HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2015-07-07
MEETING MINUTES
7 July 2015
5:30-7:00 pm
City Hall, 108 E. Green St.
In attendance: Joe McMahon (Chair); Members Anna Stalter (Co-chair); Dan Hoffman; Josephine Martel
(CC Liaison)
Ex-Officio Carol Czimback (Natural Areas Rangers); Jeanne Grace (City Forester)
Absent: Ashley Miller; Jon Meigs; F. Robert Wesley (CU Liaison); Todd Bittner (Cornell Plantations Liaison)
Guests: Addisu Gebre (Lake St. Park Project Manager); Cynthia Brock, (CC); George McGonigal (CC);
Teagan Barresi (Forestry Intern); Caleb Thomas (Ithaca Public Art Commission)
Notetaker: Anna Stalter
Minutes of the June meeting could not be approved due to lack of a quorum.
1. Ithaca Falls Entrance
Dan H. expressed concern about lack of notice for planned work in the NA; Addisu was unaware of the need to
do so. He indicated that he had invited NAC and Parks reps for input early on. Although both Dan and Joe had
attended an early meeting to discuss the project, the design was still preliminary. An application and plan of
work must be submitted as soon as possible.
Many aspects of the current design were discussed. Joe asked if there would be winter maintenance of planned
sidewalk. Jeanne indicated that the sidewalk nearby is plowed. George is under the impression that the sidewalk
will not be plowed. Asked if crushed stone could be used there instead, Addisu said it was not his decision.
Stone dust would need replenishment. The question was raised at to whether the sidewalk improves access and
if the Disability Advisory council had been consulted. Cynthia commented that CC had not yet voted on
specific elements of the design. Because bridge construction has been delayed to 2016, there is time to discuss
and finalize the design. Although the Planning Board has approved the current design, changes could still be
made to, e.g., incorporate cost saving measures.
Addisu recommended that the project be put out for bid as soon as possible. Can project be put out to bid by
October (reviewed by all interested parties)? The NAC will prepare comments by the first week in August to
help accomplish this goal.
2. Pedestrian Bridge Mural. Caleb Thomas, Ithaca Public Art Commission presented an overview of the mural
program. The program solicits designs for specific locations; artists specify if they will donate work and/or
materials. Contract with each artist states that mural is temporary, and the city can paint over it any time. A
design has been submitted for consideration for the Columbia St. pedestrian bridge, but comments from NAC
members were negative. Caleb had intended to present the design to the CC on July 8, but will not do so.
3. Ranger Report
Jeanne reported that Doug is transitioning to the Commons crew, and his last day as a NA Ranger will be Sat.,
Jul 11.
Carol reported that IPD and others had been touring SMC. She suggested that the fire pit at first dam should be
covered. Second dam is still problematic. There have been parking issues at Mulholland and on at least one
occasion, IPD was reluctant to ticket. Carol was advised to take names and badge numbers if officers were
argumentative in future.
Though there was a strong presence by IPD and IFD, Tompkins Co. Sheriffs and CU police, on the Target Date,
they were only at the site until 5 (supposed to stay till 7). Local law enforcement seem to have little regard for
Rangers. On July 3 there were many rafts in reservoir, and jumpers. Rangers called for support.
Deputy insisted there was no prohibition against alcohol and would not ticket offenders.
Overall there is poor response from law enforcement and dispatch often does not know where to send them.
There is another law enforcement ride along planned for Saturday, July 11. Cynthia mentioned the
neighborhood concerns about parking, trash, etc. Josephine will reschedule next meeting with IPD et al. to an
earlier date (July 28) to discuss some of these issues.