HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1984-12-05cc }r►r I01\1 c:ouN(,, i, :;(j cjl�!:i;i i `c;;;
7
CITY OF ITHAC:A, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:30 1'.t,1. December 1.')841
PRESENT:
Mayor - Gutenberger
Alderpersons (10) - Cummings, Dennis, Haine, Hoffman, Romanowski,
Killeen, Myers, Peterson, J10)dsworth, Schlal:her #.
Christine Zinder, 104 Valentine Place, addressed the Council,
briefly outlining the events leading up to the proposed zoning
change appearing on the agenda. She thanked the Council for
their support.
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Controller - Spano
Deputy Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy City Clerk - Paol.angeli
Corp Counsel. - Stumbar
Building Commissioner - Hoard
Dir., Planning $ Development - Van Cort
Personnel Administrator - Best -Shaw
Fire Commissioner - Anderson _
City Engineer - Novelli
Supt. of Public Works - Dougherty
BPW Commissioner - Gerkin
Co
Historic Preservation Planner - Lazarski
(j
Dep. Dir., Planning & Development - Mazzarella
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Guten erger led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American flag.
Q
MINUTES:
By A lcTerman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Romanowski
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of-the meeting of November 7, 1984
be approved as recorded.
Carried Unanimously
'
Welcome of Guests
Mayor Guten erger and the Council expressed welcome to a group
of special guests from Egypt who attended the meeting to see a
bit of our governing process.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Pu lic Hearing -- Propose Ordinance Amending Zoning Map - Valentine
Place
Resolution To Open Public Hearing
By Alderman Sc lat er: econe by Alderperson Peterson
RESOLVED, That the public hearing to consider a proposed ordinance
amending the zoning map be opened.
Carried Unanimously
Gene Dean, 112 Valentine Place, spoke to the Council, expressing
opposition to changing the zoning to R -la or R -lb. He spoke for
himself, his wife and three other residents of Valentine Place.
Paul Tavelli, Attorney, 40S N. Tioga Street, addressed the Council
on behalf of five property owners in the area proposed for rezoning.
He said.he had been asked to advise them on the legality of the
zoning ordinance. He did advise them that the proposed change of
their property would be unlawful; he also put this in a letter to
the city officials, with attached materials on which he based his
advice to them, lie urged the Council not to take any steps in
respect to these properties.
Bryna Fireside, 10S Valentine Place, spoke to the Council re-
garding the traffic problems which will be created if density
is increased in the area. She asked the Council to consider the
problem they will create if they don't rezone the area.
Christine Zinder, 104 Valentine Place, addressed the Council,
briefly outlining the events leading up to the proposed zoning
change appearing on the agenda. She thanked the Council for
their support.
38
-2-
December_ 5, 1984
Resolution To Close Public Hearing
By Alderman ScTilat ier: SecoiideUy Alderperson Haine
RESOLVED,. `I'Iiat the public hearinn t(? consider a proposed ordinance
amending t IWc zo?iin�. mal) be cl osc'd .
Carried Unanimously
Public Hearing- -Use of Federal Revenue Sharing Funds as they
relate to the total 198S Budget
Resolution '1'o Open Public hearing
- - - -- Seco►ired–T` Al der erson IIa i_ne
RESOLVED, That the p III) l is hearin(T to cons ider the
Revenue Sharing Funds as they relate to the total
be o ened
use of Fedcral.
1985 Budget,
V. .
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to speak to the hearing.
Resolution To Close Public Hearing
By—Alderman Dennis: 'econded by Alderperson Haine
RESOLVED, That the public hearing to consider the use of Federal
Revenue Sharing Funds as they relate to the total 1985 Budget, be
r1 ncPrl _
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Unfinished an Miscellaneous Business
Alderman Sc lat er requested the addition of one item concexniiig
Elm Street -- Possible Resolution.
No Council member objected.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Amnesty International
Krystal Forestwarren, a representative of Amnesty International,
expressed thanks to Mayor Gutenberger for his endorsement of the
proclamation to end torture. It is available for signatures on
a table in the rear of the Common-Council Chambers, as well as
in local book stores. She read some quotes from a Nobel peace
prize recipent from Argentina.
Dorothy Pomponia, a member of the local Amnesty Group 73 explained
what Amnesty International is and how it operates. She described
it as a worldwide movement of people working for the release of
prisoners of conscience detained anywhere in the world, for fair
trials for political prisoners and an end to torture and the
death penalty. She asked that, on Monday, December 10, Human
Rights Day, as many as possible will sign their appeal and send
it off to Amnesty International.
Veterans Property Tax Exemption
TVill Burbank, 222 Utica Street, spoke to the Council regarding
the Veterans' Property Tax Exemption, passed by the Council in
November, and its unknown impact. Ile said the exemption is
regressive and inequitable. IIe invited the Council to seriously
take another look at the bill and if legally possible, consider
a delay for more study. He also asked them to consider reducing
the level of expemtion to minimize the impact, and to join with
other communities in New York who are banding together to address
State Government to request that they rewrite the legislation
to produce something more equitable.
Stewart Park Master Plan
Ric and B. Fis er requested the Council to preserve the wetland
threatened by the Stewart Park Master Plan. Ile cited reasons
why it would be unwise to expand the golf course into the wet-
lands. IIe asked that Council support the Plarnning £i Development
Committee's resolution.
Herb Engman, 571 S. Danby Road, Spencer, N.Y., representing
Tompkins County Environmental Management Council, reiterated
that the Council approves most of -tile Stewart Park Master Plan
but find it environmentally unacceptable to extend the golf
course into the wetl ,ends . Ile asked the Council. to prohibit any
realignment of the golf course until a full plan can be developed
utilizing only the existing land there.
-3- Dec_(- iDlher i, 1984
Doug Bogan, representing Ecolog }- Action; commented that Ecology 39
Action supports the general concept of the Stewart Pa.rl< Master
Plan but can't understand why the plan calls for the expansion
of the golf course onto the
feel it should not be given any further considerat.ion as part.
of the plan, and that any efforts to redesign the golf course
should not be done in a way that. ,.,ill Litor justify expansion
into the field station. He said that this part of the plan
essentially represents a trade -off_ of wetlands for a:devel.opment
that will only benefit a few and gill not maintain the environ-
mental integrity of that area. lie expressed the hope that the
Council would endorse the Planning � Development Committee
resolution.
Lesl:r: Dotson, 35 Penny Lane, up7(:senting Tompkins County
Environmental Management Council, also requested Council to
support the recommedations of the Planning El Development
Committee with respect to the Stewart Park Master Plan.
East State Street Repaving
Mary R. Tomlan, 200 Delaware Avenue, spoke to the Council
expressing support for repaving East State Street with bricks
(� as a responsible course of action by the city.
00 Veterans' Property Tax Exemption
M Paul Fairbanks, S09 Casca illa Street, expressed. concern that
Erg the Council had passed a resolution in November providing the
M veterans' property tax exemption which does not recognize all
< veterans, but only those owning property. fie urged the Council
to study the matter further in an attempt to provide what is
fair to all veterans.
Carl Schmidt, 101 Brandon Place, expressed the opinion regarding
the property tax exemption for veterans that it was right. He
said he believes it was a good decision, it helps the non - property
owner to become a property owner, in addition to helping those
who already own property.
East State Street Repaving
Paul Sayvetz, 201 Elm Street, expressed the opinion that repaving
East State Street halfway is a mistake. He advocates saving
the bricks to use in the future, perhaps on other blocks in
downtown which will need repaving.
Stewart Park Master Plan
Jill Shultz, 9 Ecology House, C.U. and Richard Haley, 5 Ecology
House, C.U., both students, spoke to the Council about the
Stewart Park Master Plan, urging the Council to consider the
recommendations of the Planning & Development Committee to limit .
the plan in order to prevent invasion of the wetlands.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Guten erger expressed thanks to ,Toe Spano, Dominick
Cafferillo, ,Tim Dennis and all Council persons who worked on
the budget and those who attended the hearings to learn about
the budget process.
CORPORATE COUNSEL'S REPORT:
Court house Parking Lot
Corp. Counse l Stum ar reported that the details of the Court
House parking lot have been
signed by the county and is
Valentine Place
Atty. Stumbar reported that
regard to Valentine Place r
that a vote on rezoning the
worked out, the agreement has been
on its way to the city.
two protests have been filed with
-,zoning, and reminded the Council
area will require a 750 or 8 votes.
Cable TV Franchise
Atty. Stumba reported )orted that lie had mailed his recommendations
to the Council members concerning the Cable TV Franchise.
HE
-4-
December 5, 1984
Veterans' Exemption Legislation
Atty. Stumbar reported tRat TO question of the lower rate
exemption is still open to Council. There is no objection
to changing the level of exemption, He Kn :i d that the man i c i -
palities who passed the lower exemption prior to December 31si-
did so illegally.
ACC Franchise
With respect to the 36 -month process of renewing the ACC
Fravnhi se which basically would have to begin in January 1985
if the city wishes to renew the Iranchise, Alderman Schlather
asked Atty. Stumbar what has to be done to commence the process.
Atty. Stumbar responded that the Council would have to call for
a public hearing, ask the present franchise holder how they
plan to proceed after three years -- -what they are going to do
with the franchise.
Resolution
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded
RESOLVED, That the ACC Franchise
Charter and Ordinance Committee.
by Alderman Killeen
renewal be referred to the
Carried Unanimously
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
Proposed Or finance Amending t e Zoning Map, Section 30.22 of
Chapter 30 Entitled "Zoning" of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code.
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
ORDINANCE NO. 84--
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING MAP, SECTION 30.22 OF CHAPTER
30 ENTITLED "ZONING" OF THE CITY OF ITHACA MUNICIPAL CODE.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
SECTION 1. AMENDING ZONING MAP
"1. That the "Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca, New
York," as last amended, is hereby amended and changed so
that the following described area presently located in the
R -3a Residential District is reclassified and changed to
the R -lb Residential District:
"All that tract or area of land situate in the City of
Ithaca and bounded generally by a continuous line repre-
senting, in whole or part the northwest, southwest, south-
east and northeast boundaries of parcels known as Nos. 901,
9031 909, 911, and 915 E. State Street, and of a parcel
having no street number but known as Woodcock Street,
enclosing in their entirety the said parcels, which parcels
are further identified as Tax Map Parcels No. 83 -2 -15.1
through 83 -2:19 and 83 -2 -22 on the current assessment maps
and rolls of the County of Tompkins; and
"All that tract or area of land situate in the City of
Ithaca and bounded generally by a continuous line, repre-
senting, in whole of part, the northwest, southwest, south-
east and northeast boundaries of parcels known as Nos. 919,
921 -23, 927, 931 and 933 East State Street, enclosing in
their entirety the said parcels, which parcels are further
identified as Tax Map Parcels Nos. 89 -3 -1 through 89 -3 -5.2
on the current assessment maps and rolls of the County of
Tompkins;
2. That the "Official Zoning Map of the City of Ithaca, New
York," as last amended, is hereby amended and changed so
that the following described area presently located in the
R -3a Residential District and the P 71 Public Use Distract
is reclassified and changed to the R -la Residential District:
-5-
December S, 1084
"All that tract or area of iand situate in the City of
Ithaca and bui,l,ded general ! !; :, cor,tinuuos 1 ii,e rrpi-c
senting, in whole or part, the northwest, southwest:,
southeast and northeast ho n la ; of p , rce l s kiioi:n af,
Nos. 104 djio 106 Va1 ent i uc f, l �, c , ,tic l os i.ng i n tlici >
entirety the said parcels, which parcels are further
indentified as Tax Map Parcels Nos, 83 -2 -20 and 83 -2 -2.1
on the current assessment maps and rolls of the County
of Tompkins; and
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
"This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of a notice as
provided in 9 3.11 (B) of the Ithaca City Charter."
Discussion followed on the floor.
Ayes (6) - Schlather, Holdsworth, IIaine, Peterson, Hoffman,
Killeen
Nays (4) - Dennis, Cummings, Myers, Romanowski
Motion Defeated
Application of Chemung County Transit System for consent to
operate a fixed route bus line between the Village of Watkins
Glen, N.Y. and the City of Ithaca, N.Y.
By Alderman Scilat er: Seconded by Al erman Holdsworth
IflIERT?AS, the C}iemung County Transit System has made application
[or consent to operate a fixed route motor bus line between
the Village of Watkins Glen, N.Y. and the City of Ithaca, N.Y.,
and
WHEREAS, the fixed route and stops within the City of Ithaca
are proposed as follows:
41
"All t }:at t:rat -t or ijica c,I i, _: Lii at- (; i,.i the C;i 1,y of
Ithaca and bounded generally by a continuous line repre-
senting, in whole or part, the northwest, southwest,
southeast and northeast boundaries of parcels known as
co",
Nos. 105, 107 and 109 Valentine Place, enclosing in
their entirety the said parcels, which parcels are
further identified as Tax ;`lap Parcels Nos. 89 -3 -13,
89 -3 -14, and 89 -3 -15 on the current assessment maps and
rolls of the County of Tompkins; and
"All that tract or area of land situate in the City of
Ithaca and bounded generally by a continuous line repre-
senting the southeast, northeast and northwest boundaries
of a parcel known as No. 112 Valentine Place, thence
07
extending along the said northwest boundary onto the
G)
northwest boundary of the adjacent parcel known as No.
113 -15 Valentine Place to the intersection of said north-
west boundary with the line of a buried 16 -inch city
water- supply main, thence following the line of said 16-
inch main in a southeasterly direction to its intersection
with the southeast boundary of No. 113 -15 Valentine Place,
thence following the southeast, northeast and northwest
boundaries of No. 113 -15 Valentine Place in a continuous
line until it connects with the southeast boundary of
No. 112 Valentine Place, thus enclosing No. 112 Valentine
Place in its entirety and that portion of No. 113 -15
lying northeasterly of the 16 -inch water supply main,
which parcels or portions thereof are further identified
as Tax Map Parcels Nos. 89 -2 -1 and 89 -2 -2 (a portion);
and all that tract or area of land situate in the City
of Ithaca located in certain rights -of -way themselves
adjacent to the aforesaid parcels, which rights -of -way
are commonly known as Valentine Place and Woodcock Street.
113. That in accordance herewith the City Clerk is hereby
directed to make or cause to be made the necessary
changes on said zoning map."
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE
"This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of a notice as
provided in 9 3.11 (B) of the Ithaca City Charter."
Discussion followed on the floor.
Ayes (6) - Schlather, Holdsworth, IIaine, Peterson, Hoffman,
Killeen
Nays (4) - Dennis, Cummings, Myers, Romanowski
Motion Defeated
Application of Chemung County Transit System for consent to
operate a fixed route bus line between the Village of Watkins
Glen, N.Y. and the City of Ithaca, N.Y.
By Alderman Scilat er: Seconded by Al erman Holdsworth
IflIERT?AS, the C}iemung County Transit System has made application
[or consent to operate a fixed route motor bus line between
the Village of Watkins Glen, N.Y. and the City of Ithaca, N.Y.,
and
WHEREAS, the fixed route and stops within the City of Ithaca
are proposed as follows:
41
_0_ Deccmbcl° `�, 1984
42 I ntr)" into the City of I thac'n from the wc�F t on New York
State Route 79 (Mocklertburg Road); t.licnce C Isl on test
State Street to i�lc,(low trc.ci theiic•c Month c,ri Mc�ldow
`itrc�ci .o Gl-ecn S? t'o :cl., then c' cu ;t o]i Cl !Cn 'Arc:cJ lo
East State Street; t}lencc c: :,t on F, is1 : t tre t: to
Stewart Avenue; thence north on St.elvlart. Avenue to Campus
Road; thence east on Campus Road to East Avenue; t }Knee
north on East Avenue to Tower Road; thence east on Tower
Road to Town of Ithaca, the Cornell University Veterinary
and, Nr;' Yorl< St(�Ite 366
Road); thence West oil IJCtq '1'o)-R Statu Row . %'�.�i, i
entering the City, to Ithhaca ]toad (.hence "'c' i on It.]Laca
Road to Mitchell Street; thence west on Mitchell Street
to East State Street; thence west. on East State Street
to Seneca Street; thence west on Seneca Street to Meadow
Street; thence south on Meadow Street to West State
Street; thence west on (Vest State Street to Route 79
(Mecklenburg Road); thence west on Route 79, exiting the
City at the point of entry.
Scheduled stops within the City of Ithaca on said route
are: the Woolworth bus stop; the various Cornell
University campus bus stops; and the Seneca Street
parking garage bus stop.
The proposed fare shall be no less than $1.00; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Corporation Law requires that
before such consent be given by the City there must be a
public hearing upon public notice concerning the contents
of this resolution, including the proposed route, stops, and
fare; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hold a public hearing at its
regular monthly meeting to be held on January 2, 1983 at 7:30
p.m. in the Common Council Chambers located at 108 E. Green
Street, Ithaca, N.Y. to consider an application of the Chemung
County Transit System for consent to operate a fixed route
motor bus line between the Village of Watkins Glen, N.Y. and
the City of Ithaca, N.Y.; and be it further.
RESOLVED, That the.City Clerk be and he is hereby directed to
advertise the contents of this resolution in the official news-
paper of the City as is required by law, and give notice to all
other municipalities involved.
Carried Unanimously
Council recessed at 9:00 p.m. and reconvened in regular session
at 9:10 p.m.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Stewart Park Master Plan
By Al�Uerperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
WHEREAS, the Stewart Park Advisory Group (S.P.A.G.) was duly
appointed and approved by the Common Council, and
WHEREAS, S.P.A.G. was charged with overseeing preparation of
a new Master Plan for the Stewart Park Complex, and
WHEREAS, such a Master Plan has been completed and submitted
in September 1984, and
WIIERE.AS, this plan will provide guidance to the City of Ithaca
for changes to be undertaken in the complex in the near and
mid -term future, and
WHEREAS, the S.P.A.G. has enjoyed representation of a diverse
group of interested citizens, and
WHEREAS, concerns have been voiced with respect to the Master
Plan proposals for changes to the Municipal Golf Course, and
specifically its extension into the biological field station;
now, therefore, be it
-7-
December 5, 1.984
RESOLVED, That Common Council does hereby adopt the Master
Plan for the Imp-roventent. of' ulic SE c:, ,rL Paj,k Complex �,�, t:hc:
official concept plan for that aiea, and be it further
RESOIXED, That design profession;;;:, be e11 a.gcd for phepal-ation
of detailed designs for implementation of the various parrs of-
the plan, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this approval specifically does not apply to
recommenclations for changes 10 tl;c: biological field stai:ion
and its i_a.asSlfico t�ret -land t- t!: i1'jrtliel'i1 (:J ".d �-Jf 1 =11c'. pa)-1I ,
and that it is hereby further resolved that alteration of this
area is specifically prohibited by this resolution without
further explicit approval of Common Council, and be it further
RESOLVED, That no alteration or ,..xpansion of the golf cour:,e
be undertaken without approval of this Common Council, and that
in the absence of such approval, expenditures on the golf course
be limited to normal maintenance functions, and be it further
RESOLVED, That no individual elements recommended in the park
study be approved without specific further authorization by
Common Council.
4:3
Amending Resolution
By Alderman Sc hl er: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That design professionals
be engaged for preparation of detailed designs for implementation
of the various parts of the plan" be deleted from the resolution.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Ayes (S) - Schlather, Holdsworth, Romanowski, Myers,
Haine
Nays (S) - Killeen, Cummings, Dennis, Peterson, Hoffman
Mayor Gutenberger broke the tie vote by voting Nay.
Motion Defeated
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Alderman Sc hl er: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the three FURTHER RESOLVED paragraphs concerning
the design professionals, biological field station and golf
course be deleted from the resolution.
No vote was taken on the amendment.
Tabling Resolution
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the resolution concerning Stewart Park Master
Plan be tabled until after the first of the year.
Ayes (6) - Dennis, Holdsworth, Roffman, Myers, Haine
Romanowski
Nays (4) - Peterson, Killeen, Schlather, Cummings
Carried
Mayor Gutenberger requested of the Planning and Development
(4000.1 Committee that when they discuss the plan again, he would like
clarification of the sentence, "expenditures on the golf
course be limited to normal maintenance functions."
BUDGET AND ADMINIS`T'RATION COMMITTEE:
Energy Improvement Funds
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Schlather
IZESOI.VED, That this Common Council_ approves the release of
funds, in the amount not to exceed $7,500, from Capital Reserve
No. 24 - Energy Program Improvements, for relamping of the
middle level of the Green Street Parking Ramp, as recommended
by the Energy Commission.
Carried Unanimously
_8_ De(embel' 5, 1984
44 Nei %r York S? at^ Off i cc of the Agin(, App 11_cat i oll
By 1�ld�eri!ian i)011111s: socornded iiy P�Idcrman ScII1;:�th��_
WHFIZI?,�S, the C i ty o f I t.haca is about to subml t an app- i.cation
for collti.anlat i on of' the Rec.rea t= i eu for t -he 1i1 de rl y , anr] if
approved, apply ',llbscquetltly to Ilse SI(11,c o.I= New York ('or
partial reimbursement of fuiids exl)cncle(] on said project:, as
provided by Sections 541 -546 of A1•ticle 19 -1 of the Executive
Law of New York, entitled "Recreation Programs for the Elderly ";
now, therefore, by it
RESOLVED., Thai said app.l ic,atic.l L.- in 01 1 )'c! ;Pcct.S
and John C, Gutenberger, Mayor, is hcreby directed and author:i.zcd
to duly execute and submit said application to the New York
State Office for the Aging, for its approval.
Carried Unanimously
Final Audit for 1984
By Alderman Dennis:— Seconded by Alderman Schlather
RESOLVED, That the Budget and Administration Committee and
City Controller be empowered to approve and audit for payment
any bills for 1984 as may require such action.
Carried Unanimously
Adoption of 1985 Budget
WHEREAS, tis Common Council has reviewed the Executive Budget
as proposed by Mayor John C. Gutenberger, and the Budget and
Administration Committee Recommendations, and
WHEREAS it is the consenus of this Common Council that the
total Appropriations and Estimated Revenues are adequate for
the operation of the City for 1985; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Budget for 1985, in the total
amount of $16,829,619, be approved, and. be it further
RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 1985 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
(II) Water Fund Revenues
(I) Sewer Fund Revenues
(J) Commons Assessment Fund Revenues
(K) Debt Retirement Schedule
(L) Capital Projects
(H) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - General Fund
(N) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - Water and Sewer Fund
(0) Authorized Equipment Purchases - General Fund
(P) Authorized Equipment Purchases - Revenue Sharing Fund
(Q) Authorized Equipment Purchases - Water and Sewer Fund
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderperson Haine
WHEREAS, neighborhood conservation and historic preservation
have become increasingly important functions in the City of
Ithaca, and
WIIEREAS, the City, over the last ten years, has benefited from
a variety of outside funding sources (including C.E.T.A. pro-
gram, New York State Council on the Arts), to carry out some
of these functions, and
WHEREAS, these funding sources are no longer available for
support of City staff functions, and
WHEREAS, failure to provide funding for these activities would
mean that they could no longer be carried out by the Planning
and Development Department, resulting in a decrease in services
to the citizens of Ithaca, and
I rn
M
00
0)
ff)
December !i, 1981
1V1fEIW, \S, the r- -i <II 1 nr- rea!� r d ? .m, n l Zillion P, r.ei f;hho III oods in 45
the City for direct service tro,n th(: Department of Planning
and Development for a variety of Land -use, transportation,
housing,, historic preservation. erivironmental, and. other issues,
and
WHEREAS) creation of a Planner II position for neighborhood
conservation and historic preservation will provide funding
for these functions; now, therefore, be it
PESCIVED, r11aL i ;tti Plaiiiiol ii 1)0 :,J_tJ on be added t() the
roster for inclusion in the 1985 City Budget, and that this
position be funded through the Salaries line of the Department
of Planning and Development and that that Line be increased by
$15,680 for a Planner II position.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Tabling Resolution
By AlUerman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the amendment to the budget be tabled.
Ayes (3) - Schlather, Dennis, Holdsworth
Nays (7) - Peterson, Hoffman, Killeen, Haine, Myers,
Romanowski, Cummings
Motion Defeated
Amending Resolution
By Alderman Ho fman
RESOLVED, That the position be funded in the amount of $11,760
(3/4 time).
The resolution failed for lack of a second.
A vote on the original amendment to the Budget resulted as
follows:
Ayes.(7) - Peterson, Killeen, Hoffman, Haine, Dennis
Cummings, Myers
Nays (3) - Holdsworth, Romanowski, Schlather
Carried
Amending Resolution
By Al erperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
RESOLVED, That the authorization of the Capital Projects portion
of the Budget be increased to $1.6 million to restore the Mayor's
suggestion that State Street be paved with brick to Stewart
Avenue and with asphalt the remainder of the street.
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amending resolution resulted.as follows:
Ayes (4) - Cummings, Peterson, Hoffman, Killeen
Nays (6) - Haine, Dennis, Holdsworth, Myers, Romanowski,
Schlather
Amendment Defeated
Alderman Schlather requested that the record reflect that in
the Sewer Fund Revenue Line there is no increase in this partic-
ular budget for removal of some of the bulk rates that currently
are given to our larger consumers of water. He expressed concern
that the line be amended. Deputy Controller Cafferillo explained
to him that there is in the process a revenue measure which
would in effect bring the bulk users into one unit so we would
have everyone paying on an equal basis. Mr. Schlather was
specifically reCerring to industrial and large institutional
users. Therefore, the record should reflect that the sewer
portion of the budget is being passed in anticipation of the
implementation of this rate practice in the first quarter of
1985 by the Department of Public Works.
4E' Amencl'1119 1 ('SO1iFt 1011
By A1— cTeiman Ilot fiiii :
RESOLVE 1), T113t 1111(101
Pro j e(' ! . tt• o 1 :' 10('' `
$75)000 aj)d Soutllt�c_,J
be deleted and these
10
lj�. clllbc l S, 1984
Se(-.orndcd !)v Aldcrpersor. t;umr�1.ngs
, h(, ?�.cvc`n,�� 'I�� r i n s, p) F_,. ion of the Capit,11
1-he nr
pme)) ,,, $85,000
1)z'oject�: }�(• (le reared.
Discussion followed on the floor.
n. veto ))A
Ayes (5) - Hoffman, Peterson, Maine, Myers, Holdsworth
Nays (5) - Killeen, Dennis, Cummings, Schlather, Romanowski.
Mayor Gutenl)ergcl' broke the t.:ie vote: by voting Nay.
Aitic,ndnlent. Defeated
Alderman Hoffman noted that $900,000 has been provided in the
budget for the Youth Bureau facility; however, requests for
proposals have gone out specifying a somewhat higher figure.
It was also clarified that Common Council wishes the Supt. of
Public Works to go ahead with re- locating the Route 13 access
road to the youth facility.
The question of the adoption of the amended 1985 Budget was
duly put to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:
Schlather
Aye
Cummings
Aye
Haine
Aye
Myers
Aye
Holdsworth
Nay
Peterson
Aye
Killeen
Aye
Hoffman
Aye
Romanowski
Aye
Dennis
Aye
Ayes (9)
Nay (1) Carried
Adoption of the 1985 Tax Rate
By AlGerman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Killeen
WHEREAS, the 1985 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted
and confirmed, in the t.otal amount of $16,845,299, on December
5, 1984, in accordance with a detailed Budget Statement on
file in the Office of the City Controller, and
WHEREAS) available and estimated Revenues total $12,666,785,
leaving $4,178,514 as the amount to be raised by taxation,
and
WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for 1985, certified and filed by
the Assessment Department of Tompkins County, has been footed
and approved and shows the total net taxable valuation of
$300,612,495, and
WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the Tax Limit for City
purposes amounts to $6,492,122 for 1985; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Tax Rate for general purposes, for the fiscal
year 1985, be, and the same hereby is, established and fixed
at $13.90 per $1,000 of taxable valuation as shown, certified
and extended against the respective properties on the 1985 'Tax
roll, thereby making a total tax levy as near as may be of
$4,178,514, and be it further
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 Tax Roll, in accordance with their respective
net taxable, at the rate of $1,x.90 per $1,000 of such taxable
valuation, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberl.ai.n 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
-11- December 1984 F
I :I
s hat I pI' ill 0) the \' Ark
Cp l. le � 11:, � 1 ' li; ?;r7 ".1.11i' or 4
t.)ir:
collection of said levy; and the Mayor and City Cler.)s ijoreby
are authorized and directed to n '.nd affix the corporate
seat t:o such Idarrant. and foi-thw_ l_), to file the s.:+me with said
Roll with the City Chamberlain, .nd be it Further
RESOLVED, That upon the execution and filing of said Wawant.
and Tax Roll with the City Chamberlain, the amounts of the
City Tax set opposite each and ,:fiery property shall hereby
become liens, due, payable= and in accordance with
provisions of the City Charter and other laws applicable thereto,
and be it further
(Moo,
RESOLVED, That the total sum of $16,845,299 be appropriated in
accordance with the Budget adopt(,(), t:o the respective. Boards,
Offices and Departments of the City for
the purposes
respectively
set forth therein. The 1.985 Assessment
Roll has been
completed
and approved by the Assessment Department
of Tompkins
County
and resulted in the following valuation:
Valuation of Land
$ 83,414,800
Valuation of Buildings
507,677,122
t�
Total Value of Real Property
$591)091)922
Less: Value of Exempt Property
306,801,635
(51.90 %)
CD
$284,2905,287
�i.
Plus: Value of Special Franchises
16,322,208
Net Value of Taxable Property.
$300,612,495
Ayes (9) - Schlather, Haine, Killeen, Romanowski, Myers,
Cummings, Peterson, Hoffman, Dennis
Nay (1) - Holdsworth
Carried
Audit
By Alderman Dennis: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the bills audited and approved by the Budget
and Administration Committee, in the total amount of $20,172.78,
as listed on Audit Abstract #22/1984, be approved for payment.
Carried Unanimously
Budget and Administration Committee Chairman Dennis expressed
appreciation to members of the committee, as well as to all
Council_ members and Controller Spano, Deputy Controller
Cafferillo and staff for their work in reviewing the budget.
Council recessed at 11:00 p.m. and reconvened in regular session
at 11:10 p.m.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Southside Community Center
Alderman Hoffman withdrew—the resolution concerning Southside
Community Center as it had been included in the Budget. He
reported that he had written a letter- to the President of the
Board and Southside asking them to name representatives to a
small study committee who will try to come up with a modified
contract between the City and Southside. After that they will
move toward a resolution of maintenance and upkeep of the
building.
Human Services Coalition
A] deriiiaii Ilo1� f`inaii reported that the human Services Committee has
proposed a plan of work for the human Services Coalition. The
city provides a certain amount of money to the Coalition and
they provide certain services for the city. Also, Chm. Hoffman
sent Council copies of a memo to the Human Services Coalition
which suggested four items in a tentative plan of work. The
order of priority in terms of the Human Services Committee were
48
-12- December. 5, 1,984
st.ud� of c:i� i].d c it ii :c?d.,, <<nd sc ti v i cc s, study of (JiL0 lenge
Industries and what the relationship shots] d be bettaeen Challenge' lChallenge'
and 01.0 city, continued stu dv )f t be rc l ,01 i.orish i , bet,`.)een the
city and �;uutbs ido tote( rcvcnti( . i1;1) 111p, j (slue!, t.s ; ccc.i.v(,d i.)y Lhc
city foz 1�18�, lie riled for ::.��nunc�nts �(�rom anybody having opinions,
The committee hope to finalize the proposal at its December
meeting and then send it to the Budget and Administration
Committee.
1ZcNvCnue Sh��t,t��, Gti►�Icl iE�c
nl -erman llrffmati reported that several people on the human
Services Committee felt that the criteria the city established
for revenue sharing for this year was somewhat vague and led
to problems in the midst of the process. The committee is
working on a new set of criteria which they think will give
more guidance to the agencies who are interested in applying
and make the process a little more open and understandable.
Carolyn Peterson and Bill Myers have been working on the
criteria and hope to come back with some recommendations on
that well before the period for agencies to apply for revenue
sharing monies.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTFI_:
Neighbor oo s Forum
Al erperson Cummi_n s reported that. the committee held a
meeting with the Civic Associations of the community and that
10 of the associations gave impressive presentations to the
committee dealing with the neighborhoods, defining goals, what
they want the city to do and what they want to do, taking a
look 5 -10 years down the road as to where they want the neigh-
borhoods to be. They indicated they would like to come back,
perhaps on a yearly basis, to give a neighborhood needs report.
They would like the city to host an informal session for them
to get together to talk over their problems. The committee
agreed they would arrange this after the first of the year.
Extensive minutes are being prepared from the meeting and will
be available in a week or so, and will be mailed out to the
civic groups.
Hydropower Site Plan
Al erperson Cummings reported that the committee reviewed the
site plan and endorsed the plan as a guideline for future
involvement. They deferred further action until next month.
The plan has been referred to the Board of Public Works and
CAC for the further input.
Collegetown Street and Park Improvements
By Al erperson Cummings: Seconcled y Alderman Dennis
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has undertaken a program for the
development of Collegetown which includes the construction of
a parking facility, apartments, park and street improvements,
and
WHEREAS, the Common Council must define the scope and estimated
construction budget for the street and park improvements, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council must give Hoffman, O'Brien, Levatich
and Taubc, P.C., the approved archtiects for the street and
park improvements, an authorization to proceed with the design
of these improvements on or before December 5, 1984, and
WHEREAS, staff has prepared a recommended list of street
improvements, Trowbridge . Trowbridge has prepared three
schematic design options for the park and construction cost
estimates for each component have been developed; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the recommended
last of street improvements outlined in the memorandum from
Paul Mazzarella, Deputy Director of Planning and Development
dated November 29, 1984, with the exception of the street
lights, which are to be deleted, and be it further
-13-
December 5, 1984
RE.SOL�JED, That it is the intent i -r; n Common Coi.mci l 1=0 put 4,)
the street lights back into ili( ;ippiuvecl package o1- p11bl.ic
improvements if the city's $134.786 grant application to the
App ;:! i ac-l�i <<i) ?fin -i :):t;, . comet i i ()
RESOLVED, The Common Council hereby endorses the concept of
Scheme 3 of the park designs prepared by Trowbridge . Trowbridge
and authorizes further development of this design, and be it
further
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Alderman Sc lat er: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the second RESOLVED, regarding street lights
.be deleted; and that the followin.Q be added at the end of the
first RESOLVED:... which are to be deleted "at this time, and
may be reinstated at a later date in full or in part."
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Further discussion followed regarding park improvements.
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) - Cummings, Dennis, Haine, Hoffman, Holdsworth,
Killeen, Myers, Romanowski, Schlather
Nay (1) - Peterson
Carried
Collegetown Environmental Report
By Al erperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderman Romanowski
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has undertaken a redevelopment
project in Collegetown and is developing plans for the
construction of a parking garage and street improvements, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has entered into an agreement with
Travis and Travis to design and build a 64 -unit apartment
building on City -owned property, and
WHEREAS, Common Council directed staff to initiate the
preparation of an Environmental Report to assess the impacts of
these projects, and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals has been circulated and
three proposals have been received; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, i liat Common CounG:t i he i ub, autI ou i zes lloLfma1-� 01 Bri c:ii
, ,
Levatich and Taube, P.C. to proceed with the design of the part;
and street improvements approved by Common Council in accordance
(40o,
with the provisions of the contract approved by Common Council.
on October 3, 1984, as amended. The construction budget for
the public improvements approved by Common Council totals
$572,392.
Alderman Killeen reported having attended a Collegetown Merchants
Association meeting that morning with Paul Mazzarella. He
Commented that the meeting was very well attended and the
merchants indicated that they preferred Scheme 3.
(�
GO
Alderman Dennis asked Paul Mazzarella to comment. Mr. Mazzarella
0)
reported that he has been meeting with Cornell University repre-
sentatives to try to resolve problems. More recently he has
L
presented the plans to them, which is of importance to them as
[�]
they own a part of the park and other land. He reported that
<
they are enthusiastic and encouraging, but to date have made no
firm commitment of money. He is looking for something legally
binding in the future.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Amending Resolution
By Alderman Sc lat er: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
RESOLVED, That the second RESOLVED, regarding street lights
.be deleted; and that the followin.Q be added at the end of the
first RESOLVED:... which are to be deleted "at this time, and
may be reinstated at a later date in full or in part."
Discussion followed on the floor.
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Further discussion followed regarding park improvements.
A vote on the main motion as amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) - Cummings, Dennis, Haine, Hoffman, Holdsworth,
Killeen, Myers, Romanowski, Schlather
Nay (1) - Peterson
Carried
Collegetown Environmental Report
By Al erperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderman Romanowski
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has undertaken a redevelopment
project in Collegetown and is developing plans for the
construction of a parking garage and street improvements, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has entered into an agreement with
Travis and Travis to design and build a 64 -unit apartment
building on City -owned property, and
WHEREAS, Common Council directed staff to initiate the
preparation of an Environmental Report to assess the impacts of
these projects, and
WHEREAS, a Request for Proposals has been circulated and
three proposals have been received; now, therefore, be it
--14-
December 5, 1084
50 RF.OI VI,,]), J'11,1t (,onunnrl (,,oIII)C 1 hc,r(�by aI)I hor i zes <uid d i rect:s
the Mi�nr tc e,\ccut. a o>>tr pct. i il� '1'ro��bi'iclg 1'ro�ebrdgc
for the preparation of an F;nvir()nment,al_ Report i.n accor(l nice
with thc. torn!- 01' li)opc!:�a1 <1 1>y 1 � .w?,� i(lgc
.And I:(, i. fu�.thez
III SOLVI D, l'hat tale , ost s for the 1)rep,1rat- .on of the Env i ron..
mental Report shall be shared equally by tile City and by Travis
and Tra��i_s, in accordance with the resolution on Collegctown
oii Aii ', ist
Amending Resolution
By Al erman Killeen: Seconded by Alderman e end
RESOLVED, That the following be added at. the end of the first:
which terms (Tasks 'I Fi 5) will Specif cal_Jy include
examination of all ;,t}ier privat�: developmo) t. }pro i ect:s "01,dul cc1
for contruction within the Collegetown street improvement zone,
and production of a series of recommendations to mitigate
construction disruption."
Discussion followed on the floor.
Alderman Killeen withdrew his amendment.
A vote on the main resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unan.imousIy
West End Zoning
Al erperson Cummings reported that Alderman Romanowski had
taken a survey of the residents in the West End and reported
that the residents are not interested in changing the zoning.
However, the committee is still looking at West State Street.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Intergovernmental Committee on Fire Service Master Planning Report
Alderman Killeen, Cialr o t e Fzre Service Master Planning
Committee, reported briefly on the committee and its activities
to date; membership and the first five meetings of the committee
in different localities in the community which have served to
educate the committee to the broad factors that influence the
thinking and understanding of how the fire service has operated
and what things must be given serious consideration so that
their charge is satisfied, which is to produce a series of
recommendations by April that will insure a cost effective
maximum efficient continuation of fire service in the community.
Board of Public Works -- Forest Home Drive
By Al erman Ho man: Secon ec by Al erperson Haine
WHEREAS, Forest Home Drive has temporarily become closed due
to its unsafe condition, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has , for several years, been
examined its relationship to Forest Home Drive, and
WHEREAS, the Forest Home Drive road bed is in such a deteriorated
condition that it can no longer be repaired without major
structural work at a substantial cost to the City, and
WHEREAS, the Fire and Police Chiefs, the Planning Director, and
the Superintendent of Public Works all concur that Forest Home
Drive is not necessary to the safe and efficient delivery of
City services, and
WHEREAS, the Streets and Facilities Committee of the Board of
Public Works has resolved that steps be commenced to discontinue
as a City street all that right of way commonly known as Forest
Home Drive, and
WHEREAS, the preparation of an Environmental Assessment Form
(EAF) and determination of the Board of Public 11orks as lead
agency is a necessary preliminary step to any discontinuance
of Forest Home Drive as a -City street, and
-15- Dec-ember 55 1.984
51
11111ik1..1�S, pursuant to L
of the City of Ithaca,
des i s,llate the 1;oa l-d or
of a. nature that would
the Board, such as the
therefore, be it
fie L11Vi1-G1111.� 11Lai Qual l.ty 01'd.111iinC(;
the Common Council_ has the authority to
1'11b7ic 1\10 r! „ , 1o'ld of =erJcy for "legions
place them oithin t:he Jul-isdict::ior1 of
discontinuance of a City street; now,
RESOLVED, That the Common Council designates the Board of Public
Works as lead agency for actions ,issoci ated with the proposed
discontinuance of forest (ionic 1h v e s a City street..
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:.
Ag Quad Designation
A.1cIerperson Cummings asked Council members to bet in touch
with her or Andrea Lazarski if they have any questions re-
garding designation of the Ag Quad as a historic landmark.
Elm Street Parking
By Alderman Schlather: Seconded by Alderman Holdsworth
WHEREAS, the widening of part of lower Elm Street has been in-
cluded in the Budget; and
WHEREAS) there is currently in effect a stay of the prohibition
!..)1 against on- street parking at this site, which stay is scheduled
11-1) to expire 1/1/85; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the prohibition against on- street parking on
lower Elm Street be stayed until completion of this capital
project, and thereafter be rescinded.
Carried Unanimously
Veterans' Exemption
Alderperson Peterson presented the following memo, copies of
which had been passed out to the Council:
"To: Common Council
Mayor Gutenberger
From: Carolyn Peterson
Date:' December 5, 1984 .
Re: Veteran's Exemption
One might think that after legislators vote, an issue is_pushed
aside and forgotten. However, this has not been the case with
the Veteran's Exemptions. Concerns are still. being raised,
after the vote, from a number of City residents. Citizens did
not realize t at the issue was on the November Council agenda
and were not present to voice opposition. As a legislator, I
feel that a major decision was made without the benefit of a
thorough hearing. This was partly due to the extremely short
time that the State gave us for consideration of the bill and
the frustrating choice of no benefits for veterans or some
benefits under an inequitable law.
I would urge the Common Council to support a proposal to the
State to extend the period during which municipalities could
consider the bill. During this time additional research could
be done on the effects of the brill. I would also ask that
Common Council request the State legislature to re- examine
the bill in order to create a more equitable compensation for
all veterans that may not necessarily come out of property
taxes. Ultimately this responsibility lies with the Federal
government.
This afternoon I learned that a careful. reading of the new law
shows that a community may lower the amount of exemption even
after the December ] deadline. This issue should be considered
again by the Council, including a public hearing.
The veteran's plea for assistance is well heard in this time
of Reagan's cuts in veteran berlefit:s. I am also making a plea
for fuller study of the hill and a fairer method of compensation.
-16 Occf,mhc 1. 108,1
2 ReF, 0711t i cn,
By Alcic rpc rsoil Pctc; I sole Sec oiccic(i 1); r s o I I Cum-IIIzngs
RESOLVED, 'That tlrc memo r(V rd i ng the Vc tc raui- ` Exemption he
referred to thc 1111(1 gcf ;end Ad III rn I -,lraf IOII (;()nu7,iri-ce for
reV i -era.
(;,I.rr:i (- ; UJI' ninroosly
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meet i.jiv "di ourned at 12:30 a. m.
9 n
Callista F. Paolangcgl
Deputy City Clerk
in C. Guten erger
7avor