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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