HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-05-22 il
_ to Seneca Fnil." '1 7 Auburn
'
+
{ •, ti
sr 4111M TOWN of LANSING - _
• ,1,,,, \ . , . , 3$ Thome of Industry, Agriculture and Scenic Beauty "
C. 1 --\,N., ' ,
\_
IL a
LIN
,:iii;,1tr-z•\741)1
I ' own or Lansing l
ORDINANCE DEPT. 5 rl
Box 186 % ',i ; Town of Lansing
f..art ing, New York 1. 4882 %,i , l
r, ' ; 6ce
;* " akin Board Meeting
-5/22/00
Work Meeting 7 : 30 PM
Lansing Town Hall •- Board Room
ender
m� g
l l
go
lime: reviles
7:30 PM Oper. Meeting , Approve Minutes of 5l08}0a
I :
7: 45 PM Continue Review And Changes to Land Ilsethrance
Sunesttird R visions. (Begin with Sec . 401 )
Orientation with composite maps from Bud Shattuck;
(33 )154:3e :7 appropriateness of water & sewer : ine:s V-ra.;h
k ' 1
404. 21 itinaJland use Districts, likely development exirs;, c'rticu s ,
pc entiai traThs , paper roads and road dev lopmc M; wreique
suattatra ! areas,,, protected wetlands , steep and hi9-4'4 • -
corndabie i *:e ; , etc .
! k.
. r
1
-fin
f
' 9
i Pagel
pr
r- __ { -.7w1.
., __. 2
t
a
11/2 Town of Lansing ng
3 Monday , May 225 2000 ; 7 : 30 PM • PLANNING BOARD
4 PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
I ( Dtnnei p.m)
4 * Brad Griffin, Chair * Jacoba Baker
7 5 Larry Sharpsteen * Lin Davidson
g it Viola Miller * David Hatfield
9 * Gregg Travis
10
11 * Bud Shattuck, Town Councilman .
12 * George Totman, Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer
13 PUBLIC PRESENT
] 4 None
13
L4 GENERAL BUSINESS
jai17 Brad Griffin called the meeting to order at 7 : 39 PM .
Wit Anaroonl of Minutes of df$f00- Page 1 Line 6 . . . Viola Miller withdrew her abstention and voted to approve die
is minutes of 411 Tdd . Tone 2 Line 4 . . _ Brad Griffin corrected , . . not 4044 replace . . . Line 41 . . . Brad Griffin corrected
to . , . property that has no access ownership _ . . Toga 3, tine 46 . . . Brad Griffin corrected , . . going to be putting-kr more
21 stringent . _ . Line 48 , . . Brad Mn Mo oo melds . . dad inspected the site _ . . ,Tage 4, Line 4 . _ . Jackie Balker
22 correcte _ , . elated that if thm the winds . . . Line 7 . . Larry Sharpsteen reph rased . . . more than a mile or so .
23 Larry Sharpsteen moved to accept 11w minutes as corrected . Gregg Travis seconded . VOTE: ALL IN FAVOR ,
24 MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY .
25 Discussion an Minutes of 4{ 1. 0,+00 - Lin Davidson stated that he was not at the meeting where these were approved,
26 but he sloes have a question about the ,minutes that lie thinks could come before the board . Lin stated that at the
27 meeting on 4110100, they spent. some time talking about standards for private roads , Lin said that in the minutes it
28 is slated that Mr, Page spent time with the Town Engineer, that Mr . Page would build the roads , and that Mr .
29 Sovocool would oxen diem . Liu staged that the ioinutm stated that Rick Page said they build tthe road to the
30 specifications the Torso Engineer has laid out for them . Lin Davidson stated that he spoke with Dave Herrick
31 today . Lin stated that Dave Herrick Itis never talked to Rick Page. Lin stated that Dave Herrick had a courtesy
32 with (Roger Sovocooi In discuss roads, but there was no real use of the Town Engineer in terms of statim;
33 specifications or clearly defining any (find of culvert situation , Lin stated that lie was not sure how the Planning
34 Board wanted to handle that, but it seems as though the right hand does not know what the left. hand is doing and
33 that this Plaruring Board looks a little silly in the middle of it .
36 Larry Shor1ielnon stated that it seems to him that Mr_ doge specifically said that they got the culvert sues from
37 Dave Herrick . Brad Griffin stated idol he would like to say that lie deer riot think that ii has any reflection on the
33 Planning Board that an applicant would misrepresent, whether intentionally or unintentionally, a situation . Brad
9 explained that the minutes were designed to shoe what he had conveyed to this Board , Lod stated that it is his
30 understanding that Dave Herrick clearly indicated that he had never been retained; in any way, to provide
41 engineering services for that property. Larry Sharpsteen replied that he did not think Mr, Page ever represented
42 that they had ever hired him . Larry stated that they kept everything 0E1 n conversational basis , but Dave has stated
43 that lie did nor talk to them that he had talked to Mr. Sevocool . Brad Griffin stated that the minutes would slnavy.
3 envn of {,owetnn Planning Board, AOne 22, 2000
1 what was presented to the Board, not whether they filtered it out. Brad stated that the duties of the board requires
2 them to listen to developers , lawyers, and environmentalist and if they think they could sift the truth out every time •
3 it is beyond their grasp . Brad stated that it would seem that what had been presented to them, does not Fairly depict
e the case, but the minutes are not to bionic , 1- in Davidson stated that he was worried about the fire personnel and
5 other people that have to go in there .
b David Hatfield entered at 7 :43 PM . •
7 Larry Sharpsteen submitted the Minutes of the EMC General Meeting held on April 12 , 2000 , for the record .
8 Larry also submitted a copy of the 0.M d Boron
9
10 Brad Griffin stated that he had informed the Pages dint he would seek sown advice before signing a final map .
1. I Brad explained that he did speak with Rich John concerning it . Brad Griffin stated that there are problems where
12 ownership of access is not assured . Brad stated that one of those is that they could approve a subdivision and
13 George would be forbidden by law to issue a building hermit until the road 'Fleas approved . Viola Miller stated that
10 she has ibreons felt that they should not approve a subdivision until they knew that the road has been xpprnvcd _
It Lara Sharpsteen stated that the Planning Board does not have anything that mould allow them to approve or
16 disapprove a road . George Totman gave an example oh were the Planning Board has approved a subdivision and
17 George could not give a building permit until he was told that the Town accepted the road _ Brad Griffin asked
it whether that was a private or public road . George replied that it is a publ in road . George added that from what the
19 lawyers tell hint, an a private road they have no control over it except to make sure hint it is passable by lire and
20 emergency vehicles ,
21 Viola Miller stated that she thinks when the Planning Board approves subdivisions On private roads , she thinks they
22 approve it subject to the Town Board accepting the road . The Board agreed , Larry Sharpsteen stated that. lie
23 thuik i they need to be very evelal about how they use the tel -`accepts the road' because the Town Board is not •
24 going to accept that road . Larry stated that he hopes the Town Board is lint going to accept that road, because that
25 implies that the Town is going to take that road over . George Tatman explained that mwhen the Town Board accepts
26 a private road, they have a written policy that states that the people on a private road will never Lob the 1 hnei to
27 takt over the road , Gregg Travis asked inbat assurances the Town gets that the road has been constructed properly.
03 Larry Sharpsteen stated dint as far as a private road, they do not have any guarantee of quality , oto' }width , of
29 stability . Larry Sharnsteen stated that lie would like to ask the Town Board if they would like the Planning Board
30 to make a resnmrn ndation that the Town Board add to the Town Lave that private roads had to be built to a
31 minimum standard .
32 The Board discussecl subdivisions on private roads . It was discussed whether or not the Panning Board could
33 make a recommendation to the Town Board about requiring private. reotic with more baei 4 parcels to have to incer
34 certain standards . Brad Griffin stated that he thinks they (teed to get the advice of counsel on this matter , Brad
35 Griffin stated that Rich John stated he would send a letter to George:_ Brad asked if George received the letter .
36 George replied that he lob not. Bract stated that he felt it would seem appropriate in this case to have the Town
37 Attorney present at the public hearing . The Planning Board agreed ,
33 The public hearings for June 112, 2000 mire slated to 7 :45 bit and 8 : 15 PM . Brad thriffin asked if they should start
33 the meeting a little earlier and take the opportunity to meet with counsel , The Board agreed that it would start at
tb 7 :00 PM . Larry Sharpsteen stated that he thinks the Town Attorney should receive a copy of the minutes oh this
41 meeting no that he has time t0 review the questions _ Brad Griffin stated that it would be more prudent to seek the.
