HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2009-11-09City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission
Meeting Minutes
Monday, November 9, 2009
5:30- 7:OOpm
City Hall, 108 East Green St
Second Floor Conference Room
In attendance
Members: Ron Herring, Gerard H Cox, Jon Meigs, Alison Fromme, Joe McMahon, Anna Stalter, Todd Miner,
Robert Wesley, Nancy Schuler
Ex Officio: Wade Wykstra, Board of Public Works
Other: Roxy Johnston, For Chief Operator City Water Plant; Dan Hoffman, City Attorney
Meeting Chair: Gerry Cox; Note taker: Anna Stalter
Minutes of the October meeting were read and approved with minor corrections
Reports and Announcements
Gas drilling - Alison related her concern that some of the properties that border Six Mile Creek have
been leased for natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale. Because 70% of the flow into Six Mile Creek is from
groundwater, there is concern about the impact that this drilling activity could have on the city water supply as well
as on the lands within the watershed. Some discussion ensued including mention that Eric Rosario, City Council,
was looking into the possibility that the Six Mile Creek watershed be designated as a Critical Environmental Area
and thereby afforded some protection. Ron asked if the city of Ithaca had taken a position. Wade indicated that,
when approached by gas developers, the joint town /city sewer plant had indicated it would not accept fracking
fluid. Alison volunteered to lead NAC efforts to make comments on the DEC SGEIS, which may be submitted until
Dec. 31, 2009.
Into the Streets - Anna reported that —25 eager Cornell students and 2 NAC members pulled garlic
mustard and honeysuckle from the wildflower preserve on October 31.
Water Project — Dan H. announced that Mayor Peterson is assembling a client committee to include
neighbors, NAC members and other interested parties to give advice on the design process for the project. The
committee will report to BPW. NAC will be notified and canvassed for volunteers for this committee.
LH Bailey Garden Club Proposal
NAC reviewed the proposal to construct a railing on a section of the pedestrian trail at Ithaca Falls.
Questions were raised about cost, materials, maintenance and liability. The City has recently installed railings
near the Gateway walkway and Cacadilla Creek. These are maintained by Public Works. Because any work that
would be done would be overseen by BPW and a licensed engineer, liability should not be an issue. Put to a
vote, the NAC agreed to support the proposal in concept (5 in favor, 2 opposed, 1 abstention). Joe will correspond
with the Garden Club and advise them to forward their proposal to BPW for further consideration.
Tree Cutting about Silt Pond
There was concern that tree cutting above the silt pond on Giles St. in October had proceeded without
going through proper channels. Roxy explained that trees were cut because leaves falling into the pond get in the
way of sampling, which could trigger a monitoring violation. Chuck B. is aware of the Guidelines for Work in the
Natural Area. Chuck did go through Forestry department for approval, but this was not apparent, due in part to
Andy's absence. When concerns like this arise in future, all prospective parties should be consulted to avoid
misinterpretation of events.
Ithaca Falls — Fuertes Connection
Jon attended recent Ithaca Falls charette and raised the question of a possible trail linking Ithaca Falls to
Fuertes (the McMahon Trail). Mary Tomlan was among those in favor of this idea.
Membership
Dan has reminded NAC that, according to city code, a Chair must be appointed. In addition, because the
current arrangement of rotating chairs does not seem effective, NAC members continued an ongoing discussion
to address these concerns. Ron also announced that he will be on sabbatic next Spring and it is unclear if he
needs to step down or if a temporary replacement would suffice. Ron will check into when his current
appointment expires as that may influence any decision made regarding his membership.
Todd will ask the Mayor's office to post an opening for a new member as replacement for Wendy Wallitt,
who resigned in September.
A vote was conducted to install new officers and the following received unanimous approval:
Alison Fromme, Chair
Joe McMahon, Vice Chair
Anna Stalter, Secretary