HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PSI-2019-04-01
PUBLIC SAFETY AND
INFORMATION COMMISSION
MINUTES
PRESENT:
Chair Jackson
Commissioners (6) Spadolini, Hayton, Segerson, McLaurin, Holmes, Comella
OTHERS PRESENT:
Common Council Liaisons: Gearhart, Smith
City Clerk Conley Holcomb
Public Information Specialist Faraday
EXCUSED:
Cantelmo
ABSENT:
Contraccia
Meeting was called to order at 6:04pm
Approval of the March 4, 2019 Public Safety & Information Commission Meeting
Minutes- Resolution:
Moved by Commissioner Segerson: Seconded by Commissioner Comella
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 4, 2019 Public Safety & Information
Commission meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Public Comment:
Seth Scioff- Downtown Ithaca resident- Spoke in favor of allowing dogs on the
Commons, as well as in all areas of life. Expressed his view that dogs are family,
provided information to the Commissioners about different communities and how they
handle their dogs and pet owning populations.
Reports from Council & Staff:
PIS Faraday shared tow data for the first day of Street Cleaning, as well as previous
year’s information.
Alderperson Gearhart relayed that City Administration will be taking a more thorough
look at fines and fees related to parking violations.
City Clerk Conley Holcomb informed the Commissioners that the fees will be changing
for tow- away services, as the City is looking to adopt a new policy and set of
Date: 4/01/19
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Common Council Chambers,
3rd Floor, City Hall
regulations, which would apply County-wide. She offered to share information about the
tow ordinance and any adopted changes as requested.
Commons:
2.1 Presenation- Dogs on the Commons
Director of Planning and Economic Development JoAnn Cornish shared what the
department previously concluded regarding the allowance of dogs on the Commons.
The issue from the P&ED perspective is one of Commons maintenance and
cleanliness. Planters on the commons are consistently littered with dog feces. Cornish
went on to say that some people fear dogs, some have allergies, mobility issues, and
the potential hazard of being bit by a dog all could be deterrents or risks in allowing
dogs on the Commons.
2.2 Review of Draft Report for CA on Dogs on the Commons
Commissioner Comella shared that while benchmarking all communities spoken to
allowed dogs on their pedestrian malls, and all have infrastructure in place to support
this. Comella and Segerson spoke with the DIA employee that handles Commons
clean- up, he stated that the clean up would be exten sive given current infrastructure,
some system would have to be adopted to handle an influx of dog waste, primarily
concerning the urine on the pavers.
Commissioner Spadolini and Director of Planning Cornish agreed that fines would be
the best way to control dog related violations, of waste pick up and leash laws, all
throughout the city, as well as on the Commons.
Special Events:
4.1 Presentation- Special Events
City Clerk Conley- Holcomb gave a presentation to the PSIC about special events in the
City. Slides are available upon request.
A discussion was held regarding the staffing of these events and the handling of
emergency situations at mass gatherings.
Wrap Up/ Announcements:
Chair Jackson mentioned that everyone should schedule ride - alongs with IPD. Jackson
said that she would come to the Commission with any information she gathered
regarding the dilapidated building work-group.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2019
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 pm.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Melody Faraday, Public Information Specialist