HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2016-01-05
Natural Areas Commission Meetng Minutes
Tuesday, January 5, 2016.
In attendance: Joe McMahon (chair); Members Anna Stalter (co‐chair), Robert
Wesley (CU Liaison), Dan Hoffman, Ashley Miller, Todd Bittner (Cornell Plantations
Liaison), Josephine Martell (Common Council Liaison)
Ex‐officio: City Forester Jeanne Grace, Watershed Coordinator Roxy Johnston
Guests: Marlo Zorman (IHS), prospective member Janet Edwards
Absent: Jon Meigs
Meeting minutes from Oct 2015 and Dec 2015 were approved with minor changes.
Roxy gave a brief water plant update. It is expected that by the end of month the
membrane filtration testing will be complete; new system has been working well
since July. Dan commented that the restoration at settling tank area does not look
finished. Roxy explained that because the old building is being used for
dechlorination now, it is still in place. She will let us know when that work is
complete; should be soon.
Anna reported that the Nature Journaling Workshop schedule is firming up; first
workshop will be Animal Tracking on Feb 13.
Roxy had a group of 2nd graders from Caroline visit SMC in Nov. The class talked
about watershed issues, and Scott Doyle was on hand to talk about water supply
infrastructure.
Todd reported that the County Trails website has been funded, and a web designer
has been hired. All trails will be featured on a countywide trail map, and the city will
provide location, narrative, and photos, for city trails. Should be completed this
summer.
Josephine mentioned that there would be a meeting with parks and other
stakeholders regarding management of Canada Geese in city parks.
401 Lake Street: Discussion
Earlier in the day, Josephine forwarded to board members an e‐mail exchange with
Nels Bohn on the current status of 401 Lake St. The city is still getting estimates for
the demolition and would have to decide by June if they would instead send the
parcel to auction. Planning Dept. is lead agency, with NAC input.
It was suggested that new CC members be brought up to speed. Also need to show
there is broad public support to retain the parcel. NAC should make a
recommendation. Josephine and Deb M 5th ward can reach out to public, ask them
to provide input. Or that can wait until options are finalized by planning board.
Once house is gone, what are options from NAC point of view? Public feedback
might be useful at this stage. Park‐like? Pavilion? Trail to overlook? Surplus funds
from Lake St. Park might be accessible. City is over‐budget for capital projects, but
amenities can be delayed; consider conservative modifications that echo park plan.
NAC could provide a few examples, have planning office initiate effort for design
alternatives, and then seek public feedback.
A resolution was proposed: City keeps property, rezones, demolishes house,
pushing foundation into basement, adds native fill. NAC suggests that planning
articulate some ideas, i.e., natural use, amenities consistent with park on other side
and natural area, then seek public feedback.
All were in favor of conceptual resolution; NAC chair will make final approval of
once the document is circulated.
Annual Common Council Address
Chair McMahon will address CC at next opportunity, and asked for input.
Suggestions included:
Lake St.
Increase ranger’s hours.
Open invitation from NAC to CC for visit.
Parks manager position (a facilities manager): expand scope to include
natural areas manager. Management plan should be funded to help highlight value
of natural area.
Engage IC students in SMC stewardship.
Revisit Ithaca Falls connection to Stewart Park.
More reports:
Joe: Trail coming down to SMC Access Rd. goes to Winners Circle that is never used.
Consider potential link to east hill recway.
EPA had funds left, wondered if NAC wanted restoration (plantings) at cleanup site;
Joe and Jeanne said no. Could these funds be used as mitigation for house site?