HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2003-09-03 COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 pm September 3, 2003
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (10) Manos, Pryor, Sams, Whitmore, Vaughan, Blumenthal,
Mack, 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
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Deputy Police Chief - Barnes
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Human Resources Committee:
Alderperson Peterson requested the addition of Item 11.4 Extension of Benefits in the
Case of Layoffs – Report.
No Council member objected.
New Business:
Mayor Cohen requested the addition of Item 13.1 – Employee Retirement Incentive
Program – Report.
No Council member objected.
COMMUNICATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS:
Mayor Cohen proclaimed September 2003 as Organic Style Month and Latino Heritage
Month.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
5.1 Rail-Trail Honorable Mention Award to the City of Ithaca from the Rails-to
Trails Conservancy and American Society of Landscape Architects for
Interpretive Areas and Destination Points on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail - Phase I
Project (Cass Park)
Alderperson Blumenthal announced that the City of Ithaca has received an Honorable
Mention Award from the Rails to Trails Conservancy and American Society of
Landscape Architects for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. She recognized all of the people
who worked hard to make this project such a success.
5.2 A Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of the Proposed Amendments
to the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR).
Resolution to Open Public Hearing:
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of the Proposed
Amendments to the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR) be
declared open.
Carried Unanimously
September 3, 2003
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Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca addressed Common Council to voice his disappointment that
the legislation to be considered is only available in City Hall during business hours. He
suggested that this Ordinance be posted to the City’s website.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the Adoption of the Proposed
Amendments to the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (CEQR) be
declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council:
Joel Harlan – Town of Newfield – Collegetown development
Jutta Dotterweich – City of Ithaca – traffic calming in Northside of the City of Ithaca
Neil Schwartzback – City of Ithaca – use of traffic calming funds
Fay Gougakis – City of Ithaca – City Dog Ordinance, Jetskis, Crime, Cayuga Waterfront
Trail, and the Mayor’s vacation
Neil Oolie – City of Ithaca – Exposed metal stakes on West State Street
Ricky Seamon – Town of Dryden – Jolly Jokers business
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC:
Alderperson Whitmore responded to comments made regarding traffic calming in the
Northside neighborhood.
Alderperson Blumenthal responded to comments made regarding crime in the City.
Alderperson Pryor responded to comments made regarding personal watercraft
legislation and traffic calming in the Northside neighborhood.
Alderperson Peterson and Mayor Cohen responded to comments made about the City
Environmental Quality Review Legislation.
Mayor Cohen further responded to comments made about the Northside traffic calming
project.
8. CONSENT AGENDA:
8.1 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend Personnel Roster - Resolution:
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has authorization to fill a 35 hour per week Recreation
Supervisor position, and
WHEREAS, the 2004 Recreation Partnership budget includes several modifications to
program offerings and staffing levels; and
WHEREAS, a reduction in hours for the Recreation Supervisor position will allow the
Youth Bureau to meet the Recreation Partnership approved budget and continue to
have 100% funding through the Partnership, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the amendment of the Youth
Bureau 2003 Personnel Roster as follows:
Delete: One (1) Recreation Supervisor (35 hrs)
Add: One (1) Recreation Supervisor (20 hrs)
Carried Unanimously
8.2 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend Personnel Roster:
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, Katie Foley, a member of the One-to-One Program staff, has requested
permission to reduce her hours and work part-time, for personal reasons, and
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WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has determined that by using temporary/seasonal staff
they will be able to honor her request without significantly impacting services, now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the following amendment to the
Youth Bureau 2003 Personnel Roster effective September 8, 2003:
Reduce: One (1) Youth Development Program Leader position from
35 hrs/wk to 25 hrs/wk
and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the transfer of $1,924 from Account
A7310-5110-1206 (Youth Bureau Staff Salary) to Account A7310-5120-1206 (Youth
Bureau Hourly Part-Time), and be it further
RESOLVED, That the transfer amount is within the current 2003 budget.
Carried Unanimously
8.3 Planning Department – Request to Amend 2003 Authorized Budget -
Resolution:
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has received grant funds in the amount of $3,250
from the Tompkins Trust Company’s Robert S. Smith Award Program, and
WHEREAS, the funds will be used to pay an intern for 13 weeks at 20 hours per week
to establish and implement the Community Beautification Plan; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2003 Planning Department
budget by an amount not to exceed $3,250 as follows for the purpose of recording said
grant:
Increase Revenue Account:
A8020-2705 Gifts and donations $3,250
Increase Appropriation Account:
A8020-5110 Staff Salary $3,250
Carried Unanimously
8.4 Human Resources – Request to Transfer Funds for Work Environment Task
Force Projects - Resolution:
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, Council set aside $35,000 in the Restricted Contingency account for
Work Environment Task Force recommendations, and
WHEREAS, a balance of $22,400 is still available to implement the Task Force
recommendations, and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department staff is recommending a transfer of
$4,000 from the available balance to be used to temporarily hire an intern to work on
specific projects related to the Work Environment Task Force recommendations; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the transfer of an amount not to
exceed $4,000 from account A1990 Restricted Contingency to account A1430-5120 H.
R. Hourly P/T for the purpose of hiring an intern to implement some of the Work
Environment Task Force recommendations.
Carried Unanimously
September 3, 2003
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9. BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 An Ordinance Repealing Chapter 280 entitled “Smoking” of the City of
Ithaca Municipal Code:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
WHEREAS, the New York State Assembly enacted extensive amendments to the Clean
Indoor Air Act (Public Health Law, Article 13-E), which became effective July 24, 2003,
and
WHEREAS, New York State’s Clean Indoor Air Act is now more comprehensive than
the City’s Smoking Ordinance, Chapter 280 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code, and
WHEREAS, the Clean Indoor Air Act provides for enforcement by officials of the County
Health Department; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Common Council enact an ordinance repealing Chapter
280 of the City Code as follows:
Ordinance ,2003
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New
York, as follows:
Section 1: Chapter 280, entitled “Smoking” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code is
hereby repealed in its entirety.
Section 2: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Carried Unanimously
9.2 DPW/Water and Sewer – Request to Amend Tertiary Phosphorus Removal
Upgrade Project at IAWWTP - Resolution:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, Common Council approved the Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade
Project at the IAWWTP at its regular meeting on May 7, 2003 in the amount of
$4,115,000, and
WHEREAS, bids were opened on August 19, 2003 and reflect a new post-bid project
budget of $4,448,500, and
WHEREAS, the municipal owners collectively wish to move forward with this project,
and
WHEREAS, to date, $2,775,000 of the projected $4,448,500 project cost has been
committed by the New York State DEC from 1996 Bond Act funds; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby recommends an amendment to Capital
Project 409J Tertiary Phosphorus Removal Upgrade at the IAWWTP in the amount not
to exceed $333,500 for a total project authorization of $4,448,500, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes this project contingent upon action by all
the wastewater plant partners committing their new post-bid fair percentage
reimbursement shares of the net cost to the Joint Activity Fund in the following amounts:
Net after Bond Act
Municipality % Project Total Reimbursement
City of Ithaca 57.15% $2,542,317.75 $ 956,405.25
Town of Ithaca 40.87% 1,818,101.95 683,959.45
Town of Dryden 1.98% 88,080.30 33,135.30
$4,448.500.00 $1,673,500.00
and, be it further
September 3, 2003
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RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby recommends financing this project through
local BANs and permanent bonding under NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, or
in any such other manner as the City Controller, in partnership with the wastewater
plant owners, may recommend within the Joint Activity portion of the City financing, and
be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby recommends no changes to the previously
authorized engineering services agreement Amendment No. 1 for advertising and
construction services related to this project in the amount of a cost not to exceed
$235,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the award of the construction contract is contingent upon approval
from New York State on an approved work plan and award approval.
Carried Unanimously
9.3 Planning Department – Request to Amend Capital Project #446 Cayuga
Green Design and Study - Resolution:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, several amendments have occurred to Capital Project #446 Cayuga Green
Design and Study from 2001 to 2003, and
WHEREAS, the current project authorization of $1,345,000 is not adequate to fund all
the incidental costs related to the Cayuga Green Project, estimated at an additional
$285,000; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project #446 by an amount
not to exceed $285,000 for a total project cost of $1,630,000 for the purposes of paying
for additional Cayuga Green project costs, and be it further
RESOLVED, That said amendment be advanced from the General Fund and later
repaid by the issuance of Serial Bonds and fees recovered by the Cayuga Green
Developer.
Carried Unanimously
9.4 Planning Department – Request to Establish Capital Project #469 Cayuga
Green Design and Study, Phase II - Resolution:
By Alderperson Vaughan: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the next step in the development of the Cayuga Green Project is to perform
various studies on the Green Street Garage and surrounding development sites, and
WHEREAS, Phase II of the Cayuga Green Project will consist of Engineering, design
and costing of alternatives for the Green Street Garage, archaeological investigation in
the parking lots east of the library and City Hall, petroleum contamination investigation,
contract extension with National Development Council and acquisition of property, and
WHEREAS, Phase II Project work is estimated at a cost not to exceed $1,223,000; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes Capital Project #469 Cayuga
Green Design and Study, Phase II in the amount of $1,223,000 for the purposes of
funding said activities stated above, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funds for said project shall be derived from the issuance of Serial
Bonds and/or Capital Reserve funds.
Planning and Development Director Van Cort explained the components included in the
project.
Alderperson Blumenthal requested clarification on issues surrounding land acquisition.
September 3, 2003
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Mayor Cohen requested an Advice of Legal Counsel Session.
Common Council reconvened into regular session. City Controller Thayer explained the
financing elements of the project.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
RESOLVED, That the following language be added as the second Resolved clause:
“RESOLVED, That prior to acquisition of property for Phase II of the Cayuga Green
Project such land acquisition will be referred to Common Council for approval prior to
such land acquisition, and, be it further”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) Manos, Pryor, Sams, Whitmore, Vaughan, Blumenthal,
Mack, Cogan, Hershey
Nays (1) Peterson
Carried
10. PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 Downtown Developer Preferred Developer - Resolution:
By Alderperson Manos: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has by resolution of August 6, 2003
previously authorized and directed the Mayor, the Chair of the Cayuga
Green Client Committee and the Director of Planning and Development,
upon the advice of the City Attorney, to negotiate a Preferred Developer
agreement with Bloomfield Interests for development of the housing and
commercial components of the Cayuga Green Development project --
Phase II; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) is hereby requested to
designate Bloomfield Interests the Preferred Developer for development of the housing
and commercial components of the Cayuga Green Development Project, Phase II,
substantially in conformance with the August 27, 2003 draft preferred developer
agreement, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council does hereby concur in the designation by the
IURA of Bloomfield Interests as Preferred Developer for the Cayuga Green
Development Project, Phase II, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the Agreement
with Bloomfield Interests.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the draft preferred developer agreement.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That the following language be added as the last Resolved Clause:
“RESOLVED, That any proposed subsequent agreement, such as a development
agreement, land acquisition agreement, land disposition/lease agreement or any other
project agreements between the City, the IURA, and this developer be brought back to
Common Council for approval.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
September 3, 2003
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11. HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
11.1 Youth Bureau - Request to Authorize a One-Time Increase of Managerial
Leave Time - Resolution:
By Alderperson Peterson: Seconded by Alderperson Hershey
WHEREAS, Allen Green was appointed Director of the Ithaca Youth Bureau at the
August 2003 Common Council meeting, and
WHEREAS, Common Council authorized a one-time additional seven (7) days of
annual leave for all managerial staff on the payroll as of January 1, 2003, and
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2003, Allen Green had served as the Acting Youth Bureau
Director for several months and continued to serve until his recent appointment, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that Mr. Green should be appointed
Youth Bureau Director retroactive to September 6, 2002 and receive the one time
additional seven (7) days of annual leave for 2003, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Allen Green’s appointment to Director of the Ithaca Youth Bureau be
retroactive to September 6, 2002, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Controller to apply seven (7)
annual leave days to Allen Green’s leave time balance for 2003.
Carried Unanimously
11.2 Retirement Salary Adjustment - Resolution:
By Alderperson Peterson: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
WHEREAS, Common Council passed a 2003 budget that did not include Managerial
increases, and
WHEREAS, in recognition of the negative long term financial impact that no increases
would have on managers anticipating retirement in the near future, Common Council set
aside $5,000 in restricted contingency to address this disparity, and
WHEREAS, Common Council passed a resolution awarding all employees on the
Managerial Compensation Plan an additional seven (7) days of annual leave for 2003
that equaled the equivalent of a 2.5% increase, and
WHEREAS, Deputy Police Chief David Barnes has announced his intended retirement
on July 1, 2004, and
WHEREAS, Deputy Police Chief Barnes has requested that in place of the additional
days of annual leave that he instead receive an increase of $1,259 retroactive to July 1,
2003, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the equivalent of $1,259 be
deducted from the seven (7) days of annual leave awarded at the June 2003 Common
Council meeting, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes a pay increase of $1,259 for
Deputy Police Chief David Barnes retroactive to July 1, 2003, and be it
RESOLVED, That the equivalent of $1,259 be deducted from Deputy Police Chief
Barnes annual leave balance, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the Controller to transfer $1,259 from
restricted contingency to Account A3120-5105 (Police Department - Administration).
September 3, 2003
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Alderperson Blumenthal requested that the record reflect that the reason for this request
is because Deputy Police Chief Barnes’ retirement benefits are based on his last years’
earnings.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Peterson: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That the following language be added as the last Resolved Clause:
“RESOLVED, That the Human Resources Committee create a policy for the distribution
of the remaining funds.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
11.3 Request for Volunteers for the Employee Annual Recognition Award
Alderperson Peterson asked for five members of Common Council to review
nominations for the Employee Annual Recognition Award. The following people agreed
to serve on the committee: Alderpersons Hershey, Blumenthal, Whitmore, Mack, and
Pryor.
11.4 Extension of Benefits in the Case of Layoffs
Alderperson Peterson reported that a model resolution is being distributed for Council
review regarding the extension of benefits in the case of layoffs. Information is being
gathered regarding process and financial impacts.
Alderperson Peterson further reported that the Local Law transferring the authority for
certain Department Heads to appoint their Deputies did not receive enough votes from
the Human Resources Committee to move forward to Common Council.
12. NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE:
12.1 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 215, entitled “Human Rights Protection”
of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code:
By Alderperson Pryor: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
ORDINANCE 03-__.
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New
York, as follows:
Section 1: Section 215-2(5) shall be amended as follows:
5. The term "disability" means any physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits a major life activity or any record of such an impairment or being regarded by
others as having such an impairment. Examples of physical, or mental impairments
include, but are not limited to such contagious and non-contagious diseases and
conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments; cerebral palsy;
epilepsy; muscular dystrophy; multiple sclerosis; cancer; heart disease; diabetes; HIV
disease (whether symptomatic or asymptomatic); tuberculosis; drug addiction;
alcoholism; mental retardation; organic brain syndrome; emotional illness and specific
learning disabilities. Provided, however, that in all provisions of this article dealing with
employment, the term shall be limited to disabilities which, upon the provision of
reasonable accommodations, do not prevent the complainant from performing in a
reasonable manner the activities involved in the job or occupation sought or held.
Section 2: Section 215-14 entitled “Enforcement; penalties for offenses” shall be
amended as follows:
§215-14. Additional Enforcement. Any individual or group who is aggrieved and alleging
unlawful discrimination, by any unlawful discriminatory practices may, in addition to the
September 3, 2003
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remedies provided by this Ordinance, have a cause of action against the violator for
money damages and any other remedy available at law.
Complaints and investigations. Any individual or group aggrieved and alleging unlawful
discrimination may also lodge a complaint with the Tompkins County Human Rights
Commission, the New York State Division of Human Rights, the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, and the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The Tompkins County Human Rights Commission will investigate any
alleged violation of the provisions of the New York State Human Rights Law.
Section 3: The remaining part of Section 215-14 shall become section 215-15, as
follows:
§215-15. Penalties for offenses.
Any individual who violates any of the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction, be
punished by a fine not to exceed $500 or imprisonment of not more than 15 days, or
both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 4. Effective Date: This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Carried Unanimously
13. NEW BUSINESS:
City Employee Retirement Incentive Program:
Mayor Cohen stated that he had asked Human Resources Director Schelley Michell-
Nunn and City Controller Steven Thayer to develop a City Employee Retirement
Incentive Program in lieu of a State enacted program, and requested consideration of
the following Resolution:
City Employee Retirement Incentive Program – 2003
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Pryor
WHEREAS, in the absence of a State-enacted retirement incentive program and in
acknowledgement of the City’s current financial state, Common Council has determined
that a City Employee Retirement Incentive Program would mitigate the option of
employee layoffs, and
WHEREAS, it is still possible that the state may hold a special session and enact a
statewide early retirement program that may be more beneficial to the employee eligible
for a City incentive program; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City hereby adopts the following City Retirement Incentive
program:
For employees who are members of the New York State Retirement System, Tier 1, 75-
I with at least twenty-five (25) years of service in the retirement system, who have
reached age 55 or older by November 1, 2003 and it is deemed by the Mayor and
Common Council, in consultation with the appropriate Department Head that the
position is one that may remain vacant for the duration of, at a minimum, one year and
that the net savings from the retirement and any needed department restructuring
warrant the approval of the retirement.
The City would agree to pay an amount equal to 30% of their 2003 salary as a regular
salary increase retroactive to January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The
established retirement date must be no later than December 31, 2003. Each employee
must agree in writing to voluntarily terminate his/her employment with the City through
retirement and be actually off the payroll by January 1, 2004. The salary increase of
30% shall be paid as regular salary on an hourly basis for that established period of
time. The written notification must be received by the Mayor and Human Resources
Director no later than 12:00 p.m. on November 5, 2003.
