HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1997-09-03
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. September 3, 1997
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (10) - Vaughan, Sams, Shenk, Mackesey, Hanna, Gray,
Thorpe, Marcham, Blumenthal, Efroymson
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk - Conley Holcomb
City Attorney - Geldenhuys
City Controller - Cafferillo
Deputy Controller - Thayer
Building Commissioner - Eckstrom
Planning and Development Director - Van Cort
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Police Chief - Basile
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Alderperson Efroymson requested a correction to the April 2, 1997
minutes on Item 16.1. Alderperson Efroymson would like the
record to reflect that his abstention was due to the fact that
the item was not reviewed or discussed adequately.
Alderperson Shenk requested a correction to the August 6, 1997
minutes on Item 19.5. City Clerk Conley Holcomb reported that
the Resolved clause will be changed to read “Resolved, That
retroactive to July 21, 1997, Deputy Police Chief Barnes salary
be increased by $4,000.”
Resolution
RESOLVED, That the minutes from March 5, April 2, May 7, May 13,
May 21, June 4, June 18, July 2, July 16 and August 6, 1997
Common Council meetings be approved.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Community Issues Committee
Alderperson Sams requested the additions of Item 18.1 Disability
Advisory Council - Resolution, and Item 18.2 Southside Community
Center - Resolution to the agenda.
No Council member objected.
Executive Session
Mayor Cohen requested the addition of an Executive Session to
discuss a personnel item.
No Council member objected.
City Clerk Conley Holcomb reported that there is a correction to
Consent Agenda Item 16.10 regarding the Neighborhood and Historic
Preservation Planner. The correction adds language assigning the
position to the CSEA Administrative Unit at salary grade 21.
This item was withdrawn from the Consent Agenda and placed with
the Budget and Administration Committee items.
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Item 16.11 was withdrawn from the consent agenda and placed with
the Budget and Administration Committee items.
YOUTH AWARD:
Alderperson Mackesey presented the September 1997 Youth Award to
the Immaculate Conception School Student Council for their
“Pennies from Heaven” fundraising campaign. These students
collected nearly $400. in pennies from their classmates, which
will be used to purchase new equipment for the school gymnasium.
Members of the Student Council include: Jim Bonnaci, Kyle
Franklin, Elizabeth Frantz, Amanda Kirchgessner, Claire Louge,
Napalie Louge, Caitlin Parsons, Anthony Raggi, Norbert Shickel,
John Shickel, Reggie Shickel, Mark Zaharis, Elizabeth Zaharis.
MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS:
Community Police Board
By Alderperson Efroymson : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That Arlene Richardson be appointed to the Community
Police Board with a term to expire December 31, 1997.
Carried Unanimously
Community Police Board
By Alderperson Efroymson: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That Ralph Jones be appointed to the Community Police
Board with a term to expire December 31, 1998.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Sams arrived at the meeting at 7:15 P.M.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
City Clerk Conley Holcomb read a memorandum from Betsy Darlington
regarding the acceptance of the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan.
Susan Blumenthal read letters from Barbara Blanchard, County
Board of Representatives, and Linda Daybell, Tompkins County
Chamber of Commerce, regarding the adoption of the Waterfront
Plan
Tompkins County Waterfront Plan
The following people spoke in support of the Tompkins County
Waterfront Plan:
Herb Godfreid, Cascadilla Boat Club
Herb Engman, Town of Newfield
Doria Higgins, Town of Ithaca
Cynthia Yahn, City of Ithaca
Traffic Calming Measures
Jutta Dotterweich, City of Ithaca, addressed Council in support
of the proposed traffic calming measures around Beverly J. Martin
School.
David Nutter, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the
effect that the Beverly J. Martin traffic calming measures will
have on bicyclists. He further noted that Bicycle Advisory
Council was not appraised of the proposed measures and could have
offered constructive input to the project.
