HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CC-2018-01-01COMMON COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Special Meeting 5:00 p.m. January 1, 2018
PRESENT:
Mayor Myrick
Alderpersons (4): McGonigal, Nguyen, Gearhart, Smith
Alderpersons Elect (6): Brock, Murtagh, Fleming, Kerslick, Mohlenhoff, Lewis
OTHERS PRESENT:
City Clerk – Conley Holcomb
City Attorney - Lavine
Chief of Staff - Cogan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Myrick led all present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.
SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS:
Remarks by the Mayor
Mayor Myrick expressed his pleasure in serving with this Council. He noted the
challenges of being an elected official including late nights, low pay, losing friendships,
and striving to remain optimistic while governments on all levels are letting so many
people down on a regular basis. He highlighted his favorite attributes of each of the
incoming Council members: Alderperson Brock’s dogged determination on important
issues; Alderperson Murtagh’s friendship and mentorship; Alderperson Fleming’s
uncommon ability to see through clutter and bring common sense solutions;
Alderperson Kerslick’s willingness to go “above and beyond” in his service to the City;
and Alderperson Mohlenhoff’s leadership and clear vision of how this organization
should work.
He shared his memories of meeting Laura Lewis after the passing of a close friend. Her
work as a crisis counselor and her steady hand and compassion helped him and his
friends through dark days.
He remarked that in a situation where no one is satisfied with their government, all of
these people have earned the trust of their constituents and ha ve been sent back to
continue their good work.
Oath of Office – Alderpersons Elect
Mayor Myrick administered the oath of office to the following Common Council
Members:
Cynthia Brock, 1st Ward Joseph Murtagh, 2nd Ward
Donna Fleming, 3rd Ward Graham Kerslick, 4th Ward
Deborah Mohlenhoff, 5th Ward Laura Lewis, 5th Ward
NEW BUSINESS:
Appointment of Acting Mayor and Alternate Acting Mayor – Oath of Office
Mayor Myrick appointed Alderperson Mohlenhoff as Acting Mayor and Alderperson
Murtagh as Alternate Acting Mayor with terms to expire December 31, 2018.
He administered the oath and they were sworn into office.
December 31, 2013
2
Appointment of Marriage Officers – Resolution
By Alderperson Smith: Seconded by Alderperson Brock
RESOLVED, That the following Alderpersons be designated as Marriage Officers for
the year 2018:
Alderperson Brock
Alderperson Nguyen Alderperson Murtagh
Alderperson Gearhart Alderperson Fleming
Alderperson Smith Alderperson Kerslick
Alderperson Mohlenhoff Alderperson Lewis
Carried Unanimously
Alderperson Lewis thanked everyone for the warm welcome, and thanked the residents
of the Fifth W ard and Alderperson Mohlenhoff f or her support and friendship along the
way.
Alderperson Murtagh noted that serving on Council can be tough job but the reason he
is coming back is because of the great people he has the opportunity to work with
including Mayor, Common Council members and City staff. He thanked the people of
2nd Ward for all of the friendships he’s made and everything he ’s learned about his
community.
Alderperson Kerslick admitted that he considered not running for office again, and
thanked the residents of the 4th W ard for their encouragement and support. He noted
how important it is to demonstrate how people can have differences and still act in a
civilized manner to do the best for the community and the country.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff thanked the voters and Ithaca’s engaged community. She
noted that a number of candidates came forward in the 5th Ward when a vacancy
occurred and voiced her hope that this level of participation will continue. She further
thanked former Alderpersons Josephine Martell and Michael Decatur for the wonderful
service they provided to the City.
Alderperson Fleming expressed her pride in this group of people, noting that Ithaca’s
Common Council has been a remarkable demonstration of democracy. She stated that
there have been differences of opinion but they were all handled very well and she
looks forward to working with everyone again.
Alderperson Brock stated that running for office is a labor of love, especially in
contested races. She stated that candidates face a lot of scrutiny but also make a
commitment to their constituents that they will represent them and the values that they
have espoused. She also expressed her pride in this body which thinks issues through
very carefully. She stated that she is very proud of how the organization functions and
the level of transparency that has been met and that it is viewed with awe and
admiration by elected officials in other communities. It renews her belief in government.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
______________________________ _______________________________
Julie Conley Holcomb, CMC Svante L. Myrick
City Clerk Mayor