HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2002-09-04
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COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. September 4, 2002
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (9) Pryor, Sams, Blumenthal, Mack, Whitmore, Vaughan,
Peterson, Cogan, Hershey
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney - Schwab
City Controller – Thayer
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Economic Development Director - McDonald
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Community Development Director - Bohn
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Manos
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Unfinished & Miscellaneous Business:
Alderperson Cogan requested the addition of Cayuga Green Update - Report.
No Council member objected
Mayor Cohen requested an Advice of Legal Counsel session on three maters.
No Council member objected.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
5.1 Common Council - Request to Adopt Ward Boundaries for
City Redistricting - Resolution
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, the Department of Commerce has released data from the year 2000 US
Census of population, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca created boundaries for five city wards for the purpose of
electing two council members from each ward to represent residents of that ward in
1992 and is required to review those boundaries after each decennial Census if there
are significant shifts in population, and
WHEREAS, the City Redistricting Task Force was asked to study the ward boundaries
and make recommendations to Council on what the ward boundaries of the City of
Ithaca should be in light of the changes in population from 1990 to 2000, and
WHEREAS, the redistricting task force met in public, solicited public input and
deliberated on the merits of various alternatives for ward boundaries, including the
alternative of adopting as ward boundaries those sections of County legislative districts
which fall within the city boundaries, and are similar to current city wards, and
WHEREAS, the task force also determined that creating wards of a different number
than five or establishing at large voting for Common Council were not the best courses
of action for the City, and
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WHEREAS, the Task Force has submitted to the Mayor and Budget and Administration
Committee its report entitled “CITY REDISTRICTING 2002 – REPORT TO THE
ITHACA COMMON COUNCIL from the City of Ithaca Redistricting Task Force, August
20, 2002”, and
WHEREAS, the task force in its report recommends that the city adopt as its wards the
city portion of the similarly numbered county legislative districts citing that it is extremely
important to avoid voter confusion, extra expense and difficulty in staffing additional
election districts which would result if the boundaries were not the same, and
WHEREAS, the Budget and Administration Committee accepts the recommendation of
the task force; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby adopts the ward boundaries as
recommended by the redistricting task force.
John Marcham, Chair of Redistricting Task Force, explained the procedure followed by
the Task Force in completing its charge.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
5.2 A Local Law to Adopt New Boundary Lines for the City of
Ithaca Wards
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS a census was held in 2000 which indicated changes in population within the
City that prompted the City to re-examine its ward boundaries and which made it
necessary for the City to embark on a redistricting plan; and
WHEREAS, prior to the 2000 Census the City of Ithaca and the County of Tompkins
had identical boundary lines for their respective voting districts located within the City of
Ithaca limits, and
WHEREAS following the 2000 Census the County engaged in a redistricting exercise
which resulted in the County changing some of its district lines, and
WHEREAS, in view of the foregoing, a Redistricting Task Force was established to
make recommendations to the City of Ithaca Common Council regarding ward
boundaries for the City. The task force extensively studied various options and has
presented its report and recommendations to the Common Council, now therefore,
BE IT NOW ENACTED BY the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Legislative Intent and Purpose.
The Common Council of the City of Ithaca determines that it is in the interest of the
public welfare to ensure that the City of Ithaca adopts the same district lines for the City
as those established in 2001 by the County. The Common Council recognizes that
even though this will result in a population deviation that is greater than ten (10)
percent, such a plan is essential to avoid (i) voter confusion that would otherwise result
when both the City Common Council and the County Board candidates are running for
election which would necessitate voters having to vote at different precincts for each
respective candidate; (ii) additional expenses that would result from having two sets of
election boundaries; and (iii) the difficulty of staffing extra election districts.
The Common Council of the City of Ithaca also determines that the special nature of
the population of the City, which is greatly influenced by transient and student
populations, makes the greater than ten (10) percent population deviation appropriate
for the City of Ithaca.
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Section 2. The text of Section C-3 “Ward Boundaries”, as currently contained in the
Ithaca City Charter and last ratified by Local Law No. 7 of 1996 is hereby repealed and
replaced with the following text:
“The city shall be divided into five (5) wards respectfully bounded and described
as follows:
A. Ward I: Beginning at a monument marking the former southwest corner of the
corporate limits of the City of Ithaca, also known as the southwest corner of "DeWitt
location"; running thence due east along the south line of the corporate limits for a
distance of 1,775 feet, more or less, to the center line of the former right-of-way of the
Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, now or formerly known as the
"Lehigh Valley Railroad Company" (66 feet in width), which said right-of-way runs
parallel with and immediately adjoins an easterly right-of-way line of the now or formerly
main line of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company; running thence southwesterly along
the aforesaid center line of the right-of-way to an intersection with the former center line
of the Cayuga Inlet as it existed prior to the construction of the flood relief channel in
1968; running thence easterly and southerly along the former center line and continuing
southerly and westerly along the existing center line of the Cayuga Inlet to its
intersection with the center line of said right-of-way of the Lehigh Valley Railroad,
formerly the right-of-way of the Delaware Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company;
running thence along the center line of said railroad right-of-way, on a curve to the left,
and continuing along said center line in a northeasterly direction to its intersection with
the south line of DeWitt's location; running thence due east along the south line of
DeWitt's location and its extension to a point in the east line of South Aurora Street;
running thence southerly along said east line of South
Aurora Street 554 feet, more or less, to a point on the extension northwesterly of the
east line of 113 Coddington Road; running thence southeasterly along said line of 113
Coddington Road and its extension a distance of 360 feet, more or less, to a point in
the southerly line of Coddington Road, said point being also on the easterly line of
property at Ithaca College; running thence southeasterly along the Ithaca College east
line a distance of 640 feet, more or less, to a point; running thence easterly a distance
of 630 feet, more or less, to a point on a line dividing lands now or formerly of Centini-
Capalongo on the west with lands now formerly of Grivley on the east, said point being
also 550 feet, more or less, southerly along said dividing line in the south line of
Coddington Road; running thence northeasterly a distance of 595 feet, more or less, to
a point on the east line of Coddington Road, said point being also on the extension
southerly of the east line of 725 Hudson Street; running thence northerly along said
east line of 725 Hudson Street, 145 feet, more or less, to a point in the south line of
Pennsylvania Avenue; running thence northerly 550 feet, more or less, to a point on the
easterly extension on the south line of DeWitt's location property, being also located
155 feet easterly, more or less, from the east line of Hudson Street measured along the
aforesaid south line; running thence due east along the prolongation on the south line
of DeWitt's Location to its intersection with a center line of Six Mile Creek; running
thence northerly along the center line of Six Mile Creek, as it twists and turns, to its
intersection with the center line of Giles Street; running thence easterly along the center
line of Giles Street to its intersection with the center line of Water Street; running thence
northerly and northeasterly along the center line of Water Street to its intersection with
the center line of East State Street; running thence northwesterly along the center line
of East State Street to its intersection with the center line of South Quarry Street;
running thence southerly along the center line of South Quarry Street to its southerly
terminus; thence southwesterly along the center line of the road connecting South
Quarry Street and Ferris Place a distance of 240 feet, more or less, to the southerly
terminus of Ferris Place; thence southwesterly of the direction along a path to the
footbridge crossing Six Mile Creek a distance of 164 feet, more or less, to the center
line of Six Mile Creek; thence northwesterly and westerly along the center line of Six
Mile Creek a distance of 1,450 feet, more or less, to the intersection of the center line of
South Aurora Street; thence southerly along the center line of South Aurora Street a
distance of 438 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Prospect
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Street (New York State Route 96B); thence southwesterly along the center line of
Prospect Street (New York State Route 96B) a distance of 609 feet, more or less, to the
intersection with the center line of East Clinton Street; thence westerly along the center
line of East Clinton Street a distance of 377 feet, more or less, to the intersection with
the center line of Six Mile Creek; thence southerly and southwesterly along the center
line of Six Mile Creek a distance of 2,032 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the
center line of South Plain Street, as extended to the center line of Six Mile Creek;
running thence southerly along the center line of Plain Street a distance of 1,246 feet,
more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Elmira Road; thence
southwesterly and northwesterly along the center line of Elmira Road a distance of
1,557 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of South Meadow Street
(New York Route 13); thence northerly along the center line of South Meadow Street a
distance of 2,662 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Cecil A.
Malone Drive; thence northwesterly and westerly along the center line of Cecil A.
Malone Drive, as extended to the center line of the Flood Control Channel, a distance
of 2,638 feet; running thence northerly along the center line of the Flood Control
Channel to its intersection with the center line of Cayuga Inlet; continuing thence
northerly along the center line of Cayuga Inlet, and as extended, to the north line of the
City of Ithaca; running thence along the following leaps and bounds which mark the
northerly and westerly boundaries of the City of Ithaca; westerly along the northern line
of the City of Ithaca to a point on the west shore of Cayuga Lake; then southerly a
distance of 1,710 feet, more or less, to the mouth of a brook which divides the property
now or formerly owned by Harry and Helen D. Johnson on the north of the property now
or formerly of Candance H. Williams on the south; and thence westerly 140 feet, more
or less, up the center of the brook to the east boundary of the right-of-way of the
highway known as "Taughannock Boulevard"; then southerly along the east line of the
right-of-way of Taughannock Boulevard as it now exists or may hereafter be located a
distance of 1,523 feet to the center of Williams Brook; thence westerly 66 feet, more or
less, to the east line of the right-of-way formerly of the Ithaca and Geneva division of
the Lehigh Valley Railroad, now New York State Electric and Gas Company; then
southerly 1,100 feet, more or less, to the north line of said lots 92 and 94 produced;
thence west along the north line of said lots 92 and 94 produced to a point where said
line intersects the northeasterly line of Brookfield Road; thence north 15 degrees 15
minutes east 115.2 feet along the western line of Campbell Avenue to an iron pipe; then
southwesterly, substantially along a hedgerow about 117 feet to an iron pipe located
north 79 degrees 25 minutes east, a distance of 35.5 feet from an iron pipe set on the
northeasterly line of Brookfield Road; thence north 12 degrees 21 minutes west, 187
feet to an iron pipe; thence south 70 degrees 28 minutes west, 17.9 feet to a pipe;
thence south 23 degrees 40 minutes west, 150.6 feet to an iron pipe set in the bed of
Hopkins Place; thence continuing a short distance of approximately 10 feet to the
original center line of Hopkins Place, measured as a 40-foot road; then westerly along
said original center line of Hopkins Place about 60 feet to a point south 3 degrees 30
minutes east of an iron pipe set on the northerly line of Hopkins Place; thence north 3
degrees 30 minutes west, 20 feet, more or less, to said iron pipe in the northerly line of
Hopkins Place; thence north 3 degrees 30 minutes west, 223 feet to the center of
Williams Brook; then southwesterly along the center of Williams Brook 330 feet, more
or less, to the west line of Military Lot No. 87; then south along the west line of Military
Lot No. 87 and the west line of DeWitt's location to the point and place of beginning.
B. Ward II: Beginning at a point at the intersection of the center line of Six Mile
Creek and the center line of South Plain Street as extended to the center line of Six
Mile Creek; thence southerly along the center line of Plain Street a distance of 1,246
feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Elmira Road; thence
southwesterly and northwesterly along the center line of Elmira Road a distance of
1,557 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of South Meadow Street
(New York Route 13); thence northerly along the center line of South Meadow Street a
distance of 2,662 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Cecil A.
Malone Drive; thence northwesterly and westerly along the center line of Cecil A.
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Malone Drive, as extended to the center line of the Flood Control Channel, a distance
of 2,638 feet, more or less, to the center line of the Flood Control Channel; running
thence northerly along the center line of the Flood Control Channel to its intersection
with the center line of Cayuga Inlet, said point also being the center line of Cascadilla
Creek; running thence easterly and southeasterly along the center line of Cascadilla
Creek a distance of 4,458 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of
North Cayuga Street; thence northerly along the center line of North Cayuga Street a
distance of 85 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Farm Street;
thence easterly along the center line of Farm Street a distance of 1,239 feet, more or
less, to the intersection with the center line of Linn Street; thence southerly along the
center line of Linn Street a distance of 863 feet, more or less, to the intersection with
the center line of Terrace Place; thence easterly and southerly along the center line of
Terrace Place a distance of 497 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center
line of East Buffalo Street; thence easterly along the center line of East Buffalo Street a
distance of 1,239 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Stewart
Avenue; thence southerly along the center line of Stewart Avenue a distance of 839
feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of East State Street (New York
State Route 79); thence westerly along the center line of East State Street (New York
State Route 79) a distance of 58 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center
line of Elston Place; running thence southerly along the center line of Elston Place, as
extended to the center line of Six Mile Creek a distance of 516 feet, more or less, to the
intersection with the center line of Six Mile Creek; thence northwesterly and westerly
along the center line of Six Mile Creek a distance of 1,450 feet, more or less, to the
intersection of the center line of South Aurora Street; thence southerly along the center
line of South Aurora Street a distance of 438 feet, more or less, to the intersection with
the center line of Prospect Street (New York State Route 96B); thence southwesterly
along the center line of Prospect Street (New York State Route 96B) a distance of 609
feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of East Clinton Street; thence
westerly along the center line of East Clinton Street a distance of 377 feet, more or
less, to the intersection with the center line of Six Mile Creek; thence southerly and
southwesterly along the center line of Six Mile Creek a distance of 2,032 feet, more or
less, to the point of beginning.
C. Ward III: Beginning at a point in the south line of the City of Ithaca at its
intersection with the center of Six Mile Creek; running thence easterly along the south
line of the City of Ithaca a distance of 2,800 feet, more or less, to a monument marking
the southeast corner in the City of Ithaca; running thence northerly along the east line of
the City of Ithaca a distance of 208 feet, more or less, to the center of a ravine; running
thence northeasterly and along the center of the ravine, being also the boundaries of
the City of Ithaca, to the southwest line of the right-of-way formerly of the E. C. & N.
Railroad; running thence northwesterly and along the southwest line of the E. C. & N.
Railroad right-of-way, being also the boundary line of the City of Ithaca, 260 feet to the
south line of lands of Cornell University; running thence west along the south line of
lands of Cornell University and property now or formerly of S. William Barnes, being
also a boundary line of the City of Ithaca, a distance of about 1,050 feet to a point
which is approximately 960 feet north of the said southeast corner of the City of Ithaca;
running thence northerly along the eastern line of the City of Ithaca to the north line of
Military Lot No. 92, which is the north line of the City of Ithaca; thence westerly along
the northerly boundary of the City of Ithaca a distance of 1,680 feet, more or less, to the
intersection with the center line of Triphammer Road; thence southerly and
southwesterly a distance of 798 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center
line of Wait Avenue; thence southeasterly and southwesterly along the center line of
Wait Avenue a distance of 621 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line
of Thurston Avenue; thence southerly along the center line of Thurston Avenue a
distance of 760 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center lines of Forest
Home Drive and University Avenue; thence westerly and southwesterly along the center
line of University Avenue a distance of 1,924 feet, more or less, to the intersection of
the center lines of McGraw Place and West Avenue; thence southerly and
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southeasterly along the center line of West Avenue a distance of 1,212 feet, more or
less, to the intersection of the center line of Campus Road; thence southeasterly along
the center line of Campus Road a distance of 800 feet, more or less, to the intersection
with the center line of Central Avenue; thence southerly along the center line of Central
Avenue a distance of 914 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center lines of
College Avenue and Oak Avenue; ; thence southerly along the center line of College
Avenue a distance of 400 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of
Dryden Road; thence easterly along the center line of Dryden Road to the intersection
with the center line of Linden Avenue; thence southerly along the center line of Linden
Avenue a distance of 838 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of
Bool Street; running thence westerly along the center line of Bool Street to the
intersection with the center line of College Avenue; running thence southerly along the
center line of College Avenue to the intersection with the center line of Mitchell Street;
running thence southwesterly along the center line of Mitchell Street to the intersection
with the center line of East State Street; running thence southeasterly along the center
line of East State Street to the intersection with the center line of Water Street; running
thence southwesterly along the center line of Water Street to the intersection with the
center line of Giles Street; running thence westerly along the center line of Giles Street
to the intersection with the center line of Six Mile Creek; running thence southerly along
the center line of Six Mile Creek, as it twists and turns, to the point and place of
beginning.
D. Ward IV: Beginning at the intersection of the center line of University Avenue
and the center line of West Avenue, a street on the campus of Cornell University;
running thence southerly along the center line of West
Avenue to the center line of Campus Road, a street on the campus of Cornell
University; thence southeasterly along the center line of Campus Road a distance of
800 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Central Avenue; thence
southerly along the center line of Central Avenue a distance of 914 feet, more or less,
to the intersection with the center lines of College Avenue and Oak Avenue; thence
southerly along the center line of College Avenue a distance of 400 feet, more or less,
to the intersection with the center line of Dryden Road; running thence easterly along
the center line of Dryden Road to the intersection with the center line of Linden Avenue;
running thence southerly along the center line of Linden Avenue to the intersection with
the center line of Bool Street; running thence westerly along the center line of Bool
Street to the intersection with the center line of College Avenue; running thence
southerly along the center line of College Avenue to the intersection with the center line
of Mitchell Street; running thence southwesterly along the center line of Mitchell Street
to the intersection with the center line of East State Street; running thence northwesterly
along the center line of East State Street to the intersection with the center line of
Quarry Street; running thence southerly along the center line of Quarry Street to its
southerly terminus; continuing thence westerly along the center line of the road
connecting Quarry Street and Ferris Place to the southerly terminus of Ferris Place;
running thence southwest of the direction along a path to the footbridge crossing Six
Mile Creek to the center line of Six Mile Creek; running thence northwesterly along the
center line of Six Mile Creek to its intersection with the center line of Elston Place as
extended; running thence northerly along the center line of Elston Place to the
intersection with the center line of East State Street; running thence easterly along the
center line of East State Street to the intersection with the center line of Stewart
Avenue; running thence northerly along the center line of Stewart Avenue to the
intersection with the center line of Buffalo Street; running thence westerly along the
center line of Buffalo Street to the intersection of the center line of Terrace Place;
running thence northerly along the center line of Terrace Place to the intersection with
the center line of Linn Street; running thence northerly along the center line of Linn
Street to the intersection with the center line of Cascadilla Creek and the center line of
University Avenue; thence northeasterly along the center line of University Avenue a
distance of 1,621 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Cornell
Avenue; thence southerly and easterly along the center line of Cornell Avenue a
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distance of 1,133 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of Stewart
Avenue; thence northerly along the center line of Stewart Avenue a distance of 1,127
feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center line of University Avenue; thence
easterly along the center line of University Avenue a distance of 731 feet, more or less,
to the point of beginning.
E. Ward V: Beginning at a point at the intersection of the center lines of Linn Street,
University Avenue and Cascadilla Creek; thence northeasterly, northerly, northeasterly
and northerly along the center line of University Avenue a distance of 1,621 feet, more
or less, to the intersection of the center line of Cornell Avenue; thence southeasterly,
southerly, and easterly a distance of 1,133 feet, more or less, to the intersection with
the center line of Stewart Avenue; thence northerly 1,127 feet, more or less, to the
intersection with the center line of the University Avenue; thence easterly, northeasterly,
and easterly a distance of 2,655 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center
lines of East Avenue, Forest Home Drive, and Thurston Avenue; thence northerly along
the center line of Thurston Avenue a distance of 761 feet, more or less, to the
intersection with the center lines of Wait Avenue and Risley Drive; thence northeasterly
and northwesterly along the center line of Wait Avenue a distance of 621 feet, more or
less, to the intersection with the center line of Triphammer Road; thence northeasterly
and northerly along the center line of Triphammer Road a distance of 798 feet, more or
less, to the intersection with the northerly boundary of the City of Ithaca; running
thence westerly along the north line of the City of Ithaca and its extension westerly to
the intersection with east line of North Cayuga Street; running thence northerly along
the east line of North Cayuga Street reduced to a point to the north boundary New York
State Route 13; running thence northeasterly along the northerly line of Route 13 a
distance of 106 feet, more or less, to a point; thence continuing along the northwesterly
line of New York State Route 13 the following distances: northeasterly a distance of 195
feet, more or less, to a point; northeasterly a distance of 253 feet, more or less, to a
point; northerly a distance of 67 feet, more or less, to a point; easterly a distance of 15
feet, more or less, to a point, and the westerly line of East Shore Drive; running thence
northerly along the westerly line of East Short Drive a distance of 165 feet, more or
less, to the southerly line of lands now or formerly of Bowman (Libre 585 of Deeds,
Page 594, Tax Parcel 18-2-10); running thence westerly along the southerly line of said
Bowman parcel a distance of 264 feet, more or less, to the southwest corner thereof;
running thence northerly along the west boundary of said Bowman parcel and
continuing along the west boundary of lands now or formerly of Wells (Libre 379 of
Deeds, Page 410 and Libre 466 of Deeds, Page 23) a total distance of 80 feet, more or
less, to the easterly line of Conrail Corp. (reputed owner), formerly Lehigh Valley
Railroad; running thence southwesterly along the southeasterly line of Conrail a
distance of 70 feet, more or less, to the present east line of the City of Ithaca, said point
being extension of the east line of the former North Cayuga Street; running thence
northerly 1,060 feet, more or less, along a line to a point which is 130 feet, more or less,
westerly from the east line of said railroad right-of-way, which said point is on the
present north line of the City of Ithaca; running thence westerly along the north line of
the City of Ithaca to a point on said north line, which said point is on a line directly due
north of the center line of the Cayuga Inlet; running thence southerly along the center
line of the Cayuga Inlet, as extended, and along the actual center line of the Cayuga
Inlet to the intersection of the center line of Cascadilla Creek; thence easterly and
southeasterly along the center line of Cascadilla Creek a distance of 4,458 feet, more
or less, to the intersection with the center line of North Cayuga Street; thence northerly
along the center line of North Cayuga Street a distance of 85 feet, more or less, to the
intersection with the center line of Farm Street; thence easterly along the center line of
Farm Street a distance of 1,239 feet, more or less, to the intersection with the center
line of Linn Street; thence southerly along the center line of Linn Street a distance of
671 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning.”
Section 3. Severability. If any clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part of this local
law shall be adjudged by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such judgment
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shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remainder thereof but shall be confined in its
operation to the clause, sentence, paragraph, section, or part thereof directly involved in
the controversy in which such judgment shall have been rendered.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This Local Law shall take effect immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of
State as provided by Law.
Alderperson Vaughan explained that local law was laid on the table pursuant to law.
Alderperson Hershey explained that a mandatory referendum is not required for this
action.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council:
Nathaniel Cisne, Ithaca Explorer’s Post
Gossa Tsegaye, City of Ithaca
Valery Lynn, City of Ithaca
Marcia Eames-Sheavly, President of the Board of the Ithaca Children’s Garden
Doria Higgins, Town of Ithaca
John Simon, City of Ithaca
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca
Joel Harlan, Town of Dryden
RESPONSE TO THE PUBLIC:
The following Council members responded to comments made by the public:
Alderperson Hershey
Alderperson Pryor
Alderperson Whitmore
Alderperson Sams
Mayor Cohen
CONSENT AGENDA:
8.1 Clerk’s Office - Request to Reduce Hours - Resolution
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Mack
WHEREAS, Deputy City Clerk Robin Korherr has requested a temporary reduction in
hours from 40 hours to 35 hours to further her education, and
WHEREAS, the reduction in hours would occur from August 26, 2002 to December 20,
2002 and January 20, 2003 to May 9, 2003; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a temporary reduction in hours from 40 hours to 35 hours is
authorized for Deputy City Clerk Robin Korherr from August 26, 2002 to December 20,
2002 and January 20, 2003 to May 9, 2003, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the cost savings incurred during this period be used to offset the
2003 City Clerk operational budget reductions.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
9.1 Resolution to Modify the June 13, 2001 Canal Corridor
Initiative Program - Resolution
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, in a resolution passed by the Common Council on June 13, 2001 a
program amendment to the Canal Corridor Initiative (CCI) Grant was approved allowing
September 4, 2002
9
$199,000 of assistance to Argyle Associates for construction of a public waterfront
promenade at 708 West Buffalo Street, currently the location of Bistro Q, and
WHEREAS, in this previous resolution, the Council was concerned with the location of
a public easement across the Argyle property and required that final approval for Argyle
Associates to use HUD designated funds be contingent on having all legal issues,
including the acquisition of an easement along the waterfront resolved, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency has received notice that the grant
funding will no longer be available if this project does not move forward by September
30, 2002, and
WHEREAS, the legal documents related to this easement agreement are not complete,
but the location of the easement has been determined and is shown on the attached
map, and
WHEREAS, with the deadline imposed by HUD, immediate action to move the project
forward is necessary, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is authorized to execute a grant
agreement with Argyle Associates for the $199,000 in assistance, as described in the
June 13, 2001 resolution, contingent on the execution of easement agreements
consistent with the drawings submitted.
Carried Unanimously
9.2A Resolution of Support of the Ciminelli Development Co.
NYS Economic Opportunity Fund Applications for Ciminelli/Cornell Office
Building and Hilton Garden Inn:
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, New York State has recently solicited applications for financial assistance
to projects proposed for upstate New York by establishing the Empire Opportunity
Fund, and
WHEREAS, the Empire Opportunity Fund supports, among other things, "Downtown
and Rural Retail and Commercial" projects, and
WHEREAS, an application to this Fund was prepared and submitted to New York State
by Ciminelli Development Company, Inc. for financial support from the New York State
Empire Opportunity Fund for the construction of the Ciminelli/Cornell Office Building
and Hilton Garden Inn to be located in downtown Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, this project is an opportunity for the City of Ithaca to continue its
commitment to a revitalized and stronger downtown, and
WHEREAS, projects such as this will ensure long term vitality of downtown Ithaca by
bringing new workers and visitors to downtown, and
WHEREAS, there is support and enthusiasm for the Ciminelli/Cornell Office Building
and Hilton Garden Inn project throughout the community, and
WHEREAS, the project will leverage significant new private sector dollars invested in
downtown. and will create both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the
downtown area, and
WHEREAS, Common Council and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency have consistently
supported this project by providing Community Development funding and other
municipal support to the project, by committing to providing additional parking and
September 4, 2002
10
transportation system improvements in downtown which will support the parking needs
generated by this project, and by including this type of project in formal City of Ithaca
downtown development plans, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby offers its support
and endorsement of the application by Ciminelli Development Company, Inc. to the
New York State Empire Opportunity Fund for financial support for the proposed
Ciminelli/Cornell Downtown Office Building and Hilton Garden Inn.
Carried Unanimously
9.2B Resolution of Support for Application by Historic Ithaca to the New York
State Empire Opportunity Fund Requesting Financial Support for Phase II of the
Renovation of the State Theatre:
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
WHEREAS, New York State has recently solicited applications for financial assistance
to projects proposed for upstate New York by establishing the Empire Opportunity
Fund, and
WHEREAS, the Empire Opportunity Fund supports, among other things, "Downtown
and Rural Retail and Commercial” projects, and
WHEREAS, an application to this Fund was prepared and submitted to New York State
by Historic Ithaca requesting financial support from Empire State Development in
support of Phase II of the renovation of the historic State Theatre located in downtown
Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, this project is an opportunity for Ithaca to continue its commitment to a
revitalized and stronger downtown, and
WHEREAS, projects such as this will ensure long term vitality in what is clearly the
heart of the Ithaca community and moreover there is support and enthusiasm for the
State Theatre project throughout the community, and
WHEREAS, the project will leverage significant new private sector dollars invested in
downtown, and will create both direct and indirect employment opportunities in the
downtown area, and
WHEREAS, Phase II funds will be used for critically important renovation and repairs to
provide handicap accessibility, to increase public safety, and to improve functionality of
the Theatre, and
WHEREAS, Common Council and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency have consistently
supported this project by providing Community Development funding and other
municipal support to the Theatre project, by committing to providing additional parking
and transportation improvements in downtown which will serve the future needs of
theatre patrons, and by including the renovation of the State Theatre in downtown
development plans as an integral component of downtown Ithaca revitalization; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby offers its support
and endorsement of the application by Historic Ithaca to the New York State Empire
Opportunity Fund for financial support of proposed Phase II of the historic State
Theatre renovation project.
Carried Unanimously
September 4, 2002
11
9.3A Adoption of Ithaca Children’s Garden Lease - Resolution:
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, on September 6, 2000, Common Council gave the Ithaca Children's
Garden conceptual approval to locate a children's garden in an area at the
southern tip of Cass Park, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children's Garden will provide an opportunity for hands-
on educational opportunities for youth of all ages, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children's Garden activities will complement existing
youth-focused sports, recreation, and summer camp activities already in
existence in the park, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children's Garden will provide a highly visible, attractive
entrance to the city's waterfront and adjoining commercial district, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children's Garden will support waterfront economic
development efforts and will be a tourist attraction for area visitors, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children's Garden will complement the Waterfront
Development Plan and will provide a stopping point on the proposed adjacent
Black Diamond Trail, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Children's Garden has worked on this project and lease
with the Parks Commission and with staff from the Department of Public Works
and the Ithaca Youth Bureau, and
WHEREAS, on July 25, 2001, NYS Chapter 113 was enacted to authorize the
City of Ithaca to lease the parcel, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the Ithaca Children's Garden
lease dated August 30, 2002, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes and directs the Mayor, the
Superintendent of Public Works and the Assistant City Attorney to execute the
lease agreement.
City Attorney Schwab stated that a word needed to be added to the lease on
page 12, so that it would read as follows:
“ARTICLE TWENTY. Insurance. Leasee shall keep the Premises insured as
provided in ARTICLE 4 in the amount of liability insurance shall be...”
Alderperson Blumenthal requested that on page 10, ARTICLE 12, second
paragraph, second line, that the words from time to time be added after the
word negotiated.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
10.1 DPW - Water/Sewer - Request for Funding for Life Cycle
Structural and Architectural Evaluation of Cayuga Heights
WWTP - Resolution:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
WHEREAS, the City Sewer Subcommittee of Common Council has been exploring
opportunities for regional intermunicipal sewer consolidation and environmental
September 4, 2002
12
enhancements associated with multi-million dollar State Bond Act Grants for
wastewater plant and interceptor sewer improvements, and
WHEREAS, the subcommittee has been meeting continuously to refine organizational
and financial aspects of a draft regional framework for consideration of the legislative
bodies of all six municipal parties concerned, and
WHEREAS, the subcommittee has determined that a full evaluation and disclosure of
facility life cycle and maintenance needs of the Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment
Plant is necessary to assess the costs and benefits of the alternative of the City
becoming a partner-owner and operator of the Cayuga Heights wastewater treatment
plant, and
WHEREAS, the estimated cost of said contract is $15,017 with $2,500 funding
assistance from the Town of Ithaca; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the proposal from Blasland,
Bouck & Lee, Inc. to complete a life cycle structural and architectural evaluation of the
Cayuga Heights Wastewater Treatment Plant that would complement already existing
maintenance evaluations of the facility at a total cost of $15,017, and be it further
RESOLVED, That an amount not to exceed $15,017 be allocated from available funds
in the existing Capital Project 606, Sewer Collection Improvement project, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the total contract cost of $15,017 shall be allocated as follows:
City of Ithaca $12,517
Town of Ithaca $ 2,500
Carried Unanimously
10.2 DPW - Request Funds for Tree Removal Contract -
Resolution:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, a recent tree inventory has identified that several priority one tree removals
are needed soon, and
WHEREAS, Common Council, at its July 2, 2002 meeting, authorized $10,000 of a
DPW-requested $20,000 tree removal contract to take down priority one trees, and
WHEREAS, the resolution requested a status report on the tree removals, and
WHEREAS, the DPW has supplied said report which concludes that 19 trees have
been removed from the priority one list with the initial $10,000 contract, and
WHEREAS, the DPW staff have estimated that another 15 - 20 trees can be removed
with an additional $10,000 contract, and
WHEREAS, the DPW has funds within its existing budget from vacant positions to
assist with said additional tree removal contract; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2002 Authorized Budget with
the transfer of an amount not to exceed $10,000 from the following accounts for the
purposes of hiring an outside contractor for priority one tree removals:
September 4, 2002
13
Transfer from account:
A7111-5115 Parks & Forestry Hourly $10,000
Transfer to account:
A7111-5435 Parks & Forestry Contract $10,000
Carried Unanimously
10.3 IURA - Request to Reallocate Scope of Capital Project
#375 Inlet Island Improvements - Resolution:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Blumenthal
WHEREAS, Capital Project #375 Inlet Island Improvements was previously authorized
by Common Council in the amount of $552,000, including $100,000 for the creation of a
parking lot on Inlet Island, and
WHEREAS, the Inlet Island Promenade Master Plan has received site plan approval
and a Phase I project is now ready for bidding, and
WHEREAS, construction of a 100 car parking lot on Inlet Island was contemplated as
part of the capital project, with $100,000.00 of the capital project funds dedicated
towards parking lot development, and
WHEREAS, design consultants for the City prepared a budget for the parking lot
construction and the funds available would not even be sufficient for a temporary gravel
parking lot, and
WHEREAS, Inlet Island Urban Design Plan includes permanent parking facilities, and
WHEREAS, construction of the Promenade is a top priority for Inlet Island to attract
development, and the Phase I construction project, consisting of installation of a sheet
pile retaining wall along the Flood Control Channel, is projected to consume the entire
capital project budget, and
WHEREAS, it is most cost efficient to complete the retaining wall work as one phase,
and
WHEREAS, allowing the funds now earmarked for parking to be used for
implementation of the Inlet Island Promenade Master Plan would permit completion of
the sheet pile retaining wall and installation of a portion of the Promenade walkway
itself; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby reallocates the $100,000 originally
earmarked for a parking lot on Inlet Island in Capital Project #375 so that the entire
amount may be used to implement the Inlet Island Promenade Master Plan in the most
cost efficient manner.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding interim, short term parking in the area and
how the impending land exchange will affect it.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
September 4, 2002
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10.4 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 342, Article V, Section
38 Entitled Insurance Requirements for Street Closings:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
ORDINANCE NO. ________-2002
WHEREAS, the insurance limits set forth in §342-38(A) are out-dated
and in need of revision to reflect current, prudent, and
standard liability insurance amounts; and
WHEREAS, §342-38 of the City of Ithaca Code requires that in
order for a street obstruction permit to be issued, public
liability insurance must be procured by the permittee; and
WHEREAS, this section of the Code has been interpreted to apply to street closings
which are occasioned by neighborhood block parties, and similar neighborhood
gatherings that take place in the public rights-of-way; and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that it is in the City's best interest to
promote communication amongst neighbors, and overall neighborhood vitality by
making neighborhood gatherings such as block parties accessible to all neighborhoods;
and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that requiring individuals to procure
insurance puts an onerous burden on neighborhood associations who wish to have
neighborhood gatherings in the out of doors, which include gatherings in the public
rights-of-way; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1.
Ithaca City Code §342-38 is hereby amended to read as follows:
§ 342-38. Insurance requirements.
A. No permit for street obstruction shall be issued by the
Superintendent until the applicant therefor shall have first placed on file
with the City Clerk, without cost to the city, satisfactory evidence of public
liability insurance in the amount of not less than:
Commercial Liability Insurance
$2,000,000 aggregate
$1,000,000 products/completed operations
$1,000,000 personal & advertising injury
$1,000,000 each occurrence
$300,000 fire damage (any one fire)
$5,000 medical expenses (any one person)
(If the permittee is a contractor – specify on certificate that
aggregate is specific to particular job alone.)
Excess Liability Insurance
$5,000,000 each occurrence
$5,000,000 general aggregate
Automobile Liability Insurance
September 4, 2002
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$1,000,000 each accident
(including coverage for any auto including hired and non-owned)
Workers Compensation (if permittee has employees)
The City shall be named as an additional insured with respect to
Commercial General Liability, Excess Liability and Automobile Liability.
Prior to granting a permit for street obstruction, said insurance must
be approved as to form, correctness and adequacy by the City Attorney to
insure the city against any loss, injury or damage arising out of the
granting of the permit or from negligence or fault of said applicant or
his/her agents, servants or employees in connection with said obstruction
or with any work related thereto.
B. Such insurance must remain in force throughout the
effective period of the permit, as well as any authorized extensions
thereof, and shall carry an endorsement to the effect that the insurance
company will give at least 10 days' written notice to the city of any
modification or cancellation of any such insurance.
C. Block parties and similar neighborhood gatherings, for which
a street obstruction permit has been granted, are exempt from the
insurance requirements set forth in Section 342-38(A) above. Street
obstruction permits for block parties and similar neighborhood gatherings
shall be issued only upon the condition that no alcohol is consumed in the
public rights-of-way. Street obstruction permits for block parties and
similar neighborhood gatherings must be approved by the Mayor and the
Superintendent.
Section 2. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of
the ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or
portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court
of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca
City Charter.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the Board of Public Works role in
policy issues as well as discussion of the City’s liability and the need for applicants to
provide their own insurance.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Pryor: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
RESOLVED, That the fifth Whereas clause be amended to read as follows:
“WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that requiring individuals to procure
insurance puts an onerous burden on neighborhood associations and individual
neighbors who wish to have neighborhood gatherings in the out of doors, which
including gatherings in the public right-of-ways;”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE:
September 4, 2002
16
Alderperson Peterson explained to Council that the following resolutions came out of
the Position Review Committee where the new process was followed. The HR
Committee is now charged to review positions that are either denied or changed by the
Position Review Committee.
City Attorney Schwab suggested amending the language of the following resolutions to
clarify the reason that the positions are only being approved at 20 hours.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the new process.
11.1 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend Authorized Personnel Roster - Resolution:
By Alderperson Peterson: Seconded by Alderperson Mack
WHEREAS, the Position Review Committee has recently met and reviewed a Youth
Bureau request to fill a full-time Recreation Supervisor position, and
WHEREAS, the Position Review Committee, due to severe budgetary constraints,
denied the request, but recommended that the position be filled at 20 hours per week,
and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee accepted that recommendation; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2002 Authorized Personnel
Roster for the Youth Bureau as follows:
One (1) Recreation Supervisor Position reduction in hours from 40 hours to 20
hours per week
RECESS
On a motion Common Council recessed the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
RECONVENED:
Common Council reconvened into Regular Session at 9:45 p.m.
Mayor Cohen explained that during the recess Common Council members realized that
all members of the Position Review Committee are here and can meet to authorize the
filling of this vacancy.
Main Motion:
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
11.2 Planning Department - Request to Amend Authorized Personnel Roster -
Resolution:
By Alderperson Peterson: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, the Position Review Committee has recently met and reviewed a Planning
Department request to fill a fulltime Senior Typist position, and
WHEREAS, due to severe budgetary constraints, the Position Review Committee denied
the request but recommended the Human Resources Committee that the position be
filled at 20 hours per week, and
WHEREAS, the Department Head asked the Human Resources Committee to reconsider
the request for the position, and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee denied the reconsidered request due to
budgetary constraints, but recommends filling the position at 20 hours per week, therefore
be it
September 4, 2002
17
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2002 Authorized Personnel
Roster for the Planning Department as follows:
One (1) Senior Typist position reduction in hours from 35 hours to 20 hours per
week
Carried Unanimously
11.3 GIAC - Request to Amend Authorized Personnel Roster - Resolution:
By Alderperson Peterson: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the Position Review Committee has recently met and reviewed a GIAC
request to fill a fulltime Senior Typist Position, and
WHEREAS, the Position Review Committee, due to severe budgetary constraints, denied
the request but recommended the position be filled at 20 hours per week, and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Committee accepted that recommendation, now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2002 Authorized Personnel
Roster for GIAC as follows:
One (1) Senior Typist position reduction in hours from 35 hours to 20 hours per
week
Carried Unanimously
UNFINISHED AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Cayuga Green Project:
Alderperson Cogan stated that he distributed a memo detailing the status of the
Cayuga Green Project. He explained that the architects, Chris Shears and Highland
Associates, and the Cayuga Green Client Committee have been working since July 1,
2002 to develop site plans. The main changes that have occurred since Council
discussed these issues are that the number of parking structures has been reduced
from 3 to 2, and currently there is not a plan to build a large parking structure to the
east of the library. Discussion is focused on concentrating the parking requirements in
the Green Street garage, maximum capacity of 1,050 cars, and in the Cayuga Garage,
south of the library, maximum capacity of 700-725 cars. The site to the east of the
library would be preserved for housing, retail, possibly office space or other uses.
The other discussions have been focused on fitting the inter-modal center under the
Green Street garage. The amount of space has been reduced due to internal ramps
going into the garage rather than having a bridge across Green Street. This change
has required a reduction in the total number of buses to 12 or 13.
Additional details to work out, include easements, placement of trash dumpsters, and
the location of loading/delivery zones. The next steps for the Architects is to provide a
little more detail about the elevations, what these buildings might look like, and an order
of magnitude price along with the price on little pieces that they could switch in and out.
Alderperson Blumenthal stated that the client committee should offer an opinion to
Council on the location of the inter-modal transit center as part of their function to give
this body advice on key pieces of the project. She further asked what the appropriate
time would be to discuss her concerns regarding the parking space demand numbers.
Mayor Cohen stated that when the pricing came, it showed alternatives of reflecting a
reduction in the scope/size of the parking structures. We would look at that from a
September 4, 2002
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budgetary perspective and we could also look at it at that time from a need perspective.
Options are being created for Council so that you’ll have a price for the number of
spaces that were authorized in the resolution, but you’ll also have options that reflect
possibilities for reduction.
Alderperson Blumenthal asked what provisions were being made to deal with the
drastic reduction in parking spaces during the construction phase.
Mayor Cohen stated that various alternatives are being evaluated including park and
ride lots and shuttles to downtown.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the cost savings to construct both
garages at the same time, or serially, and weighing the cost benefits against the
difficulties that will be put before the downtown businesses.
TCAT Route Expansion:
Mr. Frank Proto, Tompkins County Board of Representatives, Chair of the TCAT Board
explained that TCAT has expanded its routes, times have changed, buses have been
added, and they’ve expanded into the country in a lot of different ways. He presented
the Mayor and Council members with unlimited bus passes that are valid for 30 days to
encourage members to ride the bus and provide input on the new routes to the TCAT
Board.
Cornell/City Meeting:
Mayor Cohen announced there would be a City/Cornell Meeting on Friday, September
6, 2002 and asked for any items of concern or questions from Council members that he
might take with him for the meeting. On the agenda already are the topics of false
alarms on campus, water consolidation talks, and block parties.
MINUTES:
Approval of the February 13, 2002 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the February 13, 2002 Special Common Council
Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the March 6, 2002 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 6, 2002 Special Common Council Meeting
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of the March 13, 2002 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 13, 2002 Special Common Council
Meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
Neighborhood Housing Initiative Committee:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Peterson
RESOLVED, That Christopher Anagnost be appointed to the Housing Initiative
Committee with an indefinite term.
Mayor Cohen explained that Council had previously appointed Alan Warshawsky to this
committee. Mr. Warshawsky felt that he had a conflict of interest due to his work with
September 4, 2002
19
Mutual Housing and with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and resigned from the
committee.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Board of Public Works:
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
RESOLVED, That Jennifer Dotson be appointed to the Board of Public Works with a
term to expire December 31, 2004.
Mayor Cohen stated that he investigated the question of political party and Jennifer is a
member of the Green Party. There are no other Green Party members currently
serving on the Board, so there is no danger of exceeding the three person limit per
party.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the need to look at geographic
distribution of people considered for appointments to different Boards and Committees
to ensure a fair representation from each area of the City.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Alderperson Pryor stated that the Neighborhood and Community Issues Committee
meeting normally scheduled for the second Wednesday, happens to fall on September
11th this year, so in order to allow people to participate in memorial events, the meeting
will be cancelled.
Alderperson Peterson announced that in the “Profiles and Diversity Journal” May/June
2002, one of the feature articles was on the City of Ithaca’s Work Environment Project
and the Work Environment Task force. She also announced that September 20, 2002 is
the date for the Annual City Employee Recognition Picnic at 12:00 noon, at Stewart
Park.
Alderperson Vaughan stated that she would like to remind all her colleagues of the
budget hearings scheduled for October 8, 17, 21, 23, and 29, 2002.
Alderperson Hershey announced that to coincide with the first anniversary of 9/11,
Cornell University has a full week of remembrances and commemorations; including a
panel and each of five consecutive days beginning Monday in Cull Auditorium, Kennedy
Hall and on Wednesday at the noon hour at the A.D. White Gardens, there will be a
service. There will also be a student art show in commemoration of 9/11 and that’s in
the Willard Straight gallery.
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR:
Mayor Cohen reported that the following events are scheduled for September 11, 2002:
10:00 a.m., the Ithaca Fire Department is hosting a short ceremony, at Central Fire
Station
12:00 p.m. There will be a memorial event on the Ithaca Commons that will be in the
area of the small amphitheatre that is in front of the old CVS location.
7:00 p.m. Salvation Army ceremony
8:00 p.m. The Mayor’s office is co-sponsoring a luminary event at the Ithaca High
School track. There will be over 3,000 lighted luminaries for each of the people who
September 4, 2002
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lost their lives. There will be just a few short comments made and then some singing.
It’s a remembrance ceremony meant to be somewhat quiet and reflective.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M.
________________________ _______________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor