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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2009-09-02COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. September 2, 2009 PRESENT: Mayor Peterson Alderpersons (7) Coles, Dotson, Rosario, Clairborne, Tomlan, Zumoff, Schuler, OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb Assistant City Attorney – Sokoni City Controller – Thayer Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Manager of Organizational Development - Moskowitz Police Chief – Vallely Deputy Police Chief – Barber Sergeant Wright EXCUSED: Alderpersons (3) Myrick, Cogan, 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 noted that an Executive Session may need to be added to the agenda related to Item 9.1. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS: Mayor Peterson declared the month of September 15 – October 15, 2009, as Latino Heritage Month in the City of Ithaca and urged everyone to participate in the various events that will be taking place throughout the community. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL: 5.1 Presentation of the Disability Advisory Council’s Annual Report – Larry Roberts, Chair of the Disability Advisory Council Larry Roberts, Chair of the Disability Advisory Council (DAC) reviewed the highlights of the DAC’s annual report which had been previously distributed to the Mayor and Common Council. Chair Roberts reported that the DAC has been working with City Chamberlain Debra Parsons and City Court Judge Judith Rossiter to raise the fines for illegal parking in handicap parking spaces as this continues to be an issue throughout the City. He explained that a percentage of the surcharge on these tickets is forwarded to the Ithaca Police Department for training purposes to improve police officers’ ability to interact with persons who have disabilities. The rest of the surcharge is forwarded to Tompkins County in order to develop an accessible parking education program. The County has established a working group that includes members of the DAC and they are in the process of creating a public education campaign. The DAC is leading an effort to win an Accessible America award from the National Organization on Disability (NOD). A subgroup of the DAC is coordinating this effort and is working with department heads and other city staff to develop the application. The award is given to cities that the judges decide best meet the purpose of the contest. The recognition includes a $25,000 award. For more information, visit www.nod.org. Chair Roberts noted that he has been appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee, the Ithaca Commons Client Committee, and that the DAC Chair serves as a permanent liaison to the Board of Public Works The DAC members want to acknowledge the support offered to them by Julie Conley Holcomb, City Clerk and her staff, particularly Sarah Myers; Asst. Civil Engineer Lynne Yost, for her work on sidewalk and curb ramp improvements and her enthusiasm for the September 2, 2009 2 Accessible America application process; City Chamberlain Debra Parsons for educating them on how the accessible parking fine money could be used to start a handicapped parking education program; Tompkins County and its commitment to creating said program, particularly the leadership of Marcia Lynch, the county’s Public Information Officer; and they further acknowledge the longtime support of Leslie Chatterton, City Planner and DAC staff liaison. Chair Roberts recognized former Assistant Superintendent of Public Works for Streets and Facilities Rick Ferrel who worked very hard over his career to address access issues in Ithaca. He noted that the DAC thanks him and wishes him well in retirement. He further thanked Mayor Carolyn Peterson and many of the city department heads for their continued support of the DAC. Mayor Peterson thanked Chair Roberts for his work with the Disability Advisory Council and for his work as the DAC liaison to the Board of Public Works. She noted that based on his input, many improvements have been made to city projects. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: Tia Hicks, City of Ithaca - Cornell University’s “Into the Streets” program scheduled for October 31, 2009. John Graves, City of Ithaca, President of the South Hill Civic Association – urged the Mayor to establish a South Hill Neighborhood Oversight Committee to address the industrial pollution concerns in the area. Fay Gougakis, City of Ithaca – addressed concerns regarding the new text messaging law that will go into effect in New York State on November 1, 2009. Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield – discussed issues pertaining to City Hall security and traffic safety / the use of cell phones. City Clerk Holcomb read the following communications: Consolidated Plan “The City of Ithaca is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to annually report on its progress in implementing its Consolidated Plan. The report, known as the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), will be submitted to HUD on September 23, 2009. The report is available for public comment from September 4 through September 22, 2009 and may be reviewed in the City’s Community Development Office, Third Floor, City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York. Citizens should submit their comments in writing to the address above before noon on September 22, 2009. Public comments will be attached to the CAPER and forwarded to HUD.” Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds “On behalf of the City of Ithaca, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency is preparing to draft an Action Plan to fund projects through the 2010 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs. Approximately $650,000 is expected to be available. All funded projects must meet HUD National Objectives and primarily benefit the City’s low and moderate-income residents. Community groups, businesses and individuals are invited to submit proposals for projects to be funded through these programs. All proposals are due by noon October 15, 2009.” PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Mayor Peterson announced that the City has received a $1,150,000 Restore New York Grant for upper story development projects in downtown. She noted that two of the three projects submitted received funding: the Petrune building and the Plantation building. Mayor Peterson acknowledged the recent passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and his decades of service to the United States. September 2, 2009 3 Alderperson Coles addressed comments made regarding the South Hill contamination sites. She noted that the Mayor has written a letter to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) requesting regular meetings in City Hall that would include regular updates on the issue. She further noted that she understands the frustration of the South Hill residents. Mayor Peterson stated that the DEC has agreed to schedule the meetings, and noted that she would like to discuss this issue further at the Neighborhoods & Public Safety Committee meeting. Alderperson Dotson stated that the City needs to see more movement on contamination clean-up. She further responded to comments made regarding distracted drivers, and clarified the City’s contribution of signage to the Ithaca Car Share program. Alderperson Rosario reported that the City is proposing regulations on outdoor smoking and stated that the issue would be discussed further at the September 28, 2009 Legislative Committee meeting. He encouraged members of the public to attend and share their thoughts on the issue. Alderperson Rosario further requested that the proposed outline of regulations be posted to the city’s website under “News”. Alderperson Rosario further noted that this has been a year of great pride and concern for the Latino community noting the appointment of Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and the hate crimes that occurred in Suffolk County. He further reported on some of the events taking place during Latino Heritage month such as art work being displayed at the Community School of Music & Art featuring an artist from Ithaca’s sister-city, Cajibío, Colombia. Alderperson Rosario further noted that there are (2) Class 2 contamination sites in the 2nd Ward of the City, so he understands why the South Hill community would like to have an Oversight Committee appointed by the Mayor. He would further like to have a staff person assigned to oversee these issues. He further suggested that a budget line should be added to economic development projects to fund the services of environmental experts. Alderperson Rosario also volunteered to write a letter to State lawmakers regarding the new text messaging legislation. Alderperson Tomlan stated that she would support the formation of an Oversight Committee for the South Hill contamination site. She noted that the site is particularly difficult given the topography and multiple sources of contamination. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: 8.1 DPW - Approval of Contested 2005 Sidewalk Assessments, Group 1 of 2 - Resolution By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Schuler WHEREAS, during or prior to 2005, the City of Ithaca notified certain property owners adjacent to deteriorated or damaged public sidewalks that said sidewalks had to be repaired by the adjacent property owner, or the City would make the repairs and charge the owner; and WHEREAS, certain of those property owners did not undertake the required work, and the City subsequently performed the work on those sidewalks, in 2005; and WHEREAS, after receiving assessments for said work performed by the City, five of the affected property owners (from the 2005 work) protested their assessments to the Board of Public Works; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works heard the owners’ appeals of the contested assessments on April 29, 2009, and on May 20, 2009; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works has reviewed each such protest/appeal and the documentation related to it, and has made the following determinations: 1. 421 N. Cayuga Street: Current owners’ request to expunge the assessment in their names was granted (since current owners did not own the property at the time repairs were ordered and made, and were not aware and could not September 2, 2009 4 reasonably have become aware of the assessment before purchasing it in 2006); City will attempt to locate previous owner regarding his liability for the assessment; 2. 321 N. Albany Street: Owner’s request to revise assessment was denied; 3. 202 E. Court Street: Owner’s request to expunge assessment was denied; 4. 119 Stewart Avenue: Assessment revised, but owner’s request to expunge it was denied; 5. 232-238 Dryden Road: Assessment revised, but owners’ request to expunge it was denied; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby accepts the recommendations of the Board of Public Works and approves the finalization of sidewalk repair assessments for the properties in question (other than for 421 N. Cayuga Street, as to the current owners), in the amounts shown (as “owner assessed”) in the attached list “Sidewalk Assessments – 2005…Tally of Measurements…Contested, Resolved by BPW,” dated 5/27/09, and authorizes the City Chamberlain to collect such assessments. Carried Unanimously 8.2 Finance/Controller’s Office - Request to Amend 2009 Authorized Budget - Resolution By Alderperson Zumoff: Seconded by Alderperson Schuler WHEREAS, over the last few months various departments have received several revenue amounts with related expenditures from various sources that were unanticipated and need to be accounted for, and WHEREAS, the revenue sources are various and include insurance recoveries, site remediation reimbursement, donations and Tompkins County Celebration funds that total $14,838; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2009 authorized budget for the purposes of accounting for said various revenues and related expenses as follows: Increase Revenue Accounts: A1012-2397 Community Celebrations $7,500 A5120-2680 Insurance Recovery 1,641 A7111-1710 Public Works Services 5,097 A7111-2705 Donations 600 $14,838 Increase Appropriations Accounts: A1012-5435 Community Celebrations $7,500 A5120-5483 Construction Supplies – Bridges 1,641 A7111-5485 Trees – Parks & Forestry 5,697 $14,838 Carried Unanimously CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 9.1 Police Department - Request for Private Security Services at City Hall - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Rosario WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department has been providing approximately 60-70 hours a week for armed security services for the Ithaca City Hall since February 9, 2009, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Workplace Violence Prevention Committee voted in favor of privatizing security services for City Hall, and WHEREAS, an RFP (Request for Proposal) to privatize security services was released for open bid on June 5, 2009 and bids were due by 4:00 pm on June 26, 2009, and September 2, 2009 5 WHEREAS, only one bid was received from RISCS Incorporated for armed security services which would be provided at a rate of $30.00 an hour, or approximately $90,000 a year, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department will oversee the services provided and will ensure proper training is provided and documented, and WHEREAS, if awarded, RISCS Incorporated is prepared to take over security services at City Hall effective on Monday, September 21, 2009, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department will work closely with RISCS Incorporated for a period ending December 31, 2009 with possible extension on a yearly basis to ensure a smooth transition from police to private security services, now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the awarding of the bid for private security services to RISCS Incorporated, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds for private security services from September 21, 2009 through December 31, 2009, which costs will not exceed $30,000, shall be appropriated from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency, and be it further RESOLVED, That the funds for 2010 for private security services shall be submitted as part of the Ithaca Police Department’s 2010 annual budget request, and be it further RESOLVED, That said security contract will be for a trial basis until December 31, 2009 at which time a review and evaluation will be done to determine if the security contract will be extended into 2010. Alderperson Coles explained the history behind the City’s initiatives to improve workplace safety and cited the New York State Department of Labor requirements. She noted that homicide is the second leading cause of death in the workplace and that workplace murders account for one out of every six fatal occupational incidents. Workplace homicide is the fastest growing category of murder, and is the leading cause of death for women. Alderperson Coles further noted that 55% of city employees who responded to a recent survey on workplace safety stated that they feel safer having a security detail at the entrance to City Hall, while 41% stated that they did not feel any safer. Alderperson Dotson stated that it is important to think about the role of Common Council in making decisions in the best interest of the community. She stated that she would vote in opposition to the Resolution. She explained that it is important to have appropriate levels of security in city buildings; however, it is not the greatest need for security in the community. She further stated that having a security detail at the front door of City Hall dramatically changes the experience that people have with their government. She further voiced concerns regarding privatizing this service. Motion to Enter into Executive Session: By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Coles RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to discuss matters which if disclosed could imperil public safety. Ayes (5) Coles, Dotson, Clairborne, Rosario, Schuler Nays (2) Zumoff, Tomlan Failed Alderperson Zumoff explained that he voted “no” on the motion as he didn’t believe that anything that needed to be discussed would imperil public safety. Alderperson Tomlan stated that she was not clear on why colleagues wanted to go into Executive Session. Motion to Enter into Executive Session: By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Schuler RESOLVED, That Common Council enter into Executive Session to discuss matters which if disclosed could imperil public safety. Ayes (6) Coles, Dotson, Clairborne, Rosario, Schuler, Tomlan Nays (1) Zumoff Carried September 2, 2009 6 Reconvene: Common Council reconvened into Regular Session with no action taken. Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Coles RESOLVED, That the 4th Whereas clause be amended to read as follows: “Whereas, only one bid was received, that being from RISCS Incorporated for armed security services which would be provided at a rate of $30.00 an hour, or approximately $90,000 a year, and”, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the 7th Whereas clause be amended to read as follows: “WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department will work closely with RISCS Incorporated for a period ending April 9, 2010 December 31, 2009 with possible extension to December 31st of each approved subsequent year on a yearly basis to ensure a smooth transition from police to private security services, now therefore be it”, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the 2nd Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, That funds for private security services from September 21, 2009 through April 9, 2010 December 31, 2009, of which costs for September 21 – December 31, 2009 will are not to exceed $30,000, shall be appropriated from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency, and be it further” and, be it further RESOLVED, That the 4th Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, That said security contract will be for a trial basis until April 9, 2010 with December 31, 2009 at which time a review and evaluation to be performed between January 1 – March 21, 2010will be done to determine if the security contract will be extended into through 2010.” and, be it further RESOLVED, That a new final Resolved clause be added that will read as follows: “RESOLVED, That the review and evaluation will be conducted by the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee in conjunction with the Ithaca Police Department’s administration, with a report of the findings due to the City Administration Committee during its March 2010 meeting.” Ayes (6) Coles, Clairborne, Rosario, Zumoff, Tomlan, Schuler Nays (1) Dotson Carried Assistant City Attorney Sokoni recommended changes to the wording of the 1st Resolved clause. Amending Resolution: By Alderperson Clairborne: Seconded by Alderperson Coles RESOLVED, That the 1st Resolved clause be amended to read as follows: “RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the acceptance awarding of the bid and the awarding of the contract for private security services to RISCS Incorporated, and be it further” Carried Unanimously Discussion followed on the floor with Council members sharing their opinions on privatizing the service, the need for police officers throughout the community, the community service aspect of the security detail, and the importance of making citizens feel welcome in city facilities. Main Motion as Amended: A vote on the Main Motion as Amended resulted as follows: Ayes (6) Coles, Clairborne, Rosario, Zumoff, Tomlan, Schuler Nays (1) Dotson Carried September 2, 2009 7 The Resolution as Amended reads as follows: Police Department - Request for Private Security Services at City Hall - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Rosario WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department has been providing approximately 60-70 hours a week for armed security services for the Ithaca City Hall since February 9, 2009, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Workplace Violence Prevention Committee voted in favor of privatizing security services for City Hall, and WHEREAS, a Request for Proposal (RFP) to privatize security services was released for open bid on June 5, 2009, and bids were due by 4:00 pm on June 26, 2009, and WHEREAS, only one bid was received, that being from RISCS Incorporated, for armed security services which would be provided at a rate of $30.00 an hour, or approximately $90,000 a year, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department will oversee the services provided and will ensure proper training is provided and documented, and WHEREAS, if awarded, RISCS Incorporated is prepared to take over security services at City Hall effective on Monday, September 21, 2009, and WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department will work closely with RISCS Incorporated for a period ending April 9, 2010 - with possible extension to December 31 of each approved subsequent year - to ensure a smooth transition from police to private security services; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the acceptance of the bid and awarding of the contract for private security services to RISCS Incorporated, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds for private security services from September 21, 2009 through April 9, 2010, - of which costs for September 21, 2009, through December 31, 2009, will not exceed $30,000, - and shall be appropriated from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency, and be it further RESOLVED, That the funds for 2010 for private security services shall be submitted as part of the Ithaca Police Department’s 2010 annual budget request, and be it further RESOLVED, That said security contract will be for a trial basis until April 9, 2010 with a review and evaluation to be performed between January 1, 2010, and March 21, 2010, to determine if the security contract will be extended through 2010, and be it further RESOLVED, That the review and evaluation will be conducted by the Workplace Violence Prevention Committee in conjunction with the Ithaca Police Department’s administration, with a report of the findings due to the City Administration Committee during its March 2010 meeting. Ayes (6) Coles, Clairborne, Rosario, Zumoff, Tomlan, Schuler Nays (1) Dotson Carried 9.2 Youth Bureau - Request to Amend 2009 Youth Bureau Budget - Resolution By Alderperson Coles: Seconded by Alderperson Schuler WHEREAS, the demand for vans has increasingly exceeded the number of Youth Bureau vans available, and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has had to rent vans to address this need, and September 2, 2009 8 WHEREAS, youth representatives from the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Board traveled to Albany in February 2008 to seek support for a new van from Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, and WHEREAS, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton recognized this need by awarding a $20,000 member item grant for a new 15 passenger van; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council accepts the New York State Legislature member item award of $20,000 for a new van on behalf of the Youth Bureau, and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council amends the 2009 Youth Bureau budget as follows: Increase revenue: A7310-3820-01200 $20,000 Increase expenses: A7310-5215-01200 $20,000 Alderperson Coles and Youth Development Coordinator Karen Friedeborn expressed their thanks to Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton for her support on this issue. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 9.3 City Controller’s Report City Controller Thayer reported on the following: 2010 budget preparation: all departments have been asked to tighten their budgets for 2009 & 2010. Each department has been asked to look for inefficiencies, places to reduce spending, and potential increases in fees. 2010 budget outlook: there is currently a projected $2.5 million budget gap; however the figures will change as the budget is developed. Causes of this potential deficit include: • National economic recession • Decline in sales tax revenue (-6.2% from 2008 and on pace to result in a $950,000 deficit in the 2009 budget) • Decline in building permit revenues • Pension contribution increases (56% increase for 2010 = $1 million & additional increases projected for 2012 & 2013.) • Labor force cost of living increases = 2.5% - 4% • CSEA Compensation Study ($1 million) • Health & liability insurance cost increases = 3-4% • Debt service cost increases = 6% • Unknown State Aid contributions • Fund balance has been developed to equal 17-18% of operational costs. Municipalities should have between 10-20% of their operational costs held in reserves. The City will need to use the fund balance to off-set some of the budget shortfalls. • The City has achieved a reduction in the reliance on using the capital budget for operational costs; however, the City’s debt limit is still high, so flexibility is limited. • The City tax rate is considered high and the community is near its limit to absorb additional increases. Sixty-six percent (66%) of property in the City is tax-exempt ranking Ithaca as #2 in the State for tax-exempt property. • There continues to be development opportunities on the horizon and the City should strive to take advantage of these when possible. Mayor Peterson announced that she would be forming a committee to work with the City Controller’s Office on long-range capital planning and she invited all Council members to participate. September 2, 2009 9 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 12.1 A Resolution Authorizing a Grant Submission for Park Development under the Environmental Protection Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund, for the Design and Construction of the Stewart Park Performance Pier By Alderperson Dotson: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff WHEREAS, the New York State Department of State has announced the availability of grant funding for Parks Development under the Environmental Protection Act and Land and Water Conservation Fund, and WHEREAS, Common Council desires to submit an application for the design and construction of a performance pier at Stewart Park, and WHEREAS, This project furthers the City’s goal of providing improved waterfront access to all citizens and visitors, including children and those with mobility impairment and WHEREAS, The project implements the Cayuga Lake Waterfront Revitalization Plan, furthers progress on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, a six mile multi-use loop that connects all significant attractions and interprets historic resources along Ithaca’s waterfront, is listed as a “Key Park Rehabilitation Project” in the Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan, and restores meaning to a site around the pavilions that have lost their historic function for gathering, performance and viewing Cayuga Lake, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Carolyn Peterson, as Mayor for the City of Ithaca, is hereby authorized and directed to file an application for funds from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in accordance with the provisions of Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Act of 1993 in an amount not to exceed $160,000.00 for a total project cost of $320,000.00 and upon approval of said request to enter into and execute a project agreement with the State for such financial assistance to the City of Ithaca to design and construct a performance pier at Stewart Park, and be it further RESOLVED, That the 50% local share of this grant application will be derived from in- kind services and community contributions through the Cayuga Waterfront Trail Initiative and the Chamber of Commerce and no City funds will be expended. Alderperson Dotson explained that the performance pier was not a new project; it was originally submitted in 2007. The local match would be provided by the community. Alderperson Tomlan noted that this is one of the potential projects included in the Stewart Park Rehabilitation Plan. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously Alderperson Coles left the meeting at 9:35 p.m. NEW BUSINESS: 14.1 Request of Downtown Ithaca Alliance to Permit Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider Tasting and Sale of Bottled Wine, Beer, and Hard Cider at the 2009 Apple Harvest Festival – Resolution By Alderperson Schuler: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff WHEREAS, the Downtown Ithaca Alliance has requested permission for wine. beer, and hard cider tasting and sales as part of the 2009 Apple Harvest Festival; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance be authorized to arrange for wine, beer, and hard cider tasting and sale of bottled wine, beer, and hard cider at booths during the Apple Harvest Festival on the Ithaca Commons, September 25 through September 27, 2009, and, be it further September 2, 2009 10 RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and participating wineries shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and ordinances, and shall enter into an agreement providing that it will hold the City harmless and indemnify the City on account of any claims made as the result of the sale or tasting of wine and hard cider on the Ithaca Commons, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance or the participating winery or cider company shall agree to maintain liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000.00 and Dram Shop Act coverage in the minimum amount of $1,000,000.00 naming the City of Ithaca as an additional insured, and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the City Clerk prior to the event. Carried Unanimously (6-0) Alderperson Coles absent from vote MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS: 16.1 Disability Advisory Council: By Alderperson Schuler: Seconded by Alderperson Dotson RESOLVED, That Andrew J. Rappaport be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to fill a vacancy with a term to expire June 30, 2012, and, be it further Rental Housing Commission: RESOLVED, That Allen Miller be appointed to the Rental Housing Commission to fill a vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2011. Carried Unanimously (6-0) Alderperson Coles absent from vote MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 20.1 Approval of the August 5, 2009 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Alderperson Tomlan: Seconded by Alderperson Zumoff RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 5, 2009 Regular Common Council meeting be approved with noted corrections, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 13, 2009 Special Common Council meeting be approved with noted corrections. Alderperson Dotson requested that references in Item 11.3 in the August 5, 2009 minutes be changed from “Ithaca Hotel” to “Hotel Ithaca”. Alderpersons Dotson and Tomlan thanked the City Clerk’s Office for their work in deciphering amendments made and votes taken, during the August 5th meeting. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously (6-0) Alderperson Coles absent from vote ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Carolyn K. Peterson, City Clerk Mayor