HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1980-10-01Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Mayor - Bordoni
Aldermen (10) -
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
7:30 P.M.
I �)1' )
October 1, 1980
Banfield, Boothroyd, Boronkay, Dennis, Gutenberger,
Holman, Nichols, Saccucci, Schuler, Slattery
OTHERS PRESENT:
Personnel Administrator - Collins
City Attorney - Shapiro
Building Commissioner - Hoard
(400" City Chamberlain - Wright
Supt. of Public {Yorks - Dingman
Director, Planning & Development - Van Cort
Police Chief - Herson
City Clerk - Rundle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Bor oni red all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
t MINUTES:
By Alderman Boothroyd: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 3, 1980, September 11,
1980 and September 16, 1980 meetings be approved as published.
i
Carried Unanimously
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Public Hearing—Amending Zoning Code to add a New Use District -
400 block of North Tioga Street
Resolution To Open Public Hearing
By Alderman Slattery: econ e y Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider amending the zoning
code to add a new Use District - 400 block of North Tioga Street,
be opened.
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Boronkay
ORDINANCE NO. 80 -11
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP AND CHAPTER 30 ENTITLED "ZONING"
OF THE CITY OF ITHACA MUNICIPAL CODE
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, New York, as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDING ZONING MAP
"1. That the "Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca, New York"
as last amended is hereby amended and changed so that the following
described area presently located in the R 3a Residential District is
reclassified to the C -SU, Courthouse Special Use District:
All that tract or parcel of land situate in the City of Ithaca,
County of Tompkins and State of New York, consisting of all those
parcels of land having street frontage on either side of the four
hundred (400) block of North Tioga Street between East Court Street
on the south and Cascadilla Avenue on the north, and bounded on the
east and west by the rear property lines of such parcels, or by a
(Mmo,� line one hundred thirty -two (132) feet from the right -of -way line of
North Tioga Street, whichever is less.
"2. That in accordance herewith the City Clerk is hereby directed
to make or cause to be made the necessary changes on said Zoning Map.
SECTION 2. AMENDING TIIE DISTRICT REGULATIONS CHART AS SET FORTH IN
SECTION 30.25 ENTITLED "DISTRICT REGULATIONS" OF SAID
ZONING ORDINANCE.
That the District Regulations Chart as set forth in Section 30.25
entit=led "District Regulations" is hereby amended to add a new use
district to be entitled "Courthouse Special Use District" with the
following additions under the indicated colums of said Chart.
130
-2- October 1, 1980
Column
Additional Regulations Hereby Added
1
Courthouse Special Use C -SU)
2
Any use permitted in R -3, plus professional
offices of architect, engineer, lawyer,
realtor, accountant, planning management,
design and financial consultants; and similar.
occupations whose business is based on the
provision of written, verbal. or graphic
materials to clients.
*See Section 30.59, Design Review and Section
30.60, Courthouse Special Use Zone.
3
Any accessory use permitted in R -3
*See Section 30.59, Design Review and Section
30.60, Courthouse Special Use Zone.
4
Same as R -3, plus professional office: 1 space
per 500 SF of office floor
5
None
6
Same as R -3b
7
Same as R- 3b
8
2
9
30
10
400
11
10
12
10
13
5
14
200
15
25
SECTION 3. AMENDING SECTION 30.59 ENTITLED "DESIGN REVIEW BOARD"
OF SAID ZONING ORDINANCE
"1. That Section 30.59 entitled "Design Review Board" is hereby
amended as follows:
a) That all references therein to "B -lb and B -2b" are revised
to read "B -lb, B -2b, and C -SU."
b) That a new subdivision under subparagraph D of said Section
entitled "Applicability," to be numbered "6" is hereby
added to read as follows:
6. Notwithstanding other provisions of this Section and
Chapter, demolition of structures within the Courthouse
Special Use (C -SU) zone, shall require the approval of
the Design Review Board or the Ithaca Landmarks Preserva-
tion Commission, as appropriate. (See 930.60, Courthouse
Special Use Zone.)"
SECTION 4. ADDING A. NEW SECTION TO BE NUMBERED SECTION 30.60 AND
ENTITLED "COURTHOUSE SPECIAL USE ZONE" TO SAID CHAPTER 30
"1. That a new section to be numbered Section 30.60 and entitled
"Courthouse Special Use Zone" and to follow Section 30.59 is hereby
added to read as follows:
a) This Section establishes land use and control measures that
will permit certain non - residential uses to be established
as of right in an area of the City adjacent to the County
Courthouse which was originally developed in residential. use
but which, through subsequent intensification of use and
development, and the zoning of adjacent areas for non -resi-
dential uses, has become a transitional area of mixed use.
It is further the purpose of this Section to limit applica-
tion of this zoning classification to the area described in
subsection "C" below as the only area of the City to which
such classification is appropriate, by reason of its special
nature and location.
b) It is the intent of this Section to control the process of
transition from residential to non- residential. uses within
the Courthouse Special Use district, so that changes in the
-3- October 1, 19V 1
residential character of the district and adjacent residential
areas are strictly limited, and negative effects of non-
residential use are avoided. It is more specifically intended
to minimize the amount of physical change resulting from
transition in property use, as provided in subsection D below.
c) The Courthouse Special Use Zone consists of those parcels of
land having street frontage on either side of the four hundred
(400) block of North Tioga Street between East Court Street on
the south and Cascadilla Avenue on the north, and bounded on
the east and west by the rear property lines of such parcels,
or by a line one hundred thirty -two (132) feet from the right-
(awol line of North Tioga Street, whichever is less.
d) Demolition, exterior alterations or additions to existing
structures and parking areas and construction of new buildings
or parking areas within the C -SU zone shall be subject to
strict review and approval by the Design Review Board and
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission within their respective
areas of responsibility (see subsection E below and 830.59,
Design Review). Proposals for demolition of structures within
the C -SU zone, but outside designated City landmark districts
shall nonetheless be referred to the Landmarks Commission which
shall make its recommendation to the Design Review Board before
€� the latter takes final action.
e) Demolition, exterior alteration or enlargement of structures or
parking areas, or construction of new buildings or parking areas
in C -SU zones shall be subject to design review as provided in
Section 30.59 of this ordinance. In performing such review and
recommending any modifications to proposed exterior work, the
Design Review Board shall pay particular attention to the visual
effect of such work on the character of the area and adjacent
residential zones. In no case shall the Design Review Board
take final action on a proposal for demolition within any part
' of the C -SU zone which is not within a locally designated Land-
mark District before receiving the recommendation of the
Landmarks Commission on such proposal. Approval of proposed
demolitions, alterations or new construction within the C -SU
zone by the Design Review Board or the Landmarks Commission,
as applicable, shall be a prerequisite of approval of such
proposals by the Building Commissioner and the Board of Zoning
Appeals, as appropriate.
SECTION 5. AMENDING SECTION 30.21 ENTITLED "ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING
DISTRICTS" OF SAID CHAPTER 30
That a new district is to be added to the end of the list in Section
30.21 entitled "Establishment of Zoning Districts" to read as follows:
"C -SU Courthouse Special Use (see 530.60)."
SECTION 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with
lbw a on ublication of'a notice as provided in 53.11(B) of the Ithaca
City har er.
The following members of the public spoke to the Council in opposition
to the creation of a new Use District:
Michael Herschensohn, 334 S. Geneva Street
Roger Reed, 111 Cascadilla Avenue
Donald Lifton, member Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
George Rolleston, 422 N. Cayuga Street
The following persons spoke to the Council in favor of the creation of
a new Use District:
Roger Sovocool, property owner in area to be rezoned
Elva IIolman, representing the RIBA, and referring to a letter
from them
Dr. Robert Baker, Tioga Building
Dr. Ralph Baldini, owner of property at 415 N. Tioga Street
:'2!
13<`, -4- October 1, 1980
Will Burbank, 222 Utica Street, Chairman, Conservation Advisory
Commission, spoke to the Council, referring to a letter from the
Commission, urging the Council to comply with SEQR on this proposed
change, requesting an Environmental Assessment Form for the proposed
zoning change.
Mayor Bordoni read the following letter from historic Ithaca:
"September 30, 1980
Hon. Ray Bordoni
Mayor, City of Ithaca
Dear Ray:
At our board meeting on September 11, the board of Historic Ithaca
voted unanimously to voice its objections to rezoning the block of N.
Tioga St. from Court St. to Farm St. Several years ago when the re-
zoning was discussed at that time, we also voiced our objections.
Basically we support the reasoning.of the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission and other organizations who oppose the rezoning. The office
development especially with the Ithaca Center should be in the center
city direction and not stretched out into a lovely residential area.
If you wonder about the attraction of the center city area for lawyers
as opposed to the location closer to the Court House, I can give you
some very good statistics. We have 18 lawyers in this building.
The block which is being considered for special use zoning contains some
of the finest residential buildings in the city. They represent the
architectural time line which remains of the growth of the city during
the 19th century. We need downtown housing with character which these
buildings provide.
Please convey to Common Council, Historic Ithaca's opposition to the
rezoning of this block of N. Tioga St. Thank you very much. _J
Sincerely yours,
Carol U. Sisler, Director"
Mayor Bordoni read the following resolution from the Board of Planning
and Development:
"RESOLUTION OF BOARD OF PLANNING F, DEVELOPMENT CONCERNING PROPOSED
SPECIAL -USE ZONE - 30 SEPTEMBER, 1980
By Ms. Cummings: Seconded by Mr. Holmes
WHEREAS, a proposal is now under consideration to establish a Special
Use Zone in the 400 block of N. Tioga St., and
WHEREAS, the Board of Planning and Development has previously reviewed
and recommended against other proposals to rezone the area in question
for non - residential use, it is
RESOLVED, That the Board of Planning and Development remains strongly
opposed to the rezoning of the area to permit non - residential uses,
and that we also object to attempts to redraw the boundaries of the
proposed zone in such a way as to permit the intrusion of commercial
uses-into. frontsge on Sears St. as well. _ and it is -
FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Board feels that while Special Use Zonint
an acceptable method of zoning which can be a valuable tool. used by t
City to encourage desirable and beneficial uses of land, it is not the
appropriate mechanism in this instance, because no such public purpose
is served, and it is
FUR'T'HER RESOLVED, That this Board recommends to the Common Council of
the City of Ithaca that the proposed Special Use Zone not be enacted,
for reasons stated in this Board's previous recommendations on N. Tioga
Street rezoning, as follow:
1) While the proposed Special Use Zone would not establish an
automatic precedent which could be followed by persons seeking
more intensive development in other areas of the City, it
nevertheless does present an alternative mechanism which could
pNJ
t�
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be followed in such cases;
October 1 , 198p `3
2) While it might produce a less intense immediate impact in the
Tioga Street area, it would on the other hand set the stage for
longer -term, broader impacts. It would tend to blur the
boundaries between residential and commercial uses, and would
increase pressures for change in bordering residential areas;
the balance would always be tilted toward commercial use;
3) It would produce a loss of residential units despite the fact
that our community suffers from a critical housing shortage; and
4) It would soften the commercial marketability of other projects
already in progress in areas more appropriate for commercial
development."
Mayor Bordoni commented that the preceding letter does not address
the issue correctly and was apparently drafted prior to the exclusion
of the rear property line to Sears Street.
Alderman Dennis arrived at the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Resolution To Close Public Hearing
By Alderman Boothroyd: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider amending the zoning
code to add a new Use District - 400 block of North Tioga Street, be
closed.
Carried Unanimously
Discussion followed on the floor.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put
to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Banfield
Aye
Slattery
Aye
Gutenberger
Aye
Saccucci.
Aye
Boronkay
Aye
Nichols
Nay
Holman
Aye
Schuler
Nay
Boothroyd
Aye
Dennis
Nay
Ayes - (7)
Nays - ( 3)
Carried
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:
Youth Bureau A visory Board
Mayor Bor oni requested approval of the appointment of Robert Saulsbury,
128 Esty Street, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board for a term to expire
December 31, 1982.
Resolution
I3y Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the Council approves the appointment of Robert Sauls-
bury, 128 ESty Street, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board for a term
to expire December 31, 1982.
Carried Unanimously
Mr. Saulsbury took the Oath of OfFice and was sworn in by the City
Clerk.
