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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-27Dryden Conservation Board September 27, 2016 Dryden Conservation Board September 27, 2016 Members present: Bob Beck (Chair), Charlie Smith, Jeremy Sherman, Craig Schutt, Gian Dodici, Steve Bissen, Peter Davies and Nancy Munkenbeck Liaisons Present: David Weinstein (Planning Board) and Kathy Servoss (Town Board) (at 7:30PM) The meeting was called to order at 7:05PM. Review and approval of minutes from August 30, 2016: C. Schutt moved to approve the minutes with suggested editorial changes. C. Smith seconded the motion and the minutes were unanimously approved. Citizen’s Privilege: No guests Additions to Agenda? J. Sherman mentioned that he heard on the radio about the hydrilla issue in Cayuga Lake. The hydrilla has appeared farther north in the lake, near Wells College. He wondered if there was something that should/can/is being done above sending out flyers. A reason for the flyers could be to remind people to check their boats to ensure they are not transporting the invasive weed. D. Weinstein stated that the hydrilla in the southern part of the Lake was slowly killed by repetitive treatments; this year hydrilla was not found in the previous locations. Reports and Updates from Boards and Commissions: See attached Planning Board report. D. Weinstein pointed out that the Planning Board has passed a resolution supporting the Rail to Trail Task Force and the TAP Grant they are seeking. Rail to Trail Task Force: - They are working from both ends even though they face challenges in either direction. They have held a meeting with The William George Agency but have not received any response either in favor of the trail or denying access. The Game Farm has not yet reached a decision either. - Crossing Route 13 is another challenge facing the Task Force. They have a couple of options to consider: they can build a walkway over Route 13, the trail could turn south to follow Route 13 to the Fall Creek Bridge under which trail users can pass and then back north to meet the trail, the trail could turn north a bit at Route 13 to take advantage of the traffic light at the Route 13/Route 366/Hall Road intersection or a tunnel could be dug under Route 13. Dryden Conservation Board September 27, 2016 - There are also several washouts along the trail that will need to be gapped or filled in. - B. Beck stated that the minutes, handouts, maps, etc are now on the Town of Dryden website. There was a short discussion regarding the fact that a google search doesn’t bring up information on the trail. Town Board: K. Servoss - The Town Board is working hard on the Budget - They will be holding a public hearing at the Varna Community Center on October 5th regarding the 1061 Dryden Road application. NRCP: Farmland Resources: C. Schutt - C. Smith recommended last month that C. Schutt identify where the Best Management Practices recommendations were identified. C. Schutt indicated that he has added that information to his section. He has not moved forward much other than that change. Water Resources: G. Dodici - G. Dodici has sent around the work he has done already but he has not received any feedback. He is trying to hash out the stream buffers. He attended a meeting today in which he learned the County Planning Department is interested in having the Town of Dryden incorporate a buffer program. He is planning to reach out to others to get a unified idea of what is wanted and needed. - C. Smith asked if there was a resource, maybe FEMA, that will demonstrate the monetary cost of a major flood without buffers versus with buffers. - C. Schutt pointed out that with the Virgil Dam, there hasn’t been any flooding in the Village. - D. Weinstein said the Water Resources department contact at Cornell is Todd Walters. - C. Schutt reminded the Board that when they were working on a buffer ordinance, someone from Cornell attended the Board meeting and modeled what stream buffers would look like (50 feet, 100 feet, etc). - The Ithaca buffer is based on the type of stream. - G. Dodici and D. Weinstein will get together to discuss resources regarding stream buffering. P. Davies shared that he and C. Smith had attended a presentation regarding Cayuga Lake and they learned that atrazine is one of the main pollutants in Fall Creek. It is used with corn for weed control. Biological Resources and Recreational Resources: D. Weinstein and N. Munkenbeck - They have worked independently but they have not yet put their information together. Dryden Conservation Board September 27, 2016 - The Ancram plan has the various ecosystems located in the Town with a description identifying where you can find that ecosystem, what unique features are found there, etc. - C. Smith indicated that National Gap Analysis website (http://gapanalysis.usgs.gov/gaplandcover/) has data regarding habitats and land cover types in Tompkins County. Enduring Features and Scenic Resources: M. Richmond - M. Richmond was not present at this meeting. B. Beck asked if a Board member is willing to start putting together the other parts of the plan: an introduction, the goals, commentary about the Town of Dryden, a conclusion, etc. C. Smith volunteered to work on that part. The Board agreed that their goal will be finishing the NRCP by the end of the year. Miscellaneous Business: The County Tourism Bureau has been working on an interactive website of the various trails, parks, and preserves in the County. The Black Diamond Trail is open for use. There is a celebration this Sunday, hosted by the Finger Lakes Cycling Club. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:30PM. Respectfully Submitted, Erin A. Bieber Deputy Town Clerk Report from the Planning Board Meeting of 9/22/16 Submitted by David Weinstein 1. Varna Tiny Timbers Subdivision application of Nick Bellasario and Buzz Dolph. Applicants wish to subdivide a 2.37-acre parcel at 5 Freese Road in Varna into 15 lots. The project is to build fifteen single family homes that would be clustered around a central parking lot and community. ACTION: Held Public Hearing, conducted SEQR evaluation, and passed Preliminary Plat Approval. 2. Proposal for two two-family homes on a single lot 2.26-acre lot, located at 44 Quarry Road. ACTION: Conducted SEQR evaluation and Site Plan Review. Dryden Conservation Board September 27, 2016 3. Rail Trial: a mixed use trail along the abandoned rail corridor connecting the Jim Schug Trail in the Village of Dryden through the Village of Freeville and the hamlets of Etna and Varna to the East Ithaca Recreation Way at the Ithaca Town line. ACTION: Passed resolution supporting current efforts toward creating this trail. 4. Infrastructure Local Law: Review of current laws and alternatives laws governing infrastructure development that is to be located within the municipal rights of way in as directed by the Town Board. ACTION: Began discussion of elements that should be considered in such a law, with particular attention to road work.