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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-1996-01-16 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 F 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 TCf The Board of Public Works 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 RECOMMENDATION ON YOUTH BUREAU ACTIVITIES IN SIX MILE CREEK NATURAL AREA Adopted by Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee on 1/8/96 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 . •.f Relationship with Gorge Environment . 1 . Monitor Gorge during 'walks .: note trees SIX MILE CREEK GORGE down , erosion starts , wildlife problems , stream problems , new paths , plant. •di9s . INFORMATION FOR GORGE RANGER Report to ' Superintendent and to Circle Greenway , 273-4295. 2 . Answer questions about the Gorge en- vironment if you know the answers ; most often asked- names of flowers , geologic formation of the Gorge. * 413" 3 . You will be informed about research {n .. projects and their locations in the Gorge . _ PROHIBITIONS : SWIMING BOATING ICESKATING CAMPING LITTERING OR DUMPING PLAYING AMPLIFIED SOUND WOOD CUTTING TRAPPING ROCK: CLIMBING HUNTING, SHOOTING, or CARRYING of ARMS RIDING MOTORIZED VEHICLES OR BIKES ;. DIGGING PLANTS ' �'� 1 PICKING FLOWERS • "�`^ ` • ' DRINKING ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES HAVING FIRES ' i Relationship with City Agencies : Relationship with Gorge Users : 1 . Your desk is in the Filtration Plant on ,1 . You are the City presence in the Gorge . Water Street . 2 . Become acquainted with the Gorge regula- 2 . Weekly meetings with the Superintendent of tions and be able to explain them to Public Works will be scheduled . Gorge visitors. 3 . You will be invited to the monthly meetings 3 . Advise regulations flouters on illegality ; of the Overseer Committee ( 1st Monday at if actions persist , call for assistance . 7 : 30 ) for a short report , or you may submit a written report including usage observa- 4 . Assist lost persons . Carry a map . tions , environmental hazards , problems . 5 . Provide certain kinds of First Aid . Carry 4 . Report Gorge regulations infractions to the kit . the appropriate agency - Department of Public Works , Ithaca Police Department , 6 . Monitor Gorge use patterns and record by Circle Greenway - and include them in the a chart . monthly report . 7. Cards are pravided to indicate a violation 5 . Maintain good radio contact with Emergency to an absent violator ; they can be posted Control according to agreed-upon plan . on windshilds , campsites , etc . . 6 . Conduct a tour of the Gorge for Police and 8. Lost articles are hung at bulletin board Sheriff ' s officers to show access routes at Van Natta ' s Pond parking lot . Those and to form emergency plans . The Super- that are valuable should be kept in your intendent and/or the Overseer Committee desk and a note put on the bulletin board . will arrange a date . 9. Lost dogs are reported to SPCA, 257- 1822 . 7 . The silting lagoons west of Giles Street Carry a rope or leash . bridge are not part of ranger job . 10 . You will become acquainted with regular Gorge users , you can depend on them for information and observations . 11 . Monitor access points , especially Van Natta ' s Pond parking lot , and the service road to the 30' dam thru Commonlands . J .aKa , .,x., .. r.4,n. • t1'y,ailn.K4!e:1!E. �✓..,. w�.��.:�.:ti�iv t1y!.4r5't 0�ITS\ ... " c Ilunl ;�IIS i Edl a� c► .±; CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE ,v Minutes of Meeting : February 11th , 1996 .4 A.4 . present ; Richard Fischer , Peter Fortunato . Nancy Ramage , Chair Dan Hoffman , Beth Mulholland , Guests : Andy Hillman , City Forester , Bill Dress , Botdtny Consultants Rick Gray , Cthmmon Council Liaison , Kiescha Rutland, Grad student work- ing with the County ' s Six Mile Creek Erosion Project . This meeting was chaired by Dan Hoffman and began with a report by Forester Hillman about the considerable damage in the Gorge caused by flooding during the January Thaw. There was much bank washout , parking lot bumpers were loosened .and strewn about , the fisherman's bridge dis- apeared ,.presumably downstream, and the gravel paths were gouged out . The Tree crew has been busy , especially on the South Hill Recreationway where large trees were down . They will repair damage on the East Hill side as soon as possible • this spring , but will be hampered by lack of time and labor. Dan inquired if a volunteer workday would be possible . This seemed not to be a good solution . No action was taken . Ms. Rutland reported progress being made on the County ' s Six Mile Creek Erosion Project . The double bulletin boards being made by the carpenter ' s ap- prentices were reported as completed , the memorial benches are in process . It was reported that new financing ($8.00 per hour ) has been made available for Summer ' 96 . Ranger program, Andy will bring the 1996 budget to next meeting to show the resources available for our current projects : ' especially storm damage . Bill Dress1inquired if the flood had washed out the beavers ; there has ' et no evidence of this nor of any recent beaver damage. The suggWstion was made that now ,when so much pathway has to be repaired , is a good time to consider re-surfacing for An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee Minutes . February 11 ' 1996 handicapped access , an important part of the Van Natta Pond upgrade . Andy will look into the matter of new surfacing materials Peter reported much damage to the Therm cleanup �4ite'along Bolton P Point Right-of -Waylat end of Pearsal Place . At Dan s suggestion b he will survey the damage to help determine who would be responsi - ble for repair : Therm , Bolton Point or Recreationway . More discussion about damage at VanNatta ' s : It was a mead that k . ni atri rhs grnup could be ?3k°d to build a new F ' s ermsn ' s bridge but only on condition that the Engineering partment be involved with its dAsign and construction . It was noted that the new path needed ,he bank washout area at the "Pipe PLACE" is too far inland , it should follow streamside as much as possible Andy and Beth will mark out a new path . It was reportedjchat a structure has been built it the lagoonsite, a " little house with a brigh blue doorz ' It is very inrusiv�; t� in the lovely view across Van Natta ' s Pond . Apparently it was built by Water and Sewer to protect a pump , they did not inform the Committee of this need , nor of its construction . Dan will write to Larry Fabroni suggesting more communication with the Six Mile Committee before any construction is undertaken that mighlinter- 'fere with the woodland ambience of the gorge. This discussion then logically turned to to the idea of a way OF informing City Hall AG'4111CPESIThof Six Mile Creek concerns and of the role of the Nix Mile Creek Advisory Committee . The idea of an In-house newsletterjwas talked through and it was decided to try a small newsletter which Beth will put togrther with the assistence of an editorial board consisting of Peter and anyone else whc(might become interedted . Dan cautioned against too elaborate an effort . Nancy stressed the need for more signage to acquaint Gorge users with Preserve rules ; Especially needed are reminders to walk only on paths and to not stay_ in _Gorge__ovarniahty___ THE f Lain Ern cdPtetit The perenniallproblem was brought up and must be addressed before warm weatbher arrives . Andy reported on a promising arrangement of tlanptm2ft fight$Warp 8i ;§dHemlock Lake Preserve , An Enforce- . Dan , Peter , AND Andy plus Bob Drabicki . The annual search for a good Gorge Ranger should begin ; it was agreed that Bob D •. ani. Al ssa W -- -BE_A y pproached first to see _ if they would like to return to the job . The meeting was adjourned upon a motion by Nancy. • • • • • 411: •••• . • • • ,24 . • A L e1, ACCOUNT# A7113 lirr:F/%17ITDIEPSWDIVISION NAME SIX MILE CREEK 1992 1993 1994 1995 • 1 1996 1996 1996 1996 EXPEND EXPEND EXPEND BUDGET' REQUESTS BOARD MAYOR COUNCIL ADOPTED RECOMMENDATIOf RECOMMEND ADOPTED 105 Salaries-Administration 110 Salaries-Staff , 115 Hourly-Full Time 0.00 120 Hourly-P/T&Seasonals 4,845.00 5,100.00 3,100.00 6,000.00". 7,040.00 7,040.00 7,040.00 7,040.00 125 Overtime ` 100.00 SUB TOTALS-100 ACCTS 4,845.00 5,100.00 3,100.00 6,100.00 7,040.00 7,040.00 7,040.00 7,040.00 205 Furniture&Fixtures 210 Office Equipment 215 Motor Vehicles 220 Construction Equipment 225 Other Equipment SUB TOTALS-200 ACCTS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 405 Telephone 410 Utilties 415 Clothing 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 200.00 420 Gas&Oil 425 Office Expense 426 Sticker Program Admin 430 Fees for Prof.Service 435 Contractual Services 50.00 206.42 619.40 1,700.00 1,700.00 1,700.00 1,700.00 1,700.00 436 Tipping Fee 440 Staff Developement 500.00 500.00 500.00 500.00 445 Travel&Mileage 450 Advertising 150.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 455 Insurance 465 Concession Supplies • 470 Rental of Equip.&Bldgs. 475 Property Maintenance 476 Equipment Maintenance 77.00 77.00 84.00 100.00 477 Equip.Parts&Supplies 480 Bldg.Maint.Supplies 481 Small Tools 482 Signs and Blanks 184.18 150.00 650.00 400.00 400.00 483 Construction Materials 18.11 13.50 1,600.00 800.00 800.00 484 Salt&Cinders 485 Trees 486 Curb&Gutter Renewal 487 Machine Paving 488 Gravel Base Exist.Sts. 495 Treatment Supplies 497 Renovation of Offices 498 Handicapped Access SUB TOTALS -400 ACCTS 329.29 283.42 1,016.90 4,350.00 2,500.00 2,500.00 3,700.00 3,700.00 700 Prior Year Encumbrances 68.92 7.00 220.20 720 Prior Year Equipment ' ACCOUNT TOTALS 5,243.21 5,390.42 4,337.10 10,450.00 9,540.00 9,540.00 10,740.00 10,740.00 OF ITHACA ACCOUNT# A7113 EPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS II NAME SIX MILE CREEK DIVISION STREETS AND FACILITIES REMARKS 120 HOURLY P/T SEASONAL 7,040 RAISE SALARY OF GORGE RANGER TO$8.00 476 EQUIP MAINT 0 NO RADIO- USE OF CELLULAR PHONES 440 STAFF DEVELOPMENT 500 TRAINING FOR GORGE RANGER 482 SIGNS&BLANKS 400 ADDED 483 CONSTR SUPP 800 ADDED 498 HANDICAPPED ACCESS WILL CHECK WITH COMMITTEE l� , i]:IX MILE CREEK. ADVISORY -COMMITTEE 3/ 1 1/95 MEETiNG • NOTES NOT TO BE REGARDED AS MINUTES Committee Present: Peter Fortunato, Andy Hillman, Dan Hoffman, John Johnson Others Present: Ed Hart, Larry Fabbroni As we did not comprise a quorum, we could not officially conduct business according to today's agenda. However, these "Notes" are a record of our discussion. 1. Larry Fabbroni of the explained why the new building has been constructed at the silt collecting ponds. He began by reviewing the history of a chlorine spill into Six Mile Creek that occurred a year ago during the regular operations of the Water Plant. Perhaps up to 300 fish were killed. The N.Y.S. D.E.C. subsequently required the Water Plant to fulfill a consent • order to monitor and control the chlorine operations through a better method. By this time, according to Larry, D.P.W. had already installed improved safety checks, and the new building is part of these developments. Within the building, sulfur dioxide gas is mixed with water through a technology calibrated by meters. Gas cylinders, metering devices, electric boxes, and safety devices are within the building. The building has been situated for security reasons so that its access is • . within the fenced area above. the lagoons. Larry was unaware of.the blue and yellow paint job and agreed that the building could be repainted in earth tones to make it look less conspicuous. He also agreed that landscaping could soften the visual impact of the structure, and discussion ensued about bringing the grade of the hillside up to the bottom of the building and planting trees on the hillside. Andy suggested planting evergreens and offered to look into this end of things. 