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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1997-06-09 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 9, 1997 Minutes Committee Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Dan Hoffman (Chair), Dick Fisher, Nancy Ramage, Peter Fortunato, Jack Booker, Rick Gray Others Present: George Frantz Committee Absent: voting members Marjorie Olds and Mary Gutenberger; ex officio members Andy Hillman, Larry Fabbroni, Chuck Baker, Robert Drabicki, Thys Van Cort 1. Introductions & Agenda Review: Guest and Committee members were introduced. 2. Approval of Minutes: Minutes of the meeting of May 12, 1997 were approved without change. 3. Town of Ithaca (Draft) Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan: George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner, reviewed Town of Ithaca (Draft) Park, Recreation & Open Space Plan. Particular points included: a. Areas recommended for inclusion in purchase of development rights program. In the Six Mile Creek area, the only parcels recommended for inclusion in the program are the vineyard on Route 79 and the "Walker Farm" on Coddington Road east of Burns Road. b. The Sincebaugh property (inside the Rec Way) is not proposed for acquisition/protection. c. Connection of South Hill Recreation Way to Troy Park and other bicycle/pedestrian paths further up on South Hill. d. Proposed Vincenzo Iacovelli Park is intended as a 'neighborhood park' (not intended for motor vehicule access) off the Recreation Way; it is proposed to include a basketball court and security lighting. e. Public information meetings, which are scheduled in the near future (e.g., June 10 at the South Hill Elementary School), and public hearings, which will probably be scheduled in the Fall. Dan Hoffmen raised questions about the appropriateness of features such as lights and a basketball court adjacent to the Natural Area. Peter Fortunato added concerns about the meadow; George Frantz indicated that it would be preserved. Serious concerns were expressed regarding the danger of development of the Sincebaugh property inside the Rec Way, and the fact that the draft Plan does not address this problem. Nancy Ramage expressed general concerns about the presence of the Rec Way in a very special natural area. It was decided that a formal Committee response would be developed at its next meeting on July 14. Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, 6/9/97 page 2 of 2 4. Bicycle Damage Prevention Measures Along Rec Way: Prevention of bicycle damage along the Rec Way was discussed as a possible focus for Town-City cooperation. George Frantz reported that the YCC would be working along the Rec Way this summer to install and extend fencing at points recommended by the SMCAC. The Committee greeted this news with approval, and Dan Hoffman was empowered to so inform City administration. 5. Land Acquisition/Protection: a. It was noted that the Town (Draft) Plan is silent on the Sincebaugh property! It was suggested that Common Council and the Town Board should probably get together to figure out a joint strategy to protect this parcel. b. It was reported that the Raponi parcel (below the Recreation Way) is actively being marketed, and that the owners are trying to develop a new driveway from Crescent Place. 6. Reports a. Nancy Ramage reported observing work on reseeding the area above the lower reservoir damaged by the pipeline repair project. Peter Fortunato reported further contact with Larry Fabroni regarding some means of restoring safe pedestrian access to the reservoir from the maintenance road. b. Dan Hoffman reported seeing a large tent set up on "the rock" at the edge of the lower reservoir. c. Beth Mulholland reported hearing many complaints of dog problems. 7. Suggested Gorge Ranger Priorities for 1997: Discussion was put off until a later meeting. 8. Natural Areas Commission & SMAC The Committee discussed and voted unanimously (7-0) to support Dan Hoffman' s April 7, 1997 proposal for a Committee position on the formation of a Natural Areas Commission for the City of Ithaca. The proposal as adopted is attached to these minutes. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm. Minutes by JFB 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 and funding and full involvement in future decision making affecting natural areas; now therefore it be RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee endorses the formation of a City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission (NAC) 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 expanded 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. Adopted, 7-0, by SMCAC (6/9/97 )