HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1997-05-07
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. May 7, 1997
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (9) - Sams, Shenk, Mackesey, Hanna, Gray,
Thorpe, Marcham, Blumenthal, Efroymson
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
Acting Police Chief - Barnes
Fire Chief - Wilbur
City Chamberlain - Parsons
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of the March 6, 1997 and April 2, 1997 Common Council
Meeting Minutes
The approval of the March 6, 1997 and April 2, 1997 Minutes was
postponed until the June 4, 1997 meeting.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Planning and Economic Development Committee:
Alderperson Blumenthal requested the addition of items 17.7 -
Report on Economic Development Plan; 17.8 - Report on Planning
Department Reorganization; and 17.9 Call for Special Meeting and
Public Hearing regarding the Community Development Block Grant
Program.
No Council member objected.
Budget and Administration Committee:
Alderperson Marcham requested that Item 15.1 - Authorization of
City Attorney to File a BJA Grant Application, be removed from the
consent agenda, and become Item 16.9 on the Regular Budget &
Administration Committee Agenda.
No Council member objected.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Section 325-10
Entitled "Accessory Apartment Permits - Owner Occupancy Required"
of Chapter 325 Entitled "Zoning" of the City of Ithaca Municipal
Code
May 7, 1997
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Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Alderperson Gray: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance
Amending Section 325-10 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code be
declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Council on this issue.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Gray: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance
Amending Section 325-10 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code be
declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Section 325-3 B
Entitled "Specific Terms or Words"- Definition of "Dwelling, Owner
Occupied" of Chapter 325 Entitled "Zoning" of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance
Amending Section 325-3B of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code be
declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Council on this issue.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Gray: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to consider an Ordinance
Amending Section 325-3B of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code be
declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
YOUTH AWARD:
Alderperson Blumenthal presented the May, 1997 Youth Award to the
following members of KIDSREACH:
Amity Weiss, Bethan Lemley, Jessica Woloszyn, Molly Cox-Hite,
Victoria Febo, Jessie Gilbert, Erica Kelley, Kelly Sullivan,
Phoenix Wiggins, Jessica Wiggins, Etosha Blank, Jamie Blank, Laura
Vineyard, Katie Dashler, Hannah Jackson, Allison Fajans-Turner,
Alice Han.
KIDSREACH is a group of 12 and 13 year old youths from the broader
Ithaca community. KIDSREACH was founded by Amity Weiss two years
ago with two main purposes, performing volunteer work in the
community and fundraising for worthy causes. Recently the group
has formed a sister-city bond with Bihac, Bosnia and have raised
funds which will purchase an ambulance and stretcher for the
residents of Bosnia, which will be filled with 406 pairs of shoes
and boots that the children have collected. KIDSREACH is further
raising funds to bring 3 Bosnian children, and their teacher to
Ithaca for a visit this summer. KIDSREACH members have also been
involved with a highway clean-up project, delivery of meals to
senior citizens, fundraising for AIDSWORK, breast cancer awareness
prevention, fundraising for flood victims in Fargo, North Dakota,
and flower making/crafts projects for the residents of the
Reconstruction Home.
May 7, 1997
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Bantam B Hockey Travel Team Awards
Mayor Cohen proclaimed May 14, 1997 as Ithaca Youth Hockey Day in
the City of Ithaca, and awarded Recognition Certificates to the
following members of the Ithaca Bantam B Hockey Travel Team which
won the New York State Championship, and advanced to the semi-
finals in the National tournament:
Head Coach - Anthony Marsit
Assistant Coach - Derek Griffiths
Assistant Coach - Ted Tufford
Team Managers - Jane & Steve Schwan
Players
Kevin Armstrong, Todd Bowen, Brandon Brown, Matthew Caren, Nick
Durland, Justin Field, Thomas Florino, Samuel Grossman, Patrick
Hornbrook, Brett Huckle, Chris Lipinoga, Mark Lucier, Peter
Maceli, Adam Mills, Jacob Schwan, Zachary Schwan, Chris Uber,
Dustin Van Nederynen, Walter Wojdyla, David Wrisley
COMMUNICATIONS:
City Clerk Holcomb read the following correspondence into the
record:
"Dear Council Members
We on East Hill, in the Collegetown section, request your support
of augmented policing resources during the intensity of the next
few weeks. We ask that you empower the B&A Committee to
appropriate additional funding for IPD overtime so that necessary
measures can be taken to plan and insure the continued security of
the neighborhood, and safety of all.
Thank you for your consideration of our well-being.
Sincerely,
Sean Killeen"
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Proposed Elimination of Local Postal Positions
The following people spoke in opposition to the proposed
elimination of positions for the downtown post office:
Michael Oates, Town of Hector, Ithaca Postal Worker
Fay Goughakis, City of Ithaca
Cornell Senior Week/Approval for Police Department Overtime
The following people spoke in favor of increased police overtime
to control the Cornell University/Ithaca College Senior Week
activities which have created multiple problems in many East Hill
and South Hill neighborhoods:
Frances Weissman, City of Ithaca
Nick Salvatore, City of Ithaca
Haines Family, City of Ithaca
Dave Peppin, Village of Trumansburg, Collegetown Business Owner
Mary Raddant Tomlan, City of Ithaca
Gary Thomas, City of Ithaca
Michael Gold, City of Ithaca
Outdoor Dining on the Commons
May 7, 1997
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The following people spoke in favor of outdoor dining on the
Commons in conjunction with sanctioned dining hours on a trial
basis as proposed by the Business Improvement District’s Board of
Directors:
Andrew Gillis, Chair, Commons Advisory Board
Joseph Daley, City of Ithaca
John Schroeder, City of Ithaca
Thomas Mann, City of Ithaca
The following person spoke in opposition to the outdoor dining
plan:
Bill McCormick, City of Ithaca
Faye Goughakis, City of Ithaca, announced her candidacy for the
fifth ward Common Council seat to be vacated by Alderperson Roey
Thorpe. Ms. Goughakis thanked Alderpersons Efroymson, Johnson,
Thorpe and Commons Coordinator Jean Deming for their years of
dedicated service. Ms. Goughakis further expressed her
disappointment at Common Council’s lack of interest in the State
Theater.
Mary Ellen Rossiter, member of the City’s Shade Tree Advisory
Committee informed Council of the two weeks of Arbor Day
activities. She noted the plantings that were completed at all of
the schools and GIAC, the Tree City Award that was presented to
the City Forester, the $1,000 donation received from the Tompkins
Cortland Builders Association, and the 200 bare root tree
plantings which have been completed. She further urged Council to
fill the current Tree Trimmer vacancy.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Senior Week Activities
Alderpersons Mackesey, Shenk, Blumenthal and Hanna responded in
support of comments made regarding increased law enforcement
efforts during the senior week activities on East Hill and South
Hill, and requested that this issue be added to the Budget and
Administration Committee’s agenda for discussion and action at
tonight’s meeting.
Mayor Cohen announced that he will decline all noise permits for
outdoor parties in Collegetown and on South Hill during Senior
Week.
Proposed Elimination of Postal Positions
Alderperson Efroymson requested that the issue regarding the
proposed elimination of local postal positions be referred to the
Community Issues Committee for further discussion.
Outdoor Dining on the Commons:
Mayor Cohen clarified that the outdoor dining use/sanctioned
hours, is subordinate to permits issued by the Commons
Coordinator’s office, and will not prevent the use of this space
by the public.
REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
Board of Public Works
Vice-Chair Ehrhardt reported on the following items:
The Board passed a Resolution in support of the increased use of
outdoor dining on the Commons. The Board’s concerns regarding the
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maintenance and cleanliness of the area, free and open access of
the Commons to all citizens have been adequately addressed. The
Board is still concerned however about equability as restaurants
on the Commons are paying $7.00 per square foot, and off-Commons
merchants are paying $3.50 per square foot for outdoor dining
space.
The Board approved the award of bid for a highway marking machine.
The Board approved the shuttle ticket system for the
downtown/Collegetown shuttle bus.
The Board approved the request to make the South Hill Terrace one-
way traffic pattern permanent.
The Board postponed the vote on the BID’s suggestion to convert
the Commons Fountain into a planter.
The Board has requested joint meetings with the Planning Board to
discuss the proposed Ithaca Bicycle Plan.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Cohen reported that a Special meeting may be called
immediately preceding the Community Issues Committee meeting to
discuss an item regarding the City Prosecutor’s office.
Mayor Cohen announced proclamations for Healthy Mom’s Week, May
11-17, 1997, and Older American’s Month, May 1997.
Mayor Cohen read the following proclamation into the record,
thanking former Alderperson John Johnson for his dedicated years
of service:
Whereas, John Johnson was elected as a Third Ward Alderperson of
the City of Ithaca in November 1987, and
Whereas, he has faithfully performed his duties as a member of
Common Council, giving tirelessly of himself and his time to the
community, and
Whereas, throughout his years of service and membership on
numerous boards and committees, John made many significant
contributions which have enhanced the quality of life we enjoy as
citizens of the City of Ithaca, and
Whereas, as a result of John’s advocacy, dedication, and
guidance, measures were taken to protect the natural beauty of
the Six Mile Creek Preserve and other natural areas; the
Disability Advisory Council was established to identify and
address the needs of the disabled; and many programs were
implemented which enhance the lives of the City’s youth; now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Mayor, and Common Council regret John
Johnson’s departure, but share his enthusiasm and confidence as
he faces new challenges in West Virginia, and wish him success in
his new position as Senior Health and Resource Specialist for the
West Virginia Development Disabilities Planning Council.
Alderperson Efroymson reminded Council of the Open House at GIAC
on May 17, 1997.
May 7, 1997
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REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK:
Designation of 1997 Polling Locations
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
RESOLVED, That the following sites be designated as 1997 Polling
Locations:
1997 POLLING LOCATIONS
FIRST WARD
1st District Alternative Community School Chestnut Street
2nd District Alternative Community School Chestnut Street
3rd District Titus Towers 800 S. Plain St
4th District South Hill School 520 Hudson St
5th District South Hill School 520 Hudson St
SECOND WARD
1st District GIAC 300 W. Court St
2nd District GIAC 300 W. Court St
3rd District Central Fire Station 310 W. Green St
4th District Central Fire Station 310 W. Green St
THIRD WARD
1st District Robert Purcell Union Jessup Road
2nd District Belle Sherman Annex Cornell St
3rd District Belle Sherman Annex Cornell St
FOURTH WARD
1st District Class of '28 Hall 659 Stewart Ave
2nd District #9 Fire Station 309 College Ave
3rd District #9 Fire Station 309 College Ave
FIFTH WARD
1st District Fall Creek School 202 King St
2nd District Fall Creek School 202 King St
3rd District Robert Purcell Union Jessup Rd
4th District Fall Creek School 202 King St
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Geldenhuys reported on the following:
The case regarding the City’s smoke/heat detection requirements
was argued last week, and a decision will be forth coming in a few
weeks.
City Court fined Carol Paltz $2,500. for violations of the over-
occupancy regulations in the Zoning ordinance, and the rental
buildings owned by Ms. Paltz will be monitored for a period to
time to ensure future compliance with the regulations.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
Mayor Cohen requested that Item 15.1 be removed from the consent
agenda, it will be renumbered as Item 16.9; and Item 15.8 be
removed from the consent agenda, and renumbered as Item 18.1.
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
15.2 City Attorney/Chamberlain - Request Funds for Bankruptcy
Training
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
May 7, 1997
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WHEREAS, the City has the need for bankruptcy training and an
outside attorney to handle occasional bankruptcy matters and
questions, and
WHEREAS, it has been estimated that the bankruptcy training and
consultation will cost $1,425; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $1,425 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A1420-5430 for
the purposes of providing bankruptcy training and consultation to
City staff.
Carried Unanimously
15.3 Fire Department - Request Funds for Architectural Services
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the City Fire Department has pressing space needs for
administrative, operational, and storage functions, and
WHEREAS, funding for architectural services to evaluate, design,
and estimate cost renovations to existing administrative space at
Central Fire Station has been estimated at $2,000; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $2,000 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A3410-5435 to
hire an architect for said architectural services for the City
Fire Department.
Carried Unanimously
15.4 Finance/Chamberlain - Request to Approve Waiver of Penalty
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the property owner at 317 Ithaca Road has requested a
waiver of tax penalty relating to a 1997 City First Installment
tax bill, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and the Budget and Administration
Committee have reviewed the supporting documentation for the
taxpayer's request and are recommending a waiver of tax penalties;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the request for waiver of
tax penalty and authorizes the City Chamberlain to waive $30.44 in
tax penalty related to a 1997 City First Installment tax bill for
the property owner at 317 Ithaca Road.
Carried Unanimously
15.5 Finance/Controller - Request to Release Contingency Funds for
IMPACT
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, Common Council approved, as part of the 1997 Budget,
$10,000 for a management initiative program and placed the funds
in Restricted Contingency, and
WHEREAS, the IMPACT (Innovative Municipal Processes and
Communication Team) group has been meeting on a regular basis
developing various ideas to improve the City working environment
for all employees, and
May 7, 1997
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WHEREAS, IMPACT is in its developing stages and one of its ideas
is to bring back the newsletter for City employees at a minimal
cost to the City; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That $2,500 be transferred from Account A1990 Restricted
Contingency to Account A1430-5435 for the purpose of funding the
City newsletter and assisting with the establishment of IMPACT.
Carried Unanimously
15.6 Mayor/Personnel - Request Transfer of Funds to Cover Police
Chief Recruitment Expenses
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the City has incurred advertising and interview expenses
related to the Police Chief recruitment process in the amount of
$6,500 which has used up a large portion of the 1997 funds
budgeted for these accounts, and
WHEREAS, there are funds available in the Police Chief's salary
line due to the open Chief's position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Authorized Budget be amended by
transferring $6,500 from Account A3120-5105 to Accounts A1430-
5445, $4,000, and A1430-5445, $2,500, to cover Police Chief
recruitment advertising and interview expenses.
Carried Unanimously
15.7 Mayor/Personnel - Request to Hire Temporary Technical
Assistance
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the Personnel Department is in need of technical
assistance in the area of Civil Service due to shortage of staff
in the department, and
WHEREAS, the department has estimated that 300 hours of assistance
can be utilized through the hiring of a temporary contractor in
this area of work, at a cost of $6,795, and
WHEREAS, funds are available in the Administrative salary account
due to the open Personnel Director position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Authorized Budget be amended by
transferring an amount not to exceed $6,795 from Account A1430-
5105 Administrative Salaries to Account A1430-5435 Contracts for
the purpose of hiring a temporary contractor for the Personnel
Department.
Carried Unanimously
Common Council requested that Item 18.1 be moved forward on the
agenda.
COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE:
18.1 Request for Funding for Bosnia Children Project
By Alderperson Sams: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, the children of war torn Bosnia, and the children of
Ithaca, have established a bond that transcends race, culture,
poverty, the ocean, and any of life's obstacles, and
WHEREAS, these young people from both countries have set an
example of love, caring, and sharing for human kind, and
May 7, 1997
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WHEREAS, these young people have already sent supplies and helped
support the purchase of an ambulance for the Bosnian people, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council recognizes and applauds
the children for giving so generously of their time and monies,
and setting an example for others to follow, in their effort to
break down the barriers; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the request for $250 to bring children from Bosnia
to Ithaca be honored, said funds being derived from the
Unrestricted Contingency fund.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Mayor Cohen and
Alderperson Blumenthal speaking in opposition of the expenditure
of taxpayer monies for this endeavor, as they believe that the
funds should be spent on local youth. Mayor Cohen stated that he
would personally donate the $250. for this worthy cause.
Alderperson Marcham expressed concern regarding supporting one
group of youths in their service efforts, and not all of the
others.
Alderpersons Shenk, Efroymson, Sams, Mackesey, and Hanna spoke in
support of the resolution as they believe that the whole community
will benefit from the relationship these youths have formed with
the Bosnian children.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) Shenk, Mackesey, Sams, Efroymson, Hanna
Marcham, Gray, Thorpe
Nays (1) Blumenthal
Carried
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Alderperson Marcham requested that Item 16.8 be moved forward on
the agenda.
