HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2006-05-03COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. May 3, 2006
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (9) Coles, Seger, Berry, Clairborne, Tomlan, Gelinas,
Townsend, Cogan, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney – Hoffman
City Controller – Thayer
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Fire Chief – Wilbur
Police Chief – Signer
GIAC Director – Fort
Building Commissioner – Radke
EXCUSED:
Alderperson Zumoff
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Planning, Economic Development, and Environmental Quality Committee:
Alderperson Tomlan requested that item 11.2 – Donation of Public Art – be withdrawn
from the agenda.
No Council Member objected.
PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
Mayor Peterson proclaimed the week of May 7-13, 2006, Drinking Water Week in the
City of Ithaca.
Roxy Johnson, City of Ithaca Water & Sewer Division announced the following events
and encouraged everyone to participate:
May 6, 2006 – Ithaca Farmers Market Taste Testing Event
May 12, 2006 – Water In/Water Out Tour of Six Mile Creek Facilities
May 13, 2006 – Fall Creek Clean-Up
May 21, 2006 – Natural Areas Commission – Wildflower Appreciation Day
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Dick Booth, Third District Tompkins County Legislator reported to Council on the
following items:
The County Administrator is being given policy direction by the Legislators for the 2007
budget.
County office space needs are being reviewed and prioritized. The biggest needs
appear to be the Department of Health, Office of the Aging, and Public Safety Building
Discussions are taking place regarding the impact of deer throughout the County (deer
ticks, damage to trees, bushes, shrubs, vehicular accidents)
The Affordable Housing Needs Assessment is being reviewed by staff and the
Legislature.
May 3, 2006
2
The Public Communications Project is moving forward. The City and County should
discuss the need for an Ordinance that deals with potential interference with
communication towers
County sales tax continues to be collected on clothing items less than $110
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Ithaca College Communications Lab Students : Kaitlyn Coray, Emily Krasting, Lauren
Oman, Amanda Piasecki, Liz Salvas, and Joey Ziarko presented the City of Ithaca
Pedestrian Awareness Campaign that includes a mix of educational brochures, quizzes,
public service announcements, news releases, etc. The group further included a
schedule of when certain pieces should be released to the public and a budget for
additional items such as bumper stickers that would further promote the campaign.
Members of Common Council and the Mayor expressed their gratitude to the students
for their outstanding work.
PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
Kent Johnson, Chair of the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council, addressed Council in
support of the Pedestrian Awareness Campaign that will require ongoing efforts and
support from the City.
Larry Roberts, Chair of the Disability Advisory Council, addressed Council in support of
the Pedestrian Awareness Campaign. He also thanked Alderpersons Berry and
Korherr, Mayor Peterson, and the students for their work on this project. He stated
that the Disability Advisory Council lends its full support to ongoing campaign efforts.
Susan Cummings, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding a violation of the Exterior
Property Maintenance Ordinance that she received due to the placement of a vacuum
cleaner and toaster in an open bag near a tree in the yard that was being given away to
anyone who was interested.
Joseph Moro, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the same issue as Ms.
Cummings. He further stated that he was offended by comments made by the City
Prosecutor.
Joey Moro, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding reinstating the city wide
salvage/scavenging day with a 2-day limit.
Frances Weissman, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the Exterior Property
Maintenance Ordinance and landlord responsibilities.
Wenmouth Williams, Jr., Professor at Ithaca College, stated that college students
requested that he speak to Council regarding the treatment of college students by the
Ithaca Police Department and Common Council regarding the enforcement of the Noise
Ordinance.
David Henderson, City of Ithaca/Chair of Pedestrian Awareness Committee, addressed
Council to thank them for the enactment of many of the committee’s recommendations.
He supports the ongoing efforts of the Pedestrian Awareness Campaign. He stated that
the need is urgent for taking care of pedestrian infrastructure such as the timing of
signals, the need for more signed crosswalks, and called for a shift of priorities in the
work plan for implementation of the Committee’s recommendations. He further stated
that the Pedestrian Awareness Committee would be reconvening in June to review the
City’s progress to date.
