HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1994-09-07September 7, 1994
COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting7:00 p.m. September 7, 1994
PRESENT:
Mayor Nichols
Alderpersons (10) - Booth, Johnson, Sams, Thorpe, Gray,
Efroymson,
Shenk, Mackesey, Schroeder, Hanna
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Attorney - Guttman
City Controller - Cafferillo
City Clerk - Paolangeli
Deputy Police Chief - Barnes
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Planning and Development Director - VanCort
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Nichols led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
Approval of Minutes of the July 6, 1994 Common Council Meeting
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 6, 1994 Common Council
meeting be approved as corrected by Alderperson Schroeder.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Minutes of the July 27, 1994 Special Common Council
Meeting
By Alderperson Johnson: Seconded by Alderperson Schroeder
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 27, 1994 Special Common
Council meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of Minutes of the August 3, 1994 Common Council Meeting
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Thorpe
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 3, 1994 Common Council
meeting be approved with corrections as given to the Clerk by
Alderperson Schroeder.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
New Business
Alderperson Sams requested the addition of a resolution declaring
September as "Community Awareness and Empowerment Month".
No Council member objected.
Budget and Administration Committee
Alderperson Johnson requested the addition of a Community
Services Program funding report.
No Council member objected.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:
Ithaca City Cable Commission
Mayor Nichols requested Council approval for the appointment of
Richard Entlich, 320 Linn Street, to the Ithaca City Cable
Commission with a term to expire December 31, 1998.
Resolution
By Alderperson Gray: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Richard
Entlich to the Ithaca City Cable Commission with a term to expire
December 31, 1998.
Carried Unanimously
Rental Housing Advisory Commission
September 7, 1994
Mayor Nichols requested Council approval for the appointment of
Colin Forth, 110 North Aurora Street, to the Rental Housing
Advisory Commission with a term to expire December 31, 1994.
Resolution
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Colin
Forth to the Rental Housing Advisory Commission with a term to
expire December 31, 1994.
Carried Unanimously
Board of Zoning Appeals
Mayor Nichols requested Council approval for the appointment of
Clarence Reed, 104 Campbell Avenue, to the Board of Zoning
Appeals with a term to expire December 31, 1995.
Resolution
By Alderperson Gray: Seconded by Alderperson Sams
RESOLVED, That this Council approves the appointment of Clarence
Reed to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a term to expire
December 31, 1995.
Carried Unanimously
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Ordinance on Nuisance Houses
Mr. Walter Gangl, 324-328 West State Street, spoke to Council
regarding the proposed ordinance on nuisance houses. He urged
Council to support the ordinance.
Mr. Joe Cassaniti, owner of a business at 330 West State Street,
handed a petition to the Mayor to enact a Nuisance House
Ordinance.
He spoke to Council regarding the proposed ordinance and
requested the Council to support it.
Ms. Toni Leib, co-owner of the City Health Club at 402 West Green
Street, cited numerous problems in the area and requested Council
support for the proposed Ordinance on Nuisance Houses.
Handicap Parking
Mr. Ernest Gray, 252 Floral Avenue, requested Council to consider
handicap parking in the area of 252 Floral Avenue.
FEIS/Findings Statement for Wal-Mart Project
Ms. Doria Higgins, Hillcrest Drive, spoke in opposition to the
resolution (14.8) on tonight's agenda. She stated that she does
not believe that the City should pay to prepare the Final
Environmental Impact Statement and Findings Statement for the
proposed Wal-Mart project.
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
Handicap Parking
Alderperson Johnson stated that the Board of Public Works will be
reviewing special parking needs of residents in the City.
Proposed Ordinance on Nuisance Houses
Alderperson Efroymson stated that the ordinance on Nuisance
Houses will be discussed by Council in the near future. He urged
landlords and all residents to take personal responsibility to
make the situation in neighborhoods safer.
Alderperson Shenk spoke in favor of community groups taking a
stand in their neighborhoods.
Mayor Nichols noted that in addition to the proposed ordinance
there are other actions that the city is taking to help solve
these problems. There has been a task force set up of various
September 7, 1994
city agencies that will be looking at ways, in addition to the
proposed ordinance, to deal with these concerns.
Alderperson Mackesey asked community members to join the march
that will to take place on September 18th to give support and
encouragement to our youth and stem the flow of drugs and
violence in our streets.
REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES:
Circle Greenway
Alderperson Gray stated that Circle Greenway has printed a
brochure and map showing the Circle Greenway hiking trail that is
available to the public at the City Clerk's Office.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Therm Spill
City Attorney Guttman reported that there now has been an
executed consent order between the State of New York and Therm,
the goal of which is to clear up abatement and prevention of
further problems in the future. The State has acknowledged that
Therm has improved its operating procedures and it has taken
steps to deal with the problem and based on that, the State has
not brought any legal action or attempted to indict Therm.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
* 14.1 Building Department - Request to Amend 1994 Personnel
Roster
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, the Building Department will have an upcoming vacancy in
its part-time Account Clerk/Typist position, and
WHEREAS, this Account Clerk/Typist position is important in
helping the Building Department properly maintain its records,
and
WHEREAS, the department utilizes this Account Clerk/Typist
position in a manner that more closely relates to a Typist
position; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the 1994 Personnel Roster of the Building
Department be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Typist (Part-time)
Delete: One (1) Account Clerk/Typist (Part-time)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That said personnel roster amendments are contingent on
approval by the Civil Service Commission.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.2 Finance/Chamberlain - Recommendation to Deny Waiver of
Tax Penalty
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the property owner of 203 Fair Street has requested
expungement of the penalties in the amount of $12.74 owed to the
City for late payment of the second installment of City taxes due
June 30, 1994, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and the Budget and Administration
Committee have reviewed written documentation from the property
owner relating to the late payment of City taxes; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That based upon the recommendation of the City
Chamberlain, the request to waive the tax penalty is denied.
Carried Unanimously
September 7, 1994
* 14.3 Finance/Chamberlain - Recommendation to Deny Waiver of
Tax Penalty
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, the property owner of 218 Utica Street has requested
expungement of tax penalties in the amount of $12.54 owed to the
City for late payment of the second installment of City taxes due
June 30, 1994, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and the Budget and Administration
Committee have reviewed written documentation from the property
owner relating to the late payment of City taxes; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That based upon the recommendation of the City
Chamberlain, the request to waive the tax penalty is denied.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.4 Finance/Chamberlain - Request to Amend 1994 Personnel
Roster
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, the Chamberlain has recommended that the existing
Traffic Violations Senior Account Clerk/Typist position in the
Traffic Violations Department be deleted from the roster and that
the supervisory duties related to that position be allocated to
the Senior Account Clerk in the Chamberlain's Office, and
WHEREAS, with the deletion of the Senior Account Clerk/Typist
position the Traffic Violations Department would need an Account
Clerk/Typist position to allow additional flexibility for counter
and telephone coverage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1994 Personnel Roster in the Traffic
Violations Department be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Account Clerk/Typist (40 hours)
Delete: One (1) Senior Account Clerk/
Typist (40 hours)
Carried Unanimously
Term Limits - Report
Alderperson Booth reported that at last month's Council meeting
petitions were delivered that were collected around the city
relating to the issue of putting term limits for City Offices on
the ballot in November. He stated that the City Attorney has
done research regarding this matter and has determined that
Council has the authority to amend the Charter with respect to
term limits. There was no support on the Budget and
Administration Committee to change the Charter regarding term
limits. Without someone collecting the requisite number of
signatures and going through the process designated under State
law, there is no mechanism by which this Council may place this
term limit item on the ballot in November.
* 14.6 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend 1994 Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau will soon have vacancies in two part-
time positions in the Paul Schreurs Memorial Program, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau is recommending that one full-time
position replace the two part-time positions, which will result
in approximately $2,000 in fringe benefit savings for 1994
without compromising the quality of the Paul Schreurs Program;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1994 Personnel Roster in the Youth Bureau be
amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Full-time Youth Development
Program Leader (35 hours)
Delete: One (1) Part-time Youth Worker (25 hours)
September 7, 1994
One (1) Part-time Volunteer
Coordinator (28 hours)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That said personnel roster amendments are contingent
upon the approval by the Civil Service Commission.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.7 Attorney - Request To Extend Tax Sale Redemption Period
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, Fleet Bank, which represents the successor in interest
to the mortgage of 602 West State Street, has requested an
extension of several months to permit redemption of said
property, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and the Budget and Administration
Committee have reviewed written documentation requesting an
extension for property redemption at 602 West State Street; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Fleet Bank be permitted to redeem the property at
602 West State Street up to February 26, 1995, for the total lien
amount outstanding, plus additional interest, penalty and related
costs through the date of redemption.
Discussion followed on the floor on the merits of this
resolution.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) - Booth, Shenk, Johnson, Gray, Efroymson, Schroeder
Nays (4) - Mackesey, Thorpe, Sams, Hanna
Carried (6-4)
* 14.8 Planning Department - Request To Provide Funds for
FEIS/Findings Statement for Wal-Mart Project
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Schroeder
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board, as the lead agency
for the environmental review of the proposed Wal-Mart Project, is
responsible for preparing the Final Environmental Impact
Statement (FEIS) respecting said project, and
WHEREAS, the FEIS document will have to respond to all
substantive comments made during the public hearing, and
WHEREAS, the FEIS document will have to be followed by a findings
statement which details the Planning Board's decision on the
application, and
WHEREAS, the City's SEQR ordinance requires that both the FEIS
document and the Findings Statement must be completed within
forty-five (45) days following the Public Hearing, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has recommended that the firm of
Clough-Harbour Associates be retained to prepare the FEIS
document and the Findings Statement at a cost not to exceed
$15,000, and
WHEREAS, a Stenographer needs to be retained by the City to
prepare a transcript of all comments made during the Wal-Mart
project public hearing at a cost not to exceed $2,500; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $17,500 be transferred
from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A8020-435
Planning Contracts for the purpose of: (a) retaining the firm of
Clough-Harbour Associates to prepare the Final Environmental
Impact Statement and Findings Statement for the proposed Wal-Mart
Project for an amount not to exceed $15,000 and (b) retaining a
September 7, 1994
Stenographer to prepare a transcript of the public hearing for an
amount not to exceed $2,500.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the
requirement that the City pay the costs for the FEIS/Findings
Statement.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
* 14.9 Planning Department - Request To Approve MHA Refinance
Proposal
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) has
applied for and received tentative approval from the Neighborhood
Housing Services of America, Inc. (NHSA) for a refinancing of the
loan made by INHS to the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins
County for construction of Phase I of the Northside Mutual
Housing Development, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca holds a $90,000 third mortgage on the
Phase I construction of the Northside Mutual Housing Development,
and
WHEREAS, the City originally established the requirement that no
more than $425,000 of debt be placed in front of the City's
mortgage on Phase I of the Northside Mutual Housing Development,
and
WHEREAS, INHS's refinancing of the Northside Mutual Housing
Development Phase I loan would result in the placement of a total
of $469,000 of debt in front of the City's mortgage, and
WHEREAS, INHS will commit $200,000 of the anticipated proceeds
from the NHSA refinancing to Phase II of the Northside Mutual
Housing Development, which decision will benefit the city by
expanding the supply of affordable housing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. be
allowed to place a total of $469,000 of debt in front of the
City's third position mortgage on the loan for construction funds
for Phase I of the Northside Mutual Housing Development.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.10 DPW - Request to Release Funds from Contingency Fund for
Transit ADA
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, $10,000 was placed in restricted contingency in the 1994
Budget for the purpose of funding the City of Ithaca's portion of
the 1994 Transit American Disability Act Compliance Plan, and
WHEREAS, the funds have been requested by Ithaca Transit in
relation to the Ithaca Tompkins Transit Center for the purpose of
establishing an ADA Compliance Plan, and
WHEREAS, the other Ithaca Tompkins Transit Center entities,
Cornell University and Tompkins County, are funding similar
amounts to satisfy the Transit ADA requirement; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the $10,000 placed in Restricted Contingency
Account A1990 be released and transferred to Account A5630-435
Bus Operation Contracts for the purpose of funding the
establishment of the 1994 Transit ADA Compliance Plan.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.11 Attorney - Request to Transfer Funds for Litigation
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
September 7, 1994
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $3,000 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A1420-425 Law
Office Expense for the purpose of funding litigation fees.
Carried Unanimously
Attorney - Bankruptcy Retainer - Report
Item 14.12 was handled in Executive Session during the Committee
of the Whole meeting. No action at this time is appropriate. It
will come back to Council at a later date.
* 14.13 Finance/Controller - Request To Approve City Investment
Policy
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca adopted a written investment policy
on November 2, 1988, and
WHEREAS, Chapter 708, Section 39 of the General Municipal Law
requires this Common Council to adopt a comprehensive investment
policy detailing the City's operative policy to officers and
staff regarding the investing, monitoring and reporting of funds
of the City of Ithaca; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council does hereby
adopt said investment policy (dated 8/24/94).
City Controller Cafferillo answered questions from Council
members regarding the City's investment policy.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
* 14.14 Finance/Controller - Request To Provide Funds for 1994
City Employee Recognition Picnic
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, the 1994 City of Ithaca Employee Recognition Picnic will
be held on Friday, September 16, 1994 starting at 1:00 P.M.; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $2,500.00 be transferred
from the unrestricted contingency account A1990 to Account A1430-
440 in order to pay for the 1994 City of Ithaca Employee
Recognition Picnic.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.15 Finance/Controller - Request to Accept 1993 Annual
Financial Report
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the 1993 Annual Financial Report prepared by the
Finance Department be accepted as presented.
Carried Unanimously
* 14.16 Finance/Controller - Request to Approve Domestic
Partnership Benefit Affidavit
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, State Insurance Department guidelines for the inclusion
of domestic partners in municipal health insurance programs
require an affidavit of economic interdependency to be completed
by members of domestic partnerships who seek such health
insurance coverage, and
WHEREAS, said prescribed State Insurance Department affidavit
includes a provision requiring two (2) items of proof showing
financial interdependency not required in the City's Domestic
Partnership Ordinance, and
WHEREAS, a request of waiver from the provision requiring the
showing of two (2) forms of financial interdependency has been
filed by the Mayor with the State Insurance Department, because
this condition constitutes an unreasonable demand not required of
September 7, 1994
married couples receiving family health coverage under the City's
existing program; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the prescribed Domestic Partnership affidavit
developed in conjunction with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, the City's
health program administrator, be hereby approved, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That this resolution shall include the Mayor's letter
(dated August 10, 1994) filed with the State Department of
Insurance requesting a waiver from the provision requiring two
(2) items of proof respecting financial interdependency, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That should the Mayor's request for a waiver by the
State Department of Insurance be granted, this matter shall be
reviewed and brought back to Common Council by the Budget and
Administration Committee.
Following is the Mayor's letter that was filed with the State
Department of Insurance:
"August 10, 1994
Donna Freireich, Esq.
General Counsel
State Insurance Department
160 West Broadway
New York, New York 10013-3393
Dear Ms. Freireich:
In 1990 the City of Ithaca passed an ordinance allowing
individuals to register with the City of Ithaca as domestic
partners. Earlier this year after Superintendent Curiale's
statement of September 29th, that health insurance policies could
include domestic partners, the City of Ithaca passed an ordinance
providing that in all City labor contracts, when determining when
an employee is entitled to receive health insurance benefits for
the employee or the employee's family, a domestic partner of the
employee as defined by the City of Ithaca Code shall be treated
as if he/she were the spouse of the employee.
When individuals register with the City of Ithaca as
domestic partners they sign a notarized affidavit of domestic
partnership. I am enclosing for your reference a copy of the
form. Please note that in paragraph 9 the persons that sign
agree that if any person/employer/company suffers any loss
because of a false statement contained in the affidavit, they
bring a civil actions against the signers to recover their
losses, including reasonable attorney's fees. In paragraph 10
the individuals certify under penalty of perjury that the
statements are true and correct.
The City of Ithaca is self insured with respect to providing
health care benefits. The provision of health care benefits is
administered by Blue Cross.
When we contacted Blue Cross to advise them that we wanted
the domestic partners of our employees to be covered, we were
advised that when enrolling the domestic partners they would, in
addition to having to execute the City of Ithaca affidavit of
domestic partnership, attach two items of proof showing financial
interdependence. We have specifically been advised that the
requirement of showing two items of proof of financial
interdependence is a requirement imposed by the State Insurance
Department. I do not believe such a requirement is either fair
or reasonable.
September 7, 1994
If any employee wished to have his spouse or dependents
covered for medical benefits, the employee does not need to show
any documentary proof. The employee is not required to produce a
copy of the marriage license. The City and insurance carriers
simply take his/her word that they are married. Similarly, when
a dependent is covered there is no requirement of documentary
proof as to the age of the dependent; whether they are going to
school or whether they are sufficiently supported. The insured's
word is simply taken. Why should it be otherwise for domestic
partners?
In point of fact, the domestic partners will be signing a
sworn notarized statement which is filed under penalty of
perjury. Generally, the purpose of having a statement notarized
is to impress on the signer the seriousness of the statement
adding the language that is being certified under penalty of
perjury also reduces the likelihood of fraudulent statements
being filed.
I assume that it could be argued that the affidavit of
domestic partnership is a self serving statement. However, the
proposed items of proof showing financial interdependence such as
a joint bank account or joint credit card being joint obligers on
a minimal loan, etc. are also self serving statements. They do
not actually show financial interdependence. Further, these
joint arrangements go beyond any that are required of married
couples.
I believe that a sworn notarized statement made under
penalty of perjury that the two individuals are each other's sole
domestic partner and are economically interdependent is at least
as likely to be a reliable form of proof of the financial
interdependence. In addition, as a matter of fairness, it is not
reasonable to require domestic partners to produce documentary
evidence when no one else is required to produce documentary
evidence as to their marital status or who their dependents are.
According, I request that the State Insurance Department allow,
as an alternative to the productions of two items of proof
showing financial interdependence, that the applicant submit a
sworn notarized affidavit certified under penalty of perjury.
If you have any further questions or comments regarding this
matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please advise me
at your earliest convenience as to what position the State
Insurance Department will take in this matter.
Very truly yours,
Benjamin Nichols
Mayor"
Discussion followed on the floor with City Controller Cafferillo
and City Attorney Guttman answering questions from Council
members.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
* 14.17 Commons Coordinator - Request to Permit Wine Tasting and
Sale of Bottled Wine at Apple Harvest Festival
By Alderperson Booth: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That Prejeans Winery shall be authorized to sell wine,
and to permit tasting of the wines it sells, at a booth during
the Apple Harvest Festival held on the Ithaca Commons from
September 30 - October 2, 1994, subject to said entity's
compliance with all applicable state and local laws and
ordinances.
September 7, 1994
Carried Unanimously
Community Services Program Funding - Report
Alderperson Johnson reported that this year the City has received
26 requests from 24 agencies for program funding. A sub-
committee recommended funding for 14 of these agencies for a
total amount of $75,050., which reflects a 7% increase over what
was recommended for funding last year.
Alderperson Johnson handed out spread sheets to Council members
showing the agencies and amounts recommended.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding how the
funding process works.
PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Update on Route 96 Project - Report
Alderperson Schroeder reported that at the Planning Committee
meeting on September 19 DoT will be bringing documents to the
City for final approval of the Route 96 and Route 13 projects.
They will be bringing six resolutions regarding the Route 96
propject, as well as a resolution for the approval of the small
section of the Route 13 project that is within the City.
If anyone has questions or concerns of a nature that can still be
considered, this will be the last opportunity for discussion. It
is expected that Council will be voting on resolutions concerning
these projects at the November Council meeting.
INTER-INSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE:
* 16.1 Approval of 1995-1999 City of Ithaca/Town of Ithaca Fire
Contract
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
WHEREAS, a committee comprised of representatives of the City's
Inter-Institutional Committee, City staff, and members of the
Town Board have been meeting for several months, in the interest
of negotiating a new Fire Protection Contract for a five-year
period commencing January, 1995, and
WHEREAS, the negotiating committee has put forth a recommended
contract for said five-year period; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be hereby authorized to execute said
agreement as approved and recommended by the negotiating
committee, subject to Ithaca Town Board approval.
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Efroymson and
City Controller Cafferillo answering questions from Council.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Ordinance on Nuisance Houses - Report
Alderperson Efroymson reported that the Inter-Institutional
Committee, which will be meeting on Tuesday, September 13th, will
be discussing the proposed Nuisance Ordinance. He invited
everyone to attend.
Discussion followed on the floor on what the effect an Ordinance
of this nature would have on both landlords and tenants.
YOUTH COMMITTEE:
Youth Committee Meeting
Alderperson Shenk reported that the Youth Committee will be
meeting at a new time. The meetings will now be convened on the
second Thursday of each month, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. At the meeting
on September 8, the Youth Curfew Ordinance will be discussed.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
* 18.1 Acquisition of Additional Property for Cherry Street
Industrial Park
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
September 7, 1994
WHEREAS, Cherry Street Industrial Park was created to retain and
expand manufacturing, light industrial and related job
opportunities in the City, and
WHEREAS, since 1980 six firms have located in the Industrial Park
and created over one hundred ten jobs, and
WHEREAS, out of nine developable acres only one acre remains
available in Cherry Street Industrial Park, and
WHEREAS, diversification of the local economy, creation of
stable, quality private sector employment and the loss of light
industrial and manufacturing jobs are chronic economic problems
for the community, exacerbated in the City by limited development
opportunities and the high cost of land, and
WHEREAS, expansion of Cherry Street Industrial Park will, because
of the City's favorable leasing terms, provide a financially
attractive alternative to those light industrial and
manufacturing firms either expanding or locating in the
community, and
WHEREAS, there are approximately twelve acres of industrially
zoned land for sale adjacent, and immediately south of Cherry
Street Industrial Park, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has identified a twenty-foot strip along
the west edge of this property as substitute park land for the
Inlet Island alienation and conversion project; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council agrees to attempt to expand Cherry
Street Industrial Park for the retention and creation of light
industrial and manufacturing jobs and directs and authorizes
staff to negotiate the acquisition price of property immediately
south of Cherry Street Industrial Park, including the twenty-foot
wide strip along the west edge of the property that is to be used
as substitute park land for the Inlet Island project, such terms
to be subject to Common Council approval.
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Community Awareness and Empowerment Month
By Alderperson Sams: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, a newly formed citizen group called Mothers and
Grandmothers Protecting Youth (MAGPY), The Greater Ithaca
Activities Center (G.I.A.C.) and the Economic Development Corp.
(E.O.C.) along with many active citizens and City government,
have been concerned with the increase of drugs and violence in
our city, and
WHEREAS, these groups have planned community events throughout
the month of September, and
WHEREAS, these events are planned to help give support, encourage
and empower our communities to take back our youth and our
streets from the drugs and violence, and
WHEREAS, this will only be the beginning to let drug dealers and
pushers know that the citizens of the City of Ithaca will no
longer stand by and watch our children be lost to drugs and
violence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the month of September be declared "Community
Awareness and Empowerment Month".
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.
September 7, 1994
Callista F. Paolangeli Benjamin Nichols
City Clerk Mayor