Community [Development] Advisory Committee
Mayor Bor oni requested approval of the appointment of the following
persons to the Community Advisory Committee: Argin Hutchins, 104
Fayette Street; William Kiernan, 409 S. Albany Street; Angelo DiGiacomo,
326 IVinthrop Drive; and Martin IV. Sampson, Jr., 107 Ridgedale Drive.
Resolution
By Al erman Boothroyd: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the Council approves the appointment of the following
persons to the Community Advisory Committee: Argin Hutchins, 104
Fayette Street; William Kiernan, 401) S. Albany Street; Angelo DiGiacomo,
326 Winthrop Drive; and Martiii IV. Sampson, Jr. , 107 Ridgedale Drive.
Carried Unanimously
134
-6-
October 1, 1980
Intermunicipal Sewer System Planning Committee
Mayor Bordoni appointed Mr. Jack Kiely, 103 Harvard Place, as the
City's representative on the Intermunicipal Sewer System Planning
Committee to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Robert
Allan.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Public Hearing -- -Amen ing Zoning Ma
Resolution To Open Public Hearing
By Alderman Boothroy : Seconded b
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing
Former East Hill School Property,
- Former East Hill School. Pronert
y Alderman Slattery
to consider Amending the Zoning Map
be opened.
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Nichols
ORDINANCE NO. 80 -12
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP OF CHAPTER 30 ENTITLED "ZONING"
OF THE CITY OF ITHACA MUNICIPAL CODE
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council. of the City of
Ithaca, New York, as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDING ZONING MAP
D
"1. That the "Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca, New York"
as last amended is hereby amended and changed so that the following
described area presently located in a P -1 Public Use District is
reclassified and changed to the R -3a Residential District in conformity
with adjoining properties in the same block:
All that tract or parcel of land bounded on the west by the center
line of Stewart Avenue and on the east by the center line of North
Quarry Street and comprising the grounds and building of the former
East Hill School.
"2. That in accordance herewith the City Clerk is hereby directed
to make or cause to be made the necessary changes on said Zoning Map.
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DA'Z'E.
This ordinance shall take effect
law upon publication of a notice as
City Charter.
immediately and in accordance with
provided in 83.11(B) of the Ithaca
No one appeared to speak to the hearing.
Resolution To Close Public Hearing
By Alderman Boothroy : Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the Public Rearing to consider Amending the Zoning Map -
Former East Hill School Property, be closed.
Carried Unanimously
Alderman Nichols commented that the Planning Board unanimously
favor the resolution.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Public Hearing -- Amending Zoning Code to add Use Permits for construct
of towers, windmills, etc.
Tabling Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the proposed amendment be tabled and the Public Hearing
postponed until a future date due to additional information which must
be reviewed by the Charter and Ordinance Committee and Planning and
Development Board.
Carried Unanimously
-7- October 1, 198N i�
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Request to purchase railroad bed of Brindley Street between Buffalo
and Seneca Streets for improving traffic patterns at a new carwash
enterprise
Attorney James Kerrigan addressed the Council on behalf of Pete Zahnris
regarding the purchase of city -Owned land in the road bed of Brindley
Street. IIe requested that:
a) the land be put in public market and auctioned in accordance
with the law, or
b) let his client pave the city land and park on it, or
c) send it back to the committee and allow him to describe to
the committee what they want to do, if this is appropriate.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the request to purchase railroad bed of Brindley Street
between Buffalo and Seneca Streets be referred to the Board of Public
Works and Planning and Development Board for recommendation to the
j Council.
a` Carried Unanimously
d. CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
At the request of Mayor Bordoni' City Attorney Shapiro explained the
procedure which should be followed in making changes in local laws and
ordinances. In regard to local laws, or any ordinances changes, the
changes should originate in the appropriate committee which then
recommends to the Charter and Ordinance Committee. The Charter and
Ordinance Committee takes care of putting proposed changes into the
proper form and sees that all procedures have been followed. It then
presents the proposed change to the Council for action. City Attorney
Shapiro commented that he will be glad to write the changes in their
proper form if the committee wishes.
