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Home My WebLink AboutMN-CC-1997-11-19 COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Special Meeting 7:30 P.M. November 19, 1997 PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Alderpersons (10) Shenk, Mackesey, Sams, Efroymson, Gray Vaughan, Blumenthal, Hanna, Marcham, Thorpe OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: Fay Gougakis spoke regarding the Sagan Planet Walk, bike racks that are not accessible due to snow, and the exclusion of bikeways in the Route 96 construction project. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 2.1 Lake Source Cooling: Lanny Joyce, Facilities Division of Cornell University, answered questions from Council members regarding the Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Project. Mr. Joyce explained the permitting process required for the project. The two key permits are the State Pollution Elimination Discharge System Permit (SPEDS), which relates to any discharge into a body of water; and the Joint Permit/Article 15 Permit, which authorizes construction on stream banks, shores of the lake, or the lake itself. The Article 15 Permit will have conditions, which are dictated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), and the Army Corps of Engineers. The project has built in silt/sediment control measures and will monitor turbidity on a daily basis during construction. The SPEDS Permit is granted by the Department of Environmental Conservation, and is renewed every five years. This permit requires that the water quality, temperature, flow, dissolved oxygen, and phosphorous content be monitored. Mr. Joyce explained that the Faculty Review Committee of Scientists has agreed to keep the committee active to oversee the collection and monitoring of the data. The data is available for public review at Cornell University or through the DEC. November 19, 1997 2 Resolution By Alderperson Blumenthal : Seconded by Alderperson Shenk RESOLVED, That the agreement for utility infrastructure improvement in connection with chilled water line construction between the City of Ithaca and Cornell University as set forth in a draft agreement, dated November 12, 1997, is hereby approved and that the Mayor is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the history of the project and the University’s Project Communication Outreach Program. Mr. Joyce stated that eight newsletters were mailed to 900 people, as well as media releases, communication with municipalities and community groups, phone surveys, and a door to door campaign. Amending Resolution By Alderperson Efroymson : Seconded by Alderperson Hanna RESOLVED, That the following Whereas clauses be added to the beginning of the Resolution: WHEREAS, environmental monitoring issues have been addressed, and WHEREAS, the public will have full access to all data collection, and WHEREAS, fewer fossil fuels will be consumed and fewer atmospheric emissions will result from combustion of those fossil fuels. Carried Unanimously (9-0 Alderperson Thorpe absent from vote) Main Motion as Amended The Main Motion as Amended reads as follows: WHEREAS, environmental monitoring issues have been addressed, and WHEREAS, the public will have full access to all data collection, and WHEREAS, fewer fossil fuels will be consumed and fewer atmospheric emissions will result from combustion of those fossil fuels; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the agreement for utility infrastructure improvement in connection with chilled water line construction between the City of Ithaca and Cornell University as set forth in a draft agreement, dated November 12, 1997, is hereby approved and that the Mayor is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of the City. Carried Unanimously (9-0 Alderperson Thorpe absent from vote) November 19, 1997 3 Neighborhood Improvement Fund Request for Henry St. John Neighborhood. By Alderperson Hanna : Seconded By Alderperson Blumenthal RESOLVED, That Common Council appropriate $300 from the Neighborhood Improvement Fund for improvements to the small park next to the Henry St. John Building located at 115 West Clinton Street. Carried Unanimously (9-0 Alderperson Thorpe absent from vote) RECESS: Common Council recessed at 8:30 pm. RECONVENE: Common Council reconvened into Regular session at 8:50 pm. Alderperson Thorpe arrived at the meeting at 8:50 pm. Possible Override of Mayor’s Veto Regarding the 1998 City of Ithaca Budget Mayor Cohen’s 1998 Budget Veto Message was read in to the record: “I am vetoing the reduction in the building systems hourly f/t account (A1620-5115) which reflects a reduction of a f/t custodian to a p/t custodian. I am vetoing the reduction in the Southside hourly f/t account (A7312-5115) which reflects a reduction of a f/t custodian to a p/t custodian. The building systems reduction would actually result in the elimination of a half-time building maintenance position. We are just starting to implement our city-wide city-owned building code compliance project. This project will address many deficiencies and ultimately allow us to cut this maintenance position. It is premature to cut this position next year. Additionally, we are using half-time maintenance person to do many of the code compliance projects. This use of in- house labor is saving us money on this capital project. The Southside custodial reduction is also premature. We are currently expanding the building, which in turn will increase the workload for this position. Until we know the impact of the building expansion on custodial services, it is unwise to reduce them. I support Common Council’s desire to reduce expenses, but workforce reductions should be done in the context of an overall programmatic review and prioritization. Common Council’s Budget Analysis Committee will begin this task in January.” November 19, 1997 4 Line Item Veto Override of 1998 Budget Reduction in Streets & Facilities Custodial Hours By Alderperson Efroymson : Seconded by Alderperson Gray RESOLVED, That the Mayor’s veto of the Streets & Facilities custodian reduction in hours be overridden. Carried Unanimously (10-0) Line Item Veto Override of 1998 Budget Reduction in Southside Custodial Hours By Alderperson Efroymson : Seconded by Alderperson Gray RESOLVED, That the Mayor’s veto of the Southside Community Center custodian reduction in hours be overridden. Carried Unanimously (10-0) ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M. ____________________________ __________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb Alan J. Cohen City Clerk Mayor