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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2007-11-07COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. November 7, 2007 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Alderpersons (9) Coles, Dotson, Berry, Clairborne, Tomlan, Zumoff, Gelinas, Townsend, Cogan OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Hoffman City Controller – Thayer Deputy Planning & Development Director – Cornish Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Fire Chief – Wilbur Acting Building Commissioner – Niechwiadowicz City Chamberlain – Parsons Deputy Director of GIAC – McBean-Clairborne EXCUSED: Alderperson Korherr 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 requested that Item 8.2 “Fire Department - Revise Personnel Roster to Increase Hours of Financial Management Assistant – Resolution” be removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under the City Administration Committee as Item 10.7. No Council member objected. Mayor Peterson requested the addition of an Executive Session under the City Administration Committee before the adoption of the 2008 budget to discuss the employment history of an individual employee. No Council member objected. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS: Mayor Peterson extended her congratulations to the newly elected and re-elected Council members. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 4.1 A Public Hearing to Consider the 2008 Mayor’s Recommended Budget Resolution to Open Public Hearing By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Berry RESOLVED, That the public hearing to consider the 2008 Mayor’s Recommended Budget be declared open. Carried Unanimously Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed Council to explain that she had not reviewed the budget but thinks that the voluntary contribution from Cornell University should be increased. She stated that residents are being put in situations of losing their homes or not being able to find affordable housing because of the high cost of living in Ithaca. She further expressed concerns regarding speeding, cell phone use, and tinted windows on vehicles. Brian Carcich, City of Ithaca, suggested that revenue sharing with the State using income tax dollars would be a more equitable way to collect revenues than increasing property taxes. November 7, 2007 2 Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, voiced his opinion that property tax rates are too high and Cornell University should contribute more funds to the City of Ithaca. Resolution to Close Public Hearing: By Alderperson Berry: Seconded by Alderperson Coles RESOLVED, That the public hearing to consider the 2008 Mayor’s Recommended Budget be declared closed. Carried Unanimously SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL: 5.1 Central New York – Cajibio Sister-City Partnership Presentation: Laura McDonald addressed Council to update them on her recent visit with a six-person delegation from Central New York to Cajibio, Colombia. Some of the issues that were discussed on their trip included water in the community (rates, volume, water table reduction, etc.), women’s groups organizing to reclaim farms and agricultural plots, and support for the survivors of massacres that have occurred. During the trip the delegation was able to arrange a meeting with plantation owners to discuss ways to protect the sanctity of the land, water issues and the conflicts that have arisen between the company and residents. The Sister City Partnership would like to see future development of this initiative including the ability to bring people from Cajibio to Central New York. 5.2 Natural Areas Commission (NAC) Update: Anna Stalter, representing the NAC updated Council on the following issues:  The NAC extended their congratulations to Mayor Peterson and recently elected/re-elected Council members.  Southwest Development – the NAC will be drafting a letter asking that every consideration be taken to mitigate the damage to the Southwest Natural Area and the floodplain forest during upcoming development of that area.  The NAC is working on guidelines for work conducted in the various natural areas of the City.  Twenty-eight volunteers gathered to pull wild garlic mustard, which is an invasive species, in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.  The NAC will conduct a formal survey of the Six Mile Creek Area to better manage invasive species.  The NAC has concerns about safety in the Six Mile Creek area specifically regarding cliff jumping and the disrespect/disregard of the authority of the park rangers. The NAC has been strategizing on how to make this a safe recreational area. 5.3 Vacancies on City Boards and Committees: Mayor Peterson reported that there are many vacancies on various city boards and committees. She encouraged community members to consider applying for membership on a board or committee. 5.4 Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC): Nina Bassuk, Chair of the STAC, addressed Council on the following items:  120 trees have been planted in the City by Cornell University student volunteers. The City is trying a new staking method when planting trees. The goal is to reach 100% stocking, currently the City of Ithaca is at 90%.  The City of Ithaca won “Best Urban Forestry Program” award in the country regardless of the city’s size. The City of Ithaca has won twelve consecutive growth awards which is the most in New York State.  The City of Ithaca has been successful in planting unusual trees including evergreen magnolias who success may be attributed to climate change.  The City of Ithaca’s Urban Forestry Master Plan was approved by the Board of Public Works.  A state-wide urban forestry educational conference will be held in Ithaca.  The citizen pruner program has been going strong for 15 years. November 7, 2007 3  The U.S. Forest Service completed a survey of the benefits of street trees in Ithaca.  The City of Ithaca completed its first porous asphalt parking lot at Cass Park Trail Head lot as part of a green initiative. The lot has been attracting a lot of interest.  The trees on the 100 block of North Aurora Street will be planted within the next couple of weeks and will include True American Elms and hybrids. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: Tony Ingraham, Town of Ithaca, extended his congratulations to the recently elected/re- elected Mayor and Council members. He encouraged Common Council not to extend the use of a temporary off leash dog area in the Festival Lands as he feels that it has not been a successful initiative. He noted that more dogs are coming to the park with people who do not respect the boundaries and feels that it is unfair to State Park users. Joyce Merritt, Town of Ithaca, encouraged Common Council not to extend the current off-leash dog law in the Festival Lands area and urged consideration of another area for an off-leash dog park. Brian Zapf, Seneca County, addressed Council to encourage them to extend the temporary off-leash dog law until a permanent site can be located. Linda Russo, City of Ithaca, addressed Council inquiring as to whether Common Council had received the report from the consultant regarding the off-leash dog area. She further stated that she is in support of a fenced area at the Marina for an off-leash dog park as the area is not being monitored and dogs cross over the boundaries. Matthew Peterson, Town of Dryden, addressed Council to express his concerns about downtown pollution related to vehicle use and city construction. He noted that during the Aurora Street construction project concrete and silica pollution was created with no notification or safety precautions. Susan Titus, Town of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding TCAT bus emission pollution and the need for air quality monitoring. She further voiced her concern regarding the unresponsiveness to her complaints about the black exhaust coming from buses. Megan MacCallum, Town of Freeville, addressed Council regarding the dog park and stated that it is a vital resource to the community that is enjoyed by many people. Brian Carcich, City of Ithaca, addressed Council regarding the dog park and access to Allen H. Treman State Park. He questioned the recent quotes that use of the park has plummeted since the area was designated as an off-leash dog area. Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, addressed Council regarding violence issues in the community and across the country. Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca, addressed Council with her concerns about dog park users coming from other areas. She stated that there should be a public debate/discussion on the issue. She further made comments regarding Cornell University’s tax-exempt status. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Alderperson Cogan responded to comments made regarding TCAT bus emissions. Alderperson Berry responded to comments made regarding construction dust/pollution. She further stated that Cornell University plans to invest $20 million into the region during the next few years and that the community needs to come together to create a plan for the use of those dollars. She further shared fond memories of former Alderperson Diann Sams on the anniversary of her death. Alderperson Gelinas responded to comments made regarding Cornell University funding history. He stated that the university is reaching a point where it realizes that its growth is dependent upon the growth of Ithaca. He stated that there is a long way to go, and misperceptions that need to be clarified but discussions are on the right track. November 7, 2007 4 Alderperson Dotson thanked the speakers for sharing their thoughts and voiced concerns regarding vehicle emissions. She further thanked the Mayor for pursuing Cornell University regarding its contribution to the City. Common Council Procedures Regarding Attendance - Discussion Mayor Peterson explained that she wanted to give Council members a “heads-up” on this issue and noted that it should be referred to committee for further discussion. Alderperson Gelinas stated that the conversation on this topic should be undertaken in a larger context to address issues such as resignations, unopposed races, and the lack of participation. Alderperson Cogan explained that there are ten members of Common Council and by law six affirmative votes are needed to pass any legislation. Six members are also required to make a quorum. He stated that it becomes difficult to conduct business when people come late / leave early or don’t come to the meetings at all. He further stated that this conduct disrupts the flow of business, shows disrespect, and is not fair to other members of Common Council and City staff. He explained that Common Council members are paid a salary for doing this work. He questioned whether attendance at meetings should be publicized or whether the size of Common Council should be reduced to resolve the quorum and voting issues. Alderperson Tomlan stated that she agrees with Alderperson Cogan’s comments, aside from the reduction of the size of Council. She noted that this is an important issue and she looks forward to further discussion. Alderperson Coles stated that it was very difficult to conduct the budget meetings without a quorum and required rescheduling items. She questioned whether the attendance issue could be resolved by changing the time of meetings or by scheduling more meetings that didn’t last as long. She noted that this item should be referred to the City Administration Committee for further discussion. Alderperson Clairborne stated that he was uncomfortable holding this discussion in this public setting as not everything that needs to be said, can be. He further stated that he believes this issue is related to the caucus issue as there is no forum for Council members to get together to discuss these issues. He stated that communication issues among Council members needs to be addressed as well. Alderperson Berry agreed with Alderperson Clairborne’s comments. She explained that there are other meetings that Council members have to attend in addition to Council meetings that affect this discussion as well. She explained that assumptions should not be made as to why people are not at meetings and stated that there are very divisive issues that should be addressed as well that include the appointment of the acting mayor / alternate acting mayor, taxicab issue discussion that never occurred, the number of required meetings Council members must attend, race issues, inclusion issues, and members of Council who are students not being treated equally. Alderperson Coles stated that a quorum is essential in order for Common Council to fulfill its charge. She further stated that in order to review and make changes to the Mayor's proposed budget, on of the central Common Council responsibilities, a quorum is needed. This, Coles stated, is a value-free simple statement of fact and regardless of any other issue which might or might not have to be discussed, how to reach a quorum at all CC or committee meetings is something that must be resolved if CC wants to fulfill its responsibilities. This simple statement of fact will not change regardless of other discussions which any member of CC might think is necessary, and regardless of reasons for the absences. November 7, 2007 5 CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: City Administration Committee: 8.1 Fire Department - Revise Personnel Roster to Upgrade Executive Assistant to Office Manager - Resolution By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles WHEREAS, during the spring and summer of 2007 the opportunity occurred for the Ithaca Fire Department to conduct a thorough review of administrative office structure and staffing; and, WHEREAS, as a result of the retirement of the Executive Assistant in August, the actual duties performed by the Executive Assistant were compared with available job descriptions; and, WHEREAS, it was ascertained that the duties needed to be performed fit more closely to the title of Office Manager than the duties performed by the Executive Assistant; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby amends the authorized Ithaca Fire Department roster as follows: Delete 1.0 FTE Executive Assistant (Confidential) (40 hours) Salary range: $27,355-$31,462 Add 1.0 FTE Office Manager (40 hours) Salary range: $26,683-$32,987 and, be it further RESOLVED, The funds for this change shall be derived from existing appropriations. Carried Unanimously 8.2 Item 8.2 “Fire Department - Revise Personnel Roster to Increase Hours of Financial Management Assistant – Resolution” was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed under the City Administration Committee as Item 10.7. 8.3 Building Department - Revise Personnel Roster to Reclassify Building Inspector Position - Resolution By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles WHEREAS, the Building Department currently has a Building Inspector who cannot perform housing inspections and the Building Department’s needs would be served best if the Building Inspector were able to do both housing inspections as well as building inspections, and WHEREAS, the job duties of a Building Inspector do not include housing inspections, but the job duties of a Code Inspector do include both building inspections and housing inspections, and WHEREAS, the New York State Department of State Codes Division has mandated through State law that all rental dwellings in the City be inspected every three years and all student housing be inspected every year, and WHEREAS, due to vacancies in the Building Department the current Building Inspector has been required to do Housing Inspections of student housing at Cornell University and is being paid out-of-title as a Code Inspector, and WHEREAS, in order to meet the State mandates, the Building Inspector will be required to continue to work as a Code Inspector doing inspections of student housing as well as building inspections; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2007 Authorized Building Department Roster as follows: Add: One (1) Code Inspector Delete: One (1) Building Inspector November 7, 2007 6 and, be it further RESOLVED, That the position be assigned to the CSEA Administrative Unit at salary grade 16, and, be it further RESOLVED, That funds needed for said roster change are available in the existing 2007 Building Department Budget. Carried Unanimously 8.4 Amendment to Youth Bureau Budget – Recreation Mainstreaming Services Program - Resolution By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Recreation Mainstreaming Services Program (RMS) has received $4,560.00 in new funding from an anonymous donor, and WHEREAS, this funding is needed to cover the additional costs that were incurred this past summer due to an extraordinary demand for Mainstreaming Assistants for children with disabilities at Cass and Stewart Park day camps; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2007 Youth Bureau budget as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A7310-2070-1601 Recreation Mainstreaming Services $4,560.00 Increase Expenses: A7310-5120-1601 Part time/Seasonal $4,000.00 A7310-9030 FICA/Medicare $306.00 A7310-9040 Workers Comp $254.00 Carried Unanimously 8.5 Amendment to Youth Bureau Budget – Recreation Mainstreaming Services Program - Resolution By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau’s Recreation Mainstreaming Services Program (RMS) has received $1,559.00 in new funding from the NY State Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, and WHEREAS, this funding is needed to cover additional costs for part time/seasonal staffing; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2007 Youth Bureau budget as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A7310-3820-1602 Recreation Mainstreaming Services $1,559.00 Increase Expenses: A7310-5120-1602 Part time/Seasonal $1,368.00 A7310-9030 FICA/Medicare $105.00 A7310-9040 Workers Comp. $ 86.00 Carried Unanimously November 7, 2007 7 8.6 Amendment to Youth Bureau Budget – Communities Mentoring Program Grant - Resolution By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Coles WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has been advised by the U.S Department of Education that they have been awarded a $169,395 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Mentoring Program grant, WHEREAS, the federal fiscal year is October 1st - Sept. 30th, and said funding will be expended during both the 2007 and 2008 City of Ithaca fiscal years, WHEREAS, the goal of this funding is to provide long-term mentoring and academic support for 50 middle school youth through the Youth Bureau College Discovery Program and Paul Schreurs Memorial Program; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2007 Youth Bureau Budget to account for said new funding as follows: Increase Revenue Account: A7310- 4820-01240 College Discovery Program $20,112 Increase Expense Account: A7310-5405-1200 Telephones $ 450 A7310-5405-1400 Telephones $ 345 A7310-5460-1240 Program Supplies $ 4,634 A7310-5460-1206 Program Supplies $ 625 A7310-5225-1401 Computers $ 3,603 A7310-5120-1240 Part time/Seasonal $ 5,497 A7310-5120-1206 Part time/Seasonal $ 1,238 A7310-5437- 1400 Merchant Services charges$ 1,700 A7310-5445-1221 Travel & Mileage $ 212 A7310-5445-1240 Travel & Mileage $ 866 A7310-9030 FICA/Medicare $ 515 A7310-9040 Workers’ Comp. $ 427 Carried Unanimously PLANNING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 9.1 Conveyance of City-owned Property in the Southwest Area (Tax Parcels #119.-1-2 and #100.-3-1) to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency A. Determination of Environmental Significance - Resolution By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council wishes to develop and/or use approximately 60 acres of City-owned property (Tax Parcels #119.-1-2 and #100.-3-1) in the Southwest Area in a manner that is responsive to both the public interest and the private development market, and WHEREAS, in 1998, the Southwest Area Land Use Committee issued a report, Southwest Area Land Use Plan, based on a 1994 plan of the same name, with a 1998 addendum, and WHEREAS, on May 6, 1998, the Common Council, acting as Lead Agency, determined that adoption of the Southwest Area Land Use Plan may have a significant environmental impact and that a Generic Environmental Impact Statement was required, and WHEREAS, on August 24, 2000, the Common Council adopted a Statement of Findings for the Southwest Area Land Use Plan after considering the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (“DGEIS”) and the Final Generic Environmental Impact Statement (“FGEIS”), including comments made by City committees and boards, interested agencies and the public, and November 7, 2007 8 WHEREAS, on January 3, 2001, the Common Council adopted the 1994 Southwest Area Land Use Plan, including the 1998 Addendum as part of the City of Ithaca’s Comprehensive Plan, and WHEREAS, the City-owned property formerly known as Southwest Park was officially alienated in 2001, thus removing its parkland status and making it available for sale, lease and/or development, and WHEREAS, on November 3, 2004, the Common Council passed a resolution approving a predevelopment process for said City-owned land, which included the creation of a client committee to assist in the development of a vision statement for the area and in the preparation of a Request for Qualifications for a developer, and WHEREAS, the Southwest Client Committee developed a vision statement that calls for the creation of a diverse, primarily residential, mixed-use development of urban scale and density, the design and implementation of which would facilitate non-motorized and mass transportation, integrate sustainable building practices and environmental systems, and provide for permanently affordable housing as well as the preservation of approximately 20 acres of the site as open space, green space or woods, and WHEREAS, on March 1, 2006, the Common Council (a) adopted the “Southwest Vision Statement,” dated January 4, 2006, as a guide for the development of a new neighborhood in the Southwest Area, (b) directed the Department of Planning and Development, in consultation with the Southwest Committee, to develop and issue a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for a Preferred Developer, (c) authorized Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson to appoint a selection committee to review the responses to the RFQ and to make a recommendation to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and to the Common Council regarding the selection of a Preferred Developer for the Southwest Area, said Preferred Developer to be a qualified and eligible sponsor authorized to acquire or lease property from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency pursuant to Section 507 of Article 15 of General Municipal Law and (d) directed the Department of Planning and Development, in conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office, to prepare the documents necessary to transfer the Southwest Area property from the City to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, subject to Common Council approval of the same, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca intends to dispose of the aforementioned property in such a manner that the most appropriate qualified and eligible sponsor of a proposed project consistent with the Southwest Vision Statement may be selected, by conveying title thereto to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, for possible sale by that agency to such sponsor, and WHEREAS, the proposed conveyance of City-owned property is an “Unlisted” action pursuant to the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQR”), which requires environmental review under CEQR, and WHEREAS, the environmental review of any specific, proposed development involving the subject land, by a qualified and eligible sponsor selected by the IURA, shall be conducted separately from and subsequent to this review, once the details of any such proposed development are known but in any case prior to the required approval, by Common Council, of any conveyance of the subject parcel to such a sponsor by the IURA, it being the intention of the lead agency that such segmented review be no less protective of the environment, and WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review of the proposed conveyance to the IURA has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form (“SEAF”) Parts I & II; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its own, the findings and conclusions more fully set forth in the SEAF Parts I & II for the proposed action, and be it further November 7, 2007 9 RESOLVED, That this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment, and that further environmental review of the proposed action (not including the actual development plan, as discussed above) is unnecessary, and be it further RESOLVED, That this resolution constitutes notice of this negative declaration and that the City Clerk is hereby directed to file a copy of the same, together with any attachments, in the City Clerk’s Office, and to forward the same to any other parties as required by law. Carried Unanimously (8-0) (Alderperson Townsend absent from vote) B. Authorization of the Conveyance - Resolution By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca owns approximately 60 acres of undeveloped land (Tax Parcels #119.-1-2 and #100.-3-1), formerly known as Southwest Park and located in the southwest area of the City, and WHEREAS, portions of said property have been and are currently used for public works purposes (e.g., storage of bricks and other materials, disposal of clean fill, leaf composting), but the City has taken steps to provide for an alternate, approved location for such operations, including the purchase of land outside the City, and intends to complete that process in the coming months, and WHEREAS, in 1998, the Southwest Area Land Use Committee issued a report, the Southwest Area Land Use Plan, based on a 1994 plan of the same name, with a 1998 addendum, which plan calls for the rezoning, sale and development of the parcels in question, and WHEREAS, on May 6, 1998, the Common Council, acting as Lead Agency, determined that adoption of the Southwest Area Land Use Plan may have a significant environmental impact and that a Generic Environmental Impact Statement was required, and WHEREAS, on August 24, 2000, the Common Council adopted a Statement of Findings for the Southwest Area Land Use Plan after considering the Draft and Final Generic Environmental Impact Statements, including comments made by City committees and boards, interested agencies and the public, and WHEREAS, on January 3, 2001, the Common Council adopted the Southwest Area Land Use Plan, including the 1998 Addendum, as part of the City of Ithaca’s Comprehensive Plan, and WHEREAS, the City-owned property formerly known as Southwest Park was officially alienated in 2001, thus removing its parkland status and making it available for sale, lease and/or development (pending the relocation of public works operations), and WHEREAS, on November 3, 2004, the Common Council passed a resolution approving a pre-development process for said City-owned land, which included the creation of a client committee to assist in the development of a vision statement for the area and in the preparation of a Request for Qualifications for a master developer, and WHEREAS, the Southwest Committee developed the “Southwest Vision Statement” (dated January 4, 2006) that calls for creation of a diverse, primarily residential, mixed- use neighborhood of urban scale and density on the land in question, including at least 15 units of housing per developable acre, with at least one-third of such units being affordable to low and moderate-income families, the design and implementation of which neighborhood would facilitate non-motorized and mass transportation, incorporate sustainable building practices and environmental management techniques, and provide for the preservation of at least 20 acres of the site as open space, green space or woods (of which at least 15 acres should be a contiguous area near the south/southwest boundaries of the site), and November 7, 2007 10 WHEREAS, the Southwest Committee, in its introduction to the elements of the vision statement, noted that “it is important to remain flexible and creative throughout the process of land development,” while expressing its hope that “the City will sustain the balance of objectives represented by the vision and not go too far in sacrificing any one of the goals and objectives set out in the vision statement,” and WHEREAS, on March 1, 2006, the Common Council (a) adopted the Southwest Vision Statement as a guide for the development of a new neighborhood in the Southwest Area; (b) directed the Department of Planning and Development, in consultation with the Southwest Committee, to develop and issue a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) for a Preferred Developer; (c) authorized Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson to appoint a selection committee to review the responses to the RFQ and to make a recommendation to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and to the Common Council regarding the selection of a Preferred Developer for the Southwest Area, said Preferred Developer to be a qualified and eligible sponsor authorized to acquire or lease property from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency pursuant to Section 507 of Article 15 of General Municipal Law; and (d) directed the Department of Planning and Development, in conjunction with the City Attorney’s Office, to prepare the documents necessary to transfer the Southwest Area property from the City to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (“IURA”), subject to Common Council approval of the same, and WHEREAS, on December 6, 2006, Common Council approved the Southwest Area Urban Neighborhood Request for Qualifications, December 2006, and the selection process set forth therein, subject to minor editorial modifications, and WHEREAS, the RFQ was released and advertised in accordance with General Municipal Law, and the City received four responses, and WHEREAS, over a six-month period from early December 2006 to mid-June 2007, the Southwest Selection Committee, appointed by the Mayor and charged with developing a recommendation for a preferred master developer, reviewed and evaluated all responses to the RFQ, met four times independently, participated in a site visit, and conducted four initial interviews and one follow-up interview, and WHEREAS, in July 2007, the Southwest Selection Committee presented a report to the Common Council and the IURA, recommending that McCormack Baron Salazar (MBS) be selected as the Preferred Master Planner and Developer for the Southwest Area Urban Neighborhood, and that the City undertake certain, necessary, preliminary site investigations prior to initiation of the planning process, and WHEREAS, on October 3, 2007, Common Council established a capital project for the purpose of funding such preliminary site investigations, and WHEREAS, the Common Council wishes to dispose of the aforementioned property by conveying title thereto to the IURA, for possible sale or lease by that agency to a qualified and eligible sponsor of an urban renewal project that is consistent with the Southwest Vision Statement and with a master plan to be devised and approved for the site, and WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review of the proposed conveyance to the IURA has been conducted, including the preparation of a Short Environmental Assessment Form, Parts I & II, and WHEREAS, the Common Council, acting as Lead Agency for environmental review, did determine, on November 7, 2007, that the proposed conveyance will not have a significant effect on the environment; that full environmental review of any actual development plan can and will be conducted separately, once such plan is available and prior to any approval of such plan; that such separate review will not be less protective of the environment; and that further environmental review of the proposed conveyance is therefore unnecessary; now, therefore, be it November 7, 2007 11 RESOLVED, That the Common Council does hereby determine that the aforementioned parcels will be surplus, once the public works operations thereon have been relocated, and are therefore available for transfer to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, for possible later sale or lease to a qualified and eligible sponsor of an urban renewal project, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Common Council declare its intention that the land in question be used and developed in accord with the Southwest Vision Statement, through the selection—by the IURA, upon the review and with the consent of the Common Council—of a qualified and eligible sponsor as the Preferred Master Developer for such development, for the purpose of preparing a proposed master plan for such use and development, and the approval—by both the IURA and the Common Council, following a community-based, collaborative design process—of a master plan for such use and development, and the subsequent approval—by both the IURA and the Common Council—of the negotiated terms of any actual conveyance or lease of the land in question (including the cost or purchase price thereof) to any such sponsor, and be it further RESOLVED, That all actions relating to the development of said land shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the NY State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQR”) and the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQR”), and be it further RESOLVED, That the conveyance of the land in question to the IURA be at no cost (with all closing costs, including the IURA’s legal fees, to be derived from Capital Project # 722), but only upon agreement that any revenue derived by the IURA through future sale or lease of the property shall be remitted to the City, less reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by the IURA to manage the property and comply with City requirements, together with a reasonable administrative fee, and be it further RESOLVED, That the conveyance of the land in question to the IURA be in its “as is” condition (except that the City, at its discretion, may remove any or all of the materials or equipment stored thereupon in connection with its public works operations), and be it further RESOLVED, That the conveyance of the land in question to the IURA be subject to all existing easements, together with any additional easements or reserved rights deemed necessary for the maintenance of any existing or planned City utilities or transportation or access routes, and be it further RESOLVED, That the conveyance of the land in question to the IURA be conditioned upon the grant of an immediate lease-back of said land to the City, at no cost, for a term of 20 years, which lease-back agreement shall allow for the City’s continued use of the premises for current public works operations, for a period of up to three (3) years, and which may be terminated at any time upon mutual consent, and be it further RESOLVED, That the IURA is hereby requested to structure any proposed property disposition of the land in question to the Preferred Master Developer to address the concern raised in the Southwest Vision Statement that “the City retain legal control of the site (and the right of reversion) until it is certain of the implementation of the approved development,” and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized and requested to execute a deed conveying Tax Parcels #119.-1-2 and #100.-3-1 to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, subject to the conditions and provisions referred to herein, together with any further documents that are necessary to implement this resolution, and be it further RESOLVED, That the IURA shall be reimbursed by the City for all reasonable expenses incurred to comply with the terms of this resolution, implement the City’s process to develop the project, develop a proposed property disposition agreement (or agreements), and convey part or all of the property to a qualified and eligible sponsor. Carried Unanimously November 7, 2007 12 9.2 Comment on the Cornell University Draft Comprehensive Master Plan - Resolution By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas WHEREAS, since Spring 2006, planning consultants engaged by Cornell University have been working to develop a comprehensive master plan to guide the development of the university’s Ithaca campus over the next twenty-five years and beyond, and WHEREAS, the consultant team has met in small groups with various constituencies, including elected officials and staff from the City of Ithaca Department of Planning and Development, and WHEREAS, the university and the consultant team have, at various stages, provided opportunities for community members to hear presentations, view visual materials and discuss concerns, and WHEREAS, a Draft Comprehensive Master Plan has been prepared and was presented at Open Houses held on September 26, 2007, with display panels from those presentations available on line, and WHEREAS, Cornell University and its planning consultants are soliciting comments on that Draft Comprehensive Master Plan in preparation for the final plan, and WHEREAS, a substantial portion of the university campus lies within the City, and the activities of its students, faculty and staff play a vital role in the life of the City, and WHEREAS, the draft plan was discussed by Common Council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee at its October 17, 2007, meeting, and by the City’s Planning and Development Board at its October 23, 2007, meeting, and WHEREAS, comments provided at those two meetings have been compiled by a “conference committee” with representatives of both bodies and have been made available by separate document to members of the Common Council, and WHEREAS, the Common Council has reviewed the draft plan and the comments compiled by its Planning and Development Committee and the Planning and Development Board, and concurs with those comments; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council wishes to convey to Cornell University and its planning consultants the attached comments dated November 7, 2007, on the University’s Draft Comprehensive Master Plan. Alderperson Dotson thanked everyone for taking all concerns into consideration and compiling them into an easy to read document. A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Note: Comments on the Cornell University Draft Comprehensive Master Plan can be found at the end of the minutes. MOTION TO ENTER INTO AN EXECUTIVE SESSION: By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of an individual employee. Carried Unanimously RECONVENE: Common Council reconvened into regular session with no action taken. November 7, 2007 13 CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 10.1 Adoption of 2008 Budget - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Executive Budget for 2008 as approved by the Committee of the Whole, and WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total appropriations and estimated revenues, as set forth in said Amended Executive Budget for 2008 and as those amounts have been [may be] altered by action of this Common Council at its November 7, 2007 meeting, are adequate for the operation of the City during 2008, now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Executive Budget for 2008, together with any additional changes made in said budget at Council's November 7, 2007 meeting as the City of Ithaca Budget for 2008, in the total amount of $54,357,723 [54,316,949], and be it further RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2008 Budget be approved: A) General Fund Appropriations B) Water Fund Appropriations C) Sewer Fund Appropriations D) Solid Waste Fund Appropriations E) General Fund Revenues F) Water Fund Revenues G) Sewer Fund Revenues H) Solid Waste Fund Revenues I) Debt Retirement Schedule J) Capital Projects K) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - General Fund L) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - Water & Sewer Fund M) Schedule of Salaries and Positions - Solid Waste Fund N) Authorized Equipment - General Fund O) Authorized Equipment - Water Fund P) Authorized Equipment - Sewer Fund Q) Authorized Equipment - Solid Waste Fund City Controller Thayer distributed a summary of approved budget amendments and a list of items for possible action since the last budget discussion. Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne RESOLVED, That the summary of additional changes to the 2008 recommended budget be approved as presented by the City Controller. Alderperson Clairborne questioned the increase in tax search revenues and whom the fees apply to. City Chamberlain Parsons explained that her office conducts tax searches and provides certification for taxes and bills that have been applied to a tax parcel. She explained that these actions are typically completed when properties are being sold or purchased and the fees would be applied to either the homeowner or purchaser. Alderperson Dotson commented on the trash tag rates and increasing fuel costs. She encouraged the City to start working on fuel reduction initiatives. Alderperson Gelinas commented on the timing of budget saving initiatives. A Vote on the Amending Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (9-0) November 7, 2007 14 Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Townsend RESOLVED, That Common Council approve the request from the City Attorney’s Office for an additional part-time position. Ayes (4) Zumoff, Berry, Gelinas, Townsend Nays (5) Coles, Dotson, Clairborne, Tomlan, Cogan Abstentions (0) Failed (4-5) Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne RESOLVED, That the request to increase TCAT’s funding by $10,774 be approved. Ayes (6) Coles, Dotson, Berry, Clairborne, Zumoff, Gelinas Nays (3) Cogan, Tomlan, Townsend Abstentions (0) Carried (6-3) Motion to Table: By Alderperson Dotson: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff RESOLVED, That the Resolution be tabled in order for the City Controller to obtain new budget figures to present to Common Council. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Motion To Remove from the Table: By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne RESOLVED, That the Resolution be removed from the table for further discussion and consideration. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Clairborne RESOLVED, That the budget figures in the resolution be amended to reflect the changes provided by the City Controller. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Main Motion As Amended: A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (9-0) 10.2 Adoption of 2008 Tax Rate - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan WHEREAS, the 2008 City of Ithaca Budget was approved, adopted and confirmed in the total amount of $54,357,723 on November 7, 2007, in accordance with a detailed Budget on file in the Office of the City Controller, and WHEREAS, available and estimated revenues total $37,512,791 leaving $16,844,932 as the amount to be raised by taxation, and WHEREAS, the Assessment Roll for 2008 certified and filed by the Assessment Department of Tompkins County, has been footed and approved and shows the total net taxable valuation as $1,192,983,826, and WHEREAS, under Charter provisions, the tax limit for City purposes amounts to $23,202,112 for 2008; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the tax rate for general purposes, for the fiscal year 2008, be, and the same hereby is, established and fixed at $14.12 per $1,000 of taxable valuation as shown, certified and extended against the respective properties on the 2008 Tax Roll, thereby making a total tax levy, as near as may be, of $16,844,932, and be it further November 7, 2007 15 RESOLVED, That the amount of said tax levy be spread, and the same hereby is levied upon and against the respective properties as shown on said City Tax Roll, in accordance with their respective net taxable valuation, at the rate of $14.12 per $1,000 of such taxable valuation, and be it further RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain be, and hereby is, directed to extend and apportion the City Tax as above, and that upon the completion of the extension of said Roll, the City Clerk shall prepare a warrant on the City Chamberlain for the collection of said levy; and the Mayor and the City Clerk hereby are authorized and directed to sign and affix the corporate seal to such warrant and forthwith to file the same with said Tax Roll with the City Chamberlain, and be it further RESOLVED, That upon the execution and filing of said warrant and Tax Roll with the City Chamberlain, the amounts of the City Tax set opposite each and every property shall hereby become liens, due, payable and collectible in accordance with provisions of the City Charter and other laws applicable thereto, and be it further RESOLVED, That the total sum of $54,357,723 be appropriated in accordance with the Budget adopted, to the respective Boards, Offices and Departments of the City, for the purposes respectively set forth therein. The 2008 Assessment Roll has been completed and approved by the Assessment Department of Tompkins County and resulted in the following valuation: Total Value of Real Property $3,528,960,670 Less: Value of Exempt Property $2,360,274,600 $1,168,686,070 Plus: Value of Special Franchises 24,297,756 Net Value of Taxable Property $1,192,983,826 Carried Unanimously (9-0) Alderperson Clairborne thanked the Mayor and City Controller Thayer for their hard work on the budget. Motion to Extend Meeting: By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan RESOLVED, That the meeting be extended to 11:15 p.m. in order to finish the remaining items on the agenda. Ayes (8) Coles, Dotson, Berry, Clairborne, Zumoff, Tomlan, Gelinas, Cogan Nays (1) Townsend Abstentions (0) Carried (8-1) 10.3 Adoption of 2008 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Budget - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan WHEREAS, this Common Council is now considering adoption of the Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2008 as approved by the Committee of the Whole, and WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that the total appropriations and estimated revenues, as set forth in said Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2008 and as those amounts may be altered by action of the Common Council at its November 7, 2007 meeting, are adequate for the operation of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant during 2008; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Common Council accepts and approves said Amended Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2008, together with any additional changes made in said budget at Council’s November 7, 2007 meeting, as the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint Activity Fund Budget for 2008, in the total amount of $3,013,559, and be it further November 7, 2007 16 RESOLVED, That the following sections of the 2008 Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Joint Activity Fund Budget be approved: A Joint Activity Fund Appropriations B Joint Activity Fund Revenues C Schedule of Salaries and Positions – Joint Activity Fund D Authorized Equipment – Joint Activity Fund Carried Unanimously (9-0) 10.4 Attorney’s Office - Approval of Additional Exemption from Real Property Taxes and Provision for In-Lieu Payments, With Regard to City of Ithaca Tax Map Parcel No. 98-1-7.1 (West Village Apartments), Pursuant to Section 33 of the Private Housing Finance Law of the State of New York - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas WHEREAS, Ithaca-Elm Maple Houses, Inc. (“IEMH”), a housing company organized and existing under and by virtue of Article 2 of the New York State Private Housing Finance Law (“PHFL”), together with Abbott Associates, is the current owner of a 233- unit rental housing project (the “Project”) located on Tax Map Parcel 97-1-7.1 in the City of Ithaca, County of Tompkins, New York (the “Property”), which Project is commonly known as “West Village apartments” and which Project is intended to provide affordable rental housing to qualified persons or families of low income; and WHEREAS, pursuant to PHFL Section 33.1(c), as a state urban development corporation project, the Project has been entitled to and has enjoyed an initial exemption from real property taxes (subject to certain required payments in lieu of such taxes), since its construction in the early 1970s; and WHEREAS, pursuant to a certain Purchase and Sale Agreement by and between IEMH and Abbott Associates (hereinafter jointly referred to as the “Seller”), and Ithaca-West Village Apartments, Inc. (the “Housing Company”), a limited-dividend housing company formed pursuant to Article 2 of the PHFL (which Housing Company will hold title to the Project for the benefit of Ithaca-West Village, L.P., a New York limited partnership, hereinafter referred to as the “Owner”), which Housing Company and Owner are hereinafter jointly referred to as the “Buyer,” the Seller has agreed to sell the Property to the Buyer (which transaction is hereinafter referred to as the “Sale”); and WHEREAS, the Buyer intends to acquire, rehabilitate and modernize the Project, through the investment therein of an estimated $8,000,000 or more, and to preserve it as affordable housing; and WHEREAS, the impact of the Sale, rehabilitation and any additional, local tax exemption, upon the rents to be paid by tenants of the Project, appears to be relatively slight, in comparison to the benefit of renovation and modernization of the 35-year-old housing units, and WHEREAS, the City has determined that the rehabilitation of the Project and its long- term preservation as affordable housing is beneficial to and in the best interests of the public; and WHEREAS, the acquisition and rehabilitation of the Project are to be financed through the issuance by the State of New York Housing Finance Agency of tax-exempt bonds; and WHEREAS, as a means of assisting the rehabilitation of the Project and its preservation as affordable housing, the Owner has requested from the City and the City desires to extend to the Owner certain tax abatements which have historically been enjoyed by the Project and Property; and WHEREAS, the Housing Company is a corporation established pursuant to the Business Corporation Law of New York State and Article 2 of the PHFL; and November 7, 2007 17 WHEREAS, the Housing Company and the Owner have each been formed for the purpose of providing residential rental accommodations for persons and families of low income; and WHEREAS, following the Sale, the Housing Company shall hold legal title to the Property and the Project for the benefit of the Owner; and WHEREAS, pursuant to PHFL Sections 33.1(a) and 33.6, upon the consent of the local legislative body of a municipality in which such a project is located, any such project which received an initial tax exemption under PHFL Section 33.1(c) may receive an additional exemption from local and municipal taxes on the same terms and conditions as the initial exemption received by the project under PHFL Section 33.1(c), for a period of up to fifty (50) years, or until such time as the project is no longer operated under the restrictions and for the purposes set forth in PHFL, Article 2; now, therefore be it: RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca (the “City”), pursuant to PHFL Section 33.6, hereby grants to the Property (Tax Map Parcel No. 97-1-7.1), upon the Sale, such additional exemption from real property taxes levied by the City of Ithaca, and by other local taxing authorities, in replacement of the initial exemption and upon the following conditions: (a) Subject to the provisions of subsection “(b),” below, said additional exemption from real property taxes (other than assessments for local improvements) shall apply to 100% of the assessed value of the Property and the Project (including both land and improvements) which represents an increase over the assessed value as of the date of acquisition of the Property by IEMH, and shall commence upon the date that the Housing Company acquires legal title to the Project (the “Effective Date”) and shall terminate on the date which is forty (40) years from the Effective Date (the “Expiration Date”) or on the date that the Property ceases to be operated under the restrictions and for the purposes set forth in PHFL (currently, in Article 2 thereof) (or, in the absence of applicable State legislation or regulations at such time, then under pertinent, comparable restrictions established by the City or other local legislative body) or upon the breach (and failure to cure, upon notice by the City) by the Owner of any substantive term of the agreement between the parties, whichever date first occurs; and (b) Commencing upon the Effective Date and during each year thereafter until the Expiration Date, the Owner, as beneficial owner of the Property, shall make payments in lieu of real property taxes, to the City of Ithaca in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the shelter rent actually received by the Project (which payments shall then be allocated proportionately, by the City, among the local taxing jurisdictions affected by this exemption); and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon the advice of the City Attorney and the City Controller and on behalf of the City of Ithaca, is hereby authorized and requested to execute and deliver to any pertinent party an agreement between the City and the Buyer incorporating the terms set forth hereinabove and setting forth as necessary the details of the in-lieu payments, and to take any and all other actions necessary and/or required to effectuate or verify such tax exemption and in-lieu payments. Alderperson Coles explained that the property owner will be spending $8 million in renovations in order to maintain affordable housing stock in the City. Two-thirds of the residents will see no rent increase, and seventy-three residents’ rent will increase per HUD guidelines but will be phased in. Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Tomlan RESOLVED, That the changes proposed by the City Attorney to conform with the changes made by the City Administration be included in the resolution. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Main Motion As Amended: A Vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (9-0) November 7, 2007 18 10.5 Public Information Officer Team - Authorization for Release of Public Information Restricted Contingency Funds By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan WHEREAS, the Common Council set aside $15,000 in the 2007 budget in a restricted contingency account for the purpose of public information projects, and WHEREAS, the Public Information Officer Team (PIOT) has been meeting every other week during the year to evaluate initial steps toward improving communication with the public, and WHEREAS, the following steps have been identified and will be implemented by the City Clerk and the Information Technology Departments within their existing budgets:  Update and improve the city website look and functionality through our current contractor Gov Office  Implement static links to the website  Implement a URL manager and other navigational tools  Purchase and institute new services to the website commencing with an email subscription service and improved calendar service, and WHEREAS, $660.00 have been expended toward the salary of an intern researching job descriptions for a public information officer, and WHEREAS, the remaining funds are recommended to be used for certain contracted services, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That an independent contractor be hired who will work with the PIOT committee and through the City Clerk’s office to, among others,  Assist the Clerk and IT Departments in the website improvements  Develop and maintain department FAQs  Create a bi-weekly newsletter in partnership with the Mayor’s office including gathering information, determining the elements of the newsletter, and recommending its design  Maintain the calendar  Maintain subscription lists  Assist in keeping the website up to date and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the transfer of an amount not to exceed $14,340 from Account A1990 Restricted Contingency to Account A1316-5435 Clerk’s Office Contracts for the purpose of hiring a contractor to work with the PIOT Committee to develop said items. Carried Unanimously (9-0) 10.6 Transfer of Funds for Payment of Flu Shots - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff WHEREAS, Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca (the Medical Center) has developed a program of services in occupational health, educational consult, injury prevention, and rehabilitation therapy aimed to improve quality of employee health and to improve workplace safety, and WHEREAS, the Medical Center has offered to provide Flu Shot Clinics in City facilities to meet our occupational health needs at a rate not to exceed $24.00 per employee, and WHEREAS, the Common Council has determined that assisting employees in obtaining a flu shot, for the 2007 season, will be beneficial to employees and the work environment, and WHEREAS, the City has reserved 100 vaccinations from the Medical Center; now, therefore, be it November 7, 2007 19 RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the payment of up to $24.00 for City employees, not covered under another agreement, to receive or be reimbursed for the shots received in the clinics available at City facilities or through another provider, and be it further RESOLVED, That the payment is contingent upon the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the appropriate Collective Bargaining Units, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds in the amount not to exceed $4,000 shall be transferred from account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to account A1430-5430 Human Resources Fees to fund said vaccinations for 2007. Carried Unanimously (9-0) 10.7 (8.2) Fire Department - Revise Personnel Roster to Increase Hours of Financial Management Assistant - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Gelinas WHEREAS, at the September 2007 Common Council meeting, and to address immediate needs, the Ithaca Fire Department was authorized to change a 1.0 FTE Financial Clerk (40 hours) position to a 0.5 FTE Financial Management Assistant (20 hours) position; and, WHEREAS, the ongoing review of the administrative office structure and staffing now recommends the Financial Management Assistant position be increased from 0.5 FTE to 1.0 FTE (20 hours to 40 hours); now, therefore be it RESOLVED, The Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby amends the authorized Ithaca Fire Department roster as follows: Delete one 0.5 FTE Financial Management Assistant (20 hours) Salary range: $10,699-$12,297 Add one 1.0 FTE Financial Management Assistant (40 hours) Salary range: $26,838-$30,866; and, be it further RESOLVED, The funds for this change shall be derived from existing appropriations. Chief Wilbur explained the changes made since the City Administration Committee meeting. He stated that this proposal would allow the department more flexibility in helping them achieve their goals. Carried Unanimously (9-0) ENVIRONMENT & NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY COMMITTEE: No items were submitted for the agenda COMMUNICATIONS & EMERGENCY SERVICES COMMITTEE: No items were submitted for the agenda. REPORT OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: There were no reports from special committees. NEW BUSINESS: No items were submitted for the agenda. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS: There were no individual member filed resolutions for the agenda. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS: 16.1 Building Code Board of Appeals: By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan RESOLVED, That Lou Vogel be appointed to the Building Code Board of Appeals to replace Ian Shapiro with a term to expire December 31, 2008, and be it further November 7, 2007 20 Examining Board of Electricians: RESOLVED, That Richard Srnka be reappointed to the Examining Board of Electricians with a term to expire December 31, 2009, and be it further RESOLVED, That Robert Sparks be reappointed to the Examining Board Electricians with a term to expire December 31, 2010. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Rental Housing Advisory Commission By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff RESOLVED, That Joe Schill be appointed to the Rental Housing Advisory Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2008. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Public Art Commission: By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Berry RESOLVED, That Jacob Roberts be appointed to the Public Art Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire June 30, 2008. Carried Unanimously (9-0) Alderperson Cogan disclosed that Lou Vogel is one of his colleagues but that there is no conflict of interest for him to vote on this Resolution. 17. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS: Alderperson Tomlan reported that the City has received seventeen RFQ submissions for consultants on the Collegetown Design Guidelines. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 21.1 Approval of the September 5, 2007 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Berry RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 5, 2007 Regular Common Council Meeting be approved with noted corrections. Ayes (8) Coles, Berry, Clairborne, Zumoff, Tomlan, Gelinas, Townsend, Cogan Nays (0) Abstentions (1) Dotson Carried ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson, City Clerk Mayor November 7, 2007 21 November 7, 2007 Common Council Comments on the Cornell University Draft Comprehensive Master Plan Compiled by John Schroeder and John Snyder (Planning and Development Board); Mary Tomlan (Planning and Economic Development Committee); and Mayor Carolyn Peterson, based on initial discussions of the plan by the board and the committee, with final editing by Tomlan and an introductory paragraph by Peterson. The following document contains specific areas of praise and concern regarding the Cornell University Draft Comprehensive Master Plan. However, each specific comment, and the entire plan itself, needs to be considered within a framework. That framework is one that many universities and colleges across the nation have begun to recognize--the relationship of those educational institutions with their host communities. Every relevant component of the plan should positively address these questions: Does it contribute to the advancement of the economy, living conditions, and quality of life of the host community? Does it ensure the health of the existing community? In generating positive responses to these questions, the university may also benefit, finding that an improved quality of urban life will help to attract the best students and faculty to its campus and community. Thus although the Draft Comprehensive Master Plan centers on university property, the overall balance of development and particularly the so-called “Zones of Mutual Interest” are critical components for a successful university/city collaboration and mutual benefits. The master plan cannot be considered "comprehensive" without community considerations. (1) There is appreciation for the plan’s general principle of expanding the central campus in a manner that maintains a centralized density conducive to walking, biking and public transit use. The idea of continuing the traditional Cornell pattern of development around quadrangles in new areas of campus is attractive and appropriate, as is the proposal to integrate future campus housing with academic uses. (2) There is appreciation for the willingness to think beyond the images of individual buildings to views, both near and distant. Examples may be found in the idea of removing Malott Hall in the future to reveal a dramatic vista of Bailey Hall from Tower Road, and in the proposal to site future quadrangles with one side left open to take advantage of attractive scenic views. (3) The proposal to preserve the Cascadilla Creek corridor to the south of campus in a manner similar to the way the Fall Creek corridor has been conserved to the north of campus is a very strong and environmentally sound idea that would help to enhance the iconic identity of Cornell as an attractive campus centered between two beautiful streams and distinctive gorges. (4) The proposal to preserve the outlying agricultural lands as part of the university’s historic and continuing educational mission provides the welcome benefit of a greenbelt to buffer development, and is consistent with Tompkins County’s comprehensive plan. (5) The provision of additional housing for the campus community could be a positive step, with two important considerations. First, such housing should be supplied not only for the members of the academic community (e.g., grad students and faculty) but also for the general Cornell workforce, at all economic levels. Too many Cornell workers must live outside Tompkins County to find housing within their means, and it would be a great step forward for the institution’s sustainability to provide affordable housing for such workers in proximity to the main campus. In addition, while the development of housing on university-owned land may prove immediately attractive, there would be particular benefits to the community if Cornell would partner with the City and private developers to enable the provision of a variety of housing options, and especially affordable housing, in varied neighborhoods and on property that is not tax-exempt. A broader array of coordinated, comprehensive programs focused on assisting Cornell students, faculty and staff to find desirable and affordable housing options within a 20- minute commute by foot, bike or public transportation should be developed. This would range from the reuse of existing housing stock within the City to potential new housing in the proposed Southwest development or on East Hill, located so as not to exacerbate existing traffic concerns in City neighborhoods. November 7, 2007 22 (6) The plan’s central campus transportation loop provides several opportunities: •The loop could be organized, wherever space permits, as an attractive broad boulevard, with separate lanes/walkways for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians, and green tree-lined strips aesthetically and functionally separating these distinct travel lanes. •The loop, which would likely become the most heavily-used campus transportation corridor, could feature a closed-loop, fixed-rail transportation system that would be functional, environmentally beneficial and attractive. Such a rail system could become an integral and attractive part of Cornell's national and international image, and a way to promote the University to prospective faculty, staff and students. •The loop should be strongly linked with other local transportation destinations, including the downtown Ithaca central business district. (7) The concept of converting East Hill Plaza into a less sprawling "East Hill Village" would be a positive transformation, but the drawings of hypothetical new buildings show little or no sense of a hierarchy of height and density. It would seem appropriate for the height and density of this proposed "village" to be lower at its periphery and higher at its center, perhaps with the proposed plaza as a central focal point. (8) The proposed development in the vicinity of the present East Hill Plaza, including the expansion of athletic facilities, is of concern for its potential to generate additional traffic on Mitchell Street, particularly as it passes by the Belle Sherman Elementary School. (9) The plan should suggest what potential campus functions could be moved to new buildings in the City's downtown central business district, identified on sheet #11 as one of three “Zones of Mutual Interest.” (10) Likewise, university property and interests in the Collegetown Zone of Mutual Interest should be incorporated into the overall considerations of the plan. (11) The comprehensive master plan should include a description of where future development is and is not appropriate in areas of campus adjacent to City neighborhoods, and state the acceptable massing and height of any such development. Resources to be preserved in such areas (such as historic buildings, green spaces and scenic vistas) should be identified. It is important that development in such sensitive edge areas of campus be coordinated with the City, so that mutual concerns can be addressed effectively at an early point. Indeed, all areas where the campus meets non- university-owned property should be considered Zones of Mutual Interest, beyond the disparate areas identified in sheet #11. (12) Maps in the comprehensive plan that identify only some of the City neighborhoods adjacent to Cornell should be revised to show all such neighborhoods recognized by the City. Recognition should be given to established names of neighborhoods, such as Bryant Park, rather than the creation of new names such as “South Collegetown.” (13) While the general concept of replacing surface-level parking lots with multi-story parking garages is sound, the siting of such garages in certain locations—such as adjacent to City neighborhoods and historic buildings—could have serious negative impacts. The siting of any such future garages must be done with great care, given the likely size and character of these structures and the potential impacts of increased and concentrated traffic. (14) The university’s intention with regard to certain properties at the western periphery of the campus is not clear. For example, it seems curious that the envisioned future use of such university-owned surface parking lots as those at Stewart Avenue and Williams Street and at the former Redbud Woods site should remain unchanged twenty-five years hence. In addition, on sheet #9, a number of properties not currently owned by Cornell have been mapped for future use in the same manner as Cornell-owned and campus properties (e.g., Gun Hill, the west side of University Avenue down to Linn Street). November 7, 2007 23 It is the hope of Common Council that the above-stated comments will be taken into consideration by the university and its consultants as the planning process moves toward adoption by the university trustees. As stated in the introduction to these comments, it is further hoped that future, collaborative discussions by the City and Cornell University will reflect the importance of broadly defined mutual interests as integral parts of, rather than addenda to, the Comprehensive Master Plan.