Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2016-07-06COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 6:00 p.m. July 6, 2016 PRESENT: Mayor Myrick Alderpersons (8) McGonigal, Murtagh, Nguyen, Gearhart Fleming, Smith, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff OTHERS PRESENT: City Clerk – Conley Holcomb City Attorney – Lavine City Controller – Thayer Human Resources Director – Michell-Nunn Fire Chief – Parsons Youth Bureau Director – Vance EXCUSED: Alderpersons (2) Brock, Martell PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Myrick led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA: City Administration Committee: Alderperson Mohlenhoff requested the addition Item 8.6 entitled “Request to Amend 2016 Youth Bureau Budget for Youth Employment Services (YES) Program – Resolution. No Council Member objected. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS: 3.1 City of Ithaca Proclamation “Ithaca Is Love” sending love to Orlando and support for the LGBTQ community Mayor Myrick made the following proclamation: WHEREAS, On Sunday June 12, 2016, the community of Orlando, Florida, was the site of a tragic shooting fueled by hatred and violence; and WHEREAS, the events that occurred at the Pulse Nightclub targeted the LGBTQ community; and WHEREAS, the City of Orlando first responders and city officials handled this extraordinary emergency situation with bravery and resiliency; and WHEREAS, empathy, inclusion, and love are important values of the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participating in or denied the benefits of its public services on the basis of actual or perceived age; creed; color; disability; ethnicity; familial status; gender; gender identity, gender expression, height; immigration or citizenship status; marital status; national origin; race; religion; sex; sexual orientation; socioeconomic status; or weight; and WHEREAS, President Obama has stated, “This is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American -- regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation -- is an attack on all of us and on the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country.”; and WHEREAS, this proclamation is an opportunity for the City of Ithaca to not only demonstrate our support for Orlando, but to call upon all residents to assure that Ithaca July 6, 2016 2 is a safe place where all people can be themselves without fear of discrimination or violence; and WHEREAS; the City of Ithaca stands with the families and friends of the victims in Orlando and mourners throughout the world; and WHEREAS; hundreds of local residents came together in solidarity behind both the local and Orlando LGBTQ communities to create a human version of the Pride flag on our central Commons as a sweeping demonstration of love and support; NOW THEREFORE, I, Svante Myrick, Mayor of the City of Ithaca, New York, do hereby proclaim that the message “Ithaca Is Love” be sent from our community to Orlando’s and affirm that we all remember that love is louder than hate and that no community should be divided by hate or fear but lifted up in love and unity. Cornell Woodson, representing the Ithaca is Love initiative, accepted the Proclamation. Mayor Myrick thanked Alderperson Mohlenhoff for leading the “Ithaca is Love” initiative which included writing this proclamation, and organizing an amazing event on the Commons to show support to the people of Orlando, Florida. Alderperson Mohlenhoff noted that the Proclamation and a letter of support will be sent to the Mayor of Orlando by Mayor Myrick; Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Tavares will send it to the Orlando Chamber of Commerce; Executive Director of the Downtown Ithaca Alliance Gary Ferguson will be sending it to both the owner of the Pulse Nightclub and the Downtown Orlando business organization; Visit Ithaca / County Visitor Bureau Director Jodi LaPierre will send it to the Orlando Visitor’s Bureau; Ithaca Police Chief John Barber will send it to the Orlando Police Department; and Tompkins Cortland Community College President Carl Haynes will be sending it to the President of Valencia Community College. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL: The following people addressed Common Council: Anthony Dior Gaenslen, City of Ithaca, spoke in opposition of the 201 College Avenue project stating that it is not consistent with the City’s zoning amendments. He further stated that the Planning Board approved the project prior to the completion of the Environmental Assessment Form. Pheobe Brown, City of Ithaca, led a moment of silence for the man killed by police officers in Louisiana and asked that Ithaca send love to Louisiana as well. She further asked questions and requested information regarding the Request for Proposals for a study to consider the possible consolidation between the Ithaca Police Department and the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office. She requested that culturally competent and diverse researchers be hired for this project and also suggested that the money be used to engage local resources for this work. James Orcutt, Jr., City of Ithaca, noted that he sent an e-mail to Common Council members voicing his concerns regarding the impact the Lake Street Bridge construction was having on pedestrians and users of the TCAT transit system; however, he never received a reply. He voiced his disappointment over the lack of attention to the business and property interests of city residents. Gino Bush, City of Ithaca, thanked Common Council members for their service to the City and asked Mayor Myrick to request that the Department of Public Works fill the potholes that exist throughout the City. He further described the residential parking needs on Fayette Street and requested assistance with parking issues. Felix Iannone, City of Ithaca, echoed Mr. Bush’s comments regarding the Fayette Street parking issues. He further noted that the Ithaca Fire Department uses Fayette Street as an emergency route; however, it is not a priority for snow plowing which significantly decreases the accessibility of the street. July 6, 2016 3 Joel Harlan, Town of Newfield, voiced his appreciation for the expression of solidarity with Orlando, Florida, and addressed issues including gun control, violence across the country, aging/chronic disease, and Collegetown development. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR: Alderperson McGonigal thanked Ms. Brown for the powerful use of her 3 minute speaking period. Alderperson Fleming voiced her agreement with Mr. Harlan regarding the need for gun control. She stated that mass shootings garner national attention; however hundreds of people are killed by small guns every day. She stressed the need for thorough background checks including checking terror watch lists. She requested that everyone do what they can to keep this issue moving forward. Alderperson Murtagh thanked Mr. Bush and Mr. Iannone for speaking and noted that Fayette Street parking is a difficult challenge. He explained that residential parking permit systems require New York State enabling legislation. He further identified potential equity issues as the neighborhoods near Cornell University are allowed to have a residential parking system; but the neighborhoods in the flats have not been successful in their requests. Alderperson McGonigal honored Mr. Bill Murphy for his many years of dedicated service to the City of Ithaca, especially his service to the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Board. He stated that Mr. Murphy has been a strong advocate for youth services and will be sorely missed. Mayor Myrick and City Attorney Lavine thanked Ms. Brown for her comments regarding engaging a cultural competent consultant for the law enforcement consolidation study and noted that absolutely, it will be considered. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS: Department of Public Information and Technology: 8.1 Simeon’s Alcohol Permit Request – Resolution By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, since 1987 the City of Ithaca has issued a license to Simeon's Restaurant allowing that restaurant to utilize certain areas along Aurora Street and on the Ithaca Commons for outdoor dining; and WHEREAS, this use of public property has generally been deemed proper and successful; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Ithaca Commons, including outdoor dining; and WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the serving and consumption of alcohol on the Ithaca Commons; and WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for outdoor dining at Simeon's Restaurant, including the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, is desirable; and WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That for the year 2016, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for Simeon's Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit. Carried Unanimously 8-0 July 6, 2016 4 8.2 Mia Noodle Bar and Restaurant Alcohol Permit Request – Resolution By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, the City Clerk has received a request to allow Mia Noodle Bar and Restaurant to utilize certain areas along the Primary Commons for outdoor dining; and WHEREAS, this use of public property has been deemed proper and successful; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca wishes to promote diverse uses of the Primary and Secondary Commons, including outdoor dining; and WHEREAS, it is Common Council's responsibility to determine whether or not to allow the serving and consumption of alcohol on the Primary and Secondary Commons; and WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that the use of this public property for outdoor dining at Mia Noodle Bar and Restaurant, including the responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, is desirable; and WHEREAS, Common Council has determined that any use of this or similar public property involving the same and consumption of alcohol should be covered by a minimum of $1,000,000 insurance under the Dram Shop Act; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, For the year 2016, Common Council hereby approves a revocable Alcoholic Beverage Permit for the outdoor sale and consumption of alcohol for Mia Noodle Bar and Restaurant that includes the sale of alcohol in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in application therefore, including minimum Dram Shop coverage in the amount of $1,000,000 and the approval of an outdoor dining permit. Carried Unanimously 8-0 8.3 Ithaca Police Department – Amendment to 2016 Budget - Resolution By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Police Department (IPD) hosted a New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Operator Course at IPD facilities; and WHEREAS, the fees collected for this training were $5,400 and will be used to offset the cost of instructors for the training; and WHEREAS, as a benefit of hosting the training, IPD SWAT personnel were able to take the training at no cost to the City; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the amendment of the 2016 City of Ithaca Budget to accommodate the increase in revenue collected and the related increase in training expenses as follows: Increase Revenue: A3120-1520-5022 Police Fees $5,400 Increase Expenditures: A3120-5440-5022 Staff Development $5,400 Carried Unanimously 8-0 8.4 Approval of Installation of Friends of Ithaca Youth Bureau Donor Wall - Resolution By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, the City is currently proceeding with Phase II, Year 1 of 2 of the Cass Park Ice Rink Renovations project; and WHEREAS, Phase II, Year 2 of the project contemplates enclosure of the Cass Park Arena and improvements for the conditioned air system, ventilation, and spectator and skater areas; however, at this time, the City has not appropriated funding for Year 2 project goals; and July 6, 2016 5 WHEREAS, in support of the Phase II, Year 2 plans, Friends of the Ithaca Youth Bureau has offered to fundraise and donate towards this project; and WHEREAS, Friends of Ithaca Youth Bureau has recommended that the Youth Bureau create wall space no larger than eight (8) feet by twelve (12) feet within the renovated Cass Park Ice Rink to display the names of donors for a term of twenty (20) years, and the Youth Bureau and Board of Public Works is supportive of the proposal; and WHEREAS, General City Law §20(3) empowers the City to accept gift, grants, or donations upon terms and conditions between the donor and City; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the City to accept donations from the Friends of Ithaca Youth Bureau conditioned on recognition of donors to this project on a donor wall as described above; and, be it further RESOLVED, That Common Council authorizes the City’s placement of a donors’ wall no larger than eight (8) feet by twelve (12) feet within the renovated Cass Park Ice Rink to display the names of donors for a term of twenty years (20). Carried Unanimously 8-0 8.5 Request for Permanent Easement for 400-404 Stewart Avenue - Proposed Encroachment - Resolution By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, Jason Demarest, as representative for the owner of 400-404 Stewart Avenue in the City of Ithaca (Tax Map Parcel No. 63-1-6, MSW Management, LLC owner of record), hereinafter referred to as “Applicant”, has requested a permanent easement from the City into the adjacent Stewart Avenue and Osmun Place rights-of- way; and WHEREAS, Applicant requests an easement to permit the following encroachment into the City’s right-of-way: An encroachment for installation of footers and awnings extending into City- owned subsurface and airspace from the building located on 400-404 Stewart Avenue no more than two feet as follows: to the south and running parallel to the building face and Osmun Place for 51 feet and to the east running parallel to the building face and Stewart Avenue for 64.50 feet, and as depicted in the drawing attached and included by reference as Exhibit A. ; and WHEREAS, City of Ithaca Municipal Code Chapter 170 entitled “Use of City Real Property; Section 170-5 entitled “Authority to Grant Approval for Use of City Property; No Entitlement to Approval” vests Common Council with the authority to convey a permanent easement across City property; and WHEREAS, it appears that the proposed encroachment into City property will not interfere with the right-of-way as currently constituted; and WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Superintendent of Public Works does not anticipate any conflicts in the near future with public works uses or needs and the Board of Public Works, by resolution, recommended that Common Council authorize granting this easement under the terms described in this resolution; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the fee for this permanent easement shall be $18,666.77, based on the Pomeroy appraisal value of $833.47 for one year of use at the current appraisal rate in Collegetown of $2.87 per square foot, calculated out for a thirty (30) year depreciation period and 2% rate of inflation; and, be it further July 6, 2016 6 RESOLVED, That the Mayor, in consultation with the City Attorney, and upon payment of the fee set forth in this resolution, is hereby authorized to execute all necessary documents to grant the easement requested by Applicant and described above. Carried Unanimously 8-0 8.6 Request to Amend 2016 Youth Bureau Budget For Youth Employment Services Program (YES) - Resolution By Alderperson Kerslick: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff WHEREAS, the Ithaca Youth Bureau has applied for funding through the Tompkins County Workforce Investment Board and will be receiving $152,247.86 in new funding for the Tompkins Summer Youth Employment Program; and WHEREAS, the goal of this program is to provide short-term subsidized internships for low-income eligible teens needing assistance in securing employment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2016 Youth Bureau budget contingent upon confirmation of funding as follows: Increase revenue: 7310-4820-1200 Youth Development Administration $3,000.00 7310-4820-1202 Youth Employment Service $144,903.36 7310-4820-1400 Administration $4,344.50 Total $152,247.86 Increase expenses: 7310-5460-1200 Staff Development $2,000.00 7310-5460-1200 Program Supplies $1,000.00 7310-5120-1202 Part time/Seasonal $121,035.76 7310-5425-1202 Office Supplies $2,531.35 7310-5445-1202 Travel & Mileage $1,000.00 7310-5460-1202 Program Supplies $4,400.00 7310-5420-1400 Gas & Oil $500.00 7310-5425-1400 Office Expense $3,000.00 7310-5476-1401 Equipment Maintenance $844.50 7310-9030 Fica/Medicare $9,260.00 7310-9040 Workers Comp $6,676.25 Total $152,247.86 Carried Unanimously 8-0 CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE: 9.1 Ithaca Fire Department - Amendment to Capital Project #821 for Fire Vehicle Acquisition - Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Fleming WHEREAS, Common Council authorized Capital Project #821 for the fiscal year 2016, in the amount of $455,000, to replace the truck chassis and refurbish the body of the Fire Department’s Heavy Rescue Truck, which was purchased new in 1990; and WHEREAS, the City’s Fleet Manager has determined that a Pumper Truck that was purchased in 2000, needs the vehicle’s frame replaced due to deformity and severe corrosion; and WHEREAS, the Manufacturer of the Pumper Truck has estimated the cost of the frame replacement to be at least $49,000; and WHEREAS, the replacement of the Pumper Truck is scheduled to be in 2020; and July 6, 2016 7 WHEREAS, the Fire Chief and the City’s Fleet Manager recommend postponing the Heavy Rescue Chassis Replacement and Refurbishment and purchase a replacement Pumper Truck at a cost of $555,000; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the amendment of Capital Project #821 to increase the project funding by $100,000 for the purchase of a new Pumper Truck giving a total project authorization of $555,000; and, be it further RESOLVED, That funds needed for said new Pumper Truck shall be derived from the issuance of Serial Bonds. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the funding of this capital project and the City’s overall debt limit. Alderperson Murtagh noted that the number of trucks that will need to be replaced in the next five years equals nearly $2.5 million. City Controller Thayer stated that he would to place as much of that funding as possible in the operations budget and/or set up capital reserves vs. capitalizing all of the costs. Fire Chief Parsons explained that the replacement schedules have become condensed due to deferred maintenance caused by budget reductions; however, he will work to re- stagger these costs moving forward. His goal is to purchase two trucks every five years. He further stated that the costs of the trucks have not increased significantly since 2009 and they are trying to make “bare bones” purchases. The Ithaca Fire Department has been successful in obtaining grants to offset other equipment costs, and the Town of Ithaca covers a portion of these costs as well. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 8-0 9.2 Department of Public Works – Ithaca Area Waste Water Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) – Request to Establish A Capital Project for A Microgrid Feasibility Study - Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick WHEREAS, the staff of the Ithaca Area Wastewater Treatment Facility (IAWWTF) applied for and received a New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Grant for $100,000; and WHEREAS, NYSERDA, in conjunction with the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, offered the grant as part of the three-stage NY Prize Community Grid Competition to support the development of Community Microgrids, with the objective of the program to promote the design and build of community grids that improve local electrical distribution system performance and resiliency in both a normal operating environment as well as during times of electrical grid outages; and WHEREAS, the NYSERDA $100,000 grant for Stage 1 includes Feasibility Assessment of the Development of the Microgrid Capabilities and Analysis; and WHEREAS, if the Microgrid Feasibility Study deems the Microgrid Project viable, other stages of the grant competition will be applied for; and WHEREAS, a Capital Project will need to be established to account for the NYSERDA NY Prize Microgrid Program Stage 1 revenue and expense; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes Capital Project #421J IAWWTF Microgrid for Electrical Power Feasibility in an amount not to exceed $100,000; and, be it further RESOLVED, That funds needed for said Capital Project shall be derived from NYSERDA and the NY Prize Community Grid Competition Grant. Discussion followed on the floor regarding the level of work that has been completed prior to the creation of this capital project which will fund the project. City Controller Thayer explained that the Phase 1 Feasibility Study has been completed and this July 6, 2016 8 capital project is being established to document the revenues and expenses of the study,as it has been deemed that the project is feasible to implement. Two more project phases will follow. A vote on the Resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously 8-0 9.3 Approval and Authorization to Execute CSEA Administrative Unit Contract – (Proposed Motion to Enter Into Executive Session To Discuss Matters Relating to Collective Negotiations with Bargaining Units) – Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Smith RESOLVED, That Common Council approves the agreement between the City of Ithaca and the CSEA Administrative Unit for a four-year term commencing January 1, 2016 and expiring December 31, 2019; and, be it further RESOLVED, That the Mayor is authorized to fully execute the agreement on behalf of the City. Carried Unanimously 8-0 9.4 Authorization and Approval of Compensation for Confidential Employees Not Included Under the CSEA Administrative Contract – (Proposed Motion to Enter Into Executive Session To Discuss Matters Relating to Collective Negotiations with Bargaining Units) – Resolution By Alderperson Mohlenhoff: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That for the period of January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2019, all employees not covered by a formal labor contract, excluding positions designated as management, be granted salary increases and fringe benefits in accordance with the provisions of the CSEA Administrative Unit contract. Carried Unanimously 8-0 9.5 Update Regarding Request for Proposals for Study of Law Enforcement Consolidation City Attorney Lavine reported on the following: The goal is to distribute the Request for Proposals (RFP) in the next couple of weeks. The draft document has been circulated for review and the Tompkins County Legislature is in the process of discussing it. This will be a study of the benefits and costs of: o Consolidation of some law enforcement functions o Full consolidation that would occur over a number of years and would factor in attrition o Cut-over option to consolidate all law enforcement agencies at once resulting in dissolution of all agencies The RFP will be released on the County’s website (the County is the lead in this project per NYS regulations). The process could take three months: time to receive proposals, clarify information, etc. The Law Enforcement Selection Committee will review all proposals received and will select a consultant. The findings of report will be presented to Common Council, the Tompkins County Legislature, and other municipal bodies. Each municipality will decide which option they are interested in pursuing and then a public input period will commence. Once a direction is identified, a consultant would be hired to develop a full implementation plan. The plan would come back to the legislative bodies for approval and another public input period. Common Council would need to approve any necessary legislation, and would also have to request the final installment of the grant for the implementation phase. Discussion followed on the floor with Common Council asking questions about the membership of the Law Enforcement Selection Committee. City Attorney Lavine responded that the committee is composed of key staff from city and county and July 6, 2016 9 legislative representation from both bodies. The effort is being led by Deputy County Administrator Paula Younger; County Administrator Joe Mareane; Under Sheriff Brian Robison; County Attorney Jonathon Wood; Ithaca Police Chief John Barber, Deputy Police Chief Peter Tyler; City Controller Steven Thayer; Chief of Staff Dan Cogan; City Attorney Ari Lavine; Alderperson Deb Mohlenhoff; County Legislator Peter Stein. Alderperson Kerslick questioned whether selected members of the public could sit on the RFP review panel. Mayor Myrick responded that it would need to be negotiated with the partners, but noted that public input could be helpful to the process. He explained that there are public input periods built into the schedule so that the public is engaged before the consultants draft their report, and then again after the report has been prepared. Alderperson Murtagh stated that he would support having a few more people from the City on the selection committee, perhaps a member of the Community Police Board, and one of the Police Chief’s community advisors. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the process is transparent and open and that the public is engaged in that manner. Mayor Myrick stated that he would talk with the Police Chief and the city’s representatives to see if they would like to add members of the public to the front end of the process. Alderperson Gearhart echoed Alderperson Murtagh’s comments, noting that public input will be vitally important and suggested that Common Council could facilitate that input. Alderperson Mohlenhoff stated that she has captured a number of suggestions: ask critical questions regarding who the consultants are (do they have backgrounds in law enforcement consolidations; do they have experience in cultural competence). She also noted that the selection committee can have input on who the consultants speak with when they are in Ithaca. Mayor Myrick requested that additional questions and thoughts be forwarded to him, City Attorney Lavine, and Alderperson Mohlenhoff. 9.6 City Controller’s Report: City Controller Thayer reported to on the following items: o 2017 budget process: The Mayor issued his budget guidelines to city departments. He is requesting a 1% increase in departmental budgets which is still a budget reduction for many departments. Departmental budgets are due August 1st. o The Assessment Roll for property taxes has been received: The preliminary figure was a 9.71% increase in taxable assessments; however, the final roll shows a 9.14% increase for the 2017 roll which equals approximately $2 million of additional revenue to the City. The tax levy would go up to 9% as well. The property tax cap is 2% or the CPI. The 2% figure should rise with adjustments; however, this impacts the city’s ability to tax and issue debt. Commercial assessments = 52.5% of the roll; residential assessments equal 32.2%. Changes in assessments are driven by equalization 80% / physical changes 20%. Exempt property is 57.28%. A 1% increase in the tax rate would equal $237,500. The Town of Ithaca contribution will decrease to 31.2%. o Bond and BANS issuance: he is in the process of converting short term notes into long term notes. This will allow the City to maintain a Aa2 rating, which is a very high quality rating, and ensure that interest rates will continue to be favorable. Mayor Myrick stated that he would also be pursuing increases from Cornell University as they complete their leadership transition. July 6, 2016 10 PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 10.1 First Amendment to City-Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency (IURA) Professional Services Agreement – Resolution By Alderperson Murtagh: Seconded by Alderperson Smith WHEREAS, in 2012 the IURA and City of Ithaca executed an agreement clarifying roles and responsibilities of each party regarding administration of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Entitlement funds awarded to the City of Ithaca; and WHEREAS, from time to time the IURA staff may be available to assist the City complete other activities that are related to, or support the mission of the IURA; and WHEREAS, such assistance shall be offered at the sole discretion of the IURA; and WHEREAS, Plan Ithaca, the City’s Comprehensive Plan, recommends preparation of a housing strategy to identify specific ways to increase the housing supply and decreasing housing costs; and WHEREAS, the IURA’s mission is to improve the social, physical and economic characteristics of the City of Ithaca by expanding access to quality affordable housing, strengthening neighborhoods and the local economy, and supporting other community development activities; and WHEREAS, since 1975 the IURA has secured and successfully administered over $60 million in funding on behalf of the City of Ithaca to complete projects to expand affordable housing and revitalize urban neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, at their meeting on May 26, 2016, the IURA approved the First Amendment to the City-IURA Professional Services Agreement; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, That the Mayor is authorized, subject to review by the City Attorney, to execute an amendment to the City-IURA Professional Services Agreement to authorize IURA staff to assist the City complete IURA-authorized activities that are related to, or support the mission of the IURA. Carried Unanimously 8-0 MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS: 14.1 Reappointment to Cable Access Oversight Committee –Resolution By Alderperson Nguyen: Seconded by Alderperson Kerslick RESOLVED, That Wies van Leuken be reappointed to the Cable Access Oversight Committee with a term to expire December 31, 2018. Carried Unanimously 8-0 REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS: Master Planning Committee Alderperson Fleming noted that the committee has toured most of the City’s facilities and has a strong understanding of the importance of either building new or renovating existing facilities in order for city programs to create efficiencies and save money. The committee is hoping to be able to develop a long-term strategy soon. Board of Public Works Alderperson Fleming reported that there have been issues with the Stewart Park pavilion so the Board of Public Works is looking toward requiring security deposits, cleaning fees, and applicant screening. The Board is also considering allowing dogs in Stewart Park as they are already allowed on the Cayuga Waterfront Trail. The Board received updates on the Lake Street Bridge construction and sales/use of parking scratch off tickets. A news release has been distributed regarding the brown water issue that is being experienced by city residents. July 6, 2016 11 Budget Meetings: Alderperson Mohlenhoff reported that one of the budget meetings was inadvertently scheduled on Yom Kippur, so that meeting is currently being rescheduled. Southside Community Center / GIAC Working Group Alderperson Smith reported that there has been turnover on the Southside Community Center Board and the Center’s leadership; however, work continues to progress. 2030 District Alderperson Murtagh stated that there has been discussions on the 2030 district which is focused on increasing energy standards in building construction. There will be a presentation on this proposal at next Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting. TCAT Alderperson Ducson reported that the search for a new General Manager for TCAT has begun. Tompkins County Council of Government Alderperson McGonigal reported that TCCOG discussed the following topics: – Energy Task Force suggestions: that the IDA issue tax abatements for high energy efficiency building developments (save 20% by 2016 and 80% by 2050); development of a checklist for green energy and suggesting that it be uniform throughout the County; propose green energy education for architects and builders; explore outside funding for mid-size wind turbines and micro hydropower. – Tompkins County Legislature is discussing the law enforcement consolidation study. They are also discussing consolidation of municipal courts. – LEAD program: reduce/eliminate bail requirements for non-violent offenders – Ban the Box initiative implementation Alderperson Murtagh announced that the Ithaca Police Department Community Barbecue would be held on July 16, 2016 at the Southside Community Center from 12:00 – 3:00 pm. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: 18.1 Approval of the May 4, 2016, June 1, 2016, and June 29, 2016 Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Mohlenhoff RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 4, 2016, June 1, 2016 and June 29, 2016 Common Council Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 8-0 Mayor Myrick announced that after reviewing dozens of potential cities, His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama’s Library and Museum will be built in the Town of Ithaca on South Hill. The library and museum will include writings, teachings, and artifacts of all 14 Dalai Lamas and will also provide housing for students of Buddhism and visiting Lamas. Cornell University has given the Mayor the ability to issue 15 scholarships to their prestigious International Summer Debate Camp that runs from July 31 – August 7, 2016. He encouraged teens ages 13-18 to contact him if they are interested in taking advantage of this prominent learning opportunity. Further information on the program is available on the Mayor’s Facebook page and at: http://summerdebatecamp.cornell.edu/ ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. ______________________________ _______________________________ Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick City Clerk Mayor