HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2008-11-24COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 6:30 p.m. November 24, 2008
PRESENT:
Mayor Peterson
Alderpersons (10) Coles, Dotson, Rosario, Clairborne, Tomlan, Zumoff, Schuler,
Myrick, Cogan, Korherr
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Controller – Thayer
Acting Planning & Development Director – Cornish
Superintendent of Public Works – Gray
Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn
Fire Chief – Wilbur
Deputy Fire Chief – Parsons
Deputy Director for Economic Development – DeSarno
Superintendent of Public Works - Gray
Asst. Civil Engineer – West
Supervisor of Streets – Benjamin
City Planner - Kusznir
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Peterson led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
2. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Mayor Peterson requested the addition of Item 3.1 Possible Motion to Enter into
Executive Session to Discuss the Employment History of an Individual.
No Council member objected.
Alderperson Zumoff requested the addition of Item 3.2 Appointment to TCAT Board.
Alderpersons Schuler and Dotson objected to the addition, stating that they preferred to
wait for the December 3, 2008 Regular Common Council meeting to discuss this item.
2. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
2.1 Capital Project #724 Ithaca Commons Reconstruction Design –
Discussion/Possible Resolution
Mayor Peterson explained the reason there was no public comment at this meeting was
to allow staff the opportunity to explain the project to Council first and the public would
be allowed to speak to this issue at the December 3, 2008 Regular Common Council
meeting.
The following staff addressed the Board and provided a Power Point Presentation on
the Commons Reconstruction Project: Acting Planning & Development Director
Cornish, City Clerk Holcomb, Deputy Fire Chief Parsons, Deputy Director of Economic
Development DeSarno, Asst. Civil Engineer West, Supervisor of Streets Benjamin, City
Planner Kusznir, and Superintendent of Public Works Gray.
Alderperson Rosario arrived at 6:55 p.m.
Alderperson Korherr arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Extensive discussion followed during the presentation with questions being asked and
answered between Council and staff concerning: costs of the entire proposed project,
cost for the planning part of the project, possible redesign options, the need for a
thorough review of all capital projects considering the current economic status and
prioritizing them accordingly, discussion of other capital
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November 24, 2008
projects including the Green Street Garage, Collegetown, Southwest Area,
neighborhood sidewalks, and the need for additional public comment on the project.
Further discussion followed regarding what emergency utility repair work is required and
how that affects the planning, design, and consideration of this project. Additional
discussion followed on the need for a comprehensive review of all proposed capital
projects, current capital projects and how they fit into the City’s comprehensive planning
process. It was stressed by staff that the proposal being considered at this point in time
is the planning and design phase only; no construction is planned in the near future.
Discussion followed regarding past Commons projects and the impacts they had on
merchants, businesses, and the downtown area.
3. NEW BUSINESS:
3.1 Possible Motion to Enter Into Executive Session to Discuss the
Employment History of an Individual - Resolution
By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Cogan
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.
3.2 Police Department – Appointment of City of Ithaca Police Chief –
Resolution
By Alderperson Cogan: Seconded by Alderperson Korherr
RESOLVED, That Deputy Police Chief Edward Vallely be and hereby is appointed to
the position of Police Chief for the City of Ithaca, effective November 25, 2008 at an
annual salary of $93,539.
Mayor Peterson thanked the Search Committee, Common Council, and the Community
Police Board for their work on this appointment. She further noted that this was a
unique situation where there were two internal candidates being considered for the
position. This will be the first time in forty years that an officer has been promoted from
within the ranks to the position of Police Chief.
A Vote on the Resolution resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
4. ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson,
City Clerk Mayor