HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2015-12-01Natural Areas Commission Meeting Minutes
December 1, 2015
Guests: Addisu Gebre (City Engineer), Teagan Barresi (Forestry Intern) Janet Edwards, Edna
Samson, Olivia (?), Jake Brenner (Ithaca College), Mike Thorne (DPW)
Notes by McMahon
Meeting began with a discussion about the Lake Street project at the entrance of Ithaca Falls. Mike
and Addisu were in attendance to address concerns and explain designs. Mike explained as the head
of DPW he looked at the project for safety features and is not comfortable with the current design that
has no railing along the creek. When he took his position with the city he considered installing a
barricade there.
The design features that were discussed:
1. The Gate: This is to serve as an indication that people are entering an area that gets no
maintenance and in cases when conditions are dangerous can be used to alert the public. A gate was
proposed but a single chain was chosen based on NAC recommendations.
2. Guardrail: Mike took safety and code as highest priority and followed ICC (International Code
Compliance). This will be 42’’ high, will be above the drop-off on the north and east sides. It was
requested by NAC that the fence be a dark color to reduce the visibility. Dan pointed out the current
resolution doesn’t address the removal of the Jersey Barriers. Mike and Addisu said it might be
possible to regrade the east bank to eliminate the need for a railing.
3. Walkway: If benches are included the walkway must be ADA compatible. Originally it was
designed to be 5’ wide, and could be as narrow as 3´. Currently designed to be 4´ and made from chip
sealed surface which is more durable than stone dust but cheaper than concrete.
The NAC voted unanimously in favor of a resolution in support of certain modifications to the design
that featured a 4´, chip-sealed walkway, and the removal of the Jersey Barriers on the east side with
the possibility of re-grading that area to eliminate the need for the guardrail.
The next item discussed was the installation of a memorial bench somewhere near the entrance of the
Mullholland Wildflower Preserve. A fund has been established for the bench by the family and friends
of Bill Ruoff. Jeanne Grace has asked that only locations close to the parking lot be considered so
access is conducive to installation and any maintenance.
NAC voted unanimously in favor of recommending to BPW the approval of the bench with site to be
approved by Jeanne and the Ruoff family.
The final item of discussion was concerning the possible collaboration with Ithaca College students for
upkeep of Six Mile Creek Natural Area. Jake Brenner, from the Department of Environmental Studies
and Sciences at Ithaca College was in attendance to see what kind of program we were interested
in. We began by briefing him on issues that are directly related to Ithaca College students. He said IC
has implemented an orientation for new students that takes them out to IC natural areas and give them
guidelines for what is and is not appropriate there. He said it has made a big difference and problems
are fewer but doesn´t know if student volunteers can work off campus. He suggested contacting Office
of Civic Engagement to see what is possible and be most effective.