HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-09-21COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 7:00 p.m. September 21, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (9) Coles, Mackesey, Berry, Tomlan, Zumoff, Taylor, Townsend,
Cogan, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer – Fabbroni
Assistant Superintendent of Water & Sewer – Whitney
Environmental Engineer – Gibson
City Controller – Thayer
BPW Commissioner – Romanoff
BPW Commissioner – Schlather
BPW Commissioner – Jenkins
BPW Commissioner – Chapman
BPW Commissioner - Dotson
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Whitmore
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Motion to Enter into Committee of the Whole
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Motion to Elect a Chair of the Committee of the Whole
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
RESOLVED, That Mayor Peterson be elected Chair of the Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Carried Unanimously
Overview of City Water Plant Replacement
Mayor Peterson explained that a sub-committee comprised of the Mayor and members
of the Department of Public Works, Board of Public Works, and Common Council have
been meeting throughout the year to review the options surrounding the replacement of
the City Water Plant. Four alternatives were researched:
1. Build a new plant at the 60’ dam
2. Rebuild the plant on the existing site
3. Build a new plant on a site bordering Cayuga Lake
4. Contract with or join Bolton Point to receive water services
Mayor Peterson further explained that the majority of the committee wanted to explore
the option of rebuilding the plant on its existing site, however a few member felt strongly
about purchasing water from Bolton Point through an inter-municipal agreement.
Superintendent of Public Works Gray briefly described the considerations of each of the
selected options, and discussed the decision making process between the Board of
Public Works and Common Council.
Environmental Engineer Gibson reviewed the options of rebuilding the existing plant
while the plant continues to operate. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the
advantages of this option including the fact that the land is already owned by the City
and it is an upland water source which means that there is a 100% gravity flow into the
plant and a 60% gravity flow out to the consumers. The disadvantages to this option
include the issues surrounding the relatively small water source, siltation, and high
chemical costs for treating water.
Alderperson Cogan reviewed the options of contracting with or joining Bolton Point. He
pointed out the advantages to this option which include less costs (Bolton Point
expansion would be necessary), a reliable water source (Cayuga Lake), lower chemical
treatment costs due to lower turbidity in the water. Disadvantages to this option include
the fact that the City would lose control over water services, and additional funds would
be needed for the maintenance of the watershed, dams, and Six Mile Creek natural
area. It was noted that the final cost differential between the two leading options is
approximately 11%.
Environmental Engineer Gibson noted that Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
should be conducted in a phased approach:
1. Consult with a City body on what the issues are
2. Environmental Review Process – identification of Lead Agency
BPW Commissioner Schlather clarified that data would be gathered on both options,
and the City’s consultant, O’Brien & Gere, would assist the City in selecting a final
option, however full EIS would not be conducted on both options.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Council members asking questions
regarding the various options. Superintendent Gray explained that new regulatory
requirements need to be met by 2008, and the construction projects would take
approximately 3 years to complete. A final decision needs to be made in 2005 in order
to meet the deadlines.
Alderperson Cogan suggested that a client committee comprised of members of the
Board of Public Works and Common Council be established to work with O’Brien &
Gere on the Environmental Impact Statements, and also be charged with reporting back
the findings to the Common Council Committee of the Whole.
City Water Plant Next Steps – Discussion
Superintendent Gray requested that the Board of Public Works consider a Resolution to
approve a contract with O’Brien & Gere for services to provide a phased engineering
and environmental review of the proposed improvements to the City’s water supply
system. This item will also be considered by the City Administration Committee.
Common Council agreed that negotiations with Bolton Point should proceed at this
point.
Motion to Rise and Report
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
RESOLVED, That Common Council rise and report on any action taken during the
Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor