HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1997-01-08COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. January 8, 1997
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (10) - Blumenthal, Efroymson, Gray, Hanna,
Johnson, Mackesey, Marcham, Sams, Shenk,
Thorpe
OTHERS PRESENT:
Acting Police Chief - Barnes
Assistant Superintendent of Public Works - Ferrel
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer - Fabbroni
City Attorney - Geldenhuys
City Clerk - Conley Holcomb
City Controller - Cafferillo
Community Development Administrator - Stevenson
Deputy Fire Chief - Dorman
Fire Chief - Wilbur
Personnel Administrator - Saul
Planner - Chatterton
Planner - Meigs
Planning and Development Director - Van Cort
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the August 7, 1996 Common Council Meeting
Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 7, 1996 Common
Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the August 14, 1996 Special Common Council
Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 14, 1996 Special
Common Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the August 28, 1996 Special Common Council
Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 28, 1996 Common
Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the September 4, 1996 Common Council Meeting
Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 4, 1996 Special
Common Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the September 10, 1996 Special Common Council
Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 10, 1996 Special
Common Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the October 2, 1996 Common Council Meeting
Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
January 8, 1997
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the October 2, 1996 Common
Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the November 6, 1996 Common Council Meeting
Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 6, 1996 Common
Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the November 12, 1996 Special Common Council
Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 12, 1996 Special
Common Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the November 25, 1996 Special Common Council
Meeting
Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the November 25, 1996 Special
Common Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the December 4, 1996 Common Council Meeting
Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 4, 1996 Common
Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the December 17, 1996 Special Common Council
Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the December 17, 1996 Special
Common Council Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Alderperson Shenk requested that Item 16.10 Request
Additional Funds for Funeral Expense - Resolution, be
deleted from the agenda; Item 16.2 Building Department -
Request to Amend Capital Project #211 for Computer
Hardware/Software Acquisition - Resolution, be deferred to
next month.
Alderperson Shenk further requested the addition of Item
16.22 Police Department Roster Changes - Resolution, Item
16.23 Department of Public Works Roster Change - Resolution,
Item 16.24 City Attorney's Office - Request for Partial
Leave - Resolution, Item 16.25 Boathouse Renovations -
Report.
No Council Member objected.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Alderperson Blumenthal requested deletion of Item 17.1
Reprogramming of Community Development Block Grant Funds for
Rental Housing Projects - Resolution, and Item 17.5 Minor
Subdivision Modifications - Report.
No Council Member objected.
NEW BUSINESS:
Alderperson Sams announced that the January Community Issues
Committee meeting date has been rescheduled to January 23,
1997.
January 8, 1997
Mayor Cohen requested the addition of appointments of the
Acting Mayor and Alternate Acting Mayor.
No Council Member objected.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
A Public Hearing Regarding the Reprogramming of Community
Development Block Grant Funds for the INHS Rental Rehab
Program, and EOC Supportive Housing Program
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing regarding the
reprogramming of Community Development Block Grant Funds for
the INHS Rental Rehab Program and EOC Supportive Housing
Program be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
Community Development Director Stevenson requested that
Council defer the vote on this item until the EOC portion of
the proposal can be scrutinized more closely. A second bid
will be reopened on January 28, 1997 and feasibility issues
will be addressed at that time.
Paul Mazzarella, Executive Director of Ithaca Neighborhood
Housing Services, explained the proposed rental housing
rehabilitation project.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Johnson : Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing Regarding the
Reprogramming of Community Development Block Grant Funds for
the INHS Rental Rehab Program, and EOC Supportive Housing
Program be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
A Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Section
325-8, District Regulations Chart, of Chapter 325 Entitled
"Zoning" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Regarding
Certification of Functional Family
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Alderperson Johnson : Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance
Amending Section 325-8, District Regulations Chart, of
Chapter 325 Entitled "Zoning" of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code Regarding Certification of Functional Family
be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Council.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Johnson : Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance
Amending Section 325-8, District Regulations Chart, of
Chapter 325 Entitled "Zoning" of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code Regarding Certification of Functional Family
be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
YOUTH AWARD:
Alderperson Hanna presented the January 1997, Youth Award to
Angelo Acebedo, a 4th grader at the Beverly J. Martin
School. He was nominated by his teacher and the Assistant to
the Principal as a strong supporter of the Beverly J. Martin
School Policy of "Respect" and his active role in Conflict
Resolution, and his willingness to share his talents and
skills in art and athletics with other students.
January 8, 1997
COMMUNICATIONS:
Cynthia Yahn, Board of Fire Commissioners, addressed Council
to present the following awards to members of the Ithaca
Fire Department:
Company Captains
Company #1: 1996 & 1997 Pete Tyler
Company #2: 1996 Scot Taylor/1997 Paul Alexander
Company #3: 1996 & 1997 Ken Jupiter
Company #4: 1996 & 1997 Tom Klein
Company #5: 1996 Lyle Neigh/1997 Tom Basher
Company #6: 1996 Jim Joseph/1997 Bill Gilligan
Company #7: 1996 & 1997 Rick Lathrop
Company #9: 1996 & 1997 Mike Erinson
Volunteer Coordinator: Marcia Lynch
The Board of Fire Commissioners recognizes and commends the
following Company Captains for their efforts in the contract
negotiations between the Ithaca Fire Department and the
eight volunteer fire companies:
Scot Taylor, Jim Joseph and Bill Gilligan.
The Board of Fire Commissioners Award for Exceptionally
Meritorious Service for 1995 was awarded to Bill Gilligan,
Captain of Company #6.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Mr. R.J. Newman, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding
inadequate lighting on the Commons.
Mr. Raymond Schlather, Representative of a City employee,
addressed Council on the Labor/Management issues of the
Budget and Administration Committee Items #16.18, 16.19 and
16.20, regarding personnel changes in the Planning
Department.
Mr. Joel Harlan addressed Council regarding Crime in America
and the need for City residents to "take back the streets".
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Alderpersons Mackesey and Efroymson noted that they share
Mr. Schlather's concerns pertaining to the labor/management
issues.
Alderperson Blumenthal responded to Mr. Newman's comments
regarding inadequate lighting on the Commons and suggested
that this concern be forwarded to the Business Improvement
District Committee (BID).
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
1997 Standing Committees:
Mayor Cohen announced the following revisions to the
Standing Committee structure:
The Law & Governance Committee will be discontinued with the
duties being absorbed by the three remaining committees.
