HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1981-06-03COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:45 P.M. June 3, 1981
PRESENT:
Ttayor - Bordoni
Aldermen (9) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Boronkay, Dennis, Gutenberger,
Holman, Nichols, Schuler, Slattery
ABSENT:
Alderman (1) - Saccucci (excused due to illness)
Coe,
OTHERS PRESENT:
City
Controller - Spano
Dep.
City Controller - Cafferillo
Dir.
Planning & Development - Van Cort
Building Commissioner - Hoard
Fire
Chief - Tuckerman
City
Attorney - Shapiro
City
Engineer - Cox
City
Clerk - Rundle
` PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Bordoni led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
4� By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the May 6, 1981 meeting be approved
as recorded by the Clerk.
Carried Unanimously
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Federal and State Funding Projects for Human Services and. Effects at
Local Level -- Presentation by Chris Buscher, Director, Human Services
Coalition
Air. Buscher reported that the federal government will be placing into
block grants funds for human services which will be given directly to
the states. The states will use their decision - making powers on the
transfer of those monies down to the local level. They may impose
mandates on the use of some of the monies; it appears much of it will
not have mandates, but decision on how to spend the money will be made
at the local level. Mr. Buscher estimates a 25 percent cut in funds,
at least. He reported that, at the county level, priorities are being
discussed; also consolidation of human services and unnecessary dupli-
cation will be reviewed.
Mr. Buscher reported that the Information Referral Service is working
very well. It handled about 5,000 calls in 1980, and from the increase
in the first four months of this year, it appears it will handle about
5,500 calls in 1981.
A brief question and answer period followed.
Aldermen Banfield, Boothroyd and Gutenberger arrived at the meeting at
8:00 p.m.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Letter from John Asay
City Clerk Rundle called attention to a letter addressed to the
Common Council, which was received in the Clerk's Office, from John
Asay, 555 Warren Road, relating to restrictions on motorcycles in
Stewart Park. Copies of the letter were distributed to each Council
member; also the letter was brought up at the Board of Public Works
meeting that afternoon, and was referred to the Public Buildings,
Public Grounds and Parks Committee.
Discussion followed on the floor.
264
-2-
June 3, 1981
Resolution
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the matter of relaxing, or possible relaxing, of the
restrictions against motorcycles in Stewart Park be referred jointly
to the Charter and Ordinance and Planning and Development Committees
for review.
Letter from Dorothea Lindemann
Mayor Bordoni read the ollowing
Playor and Common Council members:
"June 3, 1981
Mayor Ray Bordoni
Common Council Members
Carried Unanimously
letter which was addressed to the
Dear Mayor Bordoni and Members of Common Council;
First of all I would like to thank you and. the Board of Public Works
for your patience, support, and help in solving the sidewalk problem
along Cornell Street.
As we all know the crossover at Homestead Road is a compromise, not an
absolute solution and should not be considered safe for .small. children.
In our letter to Mrs. Walsh we expressed that we felt either a crossing
guard, flashing yellow lights, or stop signs would be necessary for
this compromise to be acceptable for the safety of the children.
Today I am asking you to consider the stationing of a crossing guard
at Cornell Street and Homestead Road besides the measures Clower speed
limit, warning signs and zebrastripes) recommended by the Board of
Public Works. Also, with the closing of West Hill School., and soon
Henry St. John School, this crossing guard should not be an additional
position and additional cost for the City.
Last, but not least, I would like to express the hope that the constr,
tion of a sidewalk all the way to the Belle Sherman Annex, or to
Mitchell Street, will be reconsidered at a later point.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Dorothea Lindemann
1318 East State Street"
Resolution
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the letter from Dorothea Lindemann requesting considera-
tion of a crossing guard at Cornell Street and Homestead Load be
referred to the Budget and Administration Committee.
Carried Unanimously
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE THE COUNCIL:
Billboards on Elmira Road
R. Davis Cutting, Cutting Motors, Inc., addressed the Council regarding
removal of the remaining billboards on Elmira Road, which have been in
violation of the city sign ordinance for the past twenty -two months.
Mr. Cutting reviewed the issue, including his appearance before the
Council on February 2, 1981 with a petition signed by all property
owners on Elmira Road except three. He urged action by the city to
remove the billboards.
Alderman Nichols informed Council that she had written to Congressman
Matthew F. McHugh regarding billboards and requested that the letter
be entered into the Minutes as follows:
".June 2, 1981
Dear Matt:
I know that you keep up with the local news as much as possible, but
you may not be aware of the problem that the Highway Beautification
Act of 1978 is causing in the enforcement of our Sign Ordinance, which
was nassed in 1972 and required the removal of all billboards in the
-3-
June 3, 1981,1)
City of Ithaca by August 1979. The grace period was to allow normal
depreciation of the existing signs.
Meanwhile, the owner of the billboards refuses to take them down
because they may be entitled to compensation under the federal act,
which states that if local governments require the removal of bill-
boards from federal highways, the owners may claim compensation and
that, .the United States government will reimburse 75 per cent of the
cost..
Based on the fact that the Elmira Road is part of the federal highway
system, the billboard owners claim the right to be reimbursed for
(60011, the loss of advertising revenue from the illegal billboards and insist
that they can remain because they are "protected" by federal law
(The Highway, Beautification Act of 1978), which supercedes state and
local law.
The New-York State Department of Transportation does not have any
funds to reimburse billboard owners, and there is some doubt that
money was appropriated for that purpose by Congress. At any rate,
the City of Ithaca is in the unpleasant situation of having to pay
the billboard owners for loss of advertising revenue if we enforce
our law in accordance with the wishes of most of the people of the
j City.
I' do not believe that Congress meant to provide a loophole for the
' outdoor advertising owners to keep their billboards on the federal
highways forever. If the money is not available to reimburse the
local governments for their costs, why not remove the provision in
the law-that states this will be done? The billboards themselves
are of very_ little economic value, and the federal law is both an
excuse and an incentive to the owners to flout the sign ordinance,
We would greatly appreciate your suggestions in this matter., and,
if possible, some updating of the legislation to eliminate not only
the possib -ility of claims for reimbursement but also the opportunity
to use the letter of the law as a way to violate the intention and
spirit of the law. Congress certainly did not intend to subsidize
the billboard industry or to pay them for loss of revenues in
perpetuity.
With best personal regards,
Sincerely yours,
Ethel.B. Nichols
Chair, Planning and Development
Committee"
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That the Council direct the Building Commissioner to cause
to be removed all non- conforming billboards in the City of Ithaca,
pursuant to the S.igri Ordinance; appraisal to be made prior to removal.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
INTERGOVEIZNHFNTAT, RELATIONS COi� MITTEE :
Resolution —— Appreciation to Beverly Stone
By AldFerman Slattery �Secc- �nc�ciby Alderman Holman
1'dIHEREAS, Beverly Stone has served the Senior Citizens of the City of
Ithaca for approximately three years, and
WHEREAS, Beverly Stone has contributed a part of her life to help
enrich the lives of our most valued citizens, and
MILREAS, Beverly Stone's leadership, patience, enthusiasm, warmth
and understanding are cicial hies we slioi,ld all try to emulate, and
2G(;
-4-
June 3, 1981
WHEREAS, the contributions that Beverly Stone has made to our
community and the Senior Citizens are immeasurable and we wish to
thank her from the bottom of our hearts;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council would like to add
their best wishes to the many others Ms. Stone has been receiving
and to wish her well. in her new endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be spread upon the
minutes, and a copy of the resolution be forwarded to Beverly Stone.
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Assessment Roll Corrections
Resolution #1
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boronkay
WHEREAS, the 1981 Tax Roll for the City of,Ithaca included the
known and numbered as 131 Cleveland Avenue, owned br Harriet'M.
property
Lamb, and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 554 (:sub, 4A) of the Real Property Tax Law,
the Director of Assessments has investigated.an application for the
correction of an error in essential fact filed by said taxpayers and
WHEREAS, said investigation revealed that the building was demolished
prior to March 1, 1981, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Assessments recommends- that th-e assessed
value of 131 Cleveland Avenue be changed from $1.5,000 to $1,300;
NOW1 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the 1981 Tax Roll for the City.
of Ithaca be amended to reduce the assessment of Tax Map 79 -8.2,
131 Cleveland Avenue, from $15,000 to $1,300, and
BE TT FURTHER RESOLVED. That the City Chamberlain be authorized and
directed to make the appropriate changes in the Tax Roll and prepare
a new tax bill for said property, or make an appropriate refund if the
1981 City Taxes have been paid. Ca.r.ried Unanimously
Resolution #2
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
WHEREAS, the 1981 Tax Roll for the City, of Ithaca included the property
known and numbered as 411 North Tioga Street, owned b y Mowry Randolph,
and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 554 (sub. 4A) of the Real Property Tax
Law, the Director of Assessments has investigated an application for
the correction of an error in essential fact filed by said taxpayer'
and
WHEREAS, said investigation revealed that an aged exemption in the
amount of $21,500 was omitted, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Assessments recommends that the assessed value
of 411 North Tioga Street be changed from $43,000 to $21,500;
NOVV, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the 1981 Tax Roll for the City
of Ithaca be amended to reduce the assessment of Tax Map 49- 4 -1.0,
411 North Tioga Street, from $43,000 to $21,500, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be authorized and
directed to make the appropriate changes in the Tax Roll and prepare
a new tax bill for said property or make an appropriate refund if the
1981 City Taxes have been paid.
Carried Unanimously
Cherry Street Capital Project
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Nichols
RESOLVED, That an additional sum of $10,500 be appropriated from the
Contingency Account A1990 for the purpose of financing improvements
to the Cherry Street Industrial Park Improvements, as requested by
Board of Public Works action May 27, 1981.
-5-
Discussion followed on the floor.
I I, ",
June 3, 19814
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Department of Public Works Petty Cash Fund
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded y Alderman Nichols
RESOLVED, That a petty cash fund in the amount of $100.00 be estab-
lished for the Department of Public Works as requested by Board of
Public Works action May 27, 1981.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Marriage License Clerk Designation
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
WHEREAS, City Clerk Rundle has requested that Common. Council approve
his designation of Connie J. Holcomb as Marriage License Clerk to
receive applications, examine applications, investigate and issue
marriage licenses in his absence or inability to act_;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Clerk's designation -of
Connie J. Holcomb as a Marriage License Clerk be approved..
Carried Unanimously
t._ Authorized Equipment List Designation
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the 1981 Authorized Equipment List for the Fare Depart-
ment be amended to include the purchase of a four - drawer file cabinet,
at a cost not to exceed $145.00. No additional appropriation is
required.
Carried Unanimously
Albany Street Bridge Capital Project
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Holman
WHEREAS, on January 7, 1981, this Common Council authorized. the City
of Ithaca to participate in a project for the rehabilitation of the
i
Albany Street Bridge, and
WHEREAS, the City's contribution will be $16,500, consisting of $1,500
for preliminary engineering and $15,000 for construction, and
WHEREAS, there is a balance of $161,546 in the Capital Project as of
April 30, 1981;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Albany Street Bridge Capital
Project be reduced by $140,000 and that the unused appropriation be
returned to Capital Reserve #4 - Bridges, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That $75,000 be transferred from Capital
Reserve #4 - Bridges, as follows:
To Capital Reserve #15 - Fire Engines $50,000
To Capital Reserve #22 - Buses 25,000
Carried Unanimously
Lew Adesso Request for Benefits
By Al erman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the request of Lewis Adesso, former City Golf Course
Manager, to be granted credit for alleged unused sick leave, not be
granted.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Gutenberger, Boothroyd, Nichols, Schuler, Dennis,
Boronkay, Slattery, Holman
Nay (1) - Banfield
Absent (1) - Saccucci
Carried
218 -6- June 3, 1981
Airing of Planner II
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee of Common Council
authorized the Director of Planning and Development to hire a Planner
II, and
WHEREAS, the Director of Planning and Development has requested that
a salary of $14,810, being Step 2 of the CSEA - Administrative
Contract, be offered to prospective applicants;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council approves
the request of the Director of Planning and Development to hire
Joseph T. Pierce, Jr. at a salary of $14,810.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Gutenberger, Boothroyd, Nichols, Schuler, Dennis
Boronkay, Slattery, Holman
Nay (1) - Banfield
Absent (1) - Saccucci
Carried
Audit
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the bills audited and approved by the Budget and
Administration Committee,, in the total amount of $10,317.24, as
listed on Audit Abstract #10/1981, be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Handicapped Access and City Hall Parkin
Herman Siever ing, Planning staff, gave a progress report on the
ramp and parking lot plan designed by Architect Leathers which will
be put out to bid later in the month by the Board of Public Works.
A brief question and answer period followed.
Resolution
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Council hereby approve the preliminary
design for the parking lot improvements for City Hall., the ramp
designed by the Department of Public Works, the traffic and circula-
tion pattern for the access to the rear of the Ithaca Commons and
the Ithaca Center.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Energy Commission
Alderman Nichols reported that the membership of the commission has
been increased to fourteen by approval of the committee. The
commission has been appointed for the year June 1, 1981 to June 1,
1982.
Recycling Commission
Alderman Nichols gave a brief progress report on the Ithaca Task
Force on the Recycling of ,Solid Waste.
RESOLUTION OF APPRECIATION -- ROBERT AND MARCIA LYNCH:
Mayor Bordoni expressed appreciation and extended best wishes for
the future to Bob and Marcia Lynch, former employees of 1VTKO.
Resolution
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Boronkay:
WHEREAS, for some years a broadcasting duo has presented City
deliberations and decisions in an objective, fair manner, and
IVllt'lWAS, they have served to educate the public as they made the
esoteric and incomprehensible, comprehensible, and
-7- June 3, 1981 1,j
WHEREAS, Robert Lynch, first as a reporter and then operations manager
of WTKO, kept the needs of the community always in mind, and
�VHEREAS, Marcia Lynch was for many Ithacans the first voice heard
each weekday morning and came to be an integral part of community
news and views;
BE IT RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca wishes Bob
Lynch and Marcia Lynch every success in their future endeavors;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be spread upon the
minutes and copies of the resolution forwarded to Bob and Marcia.
Carried Unanimously
CHAPTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
:
Bottle Legislation
Iiy Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
WHEREAS, carbonated soft - drink, beer, and ale bottles and cans create
problems of litter; are a hazard to pedestrians, vehicles and farm
equipment and animals; add to the amount of municipal. solid waste;
and deplete our finite stock of natural resources, especially energy;
and
WHEREAS, requiring a mandatory deposit on all carbonated beverage
containers sold in the State of New York would to a great extent
alleviate these problems, and
€ WHEREAS, landfill space in Tompkins County is limited and may be
unavailable sooner than previously expected, and
WHEREAS, the glass recycling program run by Challenge Ind.ustri.es in
the City of Ithaca has recently ended, and
WHEREAS, the siting of a solid waste energy- recovery facility is
under consideration in Tompkins County, and removing beverage
containers from the waste stream would make such a facility more
efficient, and'
WHEREAS, delayed legislation considered in the
Legislature would not require a change to refi
affect non- beverage food containers, but would
on all carbonated beverage containers, thereby
incentive to return them to store where bought
them away; and
State of New York
Ilable bottles or
only require a deposit
providing an economic
rather than to throw
WHEREAS, the institution of such proposed legislation is not expected
to have a detrimental effect on the State's economy or overall work
force, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Conference of Mayors, in May 1980,
supported the enactment of State Legislation requiring a deposit on
all carbonated beverage containers, and
WHEREAS, it is easier and more appropriate to deal with beverage
container deposit legislation on the State rather than on the local
level;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council
does support the enactment of Beverage Container Deposit legislation
and urges the New York State Senate and Assembly to enact such
legislation in 1982.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows
Ayes (8) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Boronkay, Dennis, Holman, Nichols,
Schuler, Slattery
Abstention (1) - Cutenberger
Ahsent (1) - Saccucci
Carried
MIN
June 3, 1981
Procedure for Citizen's Grievance to Police
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the title "Police Grievance Procedure" be changed to
"Citizen Complaint of Police Action Procedure" to avoid confusion.
Carried Unanimously
Armor's Salary
Alderman battery reported having received information back from
approximately fifteen cities in reply to the committee's invest=iga-
tion of salaries in other cities. He has distributed copies to the
committee who will review the matter at their next meeting and make
recommendation to the Budget and Administration Committee.
