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Home My WebLink AboutMN-CIC-1997 > ('Re..LArt-J C/11 6i) x COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE February 11, 1997 7:30 p.m. Common Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Alderpersons Blumenthal, Gray, Johnson, Mackesey, Marcham, Sams, Shenk, Thorpe, Hanna EXCUSED: Efroymson I. MINUTES: 1-23-97 minutes revised (sections II., Ill., IV.) &approved. II. COUNTY JUSTICE COORDINATOR UPDATE: County Justice Coordinator B. Benjamin gave information and an update on the Criminal Justice Program. III. REFERENDUM/CHARTER CHANGE: Charter Change for the finance reorganization. Proposed legislation in process. Diann will set up meeting with Sara and the other players. IV. REFERENDUM/ACTING MAYOR'S VOTING POWERS: Proposed local law to clarify voting powers of Acting Mayor. It is on March Common Council Agenda. V. REFERENDUM/REMOVAL&DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS: VI. REFERENDUM/SEARCH COMMITTEE: To bring the Police Chief under the purview of the search committee procedure. VII. REFERENDUM/GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS: A sub committee to set up a procedure includes Tom, Pam, John and Diann. VIII. RESOLUTION ON CITY/COUNTY YOUTH BUREAU: Acknowledgment made that the City of Ithaca had put in half the money to keep the programs running for six months. The strongest concern was in reference to sales tax money/sales tax agreement. Transitional Task Force will report/invite us there for updates There was a request that they clarify number 6&7. In item 6, revisions were made. Sara has a list of who is on the Transition Task Force. IX. WORK PLAN: Two items were added- Setting of the Community Standards and State of the Ithaca Child, under their own categories, as they were on the 1996 work plan and Tom had incited with Frank Berry/City of Ithaca Proposal. Tom and Diann wanted to check on the status of this. Sara announced that on Friday @ 8:45 , first senior staff meeting for Department report. The B&A sub-committee/department head evaluations, sent a memo to Department heads, asking them to come to that meeting,to address the issues involved with evaluations. Diann asked Sara to add to the B&A agenda, memorandum of understanding/spending of the sales tax money (Youth Buearu). Minutes submitted by Renaye Southworth COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE • FEBRUARY 11, 1997 7 :30 P.M. COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA I . Hearings of Persons Before the Committee II . Revs Approval of January 23, 1997 Minutes III .�orepork M t. Qo IV. -*11 Courtwatch Update 9.1.Gk, • V. Bill Benjamin, Justice Coordinator -r0 VI . Charter Change - - . .ance Department Re-organizati., - !J VII . Referendum Ite ," , (q;15) 30 VIII . Resolution regarding the City, County and Youth Bureau —) '1„---' IX. Community Issues Work Plan- I / �-- 4iAitaszAA.v ihrtidita-e thid '11 ; (_) • I • col 2 RESOLUTION NO. 10 -CHARGE TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT TRANSITION TASK FORCE 3. Any recommendations relating to County financing of selected services shall be reviewed by the full County Youth Board as part of an overall set of services to be recommended to the County,to be acted upon by the Board of Representatives. 4. County-wide services provided by County funding should specify how they will target populations,with the understanding that schools or municipalities who wish to provide more services can do so at their own expense. 5. In the future there should be no unreimbursed local share in any Youth Development program the County purchases from the City. Liz 4"(\t-R. , ,21 ,k 6_ The Ithaca Youth Bureau should be seen as having a dual function: As a municipality the 50"1 .. City of Ithaca is responsible for meeting the needs of its own youth_ But the City is also a contractor with valuable expertise in meeting the needs of County youth. Unlike other contractors who are expected to share the cost of providing services, the City or any municipality which provides youth services is exempt from its obligation under the taxation equity principle outlined in point number one. re.)I 7. Long term recommendations should clarify the purpose, audience, and role of any City funding proposed for Youth Development programs which may be selected as appropriate for County support. This will assure fairness and prevent confusion over financial responsibility of City-initiated programs. RESOLVED, further, That the Board of Representatives committee responsible for the Youth Bureau will act in early May on short term recommendations made by the Task Force and reviewed by the Tompkins County Youth Board affecting services after June 30, RESOLVED, further, That the Tompkins County Youth Board shall review the program and funding recommendations for 1998 and beyond as part of its overall resource allocation process and shall make a unified set of funding recommendations as part of the 1998 budget process. TRANSITION TASK FORCE MEMBERSHIP ' 3 County Youth Board Members 2 Ithaca Youth Bureau Board of Advisors Members 1 GIAC Board Member 1 Ithaca City School District Representative 1 United Way Representative 1 BOCES Representative 2 Youth Commission Representatives R41 - 1 Memor of the Human Services Coalition Board RESOLVED, further, That the Transition Task Force present preliminary findings to the County Youth Board and Health and Human Services Committee by March 31, 1997, and its final recommendations for July - December 1997 and its long range funding recommendations for 1998 and beyond for Health and Human Services Committee review and approval no later than May 31, 1997, oo:IXaA OL further That.the Task Force fndii s also be iade_niailable to j_c_Ciand all other appropriate entities. SEQR ACTION: TYPE II-20 * * TOOK A.LNI1103 S.I}ldWO.L OCt'S VLZ L09 %VI 6Z:OI L6/bZ/TO FEB ' 51997 RESOLUTION NO. 10 -CHARGE TO YOUTH DEVELOPME TRANSITION TASK FORCE freAaditiL MOVED by Mrs. Livesay,seconded by Mr. Meskill. WHEREAS, the County has authorized 100 percent funding for a certain number of Yout �"'----� Development Programs operated by the City of Ithaca,and WHEREAS, in the past, the City of Ithaca has chosen to put in more money for programs t provide a wider array and prevent reductions in services,and WHEREAS, the City indicated in October 1996 that it could not continue to provide the sam, level of support and said it intended to eliminate seven positions if the County did not increase it contributions,and , � 1 WHEREAS, for 1997 the County and the City each agreed to pav for half the cost of existins programs through June 30 to .rev-, • •• • 0 • • .w time for planning foaie futare,and WHEREAS, the motion to provide additional funding called for a Transition Task Force tc assess the current Youth Development services, how they are used, their effectiveness and availability and to explore a variety of financing options, now therefore be it RESOLVED, on recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee, That the Transition Task Force be created to report to the Tompkins County Board of Representatives through the Tompkins County Youth Board, RESOLVED, further, That the Transition Task Force be staffed by the Tompkins County Youtl- Bureau be charged with: 1. Develop temporary services and financial plan for July 1-December 31, 1997 by March 31, 1997. 2. Develop an interim report by March 31, 1997 which: a) identifies youth services considered high priorities by municipalities and area schools, b) assesses the current Youth Development services in terms of who uses them and which most effectively meet objectives, c) find ideas for modifying current Youth Development services and finding other sponsors, 3. Submitting a report of short term and long term recommendations to the County Youth Board by April 28, 1997. RESOLVED, further,That the Task Force be guided by the following parameters: 1. Decisions should be based on the equity principle that City youth are also County youth, anc that no municipality should have to pay for its own fair share of county-wide services. 2. The recommendations should seek to provide the best quality services to the most appropriate children at the lowest cost. Funding partnerships should be explored and reported. r �► �� I; JAN 2 21597 1 v h 1 I - -- ---- ------ 1. 26 March 1997 "BIHAC PACKAGE" AID CAMPAIGN Treasurer's Report EXPENSES Incurred to 26 Mar 1997 Ambulance $4250.00 Interest on Loan 24.79 Starter, Battery, Belt. Fedex Plates(Carcraft, S.I.) 275.00 Battery, Tune-up, Belts, Hoses, Wipers, Paint (Junior's Auto Repair) 319.87 Towing (Charlie's) 60.00 Alternator-Starter, extra Starter, checkout (Cayuga Performance) 167.92 (Total ambulance to date: $5097.58) Stamps, envelopes 252.00 $5349.58 Anticipated RT tickets, four Bosnians $4800.00* Expenses to Air Force base 200.00 Stamps °ILL 32.00 1 fu JQ_61,0 $5032.00 tt , II O ', TOTAL EXPENSES Ci2 $10,381.58 INCOME Received to date Direct mail(Includes Nourison Rug Corp, Church of the Highlands) $5816.65 Kidsreach (Countertop jars, benefit dance, bottle/can drive) 202.00 Fireside Book royalties 148.00 rl —Cornell ambulance display 334.33 $6500.98 Anticipated Notice/names insert in Bihac paper $2280.60 Ride-a-Thon 1500.00 Kidsreach 100.00 $3880.60 TOTAL INCOME $10,381.58 *Conservative estimate. May be $1000 or less if pick up group in NYC UPDATE ON COUNTY-CITY TRANSITION TASK FORCE PROCESS Key Dates: March 6 - TTF Review of input from all county municipalities about IYB Programs March 10 - CITY GROUP has their first meeting March 10 - IYB Advisory Board has first discussion on long range planning, and early budgeting process for the City. March 14 - Sub-Group decisions on IYB programs, targets and funding recommendations March 24 - CITY GROUP meets to review priorities based on existing reports, including our own State of Children and Youth In Ithaca March 27 - TTF Review of short term proposals March 31 - CYB staff review deadline: TTF recommendations to CYB for Balance of 1997 All of 1998 April 10 - TTF Review of Possible Funding Resources April 24 - TTF Review of Final Report April 28 - CYB staff review deadline on Final Report April 30 - Finalize Report July 1 - Reps Deadline for 1998 Funding Decisions City-side Decisions appears that we have to have all our City issues for the balance of the year and the 1998 budget resolved by July 1. This is the equivalent of the Congressional process of determining broad allocations, but our City process of deciding basic program directions as a policy matter. If the Transition Task Force process goes smoothly, we will know by the end of March N what our policy and funding situation is. 8 . How are we going to get to a clear decision on our program priorities, and our City funding commitments for the balance of 1997? Our Community Issues and B&A have 2 more meetings before the June Common Council Meeting at , , which we have to settle matters for the balance of the year, keeping in• • • mind potential competing funding needs. How are we going to mesh our budgeting issues with the County Calendar? When the CYB finishes its process, they will have already reported a full budget plan for 1998 to the Board of Representatives How do we assess our current allocation of funds from all sources in order to make sound policies for the 1998 City budget? Full and Flexible Input CITY GROUP: The IYB, along with GIAC and Southside, and 3 Members of Council, have started a process that we hope will allow for sensible long-term planning, but it is not geared up to tackle the full complexity of the current year or event budget and program planning for 1998. Hence we will depend on internal City policy decisions to get to a workable program plan and budget plan for 1998. CITY GROUP is helped by having an intern working under Sam Cohen's direction to gather and analyze information. 1 � U� �wrA UPDATE ON COUNTY-CITY TRANSITION TASK FORCE PROCESS Key Dates: March 6 - TTF Review of input from all county municipalities about IYB Programs March 10 - CITY GROUP has their first meeting March 10 - IYB Advisory Board has first discussion on long range planning, and early budgeting process for the City. March 14 - Sub-Group decisions on IYB programs, targets and funding recommendations March 24 - CITY GROUP meets to review priorities based on existing reports, including our own State of Children and Youth In Ithaca March 27 - TTF Review of short term proposals March 31 - CYB staff review deadline: TTF recommendations to CYB for Balance of 1997 All of 1998 April 10 - TTF Review of Possible Funding Resources April 24 - TTF Review of Final Report April 28 - CYB staff review deadline on Final Report April 30 - Finalize Report July 1 - Reps Deadline for 1998 Funding Decisions '` City-side Decisions It appears that we have to have all our City issues for the balance of the year and the 1998 budget resolved by July 1. This is the equivalent of the Congressional process of determining broad allocations, but our City process of deciding basic program directions as a policy matter. If the Transition Task Force process goes smoothly, we will know by the end of March N what our policy and funding situation is. 8 How are we going to get to a clear decision on our program priorities, and our City funding commitments for the balance of 1997? Our Community Issues and B&A have 2 more meetings before the June Common Council Meeting at which we have to settle matters for the balance of the year, keeping in ;: ;� mind potential competing funding needs. ' How are we going to mesh our budgeting issues with the County Calendar? When the CYB finishes its process, they will have already reported a full budget plan for 1998 to the Board of Representatives How do we assess our current allocation of funds from all sources in order to make sound policies for the 1998 City budget? Full and Flexible Input CITY GROUP: The IYB, along with GIAC and Southside, and 3 Members of Council, have started a process that we hope will allow for sensible long-term planning, but it is not geared up to tackle the full complexity of the current year or event budget and program planning for 1998. Hence we will depend on internal City policy decisions to get to a workable program plan and budget plan for 1998. CITY GROUP is helped by having an intern working under Sam Cohen's direction to gather and analyze information. 69) �i t• '" may' � CITY OF ITHACA T W N' '� , 108 East Green Street Ithaca,New York 14850-5690 % `[T1T:a m] '' l'k / OFFICE OF PERSONNEL/CIVIL SERVICE ,,b"""p� Telephone: 607/274-6539 Fax: 607/272-7348 MEMORANDUM TO: John Efroymson, Common Council FROM: Valerie Saul, Personnel Administrator 1: DATE: March 5, 1997 bb SUBJ: RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR CITY EMPLOYEES Enclosed, as we discussed, is a draft of changes to Section 90-67 of the City Code. The proposed changes will enact a requirement that new City employees who are appointed from a City resident eligible list must remain City residents for three(3)years following the date of appointment from the list. This proposal will not require any employee to change residences. It simply provides that an employee who receives preference in hiring due to City residency must continue that residency for a defined period. The proposed changes are a logical first step in examining the appropriateness of residency requirements for a broader segment of our workforce. You have indicated to me that you are interested in continuing to examine individual positions to determine whether City residency requirements are appropriate. I remain willing to assist you or other members of Common Council in doing so. Finally, I indicated to you that there is strong sentiment that the proposed residency requirements apply to the six or seven Police Officers that will be hired in the next few weeks. All of these future officers are receiving preference in hiring due to their current residency in the City. I have used an effective date of April 1, 1997 in the draft proposal to ensure that these officers will be governed by the proposed residency requirement. (6) An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program' �.w1 Statement for the Minutes, ICCC, Oct. 3, 1996 Fm: Jill Brantley, Commissioner Member This statement is made in conjunction with the resolution introduced by Mr. Entlich calling for the Public Access staff to provide clear producer credits for each program. I make this statement because the discussion which this resolution prompted at the last meeting of the Cable Commission Public Access subcommittee points to what I see as an ongoing problem for that subcommittee in particular but to a degree for the Commission as a whole, especially when it turns to Public Access issues. I believe the situation to be this. There are two different perceptions of Public Access issues and, to some degree, of Cable Commission business in general. One perception defines these issues as practical matters-at-hand to be resolved. The other perception defines these issues as "sacred," that is, as touching deeply-held values deemed essential to the functioning of civil society. The "sacred" perception is especially concerned with the values addressed in the First Amendment of the Constitution. These two perceptions frequently collide because the definitions of the practical-orientation group--that what we are dealing with is a problem to be tinkered with and resolved--are seen as an act of profanity by the sacred-orientation group, who see what we are dealing with as the very fiber of the life of the Republic, as it were. Conversely, the practical-orientation group feels the sacred group to be overreacting. This produces dramatically different ways of proceeding at a meeting. The practicals show up with a resolution like Mr. Entlich's, which I seconded at the last subcommittee meeting. The sacreds, even before the meeting has begun are charging the practicals with being "vigilantes." The sacreds compare' the practicals' proposed action--to identify the producer of a program on public access--as being equivalent to "publishing in the newspaper the names of women who have had abortions. " Now, I cite these two examples because it is important to name what is happening here in order to try to arrive at a way to proceed. The "vigilante" and "abortion" references make no particular sense; but the sacreds do not intend that they should. The sacreds--feeling that an absolute value is threatened--feel justified in resorting to a politics of the absurd (a la Jerry Rubin and Abbey Hoffman). The goal is to disrupt communication and stop action from being taken. This produces at first confusion among the practicals--who may be so naive as to try to reason with these absurdist analogies--it also produces the anger felt by any victim of mind games. I believe actions like the sacreds may at times be necessary in the defense of absolute principles--although it is not a means of protest I myself enjoy. But I am also convinced that no committee can long endure half practical and half sacred. Nor do I think there is any point having a committee to deal with issues defined as sacred and therefore beyond the practical remedies that committees exist to formulate. In view of this impasse in communication, almost no business can be moved forward. For the sacreds this is an appropriate outcome given their goal of defending absolute values from practical encroachments and destruction. But for the practicals, this is an absurd and frustrating experience. since their sole purpose for being their is to try to arrive at solutions to the issue`at Tiand.p NOTF{+Proposed changes are bold-faced and underlined. ( ARTICLE X Employee Residency Requirements [Adopted 1-3-1996] Section 90-67. Residency requirements. 1. All employees who are identified as public officers in Charter Section C-5 are required to be residents of the City of Ithaca within one(1)year of their permanent appointment to the title, with the following exceptions: A. Incumbents: the Assistant City Attorney, the Deputy Building Commissioners, the Assistant Superintendents of Public Works and the Ithaca Activities and Cultural Coordinator, all of whom were not at the time of appointment required to be residents of the City of Ithaca. However, any individual subsequently appointed to fill any of these titles shall be required to become a resident of the City of Ithaca as provided in this Article. B. Officers who serve at the pleasure of the Mayor. C. Fire Department personnel so long as the exemption of New York State Public Officers Law Section 3, Subdivision 4, is applicable to said personnel. D. Police personnel, except as specified in Section 90-67.2. Effective April 1. 1997.all employees who are appointed from an eligible list of city residents shall be required to maintain residency in the City of Ithaca for three (3) years following their date of appointment from the eligible list. Section 90-68. Residency. "Residency,"as the term is used in Section 90-67,is synonymous with"domicile." An employee indicates residency through factual circumstances which indicate an intention to make the City of Ithaca the employee's fixed and permanent home. Such factual indicia of residency shall include, but not be limited to, the following: A. Actual residency within the City of Ithaca at a fixed and/or permanent address which would entitle the employee to vote as a city resident. B. The ownership of property and payment of city property taxes for residential property identified as the fixed and/or permanent address for the employee. C. Documented proof of residency in the form of a passport, driver's license or similar document. (1) COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE 1997 WORKPLAN RELATIONS: Community/Police Relations City/Cornell Relations Community Drug Task Force COMMUNITY CENTERS/YOUTH ISSUES: Southside Community Center GIAC Youth Bureau/Task Force NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES: Homelessness Youth Drugs Shopping Carts BIAS EDUCATION WORKSHOP: *Offered to Common Council members Presented by Dr. Barr and Dr. Turner RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: REFERENDUM ITEMS: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ISSUES: Court Watch Elderly Violence & Neglect AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE: Hiring Procedure/Resolution Policy/Plan Combination of City and County Affirmative Action Committees GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES: Department Heads (Te o 0411 CV COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE March 11,1997 7:30pm. Common Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Alderpersons: Gray, Sams, Shenk, Thorpe, Hanna, Efroymson EXCUSED: Blumenthal, Johnson, Mackesey, Marcham I. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Jill Brantley-Cable Commission Member spoke of her perceptions about allegations concerning illegal meetings/violation of Sunshine Laws. Diann will put it on a future C.I.C. agenda. II. MINUTES: Minutes from 2/11/97 to be on April's C.I.C. Agenda. III. EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOP REGARDING DISCRIMINATION: Professor Barr offering a free seminar/discrimination workshop for C.C. Members. IV. MAYOR'S COMMISSION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: An overview of the final recommendations. Law enforcement/media were the primary focus. Recommendations to the Ithaca Police Department, City Prosecutors Office, City Court, Ithaca Journal and the commission have undertaken a couple Legislative issues. See Report. V. YOUTH BUREAU TASK FORCE: Reports explaining the One to One Program, Paul Schers Program, and the YES Program (video). VI. CITY/COUNTY YOUTH BUREAU RESOLUTIONS: Policy issue are/where Community Issues fit/planning decisions etc. County Board of Reps has advanced their schedule for budgeting. The County Youth Bureau to turn over funding decisions/recommendations by July 1. Questioning handling of the funding process between July 1 and the end of the year. VII. EMPLOYEE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: This is going on the April Common Council Agenda for vote. VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION: IX. REMOVAL OF DEPT. HEADS/SENIOR STAFF: • ISSUES: To keep the disciplinary removal procedure for all dept. heads as similar as possible. This was done in sections and the results are: 1.) The reason for removal or discipline(unclear)Straw vote=unclear 2.) Statute of limitations/bring disciplinary charges(unclear)Straw vote=ln favor: (5)opposed: Hanna(1) 3.) Notification of rights prior to questioning etc. (unclear)Straw vote=ln favor: unanimous(6) 4.) Who may commence the action(keep as is)Straw vote=ln favor: unanimous(6) 5.) Notice Provisions (21 calendar days)Straw vote= In favor: unanimous(6) 6.) Suspension without pay for no more than 30 days(Civil Service)Straw vote= In favor: unanimous(6) 7.) Timing to move along(unclear)Straw vote=ln favor: unanimous(6) 8.) Power to remove(keep C26)Straw vote= In favor: unanimous(6) 9.) Hearing Officer/Decision Maker(keep c26)Straw vote= In favor: unanimous(6) 10.) Representation during hearing (unclear) Straw vote= In favor: unanimous(6) 11.) Burden of proof (unclear)Straw vote=(unclear) 12.) Evidence of the hearing(include)Straw vote=ln favor: unanimous(6) 13.) Determination of quality (stays the same)Straw vote=(unclear) 14.) Free copy of transcribe to employee upon request(leave as is)Straw vote=ln favor: Unanimous(6) 15.) Penalties if found guilty(added deemed appropriate by hearing decision maker)Straw vote=all for 16.) Suspension Pay item (unclear) Straw vote= In favor/unanimously symmetrical(6) 17.) Appeals as authorized by law (leave in) Straw vote= In favor:unanimous(6) Minutes submitted by Renaye Southworth Teui 4cri COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE April 11, 1997 7:30 p.m. Common Council Chambers PRESENT: Mayor Cohen Alderpersons: Sams, Shenk, Johnson, Bluminthal, Macesey, Grey, Hanna, Thorpe,Efroymson EXCUSED: Marchum I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Roey had asked that the minutes not be approved/discussed until a later time. II. BOSNIAN AID TREASURE REPORT: Mr. Weiss gave an overview of the report and added that a'96 Ford ambulance w/stretcher, over 400 pairs of shoes, art supplies and other items were donated.Another part of the effort is the invitation to three school children/teacher to come to Ithaca. Mr.Weiss asked Council for a city donation of $1000.00. A motion made to moved that the funding be taken from the Community Service Funding rather than the unrestricted contingency as a matter of bookkeeping A motion made to reduce donation to$250.00.A straw vote to amend the amount: five supporting and three opposed. A resolution to donate had the same vote. The issue is now on the Common Council Agenda. Circulated among council,signature/donation form to be printed in a Bosnian Newspaper to show support(ers) III. DISABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Vice Chair Larry Roberts spoke about concerns regarding the Elevator at Center Ithaca Parking. Larry also reminded council that the paper cup dispenser next to the drinking fountain has been lacking cups for some time and wants them filled. The D.A.C. has been discussing the abuse of handicap parking. Cortland shares many of the same problems and those involved are working together and hope to have some recommendations for May or June Common Council Meeting. IV. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION: Report on what the Human Rights Collision does in terms of filing and investigating complaints of discrimination,the nature of cases they see and how they are put together.Affirmative Action plans& polices fit in with what they do. V. EXECUTIVE SESSION HELD VI. YOUTH BUREAU REPORTS: Report on the Community Outreach and Special Projects. How the program came about/various compotes of the program that is being worked on now. An overview of the Outing Program and the Mechanical All-stars.After school approval, it then goes to the voters. First time in our city's history. VII. TEMPORARY SKATE BOARDING AREA: As of Friday, the Carpenters Business Park will be the temporary area, and the no skateboarding in the downtown areas will be vigorously in forced. VIII. POLICE CHIEF INTERVIEW: More asked to attend the interviews. To be held April 14, 23, 30, and May 1, 12 . Second floor conference room, 2:15 to 3:15. Questions will be provided. Contact Roey or Diann. Minutes submitted by Renaye Southworth COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE May 13, 1997 7:30 p.m. Common Council Chambers Present: Mayor Cohen Alderpersons: Sams, Macesey, Efroymson, Grey, Hanna, Thorpe Excused: Marchum, Blumenthal, Shenk I. FIRST STREET NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Applied for $220.00 for the planting of flower bulbs and perennials on each corner of First St. Council voted unanimously in favor II. FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDINGS&EQUIPMENT-LOCAL LAW: see attached III. REORGANIZATION OF FINANCE DEPARTMENT-LOCAL LAW: see attached IV. DISCIPLINE &REMOVAL OF SENIOR OFFICERS-LOCAL LAW: see attached V. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE AMENDMENT-LOCAL LAW: see attached Council voted unanimously in favor,the referendums to be on Common Councils June Agenda. VI. PREFERENCE IN HIRING CITY RESIDENTS-ORDINANCE: See Attached. VII. Executive Session Held VIII. DRUG FREE ZONE: Proposed to keep persons arrested,from returning, or going to areas designated. See Attached. IX. POST OFFICE REDUCTION IN STAFFING&SERVICES DISCUSSION: Sub committee set up, includes Efroymson and Mackesey, to work on the issue of down sizing. X. SOUTHSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM: Council voted unanimously that the city will not be paying for the air conditioning. S.S.C.C. is to decide how to spend money. XI. CITY 'S TRANSITIONAL TASK FORCE: Hanna &Sams attended meeting, information will be reported to the B&A committee. A request for funding&the decisions of the task force will be discussed. XII. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Will be forthcoming explaining the decision process. XIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February, March and April minutes/to be revised. Minutes submitted by Renaye Southworth (�) A • COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE MAY 13, 1997 COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7 :45 P.M. AGENDA Public Speak ) Ile . 1 Slee,z' II Approval of Minutes from March and April — III Reorganization of Finance Department - Local Law V. (19.-- Discipline and Removal of Senior Officers - Local Law \V. Grievance Procedure Amendment - Local Law y5 V VI . Preference in Hiring City Residents —Ordinance VII . Fire Department Buildings & Equipment - Local Law VIII . Post Office Reduction in Staffing and Services -15 Discussion \4IX. Southside Community Center Air Conditioning System - 5 Possible Resolution X. Report from Mayor XI . Report from Committee Chairs -5 \, XII . City' s Transitional Task Force - Alderperson Hanna XIII . Cable Commission Report - Alderperson Gray 5 XIV. ,City/Cornell Relations - Alderperson Marcham 5 -1)o, cc: Mariette Geldenhuys, City Attorney Department Heads Martha Armstrong Jackie Melton Scott Stuart Stein, Tompkins County Board of Representatives Michael Oates, Ithaca Post Office Media V)\ COMMUNITY ISSUES COMMITTEE MAY 13, 1997 COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7 :45 P.M. AGENDA I . Public Speak II . Approval of Minutes from March and April III . Reorganization of Finance Department - Local Law IV. Discipline and Removal of Senior Officers - Local Law V. Grievance Procedure Amendment - Local Law VI . Preference in Hiring City Residents - Ordinance VII . Fire Department Buildings & Equipment - Local Law VIII . Post Office Reduction in Staffing and Services - Discussion IX. Southside Community Center Air Conditioning System - Possible Resolution X. Report from Mayor XI . Report from Committee Chairs XII . City' s Transitional Task Force - Alderperson Hanna XIII . Cable Commission Report - Alderperson Gray XIV. City/Cornell Relations - Alderperson Marcham cc: Mariette Geldenhuys, City Attorney Department Heads Martha Armstrong Jackie Melton Scott Stuart Stein, Tompkins County Board of Representatives Michael Oates, Ithaca Post Office Media a>i CSC 5 13-6V1 � �v , Date r )0 App. # (Office Use) APPLICATION NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVE FUND Applicant Information ( Neighborhood Group/Ward#: I 1 r` it . �l' 1, �,�.1., i :,�`,,00 /h :_�,�/ �.�L ,01A-,/ !,I�.i3 E`� Applicant Contact: J u __ Address: 2_0,2- kG-G6-4--c,-.1A *. Telephone: 2:1--3 3} L 1� Project Description Describe the entire project and indicate those elements for which you are seeking incentive funds. Who will benefit from the project/and how? Does the project involve any donated materials or labor? What is the project schedule? Cfle C_1_'6C'�i_P�; fin. 1—�_ r Project Budget e_ o_ 6_r: _. rr� List any additional sources of cash,approximate value bf any donations and approximate hours of donated labor. For projects under$100 it is required that you obtain signatures of five neighborhood residents;for projects over$100 twenty signatures are required. Total Cash Amount Requested Donated Labor Donated Materials $ $ _. �_ hrs list items ,` I t CIA t +_“ - `} - 1 n 1 } OVER We are seeking Neighborhood Improvement Funds to assist the residents, business owners, and the community organizations of First Street (and, by extension, neighboring streets of the Northside) to continue to work to maintain and improve the quality of our neighborhood. We feel this is urgent in light of the increase in drug activity and other ciminal activities, the in- crease in residents, the increase in city-resident 'passers- through' , the increase in housing put on the market, and the declining incomes of this neighborhood. We also feel this is urgent as a request from those of us most affected by the above who are ready and willing to "take back" our neighborhood, but need some assistance in doing so in a way that seeks to rebuild our sense of community. What are we asking for? We are asking for $220 to expand and make more permanent a project we tried on a smaller scale last year in which we planted flowers on sections of the corners of First Street between Hancock and Cascadilla Streets . This year we propose to expand the project area, hoping to include the corners of First Street between Hancock and Franklin Streets, benefitting not only more residents, but also such groups/organizations as our day care center, the DPW and its staff, and people who come to the ScienceCenter, PnC, and Hair U Are . We also hope to begin to decrease our reliance on this Incentive Fund by supplementing residents' contributions of perennials with some purchased so that we will not require financial assistance annually. Although we hope to continue to plant some annuals each year, as these are more likely to flower throughout the warm season, we are trying to focus this year on making the project less cash dependent . WHY SHOULD THIS BE FUNDED? Although neighborhood incentive funds are not typically availble to the same group year after year, we feel our plans for expand- ing the area of focus, and helping to become more self-sustain- ing, given the low amount requested in relation to residents own contributions in cash/kind, need to be recognized and supported. They are, indeed, an indication of the increased coming together of more of us in the neighborhood to wipe out the negatives and build on the strengths of our neighborhood. Although our group originally came together to fight drug activity and protect ourselves against criminal acts, we have also spent much effort promoting the many positive aspects of our neighborhood, includ- ing: an annual street-wide yard-sale (see attached flyer) , the "Neighborhood-Night-Out" , get-acquainted parties with other neighborhood associations/organizations as well as new residents, improved safety of residents and others through working with the City on traffic calming plans, intitiating discussions with Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services and Tompkins County on creative ways to deal with abandoned/foreclosed buildings, and with the Ithaca Youth Bureau re ensuring that our neighborhood youth/families others) have access to resources . This current project is a small but important attempt not only to build community, but to have a tangible, eye-catching message for everyone who passes that we care about our neighborhood. PROJECT BUDGET As a mixed-income community, not all of us can afford to maintain not only our "own" yards, but the "community" spaces, even though we have been creative in finding in-kind ways we hope make most of us able to contribute in some way; in addition, "our" com- munity is increasingly becoming a well-travelled route for others in the wider community. Therefore, we are asking for funds to purchase a supply of flowers and compost to make use of the donated labor, materials and care we are contributing and/or we have solicited. (See below for itemized budget) . BUDGET TOTAL CASH AMOUNT Requested Donated Labor Donated Materials $ $ 220.00 102 hrs list see below DONATIONS (pledged as of 5/12/97) : pine bark mulch (approx. value: $50) manure/compost & transport ( " " " " : $60) perennials/annuals ( " " " : $30) straw for winter mulch/protection (" " : $40 (nb about half needed) making/selling baked goods during yard sale (to raise cash) : 12 people for 2 1/2 hrs each delivery of materials : 4 people for 1 hour each planting: 16 people for 2-3 hrs each maintenance : 19-20 people for 1 hr/month BUDGET item cost per site (9 ft) X 19-20 sites = TOTAL annuals $5 . 00 $100 . 00 perennials + bulbs $5 . 00 100 . 00 straw $1 . 00 (rest donated) 20 . 00 TOTAL $11. 00 $220 . 00 Signatures: As a member of the immediate neighborhood I am aware of and approve of the improvement project described on other side of this page. NAME ADDRESS 1. (-(--(9-cl COn-Y:" 2. L'1NIY1 t_ ______ 4 Fica 1 S . 3. CJI , AA a_A a'D'a c,r S - (a <-%; ( z Fi'75 5-L ,, /, 4. �(�54iU ir�G7I� J 5. (x..mfil_m.6 j-ey / /6P- -,'1,0. 7L ,s 6. AI.. 0 /' 7 i _ I, 8. illM-- • ‘C - ' \0 F.‘,5t- --c---- , nom ... y� , 10. /1� //A / // CGi-c; Signatures: As a member of the immediate neighborhood I am aware of and approve of the improvement project described on other side of this page. NAME ADDRESS - 1. t,A..../1 'l. ad Z 43` 2. X -4- .(,� 321!7 -7 %PF / / -3. 14 - fvii'{ 2 „,Lk l 5 ) L/ 3 'r(1-ji e --4. 4./.0 6e ,At-t 3/0 , LV,)1/ ,e/1- 5. fk,.';��, /" , 57/ - /'c9 a. 6. [ ) Lak-J S-15 4' `:1 P- T S TTY= T t 8. 14..A.4' _A_ _I �> `> -f--; s'S1 �� 9. ' , , ,.1 - 5 Z 3 }- , (5 -}-f 51-. . 7MEME l►. ( "10. S. ti 11. ` 0 05,E / J v .1 - -a,t,vk,e4 12. 1O/I /1, 1 z 302– c.nri, 13. ',,k r�-%.•j -(-4'2-A '31b F,"n 5f 5% . 14. //�./ 4J, I BC C 4 /i� 13 f �� / sI 15.j c�,m 1 ` - k�i1 (Gt C 1 ,p_ 5 S 17. 18. 19. 20. DRUG-FREE ZONES --April 11, 1997 Meeting WHAT IS A DRUG FREE ZONE? Working Definition: A geographical area in which special steps are taken to eradicate drug activity. Is there a better name? OTHERS TO INCLUDE IN THE DISCUSSION? City and County Court Judges City Prosecutor ✓ ommon Council/Board of Representatives vl1Teighborhood Groups/Neighborhood Meetings WHAT STEPS WILL BE TAKEN? Area Restrictions on Criminal Offenders Goal: Defendantswho have been convicted of drug offenses, or whose convictions arise from drug abuse,are ordered as a condition of probation or conditional discharge to stay out of these areas. Legal authority: Not explicitly recognized yet in New York,but Penal<aw 65.10 permits the court to impose any condition deemed"reasonably 66- /0 . necessary to insure that the defendant will lead a law-abiding life �j or to assist him to do so." The expressly authorized conditions G 4, include staying away from"disreputable places or consorting • with disreputable persons," and an area restriction is, at least • arguably, a form of that. i Note, however, that any condition must have the goal of g i , ) rehabilitation, rather than punishment or deterrence. People v ' ��, • Letterlough, 86 NY2d 259 (1995); People v McNair, 87 NY2d 772 (1996). Accordingly, it will be important to emphasize that ,1 i p � �1 �' the drug-free zone concept is intended to aid in the rehabilitation of w i . I the defendant,not just to protect the residents of the zone. fe.A6 1 r Potential problems: Judges may decline to adopt such conditions. Enforcement is not immediate,but through the relatively slow process of petitioning the court for a declaration of delinquency and issuance of a warrant. What if a defendant lives or works in the zone? Stepped-Up Criminal Law Enforcement by Police and D.A. Commitment by D.A. and the police to heighten enforcement efforts in these areas. Stepped-Up Ordinance Enforcement by City Agencies Housing, littering, and noise violations often accompany drug activity. Stepped-Up Enforcement by Probation for Violators Willingness to emphasize the importance of the area-restriction condition, and willingness to press for violation of probation based on the violation of those conditions. Posting of Signs by o Mark the Boundaries A visible reminder to e offenders, and a symbol of government's efforts on behalf of the residents. Partnership with Residents to Provide Information in Support of Enforcement Must have community involvement and community pride to be successful. WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Public meetings necessary or desirable? Common Council or County Board approval necessary or desirable. Is this a zoning issue? 2