Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-10 Common Council Meeting AgendaOFFICIAL NOTICE OF MEETING A Regular meeting of the Common Council will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall, 108 East Green Street, Ithaca, New York. Your attendance is requested. AGENDA PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 2. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: 3. PROCLAMATIONS /AWARDS: 4. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS: 5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL: 6. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: 7. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR — COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: 8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: City Administration Committee: 8.1 City Clerk — Request to Amend 2010 Budget for Public Information Consultant — Resolution 8.2 Youth Bureau — Request to Amend 2010 Youth Bureau Budget — Resolution 8.3 DPW — Request to Amend Budget for Bulldozer Repair — Resolution 9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 9.1 IURA — Housing Fund, 2009 Funding Round — Authorize Disbursement of $100,000 Pursuant to an Executed Memorandum of Understanding — Resolution 9.2 IURA — Authorize Conveyance to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services of Real Property Acquired through Foreclosure — Declaration of Lead Agency — Resolution 9.3 IURA — Authorize Conveyance to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services of Real Property Acquired through Foreclosure — Environmental Determination — Resolution 9.4 IURA — Authorize Conveyance to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services of Real Property Acquired through Foreclosure — Resolution 9.5 DPW — Water and Sewer — Request to Amend Capital Project #515 and #600 First Street Storm Water and Site Improvements — Resolution 9.6 DPW — A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter into a Funding Agreement with Cornell University for the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Thurston Avenue Paving and Pedestrian Enhancement Projects and Appropria- ting Funds Therefore — Resolution Common Council Agenda June 2, 2010 Page 2 9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE - Continued: 9.7 Common Council — Support of a Sweat Free Apparel Policy — Resolution 9.8 Common Council — Resolution to Adopt Fiscal Year 2010 PEG Access Studio Capital Budget 9.9 City Controller's Report 10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 10.1 Individual Member Filed Resolution from Alderperson Myrick - Common Council Declaration of Emergency and Authorization of 10 -Week Extension for Existing, Temporary Fences on Gorge Bridges - Resolution 10.2 Department of Planning and Development 2010 Priority Projects and Work Program 11. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES: 12. NEW BUSINESS: 13. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER — FILED RESOLUTIONS: 14. MAYOR'S APPOINTMENTS: 15. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS: 16. REPORT OF CITY CLERK: 17. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY: 18. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 18.1 Approval of the May 5, 2010 Regular Common Council Meeting Minutes — Resolution 19. ADJOURNMENT: 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 Clerk at 274 -6570 at least 48 hours before the meeting. Y `' lie Conley Holc mb, CIVIC City Clerk Date: May 28, 2010 8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: City Administration Committee: 8.1 Request to Amend 2010 Budget for Public Information Consultant - Resolution T WHEREAS, Common Council, as part of the 2010 City Budget, included $12,000 in the Restricted Contingency account for the purposes of funding a public information initiative, and WHEREAS, the Public Information Officer Team (PIOT) is requesting that these funds be released from Restricted Contingency for the purposes of funding a consultant to work on the community newsletter project, and to purchase related office supplies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the City Controller to transfer an amount not to exceed $12,000 from Restricted Contingency Account #A1990 to account # A1316 -5435 to fund the consultant position and related office supply costs. 8.2 Request to Amend 2010 Youth Bureau Budget - Resolution WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has applied for funding through the Tompkins County Workforce Investment Board and may be receiving $102,315.00 in new funding to develop a Jump Start Jobs Summer Employment Program, and WHEREAS, the goal of this program is to provide short-term subsidized internships for 60 low- income eligible teens needing assistance in securing employment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2010 Youth Bureau budget contingent upon confirmation of funding as follows: Increase revenues: A7310- 4820 -1200 A7310- 4820 -1202 A7310- 4820 -1400 Increase expenses: A7310- 5435 -1200 A7310- 5120 -1202 A7310- 5125 -1202 A7310- 5425 -1202 A7310- 5440 -1202 A7310- 5445 -1202 A7310- 5460 -1202 A7310- 5120 -1400 A7310- 5437 -1400 A7310- 5445 -1400 A7310- 5460 -1400 A7310- 5476 -1401 A7310- 5480 -1401 A7310- 5483 -1401 A7310 -9010 A7310 -9030 A7310 -9040 Administration $8,020.00 Youth Employment Service $88,295.00 Administration $6,000.00 Total $102,315.00 Contract Services $8,020.00 Part time /Seasonal $70,000.00 Overtime $1,000.00 Office Supplies $1,750.00 Staff Development $915.00 Travel & Mileage $875.00 Program Supplies $1,430.00 Part time /Seasonal $1,500.00 Credit Card Fees $600.00 Travel & Mileage $500.00 Program Supplies $500.00 Equipment Maintenance $1,500.00 Building Maintenance $1,000.00 Construction Supplies $400.00 Retirement $3,343.00 FICA/Medicare $5,432.00 Workers' Compensation $3,550.00 Total $102,315.00 8.3 Request to Amend Budget for Bulldozer Repair - Resolution WHEREAS, an accident in November 2009 caused significant damages to the Water and Sewer Division's bulldozer, and WHEREAS, the estimated repair to the 2007 bulldozer will be $64,947 of which amount insurance will cover up to $64,397 and the remaining amount will be absorbed within existing Water and Sewer funds; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby amends the 2010 Authorized Water and Sewer Budget, for the purposes of accounting for said bulldozer repair as follows: Increase Revenue Accounts: F8316 -2680 Water Insurance Recoveries $22,539 G8116 -2680 Sewer Insurance Recoveries 41,858 $64,397 Increase Appropriation Accounts: F8316 -5476 Water Equipment Maintenance $22,539 G8116 -5476 Sewer Equipment Maintenance 41,858 $64,397 9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 9.1 IURA - Housing Fund, 2009 Funding Round — Authorize Disbursement of $100,000 Pursuant to an Executed Memorandum Of Understanding - Resolution WHEREAS, review of the first round of funding applications to the Housing Fund has been completed and the following three housing projects are recommended for funding: Applicant Project Dollar Amount Number of Location Recommended Units INHS Holly Creek $200,000 11 for -sale Town of Townhomes rant townhomes Ithaca INHS /Pathstone Women's $75,000 50 City of Community (loan) apartments Ithaca Building Tompkins Magnolia $70,000 14 SRO City of Community House (loan) units for Ithaca Action homeless women , and WHEREAS, on April 1, 2009, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca authorized the Mayor to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Ithaca, Tompkins County and Cornell University to develop, fund, and administer the Community Housing Affordability Program and the Community Housing Trust Program (Collectively known as the "Housing Fund "), and WHEREAS, on April 1, 2009, the Common Council further found that the most appropriate locations for new housing units assisted through MOU funds are project sites located within existing urbanized areas of the County, rather than in new growth nodes or other areas of the County, and WHEREAS, the Community Housing Affordability Program assists with pre - development costs associated with residential, and mixed -use real estate development projects primarily benefiting low- and moderate - income households, and the Community Housing Trust Program is a program designed to ensure that newly constructed or rehabilitated homes that are made available to low- and moderate - income households remain affordable to future generations of buyers, and WHEREAS, per the MOU, in the first year Cornell committed to contribute $200,000 and the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County each committed to contribute $100,000, thereby providing a pool of up to $400,000 to fund housing projects, and WHEREAS, City funds committed in year one of the MOU shall be derived from Gateway Loan proceeds held by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and WHEREAS, a Housing Fund Program Oversight Committee (POC) has been established to govern the Housing Fund made up of representatives from each funder, including Maria Coles, J.R. Clairborne and Doug Dylla from the City, but that final funding decisions regarding expenditure of City MOU funds shall be approved by the Common Council, and WHEREAS, each funding entity has internal guidelines for use of its funds; and WHEREAS, on April 7, 2010, the Common Council for the City of Ithaca recommended that City MOU funds be directed to support either, or both, of the recommended housing projects located within the City and further authorized the POC to craft a proposal for specific use of City funds, and WHEREAS, the POC unanimously recommended the following funding plan to match funding sources with housing projects recommended for funding: Project Name Fu