HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1981-07-01COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 8:30 P.M. July 1, 1981
PRESENT:
Mayor - Bordoni
Aldermen (9) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Boronkay, Dennis, Gutenberger,
Nichols, Saccucci, Schuler, Slattery
ABSENT:
Alderman (1) - Holman -- Excused
(400,01 OTHERS PRESENT:
C-ity Controller - Spano
Asst. to City Attorney - Ralph Nash
Personnel Administrator - Collins
Dep. City Controller.,- Cafferillo
Dep. Fire Chief - Redves
Director, Planning $ Development - Van Cort
City Clerk - Rundle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Bor oni led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 3, 1981 meeting and June 24,
1981 meeting be approved as recorded by the Clerk.
Carried. Unani.moiisly
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Unfinished and Miscellaneous Business
Alderman Schuler requested the addition of a recap of the Ithaca
Festival by Dave Lytell, Ithaca Festival Coordinator.
No Council member objected.
Communications
Alderman Nichols requested that a letter from Congressman Matthew
McHugh in response to her inquiry concerning removal of billboards
be read to the Council.
No Council member objected.
COiNIMUNI CAT TONS:
Alderman Nichols read the following letter from Congressman Matthew
McHugh to the Council:
"Nis. Ethel B. Nichols June 18, 1981
Chair, Planning and Development
Committee
Dear Ethel:
Thank you for your letter concerning the problems that you have
experienced with the highway Beautification Act of 1978 as it relates
to the removal of signs and billboards located along Elmira Road.
I am writing to let you know that I have contacted Commissioner
Hennessy at the Netv York State Department of Transportation and
Mr. Ray Barnhart, the Admin- i.strator of the Federal Highway Admi.ni-
strati -on, on your behalf. I have asked Commissioner Hennessy and
Mr. Barnhart to provide we with information relat-inl, to their
agencies respective roles in Implement s -nI, the Highway Beautification
Act of 1978. As soon as i have received their responses, I will be
back in touch with you. In the meantime, if I can be of further
assistance in this or any other matter relating to the federal
government, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am allvays
pleased to lielp 0iere I can.
Best regards.
Sincerely,
Hattliew F. i`Ichugh"
r
27) -2- July 1, 1981
Mayor Bordoni requested that copies of the letter be made for all
aldermen.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
!Mayor Bordoni reported that he had excused Alderman Holman from
attendance at the meeting because of a planned trip out- of -the-
country.
Letter from Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce re. Cable TV
Mayor Bordoni react the following letter to the Council and requested
that copies of the letter be furnished to all aldermen.
"June 24, 1981.
Hon. Raymond A. Bordoni.
Mayor, City of Ithaca
Dear Mayor Bordoni:
As a result of action taken by our Board of Directors on this date, I
wish to register the Chamber's opposition to the formation, by the
City of Ithaca, of any public agency or corporation for the purpose
of ownership and /or management of the local cable television system.
We wish to emphasize our continued concern over any infringement by.
government into the private sector in terms of management or ownership
of any entity, firm or organization. Such involvement has a tendency
to create conflicts of interest; loss of tax dollars; political and
patronage appointments, as well as excessive costs in public service
payroll.
If a private firm or organization under contract with government is
not performing in terms of any agreement, then corrective action
should result in finding another that will fulfill required criteria.
For the city to become personally involved, as the Cable Television
Commission suggests, will only compound the problem and create antagon,
on the part of those who still believe in the "Free Enterprise System.'
Your bringing these concerns to the attention of all members of Common
Council and the Cable Television Commission is requested.
Sincerely,
Duane Winters
President,
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
cc: Joe Rundle -City Clerk"
Letter from Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce re. proposed Perfor.min
Arts and parking facility in Collegetown
Mayor Bordoni react the following letter to the Council and requested
that copies of the letter be furnished to all aldermen.
*See p. 2a..
Letter from Collegetown Enhancement Association re. parking facility
in Collegetown
flayor Bordoni read the following letter to the Council and requested
that copies of the letter be furnished to all aldermen.
"June 17, 1981
Mayor Ray Bordoni
City Hall
Dear Mayor Bordoni:
For more than ten years increased parking facilities were the goal of
the Collegetown merchants. Several years ago Collegetown graciously
gave their support to the development of "The Commons" and backed the
city's use of available funds for that purpose with their understanding
that Collegetown's needs would not be forgotten. Right now people with
cars have beers taking advantage of the malls with their large parking
-2a-
"June 26, 1981
Mayor Raymond Bordoni
City of Ithaca
Dear Mayor Bordoni:
July 1, 1981-s
I am pleased to inform you that our Board of Directors has given
unanimous endorsement to the proposed Performing Arts Center
proposed by Cornell University and to the collective support by the
City and Cornell to construct a parking facility that will be
adequate to handle parking requirements for the Coll.egetown. area.
The investment on the part of the City of Ithaca is minimal when
compared to the increased dollars that the Arts Center and. available
parking will generate in the Collegetown area.
There is a continuing need for cooperative endeavors of this nature
between "Town & Gown" allowing for the realization of projects and
programs that have, for too long, gathered dust on the drawing
boards.
This Chamber encourages you to move forward in the most expeditious
manner possible.
Sincerely,
Duane Winters
President
Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce"
2 ' ;S -3- July 1, 1981
areas rather than having to contend with the hassle of finding a
vacant parking space. The time for the fulfillment of this project
is NOW because a parking ramp in Collegetown would vastly improve the
business climate, the parking situation for homeowners and also result
in the realization of the Performing Arts Center.
The American Cities survey shows that the large population living in
this area needs and would support many more varied retail outlets and
food facilities. These in turn would also compliment the different
facets of the Performing Arts Center.
The combination of different requirements would fill the ramp both
during the day and at night. The growth in private investment and
sales outlets will increase real estate taxes and sales taxes collectec..
Improvement and revitalization of the area will benefit Ithaca's
financial situation." Instead of retaining the status quo and only
accelerating the negative direction of our fiscal position we should
take advantage of this opportunity to upgrade a vital part of Ithaca
and thereby LONER the tax burdens of all.
Sincerely yours,
COLLEGETOWN ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION
Mrs. Ellen Rosten, President
cc: Ralph Jordan, Chamber. of Commerce
U.D.C.
Tom Hanna, East Hill Civic Association."
New York State Conference of Mayors
Mayor Bor oni reported briefly on the attendance of himself, as well
as Aldermen Slattery and Holman, Personnel Administrator Collins and
City Attorney Shapiro, at the New York State Conference of Mayors.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
Asst. to City Attorney Nash reported that no word has been received
from Justice Bishop concerning the cases submitted: the Cornell
Heights case, the North Aurora Street case which was submitted on the
basis of an appeal for a non- permitted use variance, and the case on
North campus which deals with the question of non- public street- -the
determination of public way in regard to requirements of public streets.
Atty. Nash further reported that Building Commissioner Hoard mailed
letters on June 23 to owners of offending billboards in the City- -
Giordano, Nate's Floral Estate and Parks Outdoor Advertising - - advising
them that under city ordinance the Building Commissioner was ordering
removal of the billboards; otherwise the City would remove them. IIe
reported that Atty. Williamson, attorney for Park Advertising, has
requested conference with the City's legal staff.
Sale of GIAC building
Atty. Nash reporte that the school district has been unable to
locate the abstract title for the GIAC property, which will require
the development of a new abstract so the closing will be delayed.
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
Mayor's Salary- -Local Law- -Lay on Table
Alderman Slattery introduced A LOCAL LnW ESTABLISHING THE ANNIJAL
SALARY OF THE MAYOR OF TILE CI'T'Y OF ITHACA.
BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of t }le City of Ithaca, New York
as follows:
SECTION I. ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL SALARY OF THE MAYOR
OF TIIE CITY OF ITHACA.
The annual salary of the Mayor of the City of
Ithaca is hereby established and set at
$21,000.00 per year commencing January 1, 1982.
SECTION 2. This local law shall take effect :immediately
after filing in the office of the Secretary of
State.
-4-
July 1%I gal,!!!)
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That the Local Law establishing the annual salary of the
Mayor of the City of Ithaca be laid on the table.
Discussion followed regarding the procedure for adoption of local laws.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put
to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Banfield
Aye
Boothroyd
Aye
SaccuCci
Nay
Slattery
Aye
(Wooe Schuler
Aye
Gutenberger
Abstained
Dennis
Aye
Nichols
Aye
Boronkay
Aye
Holman
Absent
Ayes (7)
Nay Cl)
Abstention
(1)
Absent (1)
Carried.
Aldermen's Salary--Local
Law- -Lay on Table
Alderman Slattery
introduced
A LOCAL LAW ES'T'ABLISHING THE ANNUAL
SALARIES OF EACH
OF THE ALDERMEN OF THE CITY
OF ITI-IACA.
BE IT ENACTED by
the Common
Council of the
City of Ithaca, New York
' as follows:
SECTION 1. ESTABLISHING THE ANNUAL SALARIES OF EACH OF THE
ALDERMEN OF THE CITY OF ITHACA
The annual salaries of each of the aldermen of the
City of Ithaca are hereby established and set: at
$4,500.00 a piece per year commencing January 1,
(W00.1 1982.
SECTION 2. This local law shall take effect immediately upon
its being duly filed in the Office of the Secretary
of State subject to the provisions of section
twenty -four of the Municipal Home Rule Law.
Resolution
By Alterman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That the Local Law establishing the annual salaries of each
of the aldermen of the City of Ithaca be laid on the table.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put
to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Holman Absent Bor.onkay Aye
Nichols Aye Dennis Aye
Gutenberger Aye Schuler Aye
Slattery Aye Saccucci Nay
Boothroyd Aye Banfield Nay
Ayes (7)
Nays (2)
Absent (1)
(boo", Carried.
Citizen Complaint of Police Action Procedure Revision
Alderman Slattery referred to a memo from the Pol.i.ce Commissioners
requesting amendment to the following paragraphs in the "Citizen
Complaint of Police Action ": Presentation of Complaint, Time for
Hearing and Report of Ilearing.
Resolution
By Alderman Siattery: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
P.IiSO}.VED, That the following a;;;endr;ent he made: Under Presentation
of Complaint, two to he deleted to read within seven consecutive days;
Linder Time for Ilearing, the last sentence shall read 5 consecutive
days; and under. Report of Hearing sentence 1 shall read S consecutive
days.
r
2 ()
-5-
Discussion followed on the floor..
Aldermen Slattery and Schuler withdrew their resolution.
July 1, 1981
Tabling Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Nichols
RESOLVED, That the request for amendment to the Citizen Complaint
of Police Action Procedure be tabled to give the committee an
opportunity to receive input from the police commissioners, discuss
the request with the City Attorney and consider inclusion of the
procedure in the Municipal Code.
Carried Unanimously
Taxation and Assessments--Local Law- -Lay on Table
Alderman Slattery introduced A L:::: OCAL LAIV ATTENDING ARTICLE IV ENTITLED
"TAXATION AND ASSESSMENTS" OF THE CITY OF 1THACA CHARTER,
BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York .
as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDING SECTIONS 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4, 4, 4.5, and
4,6 of Article IV Entitled "Taxation and Assess-
ments" of the Ithaca City Charter.
1. Sections 4.1, 4,2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, and 4.6 of
Article IV entitled "Taxation and Assessments"
of the Ithaca City Charter are hereby amended.
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the Local Law amending Article IV Entitled "Taxation
and Assessments" of the City of Ithaca Charter be laid on the table.
Cal -Tied Unanimously
Reapportionment - -Local Laws ---Lay on Table
Alderman Slattery introduced A LOCAL LAIV DELETING SECTION 1.3 -a,
ENTITLED "WARD BOUNDARIES UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1975, FOR SOLE AND
LIMITED PURPOSE" AND AMENDING SEC`L'ION 1.3 OF THE CITY OF ITIIACA
CHARTER ENTITLED "WARD BOUNDARIES" AND AMENDING SECTION 2.6 ENTI'T'LED
"MAYOR, CITY JUDGE, ALDERMEN, ELECTION, TERMS OF OFFICE."
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the Local Law Deleting Section 1.3 -a, Entitled "Ward
Boundaries Until, December 31, 1975, for Sole and Limited Purpose
and Amending Suction 1.3 of the City of Ithaca. Charter Entitled "Ward
Boundaries" and Amending Section 2.6 Entitled "Mayor, City Judge,
Aldermen, Election, Terms of Office" be laid on the table.
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly out
to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Schuler
Aye
Banfiield.
Aye
Dennis
Aye
Saccucc:i
Aye
Boothroyd
Aye
Nichols
Aye
Boronkay
Aye
Gutenberger
Aye
Slattery
Aye
Holman
Absent
Ayes (9)
Absent (1)
Carried.
0
Special Meeting of Common Council
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Boronkay
RESOLVED, That the Common Council will hold a Special meeting on
Wednesday, July 15, 1981, at 8:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers for
the purpose of considering the Local. haws which have been laid on the
table.
I Me
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8)
Nay (1) - Banfield
Absent (1) - Holman
Carried
July 1, 1981
Advertisement of All Local Laws
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That all local laws laid on the table be included. in one
(400e advertisement.
Ayes (3) - Nichols, Dennis, Slattery
Nays (3) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Saccucci
Abstention (3) - Schuler, Gutenberger, Boronkay
Absent (1) - Holman
Mayor Bordoni voted Nay
Motion Defeated.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Village of Lansing Youth Program
R; Alderman Slattery reported that the committee has received back an
executed cooperation agreement from the Village of Lansing Youth
Program and it is now on file.
! Sewer Agreement
x Alderman Slattery reported the sewer agreement is nearing completion,
An understanding has been reached with other municipalities concerned
and they are in the final negotiation stage. Hopefully, t_he agreement
will be completed this summer.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Reports
Energy Commission
Alderman Nichols reported that the committee has prepared a series
of recommendations; they have discussed some of them with the
Superintendent of Public Works.
Recycling Committee
Alderman Nichols reported this committee has been meeting and plan to
meet with the Planning and Development Committee at their next meeting
to present recommendations.
Planning and Development Committee
Alderman Nichols reported —that the next meeting will be held on
July 8 in the Council Chambers at which time the committee will
receive recommendations from the Recycling Task Force, consider
information which was recently developed with regard to preemptive
signals and communication with the trains.
Alderman Nichols reported that the Board of Public Works recommended
that Council ask to sell property at 446 Taughannock Boulevard.
The Planning staff have asked that this be reconsidered in the light
of the fact that the city might want to develop this property itself.
BUDGET AND ADHTNISTRAT ION COMA- IITTEE
1981 Assessment Roll Corrections
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci.
WHEREAS, the 1981 Tax Roll of the City of Ithaca included the follow -
ing Special Franchise Assessments for the City of Ithaca:
Tax N,ip Assessment in
Number Owner final Roll _
131.6 -SF -1 N.Y.S.Ef,G X1.0,5 S,6S4
631.9 -SF -1 N.Y. Telephone Co. 4,630,413
908.1 -SF -1 American TV t; Comm. Corp. 178,303
S2S -PS -I. Conrail 31.8,526
and
VJ11FREAS, on June 20, 1081 , the C i t,,- of Ithaca received notice of the
final Special Franchise Assessment as follows:
Tax Hap
Number
131.6 -SF -1
631.9 -SF -1
908.1 -SF -1
525 -PS -1
and
-'1- July 1, 1981.
Owner
N.Y.S.EF,G
N.Y. Telephone Co.
American TV F, Comm. Corp.
Conrail
Assessment i.n
Finial Roll
10,704,004
4,768,797
178,871
310,181
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; -j
NOW, FHEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the 1.981. 'Fax Roll for the City
of Ithaca be amended as follows:
Tax Map
Number
131. - F -1
631.9 -SF -1
908.1 -SF -1
525 -PS -1
and
Owner
N.Y. S.EF,G
N.Y. Telephone Co.
American TV F,
Comm. Corp.
Conrail
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the
directed to make the appropriate
prepare a new tax hill for said
Assessment in
_Final Roll
10,5 5,654
4,630,413
178$03
318,526
Corrected
Assessment
$10,704,004
4,768,797
1.78,871
310; 181-
City Chamberlain be authorized and
changes in the Tax Roll and to
properties.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Certificate of Marriage Registration Fee
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk be directed to establish a fee of $5.00
for a Certificate of Marriage Registration.
Carried Unanimously
Audit
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the bills audited and approved by the Budget and
Administration Committee, in the total amount of $5,503.42, as listed
on Audit Abstract #12/1981, be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Commons Permits
Alderman Dennis inquired regarding the procedure relative to permits
for persons or organizations handing out literature on the Commons.
He reported that on the previous Friday a man was actively passing out
information regarding a Baptist Church in Peruville, N.Y., in addition
to delivering an impassioned speech for about 20 minutes. When asked
if he had a permit, he replied that he didn't need one.
Mayor Bordoni explained the procedures for permits, and agreed that
the above incident should not have occurred because the man did not
have a permit.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution of Appreciation
By Alderman Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
WHEREAS, the Fall Creek survey recently undertaken by Laurie Carver,
Serena Miller and Barbara Flax of the Field Study Office of Cornell
University, was one of the first attempts to obtain residents'
opinions on various issues concerning their neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, the result of this survey will be an invaluable tool. to
elected officials to understand the conce --ns of the residents and
therefore assist in setting priorities, and
July 1, 1981` 1 )
WHEREAS, this study was done in a dedicated and professional manner
at no cost to the City;
NOW, THEREFGRE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca expresses their appreciation for the survey and for the
outstanding job which Laurie, Barb and Serena did for the community.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be spread upon the
minutes and a certified copy be sent to the individuals and to the
Field Study Office.
Carried Unanimously
Ithaca Festival
Dave Lytell, Ithaca Festival Coordinator, presented slides of the
Ithaca Festival, a recap of the festival and results of a. survey
taken. Mayor Bordoni, speaking on behalf of the City of Ithaca,
thanked Mr. Lytell and his staff for a job well done.
Conrail
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That Mr. Van Cort's inquiry of June 10, 1981, and the
reply from Conrail dated June 24, 1981. be referred to the Board of
Public Works.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:1_5 p.m.
-- Jo ph A. Rundle, City Clerk
Raymond. Bordoni, Mayor