HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-E&NQ-2007-06-25 Environmental and Neighborhood Quality Committee
Meeting Minutes
June 25, 2007
Present: Michelle Berry, JR Clairborne, Robin Korherr, Mayor Peterson, Shane Seager, Joel Zumoff&
Lana Milton(notes)
Call to Order 7:13 pm -Approval of Minutes—May 2007—Not distributed
Agenda Review Public Comment—None-Privilege of the Floor—None
Enerey Conservation—Ian Taitem President of Taitem Engineering provided information from a community
outreach pilot program. The `goal'of the program is to reach homes and to promote energy efficiency, using
volunteers. To promote improvements which might achieve 10-20% energy savings, as well as to direct
homeowners towards energy audits and further improvements this could lead to further savings. And the
"results" were 20 homes participated, evaluations of outreach were positive,no problems obtaining the signed
release from any of the homeowners, 97 lamps were sold at cost, including 56 24-watt lamps, 22 20-watt lamps,
9 23-watt lamps and 10 27-watt lamps. The committee thanked Ian for bringing the program to our attention.
Proposed Intermunicipal Recreation Partnership Agreement for 2008-2012 (YB)Acknowledgement to the
recreation staff; thanks for all the hard work. Last agreement expired 12/06— 1 year extension given until 12/07
to allow work for a new agreement
New agreement allowed for new language in addition to adding proposed highlights:
* allowing revenues in addition to municipal contributions (such as sponsorships and donations)to support the
budget in coming years.
* Encouraging each municipality to appoint an alternate(s)to the Recreation Partnership Boar in addition tot
heir appointed representative(s).
* Allow the Board to adopt its own bylaws,with opportunity for input from municipal partners
* Explore&create proposal for a position of program coordinator,to be ratified by all partners.
* Creating a contract for services with the City of Ithaca Youth Bureau and other potential providers to better
control; costs to the Partnership.
There are 11 different municipalities involved—concerns from any will be looked at Thursday, a follow
up meeting to come in July. All wording must be favorable to all municipalities and attorneys.
RESOLUTION: Robin Moved—2008-20012 Agreement; 2nd Gayraud—Carried Unanimously
Exterior—Property maintenance ordinance—Rental housing Advisory Committee provided a handout with
proposed revisions to the Exterior Property and Maintenance Ordinance.
Issue 1 —Liability for actions of third party-Request for a Sub-Committee
Issue 2 -The ordinance does not require tenant notification of citations or fines, yet the costs may be passed to
the tenant.
Issue 3 -Plastic bags on a porch or near a home are presumed to be garbage. Needs to be addressed with the
building department.
Issue 4 -The ordinance does not enumerate mitigating circumstances for infractions. Needs in-put from
building department and City Attorney.
Issue 5 - The fine structure of the EMPO is disproportionate tot eh fines for other city ordinance violations.
Regarding Issue 1 and 2—the Mayor will ask City Attorney to work on wording for rental housing, as
well as building department and rental advisory to draft language for an ordinance. As well as Bob Sarachan
for input.
Off leash doe area—$95, 000 has been an estimate cost for environmental review. Fees to owners for using
park—eliminate and reduce some of the targeted areas for Dog Park.
A longer conversation(forum)to all parties involved/interested should take place!
$5,000 allocated for Dog Park—possible use is to have a person hired to be our eyes to see what is really going
on at the dog park. Participation count, issues, etc. Have us/City made a formal request for financial support
from the town and other organizations to help support the dog park. Parks commission included!
Other municipalities should have their own dog parks—funding on dog park meeting on Wednesday.
RESOLUTION To hire impartial person to assess usage and in what areas of the"Dog Park"not to exceed
$5,000—to full council. Carried Unanimously.
Old Business/Updates—Approximately 50 community members were present for a forum with Superintendent
Judith Pastel. An NYU consulting firm was involved and asked concerns community have, steps that need to be
taken, etc. Ithaca Journal present and many city officials present—a priority is the school district needs to
reflect our community.
Adjournment at 9:10 pm
Motion by Joel
2nd by Michelle