HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-04-06COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. April 6, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (9) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Zumoff, Taylor,
Townsend, Cogan
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney – Luster
City Controller – Thayer
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Community Development Director – Bohn
Deputy Community Development Director - Kittel
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Asst. Supt. of Streets & Facilities - Ferrel
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Korherr
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
New Business:
Mayor Peterson requested the addition of Item 14.5 Motion to Enter into an Executive
Session to discuss Proposed Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real Property Held by the
City where publicity would substantially affect the value thereof and, Concerning Matters
leading to the Employment of a Particular Corporation.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
Mayor Peterson proclaimed April 15, 2005 as Starlight Peer Advocacy Center for
Empowerment Day in the City of Ithaca.
Quarterly Recognition Awards:
Mayor Peterson announced that JoAnn Cornish, Deputy Director of Planning and
Development was one of the recipients of the Quarterly Employee Recognition Award
for her work to beautify City Hall through plants and other enhancements, including her
efforts to improve the 3rd floor women’s restroom.
Mayor Peterson announced that the other recipient of the Quarterly Employee
Recognition Award was the Streets and Facilities Front Office Staff – Carol Reeves,
Chris Worsell and Diane Sweet for the help they offer to city residents, and their efforts
in keeping the public informed about construction projects and city services.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
5.1 Youth Award Presentation:
Mayor Peterson presented the Youth Award to the Ithaca City School District
elementary schools at Caroline and Cayuga Heights for their walking programs.
Caroline Elementary School children and their families tallied 10,000 miles and Cayuga
Heights Elementary School children and their families tallied 18,000 miles. Mayor
Peterson applauded them for their efforts, and noted what an important component
these children and their families were to the Healthy City Initiative.
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5.2 Joe Turcotte, General Manager, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit
(TCAT)
Alderperson Whitmore introduced and welcomed Joe Turcotte, General Manager of
TCAT. Mr. Turcotte noted how impressed he is with the TCAT system, bus operators
and the TCAT Board of Directors.
5.3 Special Presentation to Mayor Peterson
Fe Nunn, Educator in Ithaca City School District and Founder of the Community Unity
Music Education Program at Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, Southside
Community Center, and West Village presented Mayor Peterson with a dozen roses to
thank her and the City for their ongoing support of the program. Eisah Nunn and
Voshan Carpenter presented a musical example of their work.
5.4 Town of Ithaca Supervisor
Ithaca Town Supervisor Catherine Valentino addressed Council on the following items:
Inter-municipal cooperation: Joint Fire Contract, Sewer Plan Agreements, and
Recreational Facilities Agreement.
She stated that the City and Town could do more with shared services and suggested
that a committee be formed to investigate the possibility of consolidation of the two
municipalities (City/Town) and possibly the Village of Cayuga Heights.
5.5 Tompkins County Legislator
Third District Legislator Richard Booth addressed Council regarding the following items:
EIS – County Emergency Communication System – Environmental Impact
Statement status
Diversity of County Workforce
New Airline will be operating out of Tompkins County Airport
Revisions to County Ethics law being discussed
Adoption of 2005 State budget – some funding issues remain unresolved
Minor flooding in County
Budget retreat being planned
Sales tax on clothing issue
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, Alderperson Whitmore’s decision not to seek another
term; retail development in the Southwest area of the City.
Doria Higgins, Town of Ithaca, Use of Festival Lands.
David Marsh, Building Trades Council - Ciminelli Project use of non-local contractors,
Phase II of the Cayuga Green Project and the recommended use of local labor.
The following people addressed Council regarding the proposed Prospect Street Party
on the last day of IC classes, April 29, 2005:
Rebecca Levin, City of Ithaca – President of South Hill Civic Association
Liz Wilkinson, City of Ithaca
John Graves, City of Ithaca
Esther Herkowitz, City of Ithaca
Joe McMahn, City of Ithaca
Lorraine Saggese, City of Ithaca
Karl Pillemer, City of Ithaca
Kenneth Young, City of Ithaca
Rhoda Rabkin, City of Ithaca
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City Clerk Holcomb reported to Council that she received e-mails from the following
people regarding the proposed Prospect Street Party:
Paul Drake, City of Ithaca
Christina Morrison, City of Ithaca
The following people addressed Council regarding the proposed Multiplex Theatre as
part of the Cayuga Green project:
Nick Davis, City of Ithaca
Tsvi Bokaer, City of Ithaca – Fall Creek Pictures Association
The following people addressed Council regarding the Adams Street CDBG Proposal
for a duplex housing unit:
Chad Hoover, City of Ithaca
Marianne Marsh, City of Ithaca
Louise Henrie, City of Ithaca
Bonnie Blanding May, City of Ithaca,
Ann Hoover, City of Ithaca
Kate Alaro, City of Ithaca
Robb Johnsrud, City of Ithaca – Construction Manager for INHS
Flora Sagan, City of Ithaca
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, support of Common Council/Mayor salary increases;
speeding in the city; neighborhood parties; and tax abatements.
Joyce Muchan, City of Ithaca, Emerson Power Transmission Hazardous Material Spill;
traffic pattern on Cayuga/Spencer Streets.
Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca, communication with neighborhoods regarding public
hearings, etc.
Alderperson Berry submitted a petition to Council on behalf of the residents of McGraw
House regarding sidewalks and street closings.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Mackesey thanked the speakers for voicing concerns. She thanked the
South Hill residents for speaking out and stated that something needs to be done to
curtail party activities, and that laws need to be enforced consistently for everyone.
Alderperson Taylor thanked the speakers regarding the Prospect Street party and
stated that it is a handful of students causing problems; not the vast majority of
students. He stated that the neighbors should apply pressure to Ithaca College to assist
the City in resolving these issues. He further announced that the Rental Housing
Advisory Commission would be holding a public forum on Rental Housing issues in the
near future.
Alderperson Coles stated that the South Hill Civic Association and the City have been
meeting with Ithaca College and that great strides have been made regarding this issue.
Alderperson Berry responded to concern raised by McGraw House residents regarding
sidewalks and street closings and stated that several other issues from the 2nd Ward
will be forwarded to the Board of Public Works. She further raised concerns about
TCAT driver safety issues. She also responded to concerns raised about the proposed
Adams Street duplex.
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Alderperson Tomlan thanked the speakers for voicing their concerns about student
parties. She stated that things have improved on East Hill due to actions of Cornell
University, Ithaca Police Department and Government officials. She hopes that the City
will continue to work with Ithaca College to seek solutions to end of the year parties.
Alderperson Townsend thanked the speakers for voicing their concerns about student
parties and stated that student leaders of Ithaca College and Cornell University have
been meeting with him and Alderperson Taylor and have commended the South Hill
Civic Association for their work done to date. He further responded to concerns raised
about the proposed Adams Street development.
Alderperson Whitmore responded to concerns raised about local labor issues on the
Ciminelli project and asked what Tompkins County Industrial Development and the City
have done to respond to these issues.
Alderperson Cogan stated that Tompkins County Industrial Development was not a
party to any of the agreements made. He further stated that Ciminelli felt they did what
they could do to attempt to use local labor, but that construction costs in this area are
very high. Cornell University signed off on all of the project bids.
Mayor Peterson congratulated the Cornell University Hockey Team and Dr. Steven
Stuckey, winner of the Pulitzer Prize. She announced that there would be a Special
Common Council meeting on April 11, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Green Garage
and the Cayuga Green projects. She further stated that she is preparing a letter and
educational information for the Prospect Street resident denying his request for a block
party.
8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
8.1 Youth Bureau – Request to Amend 2005 Budget for Grant - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau will receive $5,000 in additional funding for 2005
from the Tauck Foundation to develop the College Discovery Program, and
WHEREAS, The College Discovery Program is designed to address gaps in the
achievement of minority and low-income students and to help 5th grade students with
high academic ability to continue to succeed in middle school and high school and
graduate from a college of their choice; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2005 Youth Bureau Budget to
account for said grant as follows:
Increase Revenue Accounts:
A 7310-2070-1221 Outing Program $3250.00
A 7310-2070-1201 Paul Schreurs Program $1750.00
Increase Appropriation Accounts:
A 7310-5120-1221 Part time/seasonal $1680.00
A 7310-5460-1221 Program Supplies $1350.00
A 7310-5460-1201 Program Supplies $1750.00
A 7310-9030 Social Security/Medicare $129.00
A 7310-9040 Worker’s Compensation $ 91.00
Carried Unanimously
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9. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:
9.1 An Ordinance to Amend the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 164
Entitled Dogs and other Animals, Sections 164-9(F) and 164-15(B)
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has updated
Section 109 of NYS Agriculture and Markets law to increase dog license fees for
unneutered/unspayed dogs and to reflect that a dog needs to be licensed when four
months of age or older, now therefore
ORDINANCE 05-___
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1:
Sections 164-9(F) and 164-15(B) of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code are hereby
amended to read as follows:
§164-9(F) “Is unlicensed when four months of age or older.”
§164-15(B) “Fifteen dollars and fifty cents for each unneutered male dog or unspayed
female dog”
Section 2:
EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance
with law upon publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Discussion followed on the floor with Alderpersons Taylor and Zumoff expressed their
opposition to the change in State law.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Whitmore, Tomlan, Taylor, Townsend,
Cogan
Nays (1) Zumoff
Abstentions (0)
Carried
10. PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE:
10.1 FY 2005 Action Plan – HUD Entitlement Program – Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
WHEREAS, in September 2003 the City of Ithaca was advised by the U.S. Department
of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) that as the principal city of a newly recognized
metropolitan statistical area the City would be eligible to receive an annual formula grant
award through the HUD Entitlement Program beginning in FY2004, and
WHEREAS, on December 3, 2003, the Common Council designated the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA) as the Lead Agency to develop and administer the
Consolidated Plan to enable the City to be eligible to receive HUD Entitlement Program
funding on an annual basis, and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2004, the Common Council adopted the 2004-2008
Consolidated Plan that identifies priority community development needs to address with
HUD entitlement funds awarded to the City of Ithaca, and
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WHEREAS, the Annual Action Plan identifies the specific list of budgeted activities to be
funded from FY2005 HUD entitlement funds, and
WHEREAS, on December 21, 2004, HUD formally notified the City of Ithaca that it was
eligible to receive the following FY2005 allocations through the HUD Entitlement
Program:
$917,350 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
$572,928 Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
$1,490,278 Total, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) solicited funding proposals on
December 11, 2004 from citizens, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and
received 37 proposals totaling $3.319 million in requested funds, and
WHEREAS, in compliance with the Citizen Participation Plan, the IURA held an initial
public hearing to gain public input on formulation of the draft Action Plan on January 20,
2005, with a continuation of the public hearing held on February 4, 2005, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has evaluated the funding proposals within the context of the
goals and objectives contained in the draft Consolidated Plan and the selection criteria
contained in the Citizen Participation Plan at meetings held in 2005 on January 20th,
February 4th, February 10th, February 17th, February 24th and February 28th, and
WHEREAS, the IURA recommended that the Common Council adopt the attached
FY2005 Action Plan, dated February 28, 2005, and
WHEREAS, in compliance with the Citizen Participation Plan, a second public hearing
on the proposed FY2005 Action Plan has been held on March 16, 2005; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby adopts the attached proposed FY2005
Action Plan, dated February 28, 2005, as recommended by the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency that includes funding for the following activities:
Activity Sponsor Amount
1. INHS First time Homebuyer Assistance Ithaca Neighborhoods Housing Services
(INHS) $210,000
2. IN-Fill Owner-Occupied Housing INHS $360,000
3. Water-Leak Abatement City/INHS $12,500
4. Adams Street Housing Ithaca Homeless Support Network $181,000
5. Domestic Violence Shelter Rehabilitation Advocacy Center of Tompkins County
$20,000
6. Challenge Hydroponics Challenge Industries $37,000
7. Economic Development Loan Fund Ithaca Downtown Partnership $132,486
8. Anti-Poverty Services Catholic Charities $40,000
9. Try-Out Employment City Youth Bureau/Sciencenter $60,934
10. Senior Nutrition FoodNet $30,000
11. South Hill Pedestrian Safety City of Ithaca $10,095
12. DPW: LMI neighborhood improvements City of Ithaca $80,500
13. Buffalo/Corn Street Traffic Calming City of Ithaca $75,000
14. Administration IURA $240,763
TOTAL FUNDS AVAILABLE: $1,490,278
and be it further
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RESOLVED, That should the IURA determine that any of the above activities encounter
feasibility issues that would hinder their timely completion or adversely affect their impact
prior to the HUD submission deadline, the Common Council hereby authorizes the IURA
to make adjustments in the application to resolve feasibility and eligibility concerns upon
concurrence from the Mayor and the Chair of the Planning, Neighborhoods and Economic
Development Committee, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Community Development/Ithaca Urban Renewal Plan
shall be amended to include activities funded in the adopted FY2005 Action Plan, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the IURA to administer and
implement the Action Plan activities in accordance with applicable regulations.
Alderperson Whitmore stated that he recused himself from discussion at the IURA
meeting for this item as there was funding proposed for his position at the Sciencenter.
He stated however that he no longer has a conflict of interest as he will no longer be
employed by the Sciencenter after May 11, 2005. He further spoke about the positive
aspects of the Adams Street development, and the Neighborhood meeting with the
Developer.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the project including the size of the
lot, the level of low-income housing provided, communication with the neighborhood,
and the proposed zoning variance.
Deputy Director for Community Development Kittel stated that the following
communication vehicles were used by the IURA to notify the neighborhood of the
proposed projects: direct mailings to interested parties, display ads in the newspaper,
public participation opportunities, conversations with neighbors, 25 hours of public
meetings including three public hearings and two neighborhood meetings, posting on
the city website, and notices were sent to neighborhood association contact people.
She requested that Council forward ideas for additional outreach efforts to her for future
use.
Alderperson Cogan stated that people need to take responsibility for keeping informed
of projects happening in their neighborhoods.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
10.2 Department of Planning & Development 2005 Priority Work Program -
Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
WHEREAS, the Department of Planning & Development's proposed 2005 Priority Work
Program has been reviewed by the Planning, Neighborhoods and Economic
Development Committee of Council; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council supports the following 2005 Priority Work Program
to Common Council for approval as the Department of Planning & Development's
priority projects for 2005:
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
Provide assistance to major downtown development projects, including
Cayuga Green II, Gateway Project, and State Theatre.
Continue working with Bloomfield Interests on design and financing of
Cayuga Green Phase II, including lease-up of retail space under the
Cayuga and Green Garages.
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Continue steps towards acquisition of Goldberg property on the ground floor of the
Green Garage.
Complete design for replacement of part or all of the Green Garage. In cooperation
with Controller and Superintendent of Public Works schedule construction and
arrange financing for that portion of garage to be reconstructed. Coordinate work
with Bloomfield Interests.
Continue downtown business retention and recruitment program.
Complete acquisition of Inlet Island development parcel owned by New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation. Begin process of developing City-
owned parcel on Inlet Island, beginning with selection of preferred developer.
Continue planning for additional waterfront development in cooperation with
Tompkins County and others.
Work with property owners and merchants to outline and begin integrated plan for
Collegetown to include parking needs, urban design, market demand for commercial
and housing uses and the feasibility of the establishment of a Business Improvement
District (BID).
Continue planning for development of former Southwest Park area with Southwest
Area Client Committee.
Continue work on Southwest Circulation Plan and on other transportation
improvements for the area, including access management and trip reduction
strategies.
Develop parking area for the West End in cooperation with area property owners.
Project includes site acquisition and development and establishment of a special tax
assessment district to help fund acquisition, construction, maintenance, and
operation of the parking area.
Hire Deputy Director of Economic Development.
NEIGHBORHOODS AND QUALITY OF LIFE:
In cooperation with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), continue
implementation of $2 million Neighborhood Housing Initiative, to acquire
substandard rental housing for rehabilitation and sale to homebuyers with a deed
covenant requiring owner occupancy for a 25-year period.
Complete Greater Southside Neighborhood Plan. Evaluate next steps in
neighborhood planning initiative for action by Common Council. City emphasis in
2005 will be on implementation of approved plans or on expansion to another
neighborhood.
Work with the Building Commissioner to review zoning ordinance regulations,
particularly as they pertain to residential neighborhoods.
Continue to assess zoning tools, such as the Planned Unit Development, that could
promote mixed-use development consistent with neighborhood and city planning
goals.
Continue planning, construction and evaluation of traffic-calming projects
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Continue working toward construction of the Black Diamond Trail in cooperation with
the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation; the Town
of Ithaca; Tompkins County; and other involved municipalities. In light of the
rejection of an application to New York State Department of Transportation
(NYSDoT) for Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) funding, consider
alternatives for the trail including a revised and less costly design, alternative funding
sources, etc.
Working with the City Trails Master Plan Client Committee, develop a plan for
citywide trail system connecting residential neighborhoods and commercial areas to
open space, natural areas and a regional trail system.
Complete construction of Phase I sections of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, including
Inlet Island Promenade, east side of Inlet Island along the Cayuga Inlet (Carrubia
Property) and Bistro Q. Continue search for outside funding for completion of
Promenade.
Continue design and begin right-of-way acquisition and construction of Phase II
(Cass Park to Farmers’ Market) of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. Continue to seek
funding for Phase III and IIIb, (Farmers’ Market to Stewart Park and Stewart Park to
the Visitors’ Center). Begin feasibility study of Phase III; begin design should federal
monies be approved this year.
Complete work with County on the adoption of the Local Waterfront Revitalization
Plan (LWRP) for Tompkins County. Begin work on developing implementation
strategies.
Acquire parcels in Six Mile Creek gorge for which New York State grant funding has
been received. Continue work on acquisition of other critical parcels in Six Mile
Creek gorge as they become available within the limitations of reserve fund
allocation. Work toward securing additional funding for further acquisitions.
Provide assistance to Water and Sewer Division as requested in evaluating
alternative sites for new water purification plant.
Continue planning for pedestrian linkages across Route 13 at various locations,
including Dey Street, Third Street and south of Six Mile Creek. Seek funding for
implementation.
Continue to try to secure NYSDoT approval for the first phase of implementation of
City’s Bicycle Plan. Begin implementation of Bicycle Plan.
Monitor progress of removal of contaminated soil under and adjacent to West Court
Street and on the site of the former Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP). Work with
neighborhood, NYSEG and Ithaca City School District (ICSD) on relocation of
existing ICSD facilities and redevelopment of the MGP site.
Continue planning for dredging of city waterways. Find acceptable dredge spoil
deposition site.
Monitor status of testing and cleanup of contamination on South Hill related to
former operations at the Emerson Power Transmission Company.
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INFORMATION ACQUISITION AND MANAGEMENT:
Get approval and funding for implementing the City of Ithaca Geographic Information
System (GIS) Plan--Implementation Methodology and begin implementation.
Launch the web-based GIS application for City staff and officials currently being
jointly developed with Tompkins County, as an upgrade and replacement of the
Ithacamaps application as well as a version for the public similar to Ithacamaps.
Evaluate the feasibility of long-term joint development.
Continue periodic and annual maintenance of GIS data layers. Continue to develop
needed data sets.
Continue to provide geographic data, mapping, and spatial analysis services to
departments, staff, officials, and, to the extent appropriate, the public. Continue
consulting with departments on GIS system and geographic data development.
REGULATIONS AND MAJOR PERMITS:
Continue review of major Cornell projects.
Review and draft major revisions of the Landmarks Preservation
Ordinance.
Complete historic resource survey of Southside neighborhood.
Complete Historic Preservation Design Guidelines.
Review and make revisions to Site Plan Review Ordinance.
GRANTS:
Develop and administer the FY2005 Action Plan that guides use of the $1.49 million
award to the City through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Entitlement Program. The CDBG Entitlement Program is the primary federal funding
source for the City to implement projects to address community development needs
in the areas of neighborhood revitalization and economic development, including
housing, job creation, community facilities and public services.
Continue implementation of the FY2004 $1.58 million Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement award that funded 14 separate projects focused on
neighborhood stabilization, creation of affordable housing, and expanding local
business activity.
Assist Ithaca Downtown Partnership in implementation of the $200,000 award
through the 2004 New York State Main Street Grant program.
PROCESS IMPROVMENTS:
In cooperation with the Superintendent of Public Works and the City Controller,
develop an improved process for selection of projects for and implementation of the
City’s capital program.
Work with the Building Department on coordination, verification and cross-
referencing of permits and approvals.
Carried Unanimously
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11. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
11.1 Controller - Delegation of Power to the City Controller to Issue Revenue
Anticipation Notes - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County,
New York, as follows:
Section 1. The power to authorize the issuance of and to sell, from time to time
during the 2005 and 2006 fiscal year, revenue anticipation notes of the City of Ithaca,
Tompkins County, New York, including renewals thereof, in anticipation of the collection
or receipt of revenues estimated to be received by said City is hereby delegated to the
City Controller, the chief fiscal officer. Such notes shall be of such terms, form and
contents, and shall be sold in such manner as may be determined by said City
Controller, pursuant to the Local Finance Law.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
A Roll Call Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Alderperson Coles Aye
Alderperson Mackesey Aye
Alderperson Whitmore Aye
Alderperson Berry Aye
Alderperson Zumoff Aye
Alderperson Tomlan Aye
Alderperson Taylor Aye
Alderperson Townsend Aye
Alderperson Cogan Aye
Alderperson Korherr Absent
Carried Unanimously
12. COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE:
12.1 Transportation Demand Management Subcommittee - Report
Alderperson Whitmore reported that this committee, which includes himself and
Alderperson Tomlan, met for the first time today. The committee had a great discussion
and came up with some creative ideas. They will be working on setting goals and
objectives and forwarding policy recommendations to the committee for consideration.
14. NEW BUSINESS:
14.1 Common Council’s Appointment to the Local Advisory Board of
Assessment Review
This item was deferred to the May 4, 2005 Common Council meeting.
14.2 Designation of 2005 City of Ithaca Polling Locations
Alderpersons Whitmore and Berry voiced concerns from the 2nd Ward regarding polling
locations. A meeting will be scheduled to discuss these issues with the Board of
Elections.
This item was deferred to the May 4, 2005 Common Council meeting.
14.3 Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to Discuss Collective
Bargaining.
Carried Unanimously
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14.4 Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Proposed or Pending
Litigation:
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Mackesey
RESOLVED, That Common Council Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Proposed
or Pending Litigation.
Carried Unanimously
14.5 Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Proposed Acquisition,
Sale or Lease of Real Property Held by the City Where Publicity Would
Substantially Affect the Value thereof and, Concerning Matters Leading to the
Employment of a Particular Corporation:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Common Council Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss Proposed
Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real Property Held by the City Where Publicity Would
Substantially Affect the Value thereof and, Concerning Matters Leading to the
Employment of a Particular Corporation.
Carried Unanimously
Reconvene:
Common Council reconvened into regular session with no formal action taken.
14.6 Motion to Extend the Meeting to 11:30 p.m.:
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Tomlan
RESOLVED, That Common Council will extend the meeting tonight to 11:30 p.m.
Carried Unanimously
16. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
16.1 Natural Areas Commission:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Anna M. Stalter be appointed to the Natural Areas Commission to fill
a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2007, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Jean Brookbank be appointed to the Natural Areas Commission to fill
a vacancy with a term to expire on December 31, 2008.
Carried Unanimously
19. REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported that sales tax revenue had been flat to date. The April
payment reflected increases so the city is currently at the projected 8% increase figure.
He further reported that there has been a proposed increase of $428,000 in State aid.
The City has expended the 2005 snow removal budget so future budget adjustments
may be needed. The recent flooding expenses are being compiled. Parking revenues
are up, but are not meeting the budgeted figures.
20. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
City Attorney Luster reported that there would be no further appeals of the Red Bud
Woods case. The Markles Flat case is scheduled for court on April 15, 2005. A Notice
of Appeal has been filed for the same sex marriage case to the appellate division.
21 MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
21.1 Approval of March 2, 2005 Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That the March 2, 2005 Common Council Meeting Minutes be approved
with noted corrections.
Carried Unanimously
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22. ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:28 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor