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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2004-10-06COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. October 6, 2004 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Alderpersons (8) Coles, Mackesey, Whitmore, Tomlan, Taylor, Townsend, Cogan, Korherr OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Luster City Controller – Thayer Planning and Development Director – Van Cort Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn Assistant City Attorney – Dunn Police Chief – Signer City Chamberlain – Parsons EXCUSED: Alderpersons: Berry, Zumoff PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: City Administration Committee: Alderperson Coles requested that Item 8.1 – Human Resources – Establishment of Standard Workday as Required by New York State Retirement System - Resolution be removed from the Consent Agenda and that a Substitute Resolution be considered as Item 9.4 on the City Administration Committee Agenda. No Council member objected. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS: Mayor Peterson presented City Historian Jane Marsh Dieckmann with the Edmund J. Winslow Local Government Historian’s Award of Excellence. This award was bestowed upon Ms. Dieckmann by the Association of Public Historians of New York State in recognition of her standard of excellence in one or more public history projects or publications. Mayor Peterson proclaimed the month of October, 2004 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mayor Peterson proclaimed the week of October 11 – 15, 2004 as Make-a-Wish Foundation Volunteer Recognition Week. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: City Clerk Conley Holcomb read the following notice into the record: “The City of Ithaca is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to annually report on its progress in implementing its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The annual report, known as the Performance Assessment Report (PAR), is available for public comment. The City has prepared a PAR for its CDBG funded programs of 1998 and 1999. These reports outline the activities funded by each grant and measure their respective performances. (CDBG activities funded after 1999 are subject to different reporting schedules and requirements). October 6, 2004 2 Copies of the PAR will be available for review from October 22 to October 29, 2004 in the City’s Community Development Office, Third Floor, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York. Citizens should comment in writing to the address above before Noon on October 29, 2004. These comments will be forwarded to HUD.” SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL: First District Tompkins County Legislator Barbara Blanchard reported to Council on the following issues: The Emergency Response Center was formally dedicated this afternoon with a wing of the building being named after former Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Miller. The city and county dispatchers are awaiting the complete transfer to the new system. Tompkins County has realized 30% fewer property foreclosures than last year. There are 5 properties in the city scheduled for foreclosure and that information will be shared with Common Council members. Tompkins County has appointed an Air Service Task Force that is in the process of developing alternatives in case of a full withdrawal of US Airways. The County is half-way through their budget process. It currently looks as though they will have a 3% tax levy and a 7% decrease in the property tax rate. A public hearing is scheduled for November 11, 2004 and the final vote on the budget will be taken on November 18, 2004. Legislator Blanchard explained the history of the Municipal Electric & Gas Alliance. She explained that in addition to Tompkins and Tioga Counties, four other counties have joined the partnership and a not-for-profit organization has been established. Mr. Stuart Stein is acting as the part-time Director of the Alliance. The city has saved approximately $78,000 since May, 2001 as a result of its participation in the Alliance. The city is also eligible to participate in the “High Load” program that could result in an additional annual savings of $2,600. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: The following people addressed Common Council: Richard Livingston, Town of Ithaca – concerns about the lack of protection after a bias- related crime; request for a public update on the investigation of the “Jungle” incident; request for participation in a boycott for equality on October 8, 2004. Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield – economic development in Southwest area of the city; Collegetown concerns Michele Gonzalez, Town of Ithaca – thanked the city and Mayor Peterson for participating in the Ithaca High School S.P.I.R.I.T Retreat this week. The following people addressed Common Council regarding safety concerns and lack of information regarding the “Collegetown Creeper” case. They requested that the city and Cornell University issue a joint statement detailing how they are working to make Collegetown safe. Esther Dickinson, City of Ithaca Bethany Sweeney, Town of Ulysses Pradeep Giri, City of Ithaca Erica Kagan, City of Ithaca PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Mayor Peterson thanked the students of Ithaca High School for their hard work on the S.P.I.R.I.T initiative and stated that she would like to implement a similar program in the City of Ithaca. October 6, 2004 3 Mayor Peterson further thanked the Cornell University students for voicing their concerns regarding safety in the Collegetown neighborhood. She stated that the city is working in many ways with the Ithaca Police Department, Cornell University and victims of the incidents to implement strategies. Most of these plans cannot be stated publicly as it would impede the ongoing investigation of the incidents. She stated that the Ithaca Police Department can help students learn how to secure their housing area, and the city would be working with landlords regarding the condition of apartments. Mayor Peterson further stated that the city would be happy to work with students on these issues. Alderperson Mackesey thanked the students for voicing their concerns and stated that the city would continue to work on these issues. She urged students to lock their doors and windows at night, and to notify the city if their apartments are not equipped with locks. Alderperson Taylor thanked the speakers for their efforts to organize the rally and to address Common Council regarding their concerns. He stated that he and Alderpersons Townsend, Tomlan and Zumoff met with the Police Chief, Deputy Police Chief and Police Officers and wanted to assure the public that the Police Department is taking the prowling incidents extremely seriously. He urged the city to release information to the public about the actions that are being taken without jeopardizing the investigations. Alderperson Korherr applauded the efforts of the students to raise awareness of the safety issues in the Collegetown area. She stated that student safety is a top priority for the city, and urged all victims of crimes to take advantage of the resources available to them and call 911 immediately. Alderperson Coles thanked the students for voicing their concerns. She stated that the prowling incidents are a blatant form of sexism and she is proud to live in a community where people speak out. Alderperson Townsend thanked the students for attending the meeting and taking the time to voice their concerns. He encouraged them to lock their doors and windows, be mindful of their surroundings, and report everything. Alderperson Tomlan thanked the students and stated that she understood their concerns as a resident in their neighborhood, and noted the recent presence of a daytime intruder. She urged the students to watch out for and take care of their friends. Mayor Peterson further reported that the “Jungle” incident is part of an on-going investigation being conducted by the New York State Police and that she could not comment further on the incident. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: City Administration Committee: 8.2 Human Resources – Request to Amend 2004 Budget for NYS Grant By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca applied for and received a New York State Hazard Abatement Board Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program Grant in the amount of $32,275, and WHEREAS, the grant will allow various City departments to be trained in hazard awareness, recognition and control with the overall objective of reducing the number and associated costs of occupationally-related injuries and illnesses to City employees, and WHEREAS, the grant funds will be used to hire a training contractor and offset some City staff salary costs, and WHEREAS, the grant period is August 1, 2004 – September 30, 2005 with any unused funds from 2004 to be encumbered to 2005; now, therefore, be it October 6, 2004 4 RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby accepts the grant funds from New York State and amends the 2004 Budget as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A1430-3489 State Aid Other Health $32,275 Increase Appropriation Accounts: A1430-5110 Staff Salaries $ 3,400 A1430-5435 Contracts 28,875 Carried Unanimously 8.3 City Clerk – Request to Amend 2004 Budget for New York State Grants By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr WHEREAS, the City Clerk’s Office has received two (2) Records Management Grants from the New York State Department of Education, Local Government Records Improvement Fund, in the amount of $18,001 and $11,779 for the period of July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005, and WHEREAS, the purpose of these grants is to microfilm city payroll records, and to consolidate and automate city cemetery records; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 2004 budget be amended to reflect the acceptance of the 2004- 2005 Records Management Grants as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A3060 State Aid Records Management $29,780 Increase Appropriation Accounts: A1460-5110 Staff $ 5,140 A1460-5425 Office Supplies 9,139 A1460-5430 Professional Services 15,501 Carried Unanimously 9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 9.1 Human Resources – Transfer of Funds for Payment of Flu Shots By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey WHEREAS, Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca (the Medical Center) has developed a program of services in occupational health, educational consult, injury prevention, and rehabilitation therapy aimed to improve quality of employee health and to improve workplace safety, and WHEREAS, the Medical Center has offered to provide Flu Shot Clinics in City facilities to meet our occupational health needs at a low rate of $12.00 per employee, and WHEREAS, the Common Council has determined that assisting employees in obtaining a flu shot, for the 2004 season, will be beneficial to employees and the work environment, and WHEREAS, the City has reserved 100 vaccinations from the Medical Center; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the payment of up to $12.00 for City employees, not covered under another agreement, to receive or be reimbursed for the shots received in the clinics available at City facilities or through another provider, and be it further October 6, 2004 5 RESOLVED, That the payment is contingent upon the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the appropriate Collective Bargaining Unit, and be it further RESOLVED, Funds in the amount not to exceed $3,500 shall be transferred from account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to account A1430-5430 Human Resources Fees to fund said vaccinations for 2004. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the recent news regarding a national shortage of the flu vaccine. Human Resources Director Michell-Nunn explained that she has a call into Cayuga Medical Center to determine if the shortage will have an impact on the vaccinations reserved for the city. A vote on the Resolution resulted as following: Carried Unanimously 9.2 Planning Department – Request to Amend Personnel Roster By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Tomlan WHEREAS, the Planning Department Staff have concluded that the department could operate more efficiently with a Deputy Director of Economic Development position instead of a Director of Economic Development position; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the Authorized Personnel Roster of the Planning Department as follows: Delete: One (1) Director of Economic Development (40 hrs.) Add: One Deputy Director of Economic Development (40 hrs.) and be it further RESOLVED, That the position of Deputy Director of Economic Development be assigned to the current benefit and compensation for managerial personnel not covered by a bargaining unit. Carried Unanimously 9.3 City Chamberlain – Authorization of Redemption of Tax Foreclosure Properties By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca enforces taxes by foreclosure of its liens, pursuant to New York State Real Property tax law, and WHEREAS, there may be a period of time between the final redemption date according to the foreclosure petition and the final judgment awarding the property to the city, during which the property is owned by the taxpayer; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain is authorized to allow redemption of the property between the final redemption date and the filing of the judgment papers upon payment of the full amount of the taxes, penalties, fees, and interest as required by City Charter and New York State Real Property Tax Law, plus $500 or 10% of the taxes, whichever is greater, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain shall not allow redemption after the final judgment papers awarding title of the property to the City have been filed with the Court. Carried Unanimously 9.4 Establishment of Standard Workday – Substitute Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System requires that the standard workday be established for all positions in City government for the purpose of determining reportable days worked, and October 6, 2004 6 WHEREAS, the standard workday, for the purpose of retirement system credit, varies by bargaining unit; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby establishes the following standard workdays for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System: CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Account Clerk Account Clerk-Typist Administrative Assistant Administrative Assistant - Financial Management 1 Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Administrative Secretary 1 Assistant Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator Assistant Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Assistant City Electrician Assistant Engineering Systems Manager Building Inspector Clerk Code Enforcement Officer Code Inspector Community Service Officer Customer Service Representative 1 Customer Service Representative Trainee Data Entry Specialist Data Processing Operator Director of Laboratories Electrical Inspector Electrician Engineering Aide Engineering Systems Manager Engineering Technician Environmental Analyst Environmental and Landscape Planner Geographic Information System Database Programmer Housing Inspector Information Management Specialist Instrumentation Electrician Junior Engineer Laboratory Technician Legal Assistant Office Manager 1 Parts and Supplies Manager Permit Clerk Plumbing Inspector Police Dispatcher Pretreatment Coordinator, Safety Officer and Operator Principal Account Clerk 1 Receptionist Recreation Assistant Recreation Supervisor 1 Rental Housing Specialist Senior Account Clerk Senior Account Clerk-Typist Senior Code Inspector Senior Community Service Officer Senior Plan Examiner Senior Police Dispatcher Senior Typist October 6, 2004 7 Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator Storekeeper Supervisor of Electrical Services User Support Analyst Utilities Systems Location Technician Volunteer Coordinator Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Water Meter Technician Water Quality Analyst Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Water Treatment Plant Operator Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Youth Development Program Leader 1 Youth Development Program Leader (Outing) 1 Youth Program Coordinator Youth Program Coordinator (Automotive) Youth Worker Zoning Officer CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Seven point five (7.5) hour workday; Thirty-Seven Point Five (37.5) hour workweek Assistant Fiscal Manager CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Seven (7) hour workday; Thirty-Five (35) hour workweek Account Clerk-Stenographer Administrative Assistant – Financial Management 2 Administrative Secretary 2 Assistant Civil Engineer Assistant Recreation Supervisor Customer Service Representative 2 Economic Development Planner Educational Instructor Financial Clerk Historic Preservation Planner Human Resources Clerk Office Manager 2 Payroll Coordinator Plan Review Officer Planner II Planning Systems Manager Principal Account Clerk 2 Recreation Assistant 2 Recreation Coordinator Recreation Leader Recreation Specialist Recreation Specialist (Special Populations) Recreation Supervisor 2 Recreation Supervisor (Special Populations) Senior Environmental & Landscape Planner Senior Stenographer Senior Typist 2 Typist Youth and Preteen Program Administrator Youth Development Coordinator Youth Development Program Leader 2 Youth Development Program Leader (Outing) 2 Youth Program Coordinator 1 Youth Program Coordinator (Automotive) October 6, 2004 8 Youth Worker Zoning Officer CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Six (6) hour workday; Thirty (30) hour workweek Youth Program Coordinator 2 CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Six point four (6.4) hour workday; Thirty-Two (32) hour workweek City Buyer CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Seven point four (7.4) hour workday; Thirty-Seven (37) hour workweek Recreation Assistant 4 Recreation Supervisor 3 CSEA Administrative Unit and Confidential Employees – Seven point two (7.2) hour workday; Thirty-Six (36) hour workweek Recreation Assistant 3 CSEA DPW Unit – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Assistant Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic Automotive Mechanic Automotive Mechanic Helper Automotive Mechanic Supervisor Bus Driver Custodial Worker Laborer Maintainer Maintenance Supervisor (Recreational Facilities) Maintenance Worker Meter Servicer Motor Equipment Operator Parking Lot Attendant Senior Laborer Senior Water Meter Servicer Supervisor of Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems Tree Trimmer Truck Driver Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Mechanic Working Supervisor Working Supervisor – Bridges Working Supervisor - Sanitation City Executive Association – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Assistant Building Systems Supervisor Assistant City Engineer Bridge Systems Engineer Building Maintenance and Solid Waste Supervisor Chief Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator City Forester Civil Engineer Director of Development Environmental Engineer Fiscal Manager October 6, 2004 9 Motor Equipment Maintenance Supervisor Network Integration Specialist Parks and Grounds Supervisor Recreation Facilities Director Senior Network Administrator Supervisor of Streets Supervisor of Water and Sewer Operations Traffic Systems Engineer Transit Services Supervisor City Executive Association – Seven (7) hour workday; Thirty-Five (35) hour workweek Fiscal Manager 2 Police Benevolent Association – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Police Captain Police Lieutenant Police Officer Police Sergeant Ithaca Paid Firefighters Association – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Fire Alarm Superintendent Firefighter Fire Lieutenant Chief Officers Unit – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Assistant Fire Chief Managerial Employees – Seven (7) hour workday; Thirty-five (35) hour workweek Deputy Director of Human Resources Director of Planning and Development Human Resources Associate Managerial Employees – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek Assistant City Attorney Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (Streets and Facilities) Assistant Superintendent of Public Works (Water and Sewer) Associate Attorney Building Commissioner City Attorney City Chamberlain City Clerk City Prosecutor Controller Deputy Building Commissioner Deputy City Prosecutor Deputy Controller Deputy Director of Economic Development Deputy Director of Planning and Development Deputy Fire Chief Deputy GIAC Director Deputy Police Chief Deputy Youth Bureau Director Director of Economic Development Director of Human Resources Director of Informational Technology October 6, 2004 10 Employee Health and Safety Coordinator Fire Chief GIAC Director Manager of Operations and Maintenance Manager of Organizational Development Police Chief Superintendent of Public Works Youth Bureau Director Carried Unanimously 10. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE: 10.1 Recreation Facilities/Recreation Partnership – Update Alderperson Whitmore reported that the Tompkins County Budget Committee voted to continue a financial contribution in the amount of $38,100 to the Recreation Partnership. The committee further recommended that this funding be continued for future years. Alderperson Whitmore further reported that several representatives from the city met with the Ithaca Town Board to discuss funding for the recreation facilities. He stated that historically the Town of Ithaca has contributed $112,000 per year for the maintenance of Cass and Stewart Parks, but they have only allocated $50,000 for 2005. The Town would like to continue working with a group from the city to discuss future sponsorship of the recreation facilities. Alderperson Korherr stated that 35% of the Town’s budget is allocated toward shared services with the City of Ithaca including fire, water and sewer, and recreation services. These contributions are based on formulas that are subject to negotiation. Mayor Peterson reported that Alderperson Korherr is the new City Liaison to the Town of Ithaca. 12. PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 12.1 Acceptance of Sculpture - Resolution By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr WHEREAS the Ithaca Downtown Partnership has raised funds to purchase a piece of sculpture from the 2003 “Art in the Heart of the City” sculpture exhibition and donate it to the City; and WHEREAS the identified piece of art is entitled “Crested King Heron” by artist Doug Makemson; and WHEREAS this sculpture was installed and identified with a permanent plaque as part of the 2003 sculpture exhibition; and WHEREAS the acquisition and installation of outdoor public art represents an important downtown goal for the Ithaca Downtown Partnership and the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS outdoor public art enlivens public spaces, enhances the pedestrian experience and serves to beautify and uplift the downtown district; and WHEREAS The City of the Ithaca Public Art Commission has formally recommended acceptance of this donation of sculpture for display in downtown, now therefore be it RESOLVED, 1. That the Common Council, on behalf of the City of Ithaca, does hereby accept the donation of “Crested King Heron”, and 2. That this donation be formalized with a document between the City and the Ithaca Downtown Partnership that summarizes the rights and obligations of the City, the donor and the artist pertaining to the acceptance of donated art. This document will October 6, 2004 11 follow the language and terms utilized in prior sculpture donations approved by Common Council. Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr RESOLVED, That the Resolved Clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, 1. That the Common Council, on behalf of the City of Ithaca, does hereby accept the donation of “Crested King Heron,” and thanks both the Ithaca Downtown Partnership for purchasing and donating this work and the Tompkins County Strategic Tourism Planning Board as the primary funding source through use of room tax monies, and 2. That this donation be formalized with a document between the City and the Ithaca Downtown Partnership that summarizes the rights and obligations of the City, the donor and the artist pertaining to the acceptance of donated art. This document will follow the language and terms utilized in prior sculpture donations approved by Common Council.” Carried Unanimously Alderperson Whitmore voiced his concern regarding the recent theft of a piece of public art on the Commons and an act of vandalism to one of the planet monuments. Mayor Peterson urged anyone with any information about the stolen metal sculpture in the shape of a snake to contact the Ithaca Police Department. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 13. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: Alderperson Coles reported on the Critical Issues Roundtable that she recently attended on hunger and food insecurity in Tompkins County. She reported that there are more than 6,000 people and 1,055 families living below the national poverty level. 14. NEW BUSINESS: Ithaca Reads Mayor Peterson stated that she and City Attorney Luster have finished the “Ithaca Reads” book The Trial, and she is ready to form a discussion group. Budget Review Committee: Mayor Peterson announced that she is officially naming a Budget Review Committee that consists of all members of Common Council. 16. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS: Pride of Ownership Committee Members – 2004: Mayor Peterson announced that she has made the following appointments to the 2004 Pride of Ownership Committee: City of Ithaca: Ithaca Rotary Club: Susan Blumenthal Peggy Haine John Barradas Jagat Sharma Margaret Hobbie Scott Whitham Resolution: By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend Disability Advisory Council: RESOLVED, That Susan Kerns Robinson be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on June 30, 2007, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Christen Bonacci be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on June 30, 2006, and, be it further October 6, 2004 12 RESOLVED, That F. Elizabeth Phelps be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on June 30, 2007, and, be it further Public Art Commission: RESOLVED, That Terry D. Plater be reappointed to the Public Art Commission with a term to expire on June 30, 2007, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Leslie Carrere be reappointed to the Public Art Commission with a term to expire on June 30, 2007. Carried Unanimously 17. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS: Parks Commission: Alderperson Tomlan reported on the September 24, 2004 dedication of Conley Park and the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Interpretive Trail. She noted that Conley Park was named after former Mayor Edward J. Conley. Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission: Alderperson Mackesey reported that the ILPC denied a request from NYSEG to demolish the Markels Flat Building on Court Street. TCAT Board: Alderperson Cogan reported that the search for a General Manager for TCAT is underway. He reported that the candidate pool is very strong and the Search Committee is reviewing several applications. Access Oversight Committee: Alderperson Cogan reported that the Access Oversight Committee has been meeting regularly and minutes are on file in the City Clerk’s Office. The committee has been discussing budgeting issues pertaining to financial shortages for the Public Access Studio. The committee has been discussing the possible implementation of fees for use of the Access Studio for people who do not live in municipalities covered by the Franchise Agreement. Board of Public Works: Alderperson Coles reported that the Board of Public Works heard from merchants regarding the proposed reduction of the 2-hour free parking program. Merchants stated that the free parking is part of the downtown advertising campaign, and that they would rather see higher fees for parking in the garage instead of the proposed 1-hour free parking proposal. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: City Attorney Luster reported that the Same Sex Marriage case would be heard in Tompkins County Supreme Court in January, 2005 and the Red Bud Woods Case would be heard in the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court in January, 2005. 21. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 21.1 Approval of September 1, 2004 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes and the September 22, 2004 and September 29, 2004 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes Resolution: By Alderperson Korherr : Seconded by Alderperson Coles RESOLVED, That the September 1, 2004 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes, and the September 22, 2004 and September 29, 2004 Special Common Council Minutes be approved as published. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson, City Clerk Mayor