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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-18-16 WRC Minutes July 18, 2016 Meeting Minutes Members Attending: Name Representation Jon Negley P Soil & Water Frank Proto P At-Large Elaine Quaroni P At-Large Marjorie Rinaldo-Lee A Environment Michael Thorne P At-Large Brad DeFrees P Associate Member Michelle Henry E Associate Member Roxy Johnston A Associate Member Jose Lozano P Associate Member John Mawdsley A Associate Member Todd Miller P Associate Member Pam Pariso P Planning Staff Steve Penningroth E Associate Member Joanne Trutko A Associate member Tom Vawter P Associate Member Linda Wagenet P Associate Member Guests: Ethan Anderson; CJ Randall, Planner, Town of Danby; Kristen Hychka, URI/resident. Meeting Called to Order – Chairperson Kiley called the meeting of the Water Resources Council to order at 4:19 p.m. Introductions were made. All welcomed Brad DeFrees, new associate member. Agenda Review and Approval of Minutes – No changes were made to the Agenda. Motion made by Jim McGarry to accept as written, seconded by Barry Goodrich. All were in favor. For the June 20, 2016 minutes, there are two changes: Dooley Kiefer was present, and on page 1 line 23, the cost of the Green Infrastructure program should read $200K per year, not $20K. Jim McGarry made a motion to accept with changes. Jon Negley seconded that motion. All were in favor. WRC Minutes are posted at: http://tompkinscountyny.gov/planning under Advisory Boards. Guest Presentation – Town of Danby Groundwater Protection Local Law Update. Guest presenter CJ Randall, planner for the Town of Danby, gave a history and overview of their proposed Groundwater Protection Law. After years of planning, research and collaboration with many people and agencies, Danby is close to passing legislation to protect their delineated aquifers and groundwater. Essentially, this proposed protection law uses the power of zoning to forbid or regulate particular uses of water. Hydrogeologists have determined the most vulnerable areas of their aquifer and have mapped priorities of protection. CJ followed a blog called “Law of the Land” that helped shape this proposed law by learning from other municipalities’ mistakes. They found that a town can choose to forbid through zoning, rather than just regulate for uses that are regulated by the State. For example, Danby plans to forbid bulk water extraction and other polluting activities. The entire emphasis of this law Name Representation Sharon Anderson P Cooperative Extension John Andersson P At-Large James Balyszak P At-Large Fay Benson E Agriculture Chris Bordlemay P Water Purveyor Cynthia Brock E Recreation Ed Bugliosi E USGS ex officio Liz Cameron P T C Environmental Health Sarah Dwyer P At-Large Bill George P Municipal Barry Goodrich P Watershed Organization Joan Jurkowich P TC Planning Dooley Kiefer P Legislature Liaison Darby Kiley P Municipal Lynn Leopold E Municipal Jim McGarry P EMC Liaison TOMPKINS COUNTY WATER RESOURCES COUNCIL 2 was turned from outlining allowable uses to forbidding contaminants that threaten water quality. Proposed development will be scrutinized with these water protection safeguards. The WRC asked CJ questions about its effects on agriculture, specifically livestock feeding and watering. Under the NYS Sanitary Code, the Tompkins County Health Department wants to be informed by code enforcement officers when something doesn’t meet code for any wells. There was a question on the monitoring of landfills and water wash-off, specifically the Landstrom landfill, a county landfill that may have immunity. New gas stations within the most protected area would be denied a building permit. Danby residents are extremely supportive, especially since there are severe drought conditions now. Hydrilla Update – by James Balyszak James gave his report (see attached). This is the busiest month of year for hydrilla treatment. The treatment zone spans 100 acres. The group discussed variation in pH rates and treatment formulation. Committee Reports – WATERSHED RULES AND REGULATIONS – Chris Bordlemay said this committee has a meeting scheduled next week. NOMINATING/MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE –Did not meet. GRANTS – Jonathan Negley said proposals are due for the DEC / New York Sea grant up to $20,000, due by September 23. They have two goals: native fish and wildlife biodiversity restoration, and community resiliency and ecosystem integrity through improved resource management. Jon sent an email to WRC members with a consolidated list of funding opportunities. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE – No updates. CAYUGA LAKE MONITORING PARTNERSHIP – They met recently and discussed the CSLAP program, a citizen monitoring effort where samples are collected and sent to a lab. They have another meeting scheduled. SOIL HEALTH COMMITTEE – Met on June 30th. Jon Negley reported that they’re discussing next steps and goals. They may focus on education and outreach. They need to define what is feasible for next year. EDUCATION AND OUTREACH – Did not meet. Brochures are under production. WATERSHED ASSESSMENTS – John Andersson reported that the committee met last week. They’re continuing their review of the watershed assessments. They have another meeting scheduled for September 8. Chair and Staff Reports – None. Announcements and Other Business – There was a discussion about the drought and the water shortage / discoloration problem. Chris Bordlemay reported that on July 7 Cornell issued a limited water restriction announcement for people on the Cornell water system. The County Health Department will issue a similar announcement this week urging water conservation. Sarah Dwyer commented about health concerns for her baby bathing or drinking the water in the City of Ithaca. Adjournment -- Frank made a motion to adjourn. Chris seconded. All in favor. The meeting adjourned at 5:24 PM. Respectfully submitted, Pam Pariso, Secretary Tompkins County Planning Department Approved by Council on September 19, 2016.