Local _ Affairs Chairman, Sylvester Johnson
CD Zoning Representatiive - J. Richard Agard
ReSOILIt i on
1'r�e I,oca1 Affairs Conuni ttee Of the Chamber of Commerce recommends that
the area south of Cascadilla Creek, hounded on the West h }, the 400 block
of North CayugI Street, on the South by Court Street and on the. bast by
the 400 block of North Aurora Street, be re -zoned (perhaps as R -4) for
Ilse for professional or bl,siness offices. This reconnnendat -ion is based
on ti,e proximity of l.his are<I to the Court [louse, banks, and Ithaca
coimnons. It is the feel ing of this committee that offices generally
J12 -2- September 3, 1980
generate minimal traffic, are quiet, can and should maintain the basic
residential character of the neighborhood and, most important, generate
considerable business for merchants, restaurants, etc. on The Commons.
Passed by the 'Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
May 28, 1980."
Park -It Newsletter
Mayor Bordoni circulated among the Council members a Park -It Newsletter
which had been received.
Fraternity and Sorority Parties_
Mayor Bordoni. called atteni.ion to complaints being received concerning
fraternity and sorority parties. He said he does not condone loud
parties or misbehavior.
City Attorney Shapiro commented that many communities are facing the
same problem. If it becomes one that cannot be contained by the present
ordinance, there are other possibilities. IIe said the fraternities and
sororities should monitor their organization's activities so that
further action by the city doesn't become necessary.
Garbage and Trash
Alderman Saccucci reported that he had been receiving complaints that
garbage and trash is being put on the curb days in advance of the city
pickup. He recommended that Liaison Banfield report this condition to
the Board of Public Works.
Property Maintenance
llclerman BaJanl:ici recommended stiffer penalties levied against absentee
landlords who do not maintain their lawns and properties; therefore,
it has to be maintained by the city.
PI'TITIONS AND BEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
IJorth. Aurora Street: C:ondTtion_ s J
Tie Rev. John A. Taylor, 201 DeWitt Place, minister of the Unitarian
Church, and Chairman of the Commons Advisory Board, spoke to the Council
regarding the condition on the street in the 100 and 200 blocks of
North Aurora Street, between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. IIe said that the
situation on Aurora Street is dangerous to the Commons, and it is a
problem which is not going to go away. IIe suggested that six policemen
be assigned to the area between 10:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m, on Thursday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting immediately.
James Varricchio, 449 North Aurora Street, a former police commissioner,
and owner of Tine Tavern, member of the Commons Advisory Board, concurred
with the Rev. Taylor and urged that something be clone immediately.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
n Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That a meeting be arranged with Mayor Bordoni, police staff,
and police commissioners to discuss the situation, including the cost
of policing the area and the scheduling of police and whether or not it
will he necessary to hire additional personnel_, or require additional
funds.
Carried Unanimously
Cornell Heights Civic Association
Mr. Bryant Ramey, 20c�Jaite- !venue, Interim President of the Cornell
Heights Civic Association, spoke to the Council, reporting the formation
of the new civic association, and referring to documents and a petition
from the Assoclat_ ion requesting aid from the city in helping to keep
the university from spreading into their res=idential neighborhood.
Mr. Thomas Manna, President, Lust Hill. Civic Association, welcomed the
Cornell heights Civic Association to the rank of Civic Associations and
spoke concerning projects underway in the Collegetown area, and Cornell
University's heed to conform to the City of Ithaca's zoning regulations.
-3-
September 3, 118&
Ms. Ellen Rosten, 20S Willard Way, President, Collegetown Enhancement
Association, addressed the Council concerning the projects in College-
town and commending Cornell University for their cooperation. Mrs.
Rosten read the following letter:
"August 29, 1980
The Honorable Raymond Bordoni.
Dear Mayor Bordoni :
The Collegetown Enhancement Association at its most recent meeting
voted to commend the Mayor, the Common Council, City Planners and all
Others in the City of Ithaca who have worked and cooperated so well
to :insure that Center Ithaca would finally become a reality. We share
with you a certain sense of accomplishment, for Center Ithaca is ours
also.
We also want to share with you and the Common Council our enthusiasm
about the great news given us by representatives of Cornell University
concerning the rehabilitation and enlargement of Sheldon Court and
•) Cascadil.la halls. We are further encouraged by the beginning of a
Cornell bus route to Collegetown, and we are ecstatic about the planning
already being done by the Cornell University Planning department to see
how it might be possible to =integrate Cornell, City OF Ithaca, and
private property into one master plan that will make Collegetown another
appealing and attractive section of Ithaca.
A contingency to their plan is an adequate parking facility to make
their design for a performing arts theatre feasible. Since Cornell.
University is doing a large share of the renovation and improvement in
this area, we know that you will agree that now is the time to move
ahead with prudent speed and total cooperation to make the "best" happen
(400� in Collegetown.
You will recall that during the past several years many of us have
attended scores of planning meetings and have spent tens of thousands
of dollars of our personal funds to try to do something ourselves for
the Collegetown Business Community. We have waited rather patiently
for ten or more years for our needs to be served and NOW must certainly
be our turn.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss the
necessary steps to be taken.
Very truly yours,
COLLI'GE"FOWN ENIIANCED11iNT ASSN.
(Mrs.) Ellen Rosten
President"
COI`IMUNICATIONS FROM THii MAYOR:
irty 1ixRo - - -- - - -- - - --
mayor Rordoni reported that. earlier that evening he had attended the
opening ceremonies of Tompkins County Expo. He encouraged everyone to
attend the Expo.
Posolut.- ion
I3y 111dOrman Gutenberger:
Seconded by Alderman
Nichols
RESOLVED, That the letter
from the Collegetown
Enhancement Association,
be referred to the Planning
and Development and
Capital Review Committees.
Carried Unanimously
Ernest Gro_sse_r.
Not
Mr. Iirnest Grosser, 102 W.
Falls Street, spoke
to the Council. concerning
Center Ithaca -- regarding
real estate, issuance
of liquor licenses and
his knowledge of taverns.
COI`IMUNICATIONS FROM THii MAYOR:
irty 1ixRo - - -- - - -- - - --
mayor Rordoni reported that. earlier that evening he had attended the
opening ceremonies of Tompkins County Expo. He encouraged everyone to
attend the Expo.
I I J
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September 3, 1980
CI'T'Y CLERK'S
RliPORT
Finger Lakes
'travel Guide_
City Clerk Rundle reported that
the draft of the
annual Finger bakes
Travel Guide
had been received
in his office with
the request that it
be reviewed
and returned to the
Association with
any changes.
Resolution
By Alderman Den1t is: Seconded by Alderman Nichols
RESOLVED, That the draft of t.hc Fins�er Lakes Travel. Guide be referred
to the Planning and Developnte.ttt Committee for review and return.
Carried Unanimously
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COINIMIT'T'LE:
Fire Contract w Mt I I Town of Ithaca
nlclerman Slattery reportedthat hi.s committee had met with the Town of
Ithaca with respect to negotiating a three -year fire contract. The
Town of Ithaca has requested consideration of the construction of two
additional_ fire stations: one on South Mill and one on Nest Mill.
Resolution
iy AIcerman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the negotiation of a fire contract with the Town of Ithaca,
and consideration of two additional fire stations be referred to the
Intergovernmental Relations Committee and Budget and Administration
Committee, for cost study analysis and planning study.
Carr=ied Unanimously
Alderman Slattery commented that for those who are interested he will
iicav'e kiie City C e- riCiiako copies of tii- lt-y s and 'hotVlt's proposals.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION C01•'li`IITTEE:
General Fund- Authorized EgT�ment List
Finance Department:
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the 1980 Authorized Equipment List for the Finance
Department be amended to :include the purchase of one (1) desi: and one
(1) chair, at a total cost not to exceed $500.00. No additional
appropriation is required.
Carried Unanimously
Youth Bureau:
By Alderman Gutenherge.r: Seconded
RESOLVED, That the 1980 Authorized
be amertcled to include the purchase
to exceed $175.00. No additional
by Alderman Boothroyd
Equipment List for the Youth Bureau
of one (1) calculator, at a cost not
appropriation is required.
Carried Unanimously
G,T.A.C.:
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
IWSOfATD, 'That the 1980 Author_i_ zed Equ_i_pntent. List. for G. I . A. C. be
amended to include the purchase of one (L) vacuum cleaner, at. a cost
u exceed $250.00. No additional appropriation is required.
Carried Unanimously
Audit_
ley Alderman Gutenberger:
RESOLVED, That the hills
strrrt.i.on Committee, in t
Audit Abstract. 1116/1980,
Seconded by Alderman Dennis
audited and approved by the Budgct and Admini-
he total amount of $18,384.84, as listed oil
be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
Centralized Purchasing
Al(rert(latt (',titeti )e —rgor reported that the Screening Committee have reviewed
the applications and conducted interviews for a purchasing assent and have
sent thci.r recorttr"MC1,1tion to the Mayor.
Resolution
by I d�� rni.�n Gutenberger: t)y Al- derml-M Boothroyd.
1',T11FRFAS, the 1980 Bud -fret included fi2(1,000 yin the Coat i_rigent Account foi
fundilig of a full-time Purchasing Department , and
-S-
September 3, 19�Ui
1VII>iRI AS, no expenditures can be charged directly to the Contingent Account-;
NOW, 1'Illit:t:1 01:1 ?, BIi I'1' 1Zl:SOLVED, That the $ 20 , 00(1 be transferred from tile Contingent Account A1990 to Purchasing Account A'1345, and
BIi 1T I'pwriltil: RI:SOLVF.D, That distribution of the $20,000 by line items
be at the discretion of the City Controller and the Purchasing Agent.
Carried Unanimously
Firefighter Vacancies
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, the two vacant firefighter positions in the Fire Depart-
ment are hereby authorized to he fIlled in accordance with Civil Service
regulations.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTFF.:
Ordinance amending the City ofIthaca Zoning Code to add_ a new use
district Resident _ ial -Prof essional Tioga Street�to the official zoning
map and use chart - _---_
—___
Arman N TT
_lde icho]s reported that the planning staff was asked at the last
l meeting to bring to the Council. a new proposal for a special. use zone.
The draft which was received by the Council was not satisfactory; there-
fore a proposal . in final form will be handed to the aldermen by September
7, 1980.
1- A Resolution Introducing_ Ordinance NO. 1980
By Alderman Ni cliol.s : Secoded- pWlderman Too__'__ throyd
Bi
IT ORDAINIiD by file COltlfIIOII %ounci_i, 'i'hat Ordinance No. 1.980 (fart
Orcli.nance Amending the City of Ithaca Zoning Code to add a new use district Residential - Professional Tioga Street) be and it hereby is
introduced before the Common Council.
CoeAs reclui.red by law, the City Clerk should advertise a public hearing to
, be held on this matter at least fifteen days before the October first
meeting of the Common Council and mail copies of the proposed change in
the zoning map and use chart to the Tompkins County Department of Planning.
The City of Ithaca Planning Board has already indicated its strong dis-
approvai of the proposed zoning change in the statement appended herewith.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Ordinance amending the City .00f Ithaca Zoning Code to add use permits for
tIIe_construction-of various types o f towers , wi.ncTm_11 s , - --
l-y Alderman Nichols SeconiTec—p A1clerman Slattery
A Resolution Introducing Ordinance No, 1980 _ An Ordinance Amending
the City of Ithaca Zoning Code to provide for t11e control of towers and
other unusual structures.
BIi IT ORDAINED by the Common Council, 'That Ordinance No. 1980 (An
Ordinance Amending the City of Ithaca Zoning Code to provide Tor the
control of the construction of towers and other unusual structures)
be and it hereby is :introduced before the Common Council.
As reclu:i red by law, the City Clerk should advert ise a public hearing to
be held at. the October first meeting of the Common Council and mail
copies of the proposed changes in the zoning; law to the Tompkins County
Planning Department. The City of Ithaca Board of Planning; and Develop-
ment approved this document at its meeting; on August 26, 1980.
Carried Unanimously
Facade Approval for Ithaca C enter Prof Oct
Al(ei=m;ln Niclio(ti tchorte�I —th <it jo�Tit meetings of the Ithaca Urban
])\ene;vat Agency and 1)1anning� and Del- Olopment Committee have been
schc"(111IC:d oil Septernie)- 8, 1 `)80 at 7:30 1).1;1. and again on September 15,
1950 at 7:30 p.m. iii the Common Council Chambers to study architectural
I I G -0_ September 3, 1980
det.a i 1s he fore
on Wednesday,
the meetings.
pre';en ta_t i on to the Common Coculc_i l al. a speed 11 meeting
September 1 -7, .1980. 111.l Council memhcrs were invitccl to
Procedure for the Review of Applications for Liquor Licenses
Propose Joint Resolution o : Plaiuiilil; an Development and (}iarter and
Ordinance Committees :
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Counc.i l , That the regional office of the
New York State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board is requested to continuf
its policy of referring all applications for licenses to sell alcoholic
beverages within the corporate limits of the City of Ithaca to the lvlayo
and the Chief of the Ithaca Police Department for possible comments, ant
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all such notifications of applications to
sell alcoholic beverages inside the corporate limits of the City of
Ithaca shall be referred by the Mayor to the Planning and Development
Committee of the Common Council, which will return a report in writing
to the Mayor within one (1) week of the date of such referral.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Police Department is directed
to make available to this committee reports of all complaints that are
made that involve any holder of a liquor license in the City of Ithaca,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the previous "moratorium" recommnended by
this Common Council is hereby rescinded.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as :follows:
Carried Unanimously
Traffic of heavy trucks on East State _Street
Alderman Vichols reportecT that the 13ry�int Park Civic Association has
obtained more than 1500 signatures opposing heavy truck traffic on East
State Street and would like to see, at the special meeting of Council o
September 17, a resolution in which Council directs the Planning and
Development. Committee, and possibly the Planning Department, to promote
an alternative route to replace Route 79 for heavy traffic.
YMCA
nl.clerman Nichols reported that the Planning Deaartment is currently working
w investigating the Y.M.C.A. investigating area sites and proposals for keeping the
YMCA in the downtown. There are specific measures under discussion, and
if any of them is acceptable to the YMCA Board, they will be broubilu
your, attention within a couple of weeks.
Zoning Change - East Hill School
1 U i eporte sire had receiveci notice of a zoning change
tivh.ich will have to be acted upon, and possibly because we will be having
two other public hearings on changes, it might be possible to add this
one for the October meeting.
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has acquired the property i.n the 100 block of
Stewart Avenue, the former Fast hill School, and
MIE1:1;AS, in order to be developed to resident=ial use as the Council has
approved, it will need to be given the zoning of the adjacent area whic
is R- 3A;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RI SOLVI'.D, That such an ordinance to the zoning law
be drafted in its final form and handed to the aldermen during the legal
period, changing the zoning of the former East Ilill School property from
1' -1 to R -3A, and the City Clerk be directed to advertise for a public
hearing as required by law, It Least fifteen days before the October 1,
1980 . Common Council_ meeting.
Carried Unanimously
- 7-
Septemher 3, 11810"
CIIARTE'R AND ORDINANCE_ COAINII'TUIi:
1`layor's Position i
I3y A] clermail 81.at tory: Seconded by Alderman Gutenberger
WHEREAS, this Common COUllcil- has referred the question of defining or
not def=ining, through Charter amendment, the duties and responsibilities
of the office of the Mayor as being full -time or part -time to the Charter
and Ordinance Committee, and
WHEREAS, this committee has reviewed the City Charter and Administrative
Code, and
(WO."I 1VIII:RUAS, i -t is the determination of tills conuuittee that these duties and
respo[LSibi].ities are adoquatel.y and thoroughly defined;
.y
i
NOW, THEREFORE", BE I'1' RI:SOLVID, That it would not be in the best interest
of the City of Ithaca to redefine the duties and responsibilities of the
Office of Mayor.
Compensation of the Mayor
By Alderman Slattery — Seconded
RESOLVED, That the Compensation
and Administration Committee for
Carried Unanimously
by Alderman Nichols
of the Mayor be referred to the Budget
consideration.
Carried Unanimously
Increase in Tncome Ccililig for Partial. Tax Exemption - Ordinance
By 111clernian Slattery: SecollT6cl by Alderman Holman
ORDINANCE NO. 80 -10, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 81 UNTITLED "PARTIAL
TAX Ii?:EA1P'IION" OP '1'IIE CITY Ol' ITHACA MUNICIPAL CODE;
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca,
New fork, as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 81, Section 81.2 Untitled Limitations on
Exemption, subdivision A, of Ithaca Municipal Code is
hereby amended as follolas:
81.2 Limitations on exemption
No exemptions shall. be granted if the income of the owner
or a combined income of the owners of the property exceeds
the sum of Nine Thousand Two hundred Dollars ($9,200.00)
for the income tax year immediately preceding the date of
making application for exemption. Income tax year shall mean
• twelve (12) month period for which the owner or owners filed
• 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 suul. Such income shall, include social security and
relllc.il t hUJlt; 1`1 LS , 1 Il Le r CJ L , d1'd idelrils , the net rental.
income, salary or earnings, and net income from self employ-
ment but shall not include gifts or inheritances.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of a notice as provided
-in Section 3.11 (h) of the Ithaca City Charter.
CI RC_Lli GREENIVAY COMMITTE-U :
A (formaii N:i cllols reported that the Circle Greenway Committee has been
working on gardens and cataloguing plants that grow in Six Mile Gorge,
(two," and the next issue of the Circumnavigator will be devoted to this
project.
REPORTS OF SPECIAL. COMMITTEES:
11timan Services Coali -tion
alderman lIoLuan reported that the Illnnan Services Coalition will be
conducting a needs- based survey for sen -ior citizens within the city the
118 _g- September 3, 1080
last two weeks in September. I'llosc resutt.s will Inc then forwarded to
the city.
Alderman Holman reported that the 11uman Services Coalition Board would
be meeting Friday morning, September S, 1980, to Bear a presentation of
the Adaptation of United Way Conlinulllty Assessment Priority Process for
the City and County.
STRAND THEATRE RENOVATION PROJECT
By Alderman Dennis-.---Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the draft resolution concerning the Strand Theatre
Renovation Project be referred to the Budget and Administration
Committee, with power to act. Carried Unanimously
Draft Resolution
WHEREAS, the Appalachian Regional Colnlnisslon has granted $290,488 in
funds under Section 214 of the Appalachian Regional Development Act
of 1963, for the Strand Theatre Renovation Project, and
WHEREAS, HUD has agreed to act as the federal agency responsible for
administering these funds, and
WHEREAS, HUD has designated the City of Itlla.ca as grantee for Strand
Theatre Renovation funds with the intent that funds be sub- granted to
the Tompkins County Center for Culture and the Performing Arts, Inc.,
and
WHEREAS, the ARC grant includes a requirement of $102,320 in local
matching funds which the 'Tompkins County Center for Culture and t:he
Performing Arts, Inc. has agreed to raise;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That
1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute an agreement with ALIT)
for $290,488 in ARC :funds for the Strand Theatre Renovation Project
subject to review by the Budget and Administration Comm=ittee;
2. The Budget and Administration Committee be directed to review the
proposed project and be granted power to act;
3. The Ithaca Community Development Agency be authorized to act
through and on behalf of the City, in the administration of ARC
funds, including, but not Limited to: development and execution
of a contract with the sub- grantee, monitoring the project; and
receipt and disbursement of grant funds.
NEW BUSINESS:
Coninienc ation of Herman Si everdinl;
I3y Alderman Schuler: Seco►idec�unanimousl.y by entire Council
1VIlERI:AS, The Empire State Games held in August, 1980 provides an
opportunity for athletes to compete, and
WHEREAS, Merman Sieverding and Daniel Robinson, members of the
Cascadilla Boat Club, entered the Men's Lightweight Pairs of the
Empire State Gaines, and
1111EREAS, Merman S-i.everding, Planner II of the City of Ithaca Planning
and Development Department and Daniel Robinson took the Bronze Metal
' r
for Men's Lightweight Pairs;
TIIEREI.-ORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca commends Merman Si.everding and his partner for their triumphant
success in this year's Empire State Games. Carried Unanimously
Agendas and Minutes for Bargaining Units
I�layor Borcloni requestdthat copies of the agcncla.s and minutes be
distributed to the Bargaining Un:i.ts (1 copy per Unit).
I).i.scussi -on followed on the floor.
-9-
September 3, 110
_ Resolution
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Holman
RESOLVED, That the process of agenda and minutes distribution be
referred to the Budget and Administration Committee for review; with
power to act.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a niot:ion the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
)dose li A. Rundle, City Clerk
G
I�q_
Carried Unanimously
—T aymond Bordoni, Mayor