Request from Tompkins County Planning Director for Rezoning of
Boardman House Property in the City's DeWitt Park Historic District
Alderman Slattery requested delay of action on the request for re-
zoning of Boardman House Property in the City's DeWitt Park Historic
District until the committee has received and reviewed the report
from Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, who also are reviewing
the problem.
Reapportionment
Alderman Slattery reported that -the Tompkins County Reapportionment
Committee had met the evening before, and among other things, have
suggested adjustments in realigning the wards of the City. He
announced that the county representatives will meet with the Council
on Saturday, June 6, at 2:00 p.m., in the Common Council. Chambers to
review the suggested changes with the Council.
0
Flood Plain Legislation
Alderman Slattery reported that the new Flood Plain Legislation coming
to us from the federal government will allow the city to have increased
coverage in the flood plain. However, the city will have to amend its
zoning map, and the matter has been referred to the Charter and Ordi-
nance Committee and the Planning Board.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE
Alderman Schuler announced that the Ithaca Summer Concert series will
start on Thursday and the season will run. until September..
SPECIAL COMITTEES:
Human Services Coalition
Alderman Holman reported that United Way has entered into a three -
year contract with The IIuman Services Coalition for The United Way;
some of those services will relate directly to City Planning.
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Glass Recycling Equipment
Alderman Nichols commented that the Recycling Committee had raised
the question as to the disposition of the city -owned property which
was used by Challenge Industries, and if there is any possibility of
the city getting it back.
City Attorney Shapiro informed the Council that he had
agreement with Challenge, but currently could not find
copy of the agreement. Also, a more recent agreement
the equipment which is stored by Challenge to be left
the issue is settled.
Cable TV
Alderman Slattery called attention to a recent article
Times relating to St. Paul owning its Cable TV. Mayor
Alderman Slattery to transmit a copy of the article to
of the Ithaca Cable Commission.
Access to the Hospital
At Alderman Gutenberger's request
Planning and Development Director
emergency route to the hospital.
testing, it was decided the ernerg
in some cases.
drafted an
a signed
called for
as is until
in the New York
Bordoni asked
the chairman
at the May meeting of the Council,
Van Cort presented a suggested
IIe commented that, after extensive
:�ncy route might be of some utility
-9- June 3, 1981a
Discussion followed on the floor. Director Van Cort was directed
to bring back a more comprehensive report on the problem as there
were many questions left unanswered.
Meeting Time of the Council
Mayor Bordoni requested the Council members to make every effort to
be present for the Council meetings at 7:30 p.m., the official
meeting time so that citizens will not be kept waiting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Notes on Sage Infirmar Dormitory Development Project
Alder-man Schuler read the foll oiiing communication trom the East
Hill Civic Association concerning traffic, parking and congestion:
"June 4, 1981
FROM: Tom Hanna
East Hill Civic Association
At several meetings since Parch 1980, East Hill residents most
interested in the conversion of the Sage Infirmary to a new Cornell
dormitory have raised questions of what the new devel- opment's impact
N will be on traffic, parking and vehicular congestion in the neighbor-
hood. Of particular concern are:
.:i
- 1. How many street parking places will be eliminated at the
Seneca Street entrance and exit to the Sage property?
'. Can additional on- street spaces be designated. to
compensate for those lost?
2. How much additional vehicular traffic will be generated
by the Dormitory and how will it be regulated?
3. What new traffic signage is needed to assure pedestrian
safety?
4. Are changes in the one -way and two -way traffic patterns
needed to reduce traffic congestion on key streets such
as East Seneca and Schuyler Place?
The Civic Association would appreciate it if the City would look into
these matters soon since the Sage Infirmary Dormitory project is nearing
completion and the building is scheduled for occupancy during the summer
or early fall."
Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the communication from the East Hill Civic Association
be referred to the Board of Public Works.
Carried Unanimously
Meeting Time of the Council
By Alderman Banfielc: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the starting time of the Common Council meeting be
changed to 8:30 p.m. for the month of July 1981.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
P "O�_
-- )scilh A. ]Zundle , (: it)' C1011-
r
Raymond Ito rdon i , Mayor