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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1997-02-10 SIX MLLE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE February 10, 1997 Minutes Committee/Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Chair Dan Hoffman, Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, Dick Fischer, John Johnson. Others Present: Bill Dress, City Forester Andy Hillman. Committee Absent: Jack Booker, Peter Fortunato. 1. Introductions and Agenda Review. 2. Approval of Minutes. The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ("Committee") approved the January 13, 1997 minutes. 3. Pipeline Repair Project. Andy has contacted Superintendent of Public Works Larry Fabroni regarding a plan to restore the greatly disturbed areas along the path to Reservoir. The Committee urged Andy to reach resolution with Larry ASAP regarding the plan so that seedlings and transplants may be ordered from the local Soil Conservation Districts at a reduced price and planted before there is further erosion and damage. Andy has been speaking with Ray Benjamin regarding a plan to reclaim the destroyed area with log terraces, which are staked, with the addition of mulch and topsoil. The Committee discussed the pros and cons of various seedlings with regard to deer resistance and maintenance. Andy will report back to the Committee shortly regarding the water and Sewer's plan for repair. Minimizing further tree loss, which concerns many citizens, will be discussed as a priority with plan. The Committee passed a resolution asking that the Department of Public Works, in conjunction with a subcommittee of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, establish and implement in a timely fashion, a restoration plan for the disturbed area, with plantings to be completed during the spring of 1997, to avoid further deterioration to the area. The subcommittee will be comprised of Elizabeth, William Dress and Andy Hillman. Elizabeth will contact Larry Fabroni. Dan will send a copy of this Resolution and these minutes to the Board of Public Works and the Department of Public Works, along with our appreciation for their prompt attention to this area. 4. Repair of Trail Near Giles Street Parking Area. There was more discussion regarding rebuilding of vulnerable parts along Wild Flower Path, in particular just before the first big rocks and where the path now descends into the creek. The City has received approximately$65,000.000 for repair of flood damage, some of which amount could presumably be used for trail or tree restoration. The Committee authorized Dan to send a cover letter to the appropriate parties requesting that part of the City's funds for flood repair be allocated for trail restoration, in addition to the emergency project already under construction. 5. Other Reports. Elizabeth reports that the Woodland Path behind Commonland has been left veryplean by City crews and the Committee expressed its appreciation. However, there is a terribly disturbed area by 30' Reservoir along the road to the site behind Commonland. This meadow area beyond the Service Road behind Commonland on the plateau above the Reservoir is a treasured spot by many hikers. Water and Sewer needs to work with our Committee and in particular Andy to come up with a restoration plan immediately. Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, 2/10/97 Page 2 6. Natural Areas Commission. Dan provided his draft of revisions to the City Code, which would create a Natural Areas Commission and"fold" the existing SMCAC into it. Elizabeth, William, John and Dan recently attended an exploratory meting and reported on that subject. The Committee discussed the ramifications of such a modification and the enlargement of responsibilities. Andy suggested that funding would have to be increased by about 50%, in order to monitor other natural areas. Andy also suggested consistent signage throughout all natural areas. Dan will prepare a proposal for the Committee's consideration at the next meeting. Meeting adjourned around 7 PM. Minutes by MZO and NR. PROPOSED SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE position on the formation of a NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION for the City of Ithaca WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca has been considering the establishment of a Natural Areas Commission; and WHEREAS, it is in the interest of the citizens of Ithaca that there be effective, credible oversight of all of the City's natural areas, including Six Mile Creek; and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (along with its predecessors) has been involved with the City's largest natural area for over 12 years and has accumulated considerable experience and expertise; and WHEREAS, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee seeks to play a central role in a Natural Areas Commission, if one is to be established with a commitment from the City to provide adequate staff support, funding and full involvement in future decision-making affecting natural areas; now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee endorses the formation of a Natural Areas Commission which will incorporate the functions and current members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, based on the following assumptions: 1. The NAC will report to the Common Council, and will advise the Board of Public Works, Common Council and other governmental bodies. 2 . The NAC will have adequate staff support and funding to carry out its tasks effectively and in a timely fashion. 3. The NAC will have a real voice in the planning for and treatment of the City's natural areas, well before substantial or permanent changes are made, not after the fact. 4. Direct and clear lines of communication between the NAC and other involved City boards and staff will be set forth. 5 . All the current members of the SMCAC will be invited to be initial members of the NAC. The initial chair of the NAC will be drawn from the SMCAC. 6 . In the future, at least three NAC members will be chosen for their familiarity with and commitment to the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. From Dan Hoffman, 3/3/97 Proposed New Language for City Code 3/3/97 CHAPTER 113. NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION § 113-1. Establishment. The Six Mile Mile Creek Advisory Committee established by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca, by resolution of Dec. 21, 1993, is hereby renamed the"Natural Areas Commission" and is continued pursuant to the terms outlined herein. § 113-2. Purposes and duties. The purposes and duties of the Commission shall be as follows: A. To support the conservation of the designated Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca, in accord with the commitments and policies contained in Chapter 320 ("Natural Areas") of the City of Ithaca Code. B. To advise the Board of Public Works, the Department of Public Works, the Common Council and other entities with regard to public concerns about the Natural Areas and threats to the ecosystems contained therein. C. To monitor public usage of the Natural Areas. D. To assist in efforts to educate the public about the importance and the fragility of the Natural Areas. E. To gather and present expert environmental information about preservation of the resources of the Natural Areas and proper human use of the Areas. F. To assist the Superintendent of Public Works and the Personnel Administrator in the selection of one or more Natural Area Rangers, by reviewing applications and interviewing candidates. G. To hear regular reports from and to advise the Natural Area Ranger(s). H. To make recommendations to the Department of Public Works or Board of Public Works regarding maintenance needs, procedures or policies for the Natural Areas. I. With regard to Natural Areas partially within or adjacent to the Town of Ithaca, to participate in discussions with the government of the Town of Ithaca regarding town policies with a potential effect on said Natural Areas, at the direction of the Mayor or the Common Council. J. To make policy recommendations as needed regarding any of the Natural Areas, including the need for a change in the boundary. K. To submit an annual report of the Commission's activities and concerns to the Board of Public Works and Common Council. CHAPTER 113 NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION (Continued) § 113-3. Membership; terms. A. The Commission shall consist of eleven (11) voting members. B. The original Commission shall be comprised of the members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee serving at the time of adoption of this Chapter, plus those additional members necessary to bring the membership to eleven. C. The Mayor shall appoint one member from each of the following entities: the Common Council, the Board of Public Works and the City Conservation Advisory Council. The Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Board may name one member from its ranks,and Cornell University may name one member. D. In addition, the Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, shall appoint six members from the public, all of whom shall have a scientific, environmental and/or civic interest in one or more of the designated Natural Areas, and at least three of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. E. At least eight members of the Commission shall be residents of the City of Ithaca. F. In addition, the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer, the Chief Operator of the City Water Filtration Plant, the City Forester, the Natural Areas Ranger(s), the Director of Pbinning and Development (or his/her designee) and a member of Cornell University's Natural Areas Commission (designated by the chair of that group) shall serve as non-voting, ex officio members of the Commission. G. All terms shall be for a maximum period of three years (although reappointment is allowed). Members representing city or town boards or committees shall initially be appointed for terms ending Dec. 31, 1997, but shall be replaced if their service on said board or committee ends. Of the six initial representatives from the public, two shall be assigned terms ending Dec. 31, 1997, two shall be assigned terms ending Dec. 31, 1998, and two shall be assigned terms ending December 31, 1999. Subsequently, each seat shall be filled for a three-year term. § 113-4. Officers. The Officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary, all of whom shall be elected by the Commission. § 113-5. Subcommittees. The Commission shall maintain separate subcommittees for Six Mile Creek and for Ithaca Falls. Other subcommittees for other Areas shall be established as necessary. The representative from Cornell University shall serve on the Ithaca Falls subcommittee. § 113-6. Quorum. The Commission shall not act on substantive matters without the presence of a quorum, which shall be six (6) voting members. § 113-7. Bylaws; records. The Commission shall adopt bylaws establishing rules of procedure. The Commission shall keep accurate records of its meetings and shall file an annual report as provided in § 113-2 of this chapter. CHAPTER 320. NATURAL AREAS ARTICLE I IN GENERAL § 320-1. Designation of Natural Areas; boundaries. A. The Common Council shall designate as Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca those areas that are owned, leased or controlled by the City, which are wholly or substantially in a natural state, which have significance for ecological and/or recreational reasons, and and which are best appreciated and maintained in a natural, relatively undisturbed state (rather than as a Park). B. The designated Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca are: the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, the Ithaca Falls Natural Area, the Fuertes Sanctuary, and the Southwest Natural Area. C. The boundaries of the Natural Areas shall be shown on maps approved and amended as necessary by Common Council. § 320-2. Commitment to preservation. The Common Council hereby affirms the City of Ithaca's commitment and intent to protect and maintain the Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca in a generally natural, undisturbed state. The addition of human- made elements shall be as minimal as possible, and shall be primarily in the form of hiking trails, educational aids and measures necessary for the public safety. § 320-3. New Construction or Rehabilitation. A. City boards and staff involved in any plans for construction of new facilities or rehabilitation of existing facilities in a Natural Area shall give strong and thorough consideration to the commitment above, and shall inform and work with the Natural Areas Commission in the development of such plans. B. Except for necessary, emergency repairs, no permanent changes shall be made in the Natural Areas without prior approval from the the Board of Public Works or the Common Council, acting on the advice of the Natural Areas Commission. § 320-4. Maintenance. Ecologically-informed guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance activities within the Natural Areas shall be promulgated by the Department of Public Works, in consultation with the Natural Areas Commission, and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works. § 320-5. Restoration. Any required disruption of a Natural Area shall be restored to as natural or compatible state as practical, on the basis of a restoration plan approved by the Natural Areas Commission. § 320-6. Prohibited activities. The following activities are prohibited in all of the Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca. (See other articles of this chapter for activities prohibited only in certain Natural Areas.) CHAPTER 320. NATURAL AREAS (Continued) § 320-6. Ranger(s). The position of Natural Area Ranger is hereby established to advise users of regulations governing the Natural Areas and to demonstrate the City's intention to protect said areas and enforce the regulations. The Ranger(s) shall be provided with adequate equipment to communicate readily with law enforcement agencies. The Ranger(s) shall work under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and shall consult regularly with the Natural Areas Commission. [Circle Greenway Commission -- delete] [Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee -- delete] § 320-7. Signage. The Department of Public Works, with guidance from the Natural Areas Commission, shall provide adequate, consistent and attractive signage in the Natural Areas, to alert the public to the regulations and potential hazards of each Area. § 320-8. Penalties for offenses. ARTICLE II SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA § 320-9. Commitment to preservation&policy on use. A. ... B. (1) ... (3) ... [delete subsections (2), (5) and (6)] (4) ... § 320-10. Public access. § 320-11. Public entrances & parking. § 320-12. Prohibited Activities. • • City of Ithaca SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE 607 N. Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 March 4, 1997 Mr. William Gray Superintendent of Public Works 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: Restoration in Six Mile Creek Natural Area Dear Bill: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (SMCAC) has followed with great interest the repair of the raw water pipeline above the lower reservoir. Larry Fabbroni offered to attend our January meeting, where he explained in detail the urgency and purpose of the emergency work that had been done. Necessarily, many trees were removed, as well as other vegetation, leaving essentially bare, disturbed soil on a large portion of the formerly wooded slope. The Committee approved a resolution at its February meeting (minutes enclosed) asking that the Department of Public Works, in conjunction with a subcommittee of the SMCAC, develop and implement a restoration plan for the disturbed area, with plantings to be completed as soon as practical, ie. , during the Spring of 1997, to prevent erosion and to re-establish a more natural woodland setting. The SMCAC subcommittee consists of Beth Mulholland, Bill Dress and Andy Hillman. Raising the elevation of the maintenance road in the vicinity of the pipeline repair has created a grade differenetial with the trail/road down the hill to the reservoir. Recognizing • ' that the connection between these two routes must be re- established (at least for foot traffic) , we are nonetheless concerned that in the process of effecting this result, the impact on trees, other vegetation and the character of the area be minimized. We request that the SMCAC be consulted prior to decisions or actions regarding this aspect of the project. The Committee also addressed flood damage to the trail leading from the Giles Street parking area up the Creek. There are several spots where recent erosion has cut into the trail and threatens to make passage unsafe or impossible. We unde'stand that the City received a large grant for repair of last year's flood damage, and request that a portion of these funds be used for trail restoration at Six Mile Creek. Six Mile Creek March 4, 1997 -- Page 2 -- We appreciate the Department's prompt and effective response to the crisis that threatened the pipeline in December. We sincerely hope that in the future, the SMCAC will be fully involved in discussion of non-emergency actions in the Natural Area, and in plans for restoring areas disturbed by flooding or by maintenance/repair projects. As chairperson, I offer myself as the initial contact in this regard. In addition to my home address (shown above) , I can be reached at 273-6933 (home) or 273-2202 (work) . My FAX number at work is 273-4436 . Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. Sincerely yours, 4111/ 46 P/1 DANIEL HOFFMAN Chairperson enc. cc: Mayor Alan Cohen (as chair of Board of Public Works) Larry Fabbroni Andy Hillman Members of SMCAC { City of Ithaca SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE 607 N. Tioga Street Ithaca, New York 14850 March 4, 1997 Mr. William Gray Superintendent of Public Works 108 E. Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: Restoration in Six Mile Creek Natural Area Dear Bill: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (SMCAC) has followed with great interest the repair of the raw water pipeline above the lower reservoir. Larry Fabbroni offered to attend our January meeting, where he explained in detail the urgency and purpose of the emergency work that had been done. Necessarily, many trees were removed, as well as other vegetation, leaving essentially bare, disturbed soil on a large portion of the formerly wooded slope. The Committee approved a resolution at its February meeting (minutes enclosed) asking that the Department of Public Works, in conjunction with a subcommittee of the SMCAC, develop and implement a restoration plan for the disturbed area, with plantings to be completed as soon as practical, ie. , during the Spring of 1997, to prevent erosion and to re-establish a more natural woodland setting. The SMCAC subcommittee consists of Beth Mulholland, Bill Dress and Andy Hillman. Raising the elevation of the maintenance road in the vicinity of the pipeline repair has created a grade differenetial with the trail/road down the hill to the reservoir. Recognizing that the connection between these two routes must be re- established (at least for foot traffic) , we are nonetheless concerned that in the process of effecting this result, the impact on trees, other vegetation and the character of the area be minimized. We request that the SMCAC be consulted prior to decisions or actions regarding this aspect of the project. The Committee also addressed flood damage to the trail leading from the Giles Street parking area up the Creek., There are several spots where recent erosion has cut into the trail and threatens to make passage unsafe or impossible. We understand that the City received a large grant for repair of last year's flood damage, and request that a portion of these funds be used for trail restoration at Six Mile Creek. Six Mile Creek March 4, 1997 -- Page 2 -- We appreciate the Department's prompt and effective response to the crisis that threatened the pipeline in December. We sincerely hope that in the future, the SMCAC will be fully involved in discussion of non-emergency actions in the Natural Area, and in plans for restoring areas disturbed by flooding or by maintenance/repair projects. As chairperson, I offer myself as the initial contact in this regard. In addition to my home address (shown above) , I can be reached at 273-6933 (home) or 273-2202 (work) . My FAX number at work is 273-4436 . Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. Sincerely yours, 411 P4Y DANIEL HOFFMAN Chairperson enc. cc: Mayor Alan Cohen (as chair of Board of Public Works) Larry Fabbroni Andy Hillman Members of SMCAC