HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1981-08-05I
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS '#)
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. August 5, 1981
PRESENT:
Mayor - Bordoni
Aldermen (9) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Boronkay, Gutenberger, Holman,
Nichols, Saccucci, Schuler, Slattery
ABSENT:
Alderman (1) - Dennis - Excused
OTHERS PRESENT:
C0,11 City Controller - Spano
Personnel Administrator - Collins
City Attorney - Shapiro
Dep. City Controller - Cafferillo
Dir. Planning & Development - Van Cort
City Chamberlain - Wright
Police Chief - Herson
Planner - Sieverding
Asst. Fire Chief - Vliet
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Bordoni led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
'1 By Alderman Boothroyd: Seconded by Alderman Slattery
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 1S, 1981 meeting be approved
as recorded by the Clerk.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Budget and Administration Committee
Alderman Guten erger requested the addition of a Report of Monies
Being Received from New York State.
No Council member objected.
New Business
Alderman Slattery requested the addition of an item concerning the
Ithaca Police Department.
No Council member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Alderman Slattery read the following letter to the Council:
"August 4, 1981
Editor
The Ithaca Journal
Dear Sir:
Your editorial. of August 3, 1981 calling for a probe of the Ithaca
Police Department by a special grand jury is a clear indication of
your animosity toward Ithaca Police Chief James M. Herson and an
unjustified attack upon the honesty and integrity of all of the
members of the Ithaca Police Department.
While you may disagree with the way in which the Ithaca Police
Department is administered, jt°st as I and others often disagree
with the way in which the Ithaca Journal is administered, I believe
it is wrong for the Ithaca Journal to use the occasion of the
missing money to suggest that the Police Chief, the Mayor and the
Police Commissioners would condone or purposely allow such a thing
to happen.
Unfortunately, on occasion, a police officer is found to be dis-
honest. For those of us in the police service, it is of the highest
priority to identify and to eliminate a dishonest police officer from
he police ranks.
9G -2- August S, 1981
The public should be aware that unwitnessed thefts are among the most
difficult cases to be solved and just because the theft occurs at
Police Headquarters, it is not more easily solved.
Although you suggest otherwise, it is extremely important to the
Police Chief, the Mayor, the Police Commissioners and all of the
members of the Ithaca Police Department to resolve the problem of
the missing money and to identify and charge the person responsible.
It is not, as you suggest, being ignored.
I have worked with and known Chief Herson for over 24 years and I
have complete confidence that he will not tolerate dishonesty within
the Ithaca Police Department.
Very truly yours,
Harlin R. McEwen
Chief of Police
cc: Chief Herson
Mayor Bordoni_"
Mayor Bordoni commented that other people have expressed the same
sentiments to him, and are also upset with the type of commentary
that the editorial page of the Ithaca Journal did. He said it was
a derisive article and many people read it for what it was worth,
and it was not worth much. He expressed appreciation to Chief McEwen
for writing the letter, and said he hoped the Ithaca Journal will be
gracious enough to print it as quickly as possible and not hold it
off until it means little or nothing, as well may happen. That has
happened in the past when people have replied to editorials which
were not designed to be informative, but inflammatory.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Leonard Morgan addressed the Council as follows:
"Mr. Mayor, Common Council members, City Attorney, City Clerk,
members of the Press and Concerned Citizens:
My name is Leonard Morgan, 201 Utica Street, and I am running as
the Republican candidate for Fifth Ward Alderman.
lw�
While I was carrying my petitions around the Fifth Ward neighborhood
for signatures, I met many concerned citizens - -most of these people
spoke angrily at the steady increase in taxes over the past three
years and how they will be 'forced' to sell their homes, and move out,
if it continues (most of these people are senior citizens with fixed
Social Security incomes, but some were young families that own their
homes and are on stiff budgets too). They are hurt so much by the
current 'high' taxes that they are faced with possible decision to
sell their homes and move right out of our community. A number of
people spoke out against the proposal for two taxes per year,
collected in January and June.
About a dozen people asked me to advise the Common Council tonight
that an 'advance left turning signal is needed on Route 13 at the
Dey Street Exit.' Many Fall Creekers use this particular exit in
returning home from their jobs and from shopping. If traffic is
heavy (which it most often is) it presents a serious problem to all
those motorists who want to turn left onto Dcy Street. I have been
at the intersection myself, and find that it is quite dangerous.
You are lucky if you get to make your turn in one green light. After
most of the current cars pass going in the opposite direction, there
might be a .little break, and you think about speeding off as if in a
race, but the next car coming down the road facing you sees you, and
immediately increases his speed, and dares you to cut in front of
him, and you sit there indefinitely sometimes waiting while this
event happens over and over again. I would like to see the State
place a S- second left -hand turning signal at this particular inter-
section before somebody in our Fifth Ward gets killed there.
Numerous neighbors on the 800 -block of North Cayuga Street informed
-3-
August S, T6)8g1
me about a problem at 819 North Cayuga Street. Mr. Downing owns the
property ... an old restaurant used to be attached to the corner house
..but it has been torn down and a large pile of fill -dirt has been
left standing there for at least two months. It not only looks bad
for the neighborhood, but also that children are playing in it, and
it is getting all over the sidewalks, and onto the street. These
concerned neighbors feel that Mr. Downing should take care of this
matter as soon as possible.
Paul A. Lumbard, and his wife, living at 830 North Aurora Street,
asked me to say something about their problem at tonight's Common
Council meeting.
They have been having numerous problems with 'students' living in
their neighborhood. Students living across the street from them have
been extremely 'noisy' all hours of the day and night, playing their
stereo- hi -fi's so loud that several blocks of people can hear it.
This goes on all the time, they said.
And ... students living down the street about two houses away have been
parking their cars right in front of their (the Lumbard's) driveway.
When they come home they cannot pull into their own driveway, and
when they ask the student(s) to move their car they have been unco-
operative.
The Lumbards finally telephoned the city police with a complaint,
±" but the police did absolutely nothing about it. The Lumbards told
!a me that the police ignored the problem. They also said that the
students ignore the alternate parking city regulation, and yet the
police do not give them ticket(s) at all. Apparently, the Lumbards
have telephoned the Police Department several times complaining about
the noise problem, and parking cars right in front of their driveway,
but the Police Department has not done one single thing about it.
As taxpayers, the Lumbards asked me to convey this problem to you
and encourage you to help them get it solved.
One word about political contributions here! I wonder if the news
media might give a 'public service announcement' to our community- -
to anybody interested in contributing money to their political party,
to please send their checks to their Party's Campaign Headquarters
address. They might want to specify who their contribution is for
specifically, or just for the party's general fund. As you know, to
run a proper campaign, whether it be Republicans or Democrats, or
Independent, the candidates spend a lot of their own money. One
candidate that I know, Ron Ronsvalle, told me that he expects to
spend about three thousand dollars on his campaign. I think the
people of our community should get more involved, than simply
sitting down and taking it easy, and one way to -help is to contribute
whatever you can for the candidate or party of your choice.
To sum up - -I have knocked on approximately 700 doors in my Fifth
Ward neighborhood so far, and most of them were concerned, 'seriously
concerned' about the terribly high taxes they are now paying, and
speaking out against the Cornell University 'parking ramp' by using
any city funds. Many of them said, "Ke're not going to be using
these parking ramps ourselves, so why should we pay for them as city
taxpayers ?' No more city money should be spent.
Several other people said, 'The people on Common Council are only
concerned with creating 'new things' and saying to the people of the
community, 'See what we've given you ?' But who has to keep paying
for all this ... the taxpayers do.'
The Fall Creekers want the i- eapportionment plan to include the 100 -
block of Utica Street and Farm Street because this is a vital part
of the Fall Creek neighborhood. Therefore, I support the Reapportion-
ment I -4 Plan, representing my constituents of Fall Creek.
Thank you."
298 -4- August S, 1981
Robert Johnson, 403 College Avenue, read the following letter to the
Council:
"August 5, 1981
The Honorable Raymond Bordoni, Mayor
Dear Mayor Bordoni;
I am concerned about the proper development of Collegetown, and
therefore I would like to indicate my interest via this letter. My
interest is from the perspective of a Collegetown property owner,
as an owner of a business in Collegetown, and as an involved partici-
pant in the life of our whole community for the past twenty -four years.
Of one thing I am certain; and that is that for several reasons, now
is the time for our city to continue the initiative it has already
started in giving its attention and priority to the proper develop-
ment of Collegetown. In the past our concerns have been put aside
so that other sections of the city could be taken care of, and
though disappointed, we understood that. It is only fair then that
we now have our turn in terms of attention and development opportuni-
ties. It is not only fair, but I feel that it is necessary.
We need the opportunity to improve the physical aspects of our
Collegetown community and to create an attractive setting for a
happy-melding of business, service, and housing. It is inevitable
that if we have adequate parking for our customers, tenants, and
residents we will have the catalyst to do many things. There would
certainly be the needed increased diversity of enterprise and an
improvement of physical appearance in the area.
The interest of Cornell University in the Collegetown area at this
time is-most fortuitous. The fact that Cornell will build new
facilities here gives the parking garage the economic viability it ne
Customers, students, visitors, playgoers will all increase the usage
of such a facility. We cannot let this opportunity pass.
We are grateful for the already demonstrated concerns of the Mayor
and this Council as indicated in your employment of the American
Cities Corporation for planning purposes. We are enthused about
the very significant and positive results and proposals they have
made.
Thank you for the opportunity to express my point of view.
Sincerely,
r
Robert G. Johnson"
David Cornelius, 109 Farm Street, addressed the Council on two items
as follows:
Mr. Cornelius reported that the people in his neighborhood feel very
strongly a part of the Fall Creek Neighborhood and the Fifth Ward.
They do not feel a part of South hill and are not participants in
the South Mill Civic Association. They wish to be reapportioned back
into the Fifth Ward. Ile said Ile could not speak for all the people
in the area, but that many want very much to be back in the Fifth Way
Mr. Cornelius' second concern was the possible expenditure of million
of dollars by the city in an anticipated parking ramp in Collegetown
for use of Cornell University. He said the ramps downtown are showing
less than being profitable facilities, in addition to creating
numerous problems. lie is opposed to constrt:cLion of a non- profit,
non- taxable facility and considers it a waste of taxpayers' money.
He reminded the Council that the city can't afford a $8,500 Jaws -of-
Life tool for the Fire Department to save lives.
1Z.ichard Holmes, 719 IV. Clinton Street, addressed the Council thus:
"I have two principal concerns, the first of which has to do with an
-5- August 5, 19�
item on your agenda for this evening, I believe -- consideration of a
$15,000 expenditure for further study of the Collegetown parking ramp.
I have found, in conversation with a good many of my neighbors and
friends, that very few people know exactly who is going to pay how
much money to discharge the obligation created by the erection of
this facility and particularly I don't know who is going to pay the
$15,000. I would recommend to you that you at least table that agenda
item for further consideration until more people have become aware of
what the full impact of this project will be on each of us as taxpayers.
I am a senior citizen myself, and I know what it is to pay taxes, from
way back. I realize that when we ask for services we must pay for them,
but I am also aware that taxes have gone out -of -line, consistently out -
of -line, not even just consistent with the inflation rate, but far in
exces ��6 that. I submit that they have gone far enough and we had
bettesrticutiting back on tax rates rather than create new needs for
increases.
Now, the second item that I am concerned with has to do with the
safety of people in our town and in our City of Ithaca. The inter-
section at S. Meadow St. and IV. Clinton St. and Fulton St. is a.
horrible mess. It has been described here in some detail previously,
but I want to point out to you that anyone coming out of W. Clinton St.,
j trying to go north on Meadow, is at a severe hazard as to his life,
particularly so at the early morning and late afternoon rush hours
and during the lunch hour even. The problem of trying to get into
'g W. Clinton St. from S. Meadow and turning north on S. Meadow to get
j into W. Clinton is another horrible risk. It is just as bad, or even
! worse, than it is at Fulton St. trying to make that left turn because
there is no traffic light there at all. And often times coming out
of IV. Clinton to turn north on Meadow becomes necessary to make a
right turn and go S. Meadow to the Tops traffic light, duck in there,
come out and make a left turn on the green so I can get downtown to
do the business that I have to do. Now, one of the things that I
think might be done to alleviate that situation, in part at least,
is the elimination of the right turn on red at the intersection of
Fulton and S. Clinton. That would help to give people turning into
IV. Clinton St. an opportunity to turn in there without risk of life
and limb, and that certainly is not possible right now."
Mayor Bordoni responded by saying that there is at present a capital
project within the City of Ithaca which is necessary before a traffic
signal can be installed at the location of W. Clinton and Meadow
Streets. He said that Alderman Slattery and he went to great lengths
to explain this to a number of people who have businesses in the West
end and who reside in the West end, in particular the areas where you
have Quite a number of families that have to go through that inter-
section each day. Because of the long and lengthy study of that
problem it has been determined that a project is necessary of realign-
ing IV. Clinton St. so that the state will put in a traffic signal.
As it is now, the Department of Transportation of New York will not
put in a traffic signal at that location. He advised that the cost of
that capital project will cost the taxpayers of the city no less than
$107,000. Again, it is the cost factor when people want services,
want improvements, there is always a cost involved with it, if we come
to the choice of very comfortable living and a level of services that
are probably unexcelled in other nearby communities. If we want an
improved intersection we will have to pay for it- -the state will not
put a traffic signal in that location where it is now. We have come
through that process for over two years. I have a great deal of docu-
mentation to back it up, and I will be more than glad to spend more
time with people in that area of town who would like to know more about
it. I gave you a superficial glazing of it. As far as the 'no turn
on red' at S. Fulton and Meadow Streets, that is being looked into by
our traffic division of the Department of Public Works at this time.
Margo Brill, 502 IV. Seneca Street, addressed the Council, specifically
asking Budget Committee Chairman Gutenberger to explain why county
taxes have been decreasing for four years while city taxes have in-
creased approximately 40 percent during that time, 18 percent the past
year. She commented, "please cease your Collegetown parking garage
until you final other sources of revenue for it besides the city tax-
payer. Let us put our 1_1fe- threatening priorities first, such as the
Jaws -of -Life and the Nest -end overpass. I have to live within a budget
and I have to put the real necessities before I consider other items.
Thank you."
3 00 -6- August 5, 1981
Alderman Slattery commented that it should be noted that the Ithaca
Fire Department Budget Request did not include the Jaws -of- Life.
