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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1996-11-06 COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M. November 6, 1996 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Alderpersons (10) - Johnson, Sams, Shenk, Mackesey, Hanna, Gray, Thorpe, Efroymson, Marcham, Blumenthal OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk - Conley Holcomb City Attorney - Geldenhuys City Controller - Cafferillo Building Commissioner - Eckstrom Planning and Development Director - Van Cort Planning and Development Deputy Director - Sieverding Community Development Administrator - Stevenson Acting Police Chief - Barnes Fire Chief - Wilbur Board of Public Works Commissioner - Reeves Personnel Administrator - Saul Commons Coordinator - Deming PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of the June 5, 1996 Common Council Meeting Minutes By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 5, 1996 Common Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Approval of the June 26, 1996 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the June 26, 1996 Special Common Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Approval of the July 2, 1996 Common Council Meeting Minutes By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymsom RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 2, 1996 Common Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously Approval of the July 31, 1996 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymsom RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 31, 1996 Special Common Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Planning and Economic Development Committee Alderperson Blumenthal requested the deletion of Item 14.2, and Item 14.9. Alderperson Blumenthal further requested the addition of an Executive Session to discuss potential property acquisition. Community Issues Alderperson Sams requested the deletion of Item 15.1, a brief report was offered. Law and Governance Alderperson Efroymsom requested the deletion of Item 16.3. Youth Award Alderperson Johnson presented the November 1996 Youth Award to Iemanja Brown, Yann Fay, Garrett Humphries, Juliet Kadar, Joel Lewenstein and Daniel Stipanuk, Students for Conflict Resolution from Belle Sherman School. A presentation by the students followed. MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS: Board of Fire Commissioners By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson RESOLVED, That Paul Alexander and Lyman Baker be appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners with terms to expire June 30, 1999. Carried Unanimously COMMUNICATIONS: City Clerk Holcomb reported that the Annual Performance Assessment Report (PAR) on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program is available for review and public comment. Copies of this report are available in the City of Ithaca Planning Department. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: Tracy Farrell - Washington Park Neighborhood Association Chairperson, addressed Council regarding reinstating on-street parking to the north side of the 500 block of West Buffalo Street. Doria Higgins - representing Citizens to Save Our Parks, addressed Council regarding the inaccuracy of the Allen H. Treman Marina Master Plan. Dick Adams, owner of Logos; Jim Dennis, downtown resident; Ema Lou Sheikh, downtown business owner; and Commons Coordinator Deming addressed Council regarding skateboarders in City Hall parking lot and the need for a skateboarding facility. RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC: Alderpersons Johnson, Mackesey, Sams, Shenk and Mayor Cohen responded to comments made regarding skateboarding.It was suggested that the Community Issues Committee investigate and report on the situation. Alderpersons Mackesey and Efroymson addressed the W. Buffalo Street parking situation. Alderperson Efroymson urged an agreement between the neighborhood, City and DOT. Mayor Cohen stated that the W. Buffalo Street signs will be up by the end of the week. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR: Mayor Cohen read the 1997 Budget Message as follows: "This past August, the Controller released five-year budget projections for the City of Ithaca. Unless we are able to increase revenue and/or decrease spending to close projected gaps, we are facing a cummulative deficit of over $5 million dollars. The Budget I present today is the first step in bringing our spending into line with our revenues. To balance the Budget and simultaneously address community priorities, I am proposing the elimination of at least twenty funded positions, a reduction in hours for three more positions, the creation of eight new positions, a property tax increase of 2.75%, and an appropriation of surplus monies from the 1996 budget in the amount of $330,000. Water fees would increase by 10%, while both sewer and trash tag fees would remain the same. It would be unrealistic to address our funding shortfall in one year. I do not believe in regularly using stop-gap financing to balance the budget. In light of the additional lay-offs it would require to balance the budget without using the surplus monies and the subsequent impact on employee morale and productivity, I do not feel it would be the prudent course of action at this time. It would also be unwise to continue restructuring our operations without significantly more imput from our employees. If we are trying to reinvent the way we do things, our front-line service providers are a critical part of the process. We must empower and vest them in their jobs, and encourage their participation in the decision-making process. I am proposing a $20,000 contingency line to pay for the first year of the TQM initiative. I look forward to working cooperatively with our employees in developing the specifics of this initiative, and improving our operations. In light of the lay-offs I am proposing, I have already started a dialogue with most of our labor bargaining units. We have exchanged ideas on how to address the City's fiscal situation, and I have clearly left the door open for that dialogue to continue during the budget process. I welcome their input. I have also been talking with our Employee Assistance Program; they are prepared to assist our employees during this stressful time and to help the transition from work with the City of Ithaca to other pursuits. To also aid in their transition, I am proposing that we fund a short-term extension of health insurance benefits beyond their time of employment with the City. We must not forget that it is our employees who deliver City services. Though a reduction in services is required, it is really people we are cutting. We must not lose sight of this as we institute these cuts. I believe that leaders must set the example, and I am proposing what amounts to a five percent reduction in the Mayor's salary. I am also proposing no salary increases for senior management staff. The proposed lay-offs and cuts in this budget result from a reorganization of some services and the reprioritization of others. These include the elimination of two Deputy Building Commissioners, two Planners, six Parking Lot Attendants, a Meter Checker and a Housing Specialist. Reduction in hours are proposed for the Director of Planning, the Deputy City Clerk and the Commons Coordinator. In addition, seven positions in the Youth Bureau's county-wide Youth Development programs are at risk. We are currently in discussion with county officials regarding their proportional contributions to these programs and are optimistic that they will equitably support these important programs. Although I am proposing a number of lay-offs and other cuts, I also propose several new positions to address specific priorities and to make our government function better. In tight fiscal times, it is the responsibility of the Mayor and Common Council to reallocate resources to address community priorities. Based on community input, Common Council designated drug and crime prevention, revenue generation and economic development as its top priorities. In response, and because I concur, I am proposing the hiring of two Drug Investigators at the Police Department, a Chapter C Fire Code Enforcement Program Supervisor at the Fire Department and a Director of Economic Development. I am also proposing the creation of a Neighborhood and Historical Preservation Planner, additions to the City Prosecutor's budget to assist in combatting domestic violence, and an increase in training monies for the Police Department. To address operational needs in our Legal, Personnel, City Clerk and Fire Departments, I am proposing new clerical positions, the reorganization of the Personnel Office and the reinstitution of both the Personnel and City Clerk Offices as independent departments. I am proposing a Capital Budget of $2.4 million dollars, which includes the continuation of our Computer Network Development Project, new playground equipment at Stewart Park and construction of a skateboard park. More than half of the Capital Budget is devoted to one code compliance project. This project will bring all City buildings into building code, fire code and ADA compliance and create safer working environments for our employees. The Mayor and Common Council must now work together to pass a final budget. The challenge we face is to balance all the demands and expectations we encounter and incorporate them into a final product that is both sensible and compassionate. As difficult as our task is this year, the 1998 budget process is going to be much worse. We will be facing a deficit almost as large as this year's and the decisions about what services we should cut will be even harder to make. We must keep this in mind while we deliberate over the 1997 Budget. Our choices will not be easy, but that is what we were elected to do." A discussion followed regarding the five-year budget projections. REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES: Commissioner Reeves reported to Council on the following actions taken by the Board of Public Works in September and October, 1996: Sidewalk Assessment Appeals; Lake Avenue/Willow Avenue parking regulation changes to 24 hour zones on one side of the street; Request for approval of a private water source within the City; Extension of employment for a seasonal engineering employee; Replacement of street trees in the 100 block of N. Cayuga Street; Approval of the widening of Third Street for Aldi's grocery store at the former Grossman's site; Authorization to move forward on the parking lot equipment; Request for the installation of lights for the basketball court at the Wood Street Park; Approval of 1997 water and sewer rates with a 10% increase in water rates (sewer unchanged); Wastewater Sludge Disposal contract approval; Wood Street Park handball court bid award; Public hearing regarding odd/even parking. REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER: City Controller Cafferillo reported that the departmental budget summary information will be prepared by the Controller's Office. REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY: City Attorney Geldenhuys reported that the City has conducted the real estate closing on the Cliff Street parking lot. The Storrs vs Holcomb case has been referred to the Appelate Division, Third Department. The EPG Associates vs City of Ithaca decision regarding overoccupancy is due in December. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: A Resolution Authorizing the Transfer of a Portion of Mutual Housing Phase I Land to Phase II By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson WHEREAS, in the process of laying out the site plan for Phase II of the Mutual Housing Project a small, irregularly shaped piece of land from the Phase I common area became part of the Phase II building lots, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca holds a mortgage on the existing Phase I parcel, and WHEREAS, the City has deeded the land for the Phase II development to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency specifically for the sale of this small, irregularly shaped piece of land to the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County, and WHEREAS, the transfer of this small piece of land will not change the value of the Phase I property or effect the mortgage held on it; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the City authorizes the release of this land, per the map, from the existing mortgage and authorizes its transfer to the IURA for disposition to the Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County. Ayes (9) Blumenthal, Efroymson, Gray, Hanna, Johnson, Mackesey, Marcham, Shenk, Thorpe Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Sams Carried Resolution Designating the Mutual Housing Association as Preferred Sponsor for Land Sale This item was referred to a special Common Council meeting on November 25, 1996. City Attorney Geldenhuys explained the new terms of the land sale. The City has the option to purchase the land if it is not being used for affordable housing. Discussion followed on the floor. Executive Session: By: Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded By: Alderperson Johnson RESOLVED, that Common Council adjourn into Executive Session to discuss potential property acquisition. Carried Unanimously Regular Session: Common Council reconvened into Regular Session with no action being brought forth. Recess: Common Council recessed at 8:40 p.m. Reconvene: Common Council reconvened into Regular Session at 9:00 p.m. West End Parking - Report Alderperson Blumenthal reported on the restoration of on-street parking on the West End. Two meetings were held with Charles Moynihan and representatives of the City in which it was determined that the traffic volumes in these areas preclude the restoration of parking. It was felt that business would be further compromised. It was further reported that more on-street parking would be available on Taughannock Boulevard once the project was completed. Our local State Legislators are hoping to secure funds to be utilized for the construction of parking lots and additional traffic calming measures. Residential Parking Permit System - Report Alderperson Blumenthal reported that the Governor signed legislation authorizing a Residential Parking Permit System and plans are being made to implement this project. BZA Appeals - Report Alderperson Blumenthal reported that the time limit for zoning appeals under the New York State General City Law requires 60 days, which conflicts with the 30 days required by one section of the City's regulations. The Planning Committee will bring back a recommendation to resolve this discrepancy. Accessory Apartments - Report The Zoning Ordinance currently requires new home buyers to obtain BZA approval for a renewal of a special permit for an already existing and approved accessory apartment. Recommendations will be forwarded to Council next month giving the Building Commissioner discretionary authority to renew the permits. Sign Ordinance - Report A revision of the sign ordinance is currently being considered. Issues such as compliance, uniform enforcement and temporary signs will be researched. COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE: Resolution In Support of Establishing a Program to Support Neighborhood Activities Report Alderperson Sams reported that monies have been included in the Mayor's Budget to address this issue - Program guidelines need to be drafted. LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE: Emergency Funding Requests Process for Arts Organizations - Report Alderperson Efroymson reported that the Community Arts Partnership may assume a similar role for the "arts" as the Human Services Coalition has done regarding mini-evaluations of requests for emergency funding. Publicity for Referendum Items - Report All of the referendum Local Laws were approved by the voters at the General Election. Local Laws need to be sent to the Secretary of State for filing. Shopping Carts - Report Alderperson Efroymson reported on the creation of a sub-committee to consider the recurrent problems associated with shopping carts. Staffing Boards and Commissions - Report This issue will be discussed further in conjunction with the 1997 budget. Residency Requirements - Report Alderperson Efroymson reported that discussions regarding residency requirements for new city employees will be initiated. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: Finance/Controller - Request Approval of 1995 Single Audit By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna RESOLVED, That the Single Audit Report for the period of January 1, 1995 through December 31, 1995, prepared by the accounting firm of Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little and Mickelson, C.P.A.'s, be accepted to comply with all of the City's applicable Federal Single Audit and related Audit Requirements. A discussion followed on the high quality of work prepared by the Dominick Cafferillo and Steve Thayer of the Controller's Office. Carried Unanimously Finance/Controller - Request Authorization to Cover Red Accounts Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson RESOLVED, That the City Controller be empowered to make transfers within the 1996 Budget appropriations, as needed, for the remainder of the 1996 Fiscal Year. Carried Unanimously Common Council - Request to Release Contingency Funds for City Neighborhood Trash Program Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Gray WHEREAS, Common Council placed $5,000 in the 1996 Restricted Contingency Account to fund various City Neighborhood Programs, and WHEREAS, Common Council is requesting that the City Neighborhood trash clean-up program be funded again at $1,000 to assist in the beautification of the city, and WHEREAS, the established City trash program allows city residents to voluntarily pick up trash in their neighborhoods, and receive free trash tags from the City for the trash collected; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That $1,000 be transferred from Account A1990 Restricted Contingency to Account A1490-5435 Public Works Administration Contracts to fund said city neighborhood trash program. Carried Unanimously DPW - Request to Amend 1996 DPW Budget for Snow Removal Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Marcham WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works has reviewed the DPW Snow Removal accounts for 1996 and has determined that to insure the proper funds are distributed within the Snow Removal accounts to cover normal November and December winter conditions, a transfer of funds is required, and WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent of Public Works is recommending a $22,000 transfer be made within the DPW 1996 Budget to cover the Salt and Cinder and Equipment Parts accounts; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 1996 DPW Budget be amended by the approval of the following transfers to cover various snow removal accounts: Increase Appropriations Accounts: A5142-5477 Snow Removal Parts $ 9,000 A5142-5484 Snow Removal Salt 13,000 $22,000 Decrease Appropriations Accounts: A5111-5486 Maintenance of Roads Curbs & Gutters $13,000 A5111-5487 Maintenance of Roads Machine Paving 5,000 A8745-5483 Flood & Erosion Construction Supplies 4,000 $22,000 Carried Unanimously REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISONS: Alderperson Sams reported that the Disabilities Advisory Committee met to discuss snow removal. A press release is forthcoming. The Affirmative Action Committee will be meeting with the Community Issues Committee regarding city hiring practices. The Ithaca Police Department has been actively recruiting for the Police Officer's Examination on December 7, 1996, and a Workshop is being offered in November at GIAC to help prepare candidates for the upcoming civil service examination. CONTINUATION OF MEETING: By Alderperson Johnson : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk RESOLVED, that this meeting be continued until November 7, 1996, at 8:30pm. Carried Unanimously Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen City Clerk Mayor