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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMn-B&A-1991-03-20 BUDGET AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M. MARCH 20, 1991 MINUTES PRESENT: COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Booth, Peterson, Golder COMMITTEE MEMBERS EXCUSED: Cummings, Romanowski OTHER COMMON COUNCIL MEMBERS: Blanchard OTHERS PRESENT City Controller - Cafferillo uty Controller - Thayer Personnel Administrator - Saul City Attorney - Guttman Assistant City Attorney - Kennedy Director of Planning & Development - Van Cort Fire Chief - Olmstead Acting Superintendent of Public Works/City Engineer - Gray Youth Bureau Director - Cohen Acting Building Commissioner - Eckstrom B.P.W. Commissioner - Reeves B.P.W. Commissioner - Berg Members of the Media 1. Opening Comments Chairperson Booth stated that the following items would be added/deleted to/from the Agenda: A. Table status report on the trash tags B. Add a discussion on Mental Health Building Parking Agreement - Executive Session C. Additional Personnel Item - Executive Session D. Add a discussion on Elmira Road sidewalks feasibility study 2. Committee to Proceed into Executive Session Chairperson Booth stated that the Committee will move into executive session, approved 3-0, to discuss a number of personnel items and the County Mental Health Building Parking Agreement with respect to which litigation might be possible. 3 . Report from Executive Session After the Committee voted 3-0 to move back into regular session, Chairperson Booth stated that the following items were discussed during the executive session: BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 A. Youth Bureau - Employee Incentive Award WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has recommended Assistant Activities Center Coordinator Linda Sterk for an Employee Incentive Award pursuant to the terms of the CSEA Administrative Unit contract, and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director has provided the Budget and Administration Committee with substantial justification for granting this Employee Incentive Award, and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau Director's recommendation complies with the procedure and guidelines outlined in the CSEA Administrative Unit Contract; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that Linda Sterk's salary be increased by eight (8%) percent to an annual salary of $23,190 effective February 20, 1991. Motion passed 2-1. Chairperson Booth voted against the motion. The motion will be included on the agenda for the next Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting. B. Youth Bureau - Employee Incentive Award The Committee discussed a possible Youth Bureau Employee Incentive Award. No action was taken. C. Personnel/City Attorney - Grievance Settlement The Committee discussed with the City Attorney a grievance decision which the B&A Committee made several months ago, relating to the City's position when there are City employees at lower levels than that of a new employee who is hired. The Committee gave the City Attorney some direction regarding areas for further research. No action was taken. D. Fire Department - Employee Incentive Award WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has recommended Administrative Secretary Christine Brill for an Employee Incentive Award pursuant to the policy and procedures established by the Budget and Administration Committee, and WHEREAS, the Fire Chief has provided the Budget and Administration Committee with substantial Justification for granting this Employee Incentive Award, and WHEREAS, the Fire Chief's recommendation complies with the policy and procedures established by the Budget and Administration Committee; now, therefore, be it - BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 RESOLVED, that Christine Brill's salary be increased by eight (8%) to an annual salary of $29,745 effective March 14, 1991. The motion passed 2-1. Alderperson Golder voted against the motion in principle. The motion will be included on the agenda for the next Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting. E. Personnel Item The Committee discussed a personnel item respecting an employee who has left City service, with the City Attorney. The Committee directed the City Attorney to negotiate a settlement dealing with that personnel item. F. County Mental Health Building Parking Agreement The Committee discussed with the City Attorney the City's possible position regarding parking at the County Mental Health Building. This item will eventually result in litigation. The Committee gave the City Attorney instructions regarding negotiations on this matter. 4 . Fire Department A. Request to Amend 1991 Fire Department Budget Fire Chief Olmstead presented a request to amend the 1991 Fire Department Budget. Chief Olmstead stated that he would like the authority to purchase six portable radios at a total value of $5, 292. He stated that two of the six radios will replace stolen radios; two radios were requested in the 1991 Budget; and two radios are additional requests for 1991. Chief Olmstead also stated that he would like the authority to purchase six replacement microphones for the six radios that will be purchased. The total cost for the replacement microphones is $258. The repair cost for the six microphones is $50. each. He stated it is cheaper to purchase new microphones then to repair the older microphones. Chief Olmstead stated that recoveries from insurance on the stolen radios total $5, 600, which the City has received. The above purchases in total would cost $5, 550. The funding for the above purchases will be derived from the insurance recoveries. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: 3 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 WHEREAS, the Fire Department has received $5,600 in Insurance Recoveries for the replacement of stolen radios, and WHEREAS, the Fire Department will replace the stolen radios with six portable radios and six microphones with a total purchase cost of $5,550, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Fire Department be authorized to amend the 1991 Equipment list by the addition of four (4) portable radios and six (6) microphones, and be it further RESOLVED, that the 1991 Fire Department budget be amended as follows: Increase Revenue Account A2680 Insurance Recoveries $5,550 Increase Expenditure Account A3410-225 Other Equip. $5,550 The motion passed 3-0. B. Request to Amend 1991 Fire Department Budget Fire Chief Olmstead presented a request to amend the 1991 Fire Department Equipment Budget by the addition of three pagers. Chief Olmstead stated that the 1991 Budget has $4,000 to purchase 10 pagers. Chief Olmstead stated that Motorola Communication, Inc. will be increasing the price of the pagers and that the City is able to purchase the pagers at an unanticipated discount prior to the price increase. Chief Olmstead stated that the Fire Department would like to purchase an additional three pagers for a total of 13. The total price for the 13 pagers is $4, 132. The additional funding for the pagers is covered by an insurance recovery of $150 for the replacement of a stolen pager. After a brief discussion the following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the Fire Department be authorized to amend the 1991 Equipment list by the addition of three (3) pagers, and, be it further RESOLVED, that the 1991 Fire Department Budget be amended as follows: Increase Revenue Account A2680 Insurance Recoveries $132 Increase Expenditure Account A3410-225 Other Equip. $132 The motion passed 3-0. 4 _ BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 C. Standardization of Motorola Radio Equipment Fire Chief Olmstead presented a resolution to standardize on Motorola Radio Equipment for 1991. He stated this resolution to standardize was an annual resolution for the Fire Department. After a brief discussion the following motion was made: WHEREAS, this Common Council has been requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners to standardize on Motorola radio equipment to be used by the City of Ithaca Fire Department, and to authorize the City to purchase approved equipment from the manufacturer, or a representative thereof, and WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City for reasons of efficiency, compatibility and economics to approve such standardization, as more fully spelled out in the following items: 1. The City of Ithaca Fire Department presently has all Motorola radio equipment. 2. The Tompkins County Emergency Control Center presently has all Motorola console and communication equipment. 3. This action will minimize the inventory of repair parts which would have to be maintained for the service of said radio equipment. 4. Labor costs for maintenance and service of a standard type of equipment will be less than are required to service different types of radio equipment. 5. Present Motorola radio equipment has been satisfactory for the uses of the Ithaca Fire Department. 6. Standardization provides the need for only one service contract for its entire radio system, whereas additional contractual agreements would be required for other types of equipment, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 103, Subdivision 5 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York this Common Council hereby authorizes the standardization of Motorola radio equipment as the type of equipment to be used and purchased by the City of Ithaca Fire Department during the year 1991. The motion passed 3-0. 5 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 D. Standardization of MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Equipment Chief Olmstead presented a request to standardize on MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Equipment. He stated that this was an annual resolution for the Fire Department beginning in 1990. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, this Common Council has been requested by the Board of Fire Commissioners to standardize on MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Equipment to be used by the City of Ithaca Fire Department, and to authorize the City to purchase approved equipment from the manufacturer, or a representative thereof, and WHEREAS, it is deemed to be in the best interest of the City for reasons of efficiency, compatibility and economics to approve such standardization, as more fully spelled out in the following items: 1. The City of Ithaca Fire Department presently has all MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and equipment. 2. The City of Ithaca Fire Department is an authorized repair facility for MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. 3. This action will minimize the inventory of repair parts which would have to be maintained for the service of said breathing apparatus. 4. Labor costs for maintenance and service of a standard type of equipment will be less than that which are required to service different types of breathing apparatus. 5. Present MSA breathing apparatus has been satisfactory for the uses of the Ithaca Fire Department. 6. All members of the Ithaca Fire Department are trained exclusively in the proper use and operation of MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus. Now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that pursuant to Section 103, Subdivision 5 of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York this Common Council hereby authorizes the standardization of MSA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus and Equipment as the type of equipment to be used and purchased by the City of Ithaca Fire Department during the year 1991. 6 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 The motion passed 3-0. 5. D.P.W. A. Cornell Work Study Program Acting Superintendent of Public Works/City Engineer Gray presented a resolution from the Board of Public Works requesting him to sign a contract for the 1990-1991 Cornell Work Study Program. Acting Superintendent Gray stated that the DPW has budgeted $4, 600 for seasonal part-time personnel and the DPW has participated with Cornell in the Work Study Program, which allows a Cornell student to work at the City's DPW for the summer. Acting Superintendent Gray stated that the work has already been done, and the City has paid the student. However, this contract allows the City to get reimbursed from Cornell, for 60% of the wages incurred during the 1990-1991 program. It was noted that the City and Cornell have participated in this work/study program for the past several years. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has budgeted $4,600 for seasonal part-time personnel, and WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works has benefited by participation in the work/study and summer job network programs at Cornell University over the past several years, and WHEREAS, 60% of work/study wages paid by the City are reimbursed by Cornell University, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Acting Superintendent of Public Works be authorized to sign work/study contracts in an amount not to exceed $4,600 for the 1990-1991 academic year. The motion passed 3-0. B. Elmira Road Sidewalks Project Acting Superintendent of Public Works/City Engineer Gray, BPW Commissioners Reeves and Berg, and Alderperson Blanchard presented a resolution from the Board of Public Works to request authorization to enter into a $4 , 000 feasibility study for the installation of sidewalks on Elmira Road. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the Capital Project for Elmira Road sidewalks was established and approved in the 1990 budget with funding to be derived from a Benefit 7 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 Assessment District recovered through the City Charter sidewalk program. Controller Cafferillo also stated that the funds would have to be originally derived from Bonds or an advance from the General Fund and then a Benefit Assessment District could be established to pay for the project over a period of time. He recommended that the $4 , 000 study should be funded through the unrestricted contingency account and, if the project is approved by all appropriate parties, the permanent funding will be derived from Bond Anticipation Notes recovered over a five year period. Alderperson Blanchard stated that she was against the installation of sidewalks along Elmira Road. She also read a letter from Alderperson Romanowski who could not be here tonight because of a prior commitment. The letters which are attached to this set of minutes state that Alderperson Romanowski and the merchants affected by this project are also against the sidewalk project. Acting Superintendent Gray stated that under the City Charter this project is not a sidewalk improvement until the BPW holds a public hearing. In 1988 , the BPW held a public hearing to address this issue. This project was then tabled to collect further data on the possibility of sidewalks on the Elmira Road. Superintendent Gray recommends that the $4 , 000 study should be approved to continue the research on this project. It was noted that the approval of the $4, 000 study on the sidewalks at the Board of Public Works was approved by a 4-3 vote. The Board of Public Works will hold another public hearing prior to the approval of this project. Director of Planning and Development Van Cort stated that he was in favor of the project to install sidewalks on Elmira Road. He recommends the project because of safety concerns for persons who walk along Elmira Road. The feasibility study will evaluate the need for a sidewalk on both sides of Elmira Road. The study will assist the Board of Public Works in making the most informed decision possible in relation to the sidewalks. It was noted that the sidewalks would run from Norstar Bank to the City line. Acting Superintendent Gray and Planning Director Van Cort stated that the cost estimate for the project of $250, 000 was a unrefined estimate and may need to be adjusted after the feasibility study is completed. It was noted that the $250, 000 cost estimate is two years old. City Controller Cafferillo stated that the $4, 000 feasibility study would possibly not be able to be charged 8 - - - BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 back to a benefit assessment district because it will be conducted before the Board's public hearing. This issue will be researched to determine if the feasibility study can be charged back. Planning Director Van Cort stated that Peter Weed was selected to perform the feasibility study. It was felt Weed could best inform the Board on the Elmira Road sidewalk project because, as a former City employee, he was extensively involved with the project at a previous date. Chairperson Booth stated he was strongly in favor of this project and based on his experience of walking Elmira Road, felt the road, without sidewalks, is highly dangerous. The following motion was made: WHEREAS, Common Council has established a Capital Project for $250,000 for the installation of sidewalks on Elmira Road and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Works would like more information about the feasibility and the design implication of such a project, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Public Works recommends to the Common Council the approval of a contract with Peter S. Weed for a feasibility study and schematic design for Elmira Road sidewalks as proposed in his letter of January 15, 1991 for a sum not to exceed $4,000, and be it further RESOLVED, that $4,000 be transferred from Account A1990 Unrestricted Contingency to Capital Project #237 Elmira Road sidewalks, to finance this study, subject to reimbursement when the applicable benefit assessment district is established. The motion passed 3-0. 6. Personnel - Authorization to Implement Human Services Committee Grievance Ruling Personnel Administrator Saul and Fire Chief Olmstead presented a Grievance Hearing decision from the Human Services Committee. It was noted that Fire Department contract grievances go through the Human Services Committee. Chairperson Booth stated that the B&A Committee will not reconsider the Grievance issue, but will discuss the authorization of the payment of the unpaid balance of 32 hours of overtime work. The cost of this grievance is approximately $782 . If this payment is made, the City may be bound to payments such as this in the future. The consensus of the Committee was that because the fiscal 9 1 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 implications beyond this grievance were not spelled out the action on this issue should be delayed at this time. Chairperson Booth suggested that Personnel Administrator Saul and Fire Chief Olmstead get together and determine what the long term fiscal implications of this grievance are and return back next month with these findings. The item was tabled until the April B&A meeting. 7 . Chamberlain - Request Correction to the 1991 City Tax Roll City Controller Cafferillo presented a memo from the City Chamberlain requesting a correction of $305, 000 to the 1991 City Tax Roll. The County Assessor stated that this correction was based on an error in essential fact. The improvement on this parcel was erroneously inventoried resulting in an over-assessment. After a brief discussion on the size of the error, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 554 (Sub 4A) of the Real Property Tax Law, the Director of Assessments has investigated an application for the correction of an error in essential fact filed by Gus Lambrou, and WHEREAS, the investigation revealed an erroneous inventory of improvements resulted in over-assessment of 405-407 Eddy Street, and WHEREAS, the Director of Assessment recommends that the taxable value of this property be changed from $786,300 to $481,300; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the 1991 Tax Roll for the City of Ithaca be amended to reduce the assessment of Tax Map number 63-6-26, and be it further RESOLVED, that the City Chamberlain is authorized and directed to make the appropriate changes in the Tax Roll and to prepare a new tax bill for this property. The motion passed 3-0. The Committee requested that the City Controller determine if further documentation is available regarding this tax roll change. 10 4 BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 8 . Police Department - Request Transfer of Money From Seizure Account to Office Expense Account A memo from Police Chief McEwen was presented requesting that $544 .99 be transferred from the Department Asset Seizure Account to the Department's Office Expense Account. The money will be used for investigative supplies. The following motion was made: RESOLVED, that the 1991 Budget of the Police Department be amended by $545.00, to be transferred from Account A690-8 Police Asset Seizure Account to Account A3120-425, for the acquisition of various investigative supplies. The motion passed 3-0. 9 . City Controller A. Request to Sign Contract for Technical Assistance Study Deputy Controller Thayer presented a request to sign a contract to perform Technical Assistance Studies. Deputy Controller Thayer stated that the City has received a matching New York State grant in the amount of $7,789 from the New York State Energy Office to perform Technical Assistance Studies on eight City buildings. He stated four studies have been completed to date. The remaining four studies need to be completed. Deputy Controller Thayer stated that the remaining four buildings include: G.I.A.C. , Southside Community Center, Cass Park Compressor building, and Cass Park Facility. The grant amount for these four buildings is $3 ,474 . After researching ten proposals, he recommended to the Committee that the contract should be awarded to the EME Group out of New York City for $6, 600. The purpose of a Technical Assistance Study is to identify current building energy use, evaluate the current operating procedures, and identify potential energy saving measures. The funding is available through the City's Energy Improvements capital reserve. The City will front the $6, 600 and the State will reimburse the City for the grant portion. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made: WHEREAS, the City has been awarded $3,474 in grant funds through the New York State Energy Office to assist localities in funding a Technical Assistance Study for 11 _ BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 energy conservation improvements to city buildings, now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, that the Mayor be authorized to sign a contract for services with the EME Group to perform a Technical Assistance Study, and be it further RESOLVED, that an amount not to exceed $6,600 be provided from the Capital Reserve #24 to provide Technical Assistance Studies regarding energy improvements for the Greater Ithaca Activities Center building, the Southside Community Center building, the Cass Park Facility building, and the Cass Park Compressor building. The motion passed 3-0. B. Plan of Action to Replace Reduction In State Revenue Sharing City Controller Cafferillo presented a memo listing the City's plan of action to replace proposed reductions in State Revenue Sharing. Controller Cafferillo stated that the Governor' s proposed budget reflects a 39% reduction in State Revenue Sharing to the City or $945, 882 during 1991. In the 1991 Budget, the City reduced revenues by 10% or $243, 767 . The remaining revenue loss to the City would be $702, 115 in State Aid. To offset the large revenue reduction many items will be looked at. The City plans to reduce City Staff through attrition, not lay-offs. Also, possible revenue adjustments may be done as follows: 1. Increase the City' s Utilities Gross Receipts Tax (if authorized by State Legislature) . Such a tax could be increased from the current 1% to a maximum of 3%. This may generate up to $600, 000 in additional annual revenues. 2 . The possible enactment of a land transfer tax of 4/10 of one percent (if authorized by the State Legislature) . 3 . The possible $80, 000 from the tax sale of the Strand Theater during 1991. 4 . The possibility of increasing the local sales tax rate through the County (if authorized by the State Legislature) . It was noted that this discussion was for informational purposes only and that the City will have to wait until the 12 __ BUDGET & ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 3/20/91 State approves its Budget before any formal action will be taken. The meeting adjourned at 10:21 P.M. NOTE: In many cases the actual texts of the resolutions presented in these minutes were prepared following the Committee's deliberations and decisions on the matters involved. The resolutions presented here are in complete accord with decisions made by the Committee. - - - -- _ _ - 13 - i 0 ycO,pp.., r�`0 �AATtiO CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 TO: Carol Reeves, Vice-Chairman, Board of Public Works FROM: Robert S. Romanowski, Alderman, First Ward DATE: January 20, 1989 RE: Elmira Road Sidewalks Discussion Please excuse the slight delay in relaying the results of the First Ward Aldermen's meeting with the Elmira Road Merchants Assoc. the evening of January 12, 1989. The unanimous feeling of all the merchants present (approximately. 15-18 separate businesses) was complete opposition to the imposition of a sidewalk requirement for the Elmira Road portion extending from the Tompkins County Trust Company Branch Office in a southerly direc- tion to the City line. What follows is the more prominent objections and the merchants' and property owners' reasons for their objections. (1) Insurance liability - the installation of sidewalks will shift the liability from the City of Ithaca R.O.W. to indi- vidual property owners and insurance requirements. (2) Cost of sidewalks - since most properties have large vehicle entrances, the specifications for thickness, reinforcing, etc. will have costs much higher than even residential type side- walks. (3) Question of need - most businesses are vehicle oriented, e.i. : (1) car dealerships, (2) car washes, (3) fast food drive-ins, (4) restaurants, (5) motels, (6) tire sales, service stations and vehicle repairs. In addition, the distances involved would discourage most pedestrians. (4) Contracts with City for R.O.W. property - Business will lose use of City land to operate businesses. The City will lose rental fees. (5) Property rights - the R.O.W. in large areas is not wide enough to build sidewalks with a "curb to sidewalk" separation. Private property will have to be taken to accomplish the building of these sidewalks. - - -" "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Carol Reeves -2- January 20, 1989 (61 Maintenance - same problems as Meadow Street, snow removal, etc. Alderman Schlather arrived midway through the meeting and engaged in a spirited give-and-take session with the merchants. Ray is much in favor of building these sidewalks, while I am in opposition because I fail to see the need for them. In the course of this give-and-take, Alderman Schlather also referred to the use of these sidewalks for bicycle use to get to the Buttermilk ball fields, in response to a question of the possibility of this happening. He indicated that he viewed this as a positive action and would be safer than riding bicycles in the roadway. This really added to the merchants' opposition and they cited (1) riding bicycles on the sidewalk is illegal, (2) this would increase their liability exposure and escalate the possibility of injuries and accidents. Vehicles would be forced to wait on a busy highway for a clear driveway (rear-end collisions) and bicycles riding into vehicles or pedestrians (if any). Soon after this exchange, both Ray and myself were thanked for attending and we then both left the meeting. In conclusion, Carol, I would like to convey to you and to the Board of Public Works my opposition to the building of these sidewalks because of the nature of the businesses on the Elmira Road and my perception of the lack of need beyond the supermarkets. Have any of you heard an overwhelming cry from the public for sidewalks in-this area? I think not. RSR:EDR cc: Alderman Ray Schlather Board of Public Works Supt. John Dougherty Dick Flaville, Tallmadege Tire 6 Auto Service Center A�RATEO CITY OF ITHACA 10a EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14650 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 TO: Board of Public Works Bill Gray - Acting Supt. of Public Works Thys VanCort - Director of Planning Barbara Blanchard - Alderman (D - 1st Ward) Ben Nichols - Mayor / FROM: Bob Romanowski - Alderman (R - 1st Ward) 9k DATE: March 16, 1991 RE: Sidewalks on Elmira Road Once again I must express the opposition of the business and property owners, as well as mine, to the installation of sidewalks on Elmira Road. I have enclosed one of my original letters from 1989 outlining the major reasoning behind the opposition. They are just as valid now as then! I cannot understand the willingness of some City officials to again try to impose an economic impact of this magnitude on the Elmira Road merchants, especially when all businesses in the City are having diffi- culty staying in business. The Downtown Vision Task Force spent much time and effort coming up with ideas to reinvigorate business activity in that area. Let me remind you that the Elmira Road business people are just as big a contributor to the tax base we all depend on. To further complicate matters, the county's imposition of the Central Processing Facility in this area is another economic unknown which might have far reaching impacts, not the least of which might be putting people out of business. If some of you must plan, and some want to spend money, then I suggest we concentrate on extending Cherry Street, where it is now ended in the Industrial Park, to follow the flood control channel south and then out to Elmira Road in the vicinity of the fish ladder. This would open presently landlocked properties for housing development, Southwest Park for recreation and proper sidewalks where the threat of high speed commercial traffic will be absent. Most of all, it would allow Elmira Road merchants a fighting chance to stay in business. RSR:EDR Enc. "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program"