City Attorney Shapiro explained that in the Code Book, under Forms,
there.are forms to be used, and by so doing the changes can be enacted
in the proper manner. Municipal Consultants have requested that the
forms be used.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
"Park and Ride" Program
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
A Resolution Requesting Exploration of Participation by the City of
Ithaca in a "Park and Ride" Program To:Encourage Energy Conservation
and Shared Transportation
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Board of Representatives approved a Park
and Ride Lot Program as part of a comprehensive approach to transporta-
tion services, and
WHEREAS, Tompkins County has offered to provide signs upon request and
to assist in obtaining 50 percent reimbursement of added liability
insurance costs, and
WHEREAS, preliminary discussions have mentioned extending Ithaca Transit
bus routes to provide transportation services to possible Park and Ride
lots;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Department of Planning and
Development is hereby requested to provide information concerning pos-
sible involvement of the City of Ithaca in the Park and Ride Lot program
and recommendations concerning possible sites for such parking lots to
the Common Council. during the month of October 1.980.
Carried Unanimously
131), -8- October 1, 1980
.Bypass Route for Heavy 'Trucks Now Using State Route 79 Through City_
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
A Resolution Supporting the Petition of Neighborhood Civic Associations
to the New York Department of Transportation To Develop a Bypass Route
for Heavy Trucks Now Using State Route 79 Through the City of Ithaca.
WHEREAS, the volume of heavy truck traffic on Route 79 has led to very
legitimate safety and environmental fears of Ithaca residents, and.
WHEREAS, more than fifteen hundred residents have signed a. petition
sponsored by six civic groups naming two potential alternate routes
and urging the New York State Department of Transportation to move
speedily to develop the best such alternate route, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of Transportation has acknowledged
in a letter to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services that it is aware of
the problem and will take residents' concerns into account in any
decisions it makes;
NOM, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Common Council hereby
endorses the petition of the neighborhood civic groups, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council requests the Department
of Planning and Development to pursue diligently, in cooperation with
the appropriate state, county, town, and city officials, the search for
and development of an alternate route that will enable the State of
New York to ban trucks whose maximum gross loaded weight is ten tons
from Route 79 within the corporate limits of the City of Ithaca except
for local deliveries.
Alderman Slattery requested that the resolution be amended to include
Route 96; however, it was pointed out that the resolution was in
response to a petition of persons concerned with Route 79 specifically.
Joe Leeming, representing the East Hill Civic Association, suggested
that Alderman Slattery take his own petition to Charter and Ordinancc
Committee.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Use and Scheduling of Common Council Chambers
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
A Resolution Regulating the Use of Common Council Chambers and the
Procedure for Reserving the Use of City Hall Facilities
WHEREAS, Many regular and special meetings of Common Council., the Board
of Public Works, the Board of Planning and Development, the Commission
on Conservation of the Environment, the Board of Zoning Appeals, and
numerous other official boards and committees of the City of Ithaca are
held every month, and
WHEREAS, the costs of heating, lighting, and janitorial facilities for
Council Chambers are an expense shared by all City taxpayers, and
WHEREAS, it is convenient and appropriate for official boards and
committees of the City of Ithaca to hold their meetings in City Hall;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Clerk or a staff member
assigned by him shall maintain the official calendar of meetings and
schedule the use of Council Chambers for all regular and special
meetings of official City of Ithaca boards and commissions and of any
State, County, and intergovernmental units wishing to meet in Council
chambers, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor is empowered to grant the use
of Council Chambers to nongovernmental groups on an ad hoc basis,
provided that the Council Chambers are not reserved for an official
braiich of City government, and with the clear understanding that the
permission to use Council Chambers may be revoked upon forty -eight
(48) hours' written notice if an official City meeting requires their
use, and
-9-
October 1, 198I0 j
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That no meetings shall be scheduled in Common
Council Chambers from the close of business on Friday until the
reopening on Monday morning.
Discussion followed on the floor.
`fabling Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Nichols
RESOLVED, the resolution be tabled, and the issue be referred to the
Charter and Ordinance Committee.
Carried Unanimously
State Department of Transportation Revised Plans for Route 96
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alder-man Schuler
WHEREAS, serious traffic and safety problems have continued for many
years in the West End of the City of Ithaca because of the intersection
of various city streets and state highways at a single crossing known
locally as "the Octopus," and
WHEREAS, the Common Council designated a corridor for a proposed re-
building of New York Highway 96 that is intended to alleviate the
pressure and delays of the existing highway, and
,j
WHEREAS, the Common Council has discussed various proposals, alterna-
tives, and design schemes offered by representatives of the New York
State Department of Transportation and made comments and suggestions,
and
WHEREAS, during the month of September new plans were received and
studied by the Special Route 96 Design. Committee and rejected by them
in a 4 -1 vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby requests
(t a full -scale presentation of the current plans offered by the New York
State Department of Transportation for the rebuilding of State Highway
96 within the City of Ithaca, including projected dates of construction,
areas under consideration for condemnation, if any, and all other
pertinent data so that the elected representatives of the City of Ithaca
can make an official determination of whether or not to accept the pro-
posed Route 96 alternatives, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor is requested to set up such an
informational meeting no later than October 15, 1980.
Substitute Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
WHEREAS, serious traffic and safety problems have continued for many
years in the West End of the City of Ithaca because of the intersection
of various city streets and state highways at a single crossing known
locally as "the Octopus," and
WHEREAS, the Common Council designated a corridor for a proposed re-
building of New York State Highway 96 that is intended to alleviate
the pressure and delays of the existing highway, and
IVIIEREAS, the Common Council has discussed various proposals, alterna-
tives, and design schemes offered by representatives of the New York
State Department of Transportation and made comments and suggestions,
and
WHEREAS, new plaits were received by the City in the last month;
NOW, THCREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council recognizes
that the staging of the urban portion of a Route 96 solution with a
railroad overpass is not in the best interests of the community, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby indicate a
preference for a single -phase version of the Mod 3 U -7 scheme, or the
Court Street scheme, or the City Alternative scheme, scale down the
urban route to the two 1a11es in providin,(; for an overpass of the
railroad tracks and flood relief channel as soon as possible and
further recommends that the continuance of park road be included
13 (8
-10- October 11 1980
and that the impact of the plans on city streets which are likely to
be affected be studied and measured to mitigate these impacts and be
presented, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the project be moved to the design hearing
stage as soon as possible.
The following persons addressed the Council, speaking in favor of grade
separation or overpass of the railroad tracks and flood relief channel
Fire Chief Charles Tuckerman
Police Chief James Herson
Ronald Ronsvalle, 628 Coddington Road, Ithaca, N.Y.
Richard Greenberg, Attorney, Newfield, N.Y.
Philip Munson, Town of Lansing
Paul Welch, 120 Lansingville Road, Lansing, N.Y.
Thomas Holtham, 4S Jersey Hill Road, Danby, N.Y.
Dr. Reuben Weiner, 1301 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, N.Y.
The following persons addressed the Council, stating they believe a
reasonable compromise can be found to suit the needs of the community
which are access to the hospital, improvement of the Octopus and
access to West Hill and beyond. In regard to the railroad they
recommend returning to an alternate proposed years ago: emergency
medical care system, improvement to tracks, railroad gate crossings,
strict enforcement of existing laws and preemptive signalling system:
Donald Enichen, 1193 East Shore Drive, Ithaca, N.Y.
Andrew Yale, 607 N. Tioga Street, Ithaca, N.Y.
Discussion followed on the floor.
The Council recessed at 11:00 p.m.
The Council reconvened in Regular session at 11:15 p.m.
On the basis of the discussion, Alderman Nichols amended the main
resolution as follows:
the addition of "by officials of the New York State Department
of Transportation" following'presentatiofl in second line of the
resolution (paragraph five)
the addition of "any available information concerning" following
'tronstruction" in fourth line of the resolution (paragraph rive) and
the substitution of "as quickly as possible" for "no later than
October 1S, 1980" in last line of the resolution.
Alderman Schuler agreed to Alderman Nichols' amendments.
The main resolution, as amended, was presented to Council as follows:
WHEREAS, serious traffic and safety problems have continued for many
years in the West End of the City of Ithaca because of the intersection
of various city streets and state highways at a single crossing known
locally as "the octopus," and
WHEREAS, the Common Council designated a corridor for a proposed re
building of New York Highway 96 that is intended to alleviate the
pressure and delays of the existing highway, and
WHEREAS, the-Common Council has discussed various proposals, alterna-
tives, and design schemes offered by representatives of the New York
State Department of Transportation and made comments and suggestions,
and
WHEREAS, during ..the month of September new plans were received and
studied by the Special Route 96 Design Committee and rejected by them
in a 4 -1 vote,
-11- October 1, 1986:11.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby requests
a full -scale presentation by officials of the New York State Department
of Transportation of the current plans offered by the New York State
Department of Transportation for the rebuilding of State Highway 96
within the City of Ithaca, including projected dates of construction,
any available information concerning areas under consideration for
condemnation, if any, and all other pertinent data so that the elected
representatives of the City of Ithaca can make an official determina-
tion of whether or not to accept the proposed Route 96 alternatives, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Mayor is requested to set up such an
informational meeting as quickly as possible.
The question of the adoption of the main resolution as amended was duly
put to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Boothroyd Aye Schuler Aye
Slattery Aye Nichols Aye
Boronkay Aye Dennis Aye
Saccucci Aye Gutenberger Aye
Banfield Aye Holman Aye
Ayes - (10)
Carried Unanimously
Alderman Slattery indicated that he would hold his substitute resolu-
tion in abeyance until after the Council and officials of the New York
State Department of Transportation have met.
Request from 'local citizen wishing to purchase .'road bed ,of -Brindley
Street 4etween-Buffalo and Seneca treets or improving tra lc patterns
at a :new carwash enterprise —
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Schuler.
WHEREAS, the Superintendent of Public {Yorks has forwarded to the Common
Council a letter from an individual interested in purchasing presently
(wove, unused city -owned land in the road bed of Brindley Street between
Buffalo and Seneca Streets, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council is awaiting information concerning proposals
by the New York State Department of Transportation to rebuild State
Highway 96 inside the City of Ithaca in the vicinity of the land under
discussion, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has not taken any action to declare
this property excess and not needed by the City of Ithaca for present
or future use;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council refers this
entire matter to the Board of Public Works and the Planning staff.
Discussion followed on the Floor. The Council agreed this matter had
been taken care of previously in the meeting.
Aldermen Nichols and Schuler withdrew their resolution.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Finance e partment acancies
Ry A— 1 e man Guten erger: Seconded by Alderman S ,)ccucci
RESOLVED, That the Finance Department be authorized to fill two (2)
vacancies that no►v exist, one (1) in the City Clerk's Office due to
a transfer, and one (1) in the City Chamberlain's Office due to a
resignation; these vacancies to be filled in accordance with Civil
Service Regulations
Carried Unanimously
Waiver of Penalties
I;y Al-- c'erman ,uten )erger: Seconded by Alderman Holman
RESOLVED, That this Common Council i✓aives the 6% penalty on the follow -
ing properties incorrectly listed on the 1980 City Tax Roll by the
Tompkins County Assessment Department:
Terry G. Hopkins, 206 Cascadilla Park $1.02
Elmer E. F Nancy 1Z, Meyer, 206 Cascadilla Park $2,54
Carried Unanimously
140 -12- October 1, 1980
1980 Assessment Roll Corrections
By Al erman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boronkay
WHEREAS, the 1980 Tax Roll of the City of Ithaca included the follow-
ing Special Franchise Assessments for the City of Ithaca:
Tax Map
Number
131.6 -SF -1 N.Y.S.E.
631.9 -SF -1 N.Y. Tel
908.1 -SF -1 American
525 -PS -1 Conrail
and
Assessment in
Owner Final Roll
G. $9,665,871
ephone Co. 3,9181383
TV & Comm. Corp. 2009869
267,381
WHEREAS, on September 22, 1980, the City of Ithaca received notice of
the final Special Franchise Assessment as follows:
Tax Map Assessment in
Number Owner Final Roll
131.6 -SF -1 N.Y.S.E. & G. 109565,654
631.9 -SF -1 N.Y. Telephone Co. 45,6309413
908.1 -SF -1 American TV $ Comm. Corp. 178,303
525 -PS -1 Conrail 318,526
and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 616 of the Real Property Tax Law
and Section 489 -0 of the Real Property Law, said assessments must be
corrected on the City of Ithaca Tax Roll;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the 1980 Tax Roll for the City
of Ithaca be amended as follows:
Tax Map
Number
131.6 -SF -1
631.9 -SF -1
908.1 -SF -1
525 -PS -1
and
Owner
N.Y.S.E. & G.
