HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1982-12-01COMMON COUNCIL PP.00EEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. December 1, 1982
55
PRESENT:
Mayor - Shaw
Aldermen (10) - Banfield, Clynes, Dennis, Hoffman, Holdsworth, Holman,
Killeen, Myers, Schlather, Schuler
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Controller - Spano
Dep. Controller - Cafferillo
City Attorney - Tavelli
Supt. of Public Works - Kinsella
Personnel Administrator - Collins
Building Commissioner - Hoard
Chief of Police - Herson
Youth Bureau Director - Cutia
Director, Planning & Development - Van Cort
BPW Commissioner - Schickel
Fire Commissioner - Anderson
Asst. Fire Chiefs - Olmstead, Reeves
-� -� City Clerk - Rundle
i1E PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Shaw led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American
") flag.
<l.
MINUTES:
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Banfield
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 3, 1982 meeting be approved
with the following correction:
p. 9, PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: Brick Streets Repaving:
The vote was shown in the Minutes as "Carried Unanimously."
The Minutes are corrected to show the following vote:
Ayes (7) Hoffman, Killeen, Sc)o0ei—, Dennis, Myers
Holman, Clynes
Nays (3) Banfield, Holdsworth, Schlather
Carried
A vote on the motion to approve the Minutes as corrected resulted as
follows:
Carried Unanimously
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Public Hearing--Federal Revenue Sharing Funds as they relate to the
total 1983 Budget
Resolution To Open Public Hearing
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded _y Alderman Schlather
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider Federal Revenue Sharing
Funds as they relate to the total. 1983 Budget is opened.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to speak to the hearing.
Resolution To Close Public Hearing
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider Federal Revenue Sharing
Funds is closed.
Carried Unanimously
Presentation by It(ftWca Neighborhood Housing Service
Susan Cummings, President, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Service Board,
and Beth Prentice, Executive Director of INNS, gave a presentation
with slides of the accomplishments to date of the INHS in the South -
side and Northside neighborhoods.
ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGINDA:
Human Services Committee
Alderman Banfield requested the addition of tivo resolutions to the
Human Services Committee agenda: one dealing with the Learning Web,
50
-2 P,ecember 1, 7.982
and one dealing with appointment to a community board; the Somthside
Board.
No Council member objected.
Conservation Advisory Council
Alderman Hoffman requested the addition of a resolution recommended
by the CAC regarding the Hector Land Use Area.
No Council member objected.
Planning and Development Committee
Alderman Dennis requested the addition of a resolution concerning
Commonland Community Development.
No Council member objected.
Unfinished Business
By Alderman Clynes: Seconded by Alderman Holman
RESOLVED, That the Council adjourn into Executive Session for the
purpose of discussing the Rothschild building negotiations.
Carried Unanimously
Budget and Administration Committee
Alderman Holman requested the addition of two items to the agenda:
J. State Street Repaving? and K. Authorization for Building
Commissioner to begin discussions on expansion of work week.
No Council member objected.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Police Harrassment
Mrs. Mary Jayne appeared before the Council to request relief from
alleged police harrassment -- repeated felonies by the Ithaca police,
including kidnapping, attempted hit and run, injury to her hand, etc,
ahealso asked to speak about radiation ba.zard caused by NYSE$G and,
aircraft hovering over th.° City.
Mayor Shaw referred Mrs. Jayne's comments to the Human Services
Committee.
Nuclear War
Ellen Rosten, 105 N. Willard Way, appeared before the Council and
presented a pamphlet entitled "Nuclear War, Crisis Relocation, and
Amherst" as a sample of what Ithaca should do also.
Mayor Shaw referred Ms. Rosten's request that Ithaca become involved
to the Human Services Committee.
Letter from West hill Civic Association
Alderman Schlather read the following letter signed by Leilani. B. Peck,
President, WFICA, and Jerry Wilcox, Chairman, Task Force on the Octopus:
"November 28, 1982
The Honorable William Shaw, Mayor
City of Ithaca
Dear Mayor Shaw:
There is no question the Octopus is Ithaca's most confusing and
treacherous intersection. No one knows that better than those of
us on West Hill who must negotiate it every day. Two modifications
would go a long way in alleviating the congestion and danger for
pedestrians and motorists.
First, we recommend that a left hand turn lane be added to the Floral
Avenue intersection when that street: is resurfaced in 1983. With the
present single lane, one car turrning left into the Octopus can cause
a lengthy back -up on both Floral Avenue and 1?lm Street. Since, in
most cases, it is only one car causing the back -up, widening the
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December 1, 1982- 57
intersection enough to allow a left hand turn lane should alleviate
much of the frustration motorists experience at that intersection.
If a new lane is not possible, the only alternative would be to pro-
hibit left turns from Floral Avenue into the Octopus at all times
or, at least, during peak traffic periods.
Our second concern is for a safe pedestrian crossing at the Octopus.
With so much pedestrian traffic from West Hill (especially West
Village), it is difficult to understand why the City has never pro-
vided a walkway of any kind at the Octopus. The hazardous crossing
situation also makes Cass Park almost inaccessible for children walking
from West Hill. The most reasonable solution seems to be to create a
pedestrian underpass below the State Street bridge. We believe City
action on pedestrian safety at the Octopus is long overdue and urge
you to press for the construction of a special crossing as a part of
the 1983 Floral Avenue project.
The West Hill Civic Association is anxious to cooperate with the City
in planning ways to upgrade safety and traffic flow at the Octopus.
Please keep us informed of the progress of this proposal.
Sincerely yours,
0.
�.►1 Leilani B. Peck, President WHCA, 516 Chestnut Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
Jerry Wilcox, Chairman, Task Force on the Octopus
LLI
cc: Donald Kinsella
Members of Common Council"
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Letter from Conrail
Mayor Shaw reported that City Attorney Tavelli had received a letter
from Daniel Donovan, General Attorney for Conrail, also a telephone
call, responding to the Ithaca, New York train speed question, and
inquiring about the problem.
Alderman Clynes referred to a letter from Conrail received November 3,
1982, indicating the problem is being corrected, and asking to be
notified if there are future problems. She feels there is lack of
communication between Donovan's office and the Train Scheduling office.
Alderman Clynes commented that she was putting Council on notice,
specifically the Charter and Ordinance Committee, that she is asking
.for legislation to reschedule Conrail through the City.
News Release -- Street Lighting
Mayor Shaw called attention to a News Release from Dan Collins,
General Manager at NYSE &G,and himself announcing the City and NYSE&G
will undertake an experimental street light conversion program in the
City.
Letter from Mayor
Mayor Shaw read the following letter to the Council:
"Nlembers of Common Council
Re: 1983 City Budget
Having completed my review of your revised City Budget for 1983, I
(600"v want to convey my appreciation for your hard work during the month
of November, and my gratification over your strong support for the
concepts, proposals and rationale behind the budget as prepared by
our City department heads and staff and my office. The modest number
of changes and adjustments in total dollars that you have made convey
a clear message of concurrence and support for the hard work of our
staff during the six months that preceded your review of the budget.
Although we disagree on a few minor budget items, I believe resolution
is more important than continued debate and am accepting all of the
changes in your revised budget as approved on November 23, 1982, at
your committee meeting of the whole.
58 1 4- December l_, 1982
I strongly support your efforts to ieduce further the tax rate increase
from $13.10 per thousand to $13.00 per thousand, or from 4.8% to 4.
In a separate Memorandum I have put forward a suggestion, rather than
a veto, of one minor item that was resolved at the eleventh hour in
your review; and which subsequent facts suggest can and should be
modified at our meeting on December 1st. Given the nature of the
suggestion and the likelihood of agreement on a modest modification to
the City's paving and surplus accounts, I have raised it in the nature
of a suggestion to the Budget and Administration Committee, rather than
a veto item.
In closing, let me say how much I look forward to complying fully wit
the budget as prepared for 1983 and, with your help, overseeing our
full accomplishment of the tasks before us within the limited resources
available.
Sincerely yours,
William R. Shaw
cc: City Comptroller"
State Aid Meeting-- Albany, N.Y.
Mayor Shaw reported that he had been invited to attend a working
session in Albany, N.Y. of a group of mayors who have held previous
meetings to discuss state aid. It is an informal group without
formal structure, called Seventh City. Mayor Shaw said he intend,
to attend the two -day work shop and will be reporting back at the
January meeting of Council. '
CITY ATTORNEY'S REPORT:
Paid Firefighter's lawsuit
City Attorney Tavelli reported that there will be examinations before
trial on the 17th after which he may have a better idea of where that
suit is going,
Billboard lawsuit
City Attorney Tavelli reported that this suit was argued in Appellate
Division in Albany; he expects a decision within the next few weeks.
Cornell Heights case
City attorney `I'avell.i. reported no movement on the Cornell Heights case.
New Drinking Law
Al erman Killeen asked City Attorney ''a.velli to comment on the new 19-
year- minimum age drinking law about which there is some confusion con-
cerning the effective date.
City Attorney Tavelli informed the Council that the new law becomes
effective at 12:01 a.m. on December 4, 1982,
Common Council recessed at 9:00 p.m. anal. reconvened in Regular session
at 9:0S p.m.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
New Y� or State Office of the Aging Application
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is about to submit an application for
continuation of the Recreation for the Elderly, and if approved, to
apply subsequently to the State of New York for partial reimbursement
of funds expended on said project as provided by Section 541 -546 of
Article 19 -J of the Executive Law of New York, entitled Recreation
Programs for the Elderly; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That said application is in all respects approved and
William R. Shaw, Mayor, is hereby directed and authorized to duly
execute and submit said application to the New fork State Office for
the Aging, for its approval.
Carried Unanimously
C.�.i
6
_S_
December 1, 1982 511)
Final Audit for 1982
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Iloldsworth
RESOLVED, That the Budget and Administration Committee and City
Controller be empowered to approve and audit for payment any final
bills for 1982 as may require such action.
Carried Unanimously
Sidewalk Assessments
By Alderman olman: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
WHEREAS, the Board of Public {'Yorks levied sidewalk assessments on
August 11, 1982, for the construction of sidewalks at various loca-
tions in the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing thereon was held by said Board on November
103% 1982, at which time the Board approved said assessments and filed
schedule thereof with the Common Council for confirmation and final
approval; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That said assessments,
(schedule attached), be, and the
firmed, and be it further
in the total amount of $4,152.49
same is, hereby approved and con-
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk be, and hereby is, directed to prepare
a warrant on the City Chamberlain, in accordance with such schedule,
for the collection of said assessments; and that the Mayor and City
Clerk be authorized to sign and execute such warrant, whereupon all
such assessments will become due and payable from the date of execution
thereof; and on all such assessments or portions thereof remaining
unpaid after the expiration of six months from the date of such warrant,
the City Chamberlain shall add and collect the percentage thereon, at
the rate of loo per annum, except and provided however, that the City
Chamberlain may allow persons to pay their assessment, if the aggregate
amount exceeds $100, in five equal installments, with interest at 100,
on or about June 1st each year, provided however, that any person
desiring to pay by installemnts shall make application promptly in
writing to the City Chamberlain; and all properties having such assess-
ments or portions thereof of installment payments in arrears and remain-
ing unpaid at the close of any City Tax collection period shall be
included by the City Chamberlain in a subsequent City Tax Sale held in
November each year following such City Tax collection period; and such
property shall be sold for any unpaid assessments or portions thereof or
any unpaid installment payments, together with the outstanding balance
of such installment payments, together with all interest, fees and
penalties that may be accrued,
Carried Unanimously
1983 Budget
Alderman Holman addressed the Council as follows:
"Before presenting two resolutions relating to the adoption of the
1983 Budget, I am pleased to report:
That the Budget and Administration Committee was presented a
thoughtful and thorough budget by Mayor William Shaw which
represented hours of discussion with department heads and re-
flected a knowledge of the workings of our various city depart-
ments. The Executive Budget came to us with documentation of
those working sessions with the department heads, as well as
written indication of Bill's reasonings for amendments to depart-
ment requests. In addition, the Mayor was present and available
to explain the various items in his budget.
That the Budget and Administration Committee joined by their
Council colleagues spent some 30 hours during the month of
November reviewing department operations, understanding the
Mayor's recommendations and refining their recommendations to
reflect Council priorities and predilections. Our discussions
were wide ranging and have resulted in a better comprehension of
both budgetary and operational needs of the City of Ithaca.
That department heads and staff have given willingly of their time,
knowledge and patience. Most especially I wish to thank Joe Spano,
Dom Cafferillo and members of the Finance Department who make the
incomprehensible, comprehensible.
60 _v_ December l., 198/
Together -- Mayor, Council and staff.-we present tonight for
adoption a budget which will serve the needs of the people of the
City of Ithaca whom we represent and with whom we work. The tax
rate is a manageable one for the taxpayers and we are, after all,
included in that group, and at the same time, it adequately safe-
guards our fiscal soundness."
Adoption of 1983 Budget
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
WHEREAS, this Common Council has reviewed the Executive Budget as
proposed by Mayor William R. Shaw, and the Budget and Administration
Committee recommendations, and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total
appropriations and estimated revenues are adequate for the operation
of the City for 1983; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Budget for 1983, in the total amount
of $IS,715,238, be approved, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 1983 Budget be approved:
(A) General Fund Appropriations
(B) Revenue Sharing Fund Appropriations
(C) Water Fund Appropriations
(D) Sewer Fund Appropriations
(E) Commons Assessment Fund Appropriations
(F) General Fund Revenues
(G) Revenue Sharing Fund Revenues
(H) Water Fund Revenues
(I) Sewer Fund Revenues
(J) Commons Assessment Fund Revenues
(K) Debt Retirement Schedule
(L) Capital Projects
(M) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - General Firrnd
(N) Schedule of Salaries and Positions IVater acid Seger f=und
(0) Authorized Equipment Purchases - General Fund
(P) Authorized Equipment Purchases - Revenue Sharing Fund
(Q) Authorized Equipment Purchases - Water and Sewer Fund
Discussion followed on the floor.
Alderman Killeen asked City Attorney Tavelli if, after a public hearing
held on November 23 before the Committee of the Whole and a series of
recommendations adopted that night, the more recent meeting called
prior to the Council meeting that evening with recommendations from
that meeting modifying the budget would affect legitimacy of the budget.
City Attorney Tavelli responded that there was no reason to be concerned.
Alderman Schlather noted, "obviously there are items it, the budget
that we may not all agree with. Overall, i1 is a collectively good.
effort."
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put
to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows;
Hoffman
Aye
Schuler
Aye
Dennis
Aye
Barfield
Aye
Killeen
Aye
Holman
Aye
I-loldsworth
Aye
Schlather.
Aye
Clynes
Aye
Myers
Aye
Mayor Shaw
Aye
Carried Unanimously
Adoption of 1983 Tax Rate
By Alderman I!c lmciti seconded by : \lderman Dennis
WHEREAS, the 1983 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted and
confirmed, in the total amount of $15,71.5,238, can December 1., 19827
in accordance with a detailed Budget Statement on file in the Office
of the City Controller, and
-7-
December 1. , 1982 GI
WHEREAS, available and estimated revenues total $11,794,742, leaving
$3,920,496 as the amount to be raised by taxation, and
WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for
Assessment Department of Tompkins
approved and shows the total net
and
1983, certified and filed by the
County, has been footed and
taxable valuation of $301,576,687,
WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the tax limit for City purposes
amounts to $6,OS2,271 for 1983; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Tax Rate for general purposes for the fiscal year
(600" 1983 be, and the same hereby is, established and fixed at $13.00 per
$1,000 of taxable valuation as shown, certified and extended against
the respective properties on the 1983 Tax Roll, thereby making a total
tax levy as near as.may be of $3,920,496, and be it further
i!)
CI.,I
O
RESOLVED, That the amount of said tax levy be spread and the same
hereby is levied upon and against the respective properties shown on
said City T.ax Roll, in accordance with their respective net taxable
valuation, at the rate of $13.00 per $1,000 of such taxable valuation,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be, and hereby is, directed to
extend and apportion the City Tax as.above, and that upon the
completion of the extension of said Roll, the City Clerk shall prepare
a warrant on the City Chamberlain for the collection of said levy;
and the Mayor and City Clerk hereby are authorized and directed to
sign and affix the corporate seal to such warrant and forthwith to
file the same with said Roll with the City Chamberlain, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That upon the execution and filing of said warrant and. Tax
Roll with the City Chamberlain, the amounts of the City Tax set
opposite each and every property shall hereby become liens, due,
payable and collectible in accordance with provisions of the Ci.t-y
Charter and other laws applicable thereto, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the total sum of $15,71.5,238 be appropriated in
accordance with the Budget as adopted, to the respective Boards,
Offices and Departments of the City for the purposes respectively set
forth therein. The 1983 Assessment Roll has been completed and
approved by the Assessment Department of Tompkins County and resulted
in the following valuation:
Valuation of
Land
$ 873,426,600
Valuation of
Buildings
493,142,379
Total Value
of Real Property
$580,568,979
Less: Value
of Exempt
Aye
Property
Aye
294,858,050 (50.79%)
Aye
Schuler
$285,710,929
Plus: Value
of Special
Franchises
Mayor Shaw
15,865,758
Net Value of Taxable Property $301,576,687
The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put
to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Myers
Aye
Clynes
Aye
Schlather
Aye
Holdsworth
Aye
Holman
Aye
Killeen
Aye
Banfield
Aye
Dennis
Aye
Schuler
Aye
Roffman
Aye
Mayor Shaw
Aye
Carried Unanimously
Audit
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, `That the bills audited and approved by the Budget and
Administration Committee, in the total. amount of $8,20S.S8, as
listed on Audit Abstract 1122/1982, be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
December 1, 1982
Guaranteed Ordinary Death Benefit_
By :Alderman Holman: SecondeV_ y Alderman Schlather
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York
does hereby elect to provide the benefits of Section 360 -B of the
Retirement and Social Security Lai:, as presently or hereafter
amended; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this election shall
become effective with the payroll,
period beginning on the 1st day of
January, 1983,
Carried Unanimously
One Year Final Average Salary
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by alderman
Schlather
NOW;`
RESOLVED, That the Common Council
of the City of Ithaca, New York
does hereby elect, as provided in
Section 302, sub - division Nine (D),
of the Retirement and Social Security
Law, as presently or hereafter
amended, to grant a one -year final
average salary for eligible
employees; and be it further
RESOLVED, That this election shall
become effective with the payroll
period beginning on the 1st day of
January, 1984.
Carried Unanimously
Fire Department Transfer of Funds
By Alderman Holman: Seconded y Alderman Schlather
WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has requested funds to weatherstrip overhead .
doors at Central. Fire Station, and
WHEREAS, the Energy Commission has recommended this work be done;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That $1,200 be transferred from Account A1990, Contingency,
to the Fire Department Account .A3410 -419, Property Maintenance.
Ayes (9) -- Banfield, Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Myers, Clynes,
Schlather, Dennis, Holman AJAW
Nay (1) - Holdsworth
Carried
State Street Repaving
By Alderman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That East State Street not be repaved during the year 1983,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the repaving of East State Street with brick as an
option, be included in the Capital Improvement Review process during
the year 1983, with funding to be provided during the year 1984.
Ayes (7) - Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holman, Myers,
Clynes
Nays (3) - Banfield, Holdsworth, Schlather
Carried
Authorization for Building Commissioner To Begin Discussions on
Expansion o Work Week
By Al erman Holman: Seconded by Alderman Dennis
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorize the Building Commissioner to
investigate the possibility of increasing the work week for the
Building Department from 3S to 40 hours. The investigation should
include, but not be limited to, the impact of cost efficiency, staff
needs and possible need of negotiation.
Ayes (8) - Banfield, Roffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holman,
Myers, Clynes
Nays (2) - Holdsworth, Schlather
Carried
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Common lannc Cornrnunity Development
I3y Alterman Dennis: Secondecfe-j .Alderman Killeen
WHEREAS, the watershed is a valuable natural area to the City, both
as a water supply and as a wildlife area, and
-9- December 1, 1982 63
WHEREAS, Common Council has been apprised of the erosion and drainage
control mitigations that are necessary to protect the watershed, and
WHEREAS, Common Council shares the opinion of its Conservation
Advisory Council that an environmental impact statement should be
prepared for the Commonland Community development; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca asks that the
officials of the Town of Ithaca take every precaution in the considera-
tion of the Commonland Community proposal and its effect on the
watershed lands.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows;
Carried Unanimously
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
Street Numbers Ordinance
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Plyers
RESOLVED, That the ordinance concerning street numbers be tabled for a month.
Cro Carried Unanimously
1 l •i
Alderman Schlather commented that there are a couple of items in
y the ordinance of some concern to the City Attorney; also, apparently
LL: some similar work was conducted by the Board of Public Works in the
same area. The committee wishes to do additional work on it,
Alderman Schlather informed the Council that the committee will meet
on December 20, and hopefully will conclude the Towing and House
Numbering ordinances.
Mayor Shaw reported having received some answers to his press release
soliciting people to serve on the Charter Commission. He asked the
Council to forward names of persons within the city, including former
city officials who may be appropriate. He said creation of the
(moo" commission has been delayed because of the budget; however, he hopes
to begin the process early in the summer,
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE;
Learning Web Budget
By Al erman Ban ,ield: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That the Human Services'Committee recommend that the Budget
and Administration Committee consider an amendment to the budget to
restore $1,500 to the Learning Web Budget to bring it up to the Mayor's
recommendation of $5,000.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
t Ayes (S) - Banfield, Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis
Nays (S) - lloldsworth, Holman, Myers, Clynes, Schlather
Mayor Shaw voted Nay, thus breaking the tic vote
Motion Defeated
Representation on Southside Board
By Alderman Banfield: Seconded by Alderman Schuler
RESOLVED, That a city liaison be appointed to the Southside Board.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Aldermen Banfield and Schuler withdrew their motion so the matter
can be discussed further in committee,
Alderman Killeen commented that it was his clear understanding from
discussions in the Human Services Committee recently at which members
of various youth agencies, includin, the Southside Center, were present,
there was a clear indication of a desire for better coordination and
mutual involvement in community affairs. In addition, there was a long
61 10 Decembc i :l , 1080,
budget discussion about the financial. relationship with the Southside
Center. He said he felt the city should take some initiative to insure
that there is a closer relationship than heretofore existed.
ENERGY COMMISSION:
At Al erman HolmanIs request, Doug Dyl.la reported briefly on the pro-
gress being made by the Commission. He said there is active movement
going on in the Department of Public Works which addsup to a reasonable
size savings which almost offset increases passed by NYSE &G, and
perhaps he may come back in January with a list of things initiated
in the past 6 months, The city is monitoring its own buildings; the
capital expenditures are being prioritized; a workshop has been held
on energy conservation which was taught by Bruce John; they attended
a regional power conference in Auburn, talking about the Public Servi.c-
Commission and the changes which will be coming up next year. The
Commission heard a presentation on funicular railway. They will hear
a discussion on kerosene heaters at the Cooperative Extension. The
Commission hopes to have some specific figures comparing '82 to 181
consumption,in January.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL:
opposition to Proposed Sale of Hector Land Use Area
By Alderman Hoffman: Seconded by Al erman Schuler
WHEREAS, the Hector Land Use Area has for over half a century been
maintained as an outstanding experiment and demonstration in land use
management, and
WHEREAS, the Hector Land Use Area is the only land in New York State
operated for public use by the United States Forest Service, and
WHEREAS, operation of the Land. Use Area by the Forest Service has
proven to be a highly effective method of demonstrating the benefits
of managing public lands for multiple use, and
WHEREAS, the Citizens of New York State and the City of Ithaca have
benefited greatly from the multiple use of this land for recreational
educational, and agricultural purposes, and
WHEREAS, it has now been proposed that the hector Land Use Area be
sold to help reduce the national debt, and
WHEREAS, sale of this land would jeopardize the continued use of said
land by the citizens of New York State for recreational, educational,
and agricultural purposes; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby opposes
the sale of the Hector Land Use Area and requests that it be removed
from the list of "excess properties" subject to sale or consideration
for sale, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council's oppos=ition to the sale of this
land be made known to Mr. John Block, United States Department of
Agriculture, and to Senators Moynihan and D'Amato and Congressmen
McHugh and Boehlert, and be it further
RESOLVED. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized to mail certified
copies of this resolution to the above -named officials.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) - Banfiel.d, Hoffman, Killeen, Schuler, Dennis, Holman,
Myers, Clynes, Schlather
Abstention (1) - lloldsworth
Carried
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Iluma_n Services Coalition
Alderman Holman reported that Chris Buscher, Executive Director, has
resigned, and his assistant, Deborah Green., will serve as Acting
Director. An ad hoc committee has been selected to begin the screening
process for the applicants.
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December 1, 1082 G 5
Alderman Holman reported that the Human Services Committee discussed
two items which she will be taking to the Budget and Administration
Committee.
ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY /COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION:
Alderman Dennis reported that the Agency, at its last meeting on
Monday, passed a resolution directing staff to proceed with the
UDAG application for Collegetown.
The Agency also passed a resolution directing staff to work on an
alternate plan, looking at space in Collegetown for 901 cars at grade
level.
Alderman Holdsworth asked when the Council would receive the traffic
study and Alderman Dennis responded that it will be received next
week.
Discussion followed on the floor concerning use of staff time and
keeping the Council abreast of events from now until the deadline in
February.
Alderman Schlather commented that one of the big items is the
negotiation of the respective components, and the Council has a
t1i responsibility to stay on top of this.
Iy
Ii) UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
.-,.I'
Environmental Impact Statement
Alderman Banfield asked the chair to refer to the Hydropower. Commission
and the Conservation Advisory Council the possibility of exploring the
feasibility and cost estimate for an impact statement on Fall Creek.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10 :26 p.m.
Common Council convened into Executive Session to discuss the Rothschild
building negotiations.
J eph A. Rundle, City Clerk
William R. Shaw, Mayor