16.8 Common Council - Southside Community Center Project Revision
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
WHEREAS, planning for the CDBG renovation project for the
Southside Community Center is nearly complete, with construction
expected to begin next month, and
WHEREAS, the project engineer estimated the annual operating cost
of the proposed air conditioning system to be $10,200 and this is
a large expense for using the system, and
WHEREAS, the new heating and ventilation system for the gym
addition will have an economizer cycle which provides full
ventilation of the gym and addition during the summer months, and
WHEREAS, the electrical capacity and roof support will be provided
so that this ventilation system can have air conditioning added by
placing a condensing unit on the roof in the future for a capital
cost of about $15,000, and
WHEREAS, the construction budget for the entire project is
constrained and the $15,000 of capital cost for the condenser unit
could go to other tangible improvements at the center, and
May 7, 1997
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WHEREAS, the economizer cycle can be tried at least through the
summer of 1998 to see how the new ventilation system works before
investing in the air conditioning condensing unit; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council recommends against installing
the air conditioner condensing unit until such time that the
demand for air conditioning is established, and Common Council
agrees to fund the operating costs.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the ventilation system
and other alternatives. Alderperson Mackesey requested that the
Controller’s office work with NYSEG to inquire about discounted
energy rates. Alderpersons Thorpe and Sams suggested that this
matter be referred to the Community Issues Committee for
continuing discussion.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
16.1 Commons Coordinator - Conceptual Approval of B.I.D. Request
to Allow Tables and Chairs on Commons
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, Common Council supports the efforts of the Downtown
Ithaca Business Improvement District to strengthen the economic
viability of the business district, and
WHEREAS, in an effort to work toward that goal, the Business
Improvement District Board of Directors has proposed an increase
in Commons dining space with the addition of tables and chairs
maintained by local merchants; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council endorses the Business Improvement
District’s increase in Commons seating with the understanding that
the tables and chairs will be available on a first-come first-
served basis.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding sanctioned
hours, Commons permits, and police enforcement. Mack Travis, BID
Board of Directors, and Joshua Mendell, Commons Coordinator
Office, informed Council of the discussions that have been held by
the Commons Advisory Board and Business Improvement District (BID)
Committees, and noted that both committees support the sanctioned
use hours.
Substitute Resolution
By Alderperson Thorpe: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That the following Resolution be substituted for the
original Resolution:
WHEREAS, Common Council supports the efforts of the Downtown
Ithaca Business Improvement District to strengthen the economic
viability of the business district, and
WHEREAS, in an effort to work toward that goal, the Business
Improvement District Board of Directors has proposed an increase
in Commons dining space with the addition of tables and chairs
purchased and maintained by local merchants, and
WHEREAS, there has been expressed concern that seating be
available on a first-come, first served basis, and
May 7, 1997
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WHEREAS, the Commons Advisory Board has taken this under
consideration, and
WHEREAS, the Commons Advisory Board and the Board of Public Works
has, following discussion with the Business Improvement District,
recommended that participating restaurants be permitted to
maintain sanctioned dining hours for their customer use, 11:30 am
to 1:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, with all other hours available
for general public use; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council endorses the Business Improvement
District’s increase in Commons seating on a trial basis for the
1997 summer season.
Ayes (7) Shenk, Efroymson, Blumenthal, Hanna,
Marcham, Thorpe, Gray
Nays (2) Sams, Mackesey
Carried
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Thorpe: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That the following additional Resolved clause be added
to end of the Resolution:
“RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Police Department will not forcibly
remove any person from this seating for the sole reason of failing
to abide by the restricted hours.”
Upon further discussion, Alderpersons Thorpe and Efroymson
withdrew their amendment.
Main Motion as Amended
A vote on the Main Motion/Substitute Resolution resulted as
follows:
Ayes (7) Shenk, Efroymson, Blumenthal, Hanna,
Marcham, Thorpe, Gray
Nays (2) Sams, Mackesey
Carried
RECESS:
Common Council adjourned into recess at 9:50 pm.
RECONVENE:
Common Council reconvened into Regular Session at 10:15 pm.
16.2 Commons Coordinator - Request Approval of Elevator Contract
with Center Ithaca
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, the Center Ithaca elevator is currently in operation 42%
of the time due to time restrictions of Center Ithaca operating
hours, and
WHEREAS, there is a need to operate the elevator 24 hours a day to
allow service to the Green Street Parking Garage, and
WHEREAS, it has been estimated that the additional hours to bring
the elevator up to 24 hour operation would cost $8,345 annually,
and
WHEREAS, the additional hours of operation are at a lower usage
rate, therefore, Center Ithaca has offered to operate the elevator
24 hours at a cost to the City of $6,000 annually; now, therefore,
be it
May 7, 1997
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RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to enter into an agreement
with TSD Associates, Center Ithaca, to operate the Center Ithaca
elevator 24 hours at an annual cost not to exceed $6,000, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $4,000 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A5653-5435 for
the purpose of operating the Center Ithaca elevator 24 hours for
the remainder of 1997, and be it further
RESOLVED, That wording be incorporated into said agreement to
include the repair of the elevator to operate in cold weather.
Carried Unanimously
16.3 DPW - Request to Amend Authorized Equipment List
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Thorpe
WHEREAS, the Assistant Superintendent has reviewed the 1997
Capitalized equipment list approved with the 1997 Final Budget,
and
WHEREAS, an error in the equipment request was uncovered in which
a tractor with a replacement cost of $14,000 was scheduled for
replacement because it appeared on the equipment list as a 1987
model rather than its actual date of 1992, and
WHEREAS, the department would like to substitute another piece of
equipment that was dropped from the 1997 equipment requests during
the budget review process; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Department of Public Works Authorized Equipment
List be amended as follows:
Delete C.P. #335 John Deere Tractor $14,000
Add C.P. #335 Sign Lettering Machine $14,000
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the appropriate adjustments be made to the 1997
Capital Projects breakdown and the operating accounts to reflect
these changes.
Carried Unanimously
16.4 A Local Law to amend section C-69 of the City Charter
pertaining to the powers of the Board of Public Works related to
parks
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
LOCAL LAW NO. Of the Year 1997
BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent. This local law is intended
to clarify the powers of the Board of Public Works of the City of
Ithaca to acquire land for park purposes within and outside the
boundaries of the City of Ithaca
Section 2. Section C-69(A) of the Ithaca City Charter
entitled "Parks" shall be amended as follows:
May 7, 1997
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Sec. C-69. Parks.
A. Acquisition of land for park purposes. The Board of Public
Works shall have power to adopt and execute plans for the laying
out, improvement and maintenance of the parks, and to provide
additional parks either within or without the limits of the City
of Ithaca and, for such purposes, to acquire, by gift, purchase or
condemnation, lands within or without the limits of the City of
Ithaca and to lay out, cultivate and improve the lands so
acquired.
Section 3. This Local Law shall take effect after it is filed
in the office of the Secretary of State.
Carried Unanimously
16.5 Planning Department - Request Amendment of Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
WHEREAS, the sub-committee on Planning departmental structure has
agreed on several recommendations for re-structuring the City
Planning Department, including to proceed with the hiring of an
Environmental/Landscape Planner, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee has reviewed the
need to hire an Environmental/Landscape Planner and is also
recommending that such a position be established and hired; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Planning Department Authorized Personnel
Roster be amended, effective May 8, 1997, as follows:
Add: One (1) Environmental/Landscape Planner, 35 hours
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Environmental/Landscape Planner be
assigned to the CSEA Administrative Unit at Grade 19, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That funds needed for said hiring be derived from the
following sources for the remainder of 1997, and shall not exceed
the following amounts:
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency $13,559
Account A8020-5435 4,600
$18,159
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Controller be authorized to make necessary
budget transfers to fund said hiring.
Carried Unanimously
16.6 Finance/Chamberlain - Request for Reclassification of Senior
Account Clerk Position
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
RESOLVED, That the Authorized Personnel Roster in the
Chamberlain's Office be amended, effective May 12, 1997, as
follows:
Add: One (1) Principal Account Clerk
Delete: One (1) Senior Account Clerk
and be it further
May 7, 1997
14
RESOLVED, that the position of Principal Account Clerk be assigned
to the CSEA Administrative Unit at Grade 9, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Deborah Griffin be appointed to the position of
Principal Account Clerk, at an annual salary of $23,140, effective
May 12, 1997, and be it further
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed, $1,714 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A1315-5110 for
purposes of funding said position reclassification.
Carried Unanimously
16.7 Common Council - Request for Budget Process Change
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee has reviewed the
one-month-earlier schedule for budget adoption and has asked the
City Attorney to draft further City Charter revisions, mainly in
the final stages of the budget process, and
WHEREAS, consideration of these revisions will delay formal
adoption of the new schedule until June, and
WHEREAS, committee members nevertheless supported the general
framework of Charter changes for earlier budget review by
unanimous (9-0) vote; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor should be informed of Common Council's
intent to initiate the earlier budget process this year and should
so inform City department heads.
Carried Unanimously
16.9 City Attorney - Authorize City Attorney to File BJA Grant
Application
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
WHEREAS, the City has the opportunity to apply for up to $150,000
in grant funds from the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice
Assistance for the legal assistance in the city's fight to shut
down drug houses; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to apply for a Department
of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance grant for the purposes of
hiring outside legal assistance to concentrate on the shutdown of
city drug houses.
Carried Unanimously
16.10 Police Department - Funding for Police Overtime
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
WHEREAS, various problems are encountered by the Police Department
at the end of the college year, and
WHEREAS, additional funds are required to provide Police
Department overtime at the end of the college year; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $12,860 be transferred from
Police Department administrative salaries A3120-5105 to Police
Department overtime A3120-5125.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
May 7, 1997
15
17.1 An Ordinance Amending Section 325-10.D.(1) “Accessory
Apartment Permits - Owner Occupancy Required” of Chapter 325
entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code -
Declaration of No Significant Environmental Impact
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, an Ordinance amending Section 325-10.D.(1) of the City of
Ithaca Municipal Code regarding “Accessory Apartment Permits -
Owner Occupancy Requirements,” of Chapter 325 has been submitted
to Common Council for consideration, 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, appropriate environmental review has been conducted, and
WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed action will not have a
significant effect on the environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca as lead agency
in this matter, hereby does adopt as its own the findings and
conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental
Assessment Form dated May 5, 1997, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca 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,
RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall constitute notice of this
negative declaration and the City Clerk be and she is hereby
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.
Carried Unanimously
17.2 An Ordinance Amending Section 325-10.D.(1) “Accessory
Apartment Permits - Owner Occupancy Required” of Chapter 325
entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
ORDINANCE NO. 97____
NOW BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
Section 1. The City of Ithaca Municipal Code, § 325-10.D.(10).
entitled “Owner Occupancy Required” is hereby amended as follows:
325-10.D. Requirements. In order to be granted a temporary permit,
the following criteria and requirements must be met:
(1) Owner occupancy required. The owner(s) or contract vendee of
the lot upon which the accessory apartment is located shall occupy
and maintain as a legal full-time residence at least one (1) of
the dwelling units on the premises, except for temporary absences
not to exceed eighteen (18) months in any five-year period. Longer
absences will result in revocation of the temporary permit, except
by approval of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Owner-occupants must
May 7, 1997
16
maintain an interest of thirty-three and one-third percent (33
1/3%) in the property.
Section 2. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately in accordance with
law upon publication of a notice as provided in the Ithaca City
Charter.
Carried Unanimously
17.3 An Ordinance Amending Section 325-3.B. of Chapter 325
entitled “Specific Terms or Words” - definition of “Dwelling,
Owner Occupied” - Declaration of No Significant Environmental
Impact
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hanna
WHEREAS, an Ordinance amending Section 325-3.B. of the City of
Ithaca Municipal Code regarding “Specific Terms or Words” -
definition of “Dwelling Owner Occupied”, of Chapter 325 has been
submitted to Common Council for consideration, 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, appropriate environmental review has been conducted, and
WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed action will not have a
significant effect on the environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca as lead agency
in this matter, hereby does adopt as its own the findings and
conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental
Assessment Form dated May 5, 1997, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca 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,
RESOLVED, That this Resolution shall constitute notice of this
negative declaration and the City Clerk be and she is hereby
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.
Carried Unanimously
17.4 An Ordinance Amending Section 325-3.B. of Chapter 325
entitled “Specific Terms or Words” - definition of “Dwelling,
Owner Occupied”
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Gray
ORDINANCE NO. 97____
NOW BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City
of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
Section 1. The City of Ithaca Municipal Code , Section 325-3.B
entitled “Specific Terms or Words” which includes the definition
of “Dwelling, Owner Occupied; is hereby amended as follows:
May 7, 1997
17
DWELLING, OWNER-OCCUPIED -- A building in which at least one (1)
dwelling unit is occupied by at least one (1) person who holds at
least thirty-three-and-one-third-percent legal interest in the
property and who maintains his/her principal residence in that
building. The owner(s) shall occupy and maintain as a legal,
full-time residence at least one (1) of the dwelling units on the
premises, except for temporary absences not to exceed eighteen
(18) months in any five-year period. Longer absences will result
in loss of any vested rights to use the building as an
owner-occupied dwelling and will cause the property to revert to
single-family status.
Section 2. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately in accordance with
law upon publication of a notice as provided in the Ithaca City
Charter
Carried Unanimously
17.5a An Ordinance Amending Sections 1-1, 325-23, 325-47 and 331-
4 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Regarding Exterior Property
Maintenance - Call for Public Hearing
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the current Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance was
passed on May 1, 1996 with a sunset provision calling for the
expiration of the Ordinance in twelve months, and
WHEREAS, evidence suggests that the Ordinance has been effective
in maintaining a standard of property maintenance that is
instrumental in preserving the integrity and quality of the City’s
neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, Common Council of the City of Ithaca will consider an
ordinance that will make the Exterior Property Maintenance
Ordinance a permanent City ordinance, and
WHEREAS, adoptions of such an Ordinance is subject to a public
hearing; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council shall hold a public hearing in the
matter of the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance to be held in
the Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street,
Ithaca, New York, on Wednesday, June 4, 1997, 7:00 p.m., and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk shall give notice of such public
hearing by the publication of a notice in the official newspaper
specifying the time when and the place where such public hearing
will be held, and in general terms describing the proposed
ordinance. This notice shall be published once at least 15
(fifteen) days prior to the public hearing, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Clerk shall transmit forthwith to the
Tompkins County Planning Board and to the City of Ithaca Planning
and Development Board true and exact copies of the proposed Zoning
Ordinance for their reports thereon.
Carried Unanimously
The Ordinance to be considered is as follows:
May 7, 1997
18
ORDINANCE 97- ____
Section 1. The City of Ithaca Municipal Code is hereby amended to
add to Section 325-23.B. a new Subsection 325-23.B.(2), entitled
"Exterior Property Maintenance," which shall read as follows:
"(2) Exterior property maintenance.
(a) Declaration of Purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to
provide a minimum standard for the maintenance of the exterior
grounds and visible facades of all properties within the City.
This ordinance is intended to help provide stable and inviting
neighborhoods and business and commercial districts, and to
promote public health and safety by prohibiting certain
deficiencies in exterior property maintenance which create or
contribute to unhealthy or hazardous conditions. This ordinance
is also intended to ensure that property owners or their
delegated agents perform such repair and maintenance of
properties as will prevent deficiencies that could become an
attractive nuisance with regard to children, trespassers or
household pets or that may attract insect or animal pests.
The adoption and enforcement of this subsection is intended to
serve as a deterrence to substandard exterior property
maintenance and as a tool for protecting property investment, the
tax base, and the health, safety and welfare of all City
residents.
(b) Definitions. For the purposes of this subsection, the
following definitions shall apply:
[1] COMPOSTING MATERIALS shall mean yard trimmings, vegetable
wastes and other organic matter managed for the purpose of
natural transformation into "compost" and stored in a container
or compact pile that (1) contains no sewage, sludge or septage;
(2) contains no inorganic materials, such as metal, plastic or
glass; and (3) is maintained in a manner to minimize odors and
the attraction of insect and animal pests.
[2] GARBAGE shall mean food wastes, food wrappers, containers,
non-recyclables or other materials resulting from the use,
consumption, and preparation of food or drink, as well as other
expended, used or discarded materials, such as paper, plastic,
metal, rags, or glass, etc., or any other wastes generated from
the day-to-day activities of a household, business, or public or
quasi-public facility. The term garbage does not include properly
prepared and stored recyclable materials or properly maintained
compost areas.
[3] The terms GROUNDS and EXTERIOR PROPERTY shall mean any area
of a building or lot, excluding PORCH AREAS, not enclosed within
the walls of a building. These terms include any public
rights-of-way which pass through or are adjacent to a property,
including the sidewalk and any area between the sidewalk, if
there is one, and the street pavement.
[4] The term PORCH AREA shall include any open and/or partially
enclosed porches or decks, as well as any entranceways or
exitways which are in the PUBLIC VIEW.
May 7, 1997
19
[5] The term PUBLIC VIEW shall mean areas of any property that
are visible by pedestrian or vehicular traffic in the public
right-of-way or visible from the exterior ground level of
adjoining properties or properties within 100 feet of the subject
property.
[6] The term SOLID WASTE shall include materials or substances
that are discarded or rejected as being spent, worthless, useless
or in excess to the owners at the time of such discard or
rejection, including but not limited to materials or substances
such as garbage, refuse, industrial and commercial wastes, sludge
from air or water treatment facilities, rubbish, tires, ashes,
incinerator residue, construction and demolition debris,
discarded motor vehicles, discarded household and commercial
appliances, and discarded furniture. An object shall be presumed
to be discarded or rejected solid waste when the object is
stored, placed or left on the grounds or exterior of the property
in the view of neighbors or passersby under circumstances which
meet any of the following criteria:
[a] The object produces an offensive smell;
[b] The object is of a type designed for interior use or made of
materials which are suitable only for interior use and the object
is left outside and exposed to precipitation;
[c] The object has reached a degree of dilapidation or disrepair
that can reasonably be presumed to render the material unsuitable
for or incapable of being used for its original intended purpose
or some other reasonable purpose;
[d] The object is left, placed or stored in a manner which
appears likely to cause injuries.
(c) Standards for Grounds and Exterior Property.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of all owners of property
in the City of Ithaca to ensure:
[1] that all grounds and exterior property are kept clean and
free of solid waste.
[2] that all garbage, when stored outside, is completely
contained in nonabsorbent, water-tight, durable containers having
a tight-fitting lid in place. Plastic bags are not considered
durable containers. Strong, waterproof plastic bags may be used
to place garbage at the curbside on the evening before scheduled
collections or may be taken to an approved refuse disposal site.
Composting materials, so long as they are maintained as defined
by this section, shall not be considered garbage.
[3] that solid waste, other than garbage stored in proper
containers described above, is not stored in the public view,
except that construction and demolition debris related to an
ongoing construction project with a valid building permit may be
stored in the public view for not more than thirty (30) days.
Reusable household discards may be placed at curbside on special
"Scavenger" days designated by the Department of Public Works,
but unclaimed discards must be removed by the property owner by
the deadline set by the Department. Residents may place reusable
materials on the tree lawn for purposes of informal scavenging,
not to be observable for more than two (2) successive days.
May 7, 1997
20
[4] that, within all residential zoning districts no more than
one (1) unlicensed motor vehicle may be stored in the public view
in a side or a rear yard. If there is no side or rear yard, one
unlicensed motor vehicle may be stored in the front yard in
compliance with Section 325-20.
However, this section shall not apply to a motor vehicle which
constitutes "solid waste" as defined in Section 1(2)(b)[6] above.
[5] that grass, weeds or other vegetation on grounds and exterior
property are maintained so that the height of vegetation is
limited to nine (9) inches, except for trees, bushes and other
vegetation planted, maintained or kept for some ornamental or
other useful purpose. Natural woodlands shall be considered an
ornamental or useful purpose.
[6] that the area along public rights-of-way adjacent to or on
the property, including but not limited to the area between the
front property line or sidewalk and the curb or street pavement,
is maintained in a reasonably clean and sanitary condition free
of garbage and/or solid waste, with any grass, weeds and brush in
said area cut or trimmed in compliance with Section
325-23.B.(2)(c)[5] above. The planting of annuals and perennials
in these sidewalk areas shall be allowed, but the planting of
trees or shrubs in these areas shall not be permitted without the
approval of the Superintendent of Public Works. Premises situated
at street intersections or on curved streets shall be kept in
such a condition as to give a clear and unobstructed view of the
intersection or curve.
[7] that trees, shrubs or other vegetation are pruned such that
they will not obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks.
The maintenance of city trees, including trees between the
sidewalk and curb, must be left to the Department of Public
Works.
[8] that fences and walls are maintained in a safe and
structurally sound condition.
[9] that steps, walks, driveways, parking spaces and other
similar paved areas are maintained so as to afford safe passage
under normal use and weather conditions.
[10] that sidewalks are kept substantially clear of snow, ice and
other obstructions, including but not limited to free flowing
water from drains, ditches, and/or downspouts located on the
property except during flooding. All sidewalks, ramps and curb
cuts shall be cleared of such obstructions within twenty four
(24) hours of when the obstruction initially occurs. For
properties that abut the intersection of two (2) streets, the
sidewalks that must be kept substantially clear of snow, ice and
other obstructions shall include that portion of the sidewalk
which runs to the curbline of any street and shall include any
access ramps therein. (See Section 285-5.) The obstruction of
sidewalks and access ramps is presumed to have commenced
concurrently with the beginning of any snow or ice fall or storm.
(d) Standards for Porch Areas.
It shall be the duty and responsibility of all owners of property
in the City of Ithaca to ensure:
May 7, 1997
21
[1] That porch areas are kept free of garbage, unless stored and
completely contained in durable, nonabsorbent, water-tight
containers having a tight-fitting lid in place. Plastic bags are
not considered durable containers.
[2] That construction and demolition debris be located on porch
areas for no longer than thirty (30) days.
(e) Responsibilities of agents delegated by property owners.
The responsibilities outlined in Section 325-23.B.(2)(c) may be
delegated to an agent by the property owner, so long as at the
time of any violation of this ordinance, an agency agreement is
on file in the City Building Department which contains the
following information: the identity of the owner and the agent,
the owner's and agent's addresses and current phone numbers, the
property or properties the agent is accepting responsibility for,
the beginning and ending date of the agreement, the exact
sections of this Code assigned to the agent, and the signatures
of both the property owner and agent, along with each party's
date of birth. The agent must be a resident of or maintain an
office for the transaction of business in Tompkins County. Post
office boxes will not be accepted as addresses for agents.
Section 2. Current Municipal Code Section 325-23.B.(2) and
Section 325-23.B.(3) shall be renumbered respectively as Section
325-23.B.(3) and Section 325-23.B.(4), and the first sentence of
the newly renumbered Section 325-23.B.(3) shall be amended to
read as follows, without changes to the subsequent sentences:
"In any case in which the City intends to correct a violation of
Sections 325-23.B(1) or 325-23.B.(2) and then bill the property
owner for the correction of the violation, the Building
Commissioner or his/her designee shall notify the owner of the
property, and, where relevant, the registered agent who has
assumed responsibility as outlined in Section 325-23.B (2)(e) of
this Code, in writing, of any violation of this section."
Section 3. The following language shall be added to the end of
Municipal Code Section 325-47, entitled "Penalties for offenses":
"C. Violations of Section 325-23.B.(2) shall be punishable in
accordance with Section 1-1 of this Code."
Section 4. Current Municipal Code Section 1-1.B. shall be amended
to read as follows:
"B. Notwithstanding the penalty provisions of the preceding
subsection or other penalties specified in subsequent sections of
this Code, the penalties for violation of the Code sections
listed below shall be: not more than forty dollars ($40) nor less
than twenty dollars ($20) for a first offense at the same
property; not more than sixty dollars ($60) nor less than thirty
dollars ($30) for a second offense at the same property; and not
more than one hundred dollars ($100) nor less than fifty dollars
($50) for a third offense at the same property, if a conviction
for such offense occurs within the same twelve-month period. Each
day on which the condition exists may be charged and shall be
considered as a separate offense.
CODE SECTION
May 7, 1997
22
196-5 (Uncollected garbage)
210-35 (Open areas)
210-36.C. (Accessory structures)
210-38 (Garbage and refuse)
272-4.D. (Mobile signs)
272-4.E. (Banners and pennants)
285-5 (Sidewalks)
325-20.A.(5) (Front yard parking)
325-23.B.(1) (Yard maintenance)
325-23.B.(2) (Exterior property maintenance)
Section 5. Current Municipal Code Section 331-4 shall be amended
to read as follows:
"Section 331-4 Prohibited actions. No person shall throw, cast,
drop, put or place, or having accidentally dropped, fail to pick
up, any bag, bottle, bottle cap, box, container, garbage, paper,
piece of paper, wrapper or any other trash or litter in or upon
any public or private park or outdoor place, except in
receptacles provided for such purposes."
Section 6. Effective Date.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately in accordance with
law upon publication of a notice as provided in the Ithaca City
Charter.
Approval of Outdoor Dining Deck for Station Restaurant
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the owners of the Station Restaurant have requested the
use of city park land adjacent to the Station Restaurant for the
construction of an outdoor dining deck attached to the restaurant,
and
WHEREAS, although this land is owned by the City, it is designated
parkland by virtue of federal funds used to acquire the property
and therefore use of this property, until the alienation and
conversion of Inlet Island park land is complete, requires the
approval of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation, and
WHEREAS, as indicated on the site plan, the area in question is
only 850 sf, (approximately 17ft x 50ft from the building), and
does not appear to present an incompatible use or intrusion into
this area, and
WHEREAS, the proposed deck creates an opportunity to expand the
market supporting the Station Restaurant, a recognized Ithaca
landmark and anchor business for Inlet Island and the West End;
now, therefore be it
May 7, 1997
23
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council supports, in
concept, the use of parkland adjacent to the Station Restaurant
for an outdoor dining deck as shown on the site plan, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That should the Office of State Parks, Recreation and
Historic Preservation approve this proposed use of parkland, final
approval by the City will be subject to positive recommendations
by the Parks Commission and Board of Public Works.
Carried Unanimously
17.7 Economic Development Plan - Report
Alderperson Blumenthal reported that a sub-committee of the
Planning and Economic Development Committee met to discuss the
hiring of Tom Niederkorn to prepare an Economic Development Plan
for the City. The committee discussed the need for coordination
with the Tompkins County Board of Representatives’ effort to
prepare a strategic plan for economic development in the County,
but also identified the City’s individual needs. The sub-
committee could not agree on a recommendation to bring forth to
Council. This subject will be brought back to the Planning and
Economic Development Committee for further discussion, and
Barbara Blanchard, Chair of the County’s Economic Development
Committee is scheduled to be present to explain the County’s
proposed work plan.
17.8 Planning Department Re-Organization Plan
Alderperson Blumenthal reported that upon the approval of a sub-
committee of the Planning and Economic Development Committee, the
overall structure of the Planning Department will be as follows:
Planning Director
Director or Deputy Director for Economic Development
Historic Preservation/Neighborhood Planner
Environmental/Landscape Planner
Economic Development Planner
Planning Systems Manager
Discussion regarding the Economic Development Director will follow
discussions regarding the hiring of an Economic Development
Planner. Budget related discussion will be held in the near
future. The topic of the hiring of an Assistant to the Planning
Systems Manager has been referred to the Budget & Administration
Committee for discussion, as this position includes performing
work in consultation with many departments.
17.9 Special Common Council Meeting
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That Common will hold a Special Common Council meeting
on May 21, 1997, at 7:30 p.m., at City Hall, 108 E. Green Street,
Ithaca, New York, for the purpose of holding a Public Hearing, and
considering a Resolution regarding the disbursement of the second
year monies of the CDBG program, as well as consideration of other
items.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
May 7, 1997
24
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen
City Clerk Mayor