N.Y. Telephone Co.
American TV &
Comm. Corp.
Conrail
Assessment
in
Final Roll
9,665,871
3,918,383
200,869
267,381
Corrected
Assessment
10,565,654
4,630,413
178,303
318,526
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be authorized and
directed to make the appropriate changes in the Tax Roll and to
prepare a new tax bill for said properties.
Carried Unanimously
Amendments to 1980 Equipment List
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded
RESOLVED, That the 1980 Authorized
be amended to include the purchase
to exceed $500.00. No additional
by Alderman Banfield
Equipment List for the Youth Bureau
of one (1) freezer, at a cost not
appropriation is required.
Carried Unanimously
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the 1980 Authorized Equipment List for the Planning
Department be amended to include the purchase of one (1) typewriter.
No additional appropriation is required.
Carried Unanimously
Negotiation with School District
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the City Attorney reopen negotiations with the Ithaca
School District on the possible purchase of the G.I.A.C. building with
Community Development Funds as recommended by the IURA /CDA Board.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
"l.
0
-13-
October 1, 1918t t
Deputy Controller Position
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the position of Deputy Controller be established with
a salary range of $192007 to $27,OS1, position to be considered mana-
gerial and confidential, and placed on the Compensation Plan for
employees not covered by Union contract.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Planning Department Vacancy
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the Planning Department be authorized to hire Ms. Sheila
Parker as an Administrative Secretary, with a starting salary of
$10,1991 being Step 4 on the Compensation Plan for employees not
covered by Union, subject to the usual probation period in accordance
with Civil Service regulations.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Audit
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Holman
RESOLVED, That the bills audited and approved by the Budget and
Administration Committee, in the total amount of $17,080.49, as
listed on Audit Abstract 918/1980, be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Fire Contract- -Town of Ithaca
Alderman Slattery report_- dtTfat discussions have been underway with
regard to the fire contract which will be resolved the coming week.
Youth Bureau Services
Alderman Slattery reported that the committee will be entering into
talks with outlying municipalities with regard to a Youth Bureau
Services contract.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Armored Vests -for Police Officers
By Alderman Sc uler: Se— coned by Alderman Holman
WHEREAS, The State of New York has not yet issued specifications or
the procedures for the method to be utilized by the municipality to
furnish Armored Vests for their police officers according to Article
17 -A of the Labor Law, and
WHEREAS, The Human Services Committee, at its meeting of September 22,
1980, received a request for Armored Vests from representatives of the
Ithaca police force, and
WHEREAS, The Human Services Committee unanimously supported this
request;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, it is the intent of this Common Council
that Armored Vests be provided to the members of our police force
for their safety, and that of the public as soon as state procedures
:for the provision of vests and reimbursement for their purchase have
been established.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Resolution
Icy flderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the item concerning vests for police officers be
referred to the Budget and Administration Committee for their considera-
tion when the guidelines are established.
Carried Unanimously
142 -14- October 1, 1980
NEW BUSINESS:
Tele hone 6ervice
Alderman Nichols reported that it has come to her attention that
residents of the City of Ithaca now have to go to the Pyramid Mall
to order telephone service. She said she has written a letter to the
Telephone Company in Syracuse, N.Y., asking for an explanation of this
and requesting that this service be offered in the city. When she
has received a reply she will share it with the Council.
Alderman Bordoni commented that lie has written to the company in
Syracuse a couple of times concerning this matter, and has received
assurances from the company, but apparently they are very slow in
acting.
Truck Stop on 96 -B
Alderman Holman requested that the Mayor's office or Clerk's office
request the Sheriff's Office to police the truck stop on 96 -8.
Mayor Bordoni agreed that it would be taken care of.
Charter and Ordinance Meeting
Alderman Slattery announced that the Charter and Ordinance Committee
will resume meeting on their regular meeting date of the first Monday
following the regularly - scheduled meeting of the Common Council.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:52 P.M.
J eph A. Rundle, City Clerk
R #mond Bordoni, Mayor
J