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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-30 3/30/2021 CONSERVATION BOARD 03/30/2021 Members Present: Gian Dodici (Chair), Bob Beck, Craig Schutt, Andrew Miller, Jeanne Grace, Absent: Tim Woods, Nancy Munkenbeck, Anne Clark, David Wilson Liaisons: Loren Sparling (Town Board), Simon St Laurent (Planning Board) Guest(s): David Weinstein The meeting was called to order at 7:02 PM Review and approval of minutes dated March 2nd, 2021 On motion made by C. Schutt, seconded by B. Beck, minutes were unanimously approved as amended. Ag Committee Update: The Ag Committee had questions on how the energy stretch code might affect agriculture. It would affect anywhere the public could go. The stretch code is taking the existing building codes and making them more energy efficient. Planning Board Update: The Planning Board supported the energy stretch code in a vote of 4-3. There was a suggestion that a study be done to see how much money and energy this would actually save the town. There does not seem to be anyone who wants to do the study. There was a debate on the ERV’s (energy recovery ventilator) cost, and duct work (ventilation) which still remains unclear. The board had discussed possibly encouraging the town to run with it for the commercial side of it, but not the residential side. A board member suggested that on the residential side, they say that residential buildings under 1500 square feet, which do not need an engineer’s stamp, would be exempt from it. In the end it lands with the Town Board. Rail Trail Update: B Beck- The Route 13 pedestrian bridge is waiting on DOT in Syracuse to answer a question. That stretch of Route 13 (where the bridge will be) is a controlled access highway and has some sort of federal designation as well. The railroad crossing which is 66 feet wide, is grand fathered at 66 feet and our question is could we exceed that on one side or the other 3/30/2021 perhaps with abutment to the bridge. The abutments could save us some money if we extend beyond the 66 feet. We are looking for an answer before we get with Erdmann Anthony to request their next iteration of design. We are still waiting for DEC to get back to us at the game farm so we can proceed there. We are looking at potential trail options to get through Etna which has been a problem. We have to talk to property owners in Etna to make this happen. The Freese Road bridge is going to the Groton Historical Society for display as an example for Groton bridge company. Town Board Update: The town received a grant for $705,000 for the Fall Creek Bank Stabilization project. The EAF has been signed by the Highway Superintendent, and a resolution was passed at the last meeting declaring the Town Board lead agency for purposes of conducting the coordinated environmental review required by SEQR. Tompkins County Soil & Water District offered its services and advice for storm water review and inspections. This would be in addition to services that we receive from TG Miller and be an additional resource for the stormwater officer. A resolution was passed that approved a nonexclusive one year agreement with Soil and Water for the provision of professional non- engineering services concerning review of basic stormwater pollution prevention plans and monitoring erosion and sediment control measures approved by the town. This will give our storm water officer an additional resource. The board discussed the new town newsletter and what they would like to see in it. The plan is to keep articles at 150 words or less. The newsletter will go out on the first of each month with a deadline for submission the Tuesday after the Town Board business meeting. This will be sent out via email. In-person meetings may continue as early as next month. Stormwater Law: Cornell professor, Rebecca Schneider, will be sharing her knowledge on the impact of roadside ditch systems at a webinar on April 14th at 7:30 PM. It is being hosted by Finger Lakes Land Trust. The board discussed enforcement of the town’s stormwater law and the resolution. Resolution and recommendations to the Town Board of the Town of Dryden from the Conservation Board on Enforcement of the Town Stormwater Law WHEREAS: The Town of Dryden Conservation Board (CB) developed an all-encompassing Natural Resources Conservation Plan (NRCP) for the town under the direction of the Town Board, and 3/30/2021 WHEREAS: The Town of Dryden (Town) adopted the Natural Resources Conservation Plan (NRCP) in 2017, and WHEREAS: The NRCP identified specific measures to protect water resources including managing stormwater, and WHEREAS: The Town has a history of enacting strong measures to protect water resources, and WHEREAS: Runoff of sediment and other contaminants from construction sites and other soil disturbing activities have negative impacts on water courses and water bodies, and WHEREAS: The Town of Dryden is a designated MS4 by NYS DEC which requires the town to enforce, at a minimum and in accordance with, state and federal Stormwater laws, and WHEREAS: The Town enacted a local Erosion and Sediment Control Law in 2007 that is more restrictive than state and federal stormwater laws, and WHEREAS: The Town Planning Department is responsible for enforcement of all laws pertaining to stormwater, and WHEREAS: It has been brought to the attention of the CB that there are several examples of noncompliance with the stormwater laws with no apparent consequences, and Therefore, be it resolved: The Conservation Board requests the Town Board to instruct the Planning Department to enforce the Town of Dryden Erosion and Sediment Control Law to its fullest, and provide an accounting of all projects that are noncompliant with a written plan for mitigation of these deficiencies. Furthermore the CB asks for access to these documents for its review. 1st C Schutt- 2nd A Miller- All in favor Respectfully submitted, Emily Banwell