HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1997-07-14 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
July 14, 1997 Minutes
Committee Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Dan Hoffman (Chair) ,
Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, Dick Fischer, Jack Booker, Peter
Fortunato, Rick Gray, City Forester Andy Hillman (ex officio) .
Others Present: William Dress, Neil Giacobi, Gay Nicholson.
Committee absent: voting member Mary Gutenberger; ex officio
members Larry Fabbroni, Chuck Baker, Robert Drabicki, Thys Van
Cort
1. Introductions and Agenda Review.
2. Approval of Minutes: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
( "Committee" ) will review the June, 1997 meeting minutes at the
next meeting.
3. Reports
Chair:
Land Acquisition and Protection: Dan updated the SMCAC on
the Raponi Property along the Recreation Way. The Raponis have
requested a permit from the City to build a driveway across the
Recreation Way. The City wanted the Town to indicate whether the
Raponis' easement from Therm, Inc. was OK with the Town (in light
of the Town's prior easement from Therm Inc for the Rec Way) .
Dan attended the most recent Town Board meeting and urged the
Board to challenge Raponis' purported easement. The Board chose
to take no position one way or the other, and to have the Town
Attorney write to Therm indicating the Town's general concern
about further crossings of the Rec Way. The Committee asked Dan
Hoffman to send a letter (to be drafted by MZO) requesting that
the City not grant a permit for another driveway. There is
currently a purchase offer in for the Raponi parcel and the
adjoining Guthrie house, by the same buyer; it is hoped that the
buyer would not build a second driveway.
Dan next discussed the need for the City and the Town to
coordinate efforts to preserve a large, undeveloped parcel (SM-
15) along the Rec Way. Gay Nicholson, director of the Finger
Lakes Land Trust, described the Clean Water, Clean Air Bond Act
and the procedure by which the State partially funds purchase of
significant open space in return for a conservation easement.
Gay will present this parcel to the Land Trust for
consideration as a FLLT project.
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee 7/14/97 Minutes
Page 2
The SMCAC reviewed Dan's proposed resolution regarding this
parcel and approved it with a minor deletion. A copy of the
proposal as adopted is attached to these minutes. Dan will
coordinate an effort with Town and City officials; MZO, NR and JB
to assist Dan.
City Forester:
Andy presented a general summary of the Gorge Ranger's
activities to date and special enforcement that has been utilized
in the Gorge area. While the Committee appreciates the work Bob
Drabicki has performed, they passed a resolution requesting 24
hour notice if the Gorge Ranger will not be attending SMCAC
meetings, and in the event s/he cannot attend, they request that
the Gorge Ranger provide a short, written report.
Andy discussed the upcoming NY Releaf Community Conference.
Andy described his intention to advertise the pubic entrance
to the Gorge at Penny Lane (in order to notify people of an
alternative to entering illegally through the Upper Reservoir
driveway) . The SMCAC expressed some concern over the effect of
such signage on the Penny Lane residents.
SMCAC also requested that a path be created to provide
access from the Maintenance Road to the Lower Reservoir, to avoid
further erosion and danger to walkers. The SMCAC requested that
Andy convey this request to Larry Fabroni.
4. Open Space Plan:
The SMCAC reviewed and approved Dan's proposed resolution
regarding the Town of Ithaca's Open Space Plan. A copy of the
proposal as adopted is attached to these minutes.
Meeting adjourned around 7 :00 PM.
Minutes by MZO
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
POSITION on SM-15 Parcel
PROPOSED, That the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee make the
following recommendations with regard to the property known as "SM-
15" (currently owned by John Sincebaugh) :
1. That the official boundaries of the Six Mile Creek Natural
Area be modified as necessary to include the entire SM-15 parcel
within the Natural Area.
2 . That the Town of Ithaca modify its Park, Recreation & Open
Space Plan to designate the entire SM-15 parcel as an area to be
covered by conservation zoning and to be included in its program
for purchase of development rights.
3. That representatives of the Ithaca Common Council, the
Town of Ithaca Board and other appropriate groups meet with each
other (and the SMCAC) as soon as possible, to learn and evaluate
the importance of the SM-15 parcel and to craft an effective joint
strategy for further protection of the Natural Area, and of the SM-
15 parcel, in particular.
4 . That the City and Town invite the Finger Lakes Land Trust
to assist them in developing and implementing a strategy for
protecting the SM-15 parcel.
5 . That the City and Town position themselves, as soon as
possible, to apply and qualify for NYS Environmental Quality Bond
Act funding to help cover the cost of protecting the SM-15 parcel.
6 . That the City be prepared to use part or all of the funds
currently set aside in its General Fund (for land acquisition in
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area) toward purchase of the SM-15
parcel.
Approved, 6-0
July 14, 1997
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee COMMENTS
on TOWN OF ITHACA DRAFT "PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN"
1. SMCAC appreciates and endorses the goals and objectives of the
Town of Ithaca's draft "PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN, "
particularly as they affect planning for the Six Mile Creek Natural
Area.
2 . SMCAC endorses the establishment of a Town program to purchase
development rights, in order to preserve important open space and
agricultural land.
3. SMCAC recommends that the Plan be modified to include certain
additional key properties in the Six Mile Creek valley within those
designated for purchase of development rights. Specifically, we
recommend the following for such designation:
- The entire so-called SM-15 parcel
- That part of the Apgar parcel below the Recreation Way
4. SMCAC recommends that any development of the proposed Vincenzo
Iacovelli Park be fully compatible with and sensitive to its unique
setting within the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, and specifically
that:
- Motor vehicle access be prohibited
- At least half of the park remain wooded, including some
buffering between the park and the Recreation Way
- Artificial lighting not be included in the design
- Any structures and landscaping be designed to blend, as
much as possible, with the surrounding area
- The Town consult with the SMCAC regarding further plans
for the park
5. SMCAC recommends that the Plan list in Chapter 2 (Previous Park
& Open Space Planning) the Town's report on "Six Mile Creek: A
Heritage to Preserve" ( 1990) .
Approved, 6-0
July 14, 1997
Proposed New Language for City Code 8/4/97
(to implement Natural Areas Commission)
CHAPTER 113. NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION
[now SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE]
S 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.
S 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
("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, threats to the ecosystems contained therein and opportunities to improve
the protection thereof.
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, rules 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.
S 113-3. Membership; appointment; residency; terms.
A. The Commission shall consist of twelve (12) 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 twelve.
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 two members.
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, at least three of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area and at least two of whom shall have a strong
interest in and familiarity with the Ithaca Falls area.
E. At least eight members of the Commission shall be residents of the City
of Ithaca.
Proposed Revision of
CHAPTER 113 NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION (Continued) 8/4/97
S 113-3. Membership; appointment; residency; terms. (Continued)
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 Planning 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.
S 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, on an annual basis.
The initial chairperson shall be drawn from the members continuing from the Six
Mile Creekl Advisory Committee.
S 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 representatives from Cornell University shall serve on the Ithaca
Falls subcommittee.
S 113-6. Meetings.
The Commission shall meet on a regular basis, at least once in each quarter
of the year.
S 113-7. Quorum.
The Commission shall not act on substantive matters without the presence of
a quorum, which shall be seven (7) voting members.
S 113-8. 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 S 113-2 of this chapter.
, "kV
Proposed
CHAPTER _ (NEW) NATURAL AREAS 8/4/97
§ _-1. Designation of Natural Areas; boundaries; maps.
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 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:
1. The Six Mile Creek Natural Area,
2. The Ithaca Falls Natural Area,
3. The Fuertes Sanctuary, and
4. The Southwest Natural Area.
C. The boundaries of the Natural Areas shall be shown on maps approved and
amended as necessary by Common Council.
S -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.
S -3. Natural Areas Commission.
_
The Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body to the Board of
Public Works (and Common Council, when appropriate) that shall coordinate City and
public concerns about the Natural Areas. the purposes, duties and membership of
the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter 113, Natural Areas
Commission, of this Code.
S -4. 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 vigorous 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 after soliciting the advice of
the Natural Areas Commission.
S -5. Maintenance.
_
Ecologically-informed guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance
activities within the Natural Areas shall be promulgated and updated as necessary
by the Department of Public Works, in consultation with the Natural Areas
Commission, and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works.
§ _-6. 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. Adequate monies for reasonable restoration shall be
included in the budget for any project requiring disruption of a Natural Area.
S _-7. Prohibited activities.
The following activities are prohibited in all of the Natural Areas of the
City of Ithaca. (See § 320 for activities prohibited specifically in the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area. ) . . . . to.WW0geted
§ 320-8. 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.
2EL__, /occe, T_,
Proposed
CHAPTER (NEW) NATURAL AREAS (Continued) 8/4/97
S 320-9. 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.
S 320-10. Penalties for offenses.
• • VA:::1.0:':::90NO#W4
. .............
Proposed Revisions to
CHAPTER 320 WATERSHED 8/4/97
Article I Six Mile Creek Gorge
S 320-1. Commitment to preservation & policy on use.
A.
B. (1 ...........: 0b€
(2) City-boards and staff .. all three of the uses listed above. Except in
emergency situations where it is not practical, the Natural Areas Commission
shall be contacted and given an opportunity to comment before such new
construction or rehabilitation is commenced.
(3) • ..
(4)
(5) The '(SMCAC] Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body
. .. about the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. The purposes, duties and
membership of the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter 113,
Natural Areas Commission, of this Code.
(6) . . .
S 320-2. Public access.
No access shall be permitted between [sunrise and sunset] 10:00 PM and
4:00 AM.
S 320-3. Public entrances & parking.
... (Add S. Hill Rec Wav/Burns Road, and Commonland?)
S 320-4. Prohibited Activities.
... >:
[S 320-5. Ranger] - t
[S 320-6. Circle Greenway Commission] -
..................
[S 320-7. SMCAC] - 4040
S 320-[8]5. Signage.
The [City hereby directs the] Department of Public Works [to], with guidance
from the Natural Areas Commission, shall provide adequate and attractive signage
in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, to alert the public to the [rules and]
regulations [covering trails] and the potential hazards in the [gorge] Natural
Area.
S 320-[9]6. Penalties.
TO: Mayor Alan Cohen
Members of Common Council
Members of Board of Public Works
FROM: Daniel Hoffman, Chairperson
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
DATE: August 5, 1997
RE: Formation of Natural Areas Commission
At the request of the Planning Department, the Six Mile Creek
Advisory Committee (SMCAC) has considered the question of whether to
endorse the formation of a new City body, to be known as the "Natural
Areas Commission" (NAC) , and whether the work currently performed by
the SMCAC should become part of the jurisdiction and assignment of
the NAC.
The issue was a difficult one, because of the level of
frustration SMCAC members feel with the current situation. There is
a strong perception that the SMCAC does not receive sufficient staff
support and cooperation to carry out its existing mission.
Furthermore, there have been repeated instances when the SMCAC has
not been consulted regarding significant developments in the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area. There is concern that a Natural Areas
Commission, with a much greater scope of work, would be equally
hampered and that its efforts, however well-intentioned, would be so
diluted as to be ineffectual.
Nevertheless, after spirited debate, and after discussing all of
its concerns with Mayor Cohen, Steven Ehrhardt (BPW Vice Chair) and
Doug Foster (representing the Planning Department) , the Committee
decided to endorse the creation of a Natural Areas Commission, and to
offer to incorporate itself therein.
As you will see from the enclosed resolution, the SMCAC
endorsement is based upon certain "assumptions, " including adequate
staff support and funding, having a real voice in decision-making
regarding natural areas (not "after the fact" ) , and establishment of
improved lines of communication with involved staff and boards.
In order to take advantage of the experience and expertise of the
SMCAC, and to reaffirm the City's long-standing commitment to the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area, it is also recommended that all members of
the existing SMCAC be incorporated into the original NAC.
The Committee has also discussed specific, proposed revisions of
and additions to the City Code, intended to implement the changeover
from SMCAC to NAC. However, the Committee has not yet voted on any
such proposals. The matter is on the agenda of the SMCAC at its
August 11th meeting. Enclosed are my own suggestions, for which
there has been general Committee support.
The Committee requests that it be kept informed of future deli-
berations regarding the proposed NAC, and that it be given the oppor-
tunity to present its further concerns and suggestions at that time.
cc: Doug Foster
Proposed New Language for City Code 8/4/97
(to implement Natural Areas Commission)
CHAPTER 113. NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION
[now SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE]
S 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.
S 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 _
("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, threats to the ecosystems contained therein and opportunities to improve
the protection thereof.
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, rules 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.
S 113-3. Membership; appointment; residency; terms.
A. The Commission shall consist of twelve (12) 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 twelve.
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 two members.
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, at least three of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area and at least two of whom shall have a strong
interest in and familiarity with the Ithaca Falls area.
E. At least eight members of the Commission shall be residents of the City
of Ithaca.
(c L
Proposed Revision of
CHAPTER 113 NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION (Continued) 8/4/97
§ 113-3. Membership; appointment; residency; terms. (Continued)
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 Planning 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, on an annual basis.
The initial chairperson shall be drawn from the members continuing from the Six
Mile Creekl Advisory Committee.
§ 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 representatives from Cornell University shall serve on the Ithaca
Falls subcommittee.
S 113-6. Meetings.
The Commission shall meet on a regular basis, at least once in each quarter
of the year.
S 113-7. Quorum.
The Commission shall not act on substantive matters without the presence of
a quorum, which shall be seven (7) voting members.
§ 113-8. 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.
Proposed
CHAPTER _ (NEW) NATURAL AREAS 8/4/97
S -1. Designation of Natural Areas; boundaries; maps.
_
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 which are best appreciated and
maintained in a natural, relatively undisturbed state (rather than as 'a •
park) . ��,,,.
B. The designated Natural Areas a'f the City of Itt ca are:
1. The Six Mile Creek Nature]. Area,
2. The Ithaca Falls Natural Area,
3. The Fuertes Sanctuary, and
4. The Southwest. Natural Area. •
C. The boundaries of the Natural Areas shall be .sh_own on maps approved' and
• amended as necessary by Common Council.
S -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.
S -3. Natural Areas Commission. - "
_
The Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory y- to the Board of
Public Works (and Common Council, when appropriate) that shall coordinate City and
public concerns about the Natural Areas. the purposes, duties and membership of
the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter 113, Natural Areas
Commission, of this Code.
S -4. 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 vigorous 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 after soliciting the advice of
the Natural Areas Commission. _
S _-5. Maintenance.
Ecologically-informed guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance
activities within the Natural Areas shall be promulgated and updated as necessary
by the Department of Public Works, in consultation with the Natural Areas
Commission, and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works.
S _-6. 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. Adequate monies for reasonable restoration shall be
included in the budget for any project requiring disruption of a Natural Area.
S _-7. Prohibited activities.
The following activities are prohibited in all of the Natural Areas of the
City of Ithaca. (See S 320 for activities prohibited specifically in the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area. ) . . . . to 1 '`om e
S 320-8. 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.
Pte,
Proposed
CHAPTER _ (NEW) NATURAL AREAS (Continued) 8/4/97
S 320-9. 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.
§ 320-10. Penalties for offenses.
Proposed Revisions to
CHAPTER 320 WATERSHED 8/4/97
Article I Six Mile Creek Gorge
S 320-1. Commitment to preservation & policy on use.
A. .. 3H
B. (1) ..........:
(2) Cityboards and staff . . all three of the uses listed above. Except in
emergency situations where it is not practical, the Natural Areas Commission
shall be contacted and given an opportunity to comment before such new
construction or rehabilitation is commenced.
(4) . . ONO
(5) The '(SMCAC] Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body
. about the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. The purposes, duties and
membership of the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter 113,
Natural Areas Commission, of this Code.
(6) .. • awd
S 320-2. Public access.
No access shall be permitted between [sunrise and sunset] 10:00 PM and
4:00 AM.
S 320-3. Public entrances & parking.
.. . (Add S. Hill Rec Wav/Burns Road, and Commonland?)
S 320-4. Prohibited Activities.
. . . WOO
[S 320-5. Ranger] - tom
[S 320-6. Circle Greenway Commission] -
[S 320-7. SMCAC] - gouge
S 320-[8]5. Signage.
The [City hereby directs the] Department of Public Works [to], with guidance
from the Natural Areas Commission, shall provide adequate and attractive signage
in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, to alert the public to the [rules and]
regulations [covering trails] and the potential hazards in the [gorge] Natural
Area.
S 320-[9]6. Penalties.