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Ithaca council releases $280,000 to transit, accepts city manager resignation and sets oversight for acting manager
Summary
The Common Council unanimously approved a $280,000 release to TCAT, accepted City Manager Deb Mollenhoff’s resignation effective year‑end, and adopted oversight and reporting protocols designating Deputy City Manager Dominic Recchio as acting city manager effective 01/01/2026.
At a brief session following public comment, the Ithaca Common Council took several unanimous, formal votes affecting city administration and transit funding.
Alderson Clyde Letterman moved a resolution authorizing an additional payment of $280,000 to TCAT, to be derived from account 19905000 (restricted contingency) and transferred to account 56305435; the resolution specified that any unused funds set aside for the purpose be returned to the general fund. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution.
Following a closed executive session on a personnel matter, the council introduced and accepted the resignation of City Manager Deb Mollenhoff, acknowledging an employment agreement dated Dec. 15 of the manager’s original appointment and authorizing the mayor, with advice of the city attorney, to execute separation documents and to draw any payments due from the city manager salary line. The motion to accept the resignation was seconded and carried unanimously.
The council also adopted a resolution establishing oversight and performance reporting protocols for the acting city manager. Key provisions require the acting city manager to meet weekly with the mayor, provide monthly executive‑session briefings to council about personnel and operational updates to the extent permitted by law, acknowledge council inquiries within two business days and provide full responses within five business days, and submit monthly vacancy and monthly financial reports beginning Feb. 1, 2026. The resolution set 90‑day and 180‑day review milestones and designated Deputy City Manager Dominic Recchio, under section C12(d) of the city charter, to serve as acting city manager effective 01/01/2026 until a permanent manager is selected or council designates otherwise; the council asked human resources and the city attorney to advise prior to 01/07/2026 on appropriate interim compensation.
The council also reappointed Robert Sparks to the Examining Board of Electricians for a three‑year term beginning 01/01/2026 and issued proclamations honoring outgoing alderpersons for their service before adjourning.
