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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2009-12-03 COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Joint Meeting with Town of Ithaca Board 6:30 p.m. December 3, 2009 PRESENT: Acting Mayor Daniel Cogan Town Supervisor Herb Engman Common Council Members: Dotson, Rosario, Clairborne, Tomlan, Zumoff, Myrick, Mohlenhoff Town of Ithaca Board Members: Leary, DePaolo, Goodman, Hunter, Levine, Stein OTHERS PRESENT: Joint City/Town Study Group Members: Tom Neiderkorn, Nathan Fawcett, Ellen McCollister, Peter Stein, Paul Eberts by teleconference City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Hoffman City Controller - Thayer Deputy Economic Development Director – DeSarno Acting Fire Chief – Dorman Superintendent of Public Works – Gray Acting Asst. Supt. of Streets & Facilities – Benjamin Board of Public Works Commissioner – Wykstra Tompkins County Legislature Members: Robertson, Keifer, Chock, Burbank EXCUSED: Mayor Peterson Alderpersons (2): Schuler, Coles PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Acting Mayor Cogan led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: Presentation by the Joint City/Town Study Group on Shared Services and Consolidation Town Supervisor Engman thanked the Study Group for all of their work on this initiative, and noted that shared services and consolidation has become a hot topic in New York State. Mr. Neiderkorn also extended his thanks to the members of the Study Group for their dedication and work on this study. He explained the City’s and Town’s long history of exploring the possibilities of consolidation, noting that the first consolidation study was conducted in 1946. The most recent Study Group held its first meeting on December 1, 2006 and worked through April, 2009. Town Board Representative and Study Group member Peter Stein briefly described the budget difficulties that New York State and most municipalities are facing. He highlighted various consolidation/shared services initiatives that are occurring across the State. He noted that this study only included the City and Town; however, it would be logical to include the Village of Cayuga Heights as well, as all three entities are geographically connected. He noted that the 1946 Greater Ithaca Fact Finding Commission concluded that consolidation did not make sense at that time. In 1957, the Greater Ithaca Regional Planning Board embarked on another study and hired Tom Neiderkorn as the consultant for that study. Mr. Stein reviewed the median family income and poverty figures for the City, Town, and Village of Cayuga Heights. He further discussed the benefits of shared services such as utilizing economies of scale, potentially lower property taxes, and reduction in December 3, 2009 2 duplication of services. He noted that many City, Town, and County departments already share equipment and provide services and supplies when needed. He highlighted existing joint service initiatives such as Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), the Wastewater Treatment Plant, Bolton Point Water Commission, and the City/Town Fire contract. He noted that an unrealized benefit of consolidation would be creating an “area-wide view” when considering issues such as integrated planning and funding for projects. Mr. Stein reported that the Study Group’s analysis showed that the amount of money saved by consolidating services would not be great; however, the Group came to the conclusion that “area-wide views” should be seriously taken into consideration. He referred Council and the Board to page 20 of the report that details commonly expressed arguments in favor of, and in opposition to, full consolidation. Mr. Stein also reviewed the different property tax rates illustrated on page 21 of the report, noting that property taxes are not well understood by members of the community. He explained that the Fire Services tax is not included in the Town tax rate but is included in the City’s. He further noted that levels of debt and debt service are the main reason that the tax rates are different. If an agreement was made stating that debt would not be shared, Town residents would see a tax increase of approximately $150. Mr. Stein stated that in order for this type of initiative to be successful, it would be imperative that everyone better understands: • Tax rate issues • Identity politics • The government perspective • The design of a unified government of Greater Ithaca (the re-drawing of election districts for equal representation). The recommendations of the Study Group are for the City and Town (and possibly legislators from the Village of Cayuga Heights) to: • Find funding to conduct further studies • Develop a shared vision and a broad policy decision to consolidate over time • Create joint City/Town neighborhood associations in border areas so that the concerns of residents could be handled in a coordinated manner • Initiate broad-based public discussions of shared services and consolidation A question and answer period followed on the floor between Common Council and Town Board members, and the Study Group. Town Board member Tee-Ann Hunter inquired about the possibility of accelerating the process to pay-down the debt of the City. She also noted that the following items should be added to the list of items that need to be better understood: • Intermunicipal infrastructure needs • Differences in fiscal constraints between the Town and the City • The election / representation differences such as at-large vs. by Ward Town Board member Patricia Leary inquired as to when the Town and City could further discuss / debate the topic, noting that the Town of Ithaca has already voted not to pursue this issue. She stated that the basic issue is one of control / governance. She noted other differences between the Town and City such as approaches to development, and the at-large vs. by ward representation. She commented that post- consolidation studies have shown that property tax rates do not go down, and things do not really change. The action turns out to be more like an annexation. Alderperson Dotson expressed an interest in exploring the idea of a joint legislative committee, noting that it would be helpful for issues like the development of comprehensive plans that both the City and Town are undertaking currently. December 3, 2009 3 Further discussion followed on the floor with the legislators voicing their opinions regarding the benefits of increased coordination between the two municipalities. Town Supervisor Engman questioned whether the Study Group considered the possibility of consolidating all municipalities into one County entity, or dissolving the County government, leaving only the Towns & the City. He noted that the configuration of the County has not changed in 150 years and the structure of land use has not changed either; however, County services have vastly increased. Mr. Stein responded that it was not studied as it was not within the scope of work the group was given. Alderperson Cogan stated that he supports further exploration and seeking grant opportunities to fund additional studies. Town Board member Stein noted that New York State grants are available that would require a 5% match from the Town and a 5% match from the City. Mr. Neiderkorn commented that if the Town Board or Common Council does not believe that consolidation would work, then it doesn’t make sense to pursue the issue further. He noted that staff from both municipalities have voiced their willingness to share additional services and suggested that both legislative bodies conduct conversations with staff to develop those ideas. ADJOURNMENT On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Daniel Cogan City Clerk Acting Mayor