Ithaca leaders voted to end the city’s contract with license plate reader company Flock Safety during a Common Council meeting March 4.
Council members approved the move citing concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and how data collected by the system could be governed.
The resolution requires the city to immediately suspend the system’s equipment and remove it following termination of the contract.
Council also authorized $474,000 in municipal bonds to complete funding for a federally supported “Green Hydrogen as a Non-Wires Alternative” pilot project. The project is part of the city’s climate initiatives.
In another infrastructure move, council designated the city as lead agency for environmental review of the Raw Water Transmission Main Improvements Project. The work focuses on repairing or upgrading sections of the main that carries untreated water to the city’s treatment plant.
Council also renewed authorization for the Planning and Development Board to continue serving as lead agency for environmental reviews of site plan projects that require council involvement.
The city will also shift a vacant maintainer position from the Department of Public Works to the Ithaca Youth Bureau. Officials said the transfer supports park operations while remaining budget neutral.
Council approved a new contract with the CSEA DPW bargaining unit.
Lawmakers also created a Select Committee on Rules to review the council’s rules of order and procedure. The committee must return with recommendations within 30 days.
Council expanded public participation by allowing residents to submit petitions during Committee of the Whole meetings.
In arts and public space decisions, council approved an amended final design for the “ReAwakening the Underground Railroad” mural on the South Aurora Street bridge abutment. The updated design will include additional text such as “Free Gaza,” “Black Lives Matter,” and “Choose Love.”
Council also adopted a resolution supporting statewide legislation known as the REST and PASHNY Acts. The measures focus on rent stabilization flexibility and investment in permanently affordable social housing.
Leaders also created a Special Committee on Coordinated Unhoused Services Planning. The group will focus on outreach, service navigation, and development of a structured “Shelter of Last Resort” model aimed at addressing homelessness in the city.
Mayor Robert Cantelmo also announced the city issued an order to vacate the residential tower at 118 East Green Street, affecting floors four through 12. The order took effect March 4 at 6 p.m.
Council confirmed the mayor’s appointment of Mitch Glass to the Planning Board for a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2028.
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