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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2013-09-10Minutes for 10 Sep 2013 Gty o f Itha4cla" Na to ra.G area s Go��ow Members present: Joe McMahon, Anna Stalter (notetaker), Robert Wesley, Dan Hoffman, Jon Meigs Members absent: Ron Herring, Aaron Donato (resigning) Guests: Natural Areas Rangers Carol Czimback and Doug Brewer; Chuck Baker (Chief Operator, Water Treatment Plant); Erik Whitney (Asst. Supt. DPW /Water and Sewer), Scott Gibson (DPW /Engineer), Jeanne Grace (City Forester) Old Business: Guests Baker, Whitney, Gibson and Grace were present to continue the discussion of landscape and site plans for the Giles Street Solids Handling Facility, the Interconnection Building and the new Reservoir Access Road that was begun in July 2013. The one -page Application for Work in Natural Areas was reviewed on Aug 6. Dan again expressed NAC's concern that, for these projects, the city's site plan review process was considered a substitute for Plan for Work in Natural Areas. Erik indicated that the Site Plan Review sets the budget for the project and that it would have been more efficient for NAC to have reviewed the projects prior to the site plan review. At this late date, DPW will try to address concerns of the NAC, with the understanding that only budget neutral modifications can be considered. To get everyone up to speed and open up the discussion, the NAC email to Erik Whitney (10 Aug 2013) and his response (14 Aug 2013) were reviewed point by point. 1. Open area planting (Giles St. Press Building, at southeast fence line). NAC asks: Will the proposed planting obscure view of tanks and building from trail across creek? What is ultimate location for the fence? The proposed planting is for a row of 6 conifers inside the construction fence, 3 deciduous trees outside, along a stretch along the bank that is now unvegetated. A site visit would probably be best to determine if the proposed planting will be adequate. Though most species proposed for planting are good, Robert commented that red pine is not recommended. 2. Restoration of the most southerly area. Erik reiterated that the fill material will be removed. The back lagoon will be dewatered by mid -Oct., all material will be moved by mid November; Streeter is the contractor. 3. There is no objection to letting all "lawn" areas revegetate naturally, with the understanding that they will be mown at least once annually to discourage woody regrowth. 4. The steep slope seed mix that has been selected (Ernst ERNMX- 181 -1) is acceptable. 5. Use of the old, main trail (west of the new facility) will continue, with the new road from Giles St. serving as connector. NAC asked if signs could be installed directing pedestrians to the trail and it's eventual connection to the South Hill Recway. It was also mentioned that a crosswalk be considered at this point on Giles. 6. The NAC is concerned about the fox den area (SW of thickener tanks). DPW will grade the area to minimize disturbance to the den. Interconnection building 1. Robert recommended that excelsior erosion control blankets be used; they will degrade more quickly than the jute blankets now specified. DPW will do a cost comparison of excelsior vs. jute erosion control blankets. 2. Erik and Chuck confirmed that the area behind the building will be allowed to revegetate naturally, and will also be mowed occasionally to discourage woody regrowth. 3. Front of building is earth tone brick. Reservoir access road 1. NAC asked if there was a landscape plan for the reservoir access road. Although the entrance has been widened, the road location has not changed, so there is minimal disturbance and landscaping is not required. There was some discussion about screening the entrance road more, keeping in mind that sight lines from the road must be maintained.A gate will be installed within the next week or so. 2. The old road is seeded and brush hogged once a year. 3. NAC asked if plantings could be added at the turn - around area at the base of the road. This area must be accessible to dedges and other large equipment for dam maintenance. NAC members will meet with Erik and Steve Westcott, O'Brien and Gere's engineer at Giles St. facility on Tuesday Sept 24 at 7:30 am to look over and assess the sites firsthand. Ranger Report: Doug reiterated that having the new radio and uniforms have helped immeasurably, and that visitors to the natural area are more respectful. Second Dam is less active than in the past, and he attributes this to the crackdown early in the season. Cars are parking on Rt. 79 and entering illegally via the access road. Signs might help direct people to Potter's Falls without trespassing. Many more fisherman have been active, as well as individuals trapping minnows and crayfish. Doug has some concerns about resource exploitation in the natural area and continues to express that to visitors. Though there have been more bikes, he has seen no campers or fires. Carol reported that there have been a few break -ins at the parking area. New signs are needed; the old ones have been painted over. The Invasives Vigilante is still girdling trees. A visit from the IPD may be warranted to get the message through to him. The rangers are still on the job as of Sept. 10.