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Commission unanimously recommends reaffirmation of Ithaca Green New Deal language for council
Summary
The commission voted unanimously to send amended language reaffirming the Ithaca Green New Deal to Common Council, asking city administration to assist sustainability staff with grant-seeking and program implementation; members debated whether the resolution should explicitly request additional resources.
The Ithaca Green New Deal Commission voted unanimously on March 10 to recommend amended language reaffirming the city’s commitment to the Ithaca Green New Deal and to request that city administration assist the Director of Sustainability and the Sustainability Planner in identifying grants and implementing programs.
Commissioner Christine moved the motion to approve the language as amended; a second was recorded but not named in the transcript. The commission voted unanimously to send the amended version to Common Council for consideration at the April agenda.
Discussion before the vote focused on how strongly the resolution should ask Common Council to provide more resources. Some members said the resolution was intended as a reaffirmation and not an explicit funding request; others, including staff, said the intent had been to clarify that implementation will require additional staff effort and council support. Commissioner Aaron asked whether the language would represent an increase in support for sustainability staff; staff responded that identifying and applying for grants is primarily handled through the office and that the resolve seeks assistance rather than a guaranteed new funding line.
City staff member Pierre advised changing wording from “the City of Ithaca” to “city administration” to be clearer about who would carry out the assistance, and the group accepted that edit. Several commissioners said they preferred a general reaffirmation now and to pursue any specific, funded requests later during budget season when financial context is clearer.
Savannah and other staff said they would finalize the edits, submit the item for the April Common Council meeting, and seek member-filing if necessary to meet submission deadlines.
Ending: The recommended resolution will be transmitted to Common Council for consideration; staff and at least one commissioner offered to member-file if staff submission deadlines are missed.
