HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2014-12-02
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, December 2, 2014. 5:30 pm
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
ATTENDING: Members Joe McMahon (chair), Anna Stalter (notetaker), Dan Hoffman, Robert Wesley, Mark
Darling, Ashley Miller. Visitor: Jeanne Grace (City Forester)
A discussion of priorities for 2015 took up most of the meeting. Dan and Joe enumerated their priorities on paper
and other members spoke in turn to add to their list.
JOE M.
Entrance to Ithaca Falls, Lake Street bridge replacement (and pathway along dike, to Cayuga St. and beyond).
Natural Areas Coordinator on City Staff
Investigation of tree planting in natural areas t (to replace lost ash and hemlock)
Refunding of Land Acquisition fund
Sale of some parcels (or partial parcels)
Identification of priority areas for protection or acquisition
DAN H.
Engagement with further work on new water supply system (& restoration)
Area around new settling facility
What other work is pending?
Southwest substitute parkland
(Overdue) designation as natural area (what boundaries?)
Entrance from Route 13A (re: proposed new development there)
Implementation of “Master Plan” (from 2000)
More effective City regulation of development on steep slopes
More effective protection of SMCNA (re: litter, graffiti, habitat destruction, overuse)
Enforcement
Education
Etc?
Strategy for increasing the effectiveness of the NAC
Full membership: officers
Staying informed
Keeping others informed
Liaisons with Council, BPW
Quick response, as needed
ASHLEY
Natural Areas Manager and Management Plan
Means to increase NAC visibility in City government (re previous discussion to reorganize boards and committees)
ROBERT
Increase effectiveness of NAC
Natural Areas Management Plan
Other “natural areas” to protect
Other city owned properties to protect
Improved maps/publications
ANNA
Natural Areas Manager/Plan
Designation of SW Natural Area
Update City Code with respect to Natural Areas regulations and enforcement of same
Increase education and outreach
MARK
“just listening”
Must make case for how the Natural Areas Manager position can save the city money.
Suggested that NAC search for sources of outside funding: what department can secure such funding?
Assessment of site and management plan should be done prior to seeking funding. Perhaps CU and IC students
could help? IC has a template to follow.
JEANNE
Another position not likely.
Sees two approaches to support position and/or seek other funds: safety and tourism
Continuing discussion:
DH: suggested that Finger Lakes Land Trust might have a low budget approach to assessment.
Is there any money in the water plant budget that could be used?
JOE: How to make case for SW Natural Area? What are the benefits? Like Emerald Necklace, affords possibility for
continuous natural corridor. Though Natural area designation brings no protection, implies a commitment (city
code 114‐2). Natural areas are the amenities that urban dwellers seek.
New Supt. Of Public Works should come to NAC meeting.
How to address inappropriate use at Six Mile Creek? A free, unregulated recreation area.
Perhaps volunteers at entrances to greet visitors? Transient community makes keeping volunteers difficult.
Reports, announcements
Jeanne reported that there is a plan circulating for improvement of Ithaca Falls Natural Area. Scope of work
reported by Mark to be $160000. There is talk of cutting down tress to improve view of the falls, even though to do
so would be very difficult.
The link from Ithaca Falls to Stewart Park most problematic because of RR crossing.
Ithaca Gun remediation is proceeding with state funding. Overlook to be developed and owner is
responsible for improving the site.
Joe asked how to get people invested in the natural areas and Mark suggested a communication plan. IC Natural
Lands another outlet for publicity about walks and events.
Dan offered to compile list of priorities for further discussion at next month’s meeting.