The Chair of the Budget & Administration Committee is
Alderperson Marcham, Alderperson Shenk is Vice-Chair.
The Chair of the Planning & Economic Development Committee
is Alderperson Blumenthal, Alderperson Hanna is Vice-Chair.
The Chair of the Community Issues Committee is Alderperson
Sams, Alderperson Gray is Vice-Chair.
January 8, 1997
Every member of Common Council is a member of these three
standing committees.
The Committee of the Whole meeting will be discontinued.
Cable Access
Mayor Cohen addressed the issue of pornographic material
being aired on Public Access television. In reviewing the
Franchise Agreement with Time/Warner Cable, Time/Warner has
the power to implement policies and procedures at Pegasys.
The Mayor and the Cable Commission have the power to make
suggestions to Time/Warner. The Mayor suggested the
restriction of adult entertainment until after 11:00 pm.
IMPACT
The first meeting of IMPACT is scheduled for January 16,
1997 at 4:00 pm, interested members of Council are
encouraged to attend.
Alderpersons Efroymson, Mackesey, Johnson and Thorpe voiced
their opinions regarding the standing committee
restructuring. Discussion followed on the floor regarding
committee liaisons appointments.
REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Cafferillo reported that staff has been
involved in meetings with Blue Cross, health care providers,
Tompkins County, and the Ithaca City School District to make
sure the impact of the 1996 health care deregulations on the
City is minimal. The City did not have an opportunity to
respond to these deregulations. Employees will be affected
by the billing systems, and the deregulation encourages "low
bidder" competition among Diagnostic Related Group Costs by
setting a flat fee for each procedure regardless of the
length of stay in the hospital.
REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Geldenhuys reported that the West Buffalo
Street parking lot property has completed the real estate
closing.
LAW AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:
Art Organizations' Emergency Funding Requests
By Alderperson Efroymson : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, art organizations have approached and continue to
approach Common Council with mid-year emergency funding
requests, and
WHEREAS, Common Council's capability to meet all requests is
not possible, and its use of taxpayer funds for these
purposes needs to be planned rather than responded to on a
case-by-case basis, and
WHEREAS, the Community Arts Partnership has agreed to review
such requests and help the agencies substantiate the
appropriate documentation; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That any mid-year art organization's funding
requests first be presented to the Community Arts
Partnership for a mini-review to evaluate the
appropriateness and need for such funding before it will be
considered by the Common Council.
Carried Unanimously
January 8, 1997
Cable Franchise Process - Report:
Alderperson Efroymson reported that staff members from the
Planning Department and the City Attorney's Office will be
working on the re-franchise process. The Intermunicipal
Cable Commission will meet January 15, 1997, to discuss
possible negotiation collaboration.
Establishment of Community/Drug Task Force - Report:
Alderperson Efroymson reported that this issue has been
referred to the Community Issues Committee.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Resolutions under Consent Agenda:
By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
Item 16.12 Collateral to Secure Deposits
RESOLVED, That the collateral deposited by the Tompkins
County Trust Company, M & T Bank and the Fleet Bank as
reported, be approved as to form and sufficiency.
Item 16.13 Public Employee's Blanket Bond
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section 11 of the Public Officers
Law, the following Bond, which is on file in the Office of
the City Clerk, be, and is hereby approved in all respects
for the year 1997.
Faithful Performance Blanket $250,000 Peerless
Bond Coverage Insurance
Co.
Item 16.14 Designation of Common Council Meetings
RESOLVED, That the regular meetings of the Common Council,
for the year 1997, be held at 7:00 P.M., on the first
Wednesday of each month, in the Common Council Chambers, at
City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York, unless
otherwise determined by Common Council.
Item 16.15 Designation of Official Depositories
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-34 of the City Charter,
the Tompkins County Trust Company, M & T Bank, and the Fleet
Bank be, and they are, hereby designated as the official
depositories of all City Funds for the year 1997 and are
currently deposited as follows:
TOMPKINS COUNTY TRUST COMPANY
ACCOUNT NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
City of Ithaca Operating Fund 01-201-001004
Employees Group Insurance Deductions 08-201-001004
City of Ithaca Payroll Fund 04-201-001004
Guaranty and Bid Deposits 05-201-001004
Health Facility Agreement 05-201-001004
Deposit on Water Meters 05-201-001004
City of Ithaca-Wire Transfer Community
Enterprise Opportunity 06-201-001004
Ithaca Fire Department Bunker Facilities 05-201-001004
Sale of Unclaimed Property 05-201-001004
Circle Greenway 05-201-001004
Conference on College and Community 05-201-001004
Center for Expressive Arts 05-201-001004
Peter DeWysocki Memorial Fund 05-201-001004
Cemetery Fund 05-201-001004
Fire Department Recognition Banquet 05-201-001004
Commons Cultural Tourism 05-201-001004
West End Trees 05-201-001004
Gene Slater Memorial Fund 05-201-001004
Jack Kiely Scholarship Fund 05-201-001004
January 8, 1997
DeWitt Park Improvement Fund 05-201-001004
Employees N.Y.S. Withholding Tax 08-201-001004
Employees U.S. Savings Bonds 08-201-001004
Centennial Art Work 05-201-001004
Central Business District Trees 05-201-001004
N.Y.S. Police, Fire and Employees
Retirement System 08-201-001004
GIAC Youth Enterprise Fund 05-201-001004
FICA Overpayment Reimbursement 05-201-001004
Juvenile Firesetter's Program 05-201-001004
Capital Reserve Fund #4 - Bridges 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #11 - Parks and
Recreation Areas 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #14 - Parking Areas 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #15 - Fire Engine
Replacement 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #16 - Development of
Water Sources 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #17 - Sewer Construction 01-201-
001055
Capital Reserve Fund #17A - Mandatory
Reserve for Sewer Plant Construction 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #20 - West Hill Water
and Sewer Replacement 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #22 - Bus Replacement 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #23 - Public Works
Equipment 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #24 - Energy Conservation 01-201-
001055
Capital Reserve Fund #25 - Capital Improvements 01-201-
001055
Capital Reserve Fund #26 - Land Acquisition 01-201-001055
Capital Reserve Fund #27 - DPW Consolidation 01-201-001055
Payroll Benefits - Flexible Spending 08-201-001004
ECHO 05-201-001004
Six Mile Creek Natural Area 05-201-001004
Keith Andrew Riggs Memorial 05-201-001004
Hydraulic Rescue Tool 05-201-001004
Moore Memorial 05-201-001004
Skateboard Park 05-201-001004
IPAC Escrow 14-303-468203
Capital Reserve Fund - Joint Activity Fund 01-101-099762
Debt Service Fund 02-201-001004
Joint Activity Capital Fund 01-101-116535
FLEET BANK
ACCOUNT NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
Firemen's Relief Fund 267-010001
Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant -
Phase III 267-365187
M & T BANK
ACCOUNT NAME ACCOUNT NUMBER
City of Ithaca - Construction Fund 01528-781-6
Item 16.16 Finance/Controller - Approval of 1997 Community
Services Agencies Contracts
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to execute the
following 1997 contracts with Community Services Agencies,
in accordance with the adopted 1997 City budget:
Celebrations - Flag Day 350
Celebrations - Veterans Day 600
Cayuga Chamber Orchestra 250
Community Arts Partnership 10,000
Community Arts Partnership Visitor Ticket Center 7,000
Community School of Music and Arts 750
January 8, 1997
Cornell Cooperative Extension 5,000
Multicultural Resource Center 8,240
DeWitt Historical Society 7,500
Firehouse Theater 3,000
Housing Options for Seniors Today (HOST) 1,500
Human Services Coalition 22,000
Ithaca Breast Cancer Alliance 2,500
Ithaca Festival 8,000
Kitchen Theater Company 3,000
Leadership & Multicultural Alliance 1,500
Project Growing Hope 500
Sciencenter Afterschool Program 1,800
Tompkins County Area Development Corporation 7,000
The Labor Coalition 10,000
A vote on the consent agenda items resulted as follows:
Carried
Unanimously
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
16.1 City Attorney - Approval of the 1997 PBA Contract
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Thorpe
RESOLVED, That the Agreement between the City of Ithaca and
the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association for a new one-year
contract commencing January 1, 1997, and expiring on
December 31, 1997, be approved under the same terms and
conditions as the City's agreement with the PBA which
expired on December 31, 1996, with the following changes:
1. Duration: January 1, 1997 - December 31, 1997.
2. Article V., Section C., revised to allow up to six
days per year of accumulated sick leave for a
family member.
3. Delete all references to schedule for the years
1993 through 1996.
4. Implement a salary scale effective January 1,
1997, which includes a 3% raise over the 1996 base
pay so that the salary schedule shall read:
Step Police Officer Sergeant Lieutenant
Captain
1 $27,674 $46,754 $54,578
$58,427
2 34,822 48,160
3 38,442 49,568
4 43,289 50,982
5. Authorize the PBA and the City to form two ad hoc
committees whose purposes will be to review and
recommend changes regarding clothing and
accoutrements and to participate in a City-wide
healthcare committee. Neither committee will have
the authority or power to change, alter, or amend any
term or condition of employment but may make
recommendations for final action in subsequent
collective bargaining agreements.
6. Alter any sections as necessary to reflect the new
duration dates of the contract.
And that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed
to sign and execute the contract on behalf of the City under
its corporate seal.
Carried
Unanimously
January 8, 1997
16.3 Fire Department - Request to Approve Capital Project
Consolidation
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the Fire Department would like to complete three
Capital Projects previously approved by Common Council for
Fire Station Improvements, and
WHEREAS, bid amounts received exceed individual project
balances, but not the total of all three project remaining
balances, and
WHEREAS, the three projects, Capital Projects #283, #299,
and #323, have been reviewed by the Controller's Office to
determine that all appropriated bonding, authorizations,
PPU, and expenditure requirements have been met to
consolidate said projects, and
WHEREAS, said projects have a total authorization of
$254,625 and a remaining balance of $142,828 and all
remaining items to be purchased from this amount were
originally approved with the authorization and included:
Central HVAC Renovations $50,800
Central Generator Replacement $78,235
Stations 5 & 6 Parking Lot Repairs $11,100
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the remaining balances in Capital Projects
#283 and #299 Fire Station Improvements 1994 and 1995 be
combined with Capital Project #323 Fire Station Improvements
1996 for a total project authorization not to exceed
$254,625 and a remaining balance of $142,828 to complete
said renovations.
Carried
Unanimously
16.4 Common Council - Appointment of Systems Administrator
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That Richard "Doc" Kinne is provisionally
appointed to the position of Systems Administrator at a 1997
annual salary of $40,000, effective February 10, 1997, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the Systems Administrator position be
assigned to the Management Compensation Plan.
Alderperson Johnson explained the Systems Administrator
search process, and extended "Doc" a welcome to the City.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried
Unanimously
16.5 DPW/Water & Sewer - Request for Extension of Temporary
Employee
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, Toby Krantz was hired as a part-time and seasonal
employee to manage the city's 1996 sidewalk program and
worked with the Water and Sewer Departments through December
31, 1996, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Krantz has demonstrated good skills and
judgment in developing the contract documents and managing
the construction phases of the work, and
WHEREAS, the Engineering Group and the Water and Sewer Group
have an extensive backlog of approved capital projects which
they wish to complete and which can benefit from both Mr.
January 8, 1997
Krantz's skills and his familiarity with City personnel,
procedures and projects, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Krantz is currently available while he searches
for a permanent position to start his career; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Authorized Water and Sewer Personnel
Roster be temporarily amended by extending the employment of
Toby Krantz until December 31, 1997 at a current rate of pay
of $14.69 per hour, not to exceed $30,555, exclusive of
benefits, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the funds for said personnel roster amendment
be derived from Capital Projects #506 Water Supply and
Distribution and #606 Sewer Collection Systems Improvement.
Carried
Unanimously
16.6 DPW/Water and Sewer - Request to Hire Temporary
Employee
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, Cattyann Campbell has been working under contract
in the Water and Sewer Department developing a Geographic
Information System (GIS) customized to water and sewer
mapping, and
WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell has demonstrated good skills and
judgment in developing the GIS to date, and
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Departments have the further
need to continue the GIS design and development, water
systems study mapping, joint sewer agreement planning and
mapping, and create reports for water system improvements,
and
WHEREAS, Ms. Campbell is currently available while she
searches for a permanent position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Authorized Water and Sewer Personnel
Roster be temporarily amended to add one (1) Planning
Systems Manager, effective for the period January 1, 1997 to
December 31, 1997, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Cattyann Campbell be hired temporarily into
the position of Planning Systems Manager at a 1997 rate of
pay of $20.00 per hour, not to exceed $41,600 exclusive of
benefits, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the funds for said personnel roster amendment
be derived from Capital Project #502 Water Supply
Improvements.
Carried
Unanimously
16.7 Finance/Personnel - Request to Reclassify Personnel
Account Clerk Position
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the Principal Account Clerk position in the
Personnel Department has changed and continues to change as
a result of the City's new financial computer system
implementation, and
WHEREAS, the Principal Account Clerk position needs to be
reclassified to better reflect the duties of the position;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Authorized Personnel Roster for the
Personnel Department be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Payroll Coordinator
Delete: One (1) Principal Account Clerk
January 8, 1997
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Payroll Coordinator be
designated Confidential and assigned to Grade 3 on the
Confidential Employees Compensation Plan, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Roxie Carman be permanently appointed to the
position of Payroll Coordinator, pursuant to Section 52.7 of
the New York State Civil Service Law, at a 1997 annual
salary of $31,866, that being Grade 3 on the Confidential
Employees Compensation Plan, effective January 13, 1997.
Carried
Unanimously
16.8 Finance/Personnel - Request Approval for 1997 Health
Insurance Rates for Retirees
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, the City currently charges City retirees and those
employees on leaves of absence $146.58 per month for
individual health insurance coverage and $335.96 per month
for family coverage, and
WHEREAS, the 1997 estimated cost of the City's health
insurance program for such individuals, as projected by Blue
Cross/Blue Shield, have been increased to $180.10 per month
for individual coverage and $413.29 per month for family
coverage, and
WHEREAS, the difference between what the City actually
charged these individuals for coverage heretofore and the
City's estimated cost for 1997 is 23%, and an increase of
this magnitude could pose a serious burden for these
individuals, and
WHEREAS, in light of the significant increase in past years
in health insurance rates and the related hardship these
increases would have caused City retirees and persons on
leaves of absence, the City has adopted a policy of not
charging the full rate increases to these individuals; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 monthly rate of health insurance
coverage for retirees and those employees on leaves of
absence be established at $154.89 for individual coverage
and $355.43 for family coverage, which represents the same
proportionate share paid by these individuals currently, or
86% of the City's estimated rate, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the 1998 monthly rate of health insurance
coverage for retirees and those employees on leaves of
absence will represent 90% of the City's estimated rate.
City Controller Cafferillo explained the health insurance
program.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried
Unanimously
16.9 Finance/Chamberlain - Request Approval of Tax Warrant
Adjustment
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
WHEREAS, New York State acquired portions of two parcels
prior to the assessment of 1996 City taxes, and
WHEREAS, New York State law states that property acquired by
New York State is tax exempt on the acquisition date; now,
therefore, be it
January 8, 1997
RESOLVED, That the 1996 tax warrant shall be adjusted to
reflect the exclusion of two apportioned parcels at 706-14
West Buffalo Street in the amount of $1,943.18 and 401-19
Floral Avenue in the amount of $898.96, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain is authorized and
directed to make the appropriate changes on the tax roll.
Carried
Unanimously
16.11 Designation of Official Newspaper
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That pursuant to Section C-113 of the City
Charter, the Ithaca Journal be and is hereby designated as
the official newspaper of the City of Ithaca for the year
1997.
Ayes (8) Blumenthal, Gray, Johnson, Mackesey,
Marcham, Sams, Shenk, Thorpe
Nays (1) Hanna
Abstention (1) Efroymson
Carried
16.17 Finance/Controller - Bond Resolution
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
BOND RESOLUTION DATED JANUARY 8, 1997.
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,887,194
SERIAL BONDS OF THE CITY OF ITHACA, TOMPKINS COUNTY,
NEW YORK, TO PAY THE COST OF VARIOUS OBJECTS OR
PURPOSES IN AND FOR SAID CITY.
WHEREAS, all conditions precedent to the financing of the
capital projects hereinafter described, including compliance
with the provisions of the State Environmental Quality
Review Act, have been performed; and
WHEREAS, it is now desired to authorize the financing of
such capital projects; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, as follows:
Section 1. For the specific objects or purposes or
classes of objects or purposes of paying the costs of the
following capital improvements in and for the City of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, there are hereby
authorized to be issued $2,887,194 serial bonds of said City
pursuant to the provisions of the Local Finance Law,
apportioned among such improvements in accordance with the
maximum estimated cost of each. Such improvements are as
follows:
a) The reconstruction of various streets and highways
throughout and in and for said City, including
incidental improvements and expenses in connection
therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $300,000. It
is hereby determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects or
purposes is fifteen years, pursuant to subdivision
20(c) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local
Finance Law; and
b) The purchase of new and removal of old playground
equipment, at Stewart Park in said City, including
incidental improvements and expenses in connection
therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $60,000. It
is hereby determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose
January 8, 1997
is fifteen years, pursuant to subdivision 19(c) of
paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law;
and
c) The purchase of computer networking hardware and
software, including incidental improvements and
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $94,500. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
class of objects or purposes is five years, pursuant to
subdivision 32 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law; and
d) The purchase of a van for the Youth Bureau, including
incidental expenses in connection therewith, at a
maximum estimated cost of $21,800. It is hereby
determined that the period of probable usefulness of
the aforesaid specific object or purpose is five years,
pursuant to subdivision 29 of paragraph a of Section
11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
e) The purchase of an air compressor, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $14,000. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
specific object or purpose is five years, pursuant to
subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law; and
f) The purchase of dump trucks, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, at a cost of $30,000
or over, at a maximum estimated cost of $68,000. It is
hereby determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects or
purposes is fifteen years, pursuant to subdivision 28
of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance
Law; and
g) The purchase of an aerial truck, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $40,000. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
specific object or purpose is fifteen years, pursuant
to subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of
the Local Finance Law; and
h) The purchase of a tractor, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $14,000. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
specific object or purpose is five years, pursuant to
subdivision 28 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law; and
i) The purchase of pick-up trucks, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, the cost of each of
which exceeds $15,000, at a maximum estimated cost of
$34,500. It is hereby determined that the period of
probable usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects
or purposes is ten years, pursuant to subdivision 28 of
paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law;
and
j) The purchase of snow plow equipment, including
incidental expenses in connection therewith, at a
maximum estimated cost of $16,000. It is hereby
determined that the period of probable usefulness of
the aforesaid class of objects or purposes is ten
years, pursuant to subdivision 28 of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
January 8, 1997
k) The reconstruction of sidewalks, including incidental
improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a
maximum estimated cost of $75,000. It is hereby
determined that the period of probable usefulness of
the aforesaid class of objects or purposes is ten
years, pursuant to subdivision 24 of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
l) The reconstruction of portions of the Fire Department
Central Station, including original furnishings,
equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, and
incidental improvements and expenses in connection
therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $68,500. It
is hereby determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose
is twenty years pursuant to subdivision 12(a)(1) of
paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law;
and
m) The construction and reconstruction of a classroom
within the Fire Training Center, including original
furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus,
appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses
in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of
$26,000. It is hereby determined that the period of
probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or
purpose is twenty years pursuant to subdivision
12(a)(1) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local
Finance Law; and
n) The purchase of heart defibrillation equipment for fire
vehicles, including incidental improvements and
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $48,000. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
class of objects or purposes is five years pursuant to
subdivision 32 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law; and
o) The reconstruction of the Greater Ithaca Activities
Center, including gym floor replacement, and original
furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus,
appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses
in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of
$70,000. It is hereby determined that the period of
probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or
purpose is twenty years pursuant to subdivision
12(a)(1) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local
Finance Law; and
p) To upgrade fire and smoke detection system, and add a
basement water detection system at City Hall, including
incidental improvements and expenses in connection
therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $45,710. It
is hereby determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or purpose
is ten years pursuant to subdivision 13 of paragraph a
of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
q) The construction of a skateboard park within the City
asphalt and concrete park, including incidental
improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a
maximum estimated cost of $65,000. It is hereby
determined that the period of probable usefulness of
the aforesaid specific object or purpose is fifteen
years pursuant to subdivision 19(c) of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
r) To pay the cost of consultants for planning and design
for the waterfront project, including incidental
improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a
maximum estimated cost of $20,000. It is hereby
January 8, 1997
determined that the period of probable usefulness of
the aforesaid specific object or purpose is five years
pursuant to subdivision 62(2nd) of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
s) To support placement of monuments for GIS survey and
documentation of City Area, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $50,000. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
specific object or purpose is five years pursuant to
subdivision 35 of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the
Local Finance Law; and
t) To pay the cost of infrastructure planning and design
studies, including incidental expenses in connection
therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of $35,000. It
is hereby determined that the period of probable
usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects or
purposes is five years pursuant to subdivision 62(2nd)
of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance
Law; and
u) The reconstruction of various City buildings in and for
said City, including original furnishings, equipment,
machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, and incidental
improvements and expenses in connection therewith, at a
maximum estimated cost of $1,171,625. It is hereby
determined that the period of probable usefulness of
the aforesaid class of objects or purposes is twenty
years, pursuant to subdivision 12(a) of paragraph a of
Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
v) The reconstruction of various City water facilities and
buildings, in and for said City, including original
furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus,
appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses
in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of
$62,887. It is hereby determined that the period of
probable usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects
or purposes is forty years, pursuant to subdivision 1
of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance
Law; and
w) The reconstruction of various City sewer facilities and
buildings, in and for said City, including original
furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus,
appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses
in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of
$62,888. It is hereby determined that the period of
probable usefulness of the aforesaid class of objects
or purposes is forty years,
pursuant to subdivision 4 of paragraph a of Section
11.00 of the Local Finance Law; and
x) To pay the cost of development of a bicycle master
plan, in and for said City, including incidental
expenses in connection therewith, at a maximum
estimated cost of $80,000. It is hereby determined
that the period of probable usefulness of the aforesaid
specific object or purpose is five years, pursuant to
subdivision 62(2nd) of paragraph a of Section 11.00 of
the Local Finance Law; and
y) The reconstruction of the Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Plant, in and for said City, including
original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus,
appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenses
in connection therewith, at a maximum estimated cost of
$343,784. It is hereby determined that the period of
probable usefulness of the aforesaid specific object or
January 8, 1997
purpose is forty years, pursuant to subdivision 4 of
paragraph a of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law.
Section 2. The aggregate maximum estimated cost of the
aforesaid specific objects or purposes and classes of
objects or purposes is $2,887,194, and the plan for the
financing thereof is by the issuance of the serial bonds
authorized by Section 1 hereof, allocated to each specific
object or purpose or class of objects or purposes in
accordance with the maximum estimated cost of each set forth
in Section 1 hereof.
Section 3. Subject to the provisions of the Local
Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to
sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance
and sale of the serial bonds herein authorized, including
renewals of such notes, is hereby delegated to the City
Controller, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be
of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such
manner, as may be prescribed by said City Controllers,
consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law.
Section 4. The faith and credit of said City of
Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, are hereby irrevocably
pledged for the payment of the principal of and interest on
such obligations as the same respectively become due and
payable. An annual appropriation shall be made in each year
sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such
obligations becoming due and payable in such year. There
shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property in
said City a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and
interest on such obligations as the same become due and
payable.
Section 5. The bonds authorized pursuant to this bond
resolution shall be in fully registered form and shall be
signed in the name of the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, by the manual or facsimile signature of the City
Controller and a facsimile of its corporate seal shall be
imprinted or impressed and may be attested by the manual or
facsimile signature of the City Clerk.
Section 6. The powers and duties of advertising such
bonds for sale, conducting the sale and awarding the bonds,
are hereby delegated to the City Controller, who shall
advertise such bonds for sale, conduct the sale, and award
the bonds in such manner as he shall deem best for the
interests of the City, including, but not limited to, the
power to sell said serial bonds to the New York State
Environmental Facilities Corporation, provided, however,
that in the exercise of these delegated powers, he shall
comply fully with the provisions of the Local Finance Law
and any order or rule of the State Comptroller applicable to
the sale of municipal bonds. The receipt of the City
Controller shall be a full acquittance to the purchaser of
such bonds, who shall not be obliged to see to the
application of the purchase money.
Section 7. All other matters, except as provided
herein relating to such bonds, including determining whether
to issue such bonds have substantially level or declining
annual debt service, including prescribing whether manual or
facsimile signatures shall appear on said bonds, prescribing
the method for the recording of ownership of said bonds,
appointing the fiscal agent or agents for said bonds,
providing for the printing and delivery of said bonds (and
if said bonds are to be executed in the name of the City by
the facsimile signature of its City Controller, providing
for the manual countersignature of a fiscal agent or of a
designated official of the City), the date, denominations,
maturities and interest payment dates, place or places of
payment, and also including the consolidation with other
January 8, 1997
issues, shall be determined by the City Controller. It is
hereby determined that it is to the financial advantage of
the City not to impose and collect from registered owners of
such serial bonds any charges for mailing, shipping and
insuring bonds transferred or exchanged by the fiscal agent,
and, accordingly, pursuant to paragraph c of Section 70.00
of the Local Finance Law, no such charges shall be so
collected by the fiscal agent. Such bonds shall contain
substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in
Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise
be in such form and contain such recitals in addition to
those required by Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law, as
the City Controller shall determine.
Section 8. The power to issue and sell notes to the
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation pursuant
to Section 169.00 of the Local Finance Law is hereby
delegated to the City Controller. Such notes shall be of
such terms, form and contents as may be prescribed by said
City Controller consistent with the provisions of the Local
Finance Law.
Section 9. The City Controller is hereby further
authorized, at his sole discretion, to execute a project
financing and loan agreement, and any other agreements with
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
and/or the New York State Environmental Facilities
Corporation, including amendments thereto, and including any
instruments (or amendments thereto) in the effectuation
thereof, in order to effect the financing or refinancing of
the specific object or purpose described in Section 1
hereof, or a portion thereof, by a serial bond, and, or note
issue of said City in the event of the sale of same to the
New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Section 10. The intent of this resolution is to give
the City Controller sufficient authority to execute those
applications, agreements, instruments or to do any similar
acts necessary to effect the issuance of the aforesaid
serial bonds and, or notes without resorting to further
action of this Common Council.
Section 11. The validity of such bonds and bond
anticipation notes may be contested only if:
1) Such obligations are authorized for an object
or purpose for which said City is not authorized
to expend money, or
2) The provisions of law which should be
complied with at the date of publication of this
resolution are not substantially complied with,
and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity
is commenced within twenty days after the date of such
publication, or
3) Such obligations are authorized in violation
of the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 12. This resolution shall constitute a
statement of official intent for purposes of Treasury
Regulations Section 1.150-1. Other than as specified in
this resolution, no monies are, or are reasonably expected
to be, reserved, allocated on long-term basis, or otherwise
set aside with respect to the permanent funding of the
object or purpose described herein.
Section 13. This resolution, which takes effect
immediately, shall be published in full in The Ithaca
Journal, the official newspaper, together with a notice of
January 8, 1997
the City Clerk in substantially the form provided in Section
81.00 of the Local Finance Law.
A roll call vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Alderperson Mackesey - Aye Alderperson Shenk
- Aye
Alderperson Sams - Aye Alderperson Efroymson
- Aye
Alderperson Johnson - Aye Alderperson Blumenthal
- Aye
Alderperson Hanna - Aye Alderperson Marcham
- Aye
Alderperson Gray - Aye Alderperson Thorpe
- Aye
Carried Unanimously
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
RESOLVED, That Council adjourn into Executive Session to
discuss a personnel item.
Carried Unanimously
RECONVENE:
Common Council reconvened in to Regular session, no items
were brought forth.
16.20 Request Budget Amendment to 1997 Authorized Planning
Department Budget
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, the 1997 approved final 1997 City of Ithaca Budget
has insufficient funds to cover all positions on the
personnel roster for the Planning and Development
Department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 City of Ithaca Budget be amended as
follows in order to provide funding through February 14,
1997, for all positions on the personnel roster which are
currently filled for the Planning and Development
Department:
Increase Appropriations:
Account A8020-5110 Salary Staff $ 6,000.
Decrease Appropriation Fund Balance:
Account A909 $ 6,000.
Carried
Unanimously
RECESS:
Common Council recessed at 9:10 p.m. and reconvened at 9:30
p.m.
16.21 Finance/Controller - Request to Temporarily Amend
Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, the 1997 approved City budget included a voluntary
reduction of hours for the City Buyer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That based on a request initiated by the employee
involved, the Personnel Roster of the Finance Department is
hereby temporarily amended by reducing the full-time
position of the City Buyer from 40 hours to 32 hours per
week from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 1997.
Carried
Unanimously
16.22 Police Department - Request For Amendment To
Personnel Roster
January 8, 1997
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Police Department
is hereby amended as follows:
Add: Two (2) Community Service Officers (Full-
Time)
Delete: Six (6) Parking Meter Checkers (Part-Time)
One (1) Parking Meter Checker (Full-Time)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the above changes are effective March 1,
1997,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds needed for the payment of current
roster positions, affected by the above roster amendment,
for the period of January 1, 1997, to February 28, 1997,
will be derived from within the existing 1997 Police
Department Budget, and the Controller is authorized to make
appropriate budget transfers, if applicable.
Ayes (9) - Blumenthal, Efroymson, Gray,
Johnson, Mackesey, Marcham, Sams,
Shenk, Thorpe
Nays (1) - Hanna
Carried
Request for Re-Vote:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Thorpe
RESOLVED, That the Police Department Request for Amendment
to Personnel Roster be returned to the table for a second
vote.
Carried
Unanimously
16.22 Police Department - Request For Amendment To
Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Police Department
is hereby amended as follows:
Add: Two (2) Community Service Officers (Full-
Time)
Delete: Six (6) Parking Meter Checkers (Part-Time)
One (1) Parking Meter Checker (Full-Time)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the above changes are effective March 1,
1997,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds needed for the payment of current
roster positions, affected by the above roster amendment,
for the period of January 1, 1997, to February 28, 1997,
will be derived from within the existing 1997 Police
Department Budget, and the Controller is authorized to make
appropriate budget transfers, if applicable.
Ayes (8) - Blumenthal, Efroymson, Gray,
Johnson, Marcham, Sams, Shenk, Thorpe
Nays (2) - Hanna, Mackesey
Carried
16.23 DPW - Request Establishment of Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That effective March 1, 1997, the authorized
roster of CSEA DPW Unit positions in the Department of
Public Works shall be as follows:
January 8, 1997
Streets and Facilities Division
1 Automotive Mechanic Supervisor
7 Working Supervisor
1 Working Supervisor - Bridges
5 Automotive Mechanic
14 Bus Driver
2 Bus Driver - Part-Time/20 hours
6 Motor Equipment Operator
3 Tree Trimmer
12 Maintainer
10 Truck Driver
2 Automotive Mechanic Helper
8 Maintenance Worker
6 Custodial Worker
1 Laborer
7 Parking Lot Attendant
Solid Waste Division
2 Senior Laborer
3 Truck Driver
Water and Sewer Division
1 Water Distribution Maintenance Supervisor
2 Working Supervisor
1 Assistant Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant
Mechanic
2 Motor Equipment Operator
3 Maintainer
5 Truck Driver
2 Meter Servicer
2 Laborer
Wastewater Treatment Plant
1 Truck Driver
and be it further
RESOLVED, That all previously authorized CSEA DPW Unit
Positions in the Department of Public Works that are not
listed above are hereby abolished effective at the close of
business on February 28, 1997,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds needed for the payment of current
roster positions, affected by the above roster amendment,
for the period of January 1, 1997, to February 28, 1997,
will be derived from within the existing 1997 Department of
Public Works Budget, and the Controller is authorized to
make appropriate budget transfers, if applicable.
Carried
Unanimously
16.24 City Attorney's Office - Reduction in Hours
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, Assistant City Attorney Patricia M. Kennedy has
requested a partial, temporary leave of absence of eight
hours per week from the 40 hours she normally works in order
to teach a graduate course at Cornell University in "Legal
Aspects of Land Use Planning, and
WHEREAS, Council has already included a reduction in salary
based on that leave of absence in the 1997 budget, and
WHEREAS, it is clear that the City and the employee would
benefit from the leave of absence; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a partial leave of absence of eight hours per
week from her 40-hour workweek is authorized for Assistant
City Attorney Patricia M. Kennedy commencing on the 13th day
of January, 1997, and ending on the 20th day of June, 1997,
and, be it further
January 8, 1997
RESOLVED, That commencing on the 23rd day of June, 1997,
this employee is authorized to return to full-time 40-hours
per week salary and employment, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That her 1997 salary and appropriate leave
benefits shall be prorated at 32/40 during the leave period
and restored to full salary and benefits at the end of that
period.
Carried Unanimously
Boathouse Renovations - Report
Preservation/Neighborhood Planner Chatterton reported on the
status of the Boathouse Renovations Project. The bids
received were too high; one of the low bidders has
withdrawn, another is not qualified. The Project is $156,000
over budget, and there is a desire to present this issue to
the Budget & Administration Committee for consideration.
Several options available are: private development, Cayuga
Nature Center is interested in utilizing part of the
building as a satellite operation; possible rental facility;
various park and Youth Bureau programs could make use of the
building; boating facility; concession, and various other
park uses. The choice at this time seems to be between the
stabilization of the building or deserting the project.
Alderperson Shenk inquired about private funding support of
the waterfront project. Grant money would be available for
funding but the timing involved precludes this from being
feasible. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the
aforementioned options.
Mayor Cohen reported that the recently passed Environmental
Bond Act has a specific section on historic preservation
along waterways and suggested that the Budget &
Administration Committee include this as an option.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Resolutions under Consent Agenda:
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson
Efroymson
17.3a An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code Chapter 325
entitled “Zoning” and the District Regulations Chart
authorized by Section 325-8 of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code --Declaration of No Significant Environmental Effect
WHEREAS, an Ordinance Amending Section 325-8 of the District
Regulations Chart of Chapter 325, regarding Functional
Family Unit has been submitted to Common Council for
consideration, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been
conducted, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is an "unlisted" action under
the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and is a Type I
action under the City Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance, and
WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed action will not have a
significant effect on the environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this
matter, hereby does adopt as its own the findings and
conclusions set forth on the Short Environmental Assessment
Form dated December 16, 1996, and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency, hereby
does determine that the proposed action at issue will not
have a significant effect on the environment, and that
further environmental review is unnecessary under the
circumstances, and be it further
January 8, 1997
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall constitute notice of
this negative declaration, and the City Clerk be, and hereby
is, directed to file a copy of the same, together with the
attachment, in the City Clerk's Office and forward the same
to any other parties as required by law.
17.3b An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code Chapter 325
entitled “Zoning” and the District Regulations Chart
authorized by Section 325-8 of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code
ORDINANCE 97 -
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
Section 1. The City of Ithaca District Regulations Chart
authorized by Municipal Code Section 325-8., Row R-1, Column
2, number 1 is amended to read as follows:
“1. One-family detached dwelling occupied by:
a. An individual, family, or functional family unit
(see definition, Section 325-3) plus not more than one
unrelated occupant (see Gen. Note 7),
or
b. If dwlg. Is owner occupied, an individual, family,
or functional family unit plus not more than two unrelated
occupants.
Section 2. The City of Ithaca District Regulations Chart
authorized by Municipal Code Section 325-8., Row R-2, Column
2, numbers 1 and 2 are amended to read as follows:
“1. One-family detached or semi-detached dwlg. occupied by
an individual, family, or functional family unit plus not
more than two unrelated occupants.
1. Two-family dwlg. ea. Of which may be occupied by an
individual, family, or functional family unit plus not more
than two unrelated occupants.
Section 3. The City of Ithaca District Regulations Chart
authorized by Municipal Code Section 325-8. Row R-2, Column
2, number 9 “[Functional Family Unit without any add’l.
occupants]” is hereby deleted.
Section 4. The City of Ithaca Municipal code Section 325-
9.C.(1)(n) is amended to read as follows:
“Reserved [Residential occupancy by a functional family unit
in all districts to the same extent that residential
occupancy without a special permit is permitted in all
districts.]”
Section 5. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall take effect immediately in accordance
with law upon publication of a notice as provided in the
Ithaca City Charter.
A vote on the Consent Agenda Items resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
17.2 City of Ithaca’s Position Regarding State Takeover of
the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Johnson
WHEREAS, federal regulations allow the State of New York to
assume administration of the Small Cities Community
Development Block Grant program, currently administered in
January 8, 1997
New York by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Urban Development Corporation
(doing business as the Empire State Development Corporation)
with the cooperation of the State Division of Housing and
Community Renewal has initiated the process of taking over
administration of the Small Cities program and plans public
hearings in mid-December on this matter, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca depends heavily on the CDBG
program to fund affordable housing, economic development,
public facility and other projects supporting neighborhood
revitalization, and has concerns that changes brought about
by a State takeover could limit our ability to meet
community needs, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has
managed the Small Cities program effectively and with the
level of flexibility necessary to allow for comprehensive
community development activities; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the Common Council urges the State to proceed
cautiously with any efforts to takeover the CDBG program,
and should it assume control of the program, to administer
it in a manner:
1. Which involves the development of a clear and
detailed administrative plan for implementation, and that
this plan receive significant input from local governments;
1. That the State would fund applications which meet
a variety of community needs, similar to the current
comprehensive grant format;
2. That the State should pay for the administration
of the Small Cities program from general funds accounts, and
not divert CDBG funds for state administration; and
1. That a single State agency should administer the
program, namely the Division of Housing and Community
Renewal;
1. That existing multi-year awards from HUD be
honored; and
1. That existing program areas (affordable housing,
economic development, public facilities and services) be
continued;
RESOLVED that Common Council directs the City Clerk to
forward copies of this resolution to the Governor, Senator
Seward, Assemblyman Luster, NYS Development Corporation, and
NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal.
Community Development Director Stevenson explained the new
changes to the CDBG funding regulations.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
17.4 Sale of Taughannock Boulevard Right-of-Way
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson
Efroymson
WHEREAS, the report of the Inlet Island Land Use Committee
was adopted as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan by the
Planning and Development Board in July 1992 and was accepted
as a part of the Comprehensive Plan by the Common Council in
September 1992, and
WHEREAS, the report of the Inlet Island Land Use Committee
calls for a variety of public and private uses on the Inlet
January 8, 1997
Island provided that these uses are “water-enhanced or
water-dependent, and that (they take) fullest advantage of
the Inlet Island’s special waterfront location,” and,
WHEREAS, Marina Realty of Ithaca, L.L.C, has proposed such a
development for the northern end of Inlet Island which would
be located on all of the property currently occupied by the
Ithaca Boating Center including that portion of Taughannock
licensed to Ithaca Boating Center, and
WHEREAS, the new development requires some additional
acreage to satisfy the zoning requirement for the proposed
uses, and
WHEREAS, those zoning requirements could be met if Marina
Realty of Ithaca were allowed to purchase the Taughannock
Blvd. right-of-way currently leased to the Ithaca Boating
Center plus an additional small portion of Taughannock Blvd.
adjacent to the licensed area, and
WHEREAS, the sale of this portion of land is consistent with
the recommendations of the report of the Inlet Island Land
Use Committee provided that provision is made for a proposed
“pedestrian greenway promenade” along the western shore of
Inlet Island, and
WHEREAS, this “pedestrian greenway promenade” could be
accommodated in the area covered by a New York State DEC
permanent maintenance easement, or on a 12 foot wide
corridor which could be reserved along Taughannock Blvd. in
the area proposed to be sold to Marina Realty of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, the portion of the Taughannock Blvd. right-of-way
for sale no longer is used as a street and has been under
license to the Ithaca Boating Center and to it’s predecessor
for a number of years, and
WHEREAS, this area has been used for parking and circulation
for the Ithaca Boating Center and the Coast Guard Auxiliary,
and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has declared those parts
of the Taughannock Blvd. right-of-way depicted on the
attached site plan as no longer needed for public purpose
and the BPW has abandoned the right-of-way for use as a
public street, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has recommended that
Common Council sell this portion of the Taughannock Blvd.
right-of-way, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, that the Common Council in concept authorizes sale
for full market value of the northern end of Taughannock
Blvd. on Inlet Island as depicted on site plan, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that any such sale be subject to reservation of a
utility easement and reservation of adequate public land for
the creation of the proposed “pedestrian greenway
promenade," and be it further
RESOLVED, that staff is hereby directed to obtain an
appraisal and negotiate with Marina Realty of Ithaca the
said sale of Taughannock Blvd. right-of-way, and be it
further
RESOLVED, that when the terms of sale have been formulated,
the proposed sale be brought back to Common Council for
final approval.
January 8, 1997
City Attorney Geldenhuys explained the additional steps that
needed to be completed.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE:
Teen Youth Center - Report
Alderperson Sams reported on survey results taken and
compiled by Cornell University students on Youth on the
Commons, and voicing their needs. It was concluded that
there was a desire for a teen center run by teens with a
skateboard park and a recreational center. Youth Bureau
staff will be working with this group and more details will
be provided as they unfold. A major fund-raiser is currently
being planned.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nominations for Acting Mayor
Alderperson Shenk nominated Alderperson Thorpe as Acting
Mayor.
Mayor Cohen nominated Alderperson Sams, who did not accept
the nomination.
Motion to Close Nominations
By Alderperson Johnson: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
RESOLVED, That the nominations for Acting Mayor be closed,
and that Alderperson Thorpe be appointed as Acting Mayor.
Carried Unanimously
Nominations for Alternate Acting Mayor
Alderperson Efroymson nominated Alderperson Sams as
Alternate Acting Mayor.
Motion to Close Nominations
By Alderperson Hanna: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the nominations for Alternate Acting Mayor be
closed, and that Alderperson Sams be appointed as Alternate
Acting Mayor.
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
The Planning & Economic Development Committee will meet the
third Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
The Budget and Administration Committee will meet the fourth
Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
The Community Issues Committee will meet the second Tuesday
of every month at 7:30 p.m.
All meetings will be held in Common Council Chambers.
REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Alderperson Efroymson reported that GIAC will be sponsoring
a breakfast in honor of the Martin Luther King holiday on
Saturday, January 18, 1997 at 8:30 a.m. at the Beverly J.
Martin Elementary School.
Alderperson Thorpe reported that the Human Services
Coalition funding may possibly be removed by the United Way,
as they do not provide direct service to clients, only
agencies.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
January 8, 1997
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen
City Clerk Mayor