Headlines for December 7, 2022

Police Chief's Nomination Recinded

After nominating Acting Police Chief John Joly for the Police chief last week, yesterday, Mayor-elect Laura Lewis rescinded the nomination. She said the decision was a difficult one but that her choice had little support among her colleagues on Common Council. Council’s support is needed to appoint a new chief. Joly served as Deputy Chief and then as Acting Chief for the past 19 months, a period Lewis described as “challenging.” Joly wished IPD well and wished the Mayor-elect success in her search for a police chief; Whether he will be remaining in the acting role is unclear. Lewis said she plans to announce a plan for a new search “soon.”

Mohlenhoff Appointed as Chief of Staff

In more news of turnover in Ithaca’s City Hall, Mayor-elect Lewis announced Monday that former councilwoman Deb Mohlenhoff will replace Faith Vavra as Chief of Staff. Mohlenhoff served three terms as the alderperson for Ithaca’s 5th ward and as acting mayor when former Mayor Myrick was out of town. She holds a degree in Communications from Ithaca College and a Masters of Public Administration from Binghamton University.  Lewis expressed her excitement about Mohlenhoff’s return to City Hall and said, “her familiarity with city staff and operations will be incredibly valuable.”

Lansing Zoning Open House Tonight

While the debate over zoning in the Town of Caroline wears on, the Town of Lansing is proceeding with an open process to modify its own code. Lansing will be holding an special open house tonight to review and discuss proposed changes to the town’s zoning. The draft rules are based on the town’s 2015 Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan and its 2018 Comprehensive Plan. Paper copies of the proposed revisions will be available to review, and town officials will be on hand to answer questions and hear suggestions. Complete documentation is available at Lansing’s website.