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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2009-09-14City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission Meeting Minutes Monday, September 14, 2009 5:30- 7:OOpm City Hall, 108 East Green St Second Floor Conference Room In attendance Members: Alison Fromme, Ron Herring, Joe McMahon, Todd Miner, Nancy Schuler, Anna Stalter, Wendy Wallitt, Robert Wesley Other: Alexis Heinz, Natural Areas Ranger; Dan Hoffman, City Attorney; Ray Benjamin, Acting Superintendant, Public Works; Dave Farmer and Ellen Swank, Liberty Hyde Bailey Garden Club Absent: Jon Meigs, Gerald Cox Ex Officio: Wade Wykstra, Board of Public Works; Andy Hillman, City Forester Meeting Chair: Anna Stalter; Note taker: Ron Herring Minutes of the August meeting were read and approved with minor corrections. Reports and Announcements Ray Benjamin introduced guests Dave Farmer and Ellen Frank of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Garden Club. They have come with a proposal for improving access to the Fall Creek Natural Area beneath the Lake Avenue Bridge, adjacent to what is locally called the plumbers' pool. Access could be improved by adding railing. Descent from street level is often hazardous because of the inherently slippery nature of the steep slope and seepage from the cliff side. Discussion ensued. The NAC has repeatedly affirmed the desirability of a loop trail on the banks of Fall Creek, connecting to the Black Diamond Trail and Fuertes NA, but recognizes that much work will have to be done to make such a trail user - friendly. The area around Lake Avenue is a major bottleneck. Some concern was expressed about railings in general: liability, maintenance, suitability for natural areas. A number of NAC members offered to meet with the LHBGC members to discuss access; a sign -up sheet was passed around and gratefully received by the representatives of the club. Anna Stalter announced the need for volunteers for garlic mustard pulling in coordination with the October 31 Into the Streets event. Alexis Heinz distributed her Ranger Report, written with Gary Jordan. Problems were familiar: trails, trash, recycling, rule violations but there were also two serious incidents involving jumping [see report]. Alexis expressed concern that the NAC does not have a statement of purpose in regard to use of Natural Areas any more specific than Treman's "passive recreation." Robert Wesley reported on invasive stilt grass pulling with Alexis in 6 -Mile; the grass had not flowered much, perhaps for reasons of unusual Summer weather. NAC Letter on Water Plant Position and Mitigations Alison Fromme's draft was discussed. Dan Hoffman urged the NAC to make known our concerns that the specific mitigations and their funding be included in the discussions of Common Council. The consultants' report does not always group mitigations by purpose and therefore may understate the extent of needed actions and their expense. Discussion indicated different positions on both where the NAC stands, where it has stood previously, and where it should now stand. The resolution was that Dan's draft of mitigations be added into a letter to be drafted by Alison and circulated to the NAC prior to the next meeting and sent to Common Council. Guidelines NAC recognizes that much was learned from the trial run regarding the road constructed in 6 -mile NA for dam inspection. We lack the kind of expertise we need to react to Plans of Work prepared by people who know their specialized jobs well. Ron Herring suggested that future members should be chosen with an eye to building this kind of expertise; commissioners are more likely to know about natural history than engineering, making evaluation of work plans and enforcement of guidelines very difficult. Much appreciation was expressed for Wendy Wallit's persistent efforts in keeping the sub - committee working and connected to the BPW for what so far seems a major step forward for the NAC. The guidelines are in place and widely accepted, though implementation will be present on -going difficulties. New NAC Member to Be Selected It was suggested that previous applicant files be re- activated to find new members. Sarah Stuteville received several endorsements as a new member. Collegetown Terrace Apartments An EIS will require 6 -9 months, Dan Hoffman informed the Commission, but the scoping has just begun and this is the time to weigh in. Anna is on Conservation Advisory Council which will meet to discuss the issue. The NAC has voted unanimously to ask for the status of an "interested agency" in order to ask for mitigation in the project. The definition of "environment" is broad in the EIS; the NAC agreed to think very broadly about issues that should come up in the comment period. New Vice Chair As this was Wendy Wallit's last meeting, after seven years of service, concern over finding a new vice chair surfaced. But more important, Wendy was saluted by one and all for her dedicated and effective work on the Commission.