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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 -4- 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