ding Sources Total Cornell University Tompkins County City of Ithaca Women's Community Building $45,000 $30,000 $75,000 Holly Creek Townhomes $100,000 $100,000 $200,000 Magnolia House $70,000 $70,000 Total Round #1 Allocation $145,000 $100,000 $100,000 $345,000 Funds carried forward - round #2 $55,000 $0 $0 $55,000 and, WHEREAS, the above POC recommendation is consistent with the April 7, 2010, resolution of Common Council, and WHEREAS, the POC further recommended that Tompkins County (County) act as a single fiscal agent for the Housing Fund whereby the County would enter into an agreement with the City and Cornell University to accept funding for the Women's Community Building and Magnolia House projects and execute funding agreements with each sponsor for the above - listed projects, and WHEREAS, the Housing Trust MOU did not necessarily anticipate creation of a fiscal agent for the Housing Fund to create single funding agreements with each recipient, but rather referenced that "each participating entity would have custody of and manage its individual contributions ", and "enter into an agreement for disbursement of funds to approved recipients based upon the template developed by the POC ", and WHEREAS, City of Ithaca funding is proposed to be used to fund predevelopment costs for affordable housing projects, which action qualifies as a Type II action listed at §176 - 5(C)(20): "conducting concurrent environmental, engineering, economic, feasibility and other studies and preliminary planning and budgetary processes necessary to the formulation of a proposal for action, provided those activities do not commit the agency to commence, engage in or approve such action," therefore, no further environmental review is required for this proposed action, and WHEREAS, The Housing Fund Memorandum of Understanding allows for each participating entity to appoint one staff member as an ex- officio non - voting member on the Program Oversight Committee; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby appoints the IURA Director of Community Development as an ex- officio, non - voting member of the Program Oversight Committee that is responsible for administering the Housing Fund program, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby authorizes expenditure of up to $100,000, pursuant to the Housing Fund MOU, to support Housing Fund recipients as recommended by the Housing Fund Program Oversight Committee, and be it further RESOLVED, That such funds shall be derived from Gateway Loan Proceeds held by the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is authorized, subject to advice of the City Attorney, to enter into either direct funding agreements with recipients of City funds or a fiscal agent agreement with Tompkins County to implement this recommendation. 9.2 IURA - Authorize Conveyance to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services of Real Property Acquired Through Foreclosure — Declaration of Lead Agency - Resolution WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council is considering conveyance of the following three parcels to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INNS) acquired through tax foreclosure proceedings: • 507 Cascadilla Street • 305 E. Falls Street • 10 Hawthorne Circle, and WHEREAS, INHS proposes to undertake homeownership projects on each property acquired to make improvements and sell rehabilitated or newly constructed single - family homes to first -time homebuyers, and WHEREAS, the proposed action to the transfer or sale of less than 2.5 contiguous acres of land is an Unlisted action under the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance ( CEQRO), and WHEREAS, State Law and Section 176.6 of CEQRO require that a Lead Agency be established for conducting environmental review of proposed actions 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; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council does hereby declare its intent to declare itself Lead Agency for the environmental review of the proposed conveyance to INHS of the above listed real property acquired trough tax foreclosure. 9.3 IURA Authorize Conveyance to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services of Real Property Acquired Through Foreclosure — Environmental Determination - Resolution WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council is considering conveyance of the following three parcels to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) acquired through tax foreclosure proceedings: • 507 Cascadilla Street • 305 E. Falls Street 10 Hawthorne Circle, and WHEREAS, INHS proposes to undertake homeownership projects on each property acquired to make improvements and sell rehabilitated or newly constructed single - family homes to first -time homebuyers, and WHEREAS, on June 2, 2010, the City of Ithaca Common Council declared itself Lead Agency for the environmental review of this proposed action, and WHEREAS, such proposed action for the transfer or sale of less than 2.5 contiguous acres of land is an Unlisted Action under the City of Ithaca Environmental Quality Review Ordinance ( "CEQR ") and an Unlisted Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act ( "SEQR "), both of which require environmental review, and WHEREAS, the Short Environmental Assessment Form ( "SEAF ") and supporting information has been provided to the City of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council for review of the proposed action and no comments have been received to date, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council, acting as Lead Agency for the environmental review, has reviewed and accepted as adequate a Short Environmental Assessment Form, Part 1, submitted by the applicant, and Part 2, prepared by Planning and Development Department staff, and other application materials; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council hereby determines that the proposed conveyance to INHS of the above - listed real property acquired through tax foreclosure proceedings will result in no significant impact on the environment and that a Negative Declaration for purposes of Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law be filed in accordance with the provisions of Part 617 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act. 9.4 IURA - Authorize Conveyance to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services of Real Property Acquired Through Foreclosure - Resolution WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is in the - .process of acquiring or has acquired certain parcels of real property by tax foreclosure through the City's 2008 Tax Foreclosure Proceeding filed with the Tompkins County Clerk under Index Number 09 -1347, and WHEREAS, an auction to sell properties so acquired is scheduled for June 16, 2010, in conjunction with the County of Tompkins, and WHEREAS, per correspondence dated May 7, 2010, the Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) has identified three (3) properties that were included in said tax foreclosure proceeding suitable for INHS homeownership programs, namely 507 Cascadilla Street, 305 E. Falls Street, and 10 Hawthorne Circle, and WHEREAS, the following liens (for unpaid taxes and other billings) are associated with each of the above listed properties: Balance of Outstanding Liens includin unpaid water /sewer or other bills Address City & School Taxes thru June 14, 2010 County Taxes thru June 14, 2010 Total 507 Cascadilla St. $10,065.99 $2,569.68 $12,635.67 305 E. Falls St. $5,506.79 $970.25 $6,477.04 10 Hawthorne Circle $13,273.62 $2,379.60 $15,653.22 Total $28,846.40 $5,919.53 $34,765.93 WHEREAS, INHS proposes to develop homeownership projects at each property that will be sold to low- and moderate - income first time homebuyers under its Community Housing Trust program designed to retain permanent affordability of the housing units, and WHEREAS, 507 Cascadilla Street and 305 E. Falls Street are vacant, deteriorated, unsafe buildings that constitute a hazard to public safety and /or health and, in their current condition, a detriment to the surrounding properties and neighborhood, and WHEREAS, per correspondence dated May 13, 2010, INHS commits to a time schedule to remedy public safety hazards at each unsafe building to the Building Commissioner's satisfaction and to submit redevelopment plans, and WHEREAS, Section 1166(1) of New York Real Property Tax Law authorizes a taxing jurisdiction vested with title to real property by virtue of a foreclosure proceeding under that statute to sell and convey the real property so acquired, either with or without advertising for bids, notwithstanding the provisions of any general, special or local law, and WHEREAS, Section 1166(2) of the New York Real Property Tax Law further provides that no such sale shall be effective unless and until such sale shall have been approved and confirmed by a majority vote of the governing body of the taxing jurisdiction (except that no such approval shall be required when the property is sold at a public auction to the highest bidder), and WHEREAS, INHS has a successful track record in the City of Ithaca of converting dilapidated residential buildings into quality, affordable housing sold to low- and moderate - income homebuyers and possesses the technical and financial capacity to manage, secure funding, develop and sell affordable housing, and WHEREAS, the City has determined that transfer of the above - mentioned three parcels to INHS serves a public purpose; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the City Chamberlain is directed to withhold 507 Cascadilla Street, 305 E. Falls Street, and 10 Hawthorne Circle from the auction pending transfer to INHS, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, subject to advice of the City Attorney, is hereby authorized to execute a sales agreement with INHS for the above listed properties, in their as -is condition, with a sales price equal to the balance of all outstanding City, School and County taxes and any other City liens, on each property, with all costs associated with the conveyance to be borne by the buyer, and which commits the buyer to remedy safety hazards and submit redevelopment plans for the unsafe properties in a timely manner, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor, subject to advice of the City Attorney and the terms and provisions of the sales agreement, is authorized to convey quit claim deeds to 507 Cascadilla Street, 305 Falls Street and 10 Hawthorne Circle to INHS. buck Up zk� 0 9 N I Ithaca ® urban Renewal ■ Agency 108 East Green Strut Ithaca, New York 14850 (647) 274 -6559 To: City Administration Committee members From: Nels Bohn, Director of Community Development 412 RE: proposed Conveyance to INNS of Properties Acquired Through Tax Foreclosure Date: May 14, 2010 The City is acquiring the following three single- family residential properties through tax foreclosure proceedings: 1. 507 Cascadilla Street 2,, 305 E. Falls Street 3. 10 Hawthorne Circle The first two properties listed above are well known to the Building Commissioner as problem vacant properties that are deemed as unsafe buildings. Corrective action, which could Include demolition or extensive repair, is necessary to eliminate public safety hazards at each of these properties. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INNS) has submitted a letter of interest to acquire and redevelop the properties for resale to low- and moderate - income, first -time homebuyers through their Community Housing:. Trust, which will ensure permanent affordability of these homes. They further commit to address safety hazards In a timely manner. I recommend that the City authorize conveyance of these properties to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. at a sales price that covers all local government delinquent taxes and liens. Background The City has three major options to manage these tax foreclosed properties: 1. Public Auction - auction properties as -is to the highest bidder through the County's public auction and require the new owner to address safety hazards; 2. Hold for City to Remedy Hazards, Then Sell - demolish unsafe buildings at City cost and sell building lots through an open competitive process,. or, 3. Direct Sale convey the properties to the IURA or a developer, such as INNS, for redevelopment of the properties in a mariner that maximizes longterm public benefits. There are pros and cons for each approach. The auction approach offers the advantage of maximizing the sales price of the property, but there are no assurances that the new owner will remedy the safety hazards in a timely manner or retain the use of the properties as owner- occupied single- family dwellings. In fact, most bidders on auction properties are investors rather than home buyers, so there is an increased likelihood of conversion to rental housing. It is also passible that the high bid may not be high enough to cover the accrued delinquent taxes and liens owed on the property. City demolition of the unsafe buildings ensures that safety hazards are remedied In a time frame controlled by the City, but will require upfront expenditures (approximately $25,000 /demolition) and extend City maintenance responsibilities of the derelict properties. The City may, or may not, recoup the cost of removing a structurally unsound building through a higher sales price of the property. City ownership probably forecloses rehabilitation of the unsafe buildings as the City lacks expertise in housing rehabilitation. No City capital project has been established to date to undertake the demolition and clearance of unsafe buildings and such work has not been included in the 2010 Engineering Dept. or DPW %York plan, New York Real Property Tax Law authorizes the City to convey title to property acquired through tax foreclosure proceedings to a buyer without a public auction upon majority vote of the governing body of the tax district. Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (iNMS) has expressed an interest in acquiring these properties to undertake homeownership projects. INNS commits to address safety hazards In a timely manner and proposes to redevelop the properties for resale to low- and moderate- income, first -time homebuyers through their Community Mousing Trust, which is designed to retain permanent affordability of these homes. INNS has an exemplary record of past performance in completing homeownership projects and selling them to first -time homebuyers. Direct conveyance to IN'HS provides the following community benefits: I. Public safety hazards wili be addressed per a specified schedule (see INNS letter). 2. City and County will receive all delinquent taxes and liens owed on the properties. 3. Properties will remain on tax rolls. 4. Properties will be developed for quality, affordable, owner - occupied housing for tow - and moderate income first time homebuyers. 5. Title conveyed to a locally- based, non - profit housing organization with resources and expertise to manage and redevelop dilapidated residential properties. Cc. C. Peterson D, Parsons P. RAdke h Corms h D. Hoffman K. 5ot*0 CITY S11010' ENVIRONMENTAL ASSFSSiNIENT FORM Project Information: To be COTTIPICtcd by applicant or project sponsor. Date: 5/11/10 1. Applicant/Sponsor: 2. Project Name: City of Ithaca Common Council Conveyance to INHS of real property acquired through foreclosure 3. Project Location: * 507 Cascadilla Street * 305 E. Falls Street • 10 Hawthorne Circle 4. Is Proposed Action: X New to I INInsion o Madification/Alteration 5. Describe project brielly: Convey quit clairn deed of 3 foreclosed residential properties to Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. (INHS) 6. Precise Location (Road Intcrsections, Prominent Landmarks, etc. or provide map) • 507 Cascadilla Street, Ithaca, NY • 305 E. Falls Street, Ithaca, NY • 10 Hawthorne Circle, Ithaca., NY 7. Amount of Land Affected: Initially 1 Acres or Sq. Ft. Ultimately I Acres or Sq, Ft. S. Will proposed action comply with existing zoning or other existing land use restrictions? X Yes o No If No, describe briefly: 9. What is present land use in vicinity of project: XRcsidential o1ndustrial oAgricultural oParklandlOpcnSpace a Commercial o Other Describe: Each property is located In a residential neighborhood 10. Does action involve a pcnnit/approval, or funding, now or ultimately, frorn governmental agency (rederal, State or Local): o Yes X No If Yes, list Agency Name and Permit/Approval Type: 11. Does any aspect of the action have a currently val id permit or approval? o Yes X No If Yes, List Agency Name and Permit/Approval Type: 12. As a result of proposed action will existing permit/approval require modification? o Yes X No I certify that the information provided above is in, to the PREPARER'S SIGNATURE: 4 DATE: May 11, 2010 . ......... ----------------------- PREPARER'S'nTLE: Nels E iohn, DrecYbrof Community Development REPRESENTING. Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency J:tS1aMnCI0UT41PrVjXr1y dispa'sitioAily tax foTeclDsures 2010wity Sid romi - Tax foreclosuro,doc I SHORT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSF&SAIEN-17 FORM Part 11 To Bc Comma ted By Staff '4arne of Projccl: Conveyance to INNS of real property acquired through tax breclosure: 507 Cascadilla St., 305 E. Falls St, & 10 Hawthorne Circle 1. Will project result in a large physical chnngc to the prujcct site or physically alter Yes Na more than oue acre of land? 2. Will there be a change to any unique or unusual land forni found on the site or to any 11 site designated it unique natural area or critical environmental area by a local or sintc agency? 3. Will the project tiller or have any effect on an existing watenvay? ❑ 4. Will the project have an inirmet on groundwater quality? ❑ 5. Will the project affect drainage flow on adjacent sacs'? ❑ 6. Will the project affectany threatened or ctidangervd plant or animal species? 11 7. Will the project result in an adverse effect an air quality? 0 S. Will the project have ate affect on visual character of the community or scenic views 17, or vistas known to be important to the community: 9. Will the project adversely impact any site or structure of historic, pric-historic, or ❑ pilcontol4ical importance or any site designated a local landmark or in a landmark district? 10. Will the project have an effect on existing or future recreational opportunities? 0 11. Will the project result in traffic problems or cause a major effect to existing ❑ transportation systems? 12. Will the project cause objectionable oorlors, noise, glare, vibration, or electrical ❑ dislutKance as a result of the project's operation during construct-ion or alter complain"? 13. Will the project have any impact on public health or safety.' 0 14. Will the project affect the existing community by directly causing a srotWi in ❑ permanent populations of more than 5 percent over a one-year period OR. have a ncgAtive effect ott the character of the community or neighborhood? 15. is there in the proJi a If any question has been answered YES, a completed Full Lrivironawntal Assessment Pono (FEAF) is necessary. lfol� v NATURE(�W?YIA,�X !VhWUJ DATE; C) PREPAREIVS SIG I 4�&C-- PREPARER'S TITL - .__l`? RE, PRESENTINIG: Q�t Tq—O-F- j;',s1af1)ne10urefproperty dispositio&vity ox foreclosures 2010%suf part ii - tax foredosurvs,doc /-\4 ghbofW rks, CHARTE:RLD ASt6111IR May 7, 2010 Mayor Carolyn K. Peterson City of Ithaca 108 Bast Green St Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Carolyn, E. Ithaca Neighborhood HOUSING SERVICES This letter is to clarify the intentions of Ithaca Nelghbrorhoad Housing Services with respect to three tax delinquent properties that the City of Ithaca is proposing for foreclosure and transfer. Nels Bohn requested that I send this to you. It is our understanding that after foreclosure, the City of Ithaca would transfer these properties to INNS for the cost of the delinquent City and County taxes in an as -fs condition through a quit claim deed. our plan is to substantially improve the properties and return them to the tax roll. The houses would be sold to low or moderate Income first time homebuyers under INHS`s Community Housing Trust. IN'HS would retain ownership of the land and sell the buildings; deed restrictions would limit the future sales price of the house ensuring that it would remain permanently affordable. While we have no dedicated funding in place for these projects, we are confident that we can obtain the necessary funds from any of a number of sources. These projects are quite similar to past projects funded through the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and the Affordable Mousing Corporation. INNS is prepared to advance funds to secure and/or demolish properties as needed without walting for other additional funding. - - I must emphasize that our analysis of these properties Is based on very preliminary information. We have not inspected the inside of any of the buildings and we have not examined the titles to determine whether any other significant Impediments to acceptable title exist. This is mitigated by the fact that INNS has dealt vdth hundreds of similar properties In the City of Ithaca and has a wealth of experience to draw on in evaluating the feasibility of these projects. The preliminary development plan for each of the properties Is as follows: 305_Eastffalls St This property, a 2272 sq. ft, old style house built In 1870, appears from the street to be quite deteriorated. Recent experience has shown us that renovating this type of property is not cost effective; it Is a better use of community resources to build a nevi, smaller building rather than remodel. Therefore we would demolish the house and replace it with a 3 BR LEER Gold or better certified home. An example of the home we might build is currently being built at 711 Hancock St. The new home would allow more distance to the neighbors' homes and would likely conform with the zoning for the lot. 507 C,iscadilla St This property, a 1530 sq. ft. old style house built In 1900, also appears to be quite deteriorated. We propose to demolish this house and replace it a 2 or 3 BR LEER Gold or butter certified horne. An example of the home we might build can be found at 301 Mit lison 5t. The new building would be substantially smaller than the existing house;, even so it is likely that one or two zoning variances might be required but we feel that the variances acquired would be small and in the best interest of the property and neighborhood. INHS has a good track record receiving such variances. 4'Jest Cltntan Street � ttt,aco, tJevr York 1-4$SO • 607- 271.4536 fix, www.ithacaNHS.org Hawthorne Circle This property, a 1656 sq. ft, ranch house guilt In 19 45, appears from the street to be reasonably solid. Based on INHS's experience with properties -of this age and with neighboring properties, complete demolition is probably not necessary. INHS Would do a complete renmration, probably partially gutting the building. All of the major systems would be brought up to code with particular attention to health and safety issues. The building is occupied. We do not know who the occupants are or whether their occupancy is subject to a lease or other rights., if it is possible to keep the occupant in the home and merely do renovations, 1NHS has resources that might make that possible. From our experience this possibility is unlikely but We Will explore it. While it would be best if we coin work out the transition easily with the occupant, true are prepared to go through the formal eviction process If need be. I've attached possible site plans for the Cascadilla St and the East Falls St properties as well as before /after photos of some recent properties we have demolished and replaced. These site plans are meant to be indicative of what vie might do and subject to change as we go through the development prods. These development plans are conceptual and may need to be changed after the buildings are closely inspected. Our experience has shown us than things are rarely what they seem at first glance. However, INNS is committed to bringing these properties into the Community Housing Trust and obtaining the resources needed to fully renovate or replace them. Thanks in advance for considering us for these properties. We appreciate your confidence in INNS. Sincerely, Paul hfazzarella Executive Director Attachments cc: Nels Bohn, IURA t e hborl V rice- Ithaca Neighborhood HOUSING SERVICES May 13'', 2010 Carolyn Peterson Mayor, City of Ithaca 108 East Green St Ithaca, NY 14850 Carolyn, I talked yesterday with Nels Bohn regarding the City's concerns about the condition of the properties at 507 Cascadilla St. and 305 East Falls St. This letter is to assure you that when INHS takes possession of the properties, we will act swiftly to ensure that they,do not continue to pose further public safety problems. To fulfill that goal, we will strive to meet the following dates: 1. Initial Inspection — We will inspect the buildings with Building Department staff at City possession to determine the scope of work need to make them safe to the public. 2. If the securing scope permits, INNS will secure the buildings within 10 business days of transfer to INHS. We will need a minimum of 7 days notice of closing to meet this targeted date. If the City allows it, INHS may be able to begin securing after the City takes possession and before INHS possession (assuming there is a substantial lag). 3. At completion of securing, INHS will re- Inspect the buildings with the Building Department 4. Proposed Work Scope — Within 90 days from transfer to INHS, INHS will determine a redevelopment plan (rehab or demo/new construction approach) for each unsafe building. If only rehab is required then INHS will submit a preliminary rehab scope of work. If demolition Is required, we will submit asbestos abatement and demolition permit applications and a new construction plan (so any area variances necessary can be identified). Please note that any redevelopment plans will require the approval of an INHS committee. 5. Demolition — If required, we will complete demolition within 50 days of issuance of a demolition permit. Please note that these dates are targets and may need to be changed after we actually inspect the properties. Based on what we typically find in properties in this condition, these dates are achievable. We will, of course, keep the Building Department informed if we discover any conditions that will impact the schedule. To our knowledge, the property at 10 Hawthorne Circle, which is already occupied, does not pose an imminent danger so no plan for that property is necessary. Sincerely, Scott Reynolds Real Estate Developer 115 West 011111 Sri Stmet • Ithaca, rkvi Ycak 14HSU • G07.777.4500 + 607- 277.4536 tax www.lthacaNtis.org 9.5 Water and Sewer — Request to Amend Capital Project #515 & #600 First Street Stormwater and Site Improvements - Resolution WHEREAS, in July 2007 the Water &-Sewer Division requested that a capital project be created for the "510 & 600 First Street Stormwater Quality & Site Improvements Project ", and WHEREAS, the total project amount requested was $910,000 to be phased over three years, and WHEREAS, Capital Project #515 was created and authorized, in the amount of $260,000 for the first year (2008) and the project funds were expended between the period 2008 -2009, and WHEREAS, the Water & Sewer Division requests that the project be amended by $650,000 to complete the project on schedule in 2010 with additional expenses needed for preparatory site and street work; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project #515 at a cost not to exceed $650,000 for a total project authorization of $910,000 for the 510 & 600 First Street Stormwater Quality & Site Improvements Project, and be it further RESOLVED, That funds necessary for said amendment be derived from the issuance of bonds. 9.6 Department of Public Works - A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into a Funding Agreement with Cornell University for the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Thurston - Avenue Paving and Pedestrian Enhancement Projects and Appropriating Funds Therefore WHEREAS, Common Council has authorized Capital Project #743, Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge, in an amount not to exceed $1,257,628, and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has undertaken a project to rehabilitate Thurston Avenue and to enhance the pedestrian crossings within the project limits, funding for which is budgeted from Capital Project #749, DPW Street and Road Construction, which capital project is currently authorized in an amount not to exceed $350,000 and WHEREAS, as a part of the Cornell /Community Transportation Initiative, Cornell University, has offered to assist in the funding of the abovementioned projects by contributing $100,000 toward each of these projects, and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to move these the projects ahead by making a commitment of 100% of the Cornell University funding offer with the understanding that Cornell University will reimburse the City of Ithaca in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for each of these two projects; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to pay in the first instance 100% of the Cornell University share of the cost of the Projects or portions thereof, and be it further RESOLVED, That the sum of $200,000 is hereby appropriated from the issuance of serial bonds and made available to cover the cost of participation in the abovementioned projects (an additional $100,000 for each project), and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project # 743, Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge, to include Cornell University's share of the project costs of $100,000, for a total project authorization of $1,357,628, and be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends Capital Project # 749, DPW Street and Road Construction, to include Cornell University's share of the project costs of $100,000, for a total project authorization of $450,000, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to execute all necessary Agreements, and that the Superintendent of Public Works of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to execute all certifications or reimbursement requests, on behalf of the City of Ithaca with Cornell University in connection with the advancement or approval of the abovementioned projects, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Columbia Street Pedestrian Bridge project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost of-the project to the City of Ithaca will be roughly 13% of the total project costs (primarily for the engineering and design of the project), which is currently estimated at $180,000 of the $1,357,628 authorized for this portion of the project, in monies and in -kind services as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and monitored by the City Controller, and be it further RESOLVED, That the Thurston Avenue paving and pedestrian enhancement project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost of the project to the City of Ithaca will be roughly 66% of the total project costs, which is currently estimated at $200,000 of the $300,000 authorized for this portion of the capital project, in monies and in -kind services as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and monitored by the City Controller, and be it further RESOLVED, This resolution shall take effect immediately. 9.7 Support of a Sweat Free Apparel Policy - Resolution WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca uses its monetary power to support the well -being of the citizens of Ithaca, and acknowledges that it plays an important role in the market as a consumer; and WHEREAS, transparency in government spending and purchases is considered a fundamental right of citizens; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is an acknowledged leader on social justice issues; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca acknowledges the existence of sweatshops in the world and in the United States of America and particularly acknowledges the history of labor abuse in the garment industry; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca realizes that the uniforms of its employees are manifestations and representations of the city including its principles; and WHEREAS, there is a growing national movement of over 180 government entities committed to supporting in their communities products that are made without sweatshop labor; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca agrees that certain labor standards and codes of conduct regarding the production process should be expected from its suppliers; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca acknowledges, appreciates, and supports the efforts of the other cities and states working with an independent monitor to properly ensure that these standards are met; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council endorses research into and development of a proposed "sweat free" apparel policy for all of the City's uniformed employees. Sweatshops: Harsh Conditions Create Public Support for Reform os % Hearts & Minds - information for ChangeSM Sweatshops http: / /www.heartsandminds .org/articles /sweat.htm act,, yjyet'n l ' Helpful Info Volunteering Harsh Conditions Create Public Support for Reform Historical Background The word "sweatshop" conjures up images of cramped, dangerous, and filthy factories in New York's Lower East Side. Immigrant women and children worked long hours in these factories for no benefits and little pay. To make ends meet after 15 -hour workdays, many workers brought more work home in the evenings. In 1900, workers formed the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) to organize against low wages and unsafe working conditions. In November 1909, ILGWU organized the first garment workers' strike, known as "The Great Revolt ". The protest brought 60,000 New York City garment workers to the streets to fight for their rights. Women and children on the picket lines were beaten or targeted with guns. Yet, ILGWU prevailed, winning wage and hour standards and impartial arbitration of disputes. Still there was a long fight ahead. Sweatshop conditions received further attention after a fire in New York's Triangle Shirtwaist factory in 1911. Locked exits prevented people from escaping. With no other hope, some jumped to their deaths from Triangle's high -floor windows, while others were burnt alive. One hundred and forty -six workers died. Sweeping national legislation was finally enacted in 1938 when President Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This law - enforced to this day - sets a minimum wage, requires overtime pay after 40 hours a week, and prohibits child labor and industrial homework. It brought protection and relief to tens of thousands of people working in factories. Why Sweatshops Are Back In recent decades, many garment manufacturers have moved overseas and unions have become less powerful. Devastating budget cuts during the Reagan and Bush administrations severely limited US Department of Labor (DOL) policing of garment factories. There are now only 800 wage and hour inspectors employed by DOL to inspect six million work sites of all kinds in the USA. This often makes it easy to avoid inspection. Sweatshops are often mobile operations, making them even more difficult to regulate. "The equipment is really just a few sewing machines," said Ginny Coughlin of UNITE (Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees). "Just rent space, pay the electric bill, and you're in business." Self -Help Inspiring Quotes Site Guide Hearts & Minds Volunteer with Us Donate /Become a MPmhPr Ahn A l is Copyrights Reprints & Important Notes Home Page 1 nf3 V170nin u•sd AM Sweatshops: Harsh Conditions Create Public Support for Reform http:// www. heartsandminds .org/articIes /sweat,htrn Rampant Violations FLSA is not always enforced and violations are rampant. Sweatshops are again a familiar fixture in the garment industry. DOL estimates that 50% of 22,000 registered garment contractors pay less than minimum wage, two - thirds do not pay overtime and one -third operate with serious health and safety violations. Workers who try to organize and protest poor working conditions are often fired. New York City's Sweatshop Revival New York City sweatshops operate behind locked doors -- often in the same buildings used more than sixty years ago in the Lower East Side and the Garment District. Steam from clothing presses can be seen spewing from pipes stuck through the boarded -up windows. DOL estimates that 4,500 of New York City's 7,000 garment factories are sweatshops. Across the USA Sweatshops are also common in other cities with large immigrant communities. Greater Los Angeles is a major example. Struggling to build a better life in their new country, Asian and Hispanic immigrants often work under slave -like conditions. They toil to repay thousands of dollars to those who smuggled them into the USA. Today, at the turn of the century, most garment workers are poor immigrant women. A Shocking Example In August 1995, the nation was outraged by news that 72 Thai immigrants worked under slave -like conditions. Local and Federal law enforcement agents conducted a raid on this sweatshop in El Monte, California, just east of Los Angeles. The immigrants worked for 69 cents an hour, locked in an apartment complex surrounded by razor wire. Workers were threatened with rape and murder if they stopped working. After the raid, Labor Secretary Robert Reich launched a crusade against sweatshops. Proposed Reform Legislation Media coverage of sweatshops has brought public outrage. In response, the Stop Sweatshops Act is now in the US Congress. The act defines sweatshops as: ...unsafe and unhealthy working conditions, often including locked exits and poor ventilation ... low wages or no wages, long hours of work with no overtime pay, and retaliation against workers who stand up for their rights. The proposed law would make both contractors and retailers liable for violations of minimum wage, overtime standards, child labor, or industrial homework. Supporters of the bill say clothing businesses must be held responsible -- companies can check their suppliers more readily than individual consumers can. The law creates strong incentives for businesses to ensure clothing is made under decent conditions. To date, this act has not been passed by Congress. You can support this act by working with the advocacy groups listed on our links page and by using the political lobbying techniques. 2 of 3 5/27/2(11(1 R-54 AM Sweatshops: Harsh Conditions Create Public Support for Reform http://www.heartsandminds.org/articies/sweat.htm Addressing the Issues The National Labor Committee (NLC), a human rights organization based in New York, is in the vanguard of exposing labor abuses. In April 1997, the NLC revealed that a line of clothing endorsed by Kathie Lee Gifford was made in Honduran sweatshops -- often by children. This was well publicized and resulted in a signed agreement between Gifford and the NLC. The manufacturers agreed to independent monitoring of their Honduran factories by local human rights organizations. The Giffords also took matters into their own hands: Frank Gifford gave envelopes of money to the workers. Angered that they not been paid in so long, many workers stayed home and did not receive this compensation. Who Should Check the Manufacturers? Due to public outrage over sweatshop conditions, many clothing manufacturers now hire outside companies to inspect working conditions in their factories. This third -party monitoring has become a growth industry, the NLC says, funded largely by the corporations being investigated. The concern is that manufacturers might influence their monitors to present an overly favorable picture to consumers. When asked if any company in particular was making substantial improvements, Braune said that the NLC was, "hard- pressed to make a distinction between any manufacturer." The only exception, the NLC believes, is El Salvadoran factories making clothing for The Gap. In 1995, The Gap signed an agreement with the NLC agreeing to independent monitors, not employed by The Gap. Instead they come from the Human Rights Ombudsman's offices in El Salvador and other Central American countries. The NLC believes that this is the model all manufacturers should follow. However, Ginny Coughlin, spokeswoman for UNITE, said the best way to rid the garment industry of sweatshops is to organize workers. "Tremendous progress is being made ... more and more factories are unionizing." Although workers in the United States and overseas are also fired every day for trying to organize and educate themselves about their rights. Free Newsletter More Articles on Social Issues Top of Paqe I Home Paq I Site Guide C;nrltant I )S its" too, This web page and entire website © Copyright: 1997 - 2007 by Hearts and Minds Network, Inc., Illustration © /tV f n 10 e' 2002 by Elaine Szumanski http: / /www.heartsandminds.org /articles /sweat.htm - latest text changes April 21, 2006 3 of 5i27i ?01n R•54 AM publish.nyc.indymedia.org I NYC Garment Workers Challenge Sweat... http://nyc.indymedia.org/or/2009/08/106926.htn-d HOME August 18, 2009 01:57PM EDT [general.addtranslation) Download Article (PDF) NYC Garment Workers Challenge Sweatshop Conditions Garment workers recently rallied outside garment factory Great Wall Corp in Queens. By Brandworkers International Search! Garments workers in NYC are working to challenge sweatshop conditions in garment factories and hold clothing companies accountable for the actions of their subcontractors. LATEST STORIES NEW YORK INDYMEDIA about, contact, donate Keywords: Class, Analysis, Bronx, Economy, HLman_Rghts, Labor, Activism, how to get involved Do nlgad._Article (PDF). athens, austria, more... While it might be surprising to some that sweatshops still exist in the USA in 2009, low- income immigrant workers OPEN PUBLISHING around the country are all too familiar with the grim reality of long hours, illegally low pay, and abuse from what is open publishing? management. While Brandworkers' Focus on the Food Chain campaign challenges sweatshop conditions in the food how to publish, policy industry, our friends at the Ain't I a Woman ?! campaign are taking on the garment industry. publish your news - Add your comments OCEANIA The Ain't I a Woman?! campaign is a joint project of the National Mobilization Against Sweatshops and Chinese Staff & INDYMEDIA NETWORK Workers Association, two NYC -based workers' centers. The campaign aims to hold clothing companies accountable for about indymedia, faq the working conditions in their factories. This task is not always easy given the level of contracting and subcontracting listservs, wiki, chat that allows clothing companies to distance themselves from the sweatshops in which their clothes are sewn. GLOBAL NETWORK www.indymedia.org Despite these challenges, NYC garment workers, community members, and activists are organizing for better working conditions and more accountability. AFRICA ambazonia, canarias, Over 100 garments workers rallied outside Great Wall Corp n Lon Island City, y. g P 9 Y, Queens last Tuesday. Great Wall is a estrecho /madiaq, more... garment factory and subcontractor for Silver Fashions Inc. Workers say they frequently worked 100 hour weeks for as little as $300 and were even forced to work overnight at the factory (Queens Chronicle). EAST ASIA burma, japan, manila, qc In November 2008, six workers filed a lawsuit against Great Wall for violating several federal and state labor laws. A month later, the company terminated all the workers who filed suit plus an additional 50 workers. CANADA hamilton, maritimes, montreal, ontario, more By Brandworkers International - h�tp / /www,hran_d_wQrkgrrg/en/bloa EUROPE Wish to Know alacant, andorra, antwerpen, Do nlgad._Article (PDF). athens, austria, more... Add to PDF Compilation UNITED STATES Download PDF Comp p lation LATIN AMERICA argentina, bolivia, brasil, Email Article chiapas, chile, more. .. - Add your comments OCEANIA - - - -- — — adelaide, aotearoa, brisbane, burma, darwin, more...�® SOUTH ASIA Wish to Know india, mumbai Aug 18, 2009 04:OOPM EDT fbi /legal updates Thanks UNITED STATES htt : - anzona, arkansas, atlanta, austin, baltimore, more... If it isn't too much trouble, can you post here the company's address(es), as well as the home addresses of all its PROJECTS climate officers and owners. WEST ASIA by legit brands tell us so they can be exposed. beirut, israel, palestine PROCESS discussion Aug 18, 2009 06:27PM EDT fbi /legal updates ... indymedia faq httR Ll mailing lists Why don't you tell the names of the brands that contract work with this place? I mean if it's just a criminal shop PROJECTS climate churning out bootleg polo jeans to sell on Canal St. well what do you expect it's organized crime? If they are hired print by legit brands tell us so they can be exposed. radio satellite tv CREDITS mir imc tech admin (c) Independent Media Center. All content is free for reprint and rebroadcast, on the net and elsewhere, for non - commercial use, unless otherwise noted by author. IMC not for content (expand this). more.... imc -nyc at lists. indymedia.org 1 (212) 221 -0521 1 —f—) ZPI^/Nnln o.CC AAA 9.8 Resolution to Adopt FY 2010 PEG Access Studio Capital Budget WHEREAS, the Franchise Agreement between Time Warner Entertainment and the City of Ithaca signed in 2003 authorizes Time Warner Entertainment to collect $0.15 per subscriber per month to be used for the purchase of equipment for the PEG Access Studio, and WHEREAS, the total capital budget for the life of the ten -year agreement was estimated to be $200,000 and the working practice has been to divide the capital budget into allotments of approximately $20,000 /year, and WHEREAS, the Franchise Agreement outlines the creation of an Access Oversight Committee which shall be responsible for approving the timing, use and amount of PEG access equipment acquired each year over the term of the agreement; and WHEREAS, the Access Oversight Committee has approved a fiscal year 2011 capital budget in the amount of $28,500.00; and WHEREAS, the Franchise Agreement states that participating municipalities, including the City of Ithaca, must adopt the annual PEG Access Studio budget by June 30 of the preceding year; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council adopts the FY 2010 PEG Access Studio budget as approved by the Access Oversight Committee. dh !_k in RX 2011 PEGASYS Capital Budget Approved by the Access Oversight Committee (AOC) May 11, 2010 Replace Studio Special Effects Generator $14,000.00 Replace Ross studio special effects generator with Indigo AV Mixer Contingency Fund $10,000.00 Description: The PEGASYS studio has a great deal of equipment that is 8 -15 years old, and will need replacement as it fails. In addition, many lower- priced items like cables or headphones receive hard use and need replacement much more frequently. Which items will fail is impossible to predict a year in advance. Internet Service $1,500.00 Add a wireless LAN system available to producers with their own laptops and the PEGASYS editing laptop computers anywhere within the PEGASYS building. This would include both equipment hook -up and a monthly service fee that would be on- going. Educational /Governmental Access $3,000.00 To be determined based on E/G user requests to the AOC. Total $28,500.00 10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 10.1 Individual Member Filed Resolution from Alderperson Myrick -Common Council Declaration of Emergency and Authorization of 10 -Week Extension for Existing, Temporary Fences on Gorge Bridges - Resolution WHEREAS, the high bridges across Ithaca's gorges have provided spectacular and inspiring views of the City and its environs, and a unique window for residents and visitors into the natural beauty of the gorges and the area's geologic history; and WHEREAS, these same bridges have also been the site, over the years, of numerous deaths and injuries, both as a result of accidental falls and intentional leaps, many involving college students, but also other persons; and WHEREAS, some of the bridges across the gorges are owned and maintained by Cornell University and some are owned and maintained by the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, in the late winter of 2010, within a one -month period, three persons jumped or fell to their deaths from bridges across Ithaca's gorges; and WHEREAS, Cornell officials, in consultation with professionals who study suicide and /or work on its prevention, have concluded that these recent incidents could represent a "suicide cluster" or "contagion," and that Ithaca's high bridges could represent "iconic" suicide sites, especially for vulnerable, college -age persons, and that the most effective means of reducing suicides of this type is to place barriers on the bridges, in order to deter impulsive actions; and WHEREAS, in March, Cornell erected temporary, emergency fences on its own bridges across the Fall Creek and Cascadilla Creek gorges (without going through the City's normal site plan or environmental reviews or permitting procedure); and WHEREAS, on March 26, 2010, Cornell Vice President Kyu -Jung Whang sent a letter to City of Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson, explaining the University's actions and requesting that the City allow Cornell to place similar, emergency fences on three City - owned bridges; and WHEREAS, the placement of a fence or other barrier on a bridge is an action normally subject to the City's site plan review process, environmental review (per City and State law) and other permitting procedures, and is exempt from such review only if it is temporary (i.e., of short duration and reversible) and of an emergency nature; and WHEREAS, on March 26, 2010, the Mayor exercised her authority under Section 4 -1 of the City's Municipal Code, and declared that the string of recent, apparent suicides and the accompanying risk of a "suicide contagion" that could lead to further harm, constituted an emergency "affecting the life, health or safety of inhabitants of the City," and that for that reason she was granting permission to Cornell to install temporary fences on the three City bridges (at Cornell's sole cost), without the normal review and permitting process, but only until June 4, 2010; and WHEREAS, Cornell has now requested that permission to maintain the temporary, emergency fences (without formal review) be extended for an additional 10 weeks beyond June 4th (i.e., until August 13, 2010), to allow time for Cornell and the City to study the situation further, and to consider whether the fences should be replaced with another type of temporary "means restriction," that is more visually acceptable to Cornell and the City, pending a decision on any proposed permanent bridge modifications (which decision would be accompanied by the full, normal review process, including public involvement); and WHEREAS, the University's position and new request, and its commitment to City - Cornell discussions and other steps, are set forth in a letter to the Mayor from Vice President Susan Murphy, dated May 27, 2010; and WHEREAS, the Mayor does not wish to exercise further her (unilateral) emergency authority, regarding the temporary fences, beyond what she has already done, and believes that any extension of the emergency declaration should be considered by the full Common Council; now therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby declares that, pending further study of the situation, a threat to the safety or life of certain City residents and visitors appears to exist in the form of a possible "suicide contagion" focused on the use of the high bridges across Ithaca's gorges to end one's life in a public manner, which risk justifies immediate, emergency actions (not contingent upon the normal review and permitting procedures) to deter impulsive jumps from such bridges; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Council hereby authorizes Cornell University to continue to maintain the existing, temporary, emergency fences on the two City -owned bridges on Stewart Avenue (across Cascadilla Creek and Fall Creek) and the City -owned Thurston Avenue bridge, and on Cornell -owned bridges, until August 13, 2010, without the normal review and permitting procedures, and according to the terms and conditions set forth in the above - referenced letter- agreements from Cornell (including Cornell's commitment to remove the temporary fences on City bridges by the end of that period, in the absence of any further extension, and including a 10 -week extension of the indemnification period described in its March 26th letter and); and be it further RESOLVED, That the "phase I" City - Cornell discussions as proposed in Cornell's May 27th letter shall include consideration of the effect of fencing and other, prospective means restriction measures on the important views previously available from the gorge bridges, and possible ways to mitigate such effects in connection with any "interim" or permanent measures; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is requested to make reasonable efforts to ensure that the City - Cornell discussions and other steps outlined in Cornell's May 27th letter, for this extension period, are conducted expeditiously and with appropriate City representation. Student and Academic a Services Cornell University Susan H. Murphy Vice President 311 Day Hall Ithaca, New York 14853 -2801 t. 607.255.7595 f 607.255.8400 e. shm 1 @cornell.edu May 27, 2010 Honorable Carolyn K. Peterson Mayor, City of Ithaca City Hall 108 East Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Re: Emergency measures to deter further suicides from bridges on and near campus Dear Mayor Peterson: After further study and advice from experts in the field, the Cornell administration has concluded that fences, in some form, continue to be an essential emergency measure to deter further suicides from bridges on and near the Cornell campus, over the Fall Creek and Cascadilla Creek gorges. Your emergency declaration of March 25, 2010 allowed Cornell to install fences until June 4, 2010. We are again asking for your help and that of Common Council and the Board of Public Works. Initially, this help would be in the form of the Common Council's exercise of its emergency powers to allow the existing fencing on City-owned bridges to remain for up to 10 weeks beyond June 4' (absent the normal review and permitting procedures), and would defer such review/ permitting procedures for the temporary, emergency fences that have been installed on Cornell -owned bridges, for the same period. If such an extension is granted, Cornell will commit to working closely with City representatives during that period to: (a) Gain more knowledge about the science and opinion that exists regarding means restriction on bridges as a way of addressing suicides. or the "suicide contagion" phenomenon (particularly in a community like Ithaca with an abundance of young people and a number of bridges of great height). (b) Consider the elements of important viewing opportunities and other aesthetic amenities offered by the bridges (pre- fencing), and to what extent such opportunities could be preserved in conjunction with a means - restriction approach. (c) Allow the parties to jointly consider and review designs for more visually acceptable barriers, although still of an emergency and temporary nature. The goal would be to replace the existing fencing by the end of the extension period with a mutually acceptable temporary alternative (the "Interim Emergency Barrier ") that is reversible, with Cornell bearing all costs associated with the removal of existing fencing and for design and installation of any Interim Emergency Barrier. Honorable Carolyn K. Peterson May 27, 2010 Page 2of3 (d) Allow the City to consider and adopt a mutually agreeable proposed timetable for the Interim Emergency Barriers to remain on the bridges (the "Timetable "). The Timetable would allow possible permanent solutions to be thoroughly discussed and weighed beginning in the Fall, with input from the public and the campus communities, as well as municipal stakeholders. Establishing the Timetable would help insure that any Interim Emergency Barriers are indeed a temporary response to the emergency. If during the discussions held over the course of the Timetable period, there appears to be a sufficient indication of support for adding permanent means restriction to one or more of the City -owned bridges, then the Timetable would provide a timeframe in which to design and get cost estimates for, and feedback on, plans for proposed permanent means restriction modifications, then to seek official approval or disapproval of such plans, as required by the City Charter and Code, including building code requirements, site plan review, and environmental review, plus all the requisite public notices and hearings. Unless extended by mutual agreement, the Interim Emergency Barriers would have to be removed at the end of the Timetable period if a permanent plan were not approved by the City. Working together as outlined by the Timetable may ultimately take a number of months. We want to assure you that the City's approval of any one step would not bind it to approval of a subsequent step. We are only asking for a decision about the first step now. An extension of the status quo for up to10 weeks is based on the continuing emergency that our experts and our professional mental health care staff believe exists. It would give both the City and Cornell a vital, perhaps life- saving, few weeks in order to consider interim emergency measures that are more aesthetically acceptable, and plan for an orderly way of considering possible long -term solutions. If by the end of this initial extension, the City has declined or failed to allow the Interim Emergency Barriers to be installed, Cornell hereby agrees that it will remove the existing fencing from the City-owned bridges at that time (at Cornell's sole cost). As we envision them taking shape, the steps, if each were approved by the City, are summarized below. We are, of course, very open to your suggestions about how to accomplish our goals. Decision by June 2, 2010 on whether to use emergency powers so the existing fencing remains for up to 10 weeks beyond June 4"', during which time: a. Information about suicide and bridges is further discussed, b. Information about impact of barriers on important views, and how to mitigate the same, is discussed, c. Visually improved Interim Emergency Barriers are suggested, and d. Timetable for Interim Emergency Barriers is developed. II. Decision by August 2010 on whether to extend emergency, approve Timetable and allow Interim Emergency Barriers to be installed, for the number of months to be determined by the Timetable, during which time: Honorable Carolyn K. Peterson May 27, 2010 Page 3 of 3 a. Possible permanent solutions and their impacts are thoroughly discussed, considered, including funding sources, and b. Proposed designs are developed for any permanent solutions that show potential. III. Designs for any permanent solutions that arise out of II are proposed and approved/ disapproved after all required reviews applicable to non - emergency measures. There is an additional, but closely related matter. As you know, in response to the crisis in March, Cornell erected emergency temporary fences on its own bridges across each of these gorges. We appreciate that the public and Cornell communities often do not know which of us owns which bridge. For this and other reasons, we believe that considering means restrictions, more aesthetic temporary barrier designs, and ultimately any permanent solutions, will be furthered by some amount of discussion about the bridges as a group, even though each bridge has a distinct owner, setting, design, usage, and possibly, separate risk factors. Therefore, we propose that the emergency fences over the Cornell bridges be handled in a fashion similar to City bridges, as emergency measures. Thus, Cornell would replace them with aesthetically improved Interim Emergency Barriers within 10 weeks of June 4 " (following informal discussion with City representatives of the design and impact of such Barriers). They would again be a temporary, emergency measure and subject to the Timeline for removal. The proposal for any permanent means restriction on the Cornell bridges would be subject to Cornell making a site plan review application and any other permit applications, including environmental review, just as for any other non - emergency project. We look forward to working with you and the Common Council in the days leading up to June 4'h, in order to arrive at a timely, proactive response to this difficult situation. We are extremely grateful for the understanding you and the entire community have shown, as well as for your speedy consideration of our request. Ve truly yo s, Susan H. Murphy, Vice President, Student d Academic Services cc: William J. Gray, Superintendent of Public Works Daniel L. Hoffman, City Attorney President David Skorton Vice President Elmira Mangum Vice President Stephen Johnson Vice President Kyu Whang John Gutenberger, Community Relations Shirley Egan, Associate Counsel 10.2 Department of Planning and Development 2010 Priority Projects and Work Plan The Department of Planning & Development's 2010 Priority Projects, Projects of Interest, and Work Plan are listed below for your information. A. Priority Projects - Planning 1. Implementation of the Collegetown Urban Plan and Conceptual Design Guidelines: (Projected Completion Date —December 31, 2010). • Complete Creation of The Form Based Code • Create Design Standards • Write Legislation for Binding Design Review • Complete a Pay Station Program • Design Streetscape Improvements for the 400 Block of College Ave. 2. Dredging (12 to 18 months to complete planning, design, and permitting so dredging operation can begin — September 2011). 3. Southwest Area Development (Ongoing, may be dependent on dredging timeline — Construction Start Date 2014). 4. Research and Apply for Major Grants as Directed (TIGER, Stimulus Monies, NYSERTA, RESTORE, etc.) 5. Implement NYSERTA Grant funding for a 12 month Energy Sustainability Project Manager (who will oversee the City's climate change and energy sustainability initiatives). 6. Work with grant funded American Institute of Architects Sustainable Development Assessment Team (SDAT) to examine how to improve linkages (transit, visual, physical, marketing) between downtown and the surrounding commercial districts ( Collegetown, West End, Inlet Island, IC). 7. City Comprehensive Plan — Complete Scope of Services and Draft Contract for Parsons Brinkerhoff. Actual work to begin 1 St quarter of 2011. B. Priority Projects - Development 1. Site Plan Review for the Rebuilding of the City's Water Supply Plant and related improvements (12 to 24 months- Construction Start Date 2013). 2. Inlet Island Development • Continue working with the selected preferred developer and Common Council toward development of Inlet Island. • Continue efforts to acquire the parcel owned by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ( "NYSDEC ") and once acquired, begin a Phase 11 Environmental Investigation and cleanup if necessary. 3. Development of the Ithaca Gun Factory Site and the Adjacent Ithaca Falls Natural Area • Continue work with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Fall Creek Redevelopment, LLC, to remediate the former Ithaca Gun Factory Site. • Administer Grant Funding for remediation. • Start planning process for a park that includes the area at the base of the falls, the rim trail, and the overlook area. 4. Completion of Cayuga Green and Associated Projects • Work with Bloomfield + Schon Partners on the 20 -30 unit luxury apartments and future condominiums, known as Cayuga Green 3. • Continue to seek tenants for the remaining commercial space in Cayuga Garage and at Cayuga Place. • Continue working with Jeffrey Rimland to complete plans for the Hotel Ithaca project 5. Oversee Implementation of the $4 Million GIAC Facility Rehabilitation Project 6. Collegetown Terrace Apartments Project PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED AS STAFF TIME ALLOWS Proiects of Interest: 1. Revise the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance to include climate change considerations (greenhouse gas reduction, renewable energy, energy efficiency, solid waste management practices, etc.). 2. Revise the Community Incentive Investment Program application. 3. Work towards approval and implementation of the Stewart Park Rehabilitation Action Plan. 4. Create a Conservation Zone(s). 5. Create a Stream Corridor Protection Zone(s). 6. Investigate extending Cherry Street for additional development. Projects identified by the Planning Committee to be done in cooperation with Engineering, Streets and Facilities and the Board of Public Works: 7. Complete revisions to the City's Sidewalk Ordinance. 8. Create a City wide approach to parking. 9. Assist in the development of a City Transportation Plan. 10. Coordinate with the City, Cornell University, and Delta Phi Fraternity to assess and correct damage to both the street and sidewalk on Cornell Avenue, the limestone retaining wall on Cornell Avenue, and the stone walls on the Baldwin Staircase. 11. Work on and distribute an RFP for improvements to the Wood Street Roller Sports Facility, choose a consultant and execute a contract. 12. Work with the City and Cornell University on the issue of fences /barriers on area fences to discourage /prevent suicides. Additional Projects identified by various sources: 13. Investigate gas drilling impacts on the City of Ithaca's water quality and roads. 14. Consider creating a critical environmental area for the City -owned land in Six Mile Creek. 15. Improve system to better monitor the City's Class 2 Pollution Sites (possibly including dedicated city staff). 16.Address undesirable loss of urban and natural forms by rezoning certain areas of the City. 17. Work with property owners and business owners (and potential property and business owners) to invest in and improve properties in the West End. 18.Assist in finding appropriate tenants /uses for the Hancock Street P &C, Emerson, Challenge Industries, and the Ithaca Journal Building. 19. Implement Martin Luther King Freedom Walkway. 20. Investigate impacts on wood smoke emissions and mitigation measures to protect public health and safety. Proiects Identified by the Planning Department to be managed or completed: 1. Ongoing issues related to the NYSEG Coal Tar Remediation Site and the future of the Markles Flats building. 2. Develop Revisions to the Landmarks Ordinance. 4. Revise Design Review Ordinance and Develop Citywide Design Guidelines. 5. Revise Site Plan Review Ordinance to include new stormwater regulations, pedestrian and bicycle standards, planting and landscaping standards, increased public notification times, sustainability and green building standards. 6. Revise Subdivision Ordinance to be more in line with revisions to the Site Plan Review Ordinance and the Environmental Review Ordinance. 7. Complete City's Historic Preservation Design Guidelines. Office Projects /Tasks 1. Standardize Planning Department Filing System, for both paper and electronic files. Consider using Laserfisch to create a paperless system that could archive files, interconnect, and manage department information. 2. Consider implementing an address based filing system to coordinate with Building Department filing system resulting in a "one click" database for all information relating to a particular property. 3. Standardize Public Notification Procedures for Site Plan Review, Subdivision Review, and Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission projects.