HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1993-08-04 August 4, 1993
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M. August 4, 1993
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Alderpersons (9) Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Efroymson, Johnson
Schroeder, Golder, Hoffman, Berg
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney - Guttman
Deputy City Controller - Thayer
Planning & Development Director - VanCort
Commons Coordinator - Deming
Police Chief - McEwen
Building Commissioner Eckstrom
Asst. Superintendent of Public Works - Ferrel
Youth Bureau Director - Cohen
City Clerk - Paolangeli
Board of Public Works Commissioner - Reeves
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Booth
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the July 7, 1993 Common Council Meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the July 7, 1993 Common Council Meeting
was postponed until the September 1, 1993 meeting.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people spoke to Council regarding the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement for Allen H. Treman State Marine
Park Resolution on tonight's agenda:
Doria Higgins, Citizens to Save our Parks
Kerman Glaser, 818 N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca
Alan Warneke, 215 Kelvin Place, Ithaca
David Nutter, 656 Five Mile Drive, Ithaca
Nancy Law, 1030 Coddington Road, Ithaca
Barbara Purdhomme
Tony Gaenslen, 220 Pearl Street, Ithaca
Ruth H. Michener
Eric Skalwold, 222 Floral Avenue, Ithaca
LeMoyne Farrell, 120 Eastwood Terrace, Ithaca
Dooley Keifer, 629 Highland Road, Ithaca
Janis Putnam, 2065 Ellis Hollow Road, Ithaca
Susan Booth Titus, 208 The Commons, Ithaca
Betsy Darlington, speaking as a private citizen, and not
representing the Conservation Advisory Council, commented on what
she perceives as a lack of respect by Council and other City
Boards and Committees, etc. to private citizens when they come
before them to offer their suggestions and comments.
The following people voiced their concerns for the youth in Ithaca
and suggested that discussions be held on ideas to develop
solutions to meet these concerns:
Heather Camacho, 501 Dryden Road, Ithaca
Ben Stimson
Mehera Hathaway, 1704 Danby Road, Ithaca
Jeff Furman, Utica Street, Ithaca
August 4, 1993
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The following people addressed Council regarding the Rental
Housing Commission Ordinance on the Agenda:
Terry Pasco, 121 Prospect Street, Ithaca
William Kone, 128 Grandview Court, Ithaca
Nancy Lee, 321 N. Geneva Street, Ithaca, addressed Council in
favor of the Rental Housing Specialist Resolution on the Agenda.
William Baker, C.S.E.A. Administrative Unit President, addressed
Council regarding the status of the Pay Equity Study.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Respect for Public Speakers
Alderpersons Romanowski, Efroymson, Johnson, and Golder responded
to the comments made by Betsy Darlington regarding Public
Officials showing respect to public speakers and constituents.
Needs of Youth in the Community
Alderpersons Daley, Efroymson, Johnson, and Golder spoke in favor
of reviewing the possibility of establishing a space where the
youth in the community can become involved with various projects.
Alderperson Johnson stated that he will place this item on the
next Human Services Committee agenda.
REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES:
Board of Public Works
BPW Commissioner Carol Reeves reported to Council on the following
items:
Garbage, Rubbish & Refuse - The Board will request that the
current legislation be amended to reduce the trash can weight
limit to 70 lbs.
Dogs - The Board would like the Charter & Ordinance Committee to
review new legislation regarding pet owners cleaning up after
their pets.
County Trash Tag Law - The Board passed a Resolution requesting
that the County permit the City to elect an alternate method of
charging residents for trash removal other than the present trash
tag.
Sewer Main Work - The Dey Street work is complete, the First &
Adams Street work is nearly complete. Two more sewer collapses
have been discovered at 100 block of West York Street/and the 1300
block of North Cayuga Street, and South Titus Avenue/and South
Geneva Street.
1994 DPW Budget preparation is underway.
Green/Seneca Streets - The DoT maintenance crews will be paving
sections of Green and Seneca Streets on August 9-10, 1993.
Alderperson Blanchard suggested that the Board publicize the fact
that recycling office and computer paper is mandatory under
Tompkins County legislation.
Disability Advisory Council
The Disability Advisory Council has completed their input into the
self-evaluation forms for the implementation of the ADA self-
evaluation. Interviews with City department heads will begin next
week.
August 4, 1993
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The DAC has invited the Ithaca Festival staff to a meeting to
discuss access issues for next year.
The DAC has also discussed the need for City input regarding the
accessible paths in the proposed Allen H. Treman State Marine Park
plan. The DAC would like the paths to allow for low impact
substitutes for paving without compromising accessibility on a
long term basis.
REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Guttman reported on City Court cases and the Evans
vs. Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, City of Ithaca vs. the Postal
Rate Commission, and Save our Strand vs. City of Ithaca litigation
matters.
602 W. Seneca Street - property is to be conveyed to a new owner
in the immediate future, and the new property owner has assured
the City that he will immediately take steps to remove the
building.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
*16.1 City of Ithaca Comments on Allan H. Treman State Marine Park
Draft Mater Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement
By Alderperson Schroeder: Seconded by Alderperson Blanchard
WHEREAS, the N.Y.S. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation ("State Parks") has prepared an Allan H. Treman State
Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Impact
Statement, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to submit written comments on
the above two documents during the public comment period, which
ends on August 6, 1993; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council makes the following comments on
the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft
Environmental Impact Statement.
The Common Council:
(1) Expresses its appreciation to State Parks for incorporating
into the Draft Master Plan Common Council's January 1993
suggestions, which have resulted in much greater protection
for the park's natural areas.
(2) Requests State Parks to study further the arrangement of the
boat-launch parking lot and the main marina parking lot, with
the goal of:
- Keeping the configuration of the lots closer to their
existing general disposition.
- Reducing the amount of additional pavement.
- Minimizing the displacement of existing bushes and trees.
- Increasing the number of trees within the lots.
- Allowing visual appreciation of the park's natural areas.
(3) Requests State Parks to include in the Draft Master Plan
and Draft Environmental Impact Statement: (a) a schematic
count of existing trees and bushes to be removed, existing
trees and bushes to be transplanted, and new trees and
bushes to be planted under the plan, and (b) an
environmental assessment of these vegetation changes.
August 4, 1993
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(4) Notes that on Page 164, in the sentence reading "The
park's water and sanitary waste disposal are provided by
the City of Ithaca's municipal systems at no charge
through the 1967 tripartite agreement for the creation of
a recreational/cultural arts facility off the southwest
shore of Cayuga Lake," language should be added noting
that the City's specific agreement to provide free
water and sanitary waste disposal expires in the year
2015.
Alderperson Schroeder explained the Resolution and offered the
following Substitute Resolution.
Motion to Substitute
By Alderperson Schroeder: Seconded by Alderperson Blanchard
RESOLVED, That the following Resolution be Substituted for Agenda
Item 16.1:
WHEREAS, the N.Y.S. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation ("State Parks") has prepared an Allan H. Treman State
Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Impact
Statement, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to submit written comments on
the above two documents during the public comment period, which
ends on August 6, 1993; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council makes the following comments on
the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft
Environmental Impact Statement.
The Common Council:
(1) Expresses its appreciation to State Parks for incorporating
into the Draft Master Plan Common Council's January 1993
suggestions, which have resulted in much greater protection
for the park's natural areas.
(2) Requests State Parks to study further the arrangement of the
boat-launch parking lot and the main marina parking lot, with
the goal of:
- Keeping the configuration of the lots closer to their
existing general disposition.
- Substantially reducing the amount of additional
pavement.
- Minimizing the displacement of existing bushes and trees.
- Preserving the willow trees to the northwest of the
existing marina parking lot.
- Increasing the number of trees within the lots.
- Allowing visual appreciation of the park's natural areas.
(3) Requests State Parks to include in the Draft Master Plan and
Draft Environmental Impact Statement: (a) a schematic count
of existing trees and bushes to be removed, existing trees
and bushes to be transplanted, and new trees and bushes to be
planted under the plan, and (b) an environmental assessment
of these vegetation changes.
(4) Notes that on Page 164, in the sentence reading "The park's
water and sanitary waste disposal are provided by the City of
August 4, 1993
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Ithaca's municipal systems at no charge through the 1967
tripartite agreement for the creation of a
recreational/cultural arts facility off the southwest shore
of Cayuga Lake," language should be added noting that the
City's specific agreement to provide free water and sanitary
waste disposal expires in the year 2015.
(5) Requests State Parks to clarify the documentation cited on
pages 86 and 87 that calls for the widening of the marina
entrance channel to 150 feet.
(6) Requests State Parks to clarify how much variation it would
permit between the dimensions and locations of elements shown
on the Draft Master Plan and the dimensions and location of
elements in final design.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Resolution in no way binds the City to any
future action, and that the City reserves the right to comment on
any further suggested changes.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Blanchard commented on the fact that the Hangar
Theater Group, which is an equal partner in the tripartite
agreement with the City and the State, strongly favors the new
entrance road and has passed Resolutions, and provided verbal and
written material stating that fact.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Blanchard: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That the third request in sub-section 2 of the first
Resolved Clause be Amended to read as follows:
"- Minimizing the displacement of existing bushes and trees,
and relocating as many plantings as possible within
budget constraints."
No vote was taken on the Amending Resolution at this time.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Berg
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved be Amended to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That this Resolution in no way binds the City to any
future action, or represents an endorsement of this proposed
design, and that the City reserves the right to comment on any
further suggested changes."
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the Amending
Resolution. Alderperson Efroymson offered the following
Substitute Amending Resolution.
Motion to Substitute Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Blanchard
RESOLVED, That the following Resolved Clause be Substituted for
the Resolved Clause in the Amending Resolution above:
"RESOLVED, That this Resolution in no way binds the City to any
future action, the City reserves the right to continuing dialogue
on revisions to the Draft Master Plan, and that the City reserves
the right to comment on any further suggested changes."
Alderperson Berg suggested that the two Amendments be incorporated
together.
August 4, 1993
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Alderperson Blanchard explained how difficult Alderperson
Hoffman's Amending Resolution is on plan designers and developers.
A vote on the Motion to Substitute the Amending Resolution
resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Efroymson, Schroeder,
Nays (4) Berg, Hoffman, Golder, Johnson
Carried
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Berg
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved Clause be Amended to read as
follows:
"RESOLVED, That this Resolution in no way binds the City to any
future action, or represents an endorsement to this proposed
design, and that the City reserves the right to continuing
dialogue on revisions to the Draft Master Plan, and also reserves
the right to comment on any further suggested changes."
Ayes (7) Daley, Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Schroeder,
Hoffman, Berg
Nays (2) Romanowski, Blanchard
Carried
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Schroeder: Seconded by Alderperson Blanchard
RESOLVED, That the third request in sub-section 2 of the first
Resolved Clause be Amended to read as follows:
"- Preserving as many trees and bushes as possible, and
transplanting elsewhere in the park any trees that must
be moved."
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That sub-section 2 of the first Resolved Clause be
Amended to read as follows:
"(2) Expresses its concern about the lack of justification for and
impact of the proposed expanded parking lots and relocated
entrance road. Common Council also requests State Parks to
study further the arrangement of the parking lots and the
entrance road with the goal of:"
Alderperson Blanchard suggested that wording regarding the
entrance road be deleted, as one of the major parties affected by
this plan has specifically requested this change.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Blanchard: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
RESOLVED, That the words "and relocated entrance road", and "and
the entrance road" in the above Amending Resolution be stricken.
Ayes (4) Schroeder, Daley, Romanowski, Blanchard
Nays (5) Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Hoffman, Berg
Motion Fails
A vote on Alderperson Hoffman's Amending Resolution resulted as
follows:
Ayes (5) Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Hoffman, Berg
Nays (4) Schroeder, Daley, Romanowski, Blanchard
Carried
August 4, 1993
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Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Berg: Seconded by Alderperson Hoffman
RESOLVED, That an item 7 be added to the first Resolved Clause
that would read as follows:
"(7) Requests State Parks to further study maintaining the inter-
connections of the marina, Cass Park, and Hangar Theater for
vehicular use."
Ayes (5) Berg, Hoffman, Golder, Johnson, Efroymson
Nays (4) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Schroeder
Carried
Motion to Substitute
By Alderperson Golder: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the following Resolution be Substituted for the
Main Motion as Amended thus far:
"WHEREAS, the N.Y.S. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation ("State Parks") has prepared an Allan H. Treman State
Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Impact
Statement, and
WHEREAS, public comment has raised significant questions about the
advisability and desirability of any changes in the park, pointing
out many omissions and inaccuracies; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council requests that the State submit a
revised Draft Master Plan, taking into consideration the issues
raised by the public.
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Golder answering
questions from Council members.
A vote on the Motion to Substitute resulted as follows:
Ayes (1) Golder
Nays (8) Blanchard, Romanowski, Daley, Efroymson, Johnson,
Schroeder, Hoffman, Berg
Motion Fails
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Golder: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That an item 8 be added to the first Resolved Clause
which would read as follows:
"(8) Requests that State Parks have accessible pathways which
allow for low impact paving substitutes without compromising
long term accessibility."
Ayes (6) Daley, Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Berg, Hoffman
Nays (3) Schroeder, Blanchard, Romanowski
Carried
Alderperson Golder offered an Amending Resolution which requested
that the State conduct additional water and sediment testing, but
the motion failed for lack of a Second.
Amending Resolution
Alderperson Golder: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That an item 9 be added to the first Resolved Clause
which would read as follows:
"(9) Requests that State Parks eliminate the additional
comfort station."
August 4, 1993
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Ayes (1) Golder
Nays (8) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Efroymson, Johnson,
Schroeder, Berg, Hoffman
Motion Fails
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Golder: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That an item 9 be added to the first Resolved Clause
which would read as follows:
"(9) Requests that State Parks clarify the extent to which Robert
Wesley's management recommendations in Appendix C will be
followed."
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Berg, Hoffman
Nays (4) Schroeder, Daley, Romanowski, Blanchard
Carried
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (7) Daley, Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Schroeder, Berg
Hoffman
Nays (2) Blanchard, Romanowski
Carried
The Main Motion as Amended reads as follows:
WHEREAS, the N.Y.S. Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation ("State Parks") has prepared an Allan H. Treman State
Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft Environmental Impact
Statement, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to submit written comments on
the above two documents during the public comment period, which
ends on August 6, 1993; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council makes the following comments on
the Allan H. Treman State Marine Park Draft Master Plan and Draft
Environmental Impact Statement.
The Common Council:
(1) Expresses its appreciation to State Parks for incorporating
into the Draft Master Plan Common Council's January 1993
suggestions, which have resulted in much greater protection
for the park's natural areas.
(2) Expresses its concern about the lack of justification for and
impact of the proposed expanded parking lots and relocated
entrance road. Common Council also requests State Parks to
study further the arrangement of the parking lots and the
entrance road with the goal of:
- Keeping the configuration of the lots closer to their
existing general disposition.
- Substantially reducing the amount of additional
pavement.
- Preserving as many trees and bushes as possible, and
transplanting elsewhere in the park any trees that must
be moved.
- Preserving the willow trees to the northwest of the
August 4, 1993
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existing marina parking lot.
- Increasing the number of trees within the lots.
- Allowing visual appreciation of the park's natural areas.
(3) Requests State Parks to include in the Draft Master Plan and
Draft Environmental Impact Statement: (a) a schematic count
of existing trees and bushes to be removed, existing trees
and bushes to be transplanted, and new trees and bushes to be
planted under the plan, and (b) an environmental assessment
of these vegetation changes.
(4) Notes that on Page 164, in the sentence reading "The park's
water and sanitary waste disposal are provided by the City of
Ithaca's municipal systems at no charge through the 1967
tripartite agreement for the creation of a
recreational/cultural arts facility off the southwest shore
of Cayuga Lake," language should be added noting that the
City's specific agreement to provide free water and sanitary
waste disposal expires in the year 2015.
(5) Requests State Parks to clarify the documentation cited on
pages 86 and 87 that calls for the widening of the marina
entrance channel to 150 feet.
(6) Requests State Parks to clarify how much variation it would
permit between the dimensions and locations of elements shown
on the Draft Master Plan and the dimensions and location of
elements in final design.
(7) Requests State Parks to further study maintaining the inter-
connections of the marina, Cass Park, and Hangar Theater for
vehicular use.
(8) Requests that State Parks have accessible pathways which allow
for low impact paving substitutes without compromising long
term accessibility.
(9) Requests that State Parks clarify the extent to which Robert
Wesley's management recommendations in Appendix C will be
followed.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this Resolution in no way binds the City to any
future action, or represents an endorsement to this proposed
design, and that the City reserves the right to continuing
dialogue on revisions to the Draft Master Plan, and also reserves
the right to comment on any further suggested changes.
RECESS:
Common Council recessed at 9:35 p.m. and reconvened into Regular
Session at 9:50 p.m.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION ITEMS:
* 14.1 Commons Coordinator - Request to Amend 1993 Authorized
Equipment List
By Alderperson Romanowski: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
WHEREAS, the Commons Coordinator's office is in need of a new
computer, printer, and related software to provide assistance in
the department's graphic design work, and
WHEREAS, the computer system will also benefit the Planning
Department's staff because the system will be shared with certain
staff members; now, therefore, be it
August 4, 1993
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RESOLVED, That the 1993 Authorized Equipment list be amended by
adding the following
One (1) 486 DX 33 8 MB RAM $1,800
One (1) Laser Printer 1,200
Computer Software 1,000
Total $4,000
and be it further
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $4,000 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A8510-210 Office
Equipment for said computer system purchase.
Carried Unanimously
*14.2 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend 1993 Youth Bureau Budget
By Alderperson Romanowski: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has been advised by Cornell
University that $2,000 in funding will be received to support the
Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, and
WHEREAS, the program will be offered in conjunction with TC-3 for
high school students, and in conjunction with BOCES for middle
school students; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1993 Youth Development Budget be amended as
follows:
Increase Income:
Account A2070 Contribution for Youth
$2,000
Increase Appropriations:
Account A7310-120-1201 Hourly P/T Paul Schreurs $
550
Account A7310-435-1201 Contractual Paul Schreurs
600
Account A7310-460-1201 Program Supplies
Paul Schreurs
425
Account A7310-470-1201 Rental Paul Schreurs
375
Account A9030 Social Security
42
Account A9040 Workers' Compensation 8
Carried Unanimously
*14.3 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend 1993 Youth Bureau Budget
Alderperson Romanowski: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has been advised by Tompkins
County that the Youth Bureau will receive $3,751. in funding to
support the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, and
WHEREAS, the program will be funded through the National and
Community Service Act for the Community Service component of the
Paul Schreurs Memorial Program; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1993 Youth Development Budget be amended as
follows:
August 4, 1993
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Increase Income:
Account A2350 Youth Services Other Governments $3,751.
Increase Appropriations:
Account A7310-120-1201 Hourly P/T Paul Schreurs 2,885.
Account A9030 Social Security 221.
Account A9040 Workers' Compensation 205.
Account A9060 Health Insurance 440.
Carried Unanimously
*14.4 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend 1993 Youth Bureau Budget for
Summer Camp Iroquois Program
By Alderperson Romanowski: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has received unanticipated
revenue in the amount of $2,140 for the Recreation Mainstreaming
Services' Camp Iroquois Program, and
WHEREAS, the funding for the Camp Iroquois Program will be
received from the following sources:
Cornell University $1,000
Micawbers "Charles Dickens" Day Fundraiser 900
BOCES Teachers' Association 240
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1993 Youth Bureau Budget be amended as follows:
Increase Income:
Account A2070 Contribution for Youth $2,140
Increase Appropriations:
Account A7310-120-1631 Hourly P/T $1,500
Account A7310-460-1631 Program Supplies 418
Account A9030 Social Security 115
Account A9040 Workers' Compensation 107
Carried Unanimously
*14.5 GIAC - Request to Establish Petty Cash Fund
By Alderperson Romanowski: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the Alex Haley Municipal Pool is in need of a petty cash
account for various minor expenses related to the pool activities,
and
WHEREAS, the amount for such petty cash account has been estimated
at $100; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $100 be established for the
Alex Haley Municipal Pool Petty Cash Account, such funds to be
located in the Alex Haley Municipal Pool cash drawer, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That $100 be transferred from Account A1990 Unrestricted
Contingency to Account A210-007 Alex Haley Pool Petty Cash for the
purpose of establishing said petty cash account.
Carried Unanimously
*14.6 GIAC - Request to Amend 1993 GIAC Budget for Purchase of T-
shirts
By Alderperson Romanowski: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
WHEREAS, GIAC needs to purchase Youth Program Summer Camp T-shirts
in the amount of $1,000, and
WHEREAS, the GIAC camp fee was increased to cover the cost of the
August 4, 1993
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purchase of camp T-shirts; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1993 GIAC Budget be amended as follows for
purchase of said T-shirts:
Increase Revenues:
Account A2001 Parks & Recreation Charges $1,000
Increase Appropriations:
Account A7311-460-1101 Program Supplies $1,000
Carried Unanimously
*14.7 Traffic Enforcement Officer - Report
Alderperson Daley reported that the Police Chief would like to
hire a para-professional to perform tasks that are currently
assigned to the existing Traffic Enforcement Officer in addition
to his signalization duties at the Octopus. This would require an
amendment to the Charter to allow civilians to perform some of
these duties. A job description will also need to be established.
The Budget and Administration Committee is recommending that the
position be funded in the 1994 budget for a full year.
HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
*15.1 Guidelines for Funding Community Services
By Alderperson Johnson: Seconded by Alderperson Berg
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has in the past appropriated funds to
agencies for cultural enrichment, economic promotion, and other
purposes aside from human services, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council intends that all such requests be
subject to a standardized review process; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Human Services Committee of Common Council be
authorized to review all 1994 requests for non-mandated City
funding from private, non-profit agencies that are not subject to
Human Services Coalition review, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following requirements and criteria shall be
applied to all such requests:
Requirements:
1.All applications for 1994 funding must be submitted in writing
to the City Controller by August 30, 1993.
2.Each application must include a statement that explains how the
activity proposed for City funding will benefit the social,
cultural, economic, and/or environmental well-being of City
residents, in terms as specific as possible. Information
presented should include the groups or individuals to be
served, the number of people to benefit from the activity,
and the duration of the benefit (long term or short term).
3.Each application must include budgets for 1993 and 1994;
financial reports from 1991 and 1992, and an enumeration of
other funding sources.
Criteria:
The Committee shall assign points for the degree to which the
proposed use of City funds meets each of the following criteria.
If the applicant does not supply sufficient information for the
Committee to make a judgement, the proposal shall receive zero
points in each such case.
These criteria will be used by the Human Services Committee as
August 4, 1993
13
guidelines in evaluation of requests for funding:
1.The proposed activity will benefit the social, cultural,
economic and/or environmental well-being of residents of the
City of Ithaca. 0-10 points
2.a.The proposal will serve City residents in proportion to City
funding requested. 0-5 points
b.The sponsor of the proposed activity
°has received funding, 7-9 points
°is reasonably assured of receiving funding, 4-6 points
°has made a good faith effort to receive funding, 0- 3 points
from the County, appropriate towns, school districts, or other
funding sources in proportion to non-city residents
served.
3.The proposed activity will serve an identified need in the City
and does not duplicate another service. 0-5 points
4.The proposed activity is designed to effectively meet the needs
of those to be benefitted; and the proposal includes
measurable objectives. 0-5 points
5.The applicant demonstrates sound management practices. 0-5
points
6.The proposed activity will especially benefit a population in
financial need (i.e., below federal poverty guidelines) or
people with disabilities. 0-5 points
7.The proposed activity will produce a long-term benefit. 0-5
points
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Human Services Committee shall forward its
recommendations to the Mayor for consideration in the 1994 budget
by September 10, 1993.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Golder
RESOLVED, That Section 2a of the Criteria be Amended to read as
follows:
"2.a.The proposal will serve City residents and/or people who work
within the City limits in proportion to City funding
requested. 0-5 points"
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed Amendment.
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (2) Efroymson, Golder
Nays (7) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Johnson,
Schroeder, Hoffman, Berg
Motion Failed
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Golder: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That Section 2b of the Criteria be Amended to read as
follows:
"2.b.The sponsor of the proposed activity
August 4, 1993
14
°has received funding, is reasonably assured of receiving funding,
and/or has made a good faith effort to receive
funding, 0-5 points
from the County, appropriate towns, school districts, or other
funding sources in proportion to non-city residents
served."
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Golder
explaining his Amending Resolution.
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (2) Golder, Efroymson
Nays (7) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Johnson,
Schroeder, Hoffman, Berg
Motion Failed
Main Motion
A vote on the Main Motion resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Johnson noted that August 30, 1993 is the deadline for
submitting Community Services funding requests. All requests
should be submitted to the City Controller's office.
Police/Community Relations - Report
Alderperson Johnson reported that the Human Services Committee has
reviewed a proposed local law that will incorporate some of the
recommendations from the Police/Community Relations Steering
Committee. The Community Police Board is currently reviewing the
proposed local law.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
*16.2 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 Entitled "Rental Housing
Commission" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code
By Alderperson Schroeder: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
Ordinance No. 93-
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 Entitled "Rental Housing
Commission" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, New York, as follows:
(Old language in brackets, new language in bold.)
Chapter 100
RENTAL HOUSING COMMISSION
Section 100-1. Statement of Findings.
The Common Council of the City of Ithaca Makes the Following
Findings:
A.Based on a comparison of Tompkins County's average annual
wages and median annual rent (from 1980 and 1990 census
figures) with similar statistics for surrounding
counties, a rental housing affordability problem exists
in the City of Ithaca.
August 4, 1993
15
B.Problems exist in the relationship between landlords and
tenants, as well as between landlords and their
neighbors and tenants and their neighbors.
C.These problems are serious enough to warrant City action,
including such City regulation, financial support,
administrative attention and legislative oversight as
are found to be effective, feasible and appropriate.
Section 100-[1]2. Creation
In recognition of the foregoing, [T]the Common Council hereby
creates a Rental Housing Commission for the City of Ithaca in
accordance with the following conditions.
Section 100-[2]3. Membership
A.The Commission shall be composed of [nine (9)]seven (7) members,
[at least four (4) of whom are tenants and all]at least
five of whom are residents of the City of Ithaca
B.The Mayor, with concurrence from the Common Council, shall
appoint the members of the Commission [and appoint
a Chairperson to the Commission, with members selected from the
following categories], subject to the following
provisions:
[(1)The Mayor shall select five (5) members, one (1) from each of
the wards.
(2)Two (2) members of the Commission shall be selected from the
staff or board of not-for-profit housing providers.
(3)One (1) member of the Commission shall be selected to
represent the landlord, property manager or banking
community.
(4)One (1) member of the Commission shall be a member of the
Common Council, to serve as a voting member and
liaison to the Council.]
(1)At least three (3) members of the Commission shall be tenants.
(2)At least one (1) member of the Commission shall be selected
from the staff or board of not-for-profit or public
sector housing providers or other organizations
dealing with tenant/landlord issues.
(3)At least one (1) member of the Commission shall be a landlord
or property manager.
C.The Mayor shall select one of the seven members of the
Commission to serve as its Chairperson.
D.In addition to the seven Commission members, the Mayor shall
appoint a Common Council member to serve as a non-voting
liaison to the Commission.
Section 100-[3]4.Terms of Office.
All members of the Commission shall be appointed for three-year
terms, except that the initial appointments shall be made for
three (3) members [each at one-, two- and three-year terms,
such that every year three (3) seats will become vacant.]for
August 4, 1993
16
three-year terms, two (2) members for two-year terms, and two
(2) members for one-year terms.
Section 100-[4]5.Responsibilities.
The responsibilities of the Commission shall be as follows:
[A.Advising the Common Council on steps to be taken to improve the
accessibility, affordability and quality of rental
housing in the City of Ithaca.
B.Advising the Common Council on steps to be taken to achieve the
goals of the City of Ithaca's housing policy.
C.Advising both the Board of Planning and Development and the
Board of Zoning Appeals concerning zoning changes
and appeals for variances and any potential impacts
those changes or appeals might have on rental
housing affordability and availability.
D.Advising both the Building Department and the Planning and
Development Department on the allocation of staff
time to and the design of programs for the
improvement of rental housing conditions and
calling upon the Directors of those Departments or
their designees to appear as necessary at the
meetings of the Commission.
E.Readying for implementation those recommendations of the Rental
Housing Task force which call for further
elaboration before implementation.
F.Studying further those issues and proposals left to the
Commission by the Rental Housing Task Force and
such other issues and proposals as it may become
necessary to examine.
G.Implementing programs or activities related to rental housing,
as hereafter directed by the Common Council.
H.Preparing requests for funding from the Common Council for
rental housing activities.]
A.Recommending to the Common council new steps to be taken to
improve the accessibility, affordability and
quality of rental housing in the City of Ithaca.
B.Advising the Common Council on how proposed Council actions
(such as zoning changes, ordinance revisions or new
regulations, fees or taxes) would affect the
accessibility, affordability and quality of rental
housing in the City of Ithaca.
C.Advising the Common Council on steps to be taken to protect the
rights and welfare of tenants.
D.Advising the Board of Zoning Appeals on appeals for those
variances where housing affordability is a central
issue, if the Commission so wishes.
E.Seeking possible solutions to the general problems which arise
between landlords and tenants, or between either
party and neighbors.
F.Studying further the Rental Housing Task Force's Recommendation
III, which proposes the establishment of a Housing
Trust Fund, and Recommendation IV, which proposes
August 4, 1993
17
the establishment of a community rental registry.
G.Undertaking programs or activities or educational programs
related to rental housing, as hereafter approved by
the Common Council.
H.Adopting an annual work program, which shall be subject to the
approval of the Common Council.
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Romanowski
stating that he will not support this Ordinance because he
believes that it is biased in favor of renter's rights, and there
is not much consideration given to property owners or landlords.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Schroeder: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
RESOLVED, That the membership of the Rental Housing Commission be
nine (9) members, at least six (6) of whom shall be residents of
the City of Ithaca, at least four (4) members of the Commission
shall be tenants, at least two (2) members shall be selected from
the staff or board of not-for-profit housing providers, and at
least two (2) members of the Commission shall be landlords or
property managers, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That all members of the Commission shall be appointed
for three-year terms, except that the initial appointments shall
be made for three (3) members each at one-, two- and three-year
terms, such that every year three (3) seats will become vacant.
A vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Johnson,
Schroeder, Berg
Nays (3) Efroymson, Golder, Hoffman
Carried
Alderperson Blanchard stated that she does not feel that this
legislation is necessary, and that the City should not become
involved with these issues. She further stated that she objects
to the responsibilities of the Commission as many of these items
are the responsibilities of the City Planning Department, and
other items are not the responsibility of Common Council.
Alderperson Hoffman suggested several friendly amendments to the
Ordinance which were unanimously accepted by Common Council.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Berg
RESOLVED, That Section 100-[4]5 be Amended to read as follows:
"D.Advising the Board of Zoning Appeals on appeals for those
variances where housing affordability is a central
issue, if the Commission and the BZA agree that
such advice would be helpful."
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Berg
RESOLVED, That the Title of the Commission shall be the Rental
Housing Advisory Commission.
Carried Unanimously
Further discussion followed on the floor regarding the Statement
of Findings with comments from Alderpersons Efroymson, Romanowski,
Blanchard, Schroeder, and Johnson.
August 4, 1993
18
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (7) Daley, Efroymson, Johnson, Schroeder, Golder,
Hoffman, Berg
Nays (2) Romanowski, Blanchard
Carried
The Main Motion As Amended shall read as follows:
Ordinance No. 93-
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 100 Entitled "Rental Housing
Commission" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, New York, as follows:
Chapter 100
RENTAL HOUSING ADVISORY COMMISSION
Section 100-1. Statement of Findings.
The Common Council of the City of Ithaca Makes the Following
Findings:
A.Based on a comparison of Tompkins County's average annual
wages and median annual rent (from 1980 and 1990 census
figures) with similar statistics for surrounding
counties, a rental housing affordability problem exists
in the City of Ithaca.
B.Problems exist in the relationship between landlords and
tenants, as well as between landlords and their
neighbors and tenants and their neighbors.
C.These problems are serious enough to warrant City action,
including such City regulation, financial support,
administrative attention and legislative oversight as
are found to be effective, feasible and appropriate.
Section 100-2. Creation
In recognition of the foregoing, the Common Council hereby creates
a Rental Housing Advisory Commission for the City of Ithaca in
accordance with the following conditions.
Section 100-3. Membership
A.The Commission shall be composed of nine (9) members, six (6) of
whom are residents of the City of Ithaca
B.The Mayor, with concurrence from the Common Council, shall
appoint the members of the Commission subject to the
following provisions:
(1)At least four (4) members of the Commission shall be tenants.
(2)At least two (2) members of the Commission shall be selected
from the staff or board of not-for-profit or public
sector housing providers or other organizations
dealing with tenant/landlord issues.
(3)At least two (2) members of the Commission shall be landlords
or property managers.
August 4, 1993
19
C.The Mayor shall select one of the nine members of the Commission
to serve as its Chairperson.
D.In addition to the nine Commission members, the Mayor shall
appoint a Common Council member to serve as a non-voting
liaison to the Commission.
Section 100-4.Terms of Office.
All members of the Commission shall be appointed for three-year
terms, except that the initial appointments shall be made for
three (3) members each at one-, two- and three-year terms,
such that every year three (3) seats will become vacant.
Section 100-5.Responsibilities.
The responsibilities of the Commission shall be as follows:
A.Recommending to the Common Council new steps to be taken to
improve the accessibility, affordability and
quality of rental housing in the City of Ithaca.
B.Advising the Common Council on how proposed Council actions
(such as zoning changes, ordinance revisions or new
regulations, fees or taxes) would affect the
accessibility, affordability and quality of rental
housing in the City of Ithaca.
C.Advising the Common Council on steps to be taken to protect the
rights and welfare of tenants.
D.Advising the Board of Zoning Appeals on appeals for those
variances where housing affordability is a central
issue, if the Commission and the BZA agree that
such advice would be helpful.
E.Seeking possible solutions to the general problems which arise
between landlords and tenants, or between either
party and neighbors.
F.Studying further the Rental Housing Task Force's Recommendation
III, which proposes the establishment of a Housing
Trust Fund, and Recommendation IV, which proposes
the establishment of a community rental registry.
G.Undertaking programs or activities or educational programs
related to rental housing, as hereafter approved by
the Common Council.
H.Adopting an annual work program, which shall be subject to the
approval of the Common Council.
*16.3 Downtown Ithaca BID Plan - Call for Public Hearing
By Alderperson Schroeder: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, Common Council, at its meeting on June 2, 1993, adopted a
resolution authorizing the preparation of a district plan upon
which the establishment of a Business Improvement District would
be based and which plan has been completed and is on file with the
City Clerk's office and is attached to the official minute book;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that said plan is available for public inspection in the
office of the City Clerk during normal business hours, said office
being located at City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New
York, and be it further
August 4, 1993
20
RESOLVED, that September 1, 1993, at 7:00 p.m., is hereby
designated as the time, and Common Council Chambers as the place,
at which all interested persons may be publicly heard regarding
this proposed resolution, and be it further
RESOLVED, that written objections to the establishment of the
proposed district from owners of real property deemed benefitted,
and within the proposed district, must be filed in the office of
the City Clerk, on forms provided by the Clerk, within thirty days
of the conclusion of the last public hearing set forth above (i.e.
by October 1, 1993), and be it further
RESOLVED, that if written objections from the following people are
properly filed within the prescribed time limit, the proposed
district will not be established and the establishment of a
district including any of the same properties may not be
considered for one year:
A)the owner(s) of at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the
assessed value of all benefitted property located within
the boundaries of the district proposed for
establishment, as shown on the latest completed
assessment roll of the municipality
or
B)at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the owners of
benefitted real property within the proposed district.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That at the Common Council meeting to be held on October
6, 1993, Common Council shall determine whether the proper number
of objections have been filed by property owners and, if not shall
further determine whether to adopt a local law approving the
establishment of the Business Improvement District, which law, if
adopted, would not be effective until a favorable determination
has been received from the State Controller and there has been
compliance with filing and publication requirements.
Alderperson Schroeder explained the benefits that will be realized
with the implementation of the Business Improvement District.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
CHARTER AND ORDINANCE COMMITTEE:
*17.1 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 39 Entitled "Contracts" of the
City of Ithaca Municipal Code
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Berg
Ordinance No. 93-__
An Ordinance amending Chapter 39 entitled "Contracts" of the
City of Ithaca Municipal Code.
WHEREAS, it is the established policy of the State of New York and
the City of Ithaca to award certain contracts to the lowest
responsible and reliable bidder as will best promote the public
interest;
WHEREAS, the statutes requiring competitive bidding of City
contracts and approval of subcontractors have been interpreted by
the courts to authorize contracting agencies to examine the
August 4, 1993
21
responsibility of bidders for contracts and proposed
subcontractors on a case-by-case basis;
WHEREAS, these reviews may include an examination of skill,
judgment, integrity, financial resources, performance, conduct and
labor practices of bidders and proposed subcontractors on prior
contracts, and consideration of the background of such bidders and
subcontractors on prior contracts, and consideration of the
background of such bidders and subcontractors for this purpose,
including their ownership, management, affiliation, history of
past performance, and compliance with relevant City, State and
federal laws and regulation;
WHEREAS, the New York State Council of Contracting Agencies, which
was created within Executive Department of the State of New York
by Executive Order Number 125 to ensure the systematic collection
and timely exchange of information relevant to agency
determinations of responsibility and reliability of bidders,
contractors and proposed subcontractors, has recently developed
and adopted guidelines for the determination of contractor
responsibility consistent with the duties of contracting agencies
and the court interpretations of State law and regulations
governing competitive bidding; and
WHEREAS, the State of New York, by Executive Order Number 170, has
adopted guidelines to be applied by all New York State contracting
agencies; and
WHEREAS, the public interest would be served by the uniform
application of these guidelines by all contracting agencies;
Be it Ordained and Enacted by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, New York as follows:
Section 1. That Chapter 39 entitled "Contracts" is amended
by adding a new subdivision to be known and designated as Section
39-2 entitled "Uniform Guidelines for Determining the
Responsibility of Bidders" to read as follows:
"A. Guidelines for Responsibility Determinations
In deliberating upon the responsibility of a bidder or a
subcontractor, all contracting agencies shall give due
consideration to any credible evidence or reliable information
that the past or current record of a bidder or proposed
subcontractor includes any of the following:
1. Lack of adequate expertise, prior experience with
comparable projects, or financial resources to perform the work of
the contract or subcontract in a timely, competent, and acceptable
manner. Evidence of such a lack of ability to perform may
include, but shall not be limited to, evidence of suspension or
revocation for cause of any professional license of any director
or officer, or any holder of five percent or more of the bidder's
or proposed subcontractor's stock or equity; failure to submit
satisfactory evidence of insurance, surety bonds or financial
responsibility; or a history of termination of prior contracts for
cause.
2. Criminal conduct in connection with government contract
or the conduct of business activities involving: a) the
infliction, injury, or intentional property damage, in connection
with involvement in a pattern of racketeering, labor racketeering,
extortion, obstruction of justice, or other comparable crimes; b)
bribery, fraud, bid-rigging, embezzlement, or other comparable
August 4, 1993
22
crimes; or c) serious moral turpitude, fundamental lack of
integrity, or knowing disregard for the law. Evidence of such
conduct may include a judgment of conviction, pending criminal
indictment of formal grant of immunity in connection with a
criminal prosecution of the bidder or proposed subcontractor, and
director or officer, or any holder of five percent or more of the
shares or equity of the bidder or proposed subcontractor, or any
affiliate of the bidder or proposed subcontractor.
3. Grave disregard for the personal safety of employees,
City personnel, or members of the public. Due consideration shall
be given to whether available evidence concerning the training of
employees, equipment actually in use at the work site, and company
practices for identifying and addressing deficiencies and securing
employee compliance, demonstrates a genuine commitment to safety,
or lack of same.
4. Willful noncompliance with the prevailing wage and
supplements payment requirements of the Labor Law, including
consideration of any pending violations of the bidder or proposed
subcontractor, or any affiliate of the bidder or proposed
subcontractor.
5. Any other significant Labor Law violations, including but
not limited to, child labor violations, failure to pay wages, or
unemployment insurance tax delinquencies.
6. Any significant violation of the Workers' Compensation
Law, including but not limited to, the failure of a bidder or
proposed subcontractor to provide proof of workers' compensation
or disability benefits coverage.
7. Any criminal conduct involving violations of the
Environmental Conservation Law or other federal, State or City
environmental statues, or repeated or significant civil violations
for federal, State or City environmental statues or regulations.
8. The failure of a bidder or contractor to demonstrate good
faith efforts to comply with applicable federal, State or City
statutes and regulations requiring efforts to solicit and utilize
minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises and
disadvantaged business enterprises as potential subcontractors, in
connection with a pending bid for the performance of a federal-aid
or State or City funded or assisted project subject to such
statutory and regulatory requirements.
9. The failure of a bidder, contractor, or proposed
subcontractor, or proposed subcontractor to comply with federal,
State or City statutes or regulations requiring the hiring,
training and employment of persons presumed to be disadvantaged in
accordance with federal, State or City definitions to meet
federal, State and City equal employment opportunity requirements.
10. The submission of a bid which is mathematically or
materially unbalanced.
11. The submission of a bid which is so much lower than the
agency's confidential engineers' estimate for the cost of, or
anticipated bids for, the contract, that it appears unlikely that
the bidder will be able to perform the contract satisfactorily at
the price bid.
12. Any other cause of so serious or compelling a nature
that it raises questions about the present responsibility of a
contractor or subcontractor, including but not limited to,
submission to a contracting agency of a false or misleading
August 4, 1993
23
statement on a uniform questionnaire, or in come other form, in
connection with a bid for or award of a contract or a request for
approval of a subcontractor.
In addition to the factors specified above, contracting
agencies may also give due consideration to any other factors
considered by the contracting agencies to bear upon
responsibility, including but not limited to, any mitigating
factors brought to the agency's attention by the bidder or
proposed subcontractor.
B. Definitions
1. The term "contracting agencies" shall mean any agency or
department of the City which is letting a contract through
competitive bidding.
2. The term "contract" shall mean any construction or
service contract that is required by statue to be let by
competitive bid to the lowest reasonable bidder.
3. The terms "bidder," "contractor" and "subcontractor"
shall mean any person or business entity submitting a competitive
bid for, receiving the award of, or submitted for approval as a
subcontractor on, a contract by any one of the contracting
agencies.
4. A corporation partnership or proprietorship shall be
considered to be an "affiliate" of the bidder or proposed
subcontractor if one owns, controls, or has the ability to control
the other, or if a third person, corporation, partnership or
proprietorship owns, controls or has the ability to control both."
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect immediately and
in accordance with law upon publication of a notice as required by
the Ithaca City Charter.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Golder: Seconded by Alderperson Daley
RESOLVED, That Section 1(A)5 be Amended to read as follows:
" 5. Any other significant Labor Law violations, including but
not limited to, National Labor Relations Act violations, child
labor violations, failure to pay wages, or unemployment insurance
tax delinquencies."
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
*17.2 Code Enforcement Officer - Report
Alderperson Hoffman reported that this item did not appear as a
Resolution at the request of the Building Commissioner. This item
will come back to the C&O Committee after the Building
Commissioner discusses this matter with the City Court Judges.
NEW BUSINESS:
*21.1 Creation of Position of Rental Housing Specialist
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, the Building Commissioner has requested that the
personnel roster of the Building Department be amended by adding
the position of Rental Housing Specialist, and
WHEREAS, that position will be filled by reclassifying one of the
Housing Inspectors, with no addition to the staff of the Building
Department, and
August 4, 1993
24
WHEREAS, as described in the accompanying material the Rental
Housing Specialist will fill a need to provide education and
information to landlords and tenants by devoting half of his or
her time to that purpose; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the roster of the Building Department be amended to
add the position of Rental Housing Specialist, assigned to the
CSEA Administrative Unit at Grade 30 ($25,255 to $31,908).
Alderperson Efroymson explained the background of the Resolution.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Berg: Seconded by Alderperson Romanowski
RESOLVED, That the third Whereas Clause be Amended to read as
follows:
"WHEREAS, as described in the accompanying material the Rental
Housing Specialist will fill a need to provide education and
information to landlords and tenants by devoting up to half of his
or her time to that purpose; now, therefore, be it"
Ayes (6) Romanowski, Blanchard, Daley, Johnson, Hoffman,
Berg
Nays (3) Efroymson, Golder, Schroeder
Carried
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hoffman: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That an additional Resolved Clause be added to the
Resolution to read as follows:
"RESOLVED, That this position is intended to be focused on
education, and communication, rather than advocacy for any
particular point of view."
Carried Unanimously
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderpersons Daley,
Romanowski, and Blanchard speaking in opposition to the
Resolution. They stated that they felt the City needs the Housing
Inspector more than the Rental Housing Specialist as the Building
Department is behind on inspections, inspections generate money
for the City, and keeping rental property up to code is of a
greater benefit to renters, landlords, and the City.
Alderperson Daley further explained that he will abstain from this
vote due to his relationship with the Building Department.
Alderpersons Efroymson, Johnson, spoke in favor of the Resolution
citing the need for education and information for renters and
landlords alike.
Commissioner Eckstrom explained his perception of the relationship
of the Rental Housing Specialist and the Rental Housing Advisory
Commission.
Mayor Nichols spoke in favor of the Resolution stating that this
position would help the Building Department run more efficiently,
and would not take Housing Inspection time away from the Building
Department, but free more time for the other Housing Inspectors to
complete their duties.
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) Efroymson, Johnson, Golder, Schroeder, Berg,
Hoffman
Nays (2) Blanchard, Romanowski
August 4, 1993
25
Abstentions (1) Daley
Carried
21.2 Revision of County Trash Tag Law
By Alderperson Daley: Seconded by Alderperson Hoffman
WHEREAS, theft of trash tags within the City of Ithaca is a common
occurrence and presents constant problems for both City residents
and the Department of Public Works, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works may wish to pursue changing
City collection from the tag system to an alternate method or
methods; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council requests the Tompkins County
Board of Representatives to include language in their tag law
which would accommodate alternate methods of achieving a goal of a
quantity based fee for all refuse placed for collection.
Carried Unanimously
*21.3 Plum's Outdoor Dining/Alcoholic Beverage License
By Alderperson Berg: Seconded by Alderperson Schroeder
WHEREAS, the owners of Plum's Restaurant, 112 North Aurora Street,
have requested a license to allow that restaurant to utilize
certain areas along North Aurora Street for outdoor dining and for
the sale of alcoholic beverages, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has approved Plum's
Restaurant's request that they be granted a license to use 100
square feet of right-of-way comprised of two areas 5' x 10' on
either side of their current restaurant entrance until October 31,
1993, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine
whether or not use of this public area for out door dining at
Plum's Restaurant, including the responsible sale and consumption
of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or
similar public property involving the sale and consumption of
alcohol should be covered by a minimum of $500,000. insurance
under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, For the year 1993, that Common Council hereby approves a
revocable license agreement for use of the aforementioned 100
square feet for the outdoor sale and consumption of food and
alcohol beverages between the City and Plum's Restaurant that
includes the sale of alcohol subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in application therefor, including minimum Dram Shop
insurance coverage in the amount of $500,000. and the Police
Chief's approval for outdoor dining permits.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:17 p.m.
Callista F. Paolangeli Benjamin Nichols
City Clerk Mayor