HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-16 Common Council Meeting AgendaOFFICIAL NOTICE OF MEETING
A Regular meeting of the Common Council will be held on Wednesday, September 7,
2016, at 6:00 p.m. in the Common Council Chambers at City Hall, 108 East Green
Street, Ithaca, New York. Your attendance is requested.
AGENDA
1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
2. ADDITIONS TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
3. PROCLAMATIONS/AWARDS:
4. SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
5. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
5.1 Raise the Age Campaign – Presentation by Tahjay Louis, Youth Organizing
Fellowship of Ithaca
6. PETITIONS AND HEARINGS OF PERSONS BEFORE COUNCIL:
7. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – COMMON COUNCIL AND THE MAYOR:
8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
8.1 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department -
Amendment to 2016 Budget - Resolution
8.2 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department –
Amendment to Roster - Resolution
8.3 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department –
Amendment to Roster - Resolution
8.4 City of Ithaca Cable Access Oversight Committee Recommendations for
2016/2017 Budget Including Upgrade to Studio Equipment from Standard
Definition to Digital High Definition - Resolution
9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 Department of Public Works - A Resolution Authorizing Implementation and
Funding in the First Instance 100% of the Federal Aid-Eligible Costs and State
“Marchiselli” Program-Aid Eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-Aid Project,
and Appropriating Funds Therefore Related to the Elmira Road Overlay and
Signal Replacement Project
Common Council Meeting Agenda
September 7, 2016
Page 2
9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE (CONTINUED):
9.2 Department of Public Works - A Resolution Authorizing Implementation and
Funding in the First Instance 100% of the Federal Aid-Eligible Costs and State
“Marchiselli” Program-Aid Eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-Aid Project,
and Appropriating Funds Therefore Related to the East State/Martin Luther King,
Jr. Street Retaining Wall Project
9.3 Department of Public Works - Request to Establish Capital Project for Expansion
of the Alex Haley Municipal Wading Pool - Resolution
9.4 City Controller’s Report
Committee of the Whole:
9.5 Request To Fund City Facilities Studies for Property Relocations and
Consolidation – Resolution
10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 Diversity & Inclusion Requirements in the City of Ithaca Community Investment
Incentive Tax Abatement Program (CIITAP) – Resolution
11. REPORTS OF SPECIAL COMMITTEES:
12. NEW BUSINESS:
13. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
13.1 Alderperson Brock - Resolution Supporting Adoption of the Equal Access to
Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Woman Act
13.2 Alderperson Gearhart - Resolution to Select Artwork for a Painted Intersection at
Auburn, W. Lewis, and Adams Streets
14. MAYOR’S APPOINTMENTS:
15. REPORTS OF COMMON COUNCIL LIAISONS:
16. REPORT OF CITY CLERK:
17. REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY:
18. MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS:
18.1 Approval of the August 3, 2016 Common Council Meeting Minutes – Resolution
18.2 Approval of the August 24, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes –
Resolution
Common Council Meeting Agenda
September 7, 2016
Page 3
19. ADJOURNMENT:
If you have a disability that will require special arrangements to be made in order for you
to fully participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at 274-6570 at least 48
hours before the meeting.
______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC
City Clerk
Date: September 1, 2016
8. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS:
City Administration Committee:
8.1 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department -
Amendment to 2016 Budget - Resolution
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has adopted a goal of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions 80% by 2050, and nearly three quarters of the Ithaca community Green
House Gas (GHG) emissions come from residential and commercial buildings; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan suggests “Enact more stringent
local energy codes based on standards for new and existing buildings and voluntary
certification programs” and the City’s Energy Action Plan recommends “Encourage
sustainable and energy efficient development (and re-development) through green
building policies and implementation of advanced energy codes” and “Consider
regulatory tools to encourage/require higher energy efficiency standards for rental
housing;” and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has been awarded grant funding for a project entitled
“Building for Energy Efficiency: Developing New Construction Standards for Ithaca,” to
conduct a comprehensive, collaborative examination of policy tools that Ithaca can use
to incentivize or mandate green building standards for new construction; and
WHEREAS, the grant funding will cover all cash project expenses, which will be used
for hiring a consultant(s) to provide the various project deliverables; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca will administer the grant, and the Town of Ithaca has
committed staff time to collaborate on this inter-municipal project; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca received in July the full grant award, from two different
sources: the Park Foundation provided a check for $51,970 and the Funders Network
for Smart Growth and Livable Communities provided a check for $51,970; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council approves an amendment of the 2016 City of Ithaca
budget to accommodate the increase in revenue collected and the related consultant
expenses as follows:
Increase Revenue:
A8020-2705 Planning Department Gifts & Donations $103,940
Increase Expenditures:
A8020-5435 Planning Department Contracts $103,940
8.2 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department –
Amendment to Roster - Resolution
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca’s Building Division, under the guidance of the Housing
and Land Use Supervisor, has been building a Property Management Database in the
City’s Building Division for the past several years; and
WHEREAS, it is the intent of the Planning Division to add to this database and create
digital property files while also automating redundant tasks to free up staff time; and
WHEREAS, the Housing and Land Use Supervisor has taken on this task, while
maintaining his role as the City’s Housing and Land Use Supervisor; and
WHEREAS, it has become apparent that these two roles are too much for one person;
and
WHEREAS, Housing Inspector Gary Checksfield has been with the City for the past 10
years and has increased his knowledge through experience and has proven his ability
to take on greater responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed in the 2016 approved budget; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2016 authorized roster as
follows:
Add: One (1) Housing Code Supervisor at 40 hours per week
Delete: One (1) Housing Inspector at 40 hours per week
; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the position of Housing Code Supervisor be assigned to CSEA
Administrative Unit Salary Grade 16; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That for the sole purpose of determining days worked reportable to the
New York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System, the standard workday for
this position shall be established at eight (8) hours per day, forty (40) hours per week.
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TO: City Administration Members
FROM: JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development, City of Ithaca
DATE: August 1, 2016
RE: Request to Amend Personnel Roster
The Planning Division will soon begin digitizing record copies of approved site plans,
zoning appeals, and Certificates of Occupancy. Housing and Land Use Supervisor Gino
Leonardi, the creator of this property database, will work with the Planning Division to
accomplish this goal. The data will add information to the database already being
populated by the Building Division. This, along with the continued input of applications,
inspections reports, the issuance of permits, and automation of routine tasks, will
continue to make property information easier for the public to access as well create
efficiencies within the Department and is a critical task in order to move the Department
forward.
Mr. Leonardi has taken on this task while maintaining his role as the City’s Housing and
Land Use Supervisor. Recently, Mr. Leonardi moved his work location to the Planning
Division to begin this important work. It has become apparent that these two roles are
too much for one person. Housing Inspector Gary Checksfield has been with the City for
the past 10 years and has increased his knowledge through experience and has proven
his ability to take on greater responsibilities. Director of Code Administration Mike
Niechwiadowicz, Housing and Land Use Supervisor Gino Leonardi, and I agree that Mr.
Checksfield has earned the right to a new title as Housing Code Supervisor.
I would be happy to discuss this with you should you need more information or have
questions. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
8.3 Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic Development Department –
Amendment to Roster - Resolution
WHEREAS, Code Inspector Mary Brenner has been with the City of Ithaca since
December of 2009; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Brenner has shown exceptional knowledge and professionalism in her
role as a Code Inspector and is performing work at the level of a Senior Code Inspector;
and
WHEREAS, no additional funding is needed in the 2016 approved budget; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby amends the 2016 authorized roster as
follows:
Add: One (1) Senior Code Inspector at 40 hours per week
Delete: One (1) Code Inspector at 40 hours per week,
; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That no additional funding is needed in the 2016 approved budget for this
roster amendment.
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BACK-UP ITEM 8.3CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green Street - 3rd Floor lthaca. NY 1,t850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNINC, BUILDING, ZONING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH. DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Developmenl - 607-274-6550 Community DevelopmenUluRA 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
City Administration Members
JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development, City of Ithaca
August 1,2016
Request to Amend Personne! Roster
Code Inspector Mary Brenner has worked for the City since December of 2009. Ms.
Brenner has shown exceptional knowledge and professionalism in her role as a Code
Inspector and is pefforming work at the level of a Senior Code Inspector. Director of
Code Enforcement Mike Niechwiadowicz and I are recommending this change as a way
to recognize and fairly compensate Ms. Brenner for the level of work she is performing.
No additional funding is needed in the 2016 approved budget.
I would be happy to discuss this with you should you need more information or have
questions. Thank you for your consideration of this request.
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
1l
8.4 City of Ithaca Cable Access Oversight Committee Recommendations for
2016/2017 Budget Including Upgrade to Studio Equipment from Standard
Definition to Digital High Definition - Resolution
WHEREAS, Section 15.12 of the Franchise Agreement between the City of Ithaca and
Time Warner Entertainment-Advance/Newhouse Partnership (TWC) of January 2003
requires the participating municipalities (City of Ithaca, Town of Ithaca, Village of Cayuga
Heights) to provide TWC with an annual budget for Public, Educational and Governmental
access operations by June 30 of each calendar year; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca's Ordinance #2003-17, Par 18-4-G, requires the Access
Oversight Committee (AOC) to provide the Participating Municipalities with a recommended
annual budget by May 31 of each calendar year; and
WHEREAS, not all budgets from previous years were fully expended and in particular the
full amount of the 2016 Budget approved in June of 2015 remains available; and
WHEREAS, the AOC recommended that the unused funds of previous years and the full
amount of the 2016 Budget become part of the 2017 Budget making it the “2016/2017
Budget”; and
WHEREAS, the AOC accepted the 2016/2017 Budget in the amount of $50,000.00 at their
regular meeting of May 31, 2016; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council accepts the Access Oversight Committee budget
recommendation of $50,000.00 in order to meet the obligation to provide TWC with an
annual budget for Public, Educational and Governmental access operations, which is due
June 30 of each calendar year.
BACK-UP ITEM 10.4
A. Upgrade Studio from Standard Definition to Digital High Definition $50,000.00
Description: The current equipment of the PEGASYS Studio is standard definition (SD),
720x480 pixels, analog equipment that dates from 1989 -1995. Almost none of it can be
fixed or replaced any more. This budget includes new equipment that will upgrade the
Studio to digital high definition (HD), 1280x720 pixels or higher. The new equipment
includes HD Cameras, Camera Remote Controls, Video Switching and Titling Equipment,
Monitors, Digital Recording and Media Playback.
9. CITY ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE:
9.1 Department of Public Works - A Resolution Authorizing Implementation
and Funding in the First Instance 100% of the Federal Aid-Eligible Costs and
State “Marchiselli” Program-Aid Eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-Aid
Project, and Appropriating Funds Therefore Related to the Elmira Road Overlay
and Signal Replacement
WHEREAS, a Project for the Elmira Road Overlay and Signal Replacement, P.I.N.
375592 (the “Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as amended, that
calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be borne at the ratio of 80%
Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a commitment
of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Preliminary Engineering/Design; and
WHEREAS, preliminary engineering and design are exempt from further environmental
review as Type II actions; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby approves the above-subject project, subject
to further environmental review of construction; and, it is hereby further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to pay in the
first instance 100% of the federal and non-federal share of the cost of Preliminary
Engineering/Design work for the Project or portions thereof; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That the sum of $210,600 is hereby appropriated from the issuance of
serial bonds and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase of
the Project; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby creates Capital Project #832, Elmira Road
Overlay and Signal Replacement, to include the Project costs of $210,600; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That in the event the full federal and non-federal share costs of the project exceed
the amount appropriated above, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca shall convene as
soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the notification by the
New York State Department of Transportation thereof; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to execute all
necessary Agreements, and the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby authorized to
execute all necessary certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal Aid on behalf of the
City of Ithaca with the New York State Department of Transportation in connection with the
advancement or approval of the Project and providing for the administration of the Project and
the municipality’s first instance funding of Project costs and permanent funding of the local
share of federal-aid and state-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within
appropriations therefore that are not so eligible; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That this project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost
of the Project to the City of Ithaca will be roughly 12% of said portion, currently
estimated at $24,420 of the $210,600 authorized for this portion of the project, in
monies and in-kind services as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and
monitored by the City Controller; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State
Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in
connection with the Project; and, it is further
RESOLVED, This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
9.2 Department of Public Works - A Resolution Authorizing Implementation
and Funding in the First Instance 100% of the Federal Aid-Eligible Costs and
State “Marchiselli” Program-Aid Eligible Costs, of a Transportation Federal-Aid
Project, and Appropriating Funds Therefore Related to the East State/Martin
Luther King, Jr. Street Retaining Wall Project
WHEREAS, a Project for the East State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Retaining Wall,
P.I.N. 375616 (the “Project”) is eligible for funding under Title 23 U.S. Code, as
amended, that calls for the apportionment of the costs of such program to be borne at
the ratio of 80% Federal funds and 20% non-federal funds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca desires to advance the Project by making a commitment
of 100% of the non-federal share of the costs of Preliminary Engineering/Design; and
WHEREAS, preliminary engineering and design are exempt from further environmental
review as Type II actions; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby approves the above-subject project,
subject to further environmental review of construction; and, it is hereby further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby authorizes the City of Ithaca to pay in
the first instance 100% of the federal and non-federal share of the cost of Preliminary
Engineering/Design work for the Project or portions thereof; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That the sum of $816,400 is hereby appropriated from the issuance of
serial bonds and made available to cover the cost of participation in the above phase of
the Project; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby creates Capital Project #833, East
State/Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Retaining Wall, to include the Project costs of
$816,400; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That in the event the full federal and non-federal share costs of the project
exceed the amount appropriated above, the Common Council of the City of Ithaca shall
convene as soon as possible to appropriate said excess amount immediately upon the
notification by the New York State Department of Transportation thereof; and, it is
further
RESOLVED, That the Mayor of the City of Ithaca be and is hereby authorized to
execute all necessary Agreements, and the Superintendent of Public Works is hereby
authorized to execute all necessary certifications or reimbursement requests for Federal
Aid on behalf of the City of Ithaca with the New York State Department of
Transportation in connection with the advancement or approval of the Project and
providing for the administration of the Project and the municipality’s first instance
funding of Project costs and permanent funding of the local share of federal-aid and
state-aid eligible Project costs and all Project costs within appropriations therefore that
are not so eligible; and, it is further
RESOLVED, That this project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost
of the Project to the City of Ithaca will be roughly 5% of said portion, currently estimated
at $40,960 of the $816,400 authorized for this portion of the project, in monies and in-
kind services as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and monitored by the
City Controller; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a certified copy of this resolution be filed with the New York State
Commissioner of Transportation by attaching it to any necessary Agreement in
connection with the Project; and, it is further
RESOLVED, This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
9.3 Department of Public Works - Request to Establish Capital Project for
Expansion of the Alex Haley Municipal Wading Pool - Resolution
WHEREAS, staff from the Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) have identified a
need to expand the wading pool at the Alex Haley Municipal Pool to accommodate
more people; and
WHEREAS, GIAC, Inc. has been awarded $185,000 in Community Development Block
Grant funds from the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, and has received $95,000 in
private donations; and
WHEREAS, Common Council is desirous of progressing this reimbursement project;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby establishes Capital Project #834, Alex
Haley Municipal Wading Pool Expansion in the amount not to exceed $305,000 for the
purposes of designing and constructing such improvements; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That funding for said Capital Project shall be derived from the issuance of
Serial Bonds with the understanding that $185,000 of eligible expenses will be
reimbursed by the Community Development Block Grant program as administered by
the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and $95,000 will be reimbursed by GIAC, Inc. based
on private donations; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That this project be undertaken with the understanding that the final cost
of the Project to the City of Ithaca will be roughly 8% of said portion, currently estimated
at $25,000 of the $305,000 authorized for this portion of the project, in monies and in-
kind services as managed by the Superintendent of Public Works and monitored by the
City Controller.
Committee of the Whole:
9.5 Request To Fund City Facilities Studies for Property Relocations and
Consolidation - Resolution
WHEREAS, as part of the 2016 authorized City of Ithaca Capital Projects Fund, Capital
Project #822 was established in the amount of $500,000 for the purposes of funding the
design and planning cost for a new site and future construction of a new East Hill Fire
Station; and
WHEREAS, the City Facilities Master Planning Committee has been meeting since
January 2016 and has determined that the scope of this project needs to be expanded
to include the evaluation of various other existing City Facilities for future relocation,
improvements and consolidations; and
WHEREAS, it is recommended that the new scope of property evaluation will include
the following City Facilities; East Hill and Central Fire Stations; City Hall; City Police
Station; DPW Streets and Facilities and the DPW Water and Sewer Division; and
WHEREAS, the new proposed scope will include, but is not limited to, the evaluation
studies to determine the feasibility, costs and benefits of consolidation, appraisals and
future facility improvements; and
WHEREAS, the evaluation studies of these City properties has been estimated to cost
$150,000 and can be funded from the existing authorization in Capital Project #822;
now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Common Council hereby expand the scope of Capital Project #822
East Hill Fire Station Design, to include evaluation studies for the following City
Facilities; East Hill and Central Fire Stations; City Hall; City Police Station; DPW Streets
and Facilities and the DPW Water and Sewer Division; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the funds needed for these evaluations, shall be derived from
existing funds in Capital Project #822 East Hill Fire Station Design in an amount not to
exceed $150,000.
1 | Page
BACK-UP ITEM 9.5
TO: Members of Common Council
FROM: JoAnn Cornish, Director of Planning and Development
DATE: August 17, 2016
RE: Capital Funding Request for City Facilities Studies
The City Facilities Master Planning Committee has been meeting regularly since February
of 2016 to carry out the Mayor’s directive to “to evaluate the existing city facilities and
make recommendations for improvements, relocations and consolidations.” After touring
several City-owned facilities and properties, the committee is requesting to use capital
project funds in the amount of $150,000 to prepare two studies to inform future decisions
concerning capital spending for City facilities. The first study will evaluate the feasibility,
costs, and benefits of consolidating City Hall, Fire Station #9, Central Fire Station, and
the Police Department, into one central campus to be located at the current location of
the Central Fire Station. The second study will be a similar analysis of the possible
consolidation of Water & Sewer and Streets & Facilities to one central facility. The two
studies can be funded from an existing capital project (Capital Project #822, East Hill Fire
Station Design), but the scope of that capital project must be expanded in order to do
so. The Facilities Master Planning Committee will distribute a scope of work for the two
studies to several firms and choose the most qualified consultant to complete the work
once this request has been approved.
CITY OF ITHACA
108 E. Green Street — 3rd Floor Ithaca, NY 14850-5690
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, BUILDING, ZONING, & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Division of Planning & Economic Development
JOANN CORNISH, DIRECTOR OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Telephone: Planning & Development – 607-274-6550 Community Development/IURA – 607-274-6559
Email: dgrunder@cityofithaca.org Email: iura@cityofithaca.org
8/24/16
BACK-UP ITEM 9.5
Information for August 24, 2016 Committee of the Whole Meeting
Request for Capital Funding for
City Facilities Studies
The City Facilities Master Planning Committee is requesting a capital project in the amount
of $150,000 to carry out the Mayor’s directive to “to evaluate the existing city facilities
and make a recommendations for improvements, relocations and consolidations.” The
proposed Scope of Services, as described below, is currently being distributed for
estimates, and the Facilities Master Planning Committee will choose the most qualified
consultants to complete these tasks once funding has been approved.
Study #1: Central Campus
It is expected that the consultant will evaluate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of
consolidating City Hall, Fire Station #9, Central Fire Station, and the Police Department,
into one central campus to be located between West Green Street and West State/M.L.K.
Jr. Street. This consolidation would involve the sale of several parcels of City-owned land,
including City Hall, Fire Station #9, the Police Department, and adjacent parking areas.
Study #1 will include the following components:
Program and space needs assessments for included departments as well as
space needs for Common Council; conference/meeting space; and records
storage.
- Review of previous Thomas Associates report that documented
departmental space needs;
- Meetings with departments to discuss updates to space needs,
location/layout requirements, and changes that could improve efficiency;
- Identification of additional space needs and configuration requirements for
a new central campus.
Conceptual site plan of new facilities
- Prepare a site concept plan for appropriate sized building(s) to
accommodate City Hall, the Police Department, and an expanded Central
Fire Station on W. Green Street.
- The conceptual site plan will address building siting, parking, and on-site
circulation.
Cost estimates
- Construction of new facilities at a central campus on W. Green Street; and
- Renovation of existing facilities to address deficiencies and ensure
continued operation for a 20-year time frame.
Appraisals of existing City buildings and properties for potential sale
- City Hall and adjacent parking lot (Tax Parcel 70.-5-23 and portion of 70.-
4-5.2)
- Western 1/3rd of the Green Garage (Tax Parcel 70.-4-5.2)
- Police Department (Not City Court Building; portion of 81.-3-1 & 81.-10-1)
- Collegetown Fire Station #9 (64.-10-17.2)
Study #2: Public Works Facility
It is expected that the consultant will evaluate the feasibility, costs, and benefits of
consolidating Water & Sewer and Streets & Facilities into one central facility. At this
time, the study will focus on creating a consolidated facility on the City-owned property
in the Southwest. However, the City could determine that an alternate location or
colocation with the Town of Ithaca or Tompkins County would be preferable to this
Southwest site. This consolidation would involve the sale of several parcels of City-
owned land at the existing Water & Sewer and Streets & Facilities locations.
Study #2 will include the following components:
o Program and space needs assessments for Water & Sewer and Streets &
Facilities
Review of previous Thomas Associates report that documented
departmental space needs;
Meetings with departments to discuss updates to space needs,
location/layout requirements, and changes that could improve
efficiency;
Identification of additional space needs and configuration
requirements for a new consolidated facility.
o Conceptual site plan for new facility
Prepare a site concept plan for appropriate sized building(s) and
outdoor storage areas to accommodate both Water & Sewer and
Streets & Facilities.
The conceptual site plan will address vehicular access, parking, and
on-site circulation.
o Cost estimates for new facility
Construction of new facilities at a consolidated site on City-owned
land in the Southwest; and
Renovation of existing facilities to address deficiencies and ensure
continued operation for a 20-year time frame.
o Appraisals of existing City buildings and properties for potential sale
Water & Sewer facilities on First Street (main building, storage
buildings, workshop; 25.-4-1 & 25.-1-5; includes daycare facility)
Streets & Facilities on Pier Road (16.-1-3 & 16.-1-4.2)
W STATE ST
W GREEN ST S ALBANY STFAYETTE STCentral Fire Station
Legend
Parks
City-Owned Property
Waterway
±NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 Datum
Map Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012
Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Program, 2012
0 100 200 Feet
E GREEN STS CAYUGA STN CAYUGA STCity Hall & Green Street Parking Garage
Legend
Parks
City-Owned Property
Waterway
±NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 Datum
Map Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012
Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Program, 2012
0 100 200 Feet
S CAYUGA STE CLINTON ST
E SPENCER STTURNER PLSIX MILE CREEK WALKW CLINTON ST
Ithaca Police Department
Legend
Parks
City-Owned Property
Waterway
±NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 Datum
Map Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012
Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Program, 2012
0 100 200 Feet
FI
R
S
T
S
T
FRANKLIN STN MEADOW STADAMS STALICE MILLER WAYWater & Sewer
Legend
Parks
City-Owned Property
Waterway
±NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 Datum
Map Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012
Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Program, 2012
0 125 250 Feet
PIER RD
WIL
L
OW
A
V
E STATE ROUTE 13 SSTATE ROUTE 13 NStreets & Facilities
Legend
Parks
City-Owned Property
Waterway
±NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 Datum
Map Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012
Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Program, 2012
0 200 400 Feet
PIER
RDSTATE ROUTE 13 SSTATE ROUTE 13 NFire Training Center
Legend
City-Owned Property
Parks
Waterway
±NY State Plane, Central GRS 80 Datum
Map Source: Tompkins County Digital Planimetric Map 1991-2012
Data Source: City of Ithaca GIS Program, 2012
0 250 500 Feet
10. PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
10.1 Diversity & Inclusion Requirements in the City of Ithaca Community
Investment Incentive Tax Abatement Program (CIITAP) – Resolution
WHEREAS, at the City’s request, the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency
(“IDA”) established a program to provide financial incentives for development of multi-
story buildings in the greater downtown; and
WHEREAS, in 2015 the Mayor formed a working group to recommend reforms to
CIITAP to:
A. Retain the program as an effective tool to incentivize smart growth and
discourage sprawl and
B. Improve the program’s ability to deliver broad community benefits that may
include:
• An increased use of local labor;
• An increase in living wage job creation;
• More environmentally friendly building;
• Increased economic opportunities for people of all backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Common Council amended the City CIITAP policy to
require documentation of the actual level of local construction labor participation on
CIITAP projects and require solicitation of construction bids from local subcontractors
utilized on CIITAP projects; and
WHEREAS, the IDA incorporated the City’s local construction labor requirements into
the CIITAP program; and
WHEREAS, additional CIITAP requirements to enhance energy performance of
buildings and require a developer contribution to a community benefit fund have
received preliminary support from Common Council; and
WHEREAS, the Planning & Economic Development Committee has had substantial
dialog with the City’s Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee (WDAC) regarding how
to structure appropriate and reasonable diversity and inclusion requirements in the
CIITAP policy; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council does hereby amend the City
CIITAP policy to require applicants to satisfy the following diversity and inclusion
requirements:
Diversity and Inclusion
In order to meet diversity requirements, single use project end-users (projects
developed specifically for one corporate end-user such as a hotel or bank) must
commit to the following:
A. Action:
The single-use project end-user will:
• Become active members of the Diversity Consortium of Tompkins
County, attend the bi-annual Diversity Roundtable, and participate in
the Diversity Consortium’s annual workshops and events. Active
membership is defined as paying annual membership dues, attending a
minimum of four meetings of the Consortium per calendar year,
participating in at least two of the approximately six trainings offered
per year and attending the bi-annual conference when offered;
• Establish and implement management strategies for hiring, retention
and promotion of women, people of color and people with disabilities for
part-time, internship, and full- time positions at all levels of their
organization with the goal of employing a workforce in which the number of
women, people of color, and people with disabilities meets or exceeds a
number in proportions equal to that of the population of the City of Ithaca
demographics;
• Identify and implement specific actions designed to reduce and
address unconscious workplace biases, such as annual staff training;
and,
B. Reporting:
The single-use project end-user will provide to both the IDA and the
Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee, on March 1st of each year of the
abatement period, annual reports detailing:
• Workforce diversity goals, and strategies utilized each year to increase
hiring, retention and promotion of women, people of color, and people with
disabilities;
• Actions taken to reduce and address unconscious workplace biases;
• Workforce demographics by gender, race/ethnicity, age, disability, job
class and gender, and job class and race/ethnicity; and
• Compliance with active participation in the Diversity Consortium; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the above CIITAP diversity and inclusion requirements not be
subject to the IDA recapture policy in recognition that adoption and implementation of
workforce diversity and inclusion strategies is more an on-going process than an easily
measured outcome; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the Common Council hereby requests the Tompkins County
Industrial Development Agency (IDA) require CIITAP applicants, and their single-use
project end-users, to satisfy the City’s diversity and inclusion policy as a condition of
approval; and, be it further
RESOLVED, The Common Council hereby recommends the IDA apply similar
diversity and inclusion requirements as a condition for approval of tax abatements on
a county-wide basis; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee (WDAC) is hereby
requested to develop a workforce diversity and inclusion resource toolkit to assist
employers in meeting CIITAP diversity and inclusion requirements; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the City CIITAP application be expanded to require any applicant
for a single-use end-user project to describe their strategy for ensuring diversity in
hiring.
To: Planning & Economic Development Committee of Common Council
From: Nels Bohn, Director of Community Development
RE: Proposed Diversity & Inclusion Amendments to CIITAP - Update
Date: August 5, 2016
A circulation memo on proposed diversity amendments to the City CIITAP policy was distributed
on July 19th. To date, I have received no written comments.
Based on suggestions received at a meeting with City’s Workforce Diversity Advisory Committee
on July 14th, I have made non-substantive corrections and clarifications to the proposed
resolution and self-reporting forms contained with the 7/19/16 circulation memo. The revised
materials are attached for your consideration.
Ithaca
Urban
Renewal
Agency
Project R ecapture Policy
Mayor’s Charge to CIITAP Reform Committee
Deliver recommended reforms to the CIITAP to the Common
Council that will:
1. Retain the program as an effective tool to incentivize smart growth and
discourage sprawl
2. Improve the program’s ability to deliver broad community benefits that
may including:
An increased use of local labor
An increase in living wage job creation
More environmentally friendly building
Increased economic opportunities for people of all
backgrounds
Page 1 of 3
CIITAP Annual Self-Reporting Forms – Diversity & Inclusion
CIITAP Applicant Name: Date:
CIITAP Project Name:
Due date: March 1st
Reporting Period: Prior Calendar Year
Public Record Note: This report may be made available for public inspection. Do not include
confidential information in your responses.
CIITAP REQUIREMENT YES NO
1. Have you provided workforce diversity goals on the following page?
2. Have you provided workforce diversity strategies on the following page?
3. Have you provided actions taken to address unconscious workforce bias on the
following page?
4. Have you completed and submitted the workforce demographic profile?
5. Have annual DCTC dues for the prior calendar year been paid?
6. Has a representative from your firm attended at least 4 meetings of the DCTC
in the prior calendar year?
7. Has a representative from your firm participated in at least 2 DCTC trainings
offered in the prior calendar year?
8. Has a representative from your firm attended the bi-annual DCTC conference
(if held)?
If you answered “No” to any of the above questions please explain why :
Page 2 of 3
Identify workforce diversity goals to increase hiring, retention, and promotion of women, people of
color, and people with disabilities:
Identify workforce diversity strategies utilized in the prior calendar year:
Identify actions taken to reduce and address unconscious workplace biases in the prior calendar year:
Do you seek technical assistance on diversity and inclusion workforce initiatives?
Certification
I certify that the information provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Name:
Title:
Page 3 of 3
Attach workforce demographic profile and submit to both the Tompkins County Industrial Development
Agency (TCIDA) and the City of Ithaca.
WorkforceDemographicProfile Dataaccurateasof:
CIITAPApplicant Name:
CIITAPProject Name:
IdentityofEmployerforReportedWorkforceData(fill in onenamebelow)
Employer:
CompanyWorkforce
PermanentEmployees LaborForceEstimate s
EmployerWorkforce Data Cityof Tompkins City of Tompkins
Number Percent Ithaca County Ithaca County
PermanentEmployees,by Gender
Male #DIV/0!53% 51% 50% 50%
Female #DIV/0!47% 49% 50% 50%
Total 0 #DIV/0!100% 100% 100% 100%
PermanentEmployees,by Race
White #DIV/0!76% 86% 67% 80%
BlackorAfricanAmerican #DIV/0!5% 3% 6% 4%
AmericanIndian orAlaskanNative #DIV/0!1% 0% 0% 0%
Asian #DIV/0!13% 7% 16% 9%
PacificIslander #DIV/0!0% 0% 0% 0%
Someotherrace #DIV/0!2% 1% 0% 0%
Twoormoreraces #DIV/0!3% 2% 4% 3%
HispanicorLatino (of anyrace)NA NA NA NA 7% 4%
Total 0 #DIV/0!100% 99% 100% 100%
PermanentEmployees,by Ethnicit y
HispanicorLatino origin (of anyrace)#DIV/0!8% 4%
NotHispanic orLatino #DIV/0!92% 96%
Total 0 #DIV/0!100% 100%
PermanentEmployees,by Age
<25 #DIV/0!52% 27%
2544 #DIV/0!31% 35%
4564 #DIV/0!16% 33%
65+#DIV/0!1% 4%
Total 0 #DIV/0!100% 99%
PermanentEmployees,by Disabilit y
Disabled #DIV/0!6% 7%
NotDisabled #DIV/0!94% 93%
Total 0 #DIV/0!100% 100%
PermanentEmployees,by FTStatus
Fulltime #DIV/0!
Parttime #DIV/0!
Total 0 #DIV/0!
Sourceforcommunity labor forceestimates:2007 2011American Community Survey,reportedbytheCornell Program on Applied Demographics
Sourceforpopulation demographics:2010Decennial Census
2010Population
Seeabove
CommunityComparisons
WorkforceDemographicProfile(continued)Dataaccurateasof:CIITAPApplicantName:CIITAPProjectName:NumberofPermanentEmployeesJobClass GenderEthnicityRaceJobCategoriesTotal Female Male Hispanic Not White Blackor AmericanAsian Pacific SomeTwoorHispanicAfrican IndianorIslander other moreAmerican Alaskan race racesNativeABCDEFGHI JKLExecutivesandManagersProfessionalsTechniciansSalesWorkersOffice&ClericalWorkersCraftWorkers(skilled)Operatives(semiskilled)Laborers(unskilled)ServiceworkersTotals000000000000CertificationIcertifythattheemploymentdataprovidedistrueandaccuratetothebestofmyknowledgePrintName:Title:Signature:
JOB CATEGORIES
Officials and managers:
Occupations requiring administrative and managerial personnel who set broad policies, exercise overall responsibility for execution
of these policies, and direct individual departments or special phases of a firm's operations. Includes: officials, executives, middle
management, plant managers, department managers, and superintendents, salaried supervisors who are members of management,
purchasing agents and buyers, railroad conductors and yard masters, ship captains, mates and other officers, farm operators and
managers, and kindred workers.
Professionals:
Occupations requiring either college graduation or experience of such kind and amount as to provide a comparable background.
Includes: accountants and auditors, airplane pilots and navigators, architects, artists, chemists, designers, dietitians, editors,
engineers, lawyers, librarians, mathematicians, natural scientists, registered professional nurses, personnel and labor relations
specialists, physical scientists, physicians, social scientists, teachers, surveyors and kindred workers.
Technicians:
Occupations requiring a combination of basic scientific knowledge and manual skill which can be obtained through 2 years of post
high school education, such as is offered in many technical institutes and junior colleges, or through equivalent on-the-job training.
Includes: computer programmers, drafters, engineering aides, junior engineers, mathematical aides, licensed, practical or vocational
nurses, photographers, radio operators, scientific assistants, technical illustrators, technicians (medical, dental, electronic, physical
science), and kindred workers.
Sales:
Occupations engaging wholly or primarily in direct selling. Includes: advertising agents and sales workers, insurance agents and
brokers, real estate agents and brokers, stock and bond sales workers, demonstrators, sales workers and sales clerks, grocery clerks,
and cashiers/checkers, and kindred workers.
Office and clerical:
Includes all clerical-type work regardless of level of difficulty, where the activities are predominantly non-manual though some
manual work not directly involved with altering or transporting the products is included. Includes: bookkeepers, collectors (bills and
accounts), messengers and office helpers, office machine operators (including computer), shipping and receiving clerks,
stenographers, typists and secretaries, telegraph and telephone operators, legal assistants, and kindred workers.
Craft Workers (skilled):
Manual workers of relatively high skill level having a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the processes involved in their
work. Exercise considerable independent judgment and usually receive an extensive period of training. Includes: the building trades,
hourly paid supervisors and lead operators who are not members of management, mechanics and repairers, skilled machining
occupations, compositors and typesetters, electricians, engravers, painters (construction and maintenance), motion picture
projectionists, pattern and model makers, stationary engineers, tailors and tailoresses, arts occupations, handpainters, coaters,
bakers, decorating occupations, and kindred workers.
Operatives (semiskilled):
Workers who operate machine or processing equipment or perform other factory-type duties of intermediate skill level which can
be mastered in a few weeks and require only limited training. Includes: apprentices (auto mechanics, plumbers, bricklayers,
carpenters, electricians, machinists, mechanics, building trades, metalworking trades, printing trades, etc.), operatives, attendants
(auto service and parking), blasters, chauffeurs, delivery workers, sewers and stitchers, dryers, furnace workers, heaters, laundry
and dry cleaning operatives, milliners, mine operatives and laborers, motor operators, oilers and greasers (except auto), painters
(manufactured articles), photographic process workers, truck and tractor drivers, knitting, looping, taping and weaving machine
operators, welders and flamecutters, electrical and electronic equipment assemblers, butchers and meatcutters, inspectors, testers
and graders, handpackers and packagers, and kindred workers.
Laborers (unskilled):
Workers in manual occupations which generally require no special training who perform elementary duties that may be learned in a
few days and require the application of little or no independent judgment. Includes: garage laborers, car washers and greasers,
groundskeepers and gardeners, farmworkers, stevedores, wood choppers, laborers performing lifting, digging, mixing, loading and
pulling operations, and kindred workers.
Service workers:
Workers in both protective and non-protective service occupations. Includes: attendants (hospital and other institutions,
professional and personal service, including nurses aides, and orderlies), barbers, charworkers and cleaners, cooks, counter and
fountain workers, elevator operators, firefighters and fire protection, guards, door-keepers, stewards, janitors, police officers and
detectives, porters, waiters and waitresses, amusement and recreation facilities attendants, guides, ushers, public transportation
attendants, and kindred workers.
13. INDIVIDUAL MEMBER – FILED RESOLUTIONS:
13.1 Alderperson Brock - Resolution Supporting Adoption of the Equal Access
to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH) Woman Act
WHEREAS, reproductive health is a vital component of a woman's overall health, and a
woman’s freedom to make reproductive decisions is vital to her safety, well-being,
economic opportunity, and ability to participate equally in society; and
WHEREAS, women need access to safe, affordable, and comprehensive reproductive
health care throughout their lives, including screening for cancer and sexually
transmitted infections, contraceptive services, abortion care, prenatal care, and labor
and delivery services; and
WHEREAS, on January 22, 1973, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a historic and landmark
decision, ruled in Roe v. Wade that the U.S. Constitution safeguards a woman's ability
to make her own personal medical decisions about when or whether to have children;
and
WHEREAS, in the last 43 years, access to abortion care has allowed women to
participate more fully in society, saved lives, and strengthened families; and
WHEREAS, the government, by partially or fully subsidizing health insurance and health
care services for individuals who meet certain eligibility criteria, recognizes that health
care is essential to protect an individual's ability to fully participate in her family,
community, and society; and
WHEREAS, health insurance, whether private or government funded, should cover the
full range of a woman's options when she is facing an unintended pregnancy, so that
she is able to make the decision she deems best for her and her family without
interference; and
WHEREAS, we must guard against efforts to deliberately erode the availability and
affordability of abortion and undermine the protections provided by Roe v. Wade; and
WHEREAS, one such restriction is the Hyde Amendment, passed by Congress on
September 30, 1976, which has for 40 years denied abortion coverage for low-income
women enrolled in the Medicaid health insurance program, significantly impeding their
ability to access abortion; and
WHEREAS, New York and many other states offer vital health care to fill the gap left by
the federal Hyde Amendment by providing those enrolled in the state Medicaid plan with
coverage for the full range of pregnancy-related services, including abortion; and
WHEREAS, many women in Ithaca, New York, including state and federal employees,
Peace Corps members, and beneficiaries of Indian Health Services and military
insurance programs, obtain insurance coverage through other public insurance
programs that also include restrictions that withhold coverage for abortion; and
WHEREAS, September 30, 2016 marks the 40th year of the federal Hyde Amendment,
which denies women use of Medicaid insurance for abortion and represents the nexus
of deeply entrenched economic injustice, racism, and gender inequity; and
WHEREAS, the Equal Access to Abortion Coverage in Health Insurance (EACH)
Woman Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2015; and
WHEREAS, the EACH Woman Act would expand coverage for abortion services to
women currently denied by ensuring that every woman who receives care or insurance
through the federal government will have coverage for abortion services; and by
prohibiting political interference in private insurance coverage of abortion; and
WHEREAS, laws that restrict insurance coverage of abortion can create insurmountable
obstacles to quality health care; and
WHEREAS, when health insurance coverage for abortion is restricted, the harm falls
hardest on those who already face significant barriers to receiving high-quality health
care, such as low-income women, immigrant women, young women, women of color,
and transgender and gender-nonconforming people; and
WHEREAS, a woman who wants to get an abortion but is denied is more likely to fall
into poverty than one who can get an abortion1; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that funding of comprehensive reproductive health care be
increased and that abortion be covered as part of comprehensive reproductive health
care in all public insurance programs to ensure that services are accessible for women
who are enrolled in such programs; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca, New York calls upon Congress and President
Obama to support and reinstate insurance coverage for abortion services for women
enrolled in public insurance programs by enacting the EACH Woman Act; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That this Resolution be sent to the Tompkins County Legislature and the
individual municipalities in Tompkins County, in the hopes that similar Resolutions will
be adopted by their legislative bodies.
1 Reproductive Health Technologies Project (August 2015). Two Sides of the Same
Coin: Integrating Economic and Reproductive Justice. Retrieved from
http://rhtp.org/abortion/documents/TwoSidesSameCoinReport.pdf.
THE EQUAL ACCESS TO ABORTION COVERAGE
IN HEALTH INSURANCE (EACH Woman) ACT:
Groundbreaking Legislation for Reproductive Justice
LEGISLATIVE OVERVIEW
The EACH Woman Act makes a meaningful policy change for women and their families creat two
important standards for reproductive health:
First, it sets up the federal government as a standard-bearer, ensuring that every woman who
receives care or insurance through the federal government will have coverage for abortion
services. The EACH Woman Act restores abortion coverage to those:
enrolled in a government health insurance plan (i.e., Medicaid, Medicare), including those who
livein the District of Columbia;
enrolled in a government-managed health insurance program (i.e., FEHBP, TRICARE) due to an
employment relationship; or
receiv health care from a government provider or program (i.e., Indian Health Services, the
Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Veterans Administration).
Second, it prohibits political interference with decisions by private health insurance
companies to offer coverage for abortion care. Federal, state and local legislators will not be able
to interfere with the private insurance market, including the insurance marketplaces established by
theAffordable Care Act, to prevent insurance companies from providing abortion coverage.
BACKGROUND
Since the Hyde Amendment passed in 1976, anti-choice politicians have added
abortion coverage and funding restrictions to appropriations language that
restricts:
Medicaid, Medicare and Children’s Health Insurance Program
enrollees;
Federal employees and their dependents;
Peace Corps volunteers;
Native Americans;
Women in federal prisons and detention centers, including those
detained for immigration purposes;
Low-income women in the District of Columbia.
Anti-choice politicians in 25 states have enacted restrictions that interfere with
abortion as a covered health service in the private insurance market.
Additionally, 21 states restrict abortion coverage in insurance plans available for public employees, and 10
states have laws barring insurance coverage of abortion in all private insurance plans written in the state.1
1State Policies in Brief: Restricting Insurance Coverage of Abortion. Guttmacher Institute, July 2015. Available at
https://www.guttmacher.org/statecenter/spibs/spib_RICA.pdf
THE HYDE
AMENDMENT,
passed yearly by
Congress in federal
appropriations
legislation, bans
federal funding for
abortion except in
cases of rape, incest,
and life endangerment.
The measure primarily
restricts federal
Medicaid coverage.
These restrictions impact women across the United States.
According to the most recent data, approximately 1 in 6 women of reproductive age (15-44) are
enrolled in Medicaid, a number not reflective of the many women who now have health insurance due
to Medicaid expansion through the Affordable Care Act.2
More than a million women are federal employees. This number does not include reproductive age
dependents also covered by Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.3
Roughly 1.1 million women of reproductive age are covered by TRICARE or other form of military
health care.4
Indian Health Services provide care for nearly 1 million women.5
Nearly 14,000 women are housed in federal prisons.6
More than 4,200 Peace Corps volunteers are women, most of which are single and young.7
DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT
When policymakers deny women insurance coverage for abortion, they either are forced to carry the
pregnancy to term or pay for care out of their own pockets. Consequently, cutting off access to or placing
strict limitations on abortion can have profoundly harmful effects on public health, particularly for those who
already face significant barriers to receiving high-quality care, such as low-income women, immigrant women,
young women, and women of color.
Studies show that when policymakers place severe restrictions on Medicaid coverage of abortion, it
forces one in four poor women seeking an abortion to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term.8
When a woman is living paycheck to paycheck, denying coverage for an abortion can push her deeper
into poverty. Indeed, studies show that a woman who seeks an abortion but is denied is more likely to
fall into poverty than one who is able to get an abortion.9
Women with lower socioeconomic status – specifically those who are least able to afford out-of-pocket
medical expenses – already experience disproportionately high rates of adverse health conditions.
Denying access to abortion care only exacerbates existing health disparities.10
Due to a number of underlying reasons connected to inequity, women of color are more likely to
qualify for government insurance programs that restrict abortion coverage and are more likely to
experience higher rates of unintended pregnancy.11
In summary, when it comes to the most important decisions in life, such as whether to become a parent, it is
vital that a woman is able to consider all the options available to her, however little money she makes or
however she is insured. The EACH Woman Act creates a more even playing field, so that a lack of
health coverage will not stand in the way of a woman making the best decision for her and her family.
“I certainly would like to prevent, if I could legally, anybody having an abortion, a rich
woman, a middle-class woman, or a poor woman.
Unfortunately, the only vehicle available is the…Medicaid bill.”
-Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), 1977
"The Hyde Amendment is designed to deprive poor and minority women
@allaboveall
ALLABOVEALL.ORG
“The Hyde Amendment is designed to deprive poor and minority women
of the constitutional right to choose abortion."
-Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (1980)
Congress has the opportunity to lift
the Hyde Amendment each year.
Passing a Resolution in Support of Insurance Coverage of Abortion:
Why Ithaca?
Federal law currently imposes unfair limitations on insurance coverage of abortion. The Hyde
Amendment, first passed by Congress in 1976, bans Medicaid coverage of abortion. Federal law also
prohibits insurance coverage of abortion for women who qualify for other government-sponsored
insurance programs, including women enrolled in Medicare, people in the military and their dependents
and female veterans who receive coverage from the Veterans Benefits Administration, Native American
women who receive health care from Indian Health Service, federal employees, women in federal
prison, and women who serve in the Peace Corps.
To take a stand against these unjust abortion restrictions, progressive cities and counties nationwide are
demonstrating their support for comprehensive reproductive health care for all women by passing
resolutions that call on federal and state lawmakers to reinstate coverage for comprehensive
reproductive health care services, including abortion. These efforts are being led by advocates on the
ground in these cities, in coordination with a national coalition committed to working at all levels of
government to reinstate full public insurance coverage for vital reproductive health care services.
Ithaca and New York State as a Leader in Reproductive Health Care Coverage
This September marks the 40th year the Hyde Amendment. While Hyde and similar bans have pushed
abortion out of reach for people across this country, it is important to celebrate New York State’s
leadership in filling this crucial gap for its residents. The City of Ithaca exemplifies this leadership as the
home of Connie Cook, the Republican Assemblywoman who fought to decriminalize abortion in New
York State in 1970. A resolution from the City fits squarely within its long history of support for abortion
rights, enabling Ithaca to walk in Rep. Cook’s footsteps by standing up once again for access to abortion
care, and would serve to both honor the commitment New York has made to women, while calling on
the federal government to fulfill its responsibility to do so. As the first city in New York State, outside of
New York City, to pass a resolution calling on Congress to restore federal coverage for abortion, Ithaca
will demonstrate its continued leadership as a progressive bastion within the state and reinforce its own
principles of social justice and support for women’s autonomy.
The Direct Impact of Bans on Abortion Coverage in Ithaca
Despite the fact that New York State provides Medicaid coverage of abortion, meaning that women of
reproductive age in Ithaca who use Medicaid are able to use their insurance for this important medical
procedure, many women in the city are still subject to bans on insurance coverage of abortion.
According to data from the 2010 US census, in Ithaca there are:
73 women of reproductive age receive Medicare coverage.1
123 women of reproductive age in Ithaca receive health insurance from TRICARE2
Such restrictions also apply to Ithaca residents who work for the federal government, as well as Peace
Corps volunteers, federal prisoners, and Native American women who utilize Indian Health Services.
Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes (PPSFL) is proud to be an important source of care to
Ithacans who utilize insurance from these government-sponsored programs. Since mid-2012, PPSFL has
served:
680 Ithacan women enrolled in Medicaid as their primary form of insurance
62 Ithacan women enrolled in Medicare as their primary form of insurance
727 Ithacan women who reported no coverage at all, at income levels that qualify for Medicaid
534 Ithacan women who receive funding for services from state and local grants
The Impact of Medicaid Coverage of Abortion
“At 26 years old, I experienced a birth control pill failure and discovered I was pregnant. This being an
inopportune time, as well as totally unexpected, I chose to terminate the pregnancy. [Planned
Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes]…provided counseling about my decision and walked me
through every step of the very scary process. It’s rare in the world to receive that type of nurturing care.”
“When I found out I was pregnant, I went to [Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes] and got
an abortion. They helped me through my time of need when I was broken down and poor.”
“I found myself broke, homeless, and pregnant. When I made the decision to not have the baby, I was
not in any kind of place to take care of a baby. I couldn’t even take care of myself. “
The quotes above come from Ithacans who struggled to access abortion due to financial challenges, but
ultimately were able to get the care they needed thanks to New York’s funding for insurance coverage
of abortion. These stories reveal the varied and complex backgrounds of women who seek abortion, and
the real risks they face when they cannot get the support they need. Like too many people across the
country, these women faced hurdles to accessing abortion care; many people risk falling through the
cracks. What’s more, even though New York has generous benefits, many people seeking abortion care
aren’t aware of the coverage they are entitled to due to stigmatizing laws in place across the country
that cause confusion and fear. Restoring federal Medicaid coverage of abortion care would ensure that
women are able to exercise their rights to access the healthcare they need. Making abortion coverage
more straightforward, transparent, and accessible ensures that women are able to make the best
decision for their circumstances.
Increasing Restrictions on Insurance Coverage of Abortion across the Country
In addition to the direct harm that women in Ithaca face as a result of the Hyde Amendment and other
bans on abortion coverage, it is vitally important to make explicit the city’s stance that all women
deserve equal access to reproductive health care at a time when these rights are being taken away
across the country. Local officials in cities and counties across the country have taken action to strip
municipal employees of abortion coverage and to reject local family planning funding6, and twenty-five
states currently have laws banning insurance coverage of abortion on either their health exchanges or
statewide, many of which have been passed in the last several years.7
Ithaca: A History of Social Justice
The Ithaca Common Council has a long history of taking action to support important social justice issues
and challenges facing this country. Examples of important progressive resolutions passed by the
Common Council in recent years include:
Since 2001, the city has taken multiple steps to demonstrate its commitment to a Sustainable
Ithaca, including developing a Local Action Plan to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions and
unanimously adopting such a plan in 2013, as well as joining the US Mayors Climate Protection
Agreement and adopting the Climate Smart Communities Pledge.8
Approval to Defend the Civil Rights and Liberties of the People of Ithaca (February 2003),
expressing the city opposition to the USA Patriot Act and calling for city employees to uphold
and defend the civil rights and liberties of all citizens9
Resolution in Support of the Living Wage as the Minimum Wage across Tompkins County
(December 2015), in which the City called on Tompkins County to establish the Tompkins County
Living Wage as the county’s minimum wage.10
City of Ithaca Resolution to Affirm Commitment to and Support of Non-Discrimination
(September 2005), in which the City reaffirmed its commitment to non-discrimination and called
on its institutions “to take a strong and meaningful public position in support of LGBT members
of the community.”11
Resolution Calling for an Amendment to the United States Constitution to Abolish Corporate
Personhood (February 2012), in which the city expressed opposition to the Citizens United
decision and called for the passage of a Constitutional amendment to abolish Corporate
Personhood12
Resolution Affirming the City’s Appreciation of Its Immigrants and Calling on the United States
Congress to Enact Comprehensive Immigration Reform (March 2010), in which the City called
upon the US Congress to enact fair, just, and comprehensive immigration reform13
A Common Council resolution in support of insurance coverage of abortion for all people is well-aligned
with Ithaca’s long-standing tradition of standing up for progressive causes within its own borders, within
its home state, and across the country.
A Growing Movement
In passing a resolution calling for
insurance coverage for abortion
care, the Ithaca Common Council
would join a number of other
localities that stand for abortion
access for all people, regardless of
their income. The Travis County, TX
Commissioners Court, the New York
City Council, the Philadelphia Board
of Health, the Seattle City Council,
the Cook County Board of
Commissioners, the Madison,
Wisconsin Common Council and the
Cambridge City Council in
Massachusetts have all passed
resolutions in support of coverage
for comprehensive reproductive
health care.14 The Ithaca Common
Council has the opportunity to join a
growing chorus of voices declaring that all people deserve access to insurance coverage of abortion.
1http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_13_3YR_B27006&prodTy
pe=table
2http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ACS_13_3YR_B27008&prodTy
pe=table
6 http://www.nirhealth.org/resources/tracking-trends/local-attempts-to-limit-abortion-coverage-and-womens-
health-funding/
7 https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/spibs/spib_RICA.pdf
8 http://www.cityofithaca.org/422/City-Commitments-Resolutions
9 https://lfweb.tompkins-co.org/WebLink/13/doc/390118/Page12.aspx
10 https://lfweb.tompkins-co.org/WebLink/13/doc/532147/Page1.aspx
11 https://lfweb.tompkins-co.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=562975&searchid=0f8eedbe-6f71-48da-a4c7-
293c6ad50afe&dbid=13
12 https://lfweb.tompkins-co.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=289806&searchid=9659e2bc-99f0-47a4-8779-
7c9ecadb19e6&dbid=13
13 https://lfweb.tompkins-co.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=289880&searchid=e3a558d5-7beb-4d73-8a82-
b333b155545b&dbid=13
14 http://www.nirhealth.org/what-we-do/issue-advocacy/abortion/reinstating-coverage-for-abortion-2/
13.2 Alderperson Gearhart - Resolution to Select Artwork for a Painted Intersection at
Auburn, W. Lewis, and Adams Streets
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) has been established to, among
other duties, review and advise Common Council on proposals for the exhibition and display of
public art in the City’s public spaces; and
WHEREAS, in 2010, the PAC created a mural and street art program to beautify blank walls
within the city, while providing local artists from all sections of the community an opportunity to
showcase their work; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works adopted a policy to modify City intersections through
mural installations on the street surface in November 2011; and
WHEREAS, the organizers of Porchfest have submitted a proposal to paint the intersection of
Auburn, W. Lewis, and Adams Streets during this year’s event to commemorate the 10th
anniversary of Porchfest; and
WHEREAS, the artwork will be installed by artist Nina Widger during Porchfest on September
18, 2016, and may involve interested members of the community; and
WHEREAS, the proposed location is an intersection of three local, non-arterial streets and
meets the requirements for painted intersections identified by the Board of Public Works; and
WHEREAS, in lieu of the PAC’s standard public outreach for mural projects, the Porchfest
organizers will take the following steps to notify the neighborhood and address any questions or
concerns:
Notify all households and businesses within two standard city blocks of the proposed
project at least 30 days before the project installation date;
Submit a petition of support from all adjacent residents and at least 80% of the residents
within two standard city blocks of the proposed project; and
Work with all affected neighbors to resolve any concerns that may arise regarding the
project; and
WHEREAS, at its meeting on August 24, 2016, the PAC voted unanimously to recommend that
Common Council approve Nina Widger’s design commemorating the 10th anniversary of
Porchfest for installation at the intersection of Auburn, W. Lewis, and Adams Streets; now,
therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the City of Ithaca Common Council selects Nina Widger’s design, as
recommended by the Public Art Commission, to be installed at the intersection of Auburn, W.
Lewis, and Adams Streets and to be added to the City of Ithaca’s public art collection; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That the selected artist may proceed with the installation of her mural upon the
submission of a petition of support from area residents as required by the Board of Public Works
and the execution of an agreement with the City as reviewed by the City Attorney.
TO: Common Council BACK-UP ITEM 13.2
FROM: Megan Wilson, Senior Planner
DATE: August 30, 2016
RE: Mural Proposal: Porchfest Painted Intersection/Intersection Repair
In 2010, the City of Ithaca Public Art Commission (PAC) created a mural and street art program to
beautify blank walls within the city while providing local artists from all sections of the community
an opportunity to showcase their work. As part of this program, the organizers of Porchfest have
submitted a proposal to paint the intersection of Auburn, W. Lewis, and Adams Streets during this
year’s event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Porchfest.
The Board of Public Works adopted a policy to allow painted intersections, also known as
intersection repair, on local streets within the city. The policy outlines specific requirements for
location and installation of the artwork. It also requires neighborhood outreach and a petition of
support from all adjacent property owners and 80% of those within two blocks of the installation.
The organizers of Porchfest are applying for a street permit under this policy, and no further
approval by the Board is required.
The Public Art Commission reviewed the proposal at its meeting on August 24th and voted
unanimously to recommend that Common Council approve the installation. The proposal did not
go through the PAC’s standard public outreach process due to a lack of quorum over the summer
months. However, the PAC believes that the public outreach required by the Board of Public
Works policy is equivalent in scope to the PAC’s process and encourages the Common Council to
approve this proposal for this year’s Porchfest on September 18th.
The proposal and the proposed location are attached for your review. If you have any questions or
comments, please contact me at 274-6560 or mwilson@cityofithaca.org.
BACK UP ITEM 13.2
Intersection Repair (Painted Intersection)Proposal
for the 10th Anniversary of Ithaca’s Porchfest
Proposed Location:intersection of Auburn Street,W.Lewis Street &Adams Street,Ithaca,NY
Organizers:Porchfest Organizers Lesley Greene,Andy Adelwitz &Gretchen Hildreth;Neighbor &Bike
Walk Tompkins Director Vikki Armstrong;Artist Nina Widger
Contact:Lesley Greene 607.220.8822 info@porchfest.org
Vikki Armstrong 607.592.6631 varmstrong2424@gmail.com
Project Summary:Porchfest is a unique community music festival that was started in Ithaca NY in
September 2007.Ithaca’s Porchfest will celebrate its tenth anniversary this September 18th 2016.
Porchfest is organized by and beloved by the community in which it exists and is both a true outgrowth
and a creator of community spirit.There are now numerous independent Porchfests held in many cities
and towns across the USA and Canada;they all use Ithaca’s Porchfest as their model.Porchfest has truly
added to Ithaca as a vibrant,desirable community in which to live,as well as having starting a significant
and positive international movement.
To mark this important occasion,we propose to create another beautiful and artful community
placemaker –an “intersection repair”,ie.permanently painted intersection,modeled on the projects
done successfully in numerous locations in Portland Oregon over the past 12 years.This idea in principle
was already adopted by the City of Ithaca’s Board of Public Works in 2011.We are in the process of
following BPW guidelines to get permissions from adjacent landowners for this particular location.(see
attached BPW resolution).The selected location:the intersection of Auburn Street,W.Lewis Street and
Adams Street,meets the criteria as an intersection of three local,nonarterial roadways with low traffic
volume.This location has the added benefit and community import of being on the newly created Bike
Boulevard System as well as being adjacent to a City Park (Auburn Park)and a music store (Hickey’s).
The design is being created by lead artist Nina Widger who was the Porchfest artist for its first 7 years.
She paints in a colorful engaging style and has decades of experience with visual art,painted furniture
and commercial graphic design.The design will be bold,colorful and iconic,with ease of initial painting
and maintenance repainting as one of its criteria.Nina examined and learned from Portland’s numerous
“intersection repairs”,and designed a uniquely Ithaca design to commemorate Porchfest.Sketch
attached.
The review process laid out by the Board of Public Works resolution does not include an Ithaca Public
Art Committee’s review,but have gathered the info in this proposal so we all can have this information
together for discussion.This will be Ithaca’s first “intersection repair”.Theideal timeline will have the
painting taking place at Porchfest on Sunday September 18th.
Paint:Pavement grade Sherwin Williams ProIndustrial/Pro Park Waterborne Traffic Marking Paint
available in primary colors,black and white.Colors needed will be blended from those.
Square Footage &Approx Cost:$500 paint &brushes to cover 700 square foot area.
(Based on approx 30 ft diameter area.The paint covers 100 sq ft per gallon at approx $50 a gallon.
Rough estimate is a need for 8 gallons (1 black,1 white,2 blue,2 yellow,2 red)plus rollers &brushes).
Attachments:
Sketch of Proposed Intersection Repair Design
One Pager Nina Widger Portfolio of Porchfest Paintings 20072013
One Pager Nina Widger Brief Portfolio of Other Art
Intersection Snapshot
Board of Public Works Resolution for Intersection Repair
Additional Information about Porchfest:
http://www.porchfest.org/
http://www.porchfest.org/ninawidger paintings/
https://www.facebook.com/porchfest/?fref=ts
A Bit More About Intersection Repair
What is Intersection Repair?The term was coined in Portland,Oregon,where neighborhood groups
have painted giant murals onto ordinary local road intersections and transformed them into vibrant
community spaces.These projects create pride of place and a sense of community in addition to
creating safer traffic patterns and slower speeds in the neighborhoods.Portland has implemented these
projects for well over a decade,with dozens of examples.http://www.cityrepair.org/
http://www.cityrepair.org/streetpainting examples/
In March 2011,in response to a Street Films video about Portland’s intersection repair shown at the
Streets Alive!Film Festival,Ithacans requested the ability to do intersection repair in our community.
http://www.streetfilms.org/intersection repair/.In November 2011,Ithaca’s Board of Public Works
passed a resolution for a process to do intersection repairs in Ithaca.
BACK-UP ITEM 13.2
Proposed Location: Intersection of Auburn, W. Lewis, and Adams Streets
Proposed Design