HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAB-1991 , s
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
APRIL 5, 1991
PRESENT: CUMMINGS, DI GIACINTO, GILLIS, RUSOFF, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD,
WICKHAM. OTHER: L. GUY, L. HECHT, M. ROBERTSON.
ABSENT: GREEN.
The minutes of the August 31, 1990 meeting were approved as written.
THE COMMONS CAPITAL PROJECTS COMMITTEE MET TO DETERMINE THE CITY'S
working relationship with Architect Anton Egner. The playground construction will
have first priority; special interest committees will work with the client committee on
the individual components of the project, particularly the playground and the lighting.
Client committee members are: W.Gray, S. Cummings, J. Schroeder, J. Miller, J Meigs,
A. Gillis, and J. Deming.
SIMEON'S OUTDOOR DINING PERMIT APPLICATION was approved by a 6-0 vote.
THERE ARE THREE CITY MOBILE VENDING CART OPERATORS and two " Mc Curdy's "
vendors signed up for the Spring-Summer season.
ARTIST MARKET MEMBERS,Laurel Hecht and Laurel Guy requested the use of The
Commons on July 28, 91 for Artist Market. Vendor booths meeting Commons require-
ments will be built. A fee of seven dollars per booth will be paid to the City. Two
food vendors, Muffin Madness and Traveling Ham will also be asked to participate.
Traveling Ham will be located near the entrance of Bank Alley. All works will be fine
art, featuring some of the best local artists. S. Cummings volunteered to talk to
Center Ithaca about using the area under the Green Street Garage as a rain site.
Deming will work with Hecht and Guy on the details of the event.
SCIENCENTER BOARD MEMBER, ROBERTSON presented a proposed design for an
exhibit that tested human strength and other characteristics. This participatory
exhibit will be used during the Ithaca Festival and located between the tree grove
and planter wall opposite the Norstar Bank. The board approved of the Sciencenter
exhibit and complimented Robertson on the centers creativity.
IT WAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE MAYOR HAD APPROVED A PERMIT for the Ithaca
Resistance Service to pass out literature and beat a drum in De Witt Park and on
The Commons. The drum will beat continuously, 24 hours a day until! there has been
one beat for every death in the Persian Gulf War. The group will also be in other
areas of the City.
ALAN COHEN OF SIMENON'S RESTAURANT has offered to purchase tables and chairs
for the east end of The Commons. They would be available for public use. Discussion
followed as to whether our not the tables should be privately owned or purchased by the
City. Deming will talk to the Board of Public Works and the City Attorney for their
opinions.
THE NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 3, 1991 . PLEASE ATTEND !
Resp- f' bmitted,
jir Jean 7 O mi• • , Commons Coordinator
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program
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CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
MAY 3, 1991
PRESENT: CUMMINGS, GILLIS, GREEN, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD, WICKHAM.
ABSENT: DI GIACINTO, RUSOFF. OTHER: HOARD-ASHTON, CRANE, DIETZ,
BLUMENTHAL.
The minutes of the April 5, meeting were approved as written.
THE 1991 ITHACA FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE was presented by Hoard-Ashton, Crane,
and Dietz. Events were well placed through-out the Downtown and fewer food vendors
than last year were located on the Commons. Members complimented the Festival staff on
their presentation. Members suggested the following be considered: floor of food booths
be covered with 10 ft. by 10 ft. coverings to prevent food and grease stains, have plywood
available for vendors that came without coverings, smoke and smell be controlled, do not
place vendors in fountain area, staff should be stationed at each stage, staff should wear
shirts or hats that would make them easy to identify. The Festival staff agreed and said
many of these suggestions had been dealt with by food vendor regulations. Sheik suggested
that Festival merchandise should be available for sale as soon as possible. Selling will
start on May 4, 1991 .
THE SIGN REQUEST FOR BOREALIS BOOKS was approved providing it met Building Dept.
regulations ( 6-0 ) .
THE DESIGN REVIEW BOARD APPROVED SHARMA'S DESIGN FOR THE COLONIAL BUILDING
that CAB members had reviewed. Deming presented members comments at the Design Review
meeting. D. R. B. member Ken Vineberg was the only member that pressed for a more
historically sensitive design.
A BUILDING DEPARTMENT MEMO REGARDING THE DUNKIN DONUT STAND IN CENTER
ITHACA was discussed. The CAB was represented on the Atrium Redesign Committee
and members stated that the stand violated the terms of the agreement. Deming was
asked to review the agreement and respond. Cummings expressed concern over the use
of the public/private space for a vending cart that did not meet the terms of the agreement,
the Board's concern should be brought to the attention of the Mayor, City Attorney,
Planning and Building Departments.
MOBILE VENDING CART LOCATIONS ARE BEING REVIEWED BY DEMING AND MEIGS ;
locations that are out of the main pedestrian traffic pattern will be eliminated and replaced
with ones better suited for business.
THE TABLE AND CHAIRS THAT SIMEON'S WANTED TO MAKE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC
USE on the East end of the Commons were discussed with the Board of Public Works and
the Ass't City Attorney. It was recommended that the City own these, accepting them
as a gift and maintaining them. Members supported the concept, suggested talking to
Alan Cohen of Simeon's and thought that appropriate furnishing could be found in
catalogs. Suggested furnishings should be reviewed by the Board and Design Review.
D. P.W. should be consulted regarding the maintenance of furnishings prior to selection.
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program
minutes from the Commons Advisory Board meeting May 3, continued
A REQUEST TO PLACE STEEL SCULPTURE ON COMMONS FOR ART WALK has been
made by DII. The sculpture is 16 ft. high and 10 ft. wide and weighs 850 pounds.
The Board suggested that Deming work with the artist, DPW and property owner to
find a safe and appropriate placement. The fountain area and playground area were
thought to be unsafe because this placement might encourage climbing.
A GIFT OF TREES FOR THE COMMONS BY THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS WOMEN'S
ASSOCIATION was announced by S. Blumenthal. Size, type and placement have
not been determined yet, Blumenthal will work with the Shade Tree Committee and
CAB will be advised.
The next meeting will be held on Friday June 6, 1991 at 8:30 am.
Res ctfully subm'tted
Jea . Demi
Commons Coordinator
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CITY OF ITHACA --,
1 OB EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
JUNE 6, 1991
PRESENT: GILLIS, GREEN, RUSOFF, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD, WICKHAM.
ABSENT: CUMMINGS, DIGIACINTO.
OLD BUSINESS:
THE COMMONS CAPITAL PROJECT COMMITTEE and the Playground Advisory Group
have been meeting to discuss the type and size of a playground that would be suitable
and safe for children up to eight years of age. The playground survey was concluded
and the results were distributed to the Capital Projects Committee, the Advisory Group
and the CAB.
THE DUNKIN DONUTS STAND issue has been turned over to the Ass't City Attorney
who is meeting with City Departments and researching Center Ithaca documents and
agreements. There does not appear to be an agreement that has been signed by all
parties involved.
THE ARTISTS' MARKET will not be holding their event on The Commons because it
was much too expensive to buy lumber and build booths for each artist. An agreement
was made with the Farmers' Market in a meeting attended by members of both markets,
Richard Driscoll of CAP, Rusoff, and Deming. The Farmers' Market and Artists' Market
will work out the terms of the agreement so that both groups will be accommodated at
the Steam Boat Landing on July 28. Rusoff and Deming offered assistance if needed.
It was also noted that, for large events held in conjunction with the Farmers' Market,
another pavilion would be needed and the cost of that pavilion should be the respons-
ibility of the community and not the Farmers' Market.
THE TREE GIFT BY THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION will be two
large trees near the fountain to replace the maple tree. This was reported by
Underwood.
ITHACA FESTIVAL COMMENTS BY MEMBERS: Orderly, happy, successful, fantastic
event. It was noted that grease stains were left in a few food vendor locations,
plastic drop cloths do not absorb grease therefore a more absorbent ground cover
should be used in the future. Sheikh noted that a jeweler was placed in a pedes-
trian walkway at the corner of Bank Alley and the Commons on Thursday evening
and he doubted that the jewelry was handcrafted.
NEW BUSINESS:
A COMMONS REVIEW COMMITTEE has been appointed by the Mayor to review and
evaluate the CAB and The Office of The Activities and Cultural Coordinator. Members
are: Rusoff; C. Peterson, Alderperson; J. Furman,DVTF. The committee will be meeting
with Deming, the CAB, user groups etc. A report is due to the Mayor in October.
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING JUNE 6, 1991 continued
RECODIFICATION is taking place and the City Attorney asked if the City of
Ithaca NOISE ORDINANCE would serve The Commons as well as The Commons'
Noise Ordinance. Members stated that it was not realistic to think that an
ordinance primarily designed for residential areas could properly meet the needs
of The Commons. Members requested that The Commons Noise Ordinance remain
( 6-0 ) .
THE 1992 BUDGET PREPARATION WAS DISCUSSED . Deming explained that the
1991 budget had to be cut because cuts in the New York State budget reduced
funding to the City. Next year there will be similar problems with state funding
and revenues so the 1992 budget must be a bare bones request. Members wanted
programs and activities to continue so the recommendation was to cut regional advertis-
ing, continue to advertise events locally and cut small amounts wherever possible
except support staff. Sheikh said he would speak to the Center Ithaca Merchants
Association about the charge for maintenance that the Center is charging the City
for holding events such as Tree Lighting. This would help the event budget go
further. A decision about this years Holiday programming will depend on the
cost of dividing the Tree Lighting Ceremony and Ballet into two events, as requested
by Christine Griffin, Director of Center Ithaca, and the cost of Center setup and
maintenance.
The next meeting will be held on August 2, 1991 at 8:30 am.
Respectfully submi te.
Jean
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PORNO-
CITY OF ITHACA
108 EAST GREEN STREET
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14880
OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713
ITHACA COMMONS COORDINATOR CODE 607
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
AUGUST 16, 1991
PRESENT: CUMMINGS, DIGIACINTO, GILLIS, RUSOFF, SHEIKH, UNDERWOOD,
WICKHAM.
EXCUSED: GREEN.
OTHER: JEFF FURMAN, CAROLYN PETERSON.
The minutes of the May 3, 1991 and June 6, 1991 meetings were approved as written.
THE COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD REVIEW COMMITTEE: Jeff Furman, Carolyn Peterson,
and Denise Rusoff met with CAB members to review and discuss the functions of the
Board, how policies for the office of Activities and Cultural Coordinator are established,
the size and makeup of..the Board,and the Boards relationships with other City boards,
departments and community groups. Gillis presented an overview of the CAB's functions
and responsibilities. Review Committee "members directed specific questions to members
representing a particular group or function. Duties, advisory roles and areas of responsi-
bility were explained and clarified. Deming's liaison role regarding Commons users and
City Departments was explained by Cummings who further noted that the needs of the
many groups of Commons users are varied and at times conflicting. Sheikh stressed the
need for more Tax Benefit District Merchants to be willing to serve on the Board,adding he
had encouraged merchants to apply. Board members requested that three appointments
be made to bring the membership to the mandated number of eleven. All agreed with
Sheikh's comment that the diversity of the CAB membership was most important in
keeping the Commons and the downtown successful.
Furman asked that CAB members review the Operations Manual and come up with
suggested changes if necessary. He also said that user groups would be interviewed,
Deming will provide a list of groups, organizations and directors.
The question of what would help the Board function better was asked. Cummings spoke
about the Board's concerns for the overall care and health of the downtown and the
efforts made by members, particularly former member Charles Schlough and the members
of the Long Range Planning Committee to bring issues of maintenance, upper stories,
housing and vacancies to the attention of City Departments, Common Council and Mayors
Gutenberger and Nichols. A strong commitment to the downtown by all involved in its
funding and functioning is necessary-. More money for programs, advertising and staff
is needed. Gillis and Deming suggested the need to receive listings. -well in advance,
from the business community and other organizations using the Commons so that a
yearly Calendar is available to merchants so that they could do more coordinating of
their in store activity around scheduled events. Also like activities could be grouped
into themed events. This yearly calendar would help in promoting activities and avoid
conflicting or mismatched events .
An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program
COMMONS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING, AUGUST 16, 1991 continued
Peterson said that the CAB's review of sign and other Building Department permits
was discussed by Charter and Ordinance Committee. Digiacinto said that the sign
review is beneficial because the sign is reviewed in relationship to its surroundings,
the type of business,. arid its ability •to' convey the appropriate. Message. It -not simply
ai matter. of aesethics _but. one:of providing valuable free assistance to those who
choose to accept it. Cummings referred to the OLD CIGAR FACTORY sign and the
advice and assistance given to Jason Fane so that his request was granted offering
the best possible solution. Deming explained that outside experts are called upon when
highly specialized advice is needed. Gillis mentioned that the review process has been
streamlined by CAB; members with expertise review the applications as they come in
with turn around time being just a day or two. Design Review is set up to meet on
demand and this also helps to expedite things quickly. Problems generally arise when
applicants try to avoid the procedure or do the project before getting the permit.
THE UPCOMING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT ON THE COMMONS was discussed. Members
volunteered to help with public relations and information regarding the project and the
Fall event schedule.
THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 1991 AT 8:30 AM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL MEET IN CONFERENCE ROOM THREE, AT THE END
OF COMMON COUNCIL CHAMBERS, BECAUSE THERE IS A TRAINING SESSION IN
OUR REGULAR MEETING ROOM.
SIDNEY GREEN IS ON LEAVE FOR THREE MONTHS AND IS IN ENGLAND. IT IS
VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU ATTENDED MEETINGS SO THAT A QUORUM IS
PRESENT.
Respectfully s bmitted,
Jean S. Deming
Commons Coordinator