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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PSI-2018-06-04 PUBLIC SAFETY AND INFORMATION COMMISSION MINUTES PRESENT: Chair Mozie Commissioners (7) Comella, Jackson, Segerson, McLaurin, Cotraccia, Hayton, Spadolini OTHERS PRESENT: Common Council Liaison Gearhart City Clerk Conley Holcomb Public Information Specialist Faraday EXCUSED: Commissioner Holmes Agenda Review: Commissioner Jackson requested the addition of a discussion on the re-opening of the Commons Playground. Alderperson Gearhart noted that this issue will be brought before Common Council with a Member Filed Resolution on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Statements from the Public: Lou Cassaniti, “The Hot Dog Guy”, Town of Ithaca, submitted a petition with 152 signatures stating support a change in the law to allow dogs on the Commons. He also requested that the Commission review the laws surrounding smoking on the Commons. Rich Avery, Simeons Restaurant owner, voiced concern over the placement and number of food carts on Commons. He asked the Commission to review existing regulations regarding food carts on the Commons and consider setting a cap on the number of carts permitted. Ducson Nguyen, Alderperson, 2nd Ward, provided information on the background of the closure of the Commons Playground and the issues surrounding it’s reopening. He spoke in support of opening the playground if it is deemed safe to do so. Neil Oolie, Ithaca, voiced concern regarding the lack of signage indicating rules of the Commons,the lack of enforcement of the rules, and concerns about large groupings of Limebikes being hazardous. Fay Gougakis, Ithaca Commons resident, voiced her opposition to allowing dogs on the Commons. She further expressed frustration with the lack of enforcement of smoking, cycling, and skateboarding on the Commons. Date: June 4, 2018 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Common Council Chambers, 3rd Floor, City Hall Public Safety and Information Commission June 4, 2018 2 Commission Response: Commissioner Jackson spoke about the difficulty she encountered when trying to find more information about the closure of the playground on the Commons. She asked if the Commission would be interested in preparing a statement for the Wednesday June 6th Common Council meeting. Chair Mozie recommended forming a temporary special group to address the issue of the Commons playground. Commissioners interested in the topic agreed to meet briefly at the end of the meeting. Alderperson Gearhart reminded the Commission of the member filed resolution regarding the Commons Playground and requested a presentation at an upcoming meeting on the permitting and placement of the food carts on the Commons. The Commons: 1. Presentation: Dogs on the Commons City Clerk Conley Holcomb gave a presentation on the history of dogs on the Commons. Dogs have never been allowed on the Commons, except for working dogs. In 1996, legislation and a permitting process was adopted to allow the transport of dogs to and from a dog salon, and other authorized places, such as apartments and places of work. The issue of allowing dogs was revisited in 2015. The Commons is the only place that dogs are not allowed in the city. IPD is encouraged to enforce leash and “pooper-scooper” laws and educate and use their best judgement in ticketing dogs on the Commons. Public Safety Items: 1. Presentation: Gorge Safety City Clerk Conley Holcomb gave a presentation on Gorge Safety. Past measures for safety and enforcement of rules and regulations in the Gorge areas were reviewed. The difficulty of maintaining proper oversight of the Natural Area Rangers was discussed. The Commissioners also watched the Cornell created Gorge awareness video and the issues surrounding Ezra’s tunnel were presented. This year’s safety and enforcement measures will include enforcement of parking areas used to access these Gorges. Parks Recreation and Natural Resources Commission will be discussing the potential to change in the use of these areas and what improvements would be required to make them safe for the public. The Commissioners discussed the difficulty of measuring the success of Gorge Safety programs. Special Events: 1. Presentation: Special Event Team Resolution City Clerk Conley Holcomb gave a presentation on the Special Event Team’s recommendations for large scale, ticketed events that occur in Stewart Park. Public Safety and Information Commission June 4, 2018 3 A new fee scale of $1 per ticket sold was adopted to help recover the cost of restoring the park areas after festivals and concert gatherings. The Commission’s input is requested before the next festival season begins. Public Information Items: 1. Presentation: City Website City Clerk Conley Holcomb gave a presentation on the City’s website. The metrics of website traffic and use were reviewed. The website is up for redesign and the Commission will play a vital role in informing this process. PIS Faraday handed out a user survey to the Commissioners to aid in understanding user processes. The form will be forwarded in an electronic document as well. Approval of the 5-7-18 Minutes: Commissioner Jackson motioned to approve the minutes of the May 7, 2018 meeting, Commissioner Comella seconded and the minutes were approved. Announcements: Chair Mozie stated that she would not be present at the next PSIC meeting, and she requested volunteers to Chair the meeting. Commissioner Jackson offered to fill the role at the next PSIC meeting. Alderperson Gearhart suggested the appointment of co-chairs and/ or vice chairs be discussed amongst the group of Commission chairs to establish an acceptable protocol, as the chair is appointed by the Mayor. Review of Agenda Items for Next Meeting: • Appointment of Advisors • Creation of a Website Design task force • Presentation on Food Carts and the Commons regulations surrounding them. A discussion was held about the way that the Commissions will inform issues, like food carts, in relation to Common Council. Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Public Works Kathy Servoss has drafted amendments to the Commons legislation. The Commission could invite ger to discuss the proposed changes. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is scheduled for July 2, 2018 ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36pm. Public Safety and Information Commission June 4, 2018 4 Respectfully Submitted by, Melody Faraday, Public Information Specialist