HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2006-02-01COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. February 1, 2006
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (10) Coles, Seger, Berry, Clairborne, Tomlan, Zumoff, Gelinas,
Townsend, Cogan, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
Assistant City Attorney – Dunn
City Controller – Thayer
Planning and Development Director – Van Cort
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Assistant Fire Chief – Parsons
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 Coles noted that a substitute Resolution had been distributed for Item 9.1 –
Approval of E-mail policy.
Individual Member Filed Resolutions:
Alderperson Berry requested the addition of Item 15.1 – A Resolution Honoring
Calemeze (Cal) Walker and African-American History Month. She further requested
that this item be moved forward to Special Order of Business.
No Council member objected.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
Mayor Peterson presented a Proclamation to the Tornado Hook and Ladder Company
for their 175th Anniversary and declared February 4, 2006 as Tornado Hook and Ladder
Company Day in the City of Ithaca. Company Chief Frank Cantone accepted the
proclamation and spoke on behalf of the Company.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
A Resolution Honoring Calemeze (Cal) D. Walker and African-American History
Month
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
WHEREAS, since 2004, the City of Ithaca Common Council has recognized an
individual in our community of great esteem and stellar leadership during African-
American History Month and, in so doing, established a tradition of honoring
outstanding leadership, courage against unspeakable odds, and an unwavering vision
that is in keeping with African-American History Month's founder and visionary Dr.
Carter G. Woodson; and
WHEREAS, Common Council first bestowed this honor in 2004 on the late J. Diann
Sams, a civil rights leader, first African-American woman on Common Council, and
long-time public servant; and the 2005 honoree was Dr. James Turner-a world-
renowned scholar and founder of the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell
University; and
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WHEREAS, it is vitally important to understand Dr. Woodson's legacy, and to note that
at age 17 he was an untutored coal miner, at age 19, after self-instruction in
mathematics and English, he finished secondary school in two years; and how at age
22, after nearly a year at Berea College in West Virginia, he returned to the mines,
studying Latin and Greek between trips back to the mineshafts; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Carter G. Woodson later obtained degrees from the University of
Chicago and Harvard University, where he received a doctorate in history-the second
African American ever to do so; and in this extraordinary career spanning three crucial
decades, the man and the history became one, so much so that it is impossible to deal
with the history of African-American people without touching upon, at some point, the
personal history of Dr. Woodson, who became the catalyst for founding the celebration
called either Black History or African-American History Month; and
WHEREAS, another such individual who has made an indelible stamp upon history and
is, himself, so revered that he, too, is worthy of community support and recognition is
Mr. Calemeze (Cal) Walker, an associate director at Cornell University's Learning
Strategies Center, within the Center for Learning and Teaching, and past recipient of
the Tompkins County Trust Company’s Award of Excellence, a Cornell Civic Leaders
Fellow for 2002-2003 and a Lucy Brown Community Leadership Award recipient, is a
well-respected, award-winning citizen, educator, visionary leader, deacon at the historic
Calvary Baptist Church, parent and foster parent to several lovely children, and creative
"can-do" thinker who has lived in Ithaca for three decades; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Walker's visionary leadership and citizen activism are helping change
the landscape of local, regional, and national learning models, and most specifically, as
co-founder and one of the many driving forces of The Village at Ithaca (a project for
which he was named a Cornell Civic Leaders Fellow by the Public Service Center); and
its mission, so named due to true adherence to the African proverb that "it takes a
village to raise a child" and its abiding theme: "to advocate for excellence and equity in
the Ithaca City School District by developing strategic community relationships to
ensure that students, particularly Black and Latino(a), consistently meet or exceed
district and state standards of achievement" is truly worthy of praise and recognition;
and
WHEREAS, The Village at Ithaca which has received the 2003 Martin Luther King, Jr.
