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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 -3 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. -11- 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