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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-30Conservation Board December 30, 2014 Page 1 of 3 Town of Dryden Conservation Board December 30, 2014 Members Present: Robert Beck (Chairman), Nancy Munkenbeck, Gian Dodici, Milo Richmond, Craig Schutt, and Rick Ryan The meeting was called to order at 7:07PM Review and approval of minutes from November 25, 2014: B. Beck asked that the “additions to agenda” section be changed from “president” to “chairman” and reflect the fact that the Chair will appoint the vice-Chairs. On the last page of the minutes, the group was having a discussion regarding the letter from the NYS DEC regarding the trail through the Game Farm. Clarification of that fact has been added. C. Schutt said he talked with J. Nicholson about the letter and she pointed out that there are more entities involved than just Dryden – the Town of Ithaca, Finger Lakes Land Trust, the County, etc. C. Schutt moved to approve the minutes with the recommended changes/corrections. M. Richmond seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously. Citizens Privilege: No visitors Additions to agenda? N. Munkenbeck read an email sent from L. Lavine regarding why some believe NYSEG needs to get a SUP from the Town of Dryden based on the Town’s zoning. She has concerns about the easements that NYSEG is asking residents to sign as well as the size of the line and the amount of pressure. Supr. Sumner joined the Board meeting and pointed out that the issue being discussed has already been discussed at the Town Board meeting and it has been determined that the West Dryden Road pipeline is not covered in our zoning law. Because it is a county road and a utility, there is no jurisdiction for the Town. N. Munkenbeck expressed the concern that the gas main might be used to power the Cayuga Power Plant. Supr. Sumner said that this is not being used for that purpose. To repower the plant, a much larger, dedicated line would be necessary. Town Planning Board: D. Weinstein D. Weinstein was not at the meeting but C. Schutt updated the Conservation Board. The Planning Board approved the sketch plans submitted by GrassMasters (a commercial landscaping business that will be available and tailored to the public) and Bottoms Up (a sports’ bar on North street). The Planning Board voted to approve C. Schutt as an alternate member. Ag Advisory Committee: C. Schutt The Ag Committee did not meet last month although Supr. Sumner, Monica Roth, Debbie Teeter and Jane Nicholson met to discuss the Ag Farmland Protection Grant. DRYC: Rick Ryan Conservation Board December 30, 2014 Page 2 of 3 The DRYC met earlier this month combining the November and December meetings. R. Ryan felt this was the most interesting meeting so far. After the normal business, one of the members explained why she was leaving. The Recreation board used to get things done but the combined commission seems to be much more focused on reports. The group will meet with former and current members on Saturday, January 10th at the Dryden Community Café to brainstorm ways to improve the Commission. B. Beck asked if the DRYC has passed a resolution in support of the Rail to Trail as they indicated they would. R. Ryan said it was on the agenda but the last meeting didn’t stick to the agenda. M. Richmond commented that the last time he talked with the Recreation Commission, they had a hard time grasping the idea of passive recreation; things like bird watching or catching butterflies. Tompkins County EMC: Steve Bissen S. Bissen was not present but he sent an email to share information. The second batch of UNA boundary revisions have been passed, except for UNA 106, Sapsucker woods. The EMC has postponed passing the boundary revisions for Sapsucker until Cornell provides further detailed information about the species in the expanded boundary area. Cornell does not agree with the boundary revisions the EMC has come up with but currently have not provided any new information to change their minds on the new boundary. The EMC is allowing extra time (Cornell has had 2 years already) to provide information. Continuing Business: Town land acquisition/protection criteria review and resolution to Town Board. B. Beck said the resolution has not yet been presented to the Town Board. He passed around the introductory paragraph that he has written gaining support from several other comprehensive plans that have a similar policy. Supr. Sumner volunteered to transform his paragraph into a resolution. N. Munkenbeck offered the following motion: The Conservation Board has charged B. Beck with the revision of the Town land acquisition/protection criteria. He was further charged with presenting said document to the Dryden Town Board for consideration. The motion was seconded by R. Ryan and unanimously approved. New Business: R. Ryan offered the following motion: The Conservation Board recommends Robert Beck as the Conservation Chair for the year of 2015. M. Richmond seconded the motion, there was no further discussion, the motion was unanimously approved. B. Beck asked Supr. Sumner about the status of the Planning Department director. The position has been posted but no response at this time. B. Beck has written a proposal to Design Connect (for assistance on the trail – Varna to Freeville). It has been submitted and Supr. Sumner is listed as the primary contact. Conservation Board December 30, 2014 Page 3 of 3 Supr. Sumner passed out a handout to help guide the Conservation Board as they determine their goals for the next year. C. Schutt asked the status of the Town Park? Supr. Sumner said it is basically waiting for a leader to start. The designs are included in the DRYC minutes and the drawing is located in the map file in the Clerk’s office. Description and duties of the Board: To serve as an advisory board to the Town Board on any projects and/or policies regarding anything associated with Conservation/Open Space. To complete tasks charged to the Board by the Town Board. 2015 suggested ideas for Board Goals: Conservation/Natural Resources Plan Rails to Trails expansion Town Park behind Town Hall Water Resources plan/report Guide to Trails & parks Trails brochure, birding guide Biographies for the webpage Gather and filter info to help meet long range goals Work more closely with the other Town Boards Long range Goals: Rails to Trails expansion Energy Plan/policy, alternative Energy options Conservation Plan The Board talked about several different options for reaching the public, including the website and newsletter. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:01. Respectfully Submitted, Erin A. Bieber Deputy Town Clerk