In addition, the City has enacted Section 41-J of the Retirement Law, which would allow
up to 165 days of sick leave, not paid in cash, to be used in the employee’s retirement
September 3, 2003
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calculation. The 165 sick days could still be used for the payment of health insurance
during retirement.
The employee’s accumulated vacation and any sick leave buyouts shall be calculated
by using the 2003 projected hourly rate, without the 30% incentive salary increases
having been added.
The employee expressly waives his/her right to any other New York State or City of
Ithaca Retirement Incentive Program.
Terms of Participation:
A. The City agrees to pay the employee an amount equal to 30% of the employee’s
projected 2003 salary, as a regular salary increase retroactive to January 1, 2003
through December 31, 2003.
B. The employee agrees to submit a written letter voluntarily separating
employment with the City through retirement and be off the payroll by January 1,
2004.
C. The City has enacted Section 41-J of the Retirement Law, which would allow up
to 165 days of sick leave, if not paid in cash, to be used in the employee’s
retirement calculation. Those 165 sick days could still be used for the payment
of health insurance during retirement, as set forth in the Managerial
Compensation Benefit Package.
D. The employee’s accumulated annual leave and any sick leave buy-out shall be
calculated by using the employee’s 2003 projected hourly rate, without the 30%
incentive salary increase being added in.
E. The employee understands that pursuant to New York State retirement
guidelines, the 30% salary increase will not be included in the employee’s final
average salary calculation.
F. The employee expressly waives his/her right to participate in any other New York
State or City of Ithaca retirement incentive program.
G. The employee may apply his/her 30% incentive to his/her sick leave bank at the
time of his/her retirement to purchase health insurance during retirement.
H. In the event that for some reason, either caused by the employee or the City, the
employee does not separate employment from the City, the employee agrees to
pay back to the City all of the 30% salary increase paid out in 2003.
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That should the State of New York enact an incentive program
before November 2, 2003 that the City will allow eligible employees to request
inclusion in either the City program or the State program as long as the
employee’s last day on the payroll is no later than December 31, 2003, and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That before any employee who is an employee of a bargaining unit
can request inclusion in the City program, a Memorandum of Understanding
must be signed with that bargaining unit.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the number of employees that would be
eligible to participate in the program, and the potential costs of departmental
restructuring.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
September 3, 2003
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REPORT OF COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Youth Bureau Board
Alderperson Whitmore reported that Tompkins County voted recently to remain
committed to the Recreation Partnership.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Approval of July 9, 2003 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Mack
RESOLVED, That the July 9, 2003 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved with the clarification that Mayor Cohen will be removing himself as a voting
member of the Common Council Standing Committees, not all of the committees he
serves on.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of July 17, 2003 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Mack
RESOLVED, That the July 17, 2003 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Approval of August 6, 2003 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Blumenthal: Seconded by Alderperson Mack
RESOLVED, That the August 6, 2003 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMON COUNCIL:
Alderperson Cogan asked the public to take precautions as they remove paint from old
houses, as it could result in lead exposure. He requested that people obtain information
from the Tompkins County Health Department on how to reduce risks associated with
lead paint.
Alderperson Manos reported that 21 trees have been marked for removal from the Titus
Towers property, and that the Meadow Street project targets 7 additional trees. She
discussed the impact that the tree removals have on neighborhood. Alderperson
Manos further stated that the railroad bed on Spencer Road is being cleared by the
Town of Ithaca to work on the water line. She noted that residents in that area have
suffered from erosion, and requested that the Town be asked to replace the trees, and
restore the area due to drainage and ground stabilization concerns.
Alderperson Peterson announced that the Annual City Employee Recognition Picnic is
scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2003. She encouraged members of Council to
participate fully in the event.
Alderperson Pryor reported that she and Alderperson Cogan have held discussions with
the Town of Ithaca regarding changes to the Town’s water system as they impact the
City’s water service.
REPORT OF THE CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Conley Holcomb reported that the polling location for the 4th Ward, 1st District,
Class of ’22 Hall, has been slightly impacted by the construction of the West Campus
Initiative at Cornell University.
She stated that voters will be asked to access the Class of ’22 Hall via Campus Road,
and to enter the parking lot marked “Class Halls of ’18, ‘26”. Cornell University will be
reserving parking spaces for voters at the far end of the parking lot, in front of the Class
of ’26 building. She further stated that the polling location continues to be completely
accessible to people with disabilities.
September 3, 2003
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REPORT OF THE CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported that the City received a .985% interest rate with the
August Bond Issue. This will result in a savings of approximately $500,000 for the 2004
budget.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:20 P.M.
________________________ _______________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor