HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-GPA-2012-05-16GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE
CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting
6:00 p.m. May 16, 2012
PRESENT:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff - Chair
Alderpersons (4) Murtagh, Rooker, McCollister, Proulx
Mayor Myrick
OTHERS PRESENT:
Alderpersons: Brock, Fleming, Kerslick
City Attorney - Lavine
City Clerk — Conley Holcomb
Human Resources Director — Michell -Nunn
Redistricting Committee Members: Tom Frank, Nancy Schuler, Ed Strong, Hank Dullea
Call To Order:
Comments from the Public:
John Graves, City of Ithaca, thanked the Redistricting Committee for holding open and
fair hearings on all of the redistricting scenarios. He voiced his support for improving
neighborhood representation.
Approval of the April 18, 2012 Minutes — Resolution
By Alderperson Proulx : Seconded by Alderperson McCollister
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 18, 2012 Government Performance and
Accountability Committee meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
City Redistricting:
2.1 Presentation from City Redistricting Committee:
Tom Frank, (3rd Ward) Chair of the Redistricting Committee introduced the other
members of the Committee present in the audience: Nancy Schuler, 4th Ward; Ed
Strong, 4th Ward; Hank Dullea, 1st Ward. He further thanked GIS Manager Ruth Aslanis
for all of her support and hard work throughout the redistricting process.
Mr. Frank provided an overview of the redistricting process which included 15 city
meetings and 7 county meetings where 24 different scenarios were reviewed ranging
from 4,5,8,12 wards and how each would align with the county districts. He explained
that the concept of at -large representatives garnered very little support from the public.
The Committee ultimately made the 5-4a map their recommended scenario with the 8-3
map as their alternative. Mr. Frank noted that the County Legislature would be
considering the city legislative districts at their June 5th meeting.
Alderperson Brock asked what the issues were surrounding the 5 ward scenario. Mr.
Frank responded that it appears as if the County will adopt a 4 legislative district
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May 16, 2012
scenario for the city and a 5 ward system would create overlaps within the county
districts creating 6-7 sliver districts, some small, some larger.
Alderperson Kerslick questioned how the recommended options were selected. Mr.
Frank explained all of the variables considered such as population numbers within the
10% requirement, permanent/non-permanent resident populations, areas of the city that
shared common interests, neighborhoods, historic districts, etc. The Committee voted
on the various scenarios, the ones with the most votes were selected.
Alderperson Proulx asked what the common denominators were during public
comment. Mr. Frank responded that the most common themes were that
neighborhoods needed to stay whole; and the number of wards and number of
representatives.
Alderperson McCollister addressed the concerns expressed by portions of the Second
Ward in regards to the 5-4a scenario noting that she favors mixed demographics while
retaining neighborhood identities. Alderperson Murtagh noted of greater concern was
the loss of the number of representatives with the Second Ward being absorbed into the
First Ward.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding various options including re -visiting a 5 ward
option; having 3 representatives per ward; and the challenges that an 8 ward/ 1
representative scenario could have.
Alderperson Kerslick asked if there had been a reasonable amount of public input. Mr.
Frank responded that there could have been more public input but he felt as if all of the
necessary discussions were held. He noted that smaller group sizes allowed for a more
in-depth conversation.
Further discussion followed on the floor with Council members indicating their preferred
scenarios:
Alderperson Brock noted that she favors a 5 ward scenario for the sake of
demographics stating that at least 2 wards that face similar issues would have a larger
voice (4 reps vs. 2 reps).
Alderperson Fleming voiced her interest in a new scenario in which Wards 3, 4 & 5
would face similar issues and the "Flats" would be divided into several wards which
would provide them with increased representation.
Alderperson Kerslick noted that he is inclined to support the 4 or 5 ward scenarios. He
prefers 2 representatives per ward.
Alderperson Rooker stated that he likes the 4 ward scenario but would be interested in
exploring a 5 ward scenario.
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May 16, 2012
Alderpersons McCollister and Proulx stated that they were leaning toward a 4 ward
scenario.
It was determined that a Special meeting of Common Council would be called in order
to facilitate additional discussion on this topic.
Novak Report:
3.1 Report from the Mayor on Senior Staff Meeting:
Mayor Myrick reported that he met with Senior Staff to review the Novak Report and
there were questions and comments on almost all of the items, particularly performance
measures and strategic planning.
Discussion followed on the floor regarding ways that Council and staff could work
together on items of common interest. One suggestion was to have Council Liaisons
assigned to departments, similar to the current committee liaison appointments.
Mayor Myrick agreed to write up staff comments into a report for GPA Committee
review.
3.2 Discussion of Work Plan:
Chair Mohlenhoff facilitated a discussion on how to move forward on the GPA
Committee Work Plan and the Novak Report Recommendations assigned to the
committee. She stated that it will be important to clarify roles. The GPA Committee will
provide guidance/oversight of projects and be involved when decision points are
reached; however staff will be tasked with the actual project work. The Mayor will
provide administrative oversight over the implementation process.
Chair Mohlenhoff reviewed the Work Plan and Progress Report that was created to
track progress on the items assigned to the GPA Committee, noting that items 12 and
14 had been merged (enhance e-gov opportunities / design & implement
communications plan). Language was corrected on item 6 to indicate a performance
measurement system vs. a performance management system which is a different
process.
Mayor Myrick complimented Chair Mohlenhoff on her excellent organizational skills.
City Survey Results:
4.1 Will Resume Work on this in August:
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