HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2003-11-20 COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 7:00 pm November 20, 2003
PRESENT:
Mayor Cohen
Alderpersons (7) Pryor, Manos, Hershey, Mack, Whitmore, Blumenthal, Peterson
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Controller - Thayer
Alderpersons Elect: Zumoff, Tomlan
EXCUSED:
Alderpersons: Sams, Vaughan, Cogan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Cohen led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
City Clerk Holcomb read the Mayor’s Veto message dated November 13, 2003 into the
record:
“I am respectfully submitting this veto message in regards to changes in the fiscal year
2004 budget. Though I disagree with other changes made by Common Council in the
budget, I will only take action on one, that being the funding for the wind power initiative.
If this item is funded, the tax impact for a homeowner who owns a $100,000 is $3.00. I
believe this is something the city should do, and I believe that most of you agree with
me on this. It really comes down to a question of timing, and that is where we might
disagree.
Whether we do it now or later, it will cost the taxpayer more money. You can argue that
the longer we wait, the more the price will drop as more municipalities sign on and the
demand generated causes the construction of more wind farms. But there is no mad
rush to sign on right now, and who better to take the lead as the first city in New York
State.
So the question is, should we do it now and send the message to our community and to
the rest of the State that we are a city that is concerned about the air we breathe and
the environment at large and that we are willing to pay a little more to protect the
environment and our own health?
I look forward to our discussion on this when we next meet.”
Resolution to Override the Mayor’s Veto
By Alderperson Hershey: Seconded by Alderperson Manos
RESOLVED, That the Mayor’s line item veto of the Wind Power initiative in the amount
of $29,000 be overridden by Common Council.
Alderperson Pryor applauded the Mayor for bringing this initiative to Common Council
and for raising awareness of this option, however in light of the tax increases from the
city, county and school district she did not feel the initiative was prudent at this time.
Alderperson Mack agreed that the initiative is very worthwhile, however felt that it was
difficult to support given the way it was added to the budget process, and the cuts that
were made to departmental budgets
Alderperson Blumenthal voiced her support for wind power, however she suggested
that the City take a comprehensive look at different energy sources and ways to reduce
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energy use in city buildings. She stated that money was in the budget for software to
track energy consumption.
Alderperson Peterson stated that the city used to have an Energy Commission, and
asked if the Conservation Advisory Council provided input on this initiative. She further
voiced concern that the initiative was added at the end of the budget process, and that
she did not have enough time to explore the issues that were raised.
City Controller Thayer stated that the city is reviewing an energy curtailment project.
Mayor Cohen stated that this is an important initiative for the community and an
investment in the future. He acknowledged that difficult choices were made during the
budget process, however noted that many cuts had been restored.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (7) Pryor, Manos, Peterson, Hershey, Mack, Blumenthal,
Whitmore
Nays (0)
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Julie Conley Holcomb, Alan J. Cohen,
City Clerk Mayor