HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2004-11-03COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 3, 2004
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (10) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff, 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
Fire Chief – Wilbur
Acting Deputy Police Chief – Graziani
City Planner - Logue
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 Public Hearing to Consider the 2005 Mayor’s Proposed Budget
Resolution to Open Public Hearing:
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the 2005 Mayor’s Proposed Budget
be declared open.
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
Alderperson Berry absent from vote
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, addressed Common Council in support of the proposed
Southside Community Center funding.
Alderperson Berry arrived at the meeting at 7:05 p.m.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the 2005 Mayor’s Proposed Budget
be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
4.2 A Public Hearing to Consider the 2005 Proposed Ithaca Area Wastewater
Treatment Plant Budget
Resolution to Open Public Hearing:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the 2005 Proposed Ithaca Area
Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget be declared open.
Carried Unanimously
No one appeared to address Common Council.
Resolution to Close Public Hearing:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That the Public Hearing to Consider the 2005 Proposed Ithaca Area
Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget be declared closed.
Carried Unanimously
November 3, 2004
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PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Common Council:
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield – Southwest area development concerns
Bernie Fetterly, Town of Ithaca – In support of changing the name of State Street to
honor Martin Luther King, Jr; need for larger walk-in center for activists in City of Ithaca
Michael Bryant, Town of Richford – 2004 Presidential Election results; war in Iraq; use
of energy
Joshua Dolan, City of Ithaca – 2004 Presidential Election results; ideas for community
to stop supporting the Presidential administration and dependence on oil
Matula Halkiopoulos, City of Ithaca – Concerns regarding the recent amendment to the
Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance regarding trash can lids.
Marvin Warren, City of Ithaca – 2004 Presidential Election results, ideas for community
to stop supporting the Presidential administration
Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca – 2004 Presidential Election results; support of proposed
raises for Common Council members
Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca – 2004 Presidential Election results
Grace Ritter, City of Ithaca – Community March regarding Presidential Election results
and war in Iraq.
Beth Rubin, City of Ithaca – 2004 Presidential Election results.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Mackesey responded to comments made regarding the 2004 election
results and the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance.
Alderperson Whitmore responded to comments made regarding energy efficiencies for
transit buses, and stated that TCAT is researching energy efficient hybrid transportation
methods and hopes to have all of its vehicles running off of electricity within 10 years.
Alderperson Berry responded to comments made regarding the 2004 election results
and stated that the Democratic Party needs to speak up and clearly voice what they
believe in. She voiced her support for making Ithaca a model community for conducting
discussions about our differences, and getting to know and understand each other
better.
Alderperson Zumoff responded to comments made about the national election results
and the civil response to them.
Alderperson Coles responded to comments made about the 2004 election results.
Alderperson Korherr responded to comments made about the election process and
thanked all of the Election Inspectors for their service to the community.
Alderperson Taylor responded to comments made regarding the 2004 election results
and the concerns expressed about the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance. He
stated that he would review the fine structure of the Ordinance.
Alderperson Tomlan responded to comments made about the Exterior Property
Maintenance Ordinance regarding tenant changes within the calendar year, and stated
that it is the landlord’s responsibility to educate new tenants about existing laws.
Mayor Peterson responded to comments made regarding energy efficiency and stated
that she is working on positive things for the community to do to reduce its dependency
on oil such as: the Healthy City initiative, development of bikeways and bike trails, a
Pedestrian Awareness Program, and the Sustainable Tompkins Initiative.
She further reported on the Personal Safety Forum that was conducted in Collegetown
on November 2, 2004.
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8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
8.1 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend 2004 Budget for Elementary School
Basketball - Resolution
Upon the request of Alderperson Mackesey, this item was removed from the Consent
Agenda and placed as Item 10.8 under the City Administration Committee.
8.2 Planning Department – Request to Amend 2004 Budget for Grant -
Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the Planning Department was awarded a 2004 Robert S. Smith Award for
Community Progress and Innovation in the amount of $3,000, and
WHEREAS, the Planning Department has used the grant funds to hire an intern to
perform a project to research and review transportation demands in the City of Ithaca,
and
WHEREAS, $312.87 of the grant funds will be used to pay for office expenses related to
the grant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2004 Planning Budget to
account for a 2004 Robert S. Smith Grant Award as follows:
Increase Revenue Account:
A8020-2705 Gifts and Donations $3,000
Increase Appropriation Accounts:
A8020-5110 Staff Salaries $2,687.13
A8020-5425 Office Expense 312.87
Carried Unanimously
8.3 DPW – Request to Amend Personnel Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the DPW has a current vacancy in the Solid Waste Division with the
position of Senior Laborer, and
WHEREAS, the CSEA DPW Re-classification Study performed by the New York State
Civil Service recommends a title change from the Senior Laborer title to Sanitation
Worker, and
WHEREAS, due to the current vacancy in the Senior Laborer position, it provides a
good opportunity to change the title, and
WHEREAS, due to fewer basic requirements with the Sanitation Worker title, it will allow
for a greater number of applicants for the position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2004 Authorized DPW Roster
as follows:
Add: One (1) Sanitation Worker
Delete: One (1) Senior Laborer
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the position be assigned to the CSEA DPW Unit at salary grade 22,
and, be it further
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RESOLVED, That funds needed for said roster change are available in the existing
2004 DPW Budget.
Carried Unanimously
9. PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE:
9.1 Southwest area Development Process – Outline of Development
Process for the City-Owned Land in the Southwest Area - Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, Common Council desires to develop the City-owned land in the Southwest
Area in a manner that is responsive to both public interests and the private development
market, and
WHEREAS, the Department of Planning & Development has outlined a development
process that would help formulate a vision for the land and lead to the selection of a
preferred developer, and
WHEREAS, the City will require continuing oversight and opportunities for input during
the development phase; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the development process outlined by the
Department of Planning and Development as a guideline for pre-development, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That Common Council directs the Department of Planning and
Development to take the necessary steps to pursue this course of action, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, with the advice and approval of Common Council, will
appoint a Client Committee to assist in the development of a vision for the area and in
the preparation of a Request for Qualifications for a developer; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Department of Planning and Development shall bring the vision
statement and Request for Qualifications to Common Council for approval before
issuance, and be it further
RESOLVED, The Mayor, with the advice and approval of Common Council, will appoint
a Selection Committee to read and rank qualification statements from respondents to
the Request for Qualifications.
Alderperson Tomlan offered a brief description and timeline for the development
process.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
9.2 Application for Preserve America Community Designation
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, Preserve America is a White House initiative developed in cooperation with
the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and
the U.S. Department of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, the goals of this initiative include a greater shared knowledge about our
Nation’s past, strengthened regional identities and local pride, increased local
participation in preserving the country’s irreplaceable cultural and natural heritage
assets, and support for the economic vitality of communities; and
WHEREAS, this initiative is compatible with our community’s interests and goals related
to historic preservation; and
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WHEREAS, designation as a Preserve America Community will improve our
community’s ability to protect and promote its historical resources; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Common Council will apply for the designation of the City
of Ithaca as a Preserve America Community; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Common Council will seek to protect and celebrate our
heritage, use our historic assets for economic development and community
revitalization, and encourage people to experience and appreciate local historic
resources through education and heritage tourism programs.
Carried Unanimously
10. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
10.1 Motion to Enter into Executive Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining
Agreements
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to Discuss Collective
Bargaining Agreements.
Carried Unanimously
Reconvene:
Common Council reconvened into Regular Session at 8:30 p.m. with no formal action
taken.
10.2 Adoption of 2005 Budget - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry : Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff
WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Executive
Budget for 2005 as approved by the Select Committee for Budget Review, and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total appropriations and
estimated revenues, as set forth in said Amended Executive Budget for 2005 and as those
amounts may be altered by action of this Common Council at its November 3, 2004
meeting, are adequate for the operation of the City during 2005; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Executive
Budget for 2005, together with any additional changes made in said budget at Council's
November 3, 2004 meeting as the City of Ithaca Budget for 2005, in the total amount of
$47,000,043, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2005 Budget be approved:
A) General Fund Appropriations
B) Water Fund Appropriations
C) Sewer Fund Appropriations
D) Solid Waste Fund Appropriations
E) General Fund Revenues
F) Water Fund Revenues
G) Sewer Fund Revenues
H) Solid Waste Fund Revenues
I) Debt Retirement Schedule
J) Capital Projects
K) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - General Fund
L) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - Water & Sewer Fund
M) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - Solid Waste Fund
N) Authorized Equipment - General Fund
O) Authorized Equipment - Water Fund
P) Authorized Equipment - Sewer Fund
Q) Authorized Equipment - Solid Waste Fund
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderperson Whitmore thanking Alderperson Coles
for her commitment and creativity during the budget process.
November 3, 2004
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City Controller Thayer noted that a budget item submitted by the Youth Bureau for an
elementary basketball program had been inadvertently excluded from the budget, and
recommended that it be added. He further stated that this program is budget neutral, and
requested that $4,360 be added to both the revenues and expenditures of the 2005
Budget.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That the first Whereas Clause be amended to read as follows:
“WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Executive
Budget for 2005, and”, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the first Resolved Clause be amended to read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Executive
Budget for 2005, together with any additional changes made in said budget at Council’s
November 3, 2004 meeting as the City of Ithaca Budget for 2005, in the total amount of
$47,004,403, and, be it further”
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Berry thanked Alderperson Coles for her hard work during the budget process
and voiced her displeasure that the Ithaca Journal and Ithaca Times did not provide print
coverage of the important decisions made during certain budget meetings.
Main Motion as Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
10.3 Adoption of 2005 Tax Rate - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, the 2005 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted and confirmed in the
total amount of $47,004,403 on November 3, 2004, in accordance with a detailed Budget
on file in the Office of the City Controller, and
WHEREAS, available and estimated revenues total $33,491,624 leaving $13,512,779 as
the amount to be raised by taxation, and
WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for 2005, certified and filed by the Assessment
Department of Tompkins County, has been footed and approved and shows the total net
taxable valuation as $1,023,695,402, and
WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the tax limit for City purposes amount to
$23,492,722 for 2005; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the tax rate for general purposes, for the fiscal year 2005, be, and the
same hereby is, established and fixed at $13.20 per $1,000 of taxable valuation as shown,
certified and extended against the respective properties on the 2005 Tax Roll, thereby
making a total tax levy, as near as may be, of $13,512,779 and be it further
RESOLVED, That the amount of said tax levy be spread, and the same hereby is levied
upon and against the respective properties as shown on said City Tax Roll, in accordance
with their respective net taxable valuation, at the rate of $13.20 per $1,000 of such taxable
valuation, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be, and hereby is, directed to extend and
apportion the City Tax as above, and that upon the completion of the extension of said
Roll, the City Clerk shall prepare a warrant on the City Chamberlain for the collection of
said levy; and the Mayor and the City Clerk hereby are authorized and directed to sign and
affix the corporate seal to such warrant and forthwith to file the same with said Tax Roll
with the City Chamberlain, and be it further
RESOLVED, That upon the execution and filing of said warrant and Tax Roll with the City
Chamberlain, the amounts of the City Tax set opposite each and every property shall
November 3, 2004
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hereby become liens, due, payable and collectible in accordance with provisions of the
City Charter and other laws applicable thereto, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the total sum of $47,004,403 be appropriated in accordance with the
Budget adopted, to the respective Boards, Offices and Departments of the City, for the
purposes respectively set forth therein. The 2005 Assessment Roll has been completed
and approved by the Assessment Department of Tompkins County and resulted in the
following valuation:
Total Value of Real Property $3,232,785,714
Less: Value of Exempt Property $2,231,896,500
$1,000,889,214
Plus: Value of Special Franchises 22,806,188
Net Value of Taxable Property $1,023,695,402
Mayor Peterson thanked Common Council, City Controller Thayer, Deputy City Controller
Andrew, and Administrative Secretary Shipe for their hard work and attention given to the
budget. She stated that the 2005 budget was difficult to put together, and recognized the
hardship that city taxpayers will experience. She further spoke about how federal and
state tax cuts fall on to local municipalities, and how 2004 projected revenues for new
development did not come to fruition but should be realized in 2005.
Mayor Peterson further explained that she would not veto any of the amendments that
Common Council made to the budget, so that the 2005 tax rate could be adopted at this
meeting.
Alderperson Korherr stated that this budget would be dismal through the eyes of the
taxpayers as full services would not be restored or increased, and made a plea to city
department heads to be frugal with city tax dollars as they carry out their daily operations.
Alderperson Zumoff reminded everyone to shop locally as increased sales tax dollars
offset the amount of property tax dollars needed to balance the budget.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously (11-0)
Mayor Peterson voting Aye
10.4 Adoption of 2005 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget -
Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Joint
Activity Fund Budget for 2005 as approved by the Select Committee for Budget Review,
and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total appropriations and
estimated revenues, as set forth in said Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2005 and
as those amounts may be altered by action of the Common Council at its November 3,
2004 meeting, are adequate for the operation of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Plant during 2005; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Joint
Activity Fund Budget for 2005, together with any additional changes made in said budget
at Council’s November 3, 2004 meeting, as the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant
Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2005, in the total amount of $2,507,966, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2005 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Plant Joint Activity Fund Budget be approved:
A) Joint Activity Fund Appropriations
B) Joint Activity Fund Revenues
C) Schedule of Salaries and Positions – Joint Activity Fund
D) Authorized Equipment – Joint Activity Fund
Carried Unanimously
November 3, 2004
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10.5 Police Department – Request to Amend Personnel Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Ithaca Police Department be amended
as follows:
Delete: One (1) Senior Typist (40 hours)
Add: One (1) Data Entry Specialist (40 hours)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Data Entry Specialist be assigned to the CSEA
Administrative Unit at Salary Grade 2.
Carried Unanimously
10.6 Approval of CSEA Administrative Unit Labor Contract for the period
January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006 - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the CSEA Administrative Unit Labor
Contract for the period January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006.
Carried Unanimously
10.7 Compensation for Confidential Employees - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
RESOLVED, That for the period of January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2006, all
employees not covered by a formal labor contract, excluding positions designated as
management, be granted salary increases and fringe benefits in accordance with the
provisions of the CSEA Administrative Unit contract.
Carried Unanimously
10.8 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend 2004 Budget for Elementary School
Basketball - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, Youth Bureau staff will be adding elementary school basketball to their
programs this Fall, and
WHEREAS, the program will cost $2,500 and will be funded by user registration fees;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2004 Youth Bureau Budget for
the purposes of adding an elementary school basketball program this Fall as follows:
Increase Revenue Account:
A7310-2001-1584 Parks & Rec. Charges $2,500
Increase Appropriation Accounts:
A7310-5120-1584 PT/Seasonal $1,500
A7310-5460-1584 Program Supplies 800
A7310-9030 FICA 191
A7310-9040 Workers’ Compensation 9
Carried Unanimously
11. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE:
11.1 Apprenticeship Program – Update
Alderperson Whitmore reported that the Community Services Committee has discussed
the Apprenticeship issue for the past two months, and discussions will continue as the
committee reviews the proposal that Tompkins County is currently considering.
November 3, 2004
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11.2 TCAT, Incorporated – Update
Alderperson Whitmore reported that the targeted start date for the new TCAT
organization is January 1, 2005. Employee information meetings will be held on Friday,
November 5, 2004 regarding benefit packages and Impact Bargaining discussions will
be starting soon. A summary of benefit information will be distributed to Council
members and a complete packet will be on file in the City Clerk’s Office.
Alderperson Whitmore further explained that the consolidation agreement is being re-
written for the not-for-profit status of the three partners and will be forwarded to the City
Administration Committee for consideration at the November 18, 2004 meeting. He
stressed that any concerns regarding the proposed agreement be voiced as soon as
possible so that this item can be voted on at the December Common Council meeting.
16. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
16.1 Nominee for Tompkins County Environmental Management Council Seat
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That Glynn Morgan Bebee be appointed to the Tompkins County
Environmental Management Council Seat for a two-year term to begin January 2005.
Carried Unanimously (9-0)
Alderperson Zumoff absent from vote
16.2 Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
RESOLVED, That David Nutter be appointed to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council
to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2006, and, be it further
Conservation Advisory Council
RESOLVED, That Astrid Jirka be appointed to the Conservation Advisory Council to fill
a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Astrid Jirka be appointed as the Conservation Advisory Council
voting member to the Natural Areas Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire
December 31, 2006, and, be it further
Disability Advisory Council
RESOLVED, That George Eberhardt be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to
fill a vacancy with a term to expire on June 30, 2005, and, be it further
Ithaca Housing Authority
RESOLVED, That Alvin Nelson be reappointed to the Ithaca Housing Authority Board
with a term to expire October 17, 2009.
Carried Unanimously
17. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Board of Public Works
Alderperson Coles reported that the Board of Public Works is in the process of
developing a comprehensive process for renting out city parks for for-profit
organizations. She further reported that the Board is also developing guidelines of
where city owned bricks can and cannot be used in the city.
Safety Forum
Alderperson Taylor thanked Mayor Peterson for organizing the safety forum that was
held on November 2, 2004 at St. Luke’s Church in Collegetown. He further thanked city
department heads who helped to educate the Collegetown residents on a range of
issues including housing and personal safety, and thanked the Ithaca Police
Department for their efforts on the intruder incidents and the recent rape case.
Sewer Joint Sub-Committee
Alderperson Cogan reported that the phosphorous treatment project has experienced
delays due to unanticipated deteriorated soil conditions. A new design for piles to
address the problem has increased the cost of the project, however it appears that the
November 3, 2004
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project is still within budget. An additional concern is the delayed concrete work that
needs to be performed during the upcoming winter season.
Neighborhood Housing Initiative
Alderperson Cogan explained the process involved in the Neighborhood Housing
Initiative. The city purchases rental properties, completes renovations on the property
and then sells the house as an owner-occupied dwelling. The buyers sign an
agreement to keep the house as an owner-occupied dwelling for 20 years. A house on
North Tioga Street has recently been sold for $200,000 and a few more houses are
currently being renovated in the Northside.
Ithaca College Community Working Group
Alderperson Mackesey reported that the IC Community Working Group is comprised of
representatives from Ithaca College, the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Department, Ithaca
Police Department, the Town of Ithaca, and the South Hill Civic Association. She stated
that Ithaca College has been very responsive to concerns regarding student parties and
related issues. Ithaca College has instituted a policy that if the city identifies a problem
property, IC representatives will meet with the students and send a letter home to their
parents. She stated that this has been a very positive experience, and could become
another venue to address student/landlord issues.
GIAC Board of Directors
Alderperson Berry reported on the success of the recent strategic retreat that was held
by GIAC.
Alderperson Berry further addressed the following additional items:
- Thanked the Ithaca Police Department and Mayor Peterson for their work on
Collegetown safety issues, and thanked the nursing mother who made the identification
of the intruder. She further implored the Ithaca Journal to increase their sensitivity
regarding how female abuse issues are reported
-Disclosed that her household has applied for a loan from INHS for energy and
weatherizing improvements for their home. She further stated that she has been
advised by the City Attorney’s Office that this issue does not constitute a conflict of
interest.
Community Foundation Forum on Downtown
Mayor Peterson reported on the roundtable discussion regarding downtown issues
being sponsored by the Community Foundation of Tompkins County. The forum will be
held November 4, 2004 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am at the Holiday Inn.
Benefit for American Red Cross
Alderperson Zumoff reported that Jean McPheeters, President of the Tompkins County
Chamber of Commerce will be “Roasted” on November 7, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at the State
Theatre. The proceeds from this event will be donated to the American Red Cross of
Tompkins County Disaster Relief Services.
Veteran’s Day Activities
Mayor Peterson reported that the Veteran’s Day Parade will be held at 2:00 pm on
November 7, 2004, and the Veteran’s Day Memorial Service will be held in DeWitt Park
on November 11, 2004.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported that the New York State sales tax exemption period is
January 31, 2005 – February 6, 2005. No action is needed if the city wants to
participate in this program. He further reported that Tompkins County would be
participating.
City Controller Thayer further thanked the Mayor and Common Council for their
diligence during the 2005 budget, and also thanked his staff and the department heads
for their cooperation.
November 3, 2004
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REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Luster reported that his office is in the process of reviewing of the TCAT
agreement. He further confirmed that Alderperson Berry’s loan application to INHS is
not a conflict of interest and he will be drafting a letter indicating such.
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
21.1 Approval of October 6, 2004 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That the October 6, 2004 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor