HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1999-10-06
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 October 6, 1999
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (10) Shenk, Sams, Blumenthal, Marcham, Hershey
Manos, Farrell, Vaughan, Spielholz, Taylor
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Assistant City Attorney – Dunn
City Controller – Cafferillo
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Economic Development Director - McDonald
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Asst. Supt. of Water & Sewer - Fabbroni
Fire Chief - Wilbur
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Community Issues Committee:
Alderperson Taylor requested the deletion of Item 18.1 – An
Ordinance Providing for the Clean-Up of Graffiti from Public and
Private Property.
Planning and Economic Development Committee:
Alderperson Blumenthal requested the deletion of Items 19.1(a)
and (b) – An Ordinance Amending the Municipal Code of the City
of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Section 325-4 “Zoning” to Change the
Zoning Designation of Certain Areas of the City from M-1 (Marine
Commercial District) and b-4 (Business) as applicable to
Waterfront Zoning District (WF-1).
Youth Award:
Alderperson Hershey requested the deletion of the Youth Award.
The award recipient is out of the country as part of an exchange
student program.
Budget and Administration Committee:
Alderperson Marcham requested the addition of Item 17.6 – A
Trade of Land by Newman Municipal Golf Course - Report.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 A Public Hearing to Consider the Proposed Disposition of
Carpenter Business Park
Resolution
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Marcham
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Proposed
Disposition of Carpenter Business Park be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Council.
October 6, 1999
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Resolution
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Proposed
Disposition of Carpenter Business Park be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Regi Teasley, John Beach,and Nicole Carrier, City of Ithaca,
addressed Council to endorse the Board of Public Works “South
of the Creek” Traffic Plan.
Ken Hallett, City of Ithaca, requested information on the Drug
House Task Force’s role in the barbershop case.
Martha Robertson, Town of Dryden, supports the resolution
regarding the North East Subarea Transportaion Study.
Ken Bangerter, City of Ithaca, spoke in opposition to the Wood
and South Streets reconfiguration.
Joel Harlan, Town of Dryden, spoke about increasing dependence
on Human Service agencies.
Sue Kirkpatrick, City of Ithaca, spoke in support of the Wood
and South Streets reconfiguration.
Fay Goughakis, City of Ithaca, spoke about the increase of
violent crime in Ithaca.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Alderperson Hershey responded to comments made regarding crime
in Ithaca and clarified statements made by the Ithaca Police
Department personnel.
Alderperson Shenk responded to comments made by Mr. Hallett
regarding the Drug House Task Force and explained the role of
the Task Force.
Alderperson Farrell explained that she is a member of the Drug
House Task Force, and that the Task Force is a forum for
different agencies to come together to share information for the
common cause of eliminating drugs.
Alderperson Sams explained that she is a former member of the
Task Force, and feels that the Task Force should review its
original goals and the objectives used to reach those goals.
Mayor Cohen spoke regarding the Wood & South Street
reconfiguration, and stated that it would take effect in
January. TCAT will re-route one run to accommodate residents of
that area.
Mayor Cohen responded to Mr. Hallett’s comments regarding the
Drug House Task Force, and re-iterated that his office was not
involved in the Barbershop case.
October 6, 1999
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COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Alderperson Blumenthal announced that the Planning and Economic
Development Committee will not meet in October.
Alderperson Taylor announced that Community Issues will not meet
in October.
Alderperson Manos announced that the Human Resources Committee
will meet October 25, 1999.
Alderperson Marcham announced that the Budget and Administration
Committee will meet on October 21, 1999.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Cohen read a proclamation declaring October “Domestic
Violence Awareness” month.
Mayor Cohen announced that the Women’s Soccer League is
recruiting new members.
Mayor Cohen announced the Ithaca High School Class of 2000 Tree
Top Project is progressing nicely, and that contributions of
time and money are still needed.
REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
Board of Public Works
Vice-Chair Ehrhardt, reported on the following:
1) East Spencer/Prospect Street – traffic calming measure has
been installed.
2) Franklin Street - residents have requested traffic calming
measures as there are three child care centers within a
small radius.
3) Carpenter Circle – There is a very large water main under
the existing roadway, a buried sewer interceptor close to
the railroad tracks, and granite curbing that the Department
of Public Works is interested in retaining if possible.
4) Water and Sewer Capital Projects have been submitted with
the Mayor’s budget.
5) Bike Plan Public Hearing – Vice-Commissioner Ehrhardt
thanked the community for the large volume of responses.
The Board of Public Works will discuss the bike plan on
October 20,1999.
6) South of the Creek Traffic Project- Short Term Goals:
a) Design and construct a form of timer and stone to place
in the intersection of South Albany and West Spencer
Streets which channels turning movement in a safe manner
b) Design and construct a basic traffic calming gateway a
the southern end of South Albany Street extending from
the 600 block south along Old Elmira Road at least half-
way to its intersection with South Plain Street
c) Install a diverter across the intersection of wood Street
and Fair Street
d) Install a diverter across the intersection of South
Street and Fair Street
e) Design and install traffic calming devices in the 400
block of South Geneva Street
f) Install “bump-outs” on the east side of South Albany
Street
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g) Design and implement a means of discouraging traffic from
exiting Park Street onto Albany Street in a manner
satisfactory to the residents and to the Ithaca Fire
Department
h) Install “No Turn on Red” signs at all instersections of
South Titus Avenue and Albany Street and at the south and
east sides of the intersection of North Titus Avenue and
Albany Street
Long Term Goals:
i) Ask the GEIS Traffic Consultant for the Southwest Area to
submit a report to Common Council with all possible
elements for a long-term solution
Alderperson Manos expressed concern about emergency vehicles
accessing Turner/Spencer Streets.
Fire Chief Wilbur explained that emergency vehicles can access
Spencer/Turner Streets by entering from Aurora Street, down
Clinton Street to Spencer/Turner Streets, but can not access it
coming up the Clinton Street hill.
Alderperson Blumenthal voiced her concerned about the impacts
the South of the Creek traffic calming measures will have on
other neighborhoods. She expressed concern about setting a
precedence for closing streets. She further questioned why this
action should be taken before the consultant conducts the study
for the Southwest Park Area. Alderperson Blumenthal stressed
the importance of reviewing this project within the 90-day
period.
Alderperson Farrell stated that she is also concerned about the
impact on other neighborhoods, as well as the fact that the
consultant has not completed the study of the larger Southwest
Park area. She further spoke in favor of the 90-day review.
Barbara Ebert, Tompkins County Environmental Management Council,
explained her role as the City’s liaison to the Council. She
further requested that Common Council feel free to contact her
or the EMC with environmental issues they would like to see
addressed.
16. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
16.2 DPW/Water and Sewer – Request to Amend Authorized
Personnel Roster Reduction in Hours
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Marcham
WHEREAS, Paige Rumsey has requested a voluntary reduction in her
work hours from September 13, 1999 through June 17, 2000 and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works is able to accommodate
her request and wishes to do so, and
WHEREAS, the Personnel Roster of the Department of Public Works
also needs to be amended to clarify Ms. Rumsey’s correct job
title as authorized by the Civil Service Commission; now,
therefore, be it
October 6, 1999
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RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Department of Public
Works be amended for the period September 13, 1999 through June
17, 2000 as follows:
Add: One (1) Senior Account Clerk (35 hrs)
Delete: One (1) Senior Account Clerk-Typist (40 hrs)
Carried Unanimously
16.3 Human Resources – Request to Transfer Funds for
Employee Recognition
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Marcham
WHEREAS, Common Council placed $5,000 in restricted contingency
1999 budget for employee recognition, and
WHEREAS, a recognition subcommittee has developed an employee
recognition program that will be introduced at the Employee
Picnic; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves an amount not to
exceed $5,000 to be transferred from account A1990 Restricted
Contingency to the Human Resources budget, account A1430-5440
Staff Development.
Carried Unanimously
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
17. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
17.0 DPW/Water and Sewer – Request to Amend Authorized
Personnel Roster
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
RESOLVED, That the 1999 Water and Sewer Department Authorized
Personnel Roster be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator (40
hrs.)
Delete: One (1) Water Treatment Plant Operator (40 hrs.)
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That William Baker be hereby provisionally appointed
to the position of Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator at a
1999 annual salary of $41,338, that being Grade 13 of the CSEA
Administrative Unit effective October 12, 1999, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said personnel roster
amendment shall be derived from existing funds in the 1999 Water
and Sewer Budget, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That said appointment is subject to approval by the
Civil Service Commission.
Carried Unanimously
17.1 Common Council – Process for Sale of Fire Station No. 7
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson
WHEREAS, the Fire Department has been assisted by the Planning
Department and Controller’s Office regarding the sale of Fire
Station No. 7, and
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WHEREAS, it is now being recommended that the Board of Fire
Commissioners place Fire Station No. 7 up for sale through a
sealed bid process; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Board of Fire
Commissioners to sell Fire Station No. 7 by advertising for sealed
bids, in consultation with the City Attorney, Planning Department
and Controller offices, and be it further
RESOLVED, That upon the commissioner’s opening of the bids, the
highest bidder shall be required to supply plans for any exterior
changes proposed for No. 7 to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation
Commission, which shall review the plans’ appropriateness with
regard to the structure’s historic character and the surrounding
neighborhood, and shall forward the commission’s comments to
Common Council, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the sale decision shall then be made by Common
Council, which shall not withhold its approval without cause, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That the sale agreement shall be contingent upon the
granting of any permits needed for the high bidder’s reuse of the
structure, with all of the above city steps in the procedure to be
completed within a maximum of six months, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the proceeds from the sale of Fire Station No. 7
shall be allocated through a mutually agreed-upon arrangement
between Common Council and the Fire Department, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the above sale process is contingent upon the
review and approval of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
Discussion followed on the floor with Fire Chief Wilbur and Fire
Commissioner Yahn requesting that Council send this resolution
back to the Board of Fire Commissioners for review as it does not
resemble the original resolution previously approved by the Board.
Tabling Resolution
By Alderperson Shenk : Seconded by Alderperson Sams
RESOLVED, that this item be tabled and referred back to the Board
of Commissioners for further review.
Ayes (9) Shenk, Manos, Sams, Farrell, Blumenthal,
Vaughan, Spielholz, Taylor, Hershey
Nays (1) Marcham
Carried
17.2 IURA – Request to Accept Purchase Offer for Sale of
Carpenter Business Park
By Alderperson Marcham : Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, the 10.8 acre Carpenter Business Park located on Third
Street with frontage along N. Meadow Street was completed in 1990,
and
WHEREAS, the City owns four parcels totaling 4.94 acres of land
and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) owns the remaining
three parcels totaling 5.86 acres of land in the Carpenter
Business Park, and
October 6, 1999
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WHEREAS, the IURA has been unsuccessful in securing satisfactory
tenants and Carpenter Business Park has remained vacant since its
completion in 1990 with the exception of the community gardens
located on the 2.25-acre parcel #36-1-3.4, and
WHEREAS, at the April 1, 1998 meeting the Common Council
authorized disposition of all City-owned parcels in Carpenter
Business Park, except those leased to Project Growing Hope, Inc.
used for community gardens, through the IURA for no less than fair
market value, subject to the following conditions:
A. property must not be used for an adult entertainment
establishment use,
B. property must not be used for a warehousing or storage as a
primary use for a period of 10 years from the date of
conveyance from the IURA, and
C. retention of access and utility easements to parcel #36-1-
3.4, currently used for community gardens, and utility
easements for any other public utilities located on the
property, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council further resolved that upon abandonment
by the Board of Public Works (BPW), the Carpenter Circle cul-de-
sac street property shall also be considered surplus and
authorized for disposition, and
WHEREAS, Building Links, Inc. has submitted a purchase offer for
Carpenter Business Park that is binding if accepted by the Common
Council by 10/7/99, and
WHEREAS, following extensive negotiations, the IURA voted on
9/20/99 to approve the purchase offer with changes per verbal
negotiations conducted at the 9/20/99 meeting, and
WHEREAS, the IURA staff has reviewed the revised purchase offer
and found that the revisions satisfy IURA concerns, and
WHEREAS, in accordance with general municipal law, a legal notice
disclosing the proposed disposition was published on September 27,
1999, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee recommends the
following action, therefore, be it,
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby accepts the purchase off of
$900,000 from Building Links, Inc., to acquire the Carpenter
Business Park, subject to Board of Public Works abandonment of
Carpenter Circle, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council is directed to complete appropriate
environmental review prior to the sale closing for this project,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon review by the Executive Director of
the IURA and the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to sign any
and all instruments necessary to accept the purchase offer
$900,000 and convey the property totaling 8.57 acres.
October 6, 1999
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Mayor Cohen stated that the buyer of Carpenter Business Park is
not given automatic rights to the Community Gardens, there is a
notification clause in the purchase agreement. In order for the
purchaser to exercise the option on the Gardens parcel, they have
to officially give the City 6-month notification, via certified
mail, addressed to the City Attorney’s office. Common Council, if
not already entered into discussions with Project Growing Hope,
will than have ample notification to do so and the Council will
have to take an action to decide whether or not it will extend or
renew the lease with Project Growing Hope.
Alderperson Farrell stated that the current lease is valid until
2013.
Alderperson Blumenthal questioned whether the City conducted an
environmental review when they authorized the IURA to sell the
property.
Planning Director Van Cort stated that an environmental review was
done several years ago. An environmental review has not been
completed on the action of selling the business park. The sale
will be contingent on completion of the environmental review.
Alderperson Shenk stated that the Department of Public Works
should be involved in all disposal of City property.
Motion to Table
By Alderperson Spielholz: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That this item be tabled for further review, and will be
considered at a Special Common Council Meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Special Meeting
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That a Special Common Council meeting be held
October 7, 1999 at 9:30 P.M. to discuss the Purchase Offer for the
Sale of Carpenter Business Park.
Carried Unanimously
17.3 DPW/Water & Sewer – Request to Amend Water and Sewer
Capital Projects
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
WHEREAS, the Water and Sewer Department has been effectively
spending $3,000,000 in Water and Sewer Capital funds authorized by
Common Council four years ago to improve water supply and
distribution and the sewer collection system in the City, and
WHEREAS, the funding has been exhausted and to continue the much-
needed improvements to the City’s water and supply, distribution
and collection infrastructure, an additional $2,340,000 will be
needed for the next two years worth of activity, and
WHEREAS, the $2,340,000 in funds will be needed to complete 1999
water and sewer improvement work and effectively plan, stage and
purchase for 2000 improvements, and will sustain water and sewer
improvements needed in any long-term or regional alternatives;
now, therefore, be it
October 6, 1999
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RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the following Capital
Projects by an amount not to exceed $2,340,000 to accomplish said
water and sewer improvements:
1. Capital Project #506 Water Supply Improvements
Increase by $1,120,000 for a total project authorization
of $2,120,000;
2. Capital Project #606 Sewer Collection System
Improvements
Increase by $1,220,000 for a total project authorization
of $3,220,000,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds for said Capital Project amendments will be
advanced by Water and Sewer Reserve Funds, if needed, prior to
financing through the issuance of Serial Bonds and/or New York
State Environmental Facilities Corporation Revolving Bonds.
Carried Unanimously
17.4 A Local Law to Amend Section 2 of Local Law No. 4-1999
Electing a Retirement Incentive Program as Authorized by Chapter
70, Laws of 1999 for the Eligible Employees of the City of Ithaca.
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
Local Law No. __ of the Year 1999
City of Ithaca
BE IT ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, as
follows:
Section 1. Section 2 of Local Law No. 4-1999 shall be hereby
amended to change the commencement date of the retirement
incentive program to October 3, 1999.
Section 2. This local law shall take effect upon filing with the
Secretary of State.
Carried Unanimously
17.5 Common Council – LLEBG Grant and Matching Funds
Approval
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
WHEREAS, the City received notice that its 1999 application under
the Bureau of Justice Assistance Local Law Enforcement Block
Grant has been approved and the City will be awarded $15,469 in
1999 funds to continue the Ithaca Drug Treatment Court, and
WHEREAS, the City is required under the grant to approve City
matching funds in the amount of $1,719; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the $15,469 in
grant funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Local Law
Enforcement Block Grant, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes a City matching
allocation in an amount not to exceed $1,719 to be derived from
account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency for the purposes of
funding the City’s Drug Treatment Court, and be it further
October 6, 1999
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RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby directs the Controller to
make all necessary budget adjustments for said grant.
Carried Unanimously
Judge Rowley explained the Drug Treatment Court Program and the
disposition of previous funding. Judge Rowley reported that the
fourth Drug Court graduation is scheduled for October 29, 1999.
Seventeen people have graduated from the program without any
further arrests. 63 people are currently enrolled in the program.
17.6 Johnson Boat Yard Land Transfer – Report
Superintendent of Public Works Gray reported that he is interested
in trading specified parcels of land with the owners of Johnson
Boat Yard. He noted that he has been advised by the City
Attorney’s Office that this is a property transaction and will
require full disclosure and advertisement. He stated that he will
complete the appropriate paperwork and return to Council later in
the month for approval.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
19.2 New York State Department of Transportation
Waterfront Site Future Use of the New York State Department of
Transportation Waterfront Site – Resolution
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Farrell
WHEREAS, members of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives
and County Planning Department staff have been working on plans
for the Cayuga Lake waterfront with the goals of improving the
economic climate of Tompkins County and enhancing tourism in the
area, and
WHEREAS, since 1954 the New York State Department of
Transportation Maintenance Facility has occupied a waterfront site
off Third Street composed of two adjacent parcels of land totaling
10.7 acres, and
WHEREAS, the maintenance facility impedes public access to the
waterfront and does not take full advantage of the waterfront’s
potential, and
WHEREAS, relocation of the DOT Maintenance Facility and
redevelopment of the site for commercial development was
recommended in the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan published in
January 1997 and in the City’s proposed Economic Development Plan,
and
WHEREAS, members of the County Board of Representatives and County
Planning Department staff have been working to relocate the DOT
Maintenance Facility to another location in Tompkins County, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is interested in implementation of the
Waterfront Plan to increase public access to the waterfront and to
increase the economic benefits of water-related tourism, and
WHEREAS, public access to the waterfront will be maintained if the
DOT site is sold to another party since the City owns the frontage
of the site along the water, and
WHEREAS, the City appreciates the work and intention of the County
Board to facilitate the re-use of this site for economic
development and tourism purposes; now, therefore, be it
October 6, 1999
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RESOLVED, That the Common Council supports the efforts of the
County Board members and County Planning staff to free up this
site and relocate the NYSDOT Maintenance Facility to another
location within the County, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That if the County is successful in its attempt to
relocate the DOT Maintenance Facility, the Common Council would
like to see the primary reuse of the site be for commercial
development so that the site will become a taxable property and a
source of other possible revenues.
Carried Unanimously
b) New York State Department of Transportation Waterfront Site -
Memorandum of Understanding – Resolution
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, Cornell University, the Town of Dryden, the New
York State Department of Transportation, Tompkins County,
and the City of Ithaca have been working on a Memorandum of
Understanding to relocate the NYSDOT Maintenance Facility
on Third Street to property owned by Cornell on Hanshaw
Road in the Town of Dryden, and
WHEREAS, the existing NYSDOT property in Ithaca will be
acquired by the County for development by third parties for
primary reuses for commercial development so that the
property will become taxable and a source of other
revenues, such as sales tax or room tax, and
WHEREAS, the City has agreed to support these development
objectives; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council supports the proposed
draft Memorandum of Understanding dated September 15, 1999
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the final MOU is subject to review by Common
Council after it has been finalized by all the parties in
order to see the final language and authorize the Mayor to
sign the document.
Carried Unanimously
19.3 North East Subarea Transportation Study Resolution (NESTS)-
Resolution
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, transportation problems in the Ithaca urbanized area
can only be resolved through intergovernmental cooperation, and
WHEREAS, the North East Subarea Transportation Study (NESTS) has
attempted to bring a number of municipalities and the county’s
largest educational employer together (Towns of Lansing, Ithaca
and Dryden, the Villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights, and
Cornell University) in an effort to solve part of the county's
transportation problems, and
WHEREAS, the plan dated July 19, 1999 was prepared with an
emphasis on maintaining existing facilities, improving
efficiency in transportation investments, maximizing mobility
October 6, 1999
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through mode choice and access, community participation,
localized decision-making, and environmental sensitivity, and
WHEREAS, NESTS was accomplished with a high level of community
participation, and
WHEREAS, the Common Council recognizes the substantial effort
that has been put into the North East Subarea Transportation
Study by stakeholders, the technical staff, and the consultants
over an 18 month period, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Economic Development Committee heard a
presentation of the plan by two representatives of the Working
Group, which represented the primary stakeholders that will be
affected by the recommendations in the plan, and
WHEREAS, an over-riding consideration that received unanimous
endorsement from the Working Group was the concept of community
“livability,” that strives to enhance the quality of life in the
affected communities through the development of a well-managed
multi-modal transportation system that is responsive to the
needs of the area’s residents, and
WHEREAS, a number of key recommendations were proposed in the
plan, including
1. the adoption of livability principles into all
transportation and land use planning activities at the
municipal, county, and regional level, and
2. the design and implementation of an intensive transit
service that would combine a high level of community-based
transit service with peripheral park-and-ride bus service
for trips to and from Cornell and downtown Ithaca, such
that there would be a 15 percent transit usage rate by
people living in the area, and
3. the implementation of land use planning practices that
will enhance livability so that municipalities throughout
the area adopt land use practices and regulations that
promote transit use, discourage suburban sprawl, respect
the environment, protect farm land and open space, and
promote rational development, and
4. the construction of a series of improvements to provide
a continuous network of facilities to support year-round
pedestrian and bicycle travel, and
5. a design/feasibility analysis for a three-segment
roadway corridor that would lead to the preservation of
rights-of-way for potential future construction of a
north-south connector road in the north and eastern parts
of the county, and
WHEREAS, the cost estimates in the North East Subarea
Transportation Study are still preliminary and are to be further
refined through subsequent investigations, and
October 6, 1999
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WHEREAS, there are several recommendations incorporated into the
plan that address the issues related to land use planning,
transportation systems, and the need to reduce automobile usage,
and
WHEREAS, a new roadway corridor can have social, economic, and
environmental implications for the city and county, insofar as
new roads contribute to the growth of new commercial and
residential development, influencing the viability of the city’s
downtown commercial district, surrounding residential
neighborhoods, and the welfare of the larger Ithaca area in
Tompkins County, and
Whereas, the City of Ithaca, the Towns of Ithaca, Dryden, and
Lansing, and the Villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing have
submitted a joint application for state grant funding under the
New York State Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act of 1996 for
municipal wastewater collection and treatment (sewer) system
improvements, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is currently beginning a discussion
with an inter-municipal group with representation from all
municipalities in conjunction with a possible Environmental
Impact Statement process in order to discuss regional planning
issues that emerge as a result of the proposed sewer agreement,
now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council gives its support in principle to
many of the concepts set forth in the NESTS transportation plan,
especially those concerning community livability, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That Common Council cannot commit to the level of
increase proposed for the recommended transit system service
increases without further information regarding the fiscal
implications for Tompkins County Area Transit (TCAT), of which
the City is one of three partners, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council endorses the several concepts
presented in the plan that relate to the necessity to study the
interrelationship between land use planning and transportation,
particularly as it affects growth in outlying areas surrounding
the city, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council cannot endorse a
feasibility/design analysis for the north-south connector at
this time, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor shall consult Common Council before any
final decisions are made about the roadway proposal at the
Ithaca-Tompkins County Transportation Council (ITCTC), and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the City's representatives on the TCAT Board
shall consult with Common Council before any final decisions are
made about bus system service increases at TCAT, and be it
further
October 6, 1999
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RESOLVED, That the concept of a north-south roadway in the north
and eastern parts of the county be integrated into the inter-
municipal discussion that should be conducted concurrently with
the Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed sewer system
improvements and expansion.
Carried Unanimously
19.3 An Ordinance Amending Section 325-8, of Chapter
325 entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code,
regarding an error in the language of Ordinance 98-30--Call for
Public Hearing
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Sams
RESOLVED, that Ordinance No. 99-___ entitled “An Ordinance
Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code, amending the District Regulations Chart to
correct an error in Ordinance 98-30”, is hereby introduced
before the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New York, and
be it further
RESOLVED, that Common Council shall hold a public hearing in the
matter of the adoption of the aforesaid ordinance in the Common
Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, in the City
of Ithaca, New York, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3,
1999, 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 fifteen
(15) 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 shall be as follows:
ORDINANCE 99-___
An Ordinance Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of the City
of Ithaca Municipal Code, amending the District Regulations
Chart to correct an error in Ordinance 98-30.
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 325-8,
of Article II, “Zoning Districts”, entitled “District
Regulations”, is hereby amended as follows:
Under the R-3 zoning district, col. 3, “Permitted Accessory
Uses” of the District Regulations Chart, add the following:
October 6, 1999
15
1. Any accessory use as permitted in R-2.
2. Private garage for 4 or more cars.
3. Neighborhood parking area subject to regulations of § 325-20
(B).
Section 2. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately in
accordance with law upon publication of a notice as provided in
the Ithaca City Charter.
19.4 Commons Redesign – Report
No report was given as the Consultant’s report was received
earlier in the day. Copies will be forwarded to Council members.
19.5 Site Plan Review Ordinance Revisions – Report
Alderperson Blumenthal reported that ordinance revisions are in
progress, and have been reviewed by the Planning Board and the
Conservation Advisory Council. There will be a two-level system
of review for projects. All commercial projects and large
residential projects will be reviewed. The Planning and Economic
Development Committee will review these revisions in November.
There are also issues regarding the ability of a licensed
landscape architect to stamp site plans.
20. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE:
No items submitted.
21. NEW BUSINESS:
21.1 Acceptance of Drug Free Communities Grant - Resolution
By Mayor Cohen: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
RESOLVED, That the City accept the Drug Free Communities Grant.
Alderperson Shenk expressed concern about the coordination of
projects and the distribution of grant monies.
Alderperson Sams and Blumenthal recommended that this item be
deferred to allow Common Council members the opportunity to
review the report.
Motion to Table
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Sams
RESOLVED, That this item is tabled pending further review.
Carried Unanimously
21.2 Telecommunications Concept Memo
Mayor Cohen briefed Council on a proposed telecommunications
concept memo. He stated that this topic came to the attention
of the City when trees were being cut down on behalf of Telergy
Communications. Telergy contracted with NYSEG to lay lines along
the NYSEG right-of-way within the City. Significant discussions
have taken place with Telergy, and now at least two other
service providers would like to lay infrastructure within the
City. Common Council will need to make a decision as to whether
the City wants to negotiate a telecommunication franchise
agreement now, or in the future and deal with the immediate
issues through a concept memo. A franchise agreement would
become the model for other agreements. Once an agreement is
negotiated, the City cannot impose a more restrictive agreement
upon any future provider.
October 6, 1999
16
Economic Development Director McDonald spoke regarding the
memorandum he distributed to Council members, and gave a
preliminary overview of the telecommunications field.
Alderperson Blumenthal suggested the appointment of a
sub-committee to discuss this topic. Mayor Cohen volunteered to
serve on the sub-committee and appointed the following members:
Alderpersons Farrell, Vaughan, Manos, and appropriate staff.
21.3 Executive Session – Employment History of Employee
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Marcham
RESOLVED, That Common Council adjourn into executive session to
discuss the employment history of an individual.
Ayes (4) Marcham, Vaughan, Sams Blumenthal
Nays (6) Farrell, Spielholz, Manos, Shenk,
Taylor, Hershey
Motion Failed
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
________________________ _______________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor