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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1996 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE January 8, 1996 Committee Present: Jack Booker, Dan Hoffman, John Johnson, Beth Mulholland, Marjorie Olds, Nancy Ramage, Richard Fisher. Others Present: City Forester Andy Hillman, Youth Bureau staff Ric Dietrich, Mayor Alan Cohen, Bill Dress, Ed Hart, Rick Gray. Committee Absent: Peter Fortunato. 1. Approval of Minutes: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ( "Committee" ) approved minutes of Dec. 11, 1995 meeting, with the following corrections: - "Others Present: " Add Chief Water Plant Operator Chuck Baker and City Youth Bureau staff Ric Dietrich; Rick Gray is not "liaison" from Common Council. - "Rec Way" should be item #6 (not #4) . 2 . City Forester's Report: Carpenters ' union is building two bulletin boards. They are almost completed. Trails still partially obstructed by trees downed in previous storms; DPW had to clean up parks (and streets) first. Committee members discussed concerns that people will blaze new trails around obstructions, damaging wildflower areas, etc. 3. Report from the Field: Some members suggest "Icy Path" warnings on trails. Discussion of possible liability. No agreement on where such signs should be placed, except on trail above Potters Falls. Andy said he would try to get "Trail Closed During Winter" sign posted where trail climbs above Potters Falls. No signs yet of extensive snowmobile activity. Discussion on "public relations" (getting out news about Natural Area) postponed until next meeting. 4. Discussion with Mayor Cohen: Committee outlined its historical campaign to protect more of the land in the watershed area from development, and the City's commitment to a three-way mission for the area: protect & operate water supply, keep land in as natural a state as possible, provide opportunity for passive recreation. Committee expressed frustration with the slow pace of land acquisition, in particular with certain "high-priority" parcels . Mayor said he would investigate and attempt to get efforts moving. Mayor suggested that City could place a conservation easement on watershed land City itself owns . This would assure permanent protection, even if City stopped relying on the area for water supply. Would Finger Lakes Land Trust be interested in helping with this effort? Mayor himself leans toward favoring City joining Bolton Point water system (and keeping current supply) . Committee relayed concerns about siting of new water plant in Natural Area; Mayor promised early involvement of Committee in the issue. Mayor also suggested that City and other municipalities could make 'sure that land in watershed is all residentially zoned (ie. , not for more intensive use) . It was also suggested that the Committee get an update on the Town of Ithaca's proposed conservation overlay zone. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Minutes, Jan. 8, 1996 (p.2) 6 . Youth Bureau Activities in Natural Area: After much discussion, the following revised Proposal regarding certain Youth Bureau program activities in the Natural Area was passed without dissent: "WHEREAS, the Outing Program of the City Youth Bureau has requested official permission to continue to conduct certain closely supervised program activities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area which are generally prohibited, according to the City Code; and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has a history Of making constructive contributions to the Natural Area, through work programs that maintain and enhance the area; and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee believes that closely supervised rock-climbing, rapelling and ice-climbing by the Outing Program, with proper notice to and consent of the Department of Public Works, can occur without detriment to the Natural Area; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Ithaca grant the City Youth Bureau special authority to engage in the following closely supervised program activities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area: a. Rock-climbing, b. Ice-climbing, c. Rapelling (and use of zip lines) , and d. Use of the "Trillium Trail" south of the Upper Reservoir; and that this authority be subject to reasonable restrictions and procedures which may be imposed (on notice) by the City for reasons of safety, liability, or reducing the potential of illegal "copy- cat" activity by other observers, and subject to review by the City and/or Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee to determine the advisability of its continuation. This recommendation should not be construed as endorsing any activity in areas designated by the City as off-limits for water supply purposes. " Ric Dietrich committed the Youth Bureau to working with DPW staff (and interested Committee members) to develop a simple format for notice and consent procedures and guidelines for protection of fragile areas. 7 . Odds & Ends: Rec Way meeting (Peter F. , John J. , Chuck B. , Andy H. and Marjorie 0. ) previously scheduled for 12/28/95 at 100 Renzetti was cancelled. Peter F. will contact parties to reschedule for January or February. Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 PM. Minutes by MZO SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Membership 1996 Voting Members: Name Term Designated Slot - Office - Address, Phone, FAX Ends COMMON COUNCIL John Johnson 946 E. State Street 1997 Ithaca NY 14850 272-8442 BOARD OF 1997 PUBLIC WORKS CONSERVATION Dan Hoffman 607 N. Tioga Street 1997 ADVISORY COUNCIL - Chair - Ithaca NY 14850 273-6933h/273-2202w FAX: 273-4436 (w) TOWN OF ITHACA Richard Fischer * 135 Pine Tree Road 1997 CONSERVATION BOARD Ithaca NY 14850 273-2077 [CIRCLE GREENWAY] Beth Mulholland * 105 Penny Lane 1997 - Secretary - Ithaca NY 14850 273-4295 AT-LARGE Nancy Ramage 964 E. State Street 1996 - V. Chair - Ithaca NY 14850 273-5065 AT-LARGE Marjorie Olds 100 Renzetti Place 1997 Ithaca NY 14850 277-2228 AT-LARGE Jack Booker 308 Eastwood Avenue 1997 Ithaca NY 14850 273-0907 AT-LARGE Peter Fortunato * 172 Pearsall Place 1998 Ithaca NY 14850 273-6637 Ex-Officio: City Forester Andy Hillman 272-1718 Asst Supt, Water & Sewer Larry Fabbroni 274-6596 Water Plant Chief Operator Chuck Baker 273-4680 Planning Director Thys Van Cort 274-6550 * = Residence outside City (Limit of 3 out-of-City voting members) SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE (2/5/96) Meeting Dates -- 1996 Monday, JANUARY 8 Monday, FEBRUARY 12 Monday, MARCH 11 Monday, APRIL 15 (Third Monday) Monday, MAY 13 Monday, JUNE 10 Monday, JULY 8 At Natural Area, Near Giles St. Pkg Area (unless rain) Monday, AUGUST 12 At Natural Area, Near Giles St. Pkg Area (unless rain) Monday, September 9 Monday, October 21 (Third Monday) Monday, November 18 (Third Monday) Monday, December 9 Meetings are at 5:15 PM, 3rd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, unless otherwise noted AV• 1116 L)L)C111J. 111. r u1J 111. rV 1J 1 J\J FROM: Dan Hoffman, Chairperson Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee DATE: January 16, 1996 RE: Youth Bureau Activities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area Enclosed please find a copy of a recommendation from the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, adopted on January, 8, 1996, in response to a request from Ric Dietrich, from the Outing Program of the Ithaca Youth Bureau. According to Ric, the Outing Program has conducted supervised activities such as rock and ice climbing in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area (on City property) for many years, and is doing so currently, notwithstanding the fact that since May 1984, the City Code (Chapter 320-4) has prohibited these activities without explicit exception for the Youth Bureau (or anyone else) . (Apparently, shortly after the "prohibitions" were enacted, the Youth Bureau approached the City for an exception. The BPW voted to add the exception, but there is no record of Common Council discussing the change, or of the Code being amended. ) The issue came up again this Fall, when the City's gorge ranger attempted to stop the Youth Bureau from rock climbing. Ric then approached the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committtee, which considered the matter at several meetings, and finally voted in favor of the enclosed motion. Several members had serious concerns about the various potential impacts and risks of allowing any such "exceptions . " Ric's assurance that the supervisors of the programs would be very sensitive to the fragile nature of the Natural Area, and would work closely with the DPW (and our Committee) in developing appropriate guidelines for the activities, helped convince a majority to support the recommendation. We don't know whether BPW action alone is sufficient to make the exceptions official, or whether they should actually be noted in the City Code (through Common Council action) . We do feel, however, that the current situation is too ambiguous, and that all would benefit from a written understanding regarding these activities . We think it is crucial that the City's right to impose "reasonable restrictions and procedures " and to review the matter in light of future experience remain attached to any official exceptions. Thank you for your attention. If I can be of assistance as you consider this matter, please feel free to contact me. (Andy Hillman and Chuck Baker have also been involved in our discussions; unfortunately, the BPW did not have an active liaison to our Committee during that time. ) cc: Ric Dietrich PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION ON YOUTH BUREAU ACTIVITIES IN NATURAL AREA For consideration at 1/8/96 SMCAC meeting WHEREAS, the Outing Program of the City Youth Bureau has requested official permission to continue to conduct certain program activities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area which are generally prohibited, according to the City Code; and WHEREAS, the Youth Bureau has a history of making constructive contributions to the Natural Area, through work programs that maintain and enhance the area; and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee believes that closely supervised rock-climbing, rapelling and ice-climbing by the Outing Program, planned in conjunction with appropriate staff from the Department of Public Works, can occur without detriment to the Natural Area; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Ithaca grant the City Youth Bureau special authority to engage in the following supervised program activities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area: a. Rock-climbing, b. Ice-climbing, c. Rapelling (and use of zip lines) , and d. Use of the "Trillium Trail" area south of the 60-foot reservoir; and that this authority be subject to reasonable restrictions which may be imposed (on notice) by the City for reasons of safety, liability, or reducing the potential of illegal "copy- cat" activity by other observers, and subject to review by the City and/or Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee to determine the advisability of its continuation. This recommendation should not be construed as endorsing any activity in areas designated by the City as off-limits for water supply purposes. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes June 10, 1996 Committee Present: Elizabeth Mullholland, Chair Dan Hoffman, Nancy Ramage, Dick Fischer, Marjorie Olds. Others Present: 1996 Gorge Rangers Elissa Wolfson and Robert Drabicki, Chuck Baker, Alan Cohen. Committee Absent: Peter Fortunato, John Johnson, Jack Booker. 1. Introductions & Agenda Review: Due to differing information provided Committee members and Staff, some interested persons did not reach Mulholland Wildflower Preserve in time for June 10th meeting. All future meetings will be held at City Hall, 3rd Floor Conference room, unless notice to the contrary is provided. 2 . Approval of Minutes: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ( "Committee" ) will approve the May and June Minutes at the July, 1996 meeting. 3. City Forester's Report: Andy Hillman was not present and discussion of replacement of second bridge will be postponed until July 8th meeting. 4. Other Reports: Dan gave an update on Town of Ithaca's proposed Conservation Zone in the Six Mile Creek area. An amended version of the new zone has been approved by Planning Board, excluding some parcels along Burns Road and narrowing the buffer along Recreation Way to 200 feet. Next step is consideration by the Town Board. MZO will contact Town Supervisor Cathy Valentino and request that the Town Planning Board provide us with notice of upcoming meetings on the Conservation Zone. 5. Land Protection and Acquisition: Mayor Alan Cohen announced the good news that after many years' effort the City has a signed purchase agreement for Parcel #SM-3 (Pakkala) and negotiations continue for Parcel # SM-13. According to Alan, Doug Foster will obtain survey and contact County Assessors regarding the effect of the Conservation District on SM- 13. The Mayor will update the Committee on the strategies he outlined to us in January, 1996 meeting including application of a conservation easement to City-owned watershed land. Committee members to pursue restrictive easement concept. MZO to contact Finger Lakes Land Trust for guidance. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 6/10/96 Page 2 Mayor Cohen had previously suggested the possibility of maintaining a residential zone for privately-owned watershed properties remaining in the City at the present time. He suggested City also pursue this with adjoining municipalities. Dan will continue to request monthly updates on these strategies and acquisition of land from Mayor and Planning Department. 6 . Summer, 1996 Enforcement Plan: 1996 Gorge rangers reported continuing problems with bicyclists; swimmers who dive from tower, dam, cliff; campfires; unlawful sexual behavior; continuing complaints from Penny Lane residents regarding noisy late-night behavior. Chuck Baker will work with Bob Drabicki and Andy to obtain assistance with policing from the sheriff's Department, State Police, IPD, and/or Ithaca Code Enforcement Officers. Bob has volunteered to work some late night hours, accompanied by peace officers with arrest powers. Majority sentiment on Committee was opposed to any relaxation of enforcement of prohibition on swimming. Rangers will consider having swimmers and divers ticketed for Health Code violations (swimming in public water source - which is how all water upstream of Van Natta's Dam is still designated) . Elissa has offered to create a pamphlet for continuing educational campaign to achieve safe and lawful behavior. Committee passed a Resolution suggesting that Common Council set, post and enforce a curfew prohibiting public use of Natural Area and the Giles Street Parking Area from 11 P.M. until 4 A.M. Dan will send this Resolution to Common Council. Meeting adjourned around 7 P.M. Minutes by MZO TO: Board of Public Works Common Council FROM: Daniel Hoffman, Chairperson Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee DATE: June 30, 1996 RE: Access to Six Mile Creek Natural Area The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee has learned of numerous complaints about persons being present in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area during warm weather, very late at night, engaging in various prohibited activities, including noisy parties, use of firecrackers, setting of fires, use of alcoholic beverages, etc. Apparently many such persons enter from the official entrance at Commonland after parking on the Town roads that lead into the development. A favorite gathering place seems to be the plateau below Commonland overlooking the lower reservoir. The City Code (Section 320-2) currently prohibits public access to the Natural Area "between sunset and sunrise. " To our knowledge, this somewhat vague proscription has not been enforced, nor is it posted or publicized. The committee recommends that a more realistic "curfew" be established for the Natural Area, namely, between 11 PM and 4 AM, and that it be posted at all entrances and strictly enforced. These times will allow people who want to enjoy nature walks before dawn or after dusk to do so, but could put a serious damper on the improper late night activities that are now disturbing neighbors. We recommend as well that the City officially prohibit parking at the Giles Street parking area during the same period ( 11 PM to 4 AM) , that appropriate signs be posted and maintained, and that City police regularly check the area and ticket offenders . Thank you for your consideration of these proposals. cc: Mayor Alan Cohen SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 7/8/96 Minutes Page 1 COMMITTEE PRESENT: Dan Hoffman, Dick Fischer, Peter Fortunato, Nancy Ramage, Beth Mulholland, Marjorie Olds, Jack Booker. OTHERS PRESENT: Andy Hillman, Elissa Wolfson, Bob Drabicki, Rick Gray, Ed Hart, Bill Dress . COMMITTEE ABSENT: John Johnson. MINUTES: Minutes of Committee's 5/13/96 meeting were distributed and approved as written. Minutes of 6/10/96 meeting (enclosed with agenda) were approved. REPORTS: City Forester: Andy reported that a memorial plaque (donated by the Wallit family) is in the works for the middle bench. Andy noted that the July 4th edition of the Ithaca Journal contained three articles about Six Mile Creek -- we're making headlines ! Funds for additional enforcement by deputies or others have not been spent, due to resistance by Andy's superiors and the fact that police agencies have begun to offer some free assistance. Chairperson: Dan distributed copies of a letter he wrote to the Board of Public Works requesting enforcement of new curfew hours for Six Mile Creek Area - 11 PM to 4 AM. From the Field: Beth brought the Ithaca Journal article on the "dog problem" in the Six Mile Creek Area. The story seems to have been sensationalized by the paper to make it newsworthy. Rangers and committee members report most dogs in the gorge are friendly and well- behaved. Rangers will continue to remind dog owners to clean up after their dogs and to keep their dogs from running ahead of them and jumping up on people. Beth believes the problem is more of a people problem than a dog problem. Nancy reports some suspicious early-morning activity in the gorge. Gorge Rangers: More coordination between sheriff, State police and rangers resulted in the break-up of a beer party behind Commonland and the arrest of four men for public lewdness. Dan urged that we avoid characterizing a whole class of people as a result of the inappropriate public behavior of those arrested; the committee agreed. Rnagers report that some Commonland residents say the situation (noise, etc) is better than last year. (Elissa wondered if a neighborhood-permit-parking system - such as was recently approved for parts of the City - could be instituted on Penny Lane to control late- night parking. ) Bob has made up some color-coded maps indicating emergency vehicle access points and gates. Investigator Dresser and Trooper Hoff have copies so they will know where the problem areas are and how to get to these areas if the rangers call for assistance. SCOPE OF GORGE RANGER JOB: Beth feels we need to re-examine what we want the Six Mile Creek Natural Area to be like. Should gorge rangers be planning activities (eg: nature walks) that attract more people to the area? Beth thinks a better approach might be to let people discover nature on their own. Dick says if people have some help in the discovery process, they will discover much more. Ed noted that the people who attended last Saturday's bird walk are law-abiding and environmentally concerned - exactly the kind of people we want to encourage to come to the area (and the same kind of people who attended previous walks organized by Beth) . Dan shares Beth's concern that the Six Mile Creek Area not be treated like a "nature center, " SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 7/8/96 Page 2 but thinks that occasional events like interpretive walks are OK; we depend on these people to help provide "self-enforcement. " Bob thinks it's helpful to be able to mention activities like this when people are told of all the prohibited activities and ask "What can we do in here?" Bill felt that Six Mile Creek will be a heavily-used area no matter how the Committee chooses to characterize it. Andy says that examples of appropriate gorge usage can help drive out inappropriate usage. Most Committee members felt that interpretive walks are compatible with the official objectives for the Natural Area. 1997 BUDGET: Andy says the Mayor has asked department heads for two different budgets - one with no increases, one with a 4% across-the- board reduction. Our budget includes money for ranger salaries, signs, construction materials, etc. Andy and Committee members will lobby Council for no reduction. (Dan will try to track down the money donated for memorial benches, as it would help reduce the amount that must be taken from the operating budget for bench construction. ) TOWN CONSERVATION DISTRICT: The Ithaca Town Board is expected to vote on July 15th, after another public hearing on the proposed conservation district for the Six Mile Creek area. Peter thinks we will probably lose in our efforts to obtain a 500-foot no-build buffer above the railroad right-of-way and to require clustering of new units, but recommends that we "go down fighting" (ie. , not offer a compromise position) . Dan suggests that we urge a wider buffer along the Recreation Way and settle for a narrower one beyond Burns Road. Nancy suggests a compromise buffer of 250 feet. The Committee voted to reiterate our previous position (500 feet) and to authorize Peter to represent our concerns to the Town Board. RECREATION WAY MAINTENANCE: Marjorie, Peter and Mary Gilliland have had continuing discussions and correspondence with Rich Schoch from the Town about Recreation Way maintenance. Town has not agreed to a ban on vehicle-based maintenance; inappropriate mowing continues. Peter says two feet on either side of Rec Way should be the limit for mowing. Committee approved a motion authorizing a subcommittee (Marjorie, Peter, Mary) to meet with Town representatives to discuss ongoing concerns. Meeting adjourned at 7 PM. Minutes submitted by Elissa Wolfson, edited by Dan Hoffman Minutes Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Monday,August 12, 1996 Committee members present: Dan Hoffman,chair; Dick Fischer,Peter Fortunato,John Johnson,Beth Mulholland, Nancy Ramage,Jack Booker. Others present: Rick Gray,Ed Hart,Andy Hillman,Elissa Wolfson Committee Members Absent: Marjorie Olds 1. The Agenda was reviewed and a couple of items added at the end. 2. Minutes for the meeting of July 8, 1996 were approved. 3. City Forester's report: Andy Hillman reported on the installation of a fence at a dangerous drop-off along a subsidiary path,at the recommendation of the City's insurance carrier. Unfortunately an obtrusive orange snow fence was installed, and subsequently knocked down(and later retrieved from the creek). Andy will look into having a different kind of barrier installed. 4. Gorge Ranger's report: Elissa Wolfson led a Big Tree Search in which 8 people participated,looking for various"entries"for a county wide inventory. She proposed other possible walks, such as a Fall wildflower walk. Behavior has improved over the last month,perhaps in response to the publicity given to last month's arrests. A repeat offender of the bicycle prohibition was delivered a trespassing notification. Police were called to follow up on reports by several visitors that an armed man had entered the area. An ambulance was called to take an apparently intoxicated man,who had fallen on the rocks near the Giles St. Bridge, to the hospital. 5. Other reports: Beth Mulholland has removed the gravel from the meadow, allowing the grass and wildflowers to grow back.;She reported that people prefer mulched chips to gravel. A sign announcing a hidden driveway is needed near the entrance; a letter requesting this will be sent to Dan Cole,the City traffic engineer. Beth also feels that Giles St. needs better maintenance, including the cutting back of overhanging branches. 6. Land Protection: Dan Hoffman reported on the unanimous adoption by the Town Board of a conservation zone. It will include a 200 foot no-build zone along the Recreation Way, and the requirement of 7 acre lots for any houses built(with a few properties on Burns Road exempted from this rule). He also reported on high-priority land acquisitions: the City's offer to buy the Pakkala parcel has been accepted, but the closing has not yet taken place. There may have been delays in the process of alienation and designation of substitute park land, and Dan will request a report from Doug Foster for our next meeting. A meeting has taken place with members of the Land Trust (Marjorie Olds and Betsy Darlington) to work on a proposed conservation easement for land that the city now owns in the Natural Area. 7. 2nd Bridge: We had a discussion on the pros and cons of re-building the 2nd bridge off the Giles St. parking lot that had been washed away in this winter's flood. After various points were raised,mostly in favor of the rebuilding,we unanimously passed a motion to go ahead with plans for the rebuilding. We will work for a low-tech, simple SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Monday, September 9, 1996 5:15 - 6:45 PM 3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall AGENDA Estimated Time 2 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review 3 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes: August 12, 1996 - ENCLOSED 10 min. - 3. City Forester's Report (Andy Hillman) 10 min. - 4. Gorge Rangers' Repor't(s) 15 min. - 5. Other Reports (Chair, Beth Mulholland, et al) 5 min. - 6 . Land Protection/Acquisition Update 5 min. - 7. 1997 Budget - Update 15 min. - 8. Replacement of Second Bridge from Parking Area - Discussion of Design, Construction & Funding Strategies 15 min. - 9 . Repair of Trail Above Old Pipeline/Creekwall - Discussion/Brainstorm 10 min. - 10. Response to Bibycle Advisory Council Request for Change in Recreation Way Signage (see ENCLOSED letter) Adjournment NOTES: - Next Meeting: October 21, 1996 (3rd Monday) COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified. 273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W) cc: Elissa Wolfson Bob Drabicki Bicycle Advisory Council Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Page 2 8/12/96 Minutes footbridge, the details of which we will discuss next month. John Johnson will try to get Cornell engineering classes interested in this as a project.. 8. Budget: Andy Hillman has put in two budgets, as requested by the mayor: one with 0 % increase, and one with a 4%decrease. Nancy Ramage also reported on her request for support for the committee budget at the last Common Council meeting. Andy Hillman will alert her to the next meeting of the BPW, so that she can again make the plea for our committee. 9. Curfew proposal: Dan Hoffman reported that the BPW will consider the proposal only after the Parks Commission looks at it. We all agreed that the proposal as revised by the BPW Committee of the Whole is too confusing(Natural Area curfew from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am, but parking prohibited from 2:00 to 6:00 am), and a motion to change both to 11:00 pm to 4:00 am was passed unanimously.`Andy will bring up the problem at the next Parks Commission meeting. 10. Recreation Way Maintenance: Peter Fortunato gave an update on his and Marjorie Olds' meeting with Jonathan Kantor,who is very well disposed toward our concerns,and would be happy to have them come to a Town Board meeting. Also, the Town mowed at the right time so that the wildflowers grew up nicely. Peter also reported on the new Vincenzo J. Iacovelli Park,which has sprung up along the Recreation Way with disconcerting suddenness. Ed Hart and the subcommittee will consider further the problem of bikes along the Recreation Way. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm. Notes taken by Nancy Ramage 4 ri `177 I TIP, o, CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT AND TELEPHONE: (607)274-6527 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS August 16, 1996 FAX: (607)272-7348 Dan Hoffman 607 N. Tioga Street • Ithaca, New York 14850 • Re: Request for Changes in Access to Six Mile Creek Natural Area File: Gov. - SMC.0 Dear Mr. Hoffman: This letter is a follow up to your request, on behalf of the Six Mile Creek Committee, to the Board of Public Works for changes in the access time to the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. Attached is a resolution passed by the board at its meeting on Wednesday, August 15, 1996. The board approved of a 10:00 pm closing, which meets the regulations for public parks, according to the City Code. The board also approved new time regulations for the parking area on Giles Street with the same time restrictions of 10:00 pm until 4:00 am. Staff has been directed to install signage indicating the new time regulations. If you have any questions or comments regarding the resolution, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, } i 1 (1 Q) William J. Gray, P.E. Superintendent of Public Works WJG/dlp cc: Carol C. Reeves, BPW, Vice Chair Dan Cole, Traffic Engineer Jeff Redsicker, Working Supervisor Joann Cornish-Epps, Parks Commission "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" a Recycled Paper 13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS - Commissioner Smith. A. Access to Six Mile Creek Natural Area. WHEREAS, the City Code currently prohibits public access to the Natural Area "between sunset and sunrise," and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee feels that the current regulation is vague and should be specific and that the area should be signed accordingly, and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee is recommending that the regulation be changed to prohibited people from the natural area and the parking area between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request from the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee and hereby adopts new prohibited hours from 10:00 pm until 4:00 am in the natural areas and the restriction of 10:00 am to 4:00 am in the parking area at Giles Street, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board directs staff to install appropriate signage alerting the public to this time restriction, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board requests the Police Department and Gorge Rangers monitor the areas and enforce the new time regulations. 8/14/96 To: Board of Public Works • From: Dave Nutter, chair, Bicycle Advisory Council A Date: October 8, 1995 Re: South Hill Recreationway signage After the City of Ithaca had agreed to allow the Town to build the South Hill Recreationway bike/ped trail, but before it was completed, the City installed "no bikes" signs at the Hudson Street entrance. When I questioned the BPW about this I was told that it was because the Recreationway was not yet "open" and there were still mud problems on the Rec'way-to-be which bicycle use exacerbated. I was assured that when the Recreationway was officially opened such signs would be removed. • The Recreationway is open, the mud and drainage problems are gone, yet the City has hardly kept its promise regarding the signs. There is currently a sign at the Hudson Street entrance to the South Hill Recreationway which says in large letters "NO BIKES" . These are the only words legible from a moving car, the way most people will learn about this trail. This is a very poor way to advertise a publicly funded and accessible bike path, the only one in the City which attempts to meet modern safety standards. In fact, it appears downright hostile to all bicycle users, including the family and neighborhood riders for which the path was designed. I understand the desire to stop the erosion caused by misuse of steep unofficial sidetrails. However, this is a different issue than the legitimate use of the bike path for its intended purpose. The Recreationway could be a pleasant trail for an afternoon family ride if tie sign didn't mislead everyone who drives by. Let's not throw out the baby with the bath water. Please change the sign so as to convey a welcoming message to gentle riders while making it clear to everyone what the rules are and why. Disrespectful signs unfortunately fuel disrespectful attitudes, but legitimate reasons presented well will, I believe, be more effective. May I suggest rephrasing the message onto a new sign reading something like: "BIKE PATH. To prevent erosion, ride only on official trail. " Thank you. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE City of Ithaca 607 N. Tioga Street Ithaca NY 14850 September 3, 1996 Mayor Alan J. Cohen 108 E. Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 RE: BPW Seat on Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Dear Alan: I am writing to you as chair., of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee. The Committee includes several seats filled by persons from other governmental bodies, including one for a member of the City's Board of Public Works. This seat has been unfilled since the resignation of Jill Tripp from the BPW last year. Our committee addresses many issues that involve or affect the Public Works Department and the BPW's jurisdiction. Having a member from the BPW makes the committee's discussions and actions much more effective. The Committee has asked that I make a formal request that you appoint a member of the BPW to the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely yours, Gam---. Dan Hoffman cc: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee 1 f Minutes Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Monday,August 12, 1996 Committee members present: Dan Hoffman,chair,Dick Fischer,Peter Fortunato,John Johnson, Beth Mulholland,Nancy Ramage,Jack Booker. Others present: Rick Gray,Ed Hart,Andy Hillman,Elissa Wolfson Committee Members Absent: Marjorie Olds 1. The Agenda was reviewed and a couple of items added at the end. 2. Minutes for the meeting of July 8, 1996 were approved. 3. City Forester's report: Andy Hillman reported on the installation of a fence at a dangerous drop-off along a subsidiary path, at the recommendation of the City's insurance carrier. Unfortunately an obtrusive orange snow fence was installed, and subsequently knocked down (and later retrieved from the creek). Andy will look into having a different kind of barrier installed. 4. Gorge Ranger's report: Elissa Wolfson led a Big Tree Search in which 8 people participated,looking for various"entries"for a county wide inventory. She proposed other possible walks, such as a Fall wildflower walk. Behavior has improved over the last month,perhaps in response to the publicity given to last month's arrests. A repeat offender of the bicycle prohibition was delivered a trespassing notification. Police were called to follow up on reports by several visitors that an armed man had entered the area. An ambulance was called to take an apparently intoxicated man, who had fallen on the rocks near the Giles St. Bridge,to the hospital. 5. Other reports: Beth Mulholland has removed the gravel from the meadow,allowing the grass and wildflowers to grow back. She reported that people prefer mulched chips to gravel. A sign announcing a hidden driveway is needed near the entrance; a letter requesting this will be sent to Dan Cole, the City traffic engineer. Beth also feels that Giles St. needs better maintenance, including the cutting back of overhanging branches. 6. Land Protection: Dan Hoffman reported on the unanimous adoption by the Town Board of a conservation zone. It will include a 200 foot no-build zone along the Recreation Way, and the requirement of 7 acre lots for any houses built(with a few properties on Burns Road exempted from this rule). He also reported on high-priority land acquisitions: the City's offer to buy the Pakkala parcel has been accepted, but the closing has not yet taken place. There may have been delays in the process of alienation and designation of substitute park land, and Dan will request a report from Doug Foster for our next meeting. A meeting has taken place with members of the Land Trust (Marjorie Olds and Betsy Darlington) to work on a proposed conservation easement for land that the city now owns in the Natural Area. 7. 2nd Bridge: We had a discussion on the pros and cons of re-building the 2nd bridge off the Giles St. parking lot that had been washed away in this winter's flood. After various points were raised,mostly in favor of the rebuilding, we unanimously passed a motion to go ahead with plans for the rebuilding. We will work for a low-tech, simple f . Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Page 2 8/12/96 Minutes footbridge, the details of which we will discuss next month. John Johnson will try to get Cornell engineering classes interested in this as a project.. 8. Budget: Andy Hillman has put in two budgets, as requested by the mayor: one with 0 % increase, and one with a 4% decrease. Nancy Ramage also reported on her request for support for the committee budget at the last Common Council meeting. Andy Hillman will alert her to the next meeting of the BPW, so that she can again make the plea for our committee. 9. Curfew proposal: Dan Hoffman reported that the BPW will consider the proposal only after the Parks Commission looks at it. We all agreed that the proposal as revised by the BPW Committee of the Whole is too confusing (Natural Area curfew from 11:00 pm to 4:00 am,but parking prohibited from 2:00 to 6:00 am), and a motion to change both to 11:00 pm to 4:00 am was passed unanimously. Andy will bring up the problem at the next Parks Commission meeting. 10. Recreation Way Maintenance: Peter Fortunato gave an update on his and Marjorie Olds' meeting with Jonathan Kantor,who is very well disposed toward our concerns, and would be happy to have them come to a Town Board meeting. Also,the Town mowed at the right time so that the wildflowers grew up nicely. Peter also reported on the new Vincenzo J. lacovelli Park,which has sprung up along the Recreation Way with disconcerting suddenness. Ed Hart and the subcommittee will consider further the problem of bikes along the Recreation Way. The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm. Notes taken by Nancy Ramage li:,(—•....„-:...,Id c--II inrm' 'i. . TTT E e; gPoo-- CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT AND TELEPHONE: (607)274-6527 BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS August 16, 1996 FAX: (607)272-7348 Dan Hoffman 607 N. Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Re: Request for Changes in Access to Six Mile Creek Natural Area File: Gov. - SMC.0 Dear Mr. Hoffman: This letter is a follow up to your request, on behalf of the Six Mile Creek Committee, to the Board of Public Works for changes in the access time to the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. Attached is a resolution passed by the board at its meeting on Wednesday, August 15, 1996. The board approved of a 10:00 pm closing, which meets the regulations for public parks, according to the City Code. The board also approved new time regulations for the parking area on Giles Street with the same time restrictions of 10:00 pm until 4:00 am. Staff has been directed to install signage indicating the new time regulations. If you have any questions or comments regarding the resolution, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, i t,C; i'- �i()-i 11., ` i. C..:i (.!%.i ( tom'') William J. Gray, P.E. Superintendent of Public Works WJG/dlp cc: Carol C. Reeves, BPW, Vice Chair Dan Cole, Traffic Engineer Jeff Redsicker, Working Supervisor Joann Cornish-Epps, Parks Commission "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 0 Recycled Paper 13. BUILDINGS, PROPERTIES AND TRANSIT ITEMS - Commissioner Smith. A. Access to Six Mile Creek Natural Area. WHEREAS, the City Code currently prohibits public access to the Natural Area "between sunset and sunrise," and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee feels that the current regulation is vague and should be specific and that the area should be signed accordingly, and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee is recommending that the regulation be changed to prohibited people from the natural area and the parking area between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Board of Public Works has reviewed the request from the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee and hereby adopts new prohibited hours from 10:00 pm until 4:00 am in the natural areas and the restriction of 10:00 am to 4:00 am in the parking area at Giles Street, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board directs staff to install appropriate signage alerting the public to this time restriction, and, be it further RESOLVED, That the board requests the Police Department and Gorge Rangers monitor the areas and enforce the new time regulations. 8/14/96 To: Board of Public Works From: Dave Nutter, chair, Bicycle Advisory Council Date: October 8, 1995 Re: South Hill Recreationway signage After the City of Ithaca had agreed to allow the Town to build the South Hill Recreationway bike/ped trail, but before it was completed, the City installed "no bikes" signs at the Hudson Street entrance. When I questioned the BPW about this I was told that it was because the Recreationway was not yet "open" and there were still mud problems on the Rec'way-to-be which bicycle use exacerbated. I was assured that when the Recreationway was officially opened such signs would be removed. The Recreationway is open, the mud and drainage problems are gone, yet the City has hardly kept its promise regarding the signs. There is currently a sign at the Hudson Street entrance to the South Hill Recreationway which says in large letters NO BIKES" . These are the only words legible from a moving car, the way most people will learn about this trail . This is a very poor way to advertise a publicly funded and accessible bike path, the only one in the City which attempts to meet modern safety standards. In fact, it appears downright hostile to all bicycle users, including the family and neighborhood riders for which the path was designed. I understand the desire to stop the erosion caused by misuse of steep unofficial sidetrails. However, this is a different issue than the legitimate use of the bike path for its intended purpose. The Recreationway could be a pleasant trail for an afternoon family ride if the sign didn't mislead everyone who drives by. Let's not throw out the baby with the bath water. Please change the sign so as to convey a welcoming message to gentle riders while making it clear to everyone what the rules are and why. Disrespectful signs unfortunately fuel disrespectful attitudes, but legitimate reasons presented well will, I believe, be more effective. May I suggest rephrasing the message onto a new sign reading something like: "BIKE PATH. To prevent erosion, ride only on official trail. " Thank you. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE City of Ithaca 607 N. Tioga Street Ithaca NY 14850 September 3, 1996 Mayor Alan J. Cohen 108 E. Green Street Ithaca NY 14850 RE: BPW Seat on Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Dear Alan: I am writing to you as chair of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee. The Committee includes several seats filled by persons from other governmental bodies, including one for a member of the City's Board of Public Works. This seat has been unfilled since the resignation of Jill Tripp from the BPW last year. Our committee addresses many issues that involve or affect the Public Works Department and the BPW's jurisdiction. Having a member from the BPW makes the committee's discussions and actions much more effective. The Committee has asked that I make a formal request that you appoint a member of the BPW to the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Sincerely yours, Dan Hoffman cc: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee • SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes September 9, 1996 Committee Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Chair Dan Hoffman, Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, Peter Fortunato. Others Present: Bill Dress, City Forester Andy Hillman, Ed Hart, Common Council Member Rick Gray, Gorge Rangers Elissa Wolfson and Robert Drabicki. Committee Absent: Jack Booker, Dick Fischer, John Johnson. 1. Approval of Minutes: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ( "Committee" ) approved the August 12, 1996 minutes as submitted. 2 . City Forester's Report: Andy has submitted a zero increase budget to Mayor. Andy and Dan will continue to trace escrowed memorial money. 3 . Gorge Rangers ' Reports: Much bike damage has been observed, including serious soil erosion and trail widening and creation of multiple parallel trails. Elissa suggest more signage, thorny plantings, more patrols, the use of courtesy tickets and calls to parents for Gorge violators. Generally, other behavior has improved as the Rangers' presence becomes more noticeable and accepted. Late summer Wild Flower walk planned for September 21, 1996 at 10:00. 4 . Other Reports: From the Chair: Responding to our request, the Board of Public Works passed a resolution changing the "closed" hours for the Natural Area to 10 PM to 4 AM. Same restriction approved on parking area off Giles Street. (Bob Drabicki will post temporary signs to that effect at parking lot and Commonland; Andy will speak with DPW about permanent signs . ) Dan has written to the Mayor asking him to fill the vacant BPW liaison seat on the Committee. Dan will send letter to thank bulletin board creators. From the Field: Beth will check with memorial donors regarding their interest in a memorial bench installed on the plateau below Commonland (overlooking the lower reservoir) , and/or using their contributions to pay for a replacement footbridge from the parking area. 5 . Land Protection/Acquisition Update: No closing yet on Pakaala parcel. No progress on purchase of substitute park land parcels. All parcels under consideration have been appraised and offers have gone out. One rejection received. No word whether City will consider eminent domain. Committee requested that Dan ask negotiators whether they 'c / (/(' .S h4 cam, /‘", • can make offers between appraised and assessed values. Committee requested that Dan discuss Parcel # SM 13 with Doug Foster. Will owner consider sale with a conservation easement? Ed Hart offered that the Finger Lakes Land Trust would be pleased to discuss easements with this owner and any other interested parties. Committee passed a resolution requesting Dan discuss tax map parcel # 90-3-1. 1 with Doug Foster for inclusion in City's land acquisition efforts. This parcel, which is adjacent to and just below the Recreation Way, has recently gone on the market at $32,000. 6 . Repair of Trail Above Old Pipeline: Winter storms washed out soil along old pipeline (for a 100-foot stretch?) , exposing sharp rocks and making access difficult for some. Possible solutions were discussed: bringing in concrete (to seal openings under pipe) and gravel to cover rocks, by wheelbarrow; rigging up a chute from trail above to deliver gravel; building a boardwalk over affected area. No agreement was reached; committee members are urged to visit area and ponder the options, so we can make a recommendation next month. Andy will gather info from Larry Fabroni and other City folks . 6 . Replacement of Second Bridge from Parking Area: Andy will gather bridge catalogues from City Engineering, so we can consider designs. At the next meeting, we hope to have an update from John Johnson regarding his discussions with Cornell's Engineering School (as possible bridge builders) . 6 .5. Bicycle Use Off Recreation Way: Ed Hart asked for an addition to agenda to report on damage caused by trail bike use off Recreation Way, especially in the area between the Rec Way and the upper reservoir (much of it on City land) . Ed said trails have been considerably widened, there are deep ruts and erosion, and new paths are being forged by bikers. There are no signs or barriers to discourage people from leaving the Rec Way to ride on these trails. Rec Way Subcommittee will host and lead walk on Rec Way on Monday, September 16, 1996 at 4:00, to show David Klein and other Town of Ithaca Board Members and Staff the extent of the problem. Peter will draft recommendations following walk and provide for October 21 meeting. 7 . Bicycle Advisory Committee's Signage Request: Committee asked Dan to reply to request for more "bicycle- friendly" sign at entrance to Rec Way. We believe it would be best to keep current sign until such time as the Town replaces stolen signage pertaining to proper bike usage of trails. Meeting adjourned around 7:00 . Minutes by MZO 10/2/96 ro: Dan Hoffman, ln it Creek Advisory or rllttPe From: Peter For t.unat.o Subject: Protection of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, South Side, Vicinity of the Recreation Way and Upper Reservoir On September 16, 1996 Marjorie Olds, Ed Hart and I met with five representatives of the Town of Ithaca, including David Klein, George Frantz, Fred Noteboom, Mary Reynolds, and Rich Shoch, in order to tour by foot portions of the Natural Area and the Recreation Way, as indicated above. These areas are suffering from considerable, continuing erosion,quite apparently due to mountain biking off the Rec-Way. All parties were in agreement that-the City owned lands need to be put off-limits, that signage is required, that some barriers or fences are required in order to protect the watershed ecosystem from further abuse. The following suggestions represent the group's informal consensus. It is hoped that the Advisory Committee will recommend implimentation to Common Council; Town repesentatives -- via David Klein -- have requested input into the recommendations at some stage before Common Council is asked to act. 1) The City should mark the boundaries of City and private properties throughout the forest lands on the south side of the lower reservoir at the 30' dam and reaching to the upper reservoir at the 60' dam. George Frantz suggests that a combination of signs and small blazes on trees could be used(say, every 2001 Signage should be placed high on trees, the message should be brief, for example: 'City 'Watershed. Keep out. Violators subject to fines and prosecution." This 1s in keeping with precedent established by signage on the northside, below Rt. 79. 2)A barrier of some kind constructed specifically between City property and the Sincebaugh property would serve to stop bikers in the woods and alert them that while they might, apparently, bike on the Sincebaugh land (it is unposted and the owner doesn't seem to object, according to Ed) they cannot on these particular Watershed lands beyond the boundary. Note that such a barrier and signage might have to ban all recreational use of the areas in question in order to forcefully communicate our message. 3)All along the Rec-Way,wherever bikers have made incursions into the City owned Natural Area, barriers ought to be created by the Town, This is not a suggestion for further pess-throughs, and the City might have to negotiate with the Town about the cost of construction. These barriers can be plantings such as thistle, raspberry or blackberry, or miliflorens rose bramble. Rustic constructions of saplings, nailed or wired together might work in some places; in others, sturdy fence-wire might be required. Especially important are sturdy barriers in the vicinity of the upper reservoir, along the Rec-Way at the two access sites visited by our group. This is probably the most pressing issue for protection of the Natural Area's truly wild places. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes - Oct. 21, 1996 COMMITTEE PRESENT: Dan Hoffman (Chair) , Elizabeth Mulholland, Peter Fortunato, Richard Fischer, John Johnson. OTHERS PRESENT: Andy Hillman (City Forester) , Elissa Wolfson (Gorge Ranger) . COMMITTEE ABSENT: Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, Jack Decker. 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: When a quorum was established at 5:49 PM, the Committee approved the minutes of the September 9, 1996 meeting, with the following corrections: - Second item #6 changed to #7; subsequent items renumbered accordingly. - Item #7 : last sentence should read "At the next meeting, we hope to have an update from John Johnson regarding his discussions with and recommendations from Charlie Trautmann. " 2 . REPORTS: City Forester: Andy reported that two types of aluminum signs have been made regarding bikes (yellow letters on green background) . "Bikes Must Stay on Rec Way" for south side of creek; "No Bikes - Six Mile Creek" for north side. Ten of each produced. Will be bolted high up on trees, in a way that minimizes damage to trees. Should help address concern raised by Ed Hart at last meeting. Also, two signs enforcing new overnight parking regulation installed in Giles Street lot. Gorge Ranger: Elissa distributed her final (written) report (attached to file minutes) . She offered to draft a brochure explaining why the City prohibits swimming and listing alternative sites, to be distributed next summer. Gorge Rangers will finish their work for the season by the end of October. Committee thanked the Rangers and wished Elissa well in her new job with Cornell Plantations. Chair: Dan relayed Nancy's concern that parking sign closest to creek intrudes on the view; he suggested it might be placed along the entrance driveway. Andy will look into relocating the sign. Dan reported he had received a letter w, from Ed Hart, indicating that he won't be attending meetings regularly in the future. His interest is in the "interior" of the Natural Area, while the Committee seems to spend most of its time on the entrance area. Ed will be "on call" and will continue to monitor the Natural Area. Beth: Beth noted that the "City Watershed" sign at the Giles Street entrance is very worn and needs replacement. She reported that her neighbors at Commonland heard that the adjacent Baker property (which the City had designated for acquisition) has been purchased by developers. Beth feels that communication between the Town and the City with regard to Six Mile Creek issues needs to be improved. Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Page 2 Minutes 10/21/96 nI Dan will request that SMCAC receive agendas and minutes of future Town meetings that pertain to the Six Mile Creek Area. l!i 4 . TRAIL BIKE DAMAGE OFF RECREATION WAY Peter reported on work performed by the Town along the Rec Way. He feels it takes the Town an inordinately long time to respond to problems. As for bike use off the Rec Way, Peter says the Town is waiting to see what actions or recommendations the City comes up with. Andy again suggested that the City adopt the approach used by the City of Rochester for its watershed: public access by permit only, with permits readily available on site, which recite all rules & regulations . Violators are cited and banned. This would require posting the entire perimeter of the City property. Other possible approaches: Physical barriers at trail heads, thorny plantings, barbed wire fencing, education. Peter believes public access to the area south of the Upper Reservoir should be prohibited, in light of serious damage to trails and resulting erosion. Dan feels that is a drastic action that penalizes everyone. For the next meeting, Peter will designate on a map the specific area from which he would prohibit access. 5. REPLACEMENT OF SECOND BRIDGE FROM PARKING AREA: John reported on his meeting with Charlie Trautmann, and distributed a letter from CT with his proposed design (and estimated cost of $550) for a simple, second footbridge. Committee unanimously endorsed the design and authorized John to carry it forward through City channels (Engineering, Building Dept. , Board of Public Works) . Need to find out if handicapped access and other building codes apply.' 6 . REPAIR OF TRAIL ALONG OLD PIPELINE: Feasibility of getting fill to the washed-out area is still an unknown. Andy will try some experiments before the next meeting and report back. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM. Minutes submitted by Andy Hillman 'cl t! Dan Hoffman Chairperson, Six mile creek advisory committee 607 N. Tioga St. Ithaca NY 14850 24th Oct. 1996 Dear Dan Hoffman, As residents of South Hill, we the undersigned are very concerned about the sale of a piece of land adjacent to the South Hill recreation way. The land is being privately advertised by the owner Mr. Raponi, and is located near the Hudson St. entrance of the trail. We are concerned that this land is for sale as a private development, which would greatly jeopardize the fragile ecology and beauty of this very special area. Building in this area is both unnecessary and a pollution hazard. It would destroy a piece of wilderness within easy access of the City of Ithaca, land that is enjoyed by hundreds of people yearly. We are requesting that the City buy the land as an addition to the Six mile creek preserve. When considering this,please take into account that two important institutions would benefit from easy access to the woods - South Hill Elementary School and Oak Hill Manor Skilled nursing home. Sincerely, a ja 36 Ct i&co t Pace cek 'VY /4- Olt, D 3 c, Lre sue, P'b �e 1 -L c ) lid �Ll dcoivik, ? I � �� �� ,'`'' /Q ` % � � — Zcc: , t. /r lt� ��L..__ r ` f-'�/CS( 'lli� - ll(L._ l'-. .mac= 1`l`S A-g5Z1 fur r4. 6/14:t5 6k tut, cresca d" Nam-, r rc� (1J .5t l ►� Pi 5�-� ;� �. /. /.?c? d,( 96,4, y�, I A5) /33 Crc.2-6 ca-t; 4 tet /y8s'0 AuktA, Cd{(2 Ciegad r(Xej ORAtcei qgs 0 cresce„, pt�L �� Y viS50 As" g 17, C r V -A.azzia /Maf, n� �J1i' - /Lp cotd6Y- 2-0 e_ Cjy-- -hae-a7 V1d13 f/a-4,)yoo .ccv)q itittec( Al/ / a (eLt...4.) kt P/ M c csL—i Ciht-a,\Av/6-v,. Dvr- psi- CiLtroticeAdt,e_ L s&iLt),,__, 2 2_ i-Taava-4,,L, c),(,tc co, t K(s.,2) 7 a, PeikA,s--AILA /2 (cc /\/e-y vr5a SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes November 18, 1996 Committee/Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Chair Dan Hoffman, Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, Peter Fortunato. Others Present: Bill Dress, City Planner Doug Foster Committee Absent: John Johnson, Jack Booker, Dick Fischer. 1. Approval of Minutes: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ("Committee") approved the October 21, 1996 minutes with one change. Page 2, under Item 4, second sentence should read: "He feels it sometimes takes the Town a long time to respond to problems." 2. City Forester Report: Dan Hoffman reported that Andy Hillman will have "No Parking..." sign at Mulholland Preserve will be moved, as suggested at last Committee meeting. Other signs are up. 3. Other Reports: Dan passed on report from John Johnson. Due to press of City budget debate, John has not yet been able to shepherd our request for simple replacement of second bridge from parking lot through DPW, BPW, etc. Dan received Petition received from 23 residents asking that City purchase Raponi property adjacent to Rec Way (now being advertised for sale), to protect the "beauty and fragile ecology" of the area. Nancy Ramage reports that large caterpillar equipment has been used to remove numerous trees and shrubs along droins ge ditch at the edge of the parking lot, without consultation from this Committee. The change is dramataic. Nancy will call Andy Hillman 11-19-96 and report to Dan on reason for work. Dan will again write contact the Mayor requesting a liaison from Public Works Board to our Committee. Beth Mulholland will contact Penny Boynton regarding other municipalities' efforts to preserve Six Mile Creek. Marjorie Olds will request that copies of the Town of Ithaca's Board and related committees' agendas and notice of upcoming meetings be sent to our Chair pertaining to Six Mile Creek, so that we can coordinate efforts. 4. Land Protection/Acquisition Update: Doug Foster reported no news regarding"substitute parkland"parcels (SM 2, 4, 11, 123 and 17); City is still awaiting federal approval. Doug may enlist Congressman Hinchey's assistance. Closing on Somero-Pakkala parcel needs only sellers' signature. Doug will research the Raponi property and determine what legal obstacles, if any, there are to another driveway being built across the Rec Way, what the actual boundaries of the Raponi property are, and related matters. Doug will look into the City's buying development rights along the Rec Way, and will try to contact owner of the Sincebaux parcel, to begin discussions/negotiations. Doug will report back to Committee by next month. The Committee passed a resolution recommending that City consider the Raponi property a high priority property for protection from development. Marjorie will contact Ginny Simons, who submitted the petition of interested neighbors near the Raponi property, to see if there might be interest among the petitioners in contributing financially to the purchase of development rights. Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee 11/18/96 Page 2 4.5 Natural Area Commission: Doug also requested that this Committee reopen discussions regarding the establishment of a"Natural Areas Commission" to oversee the Ithaca Falls area (and other natural areas) if the City acquires it. The discussions faltered a year or two ago, in part because this Committee did not want to give up its autonomy as part of a larger group. 5. Trail Bike Damage: Much bike damage, including serious soil erosion and trail widening, as well as the creation of multiple parallel trails has been observed in the area south of the Upper Reservoir, off the Rec Way. Peter and Ed Hart have prioritized work that is needed to protect the most vulnerable areas. These areas have been marked with surveyor's tape. They suggest using green vinyl fencing secured by metal posts to block bike entry at these critical entry points along the Rec Way. They are not proposing additional restrictions for non-bike access at this time. Peter proposed that the Committee endorse the installation of fencing and signs, as described in the attached sheet and on an annotated map (dated 11/18/96) which is included with the official minutes of this meeting. The Committee endorsed the proposal unanimously. Peter will provide his map with areas delineated for fencing to Andy Hillman. Peter will also contact Rich Schoch and George Frantz. 6. Repair of Trail: Dan reported that Andy Hillman proposes to repair the area above the Old Pipeline in the spring with wheelbarrows and much volunteer effort. First the hole under the pipe will be filled. More discussion at next meeting. Meeting adjourned around 7:00 PM. Next meeting is December 9th. Minutes submitted by MZO • 0/819G To: The Six Mile Creek At Vi.S0)77 Committee From: Peter Fortu.nato Subject. Recommendations for fencing and signage„ as designated on the accompanying map. 1. Fence the opening off th e ReC Way South East of the 1/2 mile: marker near Burns Road. The place is marked with (pink?) surveyor's tape tied to two trees, the eroded bike path into the field is obvious. Post appropriate signage (e.g., Bikes Must Stay On Rec Way) at this spot, and also post two signs as indicated on map at the place where the trail leads into the woods near the badly eroded reservoir area. 2. Fence off the areas to the right and to the left of the access gate just North West of the above 1;12 mile marker. Post appropriate signa.ge. 3. coming from Hudson Street on the Rec Way: Fence off access to the V,TOodS triE? right-hand side of the third pa through; fence off access on the right-hand side of the fourth pass-through (nearby, off the hill's curve.) 4. Discuss with private property owners, Sincebaugh and Terepca, cooperation for posting some signage prohibiting bike access at the borders of City land. (Ed Hart might volunteer to do this.) Ask if they have surveyors maps; contact George Frantz for help; follow-up with Doug Foster on the contact with the Sincebaugh's that he was requested to make by the Committee, 1 1/18/9(5. Note: Fencing and fence posts need to be very durable; green vinyl-coated garden fencing, perhaps four feet high, and heavy, iron stakes (only a few would be necessary) posted close together are suggested, though there may be other options_ SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes December 9, 1996 DRAFT 1/8/97 APPROVED Committee/Present: Elizabeth Mulholland,Nancy Ramage, Richard Fisher, John Johnson Others Present: William Dress, Alderperson Richard Gray, Jim Marshall (attending for Marjorie Olds), City Planner Doug Foster, City Foster Andy Hillman Committee Absent: Dan Hoffman , Peter Fortunato, Marjorie Olds, Jack Booker 1. Approval of the minutes was postponed because we did not have a quorum. Jim Marshall introduced himself as attending for Marjorie Olds. 2. John Johnson reported that that there was work being done to build a utility bridge for the water line and excavation in the the ravine near the 30' dam. 3. There was discussion of the use of the bulldozer and clear cutting of vegetation at the sluthway near the parking area. There was a consensus that committee members want the chair of the committee to be notified of any emergencies and work to be done at Six Mile Creek and that the chair notify committee members as soon as possible. 4. City Planner Doug Foster reported on Raponi Property. He pointed out the following issues to be considered regarding the property: Issue of the Right of Way for a driveway for Raponi $30,000 for two acres is VERY EXPENSIVE The Property is zoned residential It would be better to let the neighbors purchase property and have it on the tax rolls There was discussion of the assessed value of the 15 acres of the Sincebaugh Property and the fact that half of the land is in the Town of Ithaca Conservation District. Doug Foster identified the following as important considerations of this property: The topography makes this a unique property There is infrastructure - water and sewer to the property This is in the view shed of Six Mile Creek There needs to be further discussion about what we want to recommend regarding this property. A subcommittee should be formed to make a group trip to the property. Andy Hillman, Doug Foster, and George Frantz should make a group trip. We need to review our"Master Plan" of what properties we need to purchase to protect as well as review what properties are protected by programs of the Land Trust. Alderperson Gray will check with the Land Trust. 5. The Planning Department and the Board of Public Works want our committee to develop a resolution of concept as well as a specific structure of what a Natural Areas Commission to oversee Ithaca Falls,Nogundo Woods, Fuerties, and Six Mile Creek will look like. E. Mulholland, W. Dress, J. Johnson and R. Gray will serve as a subcommittee to work with City Planner Doug Foster to develop this and bring it back to our committee. 6. We'll ask Larry Fabbroni to attend our next meeting to discuss work that is being done on the pipeline and the ravine near the 30' dam. 7. Committee members stressed the need to find ways for work to be done so that there is minimum impact to the gorge. 8. Andy Hillman reported that he was absent from the November mtg. because he attended a mtg. regarding a proposed sale of an old growth stand of trees - some 400 years old in Camillus. See attached materials. After our mtg. Andy informed me that the sale has been rescinded and he will report on it at our 1/13/97 Mtg.. 9. Next meeting Monday January 13, 1997. Submitted by J. Johnson •d States continues to have impor- wants is to sustain an engagement I Alter Australia, Clinton cues 10 ant differences with China over with China." the Philippines for the 18-nation PRESIDENT CLINTON and Minister for Inman rights and other issues, but But even far removed from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation tour the Australian War Memorial in Car did "we're making progress" on Washington, Clinton found no res- forum.li, ,, ,,,TAH,i .: 1 Y As Controversy surrounds Camillus to 4 r air .... : . .. - old growth forest , • .... ; *',, ., A Sin, .. 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AMY SAMUELS,an ecologist,helps Wayne Gillespie measure the oldest tree in a stand Of old- for'�, N, : growth trees in Camillus. Its about 350 years old,and 11 feet around. hill Forest of ,_ ;' maples =r { ,i __ . Environmentalists try to stop sale, logging ;,� ti `. I ,,,,.T by• h rr r • `s By Mark Weiner owner,said he does not yet Hillman,Ithaca's city forester, fella` Staff Writer have the money.If he can bor- who inspected the trees Mon- a' ,K�,��j: a ,, / row the money,he said he plans day. h F t The suite has auctioned off to pay-off the debt by harvest- Until now,no state agency or '114 "" • ai`' *4'r ' 1 New York's largest remaining in the 40-acre forest for tim- environmental group $ll( \ 431 ,. t ' � P,e g g g p Sues ('I; fr p forestof old growth sugar ma bee. boned the August auction. A 0• – .r pies,a stand of trees up to 400 The forest of sugar maples— coalition of environmental en■P� 3. years old in Camillus. New York's official tree—is groups wants to stop the sale. `" ,, The buyer,a felon twice con- among the finest old-growth Three companies have al- 1 el - victed of embezzlement,wants stands on the East Coast,said ready marked the largest trees i ,0-"---•"*, W Ge11e '"'. ' '- to log the property for its valu- several forestry experts who in the centuries old forest for l'i 1 p ha ; able timber. examined the trees.Some may logging,coalition leaders said. MAP .❑ Stephen L.Scheidel,96,of date to the arrival of the Yil- Blue dots and orange slashes "' -milhl$ AREA - ., xv ,f Camillus,offered$480,000 at a grims in 1620. have been spray-painted on ,, osorioasA .' state auction of 315 acres that "Certainly in New York state many of the large trees. pc COUNTY includes the forest. we'll never see a maple forest 5.1, Herald-Journal Schelde!,a former pizza shop like this again,"said Andrew II SCHEIDEL, Page A I 1 t•11 • • ITS lcidg lase hPhinul world in math. hut not in science, I L ¢, .'`"t '� • - Syracuse Herald Journal,Wednesday, November 20, 1996•�_ A i . . • -•Scheidel says `tree police' _ Eshould mind their own •busine nd, leaves w': tl . I SCHEIDEL ' going to have-tree police that come`• ty along the creek,is leading ef- IN THE BID specifications,the 1. son trial : Continued from-Page Al . . onto people's properties and say, forts to stop the land sale. state set no restrictions,to protect f 4 'These are the trees you can cut, - 'The group wants to preserve the the trees or creek.In fact,those - Scheidel's bid was the highest of` but these you can't?'I bought the trees for their aesthetic,historical documents raved about the poten- •- five submitted for the former.Syra property fairly,and I intend.to • and scientific significance.The tial for logging there. •• ; cuse Developmental;Ceiiter prop- ,' :manage the wood lot.with selec '' group also fears the logging will , The report cautioned'about era little flaky,O.J.Situp- _ erty,overlooking Nine .Mile Creek ,five cutting.What's wrong with ' allow soil erosion to foul the creek. • lion if the 40-acre forest was cut, e back on the witness off Warners and::TThompson roada 'that?" - . The.Camillus trees are part of and recommended a"managed ; in his trademark loops of in Camillus.He ggaave a$10,000 de. Scheidel,said he had not-:wanted_ what was once America's vast harvest"if the trees_were sold for • posit andhas.until,,Dec 31 to dehv ' '_to cut thetzeesrand:offeredto sell: Eastern Deciduous Forest,600 mil- timber. : npson s wrongful death er the balance. the property to at least five conser- lion acres of timber that covered The state Office of General Serv= especially when Brian ._., ' . ,.The- :O fr ;• orrgroups;including.Savethe:•- the landscape from Maine to ices offered the forest to the col- a pointer,then ad- ficQOj general. s <County.,, Texas. lege before the auction.But offi- lin testified that he - Service$ which „ Karen Siotnick,executive direc- "A squirrel could have traveled cials declined the offer. , ha idl1d,the' + .�tor;of Save County,•a land.trust from Maine to the southern part of SUNY-ESF spokeswoman Jeri dog,Chachi,for protec - : ,auction,will not° that has preserved more than 1,500 Texas without ever touching the Lynn Smith said,"We did not r hearing thumps behmdz ,.,, ), transfer to ':acres in Onondaga•County,.said her ground,"•said Wayne Gillespie,a want to take title to the property, Simpson-and Ronald i deeduntil. group was never contacted by council spokesman and director of but we did make a counter-propos-;• t,Scheidel.•a a Scheidel.:, -: 4,4-.1i4- the Centet<s for Nature Education al to jointly maintain the property , ;affect Judge Hiroshi the'S..470,'5,1 -Scheidel;said he has,no Intention at Baltimore Woods."Now all we with the regional office of the De- 1 - t b c said to clear-cuttlle forest;.but-will cut'. have are remnants." partment of Environmental Con- ; .2ted that Kaelin lacked a �'` I. all"trees that aid rotting or more nervation." log was arthritic.Pujisaki. s ,',-:. •••-e I; S k•-thari;50years�old He disputes the ' THE FOREST disappeared as The joint proposal was rejected light.smile No veteri- - SCHE1DELri •,.,. . t.'assessment of.professional forest-"' . the Europeans settled America, by the Office of.General Services, s '� ,,•. ern_tliat_the sagar.maple stand is _ ' leaving fewer than 200,000 acres of Coldwell said.She promised offi- ion witness at the crimi b- ie offices of the stat�-attorrie �did-growth,.which means it dates' old-growth forest on the East cials would re-examine the offer. . :ss.Since then,he's f Coast today,,most of it in the , ge eral;eomptrgl)ersecre Y. to the settlement i. SCHEIDEL IS former Citi- ailty of to routine :;••) •x 1;•., .SUGAR Smok.y ountains: , SUGAR MAIyLES' are prIZecl Today some of the trees measure bank assistant vice president e s fightingachild Gusto• :^ 'r • ,of state': , .. :1,. ...._ ' :hardwoods known for their excel. whose convictions left him deliver= )range County:;His turn '', A. , S . del,.„ .P.. : „, " t 130 feet in height(the:equivalent �uld.co a as early as Fri :::,-tan .^�_ lent veneer and for producing - of a 13-sto building)and are 11 in pizza for a shop he.own•to , ,. ',;;s.,: t • r ,, r'-' Iugh�q tty.fluniture:Na, - e4;- In 2982,ScheideLwassentenced;. -`-r.� Y :..' r.4 S. ti\ e -�o '9' e, s . } .roA44 a.g,, '.. - rt,. -. feet-aroun thustasts-call the trees-the:`t'ed to a year on,probation:fot"embez- alls`ta hls p evious ,� :r' k ��, ; .g, - - An expert at the SUN..College zling r 3 :, ., 1. q,� ;, :*voods.ef theEast Coast b of Environmental Science and For- g$'75,000 fr m a pension fund l id the three;now famous_>� . t.. , ,' 'tf" ''i', 1 , ,,: 1. . ,, ' �. �� -they grow so straight and tall:-.q)�. for employees an Ogdensburg ; 6 slayin sounded."like i "'" 4w 3 ,, ;, .. y )"" `, ` Mo . ' estry said-there are historical,aes-R, _ �t �., .=='Qn: nda4y;about ahalf=dozelk,: auto parts store he co-owned. an wall. .,ing•."."6-7., .;' `*� ;:;:::::-...-,4-"e foreestry experts.from Syracuse to. thetic.and scientific reasons;to Scheidel withdrew the money nade the noises where he `- what is owed'that keepthe'fot est standing from•the: nsion fund five days ath-along his home.. doessnfseem ler IthItamlivingdateile:trees.;: , �' � � 'e� "�`�� � `'It's�a ii�in�g.museiuii need.its�tl!ie Don:Ixopold,a forest biologist at fore he°a�sentenced to prbbatio old him:on-theday:of the .. N='Scheidel sa e i'to:sell25Oi --last its•kind,,so why destroyitr, the college,'said,,Tye seen-some for embezzling$884,000 from Citi wore to daughter Syd .. •..-acres of thexpr rty.to a i'armer, ' said Mike'DeMunn,a forester with . of.tJie bigg trees in the�east and bank'in'Syraciuse.,• `:,4 :. '1 .vealing . •+ 5,.�:_> 1465 ac>wesfor`hunself,in- 'the Fin erLakes Land Trust s ' the World,:dn. ls°l�'avisually : In the:Citibank-case,hesub- ; ,,. that Nicole Simpson was -' clu ' g-thefsr.-est..-; x u- .,j : .'1The st trees�are:still there," beauj, Ta"have�it logged mitted-aphonyloan application • t let her ax-husband i: •._.In.the m�,e; .--.- DeMunn said."We are seeing tlle. would be a..real shame'" and used�the money to buy a .. ,�.,ie�el-,saki � . fter..the recital. --._ -these ho a it.to preser've,the culmination of natural selectiofi. -. ..L eopold'said.he was surprised to house;prosecutors said. . • s of his ex-wife and Gold- ` trees should mind their awn bust : We're-seeing the.best:that nature.'' find the trees;still existed: "I'm not ashamed of the fact that are suing him for move ness. -; �i. :vim can produce:'• . • .._ "It has been believed for.decades •I was a convicted felon,"Scheidel ' ' "Under what rights do we let _ The Nine.Mile Creek Conserva• . that there are.no more old-growth said."This was seven years in the.1 • " . somebody come in and say.tree.tree• tion Council,which acquired.a - or pre-settlement forests left in past.I paid for.it.And it can't hurt cuttingis illegal?"he said Are we , 30-acre section of the state proper- Central New York,"Leopold said me anymore." 1 • ' ai ,''ar r rlt �y Q. t �• ; IwSM tr �k,,, +` i --{�` r f,r T U rp fh�K� v� tip.'; 111 i K� '. S •.'i � 1' 1 v r„r e , ..2 Z ? "-'• , ' . ' ' ..' .,'' ' ','...' t.",'"i''.',r-,:=.d'r, ' '''''it:,.>.• y t+f ¢ t �' ,i qy1 � � k F , a _ ;�l'' !r C s .,a t r ri rM(';' r t b4 t;0,..k ',T"'')'.k �,• i1i ''' 7-- g 1� � .i � � r .r?�P, 1 !' 1�'� %�ti . �� tR a 1 yy 1 ; Z 7 7° !- -4-- .,.. . --,,, .. -- -.. - . . - ..., i . ,;.,-.,„. .N ��r, ,�� .e�yJtliyf° �� r.. s a 0 1 I u •r , P f fn r„ R;1:411' lrl , 1 • 1. V '. , rte t ” ` .."1,'• D—• p-' � AMY SAMUELS, an ecologist, helps Wayne Gill( rp — + i 9 P Y (�ro `� 1 ' '-'— ' x/� +� '� growth trees in Camillus. It's about 350 years olc rc ---� - • Forest of a ., , , r maples �r; , r - Environmentalists try ,,,'1 g; , 4.7:Of''; e.' . '' -7.1. n . 3�� ?��a, By Mark Weiner owner, said he c 1--- -(5----- ,�v�� ��. . Staff Writer have the money �"" - f _' 1 r row the money, ,t , . a ,y ,. � s014'}fir, , ip, �. r• Q--- -- { J� ,,�t ; i, The st to has auctioned off to payoff the do - is ° �° � ,. .4 , New Yor 's largest remaining ing the 40-acre rb \\ 4�,,, •Q `,© . r--- 1 forest of old-growth sugar ma- ber. 71, 5 -1 -. ' O �- , Ales, a stand of trees up to 400 The forest of -- i P years old in Camillus. New York's offi Lir,_ r . , The buyer, a felon twice con- among the fine 7 0 —T ' �_ victed of embezzlement, wants stands on the El O Y: W Gen$ .. to log the property for its valu- several forestry.. . T....i. p____ 4 % „..._ able timber. examined the tr. . ' .. • • // = ,-- iriu MAP ,0 `. Stephen L. Scheidel, 46, of date to the arri\ S-- ' - AREA Camillus, offered $480,000 at a grims in 1620. 7 s ,_// oN"oNOaca state auction of 315 acres that "Certainly in$ ' '. F---" COUNTY includes the forest. we'll never see Herald-Journal Scheidel, a former pizza shop like this again," j , F 9 . IT S kids Jacr behind world in math. but not in 01 '° '',,, CITY OF ITHACA ''`"�`' 510 First Street Ithaca,New York 14850-3506 rrrm�c�� a� I g — 111711 T77 L. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS • WATER AND SEWER DIVISION plDQp(EO== Telephone: 607/272-1717 Fax: 607/277-5028 InterOffice Memo To: Dan Hoffman, Chairperson Six Mile Creek From: Larry Fabbroni, P.E. ,L.S. , Ass't. Sup't. DPW, W&S �. Date: December 9, 1996 Subject: Emergency Works - Raw Water Main @ 30-foot Sidestream Please be advised that the DPW, Water and Sewer Division has been involved in an emergency stabilization project since December 2, 1996 to secure the raw water main. On Sunday, December 1, 1996 the fourth of many severe rain events in January, May, and November of this year caused the culvert under the raw water main to collapse. This has been an area reconstructed in 1986 and about which I had discussed corrective work with various committee members over the past two years. We had recently secured funding through a County watershed grant to stabilize both the raw water main and "Baker slope" above it. It seemed prudent until this latest runoff event and collapse to begin work in the Spring of 1997 after running a few final concepts by committee members. As it is, we were forced to move quickly to reach the site by whatever means necessary and by Thursday, December 5, 1996 we were able to secure the raw water main in a crude fashion. We are currently building a temporary bridge to further secure the raw water main and return it to its original profile in an orderly way. At the same time we are construction an extended culvert in the stream with a resulting fill area that should dramatically stabilize the entire hillside both below and above. Through all this we have temporarily undermined the Baker slope as we had only hours Thursday to reach a failing joint. In the end, we intend to work with Andy Hillman and any other committee members to re landscape the area. This note is to appraise you of a situation that has demanded action by the hour over the past week. It might visibly upset everyone at the moment but our long-range goal, now that we have been forced to act, is a meaningful stabilization that can sustain even unexpected wet soil conditions or runoff and with it a landscape enhancement for all time. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" es