2. Andy Hillman reported on the hiring of this year's gorge rangers. If Bob and Elissa want to work again, no preemployment training will be necessary. At present, Bob is interested in part-time work, and Andy will contact Elissa about her possible interest in reemployment. Andy has contacted the Ton ipk:in:County Sheriff's.Department about their interest in selling some services to us: the City could hire an iJndersheriff Deputy } with uniform and car for 5 hours at a rate of $1 F.j.00. Andy says the Committe budget could allow for this, and we would determine how to utilize the officer's presence. Ed said that in his experience, such an arrangement for special services from the Sheriff is not unusual. Andy also reported that the bulletin boards are ready to be installed; that bike racks (metal, wide, inverted-U shaped, vinyl coated) have been ordered; that the shop is ready to start building the benches; that many • down trees were cleared from gorge trails during the recent thaw-time. Andy brought to members' attention a "Trail Safety Meeting" that he was informed of through the City Attorney's office, which is apparently concerned about liability issues. The meeting will be attended by, among others, the Supervisor of Public Works, and the Mayor (or their representatives), and might include walking gorge trails. Consensus was that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee needs to be proactive about this. The possibly excessive proliferation of safety-signage was one issue that came up in discussion. No date as yet has been set for the meeting. Stay tuned. • 3. Mary Gilliland sent a letter to the Committee, seeking its endorsement. • The letter (attached to these notes) asks that our Committee contact the Town of Ithaca in order to formalize several important "low impact" policies regarding the South Hill Recreation Way. Action on this letter • will be part of our agenda at our next meeting. 4. Ed Hart presented a map of the Conservation District being planned by the Town of Ithaca Board. He suggested this committee find an appropriate form of involvement with this process. 5. Dan announced that D.P.W. has endorsed our recommendation regarding the Youth Bureau's presence in the Six Mile Gorge area. This recommendation will now go to Common Council for approval through the Law and Governance Committee. 6. Our next meeting rriight be rescheduled to April 6, regular time and place. Stay Tuned. • • This meeting of fine minds adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m. Notes submitted by Peter Foortunat°. SIX MILE CREEK ADV . COM . -- Minutes 4/15/96 p . 3 with this Committee in January 1996 , for preservation and protection of the Watershed . 8 . 1996 ENFORCEMENT PLAN : Next meeting the Committee will consider recommendations from this subcommittee . Dan to contact Board of Public Works recommending that the Board take necessary measures to prohibit overnight parking at Mulholland Preserve ; from midnight until 4 AM . Discussion of Nancy Ramage ' s recommendation ( that BPW also consider the adoption of safety measures for ingress into and egress from the Mulholland Preserve , including installation of a mirror for increased visibility of oncoming traffic on Giles Street ) to be continued at the next meeting . 9 . GORGE RANGER RECRUITMENT : Position has been advertised . Status of last year ' s ranger still not certain . Some on Committee want to interview others . Beth & Peter , together with Andy , will decide whether interviews are necessary . Meeting adjourned around 7 : 00 = Next meeting at Eliz abeth ' s Preserve , weather permitting . Minutes by MZO , 4-18-96 • MAINTENANCE OF SOUTH HILL RECREATION WAY Recommendation Because the South Hill Recreation Way has been situated within the Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve, a fragile ecosystem, and because residents of the area and other citizens who may visit it prize and appreciate the quiet to be found in this rare area of natural beauty, with its abundant wildlife and diverse succession of flowers throughout the growing season, The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee recommends that the South Hill Recreation Way be considered as a Natural Area, and that in keeping with this recognition of the unique and valued natural character of the area, motorized ma.aintenance by: the Town of Ithaca to the South Hill Recreation Way be eliminated with the exception of 1) Upkeep of the Water and Sewer system 2) Emergency situations arising from natural events; specifically, either from tree fall across the Recreation Way in such a way that safe passage by pedestrians and bicyclists is blocked, or from severe erosion caused by sudden flooding , and that measures be taken to counteract the latter be not remedial or in appearance only, but rather that the underlying cause of the problem, such as changes wrought by human beings in water flow and outlet uphill of the Recreation Way be investigated and addressed. The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee appreciates the interest and conscientiousness of Town of Ithaca Planning and Parks officials in regard to the South Hill Recreation Way and offers these recommendations in a spirit of goodwill for continuing cooperation with the Town for the preservation of the natural quiet and beauty of the area and consequent appreciation of the South Hill Recreation Way and the surrounding Six Mile Creek Wildflower Preserve by its neighbors and caring citizens. In this spirit of cooperation, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee offers to address the Town Planning Board, should that be neccessary, with regard to this recommendation or related matters. Adopted by SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 4/15/96 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes April 15 , 1996 Committee Present : Elizabeth Mulholland , Chair Dan Hoffman , John Johnson , Marjorie Olds , Peter Fortunate . Committee Absent : Richard Fischer , Nancy Ramage , Jack Booker . Others Present : William Dress ( Botany Consultant ) , Ed Hart ( Land Trust ) . 1 . APPROVAL OF MINUTES : The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ( "Committee" ) approved the February 11 , 1996 minutes with these modifications : First paragraph should read : "The Tree Crew has been busy , especially on the East Hill side where large trees were down . They will repair damage to the Rec Way side as soon as possible this spring , but will be hampered by lack of time and labor . " Page 2 : "An Enforcement Committee was appointed : Dan , Beth and Andy , plus Bob Drabicki . " ( "Notes" from March 11 , 1996 meeting were distributed , but not officially approved , because that meeting had no 2 . REPORTS : City Forester Andy Hillman ' s report was distributed , discussed and commended . Elizabeth will organize the bulletin board dedication , to thank the Carpenters ' Union creators , scheduled for April 28th at 1 : 00 , Wild Flower walk at 2 : 00 . Elizabeth will write to families awaiting the - memorial benches . Sheriff ' s Department assistance in lieu of or in supplementation to Gorge Ranger discussed . Tabled for next meeting . Dan will ask Larry Fabroni to repaint new shed entirely in a natural , woodsy color ( eliminating bright blue door ) . SIX MILE CREEK ADV . COM . -- Minutes 4/15/90 p . 2 Dan will also tell Andy that cedar is fine for benches , and that completion is long-awaited and will be much appreciated . Dan to request that gravel in the Mulholland Meadow be raked out . 3 . REPORT FROM THE FIELD : General discussion regarding the present condition of trails and plans for refurbishing . Elizabeth and Andy are organizing all City committees involved in environmental activities to share a table at the annual Mother ' s Day Plant Sale , May i1 1994 . Table sitters needed . 4 . YOUTH BUREAU ACTIVITIES IN NATURAL AREA : John reported that Common Council , on recommendation of our Committee , and the Board of Public Works passed a modification to the City Code to provide "exceptions" to prohibitions in Natural Area ( such as for Youth Bureau programs ) , upon consultation with our Committee and the BPW . 5 . RECREATION WAY MAINTENANCE : Mary Gilliland ' s letter and Resolution passed with modifications . See enclosed . Rec Way Resolution reflects this Committee ' s affirmation that the Way should be allowed to be as natural as possible , with a minimum of motorized maintenance and intrusion by cars , trucks and machinery . Peter and Marjorie will arrange a presentation to the Town Board or appropriate Town committee to discuss ongoing topics of interest with the Town . 6 . TOWN OF ITHACA ' S CONSERVATION OVERLAY ZONE : The Committee unanimously endorsed the latest version of a conservation overlay for the Six Mile Creek area , as presented and explicated by Dan . Dan to keep Committee informed of upcoming events . 7 . UPDATE ON CITY ' S LAND ACQUISITION/PROTECTION EFFORTS : No word from City Planner Doug Foster . Dan will write to the Mayor urging follow-through on initiatives Mayor endorsed and/or suggested when he met • 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 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Monday, October 21, 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: September 9, 1996 - ENCLOSED 5 min. - 3. City Forester's Report (Andy Hillman) 5 min. - 4. Gorge Rangers' Report(s) 5 min. - 5. Other Reports (Chair, Beth Mulholland, et al) 30 min. - 6 . Trail Bike Damage Off Recreation Way - See ENCLOSED proposals 20 min. - 7 . Replacement of Second Bridge from Parking Area - Discussion of Possible Designs, Construction & Funding Strategies 15 min. - 8. Repair of Trail Above Old Pipeline/Creekwall - Recommendation (Filling vs. Boardwalk) 5 min. - 9 . Land Protection/Acquisition Update Adjournment NOTES: - Next Meeting: November 18, 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) ` /q(r G 5/view, 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 Dan Hoffman, Cnarr ,, e Creek Acvi ory i.Committee From: Peter Frrtlir,,ar, Subject: Protection of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, South Side,Vicinity of the Recreation Way ane upper Reservoir On September 1 6, 1996, Mariorie 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 3 combination of signs and small blazes on trees could be used(say, every 200'). 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 is 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 gave 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 pass-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. • ;1996-- NIW } SI% MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITT CITY OF 'T!H�CA" Monday, November 18, 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: October 21, 1996 - ENCLOSED 5 min. - 3. City Forester's Report (Andy Hillman) 15 min. - 4 . Other Reports (Chair, Beth Mulholland, et al) 25 min. - 5. Land Protection/Acquisition Update, including Raponi Property (Doug Foster) (Copy of Petition ENCLOSED) 25 min. - 6 . Trail Bike Damage Off Recreation Way - Proposal for Area(s) to be Closed to Public (Peter Fortunato) 15 min. - 7 . Repair of Trail Above Old Pipeline/Creekwall - Update from Andy Hillman, Recommendation? (Filling vs. Boardwalk) Adjournment NOTES: - Dec. Meeting: December 9, 1996 (2nd 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) Y t x . r . OM. 1 IX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes - Oct. 21, 1996 ----- t w t IMi T RESENT: 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 j explaining why the City prohibits swimming and listing alternative sites, to be distributed next summer. Gorge Rangers will finish their work fok 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 I placed along the entrance driveway. Andy will look into '1' o relocating the sign. Dan reported he had received a letter 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 Dan will request that SMCAC receive agendas and minutes of future Town meetings that pertain to the Six Mile Creek Area. 4 . TRAIL BIKE DAMAGE OFF RECREATION WAY u� Peter reported on work performed by the Town along the Rec it 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 I i 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: I ' 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 ii 1;! I�1 4 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, / Cc-e.-5c--e- -L2 Ai c( l y g5 1J j. / 2�' ^�1"J'�C3t. .3- f + ',-1J •' �,, _s 01,45 6/42_ (UL Crescsaf4d' Pled. lu`f, (41_,95-6 i /_d J � KZ . /3 3 6-z9-4 P y g-so Au,vk . CAQuatid c(xe Awei (Lgso tsar., q 134 C_i-eSceAk Platt t1�acx Ny 1L1$50 vY-Alizzru ,77,O Ouditiscrie-- ,09-64t- PiVi) g,,9 Sw f -�e - -C:l l c(1 � it-L,,g7 ,NAG t- . i ze-- /36 /7--"(-A"0� )- (712 - ,,� _e-rte /5(-4-0 p �L.�-c,J-s-„,_.t„ -- _ 2 c,�1.ru_r:y �����©._c a--f � (/ /yQ' S 7J G e er _j L l CcIS -LA:c... C . SauzjA>., 2 2- 1-JY)/J40)--,w-- et‘Y.c/tc TI-f-ii Qco._, tj ct / ,w,j) l_. 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