HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CLC-2018-04-16
COMMUNITY LIFE
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT: Chair Labrada
Commissioners (8): Bryne, Hall, Keeler Swayze, Scriber, Hillson,
Hagood, McClinsey
OTHERS PRESENT: Alderperson Mohlenhoff
Common Council Liaisons: Fleming, Lewis
Chief of Staff Cogan
Executive Assistant Hallett-Harris
EXCUSED:
Statements from Public: Caleb Thomas – hand out of Ithaca Murals Map; introduction
of himself to Commission and hope to work in future w/CLC
Introductions:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff asked the Commissioners to introduce themselves. Each
discussed where they live, where they work, what their specific interests are related to
the Commission, and something unique about themselves.
Introduced were: Tierra Labrada, Caroline Byrne, Melissa Hall, Rusty Keeler, Lisa
Swayze, Jocelyn Scriber, Sean Hillson, Gibrian Hagood, Carlie McClinsey, Alderperson
Donna Fleming, Alderperson Laura Lewis.
Orientation:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff gave an overview of the City of Ithaca legislative organizational
structure, the role of the new advisory commissions, the specific charge of the
Community Life Commission, and information about proposed agenda and meeting
formats.
Staff Introductions:
Supporting staff introduced themselves stating their position, tenure and role relating to
the Commission and the City of Ithaca.
Introduced were: Executive Assistant Jody Hallett-Harris, Director of the Ithaca Youth
Bureau, Liz Klohmann, Deputy Director of GIAC, Kerry Phillips, Nick Goldsmith
Sustainability Coordinator City of Ithaca Planning Department, Megan Wilson, Senior
Date: April 16, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Common Council Chambers,
3rd Floor, City Hall
Community Life Commission
April 16, 2018
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Planner, City of Ithaca Planning Department and Schelley Michell-Nunn – Director of
Human Resources
Question and Answer Session:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff led a Q&A session with the Commissioners:
Topic Brainstorm:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff led a brainstorming session for future meetings. Topics of
interest discussed were:
LEAD Program
Report from Code Enforcement/Housing Inspectors on rental housing quality in
the City and what we can do
Hear from Catholic Charities Refugee program and what they do
Banning single use shopping bags in the City
Student housing's impact on the community as well as student party culture
Section 8 housing and source of payment and issues of landlord refusal to
accept
Homeless housing in the City
Rent control
Safety of Cornell/Ithaca College students walking
30 million words to help with early literacy – education information programs
available
Improving food options in local schools; improving the quality of food/nutritional
needs
Public art for state owned electrical and signal boxes on Rt 79 and 13.
Status of the LGBTQIA community and the issues facing them –
recourses/groups to speak
Child Friendly City
Identifying accessible locations for parents w/disabilities that have children;
Where are accessible locations? Where to get information for events/resources
and possibility of setting up with maps (maybe jointly with MAT).
Alderperson Mohlenhoff stated that several “starter items” have been identified for each
of the Commissions to begin working on. Along with some of the topics identified
above, the following items are also being assigned to the Community Life Commission:
Murals around city;
Alderperson Mohlenhoff asked the Commissioners what information would be helpful to
assist them in their roles. Various links and items were requested including:
Who will be responding to any public emails that come in so that there are not multiple
responses and all members see responses; Chair request of what would be easier
texting or emailing members for better communication
Community Life Commission
April 16, 2018
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Alderperson Mohlenhoff assigned “homework” to the Commissioners and asked that
they review the provided excerpt “Plan Ithaca Goals” from the Comprehensive Plan and
identify the ways in which it pertains to the role of Community Life Commission.
Next Meeting:
The next meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2018 and will include the development of a
Commission work plan.
Adjournment:
On a motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Jody Hallett-Harris, Executive Assistant