HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2014-08-05G�ty o f I�
Natura.G Areas Go��ow
MEETING MINUTES
5 Aug 2014
5:30 -7:00 pm
City Hall, 108 E. Green St.
In attendance:
Joe McMahon (Chair); Members Anna Stalter (Co- chair); Dan Hoffman; Ashley Miller;
F. Robert Wesley (CU Liaison); Mark Darling (BPW Liaison); Josephine Martel (CC
Liaison)
Ex- Officio Doug Brewer and Carol Cvimback (Natural Areas Rangers); Jeanne Grace
(City Forester);Todd Bittner (CU)
Guests: Roxy Johnston (Watershed Coordinator),
Ken Carrier, Ithaca resident; IPD Chief Don Barber and Deputy Chief Peter Tyler
Notetaker: Anna Stalter
IPD representatives were in attendance to discuss patrolling at Six Mile Creek.
Last year's joint IPD, IFD and NA Ranger patrols were effective at reducing problems
during the 2013 season, but this effort has not been duplicated in 2014. As a result, there
has been an increase in illegal activity, numerous incidents of Ranger harassment,
vandalism and excess trash at SMC, and residential break -ins in the neighborhood. A
meeting with Giles and Bridge St. residents in late July prompted NAC Chair McMahon
to invite Mayor Myrick, IPD Chief John Barber and IFD Chief Tom Parsons to the
August meeting of the NAC.
Chief Barber and Deputy Chief Tyler explained that manpower issues are such that
regular patrols are not always covered, and that special details can't be. Force has
decreased by over 25% and every shift has overtime. Although they have scheduled
`target days' for special details like NAC patrols, no one has time. They did suggest that
rangers contact the Tompkins Co. Sheriff supervisor for backup on occasions when 50 Or
more people are at the site and trouble is expected. Rangers can represent city as witness
to infraction if county needs to enforce. IPD will run a PSA in local media on weekend
of Aug. 14 -17.
Todd shared four principles that CU Plantations has used to change dangerous behavior
in gorges: enforcement, education, infrastructure and alternatives.
Since initiating their campaign, violations have decreased by half. Cornell Gorge
Stewards have helped to monitor activity and educate about the dangers. Mark suggested
that IC natural lands stewards might be enlisted to act as gorge stewards at Six Mile
Creek.
Jeanne reported that No Parking signs will be posted on Water St. between the Water
Plant and Giles St.
Jeanne also shared a mock up of the sign for the natural area. Added "No Alcohol" to list
of prohibitions.
Ken Carrier, a local resident and a CU Plantations Natural Areas Steward, attended the
meeting to comment on the invasive plant species that he has observed at Six Mile Creek
and the efforts he has taken on his own to remove some of them. He has the awareness
and knowledge to help in any way with invasives efforts. Aside from stilt grass pulls
there have been no work days in a couple of years. It is hard to enlist volunteers, and the
overall problem seems too large to manage. Jeanne mentioned that there had been some
mention of dedicated Natural Areas Staff in the city's comprehensive plan that is now in
progress.