HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1992-01-01 January 1, 1992
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 11:00 a.m. January 1, 1992
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Council Members - Romanowski, Blanchard, Booth, Schroeder, Golder,
Peterson, Hoffman, Johnson, Cummings, Daley
Council Members-Elect - Efroymson, Berg
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk - Paolangeli
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy City Clerk - Conley-Boyle
Police Chief - McEwen
Assistant Superintendent - Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Board of Public Works Commissioner - Reeves
Fire Chief - Olmstead
City Chamberlain - Parsons
Planning and Development Deputy Director - Sieverding
City Planner - Foster
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the December 4, 1991 Common Council
Meeting
By Council Member Hoffman: Seconded by Council Member Schroeder
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 4, 1991 Common Council
Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
DISMISSAL OF OUTGOING COUNCIL:
Mayor Nichols thanked outgoing Council Members Peterson and
Cummings for their years of dedicated service to the City and
several Council Members presented them with gifts and made remarks
regarding their tenure with Council and their many contributions
to the community.
OATH OF OFFICE - MAYOR NICHOLS:
Mayor Nichols took the oath of office and was sworn in by City
Clerk Paolangeli.
OATH OF OFFICE - COUNCIL MEMBERS-ELECT
Mayor Nichols called the newly elected and re-elected Council
Members to the rostrum to be sworn into their respective offices:
Robert Romanowski - re-elected from First Ward
John Johnson - re-elected from Third Ward
Neil Golder - re-elected from Fourth Ward
Richard Berg - newly elected from Fifth Ward
John Efroymson - newly elected from Second Ward
The newly elected and re-elected Council Members took the Oath of
Office and were sworn in by City Clerk Paolangeli.
ELECTION OF ACTING MAYOR:
Mayor Nichols entertained nominations from the floor for the
position of Acting Mayor.
Council Member Booth nominated Council Member Hoffman for the
position and his nomination was seconded by Council Member
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Johnson. The motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Hoffman 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.
Council Member Golder nominated Council Member Romanowski for the
position and his nomination was seconded by Council Member
Blanchard. The motion carried unanimously.
Council Member Romanowski took the Oath of Office and was sworn in
by City Clerk Paolangeli.
Mayor Nichols announced the following Common Council committee
assignments and Council Liaison appointments:
COMMON COUNCIL COMMITTEES
Budget and Administration Charter and Ordinance
Chair: Booth Chair: Hoffman
Vice-Chair: Romanowski Vice-Chair: Booth
Berg Golder
Daley Romanowski
Johnson Schroeder
Human Services Planning and Development
Chair: Johnson Chair: Schroeder
Vice-Chair: Golder Vice-Chair: Hoffman
Berg Blanchard
Blanchard Daley
Efroymson Efroymson
COUNCIL LIAISON APPOINTMENTS
Board of Public Works..........................Berg
Human Services Coalition.......................Johnson
Youth Bureau Advisory Board....................Blanchard
Rental Housing Commission......................Efroymson
Planning and Development Board.................Schroeder
Community Police Board.........................Johnson
Cable Television Commission....................Efroymson
Disability Advisory Council....................Golder
Economic Opportunity Corporation...............Blanchard
Board of Fire Commissioners....................Booth
GIAC...........................................Efroymson, Golder
Energy Commission..............................Romanowski
Circle Greenway, Six Mile Creek................Hoffman
Conservation Advisory Council..................Hoffman
Landmarks Preservation Commission..............Daley
Fire Appeals Board.............................Romanowski
Commons Advisory Board.........................Daley
Bicycle Advisory Council.......................Golder
Parks Commission...............................Schroeder
Shade Tree Advisory Committee..................Booth
Joint Transit Operations Committee.............Berg, Blanchard
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:
Appointments Not Requiring Approval of the Common Council
Mayor Nichols made the following appointments:
City Attorney Charles Guttman - 328 South Geneva
Street (2-year term)
City Prosecutor Michael Costello - 689 Coddington
January 1, 1992
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Road (2-year term)
Affirmative Action Comm. John Ware - 114 South Plain Street
(2-year term)
Linda Lerch - 402 North Titus
Avenue (3-year term)
Cable Commission Thomas Terrizzi - 714 North Cayuga
Street (5-year term)
Housing Board of Review Charette Wheelis - 307 Fairmount
Avenue (3-year term)
Alvin Nelson - 502 South Albany
Street (3-year term)
Douglas Look - 105 Cascadilla Park
(3-year term)
Planning & Development Board George Hagood - 501 West Green
Street
(3-year term)
Youth Bureau Board Sue Perlgut - 104 North Titus
Avenue (3-year term)
Shirley Reeves - 116 South Plain
Street (3-year term)
Will Dickerson III - 205 South
Titus Avenue (3-year term)
Mayor Nichols requested Council approval for the following
appointments:
Board of Public Works
Reappointment of Philip Cox, 221 Cornell Street, with a term to
expire December 31, 1992;
Re-appointment of Paul Brandford, 104 Brookfield Road, with a term
to expire December 31, 1994;
Appointment of Guy Gerard, 209 Giles Street, with a term to expire
December 31, 1994.
Bicycle Advisory Council
Re-appointment of Andy Jordan 213 King Street, with a term to
expire December 31, 1994;
Appointment of Andrew Yale, 330 Elm Street, with a term to expire
December 31, 1994.
Board of Appeals on Building Code
Re-appointment of Douglas Look, 105 Cascadilla Park, with a term
to expire December 31, 1994.
Board of Zoning Appeals
Re-appointment of Judith A. Rossiter, 521 South Cayuga Street,
with a term to expire December 31, 1994;
Appointment of Renata M. Ballard, 615 Warren Place, with a term to
expire December 31, 1994.
January 1, 1992
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Commons Advisory Board
Re-appointment of Sidney Green, 215 N. Cayuga Street, with a term
to expire December 31, 1993;
Re-appointment of Penelope Wickham, 110 Columbia Street, with a
term to expire December 31, 1993;
Appointment of Jim Houghton, 111 Hudson Street, with a term to
expire December 31, 1993.
Conservation Advisory Council
Re-appointment of Barbara Hotchkiss, 515 Chestnut Street, with a
term to expire December 31, 1993;
Re-appointment of Rob Shapiro, 313 Columbia Street, with a term to
expire December 31, 1993;
Re-appointment of Cathy Emilian, 218 South Albany Street, with a
term to expire December 31, 1993;
Re-appointment of J. Keith Waldron, 896 Cayuga Heights Road, with
a term to expire December 31, 1993.
Design Review Board
Re-appointment of Victoria Anagnost, 304 College Avenue, with a
term to expire December 31, 1994;
Re-appointment of Kenneth Vineberg, 141 The Commons, with a term
to expire December 31, 1994.
Examining Board of Electricians
Re-appointment of Jeffrey Lallas, 218 Utica Street, with a term to
expire December 31, 1994.
Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
Re-appointment of Frank Smithson, 427 North Cayuga Street, with a
term to expire December 31, 1994.
Parks Commission
Re-appointment of Elizabeth Mulholland, 105 Penny Lane, with a
term to expire December 31, 1994.
Community Police Board
Appointment of Maria Poole, 107 West Jay Street, with a term to
expire December 31, 1994.
Rental Housing Commission
Re-appointment of Pierre Clavel - 3rd Ward, 109 Cornell Street,
with a term to expire December 31, 1994;
Re-appointment of Pamela Zinder - non-profit, 909 North Cayuga
Street, with a term to expire December 31, 1994;
Appointment of Joan Bailey - 5th Ward, 607 North Tioga Street,
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with a term to expire December 31, 1992;
Shade Tree Advisory Committee
Re-appointment of Michael Steigerwalt, 429 Sears Road, Cortland,
with a term to expire December 31, 1994;
Re-appointment of Daniel Krall, 612 South Plain Street to the
Shade Tree Advisory Council with a term to expire December 31,
1994.
Resolution
By Council Member Johnson: Seconded by Council Member Schroeder
RESOLVED, That this Council approves all the appointments
requested by Mayor Nichols as listed above.
Carried Unanimously
Mr. Gerard 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:
In preparing my remarks for today I reread the speech I gave at
this time two years ago. I spoke then of the many reasons we are
proud of our city, but I also pointed out the problems that we
faced. I spoke of the many who cannot find apartments or homes
that they can afford; of the homeless; of the many young people
who see nothing ahead but, at best, low paying service jobs; and
of the unmet needs for child care and health care. I referred to
the need to maintain the downtown as a thriving shopping and
cultural center, both day and night.
I said, "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 to the already
overburdened local property taxpayers. We have the special
problem that the major institution in our city is exempt from the
property tax."
I also spoke of the tremendous resource in our city of people with
talents and ideas and of the need to involve in city affairs more
people with diverse interests and backgrounds.
During the past two years we have made progress in many of the
areas that I identified for action in that talk, but instead of
reviewing our past accomplishments I want to focus on how we can
build on the steps already taken.
Our plans must take into account the sorry state of the national
and state economy. At a time of rising unemployment when more
people are in need, and health costs are escalating, the federal
and state governments are continuing to cut their support to
cities. We have taken major steps to balance the city budget
without an excessive increase in the property-tax rate but the
prospects for the next year are even more grim. Our task is to
maintain progress toward improving the quality of life in the city
in a time of decreasing resources.
To meet the challenge we will need a broad community effort,
including businesses, labor, the schools, and neighborhood groups.
I am certain that the Mayor, Common Council, and City Departments
will work with all interested institutions, groups, and
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individuals in addressing our common goals.
We will build on the report of the Cornell-City Relations Study
Commission. A major goal for the coming year is the working
out of an agreement with Cornell that will lead to greater
participation of the University in meeting the needs of the
community. We will invite Ithaca College to share in that effort.
We will continue to work with the private sector to implement the
recommendations of the Downtown Vision Task Force including the
rezoning of downtown to promote controlled commercial and
residential development, and improving the physical quality and
vitality of the Commons.
We will continue to work with not-for-profit groups, Ithaca
Neighborhood Housing Services and the Mutual Housing Association,
and the private sector to increase the stock of affordable
housing.
We will continue to work with the Day Care Council and the Drop-In
Center to increase the availability of affordable day care.
We will continue to work with the disabled community to provide
them access to wherever they wish to go.
We will continue to protect and extend our green space, parks and
natural areas.
We will continue to work with labor to protect jobs and increase
the availability of jobs and training opportunities for local
workers.
We will continue to work as part of the business-school-community
partnership to provide training and jobs for the young people in
our community.
We will continue to promote the use of public transit and park-
and-ride lots.
We will continue the effort to improve the relations between the
police and the minority community.
And we will continue to include more minorities and women in all
boards and commissions and City positions. Ours is a policy of
inclusion.
There are some important efforts that have just begun that will
need speedy attention. I expect us to proceed expeditiously with
the plans for Inlet Island, Southwest Park, and the protection of
the Six-Mile Creek natural areas. I expect us to work on a
residents' job policy that will require apprenticeship training.
I expect us to work on proposals from the Rental Housing
Commission to protect the rights of tenants as well as landlords.
Our planning for the future must include a greater degree of
cooperation with the County government and our surrounding towns.
In spite of the hard work that Council and the City Departments
will have to do to cut expenses and increase revenues, we will not
give up our commitment to meet as far as we are able the human
needs in our City. I know that we share a common purpose and that
we can work together in good spirit and enthusiasm.
On New Year's Day 1992, I wish all of you and all the residents of
the City a happy and productive year. We will build on the
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achievements of the past while welcoming the new ideas and
opportunities of the present. I look forward to sharing the
effort with all of you.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
* 10.1 Designation of Official Depositories
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Romanowski
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 1992, as follows:
TOMPKINS COUNTY TRUST COMPANY
ACCOUNT NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
City of Ithaca General Fund 01-201-001004
Employees Group Insurance Deductions 08-201-001004
City of Ithaca Payroll Fund 04-201-001004
Guaranty and Bid Deposits 05-201-001004
City Tax Sale Redemption 05-201-001004
Health Facility Agreement 05-201-001004
Deposit on Water Meters 05-201-001004
Sale of Unclaimed Property 05-201-001004
Circle Greenway 05-201-001004
Conference on College and Community 05-201-001004
Center for Expressive Arts 05-201-001004
Peter DeWysocki Memorial Fund 05-201-001004
Cemetery Fund 05-201-001004
Fire Department Recognition Banquet 05-201-001004
Commons Cultural Tourism 05-201-001004
West End Trees 05-201-001004
Jack Kiely Scholarship Fund 05-201-001004
DeWitt Park Improvement Fund 05-201-001004
Employees N.Y.S. Withholding Tax 08-201-001004
Employees U.S. Savings Bonds 08-201-001004
Centennial Art Work 05-201-001004
Central Business District Trees 05-201-001004
N.Y.S. Policemen's and Firemen's
Retirement System 08-201-001004
N.Y.S. Employees Retirement System 08-201-001004
Ithaca Centennial Inc. 01-101-096437
Capital Reserve Fund #4 - Bridges 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #11 - Parks and
Recreation Areas 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #14 - Parking Areas 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #15 - Fire Engine
Replacement 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #16 - Development of
Water Sources 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #17 - Sewer Construction 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #17A - Mandatory
Reserve for Sewer Plant Construction 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #20 - West Hill Water
and Sewer Replacement 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #22 - Bus Replacement 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #23 - Public Works
Equipment 01-201-001055
January 1, 1992
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Capital Reserve Fund #24 - Energy Conservation 01-201-001005
Capital Reserve Fund #25 - Capital Improvements 01-201-001005
Capital Reserve Fund #26 - Land Acquisition 01-201-001005
Capital Reserve Fund - Joint Activity Fund 01-101-099762
NORSTAR BANK
ACCOUNT NAME
ACCOUNT NUMBER
Firemen's Relief Fund 267-010001
City of Ithaca Water and Sewer Fund 267-010109
City of Ithaca Construction Fund 267-010842
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase II 267-012276
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase III 267-365187
Carried Unanimously
* 10.2 Designation of Official Newspaper
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Blanchard
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 1992.
Ayes (9) - Booth, Blanchard, Hoffman, Romanowski, Golder,
Efroymson, Schroeder, Johnson, Berg
Nay (1) - Daley
Carried
* 10.3 Collateral to Secure Deposits
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member 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
* 10.4 Public Employee's Blanket Bond
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Schroeder
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 11 of the Public Officers' 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
1992.
Faithful Performance Blanket $250,000 Royal Globe
Bond Coverage Insurance Co.
Carried Unanimously
* 10.5 Designation of Common Council Meetings
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Hoffman
RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council, for the
year 1992, 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, unless otherwise determined by
Common Council.
Carried Unanimously
* 10.6 Planning Department Request for Record of Public Hearing
and Economic Appraisal for Strand Theater
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Daley
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $5,000 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to account A8020-435
Planning and Development Contractual Services for the following
two items relating to the potential disposition of the Strand
Theater:
1. To fund the hiring of a Stenographer to record a
Public Hearing relating to the potential disposition of
the Strand Theater
January 1, 1992
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$2,000
2.To fund an Economic Appraisal of the
Strand Theater
$3,000
Council Member Booth explained the resolution.
Discussion followed on the floor with Deputy Director of Planning
Herman Sieverding answering questions from Council Members.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) - Daley, Romanowski, Blanchard, Booth, Schroeder
Nays (4) - Johnson, Hoffman, Berg, Golder
Abstention (1) - Efroymson (not fully informed on the issue)
Carried
* 10.7 Planning Department - Request to Establish Capital Project
#257 for Computerized Base Mapping Project
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Blanchard
WHEREAS, the Planning Department and the Department of Public
Works (Engineering) have recommended that the City participate in
a Cooperative Project with NYSEG, Tompkins County, the Town of
Ithaca and Cornell University, for the establishment of a
computerized Base Map, and
WHEREAS, this project represents an excellent opportunity for the
City to obtain a detailed computerized Base Map of the City at a
reduced cost; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Capital Project #257 Computerized Base Map be
established in an amount not to exceed $72,000., inclusive of
financing and administration costs, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the computerized Base Mapping project budget be
established, as recommended by the Planning and Engineering
Departments, as follows:
Base Mapping $41,108
Computer Hardware $20,000
Staff Time $ 7,541
Financing & Admin. $ 3,351
$72,000
Council Member Booth explained the many capabilities this base
mapping project would give to the City departments.
Discussion followed on the floor with City Planner Foster and City
Controller Cafferillo answering questions from Council Members.
Council Member Booth suggested that the following Resolved Clause
be added to the resolution:
"RESOLVED, That the funds required to finance this project shall
be derived from the issuance of Bond Anticipation Notes."
No Council Member objected.
A vote on the resolution with Council Member Booth's addition
resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
January 1, 1992
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* 10.8 Request to Amend WWTP Equipment List
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Romanowski
WHEREAS, the engineering departments of the joint entities for the
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility would like to
investigate flows into the jointly used sewers lying within the
system, and
WHEREAS, the Special Joint Subcommittee (SJS) has approved the
acquisition of flow measuring equipment to accomplish this; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1992 authorized equipment list for the Joint
Activity Fund be amended to include such flow measurement
equipment at a cost not to exceed $3,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That $3,000 be transferred from account J1990
Unrestricted Contingency to account J8150-225 Other Equipment to
fund said purchase.
Carried Unanimously
* 10.9 Request to Increase Authorization for Capital Project #603
Sewer Collection System Renovations
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Berg
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Division is in the process of
actively identifying, evaluating and upgrading the Sewer
Collection System, and
WHEREAS, the staff has established that the Giles Street Pump
Station is operating at 50% of designed capacity and is in need of
replacement, and
WHEREAS, no funds exist in the 1992 Operating Budget of the Sewer
Department to investigate and upgrade facilities, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has requested that $100,000 be
utilized from the Sewer Capital Reserve Fund #17 for improvement
to the Sewer System; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Capital Project #603 Sewer Collection System
Renovations Authorization be increased by $100,000 to a maximum
authorization of $224,200, to reflect capital improvements to the
Sewer System, including replacement of the Giles Street Pump
Station, and be it further
RESOLVED, That $100,000 funding be derived from the Sewer Capital
Reserve Fund #17 for these purposes, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the estimated budgets as prepared by Assistant
Superintendent of Public Works of Water and Sewer, be established
as follows:
SEWER SYSTEM - ESTIMATED BUDGET REMEDIAL WORK
$45,000 - Design and construction of Giles Street Pump
Station
$25,000 - TV inspection and videotaping of mains
$30,000 - Repair and replacement of sewer mains
Carried Unanimously
* 10.10 Request to Amend Personnel Roster - DPW
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Blanchard
WHEREAS, the 1992 City budget has been adopted by Common Council
without funding for certain authorized positions currently
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occupied by employees; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Roster of Authorized Positions for the
Department of Public Works is hereby modified by the deletion of
the following:
1 Custodial Worker, P/T (Hall of Justice)
1 Custodial Worker, P/T (Youth Bureau)
1 Custodial Worker, P/T (WWTP)
1 Truck Driver (Parks and Forestry)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Office shall notify the Union and
work with it to provide an appropriate and orderly process for
terminating these positions in accordance with the contract.
Council Member Booth explained that this motion arises as a result
of the approval of the 1992 Budget which Common Council has
adopted. He said these positions are not funded.
Council Members Johnson and Golder spoke against this resolution.
Motion to Refer
By Council Member Golder: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
RESOLVED, That the resolution be referred back to the Budget and
Administration Committee for further discussion.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the deletion
of positions.
City Controller Cafferillo explained to Council the implications
if the positions are not deleted from the Department of Public
Works Personnel Roster.
A vote on the Motion to Refer to Committee resulted as follows:
Ayes (3) - Golder, Johnson, Efroymson
Nays (7) - Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Berg, Hoffman,
Booth, Schroeder
Motion Fails
The pros and cons of the Main Motion were further deliberated.
Main Motion
A vote on the Main Motion resulted as follows:
Ayes (7) - Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Berg, Hoffman,
Booth,
Schroeder
Nays (3) - Johnson, Golder, Efroymson
Carried
* 10.11 Request to Appropriate Funds for Snow Removal Program
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works recognizes the need to keep
sidewalk ramps, streets and parks free of snow and litter, and
WHEREAS, a volunteer effort to maintain public facilities,
including the removal of snow from certain facilities, would
enhance a sense of community for participants and users alike, and
WHEREAS, the Board has reviewed an initial volunteer program with
January 1, 1992
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staff; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a volunteer program for maintaining public
facilities be established and that the Assistant Superintendent of
Public Works be authorized to implement said volunteer program and
hire a part-time volunteer coordinator, and be it further
RESOLVED, That $800 to support this program be transferred from
A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to the following Streets and
Administration accounts:
A5010-405 Telephone $100
A5010-425 Office Expense $200
A5010-435 Contractual (CIVITAS) $200
A5010-481 Small Tools $300
Carried Unanimously
* 10.12 Request to Allow City to File Deeds on Tax Sale
Properties
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Romanowski
WHEREAS, the period to redeem 426-32 North Aurora Street, 107
Fayette Street, and 217 Cliff Street from the 1988 City Tax Sale
expired on November 29, 1991, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, as purchaser of the tax liens at the
sale, holds tax sale deeds to these properties; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain is authorized to file these
deeds with the Tompkins County Clerk so that the City may proceed
to take possession of these properties.
Carried Unanimously
* 10.13 Youth Bureau - Request for Employee Incentive Award
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has recommended Administrative
Assistant/Financial Management Robin Meskimen for an employee
incentive award pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative
Unit Contract, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has provided the Budget and
Administrative Committee with substantial justification for
granting this employee incentive award, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director's recommendation complies with
procedures and guidelines outlined in the CSEA Administrative Unit
Contract; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Robin Meskimen's salary be increased by four (4%)
percent to an annual salary of $19,806, effective October 7, 1991,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the funding for such increase shall be derived from
the 1992 Unrestricted Contingency Account.
Council Members Daley and Golder spoke against the employee
incentive award system. They wished to make it clear, however,
that they were not voting against the person but the merits of the
system.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) - Romanowski, Hoffman, Johnson, Booth, Schroeder,
Berg
January 1, 1992
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Nays (3) - Golder, Blanchard, Daley
Abstention (1) - Efroymson
Carried
* 10.14 Finance - Request to Reorganize Finance Department
Positions
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Schroeder
WHEREAS, the Finance Department began the process of reorganizing
departmental activities in January of 1990 by eliminating the
Purchasing Agent position, an Affirmative Action/Senior Clerk
position, a Senior Account Clerk Typist (Budgetary Maintenance)
position, and an Account Clerk Typist (Traffic Violations)
position, with various job responsibilities being re-allocated
among existing staff, and
WHEREAS, the City Controller has recommended a further
reorganization which will permit the deletion of a Data Processing
Operator by expanding the job description of the City Buyer's
position, and the deletion of the Telephone Operator's position
effective upon the retirement of Gloria Jensen; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the job classification for the position of City
Buyer be rewritten to include certain duties currently performed
by Connie Nelson (Data Processing Operator), and that Connie
Nelson be provisionally appointed to the position of City Buyer,
with a salary increase of $2,024 (8%), and be it further
RESOLVED, That Barbara Matteson be promoted to Senior Account
Clerk/Typist at an increase of $821 (4%), and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Account Clerk/Typist position, vacated by
Barbara Matteson's promotion, be filled at Step three on the CSEA
Administrative Unit Compensation Schedule by a proposed candidate,
pending qualification by examination, and be it further
RESOLVED, That all actions disclosed herein are subject to the
approval of the Civil Service Commission where applicable.
Carried Unanimously
The Mayor requested that Agenda Item 10.16 be taken up before Item
10.15. No one objected.
* 10.16 1992 Compensation for Individuals Not Covered by a Union
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Schroeder
RESOLVED, That management employees not covered by a formal
contract, including the City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney,
and City Prosecutor, be granted a 5% increase across the board
over their 1991 salary for the year 1992, effective with the first
pay period of 1992, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council reaffirms its policy of
comprehensive performance evaluations for all management
employees.
Council Member Booth explained the resolution and stated that
there are 19 employees covered by this action, with the total
amount of raises being approximately $35,000. He urged Council to
adopt this resolution.
Discussion followed on the floor with Council Members Golder and
Johnson explaining their reasons for opposing the resolution.
Motion to Refer to Committee
By Council Member Golder: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
January 1, 1992
14
RESOLVED, That the resolution regarding 1992 compensation for
individuals not covered by a Union be referred back to the Budget
and Administration Committee for further review.
A vote on the resolution to refer back to committee resulted as
follows:
Ayes (8) - Johnson, Golder, Blanchard, Daley, Romanowski,
Berg, Hoffman, Efroymson
Nays (2) - Booth, Schroeder
Carried
* 10.15 Mayor - Request to Appoint Superintendent of Public Works
By Council Member Booth: Seconded by Council Member Blanchard
RESOLVED, That the required search for a Superintendent of Public
Works be waived in accord with Section 2.27 (2)(f) of the City
Charter, and be it further
RESOLVED, That William Gray be appointed to the position of
Superintendent of Public Works at a 1992 annual salary of $61,187,
effective January 1, 1992.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the realignment of the
Department of Public Works, the Engineering Department, and the
Water and Sewer Division.
Amending Resolution
By Council Member Daley: Seconded by Council Member Berg
RESOLVED, That the 1992 annual salary for the position of
Superintendent of Public Works be established at $58,273., pending
review of Item 10.16.
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
* 11.1 An Ordinance Amending Section 60.59 Entitled `Civil
Penalty for Violation of Article' and Section 606.60 Entitled
`Civil Penalty for Delinquent Violations of Article' of Chapter 60
Thereof Entitled `Traffic and Vehicles' of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code
By Council Member Hoffman: Seconded by Council Member Romanowski
ORDINANCE NO. 92 -
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 60.59 ENTITLED `CIVIL PENALTY
FOR VIOLATION OF ARTICLE AND SECTION 60.60 ENTITLED `CIVIL PENALTY
FOR DELINQUENT VIOLATIONS OF ARTICLE' OF CHAPTER 60 THEREOF
ENTITLED `TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES' OF THE CITY OF ITHACA MUNICIPAL
CODE
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 60 of the Municipal Code of the City of
Ithaca Section 60.59 is hereby amended to change the civil penalty
for parking for a longer period of time than is permitted from
three dollars ($3.00) to five dollars ($5.00) to read as follows:
"Section 60.59 Civil penalty for violation of Article
January 1, 1992
15
Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 60.100 and in full
acquittance of any violation for parking for a longer period of
time than is permitted, a civil penalty in the sum of Five dollars
($5.00) may be paid if such sum is paid within twenty (20) days of
such violation."
Section 2. Chapter 60 of the Municipal Code of the City of
Ithaca Section 60.60 is hereby amended to change the civil
penalties for delinquent violations of the Article to read as
follows:
"Section 60.60 Civil penalty for delinquent violations of
Article
That in addition to the penalties provided in Section 60.59
additional civil penalties shall be payable upon any violation for
parking for a longer period of time than is permitted in
accordance with the following schedule:
A.Penalty to be added after twenty days
$15.00
B. Upon submission of uncollectible fines
to a collection agency or other entity
for enforcement, an amount not to exceed
35 percent of the total delinquent fine
and penalties will be added to cover
collection fees.
Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect immediately in
accordance with law upon publication of a notice as provided in
the Ithaca City Charter. (Publication date January 15, 1992)
Carried Unanimously
* 11.2 Fine Recommendations to City Court
By Council Member Hoffman: Seconded by Council Member Booth
WHEREAS, the current practice of the Ithaca City Court has been,
with respect to parking violations, to have a fine set for first
and second offenses within a twelve (12) month period in one
amount and a fine set for third or more offenses within the same
twelve (12) month period at a larger amount; and
WHEREAS, there have been administrative problems in enforcing the
higher penalty for third or more offenses within the same twelve
(12) month period; and
WHEREAS, this Common Council has passed an ordinance raising the
civil penalty for parking for a longer period of time than is
permitted from three dollars ($3.00) to five dollars ($5.00);
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby
recommends to the Ithaca City Court Judge that no additional
penalties be provided depending on the frequency with which the
violator has violated the parking regulations; and
Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby further recommends to
the Ithaca City Court Judge that the following schedule of fines
be used for other parking violations disposed of through the
Traffic Violations Bureau:
Parking Ramp Overnight without Permit $15.00
Curb (12") $ 5.00
January 1, 1992
16
School Zone $ 5.00
Prohibited Area $15.00
Between Curb and Walk $15.00
Bus Stop/Taxi Stand $15.00
Fire Hydrant/Fire Zone $20.00
Crosswalk (20') $15.00
Sidewalk $15.00
Overtime Night (Odd/Even) $ 8.00
Other $ 8.00
Driveway $20.00
Private Property $15.00
Wrong Direction $ 5.00
Truck Zone $10.00
Double Parking $15.00
Uninspected $15.00
Abandoned $15.00
Discussion followed on the floor on some of the charges being
recommended.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
12.1 Request for Parks Commission Recommendations on How the
"Fair Market Value" of Southwest Park, Once it is Alienated,
Should Be Allocated
By Council Member Schroeder: Seconded by Council Member Blanchard
WHEREAS, on November 7, 1984 and June 5, 1985 Common Council
supported New York State legislation that would authorize the
alienation of Southwest Park from park status, and
WHEREAS, the New York State legislation intended to accomplish
this (Chapter 757 of the laws of 1985) was fatally flawed because
it amalgamated two distinct legal procedures (Southwest Park
alienation, a State procedure, on the one hand; and Inlet Island
alienation and conversion, a State and Federal procedure, on the
other hand), and
WHEREAS, Chapter 757 of the laws of 1985 was further flawed
because one of the several substitute park land parcels identified
(the "Festival Lands") was already owned by the City, and
WHEREAS, no attempt was ever made to amend the former flaw, and
1988 and 1989 attempts to amend the latter flaw never passed the
State legislature, and
WHEREAS, alienation of Southwest Park therefore requires new New
York State authorizing legislation, and
WHEREAS, the 1990 revision of New York State's Guide to the
Alienation and Conversion of Municipal Parklands states that while
"provision of substitute lands for those being alienated is
preferred," never-the-less "an alternate requirement to the
substitution rule is that the bill contain a statement calling for
the net proceeds of any sale to be used for capital improvements
to other municipal parks," and
WHEREAS, Common Council still intends to alienate Southwest Park,
and plans to seek properly-written authorization for this
alienation from the New York State legislature in the
legislature's Spring 1993 session, and
WHEREAS, Common Council therefore desires guidance on what
portion of the fair market value of Southwest Park (once it is
alienated) should be used to buy specific substitute park land
parcels, and what portion should be used for capital improvements
January 1, 1992
17
to other municipal parks; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council requests the Parks Commission, in
consultation with the Board of Public Works, to recommend how the
fair market value of the alienated Southwest Park should be
allocated. Three possibilities exist: (1) the entire fair market
value should be devoted to buying substitute park land parcels, to
be identified specifically in the State alienation legislation;
or, (2) the entire fair market value should be devoted to capital
improvements to other City parks, and no substitute parcels should
be mentioned in the State legislation; or, (3) a portion of the
fair market value should be devoted to buying substitute park land
parcels, to be identified specifically in the State legislation,
and the remaining portion should be devoted to capital
improvements to other City parks. If the Commission recommends
alternative (1) or (3), it should suggest appropriate substitute
parcels.
Council Member Schroeder gave background information and
discussion followed on the floor regarding separating the
properties before alienation.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (7) - Blanchard, Hoffman, Johnson, Golder, Daley,
Schroeder, Romanowski
Nay (1) - Booth
Abstention (2) - Efroymson, Berg
Carried
* 12.2 Establishment of Southwest Park Land Use Study Committee
By Council Member Schroeder: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
WHEREAS, through resolutions passed in 1984 and 1985 Common
Council sought New York State legislative approval for the
alienation of Southwest Park, and
WHEREAS, although the State legislature did pass Chapter 757 of
the laws of 1985 to authorize such alienation, Chapter 757 was
faultily constructed and hence unusable, and
WHEREAS, environmental review of the proposed alienation of
Southwest Park was begun in 1987 and only minimal wetland areas
were identified in two 1988 investigations, and
WHEREAS, Common Council still intends to alienate Southwest Park,
and plans to seek properly-written authorization for this
alienation from the New York State legislature in the
legislature's Spring 1993 session, and
WHEREAS, the 1990 revision of New York State's Guide to the
Alienation and Conversion of Municipal Parklands states that while
"provision of substitute lands for those being alienated is
preferred, "never-the-less" an alternate requirement to the
substitution rule is that the bill contain a statement calling for
the net proceeds of any sale to be used for capital improvements
to other municipal parks," and
WHEREAS, Common Council has therefore asked the Parks Commission
for guidance on what portion of the fair market value of Southwest
Park (once it is finally alienated) should be used to buy specific
substitute park land parcels, and what portion should be used for
capital improvements to other municipal parks, and
WHEREAS, the 60-acre Southwest Park is the largest single
undeveloped parcel in the City, and Common Council desires
January 1, 1992
18
guidance on how Southwest Park -- once it is alienated -- should
be used, how it should be zoned, and how infrastructure thereon
should be arranged; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor shall appoint, with Common Council
approval, a Southwest Park Land Use Study Committee consisting of:
One owner of a business in the vicinity of Southwest Park
One planning or design professional
One housing professional
One resident of the City
One Council Member
One member of the Board of Public Works
One member of the Parks Commission or the Conservation
Advisory Council
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Committee shall recommend to Common Council a
preliminary land use plan for Southwest Park. The Committee
should recommend what portions of Southwest Park should be
residential, what portions (if any) should be commercial, what
portions (if any) should be devoted to City municipal uses, and
what portions should be left in a natural state. Particular
emphasis should be placed on exploring the area's potential for
new housing. The Committee should consider whether a natural or
architectural buffer zone is required to shield the area from the
nearby County garbage baling station, to allow optimal development
of the remaining land. The Committee should also recommend how
the residential areas, any commercial areas, any municipal areas,
and the protected areas should be zoned. Finally, the Committee
should recommend a basic infrastructure arrangement of roads,
sidewalks, possible bicycle paths, and utilities that would
optimally support the recommended land uses. In its
deliberations, the Committee should seek to optimize relationships
between Southwest Park and adjacent land uses, transportation
systems and natural areas, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Committee shall make its recommendations to
Common Council within six months of its creation.
Ayes (8) - Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Efroymson,
Johnson, Hoffman, Golder, Schroeder
Nay (1) - Booth
Abstention (1) - Berg
Carried
* 12.3 1992 Planning Department Work Program
By Council Member Schroeder: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
WHEREAS, the Department's proposed 1992 Work Program has been
reviewed by the Planning and Development Committee, and the
Planning and Development Board, and
WHEREAS, the priority projects have been determined as follows:
1)Inlet Island Land Use
2)West State Street/CBD Rezoning
3)Southwest Park
4)Downtown Vision Task Force Recommendations
5)City Master Plan
January 1, 1992
19
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council does hereby approve the Department
of Planning and Development 1992 Work Program.
Motion to Refer to Committee
By Council Member Schroeder: Seconded by Council Member Johnson
RESOLVED, That the 1992 Planning Department Work Program be
referred back to the Planning and Development Committee.
Carried Unanimously
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Police Department - Report
Council Member Johnson reported that Police Chief McEwen has
planned some reorganization which will help the Police Department
work more effectively.
Council Member Johnson reported that the Police Commission has
given a report that they have continued working with the revised
police complaint procedure and the results have been satisfactory.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.
------------------------- ------------------------
Callista F. Paolangeli Benjamin Nichols
City Clerk Mayor