Ile said he is sure that had that been an item of priority to the Fire
Department, the Council would have funded it.
Alderman Banfield responded to Ms. Brill by informing her that the
chairman of the Budget Committee does not make up the budget, or vote
on it, or pass it. It is voted on and passed by every Council member.
It is not specifically Alderman Gutenberger or anybody else. It is
the Council which approves the budget and sets the tax revenue.
George Hughes, 524 W. Clinton Street, spoke to the Council as follows
"As a retired person, I am very concerned as to the financial directic
that the City is directed in. At present, as I understand it, it takes
about $1.50 per thousand to produce enough money to pay the interest on
the City debt. The City debt payments plus the interest payments, as
I understand it, amount to about $6 per year per thousand. It is hard
to cut anything in the budget when you are paying off a debt like this.
In order to raise money to run the City services, pay the debt and
give raises to the employees the City must take money from the public
in the form of taxes. Most retired persons' income is pretty stable
with very little chance to increase their income, so when it costs more
to run the City due to inflation, increased salaries, larger debt, it
sort of tends to lower the retired persons' standard of life as the
taxes increase. Since Mr. Gutenberger is the leading financial expert
on the Council, I would like to ask him just where retired people
should cut their living standards?
Alderman Boothroyd responded as follows:
"I realize there is an election this fall, but if people are going to
stand up here and take pots shots at Mr. Gutenberger. I think that
should be done in some other political forum, and I don't really think
that is too well directed."
Mayor Bordoni commented that he would make comment: "I will say this
some of these have been very carefully orchestrated. I will not permi-
any person that is in this chamber to address a question to a single
person. You must address it to the entire council. 1 think we all
are aware that this is the political time of the year and we are all
running for some office, and I think for that type of activity to be
taking place is grossly unjust and unfair."
Peter Rodgers, 806 N. Tioga Street, addressed the Council as follows:
"What Mayor Bordoni and Councilman Boothroyd just said could be true,
I don't know, but it seems that every time something like that happens,
that is the way of getting people quieted down. I don't think that is
fair either. I am not going to take pot shots at anybody, but there
are two sides to every story. I just wanted to get that out. For the
sake of time I am going to talk about a few things that no one has
talked about, except the parking ramp.
No. 1, I came up here and sat before Zoning Board, Planning Board,
Common Council meetings with Byrne Dairy, Byrne Dairy is going to put
in a dairy store down on North Meadow Street. I am very much in favor
of business - -small business and big business. Without businesses we
would not have jobs, but businesses should be properly planned and ti-
should be kept in proper perspective. No one on the Council has once
mentioned the traffic situation on Meadow Street. Now, thirty -five
years ago I learned to play football on W. Green St. and Meadow St.,
believe it or not. Now, I don't think you should go out and play
football on those streets today, but they are not safe to walk down.
The traffic situation on Meadow Street is just ridiculous. The Byrne
Dairy people stated that their average customer stayed at the store
4 minutes. You know what that means? In, out, in, out. They are
going to come in off Meadow Street and out again. It is suicide down
there now and it is going to get worse. I know nothing can be done
about it but I am just surprised that no one here brought that up.
I -7- August 5, 1Al
No. 2.Clever Hans Bakery -- another suicide situation. This is from
the Board of Public Works. That street was blocked off once. That is
about the only place for children to play in the Fall Creek area
except the hard playground. Drive by any time; not too many Fall
Creek people can afford to shop there. I go there about once a month.
Most of the traffic does come from outside the area contrary to what
they said. Nobody raised a question. People like me have lived here
a lifetime and I don't know why they don't say these things. Maybe
it is because some of these people have a very tunnel vision. That
street should be closed off again. Anybody coming off of Dey St. onto
the corner - -there are doors open, some people don't park properly, they
are parking on both sides of the street. Something has to be done
about that before some small child is killed.
No. 3. The general trend in taxes: I think most of these people are
here because they are concerned about taxes. I still can afford to pay
taxes. My parents, after living in the City of Ithaca for 34 years,
have just sold their property on W. Green St. and moved to the country.
They didn't move out because they couldn't afford the taxes. However,
we sold it; it is now income property. The same thing is taking place
all over downtown. Young families cannot buy houses. Young families
f� cannot buy houses unless they have a second unit to carry them. They
cannot compete with three students. You put a few pieces of furniture
in a bedroom and you heat it and you can get anywhere from $150 to $200.
That is in a rat trap. A nice place goes for more per bedroom. Young
4' people cannot compete with the students. And then Cornell's problem- -
I want to get that in - -they have neglected that problem. They should
take care of their student housing before they talk about Collegetown
and parking ramps and arty things like that. Okay, I won't say any
more about the trend. It is very difficult. Old people are selling,
in Fall Creek, beautiful old homes. I take my kids Halloweening and
nice oak matched woodwork -- beautiful homes. Now there are many legal
and illegal residences down in that area. Some day we won't have any
more nice homes and we won't have any more families in this city.
No. 4 Parking Ramp - -I was with the Police Department for 6 years. I
was very proud'of that. We have a good Police Department. They don't
do everything right all the time, but they do an excellent job for the
money they are paid and the responsibility they have to take on.
There are a lot of young fellows over there; they do a fine job. I
spent several nights, weeks and months in the parking ramp. Parking
ramps are very difficult to patrol. They are dens of iniquity. They
smoke pot in them; they drink beer in them; they urinate in them; they
do everything in them. Keep that in mind. If they go with a parking
ramp up there, be very careful in the design. I think the design of
the W Seneca Street parking ramp is very poor; the design of the
Green Street ramp is not as poor, but that still is a problem. Any
business man - -I appreciate Mr. Johnson's comment=- -any business man in
that area who is not in favor of it is foolish. It is going to increase
the price of his property, the value, by 50 percent. No doubt about it.
Merchants -- downtown merchants, Collegetown merchants, for years and
years, have taken advantage of our students. They really have. And
now, when things are difficult we have malls. They missed the boat and
are relying on public funds to pick up the slack. That is what is
happening. If I were a merchant I would be just as happy as I could
be to have a parking ramp up there. It certainly would increase any
property up there. `hank you."
Leonard Morgan again addressed the meeting: "I would like to say that
I have been to college and graduated, and I learned a great deal about
academic discipline. I would like to say that any speaker that comes
up here to the podium to speak should practice academic discipline.
Do not speak out, I encourage you, even though I am a Republican
running, don't speak out against one particular person here. When you
give a problem, or y3u are stating something, some objection, speak to
the whole Common Council. I think this is a disgrace to you and to
the party.„
Dr. Reuben Weiner, 1021 [lector Street, addressed the Council:
"� -lr. Mayor, members of Common Council, I would 1ilc about 5 minutes.
302 -g- August 5, 1981
I would like to say a couple of things that are certainly not personal.
