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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-02-05COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. February 2, 2005 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Alderpersons (10) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff, Taylor, Townsend, Cogan, Korherr OTHERS PRESENT: City Attorney – Luster City Controller – Thayer Community Development Director – Bohn Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn Deputy Director of Community Development – Kittel Information Management Specialist - Myers PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: Special Presentations Before Council Alderperson Berry requested the addition of Item 4.1 – A Resolution Honoring Dr. James Turner and Black History Month. No Council Member objected. Consent Agenda Alderperson Berry further requested that item 8.1 - Human Resources – Request to Amend the Personnel Rosters of Various Departments be removed from the Consent agenda and added under City Administration as Item 9.5. No Council Member objected. Mayor’s Appointments Mayor Peterson noted that additional applications for appointment to boards and committees had been distributed for consideration under Item 16. No Council Member objected. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL: 4.1 A Resolution Honoring Dr. James Turner and Black History Month Alderperson Berry described how Dr. Turner has positively impacted the Ithaca community and Cornell campus by his involvement in many different programs, such as the Southside Community Center, the Tompkins County Human Rights Commission, the Black Elks Lodge, GIAC, the Board of Directors of the Franziska Racker Centers, and as a founding member with continued involvement with the Village at Ithaca. Alderpersons Berry and Townsend presented the following resolution: A Resolution Honoring Dr. James Turner and Black History Month By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend WHEREAS, since 2004, this Common Council has established a tradition of recognizing an individual of great esteem and leadership during African American history month (last year’s honoree was J. Diann Sams); and in so doing, the Council seeks to honor outstanding leadership, courage against unspeakable odds, and an unwavering vision that is in keeping with Black History Month’s founder and visionary Carter Woodson, and Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 2 WHEREAS, it is vitally important to understand Woodson’s legacy, and to note that at 17, he was an untutored coal miner, and at 19, after self-instruction in mathematics and English, he finished secondary school in two years; and how at age 22, after nearly a year at Berea College in West Virginia, he returned to the coalmines and studied Latin and Greek, in between trips back to the mineshafts he later obtained degrees from the University of Chicago and Harvard University; where he received a doctorate in history; the second African American ever to do so, and WHEREAS, in this extraordinary career spanning three crucial decades, the man and the history became one—so much so that it is impossible to deal with the history of African American people without touching upon, at some point, the personal history of Carter Woodson, who became, almost despite himself, an institution, a cause and a month called Black History month, and WHEREAS, another such man who has made an indelible stamp upon history and is himself, so well-respected and revered, that he, too, is an institution, is Dr. James Turner, known throughout the world as a leader, visionary, activist, scholar, researcher, and founder of the Africana Studies and Research Center in 1969, and; WHEREAS, Dr. Turner’s visionary leadership transformed Cornell University, and his creation of Cornell’s Council on African Studies, formed the basis of the university’s interdisciplinary African Studies and initiated the term “Africana Studies” to conceptualize the comprehensive study of the African Diaspora and the three primary global black communities—Africa, North America, and the Caribbean—a paradigm that has been adopted widely by educational programs as the epistemology for the field of black studies, and WHEREAS, Dr. Turner, an internationally known visionary, is the recipient of the Association of Sociologists’ Award of distinction, a founding member of Trans-Africa, an African American lobbying organization, a national organizer of the South African Liberation Support Committee that pressed the anti-apartheid campaign in the United States—and a Schomburg Research Fellow at the Schomburg Center for Research in black culture, whose research on the political philosophy of Malcolm X served as the basis for the internationally acclaimed, prize-winning PBS series, “Eyes on the Prize”; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council urges all citizens to recognize the invaluable contributions of this dedicated leader, Dr. James Turner, who through his tireless efforts and actions, has spoken out against racism, discrimination, oppression, and injustice; and formed strong partnerships in research, the humanities, the sciences, literature, sociology, and many other fields to educate leaders throughout the world about the invaluable role of history, particularly Africana history in our nation and world; and, in so doing, he is worthy of honor, as are all other black Americans engaged in such struggles and triumphs, not only each year in February, but throughout the year. Dr. Turner addressed Council to express his gratitude for the recognition. He stated that it has always been his goal to serve the community, and recognized his colleagues for their contributions as well. He stated that he is honored to be part of a community that recognizes Black History Month. Alderperson Mackesey thanked Alderpersons Berry and Townsend for starting this tradition of honoring a member of the community during Black History month and stated that she hopes the tradition will continue indefinitely. Further discussion followed on the floor with Mayor Peterson and Common Council members personally thanking Dr. Turner for his contributions. Alderperson Berry read the poem “The Rivers” in tribute to Dr. Turner. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 3 Report from the Tompkins County Legislature: Kathy Luz Herrera, Tompkins County Legislator, addressed Council on the following items: Tompkins County has introduced a prescription discount card that can be used at local pharmacies by people who are not covered by insurance. The County has distributed information pamphlets throughout the city. The discount card entitles the user to a 20% savings on the cost of the prescription. Robert DeLuca was confirmed by the legislature as the new Mental Health Director. The Lake Source Cooling issue is scheduled to be discussed at the next Tompkins County Planning meeting. Ms. Herrera answered questions raised by Council members on other issues such as the airport and the boarding out of inmates at the jail. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: Van McMurtry, Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Cornell University, addressed Council regarding Lake Source Cooling monitoring. Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, addressed Council regarding Oswego’s Harborfest. Leslie Kinsland, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the recent flooding in the Fall Creek neighborhood and how the City needs to improve communication with the residents. She further requested an update on the current situation. Gwyneth Lymberis, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the flooding in the Fall Creek neighborhood and what measures can be taken to prevent a recurrence. Chuck Cooley, Collegetown merchant, addressed Council regarding the increased rates for parking meters and the garages. Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding monitoring of the Lake Source Cooling project. She expressed her appreciation and support for the proposed resolution. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Mayor Peterson announced the availability of the 2005 Annual Disclosure forms for herself and Common Council. They are available for review at the City Clerk’s office. Alderperson Korherr responded to concerns raised about the flooding in the Fall Creek neighborhood. She stated that information sharing by the authorities to alert residents of the potential flooding situation earlier would have been welcomed. She further stated that the Fire Department and the Police Department deserve tremendous recognition for their work during the flooding. She thanked Home Depot and Lowe’s for their help in obtaining sump pumps for the residents. Alderperson Berry thanked Ms. Gougakis for all her research into the Lake Source Cooling monitoring issue. She further responded to concerns raised about the increase in parking rates. Alderperson Townsend responded to concerns raised about the increase in parking rates and the Collegetown parking situation. He also thanked Ms. Gougakis for her research on the Lake Source Cooling monitoring issue. Alderperson Zumoff thanked Alderperson Coles for her work as Acting Mayor during the flooding situation in Fall Creek. He also announced the winners of the Tompkins County Human Services Coalition awards – Satomi Hill and Karen Friedeborn. Alderperson Taylor expressed his sympathy to the residents of Fall Creek for the flooding, and stated that he will make sure the City responds to requests. He further responded to concerns raised about the increase in parking rates and how they affect Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 4 the Collegetown area. He further thanked Ms. Gougakis for her research on the Lake Source Cooling monitoring issue. Alderperson Tomlan responded to concerns raised about the increase in parking rates. She further stated that meters are intended for short-term parking and that the garages should be utilized for longer term parking, as they are cheaper, and permits are available. Alderperson Cogan responded to concerns raised about the flooding in the Fall Creek neighborhood. He stated that flooding has not occurred in the neighborhood for 25 years and could not be predicted. He further stated that the City will need to look at developing a city-wide communication plan. Alderperson Coles responded to concerns raised about the flooding and stated that she understands that there are things the City needs to do if flooding occurs in the future. She has met with the Mayor and will continue to meet with her to bring her up-to-date on the flooding situation. She further stated that she was very impressed by the city work force during this crisis and that they did an excellent job. Employees worked very hard, and should be recognized for that. She further responded to concerns raised about increased parking rates. Alderperson Berry stated that there are issues relating to the relationship between the Board of Public Works and Common Council. She stated that she would like to see the Board of Public Works become a standing committee of Common Council. Alderperson Mackesey responded to concerns raised about the increased parking rates. She voiced her frustration that this necessary decision was left over from the previous administration, and that there are certain budgetary constraints involved. She stated that Common Council does have control over the Board of Public Works, and that Common Council can overturn Board decisions. She noted that the Board of Public Works was created because many decisions have to be made, and a lot of them are time sensitive. Mayor Peterson stated that Common Council has complete control over the Board of Public Works. She further stated that it is not a simple task to roll back parking rates, as the budget was adopted based on projected revenue from increased parking rates. It would involve a great deal of work by staff. She further stated that the parking rates for 2006 would not go down because there is a large shortfall in the budget, and there is a need to balance that shortfall with the impact on taxpayers. She noted that the Board of Public Works listened to a number of people speak about the parking rates at their meeting earlier today. Mayor Peterson further stated that she had met with departments involved with the flooding event. She stated that meetings would occur regarding the communication issues. She expressed a great deal of empathy for the flooding victims, as she had experienced flooding herself during the flood of 1981. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 9.1 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend Youth Bureau Budget for Minimum Wage Increase By Alderperson Berry: Seconded By Alderperson Coles WHEREAS, New York State recently increased the minimum wage to $6.00 per hour, and WHEREAS, the City did not incorporate said minimum wage increase in the 2005 City Budget, and WHEREAS, the only Department impacted by the wage increase is the Youth Bureau at an estimated cost of up to $16,800 if Youth Programs remain as budgeted for 2005; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the following transfer and budget amendments for 2005 for the purposes of funding the increase in the minimum wage for the Youth Bureau: Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 5 Transfer an amount not to exceed $4,807 from account A7310-5110-1202 Staff Salary to account A7310-5120-1202 Hourly Part-time; Amend the 2005 Youth Bureau Budget by an amount not to exceed $16,800 as follows: Increase Appropriation Accounts: A7310-5120-1202 Hourly PT YES $7,977 A7310-5120-1311 Hourly PT Cass Rink $2,000 A7310-5120-1313 Hourly PT Cass Pool $4,500 A7310-5120-1318 Hourly PT Cass Fields $ 500 A7310-9030 Social Security/Medicare $1,146 A7310-9040 Workers Comp. $ 677 and, be it further RESOLVED, That said $16,800 budget amendment shall be derived from account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency Account. Alderperson Cogan stated that this is a hard decision because budget meetings were so tough, however, the money will go towards supporting programs for the most needy in the community. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Ayes (9) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff, Townsend, Korherr, Cogan Nays (0) Carried Alderperson Taylor was absent from the vote. 9.2 DPW/Water & Sewer – Request to Amend Ecologic LLC Contract By Alderperson Berry: Seconded By Alderperson Townsend WHEREAS, the City entered into a Consultant Contract with Ecologic LLC in 2003 in the amount of $143,060 to provide services related to the riparian buffer restoration project funded mostly by NYS Department of State with City matching funds, and WHEREAS, the contract with the New York State Department of State (DOS) for the riparian buffer restoration project at the City Silt Dam must be modified to remedy discrepancies created by new requirements that the USDA and DOS grants be separated, and WHEREAS, the scope and cost of the original project has now changed to include additional design and construction management with increased cost of $44,690 resulting in a new contract of $187,750, and WHEREAS, the City will only be required to pay $7,000 of the $44,690 cost increase as $37,690 will be paid for by Department of State funds now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes said contract amendment to the Ecologic LLC contract executed June 19, 2003, and be it further RESOLVED, That the contract with Ecologic LLC be amended by an amount not to exceed $44,690 for a new contract total of $187,750, with funding sources of $37,690 from New York State and $7,000 from the City, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City’s share of said contract amendment shall be derived from existing 2005 funds in the Water Fund account F8321 Watershed. Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 6 Ayes (8) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Tomlan, Zumoff, Townsend, Korherr, Cogan Nays (0) Carried Alderpersons Taylor and Whitmore were absent from the vote 9.3 DPW/Water & Sewer – Request to Amend Personnel Roster By Alderperson Berry: Seconded By Alderperson Zumoff WHEREAS, the dual use of an individual as a water plant operator and wastewater plant operator has continued to aid in the distribution and efficiency of personnel utilization for the several years it has been an experimental assignment; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, by Common Council that this assignment be made permanent by amending the DPW Water & Sewer Roster as follows: Delete: One Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Add: One Water-Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and be it further RESOLVED, That the Water-Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator shall be assigned to the CSEA Administrative Unit at Grade 11, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said roster amendment shall be derived from existing 2005 Water and Sewer and IAWWTP Budgets. Carried Unanimously 9.4 Common Council – Approval of 2005 Travel Policy By Alderperson Berry: Seconded By Alderperson Cogan WHEREAS, there is to be held during the coming official year a) the New York State Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting and Training School; b) the New York State Conference of Mayors and Fall Training School for Fiscal Officers and Municipal Clerks, and other national and regional conferences as applicable, and WHEREAS, it is determined by the Mayor and Common Council that attendance by certain municipal officials and City employees at one or more of these meetings, conferences or schools benefits the municipality; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council, the Mayor and City employees are hereby authorized to attend said conferences or other applicable training events during 2005, and be it further RESOLVED, That the cost for all events must be derived from existing 2005 Departmental Budgets with appropriate approvals obtained as applicable, and be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately. Discussion followed on the floor regarding how the travel policy would be deployed, and how future Council members would know that funding is available for training. Upon further discussion, it was suggested that this item be added to the annual resolutions that Council approves each January. Motion to Call the Question: By Alderperson Townsend: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor Carried Unanimously A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 7 9.5 Human Resources – Request to Amend the Personnel Rosters of Various Departments By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Tomlan WHEREAS, during the 2005 budget process, various departments had requested amendments to, or were requested to amend their personnel rosters, (i.e.: changes in hours, addition and/or deletion of positions, etc.), and WHEREAS, Common Council had approved the various amendments when it adopted the 2005 Budget on November 3, 2004, and WHEREAS Common Council now needs to formally adopt the personnel roster changes for 2005; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 2005 Personnel Rosters for the various City of Ithaca Departments be amended as follows: Building Dept. Add 1 housing inspector (start 7/1/05) Delete 1 Administrative Secretary 35 hours Add 1 Administrative Secretary 40 hours Clerk’s Office Increase Information Management Specialist hours to 35 Controller’s Office Increase City Buyer position to 35 hours. Information Technology Add 1 Senior Network Integration Specialist Planning Department Delete 1 Director of Economic Development Add 1 Deputy Director of Economic Development (start 3/1/05) Police Department Add 2 Data Entry Specialists 1 Office Manager DPW Streets Administration – Upgrade Clerk to Principal Account Clerk Highways – Upgrade Truck Driver to Maintainer Commons – Upgrade Custodial Worker to Maintenance Worker Stewart Park – Upgrade Maintainer to Working Supervisor Engineering – Add Assistant Civil Engineer (Capital funded) Youth Bureau Increase 1 Youth Development Program Leader to 35 hours per week, effective 1/1/05. Increase 1 Recreation Supervisor (Cass Park) to 40 hours per week, effective 1/1/05. Carried Unanimously 11. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE: 11.1 Cayuga Lake Source Cooling Project – Resolution: By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr WHEREAS, Cayuga Lake is a magnificent resource for all who live and visit this area and WHEREAS, Cayuga Lake not only provides aesthetic, recreational and spiritual pleasure for all but is also the source of drinking water for many thousands of people and WHEREAS, we all feel obligated to protect Cayuga Lake so future generations will be able to enjoy it to the fullest extent and WHEREAS, Cornell University has built a lake source cooling facility on Cayuga Lake with the commendable goal of reducing air pollution, and energy costs, and Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 8 WHEREAS, Cornell has had 9 water quality monitors in the lake for the last three years to measure the effect of lake source cooling on the lake but recently sent a request to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to reduce the number of monitors from 9 to 2, and WHEREAS, Cornell’s lake source cooling is currently operating on average at 35% capacity, and WHEREAS, questions remain concerning the long-term effect of increased levels of phosphorous on Cayuga Lake, under the Clean Water Act, the southern portion of which is listed in a special category of lakes that has a “threatened water quality…for silt and nutrient pollution” now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council and the Mayor of the City of Ithaca, New York oppose reducing the number of monitors in the Lake and ask Cornell University to withdraw its request since the comparatively small amount of money that they will save is heavily outweighed by the need to answer the question of the effect of lake source cooling on Cayuga Lake which the present monitors could help answer, and be it further RESOLVED, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation be notified of our opposition to reducing the number of monitors in Cayuga Lake, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City join with Cornell University, the Town of Ithaca, and other municipalities to work cooperatively to promote the long term health of Cayuga Lake. Discussion followed on the floor with Council members voicing support for the Resolution. A request was made for the City Clerk’s Office to send a copy of this Resolution to the appropriate agencies. A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 11.2 An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 90 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code by Adding a New Section Thereto Establishing the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor WHEREAS, authority for the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee that heretofore has existed was repealed by Ordinance No. 2004-10 and, WHEREAS, the Affirmative Action Plan of the City of Ithaca was repealed by said Ordinance and the Workforce Diversity Plan dated November 21, 2003, was adopted as provided in Section 90-34, and WHEREAS, the Common Council is desirous of creating a Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee as successor to the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, now therefore, be it ORDINANCE No.______, 2005 ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows: Section 1. A new section 90-35 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code be enacted, entitled Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee, to read as follows: A. There is hereby created the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee which shall be the successor to the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee, authority for which was repealed by Ordinance 2004-10. The initial membership of the Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee shall be the individuals that served on the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee on July 7, 2004, subject to subsequent vacancies and appointments. Said individuals shall serve the remainder of the terms for which they were appointed on the Affirmative Action Advisory Committee. B. The Committee will provide advice and consultation to the Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action Officer (AAO) on the development, Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 9 implementation and conduct of the City's Workforce Diversity Plan. Also, the Committee will attempt to provide a channel of communication for all city employees to express their concerns, through representative committee members, regarding equal opportunity and other aspects of workforce diversity. The overall objective of the Committee is to use the experience gained from these communications to improve existing City policies or to propose new policies which will help improve workforce diversity as an integral part of the operations of the City of Ithaca government. C. Committee membership shall include representatives of City departments, the Director of Human Resources/Affirmative Action Officer (AAO), individuals from organizations representing minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. The members shall serve for periods of three-year staggered terms. The Committee will prepare an annual report evaluating the City's progress which will be distributed to all sites in receipt of the Workforce Diversity Plan and all interested community groups and organizations. Section 2. Severability. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of the ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. Section 3. 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 12. PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 12.1 Program Amendment to the 2004 Entitlement Grant Action Plan - Resolution By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore WHEREAS, the 2004 Action Plan, describing activities to be funded with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership programs (HOME) funds was approved by Common Council on May 5, 2004, and WHEREAS, as part of the 2004 Action Plan, Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County (MHATC) was awarded a $40,000 pre-development loan to advance their proposed west hill housing project ("MHATC West End Housing Initiative"), and WHEREAS, due to changing circumstances within the MHATC organization, they wish to convert the approved loan to a $40,000 capacity building grant, and WHEREAS, the use of funds for capacity building by MHATC is an eligible use of HOME funds and not subject to environmental review, and WHEREAS, the conversion of a pre-development loan to a capacity building grant constitutes a substantial program amendment as defined in the Citizen Participation Plan, thereby requiring a public hearing and Common Council approval, and WHEREAS, said public hearing was held on January 19, 2005, and WHEREAS, no significant concerns regarding the proposed Action Plan Amendment were raised, and WHEREAS, the matter was considered at the January 19, 2005 Planning, Neighborhoods and Economic Development Committee, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the proposed 2004 Action Plan Amendment to convert the $40,000 pre-development loan to Mutual Housing Association of Tompkins County to a capacity building grant contingent on the approval of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to implement this Action Plan Amendment. Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 10 Alderperson Whitmore commended the IURA for being flexible in this situation. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 12.2 New York State Quality Communities Grant Program - Report Alderperson Tomlan explained that a resolution would be coming to Common Council at the March meeting, to approve a grant application for the NYS Quality Communities Program. She stated that there is $1,000,000 to enhance innovative community planning and strategies that link to the environment. No matching funds are required. The money is only for planning, and not the actual construction project. Municipalities applying for the grant can partner with other municipalities. The Planning Committee will consider this at their February 16, 2005 meeting. The proposed project is the planning of the Gateway Bridge Trail between Stone Quarry Road and the Black Diamond Trail. She stated that questions and/or concerns should be directed to Tim Logue in the Planning Department. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS: 15.1 Appointment of the Southwest Area Client Committee - Resolution By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor RESOLVED, That the following persons shall comprise the Southwest area Client Committee, and shall be charged with assisting in development of a vision for the area and preparing a Request for Qualifications for a developer: David Kay, Chairperson Rob Steuteville Maria Coles Greg Thomas John Schroeder Paul Mazzarella Dan Hoffman Ellen McCollister Audrey Edleman Laurie Linn George Gesslein Alderperson Mackesey complimented the Mayor on the mix of representatives to the client committee. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Alderperson Korherr left the meeting at 9:45 p.m. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS: By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded By Alderperson Mackesey Board of Fire Commissioners: RESOLVED, That Steven Williams be appointed to the Board of Fire Commissioners to fill a vacancy with a term to expire June 30, 2006, and, be it further Commons Advisory Board RESOLVED, That Neil Bettez be reappointed to the Commons Advisory Board with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and be it further RESOLVED, That Kristen Lewis be reappointed to the Commons Advisory Board with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and be it further RESOLVED, That Joseph Wetmore be reappointed to the Commons Advisory Board with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and, be it further Community Police Board: RESOLVED, That Ron Passmore be reappointed to the Community Police Board with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and, be it further Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 11 Disability Advisory Council RESOLVED, That J. Caissa Willmer be appointed to the Disability Advisory Board to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on June 30, 2007, and, be it further Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission RESOLVED, That Kristen Brennan be appointed to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2007, and, be it further Natural Areas Commission: RESOLVED, That F. Robert Wesley be reappointed to the Natural Areas Commission with a term to expire on December 31, 2007, and, be it further Parks Commission: RESOLVED, That Susan L. Jones be appointed to the Parks Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2007, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Alice Gant be appointed to the Parks Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2006, and, be it further Planning and Development Board: RESOLVED, That Camille Tischler be appointed to the Planning and Development Board to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2005, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Robert Boothroyd be reappointed to the Planning and Development Board with a term to expire on December 31, 2007, and, be it further Rental Housing Advisory Committee: RESOLVED, That Joyce Muchan be reappointed to the Rental Housing Advisory Committee with a term to expire on December 31, 2007, and, be it further RESOLVED, That Patricia Sipman be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory Committee to fill a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2006. Carried Unanimously REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS: Pedestrian Awareness Advisory Committee Alderperson Berry reported that she enjoys being the Council representative to the Pedestrian Awareness Advisory Committee, however she has missed the first two meetings. She wondered if she wasn’t able to attend the meetings if someone else would be interested in taking her place. She further announced that there would be a Black History Month celebration at GIAC on February 10, 2005. Tompkins County Intermunicipal Group Alderperson Coles reported that the Tompkins County Intermunicipal Group has been discussing the consolidation health insurance. She further reported that there is a motion before the group to increase sheriff department coverage of municipalities, and how that would be paid for. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER: City Controller Thayer reported that the sales tax revenue for 2004 would meet the 2004 projections because it is 28% to 40% higher than previously expected. He expressed his hope that revenues would continue to be strong in 2005. He further reported that the Governor’s proposed 2005-2006 budget included new state aid to the city with a possible increase of 5% to 10% per capita, or approximately $159,000. However, in order to be eligible, the State would look at the city’s fiscal performance agreement. City Controller Thayer noted that he would keep Council informed as more details become available from the State. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: City Attorney Luster reported that the Red Bud Woods case was heard in Albany; and the Same Sex Marriage case was heard in Elmira. A new Article 78 proceeding was Common Council Minutes February 2, 2005 12 brought by NYSEG against the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission for not granting a certificate of appropriateness for the Markles Flat Building. The case is scheduled for court on February 18, 2005. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 21.1 Approval of Minutes By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor RESOLVED, That the minutes of the December 1, 2004 Regular Common Council meeting be approved with noted corrections, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the minutes of the December 15, 2004 Special Common Council meeting be approved as published, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 5, 2005 Regular Common Council meeting be approved with noted corrections. Carried Unanimously ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson, City Clerk Mayor