HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-06-13 Common Council Meeting AgendaOFFICIAL NOTICE OF MEETING
A Regular meeting of the Common Council will be held on Wednesday, February 6,
2013, 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
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
2. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
3. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
4. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 Presentation of the J. Diann Sams Annual African American History Month
Recognition Award - Resolution
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
5.1 Update on City of Ithaca Youth Council – Jen Handy
6. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
7. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
7.1 Announcement of the Availability of the 2013 Annual Disclosure Forms of
the Mayor and Common Council
8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk’s Office:
8.1 Request of Downtown Ithaca Alliance to Permit the Sampling and Sale of Bottled
Wine, Hard Cider, and Beer at the Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off on the
Commons – Resolution
City Administration Committee:
8.2 City Administration – DPW – Water and Sewer Division– Amendment to
Personnel Roster - Resolution
8.3 Human Resources – Request to amend Various Departmental Rosters -
Resolution
8.4 City of Ithaca – IURA Agreement Governing Administration of HUD Entitlement
Funds Awarded to City of Ithaca - Resolution
8.5 Finance/Controller – Request Funds for City Hall Server Room Air
Conditioning System Replacement - Resolution
Common Council Agenda
February 6, 2013
Page 2
9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 Human Resources Dept. - Request to Approve Establishment of Standard
Workday - Resolution
9.2 DPW - Creation of Director of Parking Position - Resolution
9.3 Approval of Extension of Exemption from Real Property Taxes and Provision for
In-Lieu Payments, with Regard to City of Ithaca Tax Parcel Numbers 41.-1-3.1,
41.-1-3.2, 44. -3-3, 44.-4-1, 44.-5-3, 44.-8-1, 51.-2-15, 80.-3-10 and 103.-3-1
Pursuant to Section 52 of the Public Housing Law of the State of New York –
Resolution
9.4 Fire Department – Request Approval for Central Fire Station Roof
Replacement - Resolution
9.5 Board of Fire Commissioners - Funds Received from Formerly Active Volunteer
Fire Companies - Resolution
9.6 City Controller’s Report
10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 MLK Sculpture Installation at Southside Community Center - Resolution
10.2 Local Designation of the Henry St. John Historic District - Resolution
11. GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE:
11.1 Update on last meeting from Committee Chair Mohlenhoff
12. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
13. NEW BUSINESS:
14. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
15. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
15.1 Board of Public Works – Resolution
15.2 Reappointments to Various Boards and Committees – Resolution
15.3 Appointments to City of Ithaca Youth Council – Resolution
16. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
17. REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
18. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
Common Council Agenda
February 6, 2013
Page 3
19. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
19.1 Approval of the January 2, 2013 Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution
19.2 Approval of the January 23, 2013 Special Common Council Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
20. 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.
______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC
City Clerk
Date: January 31, 2013
4. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
4.1 Presentation of the J. Diann Sams Annual African American History Month
Recognition Award Honoring Leslyn McBean-Clairborne and William (J.R.) B.
Clairborne, Jr. - Resolution
WHEREAS, In keeping with the vision of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as the “Father
of Black History”, whose lifelong devotion to educating African Americans about the
significant cultural, social and economic impacts of African Americans in U.S. history led
to the modern-day, month-long observance of Black, or African American, History
Month, the City of Ithaca Common Council in 2004 established a tradition of honoring
an individual of great esteem and inspiration whose outstanding contributions,
leadership, and accomplishments highlights the positive impacts local African American
residents have on our community and society in Ithaca; and
WHEREAS, The first recipient of this honor was Alderperson J. Diann Sams -- a civil
rights leader, long-time public servant, and the first African American woman who also
had a disability to serve on Common Council – and this annual recognition was
renamed in her honor after her passing in 2007 to commemorate her tireless efforts on
behalf of African Americans and other underrepresented populations in and around
Ithaca; and
WHEREAS, Common Council has awarded the following outstanding leaders with said
recognition in subsequent years:
- 2005, Dr. James Turner
- 2006, Mr. Calemeze (Cal) D. Walker
- 2007, Mrs. Frances Eastman
- 2008, Ms. Lucy J. Brown
- 2009, Ms. Marcia J. Fort
- 2010, Mr. and Mrs. Abraham A. and Denise C. Dendtler Lee
- 2011, Mr. Karl A. Graham
- 2012, Mr. Kenneth E. Glover
WHEREAS, such two individuals who have made an indelible stamp upon Ithaca history
and are so revered that they are worthy of community recognition are Mrs. Leslyn
McBean-Clairborne and Mr. William (J.R.) B. Clairborne, Jr., both stalwart and
outspoken community advocates and lifelong public servants who have dedicated their
personal and professional lives to improving the lives of our residents and whose
commitment to service is an inspiration to others; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne and Mr. Clairborne have throughout their careers
worked on behalf of the disenfranchised and the less fortunate, have been unflinching
voices on issues of social and economic justice, and have consistently worked to
enhance government services for and sensitivity to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, as Deputy Director of the Greater Ithaca Activities
Center (GIAC), has ensured that our youth, seniors and those in fragile personal and
economic situations receive necessary support and assistance so they may grow as
individuals and as empowered members of our community and in 2011 she received the
Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award for her selfless dedication to
improving upon the quality of life of the less fortunate in Tompkins County; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne has served as County Legislator representing the
City of Ithaca since 2001, serving on both the Public Safety Committee and as Chair of
the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and in 2006 was the first person of
color to be elected by the Legislature to serve as its Vice Chair; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, brings her many years of experience and
expertise as a local and national volunteer mediator to her public service demonstrating
her devotion to assisting others in navigating challenging personal, cultural and
professional circumstances, and her focus on realizing long-term and sustainable
resolutions; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Clairborne, U.S. Navy veteran and former criminal justice reporter for
the Ithaca Journal, is known for his open mind and open heart, dedicated to resolving
conflicts through communication, collaboration and understanding, and achieving a win-
win solution acceptable by all; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Clairborne’s determined commitment to enhancing personal and
community empowerment by supporting and promoting youth services, neighborhood
vitality, cultural identity, serving the needs of the under privileged and those facing hard
times has made him a leader in the community known for his sensitivity, empathy and
encouragement, and
WHEREAS, Mr. Clairborne has served as Alderperson for the City of Ithaca
representing the Second Ward since 2006, serving as Chair of the City Administration
Committee with a dedication to enhancing transparent and participatory government
and due process for all; and
WHEREAS, like Alderperson Sams, Mrs. McBean-Clairborne, and Mr. Clairborne’s
devotion to helping improve the quality of life for Ithaca’s residents of all ages, cultures
and backgrounds has significantly contributed to the creation of a better future for our
city; and
WHEREAS, in their nominating statement, the panel of this award’s past recipients
note:
“They have served our community as elected officials for 13 and 8 years,
respectively. They are committed to public service and are strong advocates for
justice and equality. They represent the ideas and principles that J. Diann Sams
believed in and fought for. They are very deserving of this honor in her name”;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council urges all citizens to recognize the
invaluable contributions of these positive, affirming, and dedicated citizens – Mrs.
Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, and Mr. William (J.R.) B. Clairborne, Jr. – who, through their
commitment to our youth and through their service to the residents of our Community,
have become stalwart examples of the many prominent figures we celebrate throughout
history, particularly African American history; and be it further
RESOLVED, That in so doing, Mrs. Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, and Mr. William (J.R.)
B. Clairborne, Jr. are worthy of honor not only each year in February, but throughout the
entire calendar year.
8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Clerk’s Office:
8.1 Request of Downtown Ithaca Alliance to Permit the Sampling and Sale of
Bottled Wine, Hard Cider, and Beer at the Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off
on the Commons – Resolution
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance shall be authorized to arrange for the
sale and sampling of New York State bottled wine, hard cider, and beer at booths during
the Great Downtown Ithaca Chili Cook-Off on February 16, 2013 on the Ithaca
Commons, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance and participating wineries and
breweries shall comply with all applicable state and local laws and ordinances, and shall
enter into an agreement providing that it will hold the City harmless and indemnify the
City on account of any claims made as the result of the sampling and sale of bottled
wine, hard cider, and beer on the Ithaca Commons, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Downtown Ithaca Alliance or the participating winery, cider
company or brewery shall agree to maintain liability insurance in the amount of
$1,000,000.00 and Dram Shop Act coverage in the minimum amount of $500,000.00,
and shall provide evidence of such insurance to the City Clerk.
City Administration Committee Consent Agenda Items:
8.2 City Administration – DPW – Water and Sewer Division– Amendment to
Personnel Roster - Resolution
WHEREAS, under Item 8.4 on the Common Council Agenda for the September 5, 2012,
meeting, one Financial Management Assistant in the Water and Sewer Division of the
Department of Public Works requested and received a temporary reduction in her
workweek from forty (40) hours/week to thirty (30) hours/week to allow her to address
family needs, and
WHEREAS, this employee has since retired in December 2012, and the temporary
adjustment to thirty (30) hours/week was originally set to carry from October 1, 2012
until March 31, 2013, and
WHEREAS, the City has advertised, interviewed and selected a new employee to fill the
position of one Financial Management Assistant in the Water and Sewer Division and
now has the need for the return to the forty (40) hours/week workweek, and
WHEREAS, this position is funded for forty (40) hours/week in the Water and Sewer
Division 2013 Budget; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2013 Authorized Personnel
Roster for Water and Sewer as follows, that the workweek of this one Financial
Management Assistant position in the Water and Sewer Division of the Department of
Public Works be and hereby is restored to forty (40) hours/week, and be it further
RESOLVED, That this roster amendment shall take effect January 9, 2013.
8.3 Human Resources – Request to amend Various Departmental Rosters -
Resolution
WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System requires that the standard workday
be established for all positions in City government for the purpose of determining
reportable days worked, and
WHEREAS, the 2013 authorized budget resulted in the adjustment of several employee
workweek schedules; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2013 Authorized Roster and
establishes the following standard workdays for the sole purpose of determining days
worked reportable to the New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System for
the following positions:
Increase in Hours:
Youth Program Assistant (Youth Bureau) from 17.5 to 25 hour workweek;
five (5) hour work day
Executive Assistant (GIAC) from 35 to 40 hour workweek;
eight (8) hour work day
Receptionist (Building Department) 20 to 40 hour workweek;
eight (8) hour work day
Decrease in Hours:
Youth Program Leader (Youth Bureau) from 35 to 30 hour workweek;
six (6) hour work day
8.4 City of Ithaca – IURA Agreement Governing Administration of HUD
Entitlement Funds Awarded to City of Ithaca - Resolution
WHEREAS, on August 27, 2012, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development requested an agreement be executed between the City of Ithaca (City)
and the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) to clarify roles and responsibilities for
administering Community Planning and Development (CPD) Formula Grants awarded
to the City, including CDBG and HOME grants, and
WHEREAS, HUD correspondence clarified that the request for an agreement between
the City and the IURA does not result from any performance deficiency, and
WHEREAS, the IURA prepared a proposed agreement to memorialize current roles and
responsibilities of the IURA in administration of the CDBG and HOME grants awarded
to the City, and
WHEREAS, as requested by HUD, the IURA has transferred grant accounts from the
IURA to the City so that new grant funds received will be deposited into the City’s bank
account and transferred to the IURA bank account upon approval of voucher requests
to meet CPD grant obligations, and
WHEREAS, on December 14, 2012, the IURA reviewed and approved the Agreement
Governing Administration of HUD Entitlement Funds Awarded to the City of Ithaca,
dated 12/12/12; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council for the City of Ithaca hereby authorizes the
Mayor, upon the advice of the City Attorney, to execute the attached Agreement
Governing Administration of HUD Entitlement Funds Awarded to City of Ithaca, dated
12/12/12.
8.5 Finance/Controller – Request Funds for City Hall Server Room Air
Conditioning System Replacement - Resolution
WHEREAS, the existing air conditioning system unit in the City Hall server room is in
need of replacement, and
WHEREAS, City Staff has received quotes for replacement and installation of a new
unit in the amount of $4,710, and
WHEREAS, funds are not available in the current 2013 authorized budget to replace
this unit, and
WHEREAS, the 2013 Unrestricted Contingency account has $120,000 available for
unanticipated expenses; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes an amount not to exceed
$4,710 be transferred from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to A1320-5225
IT Other Equipment for the purpose of said server room air conditioning system
replacement.
9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 City Administration Committee - HR Request to Approve Establishment of
Standard Workday - Resolution
WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System requires that the standard workday
be established for all positions in City government for the purpose of determining
reportable days worked, and
WHEREAS, the workweek for the position of Director of Information Technology was
reduced to thirty-two (32) hours per week effective January 1, 2013, and
WHEREAS, the workweek for the position of Director of Economic Development was
reduced to thirty-five (35) hours per week effective January 1, 2013, and
WHEREAS, the New York State Retirement System recognizes workweeks of thirty (30)
or more hours as full-time workweeks for the purpose of determining retirement service
credit; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby establishes the following standard
workdays for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the New York
State and Local Employees’ Retirement System:
Six and four-tenths (6.4) hour workday; Thirty-two (32) hour workweek:
Director of Information Technology
Seven (7) hour workday; Thirty-five (35) hour workweek:
Deputy Director of Economic Development
9.2 DPW - Creation of Director of Parking Position - Resolution
WHEREAS, as part of the 2013 approved budget, the position of Director of Parking
was established; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Personnel Roster of the Department of Public Works shall be
amended as follows:
Add: Director of Parking (40 hours)
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Director of Parking shall be assigned to the
Managerial Compensation Plan at salary Grade 3, and be it further
RESOLVED, That for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the
New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, the standard workday for
this position shall be established at eight (8) hours per day (forty (40) hours per week).
9.3 Approval of Extension of Exemption from Real Property Taxes and
Provision for In-Lieu Payments, with Regard to City of Ithaca Tax Parcel Numbers
41.-1-3.1, 41.-1-3.2, 44. -3-3, 44.-4-1, 44.-5-3, 44.-8-1, 51.-2-15, 80.-3-10 and 103.-3-1
Pursuant to Section 52 of the Public Housing Law of the State of New York -
Resolution
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Housing Authority (hereinafter referred to as the “IHA”) is a
municipal housing authority created and established by virtue of §429 of the Public
Housing Law and is the current owner of the lands and premises in the City of Ithaca,
County of Tompkins, State of New York know as 412 Hector Street (T.P # 41.-1-3.1),
412 Hector Street (T.P # 41.-1-3.2), 520 Hancock Street (T.P # 44. -3-3), Hancock
Street (T.P # 44.-4-1), 111 Morris Avenue T.P # 44.-5-3), 625 Hancock Street (T.P #
44.-8-1), 312 Esty Street (T.P # 51.-2-15), 414 - 422 South Plain Street (T.P # 80.-3-
10), 319 Wood Street (T.P # 103.-3-1) and 800 South Plain Street (Titus Towers) (T.P #
104.-1-2) (hereinafter referred to as the “Properties”) which properties are used for the
provision of affordable rental housing to qualified persons or families of low income; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §52(3) of the Public Housing Law of the State of New York, as
a municipal housing authority the IHA is entitled to and has enjoyed an exemption from
local real property taxes subject to certain required payments in lieu of such taxes; and;
WHEREAS, pursuant to §52(5) of the Public Housing Law of the State of New York tax
exemptions from real property taxes for municipal housing authorities shall not operate
for a period of more than fifty years, commencing in each instance from the date on
which the benefits of such exemption first became available and effective (hereinafter
referred to as the “Effective Date”); and
WHEREAS, pursuant to §52(6) of the Public Housing Law of the State of New York, the
IHA, as a municipal housing authority, may upon the expiration of the initial tax
exemption period (hereinafter referred to as “Expiration Date”), be granted an additional
tax exemption period of up to fifty years;
WHEREAS, there is an incomplete record of the effective date of the first initial tax
exemption period for all of the IHA properties. The effective date of the initial tax
exemption period on the Hancock Street properties (T.P # 44. -3-3, T.P # 44.-4-1 and
T.P # 44.-8-1) was March 1, 1973, and granted for a forty (40) year period. The
effective date of the initial tax exemption period on 800 South Plain Street (Titus
Towers) (T.P # 104.-1-2) was granted on or about March 1, 1974, also for a forty (40)
year period. There are no accurate records of the effective date for the remaining
properties; and
WHEREAS, as a result of the expiration of the exemption for the Hancock Street
properties and to ensure the accuracy of the effective date of the exemption date for the
remaining properties (other than Titus Towers) and pursuant to §52(5) of the Public
Housing Law of the State of New York the IHA now seeks an extension of the effective
date for an extension of the tax exemption period for an additional forty (40) year period
to commence March 1, 2013, for the following properties; 412 Hector Street (T.P # 41.-
1-3.1), 412 Hector Street (T.P # 41.-1-3.2), 520 Hancock Street (T.P # 44. -3-3),
Hancock Street (T.P # 44.-4-1), 111 Morris Avenue T.P # 44.-5-3), 625 Hancock Street
(T.P # 44.-8-1), 312 Esty Street (T.P # 51.-2-15), 414 - 422 South Plain Street (T.P #
80.-3-10) and 319 Wood Street (T.P # 103.-3-1); and
WHEREAS, the expiration date for 800 South Plain Street (Titus Towers) (T.P # 104.-1-
2) is not until March 1, 2014, the IHA will not seek an extension of the exemption period
for that property until that time, and
WHEREAS, that pursuant to §52 of the Public Housing Law of the State of New York
and since the inception of the initial tax abatement period, the IHA has annually remitted
to the City of Ithaca Payments in Lieu of Taxes (hereinafter referred to as “Pilot”)
pursuant to a Pilot Agreement between the IHA and the City of Ithaca; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has determined that the continued provision of affordable
rental housing to qualified persons or families of low income by the IHA is beneficial to
and in the long term best interests of the public; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council of the City of Ithaca pursuant to §52(5) of the
Public Housing Law of the State of New York hereby grants to the following properties,
412 Hector Street (T.P # 41.-1-3.1), 412 Hector Street (T.P # 41.-1-3.2), 520 Hancock
Street (T.P # 44. -3-3), Hancock Street (T.P # 44.-4-1), 111 Morris Avenue T.P # 44.-5-
3), 625 Hancock Street (T.P # 44.-8-1), 312 Esty Street (T.P # 51.-2-15), 414 - 422
South Plain Street (T.P # 80.-3-10) and 319 Wood Street (T.P # 103.-3-1) a tax
exemption from real property taxes levied by the City of Ithaca and other local taxing
authorities for an additional forty (40) years period upon the condition that commencing
on said new effective date the IHA make annual payments in lieu of taxes to the City of
Ithaca and shall continue to make such annual payments for the duration of the
exemption period; and it is further
RESOLVED, That the effective date for the foregoing tax-exemption period shall be
March 1, 2013, and the expiration date shall be March 1, 2053; and it is further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor, upon the advice of the City Attorney and the City
Controller and on behalf of the City of Ithaca, is hereby authorized and requested to
execute and deliver to any pertinent party an agreement between the City of Ithaca and
the IHA setting forth as necessary the details of the payments in lieu of taxes, and to
take any and all action necessary and/or required to effectuate or verify such payments
or tax exemption.
9.4 Fire Department – Request Approval for Central Fire Station Roof
Replacement - Resolution
WHEREAS, during the fall and winter of 2012, the roof on the City-owned Central
Fire Station has developed leaks over the apparatus room, and
WHEREAS, the City Engineering Department with the assistance of a third party
design professional has determined that the roof on the Central Fire Station has
reached its end of life and is in need of replacement, and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has entered into a contract with Liberty Solar Inc. to
install photovoltaic panels on the roof no later than July 1, 2013, and
WHEREAS, the life expectancy of a new roof will be in excess of 40 years and the
useful life expectancy of the solar panels will be in excess of 15 years, and
WHEREAS, City staff has estimated the cost for roof replacement at $360,000; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes Capital Project #784 Central
Station Roof Replacement in an amount not to exceed $360,000, and be it further
RESOLVED, That funding for said project shall be derived from the advance of funds
from the General Fund with later repayment from the issuance of serial bonds, and be it
further
RESOLVED, That the establishment of this Capital Project shall be contingent on the
approval by the Town of Ithaca.
9.5 Board of Fire Commissioners - Funds Received from Formerly Active
Volunteer Fire Companies - Resolution
WHEREAS, the City Chamberlain has requested that each of the former active
volunteer companies in the Ithaca Fire Department (Company 1, Company 2, Company
3, Company 4, Company 5, Company 6, and Company 7), forward any funds held by
the previously active company, as a volunteer fire service organization, to the City
Chamberlain's Office, and,
WHEREAS, the funds held by these formerly active volunteer companies can be
classified as either 2% funds or non-2% funds, and
WHEREAS, the Board of Fire Commissioners, the former active volunteers who served
in these companies, the Common Council, and the community at large have an interest
in seeing that any such funds surrendered by these formerly active companies, be used
in a manner that appropriately recognizes the intent for which these funds where
provided to or generated by the membership of these companies, and
WHEREAS, 2% funds can lawfully be distributed to the Ithaca Veteran Volunteer
Firemen Association (IVVFA) and the remaining active volunteer company- Neriton,
Company 9, and
WHEREAS, the non-2% funds, were acquired by each of the formerly active companies
through various activities and sources and,
WHEREAS, the legacy and history of the Volunteer Companies in the Ithaca Fire
Department will be best preserved by a strong and active Ithaca Veteran Volunteer
Firemen’s Association, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves of all funds received from the formerly
active companies that are identified as 2% funds be distributed 50% to the IVVFA and
50% to Neriton, Company 9, and be it further
RESOLVED, That all non 2% funds, be distributed 100% to the Ithaca Veteran
Volunteer Firemen Association.
10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 MLK Sculpture Installation at Southside Community Center - Resolution
WHEREAS the MLK Freedom Walkway is a City project undertaken for the purpose of
illuminating the history of the local African American community, and
WHEREAS the development of the MLK Freedom Walkway is identified as a “Critical
Action” in the 2020 Tompkins County Strategic Tourism Plan, and
WHEREAS the Walkway is planned to consist of two loops, one on the Northside and
one on the Southside, each of which is to include works of public art, and
WHEREAS a Request for Proposals for a sculpture and interpretive materials kiosk was
released by the MLK Freedom Walkway Committee for the purpose of soliciting designs
for the sculpture that will anchor the Southside loop of the Walkway, and
WHEREAS four proposals were received in response to that RFP, each of which was
considered by the review committee of the MLK Freedom Walkway, with the
participation of two members of the Public Arts Commission, and
WHEREAS the review committee has selected the proposal submitted by the team of
Rob Licht and Anne Marie Zwack as best satisfying the selection criteria set forth in the
RFP, and
WHEREAS the MLK Freedom Walkway Committee will seek funding for the production
and installation of this new piece of outdoor sculpture and interpretive materials kiosk at
the BPW-approved site in front of the Southside Community Center, including, but not
limited to funding from the Tompkins County Strategic Tourism Initiative, and
WHEREAS the acquisition and installation of outdoor public art to anchor the two
planned loops of the MLK Freedom Walkway represents an important goal for the MLK
Freedom Walkway Committee and the City of Ithaca, and
WHEREAS outdoor sculpture art enlivens public spaces, enhances the pedestrian
experience, serves to beautify and uplift the City, and in this case will help tell the story
of the African American community in Ithaca as part of the MLK Freedom Walkway, and
WHEREAS The MLK Freedom Walkway Committee, in conjunction with representatives
of the Ithaca Public Arts Commission, has formally recommended acceptance of the
Rob Licht-Anne Marie Zwack proposal for this new outdoor sculpture at their December
21, 2012 meeting, now therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca does hereby approve the proposal submitted by
Rob Licht and Anne Marie Zwack for the sculpture and interpretive materials kiosk that
will anchor the Southside loop of the MLK Freedom Walkway, and
The City will support the MLK Freedom Walkway Committee in seeking funding for the
production and installation of the sculpture and interpretive materials kiosk, including,
but not limited to, the submission of grant applications for funding from the Tompkins
County Strategic Tourism Initiative, and
The acceptance of this proposal will be formalized with a document between the City
and the artists that summarizes the City and artist’s rights and obligations pertaining to
the acceptance of the art. This document will make use of existing language and terms
utilized in prior public art acquisitions approved by Common Council.
10.2 Local Designation of the Henry St. John Historic District - Resolution
WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, the Ithaca Landmarks
Preservation Commission may recommend designation of individual landmarks and
districts of historic and cultural significance, and
WHEREAS, on December 11, 2012, the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission
conducted a public hearing for the purpose of considering a proposal to designate the
Henry St John survey area as a local historic district, and
WHEREAS, the proposal is a Type II Action under the NYS Environmental Quality
Review Act and an Unlisted Action under the City Environmental Quality Review
Ordinance and after conducting appropriate environmental review the Ithaca Landmarks
Preservation Commission, acting as Lead Agency, has determined that the proposal will
not have a significant environmental impact, and
WHEREAS, the Commission finds that the proposal meets criteria under the
Landmarks Preservation Ordinance and has voted to designate the Henry St John
survey area as a local historic district, and
WHEREAS, Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code states that the Council shall within
ninety days of said recommendation to designate, approve, disapprove or refer back to
the Commission for modification, and
WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-3 of the Municipal Code, the Planning Board
shall file a report with the Council with respect to the relation of such designation to the
comprehensive plan, the zoning law, projected public improvements, and any plans for
the renewal of the site or area involved, and
WHEREAS, a copy of the Planning Board's report and recommendation for approval of
the designation has been reviewed by the Common Council, now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Common Council finds that the designation will not conflict
with the comprehensive plan, existing zoning, projected public improvements, or any
plans for renewal of the site and area involved, and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Henry St John Historic District meets the definition of a local
historic district as set forth in the Municipal Code, as follows:
An area which contains primarily properties which meet one or more of the
criteria for designation as an individual landmark, namely:
1. Possessing special character or historic or aesthetic interest or value as part of the
cultural, political, economic, or social history of the locality, region, state, or nation; or
2. Being identified with historically significant person(s) or event(s); or
3. Embodying the distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style; or
4. Being the work of a designer whose work has significantly influenced an age; or
5. Representing an established and familiar visual feature of the community by virtue
of its unique location or singular physical characteristics.
and is an area which constitutes a distinct section of the city by reason of
possessing those qualities that would satisfy such criteria.
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Common Council approves the designation of the Henry
St John Historic District as a Local Historic District under Section 228-3 of the Municipal
Code.
15. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
15.1 Board of Public Works – Resolution
RESOLVED, That Mitch Paine be appointed to the Board of Public Works to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire December 31, 2015, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Robert Morache be reappointed to the Board of Public Works with a
term to expire December 31, 2015.
15.2 Various City Boards and Committees – Resolution
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Council:
RESOLVED, That Robert Morache be reappointed to the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory
Council as the liaison from the Board of Public Works with a term to expire December
31, 2015, and be it further
Board of Zoning Appeals:
RESOLVED, That Steven Beers be reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals with a
term to expire December 31, 2015, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Susan J. Cummings be reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals,
as the alternate member, with a term to expire December 31, 2015, and be it further
Cable Access Oversight Committee:
RESOLVED, That Wies VanLeuken be reappointed to the Cable Access Oversight
Committee, as the Cayuga Heights representative, with a term to expire December 31,
2015, and be it further
Disability Advisory Council:
RESOLVED, That Amy Scott be appointed to the Disability Advisory Council to fill a
vacancy with a term to expire June 30, 2015, and be it further
Natural Areas Commission:
RESOLVED, That Joe McMahon be reappointed to the Natural Areas Commission with
a term to expire December 31, 2015, and be it further
Planning and Development Board:
RESOLVED, That Jack Elliott be appointed to the Planning and Development Board to
replace Tessa Rudan with a term to expire December 31, 2015, and be it further
RESOLVED, That Carrie J. Randall be appointed to the Planning and Development
Board to replace Jane Marcham with a term to expire December 31, 2013, and be it
further
Public Art Commission:
RESOLVED, That Sally Grubb be reappointed to the Public Art Commission with a term
to expire June 30, 2015.
15.3 Youth Council Appointments – Resolution
RESOLVED, That the following youth be appointed to the City of Ithaca Youth Council
with terms to expire as indicated:
Shubhendu Gami Term ends June 30, 2013
Patrick Hollister Term ends June 30, 2013
September Johnson Term ends June 30, 2013
Amber Bek Term ends June 30, 2013
Oseoba Airewele Term ends June 30, 2014
Sam Wagner Term ends June 30, 2014
Simone Davis Term ends June 30, 2014
Etienne Grenier Term ends June 30, 2014
Shahid Naeem Term ends June 30, 2014
Jean Sinon Term ends June 30, 2015
Associate Members:
Leyla Dietrich Term ends June 30, 2015
Dekhari Stewart Term ends June 30, 2015
Eowyn Hawley Term ends June 30, 2015
Shenice Middleton-Lee Term ends June 30, 2015
Environmental Issues Member (non-voting):
Gabe Shapiro Term ends June 30, 2014