September 3, 1997
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Cass Park Ball Fields/Softball Association
The following people addressed Council regarding the increased
fees for use of the Cass Park ball fields, and the decrease in
services provided:
Arthur Watkins, City of Ithaca
Sarah McGowan, City of Ithaca
Glen Howser, City of Ithaca
Denise Pritchard, Town of Dryden
Deedee Smith, Town of Newfield, President of Softball Association
Lisa Wabble, City of Ithaca
Building Department
Steven Gomprecht, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding
harassment by the Building Department for plantings on his
property.
Mitchell Street
Bryna Fireside, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the
Mitchell Street construction project.
Aurora Street
Fay Gougakis addressed Council regarding Aurora Street traffic
and noise. She further spoke about student housing, the
skateboard park at Stewart Park, the Waterfront Plan, and the
Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project.
Alderperson Thorpe arrived at 7:35 P.M.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Cass Park Ball Fields/Softball Association
Alderpersons Shenk and Mackesey stated that they would like to
work with the Department of Public Works and the Softball
Association to ensure that a viable softball program remains in
the City.
Tompkins County Waterfront Plan
Alderperson Blumenthal reported that the Waterfront Plan has five
goals with built in environmental protection.
Alderperson Vaughan stated that the Waterfront Plan is a guide to
future activity.
Alderperson Efroymson stated that there are no compelling reasons
for adoption vs. acceptance of the Waterfront Plan.
Alderperson Marcham stated that the word “acceptance” will not
slow down development along the waterfront.
Alderperson Mackesey responded to comments about the Waterfront
Plan. She stated that she resents the battlelines being drawn
over the plan.
Alderperson Sams reported that she will vote to “adopt” the
Waterfront Plan.
Mayor Cohen responded to comments about the Softball Association,
softball lights, Mitchell Street, and Spencer Road.
Alderperson Hanna arrived at 8:15 P.M.
September 3, 1997
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Alderperson Efroymson requested that the Mayor fill the Bicycle
Advisory Council vacancies.
REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
Board of Public Works
Vice Chair Ehrhardt reported on the following:
The Board approved the traffic calming capital project at Beverly
J. Martin School, Immaculate Conception, and GIAC and the $12,000
capital project for transit consolidation
The Board rejected a trash violation expungement
The Board approved expungement of a water and sewer bill
The Board approved the use of DeWitt Park by the First Church of
Christ Scientist on September 13, 1997 with amplified sound but
ruled however that this would not set a precedent
The Board denied a request for the pavilion use fee for the
Stewart Park Pavilion for a performance
The Board approved a resolution for adoption of the Tompkins
County Waterfront Plan
PARKS COMMISSION
Joanne Cornish-Epps requested that the Parks Commission be
included in the discussions with the Softball Association. She
further noted that the Commission was not included in the Board
of Public Works decisions about the use DeWitt Park and Stewart
Park mentioned above. She further reported that the Parks
Commission voted unanimously to recommend adoption of the
Tompkins County Waterfront Plan.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Conley Holcomb reported that she delivered the five
referendum items to the Board of Elections for the November
general election. Three items were held over from 1996 and two
items were passed in 1997.
City Clerk Conley Holcomb also informed Council that the City
Clerk’s Office will be issuing Commons Use Permits as the Commons
Coordinator’s office has been closed.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
.1 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend Youth Bureau Budget
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the cost of referees for the City's Adult Hockey League
has increased by $10 per game to $50 with an overall program cost
of $1,000, and
WHEREAS, the increased cost will be offset by increased revenues
generated by a $10 increase in the league fee; now, therefore, be
it
September 3, 1997
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RESOLVED, That the 1997 Youth Bureau Budget be amended as follows
for said hockey league costs:
Increase Revenue Account:
A7310-2065-1511 $1,000
Increase Appropriation Account
A7310-5440-1551 $1,000
Carried Unanimously
.2 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend Youth Bureau Budget
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the Cass Park Ice Rink would like to sell advertising
space on the rink's dasher boards, and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost to prepare the dasher boards for
advertising is $3,500 for printing and other associated costs,
and
WHEREAS, the cost of said preparation would be offset by
advertising revenue; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Youth Bureau Budget be amended as follows
for the purpose of selling Cass Park Rink dasher board
advertising:
Increase Revenue Account
A7310-2070-1511 $3,500
Increase Appropriation Account
A7310-5477-1511 $3,500
Carried Unanimously
.3 DPW - Request to Establish Capital Project for Traffic
Calming
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has submitted a proposed
Capital Project to implement traffic calming measures in the area
of the Beverly J. Martin School, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has received many requests
over the past several years to improve safety, and
WHEREAS, a cost estimate of $23,142 has been established to
implement the traffic calming measures, which includes new
traffic signals; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the establishment
of Capital Project #349 Traffic Improvements BJM in an amount not
to exceed $23,142 for the installation of traffic signals and
other traffic calming measures in the area of the Beverly J.
Martin School, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Traffic Engineer be directed to collect data
on the traffic calming measures and report back to Council within
six months from installation date on the impact said traffic
calming measures have on the area, and be it further
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RESOLVED, That said funds shall be derived from the Consolidated
Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) Funds and
authorizes the Controller to make necessary transfers.
Carried Unanimously
.4 Common Council - Request Approval of City-wide World Wide
Web Policy
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, for several years, it has been the policy of Common
Council to support all expedient efforts to use the Internet to
help meet the mission of service to the citizens of City of
Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, Council action has already resulted in such major steps
as putting the needed technology in place, and creating a new
position in City government dedicated to the purposes of network
services, and
WHEREAS, every department of the City, and several members of
Common Council have participated in supporting and building our
networking capacity to its present state, and
WHEREAS, the City has been well represented in several
intermunicipal and inter-entity efforts to assure that the
benefits of the Information Revolution reach all citizens of the
city, and
WHEREAS, it is now recognized that the Internet and the World
Wide Web are very effective methods of delivering information to
people, and
WHEREAS, cities throughout the United States have already
established very extensive and interactive Web sites to provide
information in support of their mission, including promotion of
economic development, support of tourism, pursuit of fugitives,
protection of citizen safety, and promotion of citizen
participation in government, and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the City of Ithaca to support,
rather than inhibit, the flow of information to the public; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That it is the policy of the City of Ithaca that:
1. All Departments shall develop a proposal, with a timeline,
to move information to the World Wide Web, with a priority on (a)
already published or soon-to-be published information, (b)
information that answers citizens' "frequently asked questions"
about city government and (c) information that (once put on the
web) tends to save staff time, and release staff time to higher
level tasks.
1A. A Committee shall be formed by Common Council to review
classes of information designated by City Departments for
placement on the World Wide Web.
2. Each Department shall designate a "web point-of-contact"
from among current staff, to assist the Network Administrator and
the Deputy Clerk in the movement of public information to the
World Wide Web,
and be it further
September 3, 1997
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RESOLVED, That under this policy, Department heads or their
designees
3. Shall review posted materials to the Web for
appropriateness, accuracy, and effectiveness in supporting the
mission of the Department and the City, and
4. Shall assure that Web publishing is consistent with existing
policies that protect private and confidential information from
being made public.
Carried Unanimously
.5 Finance/Chamberlain - Request Approval to Deny Waiver of Tax
Penalty
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the property owner at 230 Willard Way has requested a
waiver of tax penalty for 1997 City Second Installment tax bills,
and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and Budget and Administration
Committee have reviewed the supporting documentation for the
taxpayer's request and are recommending to deny the waiver of tax
penalty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby denies the request for
waiver of tax penalty, based upon New York State Real Property
Tax Law, for the property owner at 230 Willard Way.
Carried Unanimously
.6 Finance/Chamberlain - Request Approval to Deny Waiver of Tax
Penalty
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the property owner at 616 West Buffalo Street has
requested a waiver of tax penalty for 1997 City Second
Installment tax bills, and
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain and Budget and Administration
Committee have reviewed the supporting documentation for the
taxpayer's request and are recommending to deny the waiver of tax
penalty; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby denies the request for
waiver of tax penalty, based upon New York State Real Property
Tax Law, for the property owner at 616 West Buffalo Street.
Carried Unanimously
.7 Finance/Chamberlain - Approval of Partial Expungement of
Sidewalk Assessment
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the City Engineer's Office reviewed the sidewalk
assessment, previously approved by Common Council, for the
property owner at 323 and 325 West Buffalo Street and determined
that an error was made, and
WHEREAS, the review of the assessment revealed that the original
bill of $832.50 was based on incorrect property lines, and the
bill should be reduced by $122.50; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the sidewalk
assessment adjustment in the amount of $122.50 for the property
owner at 323 and 325 West Buffalo Street, and directs the City
September 3, 1997
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Chamberlain to reduce the warrant by said amount for the sidewalk
adjustment.
Carried Unanimously
.8 Finance/Chamberlain - Request Funds for Bankruptcy
Representation
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, Common Council approved $1,425 for training and review
of bankruptcy cases at its regular meeting of May 7, 1997, and
WHEREAS, that training and review has occurred, and there is a
need for additional bankruptcy representation at an estimated
cost of $2,000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $2,000 be transferred from
Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A1420-5430 for
the purpose of providing additional bankruptcy representation to
City staff.
Carried Unanimously
.9 Building Department - Approval to Fill Code Inspector
Vacancy
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Building
Commissioner to fill the vacant Code Inspector position effective
September 8, 1997, and be it further
RESOLVED, Funds for said position shall be derived within the
existing Building Department budget.
Carried Unanimously
.12 Finance/Controller - Request to Approve 1997-1998 Civil
Service Agreement
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and
directed to execute an agreement between the City of Ithaca and
the Ithaca City School District for performance by the City for
services in connection with Civil Service matters for the period
July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998, in the amount of $25,868.00,
payable to the City of Ithaca on or before November 1, 1997.
Carried Unanimously
.13 Finance/Controller - Request to Provide Funds for 1997 City
Employee Recognition Picnic
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the 1997 City of Ithaca Employee Recognition Picnic will
be held all day on Friday, September 19, 1997; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $3,500.00 be transferred
from the Unrestricted Contingency Account A1990 to Account A1430-
5440 in order to pay for the 1997 City of Ithaca Employee
Recognition Picnic.
Carried Unanimously
.14 DPW - Request to Amend Capital Project for Transit Items
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Transit is a partner with Cornell University
and Tompkins County in the Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (T-
September 3, 1997
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CAT) and is a recipient of capital funds through the Federal and
State Governments, and
WHEREAS, the Operations Committee of T-CAT has recommended
approval of the capital projects for 1997, totaling $285,616, of
which the City of Ithaca's share is $12,166, and
WHEREAS, the 1997 Capital Program includes a Fare Consolidation
Study, HVAC Upgrades, Video security camera, Spare parts, and
Administration, and
WHEREAS, the funding allocation for the recommended list of
transit capital projects is as follows:
Federal Funds (US DOT Section 5307) $228,493
New York State Aid (NYS DOT) 11,062
Cornell University (C.U. Transit) 12,166
City of Ithaca (Ithaca Transit) 12,166
Tompkins County (Tomtran) 21,729
$285,616
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Capital Project #317 Transit Capital Program be
amended by an amount not to exceed $12,166 for said transit
projects with the funds derived from Capital Reserve #22,
contingent on the receipt of said federal and state funds, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the cost allocation among the City of Ithaca,
Cornell University and Tompkins County relates to this capital
project, and future capital projects and operational costs will
be allocated per appropriate agreements among these entities.
Carried Unanimously
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
.10 Planning Department - Request to Amend Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Marcham : Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the Planning Board has reviewed and approved a
reorganization of the Planning Department, which included the new
position of Neighborhood and Historic Preservation Planner, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee has reviewed the
new position included in the reorganization plan and concurs with
the recommendation from the Planning Board; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 1997 Authorized Personnel Roster of the
Planning Department be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Neighborhood and Historic
Preservation Planner
Delete: One (1) Planner II
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Neighborhood and Historic
Preservation Planner be assigned to the CSEA Administrative Unit
at salary grade 21.
September 3, 1997
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Discussion followed on the floor regarding the salary range for
this position.
Resolution
By Alderperson Sams : Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
RESOLVED, That this item be tabled pending the submission of
additional information.
Carried Unanimously
.11 Planning Department - Approval of Contract to Permit
Elevator Access to Annex
By Alderperson Marcham : Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, there had at one time existed a connection between the
Annex and City Hall, and
WHEREAS, this connection was there, in part, to provide elevator
service to the Annex, and
WHEREAS, the City has been requested to reestablish the
connection between the two buildings on the second floor level,
and
WHEREAS, although the Annex is owned by a private entity, it is
in the City's interest to assist the owner of the property in
fully leasing the Annex thereby adding to the downtown office
population, an important component in the City's downtown
revitalization strategy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council authorizes the Mayor, subject
to the advice of the City Attorney, Director of Planning &
Development, Superintendent of Public Works to enter into an
agreement with Cathleen and Bruno Schickel that would provide for
access to the City Hall elevator to the second floor of the Annex
for an initial period of five years at a rate of $600.00 per
year, pursuant to the terms described in the Schickel’s letter to
the Deputy Director of Planning and Development, with an option
to extend for another five-year period, contingent upon the
following:
1. Evidence of insurance in the amounts recommended by Ithaca
Agency
2. That the elevator access will only be available during
normal City Hall business hours,
3. That the Schickel’s perform all the code-related renovation
necessary to make the existing bridge a code compliant connection
at no cost to the City.
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Efroymson
voicing his opposition to the elevator access as he feels that
this issue should have been discussed when other developers
inquired about this same usage.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) Shenk, Mackesey, Vaughan,
Blumenthal, Hanna, Gray,
Thorpe, Sams
Nays (1) Efroymson
September 3, 1997
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Carried
17.1 Building Department - Request Funds to Demolish Building
By Alderperson Marcham : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, the building at 304 Cascadilla Street has fallen into
severe disrepair and is a threat to the health and safety of the
surrounding neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, the owner has been contacted to either repair or
demolish the structure and has, so far, not done so, and
WHEREAS, the Building Department staff recommends the removal of
the property because of the costly repairs needed, and
WHEREAS, the department has contacted a demolition contractor and
the estimate for such action is $22,000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Building
Department to contract with a demolition contractor, after
appropriate bidding requirements are met, for the demolition of
the building at 304 Cascadilla Street at a cost not to exceed
$22,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $22,000 be transferred
from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A3620-5435
for the purpose of said building demolition, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Building Department, Attorney's Office, and
Chamberlain's Office take the necessary steps to recover all or
at least a portion of the building demolition cost from the
property owner.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Vaughan : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That the last Resolved clause be amended to read as
follows:
“RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $22,000 be transferred
from Account A3620-110 Unexpended Salary Line within the Building
Department for the purpose of said building demolition, and be it
further”
Carried Unanimously
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Hanna speaking
in opposition to the demolition being completed in 1997 and felt
that it should be planned for the beginning of 1998.
Alderperson Thorpe stated that it is important for the City to
take a proactive approach for neighborhoods.
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) Mackesey, Shenk, Gray, Efroymson, Sams,
Blumenthal, Marcham, Thorpe, Vaughan
Nays (1) Hanna
Carried
17.2 Police Department - Request to Temporarily Amend Personnel
Roster
By Alderperson Marcham : Seconded By Alderperson Gray
September 3, 1997
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WHEREAS, Fred Muhlsteff has requested that his hours be
temporarily reduced to 30 hours, for educational purposes,
through December 26, 1997; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That, effective August 25, 1997, Fred Muhlsteff be
allowed to work 30 hours per week through December 26, 1997.
Carried Unanimously
RECESS:
On a motion Common Council recessed at 9:15 P.M.
RECONVENE:
Common Council reconvened into regular session at 9:25 P.M.
COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE:
18.1 Handicap Parking
By Alderperson Sams : Seconded by Alderperson Gray
WHEREAS, the Disability Advisory Council should be empowered to
create a survey to be distributed to all handicap parking permit
holders in Tompkins County. The purpose of the survey would be
to gather information from many people about their experience of
parking abuse. This survey would be distributed by mail to all
permit holders, and
WHEREAS, the City should keep multi-year records of parking
tickets issued for handicapped parking violations, and
WHEREAS, the city should engage in a public education campaign to
be coordinated by the DAC which will include media work to inform
residents of the need to respect designated parking, inform
people of the penalties for abuse, and announce the City’s
intention to assure that spaces be respected, and penalties be
enforced; communication with handicap parking permit holders to
get a better sense of the adequacy of the amount of designated
parking, and the extent of abuse, and
WHEREAS, the City should gather in one place the actual number of
designated spaces,
WHEREAS, the City ADA Coordinator and the DAC should report to
Common Council and recommend a common sense number of spaces
which ought to be designated based on the following: The number
of spaces available, the number of spaces currently designated,
the feedback from current handicap parking permit holders, now
therefore be it,
RESOLVED, That intermunicipal cooperation and coordination should
be done with the municipalities within Tompkins County, and joint
cooperation with the City Clerk’s Office, ADA Coordinator and the
Disability Advisory Council regarding the issue of handicapped
parking.
Carried Unanimously
18.2 Southside Community Center Report
By Alderperson Sams : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, Common council recognizes the importance and need for
the Southside Community Center, and
WHEREAS, their responsibility to the cultural diversity and make
up of our community is a much needed addition, now; therefore be
it
September 3, 1997
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RESOLVED, That the Community Issues Committee recommends $68,000
be put into the 1998 Mayor’s budget for the Southside Community
Center.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
18.1 Acceptance of Tompkins County Waterfront Plan
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
WHEREAS the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca and the County of
Tompkins recently conducted a study partially funded by the New
York State Council on the Arts, entitled “Tompkins County
Waterfront Plan,” and
WHEREAS the City, Town and County are endowed with extraordinary
natural resources including Cayuga Lake, Cayuga Inlet and the
waterways which traverse the City, Town and County, and
WHEREAS the aforementioned document sets forth goals concerning
the protection, enhancement and enjoyment of these water-related
resources, and
WHEREAS the plan includes numerous other proposals including:
development of such facilities as pedestrian walkways and in-town
harbors; recommendations for strengthening planning for, and
protecting, the lake and its tributaries; proposals for
institutional changes aided at monitoring lake water quality;
etc.
WHEREAS these recommendations were reviewed and commented on at a
series of public meetings, and
WHEREAS these recommendations will lead to further study of the
waterfront and the waterways, beginning with a Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program for which the City, Town and County have
received partial funding from New York State’s Department of
State, and
WHEREAS no projects suggested will be implemented without an
environmental review as called for by the Laws of the State of
New York and the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS many recommendations are proposed which have broad
support in the community, and
WHEREAS it is understood that not all the recommendations in the
plan will be fully supported by everyone and that further public
debate and action will be necessary before efforts toward
implementation are begun; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby
accept the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan as a first step in the
preparation of an intermunicipal Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program for Tompkins County.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson
Blumenthal noting that the Parks Commission, Board of Public
Works and Planning Board have recommended adoption of this plan.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
September 3, 1997
14
RESOLVED, That the fourth Whereas clause be amended to read as
follows:
“WHEREAS, the plan includes numerous other proposals including:
development of such facilities as pedestrian walkways and in-town
harbors; recommendations for strengthening planning for, and
protecting the lake and its tributaries; proposals for
institutional changes aimed at monitoring lake water quality;
proposals to encourage appropriate economic development,
including tourism, and”
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Hanna : Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That a seventh Whereas be added to read as follows:
“WHEREAS, Common Council has a strong commitment to the
environmental quality of the lake front area, and”
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed wording.
This amendment was withdrawn by Alderpersons Hanna and Efroymson.
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That the fourth Whereas be amended to read as follows:
“WHEREAS, the plan includes numerous other proposals including:
development of such facilities as pedestrian walkways and in-town
harbors; recommendations for strengthening planning for, and
protecting the environmental quality of the lake and its
tributaries; proposals for institutional changes aimed at
monitoring lake water quality; proposals to encourage appropriate
economic development, including tourism, and”
Carried Unanimously
Amending Resolution
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
RESOLVED, That the Resolved clause be amended to read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby
adopt the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan as a first step in the
preparation of an intermunicipal Local Waterfront Revitalization
Program for Tompkins County”.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding adopting vs.
accepting the Waterfront Plan.
A vote on the amendment resulted as follows:
Ayes (3) Blumenthal, Sams, Vaughan
Nays (7) Mackesey, Shenk, Hanna
Efroymson, Marcham, Thorpe,
Gray
Motion Fails
Alderperson Blumenthal stated that she is in opposition to this
Resolution as she would have preferred the adoption of the plan.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding support for
the acceptance of the plan.
Main Motion As Amended
A vote on the Main Motion as amended resulted as follows:
Ayes(9) Mackesey, Shenk, Sams,
Efroymson, Vaughan,
Hanna, Marcham, Gray,
September 3, 1997
15
Thorpe
Nays(1) Blumenthal
Carried
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
By Alderperson Mackesey : Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
RESOLVED, That Common Council adjourn into Executive Session to
discuss personnel items.
Carried Unanimously
RECONVENE:
Common Council reconvened into regular session at 10:20 P.M. with
no items being brought forth.
19.2 Authorization to Create the position of Director of Economic
Development in the Department of Planning and Development
By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, the Common Council Subcommittee on Planning and
Development Department Reorganization has met to consider the
organization within the department, and
WHEREAS, this committee has unanimously recommended that a
Director of Economic Development be added to the roster in the
Department of Planning and Development in place of the existing
Deputy Director of Planning and Development position, and
WHEREAS, those members of the Planning and Economic Development
Committee of Common Council present at the August 20, 1997
meeting did unanimously concur with the recommendation of the
Subcommittee regarding the creation of the Director of Economic
Development position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the position of Director of Economic Development
be added to the approved City Roster in place of the existing
Deputy Director of Planning and Development, subject to Civil
Service Commission approval, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the position be designated as managerial and
assigned to the Management Compensation Plan, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That consideration of salary range and compensation for
the position be referred to the Budget and Administration
Committee of Common Council for its consideration and
recommendation to Common Council
Carried Unanimously
19.3 Authorization to Fill Position for Economic Development
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Efroymson
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorized the Director of
Planning and Development to fill the vacant Director of Economic
Development position effective immediately, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds for said position shall be derived with the
existing Planning Department budget.
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Herman Sieverding, Deputy Director of Planning and Development,
announced his resignation to take a position with Integrated
Acquisition and Development. Deputy Director Sieverding thanked
Planning Director Thys Van Cort for his support over the years,
September 3, 1997
16
and noted how much he enjoyed working with the City’s dedicated
staff members.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
_________________________ _______________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor