HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-17-14 City Administration Committee Meeting AgendaCA Meeting
City Administration Committee
DATE: September 17, 2014
TIME: 6:00 pm
LOCATION: 3rd Floor,
City Hall, Council Chambers
AGENDA ITEMS
Item Voting
Item?
Presenter(s) Time
Allotted
Chair, Deb Mohlenhoff
1.Call To Order *Note: We will review the number of 15 Min*
1.1 Agenda Review No cards received at the beginning of each
1.2 Review and Approval of Minutes Yes meeting and adjust time if needed.
Approval of July 2014 Minutes
1.3 Statements from the Public No
1.4 Statements from Employees No
1.5 Council Response No
(6:15 p.m.)
2.Standing Sub-Committee and Staff Reports
3.Finance, Budget, and Appropriations
3.1 P, B & ED – Request to Amend the 2014 Yes Gino Leonardi, Housing and Land 10 Min
Department Budget Use Supervisor
3.2 P, B & ED – Request to Amend the 2014 Yes Gino Leonardi, Housing and Land 10 Min
Department Budget Use Supervisor
(6:35 p.m.)
4.City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
4.1 IURA – Declaration of Lead Agency – 320-324 YesNels Bohn, IURA Director 5 Min
E. State/E. MLK St 120 Room Hotel
4.2 IURA – Environmental Review of Hotel Yes Nels Bohn, IURA Director 5 Min
4.3 IURA – Transfer of Title Yes Nels Bohn, IURA Director 5 Min
4.4 Discussion - An Ordinance Implementing a No Svante Myrick, Mayor 60 Min
City Residence Requirement for New Police Officers
4.5 Proposed Policy to Increase the Use of Bicycle Yes 10 Min
and Foot Patrols by the Police Department
(8:00 p.m.)
5.Performance Measures No Kevin Sutherland, Chief of Staff
6.2015 Budget Process
6.1 Budget Process Preparation No All 20 Min
(8:20 p.m.)
7.Meeting Wrap-up All 5 Min
7.1 Announcements No
7.2 Review Agenda Items for next meeting No
7.3 Adjourn Yes
(8:25 p.m.)
Committee Charge: The CA committee will:
Review financial and administrative issues pertaining to the City, along with items relating to the City of Ithaca workforce
environment, intergovernmental relations and human resources.
If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in order for you to fully participate in the meeting,
please contact the City Controller’s Office at 607-274-6576 at least 48 hours before the meeting.
3.Finance, Budget, and Appropriations
3.1 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department - Request Funds
for Computer Software Development
WHEREAS, the Planning, Building, and Economic Development Department proposes to
develop a computer software program to computerize workflow processes for the Planning,
Building, Zoning, and Landmarks Preservation approval procedures, and
WHEREAS, the current approval process for developers, contractors, and homeowners is
lengthy, intricate, and requires multiple actions from department and the applicant. The need for
approval is dependent on a review process that refers the applicant from one division to another.
The process leads to multiple applications, submittals, and pertinent information necessary to
acquire the approval required to permit the construction of a project, and
WHEREAS, the Department has contacted a computer software developer to program the
existing Building Division’s database to include a web-based Master Application and the
computerization of the associated workflow processes for the Planning, Building, Zoning, and
Landmarks Preservation approval procedures, and
WHEREAS, the cost to implement the developed solution is $30,000 for the custom
programming and integration to the existing database, and
WHEREAS, part of the 2014 authorized budget, $30,000 was placed in Restricted Contingency
for computer software development related to Planning, Building and Economic Development
workflow processes; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That City staff have reviewed the current Planning, Building and Economic
Development database software applications and have determined that additional custom
programming and applications are necessary to improve the current application workflow
process, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Controller to transfer an amount not
to exceed $30,000 from account A1990 Restricted Contingency to Account A8020-5435
Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Department for the purpose of funding
the said computer development.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 26, 2014
To: Steve Thayer, Comptroller
From: Gino Leonardi, Housing and Land Use Supervisor
Subject: Resolution to release money in restricted contingencies
Background
In 2007, the Building Division received monies to develop a computer program to automate the Housing
Inspection process. Subsequent software upgrades to the database were implemented that streamlined
many processes within the Building Division. The upgrades enhanced the existing database to include
building management, inspections, permits, contacts, and invoicing to creating a complete property
management database. Throughout this development; cost effectiveness, streamlining processes, and
developing managerial tools have been implemented to take advantage of the information contained
within the database. The database has become an extremely effective tool that is moving toward
integration with other City and County programs to provide data to the user with a click of a button.
Problem
Developers, contractors, or homeowners wishing to perform work within the City, can seek information
from the Planning, Building, Zoning, or the Economic Development Division. Each division provides the
benefit of a walk-in service that can provide information to the public. These avenues of contact are and
have always been a good way to provide customer service. The draw back with this process is it can be
confusing and time consuming for staff, the developer, contractors, or homeowners.
To understand the issue, we must look at the path that an applicant can take. The applicant can seek
information from the Planning, Building, Zoning, or the Economic Development Division. Each avenue
requires the applicant to submit pertinent information to the Division where they are seeking information.
If it is found that other approvals are required, the applicant is referred to the appropriate division where
they receive another list of requirements. In addition, the City Code requires that all projects have a
“Building Permit” prior to commencing review for any approvals. Therefore, before a division can review
an application, they must send the applicant to the Building Division for a permit. This step results in a
minimum $35.00 fee and a potentially long list of additional requirements.
Each path of entry requires an application, plans, and a detailed description of the project for each
application. The difficulty starts when determining the need for other approvals in a timely fashion. Site
plan review, zoning variances, and ILPC’s certificates of compliance have scheduled submission
deadlines. The time line for these schedules must be met or it could result in delays adding months to
grant an approval. These steps are compounded by the need for multiple forms, submittals, notifications,
meeting schedules, and legal requirements for the applicant. This is a long and tedious process that must
be managed by the applicant and City staff.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
CA Item #3.1
MEMORANDUM August 26, 2014
Re: Resolution to release money in restricted contingences
In the past, the Building Division took the lead in determining compliance with city ordinances and would
follow the project to completion. Today, due to the complexity of the codes, it is no longer possible for
any one division to manage a project through all of the approval processes. The intricate knowledge
necessary to facilitate approval through another division’s specialty is becoming too difficult, both for
staff as well as the applicant. Cross-learning of other division’s procedures, especially in the ever
changing world of City and State Codes, is causing errors and omissions that often cost the applicant time
and money and does not reflect well on the City.
Solution
Implement a computer program that will host an on-line application. This on-line “Wizard” application is
a smart application that will accept data, process data, and retrieve data from the database, all in real time.
The Wizard will be used as a “Master Application” that will determine the need for division approval via
an information path, prompted by select questions that will be answered by the applicant. The work flow
process will be initiated by the Wizard which will process specific information and use it as “triggers” to
determine the workflow. Divisions will be included or excluded in the workflow path, depending on the
approval needed. This will allow each division to simultaneously process reviews and approvals and
focus on their specialty. The Wizard will be programmed to recognize projects that require no “other”
approval and will forward those projects directly to the Building Division in a “Building Permit” form.
For projects that require additional approvals, the submitted application will be reviewed and the client
will be personally contacted (by phone or email) with questions and/or directions by a qualified individual
within the applicable division. This process will streamline efforts and provide an efficient method for
development within the City of Ithaca. This proposal includes computerizing the applicable processes of
the Planning and Zoning Divisions, including computerizing the application process for historic
properties that require review by the ILPC, The proposed computerization will include; automating initial
applications, able to edit application forms, scheduling project review and approval meetings, creating
automated email notifications and agendas, auto-populate numerous forms, and automate the document
management system. This new system will be integrated into the current database, utilizing existing data
and will be accessible from the City Web site.
Zhe FM Solutions, our software developer, has reported that our current software developed in FileMaker
can be programmed to support these critical functions.
For a maximum of $30,000.00 (estimating approximately 311-316 hours of labor at $95 per hour)
Page | 2
CA Item #3.1
3.Finance, Budget, and Appropriations
3.2 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department
Request Funds for Computer Software Development
WHEREAS, the Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Department (the
Department) proposes to develop a computer software program to computerize workflow
processes for the Exterior Property Maintenance process, and
WHEREAS, the current process for Exterior Property Maintenance enforcement is performed
primarily by hand and delays in notifying owners of EPM violations is causing issues between
the landowners and the enforcement personnel. Ongoing complaints necessitate the need to
streamline the process, improve document routing procedures, notify property owners, and
minimize repeated offences, and
WHEREAS, the Department has contacted a computer software developer to program the
existing Building Division’s database to include a web-based process for Exterior Property
Maintenance computerization of the associated workflow process, and
WHEREAS, the cost to implement the developed solution is $6,954 for the custom
programming, web access and integration to the existing database, and
WHEREAS, these funds were not anticipated as part of the 2014 authorized budget, but could be
used from the Unrestricted Contingency Account, which has a current balance of $177,628; now
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the Controller to transfer an amount not
to exceed $6,954 from account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Account A8020-5435
Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Department for the purpose of funding
the said computer development.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
MEMORANDUM
Date: September 9, 2014
To: Steve Thayer, Comptroller
From: Gino Leonardi, Housing and Land Use Supervisor
Subject: Resolution to fund Exterior Property Maintenance Computer Program
Background
The Exterior Property Maintenance Ordinance (EPM) was adopted on June 13, 2001. The
purpose of the ordinance was to provide a minimum standard for the maintenance of exterior
grounds and visible facades within the City of Ithaca. These standards provided a means of
enforcement to insure that the property’s visible condition is maintained. As part of the
ordinance, an inspector is charged with the responsibility of issuing tickets for violations. The
ordinance has had a positive effect on the maintenance of properties but there has been an
increase in the number of complaints concerning the EPM process and the subsequent issuance
of tickets for violations. The current process is a three tiered process that involves the EPM
Inspector, City Court, and the City Prosecutor. To further understand the issue, we must look at
the process managed by each branch of government.
Problem
First, the inspector routinely patrols the City for EPM violations. He travels a selected area each
day and revisits the properties that have been issued a violation the following day. If the
violation still exists, a second ticket is issued. Tickets can be issued for a violation for every 24
hours a violation exists. This process is repeated until the violation is removed. Violations for
EPM incur a civil penalty of $25 for the first violation at a property within a six-month period,
$50 for a second violation at the same property within a six-month period, $200 for a third
violation at the same property within a six-month period, and $300 for a fourth or subsequent
violation at the same property within a six-month period. Within the six-month period numerous
violation can be sited and incur a fourth violation fee for an existing or a new violation.
As part of the process, the inspector has to complete the accusatory instrument form. The
inspector must provide a ticket number, owners name, code section and description of violation,
and attach pictures of the offence. He also must review records and determine if the violation is a
first, second, third, or forth offence before saving the document for record retention. A copy of
the completed record is then sent to the City Court and to the City Prosecutor. This workflow is
performed for each ticket and for each day a ticket is issued by the inspector.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
PHYLLISA A. DeSARNO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
Fax: 607-274-6558 Fax: 607-274-6558
CA Item #3.2
Re: Resolution to fund Exterior Property Maintenance Computer Program Page 2
Once City Court receives the accusatory instrument, it is entered into a log and a limited amount
of information is transposed into a summons. The summons is filed and a copy is mailed to the
property owner. A summons is required to be served by mail to the property owner in order to
notify them of the offence. The owner can receive the notification (ticket) within 4-7 days after
the ticket has been issued. In the interim, a ticket can be issued every 24 hours for the same
violation or a new violation on the property.
The final step of the process involves the City Prosecutor, who is responsible for prosecuting
EPM offences. This is the most difficult aspect of the process. In most cases the property owner
has received multiple tickets prior to receiving a notice of violation by City Court. The time
lapse between the ticket being issued and the time the owner is notified has to be taken into
account when determining the fine for the violation. In some cases the fine is reduced to
compensate for the delays in the process. The City Prosecutor also has to resolve other property
owner issues; the circumstances regarding the issuance of a ticket, the time frame when the
owner received the ticket, the number of tickets, can a reasonable settlement be procured or
whether the case goes to court. All of this means an enormous amount of work for the City
Prosecutor pursuing the EPM violations.
Solution
The Planning, Building, Zoning, and Economic Development Department proposes to
computerize the Exterior Property Maintenance process in order to streamline the work
performed primarily by hand. The proposal includes the use of an iOS device that will be used in
the field to process the accusatory and route the information automatically to each branch of
government. A picture of the violation and the completed accusatory form will be sent to the
recipients and stored in Laserfiche. The process will include instant notification to the owner via
an email system that will generate a letter notifying the owner that they have received an EPM
ticket. The letter will inform the owner that they have 24 hours to remedy the violation or
another ticket will be issued. The computer will generate property lists that need re-inspections
for tickets that were issued the previous day and maintain the number of offences for the
property.
This new process should alleviate most of the current issues that we are experiencing with delays
in notifying the owner. The notification process will also help with imposing fines for
consecutive violations when violations are not removed. The new process will create an efficient
workflow for initial inspections, re-inspections, accusatory processing, document routing,
document storage, prosecuting offences, and increase the ratio of offences verses fines collected.
This solution will allow property owners to acknowledge that a violation exists and give them an
opportunity to remedy the violation prior to the issuance of a second or third offence.
Zhe FM Solutions, our software developer, has reported that our current software developed in FileMaker
can be programmed to support these critical functions, for a maximum of $4,420.00 (estimating
approximately 52 hours of labor)
Purchase of, iOS hardware device, for a maximum of $650.00
Web hosting services and cellular service, for an annual cost of $1,884.00. (Future increases are possible.)
Total Project Cost: $6,954.00
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification."
CA Item #3.2
4.City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
4.1 Transfer of Property at 320-324 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street to the IURA to Undertake
an Urban Renewal Project for Development of a 120-Room Hotel – Lead Agency
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca is considering a proposal to transfer
ownership of property located at 320-324 E. MLK/E. State Street to the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Agency (IURA) to facilitate a urban renewal project to construct a 120-room hotel at the 300
block of E. MLK/E. State Street, and
WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176-6 of the City Code require that a lead agency be
established for the purpose of conducting environmental review of projects in accordance with
local and state environmental law, and
WHEREAS, State Law specifies that for actions governed by local environmental review, the
lead agency shall be that local agency which has primary responsibility for approving and
funding or carrying out the action, and
WHEREAS, the proposed transfer of less than 2.5 acres of land is an “Unlisted” action pursuant
to the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance (“CEQR”), which requires environmental
review under CEQR; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council of the City of Ithaca does hereby declare itself Lead
Agency for the environmental review of the transfer of property located at 320-324 E. MLK/E.
State Street (tax parcel #69.-1-6.2) to the IURA for the purpose of structuring a proposed
purchase and sale agreement to undertake an urban renewal project to construct a 120-room
hotel, which agreement shall be subject to approval by Common Council.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
CA Item #4.1
1
Adopted Resolution
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
June 26, 2014
Property Disposition ― 320‐324 E. M.L.K., Jr./E. State St. ― Designate Lighthouse Hotels, LLC
as Qualified & Eligible Sponsor for Urban Renewal Project
1.WHEREAS, Lighthouse Hotels, LLC (Lighthouse) submitted a revised application on June 3, 2014
to be designated a “qualified and eligible sponsor” (Sponsor) to acquire two parcels located at
320‐324 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street, currently utilized as a 32‐space public parking lot (Municipal
Parking Lot), and
2.WHEREAS, a 2012 application was recommended for conditional approval by the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA) subject to satisfactory resolution of the following issues during
negotiations:
•Price (fair market value), including non‐refundable deposit
•urban design, especially ground level streetscape on E. MLK Jr./E. State Street
•exploration to retain the Carey building to be incorporated into the project rather
than demolished
•potential responses to mitigate loss of public parking to adjacent enterprises
•potential responses to mitigate any business dislocation caused by the project
•translating wage and job creation projections to wage and job commitments
•transfer of property contingent upon site plan approval and issuance of a building
permit, and
3.WHEREAS, the 2012 application failed to gain Common Council support due in part to the
proposed demolition of the Carey Building and concerns about urban design of the building and
dislocation of businesses, and
4.WHEREAS, Lighthouse has revised their project and now propose to develop a $19 million,
downtown, six‐story, 120‐room Hampton Inn & Suites on a modified project site located
adjacent to the Carey Building, and
5.WHEREAS, the approximately 22,500 square feet (SF) proposed project site includes the
following three parcels:
(1) 3,267 SF ‐ tax map #69.‐1‐3, 324 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street, IURA
(2) 8,320 SF ‐ tax map #69.‐1‐6.2 at 320‐24 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street, City of Ithaca
(3) 10,950 SF – p/o tax map #69.‐1‐8 at 310‐312 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street, Daley
Enterprises, and
6.WHEREAS, an executed purchase agreement for 310‐312 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street has been
submitted, and
7.WHEREAS, the entire revised project site is currently used for surface parking and does not
include the Carey building parcel, and
8.WHEREAS, the revised project will not result in any business dislocation and will include a new
ground level restaurant lease space fronting on Seneca Way, and
CA Item #4.1
2
9.WHEREAS, the project site includes one parcel owned by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency
(IURA) and one parcel owned by the City of Ithaca for which the developer has agreed in
concept to purchase at fair market value, and
10.WHEREAS, the project is projected to create approximately 33 full‐time equivalent employment
opportunities, and
11.WHEREAS, Lighthouse proposes wages to employees above the pay ranges paid at other hotels
they operate, with the lowest wages set at $9.75/hour (2.5% CPI increase since 2012 proposal),
which is equal to 122% of minimum wage ($8.00/hr.), or about 75% of the local living wage
($12.62/hr. with employer paid health insurance), and
12.WHEREAS, at least eleven (11) full‐time employees will be paid at least a living wage, and
13.WHEREAS, the project is projected to be assessed at over $8,000,000 (assumed $68K/room), a
net taxable increase of $7,760,000, thereby generating the following estimated annual stream
of local municipal revenues (52% occupancy rate assumed):
$102,000 City property taxes ($13.12/$1,000)
$54,000 County property taxes ($6.90/$1,000)
$133,000 School property taxes ($17.185/$1,000)
$20,000 Business Improvement District ($2.624/$1,000)
$159,000 County hotel room occupancy tax (5% @ $72.80 RevPAR x 120 rms.)
$64,000 City sales tax (2%)
$532,000
14.WHEREAS, the project will result in elimination of parking revenue generated from the
municipal surface parking lot, but create new parking demand in nearby municipal parking
garages for hotel guest parking, and
15.WHEREAS, the proposed exterior façade materials of the hotel include stone veneer, brick
veneer, metal, glass, metal panel and cementious (stucco‐like) siding, also known as Exterior
Insulation Finishing System (EIFS), and
16.WHEREAS, the project site is located within the Urban Renewal Project Boundary area and is an
appropriate location for a hotel, and
17.WHEREAS, the IURA is only authorized to sell property to a specific buyer if such buyer is
designated as an eligible and qualified sponsor (Sponsor) per section 508 of General Municipal
Law and the sale is approved by Common Council, and
18.WHEREAS, a proposed Sponsor is evaluated in accordance with adopted IURA land disposition
procedures that seek to determine if the proposed Sponsor is qualified and capable of fulfilling
the objectives of the project for property disposition, and
19.WHEREAS, IURA evaluation criteria for Sponsors include:
•Financial status and stability
•Legal qualification to operate in the State of New York and to enter into contracts with
regard to the disposition, use, and development of land in questions
•Previous experience in the financing, use, development and operation of projects of a
similar nature
•Reputation and proof of fair, reputable and ethical business practices and a record
devoid of convictions
CA Item #4.1
3
20.WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Urban Renewal Plan (Plan) is to improve the economic,
social and physical characteristics of the project neighborhood, and
21.WHEREAS, one objective of the Plan is “expansion and diversification of the economic base of
the community to provide the employment opportunities needed by its residents and to
strengthen the tax base”, and
22.WHEREAS, Hitesh T. Patel, President, and Neil H. Patel, CEO, are the principal members of
Lighthouse and report that Lighthouse, or its affiliates, owns and operates the Hampton Inn
located at 337 Elmira Rd., Ithaca, NY as well as Hampton Inn hotels in Clay, Seneca Falls and
Buffalo, and
23.WHEREAS, a 6/10/14 inspection of City records show that Lighthouse’s Ithaca Hampton Inn is
operating in full compliance with all applicable permits and regulations, and is current on all tax
obligations, and
24.WHEREAS, Lighthouse’s successful record of developing and operating four similar hotels in
New York state, including the Ithaca Hampton Inn, demonstrates they possess the skills,
resources and capacity to complete the proposed project, and
25.WHEREAS, the proposed project has potential to improve the economic, social and physical and
characteristics of the project neighborhood, and
26.WHEREAS, designation of a Sponsor allows the IURA to negotiate terms for a proposed
property disposition that must then be approved by the City of Ithaca Common Council
following a public hearing on the proposed terms of the disposition, and
27.WHEREAS, the IURA Economic Development Committee considered this matter at their June
10, 2014 meeting and recommended the following; now, therefore, be it
1.RESOLVED, the IURA hereby finds that Lighthouse Hotels LLC satisfies IURA sponsor criteria ‐
including qualifications, capacity and experience ‐ to be designated a “qualified and eligible
sponsor” to undertake an urban renewal project to undertake an in‐fill urban hotel project on
the 300 block of E. MLK Jr./E. State Street, and be it further
2.RESOLVED, the IURA hereby finds that to ensure the proposed Hampton Inn & Suites project
will satisfy IURA criteria that an urban renewal project improve the economic, social and
physical characteristics of the project area, the IURA requires the following:
A. Urban Design – exterior building façade materials are a key component of exterior
building design and the choice of appropriate materials is integral to the creation of new
buildings that positively influence the surrounding neighborhood that includes two
historic districts. Therefore, the following exterior building façade materials shall be
prohibited on facades visible from public streets unless the Planning Board finds such
materials enhance the design of the building:
•EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finishing System), such as “dryvit” or other
cementitious, stucco‐like finishes
•Concrete masonry units;
B. Job Creation – commit to create at least 33 full‐time equivalent jobs and provide proof of
job creation to the IURA;
C. Wages – commit to pay all employees in the housekeeping department at least
$9.75/hour and further commit to pay a minimum of 11 full‐time hotels employees at
CA Item #4.1
4
least a living wage (currently $12.62 w/employer sponsored health insurance benefits or
$13.94 w/o health benefits);
D. Site Control – the executed purchase agreement for 310‐312 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street be
submitted no later than June 25, 2014, and be it further
3.RESOLVED, subject to satisfaction of the above conditions, the IURA hereby designates
Lighthouse Hotels LLC as a “qualified and eligible sponsor” (Sponsor) eligible to acquire tax
parcels #69‐1‐3 and #69.‐1‐6.2 through negotiations for the purpose of undertaking an urban
renewal project to develop an in‐fill urban hotel project located at the 300 block of E. MLK Jr./E.
State Street; and be it further,
4.RESOLVED, the IURA identifies the following issues to be included in negotiations with the
Sponsor to acquire the project site:
•Accommodations to mitigate loss of public parking to adjacent enterprises;
•Participation in IURA‐sponsored job training and job placement programs, such as
the Hospitality Employment Training Program;
•The appropriate mechanism to ensure that the enhanced wages to be paid to all
employees in the housekeeping department is maintained at a dynamic level in the
future (e.g., indexed to 120% of the state minimum wage);
•Purchase price (fair market value), including non‐refundable deposit;
•Transfer of property contingent upon site plan approval and issuance of a building
permit; and be it further
5.RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby recommends that the Common Council and Board of Public
Works make the City‐owned portion of the parking lot (tax parcel #69.‐1‐6.2) available for
redevelopment and approve transfer of the parcel to the IURA for the purpose of structuring a
proposed sale for consideration by the Common Council, and be it further
6.RESOLVED, that the IURA hereby authorizes acceptance of tax parcel #69.‐1‐6.2 upon Common
Council authorization of transfer of the parcel, and be it further
7.RESOLVED, that the IURA Chairperson, subject to review by IURA legal counsel, is authorized to
execute a 90‐day exclusive negotiating agreement with the Sponsor for the purpose of
structuring a proposed purchase and sale agreement to convey tax parcels #69.‐1‐3 and #69.‐1‐
6.2 to the Sponsor to undertake an urban renewal project, and be it further
8.RESOLVED, any proposed purchase and sale agreement shall be subject to approval by both the
IURA and the Common Council.
Carried Unanimously 5‐0
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CA Item #4.1
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CA Item #4.1
4.City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
4.2 Transfer of Property at 320-324 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street to the IURA to Undertake
an Urban Renewal Project for Development of a 120-Room Hotel – Environmental Review
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca is considering a proposal to transfer
ownership of property located at 320-324 E. MLK/E. State Street (tax parcel #69.-1-6.2) to the
Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) for the purpose of structuring a proposed purchase and
sale agreement to undertake an urban renewal project to construct a 120-room hotel, and
WHEREAS, the proposed hotel project will undergo separate environmental review as part of
the site plan review process, and
WHEREAS, the proposed hotel project is not physically feasible without acquisition of City-
owned land, and
WHEREAS, it is not reasonable or practicable to expect the Preferred Developer to develop
detailed project plans and analyses of potentially significant adverse impacts of the proposed
hotel project prior to knowledge that the City-owned portion of the project site will potentially be
made available for the hotel project through the IURA, and
WHEREAS, as part of the site plan review process, the Planning Board regularly conducts
rigorous and thorough environmental review of all aspects of the proposed development project
that comes before it, and
Whereas, pursuant to §176-6(F)(1)(b) of the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, the
reestablishment of a Lead Agency may occur “upon failure of the Lead Agency’s basis of
jurisdiction,” so that the Planning Board may subsequently assume the role of Lead Agency for
the environmental review for the site plan review of the proposed hotel project, and
WHEREAS, the proposed action for transfer of city-owned property of less than 2.5 acres is an
“Unlisted Action” under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance, and
WHEREAS, appropriate environmental review has been conducted including the preparation of
a Short Environmental Assessment Form (SEAF), and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, acting as Lead Agency, has reviewed
the SEAF prepared by staff; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Common Council, as lead agency in this matter, hereby determines that
circumstances warrant a segmented review of this property transfer from other stages of the
proposed hotel project and that subsequent environmental review of the proposed hotel project
during the required site plan review process will be no less protective of the environment, and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council, as Lead Agency in this matter, hereby adopts as its
own, the findings and conclusions more fully set forth on the Short Environmental Assessment
Form, and be it further
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
RESOLVED, That this Common Council, as Lead Agency in this matter, hereby determines that
the proposed action at issue will not have significant effect on the environment, and that further
environmental review 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 forward the same to any other parties as required by law.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
4.City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
4.3 Transfer of Property at 320-324 E. MLK Jr./E. State Street to the IURA to Undertake
an Urban Renewal Project for Development of a 120-room Hotel - Action
WHEREAS, Lighthouse Hotels LLC proposes construction of a $19 million, six-story, 120-room
Hampton Inn & Suites hotel behind the Carey Building on parcels currently used for public and
private surface parking at the 300 block of E. MLK Jr./E. State Street (Urban Renewal Project),
and
WHEREAS, the project site includes the 32-space municipal parking lot at 320-324 E. MLK
Jr./E. State Street, which is partially owned by the City and partially owned by the Ithaca Urban
Renewal Agency (IURA), and
WHEREAS, §507 of General Municipal Law authorizes the IURA to negotiate sale of public
land with a Qualified and Eligible Sponsor (“Preferred Developer”) to undertake an urban
renewal project, which proposed sale and development agreement is subject to public hearing
and approval by the Common Council, and
WHEREAS, the primary objective of the Urban Renewal Plan is to improve the economic, social
and physical characteristics of the project neighborhood, and
WHEREAS, City policy requires the Board of Public Works to declare City-owned property
surplus for public works purposes prior to any transfer of City-owned property, and
WHEREAS, on June 26, 2014, the IURA designated Lighthouse Hotels LLC as the Preferred
Developer to undertake the Urban Renewal Project, and authorizing potential acquisition of
IURA and City-owned parcels of the project site through negotiations, subject to Common
Council approval, and
WHEREAS, on August 18, 2014 The Board of Public Works determined that the City-owned
portion of the municipal parking lot located at 320-324 E. MLK/E. State Street (tax parcel #69.-
1-6.2) is not needed for City of Ithaca public works purposes, and
WHEREAS, upon Common Council authorization to transfer the approximately 8,300 square
foot City-owned portion of the municipal parking lot to the IURA, the IURA intends to enter into
a 90-day exclusive negotiating agreement with the Preferred Developer to structure a proposed
purchase and sale agreement to convey tax parcels #69.-1-3 and #69.-1-6.2 to the Preferred
Developer at no less than estimated fair market value and establish post-closing requirements on
the Urban Renewal Project including but not limited to urban design, job creation and
housekeeping department employee wage levels, and
WHEREAS, the IURA has established the following minimum standards for the project:
A. Urban Design: prohibition of the following exterior building façade materials unless the
Planning Board finds such materials enhance the design of the building:
•EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finishing System), such as “Dryvit” or other stucco-
like finishes
•Concrete masonry units, including split-face cement block;
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
B. Job Creation: creation of at least 33 full-time equivalent jobs;
C. Wages/Salaries:
•Living Wage Positions - Creation of a minimum of 11 full-time employment
positions paid at least a “living wage (currently $12.62/hour with employer health
insurance benefits)
•Housekeeping Staff - each employee in the housekeeping department to be paid at
least $9.75/hour (equivalent to 120% of state minimum wage); and
WHEREAS, the IURA has identified the following additional issues to be included in
negotiations with the Preferred Developer:
•Accommodations to mitigate loss of public parking to adjacent enterprises;
•Participation in IURA-sponsored job training and job placement programs, such
as the Hospitality Employment Training Program;
•The appropriate mechanism to ensure that the enhanced wages to be paid to all
employees in the housekeeping department is maintained at a dynamic level in
the future (e.g., indexed to 120% of the state minimum wage);
•Purchase price (fair market value), including non-refundable deposit;
•Transfer of property contingent upon site plan approval and issuance of a building
permit; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council does hereby authorize transfer of real property located
at 320-324 E. MLK/E. State Street (tax parcel #69.-1-6.2) to the IURA for the purpose of
structuring a proposed purchase and sale agreement to undertake the in-fill downtown hotel
urban renewal project at the 300 Block of E. MLK Jr./E. State Street, which agreement shall be
subject to approval by Common Council following a public hearing, and be it further
RESOLVED, That net proceeds from sale of City-owned land to the Preferred Developer shall
be paid to the City, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon review by the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to
implement this resolution, including execution of any and all instruments necessary to transfer
title to the IURA and/or execute a leaseback agreement to allow continued City control of the
municipal parking lot until conveyance of the project site to the Preferred Developer.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
4.City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
4.4 Discussion - An Ordinance Implementing a City Residence Requirement for New
Police Officers
ORDINANCE
An Ordinance Implementing a City Residence Requirement for New Police Officers
WHEREAS, the Common Council deeply respects and appreciates the service of the members
of the Ithaca Police Department, and recognizes the difficult and demanding nature of the duties
with which they are tasked, and
WHEREAS, recent events have reinforced the value of community-oriented policing to both
police officers and the communities they serve, and
WHEREAS, the Mayor has outlined a multi-faceted plan to improve certain elements of the
services provided by the police department, including increasing staffing and requiring newly
hired police officers to establish and maintain residence within the City within one year of their
appointment, and
WHEREAS, Public Officers Law Section 30(4)(3) empowers the local legislative body of a city
having a police force with fewer than two hundred full-time members to pass legislation of
general applicability requiring new members of the police force to reside in such city as a
qualification of employment; now, therefore
BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca as follows:
Section 1. Findings of Fact. The Common Council makes the following findings of fact:
A. While the members of the Ithaca Police Department do an exceptional job of
providing an essential public service under difficult circumstances, improvement
in the delivery of public services is always possible and desirable.
B. Police officers who live in the City will be maximally invested in our community,
more familiar with and to the citizens they have chosen to serve and protect, and
best able to respond quickly in emergency situations.
C. The Ithaca Police Department has fewer than two hundred full-time members.
Section 2. Establishment of City Residence Requirement. Chapter 95 of the City of Ithaca
Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 95-1. City Residence.
A. Qualification of Employment. Any person appointed to the position of Police
Officer on or after December 1, 2014 shall (i) be a resident of the City on the date
that he or she is so appointed or shall establish residence in the City within one
year after such date, and (ii) maintain residence in the City for the duration of his
or her employment as Police Officer as a condition of employment. Any Police
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Officer who fails to establish or maintain residence in the City as required by this
section shall be deemed to have forfeited employment; provided, however, that
prior to dismissal for failure to establish or maintain residence in the City, an
officer shall be given notice of the issue of his or her place of residence, and an
opportunity to submit documentation regarding his or her place of residence,
including federal or state tax returns, deeds or leases for real property, utility bills,
driver’s license and vehicle registration, and voter registration cards.
B. Notice and Acknowledgement of Qualification.
(1) A copy of this Section shall be provided to each individual subject to it
prior to his or her appointment as a Police Officer. However, a failure to
do so shall not affect the application of this Section to any Police Officer
appointed on or after December 1, 2014.
(2) Prior to being appointed as a Police Officer, each person subject to this
Section shall submit a signed acknowledgement, in a form established by
the Director of Human Resources or his or her designee, affirming that the
individual: (i) is or expects to be a resident of the City no later than one
year after he or she is appointed as a Police Officer; and (ii) is aware that a
failure to maintain his or her residence in the City during his or her
employment as a Police Officer shall constitute a forfeiture of
employment.
C. Residence Defined. For the purposes of this Section, residence shall mean the
place of residence where a person primarily lives, eats, sleeps, and maintains
usual personal and household effects, and where the person returns to whenever
temporarily absent. To be a City resident, and to fulfill the residence requirement,
a person shall not have a domicile outside the City.
Section 3. Severability. Severability is intended throughout and within the provisions of this
Ordinance. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is
held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, then that decision shall
not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication of
notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
M E M O R A N D U M
To: City Administration Committee
From: Ari Lavine, City Attorney
Date: September 5, 2014
Subject: Proposed City Residence Requirement for Future Police Officers
_________________________________________________________________
As you know, on August 25, the Mayor proposed an eight-point Plan for Excellence in Policing.
The plan was generally focused on improving certain elements of police services, while
recognizing the high quality of service that IPD already provides and the appreciation and respect
that the Mayor has for IPD officers. Some elements of the plan will not require Council action in
order to take effect, while others—such as increasing staffing—will soon be presented for
Council approval.
One element of the plan that requires Council action is the proposed City residence requirement
for future police officers. Council is empowered by state law to require that new police officers
reside in the City as a continuing qualification of employment as a police officer. Specifically,
this ordinance would require police officers hired on or after December 1, 2014 to establish and
maintain residence in the City within one year of appointment. An officer failing to do so would
forfeit his or her employment, but would be allowed notice of any proposed finding of failure to
maintain such residence, and would have an opportunity to submit evidence establishing that he
or she has maintained residence in the City before any action is taken. The goal of this
requirement is to employ a police force that is maximally invested in the community, more
familiar with and to the citizens that it serves and protects, and able to respond quickly when
needed in emergency situations.
This requirement would not apply to any police officers currently employed by the City or
appointed prior to December 1, 2014.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850-6590
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY
Aaron O. Lavine, City Attorney Telephone: 607/274-6504
Robert A. Sarachan, Assistant City Attorney Fax: 607/274-6507
Krin Flaherty, Assistant City Attorney
Jared Pittman, Assistant City Attorney
Jody Andrew, Executive Assistant
CA Item #4.4
4.City Administration, Human Resources, and Policy
4.5 Proposed Policy to Increase the Use of Bicycle and Foot Patrols by the Police
Department.
WHEREAS, the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council passed a resolution to encourage the
continuation and increased use of bicycle and foot patrols by the Ithaca Police Department, and
WHEREAS, the Police Department officers who choose to complete training and work on bike
patrol are an additional asset to the community; and
WHEREAS, these officers on bicycles are much more visible and accessible to the public
including general communication and establishing rapport with the community, a method which
may b e useful in improving community-police relations; and
WHEREAS, compared to motor vehicle patrols, bicycle or foot patrols reduce the amount of
fossil fuels burned and save the department money; and
WHEREAS, the officers on bicycles are making an additional commitment to their physical
condition and strength through this choice; and
WHEREAS, bicycle officers are able to patrol areas that are less accessible or are inaccessible to
motor vehicles while simultaneously able to move more quickly than officers on foot patrol; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council recognizes the importance of encouraging officers to work
the bicycle and foot patrol shifts; so
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the policy to continue and to increase the
use of bicycle and foot patrols by the Police Department.
J:\DRedsicker\AGENDAS \City Admin Comm\2014\9/17/14 CA Agenda.docx 9/17/14
Whereas the Ithaca Police Department officers who choose to complete training and work
on bike patrol are an additional asset to the community; and
Whereas these officers on bicycles are much more visible and accessible to the public
including general communication and establishing rapport with the community, a method which may
be useful in improving community-police relations; and
Whereas compared to motor vehicle patrols, bicycle or foot patrols reduce the amount of
fossil fuels burned and save the department money; and
Whereas the officers on bicycles are making an additional commitment to their physical
condition and strength through this choice; and
Whereas, bicycle officers are able to patrol areas that are less accessible or are inaccessible
to motor vehicles while simultaneously able to move more quickly than officers on foot patrol; and
Whereas the City of Ithaca Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council recognizes the importance
of encouraging officers to work the bicycle patrol shifts; so
Be it resolved that the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council expresses its appreciation to
Chief Barber and to every Ithaca Police Officer working bicycle or foot patrol; and further
Be it resolved that BPAC encourages continuing and increased use of bicycle and foot
patrols by the Ithaca Police Department.
CA Item #4.5
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CA Item #6.1
2015 Budget
Budget Review Narrative (please limit to 2 pages only)
Attorney's Office
2014
Modified
2013
Actual
2015 Mayor ' s
Budget
$
Change
%
Change
Expenditures
Salary and Wages 298,162319,343323,4554,112 %0.01
Fringe Benefits 160,006169,593169,593 0 %0.00
Travel and Training 4,2463,7503,750 0 %0.00
Maintenance and Parts 0 200 200 0 %0.00
Utilities and Fuel 1,1731,5001,500 0 %0.00
Other 47,13728,92028,920 0 %0.00
Contracts 12,91218,50013,931-4,569 %-0.25
Fees 01,0001,000 0 %0.00
Debt Service 4,5524,4044,404 0 %0.00
528,187 547,210 546,753Total Expenditures -457 %0.00
Revenues
Local Revenues -314,926-436,525-436,50025 %0.00
-314,926 -436,525 -436,500Total Revenues 25 %0.00
213,261110,685110,253-432%0.00
1
CA Item #6.1
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Appendix B CA Item #6.1
CITY OF ITHACA
108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
2015 Budget Schedule
Wednesday, October 1st October Council Meeting
6:00 p.m. Mayor - presentation
Council Q&A
Review of Process
Thursday, October 9th General staff input session
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Council discussion of budget priorities vs. Mayor’s
proposal and discussion of potential amendments
Discussion: Government Services
Includes: Attorney’s Office, Public Information and
Technology, Finance (Chamberlain/Controller),
Traffic Violations, Mayor, Council
Wednesday, October 15th Public Hearing
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Discussion: Public Safety
Includes: Human Resources, Fire and Police
Departments
Thursday, October 16th Discussion: Youth Bureau, GIAC, Community Services
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Southside Community Center, HSC, TCAD, CSI)
Planning, Building and Economic Development
Monday, October 20th Discussion: DPW, Infrastructure and Transit
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Includes: Engineering, Streets & Facilities,
Water and Sewer, Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment
Facility, Solid Waste, Sidewalks, Stormwater
Wednesday, October 29th Public Hearing
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Discussion: Capital Budget
Council discussion and vote on proposed amendments
Council motion to move budget to 11/13
Wednesday, November 5th Public Hearing
6:00 p.m. Common Council Meeting
Thursday, November 13th Final Vote
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.Special Council Meeting
Additional budget discussion, if needed
SPT/dr 9/11/14
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification."
CA Item #6.1