HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2005-10-05COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. October 5, 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
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Community Development Director - Bohn
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 addition of Item 11.2 - An Ordinance Amending
Chapter 232 Entitled “Licensing of Businesses & Occupations” of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code Regarding Taxi Cab Rates.
No Council member objected.
Special Order of Business:
Mayor Peterson requested that the appointment of the youth member to the Community
Police Board be moved up in the agenda to under “Special Order of Business”. She
further requested the addition of the “Mayor’s Response to the Budget” under “Privilege
of the Floor – Common Council and the Mayor”.
No Council member objected.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
Mayor Peterson made the following proclamations:
Cornell Cooperative Extension Week and National 4-H Week – October 2-8, 2005
Breast Cancer Awareness Week – October 23-29, 2005
“Into the Streets” Day – October 29, 2005
Alderperson Michelle Berry thanked the community, local media outlets, and staff from
GIAC for their support in sending Diann Sams and her friends to the unveiling of Diann’s
name on the Wall of Tolerance in Montgomery, Alabama. Diann’s name is being added
to the Wall for her public stances on hate and intolerance.
Alderperson Berry reported that a letter writing campaign to Oprah Winfrey has resulted
in 100 requests to make Diann’s wish for sponsorship of transportation and
accommodation costs for 100 of Diann’s closest friends to attend the ceremony. To
date, 48 community members will be attending the ceremony in Alabama on October
23, 2005.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Community Police Board:
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Chavonte Perkins be appointed to the Community Police Board to fill
a Youth Member vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2005.
Carried Unanimously
October 5, 2005
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Mayor Peterson administered the Oath of Office to Ms. Perkins, and congratulated her
on her appointment to the Board.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
LeNorman Strong, Asst. Vice-President of Student and Academic Services at
Cornell University will report on the “Cornell University Off-Campus Housing
Task Force”
Assistant Vice President LeNorman Strong reported to Common Council on the charges
of the Off-Campus Housing Task Force, which was formed in October 2004 by Mayor
Peterson and Cornell Vice President for Student and Academic Services, Susan
Murphy. The Task Force was created to address safety and security issues concerning
off-campus housing in Ithaca.
The Task Force met with municipal officials, representatives from Cornell University,
and several community groups to formulate a set of recommendations that reflect
resource allocation considerations. These recommendations will be prioritized and
presented to Vice President Murphy by the end of November 2005.
Alderperson Taylor thanked Assistant Vice President Strong for his work, and
commitment to the Task Force.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
The following people addressed Council on the following issues:
Jemma Macera, City of Ithaca, vehicle idling violations during the night across from the
Ithaca Journal.
Sarah Adams, City of Ithaca, questions regarding downtown traffic mitigation plan.
Matt Peterson, Town of Dryden (downtown business partner), two-hour free parking
reduction proposal
Nancy Bereano, City of Ithaca, re-affirmation of anti-discrimination ordinance.
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, downtown parking and development issues.
Carole Dennis, City of Ithaca, support of noise ordinance.
John Efroymson, City of Ithaca, support of noise ordinance.
Margherita Fabrizio, City of Ithaca, IDA public hearing regarding Cayuga Green Project
tax abatements
James Orcutt, Jr., City of Ithaca, Cayuga Green Project – city debt load
Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca, Water Treatment Plant Options.
The following people addressed Council concerning the proposed resolution on the
agenda regarding Re-Affirmation of the Anti-Discrimination Act:
Shane Seger, City of Ithaca,
Jim Hagen, City of Ithaca
Anna Marie Smith, Town of Ithaca
Nathan Shinagawa, City of Ithaca
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Coles thanked the speakers for their comments on a variety of topics.
Alderperson Korherr thanked the speakers for their comments and stated that
legislation such as the anti-discrimination resolution, once adopted, needs to become
part of our everyday culture.
October 5, 2005
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Alderperson Townsend thanked everyone involved in making the Into the Streets
proclamation happen. He further congratulated the new youth member of the
Community Police Board, Chevonte Perkins, on her appointment to the Board.
Alderperson Berry thanked the speakers for their comments, especially Mr. Gerard for
the information he compiled on the Water Treatment Plant. She further thanked the
Park School students who worked on the Wall of Tolerance project. She stated that she
is pleased to support the proposed Anti-Discrimination resolution on the agenda.
Alderperson Whitmore thanked the speakers for their thoughts and sentiments on the
anti-discrimination law. He further thanked Ms. Macera for her comments regarding the
vehicle idling law.
