HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-1999-11-03
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 November 3, 1999
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (9) Shenk, Sams, Blumenthal, Marcham, Hershey
Manos, Vaughan, Spielholz, Taylor
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney – Geldenhuys
City Controller – Cafferillo
Deputy Controller – Thayer
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Fire Chief – Wilbur
Youth Bureau Director – Cohen
Recreational Manager - Doyle
Alderperson-Elect - Pryor
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Farrell
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
MINUTES:
Approval of the Minutes of the September 1, September 16,
September 29, 1999 Common Council Meetings
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the September 1, September 16,
September 29, 1999 Common Council meetings be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the Minutes of the October 6, October 7, October 18,
1999 Common Council Meetings
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the October 6, October 7, October
18, 1999 Common Council meetings be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
New Business
Mayor Cohen requested the addition of Item 21.1 - Postponement of
December Common Council Meeting – Resolution, and Item 21.2 -
Staffing of City Attorney’s Office - Discussion.
No Council member objected.
November 3, 1999
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SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 Public Hearing to Consider 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), Amending the
Official Zoning Map
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider 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),
Amending the Official Zoning Map be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Common Council.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Shenk: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider 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),
Amending the Official Zoning Map be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
4.2 A Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance Amending Chapter
325 entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code,
Amending the District Regulations Chapter to Correct an Error in
Ordinance 98-30, which Amended Home Occupation Regulations.
Resolution to Open Public Hearing
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance
Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code, Amending the District Regulations Chapter to
Correct an Error in Ordinance 98-30, which Amended Home Occupation
Regulations be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Common Council.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider an Ordinance
Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code, Amending the District Regulations Chapter to
Correct an Error in Ordinance 98-30, which Amended Home Occupation
Regulations be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
YOUTH AWARD:
Alderpersons Hershey and Taylor presented the November Youth
Award to 34 students of Fall Creek School who serve on the Fall
Creek School Children’s Playground Committee. The children have
been involved in fund raising, and designing the playground. It
will be the first playground in Ithaca to be fully accessible to
physically handicapped children. The award recipients include
November 3, 1999
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Lucas Gagnon, Soraya Leathers, Jonah Wall Crawford, Calvin
Zehnder, Nicole D’Aprix, Sophia Potter, Jesse Reynolds, Emily
Sullivan, Liam Cody, Elias Spector-Zabusky, Ty Lantz-Subteiny,
Nicole Rogers, Jocelyn Sawyer, Katya Hutnik, Hannah Nymark
MacDonald, Dacid McBean, Tiffany Hall, Sam O’Mara, Sophia
Hutnik, Alex Ehrhardt, Lily Cederbaum, Michelle MacLeod, Meghan
Wood, Antal Spector-Zabusky, Megan Kearns, Theresa Riswick, Amy
Somogy, Katelyn Bacon, Rachel Bondra, Jenny Fitzgerald, Casey
Gray, Ben Lanz-Subteiny, Joey Morrison and Annalee Murphy.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Conley Holcomb read the following statement prepared
by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency:
The City of Ithaca is required by the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development (HUD) to annually report on its progress
in implementing its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program. The annual report, known as the Performance Assessment
Report (PAR) is available for public comment. The city has
prepared a PAR for its CDBG funded programs of 1993, 1995, and
1996 (3-year comprehensive grant) and 1997. These reports
outline the activities funded by each grant and measure their
respective performances.
Copies of the PAR are available for review from November 16 to
November 19, 1999 in the City’s Community Development Office,
Third Floor, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York.
Citizens should comment in writing to the address above before
4:30 P.M. on November 19, 1999. These comments will be
forwarded to HUD.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Joel Harlan addressed Council regarding “smart growth” happening
on the college campuses and not downtown. Mr. Harlan also
offered congratulations to the newly elected officials.
Steve Paisley, Montour Falls, voiced his opposition to the City
requirement that licensed electricians perform all electrical
work in the City.
Faye Gougakis, City of Ithaca, offered congratulations to the
newly elected officials, and voiced concerns regarding
development in Southwest Park, Inlet Island, and crime.
David Nutter, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the
unresponsiveness of the Board of Public Works to the numerous
resolutions that have been passed by the Bicycle Pedestrian
Advisory Council in regards to the Bike Plan.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Mayor Cohen responded to comments made regarding electrical
licenses, Southwest Park development, and Mr. Harlan’s display
of free speech.
November 3, 1999
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REPORT OF CITY BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
Board of Public Works:
Vice Chair Ehrhardt reported on the following items:
Auburn Street Park – Assistant Superintendent for Streets and
Facilities will update the Board of Public Works next week.
Franklin & Short Streets – Traffic calming design due next week.
Bicycle Plan – The Board of Public Works will forward Council a
set of written recommendations. The Board of Public Works will
be returning the Bicycle Plan to the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory
Council to obtain their recommendations on how to proceed with a
plan that does not remove parking from city streets.
Alderperson Shenk voiced her disagreement with the Board of
Public Works recommendation.
Mayor Cohen made a recommendation to forward this item to the
November 10, 1999 Community Issues Meeting for further
discussion by Common Council members.
Board of Fire Commissioners
Cynthia Yahn reported that there will be a Public Haring on
Place of Assembly Permits and Fire System Testing on
November 17, 1999 at 7:30 P.M. at the Fire Department Training
Center, 200 Pier Road.
Communications From The Mayor:
Mayor Cohen introduced his mother to Common Council.
Mayor Cohen reflected on the recent election, and expressed his
desire to have Common Council join together in the spirit of
cooperation to complete the work ahead of them.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
16.1 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend Personnel Roster
For Outing Program
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
WHEREAS, a member of the Youth Bureau Outing Program staff has
requested to temporarily reduce her weekly hours from 35 hours to
28 hours, and
WHEREAS, by temporarily increasing the weekly hours of a different
Youth Bureau Outing staff, the Youth Bureau can honor the request
without significantly impacting services; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Authorized Youth Bureau Personnel Roster be
temporarily amended as follows:
Reduction of Hours – 1 Youth Development Program leader
(Outing Program – Monica Bosworth) from 35 hours to 28 hours per
week, effective November 8, 1999 through April 29, 2000
Increase Hours – 1 Youth Development Program leader (Outing
Program – Jim D’Alterio) from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per
week, effective November 8, 1999 through April 29, 2000
Carried Unanimously
November 3, 1999
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16.2 DPW – Request to Amend DPW Budget for Grant – Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has been notified by the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation that the City
will be receiving a $7,500 Grant for the Citizen Pruner Video
Project; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 1999 DPW Budget
for said DEC Grant as follows:
Increase Revenue Account:
A7111-3989 Parks & Forestry State Aid $7,500
Increase Appropriation Account:
A7111-5435 Contractual Services $7,500
Carried Unanimously
16.3 DPW – Request to Approve Aid to Localities Authorization
for Parks and Forestry Grant – Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, herein called the “Municipality,”
after thorough consideration of the various aspects of the problem
and study of available data, has hereby determined that certain
work, as described in the State Contract, herein called the
“Project” is desirable, in the public interest, and is required in
order to study and/or implement the local project or program, and
WHEREAS, under Chapter 53, Section 1 and 2, of the Laws of 1998
relating to the Local Assistance Budget, the Legislature has
authorized financial assistance to localities for services and
expenses related to local projects, programs and studies by means
of a written agreement, and
WHEREAS, the Municipality has examined and duly considered Chapter
53, Section 1 and 2, of the Laws of 1998 relating to the Local
Assistance Budget and deems it to be in the public interest and
benefit under this law to enter into a contract therewith:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY COMMON COUNCIL
1. That the Superintendent of Public Works is directed and
authorized as the official representative to act in
connection with any contracts between the Municipality and
the State, and to provide such additional information as may
be required;
2. That one (1) certified copy of this Resolution be prepared
and sent to the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, Albany, New York together with the State
Contract;
3. That this Resolution take effect immediately.
Carried Unanimously
November 3, 1999
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REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
18. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
18.1 Adoption of 2000 Budget – Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the
Amended Executive Budget for 2000 as approved by the Budget and
Administration Committee, and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the
total appropriations and estimated revenues as set forth in said
Amended Executive Budget for 2000, and as those amounts may be
altered by action of this Common Council at its November 3, 1999
meeting, are adequate for the operation of the City during 2000;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said
Amended Executive Budget for 2000, together with any additional
changes made in said budget at Council’s November 3, 1999
meeting, as the City of Ithaca Budget for 2000, in the total
amount of $37,273,663, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2000 Budget be
approved:
A) General Fund Appropriations
B) Water Fund Appropriations
C) Sewer Fund Appropriations
D) Joint Activity Fund Appropriations
E) Solid Waste Fund Appropriations
F) General Fund Revenues
G) Water Fund Revenues
H) Sewer Fund Revenues
I) Joint Activity Fund Revenues
J) Solid Waste Fund Revenues
K) Debt Retirement Schedule
L) Capital Projects
M) Schedule of Salaries and Positions – General Fund
N) Schedule of Salaries and Positions – Water & Sewer
Fund
O) Schedule of Salaries and Positions – Joint Activity
Fund
P) Schedule of Salaries and Positions – Solid Waste Fund
Q) Authorized Equipment – General Fund
R) Authorized Equipment – Water Fund
S) Authorized Equipment – Sewer Fund
T) Authorized Equipment – Joint Activity Fund
U) Authorized Equipment – Solid Waste Fund
Discussion followed regarding ensuring that future funding for
handicapped accessible playgrounds be made contingent upon the
area surrounding the playground equipment being handicapped
accessible as well.
November 3, 1999
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Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
RESOLVED, That a Capital Expense be added to the Year 2000
Budget consisting of a one-ton pick-up truck equipped with a
snowplow for use at Cass Park with a cost not to exceed
$28,000.00
Ayes (6) Sams, Shenk, Spielholz,
Marcham, Vaughan, Blumenthal
Nays (3) Hershey, Taylor, Manos
Carried
Alderperson Spielholz stated that the Recreation Partnership did
not approve the extension of hours at Cass Park Pool, as the
other municipalities had already approved their budgets.
Alderperson Hershey thanked City Controller Cafferillo, Deputy
City Controller Thayer, and Alderperson Marcham for their hard
work in preparing the city budget.
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
18.2 Adoption of 2000 Tax Rate – Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
WHEREAS, the 2000 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted
and confirmed in the total amount of $37,273,663 on November 3,
1999, in accordance with a detailed Budget on file in the Office
of the City Controller, and
WHEREAS, available and estimated revenues total $29,523,723,
leaving $7,749,940 as the amount to be raised by taxation, and
WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for 2000, certified and filed by
the Assessment Department of Tompkins County, has been footed
and approved and shows the total net taxable valuation as
$816,149,545, and
WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the tax limit for City
purposes amounts to $17,634,192 for 2000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the tax rate for general purposes, for the fiscal
year 2000, be, and the same hereby is, established and fixed at
9.4955 per $1,000 of taxable valuation as shown, certified and
extended against the respective properties on the 2000 Tax Roll,
thereby making a total tax levy, as near as may be, of
$7,749,940, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the amount of said tax levy be spread, and the
same hereby is levied upon and against the respective properties
as shown on said City Tax Roll, in accordance with their
respective net taxable valuation, at the rate of 9.4955 per
$1,000 of such taxable valuation, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be, and hereby is, directed
to extend and apportion the City Tax as above, and that upon the
completion of the extension of said Roll, the City Clerk shall
prepare a warrant on the City Chamberlain for the collection of
said levy; and the Mayor and the City Clerk hereby are
authorized and directed to sign and affix the corporate seal to
November 3, 1999
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such warrant and forthwith to file the same with said Tax Roll
with the City Chamberlain, and be it further
RESOLVED, That upon the execution and filing of said warrant and
Tax Roll with the City Chamberlain, the amounts of the City Tax
set opposite each and every property shall hereby become liens,
due, payable and collectible in accordance with provisions of
the City Charter and other laws applicable thereto, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the total sum of $37,273,663 be appropriated, in
accordance with the Budget adopted, to the respective Boards,
Offices and Departments of the City, for the purposes
respectively set forth therein. The 2000 Assessment Roll has
been completed and approved by the Assessment Department of
Tompkins County and resulted in the following valuation:
Total Value of Real Property 1,942,478,857
Less: Value of Exempt Property 1,147,023,700
795,455,157
Plus: Value of Special Franchises 20,694,388
Net Value of Taxable Property $816,149,545
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Cohen voted Affirmatively
18.3 DPW/Fire Department – Request Funds for Y2K Activity –
Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works and the Fire Department
have examined their Year 2000 activity and have determined that
the following items are needed to make critical items Year 2000
compliant and/or prepare for the year 2000:
Fire Department ICT power supply to interface
to Maxtrac Mobile radio $ 776
DPW external power source for fuel pump system 2,400
DPW portable emergency lights/generator 2,400
DPW temporary signage 1,800
and,
WHEREAS, these items were not part of the Year 2000 Project and
will need to be funded from the Year 2000 Restricted Contingency
Fund; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the transfer of an
amount not to exceed $7,376 from account A1990 Restricted
Contingency to the following accounts:
A3410-5477-12050 $ 766
A5010-5475 2,400
A3311-5483 1,800
A5111-5483 400
A1620-5225 2,000
Carried Unanimously
November 3, 1999
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18.4 DPW – Request to Amend Authorized Personnel Roster and
Budget – Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, Common Council at its July 7, 1999 regular meeting
approved the Transit System Supervisor position and deleted one
Bus Driver position for TCAT, and
WHEREAS, the Bus Driver position was incorrectly deleted and
needs to be re-established as the Bus Driver position is fully
funded in the 1999 TCAT Budget; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the Authorized DPW
Personnel Roster as follows:
Add: One (1) Bus Driver
And be it further
RESOLVED, That the 1999 DPW Budget be amended to reflect the
Transit System Supervisor position as follows:
Increase Revenue Account
A5630-2261 Transit Program Reimbursement $5,000
Increase Appropriation Account
A5630-5110 Staff Salaries $4,358
A5630-9010 Retirement 88
A5630-9030 Social Security 334
A5630-9040 Workers’ Comp. 220
Carried Unanimously
18.5 DPW – Assignment of Bargaining Unit – Supervisor of
Electrical Services – Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
RESOLVED, That the position of Supervisor of Electrical
Services, which was created by Common Council on September 1,
1999, is assigned to the CSEA Administrative bargaining unit, at
Grade 16.
Carried Unanimously
18.6 Finance/Controller – Request Approval of 1999 NYS
Retirement Incentive Program Participants – Executive Session -
Resolution
By Alderperson Marcham: Seconded by Alderperson Shenk
WHEREAS, the City enacted Local Law #4, August 4, 1999, adopting
the 1999 Retirement Incentive Program (Chapter 70, Laws of
1999), and
WHEREAS, the applicable departments and the City Controller have
carefully evaluated the effects of targeting the following
positions, and have developed a plan that demonstrates a minimum
of 50% savings in the replacement employee’s base salary over
the two years following the retirement of the eligible
employees, and
WHEREAS, based on such examination, and subject to operational
adjustments and considerations recognized in concept as a part
of this resolution, departments have determined that in each
November 3, 1999
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instance services and related supervision can be provided on a
reasonable basis, should the employees involved in the following
targeted positions exercise their option to retire during the
authorized open period; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the following positions and incumbent employees
be targeted for inclusion in the 1999 Targeted Retirement
Incentive Program (Chapter 70, Laws of 1999):
Fiscal Manager, DPW, Streets & Facilities, Pamela Applegarth
Custodian, DPW, Streets & Facilities Harry E. Austin
Bus Driver, Peter Dzikiewicz
Truck Driver, DPW, Solid Waste Division, Roger Rose
Bus Driver, Edward J. Shipman
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the memorandum dated October 27, 1999 is
accepted, in concept, to indicate the operational changes set
forth by the applicable departments in the interest of
continuing a consistent level of service and related
supervision, each subject to future Common Council action where
required.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Marcham stated that the next Budget and
Administration Committee Meeting will be held on Thursday,
November 18, 1999. She further stated that the minutes from the
five October budget meetings are scheduled for approval at the
December 8, 1999 Common Council Meeting.
20. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
20.1 An Ordinance Amending Section 325-4, of Chapter 325
entitled “Zoning” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code,
regarding an error in the language of and additions to Ordinance
99-11, Call for Public Hearing
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
RESOLVED, that correction to errors in the language and
additions to Ordinance No. 99-11 entitled “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)”,
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 amendment to the
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, December 8, 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
November 3, 1999
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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 NO. 99- ____
An Ordinance Amending Section 325-4, of Chapter 325 entitled
“Zoning” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, regarding errors
in the language and additions to Ordinance 99-11.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca that Chapter 325, Section 325-4 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Ithaca be amended as follows:
Section 1. Declaration of Legislative Findings and Purpose
The Common Council finds that this Ordinance:
1. Will help to create greater public access to the
waterfront.
2. Will guide development in this area of the City for
the purpose of creating a unique waterfront
experience.
3. Allows the City to enhance the value of waterfront
property in this area of the City.
4. Allows the City to create an area on the water having
multi-story buildings intended for mixed use.
5. Will protect and enhance views of the waterfront and
surrounding areas for public enjoyment.
Section 2. Chapter 325, Section 325-5 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Ithaca is hereby amended to change the zoning
designation of the following areas from M-1 (Marine Commercial
District) and B-4 (Business) as applicable to Waterfront Zoning
District (WF-1), portions of which are shown on attached map.
Section 3. Section 325-8 of the Municipal Code of the City of
Ithaca is hereby amended as follows to establish district
regulations for the new WF-1 district as follows:
Permitted Primary Uses
1. Any use permitted in B-2.
2. Parking Lot.
3. Recreational or cultural facility such as a park, playground,
art museum, fishing pier or yacht club.
4. Public Recreation.
5. Boatel.
6. Sale, rental, repair or storage of marine related recreation
equipment such as boats, marine engines, sails, cabin
equipment.
7. Light manufacture of marine recreation related products
involving substantial hand fabrication such as sails, boat
hulls, cabin fittings.
November 3, 1999
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Permitted Accessory Uses
1. Home occupation.
2. Boat fuel dispensing.
3. Snowmobile sales, service, rental in conjunction with boat
sales, rental or service.
4. Signs as permitted by Sign Ordinance.
Off-Street Parking Requirements – None
Off-Street Loading Requirements – None
Area in Square Feet – 3,000
Width in Feet at Street Line – 30
Width in Feet at Waterfront – 30
Maximum Building Heights:
Waterfront – WF1a, no building allowed.
Waterfront –WF1b, one story, 12 - 15 feet with an
additional 5 feet for cornice
allowed.
Waterfront – WF1c, minimum two stories, maximum three [3]
stories, not to exceed a height of thirty
eight (38) feet.
Waterfront – WF1d, minimum three stories, maximum five (5)
stories, not to exceed a height of 63
feet.
(Refer to Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Zoning, §325-
3.B., Definitions and word usage, HEIGHT OF BUILDING)
Maximum percent lot coverage by buildings
1. On parcels of fifty (50) feet or less in width, 100% lot
coverage allowed except as may be required for provision of
pedestrian ways and protection of view corridors.
2. On parcels with three or more boundaries greater than fifty
(50) feet, 90% lot coverage allowed except as may be required
for provision of pedestrian ways and protection of view
corridors.
Yard Dimensions
Front Yard – None
Side Yards – None
Rear Yard – 10 Feet Minimum
No new structure shall be located nearer than forty (40)
feet to the bulkhead or to the bank of the Flood Control
Channel, measured at an average water level, except for those
structures directly connected with marine or public or
commercial recreation activities.
No new structure shall be located nearer than twelve (12)
feet to the bulkhead or to the bank of the Cayuga Inlet,
measured at an average water level, except for those structures
directly connected with marine or public or commercial
recreation activities.
November 3, 1999
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Minimum Height
WF1a – 0 feet
WF1b – 12 feet
WF1c – 24 feet
WF1d – 36 feet
Two Story Minimum:
Any building constructed within the minimum 2-story height
zone shall have a height of at least 24 feet and have two
habitable stories covering 75% or more of the footprint of
the building.
Three Story Minimum:
Any building constructed within the minimum 3-story height
zone shall have a height of at least 36 feet and have three
habitable stories covering 75% or more of the footprint of
the building. As an alternative within this zone, a
building may satisfy the minimum height requirement if 75%
of the building over its footprint is at least 36 feet in
height and has two or more habitable stories.
(Refer to Code of the City of Ithaca, Chapter 325, Zoning, §325-
3.B., Definitions and word usage, HABITABLE SPACE, NONHABITABLE
SPACE, STORY, PUBLIC SPACE)
Section 4. Chapter 325, Section 325-16 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Ithaca entitled “Height Regulations” is hereby
amended to add a new subsection to be known to read as follows:
“Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
in the WF-1 district:
(1) No building shall be erected in any of the areas
designated WF1a on the map entitled
“Proposed Waterfront Zoning District (WF-1) Existing
Conditions” dated September 1999 a copy of which map is
on file in the Ithaca City Clerk’s Office.
(2) No building shall be erected that is greater than one
story in the area designated WF1b on the map entitled
“Proposed Waterfront Zoning District (WF-1) Existing
Conditions” dated September 1999, a copy of which is on
file in the Ithaca City Clerk’s Office.
(3) No building shall be erected that is less than two
stories or greater than three stories in any of the areas
designated WF1c on the map entitled “Proposed Waterfront
Zoning District (WF-1) Existing Conditions”, dated
September 1999, a copy of which is on file in the Ithaca
City Clerk’s Office.
(4) No building shall be erected that is less than three
stories or greater than five stories in any of the areas
designated WF1d on the map entitled “Proposed Waterfront
Zoning District (WF-1) Existing Conditions” dated
September 1999 a copy of which is on file in the Ithaca
City Clerk’s Office.
(5) The restrictions contained in this section shall not
apply to buildings less than 15 feet (maximum) in height,
which are intended, designed and maintained as amenities
for adjacent trails such as gazebos and rest rooms.
(6) The restrictions contained in this section shall not
apply to existing buildings within the designated areas.
Such existing buildings may be maintained and repaired
provided their height and footprint are not altered so as
November 3, 1999
14
to make the buildings non-compliant with the restrictions
of this subdivision.
Section 5. Chapter 325, Section 325-20 of the Municipal Code of
the City of Ithaca entitled “Off-Street Parking” is hereby
amended to add a new subsection to be known as subdivision (A)
(4) (c) to read as follows:
“(1) Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the
contrary, there will be no off-street parking requirements in
the WF-1 district.
Section 6. The City Planning and Development Board, the City
Clerk and the Planning Department shall amend the zoning map and
the district regulations chart in accordance with the amendments
made herewith.
Section 7. Effective date. This ordinance shall take affect
immediately and in accordance with law upon publication of
notices as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Alderperson Blumenthal stated that the GEIS will be released
next week, and that additional meeting will be scheduled in the
near future.
20.2(A) An Ordinance Amending section 325-8 “District
Regulations” of Chapter 325 entitled "Zoning" of the City of
Ithaca Municipal Code, amending an error in the language of
Ordinance 98-30 which amended the regulation of home
occupations--Declaration of No Significant Environmental Effect
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, an Ordinance amending section 325-8 of Chapter 325
entitled "Zoning" of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code,
regarding District Regulations.
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted,
and
WHEREAS, the proposed action is a Type I action under the City
Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, (CEQR) and
WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed action will not have a
significant effect on the environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency in this
matter, hereby does adopt as its own the findings and
conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental
Assessment Form dated September 30, 1999 and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Common Council, as lead agency, hereby does
determine that the proposed action at issue will not have a
significant effect on the environment, and that further
environmental review is unnecessary under the circumstances, and
be it further
RESOLVED, that this resolution shall constitute notice of this
negative declaration, and the City Clerk be, and hereby is,
directed to file a copy of the same, together with the
attachment, in the City Clerk's Office and forward the same to
any other parties as required by law.
Carried Unanimously
November 3, 1999
15
20.2 (B) 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.
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
ORDINANCE 99-12
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of
Ithaca, New York, as follows:
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:
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).
This ordinance shall take effect immediately in accordance with
law upon publication of a notice as provided in the Ithaca City
Charter.
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Postponement of December 1999 Common Council Meeting
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
Ithaca College, Cornell University, Cayuga Medical Center, Bangs
Ambulance and other emergency service providers will be
participating in an Integrated Emergency Management Training
Course in Emmitsburg, Maryland, to learn how to provide a
coordinated response to a natural disaster, or man made
emergency, and
WHEREAS, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Vaughan, Alderperson
Spielholz, City Clerk Holcomb, and several other department
heads and staff members will be attending this training from
November 29, - December 3, 1999; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the December 1, 1999 Common Council meeting be
postponed until December 8, 1999.
Carried Unanimously
City Attorney Position
City Attorney Geldenhuys spoke in favor of changing the City
Attorney’s position from part-time to a full-time position.
Money has been placed in restricted contingency if this change
is approved by Common Council.
City Attorney Geldenhuys noted that she will be stepping down
from the position effective December 31, 1999 to dedicate more
time to her private practice.
City Attorney Geldenhuys detailed the difficulties she has
encountered as a part-time department head supervising three
November 3, 1999
16
full-time employees. She further reported that there has been a
significant increase in the number of meetings the Attorney must
attend, as well as increases in the number of litigation cases,
arbitrations, administrative hearings, and real-estate
transactions in recent years.
This item was referred to the Budget and Administration
Committee Meeting for further review.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:17 P.M.
________________________ _______________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor