HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURACD-1981-01-12 -HUTSoA)
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MINUTES cgr clan JANUARY 12, 1981
7:30 P.M. - P&D mint M.r.
PRESENT: Mayor Bordoni , Chairman IURA/CDA Jas e'tin, CD Coordinator
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Kathe pecialist
James Dennis, IURA/CDA Donna Siewrattan, CD Bookkeeper
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA H.M. Van Cort, Director, Planning
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Beth Prentice, Director, INHS
Richard Strumbar, Attorney Jon Meigs, Planning Department
Press
The Mayor opened the meeting at 7:45.
1. Approval of Minutes
Stuart Stein MOVED to approve the Minutes of September 15, October 15, October 27,
November 17 and December 8, 1980 with the following corrections: In the October 15
Minutes, the Resolutions regarding Tree Planting and the Agoha property should be
shown to have been passed. In the December 8th Minutes, it should be shown that
the Resolution regarding the GIAC purchase was made in open session, not in executive
session. Anne Jones SECONDED the Motion but asked that the December 8 Minutes
be changed by adding that she had. been concerned to hear publicly that INNS was
in need of funds when she, as an IURA Member, had not been aware that there was a
need for funds. She added that the INNS Status report on the evening's agenda
was very important. After further discussion, MOTION PASSED to approve the
Minutes with the corrections requested.
2. INHS Status Report
Elisabeth Prentice, INHS Executive Director, apologized for not having given
status reports to the agency"but said that she had been unaware that this was
a policy. From now on, she said, she would keep the IURA/CDA updated on a
regular basis. Prentice then discussed the 1st three INHS Quarterly Activity
Reports for 1980 that had been sent to IURA members and handed out a current
report. Running down the list of NHS programs, she said that the Homeownership
program was very successful and that 47 low income renters had been helped to
purchase their own homes within the neighborhoods; the House Recycling program
had bought and rehabilitated 13 vacant and absentee owned properties and sold
eight of them to date. Other successful programs included the Mini-Repair
program, the Home Maintenance and free labor programs. Many countywide and
city agencies have asked that these programs be expanded. She said that 60%
of the Mini-Repair clients had an income of less than $4200 and the average
age was 69.3. Neighborhood Organizers had been hired at the request of the city
to develop block leadership. During their work period they had found at least
fifty neighborhood residents to provide leadership throughout the target neigh-
borhoods and had held block parties and neighborhood meetings. The Energy
Program was awarded a NYSEG grant to conduct hands-on weatherization workshop
programs. She said that NYSEG wanted to improve action resulting from their auditing
process and that Ithaca was the first city in which this was being done. Another
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IURA/CDA
January 12, 1981
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program which has been established is the Landlord Loan Program. The program was
established with funds set aside for 312 Administration but when Ithaca was
notified of its ineligibility of 312 in 1981 , the administrative funds were
converted to loan funds. Van Cort planned to meet with HUD officials to try to
get the 312 decision reversed but was not optimistic. Evans added that a
Landlord Loan program was added to the new Small Cities preapplication. This
program will provide loans to landlords who want to rehabilitate their rental
properties but has more stringent criteria for eligibility than the 312 program.
Absentee landlords would be the lowest on the eligibility list and owner occupants
would be the highest. Landlords would not be allowed to own too many properties
or hold too many assets and would be required to rent through the Section 8 program.
Another program which was meeting with much success was the Duplex Program. This
idea had originated at INHS and was now directly funded to them through HUD. Loans
are made to low and moderate income persons to buy duplex properties. The owner
rents the income part of the property to Section 8 families and, uses the rent to
help pay the mortgage. Prentice said that the best part of this program is that
it has a minimum amount of government interference. Regarding fund raising, she
said that since the NHS inception in 1976, a policy of fund raising in the private
sector had been established to help maintain the private non-profit status of the
organization and to help with matching funds from the public sector. In 1976 a
four year fund raising effort was undertaken. Now, NHS is conducting a 2nd four -
year fund raising effort. This policy helps the organization not be totally
reliant on the federal government. If the Small Cities pre-application is not
successful or if CD funds are discontinued under the new administration, INHS could
continue to operate fully through early 1982.
Stein asked if there was an option to use loan repayments to continue INHS adminis-
tration and Prentice said that legally this was possible but the Board has chosen
to channel loan repayments back into the loan pool . She said that the Neighborhood
Housing Services of America buys up to one half of their portfolio. To date, $190,000
in—loans had been sold. From the remaining loans, NHS collects approximately
$5000/month in repayments. But this would not keep NHS afloat and in the case
of CD funding being stopped, she said that many difficult decision would have to
be made. At present the private sector fund raising program was going very well .
She also added that Reagari's urban policy program had designated the national NHS
program as a #1 priority. Stein suggested that contingency planning be done and
Prentice agreed and said that staff and the Board were working on this.
Jones asked what was the NHS role in terms of offering services to countywide
agencies and Prentice said that NHS often offered assistance on how to develop
similar programs but their by-laws legally restricted them to the target area.
She said the by-laws could be changed but that she thought it was more improtant
to work in a targetted area where improvements would be visible and would help
generate further private rehabilitation efforts in the target areas. She added
that INHS was always willing to help other organizations and provide information
A program to help set up rural NHS organizations was the next step but she said
the many different aspects of city and rural situations made the program difficult
to organize.
IURA/CDA
January 12, 1981
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Planning Director Van Cort and CD Coordinator Lim agreed that staff was very
happy with INHS and that the organization was the cornerstone of the city's
neighborhood preservation effort.
Stein MOVED to accept the INHS Report, Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
III. Executive Session
Dennis MOVED to enter into Executive Session, Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Executive Session convened at 8:30. The regular meeting continued at 9:40 with
action on Executive Session agenda items tabled until the following meeting.
IV. Ithaca Center
A. Approval of Architectural Services Contract
Van Cort said that the final draft of the contract had been prepared and would
include the standard CDA and AIA contracts with Appendix A describing the scope
of work related to the project. The Appendix, he said, -includes all the concerns
of the Agency and the 9% cost of the construction cost is an upset figure.
Leathers will charge by the hour and for materials used but payments already made
to him will be subtracted from the costs. Therefore, the upset will actually be
lower than the $19,000 previously stated. He said that staff will prepare a flow
diagram:. of approvals necessary before payments. Van Cort said he had checked
with some of the merchants involved with the improvements and that they seemed
quite happy with the plans.
Reed asked when the Agency could review the schematics and Van Cort said that
they will be sent back to the IURA as will the bid documents. The schematics
and bid documents will also go to Common Council and to the Board of Public Works
for review.
Stein MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, as Chairman of the IURA/CDA, is hereby authorized to
enter into a contract with Robert S. Leathers and Associates for
architectural services related to the Ithaca Center Public Improvements
project. Such contract to be subject to an upset of 9% of the construction
cost and to city Attorney approval and to be paid from line U102.
Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
B. Approval of Phase I of Transportation Planning Services Contract
Van Cort said that in accordance with the Agency's direction the contract with
DMJM/TPG was divided into two parts. The first part of the contract, which
included a study on circulation under the-garage would cost $2,000. The
second part, the parking study, would come to $2,200.
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IURA/CDA
January 12, 1981
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Dennis asked if the parking study would be done for the entire downtown area
Van Cort said that he would include the Family Medicine parkins, the Central
Fire Station parking, the Miller's Parking Lot "E" and the Woolworth's parking
in the new contract but this may increase the cost.
Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that the Mayor, as Chairman of the IURA/CDA, is hereby authorized to
enter into a contract with DMJM/TPG for transportation planning
services related to the Ithaca Center public improvements contingent
upon City Attorney approval . Such contract shall?be for a flat fee of
$2,000 and paid from line U103.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
C. Green Street Parking Garage
Van Cort explained that when the original Ithaca Center designs had been made,
holes had been left in the north side concrete panels of the Green Street Pai-king
Garage to accomodate walkways between the two areas. In subsequent plans, the
holes do not match up and create a hazard. He said he feels it is appropriate
to install concrete panels at city cost and that the Ithaca Center contractor,
Streeter Associates, be used for the installation. The concrete panels weigh
22 tons each and the only feasible way to install them is with a crane. After the
. Ithaca Center steel structure is constructed, there will be no room for a crane.
The two reasons he suggested for hiring Streeter were that they are on site and that
they will have a crane at their disposal to do the lfftino ,; which will make the
job less expensive. than hiring another contractor who would have to bring his
own crane.
Reed asked whether it was appropriate to use a noncompetitive bid. Lim responded
that it was necessary in order to install the panels prior to erection of the Ithaca
Center steel structure.
Mayor Bordoni asked where the money would come from and Lim said it would come from
line U103 which is the UDAG money especially encumbered for this contract. She
said that there are three sources of funds at the moment: "U" stands for UDAG
sources, "E" stands for Entitlement funds and "SC" for Small Cities funds.
Evans asked if HUD was contacted before making this decision and Lim said that the
urgency of the situation calls for immediate action which is legal under HUD regu-
lations. Department of Public Works Superintendent Dingman will ask for a BPW
resolution which declares that a "public exigency" exits.
IURA/CDA
January 12, 1981
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Reed MOVED that
WHEREAS, several concrete panels on the north side of the Green Street Parking
Garage are missing in whole or in part and,
WHEREAS, construction of the Ithaca Center project will significantly increase
the technical difficulty and cost of installing the concrete panels, and
WHEREAS, construction of the steel structure for Ithaca Center will begin in
February 1981 and whereas manufacturing and curing of the concrete
panels will take approximately three weeks and,
WHEREAS, Streeter Associates, general contractor for the Ithaca Center project,
will already have a crane on site which can also be used to install the
garage panels and can therefore accomplish this work at a significantly
lower cost to the City,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that :
1. The Agency recognizes that there exists a public exigency which does
not permit a delay incident to competitive solicitation of proposals
2. The Mayor, as Chairman of the IURA/CDA, is hereby authorized to non-
competitiveley negotiate a- contract with Streeter Associates for the
design, construction and installation of the Green Street Parking
Garage panels "
3. The contract price for the above work shall be $6,600 with a
contingency allowance of 15% ($990) to be encumbered against line
U104
4. Authorization to sign the contract is contingent upon BPW and City
Attorney approval .
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
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IURA/CDA
January 12, 1981
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V. School Closings
Evans discussed the School District's plans for closing two more schools and asked
Agency members if they wanted to make a statement for the public hearing to be
held on January 14. A tentative decision will be made on the 20th to close West .
Hill School this year and Henry St. John School next year. All 6th graders will
be moved to the middle schools. She said that several Council members had attended
the public hearing on the 8th and had spoken eloquently during their presentations
and had left a packet of information of the City's stand on closings. 25 people
spoke at the hearing, all of them against the school closing plan.
Discussion followed during which it was decided to begin investigating reorganizing
a School District with boundaries which were co-terminous with the City,and also
to prepare a statement for Mayor Bordoni to present at the hearing. All Agency
members were very concerned about the School District's actions.
VI. Administration
A. UDAG Payment Plan
Lim discussed the plan developed for disbursing UDAG funds and explained the
checks and balances incorporated into the plan to ensure proper financial management.
She said the process relies on certification by Citizens Savings Bank that the
architect's certifications has been. received.
Van Cort said that the plan hasbeen approved by the City Attorney and that it
adequately protects the city. He said that the city will retain 7% of the funds
until the entire project is completed. Lim said drawdowns will not be made until
the architect's certification has been received and checks will not= be released until
staff has verified that the weekly payroll and monthly utilization forms, which
are Affirmative Action requirements, are up to date and that there are no liens
against the project.
B. Bonding
Lim explained that during the next year the Agency will distribute $3 million dollars.
In the previous year, the amount has been $1 million. Because of the increase, she
suggests that the Agency increase their bonding accordingly. She said that the
increase in coverage would cost -an additional $131 . .
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that CD staff is hereby authorized to increase coverage under the Agency's
1981 Blanket Position Bond crom $100,000 to $300,000.
Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
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IURA/CDA
January 12, 1981
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C. Legal Services
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the Mayor, as Chairman of the IURA/CDA, is hereby authorized
to submit a letter to Common Council urging 1981 funding for additional
legal services and proposing IURA/CDA financial support for the
City Attorney's office up to $4,000 per year subject to Federal
Regulations.
MOTION PASSED.
D. New C.D. Specialist
Lim reported that 706 work days will be needed to fulfill the 1981 CD project,
and program schedule. She said that the present staff could handle approximately
500 of these working days if compensatory time, vacations, sick time and contin-
gency days were not taken into account. Under the new Small Cities grant, she
said, it was proposed that an additional CD Specialist be hired in order to
complete the application proposals. Lim suggested that the specialist be hired
full time for the first year and half time the second year because the bulk of
the project planning work will need to be completed during the first year. The
new specialist should be on staff by April in order to begin the planning process.
She presented a draft resolution authorizing CD staff to begin the hiring process
but noted that no interviews will be conducted until after we hear about the
Small Cities application.
Reed asked if this meant that the actual hiring would not yet take place and
Lim said yes. This process would just insure that job applications would be
on hand if the new Small Cities grant is awarded. She added that all Agency
members would be invited to review the applications and interview the applicants.
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the CD staff is hereby authorized to begin the hiring process
for the new C.D. Specialist.
E. Continuation of Meeting
Lim said that the optional agenda items could wait until the following month
but that some action should be taken on the Executive Session agenda items.
After discussion, it was decided to hold the continuation meeting on Monday,
January 19 at 3:30 P.M. in the Planning Department.
Mayor Bordoni adjourned the meeting at 11 :45.
Respectfully Respectftilly_Submitted Approved,
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim
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IURA/CDA
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MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
January 19, 1981 9-
3:30 P.M. - P&D
. . . . . • e 441
PRESENT: Mayor Raymond Sordoni , Chairman IURA/CDA 4Wy � 3
James Dennis, IURA/CDA Z � ' �:_
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA p� /et 1
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA
Jasmine Lim, CD Coordinator
Kathe Evans, CD Specialist jfrT-
• H.M. Van Cort, Director, Planning
Press
The Mayor convened the meeting at 3:30 P.M.
- Reed MOVED that the Agency go into Executive Session. Dennis SECONDED and
MOTION PASSED.
Open Session resumed at 4:45. . •
Reed MOVED that
WHEREAS the deteriorating appearance of the exterior of the St. James AME Zion
Church building has been determined to be a blighting influence on the
CD target-area , where the City's ongoing CD and Small Cities .neighborhood
revitalization programs have funded extensive public and private property
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improvements in the vicinity of the church, including a community center,
park and numerous residences ; 1
WHEREAS the structure was officially designated as a City Historic Landmark
after formal consideration of documentary evidence of its role in local
history, and is being considered for nomination to the National Register
of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Officer;
WHEREAS historic preservation is an eligible CD activity? and several preservation
projects within the city and target area have been funded by the program
on the-bases that a public purpose is served by conserving our archi-
tectural and historic heritage , and that public benefits are derived
from upgrading properties within neighborhoods characterized by a sig-
• nificant degree of blight;
IURA/CDA
January,19, 1981
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•,IgHE''the Agency has determined, after fully evaluating project proposals
submitted for CD funding, that CD monies should be earmarked for
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' . eVeterior renovation of the building, to restore its facade to an
appearance more closely representing that which it had in. the era -when
. it played its most significant role in history, and to preserve the
facade's own significant architectural values;
WHEREAS INHS, Historic Ithaca and the ILPC have urged recently that these monies
be used as proposed; -
WHEREAS the Agency has determined that the project would result in substantial
public benefits in furtherance of a secular purpose, and would not promote
or hinder religion or the free practice thereof, nor involve any entangle
anent with the..internal or religious affairs of the St. James AME Zion
Church, be it .
• RESOLVED that this IURA/CDA does direct that staff proceed with release of funds
• for historic preservation of the facade of the St. James AME Zion Church
building; that a grant agreement be prepared which defines the City's
role and interest in providing this one-time preservation grant and
which takes appropriate note of other concerns affecting this action;
that the grant agreement contain no conditions whatever relating to
whether the building shall continue to be used for religious purposes;
and that facade restoration begin as soon as possible after execution
of said agreement,
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
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IURA/CDA
January 19, 1981
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The Mayor suggested that the agency present a summary of Stumbar's
comments for Common Council,.members before the February Council meeting.
Van Cort asked that the IURA pass a Resolution regarding Cherry Street.
He said that the City Attorney has suggested that the resolution be
presented for approval by the Agency contingent upon his final review.
Van Cort explained that this resolution would insure that the sublessee
(Precision Filters) will continue to pay the payment in lieu as the IDA
is exempt from taxes.
Dennis MOVED that
WHEREAS, pursuant to paragraph 10 of lease agreement between Precision
Filters, Inc. and IURA, assignment of said lease agreement or any
interest therein is prohibited without IURA approval , and
WHEREAS, Precision Filters, Inc. , by John Barney's letter of January 9, 1981 ,
•
to Martin A. Shapiro has requested IURA execution of a consent to
assignment agreement, and
WHEREAS,' said consent proposes subleasing of premises to Tompkins County
Industrial Development Agency upon such terms as may be agreeable
between Precision Filters , Inc. and Tompkins County Industrial De-
velopment Agency, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the IURA is hereby authorized
and directed to execute said consent to assignment, upon approval
of the City Attorney, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said direction and authority is herewith
granted and conditional upon IDA conformance with all provisions
of the lease agreement between Precision Filters, Inc. and IURA.
Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:55.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
//t ; ,
O44? R--
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim
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MINUTES
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981
7:30 PM - Planning Office
PRESENT: Mayor Ray Bordoni, Chairman, IURA/CDA H.M. Van Cort, Planning Direcfor
James Dennis, IURA/CDA Jasmine Lim, CD Coordinator
Anne Jones ,IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD Specialist
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Richard Stumbar, Attorney
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Press
Donald Slattery, Council Member
The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:40.
1 . Approval of Minutes
Anne Jones MOVED to approve the Minutes of the January 8 and January 19 meetings.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
2. Executive Session
Reed MOVED that the Agency go into Executive Session to discuss legal factors
concerning AME Zion Church, and Personnel .
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:45.
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED , that all the CD employees be granted a salary increase of
9% retroactive to January 1 , 1981 and another salary increase
of 9% effective January 1 , 1982.
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
3. Lump Sum Drawdown of INHS Loan Funds - Approval of Contracts
Evans reviewed the memo concerning the lump sum drawdown she had sent out
on February 5th. Evans noted that HUD felt the city should be a third
' party in this project to rehabilitate privately owned property. Until
recently, CD interpretation of HUD regulations held up this process.
Van Cort said that all NHS banks have pressed the city to allow for lump
sum drawdowns and some had personally lobbied representatives in Washington.
Susequently, NHS asked all local banks to make proposals for what benefits
they would offer to target area rehabilitation if $100,000 or more was
depositied in an account. NHS and CD staff recommended that Citizen's
Savings Bank be designated and that a contract for a lump sum drawdown be
signed.
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981 page 2
The Mayor asked if Citizen's was the only bank to make a proposal . Van
Cort said that First Federal had also made a proposal but the benefits
Citizen's offered were much better.
After futher discussion, Reed MOVED that
WHEREAS, INHS has invited all local banks to submit proposals for what
benefits they would offer to target area rehabilitation if
$100,000 or more was deposited in an account, and
WHEREAS, two banks responded, First Federal and Citizens' Savings and
Citizen's Savings offered more benefits, and
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA recognizes the advantages to the city and to lower
income families to become involved in a lump sum draw procedure
with Citi zen's Savings and INHS, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA.lapproves the lump sum draw
agreement and directs the Mayor to sign the agreement, subject
to the city attorney's review.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
4. Homeownership Assistance Program
Lim expressed concern about funds held over a period of time and said
she would like to get old projects underway in order to be prepared for
the new ones should the new Small Cities Grant be awarded. Word on the
new grant should be available during the week. In the meantime she said
she would like to get the funds set aside for the Homeownership Assistance
Program moving as the money had been sitting in limbo for more than a
year and a half. The 5th Year Entitlement budget included $20,000 to be
used in conjunction with the House Recycling Program and would provide a
mortgage subsidy for low and moderate income people capable of owning their
own homes. At present, the fair market cost is still too high for most of
these households, especially with the current interest rates.
Lim said that INHS would like to use these funds for the BOCES house on
South Plain Street. The house cost $54,000 to assemble and NHS would like
to sell it for $45,000, using the $20,000 as a second mortgage. She said
that although the program was not intended exactly for this type of action,
the program description was flexible enough to allow for it. Though only
one family would be assisted, it would be a lower income family.
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981 page 3
The Mayor asked if the people receiving INHS loans were made aware of the
terms of repayment. Van Cort said that every effort was made to explain
the process to them and that INHS stayed in contact with their clients.
He added that the Homeownership Assistance Program was not a giveaway
program. Although NHS clients are by definition non-bankable, every loan
is systematically reviewed after five years and adjustments to repayment
scales are made if deemed necessary. r_
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED,that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized to enter
into an agreement with INHS for the Homeownership Assistance
Program (Entitlement line 507) for 20,000, contingent upon
City Attorney approval .
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
5. Cherry Street - Approval of NYSEG Contract
Van Cort referred to a memo sent by Mick Bottge on February 10 regarding
the Cherry Street Industrial Park NYSEG Easement. He said that the
revision was acceptable to all parties and that the proposed resolution
was routine.
Reed MOVED that
WHEREAS, : NYSEG has requested a ten foot easement in the Cherry Street
Industrial Park to provide electric service to Precision Filters,
Inc. , and
WHEREAS, said request and specifications thereof have been reviewed by
and are acceptable to the City Engineer, City Attorney, Department
of Planning and Development and Precision Filters, Inc. , now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairperson of the IURA/CDA is hereby
authorized to execute an easement agreement with NYSEG.
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
6. 1981 Contribution to ILPC Coordinator - Action
Van Cort said that the city has made an increase in its contribution towards
matching the $9000 grant awarded by the New York State Council on the Arts.
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981 page 4
The grant requires a $4500 match and the city will contribute $2250 from
the Planning and Development Department budget. This has already been
approved by the Council B&A Committee. Van Cort said that ILPC Coordinator
Priscilla Dolan had been a great asset to the Department and has, in addition
to the Exterior Restoration Grant Program and ILPC connected projects, also
helped with the Strand Theater project. Next year she would add the AME
Zion Church to her work schedule. He said that CD staff felt she was
invaluable to these projects and recommended that CD also provide $2250
towards matching of the grant. Lim said $22,360 of uncommitted funds
are in the Entitlement contin,ge n cy line 515 and suggested that these
funds be reprogrammed into line 513, CD Administration, with $2250 encumbered
for the ILPC Coordinator.
Stein MOVED that'
WHEREAS, Entitlement line 515 currently has $22,360 designated as a
contingency fund and $2360 of this amount is uncommitted, and
WHEREAS, there is a need to increase the CD Administration budget, (line
513), and
WHEREAS, $2360 of the above amount is uncommitted, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that $2360 be reprogrammed from line 5153to
line 513.
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Dennis MOVED that
WHEREAS, the Ithaca. Landmarks Preservation Council has received from New
York State Council on the Arts a grant for $9000 for a one year's
staff position, and
WHEREAS, there is a matching requirement for $4500, and
WHEREAS, $2250 of that amount shall be contributed from the Planning Depart-
ment budget, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that
1 ) $2250 shall be contributed from the Entitlement line 513 and .
2) that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized to enter
into an agreement with the ILPC Coordinator Priscilla Dolan,
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981 page 5
contingent upon City Attorney approval and such agreement to
specify that the ILPC Coordinator will assist CD staff in the
implementation-of the AME Zion Church project, Strand Theater
Project, Exterior Restoration Grants and any other CD projects
involving historic preservation/restoration.
Reed SECONDED and MOTION PAStED.
7. Administration
a) Process and Structure for Developing and Implementing New Small Cities Program
Lim reviewed her memo concerning implementation of the new Small Cities program
and asked Agency members how they would like to develop and structure new
projects should the grant be awarded. She suggested_ that ,small committees
be formed that would research and work on the preliminary development of
the projects and then report to the Agency at the regular meetings. She
said she thought that this would save time during regular meetings and
said that the Personnel Committee had been very helpful in this way.
After discussion, Agency members agreed to the committee procedure and
members divided the projects among themselves. Dennis volunteered to
work on the INHS projects and the Community Arts Program; Reed said he
would work on the Task Force for Battered Women project and the Community
Gardens and Stein said he would work on city projects and Htllview Park.
Jones was not present during this discussion but Lim said she would get
letters out to firm up this process and begin scheduling meetings. She
said that staff has begun work on some of the projects based on the assumption
that the city will be awarded the grant.
Regarding the new CD Specialist, Lim said that more than 40 applications
have been received to date. She has begun reviewing them and as soon as
news on the grant is available, the resumes will be made available to
agency members.
b) March Meeting Date
The next regular meeting was scheduled for Monday, March 23 at 7:30 in the
Planning Department office.
c) Non-Ownership Liabilitylirisurance
After discussion it was decided to table this matter until the city status
was reviewed with Joe Spano and Bob Briggs.
8. Htil l vi ew Park
Lim said that since notification from the NYS Parks and Recreation Department
that the Hillview Park project will not be funded in 1981 , she tentatively
reduced the project scope and budget based on the original estimates prepared
a year ago. The revised scope of work includes only basic essentials such
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981 page 6
as clearing and grading and repair of the steps at lower Hillview.
Dennis noted that the projected improvements sounded like those that had
been originally been requested when project planning first began and he
suggested that Council members who represent the `:Iiil l vi ew Park area be
part of the Committee to review the project with area residents.
9. Report on Street Tree Planting
} Evans reported that problems with the planting of a Northside tree that
resulted in some bad press coverage for the CDA had been resolved. She
said that generally the contractor had been satisfactory and that the
project was now complete.
10. Parallel Use Funds
Members discussed the possible uses of the Parallel Use funds and agreed
that a decision should be made no later than September.
Dennis said he was not in favor of the School District's suggestion that
funds be used for the Markles Flats building or the parking space opposite
GIAC.
Reed suggested reprogramming the money into the AME Zion Church restoration
project.
11 . Executive Session - Landbanking Funds
Dennis MOVED that the Agency move into Executive Session to discuss
Landbanking Funds. Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
The regular meeting resumed at 10:30.
12. Neighborhood Improvements III
Evans showed members plans for the completion of the pedestrian system in
the target area. She said that the specs were available and that bidding
could begin as soon as the Agency authorized the BPW to put the project .
out to bid. She noted that each individual curb has been addressed separately
in the plans.
Dennis MOVED that
WHEREAS, the third year Neighborhood Improvements completes the three
phase pedestrian system incorporating curb cuts connecting
community facilities and resources in the Northside and Southside
with the Ithaca Commons, and
IURA/CDA
February 23, 1981 page 7
WHEREAS, the Engineering Department has identified drainage and curbing
projects in response to neighborhood concerns regarding
flooding and is developing plans and specifications for such
projects, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves such plans and
authorizes the BPW to put the projects out to bid as soon
as plans and specifications are complete.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
lr / ;/)
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim
/164 --
b.' a.<
IURA/CDA MINUTES ,
March 23, 1981 £ MAR ��� �g$�
CITYGIF l
7:30 PM - P&D Office
-Zr.
i .,
PRESENT: Mayor Bordoni , J. Dennis, C. Reed, H.M. VanCor `," ., Evans, Press
Mayor Bordoni convened the meeting at 7:35 and congratulated the CD Staff
on its receiving approval of the new Small Cities preapplication.
1..Approval of Minutes
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that the Minutes of the February 23, 1981
meeting be approved. MOTION PASSED.
2. A.M.E. Zion Church Contract
Evans discussed Appendix A of the St. James A.M.E. Zion Church exterior
restoration contract which addresses the program description, policies,
and responsibilities of the project participants. These-are the Board
of Trustees of the church, architect George Hascup, Romanoff and
Associates (preservation consultants), and Historic Ithaca. The latter
will act as subgrantee for the project and will disburse funds received
from the Agency as the project requires. Evans said that the Appendix
would be attached to the standard contract and would also include
Appendices B, C and D which deal with administration requirements, employment
opportunities for low income persons, non discrimination and equal opportunity.
She said that Appendix A is a draft that still has to be approved by
the parties involved.
Evans said that although George Hascup is currently in California,
church trustees will be in touch with him to find out if he will be
available to continue his work which began before the project was
held up by HUD. Hascup has put the original specs together and held
meetings with the church trustees and community and still remains the
primary choice. When he has been contacted it will be easier to make
up the budget as his fee must be a part of the budget. Trustees have
asked what will happen if more problems than anticipated are found
once the siding is taken off. Evans said that some-funds may be
reprogrammed from other lines and that Romanoff is currently looking
ithto the building to get an idea of what the conditions might be.
Evans said that the budget will be ready by the April meeting but
asked for preliminary approval of the Agency so that staff and the
City Attorney can continue to work towards the final contract before
the next meeting.
IURA/CDA
March 23, 1981
page 2
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that
WHEREAS, Historic Ithaca and Victoria Romanoff (Romanoff and Associates)
will act as subgrantees for the exterior restoration of St. James
A.M.E. Zion Church, overseeing a proper restoration job which
meets requirements of the State and Federal Historic Preservation
groups,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that C.D. Staff and the City Attorney be
authonhized to work with participants to put together a final
contract for review by the Agency in April .
MOTION PASSED.
III. Bid Approval - Neighborhood Improvements III
Evans said that the sidewalk/curb bids were opened on Friday, March 20. Ten
contractors had picked up specifications and plans and she noted that a good
showing of minority and WBE contractors had picked up the specs. Once again
Giordano Construction was the lowest responsible bidder and Neighborhood
Improvements architect Hank Wilhelmi recommends that this bi'd be accepted.
Evans added that she had reviewed the bid documents and that they were satis-
factory.
Reed asked why there was such a big difference in material cost and Evans
said that it was pfobably because Giordano has already made the initial
investment in the required equipment. She said that she has been told that
Cortland sends contractors to Ithaca to see our curb cuts because of their
high quality and she added that Giordano has done all the Northside/Southside
cutt to date.
Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that
WHEREAS, Giordano Construction Company has submitted the lowest responsible
bid for Year III Neighborhood Improvements sidewalk and curb
intersections, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA accepts Giofdano's base bid of
$16,700 for sidewalks/curbs and sets up a 20% contingency fund of
$3340. This project and contingency will be paid for from line
IURA/CDA Minutes
March 23, 1981 •
page 3
S305. Subject to final approval by the BPW, staff is instructed
to prepare a contract and the Mayor shall sign such contract as
Agency Chairperson.
MOTION PASSED.
IV. Reprogramming of $30,000 into UDAG Administration
Van Cort said that when the.Resolution to hire a design consultant was passed,
staff had neglected to ask for reprogramming of UDAG funds to cover consultant
fees and costs. He presented a draft resolution requesting reprogramming
of $3000 to cover miscellaneous expenses such as trips to Washington and
other services.
Mayor Bordoni asked if the $3000 would cover audit expenses and Evans noted
that CD auditing generally costs $2000. Van Cort said that if this was necessary
staff would return for more funds. —
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that CD staff is authorized to reprogram $3000 from the Ithaca
Center UDAG Public Improvements line to an Administrative line
for expenses that will be incurred for grant monitoring, reporting
and final audit.
Dennis SECONDED AND MOTION PASSED.
Discussion followed about proposed trash collecting for the Ithaca Center and
the Commons. Van Cort said that one garbage company is willing to contract
and provide a trash compactor. This would be cheaper than the conventional
method of picking up trash. He added that staff is in contact with MacDonalds
because of their experience in certain trash disposal areas and is generally
researching the problem.
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that
WHEREAS, a portion of the Ithaca Center UDAG is budgeted for Public
Improvements, and
WHEREAS, professional design and consultant services are necessary to complete
project development for the Public Improvements, and
IURA/CDA Minutes
March 23, 1981
page 4
WHEREAS, contracts for these sefvices have been negotiated and authorized,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that CD staff is authorized to reprogram
$25,000 of the Public Improvement line as of January 1 , 1981 .
MOTION PASSED.
Van Cort said that the Planning Department was coordinating with the BPW
so that handicap ramps will interface well in the loading area.
Reed asked if the IURA/CDA will have another chance to review the Ithaca Center
facade and other matters concerning the project. Van Cort said that he
will update the Agency at the next meeting but that the granite for the outside
walls had been ordered. This was a big cost item over the original facade
plans. Reed added that the building looks very much as though it is going
up on schedule and all agency members agreed that the work on the site
seemed to be progressing very well. Reed asked if any information was available
on the leasing. Van Cort said that he had asked many times but that the city
had no authority to request that kindof information. Both he and the
Mayor said that they felt from casual conversation that the leasing was probably
going very well. Van Cort said that Herman Sieverding was dealing with the
Affirmative Action regulations and was collecting the weekly and monthly sheets.
If contractors are not in compliance with minority requirements, the city
will be informed. He added that this will also be reported on at the
next Agency meeting. He said that Sieverding has been studying the OMB
regulations and is familiar with the rules and that Streeter has a person
on his staff whose main job is to be familiar with government regs.
5. Personnel - New CD Specialist
Van Cort said that Executive Session was not necessary until finances were
discussed. He said that he and Jasmine had spent the last week reviewing
resumes and interviewing applicants and that less than six were now seriously
in contention. He said that staff was not yet ready to make recommendations
as references have to be checked but that he would like approval of a
contract to be referred to the Personnel Committee so that the contract could
be signed before the next meeting. Evans said that an application is going
to be written soon and hopes that the new staff person will be hired as soon
as possible. Van Cort said that most applicants have to give at least two
weeks notice at that their present jobs so that the person will not be physically
present fot at least a month.
Reed suggested that a special meeting be called so that all agency members
have a chance to review and discuss the recommendations as a first alternative,
with Personnel Committee choice as a second alternative. Bordoni said that
this meeting could be held during the day.
Dennis asked about salaries and MOVED that that the Agency go into Executive
Session. Reed SECONDED and the meeting proceeded behind closed doors.
' IURA/CDA Minutes
March 23, 1981
page 5
At 8:20 the meeting resumed in open session and Dennis MOVED that
WHEREAS, the Executive Director and the CD Coordinator are in the process
of making a decision concerning the new CD Specialist based on
resumes, writing samples, interviews and references, and
WHEREAS, the CD ADministrative Manual grants the Executive Director the power
to hire and fire CD employees but CD policy requires Agency approval
of any contracts exceeding..$1000, including stiff contracts, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that authorization of a staff contract with the new
CD Specialist be referred to the Personnel Committee with power to
act in case a quorum of the whole Agency is not available to act
on the contract.
MOTION PASSED.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25.
Respectfully Submitted, App o ed,
/407-e-J
Natalie de Combray H.M. Van Cort
1-} 1LI>A- -t-} UT-50N
r1�, 11::
IURA/CDA
MINUTES - '�� \
May 19, 1981 ; � l\
5:00 P.M. - P&D Office _� ���V
PRESENT: Ray Bordoni, Chairman /� ' r( Goldwyn, CD Specialist
James Dennis, IURA/CDA H.M. Van Cort, Director, P&D
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Herman Sieverding, P&D
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA( Robert Leathers,-:At'chitect
Jasmine Lim, CD Coordinator Press
Kathe Evans, CD Specialist
The Mayor convened the meeting at 5:10.
I. Approval of Minutes
Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED is the Minutes of March 23, April 13,
and April 27 with an amendment to the Minutes of April 13, page 2, St. James
AME Zion Church, to read that: Dennis Moved the Resolution approving the
contract for the Historic Ithaca/Preservation Contract, Reed Seconded and
Motion Passed.
MOTION PASSED.
II. UDAG Public Improvements
Planning staff member Herman Sieverding introduced architect Bob Leathers
and said that Leather's schematic design for the parking lot under the
present parking ramp, the land behind the Commons Southside buildings and
the area between the parking ramp and City Hail,.-was the result of meetings
between the DPW, P&D, merchants and Ithaca Center developers. A traffic
consultant had been hired to study the circulation of traffic under the ramp.
Based on the study, Leathers completed his design and presented it for approval
to the DPW. The second step was approval by the IURA after which it would
go before Council before the construction drawings were begun.
Leathers referred to the schematic drawings and discussed the traffic consultant's
recommendations. These were to have the vehicular traffic entrance aligned
with the Tioga Street extension traffic light and proceed counter-clockwise
to park diagonally with meter parking under the ramp. The exit would be at
the present City Hall parking entrance which would permit drivers to safely
cross Green Street traffic and enter the helix of the 2nd level if no parking
spaces were found underneath. Eight parking spaces, one for handicapped
persons, will be provided in the space persently occupied by City Hall parking.
No parking would be allowed flush with the back of the Center walls, thereby
leaving room for a raised pedestrian area.
Reed asked if there would be enough room for a 'semi 'to pass through. Leathers
said yes. Reed asked if there would be room left to accomodate the Farmer-11 '
Market. Leather said yes but it will depend on which of three refuse storage
alternatives is chosen. Previously, the developers had planned to have all
refuse stored within the building but have since been looking at the possibility
of retaining similar dumpsters as those peresently in use, but using screening.
IURA/CDA
May 19, 1981
page 2
A contract with a small compacting company is also being researched as well
as the option of having one large compactor in one location. Enough width
would still be left for loading and unloading.
Leathers noted that a unified system should be worked out for bidding out
the paving projects as some of the work will be paid for by private owners,
some by the developers and some by the City. This should be coordinated
so that the pouring of concrete would be done at the same time. He said
that a contractor has the right to pour when he wants but that it could be
stipulated in the bid invitation or contract that cooperation was strongly
encouraged. If it is done separately it will be harder to adjust for grade
variations.
Sieverding said that the area behind Greg's Delicatessen is owned jointly
by Sovocol and Fane; the area immediately behind the CVS building is owned
by people who are in Florida and Brooklyn. He said that he is working towards
negotiations with the property owners for the improvements.
Reed asked about drainage and snow removal . Leathers said that the drainage
will tie into the present storm drainage system and the snow will be handled
in the usual fashion, being pushed aside until the trucks come to pick it
up for removal .
Lim asked if the City Parking spaces would be the same. Leathers said that
there are now 8-10 spaces. His design provides for 1-3 less. Aesthetic
and circulation considerations determined that 8 was the most desiriable number.
100 parking spaces will be provided under the ramp.
Lim asked who would own and operate the parking lot. Leathers said that the
developers would own it and operate it but that the City will share in revenues.
Dennis MOVEDI that it be
RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA approve the schematic design of the parking lot
improvements as presented by Robert Leathers. 1
Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED. ; ( ,,
III. West State Street (``-
Sieverding discussed his memo of May 11 referring to the ACC study of West
State Street. The Planning Department has received a draft report but staff
feels that the study is not complete and does not answer many of the questions
that the contract specified. He said that staff recommended that the City
hold off payment until a final , satisfactory/ report is received.
Most of the development potential findings were based on the citywide study, and
do not reflect West State Street as a special sub-area. The study also does
not differentiate between West State Street and the West End. A question
yet to be answered is whether development of the West End will discourage
development of West State Street. Generally, staff recommends that the
report address the sub-market area as requested in the contract, assess
key buildings on the street, develop preliminary development costs and review
IURA/CDA
May 19, 1981
page 3
zoning and housing codes with regard,' to implementation of the development
program. Sieverding said that staff feels that the document falls far short
of what had been asked for.
Jones asked how much the report cost. Sieverding said that the total contract
is for $90,000 but that $45,000 was for Phase I - Citywide and Ithaca Center
Market Study (completed and satisfactory) and the other $45,000 was for the
West State Street study.
Discussion followed,and Bordoni noted that he had not personally seen the
report and had to rely on the facts as Sieverding reported them. He asked
the Agency if they would like to see the report before taking any action.
Jones said she would like an explanation from ACC and would like to convey
an expression of disappointment to ACC based on Sieverding's update. She
asked if the contract clearly stated its requests and Van Cort said yes.
Reading from the contract itself, there was no doubt that the demands were
laid clearly. Bordoni asked why, if specific questions were asked, no
specific answers were returned. He recommended that an even stronger message
be sent to ACC than that stated in- Sieverding's memo. After further discussion,
Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDEDD that it be
RESOLVED, that since several tasks included in the City's contract with ACC
have not been addressed in the preliminary report and that a number
of points in the report need clarifications and substantiation,
staff write ACC requesting that these issues be resolved according
to the contract and subsequent communication with ACC, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, recognizing that this is a draft report, the
information and direction contained in this report is inadequate
and does not address certain important terms of the City's contract
with ACC, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that no payment be made to ACC until the final report
is complete and accepted by the Agency.
MOTION PASSED.
Jones asked if ACC had sent their bill and Sieverding answered that several
bills have been received during the course of the study.
IV. Sucommittees
Lim referred to the tentative implementation schedule for new Small Cities
implementation over the summer. She asked members to let staff know of their
vacation schedules as there is usually a problem with being able to assemble
•
IURA/CDA
May 19, 1981
page 4
,y, .; a quorum for regular agency meetings. She also asked members to record June
8's IURA/CDA meeting along with their individual subcommittee meetings. She
asked who would be interested in serving on the Commercial/Industrial Improve-
ments project. This project will not be implemented until the fall. Staff
will be telephoning subcommittee members to plan preliminary meetings. Any
subcommittee member who has questions about their projects should call the
staff member assigned to that project.
V. Meetings in Common Council Chambers
Bordoni asked de Combray to find out if the Youth Bureau will continue its
regular meeting location in Council Chambers. If not, the IURA/CDA meetings
could return to meeting there.
The meeting adjourned at 6:15p,h,,
Respectfully /Submitted, Approved,
I(Mdte-A.674',-/A-17
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim
• b*
N•
ttuTs0V
IURA/CDA Minutes
June 8, 1981
P&D Office
7:30 P.M. i i`;)
PRESENT, Raymond Bordoni , Chairman, IURA/CDA
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA C "'
JUG '� 19
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA 81' 9 CLERK'S oFFia
H, M, Van Cort, Director, CDA, P&D j (+CL ; +,r.
Jasmine Lim, CD Coordinator �, ;
Kathe Evans, CD Specialist
Glenn Goldwyn, CD Specialist /.r.
Elizabeth Prentice, Director, INHS
Penny Dolan, ILPC
Mayor Bordoni convened the meeting at 7:45.
1. Minutes
Reed MOVED that the Minutes of May 11 be approved. Jones SECONDED and MOTION
PASSED.
2. Strand Theatre
Lim said that she and Penny Dolan had worked with the Strand and had
developed an amendment to the contract that answered some of the City's
concerns regarding the financial transactions. She said that Martin
Shapiro has, tentatively approved the draft amendment and asked that the
Agency pass a resolution approving the amendment so that the Strand project
can begin to move along. She added that she was very comfortable working
with Bill Banner and said that he had already familiarized himself with
the various details of the project.
Ann Jones asked how the Strand felt about the changes and Lim s 'd that
Banner had no problems with them. She assumed that his views r4llected the
Board's. The changes will save bookkeeping work for the Strand and minimize
the transfer of money as well as enabling the City to retain control of
transactions.
Referring to the lease term increase from 10 years to 20 years, Jones asked
what the complications might be for the city. Lim said that the TCCCPA
was happy with this change but that the owners might not be so pleased.
HUD did not approve the 10 year lease so the building owners are bound to
the 20 year lease. This clause would pass on to any future owner and the
building cannot be sold without CDA approval. She noted this was similar
to the arrangement with the GIAC building.
Regarding scope of work, Jones asked if the Strand would complain that it
was unable to function without the stage and sound equipment it had originally
asked for. Lim said that she could not vouch that the Strand would not
complain but noted that many theatres, including the Strand in its current
state..function without this sophisticated equipment.
IURA/CDA
June 8, 1981
page 2
Lim said that the changes in scope of work were necessary because of
inflation (almost 100% increase in construction over the last four
years), and that the use of rent as matching funds reduces the scope of
work necessary. She said that under the directorship of Bruce Silvey,
it was intended that the Strand employees do much of the simpler work.
This plan has been dropped and now the work will be bid out to contractors
in the normal manner. She said that originally only $10,000 had been
allocated to contingency. The normal contingency rate is 10% on rehabilitation
and restoration work.
Reed said that he thought the equipment for sound and lighting was important.
to the project. Established groups can bring their own equipment but he
asked about local groups.
Lim said that local groups had played at the Strand in the past and
would continue to play there. One item that Banner had requested was a
piano. At the moment they are renting one. Though it is not a high
priority, a new piano would cost $4000. She recommended that none of the
first five items on the scope of work be cut.
Jones said she had heard that the Strand might make a second request for
funds to ARC. Agency members agreed that it would be unlikely they would
be funded for a second time.
Reed said that fund raising could be used for stage equipment. He asked
what would happen if the contingency funds were not spent. Lim responded
that excess contingency funds would be used for priority 6 items. She
said that cost estimates did not take into account the performace bond.
This will increase all items by about 3%. Dolan said that when priorities
were originally listed, exterior rehab and weatherization were listed first.
Seats and other interior items could wait. Lim noted that the present
seats were adequate and would not fall apart. She suggested the possibility
of allocating leftover contingency funds to equipment rather than seats.
Reed said that the scope of work as presented makes sense but added
he felt uncomfortable that all lighting and sound equipment were dropped.
He said he thought this might take away from the performace aspects of the
building. He added that as it was an old building, good acoustics had
been built in.
After further discussion, Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to execute Amendment #1 to the February 4, 1981 Agreement between
the CDA and the TCCCPA for the Strand Theatre Renovation Project
contingent upon City Attorney and HUD approval .
MOTION PASSED
IURA/CDA
June 8, 1981
page 3
Reed next MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that the CD staff is hereby authorized and directed to submit for
approval by HUD, ARC and the New York State Department of State,
a revised Scope of Work and budget for the Strand Theatre Renovation
Project.
Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that the Chairman of-the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to execute an amendment to the February 4, 1981 Lease Agreement
between the CDA, the TCCCPA and the owners of the Strand Theatre
building to increase the lease term from 10 years. to 20 years, contingent
upon City Attorney approval , and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Attorney is authorized to negotiate such
changes as necessary to bring the lease agreement into conformance
with HUD requirements.
Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Lim said that HUD approval should be forthcoming on or about July 1st. The
architects would bid out the work at the end of July for an August 1 start.
The construction work on the exterior would take about three months.
Jones asked why the Strand had changed its position on using employees
for simple construciton. Lim said that the decision was based on the Board's
displeasure with the work done by the employees in the past. She added
that it was not sure how long Mr. Banner would act as the director and that
though contracting out the work was not the most economical way to handle it,
it was the most expedient and improved the quality of the work.
3. Demonstration Rehabilitation
Lim said that Agency approval was needed to allow INHS to draw down funds
for the Demonstration Rehabilitation program. She said that this would
allow INHS to save $33,000 from the High Risk Loan Fun . Prentice explained
that when DINS took over the 312 progra^. from the Ruilding Department in
September 1980, the agreement had been approved by the CDA but was delayed
for a long time without signatures. INHS thought that final approval had been
given and has been drawing funds for the program. Ten families had been helped
prior to the final contract having been signed. If retroactive approval can
be given, INHS will not have to take the money from their High Risk Loan
Fund.
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA authorizes INHS to request payment for the Demon-
stration Rehabilitation Program Loans made as of October 14, 1980,
pursuant to the terms of the contract.
Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
IURA/CDA
June 8, 1981
page 4
•
4. Citywide House Recycling
Lim presented a draft Appendix A to the Citywide House Recycling Program.
The format will be the same for all appendices "A", and will include an
explanation of the goals and intent of the program. She said that the low/mod
beneficiary goal within the target area would be 65% but that outside of
the target area only low/mod families will be eligible (100%). This is
because the NHS funding costs and write-down costs have become so high that
in some cases only non low/mod families are able to purchase the larger,
2-3 bedroom duplexes. In the target area, in addition to the goal of
assisting low/mod families, there is also the goal of concentrated neighborhood
revitalization which is not true for houses outside of the target area.
Van Cort said that because of rising housing costs, the CD targeting to low/mod
families was getting an increasingly narrower slice of the market. Some
families are too poor to afford the mortgage and others are too rich to be
eligible. Only a very small percentage of families can both afford and be
eligible for INHS assistance.
Reed said that it was a constant dilemma for HUD that many of their neighborhood
programs revitalized the poor right out of the community. He asked if INHS
was alarmed at the effect improvements in the target area were having on costs.
Prentice said that selling to existing neighborhood residents was NHS's
first priority. Some buyers are the children of long time target area residents
who presently do not live in the neighborhood but whose homes have been
there in the past.
Lim said that HUD will be pressuring for close-outs of Entitlement funds
for Fiscal Year 1982. She asked Prentice to let the CD staff know if
they begin to 'fall below their goals so contingency plans could be made.
Jones MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to execute an Agreement/Cooperation Agreement with INHS for the
Citywide House Recycling Program for $100,394 from Entitlement 509.
Such execution to be contingent upon City Attorney approval and
• $25,394 of such funds to be contingent upon HUD approval of
Ithaca's May/June 1981 Reprogramming of Entitlement funds.
Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED. •
5. Hillview Park
A Draft Resolution authorizing the Agency to enter into an architectural
services contract with R.S. Leathers for Hillview Park improvements was
presented. Bordoni asked what the total cost of the work would be and Lim
said it was down from the original $40,000 to $17,000. This is because the
• scope of work has been decreased. The upset figure of $2500 is to take
care of any contingency.
IURA/CDA
June 8, 1981
page 5
Jones asked if the city was prepared to maintain the park and Bordoni said
yes. Lim said that there had been very few maintenance problems with Wood
Street Park and Conway Park. Although the parks have often been vandalized,
the parks are repaired and kept clean.
It was agreed that when the BPW looks at the final plans, they should approve
them only if maintenance access is provided.
Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to enter into an architectural services contract with Robert S. Leathers,
Inc., for Hlllview Park with an upset of $2500, such contract to
include the standard CDA contract, the standard AIA contract for
architectural services and a budget and scope of work and subject
to City Attorney approval .
MOTION PASSED.
6. Neighborhood Improvements III
Evans presented the plans for the forthcoming curb cuts and sidewalk
repairs for Northside and Southside. Discussion followed regarding improve-
ments to curbs near the trucking outlet as opposed to curbing affecting
residential areas. All Agency members agreed that CD funds should not be
used for improvements to this industrial part of the neighborhood. A suggestion
was also made that the policy of the city to have property owners pay 50%
of the costs of curbing be waived for residential properties.
Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes the BPW to bid out the drainage work
in Northside and Southside as recommended by the DPW with the
deletion of the south side of Franklin Street between 2nd and 3rd
Streets and adding the east and west sides of 4th Street between
Hancock and Adams Streets, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the BPW be asked to waive the requirement that
residential properties be assessed 50% of the cost of new curbs for
this project.
MOTION PASSED.
IURA/CDA
June 8, 1981
page 6
7. Audit
Goldwyn explained that HUD requires an Audit every two years and that the
time for the audit has come up again. He said that in response to ads
placed to encourage responses from minority CPA's and women CPA's, two of
the four responding audit firms were minority (other firms had applied after
the deadline), Discussion followed concerning the four applications and the
wide range of costs ($20,000 versus $2,800). Goldwyn recommended that
Devillers and Allen be appointed. He said that staff has .heard good
reports on their professionalism and that the competitive cost is due to
their modest estimate of the time involved in the audit. Bordoni noted
that HUD guidelines for the audit are very clear and that there should
be no problem in following them. He said that it was too bad that no
local firms had applied.
Lim noted that the higher cost estimates could be reflections of inexperience
with HUD required audits. She said that $3,500 had been budgetted for the
audit and agreed with Goldwyn's recommendation to hire Devillers and Allen.
After further discussion, Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to enter into an audit services contract with Devillers and Allen
for a lump sum of $2,800.
MOTION PASSED,
8. Technical Reprogramming
Lim explained that by mistake, two different resolutions concerning technical
reprogramming had been passed by the IURA: one on April 13, and one on April 27.
She said that as the April 13th resolution more accurately reflected the
Agency's intent, that the latter resolution be rescinded,
Jones MOVED and Reed SECONDED that
WHEREAS, two resolutions concerning technical reprogramming were passed
by the Agency on 2 separate occasions, and
WHEREAS, the earlier resolution, #226, adopted on April 13, 1981 , more
• accurately reflects the Agency's intent, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Resolution "231 , adopted on April 27, 1981
is hereby nullified, and
IURA/CDA
June. 8, 1981
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; that the technical reprogramming of funds, frpm 206;c
Support Services be reprogrammed to 520' upport Services, spectfiscall.r
for the Martin Luther King, Jr, Celebration? rather than 513
CD Administration; as originally authorized in Resolution 1226,
MOTION PASSED.
9, Green Street Parking Garage, •
Linn asked the Agency to approve a resolution disencumbering _the :$590. rema nin9
in the. completed Green Street Parking Ramp project to be used on other public
improvements which will relate to the Center rthaca project/
Jones MOVED that
WHEREAS, the contract for the panels on the Green Street Parking Ramp
has been completed with $590 remaining it the budget' now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that all funds remaining in U1O4 be disencumbered
for future use on other public improvements related to the Center
Ithaca project,
Reed SECONDED and MOTION PASSED,
10. Standard CDA Contract •
Lim discussed the changes to the CDA contract and asked the Agency, to approve
it. Reed asked if the City Attorney had approved it and Lim s.ai� that_the
resolution would be subject to City Attorney review- and approval
Jones. MOVED and Reed SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA hereby approves the revised Standard CDA P9reement(
Cooperation Agreement as attached, subject to City Attorney review
and approval .
MOTION PASSED.
11 . -Southside Center
Bordoni asked that the Southside Center be added to the agenda. He said that
the present director is leaving and that there would be no leader during
the summer months, During the year, he said an error had been -made it
bookkeeping and there was a substantial deficit in the center's, funds. He
asked if staff had any ideas about finding funds to help with_ the new directors
salary and asked if CD staff would be able to give the center assistance,
IURA/CDA
June 8, 1981
page 8
Lim said that at present there were no extra CD funds and that only
rarely could federal funds be tapped for already incurred costs. The.
center would have to apply first to another federal agency, be turned down
by them and then apply again to C.D. Discussion followed and staff said
it would give some thought to the problem.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
(A/1.-Ji L,(1(
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim
MINUTES
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
7:30 PM - P&D Office
PRESENT: Raymond Bordoni , Chairman Herman Sieverding, Planner
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Beth Prentice, Director, INHS
James Dennis, IURA/CDA Dennis Meek, GIAC Board
H.M. Van Cort, Director P&D Charles Manning, Director, GIAC
Jasmine Lim, CD Administrator Robert Boehlecke, Architect
Glenn Goldwyn, CD Planner Press
The Mayor convened the meeting at 8:15.
1. Approval of Minutes
Dennis MOVED and Stein SECONDED that the Minutes of June 8, 1981 and the
Minutes of June 29, 1981 be approved. MOTION PASSED.
2. Hillview Park
Planner Herman Sieverding updated the Agency on the Hillview Park project
and presented a revised implementation schedule for the work. He said
that as the city had failed to get the outside funds, only the matching
funds set by the CDA would be used. Because of the lesser amount
of money available ($18,000) , only parts of the initial improvement plan
would be achieved. These improvements include grading and landscaping,
step repair and repair to the retaining wall on the lower level . Committee
persons Jones and Stein have met twice with architect Leathers and neigh-
borhood representatives to go over the plans. All people concerned are
satisfied with the plans and the committee met with the Board of Public
Works to work out the implementation schedule. The bidding process would
begin at the end of July, bid opening would take place on the 17th of August
and the work would be completed by the end of October. Sieverding asked
the agency to approve the schematics for the park and to authorize the
DPW to go out to bid.
Stein noted that the project was proceeding well and said that the process
had been a good example of citizen participation. The community helped
make all the decisions and what's occurring at Hillview Park is good
for the neighborhood.
Dennis MOVED that it be RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA hereby approves the
schematics for Hillview Park as presented and authorizes the DPW to go
out to bid with specifications based on these schematics and subject to
BPW authorization to bid.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
3. GIAC - Discussion and Approval of Priorities
Lim explained that the CD staff was asking the IURA to approve putting the
GIAC rehabilitation work out to bid without seeing the specifications.
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
page 2
Kathe Evans, the staff person responsible for this project, feels comfortable
with the priorities. The proposed timetable for the work to be done is
based on the regular scheduled BPW meeting on July 22 at which time they
will give approval to go out to bid. Lim said that the plans will be
available for IURA members to look at sometime before that date but
she asked that the IURA consider giving their approval so that architect
Bob Boehiecke can begin design work. Lim introduced GIAC Board member
Dennis Meek. Meek said that, regarding the priority list, the Board
would like all items approved even though security features and the kitchen
renovation may not be done this year. Boehlecke said that in discussions
with GIAC Director Charles Manning, it had been decided that the security
screens on the doors and windows would require an `entirely new treatment
as with their present design, security screens would make the windows unusable
in case of emergency. Boehiecke added that playground lighting could still
be considered.
Lim said that it was important to begin the project before school opens
and that the project was divided into two stages, the second stage slated
for the January school break.
Boehlecke said that by going out to bid in July it would not be possible,
as originally intended, to get the work done before September.
Stein asked if the expenditure of funds was included in the Resolution. Lim
said no but that the staff would return to the agency for the bid award so
that expenditures could be discussed. At this point, she said that staff only
wanted to approve the priorities and authorize the DPW to go out to bid.
Manning added that there were enough funds to cover all items except for the
kitchen renovation.
Stein asked if all health and safety items had been finished and Manning
said yes. The Center is now up—to-code and the handicap access is the only
necessity. It must be completed in 1981 and preferably in September. He
said that handicap access was their major goal.
Stein asked why, in the past, a shower room had been such a high priority.
Manning said that GIAC was a neighborhood center that offered various sports,
dance and excercise classes and that at present no showers at all 'exist in
the building. The plans provide that there will be two showers in each
bathroom. Boehlecke showed the plans to the IURA and noted that there was ample
space to put them in without expanding the building.
After further discussion, Dennis MOVED that
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA accepts the priorities for continued rehabilitaion work
on the GIAC building as presented by Dennis Meek of the GIAC Board, and
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA authorizes design development and development of the bid
specifications and plans for the projects, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that, if no special meeting of the IURA/CDA is scheduled
for July 20 or July 27, 1981 , the IURA/CDA authorizes its staff to
review the plans and specifications and to let the projects out to
bid by late July/early August after the BPW has approved going out
to bid on July 22.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
page 3
Lim asked the Agency if they would like to see the bid specs before the next
regular IURA/CDA meeting. The Agency agreed that if they were approved by
the BPW it would be good enough.
The Mayor asked Boehlecke why he had decided on the lift method of access
as opposed to the ramp and Boehlecke explained that there was no adequate
way to get a ramp inside the building because of lack of space. An exterior
ramp would have been 54 feet long and would have interfered with the new
tot lot in the front of the building. If a locker facility had been added
to the building there would have been room. Without the addition, the lift r•
is the second best way to achieve handicap access.
The Mayor asked how a person will use the lift. Boehlecke said that a bell
with an intercom button will be placed near the lift. The person will ring
the bell and someone will come and turn on the lift. Door space is wide
enough to allow for wheel chair passage. Bordoni asked if federal law
dictated that doors had to change. Boehlecke said that they could not exceed
eight pound pressure but the doors themselves were adequate.
Meek added that according to Evan's figures, there was enough money to
change the door pressure. Two handicap access toilets will also be needed.
He said that only $13,000 was left in the Handicap Access budget but Lim said
that there was enough if the total GIAC budget from Entitlement and Small
Cities was considered. The lift will cost from $12 to $15 thousand,
including all the accessory work.
4. Shelter for Battered Women
Lim asked that this item be tabled as the subcommittee members were not present.
She said that Task Force Director Pat Valls had asked that she distribute
a letter to Agency members concerning ownership of the building. Stein
asked if the Task Force owns a building yet and Lim said no, that some
Board members want to resolve the ownership issue before committing themselves
to locating a building.
5. INHS - Approval of Contracts
Lim discussed the draft appendices "A" that had been sent previously to Agency
members. She said that these appendices would be attached to the four new
INHS contracts under the 1981-84 Small Cities program and added that subcommittee
member Jim Dennis had reviewed them and saw no problem with them.
INHS Director Beth Prentice explained that under the Rental Rehabilitation
Program, the Board had felt uncomfortable making loans to landlords. She said
that controls INHS would like might be difficult to enforce. After meeting
with the INHS attorney, the INHS Board decided that they were unwilling to go
into a major loan program that might be serving the wrong people.
Stein asked if a final decision had been made by the INHS Board. Prentice
said no. She hoped to be able to come back to the Agency to present
suggested budget changes. INHS has run out of loan funds and is still looking
into means to obtain funding from other sources, especially for administration.
tuRA/CDA
July 13, 1981
page 4
•
After further discussion, Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that, subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the IURA/CDA
is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with INHS
for the 1981-84 Basic Rehabilitation Program for: $412,000 in 1981-82
for S401 .1 , S401 .2, S401 .3 and S401 .7; $479,000 in 1982-83 for S501 .1 ,
S501 .2, S501 .3 and S501 .7; and $491 ,000 in 1983-84 for S601 .1 , S601 .2
S601 .3 and S601 .7 and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that INHS is not authorized to proceed with the Basic
Rehabilitation Program until the IURA/CDA has received HUD authorization
to proceed with the FFY 1981 Small Cities Program.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that, subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the IURA/CDA
is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with INHS
for the 1981-84 Mini Repair Program for: $25,500 in 1981-82 for S401 .5;
$28,000 in 1982-83 for S501 .5 and $31 ,100 in 1983-84 for S601 .5, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that INHS is not authorized to proceed with the Mini
Repair Program until the IURA/CDA has received HUD authorization to
proceed with the FFY 1981 Small Cities Program.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that, subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the IURA/CDA
is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with INHS
for the 1981-84 Carpenter Program for: $26,300 in 1981-82 for S401 .4;
$29,000 in 1982-83 for S501 .4 and $32,100 in 1983-84 for S601 .4, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that INHS is not authorized to proceed with the Carpenter
Program until the IURA/CDA has received HUD authorization to proceed .
with the FFY 1981 Small Cities Program.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that, subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the
IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract
with INHS for the 1981-84 House Recycling Program for $47,000 in
1981-82 for S402; $49,200 in 1982-83 for S502 and $52,000 in 1983-84
for S602, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that INHS is not authorized to proceed with the House
Recylcing Program until the IURA/CDA has received HUD authorization
to proceed with the FFY 1981 Small Cities Program.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
6. Senior Citizens Center
Tabled.
wyG t. O La LC O LI cr t. - r ppr V va 1 of Hrcnl tectura1 Lontract
Goldwyn explained that staff had interviewed three architectural firms regarding
page 5 public improvements to West State Street between Meadow and Geneva 5treets. and
recommended to the Agency that it approve the choice of Anton J. Egner and
Associates.
Dennis said that subcommittee members discussed the proposals and determined that
Egner's firm was the best. He added that the Agency was familiar with Egner's
work and that it had been satisfactory in the past.
Stein MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the Small Cities Grant proposes that a series of Public Improvements
be implemented along West State Street between Geneva and Meadow
Streets (S306), and
WHEREAS, Community development Staff has interviewed several architectural
firms with respect to securing professional services for the imple-
mentation of these Public Improvements, and
WHEREAS, the firm of Anton J. Egner and Associates has performed similar
services in an exemplary fashion, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that:
1 . The Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby autho ttized and directed,
subject to City Attorney approval , to execute an Agreement/Cooperation
Agreement between the CDA and Anton J. Egner and Associates for
the required architectural services at a sum not to exceed Twelve
Thousand Three Hundred and Twenty Dollars ($12,320) with the
following hourly rates :
Principal Architect or Engineer $50
Senior Architect or Engineer $35
A & E Designer $30
Spec Writer, Estimator $30
Senior Draftsman $25
Draftsman/Technician $18
2. Such services shall be paid from line S207 or S306, West State
Street Revitalization Project.
MOTION PASSED.
Stein asked if he could be on the Agency's subcommittee for the West State
Street Project and Goldwyn said yes. Bordoni noted that the Energy Coordinator
position had not been voted on during discussion of INHS contracts. Lim
said that the resolution should have been included in the packet.
Dennis asked if the coordinator would be a half time position. Lim said yes.
The person would provide training and technical assistance related to energy
conservation and would also provide a hands-on workshop.
Stein asked if the service would be limited to the target area. Lim said
yes, as far as the actual work in a home was concerned. Advice and help
in weatherstripping, caulking and insulation would be available only to
low income target area persons. However, workshops and classes could be open
to the public. She said that the program was designed to complement the
services offered by NYSEG who will conduct energy audits at no charge. The
INHS Energy Coordinator will help people achieve the NYSEG goals. She said
that the program would not exclude any people who come to the workshops and
that the INHS newsletter will advertise the times and dates of the classes.
Stein suggested that the workshops be advertised also in the local newspaper
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
page 6
as it is of interest to all . Dennis agreed and said that it should be open
to anyone and that everybody could pick up useful hings at the workshops.
Lim said that she would see that the Energy Coordinator would do this
and Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the IURA/CDA
is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract with INHS
for the 1981-84 Energy Coordinator program. for: $9,500 in 1981-82
S401.6 ; $10,500 in 1982-83 for S501 .6 and $11.500 in 1983-84 for
S601 .6: . , and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that INHS is not authorized to proceed with the
Energy Coordinator program until the IURA/CDA has received HUD
authorization to proceed with the FFY 1981 Small Cities Program.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
8. Community Arts
Goldwyn referred to Appendix A of the draft contract for the Community
Arts Program and noted that six sites are included for the arts workshops
as originally proposed in their application. He said that the number of
workshops will depend on CD funding and grants from the American the Beautiful
Foundation. Without this latter, only 200 of the 240 workshops will be run.
Goldwyn suggested that an operating budget should be attached and divided
per workshop and that a clause stating the IURA`s preference of GIAC, the
Southside Center and two housing projects as priority locations. As both
the IURA and the Common Council had asked for ongoing evaluations of the
program, Goldwyn has requested that the Human Services Coalition set up
goals that can be later discussed with the Arts Council and the CDA.` , He
hopes that a draft of possible goals will be ready to present to the Agency
in September. He added that staff is receiving cooperation from the Arts
Council and that the Appendix to the contract is only missing evaluation
criteria.
Goldwyn said he wanted to give time for the Agency to study the evaluation
criteria before giving its final approval . Stein asked if the Human Services
Coalition was charging for their evaluation draft and Goldwyn said no,: not
at this level . If they were asked to do more they might begin charging.
In any case, they would not be available until the next year as they will
be working on their Revenue Sharing.
Further discussion followed regarding the America the Beautiful Fund. The
Arts Council has applied for $1000 from them.
Stein MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that, subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the
IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed to enter into a contract
with the Tompkins County Arts Council for the Community Arts Program
for $20,000 from S408, and
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
page 7
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the subgrantee is not authorized to proceed
until the IURA/CDA has received HUD authorization for the FFY
1981 Small Cities Program.
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Dennis said he appreciated Goldwyn's efforts to set up an evaluation form
for the program as it will be very useful for both the Agency and Common
Council .
9. Neighborhood Improvements
Lim asked that the Agency approve exploration of the possibility of making
a deal with the property owners of the Norton Electric site and the P&C
site in Northside to see if some arrangement could be made whereby the property
owners would agree to make some improvements to their land in exchange for
all the curbing to be paid from CD funds. She explained that the BPW
did not feel comfortable with the distinction made between residential and
non-residential properties. Although they are willing to waive the assessment
of new curbing abutting residential property as suggested by the IURA at
their last meeting, they are unwilling to assess non-residential properties.
They would like those assessments made by the CDA but HUD regulations forbid
such assessments except under special circumstances that do not apply in
the present instance.
Van Cort asked if the commercial properties could voluntarily pay half the
costs but Lim said that CD cannot accept donations. Stein suggested that
CD build half the curbing, on one side of the block, and that the property
owners pay for the other side of the block. Lim said that might be a
possibility. Dennis said that during the improvements of the Elmira
Road, merchants did not pay for their share of the improvements as they
had verbally agreed to do. As no prior, legal arrangements were made with
the merchants, the city ended up by losing a considerable amount.
Bordoni asked the total cost of the project. Lim said that the maximum
would be $50,000 which was the amount budgetted for the project but
probably less as the scope of work has been reduced and the construction
bids this year have been low.
Dennis asked what Lim wanted in the agreement and Lim said some assurance
that the amount the commercial properties were saving on the assessment be
spent on some improvement beneficial to the neighborhood. She said that
both properties were key eye-sores in the neighborhood as there were
no buffers between the parking lots and the street. As blighting influences,
they were both good candidates for the Commercial/Industrial Property Improvements
project.
After further discussion, Dennis MOVED &Stein SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the CD staff is hereby authorized to negotiate agreements
between Stu Lewis, owner of the Old Great American site, and
First and Adams, Inc. , owner of the P&C site for on-site improvements
in exchange for new curbs adjoining their properties, and
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
page 8
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA intends to delete these projects
from the Neighborhood Improvements III Drainage Project if no
agreements are reached by August 7, 1981 .
MOTION PASSED.
10. Administration
a. Financial Procedures Chapter of Administrative Manual - Adoption
Lim said that the Financial Procedures chapter of the Administration Manual
puts into writing existing policy for new staff members. Important
financial steps are detailed and the chapter is very straightforward. The
chapter had been sent out prior to the meeting to Agency members.
Stein asked why a resolution was needed at all. Van Cort said that it was
not really necessary but that it was better to have formal approval .
Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA hereby adopts the Financial Procedures chapter of
the CD Administrative Manual as presented and authorizes CD staff
to make any minor changes to the chapter as deemed necessary.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
b. Personnel Chapter of Administrative Manual - Adoption
Lim said that the handwritten changes to the Chapter had been approved by
the Agency's Personnel Committee and she discussed the additions and
deletions of the new draft. Stein asked if the personnel training policy
on page 7 was the same as the City's. Dennis said that different unions
have different policies. Van Cort said it was in line with affirmative action.
Lim noted that on page 8, an addition regarding Grievances had been included.
The City will establish an affirmative action grievance policy that the CD
office will be able to use. Also, on the same page, she noted an increase
for gas allotment to 18V. This is the same as the City. Stein said that
the State pays 20-21¢; Bordoni said that the Mayor and Council get 8t.
Lim said that there were major changes in job titles and job descriptions.
Titles were changed to better reflect the job represented.
After further discussion, during which Dennis said that he and Reed, Personnel
Subcommittee for the Agency, had spent a good deal of time over these drafts
and had approved the recommended changes, Dennis MOVED and Stein SECONDED that
it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA hereby adopts the Personnel chapter of the CD
Administrative Manual as presented, such chapter to supercede the
Personnel Chapter previously adopted by the IURA/CDA in 1980.
MOTION PASSED.
IURA/CDA
July 13, 1981
• page 9
c. Executive Session
Stein MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that the Agency go into Executive Session
to consider personnel matters. MOTION PASSED.
The open meeting reconvened at 10:30.
Dennis MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to sign an amendment to Donna Siewrattan's CD Staff contract. Such
amendment shall grant a step increase from Step 1 to Step 2 of
the 1981 CD Bookkeeper Salary Range and shall be retroactive to
June 8, 1981 .
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Stein next MOVED that
WHEREAS, an extensive selection process was used in the hiring of a''•CD Specialist
in Spring 1981 , and
WHEREAS, the selection process involved screening for persons who could
potentially assume the CD Coordinator position, and
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA and the City of Ithaca have a hire-from-within promotion ✓
- policy, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the CD policy that a "reasonable number of
candidates will be considered for every opeining to assure that
the best person available is hired" is hereby waived for the
hiring of a new CD Coordinator in Fall 1981 and that candidates
for the new CD Coordinator will be from the existing CD staff.
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Dennis MOVED that
WHEREAS, Jasmine Lim will resign as CD Coordinator in Fall 1981 and has
requested an unpaid leave of absence with continued medical
insurance benefits after her vacation time is exhausted, and
WHEREAS, such request is financially beneficial to the IURA/CDA, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA hereby authorizes the Executive
Director to grant Jasmine Lim an unpaid leave of absence with conti-
nued medical insurance coverage paid by the IURA/CDA to extend through
hospitalization in October/November 1981 (estimated latest date of
official termination is November 30, 1981 ).
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Meeting adjourned at 10 :45.
Respectfu.W Submitted ,2 Approved, •
4/ A. err..
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim, CD Administrator _
A
t
HILDA HUTSON
IURA/CDA MINUTES d
August 10, 1981 igiffii;14+
Planning & Development Department
7:30 P.M.
YrA
PRESENT: Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA k ciry4 IS$�. --
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA afti -8
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA
James Dennis, Vice Chairman, IURA/CDA
Jasmine Lim, CD Administrator ter"
Glenn Goldwyn, CD Planner
Kathe Evans, CD Planner
Herman Sieverding, City Planner
Beth Prentice, Director, INHS
Pat Valls, Director Task Force for Battered Women
Joey Pierce, City Planner Press
James Dennis called the meeting to order at 7:35.
1 . Approval of Minutes
Stein MOVED and Reed SECONDED that the Agency approve the Minutes of the
meeting held on July 13, 1981. MOTION PASSED.
2. Executive Session - Property Acquisition and Personnel
Stein MOVED that the Agency go into Executive Session. Reed SECONDED
and MOTION PASSED. The regular meeting reconvened at 8:05.
3. UDAG - Public Improvements
Herman Sieverding reviewed plans for public improvements to the parking
ramp side of the Center Ithaca project. He said that at the August 12
BPW meeting the authorization to go out to bid will be requested. If passed,
the bidding process will begin on the August 17 through September 8. The
bids will come before the Agency at their September meeting and work should
begin the second week of September and be completed by the middle of November.
Reed questioned the location of a tree on the northwest corner of the City
parking lot. Sieverding said that Chuck Barber was also concerned about
its location and a clearer drawing is forthcoming. Sieverdinq further
explained that the owners of the property behind the project set back line
have shown interest in their part of the improvements and are interested
in costs. He said that more meetings have been set up and the work behind
the set back line will be included as alternates within the bid package although
the bid package will be presented as a single project.
Reed asked about truck traffic patterns and noted that businesses depend
upon trucking for deliveries. Sieverding said that this was being taken
into account and that the traffic will travel counter-clockwise with trucks
backing into the courtyard behind City Hall . He said that the unloading
side of the trucks is on the right and that this system will permit easy
IURA/CDA Minutes
August 10, 1981
page 2
access to delivery doors. The traffic consultants are working on signage
to clearly denote traffic flow. He added that all information is being
sent to Center Ithaca developers who are responsible for the alleyway that
runs between their project and the Home Dairy. Discussion currently revolves
around the fact that merchants would like brick edges to match the rest
of the improvements. The developers plan to pour concrete only. Sieverding
has explained to the merchants that there is no UDAG money for the bricks
and the merchants have asked the cost difference with the idea that they
might chip in to pay that part of the alleyway improvement. Lighting
will be provided on the walls of the alley but there is still a problem
about whether the alley will be open all night due to security risks.
Jones asked about refuse. Sieverding said there were different options.
At present, Leathers' proposal to have screening walls for the dumpsters
seems the most feasible.
Stein asked how many parking spaces would be available and Sieverding
said that there would be 101 spaces in the parking lot plus 7 more and
1 handicapped accessible one in the City Hall parking lot.
Jones asked what will happen if the parking lot is not converted into
retail within the next four to seven years and Sieverding said that the
property would revert to the city. This would hold even if the ownership
changed. Reed asked how development of the parking lot would affect delivery
service and Sieverding said that the City holds ownership of the service
access property.
After further discussion, Jones MOVED and Stein SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the DPW is authorized to go out of bid on the UDAG Public
Improvements , subject to BPW approval .
MOTION PASSED.
4. West State Street
Acceptance of ACC Report - West State Street Improvements
CD Planner Glenn Goldwyn said that staff had decided not to ask for action
on the report as the promised adjustments had not yet been received. How-
ever, the essence of their findings was contained in a recent draft which
the Agency had received for review. Issues concerning CD include the
concept of public improvements along West State Street which was attached
to the wall for-Agency consideration, and dollar amounts for the improvements.
Referring to the drawing, Goldwyn explained that proposals included continuation
of some aspects found on the Commons and in the first blocks of West State
Street. This would include flaring curb corners at various junctions along
the street.
Reed asked if the flares would interfere with truck traffic and delivery as
most unloading along State Street is done in the front of the shops. Dennis
said that this had been a consideration before but that curb flares already
in place have not interfered with bus or truck traffic.
IURA/CDA Minutes
August 10, 1981
page 3
Stein said he had gone with Goldwyn to visit proposed improvement sites
and suggested that consideration to the validity of the flares should be
discussed. He asked if the concept of the continuation of the flares
was important and noted that each extension cost $70,000. Reed said that
the money could be used in a much more useful manner and asked that the
Agency drop the idea of the curb flares. All members agreed.
Lim asked about proposed bus shelters. Goldwyn said that two bus shelters,
on the south side of the street, were proposed. He noted that none were
on the north side of the street.
Stein said that this was just a first draft and Jones asked about the 200
block which was not shown in the drawing. Evans explained that $20,000 of
CD funds had already been put into that block which included the Family
Medical Center , curb cuts and brick edging. Reed said that this block
should be included in the study to assure that it will be compatible with
the rest. Goldwyn said that staff would return to the architects for
more detailed plans.
Jones asked how long it would be before the Agency heard from ACC. Lim said
that staff had expected to receive the report that day. Goldwyn said that
they are preparing pro-forma analyses for development opportunities and
for other items discussed with the department. In terms of additional
findings however, there would be no more supporting documents. Dennis noted
that it was over 90 days since this material had been requested.
5. Shelter for Battered Women
Lim asked that this Agenda item be discussed first because Jones had to
leave the meeting. Anne Jones and Clarence Reed are on the subcommittee of
the Shelter project. The subcommittee has met several times over the last
few months to discuss ownership of the proposed shelter. The latest meeting
had taken place that morning and Jones and Reed felt that the City should
maintain ownership of the building. This decision is also shared by the
City Attorney and members of the CD staff. Before development of a final
lease agreement, Lim asked that the Agency review this decision and referred
to a listing of the pro's and con's of City vs Task Force ownership.
Jones said that the subcommittee feels the City should retain ownership
but should lease the property to the Task Force at no rent for a 10 to
20 year period with an option to renew or reconsider lease arrangements
after 10 years. The lessee would be responsible for maintenance but the
City would provide an insulated and energy efficient building. She noted
that the per-diem rate from the Department of, Social Services allows
monies to go for the maintenance of shelter facilities and that funds could
be set aside for this purpose. If the property needed initial rehabilitation,
the City would do it but a standard of future maintenance responsibilities
would be spelled out clearly in the lease agreements.
•
IURA/CDA Minutes
August 10, 1981
page 4
Stein asked if this matter would go before Common Council and Lim said
yes, that CD had promised to bring the issue back to them. She asked
for a resolution from the Agency so that she could write a letter to
the Task Force informing them of the decision and also to present for
action to the Council .
Task Force Director Pat Valls said that meetings between her Board and
the Agency Subcommittee had been very good. She said she knew that the
City was committed to human services but noted that the maximum incentive
for Task Force members would be achieved through their ownership of the
building rather than as lessee's of the City. She said that if the City
owns the shelter the Board will fear City control of Task Force services.
Dennis said that the City had previous experiences which , have resulted
in greater desire to maintain control of certain properties. He said
that in years to come the present Board and Task Force directorship may
change and the Agency close and sell the building without..considering
the original purpose of the grant.
Valls said that so much would have to be added to the contract if the
City owned the property. Reed said that the resolution would include
the fact that the Task Force would be allowed maximum flexibility. He
said that a good lease agreement provides protection to the Task Force
as well as to the battered women it serves. The City will not want to
dictate the program. Reed said that it is merely a paper issue and noted
that other Agencies such as the GIAC were owned by the City with no
interference problems. He MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA follow the recommendation of the City Attorney
and proceed to develop a contract and addendum with the Task
Force for Battered Women that allows maximum flexibility to
the Task Force and retains City ownership.
Jones SECONDED. She said that the Agency would feel very badly if the
Task Force turned down the proposal .
Dennis noted that the Common Council will find the offer attractive. He
said that no Council member will want to be involved in the day to day
activities of the Task Force and recommended that the building be located
in the Target Area.
Lim said that rehabilitation was not the only goal of CD activities but
that the level of beneficiaries was also high priority. After further
discussion, MOTION PASSED.
IURA/CDA Minutes
August 10, 1981
page 5
6. Cherry Street Industrial Park - Approval of Leasing Policy
City Planner Joey Pierce presented a draft policy statement governing
the leasing of the Cherry Street Industrial Park. The purpose of the
policy would be to delineate the criteria which the IURA could utilize
when choosing firms for the leasing of Cherry Street industrial sites.
Aside from providing a set of internal working guidelines, the policy
statement could also serve as a public statement on industrial development
in Ithaca. The policy would be for the first two or three years of the
leasing period and would be revised later if the policies were found to
be unrealistic.
Reed asked if this has been discussed with the City Attorney or with
Cherry Street tenant Precision Filters. Pierce said no.
Stein noted that the draft policy statement was made with clear cut
assumptions about economic development. He said these assumptions should
be discussed before taking action. The stated goal in the draft is that
jobs is the number one priority for the park. Stein said he was not
against employment in Tompkins County and noted that Tompkins County was
second only to Westchester County in low: unemployment rates. However,
he said, the traditional method of creating jobs is to raise the tax base
Therefore, he asked, why not make capital investment a priority consideration
when choosing lessees.
Pierce said that when drawing up the draft he had considered the fact that
the City's unemployment rate was not as low, as that of the County. Also,
he said, the City as a whole is not the lowest in the employment scale.
This might be accounted for because of the number of students. in Ithaca,
Another consideration had been the city's original application for funding
which had listed job creation as its major concern.
Reed said that had been the outcome of CAC meetings. He said that job
creation should continue to be the priority concern of the Industrial Park.
Stein said he agreed and was just talking economics. If the city has
accepted ARC funds with the commitment to developing jobs on a regional basis,
then the city should keep to this policy. However, he said he thought that
somewhere in the policy some mention of the tax base should be recognized.
Dennis said that the tax base was mentioned in the draft under 'Goals ' .
Pierce said that this was inherent in development and was not in conflict
with job creation. With a large number of employees the payroll will be
maintained within the community and the ultimate economic return to the
city would be greater.
Stein said that the increase in employment will show up in sales and in
secondary jobs such as retail . The highest level of employment is in
service industries. He asked why the park could not be filled up with
this kind of industry. Pierce said that the Agency could wait for review
by the City Attorney before taking action. Stein noted that this would be
an IURA policy, not a legal one. After further discussion, Reed MOVED
and Stein SECONDED that
IURA/CDA Minutes
August 16, 1981
page 6
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has constructed the Cherry Street Industrial
Park in an effort to retain and create industrial jobs and to
expand the tax base within the City limits, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency now holds title to the Cherry
Street Industrial Park and will serve as the administering
agent, and
WHEREAS, the Agency desires to maximize the return to the City from the
Industrial Park, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Agency hereby adopts the attached Cherry
Street Industrial Park Leasing Policy to serve as the guidelines
which the Agency will utilize in leasing land within the industrial
park, ,and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Agency will review this Leasing Policy
annually and make all necessary revisions.
MOTION PASSED.
7. Neighborhood Improvements III - (Drainage) - Award of Contract
Evans said that CD funds for Neighborhood Improvements were down to the last
dollars. All bids for the drainage project came in at over the amount of
funds available. She therefore requested that contingency funds be unencumbered
from previous Neighborhood Improvement line S305 and that item number 3 of
the work description be deleted until the rest of the project was complete.
She feels that as the city has a regular repaving and maintenance program,
the new asphalt and concrete pavement part of item number 4 should also be
deleted. She noted that though there were no residences along that portion
of South Geneva street included in item #5, the drainage problems resulting
from present conditions affect residences further on. The lowest bidder
was a Cortland firm that has had extensive experience with road and sewage
work. Everything seems to be in order with his bid except for the number
of skilled and unskilled workers and women and minority workers. She will
clarify this information but in the meantime asked the Agency to pass a
resolution awarding them the project contract.
Reed MOVED and Stein SECONDED that it be RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA unencumbers
funds from S305 previously encumbered for Duryea and Wilhemi and Contingency.
IURA/CDA
August 10, 1981
page 7
MOTION PASSED.
Reed then MOVED that
WHEREAS, all bids for the six projects included in the Sidewalk and Curb
Storm Drain and asphalt concrete pavement project of Neighborhood
Improvements III came in at higher cost than funds available, and
WHEREAS, the focus of Ithaca's Community Development Program is to enhance
the residential environment of the target area, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that, subject to BPW approval , the IURA/CDA reduces
the specified projects to primarily directly benefit residences and
include items number 2 (Second Street gutter, street and sidewalk
work); number 5 (Geneva Street curbing); number 6 (South Plain
Street drop inlets, gutter and storm sewer) ; number 1 (First
Street between Hancock and Adams —curb, gutter and sidewalk) and a
portion of number 4 (the east side of Fourth Street, curb and gutter),
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA designates F.G. Compagni Construction
Company as the contractor to carry out the job since they were
the successful low bidders for the base project, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA sets aside $77,512 from line
S305 for the project with all remaining funds available from S305
available as contingency, such contingency or part thereof not
being used to be made available to complete the east side of Third
Street between Hancock and Adams Street, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the bid submission shall be reviewed by the City
Attorney and that IURA/CDA shall be contingent upon his satisfactory
review.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
8. GIAC - Award of Contract
Evans explained that alterations to the GIAC building had been separated
into two parts due to the fact that work had to be done at separate times.
She recommended that the plumbing part of the work be awarded to Giordano
Construction and that the lift part of the work be awarded to Novarr Mackesey.
Both contractors had submitted the lowest bids for the jobs. Evans said j
she had reviewed both bids and that they look as though they are in order.
IURA/CDA
August 10, 1981
page 8
Reed MOVED and Stein SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that, subject to BPW and City Attorney approval , the
contracts for GIAC Miscellaneous Alterations be
awarded as follows:
Contract #1 to Giordano Construction for $15,800.00
Contract #2 to Novarr Mackesy Construction for $14,423.00
Such amounts to be encumbered against lines 519 and S207
in addition to encumbering $3,000.00 for contingency funds.
MOTION PASSED.
9. Code Enforcement
Goldwyn said that the city was prepared to enter into a contract with
the Building Department for Code Enforcement in the CD Target Area.
This code enforcement program is to encourage the physical upgrading of
the housing stock in the Target Area. Goldwyn said that the only
adjustment was to the number of houses stipulated as the goal for
inspection in the first year. The number of houses to be inspected
per year is 120.
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that, subject to City Attorney approval , the Chairman of the
IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed to sign a contract
with the City Building Department for Code Enforcement in the
CD Target ARea for $8,000 in 1981-82 (S403.1 ) , $8,600 in 1982-
83 (S503.1 ), and $9,500 in 1983-84 (S603) , and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Building Department is hereby authorized
to proceed with this program upon execution of the CDA contract.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
10. St. James AME Zion Church
Lim explained that $4,500 was relocated as a contingency fund for AME Zion
in the recent reprogramming process. The reprogramming has not yet been
approved by HUD and at present an additional $1 ,700 is needed to finish
IURA/CDA
August 10, 1981
page 9
the nearly completed project, As $10,000 of unencumbered funds, still
remains in the Historic Preservation line, Lim asked the Agency to pass
a resolution encumbering $4,500 from this line as contingency for the
St. James AME Zion Church. She said that the added cost of $1 ,700 was
the result of the unexpected conditions found beneath the under-siding
of the church structure.
Stein asked why, if $1 ,700 would take care of the problem, it was
necessary to encumber $4,500. Lim said that it was better to have
more than needed in case other unexpected contingencies occurred.
Reed MOVED and Stein SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has allocated $4,500 in reprogrammed entitlement
funds for a contingency fund for the St. James AME Zion Church
exterior restoration project, and
WHEREAS, HUD has not yet approved the proposed reprogramming, and
WHEREAS, $10,000 is currently unencumbered in line 517-Facade Improvements/
Restoration, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that $4,500 from line 517 be encumbered as a
contingency fund for the AME Zion Church exterior restoration
project.
MOTION PASSED.
Stein asked what would happen if this money was not used on the church.
Lim answered that it would return to the unencumbered line.
11 . INHS Rental Program
Reed MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that INHS is hereby authorized to proceed with the Rental
Rehabilitation component (S401 .3, S501 .3 and S601 .3) of the
Basic Rehabilitation Program.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
12. Administration
Lim asked the Agency to authorize staff to advertise the upcoming CD Administrator
position. Stein asked who would select the Administrator and Lim said that
Executive Director Van Cort had authorization to hire at steps 1 - 4.
Reed MOVED and Stein SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the CD staff is hereby directed to regionally advertise
the CD Administrator pisition and is hereby authorized to proceed
with the selection and hiring of a CD Administrator.
MOTION PASSED.
IURA/CDA Minutes
August 10, 1981
page 10
Lim said that a special meeting on Hillview Park would be needed to
take action on the contract. CD Staff will notify Agency members
when the meeting will take place.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted, , proved,
.//1/;(404F ' Of
Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn
co
c
IURA/CDA gial
MINUTES = OCTJ --
September 14, 1981 eft N 1-jt
7:30 PM - Planning and Development Office ttl ,Ny
■
PRESENT: Mayor Bordoni , Chairman, IURA/CDA Jasmine Lim, CD Adminis for
James Dennis, IURA/CDA Kathe Evans, CD P1 ner
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Glenn Goldwyn, CD Planner
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Herman Sieverding, P&D
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA Joey Pierce, P&D
H.M. Van Cort, Director, P&D Press
The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:35.
1 . Approval of Minutes
Stein expressed his concern about the accuracy of his statement regarding
the City's economic policy but did not ask for changes to the Minutes.
Jones asked that the comments attributed to the Subcommittee of the Shelter
for Battered Woman read, on page 3, number 5, first paragraph, 3rd line:
"that the subcommittee and staff had also met several times with the City
Attorney." In the second paragraph, Jones asked that it be conveyed that:
"the lessee will have the responsibility for the upkeep of the rehabilitated
facility. The original rehabilitation costs will be eovened within the
$47,500."
Two other amendments to the August 10, 1981 Minutes were:
1) on the top of page 3 it should read that each curb extension would
cost $10,000. The total cost of seven curb flares would be $70,000.
2) on the top of page 8, the GIAC Resolution should read that the amounts
are to be encumbered against lines 519 and S206.
Reed MOVED that the Minutes of August 10, 1981 , as amended and corrected,
be approved. Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
2. Executive Session
Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that the Agency meet in Executive Session
to discuss leasing matters pertaining to the Cherry Street Industrial Park.
Reed also asked that the First Baptist Church and Personnel matters be
discussed at the same time. MOTION PASSED. Executive Session convened at
7:45. The regular meeting reconvened at 9:15. No action was taken on Cherry
Street. Regarding the First Baptist Church, Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED
that it be
RESOLVED, that the CD staff is hereby authorized and directed to formally
request that the Board of Trustees of the First Baptist Church
provide the IURA/CDA with a proposal for use of $10,000 in CD
yZC
•
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 2
Entitlement funds, previously committed for exterior renovation
f of the church,,by the October 12, 1981 meeting of the Agency, with
the understanding that if no such proposal is provided, the
$10,000 will be reallocated for another use related to Facade
Improvements/Restoration, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is explicitly understood that any proposal
submitted will be reviewed and acted upon by the IURA/CDA in
accordance with applicable governmental laws, regulations and
policies.
MOTION PASSED.
Dennis next MOVED that it be
RESOLVED that the Chairman of the IURA/CDA is hereby authorized and directed
to enter into a staff contract with Katherine D. Evans, CD Planner
with the following terms and conditions:
1 . Annual salary at step 5 of the CD Planner salary range
effective August 1 , 1981 .
i
2. Other terms and conditions to be the same as in Ms. Evans'
existing staff contract.
Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
3. Cherry Street Landscaping
Herman Sieverding summarized the status of the Cherry Street Landscaping project.
He said that Buildings and Grounds supervisor Ed Lynch had offered to provide
free labor towards the landscaping project if he could get approval to use
the $5354 of CD Entitlement money set aside for the project last spring.
Sieverding said that Lynch was looking into acquiring trees suggested by the
landscape architect. He recommended that the Agency authorize encumbrance
of the CD funds towards purchase of the plants and trees and that Clynes, Lynch
and Van Cort be authorized to bid out and award contracts for the project so
as to be able to complete the project by this year's planting season.
Jones said she thought that the trees would come from Lynch's tree budget. The
Mayor noted that without the free labor, CD would have to pay for both the
trees and the labor. Sieverding said that Lynch was providing 15 trees from
i
•
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 3
his budget as well . Dennis asked if that would mean other city areas would
go without trees and Sieverding explained that the extra trees were available
because CD had spent so much on trees within the target area.
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that $5,354 of CD Entitlement money (line 501) be encumbered for
the purchase of plants and trees for Cherry Street Industrial
Park and that Messrs. Van Cort, Clynes and Lynch be authorized
to receive and award purchase bid(s) for planting material.
MOTION PASSED.
4. UDAG Public Improvements _ .___.
Sieverding referred to his memo of September 10th. He said that bids for
the Ithaca Center Public Improvement project had been received and that the
low bidder was Giordano Construction for $171 ,600. He requested a 15%
t contingency fund ($25,740) leaving a balance of $19,967 for public improvements.
He asked that the Agency move to award the contract to Giordano. Stein
asked if it was not up to the BPW to award the contract. Sieverding said
yes but that it was part of the ordinary process for the IURA/CDA to also
authorize the contract award.
Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that Giordano Construction Company be awarded the construction
contract for the UDAG portion of the Public Improvement Project
(line U107) for the amount of $171 ,600 and that a contingency fund
(line U108) be set up in the amount of $35,740.
MOTION PASSED.
East Hill Benches
Kathe Evans explained that during the reprogramming process of Entitlement
funds, Ithacare had requested $1500 for the acquisition and installment of
three benches to be placed in convenient locations between Quarry Street
corner and the East State Street tuning fork. She said that she has spoken
with alderperson Schuler, Ithacare and the Easthill School housing developer
(Sawtooth) to discuss possible locations for the benches. As there is not
much space on East State Street between the curb line and the sidewalk,
it has been determined that most of the benches would have to be placed further
back on private property lines. Under investigation are the corners of Stewart
and East State Street where there is an existing retaining wall ; on private
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 4
property at Ferris and East State and between D'Paul hairdressing and Arnold
Printing. She said that she is in contact with the property owners to gain
their approval . Two other possibilities would be in front of Sage where
City Engineer Phil Cox has said that old metal railings could be torn down
to make space; and Sawtooth has expressed a wish to have a bench near the
bus stop nn the corner of State and Stewart Streets. Evans said she has
had many refusalsfrom private property owners because of the fear of increased
trash and traffic problems. Regarding the benches themselves, Evans showed
illustrations of the proposed bench style with wooden slats as opposed to
metal . She said that if there was any money left over after the benches were
placed, funds might be used to complete the Hillview Park project.
After further discussion, Reed MOVED that
WHEREAS, representatives from East Hill have reviewed bench design and
location for the 5th Year Entitlement Project, Neighborhood
Improvements, Project number 522, and,
WHEREAS, staff are ascertaining with the property owners that they are
willing to have the benches on their land, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that staff are authorized to order and disperse
funds for materials and installation of three benches, up to a
maximum of $1 ,500, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that, if there are funds remaining in this line,
it shall be used to complete park improvements at Hillview Park.
Dennis SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
5. West State Street
a. ACC Report
Goldwyn summed up the main points contained in the final document presented
to the Agency by the American City Corporation. Referring to his September 10
memo that accompanied the West State Street Development Program, Goldwyn out-
lined the recommendations of staff and noted that the thrust of the analysis
was a market perspective showing that the city had a clean bill of health
through 1990. Although the analysis does not yield an extensive strategy
for West State Street or the West End, Goldwyn said that the document suggests
some sound strategies which the Agency can consider. He noted that a development
site plan indicating circulation patterns and related information will be
included in the final document and that a series of economic development pro-
formas have also been received and are being used as internal documents by staff.
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 5
Reed MOVED that the draft resolution #5a, as presented by the Agency, be passed.
Dennis SECONDED the motion. Stein said that he had spent a lot of time with the
report and was prepared to vote to accept it but just barely. He suggested
that the clause in the draft resolution stating that "the IURA/CDA is
satisfied that the delivered report represents a useful tool for deliberation
and implementation of the budgeted CD funds for the project" is a questionable
statement. He suggested that this clause be struck from the final resolution.
SECONDED this amendment and all Agency members agreed. Jones said
she would like to see a clause stating that acceptance by the Agency was based
on CD staff recommendation. Stein noted that most resolutions were based
on staff recommendations but that it was not usually put into the body of
the resolution. Lim said that staff had no objections to it being part of
the final resolution and the following resolution was PASSED
WHEREAS, the IURA has contracted with the American City Corporation (ACC)
for the preparation of a West State Street Development Program, and
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA staff recommends acceptance of this report, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA accepts the West State Street
Development Program as submitted by the American City Corporation
and hereby authorizes payment for the contracted services.
5b. Public Improvements
Goldwyn said that he had prepared a slide show on the West State Street
improvements but because of the lateness of the hour it was decided to
save it for another time. He said that he and Stein had met with architects
Egner and Adelman and requested that the project scope be reduced to its
original $100,000 budget. The scope of work was therefore scaled down to
include only one curb extension and planter (at the corner of Meadow and
West State Streets) , curb cuts, lawn replacement and miscellane-ous pavement
and driveway repairs. He said that some of the original tree placement
plans had proved to be difficult or impossible because of existing signage
or fire hydrants, etc. so that 59,instead of 75, trees would be planted.
•
At a meeting of the BPW it was recommended that the architects be given
permission to bid out the work so that improvements can begin. Goldwyn noted
that the architects had suggested the addition of a tower or some other means
of highlighting the corner of Meadow and State as the entrance to a commercial
area but that this would be above the budget. Also not included in the present
proposal is the parking lot treatment behind the VFW. He asked that the
Agency concur with the scaled down version of the proposal and consider
including some kind of treatment to the parking lot as an alternate in the
bid form.
The Mayor asked if the VFW was agreeable to the parking lot improvements.
Goldwyn said that none of the public improvements take place beyond the
private property line. Dennis asked Stein what he thought and Stein said
everything was as Goldwyn described. He said that it would be an aesthetic
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 6
improvement and agreed that a tower on the corner of Meadow and West State
Streets would be a good idea.
Jones said that she wanted the dollar amount included in the resolution. Lim
said that it would be put in at the time of the contract award. Jones asked
what it would cost the City in its regular budget to maintain these improvements.
She asked if there were any estimates. Van Cort said that the city will only
maintain the trees. Evans noted that in the Northside/Southside tree, planting
project a guarantee had been included in the contract and therefore the
contractors watered the trees. Goldwyn said that this had not been done in
the Peripheral Streets project and was not foreseen in the present project.
Bordoni said that where the planters are located, some property owners will
have to take care of any mess. Goldwyn said that the one proposed planter
was adjacent to a trash can and that the owner had asked that the trash can
remain.
After further discussion, Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the physical upgrading of West State Street has been a consistent
priority for the Northside and Southside residents as evidenced
at Public Hearings and Citizen's Advisory Committee;(CAC) input
to the Community Development program, and
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has commissioned Anton Egner and Associates to prepare
a schematic presentation proposing a series of tree plantings,
sidewalk improvements, curb cuts for the handicapped, and similar
improvements , and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Staff has presented the schematic plan
on an individual basis to the vast majority of the owners and
tenants of the project area, and scaled down the level of improvements
from the original scale to an acceptable level in cooperation with
the architect, the IURA subcommittee on the project, and the Board
of Public Works, and
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Board of Public Works approved the bidding of the
most recent version of improvements for the project area, now
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
,
i MINUTES
!r
page 7
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA grants permission to the architect
to prepare the bid package for the approved public improvements
for implementation in the near.future.
MOTION PASSED.
6. 'Community Arts Program
i Goldwyn asked that the Agency pass a resolution to accept the proposed evaluation
mechanism for the Community Arts Program as drawn up by the Human Services
Coalition, Community Arts Subcommittee and the TCAC.
Stein MOVED and Reed SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has entered into a contract with the Tompkins County
Arts Council (TCAC) for the implementation of a series of Community
Arts workshop which stipulated the creation of a draft evaluation
mechanism to be prepared for the IURA review and acceptance, and
WHEREAS, the TCAC has prepared the requested evaluation mechanism in
collaboration with the Tompkins County Human Services Coalition
and the IURA/CDR is satisfied that the program will be evaluated
sufficiently through adherence to the submitted mechanism, now
THEREFORE BE . IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA accepts the proposed evaluation
mechanism as meeting the contractural agreement.
MOTION PASSED.
7. Sidewalk Repair Grants
Goldwyn presented a draft resolution and explained that fewer than 12 approvable
applicants (100% owner occupied and income qualified) for the sidewalk grants
had been received. He stated that as the majority of them were prior INHS
clients that the INHS implement the program.
Jones asked how much each sidewalk would cost. Lim said that last year, each
sidewalk cost about $500; $1000 for corner properties.
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 8
Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the City has programmed $30,000 for low-to-moderate income homeowner
sidewalk repairs during the 1981-82 Fiscal Year (line S406) , and
WHEREAS, qualified applicants during the current construction season number
fewer than twelve, and
WHEREAS, the : c' majority of the qualified applicants for the program during
this construction season are prior INHS cli ants, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1 . The Community Devleopment Office is directed to turn over
to INHS the names and addresses of the qualified sidewalk repair
grant applicants for INHS implementation of the eligible
repairs through contracted labor.
2. Upon completion of the contracted sidewalk repairs , INHS will
certify to the Community Development Office the completion of
the repairs which will in turn reimburse INHS for the costs
of such contracts.
MOTION PASSED.
8. Housing Prosecution
Evans said that the draft Appendix A of the Housing Prosecution project had
been sent to the City Attorney and to INNS for review. Comments from INHS
regarded the fact that the Ithaca Housing Authooity and the County Section 8
program should also be contacted in terms of potential displacement and that
INHS was not the only recourse for families residing in the city where housing
prosecution was taking place. The City Attorney responded regarding the
reimbursement schedule asking that the cost for attorney services be changed
from $25/hr to $40/hr or that hourly charges be dispensed with and that the
funds be paid to the city directly with the idea that they cover about 43%
of the assistant's fees.
Lim said that she would investigate the personnel costs and that to date
no flat fee had been paid except for Code Enforcement. She said she did
not know how to estimate if Ralph Nash would spend 43% of his time on the
project.
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 9
Stein referred to the draft Appendix itself and said that it sounded very
harsh to give a definite number of prosecutions per year. He asked if the
number "thirty" was a realistic goal. Lim said that Nash had given her
that figure but that perhaps the term "prosecution" was not correct and
should be substituted with the term "threat of prosecution". Stein suggested
that it read that "thirty target area homes will be brought within compliance".
;, , Van Cort noted that the difficulties were mainly with the rental properties.
Evans said that it may be a lengthy process until landlords see that the city
is serious about bringing'all homes into compliance with city codes.,h
Dennis MOVED and Jones SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the City Attorney and the INHS have reviewed the contract for the
1981-1984 Small Cities Housing Prosecution project, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves the contract with the
City legal department at the present city rate for direct personnel
costs for. up to $4500 for 1981-82(S403.2) , tip to $4900 for 1982-83
(S503.2) and up to $5450 for 1983-84 (S603.2) , and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes and directs the Mayor
to sign the contract.
MOTION PASSED.
9. Community Gardens
Reed MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that
WHEREAS, HUD standards for property acquisition require an appraisal , now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Community Gardens Subcommittee be authorized
to choose among proposals for an appraisal and authorize appraisal
work to begin with the appraisal to be paid from line S407.
MOTION PASSED.
10. Administration
a. Audit
Lim noted that the 1979-1981 audit report from Devillers $ Allen had been
received and that it had included one finding and two recommendations. Although
she said she was very pleased with the report, she said that the recommendation
IURA/CDA
September 14, 1981
MINUTES
page 10
to adopt 8tgeneral ledger-7- )system would be less valuable to staff. The
present system allows all non-accountant and non-bookkeeper personnel to
understand and use the information it contains. The recommendation to
segregate bank reconciliation and check writing has already been changed.
Siewrattan writes the checks and Lim is reconciling the books. With regards
to the questions on High Risk Loans, Lim said that she has asked HUD for
a determination. She asked that the Agency pass a resolution accepting this
report..
Stein MOVED and Dennis SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA hereby accepts the, 1979-1981 audit report
conducted by Devillers and Allen, CPA's and hereby authorizes
and directs staff to work towards resolution of the audit findings
contained in the audit report.
MOTION PASSED.
b. Blanket Position Bond
Lim noted that this was a yearly payment costing $455 and covered all CD staff
and IURA members.
Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA hereby authorizes and directs CD staff to
renew the Agengy's Blanket Position Bond for the July 1 , 1981-
July 1 , 1982 period.
MOTION PASSED.
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:30.
Respe tfully Submitted, Approved,
/ -4 - qa444,uva ,o
Natalie de Combray Jasmine Lim
1
MINUTES
SPECIAL IURA/CDA MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 1981 - 4:00 PM
Planning and Development Office
PRESENT: Mayor Bordoni ,. Chairman, IURA/CDA
Katherine Evans; CD Planner
Joey Pierce, City Planner
Anne Jones , IURA/CDA
James Dennis, IURA/CDA
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA
Martin Shapiro, City Attorney
The Mayor convened the meeting at 4:00 PM. Discussion centered around
the Cherry Street Industrial Park lease agreement with Precision Filters.
Planning staff member Joey Pierce said that John Barney, of Precision
Filters , Inc. had requested IURA/CDA consent to sub-lease their premises
to the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency (TCIDA) . Pending
this approval , Barney asked for additional IURA/CDA consent that the TCIDA
in turn sub-leases a portion of the premises back to Precision Filters.
After further discussion, Dennis MOVED and Jones SECONDED that:
WHEREAS, pursuant to paragraph 10 of lease agreement between Precision Filters, Inc.
and IURA, assignment of said lease agreement or any interest therein is
prohibited without IURA approval , and
WHEREAS, Precision Filters , Inc. , by John Barney's letter of January 9, 1981 ,
to Martin A. Shapiro has requested IURA execution of a consent to
assignment agreement, and
WHEREAS, said consent proposes subleasing of premises to Tompkins County Industrial
Development Agency upon such terms as may be agreeable between Precision
Filters , Inc. and Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, and a
sublease from TCIDA to Precision Filters , Inc. , together with a collateral
assigment of any said leases or subleases to any financial institution or
agency for the purposes of securing the payment Df indebtedness incurred
in connection with the construction and equipping of the facility on
said premises , now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Chairman of the IURA is hereby authorized
and directed to execute said consent to assignment, upon approval of
the City Attorney, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said direction and authority is herewith granted and
conditional upon IDA and any assignee or sublessee conformance with all
provisions of the lease agreement between Precision Filters, Inc. , and
IURA.
MOTION PASSED
MINUTES
SPECIAL IURA/CDA MEETING
SEPTEMBER 28, 1981
page 2
Bordoni next asked that the Agency take note of an occurence regarding
the East Hill Benches. He said that a homeowner on the corner of East State Street
Street and Steward Avenue had complained about the proposed bench location'
as it will detract from *his property value. Evans said that the location
had been chosen because it best served the convenience of the neighborhood
elderly and handicapped and added that the proposed location was on public
property. The Mayor said he concurred with the homeowner and asked that
Evans relocate that bench. Evans said she had investigated 17 possible
bench locations and there were only three where the location of benches was
both feasible and where the owner would agree to the placement on his/her
land. Relocation seemed impossible considering the effort already made.
IURA/CDA members then agreed that if only two benches could be placed on East
Hill , that would be satisfactory. The meeting adjourned at 4:30.
Respectfully S ubm.tted, Approved,
retticir/IzAt kt/a-e.,-5
Natalie de Combray Katherine Evans
r •
Joey Pierce
•
•
es �i
7191
MINUTES
IURA/CDA —.f DFC
November 9, 1981 1 044
7:30 PM - Conference Room It ywf7l b.
PRESENT: Mayor Bordoni , Chairman, IURA/CDA Glenn Glop CD Administrator
James Dennis, IURA/CDA 'Aathe--k . 4', CD Planner
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA u ' ort, Director, P&D
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA Victoria Romanoff, Consultant
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA Sarah Hector, Consultant
Press Carol Sisler, Historic Ithaca
The Mayor convened the meeting at 7:40 PM.
1 . Minutes
Clarence Reed MOVED and Anne Jones SECONDED to approve the Minutes
of the October 15th meeting. MOTION PASSED.
2. St. James AME Zion Church
Consultants Romanoff and Hector presented a slide show of the resto-
ration of the St. James AME Zion Church. The slide show depicted the
work in progress from its beginning and demonstrated the processes
involved in the restoration of the building. Romanoff noted that
this was not a make-do project but a detailed and intense job of returning
the building to its former state. Work included the stripping of the
siding, the replacing and repairing of wood work, rehanging of doors,
chimney reconstruction and stone foundation work, etc. Two rectangular
window frames were found under the siding, part of the original archi-
tecture, but it was decided by church members to retain the medallion
window currently in place. To denote the former window placing, the
architect has outlined their location with moulding strips. Romanoff
also noted that during the restoration of the church, other homes along
the street also went through a rehabilitation process, demonstrating
the spin-off process of this kind of work. Carol Sisler of Historic
Ithaca thanked the Agency for the funds that made the project possible
and said that this was the first real restoration project accomplished
in the city. Mayor Bordoni thanked Romanoff for her dedication to quality
restoration work.
CD Planner Kathe Evans asked the Agency to accept this final report
on the restoraiton project and to reprogram the remaining $1.38.58 into
the general facade/historic restoration line. Reed MOVED and Jones
SECONDED that
WHEREAS, the project architect has signed off on the completion of
the restoration project for St. James AME Zion Church, and
WHEREAS, the IURA/CDA has heard the final report from Historic Ithaca
and their preservation consultant Victoria Romanoff and
Associates, now
MINUTES r ,
' November 9, 1981
page 2
THEREFORE BE MeRESOINED, that the IURA/CDA accepts the final report
and the restoration project reprograms the remaining amount
of $138.58 frgu line 517b and S110 to 517d for general facade
improvements/historic restoration.
MOTION PASSED.
3. 1st Baptist Church
Evans referred to the letter sent last month from the Board of the 1st
Baptist Church requesting Agency approval to fund either the chimes or
window restoration projects. Subcommittee members Jones and Stein
met on October 28th to review the funding history of the church and
discuss whether either of the proposals would enhance the historic
structure and contribute to the community. Their decision was that the
window restoration and chimes enhanced the building only marginally as
a historic structure and contributed minimally to neighborhood improvement.
Evans reported that HUD had indicated less interest in working on churches.
She subsequently contacted HUD Representative Anna Walker who assured
her that Historic Preservation on churches will continue but asked for
full documentation.ot. lst Baptist funding to date. Evans said she hoped
• HUD would approve- re roactive funding for this work as otherwise the _
Release of Funds process would take up to four months and hinder
expenditure of 1st year Entitlement funds. by 1982. She said that once
documentation is sent, HUD will render an opinion or give permission
to release the funds to the church. Planner Jon Meigs and Evans are
assembling the necessary documents , including a statement from the City
Attorney that no local problem exists concerning the work or payment
to the church. Evans noted that this was not an easy process but
that it would be done by the end of the week. She would read the main
body of the documentation to HUD on the phone before sending it in
the hopes that response will be speedy. She said that if the funds are
not spent by January 1982, further cutbacks may be made in the 2nd Year
Small Cities grant.
4. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration
Evans said that Pat Paddio Reed, Committee Chairman for the Martin Luther
King Jr. Celebration, had submitted a letter of refusal from the NY State
Council of the Humanities to fund the celebration. The letter has
been forwarded to HUD and release of funds should be forthcoming. She
asked the agency to approve the contract for the activities associated
with the celebration.
Reed MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves the contract with the Martin Luther King,
Jr. Celebration Committee for various activities associated with
the week, contingent upon contract review by the City Attorney.
MOTION PASSED.
MINUTES
November 9, 1981
page 3
5. Community Gardens
Evans updated the Agency on the status of the Community Gardens project.
She referred to the memo from Martin Shapiro discussing the options
concerning the purchase of the property as presented by attorney Pfann.
Shapiro suggested that option number 1-A be chosen with the wording
changed to "80% of the space to made available (rather than used) for
gardens. " Regarding payment to owners in 1981 and 1982, Van Cort asked
if it would not be possible to hold the money in escrow and Evans said it
would. That process had been used for the GIAC purchase. Evans asked
that the Agency approve the option and instruct staff to begin the
appraisal process. She said that Request for Proposals have already been
put together. Reed asked if the property were not used as gardens,
whether the City would lose $40,000. Evans said no, not if the wording
were changed. She said that $42,000 was in the project line, $40,000
for the purchase and $2,000 for the appraisal and other purchase services.
Stein asked if these terms were the result of negotiations between the
attorneys. Evans said yes, that Pfann and Shapiro met to discuss the
terms and that Shapiro had stated the city would not be interested in
a 20 year restriction. An 8 year restriction on the property was acceptable
to both parties. She added that it was not clear if EOC would run the
program after this period and said it might become a volunteer organization.
Jones asked if the city could terminate the license with EOC after six
months if there were problems. Dennis asked what the IURA would do if
after four years there was a limited EOC program and the original Community
Gardens people were gone. Evans said that other methods of making the land
available could be, for example, that the plot availability could be adver-
tized in the paper. The main thing to avoid would be to have the city
run the gardening program as there are neither the funds nor the time for
this purpose. However, Evans said that at this time only the price and
purchase terms were being discussed. Other matters can be resolved
during the licensing process. She added that the IURA is not bound by the
appraiser's findings. The city can go somewhat higher or lower, depending
on the wishes of the buyer and the seller. Stein said that this was a
unique situation. He asked what would happen if the appraisal came in at
15,000, while it is known that the seller wants $40,000. Van Cort said
that the appraisal should include different values using different assumptions.
Evans said that this issue may come back to the subcommittee. Reed MOVED
and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves option 1-A as outlined in the
Lockwood letter, changing the word "used" to "available" for
garden purposes and that the appraisal process be begun.
MOTION PASSED.
5a. Neighborhood Improvements
Evans asked the agency to approve payment fo the final bill for the Neigh-
borhood Improvements storm drains and sewer work, now completed. She said
'MINUTES
November 9, 1981
page 4
that payment would be contingent upon the approval of city engineer Phil
Cox. Dennis MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED; that the IURA/CDA approves the final bill and payment for
Neighborhood Improvements and authorizes payment thereon,
contingent upon final approval of the City Engineer.
MOTION PASSED.
6. Strand Theatre
Evans asked that the Agency move into Executive Session to discuss the
progress of the Strand Theatre project. She said that such a request
was being made because 1) the financial status of a corporation was
being discussed and 2) potential litigation against the city had been
threatened. Dennis MOVED and Reed SECONDED that the Agency move into
Executive Session. MOTION PASSED. The regular meeting resumed at
8:40. No action was taken.
7. Personnel
The Personnel item on the agenda was cancelled.
The meeting adjourned at 9:30.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,
(7
ntocctx1,,t )1_,Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
IURA/CDA
November 20, 1981
4:30 - Planning Office
PRESENT: James Dennis , IURA/CDA
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA
Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator
H.M. Van Cort, Director, Planning
Kathe Evans , CD Planner
The meeting was called to order at 4:30.
1 . Extention of Urban Renewal Plan
Goldwyn reviewed the issue of the possible expiration date of the Ithaca
Urban Renewal Plan. Ther Urban Renewal Plan was crafted in June of
1975 and recorded in 1976. Its five year time frame runs from its
recording date, thus the 1981 "expiration".
The Plan document states that each annual Community Development Application
constitutes an amendment to the Plan. From that item one might reason-
ably assume that the City's recent (1981 ) Small Cities Application presents
a three year extension to the Urban Renewal Plan to cover-the time frame
through 1984. However, the Plan includes an area beyond the physical
boundaries of the Community Development target neighborhoods , taking in
Collegetown and the Inlet areas. The American City Corporation had
raised the issue of either Collegetwon or Inlet developments as
having adequate coverage in an urban renewal plan whose original project
boundaries included these areas, but whose time extensions by amendment
concentrated on the smaller geographic boundaries. When the issue was
raised with the City Attorney, he concurred with the interpretation that
the total plan, expanded boundaries and all , was carried forward by the
CD Application/Amendment clause. However, in order to be fully covered,
he suggested a resolution from the LURA to the Council confirming the larger
boundaries by formally extending the time of the plan.
Jones questioned the intent of the resolution. _ By her calculations,
the Community Development Agency had "run out of juice" sometime in
1980, around April or so. Van Cort responded that it was determined
that-because-the IURA was -appointed for.an indefinite period, and
because they were-jointly serving as the CDA, and by nature of the afore-
mentioned extensions to the URA Plan by each individual Community Devel-
opment Application, the continuance of the CDA was neither in doubt -nor
intended to be addressed by the resolution.
The discussion turned to the topic of how long to extend the plan.-
Dennis mentioned a five year option as being precedent. Stein
suggested that the IURA was the agency charged with recapturing the
land under the Green Street Parking ramp some seven years after the
occurOcy of the Ithaca Center, should the developers fail to develop
IURA/CDA
MINUTES
November 20, 1981
page 2
that parcel . Therefore, he suggested, the seven year extension would
serve that objective.
After further discussion Jones MOVED that
WHEREAS, the Ithaca Urban Renewal Plan may be construed to expire
in November o r December of 1981 , and
WHEREAS, many of the Urban Renewal Programs are continuing, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA hereby recommends to the
Common Council the continuance o f the Ithaca Urban Renewal
Plan for a period of seven (7) years commencing on
January 1 , 1982.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
2. Neighborhood Improvements III
Evans briefed the IURA on the current status of the Neighborhood Improve-
ments Year III , Curb and Gutter Improvements Contract. The IURA had
approved the release of the final payment to Compagni Construction at
their regular November meeting. Additional sidewalk repairs- and -street
paving was called for, items not envisioned in the original plans and
specifications, and work which the prime contractor was unable to
accomodate through limitations of his schedule. In order to facilitate
these improvements, the BPW had bid the paving and sidewalk work to three
separate contractors for each component, only two of which responded, one
for each component. Evans introduced two resolutions geared to approve
the formal bidding process and the award of contracts to the two bidders.
Both Stein and Jones raised questions about the nature of the work.
Both felt strongly that the work should be clearly documented as being
beyond the scope of the original project, and, moreover, not the fault
of the original contractor.
Jones MOVED and Stein SECONDED that
WHEREAS, unanticipated conditions have resulted in change orders and work
modifications to the Neighborhood Improvements III storm sewer
and drainage contracts which the contractor, Compa;gni Construct-
ion Company, was not able to handle, now,
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that, subject to written certification by Phil
Cox, City Engineer, that the work was not envisioned in the
IURA/CDA
MINUTES
November 20, 1981
page 3.
Neighborhood Improvements III Storm Sewer and Drainage
contract, and that the work was not required to be performed
by Compagni Construction in compliance with that contract,
and that the paving and sidewalk work does not involve
contractor damages or negligence within the above mentioned
contract, the IURA/CDA authorizes the informal bids for
sidewalk and street paving in order to complete the project
by Fall 1981 .
MOTION PASSED.
Jones next MOVED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes acceptance of the sidewalk
work bid on South Geneva Street from V. Giordano for $2,085 •
and from Mancini Construction Company for 2nd Street paving -for
$4,250 and directs staff to take actions to have these projects
carried out subject to written certification by Phil Cox,
City Engineer, that the work was not envisioned in the
Neighborhood Improvements III Storm Sewer and Drainage Contract
and that the work was not required to be performed by Compagni
Construction in compliance with that- contract, and that the
paving and sidewalk work does not involve contractor damages
or negligence within the above mentioned contract.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
Evans next reviewed the progress of the most recently awarded series
of improvements-at GIAC. She noted that the scope of the work currently
under contract to Giordano and Novarr-Mackesey had been less than the full
amount of work originally envisioned as priority improvements because the
architect had placed a high estimate on the whole project cost. Competively
arrived-at bids had committed project funds in an amount more than $10,000
under the budget. The project architect had requested prices on the balance
IURA/CDA
MINUTES
November 20, 1981
page 4
of the priority and deduct alternate items from the two contractors
involved, and was seeking IURA authorization to transfer $10,000 into a
project contingency so that funds would be available for change orders.
Stein voiced concern over the nature of the transaction and whether the
work was a logical extension of a project scope due to conditions
discovered during the progress of the contracted work, in which case
a change order is the traditional and legal way to change the contract,
or whether the work actually involved an addition of work items and compo-
nents of a dollar value that should involve the specification of the work
and subsequent competitive bidding, apart from the current City/Contractor
contract.
Evans responded in saying that some work was of the nature of change
orders for unanticipaed work and some work involved reasonable extensions
to the originally contracted work components, i .e. the items called for
more extensive paintint while painting in the same vicinity of the building
was under contract, and so forth.
Stein suggested that the proposed resolution be reviewed by ttfe City
Attorney prior to action being taken, and offered an amendment to the
resolution toward that end.
Stein then MOVED and Jones SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA authorizes establishment of an additional
contingency fund of $10,000 for GIAC Miscellaneous Improvements
subject to review of the item by the City Attorney for compliance
with applicable laws and regulations.
MOTION PASSED
The meeting adjourned at 5:45.
Res tfu_lly Submitte
enn M. Goldwy
.41
iN
MINUTES
IURA/CDA
December lei, 1981
7:00 - Council Chambers
ACCO ���
PRESENT. James Dennis, Vice Chairman, IURA/CDA �qNl 4 Ct
Stuart Stein, IURA/CDA i �9��
Anne Jones, IURA/CDA . /t N f� A
Clarence Reed, IURA/CDA �` /'.
H.M. Van Cort, Director, Planning
Ale
Glenn M. Goldwyn, CD Administrator
Kathe Evans, CD Planner
Herman Sieverding, Planning
Joey Pierce, Planning
Charles Werner, Vice President, TC3PA Board
Press
Vice Chairman Dennis called the meeting to order at 7:10. He asked that
a motion to go into Executive Session be made in order to discuss the
private financial details of the Strand and matters involving possible
litigation.
Jones asked if the Strand's not-for-profit use of public funds were going
to be discussed and Evans answered that according to Public Officer's Law
this was not relevant and that the status for not-for-profit organizations
was not specified in the law. Goldwyn referred to a memo from the City
Attorney stating t'iat any discussions of matters pertaining to the financial, •
credit or employment history of the Strand may be conducted in an Executive
Session. Stein noted that it was important to have this kind of input from
staff as the IURA was not qualified to make these kind of decisions. He
MOVED that the Agency go into Executive Session, Jones SECONDED and MOTION
PASSED.
Regular session recommenced at 7:50.
OLD BUSINESS
I. Minutes
Stein asked that the Minutes of December 3, 1981 be changed on page two
to correct the typographical error to read that Werner said that the TC3PA
did not have legal counsel. On page 4, paragraph two, Stein asked that it
be made clear that his statement regarding the Agency's inability to vote
on the release of funds until approval was given by the City Attorney was
his own opinion and not Agency policy. He MOVED that the Minutes of
November 24, 1981 be approved and also that the Minutes of December 3, 1981,
as corrected, be approved. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
II. Strand
Dennis introduced the Vice President of the Tompkins County Center for
Culture and the Performing Arts Board, Charles Werner, and explained that
as the Mayor was unable to attend the meeting he was acting as Chairman of
the Agency. Dennis added that the URA was in receipt of the memorandum
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12/14/81
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from the TC3PA which answered some of the questions asked by the Agency
at tlle., Deeegber 3 meeting. Werner said that he had brought more information
fo•r` the ,gency's review: a statement from the IRS resolving the difficulties
of the TC3PA by remaining current on taxes in the future; a brief summary
of the debts paid over the last _'three months; the total of the debts
still pending and an income statement for the period of 8/8o-8/81. He added
that the time available to complete this information had been very little
and that the Board had assembled the most they could in order to demonstrate
the viability of the project and the present board's administration capabi-
lities.
Dennis asked him if he would like to discuss this information in Executive
Session. Werner answered that since the information was not complete and
there were no signatures attached, he would prefer if the figures were
not publicly released. Goldwyn said that the Agency would have grounds
to go into Executive Session to protect the Strand's confidentiality.
Evans agreed and said that the City's contracts with the Strand and the
TC3PA included this obligation. Stein asked if the figures were not open
to the public since they should be on file and Werner responded yes, but
they could not be considered final until they were signed and until that
time they would not be filed. Dennis suggested that the Agency return
the information to the TC3PA as otherwise it would become public record.
Reed MOVED that the Agency go into Executive Session again to discuss the
financial information just provided. Jones SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
The Press said that this should be a natter of public record and left the
Council Chambers under protest.
Regular session resumed at 8:25. Discussion followed concerning the questions
asked by the Agency on December 3rd and answered in part in Werner's memo
of December 14. Werner noted that the By-Laws had been amended to include
• up to 15 Board members. He is now acting President and Colonel Thuesen
is acting secretary. They are seeking a President and a Treasurer and plan
also to hire a bookkeeper. Reed asked if there was a time table set up to
put these officers in place. Werner said that there are a number of people
interested but who are not ready to commit themselves until they know the
status of the theatre.
Stein asked if a financial report was available and Dennis noted that until
this information was received the Agency could not act. Werner said that
the Board is anxious to get a final decision from the city and asked what
other information the Agency wanted. He said that all questions have
been answered and wanted to know what would satisfy the Agency. Goldwyn
said that the information submitted did not yet answer all the questions
asked by the Agency. Werner said that certain records cannot be divulged
and should not be made public. He said that complete access to financial
records should not be asked as this was not, from a business standpoint,
proper procedure. He added that only when filing for bankruptcy was this
kind of information disclosed. Goldwyn said that HUD, on the recommendation
of their legal advisor, STERPDB and the City's Attorney all have asked for
this information and he asked what authority the TC3PA Board would accept
before this information could be released. Werner said that he has never
seen such a request from either HUD or STERPDB and said he would like to
see these requests in writing. Werner said that the contracts protect the
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12/14/81
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city from any accountability if the theatre should fail. Van Cort said that
the city very much hoped that the project would succeed but that the Board
must understand the city's position. As an administering Agency, the city
is requried to protect federal funds. Since the Strand has a history of
financial problems, there is no guarantee that the situation will improve in
six or eight months. Van Cort added that the city had to take into consider-
ation any advice from the City Attorney and at present Mr. Shapiro was requesting
full financial disclosure of their current status. Reed added that he appreciated
the help of the new board in seeing the city through this difficult problem.
Werner said he would follow up with additional documentation.
III. West End Developments
Planner Joey Pte.rce reported on the West End and said that plans for
development of he area were still at the planning stage. He said that he
would keep the Agency current of any changes that might occur in the near
future. He said that Cherry Street had two other firms interested in locating
there but that nothing has been resolved to date. Stein asked if the season's
layoffs have had anything to do with the slow down of activities and Pierce
said he did not know. Stein asked if the URA had any role to play regarding
these layoffs and Pierce said that if they were strictly business layoffs, no.
If the layoffs had to do with improper training of personnel the Agency
could review the training projects involved. Van Cort noted that the same
layoffs occurred last year and the they might be cyclical. Dennis said that
Morse Chain depends on the automobile industry and that the slowdown there
is related to the lack of car buying. Stein asked about the Economic Development
Report prepared two years ago. Van Cort said that it had been a prerequisite_
to applying for EDA funds, but that since that time, EDA had been phased out.
He said that if the EDA budget comes up again, the City can use the same OEDP
but that in the interim the document still holds some usefull information.
IV. UDAG
Planner Sieverding reported on the public improvements project and discussed the
various alternatives for the remaining funds in that line. He said that approxi-
mately $35,000 will be left over and that the Agency should give some thought
as to how these funds should be spent. He ref erred to his September memo listing
some possibilities for spending the remaining funds as otherwise they would revert
to the government.
Van Cort said that the Mayor had urged him to ask Agency support for turning
the surplus over to the Ithaca Center developers in the form of a loan or
grant to improve the sidewalk between Green Street and the ramp. Although
the Mayor had no particular preference as to the money's use, he said that
it should be in a way most helpful to the developers. The Mayor said that
the City has a responsibility to use the funds for the good of the Ithaca
Center.
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12/14/81
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Dennis suggested splitting the funds between use for the sidewalk and a loan.
Reed agreed and said that the sidewalk work could be done and any remaining
funds could be given in the form of a loan. He MOVED that the surplus
funds be divided in two ways: that a grant be given to the developers to
improve the curbing and sidewalk portion of Green Street and that the remainder
be given to developers as a loan for any purpose they wish. The motion was
not seconded.
Stein asked what had happened to the Farmers Market. He asked if the URA
could speak to representatives of the market regarding their disatisfaction
with the space allotted to them under the ramp. Van Cort said that the City
was not at liberty to require any action on the part of the developers except
through negotiation.
Stein said that it was the developer's responsibility to repair the sidewalk.
Giving the money would be in the form of an additional grant and he said he
thought it should be left to the developers to take care of. Van Cort said if
the Agency does the work it will be done immediately. The developers may
defer the expense until some future time.
Stein said the central court space looked quite barren and asked if that space
couldn't be improved with the remaining funds. Van Cort said the Agency would
have to get in touch with the developers to see what they needed there. He
suggested it would-zbe better to wait until some time had passed when it would
be more certain how the space was going to be used. If a loan was given towards
the : sidewalk repair, the pay-back money could be used for the open space when
its needs are clearer. Dennis commented on the positioning of the pushcarts.
He said that when the building was being planned there was a site-line through
• the ground floor.Now it looks like a\Dungeons and Dragons set and he asked
if revisions to the floor plan could be made. Van Cort said that anything
could be suggested but that the URA has no control on any changes. He did
agree that it looks overcrowded.
Discussion followed about the alley. Agency members did not feel that it
was very attractive but that bricking it over would require too much unnecessary
work. Loans to the CVS owners for improvements to their property were not
needed as they have agreed to do it themselves. Jason Fane, owner of the
property behind Greg's, was not interested• in improving his part of the
area. Another alternative suggested but not accepted by the City was to
improve the sidewalk immediately in front of the City Hall building with the
City carrying on the improvements on either side. (UDAG funds can only be
used for the City property, ) After further talk the Agency decided to think
about the various alternatives and make a decision at the next meeting. Van
Cort again suggested that the funds loaned for sidewalk repairs to Green,Street •
with the pay-back to be used for something else.
NEW BUSINESS
I. Senior Center
Goldwyn referred to his December 11 memo regarding the rehabilitation funding
for the Senior Citizen's Council building and asked that the Agency resolve
to allow staff to proceed with the work described in the letter from Mr. Trim-
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12/14/81
_5_
berger, President of the Senior Citizen's Council.
•
Anne Jones asked what would happen to the funds if the Council moved
in two or three years and Goldwyn said that no provisions were made for
that eventuality. He added that he was not aware of such a provision and
that $2500 is slated to go toward architect fees for feasibility studies
on expansion of the present building. Jones asked .if the architect fees
were only related to that building and Goldwyn said yes. He said that
Mr. Bagnardi, architect, was under a retainer from other fund sources
to examine use of other property but the contract was concerned with
their present location.
Reed MOVED that
WHEREAS, we have $1+125 programmed from line 519a for rehabilitation and
improvements to the Senior Citizens Council property on South
Geneva Street, and
WHEREAS, the Council has submitted a list of eligible improvements for
that purpose, now
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the IURA/CDA hereby gives permission to
proceed with the improvements as outlined in the letter from
George Trimberger to Glenn Goldwyn dated November 11, 1981.
Stein SECONDED and MOTION PASSED.
II. GIAC •
Evans asked approval for the GIAC kitchen renovation plans and said that
they were,ready..to..go to bid. She noted that these were not the same
plans as for the previous kitchenette on the ground floor but comprised
the complete renovation of the basement kitchen, This kitchen is used
for cooking classes and various functions such as the Martin Luther King,
Jr. breakfast. She said that except for a few electrical projects, the
$211000 left in the GIAC line is encumbered and will be spent by the end
of February.
Stein noted that the work was to be put out to bid and that no expenditures
were to be made. Reed MOVED and Stein SECONDED that it be
RESOLVED, that the IURA/CDA approves plans for GIAC kitchen renovation, subject
to BPW review, and authorizes staff to put plans and specifications out
to bid and bring bids back for IURA/CDA review and approval.
MOTION PASSED.
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12/14/81
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Dennis reminded the Agency about the party for Penny Dolan, ILPC Director,
who is leaving Ithaca. A reception will be held at the Clinton House on
December 17, at 4:30-6:30. Following, there will be a dinner at the Cod-
dington Restaurant.
Dennis also mentioned that there will be a CD staff meeting with representatives
from the Southern Tier East Regional Planning Board regarding the Strand.
All TC3PA Board members and Agency members were invited to attend.
Reed reported on the status of the Task Force for Battered Women. He and
Anne Jones have met several times with the Task Force Board and are
waiting for them to decide whether they will accept the proposition of the
city. Jones said that the Board had raised many questions regarding the
purchase of the building and had asked if more money might be available
once the $47,000 was spent. They also asked about mortgage systems as
used in Seattle. Reed said that the Board felt the city should arrange
Task Force ownership but Reed had told_them the City was following present
city policy. Evans noted that Seattle is an Entitlement City where each
year's expenditures are less scrutinized than with discretionary grants.
• Reed said that the Agency has done all it can do and that the Task Force
must be urged to make a decision. He asked staff to contact their Board
regarding their time table. Evans said that the longer they wait, the
higher purchase and rehabilitation costs will be. She said that staff
would bring back news at the next meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45.
Respectfully Submitted, Approved,_,,
a )--1‘-7
Natalie de Combray Glenn M. Goldwyn
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