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
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February 2, 2005
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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
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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
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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:
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February 2, 2005
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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.
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February 2, 2005
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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
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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
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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,
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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.
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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
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February 2, 2005
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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