HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1982-05-05COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. May 5, 1982
447
PRESENT:
Mayor - Shaw
Aldermen (10) - Banfield, Clynes, Dennis, Hoffman, Holdsworth, Holman,
Killeen, Myers, Schlather, Schuler
_ OTHERS PRESENT:
City Controller - Spano
Dep. City Controller - Caf£erillo
46 Personnel Administrator - Collins
Fire Chief - Tuckerman
Fire Commissioner - Anderson
Supt. of Public Works - Kinsella
Director, Planning $ Development - Van Cort
Board of Representatives - Nichols
City Clerk - Rundle
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Shaw led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
(Y) flag.
MINUTES:
� Alderman Clynes directed attention to the Minutes of April 5, 1982,
p. 5, para. 2 under Colle etown Development Program, in which Alderman
CI Dennis commented that a joint meeting of the.Planning.and Development
and Budget and Administration Committees which includes all of Council
will be held. . . . Alderman Clynes pointed out that she and Alderman
Hoffman are not on either of the committees; therefore were not
included in the meeting.
Alderman Schlather requested correction on p. 9; the last BE IT FURTHER
• RESOLVED of Amended Resolution should read, "That the Recycling Task
Force study further a municipal leaf - baling program. "
Resolution
y�Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the April 5, 1982 meeting be approved
as corrected.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Human Services Committee
Alderman an ield requested addition of an item, Report of Youth
Bureau Fee Schedule -- Possible Resolution.
No Council member objected.
Planning and Development Committee
Alderman Banfield requested the addition of an item XII. B2: a
resolution concerning Hydropower.
Mayor Shaw commented that it was acceptable under the condition that
the resolution be passed around so that all could read it.
Budget and AdministrLo i.on Committee
• Al erman Holman reque: :ted an a dition to Item B, Youth Bureau
Authorized Equipment; and a substitution for Item E, Traffic
Violations Bureau resolution.
No Council member objected.
Mayor
Mayor Shaw requested approval to move Mayoral appointments so they
could be made before Communications from the Mayor.
No Council member objected.
444 -2- May 5, 1982
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:
Desi n Review Board
D4ayor S aw requested approval of the appointment of Karen Tasjian,
206 Cornell Street, to the Design Review Board for a term to expire
December 31, 1983.
Resolution
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Karen Tasjian,
206 Cornell Street, to the Design Review Board for a term to expire
December 31, 1983.
Carried Unanimously
Ms. Tasjian took the oath of office and was sworn in by the City Clerk.
Youth Bureau Advisory Board
Mayor Shaw requested approval of the appointment of Irene Jessen,
111 W'. Yates Street, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board for a term
to expire December 31, 1984.
Resolution
By Alderman Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Irene Jessen,
111 W. Yates Street, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board for a term
to expire December 31, 1984.
Carried Unanimously
Ms. Jessen took the oath of office and was sworn in by the City Clerk
Commons Advisory Board
Mayor Shaw requested approval of the appointment of Millicent Lounsberry,
102 Oakwood Lane, to the Commons Advisory Board for a term to expire
December 31, 1983 to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of
Mr. Jules Lichter.
Resolution
By Alderman Clynes: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Millicent
Lounsberry, 102 Oakwood Lane, to the Commons Advisory Board for a term
to expire December 31, 1983.
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNICATIONS:
Tompkins County Nuclear Weapons Freeze Campaign
Mayor Shaw reported receiving a communication dated April 29, 1982,
and signed by Physicians for Social Responsibility, Educators for
Social Responsibility and Tompkins County Nuclear Weapons Freeze
Campaign, summarizing a meeting held on April 15, with attachment
calling on both the county and city governing bodies. A copy of the
communication is available in the City Clerk's office. He referred
the communication to Human Services Committee for consideration.
Ithaca Falls
Mayor 6haw read a letter from Rita Hendrik expressing concern for the
falls if a hydropower plant were to be located there. A copy of the
letter is available in the City Clerk's office.
Community Gardens
Mayor Shaw reported receiving a letter from Kristina Elmstrom, 117
Sears Street, expressing concern about potential development of the
parcel of land on First Street known as the Community Gardens. A
copy of the letter is available in the City Clerks office. —
PETITIONS AND
OF PERSONS
L:
Collegetown PetYtion
Step en A. Fontana, 401 Eddy Street presented the following petition
containing 48 signatures:
"Ile, the undersigned business and professional people of the College-
town area, encourage Common Council to proceed with the Collegetown
Development Project currently being considered. It is our feeling
that the long -term benefits of a parking facility and beautification
will more than outweigh any short -term business reaction during
constructio.n."
-3- May 5, 1982 449
Collegetown Project
Dr. Reuben 1Veiner, 1021 Hector Street, read the following letter dated
May 5, 1982, addressed to Mayor Shaw, members of Common Council and
members of Ithaca's Urban Renewal Agency:
"This letter is presented tonight for the public record.
Most of our city's residents and business people cannot tolerate further
significant raises in our taxes for a multimillion dollar parking garage
on Dryden Road, which they will not use and cannot afford.
If Cornell University or Collegetown merchants insist on a 3.5 to 10
million dollar (or more after financing) parking garage, we urge that
they pay for it and maintain it themselves, or that they obtain funding
for it independent of our already overburdened taxpayers' pocketbooks.
Please consider the construction, repair and daily policing and mainten-
ance costs of our Seneca and Green Street parking garages. These at_
least are more centrally located and are used by a greater percentage
of city taxpayers, but many Ithacans question whether their benefits
justify the one - quarter million dollars net loss to the city each year.
N Our city's debt limit has been weakened considerably.by continual
W spending in recent years. Let us all learn from the past and stop
spending money we do not have. These are hard times, as illustrated
Q by an empty Rothschild's store, struggling Center Ithaca, rising
Q unemployment, terribly high interest rates and the many people here
and throughout America already facing bankruptcy.
Might it not be more prudent to pave a parking lot nearby.for fifteen
to twenty cars at a fifteen to twenty thousand dollar cost in College-
town for the time being? Please reflect carefully and resolve not to
commit our city's taxpayers to the cost or maintenance of this multi-
__ million dollar structure tonight or ever in the future. Stop before
you go too far!
We suggest that you act responsibly and representatively for thrift
in your voting and spending records tonight and hereafter.
Yours truly,
Ithacans for Thrift in Government (15 signatures)"
Statement of Commendation
Robert Johnson, 403 College Avenue, presented the following statement:
"I would like to commend our Mayor, the Common Council, city planners,
the several city boards and others who have so.far participated in the
orderly process of studying, reviewing and understanding the Collegetown
Development Program presented to us by the American City Corporation.
I have great faith in the integrity, wisdom, and fairness of those who
will ultimately decide what is best for our whole city. One can only
be impressed with the observed frequent attendance of most council
members at sessions where Collegetown Development matters were pre-
sented or discussed. Therefore, I know that this council will put aside
all emotion and bias and will vote to move forward now to the next step;
which is further study and development of the best plan for the proper
execution of needed Collegetown improvements."
• Trolley on Buffalo Street
Robert P of , 309 College Avenue, spokesperson for the Ad Hoc Committee
for Bringing the Trolley Back to Ithaca, spoke in favor of bringing
the trolley, or funicular,back to Ithaca as a means of transportation
between Collegetown and the Downtown. lie wished to go on record as it
being an idea in which everyone can get involved.
Alderman Killeen commented that Mr. Pfaff served the City of Ithaca
as volunteer of N9 for a number of years and was familiar with the
neighborhood.
Mayor Shaw referred the suggestion to the Board of Public Works by
Liaison Banfield, and to the Energy Committee.
450
-4-
May 5, 1982
Collegetown Project
Gus Lambrou, 414 Street, owner of Stone Travel Agency, spoke to
the Council in favor of the Collegetown project and expressed the
hope that the City would proceed with Collegetown Development.
Traffic Violations Bureau
Jim Hennerty, 214 Prospect Street, representative for the Civil Service
Employees Association, spoke to the Council saying he had submitted two
written presentations on the matter of the employees of the Traffic
Violations Bureau. He reiterated how strongly he felt about the poino
made in the presentations, to emphasize that the two women employees
there should be retained at the salaries that he feels they are
entitled to, particularly in view of the services they provide, the
excellent skills they provide and the fact that it is one of the few
city operations that produces quite a bit of revenue. He offered to
answer any questions the Council might have when the item comes up
on the agenda, and suggested they might wish to go into Executive
Session as.discussion might deal. with specifics concerning the matter.
Collegetown Project
Anne Clavel, 109 Cornell Street, spoke to the Council as being opposed
to City money being invested in Collegetown. She said Collegetown is
essentially a bedroom and parking lot for Cornell, and the commercial
uses there serve those two.purposes. She believes that very stringent
planning and development controls are needed there, as well as a
separate policy for taxing.
Collegetown Project
Ellen Rosten, 205 N. Willard Way, President, Collegetown Enhancement
Association, spoke in favor of Collegetown project which she feels
is long overdue. She feels the City should proceed with the project,
if reports show it to the city's advantage, even if Cornell does not
h th st
s are a co
Hydropower
arolyn Peterson, 110 Day Street, Chairman, Fall Creek Civic Associa-
tion, spoke to the Council saying the Fall Creek Civic Association is--
opposed to hydropower being developed in Ithaca by anyone.
Lilly Reichmann, 217 Willard way, presented the following petition
signed by 62 residents of Willard Way and Lake Street:
"The undersigned strongly oppose the construction of a hydroelectric
power plant at Ithaca Falls.
A hydroplant would not only-mar the beauty of one of Ithaca's major
natural assets, but would encroach on the residential character of
the area.
The relatively small kilowatt gain does not warrant the destruction
of the spectacular site at the base of the falls, severe reduction of
the flow over the falls, loss of aquatic life and use for recreational
pursuits.
We urge Common Council to discourage and prevent any outside -or-
local interest group from erecting a hydroelectric plant at Ithaca
Falls."
Spencer RoAlderman SM Mather presented the following petition, signed by forty -
three residents of Spencer Road and S. Meadow Street Extension:
"We are residents of Spencer Road and the adjacent area in the City
of Ithaca, New York. We are concerned about the traffic on Spencer
Road. We are concerned about the safety of those who live, play and
travel in our neighborhood. Specifically, we petition the City of
Ithaca for three measures which we believe will provide a greater degree
of safety and protection for those who use our neighborhood streets:
(1) Installation of three "STOP" signs at the intersection of South
Meadow Street and Spencer Road, instead of the current one sign.
-5- May 5, 1982 451
(2) Strict enforcement of the 30 MPH speed limit by the Ithaca City
Police.
(3) Installation of well - placed street pavement "bumps" which dis-
courage through traffic."
Alderman Schlather said he intends to send copies of the petition to
the Board of Public Works, Supt. of Public Works, Mayor and Police
Chief, and anyone else who wishes to have a copy.
Ithaca Downtown Business Women
Alderman Banfield read the following letter which he had received
from the Ithaca Downtown Business Women:
"Whereas, the Ithaca Downtown Business Women are vitally concerned
with the economic well -being of the City of Ithaca and the.continuing
natural beauty of the area, and
Whereas, the Ithaca Downtown Business Women believe the Ithaca Falls
and Fall Creek Gorge to be among the outstanding natural attractions
j� bringing visitors to our region, and
Whereas, the Ithaca Downtown Business Women support all community
N efforts to encourage tourism as a local industry, and
LLJ
Q Whereas, the Ithaca Downtown Business Women believe the historic and
Q scenic Ithaca Falls should be preserved for the appreciation of
future generations;
Now, therefore, be it resolved, That the Ithaca Downtown Business
Women believe that the City should discourage any development within
the Ithaca Falls and Fall Creek Gorge site and explore any and all
possibilities of preserving the area in its natural state.
The above resolution was passed at the regular meeting May 3, 1982.
Cornelia H. Hill, Vice President
136 Cascadilla Park
Ithaca, New York"
COMMUNICATIONS FROM MAYOR:
NYS Conference of Mavors and Other Municipal Officials
Mayor Shaw reported receiving notice of the Annual NYS Conference of
Mayors and Other Municipal Officials. The 73rd annual meeting of
cities and villages will be held at Grossinger's Hotel, Grossinger,
N.Y. from June 6 through 10, 1982; the theme for this year is "New
Directions for Cities and Villages." Mayor Shaw suggested anyone
interested in attending the conference contact Ruthann Brown of the
Mayor's office for specifics.
Agenda Items
Mayor Shaw requested that the Council, particularly committee chairmen,
notify the Clerk's office, Mayor's office and department heads affected
of agenda items, especially additions, corrections or changes.
Capital Improvements Review Committee
Ma -- yor Shaw announced the appointment of the Capital Improvements
- -- Review Committee as required by the Administrative Code which specifies
' two members from Common Council, Board of Public Works and Planning
Board. He appointed the following:
Elva Holman, James Dennis -- Common Council
Peter Rogers, Robert Holdsworth -- Planning Board
Gerald Schickel, Kenneth Walker- -Board of Public Works
CITY CLERK'S REPORT:
1982 City Roster
City Cler Run le reported that the 1982 City Roster is presently
at the printer's and should be available early next week.
EALIAM
1 m
KIM
May 5, 1982
List of Cler Run l Appointments
City e reported that he had prepared a list as requested
by Council of the appointments made by the Mayor, Common Council and
Mayor with Council's approval.
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
Pushcart on the Commons
City Attorney Tavelli reported that he had received
regulations from the Commons Advisory Board and was
for legality. He will try to havq a recommendation
Advisory Board for their meeting on May 14, 1982.
the proposed
reviewing them
for the Commons
City Attorney Tavelli reported that there has been a pushcart on the
Commons which appeared a week ago Saturday and that cart has been in
a spot not proposed and licensed by the Commons Advisory Board. The
owners of the cart have been issued an Appearance Ticket in Ithaca
City Court for each day they have been operating without that license.
Earlier that day Mr. Tavelli met with the City Judge and Prosecutor -
and the attorney for the pushcart operator and that matter is pending
in City Court. The Judge has granted the defendants 21 days to file
motions with respect to the legality or illegality of the statute and
of the various charges. Under the City.Charter the City Prosecutor
is charged with prosecuting that matter farther. City Attorney Tavelli
is working with him to see that the various codes and regulations are
upheld.
Mayor Shaw commented on the situation, saying this issue has generated
a great deal of interest on the part of several members of Council,
is of vital concern to members of the Commons Advisory Board, members
of the Downtown Ithaca Business Association and members of the community.
It is his impression that we have a very simple case of civil dis-
obedience by the owners of the pushcart who have chosen to locate on
the Commons. He said their lawyer is quite aware of our proposed
process. He explained the options the City has in handling the case,
and reported that he has asked City Attorney Tavelli to work with th�
City Prosecutor in pursuing the citations, as well as to prepare a
legal memorandum. He also will work with.the Charter and Ordinance
Committee and Commons Advisory Board to expedite the process for a
July resolution.
In answer to a question from Alderman Schlather, Mayor Shaw stated he
was following the advice of the City Attorney, and that there will be,
no effort to secure a temporary or permanent injunction at this time.
Discussion followed on the floor. Questions were answered by City
Attorney Tavelli with respect to other cases pending.
BUDGET AND ADMEN
COMMITTEE:
Plannin De artment ut orize E ui ment
By Al erman olman- Seconded y Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the 1982 General Fund Authorized.Equipment List.be
amended to include the purchase of a Bruning White -print machine as
requested by the Planning Department, at a cost not to exceed $1,860,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That $1,860 be transferred from the Contingent
Account A1990 to Planning Department Account A8020 -220, Office
Equipment.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) - Clynes, Dennis, Hoffman, Holdsworth, Holman, Killeen,
Myers, Schlather, Schuler
Nay (1) - Banfield
Carried
Youth Bureau Authorized E ui ment
By Alderman }Iolman: Secon.e by Alderman Killeen
(1) RESOLVER, That the 1982 General Fund Authorized Equipment List
be amended to include the purchase of a Sanyo Cassette Player as re-
quested by the Youth Bureau Director, at a cost not to exceed $100,
and
-7- May 5, 1982 453
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That $100 be transferred from Youth Bureau
Account A7310 -311, Program Supplies to Account A7310 -250, Other
Equipment.
Carried Unanimously
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
(2) RESOLVED, That the 1982 General Fund Authorized Equipment List
be amended to include the purchase of an Ice Machine as requested by
the Youth Bureau Director, at a cost not to exceed $1,200, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That $212 be transferred from Youth Bureau
Account A7310 -401, Telephone, to Account A7310 -250, Other Equipment.
Carried Unanimously
Colle e rAmvenHuo lmCa ta1 coject Expenditure
an By Prn e
by Alderman Dennis
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, Cornell University and representatives
of community groups have been working for some time on a joint plan
for the redevelopment. of Collegetown which would include a Performing
Arts Center, a parking structure, and a variety of newly constructed,
privately owned buildings, and
(y) WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and Cornell University jointly hired the
N American City Corporation to examine the feasibility of this develop -
W ment program for Collegetown, and
GL
I Q WHEREAS, the American City Corporation's report indicates that this
program-is economically feasible and can physically be accommodated
on the site, and
WHEREAS, the proposed program has many benefits for the Collegetown
area and the City at large, and
WHEREAS, many questions remain which can only be answered through
• further examination of the area's development potential, and
WHEREAS, consultant fees, a developer packet, advertising and travel
may be required to answer these questions and examine the area's
development potential in more detail;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council approves
that a maximum of $6,000 be allocated from the College Avenue
Capital Project No. 149, for the purposes outlined above.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holdsworth, Clynes, Schlather,
Holman, Myers
Nays (2) - Banfield, Hoffman
Carried
G.I.A. C. Employee Salary Increase
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
RESOLVED, That Cassandra Haddon, R,!c:reation Attendant with G.I.A.C.,
be granted a salary increase to $3.50 per hour, as requested by the
Youth Bureau Director, effective May 3, 1982.
• Carried Unanimously
Council recessed at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened in regular session at
9:08 P.M.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENT:
Youth Bur_e�_fu__AJ'visory Board
Mayor Shaw requeste approval for appointment of Christine Neimeth,
205 Fallview Terrace, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board for a term
to expire December 31, 1984.
454 -8_ May 5, 1982
Resolution
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Clynes
RESOLVED, That the Council approves the appointment of Christine
Neimeth, 205 Fallview Terrace, to the Youth Bureau Advisory Board
for a term to expire December 31, 1984.
Carried Unanimously
Miss Neimeth took the oath of office and was sworn in by the City
Clerk.
Traffic Violations Bureau
Alderman Holman presented a brief background of the reasons for the
following resolution:
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
RESOLVED, That Joan Russell be temporarily appointed to the position
of Account Clerk on Step 7 of the C.S.E.A. 1982 Compensation Plan,
with an annual salary of $10,401, pending approval of City Civil
Service and State Civil Service Commission; and that Maureen Troy be
temporarily appointed to the position of Clerk on Step 7 of the C.S.E.A.
1982 Compensation Plan, with an annual salary of $9,189, pending
approval of City Civil Service and State Civil Service Commissions, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a promotional examination be considered
by the City Controller after evaluation of the duties of the positions.
Amendment to Resolution
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the above resolution be amended so that Joan Russell
be temporarily appointed to the position of Account Clerk on Step 8
of the C.S.E.A. 1982 Compensation Plan, with an annual salary of
$10,816, pending approval of City Civil Service and State Civil
Service Commission; and that Maureen Troy be temporarily appointed to
the position of Clerk on Step 9 of the C.S.E.A. 1982 Compensation Plan
with an annual salary of $9,939 . . . .
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) - Banfield, Dennis, Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Clynes,
Nays (4) - Holdsworth, Holman, Myers, Schlather
Carried
Main Motion as Amended
RESOLVED, That Joan Russell be temporarily appointed to the position
of Account Clerk on Step 8 of the C.S.E.A. 1982 Compensation Plan,
with an annual salary of $10,816, pending approval of City Civil
Service and State Civil Service Commission; and that Maureen Troy be
temporarily appointed to the position of Clerk on Step 9 of the
C.S.E.A. 1982 Compensation Plan, with an annual salary of $9,939,
pending approval of City Civil Service and State Civil Service
Commissions, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a promotional examination be considered
by the City Controller after evaluation of the duties of the positions.
Ayes (7) - Banfield, Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Myers,
Clynes
Nays (3) - Holdsworth, Holman, Schlather �.
Carried
Golf Pro Contract
By 1 erman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
WHEREAS, negotiations have been entered into with Mr. Steven Torrant
to provide professional services to the City of Ithaca as Golf Pro
at the Newman Municipal Golf Course, and
WHEREAS, both parties have come to an agreement on the terms and
conditions of said contract, and
455
May 5, 1982
WHEREAS, the City attorney has reviewed and approved the form and
conditions of said contract, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has authorized the Mayor to sign
a three (3) year contract with Mr. Steven Torrant on behalf of the
City for $17,000, effective January 1, 1982, with a maximum escala-
tion of 9% in subsequent years, in such form as shall be approved by
the City Attorney;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council approves a
• transfer of funds, not to exceed $6,000, from the Contingent Account
A1990, to the Golf Course Account A7250 -407, Contractual Services, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Controller is directed to make
all other necessary adjustments to the Golf Course Accounts as may be
required.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
(� Ayes (3).- Schlather, Clynes, Holdsworth
(v Nays (6) - Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holman, Myers
w Abstention (_1) - Banfield
Q Motion Defeated
Q D.P.W. Authorized E iii IDent
y Alderman olman: econ ed by Alderman Schlather
WHEREAS, bids were received for supplying a tandem roller in accordance
with specifications, for a net bid price of $16,379, plus the optional
towing packet, at a bid price of $4,327, and
WHEREAS, the 1982 General Fund Authorized Equipment List provided
$15,000 for the purchase of a tandem roller;
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council approves the
purchase of a tandem roller,.with an optional towing packet, for a
total bid price of $20,706, as recommended by the Board of Public
Works, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That $5,706 be transferred from Maintenance
of Roads Account A5111 -230, Motor Vehicles, to Account A.5111 -240,
Street Equipment.
Carried Unanimously
Audit
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the bills audited and approved by the Budget and Admini-
stration Committee, in the total amount of $17,619.01, as listed on
Audit Abstract #8/1982, be approved for payment.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Collegetown
• By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, Cornell University and representatives
of community groups have been working for some time on a joint plan
for the redevelopment of Collegetown which would include a Performing
Arts Center, a parking structure, and a variety of newly constructed,
privately owned buildings, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and Cornell University jointly hired the
American City Corporation to examine the feasibility of this develop-
ment program for Collegetown, and
WHEREAS, the American City Corporation's second phase report indicates
that this program is economically feasible and can physically be
accommodated on the site, and
456
-10- May 5, 1982
WHEREAS, the proposed program has many potential benefits for the
Collegetown area and the City at large, and
WHEREAS, many questions remain which can only be answered through
further examination of the area's development potential, and
WHEREAS, proceeding with this step offers the City an opportunity to
look carefully at the financial obligation of this plan, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and the Planning and Develo
ment Board, Board of Public Works, and the Planning and Development
Committee have recommended that the Council proceed with the develop-
ment of the Collegetown project; --
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council directs staff
to proceed with the next phase of development of a Collegetown re-
development proposal in order that the costs and benefits of the
project can be more fully understood, that further work with private'
developers can be done to see whether a development package advantageous
to the City can be structured, that negotiations with the University
as t6-the distribution of project costs can proceed, that appropriate
changes in zoning be considered, that further examination of a local tax
benefit district be undertaken, that the choice between a parking
structure and on -site parking can be made, that more accurate assess-
ments of parking demand and traffic patterns can be made and that, if
all elements can be put into place, an application be prepared for
federal or state funding for review by the IURA /CDA and Council, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That upon completion of the above listed items,
the Collegetown development project will be brought back to the IURA
and to the Common Council for final action before any final commitments
are made or application submitted to the potential funding agencies.
Ayes (8), - Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holdsworth, Holman, Myers,
Clynes, Schlather
Nays CZ) - Banfield, Hoffman
Carried
Hydro ower Project Resolution No. 1
By Alderman Dennis: beconde by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the Mayor to submit by June 7,
1982 a protest /comments to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
in accordance with the recommendations and suggested comments of the
Hydropower Commission;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the Mayor to
submit by June 7, 1982 a notice of intent to file an application for
a license to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the Department
of Planning and Development and the Department of Public Works to
jointly initiate a search for an engineering consultant capable of
preparing a preliminary design for a hydropower plant at Ithaca Falls;
no contract with said consultant shall be signed until approved by
Council;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That Common Council authorize the Department of
Planning and Development to assist a designated agent in preliminary
negotiations with Cornell University and Synergies, Inc. regarding a
number of issues and alternatives associated with City involvement in
the hydropower plant construction and operation;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the designated agent shall report any and
all progress in such negotiations to the Planning and Development
Committee on or before May 26, 1982.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holdsworth,
Holman, Myers, Schlather
Nays (2) - Banfield, Clynes
Carried
Resolution No. 2 -11- May 5, 1982 457
By Alderman Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Hoffman
WHEREAS, there has been much discussion and community disagreement
over the proposal to develop a HYDROPOWER GENERATING PLANT within
THE ITHACA FALLS GORGE, and
WHEREAS, Ithaca Falls is the pride of the Fall Creek Neighborhood and
the Ithaca Community, and
WHEREAS, the development of a hydropower plant within the Ithaca Falls
Gorge could potentially have many negative and irreversible effects on
the neighborhood and the gorge, and
WHEREAS, there is significant community resistance to any development
within the area known as Ithaca Falls, and
WHEREAS, it is possible that none of the final hydropower p °oposals
will be acceptable to the City of Ithaca;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That in the process of further studying
the various proposals for hydropower development within the Ithaca
Falls Gorge site, that the City Planning P, Development staff and the
('7 City Attorney also explore the legal ways and means available to prevent
N any hydropower development within the Ithaca Falls site, and, if
necessary, make arrangements to retain legal counsel in environmental
W law; it is also understood that no contract for such counsel shall be
entered into until approved by Common Council of the City of Ithaca,
Q and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Department of Planning and Development
and the City Attorney shall report their findings to the Planning and
Development Committee on or before May 26, 1982.
Amendment to Resolution
By Alderman Schuler: Seconded by Alderman Holman
• RESOLVED, That the fifth, or final, WHEREAS be deleted from the
resolution.'
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Ayes (3) - Holman, Dennis, Schuler
Nays (5) - Banfield, Hoffman, Clynes, Schlather, Holdsworth
Abstentions (2) - Myers, Killeen
Motion Defeated
A vote on the main motion resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) - Hoffman, Banfield, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis,
Holdsworth, Clynes, Schlather
Nays (2) - Myers, Holman
Carried
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
C and D Transportation
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
WHEREAS, G and D Transportation Company has made application for
• consent to operate a motor bus line between the Villages of Endicott,
Owego and Newark Valley and the City of Itliaca, New York, and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held by the Common Council in accordance
with the New York State Transportation Corporation Law at 7:30 p.m.
on April 5, 1982 in the Common Council Chambers, after legal advertise-
ment as provided by law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council does hereby
grant approval, pursuant to Section 66 of the Transportation Corpora-
tion Law, to C and D Transportation Company of R.D. 1 Newark Valley,
New York to operate a motor bus line in the City of Ithaca on and
along the route described in its application with the right and
privilege of receiving and discharging passengers at the following
seven locations along said route:
458 -12- May 5, 1982
1.
2.
3.
4.
S.
6.
7.
Dlorse Chain on South Aurora Street
National Cash Register
Therm Inc.
Ithaca College
Cornell University
Woolworth bus stop
Seneca Street Parking
Ramp bus stop
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this approval and consent is conditioned
further upon the requirement that the buses owned and operated by C
and D Transportation shall not pick up passengers on the proposed
city route for transport to any other point along that route within
the City of Ithaca unless the fare for that particular service is at
least twice.as great as the general Ithaca transit fare then in effect.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Closin Out Sales
By Al erman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
WHEREAS, Chapter 16, Article III, Sections 16.31 through 16.38 of the
Municipal Code entitled "Closing Out Sales" are superseded by
Article 29F of the General Business Law of the State of New York
entitled "Going Out of Business Sales;" and
WHEREAS, the aforesaid Municipal Code provisions
more comprehensive aforesaid State Legislation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That Chapter 16,
16.31 through 16.38 of the Ithaca City Municipal
Out Sales" be and the same is herewith rescinded
Ithaca City Municipal Code.
Discussion followed on the floor.
merely duplicate the
Article 3, Sections
Code entitled "Closing
and deleted from the
AlMk
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Hos ita1 Use
Al erman Banfield reported that he and Alderman Holman had attended
a county meeting at which Planning Director Liguori had presented his
thoughts and ideas on different uses for the old hospital, including
the proposed move of some agencies to that facility. Mr. Banfield
said he reported back to the Human Services Committee and to the
Chairman of the Planning and Development Committee. He also reported
that the county will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, May 13 in
the Tompkins County Library concerning use of the old hospital.
n 14
See p.
Mrs. Nichols reported that because of the great expense of keeping
the Biggs complex insured, heated and guarded, the proposal has been
accepted that that building shall be jointly available for mixed
public and private use. The County has been considering what depart-
ments could be moved. The Board of Elections, Assessment Office,
Planning, Jail and Probation cannot be moved. The iffices in which
the chiefs of management have not objected to moving are the Office
for the Aging, Stop DWI Coordinator and the Department of Social
Services. The move would have the greatest impact on Social Services
both on the employees and the clients.
Mrs. Nichols answered questions of the Council and offered to share
any information she has on the subject with them.
Cornell Tax Case
Mrs. Nichols commented that the move by Cornell University to ask
that 12 buildings be removed from the County Tax Rolls also affects
the City and School District. She said that Mr. Williamson will be
working closely with the City Attorney in sharing information and
taking a united stance.
-13- May 5, 1982 459
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant
Mrs. Nichols reporte t at the County is going to have its own analysis
of what its share of the cost should be. They don't want to accept
automatically the recommendations of the City's design consultant as
to what a fair share of the price would be. She stated that the City
should be very sure of its figures.
Fee Structure for Youth Bureau Pro rams
_
Alderman Banfield called attention to a memo addressed to Mayor Shaw
and Common Council from Youth Bureau Director Cutia regarding Fee
Structure for Youth Bureau Programs which includes a new category,
Family Memberships.
Discussion followed on the floor and questions were answered by
Alderman Banfield.
Resolution
By A— l�man Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
RESOLVED, That the Council approves the proposed Fee Structure for
Youth Bureau Programs as recommended by the Youth Bureau Advisory
Board.
Carried Unanimously
W
W CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL:
Beverage Container De— osit Legislation
Q By Alderman Ho fman: Seconde by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the Beverage Container Deposit Legislation resolution
be lifted from the table and presented to the Council, as follows,
for their consideration.
WHEREAS, carbonated soft drink and beer bottles and cans create problems
of litter and costs for its cleanup, add to the volume of solid waste
and its transportation and disposal costs, and represent the use of
limited natural resources, especially energy, and
WHEREAS, requiring a mandatory deposit on all beverage containers
sold in the State of New York would to a great extend alleviate these
problems, and
WHEREAS, proposed legislation now under consideration in the New York
State Legislature (Senate Bill 2831, Assembly Bill 9777) would require
a five -cent deposit on all carbonated beverage containers, and would,
according to a 1982 Report of the Governor's Office of Development
Planning, save.municipalities $25 million in solid waste costs, produce
a net gain of over 5000 jobs, and not have. "severe or unmanageable
adverse effects" on the beverage industry;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council
reaffirms its support of beverage container deposit legislation and
urges the passage of State Senate Bill 2831 and Assembly Bill 9777, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Clerk is directed to send a copy
of this resolution to State Senator William T. Smith, and State
Assemblyman Hugh S. MacNeil, and to the chair of the Assembly Commerce
and Senate Commerce Committees.
Discussion followed on the floor.
I A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
6
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant
BP!V Liaison Banfiel.d reported that at its meeting of April 10, 1982
the Special Joint Subcommittee (JS) adopted a resolution to name the
new joint wastewater treatment plant, "Ithaca Area Wastewater Treat-
ment Plant." This name was chosen from a list of many and is believed
to express the area of service in a representative yet simple way.
460 -14- May 5, 1982
Resolution
By Alderman Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That this Common Council accept the recommendation of the
SJS and name the new facility, "Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Plant."
Carried Unanimously
ITHACA
ITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Community Gardens
Mayor Shaw reported that an agreement is being negotiated on a lease
from the owner of Community Gardens to CDC; and are also working . on
a draft of a lease from CDC to EOC. He reported that all basic
disagreements and concerns have been resolved.
He also reported that a list of approximately 25 garden spots has
been provided to CDC which will be investigated by staff.
Strand Theatre
Mayor Shaw reported that the Strand Theatre is making progress on its
improvements, and will submit a final report to Southern Tier East
Regional Planning and Development Board on May 13.
ENERGY COMMISSION:
Alderman Holman reported that the Budget and Administration Committee
did look briefly at the proposal for an Employees Incentive Plan and
decided to forward it to a representative from the Department of
Public Works and the Energy Commission, and the Personnel subcommittee
to draw up the guidelines within the perimeters that State Law permits.
The Commission continues with in -house analysis of energy use of city
buildings, and they will consider at their next meeting a proposal from
the Department of Public Works on the use of alternative kinds of lamps
for street lighting.
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
of sc it 's
Mayor Shaw reported that a committee has been created, composed of
6 people of the Tompkins County Area Development Committee who meet —
weekly and are working with staff. They are meeting with interested
tenants, receiving inquiries, pursuing some other tenants, monitoring
the bankruptcy proceedings, etc. Mayor Shaw said he will be glad to
answer questions Council may have at any time.
NEW BUSINESS:
Hour o Aeet.
IT
y Alderman Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That the meetings of Common Council for the months of June,
July and August be held at 8:15 p.m. instead of 7:30 p.m.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) - Banfield, Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holdsworth,
Holman, Clynes, Schlather
Nay (1) - Myers
Carried
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:26 p.m.
*Continued from p. 12
Bd. of Representatives member Nichols spoke to the Council, saying it
looks as though the City will have to call on all its allies to prevehl
Social Services from moving out of the City. She said the City needs
to take a strong position on behalf of residents and city people
working in those offices. that the move should not take place hastily.
The move, in respect to the convenience of the workers, has been
studied; in respect to clients, it has not been studied.
65e rjA. Run le, City e �r William R. Shaw, PlayOT