Alderperson Tomlan stated that she appreciated the time that was put into the range of
topics presented by the speakers. She stated that she is pleased to support the
proposed anti-discrimination resolution. She further stated that discussions are ongoing
regarding parking rates and traffic in search of solutions to concerns.
Alderperson Taylor thanked Mayor Peterson and the CU Service Center for their
support of the “Into the Streets” proclamation. He further responded to comments made
regarding the noise ordinance. He has concerns regarding the due process of noise
violations and his belief that the Ordinance is being over-enforced.
Alderperson Taylor further reported that Alderperson Townsend would be participating
in the “Young People & Business Practices in New York State” summit in Syracuse on
Friday, October 7, 2005 from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the On-Center.
Alderperson Mackesey responded to comments made regarding strengthening of the
noise ordinance.
Alderperson Berry invited students to open a dialog with Common Council to talk about
concerns of excessive force used by the Ithaca Police Department.
Mayor Peterson – Overview of 2006 Budget:
Mayor Peterson presented the following Budget Message for the 2006 Mayor’s
Recommended Budget:
“It is no surprise that putting together a municipal budget in New York State is not easy.
The City of Ithaca budget for 2006 is no exception. The City Controller’s Office and all
department heads have worked hard to create a budget that reflects the Mayor’s budget
guidelines, responds to constituent needs, and moves the City forward in many aspects.
The Mayor required three budget submissions from each department: 0% increases,
3.5% increase, and optional needs. The 0 and 3.5% levels also were required to
assume contractual wage increases within the parameters, thus creating a negative
budget for many departments. Each department head had an opportunity to discuss
his/her budget with the Controller and the Mayor, answering questions and explaining
particular budget lines. The Controller, with input from the Mayor, then spent the last
month preparing a budget that reflected several goals: continuing to move incremental
amounts of funds from capital to operating funds; not using the fund balance: striving for
a zero increase tax rate (not quite reached): continuing implementation of mayoral goals
regarding pedestrian safety, improved infrastructure, and fair wages: and energy
conservation measures. And, of course, being mindful of the tax burden.
On the expense side, new payments for large road projects and a new garage came on
line for the 2006 budget (1.2 million); health insurance rates rose 9% (nearly $204,000),
and there are anticipated fuel increases ($118,000). Other impacts have included
overtime in several departments. Often this is due to the minimal amount of staffing that
we have sustained since 1991, causing difficulties when people are out of work due to
injury, illness, or vacation. Additionally, the fire and police departments have had an
extraordinary year of call-outs. The 2006 budget needs to reflect the reality of overtime.
It is these few larger costs that make an impact on the budget, rather than the annual
October 5, 2005
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costs of doing business per department. Department costs average approximately to
the CPI; some budgets below 3.5, others higher. This budget is able to add in some
needed positions and upgrades, including in areas where we get the most service
complaints, such as DPW.
On the revenue side, sales tax thus far is performing well ahead of expectations. Other
revenue lines have been adjusted to reflect 2005 actual trends. Parking revenue history
has shown that there needs to be adjustment once again. The adjustments are still
below pro forma shown in 2004 spreadsheets. The meters will not be raised but the first
two hours of parking will need to have a fee schedule. This year assessment increases
have shifted and show larger increases in commercial and new construction rather than
residential.
There are many pressures in the budget. Decisions have to be made regarding service
delivery and assessing whether or not a department can be trimmed further.
Department heads submitted their pared down scenarios, showing significantly impaired
delivery of services. With 66% of the city property tax exempt, with years of tight
budgets and thus less maintenance of properties, further cuts in the department
budgets were difficult to achieve. It also becomes clearer to me that the city provides a
number of services and maintains roads and bridges often solely with city funds, where
use is made by many others in our county. City taxpayers pay for services in the county
as county taxpayers, and I am seeing areas where the city could use some county
relief.
During the rest of the budget process savings may still be achieved through discussions
with Common Council. As I mentioned, the goal of a zero tax rate has not been
achieved. Throughout October, this goal will be kept in sight.”
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee
8.1 Request to Amend 2005 Authorized Budget – Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, as part of the Coal Tar Project on Court Street, NYSEG removed several
trees, and
WHEREAS, the City Forester would like to put the funds back into the account to
purchase additional trees; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2005 DPW Authorized Budget
in an amount not to exceed $14,225 as follows:
Increase Revenue Account:
A7111-1710 Parks and Forestry – Public Works Services $14,225
Increase Appropriation Account:
A7111-5485 Parks and Forestry – Hourly Part-time $14,225
Carried Unanimously
8.2 Request Funds For Survey of Downtown Employees - Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, Ithaca-Tompkins Transportation Council is co-sponsoring a survey of
downtown commuters with the Ithaca Downtown Partnership, and
WHEREAS, the survey will yield excellent data about commuter patterns, preferences,
and potential behavioral change, which can be used to make better decisions about
congestion management strategies in the City and surrounding communities, and
WHEREAS, the current cost estimate for the survey is $4,500, and
WHEREAS, the ITCTC and IDP are able to contribute $3,250 towards the cost of the
survey, leaving a shortfall of $1,250, and
October 5, 2005
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WHEREAS, the Common Council is desirous of seeing the implementation of the
survey, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves an amount not to exceed $1,250
from the unrestricted contingency account A1990 for the purposes of implementation of
the ITCTC sponsored survey of downtown commuters be transferred to Account A1440-
5435, City Engineer Contracts.
Carried Unanimously
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:
9.1 City of Ithaca Resolution to Affirm Commitment to and Support of Non-
Discrimination
By Alderperson Mackesey: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (the City) has, in its Mission Statement, its Bias-Related
Crime Law, and in its Human Rights Ordinance stated its firm commitment to non-
discrimination, including against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT)
members of the community; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 215 Entitled “Human Rights
Protection”, Article I(3) Entitled “Unlawful Discriminatory Practices” prohibits
discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in employment, and in referrals for
employment, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 215 Entitled “Human Rights
Protection”, Article I(6) Entitled “Education” prohibits discriminatory denial of education
facilities, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 215 Entitled “Human Rights
Protection”, Article I(9) Entitled “Unlawful Discriminatory Practices in Relation to Credit”
prohibits aiding and abetting the above mentioned discrimination, and
WHEREAS, these policies reflect a broader community value of inclusiveness; and,
WHEREAS, the City’s non-discrimination policies and value placed on inclusiveness
has helped our community’s employers attract the best employees, has helped to attract
many gifted tradespersons, artists, and other contributors to our community, and helped
create a welcoming atmosphere that is among the most diverse, vibrant and unique in
New York State; and,
WHEREAS, discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation, unfortunately
still occurs within the City of Ithaca, to the detriment of the entire city and to all of its
residents; and,
WHEREAS, this discrimination, which includes recruitment efforts by the US Military, is
being facilitated by local institutions which operate within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City would likely face a strong claim of federal pre-emption based on
the Solomon Amendment should it attempt to enforce its local ordinances against such
local institution, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council strongly reaffirms its policy of nondiscrimination
and its commitment to the City’s nondiscrimination law, and be it further,
RESOLVED, That the City calls on institutions operating within the City to come into full
compliance of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 215 Entitled “Human Rights
Protection”, to take a strong and meaningful public position in support of LGBT
members of the community, and to lobby our elected representatives to reform military
policy (including Don’t Ask Don’t Tell) so that it is not in conflict with local law; and be it
further,
RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution shall be sent to President George W. Bush,
Representative Maurice Hinchey, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Hillary Clinton,
October 5, 2005
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Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Superintendent of Ithaca City School District
Judith Pastel, Ithaca City School District Board Of Education President Roy Dexheimer,
Cornell University President Hunter Rawlings, and Tompkins Cortland Community
College President Dr. Carl E. Haynes.
Alderperson Mackesey thanked Shane Seger and Jim Hagen for their help in drafting
the resolution.
A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING, NEIGHBORHOODS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 Cayuga Green II – Extension of Preferred Developer Agreement with
Bloomfield Interests – Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca (City) and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) are
jointly undertaking a multi-phased, mixed-use urban infill development project located in
downtown Ithaca known as the Cayuga Green II Project (Project), consisting of parking,
public open space improvements, retail/commercial and residential uses, and
WHEREAS, retail/commercial and residential components of the Project will be
implemented, in part, through the IURA lease or sale agreements of portions of the
Project site with selected developers committing to undertake private-sector
components of the Project, and
WHEREAS, on August 21, 2003, the IURA designated Bloomfield Interests as a
qualified and eligible sponsor for undertaking private-sector components of the Project,
and
WHEREAS, on September 3, 2003, the Common Council passed a resolution
confirming the IURA’s designation of Bloomfield Interests as the Preferred Developer for
the Project, and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2003, the City and the IURA executed a Preferred
Developer Agreement with Steven Bloomfield, Inc., an Ohio corporation doing business
as Bloomfield Interests, granting the Preferred Developer exclusive control of certain
portions of the project site through October 16, 2005, to determine feasibility of the
private sector components of the Project, and
WHEREAS, the Preferred Developer Agreement anticipated future conveyance of legal
interest in certain portions of the Project site to the Preferred Developer for the purpose
of implementing private-sector components of the Project, and
WHEREAS, land disposition agreements with the Preferred Developer were approved
by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca on September 7, 2005, for all private-
sector components of the Project located south of Green Street, and
WHEREAS, the Project site defined in the Preferred Developer Agreement also
includes land area located below the Green Garage (Tax Parcel #70.-4-5.2) that is not
yet owned by the City, and
WHEREAS, the Preferred Developer proposes to develop approximately 12,000 square
feet of commercial space below the Green Garage, and
WHEREAS, the City is in the process of acquiring the land located below the Green
Garage, and
WHEREAS, the Preferred Developer is seeking financing and other approvals for all
private-sector components of the Project, but will lose site control for that portion of the
Project located below the Green Garage on October 16, 2005, unless the Preferred
Developer Agreement is extended, and
October 5, 2005
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WHEREAS, extension of the Preferred Developer Agreement does not obligate the City
to either acquire land under the Green Garage or subsequently convey legal interest in
such land to the Preferred Developer, but will prevent the City from conveying legal
interest in the project site to any other developer during the term of the Agreement; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby approves a 12-
month extension of the Preferred Developer Agreement for the Cayuga Green II Project
with Steven Bloomfield, Inc., and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon review by the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to
execute such agreement.
Ayes (8) Coles, Mackesey, Whitmore, Zumoff, Tomlan, Taylor
Townsend, Cogan
Nays (2) Berry, Korherr
Abstentions (0)
Carried
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
11.1 DPW – Approval of Water Treatment Plant Reconstruction Study - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, an adhoc committee of Common Council, the Board of Public Works, and
DPW staff, chaired by Mayor Peterson studied four alternatives to provide water
production to satisfy the City population needs for the next fifty years including a new
plant at the 60 foot reservoir, a new plant at the existing Water St. plant site, a new plant
with a Cayuga Lake source, and purchasing water or partnering with SCLIWC (Bolton
Point), and
WHEREAS, after thorough committee and public discussion the committee
recommended proceeding with the planning and appropriate environmental review for
constructing a new water treatment plant at the existing Water Street site, in parallel
with continuing discussions on a long term agreement or partnership to provide water
from the SCLIWC (Bolton Point) Cayuga Lake source, and
WHEREAS, a proposal to further assist the City Common Council and Board of Public
Works in water source selection and environmental review has been outlined by O’Brien
& Gere Engineers, Inc. to satisfy the water needs of the City for fifty years, as well as
additional services that the environmental review process may require, such as
archeological and soils studies and EIS/findings Statements; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the funds necessary for hiring of
O’Brien & Gere Engineers to perform professional engineering services as outlined in
their letter proposal to Mr. William Gray, P.E., Superintendent, as dated September 16,
2005 through Task 1 (Alternative Selection & Task 2 (Environmental Review (“Base
Services”) for a cost not-to-exceed $49,600 with an added allowance to be authorized
by the Mayor and Board of Public Works in an additional amount up to $70,000 for
Supporting Studies and EIS/Findings Statement as the decision making process may
require and be it further
RESOLVED, That the funds needed for said study will be transferred in an amount not
to exceed $119,600 from Capital Reserve #16 Water Sources Development to Capital
Project #510 Water Treatment Plant Improvements.
Carried Unanimously
11.2 An Ordinance Amending Chapter 232. Entitled “Licensing of Businesses &
Occupations” of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Regarding Taxi Cab Rates
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
ORDINANCE 05-
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, New
York, as follows:
October 5, 2005
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Section 1. The City of Ithaca Municipal Code, Section 232-70 entitled “Rates”, and
the Taxicab Zones and Rates Schedule is hereby amended as follows:
Zone Charges – One Passenger
Departure Zone
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 4.60 5.10 5.10 5.10 5.60 5.60
2 5.10 4.60 5.10 5.10 5.60 5.60
3 5.10 5.10 4.60 5.10 5.10 5.10
4 5.10 5.10 5.10 4.60 5.10 5.10
5 5.60 5.60 5.10 5.10 4.60 5.10
6 5.60 5.60 5.10 5.10 5.10 4.60
Section 2. Late night surcharges.
Section 232-70 B (5) is hereby amended to read as follows:
“A taxicab driver may charge an additional $0.50 per passenger for each trip
commencing or terminating between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.”
Section 3. SEVERABILITY. Severability is intended throughout and within the
provisions of the ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or
portion of this ordinance is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, then that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
this ordinance.
Section 4. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in
accordance with law upon publication of notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
Section 5. SUNSET. This Ordinance shall sunset on March 31, 2006.
Alderperson Berry explained that future changes to the rate structure would be
considered by the Community Services Committee.
A vote on the Ordinance resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE:
12.1 Amendment to Recreation Partnership By-Laws – Resolution
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
WHEREAS, the Recreation Partnership was formed to jointly plan, finance, provide,
oversee, and coordinate shared recreation services that supplement and compliment
those offered by municipalities, and
WHEREAS, quorum problems have resulted from lack of appointments made to the
vacant seats on the Board, and
WHEREAS, the Recreation Partnership Board understands that given the multitude of
public issues confronting Boards and Commissions that smaller municipalities may not
choose to make an appointment to the Recreation Partnership Board,
WHEREAS, the Recreation Partnership Board voted unanimously on September 27,
2005 to redefine quorum to include only those seats that have been formally appointed,
and to add one voting alternate per seat, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council adopts the proposed by-law changes and request
that a certified copy of this resolution be forwarded to Janice Johnson at the Tompkins
County Youth Bureau.
Alderperson Korherr stated that this item did not go through the Community Services
Committee due to lack of time, as the Recreation Partnership Board did not consider it
until September 27, 2005. She further explained the need for changes to the by-laws
and that the resolution needs to be approved by nine governing bodies.
October 5, 2005
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A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
NEW BUSINESS:
Request of Ithaca Downtown Partnership to Permit Wine and Hard
Cider Tasting and Sale of Bottled Wine and Hard Cider at the 2005 Apple Harvest
Festival on the Commons - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Downtown Partnership has requested permission for wine and
hard cider tasting and sales as part of the 2005 Apple Harvest Festival; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Downtown Partnership be authorized to arrange for wine
and hard cider tasting and sale of bottled wine and hard cider at booths during the
Apple Harvest Festival on the Ithaca Commons, October 7-9, 2005, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Downtown Partnership and participating wineries shall
comply with all applicable state and local laws and ordinances, and shall enter into an
agreement providing that it will hold the City harmless and indemnify the City on
account of any claims made as the result of the sale or tasting of wine and hard cider on
the Ithaca Commons, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Downtown Partnership or the participating winery or cider
company shall agree to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and
Dram Shop Act coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 naming the City of
Ithaca as an additional insured, and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the City
Clerk prior to the event.
Carried Unanimously
INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
15.1 Green Garage Reconstruction – Authorization of Funding for Construction
– Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Taylor
WHEREAS, the Green Garage, which was constructed in 1974, is in need of extensive
immediate repairs, and
WHEREAS, the City has had three major studies completed on the condition of the
garage, by Novelli Engineering, Stantec Engineering, and Carl Walker, and
WHEREAS, each of the studies on the garage identified the need for serious structural
repairs on the helices and the bridges in the very near future, and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 2002, the Common Council unanimously passed a
resolution approving the demolition and reconstruction of the western and
center sections of the garage and the retention of the eastern section of
the garage, above the Rothschild's building, and
WHEREAS, on August 21, 2003, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, in its capacity as
property owner, designated Bloomfield Interests as the Preferred Developer and a
qualified and eligible sponsor to acquire the Cayuga Green Project Phase II project site,
which includes the helix, and
WHEREAS, on September 3, 2003, the Common Council passed a resolution
confirming the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency’s designation of Bloomfield Interests as
the City’s Preferred Developer for the Cayuga Green Phase II project, and
WHEREAS, Bloomfield Interests determined that the proposed Cayuga Green II
Development Project cannot be constructed without the removal of the south helix, and
WHEREAS, on December 15, 2004, Council passed a resolution confirming its
commitment to remove the helix so that the Cayuga Green II Development Project could
October 5, 2005
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proceed, and established Capital Project 469 funded in the amount of $1,623,000 for
the further study and design of the Garage, and
WHEREAS, Carl Walker, Inc. was hired with funds from this Capital Project to develop
repair options for the Garage, and
WHEREAS, Carl Walker, Inc. prepared preliminary cost estimates for several different
reconstruction options, including Option 4, which calls for demolition of the helices,
bridges, and middle section, and reconstruction of two new levels of parking with an
internal ramping system, and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the different options, on August 4, 2005 the Common
Council passed a resolution authorizing the completion of the design and construction
documents for the reconstruction of the Green Garage using Option 4, and
WHEREAS, after schematic design for the reconstruction and repair of the garage was
complete the City hired Jerry Stevenson to prepare an additional cost estimate, and
WHEREAS, in September of 2005, the Gulf Coast was affected by two major
hurricanes, the catastrophic impact of which resulted in sharp increases in the cost of
construction materials, and
WHEREAS, the updated design and construction estimating completed by Jerry
Stevenson, City staff, and our consultant architects and engineers estimates the total
construction costs to be $11,396,640, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council does hereby amend Capital Project #469 Cayuga
Green Phase II for the purposes of demolition and reconstruction of the Green Garage,
by adding $9,474,000 to the previously authorized $1,623,000 (for a total in CP 469 of
$11,097,000), which amount is to be supplemented by the additional existing
authorization of $300,000 in Capital Project 477, bringing the total authorization for
reconstruction of the Green Garage to $11,397,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the additional funds necessary for said garage construction shall be
derived by the issuance of serial bonds.
Discussion followed on the floor with Council members asking questions of staff
regarding the timing of the project, concerns of various department heads and boards,
and the relationship of this project to the Cayuga Green Phase II project.
Mayor Peterson asked about adding a Resolved clause that would link this Resolution
to the Cayuga Green Project, Phase II. A few Council members responded that they
felt this project was independent of the Cayuga Green Project as the condition of the
garage requires immediate action regardless of the development.
Mayor Peterson explained that many internal meetings have been held where this
project has been a topic of discussion and department heads and members of senior
staff have been invited to participate. Mayor Peterson asked about adding a resolved
clause to this resolution that links the new garage to the Cayuga Green Phase II project.
Common Council members responded that they felt this project was not necessarily
linked to the Cayuga Green Phase II Project as the condition of the garage requires
immediate action, regardless of the other developments.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (6) Whitmore, Zumoff, Tomlan, Taylor, Townsend, Cogan
Nays (4) Berry, Mackesey, Coles, Korherr
Abstentions (0)
Carried
October 5, 2005
11
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
Natural Areas Commission:
By Alderperson Whitmore: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Empar Sicroff be appointed to the Natural Areas Commission to
replace Linda Buttel with a term to expire December 31, 2005, and be it further
Rental Housing Advisory Commission:
RESOLVED, That Christopher Anagnost be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory
Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2005.
Carried 9-0
(Alderperson Mackesey absent from vote)
REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
Alderperson Berry stated that she would like to open a discussion concerning the roles
of liaisons and the expectations of different agencies that Council members serve on as
liaisons.
Mayor Peterson stated that she would be making changes to the Standing Committee
make-ups at the beginning of the year, and requested that Council members
communicate with her regarding what standing committee and liaison appointments that
they are interested in.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported on 2005 budget activity and stated that sales tax
revenue is 17% above projections. The final quarterly report is due October 20, 2005.
He further reported that there has been a shortfall in the fine revenue by $500,000 and
overtime costs are over budget by $250,000 - $300,000. Parking ticket revenue is
currently $150,000 below projections.
City Controller Thayer stated that he would continue to strive to give Council members
as much information and detail as possible concerning the 2006 budget. The Mayor’s
Recommended 2006 budget will be posted to the city’s web page for public access.
Mayor Peterson expressed her thanks and appreciation for Controller Thayer’s efforts in
the preparation of the 2006 budget.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Approval of the minutes of the following meetings: July 27, 2005 Special Common
Council Meeting, August 3, 2005 Common Council Meeting, August 4, 2005
Special Common Council Meeting, September 7, 2005 Common Council Meeting,
September 21, 2005 Special Common Council Meeting, September 28, 2005
Special Common Council Meeting - Resolution
By Alderperson Taylor: Seconded by Alderperson Whitmore
RESOLVED, That the July 27, 2005 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved as published, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the August 3, 2005 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved as published, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the August 4, 2005 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes be
approved as published, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the September 7, 2005 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes
be approved as published, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the September 21, 2005 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes
be approved as published, and be it further
October 5, 2005
12
RESOLVED, That the September 28, 2005 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes
be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor