HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1990-01-01r ��l
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January 1, 1990
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 12:00 Noon January 1, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayor Gutenberger
Mayor -Elect - Nichols
Alderpersons (10) - Booth, Cummings, Hoffman, Killeen, Lytel,
Peterson, Johnson, Romanowski, Schlather
Alderpersons -Elect (3) - Blanchard, Daley, Schroeder
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk - Paolangeli
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy City Clerk - Boyles
e' Police Chief - McEwen
Fire Chief - Olmstead
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Gutenberger led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Budget and Administration Committee
Alderperson Schlather requested the addition of Item 11.6,
Resolution of Extension for Purchase of City Hall Annex.
No Council member objected.
DISMISSAL OF OUTGOING COUNCIL:
Mayor Gutenberger commended the Council for their accomplishments
of the past years and commented that he is proud to have served
and worked with them.
He further noted that we have three members of Common Council who
have served this community for many years and will not be
returning and wished to pay tribute to them.
He extended to Alderperson Lytel
good wishes for his studies in
Alderperson Lytel has been a
administration and he appreciates
housing and the special care that
City with Southside.
his very best and heartiest
France. He commented that
very active member of his
his efforts on the issues of
ie has taken in relation to the
Alderperson Lytel stated that since this is his last Council
meeting he wished to make a presentation to the other outgoing
members. He stated that he tried very hard to think of an
appropriate gift for this colleagues and he believed he had come
up with something the outgoing members have always wanted. He
decided to give them something that all the alderpersons have
been fighting over for at least the four years he has been on
Council. He presented Alderpersons Killeen and Schlather and
outgoing Mayor Gutenberger with a tile from the floor of Council
with appropriate inscriptions.
Mayor Gutenberger stated that as soon as the crowd clears they
will be checking to see if it is truly the Council floor.
Mayor Gutenberger then thanked Alderperson Killeen for his
services to the community. He stated that Alderperson Killeen
took on a lot of special assignments for him, not the least of
which was his duties as Acting Mayor. He commented that
Alderperson Killeen has been very active, especially in the areas
of Senior Citizens' and related activities of those in our
community who are elderly. He stated that for many years
Alderperson Killeen was Chair of the Fire Master Planning
Committee and continued on in that role and worked with the Town
2 January 1, 1990
and the City in developing a consensus of the future for the fire
fighting activities in the Town and the City. Those were not
easy meetings and they have not been easy years and Mayor
Gutenberger stated his heartfelt gratitude and continued good
luck and success to Alderperson Killeen.
Mayor Gutenberger thanked Alderperson Schlather for all his hard
work and friendship over the years. He stated that he thinks
that Alderperson Schlather has truly been the conscience of this
Common Council. He stated that for all the fine work that
Alderperson Schlather has done, and for the very difficult role
as Chair of the Budget and Administration Committee during his
administration, there are really no words of gratitude that he
could express.
Alderperson Romanowski then presented Alderperson Schlather a
pin that read " #1 Budget Maker" in recognition of his hard work
as Chair of the Budget and Administration Committee; a large bag
of popcorn to commemorate all the late night meetings and stops
at the "Ritz ", and a caricature of Alderperson Schlather, done by
Joseph Patterson which says "Metamorphosis - from Peace, Love and
Toenails to Esquire, Politician and Budget Person Super ".
Alderperson Cummings presented Alderperson Lytel with several
gifts, including 2 cigars for those smoke filled rooms he will
encounter in Europe, a beret with an antenna and a cable hook -up
so he can keep up with the communications field, and a leather
folder to hold the papers that he will be working on while in
Paris.
Alderperson Hoffman presented to Alderperson Killeen a lifetime
supply of imported toothpicks to replace the twisted and mangled
paper clips in his desk drawer and a Play School Trolley car,
which reads on the side "The Sean Killeen commemorative East Hill
Trolley ", on the front 'Common Council Express " , the rules of
the trolley, and on the back "8 years of service 1982 -1989 Ithaca
Common Council ". Alderperson Hoffman said that the trolley is
given to Alderperson Killeen as a symbol to correspond with
Alderperson Killeen's attributes. He further remarked that this
trolley, like Sean, serves the people very humbly, it is durable,
it promotes business and tourism and although the trolley is now
gone from Ithaca it may very well come back someday.
Alderperson Johnson presented Mayor Gutenberger with a timer
which shows 5 minutes, 4 minutes, and 3 minutes so that Mayor
Gutenberger has some flexibility and he is no longer locked into
saying people can only talk for 3 minutes. He stated that in
having served with Mayor Gutenberger on the Third Ward Democratic
Committee, he knows that sometimes the Mayor has felt like there
were a lot of people that didn't really understand him and what
his motives were and that some people exist just to annoy him.
He presented Mayor Gutenberger with a card that read, "Some
people exist just to annoy me." Alderperson Johnson also
presented a poster of Ithaca to the Mayor.
Alderperson Booth stated that in regard to the Ithaca poster,
some people do not understand Mayor Gutenberger's insistence that
a baling station be located in Ithaca. He said that he has been
one of the Mayor's allies in that particular fight and has tried
to explain to people that Mayor Gutenberger sees Ithaca about as
big as the whole world, therefore there have been no limitations
as far as the Mayor was concerned. Alderperson Booth presented
to Mayor Gutenberger a sign that expresses the Council's
sentiments about him as he leaves office. The sign read, "Nobody
notices what I do until I don't do it ".
Alderperson Booth further stated that on a more serious note, he
thinks it is clear, not only to those persons who sit on
Council, but to the people of the City of Ithaca, that a Mayor is
retiring who has provided this City with many services that are
3 January 1, 1990
well beyond mentioning in a brief time. He stated that Mayor
Gutenberger has led the Council and served the Council with
extraordinary dedication. He has kept ten, sometimes raucous
individuals together and coming to meetings, he has been
dedicated to process and insisted that decisions be made in the
right way and dedicated to making sure that Ithaca dealt well and
fairly with communities around us and that they dealt with us in
the same way.
(aw"
Alderperson Booth went on to
say that Mayor Gutenberger has been
dedicated above all
else to
the notion of Ithaca as a 'special
place'. He said that
the highest
accolade that could be made to
not always the majority rules. That in fact there is this thing
Mayor Gutenberger
is that
he has seen public service as
enormously important
and he
has dedicated his life to that. He
frail, its roof may shake, the wind
presented a colored
picture
of Ithaca Falls to Mayor Gutenberger
but the King of England
from the Council.
cannot enter. All his force dares not
cross the threshold of the
Alderperson Schlather thanked everyone for the good wishes and
the sentiment. He stated that what impresses him about this
group and our system is that it in fact works. What is important
'..' is that as each of us come forward and we swear to uphold the
law, we are not doing anything unique in this country - we are
t, simply joining a parade of common citizens throughout this
country who at this time of year pass before their local
legislators and assume a mantle of responsibility to the law that
is greater than any one of us as individuals.
Mayor Gutenberger thanked Common Council and remarked that it has
been an honor and a privilege to serve with this Council and to
serve this great community. He then officially excused the three
outgoing Council people.
OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR NICHOLS
Mayor Nichols took the oath of office and was sworn in as Mayor
by City Clerk Paolangeli.
He was presented with his badge of office and a new gavel and
name plate by former Mayor Gutenberger.
OATH OF OFFICE -- ALDERPERSONS -ELECT
Mayor Nichols called the newly elected and re- elected
Alderpersons to the rostrum to be sworn into their respective
offices:
Joseph Daley
Barbara Blanch
John Schroeder
Richard Booth
Daniel Hoffman
- newly elected from Second Ward
and - newly elected from First Ward
- newly elected from Fourth Ward
- re- elected from Third Ward
- re- elected from Fifth Ward
The newly elected and re- elected Alderpersons took the oath of
office and were sworn in by City Clerk Paolangeli.
Alderperson Schlather stated he wished
to leave the Council with
a thought about our Bill of Rights because the Bill of Rights
essentially tempers this great democracy. The Bill of Rights
speaks to us of our individual rights,
it recognizes that it is
not always the majority rules. That in fact there is this thing
called the right of privacy. There is a
especially apropos that reads: "The
quote that he thought was
poorest man may in his
cottage bid defiance to all the forces
of the crown. It may be
frail, its roof may shake, the wind
may blow through it, the
storm may enter, the rain may enter,
but the King of England
cannot enter. All his force dares not
cross the threshold of the
ruined tenement."
Mayor Gutenberger thanked Common Council and remarked that it has
been an honor and a privilege to serve with this Council and to
serve this great community. He then officially excused the three
outgoing Council people.
OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR NICHOLS
Mayor Nichols took the oath of office and was sworn in as Mayor
by City Clerk Paolangeli.
He was presented with his badge of office and a new gavel and
name plate by former Mayor Gutenberger.
OATH OF OFFICE -- ALDERPERSONS -ELECT
Mayor Nichols called the newly elected and re- elected
Alderpersons to the rostrum to be sworn into their respective
offices:
Joseph Daley
Barbara Blanch
John Schroeder
Richard Booth
Daniel Hoffman
- newly elected from Second Ward
and - newly elected from First Ward
- newly elected from Fourth Ward
- re- elected from Third Ward
- re- elected from Fifth Ward
The newly elected and re- elected Alderpersons took the oath of
office and were sworn in by City Clerk Paolangeli.
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January 1, 1990
ELECTION OF PERSON TO FILL 4TH WARD VACANCY
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
election of the person to fill 4th Ward vacancy.
Alderperson Booth nominated Sean Killeen.
Alderperson Schroeder nominated Neil Golder.
The vote for Sean Killeen was as follows:
Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Cummings, Booth
The vote for Neil Golder was as follows:
Peterson, Hoffman, Schroeder, Johnson
Mayor Nichols stated that because no candidate having received
six votes, the election is not complete. He suggested that
further ballots be cast to see if a six vote majority can be
obtained.
After lengthy discussion regarding the candidacy of Mr. Killeen
and Mr. Golder Mayor Nichols asked for a second ballot.
The vote for Sean Killeen was as follows:
Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Cummings, Booth
The vote for the Neil Golder was as follows:
Johnson, Schroeder, Hoffman, Peterson
Alderperson Hoffman asked Attorney Guttman if it is appropriate
at the beginning of each ballot to ask for the nominations to
occur again.
Atty. Guttman stated that it would be technically correct. At
this point the motion is to fill a vacancy. Nominations have
been made and Council has voted. It is proper to re -open that
motion and therefore take new nominations if the Council so
wishes.
Alderperson Cummings offered the name of Peggy Haine to fill the
4th Ward vacancy. She stated that Ms. Haine has previously
served on Council and is willing to serve again.
Alderperson Hoffman offered the name of Neil Golder.
Alderperson Romanowski offered the name of Sean Killeen.
The vote for Peggy Haine was as follows:
Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Cummings
The vote for Neil Golder was as follows:
Johnson, Schroeder, Hoffman, Peterson
The vote for Sean Killeen was as follows:
Booth
Temporary Ad-iournment
By Alderperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderperson Booth
RESOLVED, That this Common Council temporarily adjourn at 12:12
p.m. for a five minute recess.
Carried Unanimously
k,
January 1, 1990
Regular Session
Common Council reconvened in Regular Session at 12:30 p.m. Mayor
Nichols apologized to the public for being in recess longer than
five minutes.
Mayor Nichols stated that there was a real attempt on the part of
Council to see if they could come to some agreement on filling
the 4th Ward vacancy. It is his understanding, as of now, that
it is not possible. He said that unless someone on Council
(woo" wishes to move for another ballot, he will proceed with the
remainder of the meeting.
Tabling Motion
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the matter of an election to appoint a person to
fill the vacant Fourth Ward Alderperson's seat be tabled until
the meeting of Common Council on January 3, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
F
ELECTION OF ACTING MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
C.
position of Acting Mayor.
r
Alderperson Booth nominated Alderperson Carolyn Peterson for the
position and his nomination was seconded by Alderperson Johnson.
The motion carried unanimously.
Alderperson Peterson took the oath of office and was sworn in by
City Clerk Paolangeli.
ALTERNATE ACTING MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
position of Alternate Acting Mayor.
(400"', Alderperson Hoffman nominated Alderperson Romanowski and his
nomination was seconded by Alderperson Blanchard. The motion
carried unanimously.
Alderperson Romanowski took the oath of office and was sworn in
by City Clerk Paolangeli.
REMARKS FROM MAYOR NICHOLS:
Mayor Nichols read the following statement to Council:
"As Ithaca's new Mayor I can't help but reflect on our City's
history and accomplishments - -and on the many problems and
opportunities that lie ahead. We are the beneficiaries of the
selfless effort of the many people who over the years have given
us our parks and recreational facilities, our public utilities,
our public transportation, the Commons, our historic buildings,
and our excellent police and fire departments. Those of us who
have lived here for many years and those who have joined us more
recently have found special delight in our community. Our city
is the home of one of the great universities of the world -of
scientists, artists, musicians, and poets. We are an inter-
national community with people who are actively concerned with
many movements for peace and justice in the world. We have a
(600,01 proud history of people's involvement in the struggles here for
social justice, civil rights, and labor.
But we are also the inheritors of a city in which much of recent
development has not added to our beauty or public good, in which
many people, including city employees, who would like to live
here cannot find homes or apartments that they can afford. In
our city there are many young people who see nothing ahead but,
at best, low- paying service jobs and some of them have turned to
drugs and crime. The needs of many for child -care and health-
care are not being met. We share in the national scandal of the
homeless.
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January 1, 1990
Our problems, like those of other cities, are compounded by
national and state tax and funding policies that have unfairly
transferred the bill for meeting our needs onto the already
overburdened local property taxpayers. We have the special
problem that the major institution in our city is exempt from
property tax.
In spite of these limitations I sense in our city a widespread
desire to get on with the things that need to be done -for
planning and development that makes our city more attractive and
accessible, that increases our stock of affordable housing while
preserving green space, that improves our economic strength and
offers the opportunity for good jobs, and shifts the costs of
needed services to those who have the most ability to pay.
In our city we have a tremendous resource of people with talents
and ideas. Many who have not been fully involved in city affairs
are ready to volunteer their efforts. They are people with
diverse interests - housing, the physical and natural environment,
the minority community, the disabled community, labor, the
lesbian and gay community, and those concerned with
neighborhoods. The local building trade unions are eager to be
involved and are ready to use some of their large pension funds
as a resource. Too often these groups have been set against each
other, but I have found that they share common interests and can
reach agreement. In all our planning we must solicit at an early
stage the widest possible involvement of those concerned. We
need more effective ways of including neighborhood groups in the
generation of ideas and in the planning process. We need better
ways of communicating to the public through the press, radio and
television.
The opportunities that lie ahead are exciting. The Northside can
provide public spaces, housing, and a park for the neighborhood.
The development of the sixty acres of Southwest Park can be done
in a manner that meets the need for housing while being sensitive
to the environment. We will continue to oppose the placement of
a garbage station near that area. We can provide the structure
that makes it possible to renovate existing vacant houses. In
the downtown business area we can work with the private sector to
renovate and expand housing and commercial space in a manner that
will lead to a thriving shopping and cultural center that will be
attractive and busy, both day and night.
There is so much to be done that we need to think about easier
and more effective ways for Council, the Mayor, and the heads of
City departments to work together. In part that will mean more
staff and legal assistance to Council and its committees. In part
that means the willingness to meet together more often to
compromise differences and get the information required before
the formal Council meeting. By meeting as a Committee of the
Whole we can shorten the length of Council meetings and make them
more productive.
During the coming month I will be sharing with you my nominations
for the new Rental Housing Board and an Interim Parks Commission.
I will also be forming two new study groups -one on Cornell -City
relationship and one on Opportunities for Youth. I will try to
improve City- County relations by bringing together Council and
the City members of the Board of Representatives.
On a personal note there has been much talk about whether Ithaca
is a strong or weak mayor city. I don't think that is the issue.
I do believe that Ithaca needs an active Mayor who can work with
Council and provide the leadership and help that we need to move
ahead expeditiously. There has been talk about whether Ithaca
needs a City Manager. My view is that it does not -but the City
needs management. I intend to work with our excellent department
heads to better coordinate their activities so that we function
as a team.
D
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ail
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January 1, 1990
On New Year's Day, 1990, I wish all of you and all the residents
of the City a happy and productive year. If this is to be a new
era it will require all of us to build on the achievements of the
past while welcoming the new ideas and opportunities of the
present. I look forward to sharing this effort with all of you.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Nichols stated that he will defer the appointments that
require Council's approval until the meeting on January 3, 1990,
with the exception of the appointment of the Acting City Judge.
Appointments not requiring approval of the Common Council
Mayor Nichols made the following appointments:
City Attorney
City Prosecutor
Planning & Development Board
TV Cable Commission
Examining Board of Plumbers
Charles Guttman (2 year term)
Richard John (2 year term)
Susan Blumenthal (3 year term)
Sarah Adams (3 year term)
Peter Hess (3 year term)
Christopher Heegard (5 year term)
William McGee (3 year term)
Claude Colleyacme (3 year term)
Jack R. Bacon (3 year term)
Mr. Guttman, Mr. John, Ms. Blumenthal, and Mr. Hess took the oath
of office and were sworn in by City Clerk Paolangeli.
Acting City Judge
Mayor Nichols requested approval of Council for the appointment
of Ms. Marjorie Z. Olds, 214 Lake Avenue to the position of
Acting City Judge for a term to expire December 31, 1990.
Resolution
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Marjorie
Z. Olds to the position of Acting City Judge with a term to
expire December 31, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
Ms. Olds took the oath of office and was sworn in by City Clerk
Paolangeli.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
* 11.1 Designation of Official Depositories
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 3.7 of the City Charter, the
Tompkins County Trust Company and the Norstar Bank be and they
are, hereby designated as the official depositories of all City
Funds for the year 1990, as follows:
TOMPKINS COUNTY TRUST COMPANY
ACCOUNT NAME
City of Ithaca General Fund
Employees Group Insurance Deductions
City of Ithaca Payroll Fund
Guaranty and Bid Deposits
City Tax Sale Redemption
Health Facility Agreement
Deposit on Water Meters
Sale of Unclaimed Property
Circle Greenway
Conference on College and Community
Center for Expressive Arts
Employee Garnishees
Peter DeWysocki Memorial Fund
Cemetery Fund
Fire Department Recognition Banquet
Commons Cultural Tourism
ACCOUNT NUMBER
01- 201 - 001004
03- 201-001004
04- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05 -201- 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05 -201- 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
West End Trees
Employees Withholding for Social Security
Employees N.Y.S. Withholding Tax
Employees U.S. Savings Bonds
Centennial Art Work
N.Y.S. Policemen's and Firemen's
Retirement System
N.Y.S. Employees Retirement System
Ithaca Centennial Inc.
Capital Reserve Fund #4 - Bridges
Capital Reserve Fund #11 - Parks and
January 1, 1990
Firemen's Relief Fund
City of Ithaca Water and Sewer Fund
City of Ithaca Construction Fund
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase II
05- 201 - 001004
07 -201- 001004
08- 201 - 001004
09 -201- 001004
05 -201- 001004
11- 201 - 001004
12- 201 - 001004
01 -101- 096437
01 -201- 001055
02 -201- 001055
03- 201 - 001055
04- 201 - 001055
05 -201- 001055
06- 201 - 001055
06 -201- 001055
08- 201 - 001055
09- 201 - 001055
12- 201 - 001055
01- 101 - 082703
02- 101 - 082703
01 -101- 102046
01 -101- 099762
ACCOUNT NUMBER
267- 010001
267- 010109
267- 010842
267- 012276
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase III 267- 365187
City Controller Caffrillo stated that the City of Ithaca requires
that any banks in which the City deposits money not have
investments in South Africa and he has those disclosures on file
in the Controller's Office.
Carried Unanimously
* 11.2 Designation of Official Newspaper
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 7 -16 of the City Charter, the
Ithaca Journal be, and it is, hereby designated as the official
newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year 1990.
Alderperson Johnson reminded Council that the Journal continues
to use glossy, non - recyclable inserts and he asked the Mayor to
implore the Ithaca Journal to discontinue using those non -
recyclable inserts.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Johnson: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That there be a further resolved to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Mayor is directed to request the Ithaca
Journal to discontinue the use of glossy, non - recyclable inserts.
Carried Unanimously
19
Recreation
Areas
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#14
- Parking Areas
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#15
- Fire Engine
Replacement
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#16
- Development
of Water
Resources
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#17
- Sewer Construction
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#17A
- Mandatory Reserve
for
Sewer Plant
Construction
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#20
- West Hill Water
and Sewer Replacement
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#22
- Bus Replacement
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#23
- Public Works
Equipment
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#24
- Energy Conservation
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#25
- Capital Improvements
Capital
Reserve
Fund
#26
- Land Acqluisition
Capital
Reserve
Fund
- Joint
Activity Fund
NORSTAR BANK
ACCOUNT NAME
Firemen's Relief Fund
City of Ithaca Water and Sewer Fund
City of Ithaca Construction Fund
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase II
05- 201 - 001004
07 -201- 001004
08- 201 - 001004
09 -201- 001004
05 -201- 001004
11- 201 - 001004
12- 201 - 001004
01 -101- 096437
01 -201- 001055
02 -201- 001055
03- 201 - 001055
04- 201 - 001055
05 -201- 001055
06- 201 - 001055
06 -201- 001055
08- 201 - 001055
09- 201 - 001055
12- 201 - 001055
01- 101 - 082703
02- 101 - 082703
01 -101- 102046
01 -101- 099762
ACCOUNT NUMBER
267- 010001
267- 010109
267- 010842
267- 012276
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase III 267- 365187
City Controller Caffrillo stated that the City of Ithaca requires
that any banks in which the City deposits money not have
investments in South Africa and he has those disclosures on file
in the Controller's Office.
Carried Unanimously
* 11.2 Designation of Official Newspaper
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 7 -16 of the City Charter, the
Ithaca Journal be, and it is, hereby designated as the official
newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year 1990.
Alderperson Johnson reminded Council that the Journal continues
to use glossy, non - recyclable inserts and he asked the Mayor to
implore the Ithaca Journal to discontinue using those non -
recyclable inserts.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Johnson: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That there be a further resolved to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Mayor is directed to request the Ithaca
Journal to discontinue the use of glossy, non - recyclable inserts.
Carried Unanimously
19
9 January 1, 1990
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
* 11.3 Collateral to Secure Deposits
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That the collateral deposited by the Tompkins County
Trust Company and the Norstar Bank as reported, be approved as to
form and sufficiency.
Carried Unanimously
* 11.4 Public Employee's Blanket Bond
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 11 of the Public Officer's
Law, the following Bond, which is on file in the Office of the
City Clerk, be, and is hereby approved in all respects for the
year 1990.
' Faithful Performance Blanket $250,000 Royal Globe
Bond Coverage Insurance Co.
Carried Unanimously
*
11.5 Designation of Common Council Meetings
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council, for
the year 1990, be held at 7:00 p.m., on the first Wednesday of
each month, in the Common Council Chambers, at City Hall, 108
East Green Street, Ithaca, New York.
Carried Unanimously
* 11.6 Extension for Purchase of the City Hall Annex Building
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Cummings:
RESOLVED, That notice be duly published of the following
modifications of the City Hall Annex contract in accord with
applicable Charter and Code provisions:
1. That the contract for the sale of the City Hall Annex
be extended,
and
2. That this extension be granted upon the further
condition that the buyer agree that the liquidated
damages provision of the contract be modified so as to
provide for the payment of $70.00 per day, guaranteed,
from June 8, 1989 through either the March 31, 1990
deadline, the date of closing if prior to such
deadline, or sooner if notified by the perspective
purchaser that the sale will not occur.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Nichols introduced the Burns Sisters who sang "This Land is
My Land" and "We Will Not Bow Down ".
Adjournment
O a motion the _meeting adjourned at 2:05 p. .
Callista F. Paolangeli,17 Benjamin Nichols
City Clerk Mayor
2 January 1, 1990
and the City in developing a consensus of the future for the fire
fighting activities in the Town and the City. Those were not
easy meetings and they have not been easy years and Mayor
Gutenberger stated his heartfelt gratitude and continued good
luck and success to Alderperson Killeen.
Mayor Gutenberger thanked Alderperson Schlather for all his hard
work and friendship over the years. He stated that he thinks
that Alderperson Schlather has truly been the conscience of this
Common Council. He stated that for all the fine work that
Alderperson Schlather has done, and for the very difficult role
as Chair of the Budget and Administration Committee during his
administration, there are really no words of gratitude that he
could express.
Alderperson Romanowski then presented Alderperson Schlather a
pin that read " #1 Budget Maker" in recognition of his hard work
as Chair of the Budget and Administration Committee; a large bag
of popcorn to commemorate all the late night meetings and stops
at the "Ritz ", and a caricature of Alderperson Schlather, done by
Joseph Patterson which says "Metamorphosis - from Peace, Love and
Toenails to Esquire, Politician and Budget Person Super ".
Alderperson Cummings presented Alderperson Lytel with several
gifts, including 2 cigars for those smoke filled rooms he will
encounter in Europe, a beret with an antenna and a cable hook -up
so he can keep up with the communications field, and a leather
folder to hold the papers that he will be working on while in
Paris.
Alderperson Hoffman presented to Alderperson Killeen a lifetime
supply of imported toothpicks to replace the twisted and mangled
paper clips in his desk drawer and a Play School Trolley car,
which reads on the side "The Sean Killeen commemorative East Hill
Trolley ", on the front "Common Council Express ", the rules of
the trolley, and on the back 118 years of service 1982 -1989 Ithaca
Common Council ". Alderperson Hoffman said that the trolley is
given to Alderperson Killeen as a symbol to correspond with
Alderperson Killeen's attributes. He further remarked that this
trolley, like Sean, serves the people very humbly, it is durable,
it promotes business and tourism and although the trolley is now
gone from Ithaca it may very well come back someday.
Alderperson Johnson presented Mayor Gutenberger with a timer
which shows 5 minutes, 4 minutes, and 3 minutes so that Mayor
Gutenberger has some flexibility and he is no longer locked into
saying people can only talk for 3 minutes. He stated that in
having served with Mayor Gutenberger on the Third Ward Democratic
Committee, he knows that sometimes the Mayor has felt like there
were a lot of people that didn't really understand him and what
his motives were and that some people exist just to annoy him.
He presented Mayor Gutenberger with a card that read, "Some
people exist just to annoy me." Alderperson Johnson also
presented a poster of Ithaca to the Mayor.
Alderperson Booth stated that in regard to the Ithaca poster,
some people do not understand Mayor Gutenberger's insistence that
a baling station be located in Ithaca. He said that he has been
one of the Mayor's allies in that particular fight and has tried
to explain to people that Mayor Gutenberger sees Ithaca about as
big as the whole world, therefore there have been no limitations
as far as the Mayor was concerned. Alderperson Booth presented
to Mayor Gutenberger a sign that expresses the Council's
sentiments about him as he leaves office. The sign read, "Nobody
notices what I do until I don't do it ".
Alderperson Booth further stated that on a more serious note, he
thinks it is clear, not only to those persons who sit on
Council, but to the people of the City of Ithaca, that a Mayor is
retiring who has provided this City with many services that are
W_
1
January 1, 1990
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 12:00 Noon January 1, 1990
PRESENT:
Mayor Gutenberger
Mayor -Elect - Nichols
Alderpersons (10) - Booth, Cummings, Hoffman, Killeen, Lytel,
Peterson, Johnson, Romanowski, Schlather
Alderpersons -Elect (3) - Blanchard, Daley, Schroeder
OTHERS PRESENT•
City Clerk - Paolangeli
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy City Clerk - Boyles
Police Chief - McEwen
Fire Chief - Olmstead
1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Gutenberger led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to
r; the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA:
Budget and Administration Committee
Alderperson Schlather requested the addition of Item 11.6,
Resolution of Extension for Purchase of City Hall Annex.
No Council member objected.
DISMISSAL OF OUTGOING COUNCIL:
Mayor Gutenberger commended the Council for their accomplishments
(awe, of the past years and commented that he is proud to have served
and worked with them.
He further noted that we have three members of Common Council who
have served this community for many years and will not be
returning and wished to pay tribute to them.
He extended to Alderperson Lytel his very best and heartiest
good wishes for his studies in France. He commented that
Alderperson Lytel has been a very active member of his
administration and he appreciates his efforts on the issues of
housing and the special care that he has taken in relation to the
City with Southside.
Alderperson Lytel stated that since this is his last Council
meeting he wished to make a presentation to the other outgoing
members. He stated that he tried very hard to think of an
appropriate gift for this colleagues and he believed he had come
up with something the outgoing members have always wanted. He
decided to give them something that all the alderpersons have
been fighting over for at least the four years he has been on
Council. He presented Alderpersons Killeen and Schlather and
outgoing Mayor Gutenberger with a tile from the floor of Council
with appropriate inscriptions.
Mayor Gutenberger stated that as soon as the crowd clears they
will be checking to see if it is truly the Council floor.
Mayor Gutenberger then thanked Alderperson Killeen for his
services to the community. He stated that Alderperson Killeen
took on a lot of special assignments for him, not the least of
which was his duties as Acting Mayor. He commented that
Alderperson Killeen has been very active, especially in the areas
of Senior Citizens' and related activities of those in our
community who are elderly. He stated that for many years
Alderperson Killeen was Chair of the Fire Master Planning
Committee and continued on in that role and worked with the Town
Yy e
4
January 1, 1990
ELECTION OF PERSON TO FILL 4TH WARD VACANCY
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
election of the person to fill 4th Ward vacancy.
Alderperson Booth nominated Sean Killeen.
Alderperson Schroeder nominated Neil Golder.
The vote for Sean Killeen was as follows:
Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Cummings, Booth
The vote for Neil Golder was as follows:
Peterson, Hoffman, Schroeder, Johnson
Mayor Nichols stated that because no candidate having received
six votes, the election is not complete. He suggested that
further ballots be cast to see if a six vote majority can be
obtained.
After lengthy discussion regarding the candidacy of Mr. Killeen
and Mr. Golder Mayor Nichols asked for a second ballot.
The vote for Sean Killeen was as follows:
Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Cummings, Booth
The vote for the Neil Golder was as follows:
Johnson, Schroeder, Hoffman, Peterson
Alderperson Hoffman asked Attorney Guttman if it is appropriate
at the beginning of each ballot to ask for the nominations to
occur again.
Atty. Guttman stated that it would be technically correct. At
this point the motion is to fill a vacancy. Nominations have
been made and Council has voted. It is proper to re -open that
motion and therefore take new nominations if the Council so
wishes.
Alderperson Cummings offered the name of Peggy Haine to fill the
4th Ward vacancy. She stated that Ms. Haine has previously
served on Council and is willing to serve again.
Alderperson Hoffman offered the name of Neil Golder.
Alderperson Romanowski offered the name of Sean Killeen.
The vote for Peggy Haine was as follows:
Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Cummings
The vote for Neil Golder was as follows:
Johnson, Schroeder, Hoffman, Peterson
The vote for Sean Killeen was as follows:
Booth
Temporary Adjournment
By Alderperson Cummings: Seconded by Alderperson Booth
RESOLVED, That this Common Council temporarily adjourn at 12:12
p.m. for a five minute recess.
Carried Unanimously
3 January 1, 1990
well beyond mentioning in a brief time. He stated that Mayor
Gutenberger has led the Council and served the Council with
extraordinary dedication. He has kept ten, sometimes raucous
individuals together and coming to meetings, he has been
dedicated to process and insisted that decisions be made in the
right way and dedicated to making sure that Ithaca dealt well and
fairly with communities around us and that they dealt with us in
the same way.
(400, Alderperson Booth went on to say that Mayor Gutenberger has been
dedicated above all else to the notion of Ithaca as a 'special
place'. He said that the highest accolade that could be made to
Mayor Gutenberger is that he has seen public service as
enormously important and he has dedicated his life to that. He
presented a colored picture of Ithaca Falls to Mayor Gutenberger
from the Council.
Alderperson Schlather thanked everyone for the good wishes and
the sentiment. He stated that what impresses him about this
group and our system is that it in fact works. What is important
is that as each of us come forward and we swear to uphold the
law, we are not doing anything unique in this country - we are
simply joining a parade of common citizens throughout this
country who at this time of year pass before their local
4A..
legislators and assume a mantle of responsibility to the law that
is greater than any one of us as individuals.
Alderperson Schlather stated he wished to leave the Council with
a thought about our Bill of Rights because the Bill of Rights
essentially tempers this great democracy. The Bill of Rights
speaks to us of our individual rights, it recognizes that it is
not always the majority rules. That in fact there is this thing
called the right of privacy. There is a quote that he thought was
especially apropos that reads: "The poorest man may in his
cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the crown. It may be
frail, its roof may shake, the wind may blow through it, the
storm may enter, the rain may enter, but the King of England
cannot enter. All his force dares not cross the threshold of the
ruined tenement."
Mayor Gutenberger thanked Common Council and remarked that it has
been an honor and a privilege to serve with this Council and to
serve this great community. He then officially excused the three
outgoing Council people.
OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR NICHOLS
Mayor Nichols took the oath of office and was sworn in as Mayor
by City Clerk Paolangeli.
He was presented with his badge of office and a new gavel and
name plate by former Mayor Gutenberger.
OATH OF OFFICE -- ALDERPERSONS -ELECT
Mayor Nichols called the newly elected and re- elected
Alderpersons to the rostrum to be sworn into their respective
offices:
QW, Joseph Daley
Barbara Blanch;
John Schroeder
Richard Booth
Daniel Hoffman
- newly elected from Second Ward
and - newly elected from First Ward
- newly elected from Fourth Ward
- re- elected from Third Ward
- re- elected from Fifth Ward
The newly elected and re- elected Alderpersons took the oath of
office and were sworn in by City Clerk Paolangeli.
I� �l
6 January 1, 1990
Our problems, like those of other cities, are compounded by
national and state tax and funding policies that have unfairly
transferred the bill for meeting our needs onto the already
overburdened local property taxpayers. We have the special
problem that the major institution in our city is exempt from
property tax.
In spite of these limitations I sense in our city a widespread
desire to get on with the things that need to be done -for
planning and development that makes our city more attractive and
accessible, that increases our stock of affordable housing while
preserving green space, that improves our economic strength and
offers the opportunity for good jobs, and shifts the costs of
needed services to those who have the most ability to pay.
In our city we have a tremendous resource of people with talents
and ideas. Many who have not been fully involved in city affairs
are ready to volunteer their efforts. They are people with
diverse interests - housing, the physical and natural environment,
the minority community, the disabled community, labor, the
lesbian and gay community, and those concerned with
neighborhoods. The local building trade unions are eager to be
involved and are ready to use some of their large pension funds
as a resource. Too often these groups have been set against each
other, but I have found that they share common interests and can
reach agreement. In all our planning we must solicit at an early
stage the widest possible involvement of those concerned. We
need more effective ways of including neighborhood groups in the
generation of ideas and in the planning process. We need better
ways of communicating to the public through the press, radio and
television.
The opportunities that lie ahead are exciting. The Northside can
provide public spaces, housing, and a park for the neighborhood.
The development of the sixty acres of Southwest Park can be done
in a manner that meets the need for housing while being sensitive
to the environment. We will continue to oppose the placement of
a garbage station near that area. We can provide the structure
that makes it possible to renovate existing vacant houses. In
the downtown business area we can work with the private sector to
renovate and expand housing and commercial space in a manner that
will lead to a thriving shopping and cultural center that will be
attractive and busy, both day and night.
There is so much to be done that we need to think about easier
and more effective ways for Council, the Mayor, and the heads of
City departments to work together. In part that will mean more
staff and legal assistance to Council and its committees. In part
that means the willingness to meet together more often to
compromise differences and get the information required before
the formal Council meeting. By meeting as a Committee of the
Whole we can shorten the length of Council meetings and make them
more productive.
During the coming month I will be sharing with you my nominations
for the new Rental Housing Board and an Interim Parks Commission.
I will also be forming two new study groups -one on Cornell -City
relationship and one on Opportunities for Youth. I will try to
improve City- County relations by bringing together Council and
the City members of the Board of Representatives.
On a personal note there has been much talk about whether Ithaca
is a strong or weak mayor city. I don't think that is the issue.
I do believe that Ithaca needs an active Mayor who can work with
Council and provide the leadership and help that we need to move
ahead expeditiously. There has been talk about whether Ithaca
needs a City Manager. My view is that it does not -but the City
needs management. I intend to work with our excellent department
heads to better coordinate their activities so that we function
as a team.
5
January 1, 1990
Regular. Session
Common Council reconvened in Regular Session at 12:30 p.m. Mayor
Nichols apologized to the public for being in recess longer than
five minutes.
Mayor Nichols stated that there was a real attempt on the part of
Council to see if they could come to some agreement on filling
the 4th Ward vacancy. It is his understanding, as of now, that
it is not possible. He said that unless someone on Council
wishes to move for another ballot, he will proceed with the
remainder of the meeting.
Tabling Motion
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the matter of an election to appoint a person to
fill the vacant Fourth Ward Alderperson's seat be tabled until
the meeting of Common Council on January 3, 1Carried Unanimously
c
i ELECTION OF ACTING MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
position of Acting Mayor.
Alderperson Booth nominated Alderperson Carolyn Peterson for the
position and his nomination was seconded by Alderperson Johnson.
The motion carried unanimously.
Alderperson Peterson took the oath of office and was sworn in by
City Clerk Paolangeli.
ALTERNATE ACTING MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
position of Alternate Acting Mayor.
Alderperson Hoffman nominated Alderperson Romanowski and his
nomination was seconded by Alderperson Blanchard. The motion
carried unanimously.
Alderperson Romanowski took the oath of office and was sworn in
by City Clerk Paolangeli.
REMARKS FROM MAYOR NICHOLS:
Mayor Nichols read the following statement to Council:
"As Ithaca's new Mayor I can't help but reflect on our City's
history and accomplishments - -and on the many problems and
opportunities that lie ahead. We are the beneficiaries of the
selfless effort of the many people who over the years have given
us our parks and recreational facilities, our public utilities,
our public transportation, the Commons, our historic buildings,
and our excellent police and fire departments. Those of us who
have lived here for many years and those who have joined us more
recently have found special delight in our community. Our city
is the home of one of the great universities of the world -of
scientists, artists, musicians, and poets. We are an inter-
national community with people who are actively concerned with
many movements for peace and justice in the world. We have a
proud history of people's involvement in the struggles here for
social justice, civil rights, and labor.
But we are also the inheritors of a city in which much of recent
development has not added to our beauty or public good, in which
many people, including city employees, who would like to live
here cannot find homes or apartments that they can afford. In
our city there are many young people who see nothing ahead but,
at best, low- paying service jobs and some of them have turned to
drugs and crime. The needs of many for child -care and health-
care are not being met. We share in the national scandal of the
homeless.
West End Trees
Employees Withholding for Social Security
Employees N.Y.S. Withholding Tax
Employees U.S. Savings Bonds
Centennial Art Work
N.Y.S. Policemen's and Firemen's
Retirement System
N.Y.S. Employees Retirement System
Ithaca Centennial Inc.
Capital Reserve Fund #4 - Bridges
Capital Reserve Fund #11 - Parks and
January 1, 1990
Recreation Areas
Capital Reserve Fund #14 - Parking Areas
Capital Reserve Fund #15 - Fire Engine
Replacement
Capital Reserve Fund #16 - Development
of Water Resources
Capital Reserve Fund #17 - Sewer Construction
Capital Reserve Fund #17A - Mandatory Reserve
for Sewer Plant Construction
Capital Reserve Fund #20 - West Hill Water
and Sewer Replacement
Capital Reserve Fund #22 - Bus Replacement
Capital Reserve Fund #23 - Public Works
Equipment
Capital Reserve Fund #24 - Energy Conservation
Capital Reserve Fund #25 - Capital Improvements
Capital Reserve Fund #26 - Land Acqluisition
Capital Reserve Fund - Joint Activity Fund
NORSTAR BANK
ACCOUNT NAME
Firemen's Relief Fund
City of Ithaca Water and Sewer Fund
City of Ithaca Construction Fund
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase II
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase III
05 -201- 001004
07- 201 - 001004
08 -201- 001004
09 -201- 001004
05- 201 - 001004
11 -201- 001004
12 -201- 001004
01- 101 - 096437
01- 201 - 001055
02- 201 - 001055
03 -201- 001055
04- 201 - 001055
05- 201 - 001055
06 -201- 001055
06- 201 - 001055
08- 201 - 001055
09 -201- 001055
12- 201 - 001055
01- 101 - 082703
02- 101 - 082703
01- 101 - 102046
01 -101- 099762
ACCOUNT NUMBER
267- 010001
267- 010109
267 - 010842
267- 012276
267 - 365187
City Controller Caffrillo stated that the City of Ithaca requires
that any banks in which the City deposits money not have
investments in South Africa and he has those disclosures on file
in the Controller's Office.
Carried Unanimously
* 11.2 Designation of Official Newspaper
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 7 -16 of the City Charter, the
Ithaca Journal be, and it is, hereby designated as the official
newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year 1990.
Alderperson Johnson reminded Council that the Journal continues
to use glossy, non - recyclable inserts and he asked the Mayor to
implore the Ithaca Journal to discontinue using those non -
recyclable inserts.
Amendinq Resolution
By Alderperson Johnson: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That there be a further resolved to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That the Mayor is directed to request the Ithaca
Journal to discontinue the use of glossy, non - recyclable inserts.
Carried Unanimously
D
io
7 January 1, 1990
On New Year's Day, 1990, I wish all of you and all the residents
of the City a happy and productive year. If this is to be a new
era it will require all of us to build on the achievements of the
past while welcoming the new ideas and opportunities of the
present. I look forward to sharing this effort with all of you.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Nichols stated that he will defer the appointments that
require Council's approval until the meeting on January 3, 1990,
with the exception of the appointment of the Acting City Judge.
Appointments not requiring approval of the Common Council
Mayor Nichols made the following appointments:
City Attorney
City Prosecutor
Planning & Development Board
TV Cable Commission
Examining Board of Plumbers
Charles Guttman (2 year term)
Richard John (2 year term)
Susan Blumenthal (3 year term)
Sarah Adams (3 year term)
Peter Hess (3 year term)
Christopher Heegard (5 year term)
William McGee (3 year term)
Claude Colleyacme (3 year term)
Jack R. Bacon (3 year term)
Mr. Guttman, Mr. John, Ms. Blumenthal, and Mr. Hess took the oath
of office and were sworn in by City Clerk Paolangeli.
Acting City Judge
Mayor Nichols requested approval of Council for the appointment
of Ms. Marjorie Z. Olds, 214 Lake Avenue to the position of
Acting City Judge for a term to expire December 31, 1990.
Resolution
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Marjorie
Z. Olds to the position of Acting City Judge with a term to
expire December 31, 1990.
Carried Unanimously
Ms. Olds took the oath of office and was sworn in by City Clerk
Paolangeli.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
* 11.1 Designation of Official Depositories
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 3.7 of the City Charter, the
Tompkins County Trust Company and the Norstar Bank be and they
are, hereby designated as the official depositories of all City
Funds for the year 1990, as follows:
TOMPKINS COUNTY TRUST COMPANY
ACCOUNT NAME
City of Ithaca General Fund
Employees Group Insurance Deductions
City of Ithaca Payroll Fund
Guaranty and Bid Deposits
City Tax Sale Redemption
Health Facility Agreement
Deposit on Water Meters
Sale of Unclaimed Property
Circle Greenway
Conference on College and Community
Center for Expressive Arts
Employee Garnishees
Peter DeWysocki Memorial Fund
Cemetery Fund
Fire Department Recognition Banquet
Commons Cultural Tourism
ACCOUNT NUMBER
01- 201 - 001004
03- 201 - 001004
04 -201- 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05 -201- 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004
05- 201 - 001004