2003 Peacemaker Award from the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) and
regional and national acclaim (including recognition from entertainer and child advocate
Bill Cosby, praise from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, and support from singing
sensation Sweet Honey in the Rock), is both a non-profit organization and network of
community members, parents, students, teachers, civic organizations, and local
businesses who are committed to serving and empowering our community's youth by
carrying out The Village's mission, and
WHEREAS, the African proverb "it takes a village to raise a child" has been duly
exemplified by Mr. Walker's unwavering support for our most vulnerable youth of color
and tireless advocacy for their care, his sincere devotion to communities and families,
deep compassion for others, and countless hours of civic service on numerous local
boards that support family reading, mentorship, and more, have all forged an indelible
stamp in our region's history; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council urges all citizens to recognize the
invaluable contributions of this positive, affirming, and industrious leader Cal Walker
who, through his unwavering commitment to social justice, has spoken out against
racism, discrimination, oppression, and injustice; and formed strong partnerships to help
educate leaders throughout the nation about the invaluable role of history, particularly
African history, in our nation and world; and, in so doing, he is worthy of honor, not only
each year in February, but throughout the entire calendar year.
February 1, 2006
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Alderperson Clairborne shared his thoughts and feelings about the personal attributes
of Mr. Walker and urged the community to offer a “thank you” to Mr. Walker for all of his
contributions to the community.
Alderperson Townsend shared personal memories of Mr. Walker and thanked him for
the work, love and passion that he brings to the community.
Alderperson Berry thanked Mr. Walker for everything that he has shared, and the
inspiration he offers to so many people.
Mayor Peterson stated that it is an honor to have Mr. Walker living in our community.
She noted that Mr. Walker participates in all types of community boards, committees
and special initiatives and his contributions are greatly appreciated.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried 9-0
Alderperson Cogan absent from vote
Mr. Walker offered his profound thanks to Common Council, and most especially to
Alderpersons Berry, Townsend, and Clairborne. He further thanked members of the
audience who he referenced as “co-recipients” of the honor. He shared his thoughts on
what motivates and inspires him and talked about how people must work together to
make Ithaca a “Beloved Community”.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
“MEGA” – Presentation
Barbara Blanchard and Stuart Stein, Present and Past Executive Directors of Municipal
Electric & Gas Alliance (MEGA) explained what the Alliance does on behalf of the
participating municipalities. In a savings analysis of 13,000 participants conducted
between April 1, 2005 and November 30, 2005, the City of Ithaca saved $102,790 on its
electric bill and Tompkins County saved $120,550 on its electric bill.
MEGA supports communities who commit to the use of renewable energy sources such
as wind power. In recognition of the City’s commitment, Ms. Blanchard presented the
City with the first of three annual checks in the amount of $2,000.
Mayor Peterson thanked the Alliance for their support and reported that the City is on its
way to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of an Energy
Reduction Plan. She further reported that the City’s first hybrid vehicle was delivered
today.
Alderperson Cogan arrived at the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Quarterly Employee Recognition Award Presentation
Mayor Peterson presented the Quarterly Employee Recognition Award to John Coggin,
from the Water and Sewer Department, for his hard work and dedication to the Riparian
Buffer Restoration Grant – Planting and Restoration Management Program. Through
John’s careful oversight, 800 planted seedlings resulted in a 90% survival rate through
drought conditions. These plants will have a significant environmental impact on the
Watershed area.
Mayor Peterson further presented the Housing/Code Inspectors and Senior Plan
Examiner of the Building Department (Paula Clayman, Tom Nix, Ray Escobedo,
Michael Dickerson, Gino Leonardi, Bob Ripa, and Skip Schell) with the Team Quarterly
Employee Recognition Award for their dedication and hard work inspecting the entire
City of Ithaca for unshoveled sidewalks, issuing 150 appearance tickets, and their
efforts in making Ithaca a pedestrian-friendly City.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield - need for more community recreational opportunities.
Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca - Planning Department Work Plan review.
Neil Oolie, City of Ithaca - Seneca Place Hotel sidewalk and lack of swimming facilities.
February 1, 2006
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PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Clairborne recognized February as Black History month and encouraged
everyone to participate in Black History month events taking place throughout the City.
He further acknowledged the tremendous loss in the passing of Coretta Scott King.
Alderperson Clairborne commented on the renaming of State Street and stated that the
inconveniences to home and business owners need to be put into perspective in light of
the inconveniences that Martin Luther King endured and the personal costs paid by him
and his family.
He further stated that the Tompkins County Public Library tax referendum item would be
voted on next Tuesday, February 7, 2006. He voiced his concern regarding the lack of
understanding of the issues throughout the community, and stated that information is
available on the library’s website.
Alderperson Townsend reported on a Conference that he and former Alderperson
Taylor attended in January, 2006 for Young Elected Officials under age 35.
Alderperson Zumoff responded to comments made regarding residents not knowing
about local government initiatives. He stated that many people don’t utilize the
traditional news media outlets that municipalities rely on to inform people of upcoming
issues.
Alderperson Seger reported on the “Ithaca Times” article that gave a “thumbs down” to
Council members spending too much time thanking each other during meetings. He
further thanked Alderperson Berry for her inspirational opening of the Light in Winter
Festival. Alderperson Seger stated that he has been appointed as a Marriage Officer
for the City of Ithaca but noted the sad irony of the fact that he cannot be married due to
being gay.
Alderperson Berry reported that former Alderperson Diann Sams had been recognized
by picture and story in a Southern Poverty Law Center newsletter. She further reported
that GIAC employee Travis Brooks’ sponsored “GIAC Living Legacy of Rashad
Richardson Day” and noted that Rashad’s poem “I can” had been published in the
“Ithaca Journal”.
Alderperson Berry extended kudos to IPD Officer Cole, who was mentioned in the
“Laurels” section of the “Ithaca Journal” and extended her thoughts to the IPD Officer
that witnessed the recent suicide outside of Police Headquarters.
She further asked the public to drive slowly through city neighborhoods, and asked that
everyone observe the “pooper scooper” law.
Mayor Peterson announced that the 2006 Annual Disclosure forms are available for
review in the City Clerk’s office.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
Department of Public Works Amendment to Personnel Roster – Forestry
Technician - Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, the position of Forestry Technician was funded in the 2006 Department of
Public Works Budget, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Civil Service Commission has classified the position and
adopted the job description for the position; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Streets and Facilities Division of the
Department of Public Works be amended as follows:
Add: One (1) Forestry Technician
and be it further
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RESOLVED, That the position of Forestry Technician be assigned to the CSEA
Administrative Unit at salary grade 12.
Carried Unanimously
Human Resources Department - Amendment to Personnel Rosters - DPW/Streets
and Facilities and Police Department - Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, a vacancy exists in a Custodial Worker position assigned to work at the
Ithaca Police Department, and
WHEREAS, it is preferable to have this position supervised and employed by the Ithaca
Police Department, rather than the Department of Public Works where it is currently
authorized, and
WHEREAS, the City has been consistently transferring vacant custodial and
maintenance positions to the departments at whose worksite the work is performed;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Streets and Facilities Division of the
Department of Public Works be amended as follows:
Delete (1) Working Supervisor – Buildings and Grounds (40 hours)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Ithaca Police Department be amended
as follows:
Add (1) Custodial Worker (40 hours)
Carried Unanimously
Human Resources Department - Establishment of Standard Workday – Fiscal
Manager - Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System requires that the standard workday
be established for all positions in City government for the purpose of determining
reportable days worked, and
WHEREAS, the standard workday, for the purpose of retirement system credit, varies
by bargaining unit; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby establishes the following standard
workdays for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York
State and Local Employees’ Retirement System:
City Executive Association – Eight (8) hour workday; Forty (40) hour workweek
Fiscal Manager I
City Executive Association – Seven-and-one-half (7.5) hour workday; Thirty-
seven-and-one-half (37.5) hour workweek
Fiscal Manager II
Carried Unanimously
Human Resources Department Reassignment of Employee Health and Safety
Coordinator Position - Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, the position of Employee Health and Safety Coordinator was created in
2001 and assigned to the Managerial Compensation Plan based on an outline of the
position’s anticipated duties and responsibilities, and
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WHEREAS, the position has evolved into more than originally anticipated, particularly in
areas such as grant acquisition and administration, and
WHEREAS, it is desirable to have the position of Employee Health and Safety
Coordinator continue to function at this higher level, due to both the significant cost
savings it has brought to the City and the additional funding it has obtained through
grants, and
WHEREAS, the current grade allocation of the position does not reflect its actual duties
and responsibilities, as determined by a review of the original point factor analysis of the
position, and
WHEREAS, funding for the requested reallocation was approved in the 2006 Human
Resources Department budget; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the position of Employee Health and Safety Coordinator be
reallocated from Grade 2 to Grade 3 on the City of Ithaca Managerial Compensation
Plan.
Carried Unanimously
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Information Technology – Approval of Email Policy - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff
WHEREAS, the Department of Information Technology Services has determined a
citywide Electronic Mail Policy is needed to ensure that the City e-mail system supports
city business functions to their fullest capacity, and
WHEREAS, the policy was drafted by the Information Technology Services Department
with assistance from the City Clerk’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and Human
Resources Office, and has been distributed to Senior Staff for review and comment;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the Electronic Mail Policy dated
February 1, 2006, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That said policy shall be distributed to all city employees for sign off.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That the following change in wording be made to page 3 of the e-mail
policy regarding security so that it reads as follows:
* Should be hard to guess (preferably “a combination of letters and numbers” do
not use departmental or divisional acronyms or terms in common use, –
JOAN3ACC is better than FRED).
* Should be changed frequently, for example approximately every 45 days.”
Ayes (8) Berry, Clairborne, Zumoff, Tomlan, Townsend, Gelinas,
Cogan, Korherr
Nays (2) Coles, Seger
Abstentions (0)
Carried
Discussion followed on the floor regarding future amendments that may be considered
regarding record retention information and disciplinary action clarifications, and how that
would impact employee training on the policy.
Main Motion as Amended:
A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
February 1, 2006
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Fire Department – Approval of Permit Fee Schedule - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
WHEREAS, section 181-9 F(1) of the Code of the City of Ithaca states the Fire Chief
shall promulgate a fee schedule applicable to the permits authorized under such code,
and,
WHEREAS, §181-9 F states that fees established in the fee schedule shall reasonably
reflect the cost of receiving, investigating, processing, and issuing each of said permits,
and,
WHEREAS, §181-9 F requires that any schedule and said changes proposed thereto
shall be submitted to the Common Council for adoption prior to the collection of such
fees, and,
WHEREAS, the permit fee schedule is based on the labor costs of performing the
inspections and processing the permits; the last time the fees were changed was
January 1, 2003; because of subsequent salary increases and increasing cost of fringe
benefits the current fees do not reflect the actual costs of the services being provided,
and,
WHEREAS, a proposal has been prepared and submitted to increase fees from $35.00
to $40.00 per hour, and from $53.00 to $60.00 per hour for work performed during non-
business hours, and to increase the monthly processing fee for continuing permits from
$10.00 to $11.00 per permit, which will result in such fees reflecting current costs, and,
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners did consider and approve this proposal at
their regular meeting of January 10, 2006; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby approve the
following increase in permit fees:
Permit Type Single Use Fee Monthly Additional fee up to 1 Year
Propane Use $40 for first month $11/mo
(Non-residential per location
use)
Open Burning $40 per event n/a
Welding/Cutting $40 for first month $11/mo
Asphalt Kettle $40 per kettle per location n/a
Occupancy Use $40/hour of inspection n/a
(Assembly Permit)
Fire Protection $40/hour n/a
and Detection ($60/hour for testing
System Testing during non-business hours)
Other Permits & $40/hour n/a
Inspection Services ($60/hour for activities
during non-business hours)
and, be it further
RESOLVED, These changes shall be authorized upon adoption of this resolution by
Common Council, with an effective date of February 15, 2006.
Carried Unanimously
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Attorney’s Office - Waiver of Residency Requirement - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
WHEREAS, Assistant City Attorney Khandikile M. Sokoni has requested a waiver of the
residency requirement for that position; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Sokoni has pointed to extenuating circumstances in her case, including
her wish to remain in her current neighborhood in the Town of Ithaca in order to
maintain the existing friendship network and school enrollment of her two young
children, who benefit from attending a school with a large international community; and
WHEREAS, prior to her recent promotion to this position, Ms. Sokoni invested a
substantial amount of time and resources in her search for a home to purchase in her
current neighborhood, which effort could be completed in the coming months, if this
waiver is granted; and
WHEREAS, no employees in the City Attorney’s office other than Ms. Sokoni were or
are eligible for promotion to the position in question; and
WHEREAS, the City Attorney, as the involved Department Head, supports this request;
and
WHEREAS, in the past, Common Council has afforded waivers to individuals who are
affected by the residency requirement, due to various personal circumstances; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby grants to Assistant City Attorney,
Khandikile M. Sokoni, a waiver from the residency requirement.
Alderperson Townsend requested that this policy be re-visited as several exemptions
have been approved.
Alderperson Coles responded that the policy would be reviewed by the City
Administration Committee in the near future.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
GOVERNANCE AND INTERMUNICIPAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 113 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Entitled
“Natural Areas Commission”
By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas
ORDINANCE 06 -
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1:
Section 113-3(A) of Chapter 113 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Entitled “Natural
Areas Commission” regarding membership; appointment; residency, and terms; and
quorum are hereby amended as follows:
A. Membership and appointment.
(1) The Commission shall consist of 11 nine voting members.
(2) The members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee serving at the time of
adoption of this chapter shall be appointed to the Commission. Additional members
shall be appointed to bring the membership of the Commission up to 11 its full level.
(3) The Mayor shall appoint one member from each of the following three entities: the
Common Council, the Board of Public Works, and the City Conservation Advisory
Council. The Town of Ithaca Conservation Board may name one member from its ranks,
and Cornell University may name one member.
February 1, 2006
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(4) In addition, the Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, shall appoint six
members from the public, all of whom shall have a scientific, environmental and/or civic
interest in one or more of the designated natural areas, at least three of whom shall
have a strong interest in and familiarity with the Six Mile Creek Natural Area and at least
two of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with the Ithaca Falls area.
The Mayor shall use his or her best efforts to insure to appoint Board ensure that there
are members with training or expertise in geology, woodland or forest ecology, and
archaeology. At least eight six members of the Commission shall be residents of the
City of Ithaca.
(5) In addition, the Mayor shall appoint one member of each of the following entities to
serve as non-voting liaisons to the Commission: the Common Council and the Board of
Public Works.
Section 2:
Section 113-5 is hereby amended to read as follows:
§113-5. Quorum
The Commission shall not act on substantive matters without the presence of a quorum,
which shall be six five voting members.
Section 3.
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. 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.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
RESOLVED, That item 2 under section A – Membership and Appointment be removed
and that the remaining sections be renumbered appropriately.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Gelinas commented on the loss of the Common Council liaison voting
rights. Alderperson Berry noted that several members of various committees have
complained to her about Council Liaisons with voting privileges who do not attend
meetings and compromise the committee’s ability to conduct business via quorum
requirements. She urged Committee Chairs to contact Mayor Peterson if Common
Council liaisons are not attending meetings.
Main Motion as Amended:
A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 114 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code Entitled
“Natural Areas”
By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
ORDINANCE 06 -
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as
follows:
Section 1:
Sections 114-1(B), (C) and (D) of Chapter 114 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code:
entitled “Natural Areas”, regarding “Designation of natural areas; boundaries; maps,”
are hereby amended to read as follows:
B. The Six Mile Creek Natural Area consisting of the City-owned parcels in the
vicinity of Six Mile Creek, upstream from Aurora Street, is a designated natural
February 1, 2006
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area of the City of Ithaca. Additional areas may be designated in the future,
including but not limited to the following as of August 5, 1998. In addition to the
Six Mile Creek Natural Area, the following natural areas are hereby designated
as of February 1, 2006:
(1) The Ithaca Falls Natural Area, consisting of the City-owned parcels in the
vicinity of Ithaca Falls; and
(2) The Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, consisting of the City-owned land directly
south of the formal, maintained grounds of Stewart Park.
The current boundaries of all of the above natural areas are shown on the map or
maps dated February 2005, and August 2005, which shall be filed and
maintained in the office of the City Clerk.
Additional natural areas may be designated in the future, including, but not
limited to the Southwest natural area, consisting of the municipally-owned
parcels constituting and in the vicinity of the substitute parkland which replaces
the original Southwest Park in the City of Ithaca.
C. The boundaries of the any designated natural areas shall be shown on a maps
approved and amended as necessary from time to time by Common Council, which
map shall be filed and maintained in the office of the City Clerk. Notwithstanding
any other provision herein, any additional parcels of land adjacent to any natural
area shown on such a map, which are acquired by the City of Ithaca after the date of
such map, shall, for the purposes of this chapter, be presumed to be part of the
adjacent natural area, unless the City makes clear in writing a different intention.
When such acquisition occurs, the Common Council shall approve the amended
map.
D. Designation as a natural area is not intended to rescind, supersede or otherwise
affect the pre-existing or future status of an area (or any portion thereof) as public
parkland, except as specified herein. Natural area status is intended as an overlay,
such that the requirements associated with such status are added to any
requirements or conditions associated with parkland status.
Section 2:
Section 114-4(C) is hereby amended to read as follows:
§114-4 Natural Areas regarding new construction or rehabilitation; approval of changes
to adjacent or nearby property
C. In the event that physical change to or change in the use of any property
adjacent to or within 100 feet of a designated natural area is proposed and requires
non-ministerial City approval of any type, the Natural Areas Commission shall be
notified in writing as soon as is practical by the involved City board or department,
and shall be notified in advance when action may be taken on the proposal or if the
nature or substance of the proposal changes.
Section 3.
SEVERABILITY CLAUSE. 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.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Gelinas reported that the Committee would be discussing the wording for
the description of the Southwest Natural Area and that it would be brought back to
Council for inclusion in the City Code.
February 1, 2006
11
PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
COMMITTEE:
Collegetown Vision Statement – A Resolution to Outline A Blueprint for the
Future of Collegetown
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
WHEREAS, at the meeting held on December 7, 2005, Common Council approved by
unanimous vote a resolution to appoint a Collegetown Client Committee charged with
formulating a vision for Collegetown development to reflect the interests and concerns
of that community and the city as a whole, and to recommend steps to reach that vision,
and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has proposed defining the Client Committee as a Task Force
whose charge is the development of a proactive vision and recommendations for its
implementation, with the objective of improving the economic, aesthetic, social, and
environmental quality of life of Collegetown in such a manner that it has a beneficial
impact on the surrounding community and the city at large, and
WHEREAS, it is proposed that the scope of items to be considered by the Task Force in
its formulation of that vision and recommendations include:
Examination of the existing and future role of Collegetown as
a neighborhood entity, and in relation to the larger
community and as an entrance to Cornell University
Identification of existing and future desirable and undesirable
characteristics
Identification of opportunities and constraints to promote
desirable change and prevent undesirable change
Identification of key partnerships for implementation of
desirable change, and
WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Task Force, based on the above analysis, shall
develop practical recommendations for desirable change in Collegetown, to include but
not be limited to
A vision of how Collegetown should look in 5-10 years:
o General land uses/projects such as percentage and type of
housing, retail, office, or educational uses
o Parking
o Design guidelines
Specific appropriate public actions to achieve desirable change in the following
categories:
o Strategic public investment
o Appropriate regulation or policies
o Incentives for private or non-profit actions
o Management of public infrastructure and community facilities
o Modes of transportation, and
WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Task Force, to be appointed by the Mayor,
comprises representatives of the following: Collegetown residents, Collegetown
business owners, Collegetown property owners, employees of Collegetown businesses,
Cornell University, students, residents of adjoining neighborhoods, real estate/
banking/construction interests, and Common Council, not to exceed 12 voting
members, and
WHEREAS, it is proposed that the Task Force also include the participation of an ad
hoc, non-voting membership, including representatives of the City of Ithaca Fire
Department, Police Department, Building Department, Department of Public Works,
Department of Planning & Development, and Planning & Development Board as
needed, and
February 1, 2006
12
WHEREAS, the time frame for preparation of the Collegetown Vision Statement shall be
approximately four months, between February 2006 and June 2006; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the charge of the Collegetown Vision
Task Force, the scope of the Vision Statement and the composition of the Task Force
as set forth herein, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council directs the Department of Planning and
Development to assist the task force in this course of action, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Collegetown Vision Statement and recommendations for its
implementation shall be presented to the Common Council for approval before taking
further action.
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Gelinas stated that he is enthusiastic about the City taking this important
step to address Collegetown Neighborhood issues.
REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
Alderperson Coles distributed a report from the Human Resources Safety Program.
The report indicates a drastic decrease in the rate of worksite accidents, which has
resulted in a significant savings to the City. She further explained that the Safety
Committee would become a standing committee of the City Administration Committee,
and that all departments have been asked to appoint a representative.
NEW BUSINESS:
Motion to Enter into Executive Session to discuss Potential Litigation:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend
RESOLVED, That Common Council adjourn into Executive Session at 9:25 p.m. to
seek the advice of Legal Counsel concerning potential litigation.
Carried Unanimously
RECONVENE:
Common Council reconvened into Regular session at 10:30 p.m. with no formal action
taken.
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
Board of Public Works:
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Wade Wykstra be appointed to the Board of Public Works to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and be it further
Cable Access Oversight Committee:
RESOLVED, That Shane M. Seger be appointed to the Cable Access Oversight
Committee to replace Daniel Cogan with a term to expire December 31, 2006, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That Wies VanLeuken be reappointed to the Cable Access Oversight
Committee with a term to expire December 31, 2008, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Elizabeth Bauchner be appointed to the Cable Access Oversight
Committee to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2008, and be it further
Common Advisory Board:
RESOLVED, That Jevon Garrett be reappointed to the Commons Advisory Board with a
term to expire December 31, 2008, and be it further
Conservation Advisory Council:
RESOLVED, That Anna Stalter be appointed to the Conservation Advisory Council to fill
a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2008, and be it further
February 1, 2006
13
Design Review Board:
RESOLVED, That John Snyder be appointed to the Design Review Board to replace
Scott Whitham with a term to expire December 31, 2007, and be it further
Natural Areas Commission:
RESOLVED, That Nancy Ramage be appointed to the Natural Areas Commission to fill
a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2006, and be it further
Planning & Development Board:
RESOLVED, That David Kay be appointed to the Planning and Development Board to
fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2006, and be it further
Shade Tree Advisory Committee:
RESOLVED, That Keith Vanderhye be appointed to the Shade Tree Advisory
Committee to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2007.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Holcomb reported on the status of the Common Council Chamber furniture
project. She further reported that no petitions had been filed regarding the salary
increases for the Mayor and Common Council.
REPORT OF CITY CONTROLLER:
City Controller Thayer reported on the following year-end activity:
Sales tax final numbers would be forthcoming, but are approximately 5-6% over
budget projections.
Overtime - $440,000 over budget.
Utility costs were at budget.
Fuel costs - $81,000 over budget.
Health Insurance costs at budget.
Building Department brought in over $1 million in revenue.
2006-07 State Aid – proposed increase of approximately 11%.
Potential early retirement incentive program.
2006 meter revenue up $15,000 from last year.
Parking hourly rate and permit revenues up slightly.
Dryden Road garage equipment should be delivered soon.
Snow removal budget on track.
Alderpersons Korherr and Cogan left the meeting at 10:40 p.m.
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Approval of the January 1, 2006 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes and
the January 4, 2006 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes - Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 1, 2006 Special Common Council
Meeting be approved as published, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 4, 2006 Regular Common Council
Meeting be approved as published.
Ayes (8) Coles, Seger, Berry, Clairborne, Zumoff, Tomlan,
Townsend, Gelinas
Nays (0)
Abstention (0)
Carried(8-0)
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor