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
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 -
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�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"