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