Zack Ford, Ithaca College Student Body President and Michael Dunn, Vice President of
Communications, introduced themselves and to Common Council and encouraged
relationship building between the City and Town of Ithaca to create an open dialog
between temporary residents and permanent residents. They also recommended that
concerns regarding student behavior be brought to the Student Government body.
May 3, 2006
3
Jenna Pelkey, Ithaca College Student, addressed Council regarding student rights and
also encouraged an open dialog between students, the community, and neighbors.
Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, addressed Council regarding Prospect
Street/Pennsylvania Avenue/Collegetown/Downtown development.
Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, responded to comments made regarding landlord
responsibilities; actions of students; support of Pedestrian Awareness Committee,
speeding in Ithaca, and donations needed from campuses for effective educational
campaigns.
Patty Porter, Town of Ithaca, addressed Council to inform them that the Town of Ithaca
would be voting on a Noise Ordinance on May 8, 2006.
Pam Mackesey, City of Ithaca, stated that she is happy to hear from student
government representatives, and voiced her approval for the way the City has handled
noise and party issues during the past 2 years. She stated that these actions have
made life bearable for South Hill residents, and that working with students will make
things even better.
Guy Gerard, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding student parties and the
improvements that the revised Noise legislation has made.
John Graves, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the City’s noise ordinance
that may have been responsible for moving student parties into the Town of Ithaca. He
stated that roving bands of young people continue to disrupt residents at 2 a.m., and
that the South Hill Civic Association would welcome a dialog with students. He further
stated that the South Aurora Street bridge project needs more public outreach.
Phyllis Radke, Building Commissioner, addressed Council regarding concerns about the
Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance.
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
Alderperson Gelinas responded to comments made regarding the enforcement of the
Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance and fines. He questioned what student
responsibilities are in terms of community living and what the City can do to educate
new students.
Alderperson Korherr stated that there needs to be a balance between long-term
residents and students, and offered to help Ithaca College’s student government with
their efforts. She further responded to comments made by the Moro-Cummings family
about their situation with the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance and stated that
she would support a city-wide spring clean-up/salvage day. She stated that a balance
should be established between the enforcement of the Ordinance and the fine structure.
Alderperson Korherr responded to comments made regarding the Pedestrian
Awareness Campaign and the reconvening of the Pedestrian Awareness Committee.
She stated that she supports funding for an ongoing pedestrian awareness campaign.
Alderperson Seger responded to comments made regarding student/resident relations
and thanked the Ithaca College Student Government representatives for their initiatives.
He also thanked the residents for voicing their concerns. He further stated that the City
is targeting behaviors, not the students.
Alderperson Berry thanked the speakers for their comments and stated that the
Governance and Intermunicipal Relations Committee may be able to discuss pieces of
the Exterior Maintenance Ordinance at their May meeting. She further encouraged the
representatives from Ithaca College to attend and participate in Common Council
meetings.
Alderperson Berry responded to comments made regarding notification to the public
regarding construction projects, and encouraged property owners to notify their tenants
May 3, 2006
4
of construction projects that may impact them. She further stated that she supports the
striping of crosswalks at important intersections. She thanked the Ithaca Police
Department for their safety efforts throughout the City.
Alderperson Clairborne stated that he looks forward to future discussions regarding the
Noise and Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinances. He also wanted to remember
the passing of Sam Nistios, owner of Sam’s Wine & Spirits, he was a good friend,
strong businessman, and will be missed by the community. He stated that GIAC held a
multi-cultural business symposium that many people with an entrepreneurial spirit
participated in, and he questioned how Common Council could encourage the
development of these businesses.
Alderperson Clairborne further commented on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail public
hearing and noted the responsibility that government has in balancing the needs of the
community. In addition he noted that many comments were generated by the density
policy discussions, and he invited people to participate in the development of the City by
attending a public meeting on density scheduled for May 11, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. in the
Second Floor Conference Room of City Hall.
Alderperson Cogan thanked the Ithaca College students for speaking and taking steps
to encourage community involvement. He agreed that a balance needs to be
established in the enforcement of the Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance, and he
supports periodic review of ordinances for their effectiveness.
Mayor Peterson stated that the Chamberlain’s Office is working on the development of a
Resident Guide, and stated that the City needs to have a discussion on how to
distribute the guide to the student population.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
Alderperson Clairborne requested that Item 8.1 – Request to Amend 2006 Youth
Bureau Budget and Roster be moved to the City Administration part of the agenda.
No Council member objected.
Request to Change Water and Sewer Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the following amendment to the
2006 Personnel Roster for the Department of Public Works - Water & Sewer Division:
Delete: One (1) Office Manager
Add: One (1) Financial Management Assistant
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this amendment is budget neutral.
Carried Unanimously
Support for the Youth Leadership Conference Hosted by Multicultural Resource
Center - Resolution
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the Community Services Committee and all other members of Common
Council heard a presentation on the deep harm caused by racism in our community,
and
WHEREAS, racism has its own particular and long lasting consequences experienced
by the young in our community with life-long impact; and
WHEREAS, members of the same group who addressed the Community Issues
Committee have brought forth a proposal for a Youth Leadership conference focused on
issues of racism and on learning skills to become leaders in the struggle against bias
and racism, and
May 3, 2006
5
WHEREAS, the Multicultural Resource Center is sponsoring this event but does not
have the funds in its current budget to pay for this event; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves reimbursement in the amount not
to exceed $800.00 to the Multicultural Resource Center, for the Youth Leadership
Conference, and be it further
RESOLVED, That a transfer of $800 be made from Account A1990 Unrestricted
Contingency to account A1012-55434 Human Services Agency contracts.
Carried Unanimously
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Motion to Enter into Executive Session to Discuss the Employment History of an
Individual:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Seger
RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to discuss the
employment history of an Individual.
Carried Unanimously
Reconvene:
Common Council reconvened into Regular Session with no formal action taken.
COMMUNITY & NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Adoption of the National Incident Management System - Resolution
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, In Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD)-5, the President
directed the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop and
administer a National Incident Management System (NIMS), which would provide a
consistent nationwide approach for federal, state, local and tribal governments to work
together more effectively and efficiently to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and recover
from domestic incidents, regardless of cause, size or complexity; and
WHEREAS, the collective input and guidance from all federal, state, local and tribal
homeland security partners has been, and will continue to be, vital to the development,
effective implementation and utilization of a comprehensive NIMS; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary that all federal, state, local, and tribal emergency
management agencies and personnel coordinate their efforts to effectively and
efficiently provide the highest levels of incident management; and
WHEREAS, to facilitate the most efficient and effective incident management it is critical
that federal, state, local, and tribal organizations utilize standardized terminology,
standardized organizational structures, uniform personnel qualification standards,
uniform standards for planning, training, and exercising, comprehensive resource
management, and designated incident facilities during emergencies or disasters; and
WHEREAS, the NIMS standardized procedures for managing personnel,
communications, facilities and resources will improve the state's ability to utilize federal
funding to enhance local and state agency readiness, maintain first responder safety,
and streamline incident management processes; and
WHEREAS, the Incident Command System components of NIMS are already an
integral part of various incident management activities throughout the state, including all
public safety and emergency response organizations training programs; and
WHEREAS, the National Commission of Terrorist Attacks (9-11 Commission)
recommended adoption of a standardized Incident Command System; now therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby mandates the
National Incident Management System be adopted and implemented by all City
May 3, 2006
6
Departments, and utilized for all emergency incident management in the City of Ithaca,
New York; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca will provide the resources necessary to fully
implement this resolution; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this resolution shall take effect immediately.
Alderperson Korherr thanked the Ithaca Fire Department for their hard work in
emergency management. She stated that with no additional budget funding they have
helped Tompkins County develop their programs and have provided training. She
stated that NIMS training cost considerations would be forwarded to either Community
and Neighborhood Services Committee or the City Administration Committee for
consideration.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried (8-0)
Alderperson Townsend absent
from vote
Resolution Requesting Ithaca City School District Cooperation to Reduce the
Effects of Racism in our Community, Campuses, and Classrooms
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Berry
WHEREAS, many researchers contend that discrimination based on race,
especially the belief that one race or culture is superior to another is one definition
among many for the term "racism," and that it may be
expressed individually as a group either consciously or subconsciously
through explicit thoughts, feelings, or acts through places, organizations and or
institutions; and
WHEREAS, racism and other forms of systematic oppression are not inherent genetic
characteristics and therefore just as they can be learned, they can be “un-learned; and
WHEREAS, Common Council’s Community and Neighborhood Services Committee
invited a panel of teens of color from Lehman Alternative Community School and Ithaca
High School to address the committee; and
WHEREAS, the students offered a comprehensive overview on what it feels
like to be students of color, how they often feel ignored, how they see themselves
disciplined differently than their peers, how they are often the victims of racial profiling
while shopping throughout our region, and how their issues are poorly covered in the
local, regional, and national news media; and
WHEREAS, students expressed serious concern on the decline in services and cuts to
affirmative action programs, the lack of appropriate numbers of staff and faculty of color
in the schools, the rise of racial slurs echoing throughout school hallways, feelings of
not being informed clearly about Advanced Placement classes or being discouraged
from attending prestigious colleges, and their growing concern about the differential
treatment (often negative) they receive; and
WHEREAS, teens and adults of color have called upon the Community and
Neighborhood Services Committee, and by extension all of Common Council to take
action and demand access and equity in treatment for them
in their schools, throughout the community and its shopping districts, with school
personnel, and throughout the County so that they might have more tangible, effective,
and legal support in their fight against oppression; and
WHEREAS, teens, parents, and leaders collectively urged the City of Ithaca Common
Council to send a strong message that the City has zero tolerance for any and all forms
of oppression and that we will stand united with young and older people of color to ask
that all our businesses, schools, and organizations take a strong stand against any and
all injustice and that we work hard to insist that our jury pools, classrooms, boardrooms,
May 3, 2006
7
retail operations, and other key areas in our system reflect diversity; and
WHEREAS, the Community and Neighborhood Services Committee also pledged to
draft a resolution in support of these initiatives and share this resolution with the Ithaca
City School District Board of Education during the public comment section of the
meeting;
WHEREAS, the majority of Common Council attended the Ithaca City School District
Board of Education meeting of March 14, 2006 to communicate to board members the
sentiments expressed by the student panel held on March 8, 2006 and request that the
district Board of Education re-instate services and positions such as the Office of
Affirmative Action, the Assistant to the Principal for Multicultural Affairs and others that
directly benefit students of color and students from low-income homes; now therefore
be it
RESOLVED, That this Common Council will continue to outline key steps that can help
eradicate the ills of racism so that our City, and by extension our community of color can
be afforded equal rights to dream, work, and play; and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council request that Administrators, Officials, Teachers
and Staff from the Ithaca City School District work both collaboratively with the City of
Ithaca and individually to resolve the issues presented by the student panelists on
school campuses and classrooms.
Alderperson Korherr explained that Common Council members addressed the Ithaca
City School District Board of Education on this topic on March 14, 2006, but the
Resolution was not available at the time. Common Council members would like to
present this resolution to the Ithaca City School District Board of Education and the
Alternative School Board at their next meeting. The date of the meeting will be made
available to Council members for their participation.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Update – Taxi Operations Review Committee:
Alderperson Korherr reported that a sub-committee has been established to review taxi
operations. The sub-committee meets every two weeks, and will be seeking input from
all existing taxi companies. Topics of discussion include: restructuring rates, meters,
zones, clean-up fees, scales, livery regulations, loading zones, and enforcement issues.
GOVERNANCE & INTERMUNICIPAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
A Resolution to set up a joint study group to investigate possible shared services
and possible consolidation between the City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca.
By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Tomlan
WHEREAS, over the last several decades there has been much local and national
discussion over the advantages and disadvantages of shared services or consolidation
of governments, and
WHEREAS, several successful partnerships have emerged in local municipalities during
that time, such as the Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Plant, youth and recreation
services, joint city/town fire services, and the Bolton Point Water System, and
WHEREAS, the benefits of cost sharing/ consolidation have been enumerated by the
New York State comptroller as reported in the booklets Local Government Management
Guide: Intermunicipal Cooperation and Intermunicipal Cooperation and Consolidation:
Exploring Opportunities for Savings and Improved Service Delivery, and
WHEREAS, recent state reports illustrate the difficulties that New York State
municipalities have been facing especially in the last 5 years including rising pension
costs and health insurance, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor of the City of Ithaca and the Supervisor of the Town of Ithaca
have recently held meetings including an intermunicipal forum facilitated by Interface of
May 3, 2006
8
the Community Dispute Resolution Center, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council and the Town of Ithaca Board are
desirous of further examination of the mutual benefits between the two municipalities
that could improve services, create efficiencies, and benefit citizens, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That a study group on intermunicipal cooperation and consolidation be
created forthwith to examine, among others, the legal and regulatory aspects of shared
services and possible consolidation, the pros and cons for both shared services and
consolidation the financial opportunities and liabilities of consolidation or shared
services, an analysis of the property and sales tax scenario for a single jurisdiction
the concept of a new jurisdiction, a unified comprehensive plan, and be it further
RESOLVED, That an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
be provided for each topic area, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study group be composed of 8 members, mutually agreed upon
by the town of Ithaca Board and the City of Ithaca Common Council, with
representatives having knowledge of finance, law, planning, public works, police, or
organizational culture, plus one elected official liaison from each jurisdiction (making 10
members), such study group and its chair to be nominated by a town/city joint
nomination committee comprised of the mayor, supervisor, one Common Council
member and one town board member, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the city council and the town board identify and work toward
obtaining financial assistance such as grants from appropriate agencies including the
State comptroller's office, and be it further
RESOLVED, That each municipality agree to provide staff assistance to the study
group, including participation from each municipality’s historian, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study group report at least quarterly or as needed to the
Common Council and Town Board at a joint meeting for periodic updates and
consideration of possible amendments or additional directives, with ample opportunity
for public input, and be it further
RESOLVED, That a final report will be presented to the Common Council and the Town
Board for their deliberation on future policy, based on the above topics, in approximately
12 months from the study group’s first meeting.
Mayor Peterson stated that this Resolution was co-written with members of the Town of
Ithaca Governing body.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
PLANNING, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
COMMITTEE:
Approval of the City Center Project Memorandum of Understanding among City of
Ithaca, County of Tompkins, and Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit, Inc. –
Resolution
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the public transit system operated by Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit,
Inc. (TCAT) is an essential component of a balanced transportation system in the City,
and
WHEREAS, bus stops and shelters around the Commons in downtown Ithaca serve a
large number of persons who work, live, play, and pass through the downtown, and
WHEREAS, on behalf of TCAT, Tompkins County has been awarded Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) and New York State Department of Transportation capital program
May 3, 2006
9
grants to construct and improve bus shelters, bus stops and crosswalks near the
Commons (the City Center Project), and
WHEREAS, in order to secure the federal funds before the award expires, an
application to the FTA must be submitted in May in order to allow the FTA enough time
to review the application and request any additional information, and
WHEREAS, failure to submit an application to the FTA in a timely manner could result in
the loss of $557,660 in federal funds, and
WHEREAS, to protect the federal government’s interest in the project, the FTA requires
execution of a Memorandum of Understanding among the City, the County and TCAT
before TCAT and the County can apply to secure the awarded funds, and
WHEREAS, a Memorandum of Understanding conveyed to the City on April 10, 2006
and apparently drafted on April 7, 2006 by and among the named parties that meets
FTA requirements has been drawn up to identify rights and responsibilities with regard
to ownership, maintenance, etc. of the Seneca Street and Cayuga Street bus stop
improvements, and
WHEREAS, this Memorandum of Understanding may be amended in the future to
include public transit facilities on other City-owned properties around the Commons, in
particular Aurora Street and Green Street, and
WHEREAS, the construction of the City Center Project improvements are in the interest
of downtown in particular and of the City and its residents in general; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to execute, on behalf of the City of Ithaca,
the above referenced City Center Project Memorandum of Understanding referenced
above among City of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, and Tompkins Consolidated Area
Transit, Inc., and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to execute future amendments to the City
Center Project Memorandum of Understanding as future phases of the City Center
Project are implemented.
Amending Resolution:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That the last resolved Clause be amended to read as follows:
“RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to execute future amendments to the City
Center Project Memorandum of Understanding which establish substantively the same
terms with regard to other bus shelters that are part of the City Center Project.”
Carried Unanimously
Main Motion As Amended:
A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
Acceptance of Sculpture for the Ithaca Commons – Resolution
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
Request to Amend 2006 Authorized Personnel Roster for Part-Time Office
Assistant Position - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Seger
WHEREAS, the workload of the Building Department has dramatically increased over
the past several years, and
WHEREAS, there has been no corresponding increase in staff to meet the increased
workload, and
May 3, 2006
10
WHEREAS, the Building Department’s ability to provide effective customer service to
the public has been impaired due to the lack of sufficient office staff; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Building Department be amended as
follows:
Add: One (1) Office Assistant PT (20 hours/week)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the funding for this position shall be derived from within the existing
Building Department budget.
Carried (8-0)
Alderperson Tomlan
absent from vote
Amendment to Personnel Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Seger
WHEREAS, the Building Department has two code inspectors who have been working
out of title for several years, and
WHEREAS, there has been no corresponding increase in their salary because the city
has been waiting for the State pay equity study; and
WHEREAS, the promotion to Senior Code Inspector will result in a 10% increase for
each inspector, or a total of $8,307, and
WHEREAS, because of personnel changes in the Building Department this year, money
exists in the Building Department’s budget; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Building Department be amended as
follows:
Add: Two (2) Senior Code Inspectors
Delete: Two (2) Code Inspectors
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the funding for the position shall be derived from the existing Building
Department budget.
Carried (8-0)
Alderperson Tomlan
absent from vote
Request to Amend Capital Project #445 – Cayuga Waterfront Trail - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2001, Common Council passed a resolution establishing the
Cayuga Waterfront Trail Capital Project, at a maximum estimated cost of $1,134,876,
and
WHEREAS, the Department of Planning and Development is desires to amend the
existing Capital Project to include a project for a Feasibility Study for Phase 3 of the
Cayuga Waterfront Trails, and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by staff that the cost of this study is estimated to be
$50,000 and will include the preparation of feasibility reports and schematic plans and
other project-related costs; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Capital Project #445 for the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Capital Project
is hereby amended by an amount not to exceed $50,000 from the previous $1,134,876
authorization to a maximum authorized cost of $1,184,876 to reflect the new revised
estimate, and be it further
May 3, 2006
11
RESOLVED, That the financing necessary to fund said additional project costs shall be
derived from a $25,000 Department Of State Environmental Protection Fund Grant
awarded in 2004, $15,000 in non-city funds raised by the Cayuga Waterfront Trail
Initiative, and $10,000 will be an in-kind match of City Services relating to grant
administration, document preparation and other associated costs.
Carried Unanimously
Motion to Extend Meeting to 11:20 p.m.
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Common Council extend the meeting to 11:20 p.m.
Carried Unanimously
Thank you to City Workforce - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, Common Council, the Mayor and the City Controller have endeavored to
find ways of reducing the tax burden on residents in many ways from greater efficiency
to cost reduction, and
WHEREAS, cost reduction has been and continues to be a focus of this administration,
and
WHEREAS, our employees often have a unique and clearer understanding of how cost
saving could be achieved due to the simple fact that it is they who are at point of actual
delivery of services, and
WHEREAS, at various meetings, employees made suggestions for cost saving and
greater efficiency which the city has and continues to incorporate in the way we
function, and
WHEREAS, Common Council and the Mayor hope that members of the city’s work
force will continue to participate in this dialogue in the future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That a warm note of thanks is extended to all of those employees who
participated in this process as well as our hope for their future involvement in more
discussions on the topic.
Carried Unanimously
Amend South Aurora Street Capital Project for Bridge Rails - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Seger
WHEREAS, the South Aurora Street Bridge, over Green Street and Six-Mile Creek, is
scheduled for reconstruction during 2007. The bridge project is currently in the design
phase. The reconstruction project will be funded at ratios of 80% Federal funds, 15%
New York State funds, and 5% local share. The Federal and NYS funds allow only for
standard design features. Any amenities to the project representing increased
construction costs become the responsibility of the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, public meetings have resulted in strong interest in incorporating decorative
bridge rails similar to those installed on the Route 96 Bridge and those on the Linn
Street Bridge, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board passed a resolution to encourage the
Board of Public Works to have the decorative bridge railing incorporated in the design,
and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has asked staff to incorporate the Texas-style
railing into the bridge design; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Common Council hereby amends Capital Project # 486 South Aurora
Street Bridge Rehabilitation by an amount not to exceed $40,000 resulting in a total
project authorization of $953,000 as the proposed funding for the additional costs
related to the bridge rails, and be it further
May 3, 2006
12
RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said bridge design shall be derived by the
issuance of serial bonds.
Extensive discussion followed on the floor regarding the additional costs associated with
the proposal, the visual improvements the railings would offer, and the high exposure,
downtown location of the bridge that spans a water source in addition to Green Street.
Further discussion occurred regarding equity issues with project funding and concerns
were raised about the difficulties incurred in obtaining funding for neighborhood issues
such as community center improvements, signage, trash pick up, etc.
Motion to Extend Meeting:
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
RESOLVED, That Common Council extend the meeting to 11:45 p.m.
Ayes (7) Coles, Seger, Clairborne, Tomlan, Gelinas, Korherr, Cogan
Nays (2) Berry, Townsend
Abstentions (0)
Carried
Alderperson Townsend stated that he was concerned about other increasing costs so
he would support the railings, but not the light fixtures.
Alderperson Clairborne questioned how this project impacts the City’s debt load. City
Controller Thayer responded that it has a minimal impact on the debt limit.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (8) Coles, Seger, Berry, Clairborne, Tomlan, Gelinas, Korherr
Cogan
Nays (1) Townsend
Abstentions (0)
Carried
Amend South Aurora Street Capital Project for Bridge Lighting Pedestals -
Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Seger
WHEREAS, the South Aurora Street Bridge, over Green Street and Six-Mile Creek, is
scheduled for reconstruction during 2007. The bridge project is currently in the design
phase. The reconstruction project will be funded at ratios of 80% Federal funds, 15%
New York State funds, and 5% local share. The Federal and NYS funds allow only for
standard design features. Any amenities to the project representing increased
construction costs become the responsibility of the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS, public meetings have resulted in strong interest in incorporating lighting
fixtures similar to those installed on the Route 96 Bridge and those on the Linn Street
Bridge, and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Development Board passed a resolution to encourage the
Board of Public Works to have the lighting fixtures incorporated in the design along with
pedestrian improvements, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has asked staff to incorporate the associated
lighting fixtures into the bridge design; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, The Common Council hereby amends Capital Project # 486 South Aurora
Street Bridge Rehabilitation by an amount not to exceed $40,000 resulting in a total
project authorization of $993,000 as the proposed funding for the additional costs
related to the associated lighting fixtures, and be it further
May 3, 2006
13
RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said bridge design shall be derived by the
issuance of serial bonds.
Alderperson Coles stated that the current bridge does not have bike lanes and any
lighting on or under the bridge. The new bridge will have bike lanes and sidewalks on
both sides.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding lighting, safety concerns, levels of pedestrian
traffic and costs.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Ayes (5) Coles, Seger, Tomlan, Korherr, Cogan
Nays (4) Gelinas, Townsend, Berry, Clairborne
Abstentions (0)
Failed
Request to Amend 2006 Youth Bureau Budget and Roster - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has proposed moving the Youth Program
Administrator position from the CSEA Administrative Unit to the Executive Association,
and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has proposed amending the roster to increase the hours
of this Youth Program Administrator from 35 hours per week to 40 hours per week
effective May 8, 2006, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has proposed amending the 2006 Youth Bureau budget
by transferring $6,383.00 from Account # A 7310-5110-1202 to Account # A 7310-5110-
1200, and
WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has worked closely with the Human Resources
Department and CSEA in the development of this proposal, and
WHEREAS, this position is one of the Youth Bureau’s key administrative positions and
the duties have expanded in recent years, and
WHEREAS, this proposal is budget neutral; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2006 Youth Bureau budget
and roster as follows:
• Move the Youth Program Administrator position from the CSEA Administrative Unit to
the Executive Association, and
• Amend the roster to increase the hours of this Youth Program Administrator from 35
hours per week to 40 hours per week effective May 8, 2006, and
• Amend the 2006 Youth Bureau budget by transferring $6,383.00 from Account #
A7310-5110-1202 to Account # A7310-5110-1200.
Alderperson Clairborne expressed concern regarding the equity with Greater Ithaca
Activities Center (GIAC) as this change affects parity between two similar positions that
reside in both the Youth Bureau and GIAC. He stated that the Director of GIAC will work
with the Human Resources Department to review their personnel roster, and that she
may need Council support for staff changes at GIAC.
A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
May 3, 2006
14
NEW BUSINESS:
Mahogany Grill Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has received a request to allow the Mahogany Grill restaurant
to utilize certain areas along Aurora Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Mahogany Grill Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2006, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Mahogany Grill
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
Blue Stone Restaurant Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, the City Clerk’s Office has received a request to allow the Blue Stone
Restaurant to utilize certain areas along Aurora Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at the Blue Stone Restaurant, including the responsible sale and
consumption of alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2006, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for the Blue Stone
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
May 3, 2006
15
Lokelani’s Restaurant Alcohol Permit Request - Resolution
By Alderperson Korherr: Seconded by Alderperson Coles
WHEREAS, the City Clerk has been notified that a new restaurant, named “Lokelani’s” has
opened at 113 South Cayuga Street, and is expected to start serving the public, and
WHEREAS, the City Clerk’s Office has received a request to allow Lokelani’s Restaurant
to utilize certain areas along South Cayuga Street for outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and
Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining, and
WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the
serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for
outdoor dining at Lokelani’s Restaurant, including the responsible sale and consumption of
alcohol, is desirable, and
WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public
property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum
of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, For the year 2006, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic
Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for Lokelani’s
Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accord with the terms and conditions set
forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of
$1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit.
Carried Unanimously
MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
Disability Advisory Council
By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Seger
RESOLVED, That Charlie Dorsey be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire June 30, 2008, and be it further
Rental Housing Advisory Commission
RESOLVED, That John Dennis be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory
Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2008, and be it further
Shade Tree Advisory Committee:
RESOLVED, That Carolyn H. Boronkay be appointed to the Shade Tree Advisory
Committee to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2006.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
City Clerk Holcomb reported that the new furniture for Common Council Chambers
would be delivered on Monday, May 8, 2006.
Mayor Peterson stated that there would be a Special Meeting of Common Council on
May 11, 2006 to discuss Executive Session items.
May 3, 2006
16
MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
Approval of the April 5, 2006 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
This item was withdrawn from the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:45 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor