HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2000-11-01
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 1, 2000
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (8) Pryor, Sams, Glasstetter, Manos,
Vaughan, Spielho1z, Taylor, Hershey
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney - Schwab
Assistant City Attorney – Dunn
City Controller – Cafferillo
Deputy Controller – Thayer
Police Chief – Basile
Acting Building Commissioner – Radke
Fire Chief – Wilbur
Volunteer Coordinator – Lynch
Youth Bureau Director – Cohen
Deputy Youth Bureau Director - Green
EXCUSED:
Alderpersons Farrell, Blumenthal
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the
American flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
By Alderperson Spielholz: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the August 24, 2000, August 28,
2000, and September 14, 2000 Special Common Council Meetings be
approved with corrections noted by Alderpersons Blumenthal and
Manos.
Carried Unanimously
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Planning and Economic Development Committee
Alderperson Pryor requested the deletion of Items 20.1A & B – An
Ordinance Amending the City of Ithaca Municipal Code regarding
Flood Damage Prevention; and Item 20.2A & B - Acquisition and
Disposition of Esty and Fulton Street Parking Lot. She further
requested the addition of a new Item 20.1 – Tompkins County
Library Memorandum of Understanding – Resolution.
No Council member objected.
Human Resources Committee
Alderperson Manos requested that Item 17.8 - A Motion to Enter
into Executive Session to Discuss Adjusting the Schedule of
Benefits for Managerial Employees and 17.9 - A Motion to Enter
into Executive Session to Discuss Executive Unit Contract be added
to the existing Executive Session. She further requested the
addition of Item 17.10 – Change in Prescription Co-payment Program
for Retired Employees – Resolution.
No Council members objected.
November 1, 2000
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New Business
Mayor Cohen requested the addition of Item 20.2 – Wastewater
Treatment Services – Progress Report regarding discussions with
other municipalities.
No Council member objected.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Recognition of Ithaca Police Department Staff Members
Tompkins County Sheriff Peter Meskill presented a plaque of
recognition to Ithaca Police Chief Basile, Lieutenant Beau Saul,
Sergeant John Barber and other members of the Ithaca Police
Department Tactical Service Unit for their participation in a
hostage negotiation situation in the Town of Ithaca. Sheriff
Meskill commended IPD’s professionalism and spirit of intra-
departmental cooperation.
A Public Hearing to Consider An Ordinance Amending Section 186-17
entitled “Appeals Board” of Chapter 186 entitled “Flood Damage
Prevention” and also Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of the
City of Ithaca Municipal Code
Resolution to Open Hearing
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the public hearing to consider an Ordinance
amending Section 186-17 and Chapter 325 of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code regarding Flood Damage Prevention be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Common Council
Resolution to Close Hearing
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That the public hearing to consider an Ordinance
amending Section 186-17 and Chapter 325 of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code regarding Flood Damage Prevention be declared
closed.
Carried Unanimously
A Public Hearing to Consider the Downtown Development Strategy
This item was withdrawn from the agenda. Mayor Cohen explained
that as the Downtown Development Strategy is not a land use
oriented plan, it will not become part of the City’s
Comprehensive Plan, and therefore a public hearing is not
necessary.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Jemma Macera, City of Ithaca, Doria Higgins, Town of Ithaca,
Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca, addressed Common Council in
opposition to fluoridation of the City’s water supply.
Michael Robinson, City of Ithaca, spoke in opposition of the
TCAT fare increases, and in support of the Downtown Strategy
Plan and proposed Widewaters Development.
Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca, urged Common Council members to
support Ralph Nader for President.
Richard Rupe, George Seeley, Dana Morgan, Tony O’Cello, Cliff
Murphy, City of Ithaca employees, addressed Common Council
November 1, 2000
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regarding the CSEA DPW Labor Contract, and concerns regarding
the proposed increases to the City’s Prescription Drug Program.
Joel Harlan, Town of Dryden, spoke in favor of economic
development initiatives.
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed Common Council regarding
recent crimes and drug activity within the community.
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
Mayor Cohen responded to comments made by the City employees.
He stated that he is restricted from speaking about collective
bargaining issues as negotiations are now at impasse. Mayor
Cohen further stated that the City is still at the negotiating
table acting in good faith. He thanked the DPW workers for the
City-wide clean-up effort.
Alderperson Manos thanked the City employees for coming to the
meeting to express their concerns.
Alderperson Hershey responded to comments made regarding the
fluoridation referendum. He commended the Ithaca Police
Department for their rapid action in solving recent crimes.
Alderperson Vaughan clarified that the 2001 Building Department
budget proposes one new position to the current personnel
roster.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Alderperson Hershey stated that in the absence of a report from
the Board of Fire Commissioners, he wanted to take this
opportunity to note that he was very moved two years ago at the
anniversary celebration of the fire department. The Ithaca Fire
Department is committed to treasuring and adding to its heritage
and creating and nurturing a fire museum. A number of people in
the City of Ithaca and surrounding area, including former fire
fighters and present fire fighters are attempting to add to the
collection and to the heritage of that museum and he would hope
that everybody who is watching on television who happens across
any artifact that reflects the proud tradition of the Ithaca
fire fighting community will do that. He is going to give his
colleague and liaison to the Board of Fire Commissioners, Jana
Taylor, an 1878 stereopticon card, which is a photograph of an
honor and celebration of two Ithaca fire fighters that the
entire community did when they gathered August 22, 1878 to
present to the fire department. It’s just one of a lot of
artifacts that is going to be part of this wonderful exhibit and
museum. He thinks it will be a museum that not only we can be
proud of in Ithaca, but fire fighters all over the Central New
York region can be proud of.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Cohen announced that the Hellenic dinner will be Saturday,
November 4th and that the Human Rights Commissioner Dinner is
Saturday November 18th. GIAC’s Harvest Dinner is Friday,
November 17th, it’s free and open to the public.
QUARTERLY RECOGNITION AWARD:
Mayor Cohen presented the quarterly employee recognition award
to the City Clerk’s office.
November 1, 2000
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Mayor Cohen read the nomination for Julie Holcomb, City Clerk
for her work with the Employee Recognition Picnic. Schelley
Michell-Nunn submitted the nomination.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
16.1 Youth Bureau – Amendment to Personnel Roster – Resolution
By Alderperson Sams: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has an opportunity to increase
academic support and mentoring services without requiring
additional funding, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the increase of hours for
Youth Development Program Leader, Kevin Thompson, from 17
hours/week to 22 hours/week.
Carried Unanimously
16.2 Youth Bureau – Amendment to Personnel Roster – Resolution
By Alderperson Sams: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Ithaca Youth Bureau
be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Administrative Assistant
Delete: One (1) Recreation Leader
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position Administrative Assistant be assigned
to the CSEA Administrative Unit at salary grade 10 at a minimum
salary of $20,934.
Carried Unanimously
16.3 DPW – Amendment to Personnel Roster – Resolution
By Alderperson Sams: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the Department of Public Works – Streets &
Facilities Personnel Roster be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Custodial Worker
Delete: One (1) Maintenance Worker
Carried Unanimously
REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE:
17.1 Finance/Controller – Request Approval of 2000 NYS
Retirement Incentive Program Participants - Resolution
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, the City enacted Local Law #3, August 10, 2000,
adopting the 2000 Retirement Incentive Program (Chapter 86, Laws
of 2000), 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
November 1, 2000
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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
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 2000 Targeted Retirement
Incentive Program (Chapter 86, Laws of 2000):
Fiscal Manager, DPW Streets & Facilities, Pamela Applegarth
Custodian, DPW Streets & Facilities, Harry E. Austin
Payroll Coordinator, Roxie Carman
Youth Bureau Director, Samuel Cohen
Working Supervisor Sanitation, Gary France
Supervisor Water & Sewer Operations, Kenneth Harding
Maintainer, Ronald Lynch
Parking Lot Attendant, Jon McMinn
Principal Account Clerk Water & Sewer, Antoinette Napier
Bus Driver, Carolyn O’Brien
Working Supervisor - Bridges, Donald Sharpsteen
Bus Driver, Edward Shipman
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the memorandum dated October 23, 2000 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.
Mayor Cohen explained that participation in this program is
voluntary. He further stated that when vacancies are filled, as
a result of participation in this program, the City is mandated
by New York State to realize a 50% savings in base salaries.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
17.2 Authorization to Create Temporary Positions
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Sams
WHEREAS, an Assistant Fire Chief at the Ithaca Fire Department
is on an extended medical leave, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to fill the Assistant Fire Chief
position on a temporary basis during the permanent employee's
absence, to ensure the efficient operation of the department,
and
WHEREAS, the promotion of a Fire Lieutenant into the Assistant
Chief position will result in a temporary vacancy at the rank of
Lieutenant, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to fill this Fire Lieutenant vacancy on
a temporary basis as well, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT
November 1, 2000
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RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Ithaca Fire
Department be temporarily amended as follows:
Add: One (1) temporary, six month, Assistant Fire Chief
One (1) temporary, six month, Fire Lieutenant
Carried Unanimously
17.3 Fire Department – Amendment to Personnel Roster – Resolution
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Sams
WHEREAS, by reclassifying the current Volunteer Coordinator to a
Director of Development, the Fire Department will be better able
to increase it’s ability to secure grant resources and manage
additional administrative responsibilities and therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Fire Department be
amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Director of Development
Delete: One (1) Volunteer Coordinator
and be it
RESOLVED, That $498 be transferred from account A1990 to A3410-
5105-12050 to cover the increase in salary for the remainder of
the 2000 budget year, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Director of Development be assigned to the
City Executive Association at a Grade 3.
Carried Unanimously
(Alderperson Hershey was absent during vote)
17.4 Youth Bureau – Amendment to Personnel Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Vaughan
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Ithaca Youth Bureau
be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Recreation Facilities Director
Delete: One (1) Recreation Facilities Manager
and be it
RESOLVED, That the position of Recreation Facilities Director be
assigned to the City Executive Association at Grade 2, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That John Doyle be provisionally appointed to the
position of Recreation Facilities Director at an annual salary
of $54,071, and therefore be it further
RESOLVED, That $6,080 be transferred from account A7310-5410-
1512 to account A7310-5110-1510.
Carried Unanimously
(Alderperson Hershey absent from vote)
November 1, 2000
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17.5 Youth Bureau – Amendment to Personnel Roster –Resolution
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
RESOLVED, that the Youth Bureau Personnel Roster be amended as
follows:
Add: One (1) Receptionist
and be it further
RESOLVED, that the Receptionist position be assigned to the CSEA
Administrative Unit at a Salary Grade 2.
Carried Unanimously
Decrease in part-time seasonal budget more efficient to make
permanent position.
17.6 Residency Requirements for Certain Public Officers -
Resolution
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Spielholz
WHEREAS, the Ithaca City Code, Article X, Chapter 90-67 and 90-
68 contains residency requirements for certain public officers,
and contains several definitions of the term "residency;" and
WHEREAS, it has come to the attention of the Human Resources
Committee of Common Council that questions have arisen regarding
the application and enforcement of said provision of the City
Code; and
WHEREAS, in appropriate circumstances it would be beneficial for
Common Council to have the stated discretion to waive those
residency requirements; it is hereby
RESOLVED, That Chapter 90 be amended by Ordinance, to allow
Common Council, in appropriate circumstances, to waive the
stated residency requirements by a vote of 2/3 of the full
voting strength of Common Council, exclusive of the Mayor; and
it is further
RESOLVED, That the City Attorney's Office shall prepare the
appropriate Ordinance language and submit same to the Human
Resource Committee for review and submission to Common Council
for action.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding how this
ordinance has been enforced in the past and what “appropriate
circumstances” mean for waiver of the requirement. In the
course of discussion many questions arose and a recommendation
was made to have the resolution go back to the Human Resources
Committee for further review. No council member objected.
Alderpersons Manos and Spielholz withdrew their motions.
17.7 Change in Prescription Co-Payment Program for the Mayor and
Common Council
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Farrell
RESOLVED, That effective January 1, 2001 the Prescription Drug Co-
payment for the Mayor and members of Common Council shall increase
to $2 for generic drugs and $10 for brand name drugs. This co-
payment is not reimbursable through any section of the Health
November 1, 2000
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Insurance program. Under this co-pay, each prescription may be
filled for up to a three month supply.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding what the increase in
co-pay would mean to some members and all felt that if the
employees were willing to accept this increase then they should as
well.
A vote on the Resolution Resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) Pryor, Sams, Blumenthal, Glasstetter, Manos
Vaughan, Farrell, Spielholz, Taylor
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Hershey
Carried
17.8 A Motion to Enter into Executive Session to Discuss Adjusting
the Schedule of Benefits for Managerial Employees
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
2001 Fringe Benefits for Managerial Employees
RESOLVED, That the fringe benefits granted to managerial personnel
not covered by a bargaining unit shall be as follows:
1. For 2001, salaries for managerial personnel shall be
increased by three percent (3%) over 2000 base salaries.
2. Annual Leave:
Employees shall earn annual leave on a monthly basis in
accordance with the following schedule:
Length of Service 40 hours/week 35 hours/week
up to 2 years 10 hr/month 9 hr/month
2 – 7 years 13.5 hr/month 12 hr/month
7 – 20 years 17 hr/month 15 hr/month
20 or more years 20 hr/month 18 hr/month
Annual leave will be posted on the first day of each month,
beginning with the first day of the month following the month
of hire.
Annual leave may be accumulated up to a maximum of forty (40)
days; provided, however, that no more than thirty (30) days
of unused annual leave shall be paid on separation from
service. Unused annual leave in excess of this amount may be
applied toward the purchase of health and dental insurance
upon retirement.
An employee may elect to cash in up to ten (10) days of
unused annual leave in December of any calendar year.
3. Holidays:
Holiday leave shall be as follows:
January 1st Labor Day
Martin Luther King Day Columbus Day
Lincoln’s Birthday Veteran’s Day
November 1, 2000
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Washington’s Birthday Thanksgiving
Memorial Day Christmas
Independence Day
Whenever any of these holidays falls on a Saturday, the
proceeding Friday shall be considered the holiday. If on
Sunday, the following Monday shall be considered the holiday.
4. Sick Leave:
Sick leave shall accumulate at the rate of one (1) day per
month. Sick leave shall be posted on the first day of each
month, beginning with the first day of the month following
the month of hire. There shall be unlimited accumulation of
sick leave.
5. Sick Leave Bank:
In the event that a management level employee is absent from
work due to prolonged illness which has exhausted that
employee’s leave credits, fellow management employees may
voluntarily donate earned sick leave time to the affected
employee up to a maximum of five (5) days per donating
employee per year. Donated sick leave days shall be deducted
from the earned sick leave time of the donating employee.
6. Sick Leave Buyout:
Upon an employee’s retirement, the employee shall be
compensated for unused sick leave as follows:
a. The employee may elect to receive a cash settlement for
unused sick leave not to exceed $11,000.
The employee may elect to have the above cash settlement
paid weekly as regular salary during his/her last six
(6) months of employment; provided, however, that no
such settlement shall be paid until after the employee
has submitted a letter of commitment which specifies the
date of retirement.
If the employee elects to receive the above cash
settlement and has accumulated sick leave credit in
excess of the above amount, the remaining sick leave,
computed at the employee’s current rate of pay, may be
applied toward the payment of extended health and/or
dental insurance coverage until exhausted.
b. The employee may elect to waive the cash settlement
described in (a) above, and apply all of his/her
accumulated sick leave toward extended health and/or
dental insurance coverage. If the case settlement is
waived, extended health and dental insurance coverage
shall be provided at the rate of one (1) month of
insurance for each twelve (12) hours of accumulated sick
leave.
In the event of an employee’s death prior to his/her
retirement, or if retired, prior to the exhaustion of
remaining accumulated funds, such monies due the employee
November 1, 2000
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shall be applied toward the purchase of health insurance for
his/her surviving dependents, if any.
Upon the exhaustion of the above credits in (a) and (b)
above, the City will no longer extend health insurance
coverage to retirees and dependents except by direct full
payment to the City by the retiree at the appropriate rate
available as determined by the City.
7. Bereavement Leave:
In the event of death in the immediate family of the employee
or family of the employee’s spouse or domestic partner, such
employee shall be allowed a leave of absence with pay to a
maximum of three (3) days. The Mayor may grant additional
time as needed.
The immediate family is defined as: the spouse or domestic
partner, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or
sister of the employee or the parent, grandparent, child,
grandchild, brother or sister of the spouse or domestic
partner. It shall apply also to any other relative living in
the same household.
8. Parenting Leave:
Pursuant to Section C-109(B)(3) of the City Charter, any
employee taking a parenting leave shall be entitled to use up
to eight (8) weeks of accumulated sick leave without
providing a doctor’s certificate. Parenting leaves shall be
available to both male and female employees and shall be
available only in the case of childbirth or adoption.
Employees may use additional sick time at the end of the
eight week period for parenting leave upon presentation of a
doctor’s certificate attesting to the necessity for such
continued leave from employment.
9. Jury Duty:
An employee shall be granted a leave of absence, with pay, at
no loss to accrued leave, to serve jury duty or to appear as
a witness on any case involving the employee’s role as a City
employee pursuant to subpoena, or other order of the court
upon presentation to the City of proof thereof. Any
compensation received from the court except expense
reimbursement, shall be returned to the City.
10. Work Schedule:
The City recognizes the need to provide a certain degree of
flexibility in the work schedules of managerial employees to
accommodate for work performed during non-traditional work
hours.
11. Health & Dental Insurance:
The City agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of the cost
of the health insurance and dental insurance programs.
Effective January 1, 2001 employee prescription drug co-pay
increases to $2 for generic drugs and $10 for brand drugs –
this co-pay is not reimbursable through any section of the
November 1, 2000
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Health Insurance program – under this co-pay each
prescription may be filled for up to a three month supply.
12. Retirement:
The City shall provide membership in the New York State
Employees’ Retirement System with benefits as described in
the “Improved Non-Contributory Plan” (Section 75-i). In
addition, the City shall provide Section 384d benefits for
members of the uniformed services, including Section
302(9)(D) for Tier 1 members.
13. Day Care:
The City shall continue to provide the established Day Care
Assistance Program (Cash Subsidy Program, Flexible Spending
Account and Flexible Work Schedule) according to the program
and procedures adopted by the Ithaca Common Council.
14. Educational Assistance:
The City of Ithaca agrees to pay the tuition for education
courses, including technical and trade schools, up to a
maximum cost of $200 per course. Such assistance shall be
limited to courses which are related to an employee’s
position and which will further development in the
performance of his/her duties.
Assistance is to be limited to four (4) courses per year,
with a career limit of twenty (20) courses.
15. Mileage Reimbursement:
Employees who are required to use their personal automotive
vehicle in the conduct of official business shall be
reimbursed at the prevailing IRS rate.
Carried Unanimously
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
By Alderperson Manos, Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
RESOLVED, That Common Council adjourn into Executive Session to
Discuss Executive Unit Contract.
Carried Unanimously
REGULAR SESSION:
By Alderperson Manos, Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
RESOLVED, That Common Council reconvene into Regular Session and
approves the 2000-2002 Executive Unit Labor Contract, retroactive
to January 1, 2000.
Carried Unanimously
17.10 Change in Prescription Co-Payment Program for Retired
Employees
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That effective January 1, 2001 the Prescription Drug Co-
Payment for all retired employees covered by the City’s Health
Insurance program shall increase to $2 for generic drugs and $10
for brand name drugs. This co-payment is not reimbursable through
any section of the Health Insurance program. Under this co-pay,
each prescription may be filled for up to a three month supply.
November 1, 2000
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Carried Unanimously
18. BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
18.1 Adoption of 2001 Budget
By Alderperson Vaughan, Seconded by Aldersperson Manos
WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the
Amended Executive Budget for 2001 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 2001 and as those amounts may be
altered by action of this Common Council at its November 1, 2000
meeting, are adequate for the operation of the City during 2001;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said
Amended Executive Budget for 2001, together with any additional
changes made in said budget at Council's November 1, 2000 meeting
as the City of Ithaca Budget for 2001, in the total amount of
$39,728,385, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2001 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
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Vaughan thanked Common Council members and City staff
for their hours of hard work on the budget.
18.2 Adoption of 2001 Tax Rate
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, the 2001 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted and
confirmed in the total amount of $39,728,385 on November 1, 2000,
November 1, 2000
13
in accordance with a detailed Budget on file in the Office of the
City Controller, and
WHEREAS, available and estimated revenues total $31,507,440
leaving $8,220,945 as the amount to be raised by taxation, and
WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for 2001, certified and filed by the
Assessment Department of Tompkins County, has been footed and
approved and shows the total net taxable valuation as
$835,258,185, and
WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the tax limit for City purposes
amount to $17,128,325 for 2001; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the tax rate for general purposes, for the fiscal
year 2001, be, and the same hereby is, established and fixed at
9.8424 per $1,000 of taxable valuation as shown, certified and
extended against the respective properties on the 2001 Tax Roll,
thereby making a total tax levy, as near as may be, of $8,220,945
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 9.8424 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 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 $39,728,385 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 2001 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 2,903,910,824
Less: Value of Exempt Property 2,090,508,500
813,402,324
Plus: Value of Special Franchises 21,855,861
Net Value of Taxable Property $835,258,185
Carried Unanimously
11-0 Mayor voted affirmatively
18.3 Common Council – Request Funds for Human Rights Commission
Dinner
November 1, 2000
14
By Alderperson Vaughan, Seconded by Alderperson Sams
WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission is requesting $625 to assist
them with their annual dinner for the year 2000; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the transfer of
funds in the amount not to exceed $625 from the unrestricted
contingency account A1990 to the Other Community Service Agencies
contract account A1012-5435.
Alderperson Spielholz asked, for the record, who else is
contributing to this aside from the City.
Robert Skates, Chair of the Tompkins County Human Rights
Commission, stated that they have asked the County to assist in
this process but have yet to hear from them. They do expect to
get some funding from them as part of their budget request. The
only reason the City was approached for this was request because
they were not clear as to how their requests have been handled in
the past. They thought that it was something to request during
the special budget hearing. They also have asked corporations for
donations to assist them in putting on the event.
Alderperson Pryor stated that she didn’t recall seeing the Human
Rights Commission on the list of their community service agencies.
Mayor Cohen stated that the City will add the TC Human Rights
Commission to the list for next year.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
18.4 Fire Department – Request to Establish Capital Project for
Relocation of Aerial Fire Alarm Service
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, the Fire Department was recently notified by NYSEG that
the remaining aerial electrical service in the 100 block of
Dryden Road will be relocated to underground service, and
WHEREAS, this means aboveground utility poles will be removed and
cable, including fire alarm cable, will be removed and placed
underground, and
WHEREAS, the underground utility is advantageous to the Fire
Department, and
WHEREAS, the Fire Department must share in the total cost of the
project, with the City’s estimated share at $30,000; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes Capital Project
#427 in an amount not to exceed $30,000 for the relocation of
aerial fire alarm services in the 100 block of Dryden Road, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the funds necessary for said Capital Project shall
be derived from a General Fund advance to later be repaid by the
issuance of Serial Bonds.
Carried Unanimously
November 1, 2000
15
18.5 Finance/Controller – Approval of 1999 City of Ithaca
Single Audit
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That the Single Audit Report for the period of January
1, 1999 through December 31, 1999, prepared by the accounting firm
of Ciaschi, Dietershagen, Little and Mickelson, C.P.A.’s, be
accepted to comply with all of the City’s applicable Federal
Single Audit and related Audit Requirements.
Carried Unanimously
Mayor Cohen congratulated the entire staff of the Controller’s
Department for keeping City on solid financial footing and fact
that no questions were raised is exemplary.
18.6 Report from the Mayor regarding city-wide clean-up program:
Mayor Cohen stated that the first weekend 60 tons was collected
and total tonnage was in the neighborhood of 340 tons. Our out
of pocket expenses were tipping fees, trucking, a little
overtime the first weekend and some other odds and ends. It
came to $23,007. The DPW crews picked up the majority of the
tonnage, the 280 tons during the course of the week. It set back
a couple of smaller projects for us which are now back on track.
Our staff, as was said earlier, did an excellent job. We also
recycled about 17 tons of metal. We were not charged for that
and that is going into the system now. We have learned a lot
from it. The staff recommendation, which he wholeheartedly
endorses right now, is that if we do this again that we limit it
to some specific items. They’re not even sure if we need to do
this every year but if we did or we did it every other year we
should on the years that we do this have two pick-ups. One
would be furniture only (sofas, chairs, mattresses and other
furniture type items and that’s it) the other pick up would be
limited to appliances (washers/dryers, sinks, certified air
conditioners, refrigerators and like) and restrict that pick up
to just that. He pointed out that there have been several
complaints, specifically from landlords, about why didn’t we
pick up theirs. There are two reasons. We did not offer this
to any commercial enterprise. This was offered in only
residential districts. Landlords by nature of their enterprise,
are commercial enterprises as well. They own their properties
for profit. They rent them out and they make money as opposed
to everybody else whether they be a tenant or a homeowner who
does not own that property to make money. The other reason is
that the out-of-pocket expenses will ultimately be funded by
garbage tag fees.
PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT COMMITTEE:
20.1 Tompkins County Public Library Memorandum of Understanding
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, the Tompkins County Public Library is expected to open
on or about November 20, 2000, and
WHEREAS, there are a number of issues raised by the library
opening, such as future library expansion, access to City
conduit, and parking, and
WHEREAS, the parking areas in close proximity to the library are
owned by the City of Ithaca, and
November 1, 2000
16
WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the City and the County
for the City to provide parking for library use as well as for
employees working in the library, the Mental Health Building,
and the Finger Lakes Library System, and
WHEREAS, the City and the County, desirous of resolving parking
in and near the library to their mutual benefit, entered into
discussions related to parking, which have resulted in a
proposed Memorandum of Understanding; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves the proposed
Memorandum of Understanding entitled “Library Parking Memorandum
of Understanding”, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the City of
Ithaca to enter into said Memorandum of Understanding with the
County of Tompkins, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon review by the City Attorney, is
hereby authorized to sign any and all instruments necessary to
finalize the Memorandum of Understanding.
Carried Unanimously
20.1 (A) An Ordinance Amending Sections 186-17 entitled “Appeals
Board” of Chapter 186 entitled “Flood Damage Prevention” and
also Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of the city of
Ithaca Municipal Code – Declaration of No Significant
Environmental Effect - Resolution
This item was removed from the agenda.
20.1 (B) An Ordinance Amending Section 186-17 entitled
“Appeals Board” of Chapter 186 entitled “Flood Damage
Prevention” and also Amending Chapter 325 entitled “Zoning” of
the City of Ithaca Municipal Code
This item was removed from the agenda.
21. NEW BUSINESS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
By Alderperson Spielholz, Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That Common Council adjourn into Executive Session to
Discuss Pending Litigation, Collective Bargaining, Adjustment to
Benefit Schedule for Managerial Employees.
Carried Unanimously
REGULAR SESSION:
Common Council reconvened into Regular Session with no formal
action taken.
21.2 Progress report on wastewater treatment services
- Discussion of Draft Joint Sewer Agreement
Mayor Cohen emphasized that this is a just a draft of the
agreement.
Mayor Cohen reported that this agreement is the result of a
number of years of discussion with the Town of Ithaca and the
Town of Dryden. It is a possible precursor to an expansion of
the existing partnership. Nothing is written in stone. He
cannot emphasize that enough regarding the future direction. He
then presented an overview of the process.
November 1, 2000
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ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M.
________________________ _______________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor