HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-09-28COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 6:15 p.m. September 28, 2005
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (8) Coles, Whitmore, Berry, Tomlan, Zumoff, Taylor, Townsend, Cogan
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney - Luster
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Economic Development Planner - Kusznir
City Controller – Thayer
Deputy City Controller – Andrew
Community Development Director – Bohn
EXCUSED:
Alderpersons Mackesey, Korherr
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 Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into a Committee of the Whole meeting.
Carried Unanimously (6-0)
Motion to Elect a Chair of the Committee of the Whole
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Mayor Peterson be elected Chair of the Committee of the Whole
meeting.
Carried Unanimously (6-0)
Alderperson Townsend arrived at the meeting at 6:25 pm.
Green Garage – Review of Construction Costs and Alternates – Discussion:
Planning and Development Director Van Cort reported to Council on the significant
increases in construction materials due to the hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast
region of the country. He stated that the new construction estimate for the Green
Garage is $11,397,000. In order to keep the project within budget, several items have
been removed from the project and are now designated as optional items including the
demolition of the helix on the West end of the garage, which will remain as a snow
storage silo. In addition, the trash compactor enclosure will become an optional item,
and the retail space on the ground floor the garage will no longer be completely fitted
out. The larger items such as installation of utility chases would be completed but the
space will be leased to the developer at a lower cost and the developer will finish the
space prior to renting it.
Alderperson Whitmore arrived at the meeting at 6:30 pm.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor with Council members asking questions of
Steven Somogy, Hunt Engineers regarding the western helix, trash compactor, and
retail space. Mr. Somogy responded the foundation of the helix is massive and would
be difficult and expensive to remove. In addition the western stairway could remain in
tact and the temporary stairway would not be needed. He further stated that the
developer would include the finishing of the retail space as part of their financial
package. Alderperson Taylor requested that a letter of intent or agreement be required
of the developer to ensure that the retail component of the project is not lost.
Mr. Somogy explained that engineers are prepared for fluctuating construction prices,
and they are prepared to be flexible with the project and optional items depending on
the construction bids they receive.
Review of Parking Demand – Discussion
Economic Development Planner Kusznir reviewed statistical information that she
compiled regarding the current and future parking demand in downtown Ithaca,
including a scenario without the Green Street Garage. She concluded that the parking
supply would be short approximately 210 spaces if the Green Street garage were taken
off-line.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding future parking supply and demand, and how
transportation demand management initiatives would be factored in.
Mayor Peterson noted that the capital project for this project would need to be
expanded in the near future in order for this project to move forward.
Motion to Rise and Report
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
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 7:05 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor