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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. Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 2 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. Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 3 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. Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 4 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 5 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 6 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 7 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. Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 8 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 9 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 10 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 11 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 Common Council Minutes March 2, 2005 12 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