HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-03-02COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. March 2, 2005
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
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
City Administration Committee:
Alderperson Berry requested the deletion of Item 10.3 DPW – Request to Reallocate
Position – Resolution, due to the ongoing classification study. She further requested
that Item 10.6 – Executive Session be moved to Item 14.6 under New Business.
No Council Member objected.
Planning, Neighborhoods & Economic Development Committee:
Alderperson Tomlan requested the deletion of Item 9.1 – Support and Concurrence with
the Schuyler County Empire Zone Revision – Resolution, as Schuyler County has not
yet received approval from New York State for the action.
No Council Member objected.
Community Services Committee:
Alderperson Whitmore requested that Item 11.1 – Resolution to Affirm Support for the
City Traffic Calming Policy – Resolution, be replaced with the distributed substitute
resolution.
No Council Member objected.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
Mayor Peterson read a proclamation in honor of Women’s History month.
Mayor Peterson read a proclamation for “Read Across America” in honor of Dr. Suess’
birthday.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Marjorie Dill, Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, distributed their annual
report detailing the activities of the Coalition. She reported that their Information and
Referral website has had over 5,000 hits, and that the Homeless and Housing Task
Force has received a $500,000 grant for continuum of care. She further explained that
the Health Planning Council has been able to help provide reduced co-pays for
prescriptions.
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Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, Tompkins County Legislature, 2nd District, reported on the
following items:
- Appointment of a Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee
- The proposed permanent County sales tax exemption for clothing and footwear, failed
by a 7-7 vote of the Legislature.
- The County is working on its Strategic Planning Process – the top three priorities are
currently being identified.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding the proposed sales tax exemption and the
thought process behind it.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed Council to thank them for addressing the Lake
Source Cooling monitoring issue. She further addressed Council regarding her support
of a wage increase for the Mayor and Common Council.
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, addressed Council regarding monetary contributions
from Cornell University and Ithaca College for Southwest Development.
Jodi Cohen, Town of Virgil, addressed Council in opposition to the proposed multiplex
movie theatre as she fears that it will put smaller theatres out of business.
Ann Shapiro, Town of Ithaca, addressed Council in opposition to the proposed multiplex
movie theatre.
Neil Schwartzbach, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding traffic calming in the
BJM/GIAC/Immaculate Conception/Washington Park areas.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Mackesey thanked the speakers for sharing their thoughts and responded
to comments made regarding the multiplex theatre and addressed zoning issues.
Alderperson Korherr addressed comments made regarding the multiplex theatre. She
further thanked the Ithaca High School government students for attending the meeting
and encouraged them to become active in government.
Alderperson Taylor thanked the audience for attending the meeting. He thanked the
Mayor for supporting the revitalization of the Rental Housing Commission and stated
that he has lots of energy to address the many issues facing the commission.
Alderperson Berry voiced her support for traffic calming in the Buffalo Street area. She
further repeated her concern regarding the lack of marketing data in support of movie
theatres in downtown. She also responded to comments made regarding Lake Source
Cooling.
Alderperson Tomlan announced that there would be a public hearing on the 2005 Action
plan on March 16, 2005 at 7:30 p.m. The public comment period for that plan is March
4 – April 4, 2005.
Alderperson Whitmore responded to concerns raised about the multiplex theatre and
stated that discussions are ongoing. He further responded to comments made
regarding traffic calming issues in the city.
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CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration:
8.1 Mayor – Request to Amend 2005 Budget for Community Celebration Grant -
Resolution
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, Tompkins County recently notified the City of $1,000 in grant funds from
the County to the City for Community Celebration Funds, and
WHEREAS, the $1,000 in funds would need to be disbursed to the Ithaca Community
Fine Arts Booster Group for celebrating 100 years of music; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby accepts the $1,000 in Community
Celebration Grant Funds from Tompkins County, and amends the 2005 Budget to
account for said grant as follows:
Increase Revenue Account:
A1012-2379 County Contribution/Celebrations $1,000
Increase Appropriation Account:
A1012-5435 Community Service Contracts $1,000
Carried Unanimously
8.2 Finance/Controller – Request to Authorize Contract with Advantage
Energy, Inc. for Electricity - Resolution
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins and other municipalities authorized the Municipal
Electric and Gas Alliance (“MEGA”) to bid for electricity on their behalf, and
WHEREAS, Advantage Energy, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder, and
WHEREAS, MEGA has entered into a program agreement with Advantage Energy, Inc.,
and
WHEREAS, the County of Tompkins has awarded a contract to Advantage Energy, Inc.,
and
WHEREAS, Section 408-a of the County Law authorizes a County to include in any
purchase contract awarded to the lowest responsible bidder authorization permitting any
political subdivision in the State to participate in the contract; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Mayor, on behalf of the City
of Ithaca, to enter into a customer agreement with Advantage Energy, Inc. for electricity.
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
9.1 Support and Concurrence with the Schuyler County Empire Zone Revision
Application - Resolution
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
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9.2 Authorization of an Application for New York State Quality Communities
Program Grant for Gateway Bridge Trail - Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, an intermunicipal committee of interested citizens and officials and staff
from the City of Ithaca, the Town of Ithaca, Tompkins County, the New York State Office
of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), and the Ithaca-Tompkins
County Transportation Council (ITCTC) has been regularly meeting since March 2004
to organize and coordinate the funding, design, and construction for the Gateway Bridge
Trail, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Department of State has announced the availability of
funding through the Quality Communities Program for innovative community planning
and development of implementation tools and strategies that link environmental
protection, economic prosperity and community well-being, including recreation and trail
planning, and
WHEREAS, no local cost share is required, and
WHEREAS, grant funds may be used for direct salary costs, consultant and contractual
services, and similar expenses, but not construction or capital costs, and
WHEREAS, the City and the Town of Ithaca are estimating a cost up to $40,000 for the
design, planning, and legal fees for several specific elements outlined further in the
application for this future trail, and
WHEREAS, the Request for Applications for the grant program encourages the
submission of projects that demonstrate intermunicipal collaboration, and
WHEREAS, grant applications are due by February 25, 2005, and
WHEREAS, the aforementioned intermunicipal committee recommended submitting a
joint application, with the support of OPRHP, and the Town will act as the lead applicant
(contractor); now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Carolyn K. Peterson, as Mayor of the City of Ithaca, is hereby
authorized to submit a joint application with the Town of Ithaca, with the Town of Ithaca
acting as lead applicant and the City of Ithaca acting as co-applicant, for funds from the
New York State Department of State in accordance with the provisions of the Quality
Communities Program, in an amount not to exceed a total of $40,000 in State funds,
and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute any and all agreements
with New York State or the Town of Ithaca for such financial assistance.
Alderperson Tomlan explained that the grant application is for planning of the section of
the Gateway Bridge Trail that extends along the Town and City line from Stone Quarry
Road to the Black Diamond trail intersection.
Alderperson Korherr requested that a map be created to illustrate the trail system.
Mayor Peterson explained that maps are available in the Planning Department.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
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10. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
10.1 DPW/Superintendent of Public Works – Request to Cover Demolition Cost -
Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, the City’s Building Commissioner has determined that the building at 413
E. Lincoln Street is in imminent danger of collapse and represents a danger to life and
health, and
WHEREAS, directives to the property owner to correct the defects and make the
building safe have elicited no effective response from the owner, resulting in the
Commissioner’s notification to the Superintendent of Public Works dated January 27,
2005 to have the building removed and the site made safe, and
WHEREAS, the Building Commissioner had received an estimated cost for demolition
of $27,500 from Taitem Engineering in December 2004, and the Engineering Office
recommends a project budget of $35,000 to cover all costs including asbestos testing
and removal, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works and the City Administration Committee have
approved the request for demolition and recommend
authorization of funds to cover the emergency demolition with the understanding that a
statement of cost will be filed in accordance with clause 146-9 of the City Building Code,
and will appear as a lien on the property, which accrues interest and is added to the tax
rolls; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the transfer of an amount not to
exceed $35,000 from Unrestricted Contingency account A1990 to account A1440-5435
for the purposes of covering said demolition cost.
Alderperson Cogan disclosed that he works for Taitem Engineering, and although this
issue has no connection with his position, he would recuse himself from the vote.
Alderperson Whitmore asked about the potential recovery of costs for this action.
City Controller Thayer explained that the City could possibly recover the costs in 2006.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (9) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff,
Taylor, Townsend, Korherr
Nays (0)
Abstentions (1) Cogan
Carried 9-0-1
10.2 DPW/Streets & Facilities – Request to Amend Personnel Roster -
Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, a recent resignation of an Automotive Mechanic has prompted the need to
amend the DPW Personnel Roster to fill an open Supervisor position; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the following amendment to the
DPW Personnel Roster to hire a needed Automotive Mechanic Supervisor:
Add: One (1) Automotive Mechanic Supervisor
Delete: One (1) Automotive Mechanic
and be it further
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RESOLVED, That at this time funds necessary for said roster amendment will be
derived from the existing 2005 DPW Authorized Budget.
Carried Unanimously
10.3 DPW (S & F) – Request to Re-allocate Position - Resolution
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
10.4 Police Department – Request to Temporarily Fill Positions - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff
WHEREAS, the Police Department has two (2) vacant Lieutenant positions, one (1)
vacant Sergeant position and two (2) vacant Police Officer positions, and
WHEREAS, promotions to the Lieutenant and Sergeant vacancies will result in five (5)
vacant Police Officer positions, and
WHEREAS, a police academy will begin on April 4, 2005, which does not allow enough
time to proceed through the promotion process and hire Police Officers in time for the
academy, and
WHEREAS, the Police Department currently has three unfunded positions that may be
temporarily funded in order to allow the department to fill all five Police Officer positions
in time for the April 4, 2005 police academy; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes temporary funding for three
Police Officer positions until June 1, 2005, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this authorization is budget neutral.
Carried Unanimously
10.5 Joint Activity – Request to Sign Contract and Amend Budget for Grant -
Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) has been
awarded a $261,629.84 Grant from New York State Energy and Research &
Development Authority (NYSERDA) to research Fenton Reagent as part of the sludge
digestion process at the IAWWTF, and
WHEREAS, at its February 16, 2005 meeting, the Special Joint Sewer Committee
approved the City of Ithaca acting as lead agent on the governing of research under a
grant awarded by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority, and
WHEREAS, the grant total cost will be $261,629.84, with $196,447.20 in NYSERDA
funding and $65,182.64 in local matching funding through the IAWWTP, and
WHEREAS, the Special Joint Sewer Committee and Common Council, as part of the
approved 2005 Budget for the IAWWTF, approved operations costs that will qualify as
the projected $65,182.64 matching share, and
WHEREAS, the research will have the potential to develop repeat net annual savings
from reduction of sludge volume to be hauled and land-filled and increased gas to be
converted at the plant into heat or electricity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the Mayor to sign the New York State
Energy Research & Development Authority contract on behalf of the City of Ithaca and
the Towns of Ithaca and Dryden upon approval of the SJC counsel, and be it further
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RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2005 Authorized IAWWTP
Budget as follows to account for said NYSERDA Grant:
Increase Revenue Account:
J815-3989 State Aid Other Home &
Community $196,447.20
Increase Appropriation Account:
J8150-5435 Contracts $196,447.20
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the local matching funding source of $65,182.64 shall be derived
from the existing 2005 IAWWTP Authorized Budget.
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE:
11.1 Resolution to Affirm Support for the City Traffic Calming Policy
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, Common Council approved a Traffic Calming Policy for the City of Ithaca in
December 1998, and
WHEREAS, Common Council indicated in the resolution to approve the Traffic Calming
plan that implementation of this policy should be a “high priority task,” and
WHEREAS, Common Council allocated $100,000 and received $350,000 in State
grants for the design and implementation of traffic calming at pilot sites around the City,
and
WHEREAS, approximately $250,000 remains for implementation of traffic calming, and
WHEREAS, the Washington Park Neighborhood, Beverly J. Martin School, Immaculate
Conception School and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, were first to get
neighborhood-wide approval for implementation of pilot measures on Buffalo and Court
Streets, and
WHEREAS, traffic calming measures are desperately needed in and around this
neighborhood to stem the flow of traffic currently using the surrounding streets as well
as the future traffic anticipated as a result of downtown development, in particular
Seneca Place on the Commons, and
WHEREAS, members of the Washington Park neighborhood as well as representatives
from GIAC and Beverly J Martin and Immaculate Conception schools attended a
community meeting on Thursday, January 20th to advocate for implementation of the
Traffic Calming policy, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Common Council hereby affirms its support of the Traffic Calming
Policy as approved by Common Council in December 1998, and be it further
RESOLVED, The Common Council urges implementation of traffic calming measures
around the Washington Park Neighborhood, Beverly J. Martin School, Immaculate
Conception School and the Greater Ithaca Activities Center, and be it further
RESOLVED, The Common Council directs its liaison to the Board of Public Works to
communicate this resolution to the BPW.
Alderperson Whitmore explained the history behind the traffic calming policy. He further
stated that the IURA has included funding for part of this project in their proposed 2005
Action Plan.
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A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
11.2 TCAT Ridership Update
Alderperson Whitmore distributed a preliminary analysis of 2004 TCAT ridership. He
noted that for the first time in five years there has been a decrease in overall ridership.
The largest loss of ridership between 2003 and 2004 was in rural routes and cash fare
riders.
11.3 TCAT Collective Bargaining Update
Alderperson Whitmore reported that in late 2004 the UAW was recognized as the sole
union representative for TCAT employees, and that the TCAT Board members have
been meeting with Union Representatives to discuss various issues.
13. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Pedestrian Awareness Committee
Alderperson Berry reported that the Committee meets regularly, and is working hard.
They have issued a media release, and information has been posted on the City
website regarding pedestrian and motorist rights and responsibilities. The committee
includes representatives from city staff, Common Council, BPAC, and IPD. Small focus
groups have been meeting to discuss specific topics.
Mayor Peterson reported that the Healthy City Initiative had a kick off meeting in
February. There were twenty-one attendees representing Cayuga Medical Center,
Tompkins County Health Department, doctors, and local Health Clubs. She noted that
this initiative is also related to pedestrian safety issues.
Alderperson Cogan reported on a request he received from a resident on North Cayuga
Street for flexible road signs with safety messages. Mayor Peterson responded that
additional signs are on order because they get stolen.
Alderperson Cogan further reported on Water Plant operations. The Water and Sewer
Committee consisting of Alderpersons Coles, Mackesey, Tomlan, Cogan along with the
Mayor, BPW Commissioner Schlather and DPW staff are reviewing various options, and
hope to have a recommendation to Common Council by July 2005.
NEW BUSINESS:
14.1 Viva Tacqueria & Cantina Alcohol Permit Request – Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, in 1998 the City of Ithaca issued a license to the Viva Taqueria Restaurant
allowing that restaurant to utilize certain areas along Aurora Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Viva Taqueria Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, For the year 2005, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Viva Taqueria
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
14.2 Mahogany Grill Alcohol Permit Request – Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has received a request to allow the Mahogany Grill restaurant
to utilize certain areas along Aurora Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Mahogany Grill Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2005, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Mahogany Grill
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
14.3 Les Ducs Restaurant Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has received a request to allow the Les Ducs Restaurant to
utilize certain areas along South Cayuga Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Les Ducs Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, For the year 2005 Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Les Ducs
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
14.4 Taste of Thai Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has received a request to allow the Taste of Thai Restaurant to
utilize certain areas along Aurora Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Taste of Thai Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2005, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Taste of Thai
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
14.5 Simeon’s Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, since 1987 the City of Ithaca has issued a license to Simeon's Restaurant
allowing that restaurant to utilize certain areas along Aurora Street and on the Ithaca
Commons for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Ithaca Commons,
including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Ithaca Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at Simeon's Restaurant, including the responsible sale and consumption of
alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
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RESOLVED, For the year 2005, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for Simeon's Restaurant
that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set forth in
application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
14.6 Executive Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Tomlan
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to discuss Collective
Bargaining.
Carried Unanimously
Reconvene into Regular Session:
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That Common Council reconvene into Regular Session with no formal
action taken.
Carried Unanimously
15. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
15.1 Opposition to Elimination of CDBG Program in Proposed FY 2006 Federal
Budget - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca became an HUD Entitlement community in 2004, eligible
to receive annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds on a formula
basis to develop affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs for
Ithaca’s low-income residents and neighborhoods, and
WHEREAS, the CDBG program is unique in that it provides a flexible source of funding
to local governments to address local priorities to accomplish the overall CDBG
objective to develop viable urban communities, principally for low- and moderate-
income persons, through decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded
economic opportunities, and
WHEREAS, President Bush now proposes to eliminate the Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI)
programs in the proposed FY 2006 Federal Budget, and
WHEREAS, the proposed FY 2006 budget consolidates 18 existing community and
economic development programs, including the CDBG and CDFI programs, from five
cabinet departments into a single program to be called the “Strengthening America’s
Communities” (SAC) initiative to be administered by the Commerce Department, and
WHEREAS, the proposed SAC initiative is described by the White House Office of
Management as a two-part program:
(1) The Strengthening America’s Communities Grant Program, a unified economic
and community development grant program, and
(2) The Economic Development Challenge fund, a bonus program for communities,
modeled after the Millennium Challenge Account, and
WHEREAS, the SAC initiative was developed without any consultation with any local
governments and lacks any specific information on funding allocation by community,
eligible activities, project funding criteria, benefit to low-income persons or blight
elimination, and
WHEREAS, the SAC initiative reduces funding for 18 existing community and economic
development programs from $ 5.31 billion in FY 2005 to $3.71 billion in FY 2006, a 30%
reduction, and
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WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca was awarded almost $1.9 million of CDBG funds through
the CDBG Entitlement Program in 2004 and 2005, and over $23 million in prior years,
and
WHEREAS, Alternatives Federal Credit Union, a Federally chartered community
development credit union whose mission is to build wealth and create economic
opportunity for underserved people in their service area that includes the City of Ithaca,
has been awarded over $3.9 million from the CDFI program over the past six years, and
WHEREAS, the CDBG and CDFI programs provide critical funds to create affordable
housing, increase home ownership, rehabilitate housing, revitalize neighborhoods, and
create jobs and wealth, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, NY strongly opposes
elimination of the CDBG and the CDFI programs in the proposed FY 2006 federal
budget, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Congress should fully fund the CDBG program at $4.7 billion in the
2006 federal budget and it should continue to be administered by the U.S. Department
of Housing & Urban Development, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Congress should fully fund the CDFI program at $55 million in the
2006 federal budget and it should continue to be administered by the Treasury
Department, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this resolution be communicated to all appropriate Senators and
Congressional Representatives and other parties to maximize the impact of this
resolution.
Carried Unanimously
Cc: U.S. Senator Charles Schumer
U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton
U.S. Representative Maurice Hinchey
U.S. Representative John Sweeney
U.S. Representative James Walsh
Nancy Peacock, Director, CDP, HUD-Buffalo
Bill Myers, AFCU
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
Rental Housing Advisory Council
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Shane Seger be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory Council to
fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2006.
Carried Unanimously
REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Board of Public Works
Alderperson Coles reported that she would e-mail a report of BPW activities to Council
members to improve communication and keep them updated. She further reported that
Ithaca has been selected for the National Club Championship of “Disc Golf”. She also
reported that the Board has been discussing Newman Golf Course rates.
Southside Community Center
Alderperson Berry reported that Southside Community Center has secured increased
funding from United Way funds to hire new positions and complete building renovations.
She further reported that GIAC has been able to increase staff development with
increased United Way funding.
Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005
13
Tompkins County Community Action
Alderperson Zumoff reported that Tompkins Community Action would be hosting a
professional development conference for the New York State Community Action
Association (NYSCAA) at the Statler Hotel on the Cornell University campus on March
22-24, 2005, and that this conference would bring more than one hundred people to
Ithaca.
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Holcomb reported that Khandikile Sokoni, Associate Attorney, Leslie
Moscowitz, Manager of Organizational Development and she, had conducted
Legislative Training for representatives of city staff and Common Council members.
The training feedback from attendees has been very positive on its usefulness.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported that the City has broken even for 2004. Sales tax
revenues have increased. He will continue to monitor the State’s actions for sales tax
exemptions, and would be available to discuss city and county exemption options for
2006.
He further reported that the Dryden Road Parking Garage revenues have increased,
along with parking meter revenues, even though the meter change-over was delayed.
He reported that the 2004 parking revenue was $18,000 short of the projected rate.
Alderperson Berry left the meeting at 9:45 p.m.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Luster reported that the Judge ruled against the city in the Same Sex
Marriage case. The plaintiffs and the city are discussing how to proceed with an
appeal.
He further reported that the Red Bud Woods, and NYSEG vs. ILPC/ Markels Flat
Building cases are pending a decision.
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
21.1 Approval of February 2, 2005 Common Council Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That the February 2, 2005 Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved with noted corrections.
Ayes (9) Coles, Mackesey, Whitmore, Zumoff, Tomlan,
Taylor, Townsend, Korherr, Cogan
Nays (0)
Carried 9-0
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor