Justin Baldessare

The board discussed the 2026 HUD Entitlement Program, including the review of economic development funding applications, the Neighborhood Investment Committee's recommendations, and an executive session regarding real property. Other discussion items included fiscal year funding allocations, policy priorities, and staff reports on CDBG and HOME fund expenditures and timeliness.

The agenda focuses on the review of several development projects including the construction of an 8-story mixed-use apartment building at 309 College Avenue and a sign package approval for the apartment complex at 445 E State Street. Additionally, the committee scheduled a general overview and presentation regarding the Southworks Gateway project for a future session.

The council meeting addressed several key agenda items, including a proclamation honoring Northstar Public Houses for their service and a special informational presentation regarding the Seneca Street Garage. Legislative items included home rule requests for Red Light Camera and School Speed Zone demonstration programs, and the renewal of an intermunicipal agreement for the Joint Ithaca-Tompkins Specialized Response Team. Additionally, the council discussed a Drug Task Force intermunicipal cooperation agreement, the declaration of lead agency status for environmental review of a PUD ordinance, and approvals related to the 2026 standard workday reporting and the City Council Code of Conduct. The agenda also included a proposal for a DICE and Cornell University partnership to digitize legislative records, as well as mayoral appointments to the Community Police Board and the Ithaca Landmark Preservation Commission.

The commission agenda focuses on a series of resolutions concerning revisions to the city charter. Key discussion topics include restructuring mayoral powers and the role of the city manager, standardizing disciplinary procedures for city officers and boards, establishing decennial redistricting processes, setting rules for even-year elections, and updating procedures for budget adoption, mayoral appointments, and leasing requirements. Other items involve clarifying the placement of city departments, updating residency requirements, and refining the glossary of terms within the charter.

The Committee of the Whole discussed several key items, including a public hearing for the 2026 HUD Entitlement Program Draft Annual Action Plan and a request for its approval. The agenda also featured an update on the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization regarding recent changes in membership dues and watershed-wide projects. Additionally, the committee reviewed significant revisions to the Standards of Conduct for Employees policy, which was updated to align with current laws and best practices, and received a status report on planned summer street repair and paving projects.