You are people in public office, you have the responsibility for the
people throughout the city, including us, and I think your record is
pertinent to our lives as that affects them- -your votes on most issues,
and we all here appreciate that every decision you make, yes or no,
is weighed, cost on the one side and benefit on the other. People
are here because they are dissatisfied about rising tax costs, Again,
since 1978, and I feel it is pertinent to say that Mr. Gutenberger has
been the chairman of the Budget and Administration Committee since
1978, and that is why I chose that date - -since that time our taxes
have increased 40 percent to every citizen in our city while city
dwellers` taxes at the county level have decreased 13 percent, That
is pertinent. It is also pertinent, let me finish please, to refer
to this Jaws -of -Life device and I quote from the Ithaca Journal,
Saturday, June 20, 1981: "John Gutenberger, Democrat Third Ward,
chairman of the city's Budget and Administration Committee, said,
"The committee turned down the request because of the devi.ce's high
cost. It is one of those things that would be nice to.have, but was
not the highest priority," That was an $18,500 devise.. At the same
time this year our leaders in Common Council have approved $2,000
per member of Common Council, which is $20,000 per voting year, for
their increased salaries while many other people serve the city on
the Planning Board and many other committees at no cost to the city
government. Now this - -I won't say scandal--I will say this project
first came to several people's attention that I know of about 6. weeks
ago by an official who is not liable or vulnerable to election, Mr,
Van Cort presented it to the Kiwanis Club, While we realize that it
may generate income to the city, we also were told, "we don't know
where the $3.S million parking garage money will come from, When you
tack on the finance charges for that garage and the maintenance
problems in a college area which is certainly probably going to be
greater than in a downtown city area where the businesses would be
certainly far more greatly used by people throughout our five wards
we have a right to be concerned. Mr, Holmes so eloquently put, "for
many of our elderly." All right, you have a responsibility for where
that money is going to come from for that parking garage, I personal`:.
have no objection to S2S Cornell students being housed within one to
two city blocks if the people now in that area really desire it, If
parking will be a problem perhaps those students will have to get
along without cars and walk, use the bus or bicycles as I did when I
went to college. However, and I don't refute, I' only question this
theatrical center when so many other theatrical places in our city.are
struggling to make it, If it'succeeds and it is enjoyed by people,
fine. But let's weigh all the facts and the priorities before our
money is taken away from us further. Let's stop, most importantly,
with the idea that the City of Ithaca taxpayers or the city repre-
sentatives in government owe Cornell University, or her students, or
Collegetown merchants, next. Maybe you owe'us next, the taxpayers,
to have some fiscal restraint and to have some respect for our savings
and our pocketbooks. Certainly there is one issue that is open to
question that we will have to live with in this city for many, many
years and it had promise of being paid for, if people had voted for it,
not with our own money, but on a state and federal level, I would
like to say one more thing. This parking garage is planned to be
built in a brig complex a block and a half from the grocery business
of a man who is running for Mayor.
Mayor Bordoni again spoke: "Dr. Reuben Weiner has probably done more y
damage for any cause, as he has done in the past by overreacting and
using the types of remarks that he has made today. They are uncalled
for and I call them irresponsible."
Alderman Holman spoke: "It has been said before and I would like to
reinforce a comment that was made earlier. There are ten members in
this city council. There is no one member on that council whose voice
is so powerful that he or she controls every decision that is made.
They are collective decisions. Some of them are bitterly fought
because they each represent some of you in this room tonight. We
struggle to make decisions, we wort: very hard to come to decisions,
Every Every decision that is made, however, is a collective decision."
-9- August S, I'Uil
Alderman Banfield spoke: "I couldn't have said it beter myself; I
tried to say it that way earlier. There are five of us up for
reelection this year. If you don't like the way it is run, or you
don't like the person who represented you, or the way they voted, you
can get out and vote against them, or vote for someone supportive,
or get off your butt and run for office and try to make some of these
decisions yourself."
Ellen Rosten, 20S N. Willard Way, representing Collegetown Enhance-
ment Association, who also is manager of the Collegetown Motor Lodge,
and a citizen of the East Hill Area, read the following letter to
the Council:
"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 been taking advantage of the malls
J. with their large parking areas rather than having to contend with
the hassle of finding a vacant parking place. The time for the ful-
fillment 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
collected. 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 LOWER the tax burdens of all.
Sincerely yours,
COLLEGETOWN ENHANCEMENT ASSOCIATION
(Mrs.) Ellen Roston, President
cc: Ralph Jordan, Chamber of Commerce
U.D.C.
Tom Manna, East Hill Civic Association"
Ms. Rosten commented
that she would like to reply to some of the
remarks made earlier.
"We all are concerned
She spoke as follows:
with higher taxes -- senior
citizens, young
families, businesses,
individuals -- regardless of how much money some-
one might have, there
are many other things I would rather spend it on
than taxes. I think
all of us want an efficient government to do as
much as they can for
all of us. I feel that the reason that many
people are against this
development, in Collegetown, one is that they
don't understand how
it will be to the benefit of all of us. And I
also think that those
i,fho do understand what can be done for the city
with this project, they
are using the people to let them be misunder-
stood, because they must
have other reasons for not wanting this to
happen, because indeed
to have this development will mean lower taxes
for everyone."
304 _10_ August 5, 1981
At this point there were so many interruptions that Mayor Bordoni
again spoke: "Ladies and Gentlemen, I will ask you to please give
the courtesy to the speaker who is at the podium at this time, the
same courtesy as has been extended to you, I would like you to
return them."
Ms. Rosten continued: "The taxes will be decreased because you are
going to have development of companies in Collegetown that will. bring
in continual tax dollars. You will have more people shopping in
Ithaca, bringing more city sales tax collected. They will provide
more jobs which in turn will make for more spending money. And to
call it a Cornell ramp, I don't know if that was intended or misunder
stood. It is not a Cornell ramp; it is a city ramp. The fact that
Cornell can use it is an asset to us. It makes it more realistic.
American Cities said that that ramp, with or without Cornell's project,
is a viable financial situation. That Cornell wants to do something
in that area too makes it even more realistic financially. That
Cornell wants to be there will make for more development also which
will benefit all of us with higher real estate taxes being collected,
more sales tax generated and an improved area generally. Ithaca is
a very cosmopolitan, small city. Essentially I understand that we
number 25,000 citizens not counting students, Where are the mayors
and council people going to come from if not from our own. businesses
and from ourselves. Do you want someone who is so remote and unaware
of what our concerns are, and what it takes to run a business or to
run a city? It is absurd to consider that someone that is in business
is not someone that could be a good mayor because the two go together
in very many ways, especially when you are conscious of tax dollars
and how money is spent. I think that is one of the reasons this
person could be a better mayor or more capable. And I think that when
someone tries to tell you that this isn't a good idea because it is
going to cost you money, I think you ought to find out what this other
person`s motives are. Is he ignorant of what can happen for the city,
or does he have other reasons for not wanting Collegetown development
because development of Collegetown is for the benefit of all the tax-
payers in Ithaca? It will help reduce your taxes by making Collegeto
a greater financial asset to the people of Ithaca."
Howard Schlieder, 511 Linn Street, addressed the Council concerning
the Collegetown Parking Ramp, thus;
"Mayor Bordoni, Common Council, I'll get my fiddle out and play the
old song, ''It Seems I Have Heard This Before," It seems about 7 years
ago we were going to save downtown by rebuilding the entire area there,
putting up two garage ramps at the cost of $3 million each, You wonder
what the taxes are doing for us- -the $3 million we paid for two garages
which was supposed to be paid back to us but was never paid back to us
by the downtown merchants and by the hole in the' wall being developed.
The hole in the wall has been there for 7 years plus after the garages
were built. Now, I am all in favor of developing Collegetown, but I
don't see why there should be an outlay of $3 million on our part.
One of the biggest problems on the campus is where to park your car
when you go there, and Cornell suggests either A Lot or B Lot. Now,
get this one: I live at Linn Street at the very bottom of the Cliff.
My wife works at Day Hall.. In order for her to take a car, she has
to drive to either A or B Lot, then bus back. The bus ride is a
greater distance than from my house to work. Now, why does Cornell
want this parking lot there? Because that is where it is needed, Who
needs it there? Cornell. With 15 businessmen there on College Avent
hota many cars are going to park up there for 15 businesses? The bigg
portion is you are going to have a theater up there now. Right? And
the theater is going to be where the cars are parked. Cornell wants
you to build a garage so they can use it. And yet to show their
attitude toward the city they block off both accesses to their campus.
In order to get from downtown you have got to go up Dryden Road and
zigzag back and forth through all the Collegetown lights in order to
get to their front door, they block it off, it's their property.
That's their concern for us. Now, . . . . . . . . . . . .
'['here is no access across Cornell except at night after the students
have gone home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . .
what they are talking about now is consideration and planning. Planning
is one of the weakest points in this city government. They come up
with all sort of grandiose ideas and we put up a great big facade but we
haven't done anything. Has downtown really been improved? The Commons,
- 11 -
August 51 ]94
sure. But are there more businesses down there? They are so
enthusiastic but can't rent a space in the building next door. Where
are the businessmen? One of the businessmen was bankrupt just before
he became Mayor."
Daniel Hoffman, 607 N. Tioga St., representing the Fall Creek Civic
Association, read the resolution regarding reapportionment which was
passed unanimously by a clear consensus of people present on July 13,
1981, as follows:
"The Fall Creek Civic Association supports the Fifth Ward boundaries
as drawn in the "I -4 Modified Plan" for Reapportionment, proposed by
the City of Ithaca, for the following reasons:
Cascadilla Creek forms a natural and accepted southern boundary to
the Fall Creek neighborhood.
Residents of the blocks between Cascadilla Creek and Marshall Street
have long considered themselves part of the Fall Creek neighborhood
and have expressed a desire to be part of the Fifth Ward.
The student dormitories that would be added to the Fifth Ward in
'j the County's "I -9- Modified Plan" are not in keeping with the
existing character of the ward.
I� We strongly encourage the City and County to come to agreement on a
single reapportionment plan, to avoid confusion for voters."
Mr. Hoffman added that he understands this is not a perfect plan, but
doesn't think it is possible to devise a plan everyone likes. He said
this plan presents a certain opportunity to the City that none of the
other proposed changes do - -to enhance the identity of a neighborhood
that we all recognize is very strong and has a strong sense of its own
identity and its own boundaries.
Robert Johnson, 403 College Avenue, Director of the Chamber of
Commerce, representing the Collegetown Area, read the following
statement from the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce signed by
Duane R. Winters, President, on August 5, 1981:
"Today, Tompkins County and the City of Ithaca are enjoying a very
positive increase in sales taxes and the second lowest unemployment
figure in the State of New York. Some of those expressing elation
over these two factors are the very people who were opposed. to the
developments that have brought this climate about. i.e.: The Ithaca
Commons; the Elmira Road improvement and Pyramid Mall, to mention a
few.
Once again, we are faced with people who are opposing the highly con-
structive and acutely needed development of the Collegetown area. As
ironic as it may seem, tomorrow they too will be applauding the
viability of a collegetown area which will be generating a high per-
centage of the City's sales tax revenues; providing increased employ-
ment thru new and revitalized retail and service facilities and will
be a key factor in drawing visitors and tourists to the Ithaca and
Tompkins County area.
The entire philosophy of the Free Enterprise System is that you have
to make an investment in order to realize a dividend. Those who
would object to the City's making such an investment in the College -
tot�n area are very short - sighted and not giving any credence to the
return on such invcstmcrnt.
The Tompkins County Chamber' of Coi;;lnerce is on record in support of
the proposed Performing Arts Center and parking garage for College -
toivn. The City and Cornell are to be congratulated for their fore-
sight and cooperative endeavor which is the key to bringing such a
project to fruition. The future spin -off benefits that will be realized
from this endeavor far overshadoi any objections to the investment that
will be requi_ red by the City.
3 Ofi -12- August S, 1981
Unfortunately progress does not come easily. In any such endeavor
there are personal biases, political differences and a varying degree
of personal philosophies. It is because of these factors that outside
professionals are hired to do what local people, because of these
biases, are unable to accomplish. The American City Corporation, one
of the most professional engineering and development firms in the
United States has done an extensive study for the City of Ithaca on
this project. They fully acknowledge that the project will enhance
the attraction of new private development to supplement and support
committed University and City investments. They term the project
"realistic" in that there is a market support and clear recognition
that the revitalization of Collegetown requires public and private
sector cooperation and commitment. They cite the project as one that
will create a healthy, vibrant and balanced environment. They say the
project will result in the creation of a community that becomes a
"special place to be," where more and more people will want to live,
work, shop and enjoy themselves.
We, at the Chamber of Commerce, respect the right of any individual
or group to voice opposition to any project, program or endeavor.
When the decision- making process arrives however we depend and expect
our elected officials to base their action oil the best interest of
the over -all community. Once the personal biases are set aside, there
is only one answer to this issue and that is to proceed in the most
expeditious manner possible with this proposed development of the
Collegetown area.
Our Chamber here in Tompkins County asks your full support on this
issue.
Sincerely,
DUANE WINTERS, President"
Jack Redding, 323 Warren Place, addressed the Council as follows:
"lion. Mayor and the Council: I have just walked by that map and I
see that my ward, First Ward, is the equivalent, practically of the
rest of the City; so we're supposed to support Collegetown. My high -
school mathematics tell me it is going to take an awful lot of
increased sales taxes for $3.S million."
Wllen Rosten, 205 Willard Way, spoke again: "I just want to say you
don't take in $3.S million in one year. You just have to amortize
your mortgage and pay your interest and that is not an unrealistic
way of doing. That is the way we all do things. Nothing is bought
in one, the down payment being the full selling, price. It's not
realistic.. Nobody can do it that way. What you don't see is that
this parking ramp is going to bring you business, and bring you real
estate taxes, and bring you jobs and improve the economic climate.
It is not going to be an expense; it is going to be an investment in
reducing the taxes."
"Mayor Bordoni., members of the Council, press: I am a relatively
nee member to the community. I have seen the pros and cons here to
the parking ramp, and I know, as a young person moving here and
trying to get established, with the senior members in our community,
taxes are a very difficult thing for me and the only way I could
afford my property was to have a rental. unit in the property. I
would like to offer a suggestion to the Council and everybody here
about this parking ramp, considering it would be quite a large chunk
of future tax revenue to ourselves. In that area of Collegetown that
would receive the best benefit frDm it right offhand, perhaps their
taxes could be increased to qupport that and the rest of the city
stay the same. Now, if that ramp goes good as those individuals think
it will, then that revenue could he used to lower their taxes below
the rest of the citizens of the city who don't want it."
Peter Rodgers, 806 N. `1'ioga Street, spoke again: "L'xcuse me., I would
never ask to speak before the board twice, but those two people who
are in favor of the parking ramp - -I think we deserve that liberty. I
just want to make two comments on the letter from the Chamber of Commerce:
-13- August 5,
One is that the President contends that all business is good business.
Pyramid- -there is no doubt about it; Elmira Road is a beautiful. thing.
Downtown Ithaca - -It is still Questionable. I don't know if it is
paying off or not. I hope it does some day. Me, like I said, I have
lived in Ithaca all my life. There was something unique about the
old State Street. If I had my choice I would leave State Street the
way it was and I feel the same way about Collegetown. What is wrong
with that? Are we going to take everything away that we had in the
past, and build high buildings? As I came up N. Tioga Street today,
I looked and it was very pretty except for the new building that was
blocking the view of the beautiful building on the hill. I noticed
that. I hope when they get it completed it will look better than it
does now.
The other thing that I wanted to mention is studies. In my young
years I have never yet seen anyone hired, an outside consultant, come
in make a study and'give a negative report. It is rare; it just
doesn't happen. As an example, one year ago ± we broke ground on the
Center Ithaca. The American Cities Corp. did the study and because of
that study and because of the positive result, Common Council agreed
that we would not have to have signed leases in advance. Today the
rumor (only a rumor, because I get this secret information) is that
there are less than 50 percent signed leases. There have been commit-
ments where the business puts up a few dollars that they can forget
1AJ about -- peanuts really, but signed leases - -if anyone here has that
< information I would appreciate it. It is less than 50 percent and due
to open in September."
John Schmitt, 211 Auburn Street, addressed the Council:
"Mayor Bordoni, Council, friends: My name is John Schmitt, 211 Auburn
Street. Some things have been brought up here that I haven't considered
before I came to the meeting. Certainly the parking garage in College-
town would probably bring in some more business, but I work and visit
Collegetown frequently, and I haven't found the need to walk more than
a block, block and a half from wherever I was able to park to get into
Collegetown, and I find I have to walk farther than that on the
Commons to get where I want to go. The reference was made in the
study about the prognosis of this. We get these outside consultants.
They give us a lot of rosy picture and then they're gone out -of -town.
They don't have the problems we have. I would suggest that somebody
make a study of what the Octopus was going to be before they got it.
I think somebody must have made a study of what the downtown project
was going to be before we got it, but none of these things have worked
out the way they are supposed to do. The Octopus, for one thing, is
a disaster at this time. I feel that, in view of the fact that we are
asking for somewhere in the neighborhood of $4 million in these times
of fiscal trial, I suggest that Council withhold action on this at
this time. We hear the way this is going to generate tax money to
pay the cost. It never works that way. This money only buys more
projects, once the tax money is in."
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Bor oni announces that Alderman Dennis had been excused from
the meeting.
PROCLAMATION-- HIROSIIIMA /NAGASAKI
Mayor Bor oni read tie following proclamation to the Council:
11 10ILREAS, this August 6th and 9th mark the 36th year since the bombings
of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These bombings were the first and only
times that nuclear weapons have been used in modern warfare. Even
today - -a full generation later- -many Japanese people are still suffer-
ing from radiation sickness and from the psychological trauma of these
devastating bombings, and
WHEREAS, although, for many people these bombings signified the
welcomed end of WWII. This August 6th and 9th we need to commemorate
the many lives lost in wartime, From Ithaca and around the world.
N]Orcover, we especially should rcmenihcr those who died andthose still
suffering as a result of the bomh.irngs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and
3 08 _lq_ August 5, 1981
WHEREAS, it is important to realize that in the 36 years since these
bombings, the power and danger of nuclear weapons have increased
dramatically. Because of this fact., today nuclear warfare would not
be limited to single cities but would affect the entire planet. With
the unprecedented proliferation of nuclear arms throughout the world,
a limited nuclear war is highly unlikely. A nuclear weapons exchange
today would undoubtedly be a war without winners, and
WHEREAS, for these reasons we must encourage
the problems of the world peacefully rather
communicate our hopes in no uncertain terms
be used again, and
our world leaders to solve
than militarily. We must
that nuclear arms never
WHEREAS, it is in this light that we must stop
and 9th come upon us. And it is in this light
groups and individuals are sponsoring a series
Ithaca this week, called "Hiroshima /Nagasaki -
Happen Again," and
and think as August Gtr
that several concerned
of events in downtown
So That It May Never
WHEREAS, as Mayor of the City of Ithaca I encourage you to remember
the victims of WWII and of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to think about the
present nuclear arms situation and to participate in the events down-
town this week, and
WHEREAS, now, more than ever before, because of the nuclear arms situa-
tion it is essential to prevent military confrontations before they
happen=
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Raymond Bordoni, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, by
the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim August 6 -9 as the
HIROSHIMA /NAGASAKI - SO THAT IT MAY NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN REMEMBRANCE
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the great seal
of the City of Ithaca to be affixed, this 3rd day of August, 1981. .
Raymond Bordoni_
Mayor"
Resolution
By Al erman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Nichols
RESOLVED, That the HIROSHIMA /NAGASAKI - SO THAT IT MAY NEVER HAPPEN
AGAIN REMEMBRANCE proclamation be entered into the minutes.
Carried Unanimously
INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATES:
Mayor Bordoni introduced the following candidates:
Leonard Morgan, Republican candidate for aldermanic seat in Fifth Ward
William Shaw, Republican Mayoral candidate
Daniel Hoffman, candidate for aldermanic seat in the Fifth Ward who
will run in the Democratic primary
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:
It aca Yout1 Bureau
f�1ayor Bo- rc ni requested approval of the Council for appointment of
Mrs. Carol Sel.igmann, 115 Eastwood 'Terrace, to the Youth Burcau Advis-
Board for a term of office to expire December 31, 1983.
Resolution
fy Al erman Boothroyd: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Mrs. Carol
Seligmann, 115 Eastwood Terrace, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board
for a term of office to expire December 31, 1983.
Carried Unanimously
Ithaca Housing Authority
Mayor Borcon.i. requested approval of the Council for appointment of
Thomas Hanna, 210 Eddy Street, to the Ithaca Mousing Authority for a
term of office to expire October 17, 1982, . to fill the vacancy
caused by the resignation of John Crowley.
-15- August 5, 1 WIP
Resolution
By Alderman Nichols: Seconded by .alderman Gutenberger
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Thomas Manna,
210 Eddy Street, to the Ithaca housing Authority for a term of office
to expire October 17, 1982.
Carried Unanimously
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
Mayor Bordoni requested approval of the Council. for appointment of
Marvin Adelman, 32 Cornell Street, to the Ithaca Landmarks Preserva-
tion Commission for a six -month term ending January 31, 1982, to serve
in the place of Frank Moon who is on sabbatic leave.
Resolution
By Alderman Schuler: Seconded by alderman Boronkay
RESOLVED, That this Council approves appointment of Marvin Adelman,
32 Cornell Street, to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission for
a six -month term ending January 31, 1982.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORTS:
City Attorney Shapiro advised the Council that there is still no
decision on the Cayuga Heights case. The matter of removal of bill-
boards in the city is being handled by his assistant, Ralph Nash.
j He also reported that regarding building code enforcement, there have
been over thirty accusatories, several voluntary compliances, some
fined and a lot in process.
INTRODUCTION OF CANDIDATE:
Mayor Bor oni introduce Raymond Schlather, Democratic candidate for
aldermanic seat in the First Ward.
The Council recessed at 9:05 p.m. and reconvened in regular session
at 9:20 p.m.
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
A option o Local Law--Reapportionment
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
LOCAL LAW N0. y OF THE YEAR 1981
CITY OF ITHACA
A LOCAL LAW DELETING SECTION 1.3 -a, ENTITLED "WARD BOUNDARIES UNTIL
DECEMBER 31, 1975, FOR SOLE AND LIMITED PURPOSE" AND AMENDING SECTION
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 IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York
as follows:
Resolution
By Alderman Slattery: Seconded by alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the reading of the Local Law, Reapportionment, be
Iva ived. (Copy in Ol`f_icial Minute Book)
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:
Nichols Aye Boothroyd Aye
SaCCL1CC1 Aye Boronkay Aye
GutenbergeF Aye Schuler Aye
Holman Aye Ban field Aye
Slattery Aye Dennis Absent
Ayes (9)
Absent (1)
Carried
310
-16- August S, 1981
Ordinance No. 81 -3 Amending Chapter 70 Entitled "Ithaca Commons Rules"
of the City o Ithaca Municipal CocTe-
By Alderman Slattery: SeconJe d - -)y Alderman Nichols
ORDINANCE N0, 81 -3
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 70 Entitled "Ithaca Commons Rules"
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. That Chapter 70 entitled "Ithaca Commons Rules of the
City of Ithaca Municipal Code" is amended as follows:
That Subdivision 1. of Section 70.3 entitled "Definitions" is
hereby amended to read as follows:
111. Ithaca Commons shall mean that area of public property between
the south building lines on the north side and the north building
lines on the south side of the former bed and associated sidewalks of
East State Street between the east line of Cayuga Street and the west
line of Aurora Street, and that area of public property between the
west building lines on the east side and the east building lines on
the west side of the former bed and associated sidewalks of NORTH
TIOGA STREET, between the north line of State Street and the south
line of Seneca Street in the City of Ithaca, New York."
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of a notice as provided in
Section 3.11(B) of the Ithaca City Charter.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried. Unanimously
Citizen Complaint of Police Action Procedure Revision
By Al erman Slattery:
RESOLVED, That the following statement, "Citizens Complaint of Police
Action, City of Ithaca, be adopted by the Council:
Declaration of Basic Principles. Every citizen shall have the right
to present is complaint in accordance with procedures herein, free
from interference, coercion, restraint, discrimination, or reprisal
and shall have the right to be represented by a person of his own
choosing at all stages of the complaint procedure.
Complaint. Shall mean any claimed violation, misinterpretation, or
inequitable application of the existing laws, rules, procedures,
regulations, administrative orders, or work rules of the Department
of Police, City of Ithaca, New York.
Presentation of Complaint. A citizen who presents a complaint must
present —Fis complaint to the attention of the Police Commissioners
at the Hall of Justice, 120 E. Clinton Street, within seven days
after the occurrence constituting the complaint. The Police Com-
missioners may waive the seven -clay limitation at their discretion
for good cause shown. The complaint shall be submitted as a written
statement signed and sworn to before a Notary Public by the complain,-, .
and shall contain the following information:
1)
the name and residence
address of
the citizen presenting the
complaint;
2)
the name and names of each police
officer involved in the com-
plaint, if known;
3)
the names and residence
addresses
of any witnesses to the
occurrence constituting
the complaint;
and
4)
a concise statement of the
nature
of the complaint and the facts
relating to said complaint.
-17- August S, 1Vol.
Time for Hearing. Notice. The Police Commissioners shall hold a
hearing within two weeks after receiving the written complaint unless
a Civil Service Hearing or criminal action is contemplated. The
Police Commissioners shall give at least five (5) days written notice
of time and place of such hearing to all parties involved.
Conduct of Hearing. The hearing on the complaint may be held in
public or private, as determined by the Police Commissioners. A
hearing may be conducted by at least two of the three Police Commis-
sioners. If fewer than three Police Commissioners are present at
such hearing, the members conducting the hearing shall render a report
to the full Board. In any case where two Police Commissioners have
conducted a hearing and do not agree in their finding a further hearing
shall be held with the participation of all three members of the Board.
Rules of Evidence. The Police Commissioners shall not be bound by
formal rules of evidence, but all testimony shall be given under oath.
Summary of Hearing. A written or tape - recorded summary of all hearings
held by the Police Commissioners shall be kept at the Hall of Justice.
Vote Necessary. Two concurring votes shall be necessary to determine
any official report or action of the Police Commissioners.
Report of Hearing. The Police Commissioners shall make their report
in writing within five (5) days after the close of the hearing to the
Mayor. After the Mayor has acted upon the recommendations contained
` in said report, he shall provide official copies of the report to the
complainant, any persons named in the complaint, Chief of Police,
City Clerk, City Attorney, and the Civil Service Commission. The
report shall include a statement of the Commissioners' findings of
fact, conclusions, and advisory recommendations. Upon the request of
any citizen, a copy of the transcript of any such report may be
obtained by payment of a reasonable fee.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Alderman Slattery withdrew his resolution in order that the committee
may further review the procedure and return to the Council with its
recommendation.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Collegetown Project Phase II Contract
By Alderman Gutenberger: Secon e by Alderman Nichols
WHEREAS, the first phase of the Collegetown project has been success-
fully completed, and
WHEREAS, a contract has been negotiated to the satisfaction of
representatives of each of the parties involved;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That City staff is authorized and
directed to make final contractual agreements with Cornell University
and the American City Corporation, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That upon the recommendation of the City
Attorney and the Director of Planning and Development, the Mayor is
hereby authorized to execute the contract with the American City
Corporation with fees to he shared with Cornell University on an equal
basis.
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:
Slattery
Aye
Holman
Aye
Boothroyd
Aye
Gutenberger
Aye
Boronkay
Aye
Saccucci
Nay
Schuler
Aye
Nichols
Aye
Barfield
Nay
Dennis
Absent
Ayes (7)
Nays (2)
Absent (1)
Carried
-18- August 5, 1981
Wastewater Facility Capital Project
By nlcerman Gut enb erger: Secon ed by Alderman Boothroyd
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has accepted a Step II Grant offer from
the U.S..Environmental Protection Agency for design of the Ithaca.
Waste Water Treatment Plant, EPA Project No. C- 361095 -02, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to establish a capital project to provide
for the receipts and disbursements of these funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council establishes
a capital project to be known as "Design of Sewage Treatment Plant,"
Project No. 98, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That funding for this project be as follows:
Federal Share 750 $1,5733,583
State Share 12 - -1120 262,263
City Share 1.2 -1120 271,614
2,107,460
Carried Unanimously
Youth Bureau Roster
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the Youth Bureau 1981 Personnel Roster be amended
as follows:
Remove: One (1) Youth Worker Position - 3/4 -time
Add: One (1) Youth Worker Position - Full -time
Carried Unanimously
G.I.A.C. Roster
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the G.I.A.C. 1981 Personnel Roster be amended as
follows:
Add: One (1) Educational Instructor Position - Full -time
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Engineering Department Roster
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the Engineering Department 1981 Personnel Roster be
amended as follows:
Remove: One (1) Senior Engineering Aide Position
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Banfield, Boronkay, Gutenberger, Holman, Nichols,
Saccucci, Schuler, Slattery
Nay (1) - Boothroyd
Absent (1) - Dennis
Carried
Bonnie Steinberg Leave of Absence
I3y Alterman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That this Common Council grants an unpaid leave of absence
for one (1) year for Bonnie Steinberg, Administrative Secretary,
Personnel Department, effective August 21, 1981.
Carried Unanimously
Personnel Department Roster
I 1Terman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Department 1981 Personnel Roster be
amended as follows:
Remove: One (1) Administrative Secretary
Add: One (1) Senior Stenographer
Carried Unanimously
1K_`
-19- August 5, 41
Acquisition of Floral Avenue Property
By Al erman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
WHEREAS, Alfred and Frieda June, the owners of property at 229 Floral
Avenue, from which the structure has been removed, have offered this
property to the City for $1,400.00, being the assessed value, and
WHEREAS, the acquisition of this property would consolidate the
ownership of property in continuity- in the inlet area, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recommends that this property be
acquired;
(:Napo NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Attorney be authorized
and directed to purchase the property at 229 Floral Avenue for an
amount not to exceed $1,400.00.
Carried Unanimously
New York Times Ad
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Boothroyd
RESOLVED, That the City Attorney be requested to investigate the
possibility of reimbursement to the City of funds paid for the ad
placed in the New York Times pertaining to the Ithaca Festival.
;%I Discussion followed on the floor.
a A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Banfield, Boothroyd, Holman, Boronkay, Slattery,
Saccucci, Schuler, Gutenberger
Nay (1) - Nichols
Absent (1) - Dennis
Carried
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 $19,585.80, as
listed on Audit Abstract #14/1981, be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Alderman Nichols reported that the Planning and Development and
Charter and Ordinance Committees have been meeting jointly to discuss
matters concerning both groups.
At the September meeting the Council will be asked to vote on a
Flood Plain Ordinance which is now being drafted so that the citizens
continue to be covered by federal flood insurance. This will be a
separate ordinance.
Alderman Nichols reported that the Energy Commission has been meeting
and have reported to the committee, and have been strongly suggesting
that the city avail itself of a free energy audit available from
NYSE &G so that we can determine areas where the city may be spending
excessively for energy.
Alderman Nichols reported that the Commons Advisory Board came to
them with a request to have their limit expanded to include the
peripheral streets. The committee asked for more information about
how the property owners on the adjoining streets felt. She noted
that the Commons Advisory Board are holding a public hearing at their
regular meeting on August 7, 1981 at 9 :30 a.m. in the Council Chambers.
Alderman Nichols reported that the Recycling Committee have also been
meeting. They should have their report ready for the Council, and it
is very extensive, including a wealth of information that they have
obtained on different program costs, benefit_;, etc.
Alderman Nichols reported that Conrail has been improving the grade
crossings inside the city and, prier to that the suggestion has been
that they might increase their Qeed inside the ci:tY', City Engineer
Cox has communicated with them the ties -ire of Council that they should
31-4 -20- August 5, 1981
increase their speed from 5 to 10 miles per Hour inside the city.
She will report the results of that at the next meeting.
The committee also expressed to the Department of Public Works their
desire that t} ncludedaanda preparedcby�1January `,1 but thas not pre-emptive
heard if
signals be co P
this is possible.
INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
Al erman Slattery reported that tie committee has been meeting on a
weekly basis, and that discussions on the makeup of a municipal sewer
board in the possibility of joint ownership and operation. The makeu
of the board still has not been resolved, but he expressed the hope
it would be resolved by fall, or the end of the year, at least.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION:
�1 erman IIolman reporter t at t e Commission has some questions about
the use of road salt in the city, particularly as it affects the trees
which we spend a great deal of money September on the tree lines.
This will come up for. review a t P er
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Human Services Coalition
Alderman }Iolman JUVVIL1.1 that the Coalition is currently going through
the review process for city and county revenue sharing requests. Two
of those are for city revenue sharing requests.
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Pedestrian Walk Cycle - requeste at four intersections
1`layor Bordoni reported that the New York State Department of Transporta-
tion has had a staff shakeup, therefore the report on the city's
request for walk cycles at four intersections has been delayed. He
did not hear anything from them so he wrote to Mr. Powers of the NYSDoT.
Mr. Powers called him and said man
and that the
thejob
city probably time
willing
that evaluation, a NYSDoT engineer,
have a report by the end of this week or next week.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution of Confidence - - result of recent Ithaca Journal editorial
By Al erman Slattery: Seconded by Alderman Saccucci
WHEREAS, Chief James Herson, Mayor Raymond Bordoni, the City of Ithaca
Police Commissioners, officers and staff of the Ithaca Police Depart-
ment and the entire city administration have faithfully carried out
their sworn duty to uphold the laws of the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, recent thefts of records and money has prompted a call for
a special Grand Jury investigation of the City of Ithaca Police
Department and its administration;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council hereby
declares its support and confidence in the ability of the Ithaca
Police Department, the Mayor and Police Commissioners to conduct their
own internal investigation of possible misconduct of someone within
the staff of the Ithaca Police Department.
w-, I'I FUR "IIILR RESOLV }ill, That the findings of this investigation shall
be made fully public upon completion. Carried Unanimously
Mayor Bordoni commenter} that the article in the Ithaca Journal was
grossly unjust, completely irresponsible, and obviously written by
someone who did a very poor job. The article was inflammatory.
Special State Aid Package
AZc --rman tauten )erger reported that Mayor Bordoni has received a
comnnanication informing h:im that a special state aid package of.
approximately $354,000 will be received by the city, and he expressed
two concerns:
Iflien we receive this money, lie said lie thinks we should spend some
time and develop a policy as to what use we are going to put that
money, since basically it is unanticipated revenue to the city.
r-
- 21- August S, 1,60
Secondly, Al derman Gutenberger said that reductions in the last two
years that we have had in state aid per capita is roughly the same
amount as this amount we will be receiving. fie expressed the
personal opinion that when we receive that money, it be put aside
and earmarked in a special reserve account to be used only for re-
duction of taxes for whatever the period of time Council deems
necessary. Fie looks at it as a replacement of money which has already
been taken away from us, not new money.
Resolution
By Alderman Gutenberger: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the matter of the Special State Aid Package be referred
to the Budget and Administration Committee.
Alderman Holman commented that inasmuch as this is of special interest
to the entire Council, the discussions should be open to all of the
Council.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Swimming at GIAC on Sunday
Al erman Slattery callettention to the swimming of children in the
pool at Markles Flats on Sunday without any supervision. The pool
h "I is not open on Sunday and the children have been squeezing through the
A. fence to gain entrance. He asked that the Board of Public Works be
a,. requested to make the area inaccessible, in the interests of the
children, at times when there is no supervision.
Mayor Bordoni assured Alderman Slattery that he and Alderman Banfield
would call this to the attention of the Board of Public Works.
Motorcycles in Stewart Park
As a matter of information, Alderman Banfield reported that motorcycles
are being allowed in Stewart Park on a trial basis for a month.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
dtd (� /jJ
Jos ph A. Run le, City Cle k
D
°Ray'monl Bor n , Mayor