42 advice of counsel using this application in its own rights to see what general information they may derive From that,
Oh but the questions that arise from this particular application they will put to counsel for rwaintion sometime prior to
44 the date oFthe public hearing. Larry Sharpsteen stated chat he. vriould fe:c'1 entirely comfortable leaving that in
45 Briefs hands . Brad stated that die questions were access , the authority oh the board to approve or modify
or subdivision based on conditions of the road . NSW
ad Bud Shattuck asked ii there was any discussion with the Toon Attarnerr about the right ofmvay through the NYSE°
be property es to who has liability for that , Bind Griffin replied that there was not. Larry Sharpsteen suited he thinks
OP that when Roger came to thorn several years bide about this property, he said in his negotiations with NYSI'G he
.„ . h1
.
3 Town of Lansing Planning Board, May 22, 2000
made a trade with NYSEG that the land would be held forever wild in return for allowing him access to his land .
Ask
Larry Sharpsteen stated that he did not know if that shows as Roger' s land or as NYSEG ' s land . George Totman
3 replied that on the tax map, that road is shown as a separate parcel owned by Mr. Sovocool .
4
5 DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE LAND USE ORDINANCE
6 Brad Griffin stated that they had previously discussed combining Sections 401 . 1 and 401 . 3 .
7 The Board agreed to the following changes :
S Sec . 401 . 1 . Boundary lines are intended to follow by parallel lines the center lines of streams , streets and road
9 lines as shown on plots olf record at the time this Ordinance becomes effective . Where boundaries
10 are shown approximately parallel to a street, highway, railroad or lakeshore such boundaries shall
I I be construed to be parallel to said lakeshore, and at such distance therefrom as indicated on the
12 map . If noO dimension is given on the map , the boundary shall be determined by use of the
13 graphic scale on said map . (see Sec. 607 .0)
14 Delete Sec . 401 . 2 .
15 Sec . 401 . 3 was added to Sec, 401 , 1 ,
16 Larry Sharpsteen asked if he was the only one unaware that 011ie ordinance allowes for apartment buildings in R1 .
17 Larry stated that George just told him there are going to new apartments going in the RI district just like Ron
18 Ronsvalle ' s on Ridge Road . Viola stated that she did not think they were going to allow those in the low-density
19 districts . George Totman stated that it is allowed in every district except Industrial Research . Viola Miller stated
20 that is not the way it was in the original . Larry Sharpsteen stated that the ordinance is a joke because they do not
1110 1 have any differences in density .
22 Larry Sharpsteen motioned to revise the Town of Lansing Land Use Ordinance to go back to the original ( DRAFT
23 Revised Nov . 10 , 1997) as presented by the Planning Board to the Town Board as to the density in the RI district
24 to give . Jackie Baker seconded . VOTE : ALL iN FAVOR. MOTION CARRIED .
25 Other Business
26 Brad Griffin stated that a couple weeks ago, the Lions met and had George Totman as one of their guests - Brad
27 stated that the Lions awarded George with a Public Service Award for the work that he has performed here in the
28 town . Brad stated that he thinks it would behoove this board to recognize that award . Brad stated that to his
29 knowledge, never before in the business of this board, have they ever had to deal with complaints about the Code
30 Enforcement Office, or improprieties, or any lack of cooperation given to individuals , businesses or developers .
31 Brad stated that he would like to commend George and applaud the decisions of the Lions to give that award to him .
32 Lin Davidson and Larry Sharpsteen agreed .
33 Discussion on Mans
34 The Board discussed the maps Bud Shattuck brought in .
35
36 Lin Davidson motioned to adjourn at 9 :49 PM . Dave Hatfield seconded . VOTE : ALL IN FAVOR . MOTION
37 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY .
38 Submitted by Robin Cornell .
IP' 40 -
:
.,Te : WE--; w1/4,.,
Unique Natural Areas Inventory of Tompkins County
Revised , January 2000
Introduction
Row To Use This Inventory
This 2000 edition of the Unique Natural Areas Inventory ofTompkins County is divided into tine parts :
1 . Introductory sections : including descriptions of the history of the Inventory, what
characterizes a UA, methods and procedures used to identify and survey the sites, and a
guide to the data sheets .
2 . The UNA index maps showing all UNAs within oath municipality in Tompkins County, and
• numerical and alphabetical lists of all UNAs in the County.
3 . The site data sheets and site maps for witch of the 192 UNAs in Tompkins County .
4 . The appendices, which give the reader more information about the data sets used to create
the Inventory.
5 . A County- wide map showing all hhhTs in Tompkins County,
40 The first thing to do when using this report is to read the introductory sections, which are located before the
site data sheets. They will give readers insight into the purpose of the U T Inventory, how it was put
together, how sites were chosen for inclusion in the Inventory, and how to interpret the data.
The UNA index maps provide a comprehensive view of the number and size of all UNAs within each
municipality in Tompkins County. TheCounty-wide UNA neap provides readers with en overall view of the
area, to help orient themselves to specific UNAs using major roads and surrounding municipalities _
The bulk of the inventory consists of the site maps and data sheets. Each LINT site report consists of a UNA
site map followed by detailed information about that particular UNA . The data sheets vary in length based
on the amount of information them is about the site. Each datesheel' includes eight main categories:
a) Site Name and Code
b) Location
e) Site and Vegetation Description
d) Reasons for Selection
e) Special Land -use Information
i) Conservation of the Site
g) Physical Characteristics of the Site
Ii) Biological Characteristics of the Site
Finally, readers will gain much information by referring to the appendices, which contain helpful information
concerning definitions of terms, sources of information used in the Inventory, and specific data for talk the
11. plants, animals, and ecological communities found in the Unique Natural Arens _
About the Inventory :
This document is a listing and description of hie areas in Tompkins County that have been identified es
having outstanding environmental qualities and deserve special attention for preservation in their natural
• Usage Agreement for the Unique Natural Areas Inventory GIS Coverage (DRAFT)
May 3 , 2000
1 .) Each Unique Natural Area (UNA) may be contained , wholly or in part , on private land .
The Tompkins County and the Environmental Management Council does not encourage
site visitation unless the explicit consent of the owner has been granted.
2 .) UNA boundaries are approximate and should be used for general planning purposes only.
The County does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information displayed .
The end- user of this information agrees to accept the information " as is" with full knowledge
that errors and omissions may exist.
3 .) I agree not to distribute the UNA GIS Coverage beyond my possession .
4 .) I agree not to use the UNA GIS coverage for other than the intended stated purposes:
5 . ) I will include the Following disclaimer on all maps where this information is displayed :
•
" UNA Boundaries were delineated by field biologists based on a review of air
photographs, digital GIS base map data ( roads, building footprints, 20- foot contours and
streams) and field visits. UNA boundaries are approximate and should be used for
general planning purposes only. As a practical matter, the County does not warrant the
accuracy or completeness of the information portrayed . The end- user of this map agrees
to accept the data " as is" with full knowledge that errors and omissions may exist, and to
hold harmless the County for any damages that may result from an inappropriate use of
this map .
Signed
r pate e.t.." o
Affiliation
Address 20Th *--fior— SN
• -�1.�: c
Email :
Phone: Z7 Z ` (o `-c 7 7
•
state. Although every effort has been made to identify all candidate sites in the County, this task must
inevitably be viewed as an ongoing process . Time and resource limitations govern the number of sites that
can be thoroughly surveyed . Furthermore, as time passes and the landscape is altered, it will be important
periodically to revisit and re-evaluate UNA sites. As was stated in the 1990 Inventory, it is expected that th
mere creation of a survey of unique natural areas will act to accelerate the process of identifying unusual
resources deserving protection .
Our hope is that the publication of this survey will alert citizens to the need to protect these valuable
resources, and will inspire some to suggest new sites for future evaluation. It is important to continue the
process of adding and deleting sites to this Inventory when warranted, and adding significant information
about sites as it becomes available.
Purposes of the Inventory :
1 . To help municipal boards make informed decisions about what kinds of development should be
allowed in or near these special natural areas .
2 . To help make landowners aware of the valuable resources they own so that they may take particular
care in protecting these areas from damage.
3 . To help County residents appreciate the natural wonders of our area.
These unique natural areas provide a sanctuary for rare plants and animals, and help to maintain the diversity
of natural communities in our region. They contribute to maintaining the sense of wildness in the County
• that many residents treasure. Unless we know where not to locate new development, we will begin to lose
the varied landscapes that initially drew many of us here.
Criteria for Classification as a Unique Natural Area:
The Environmental Quality Bond Act of 1972 defines unique natural resources as " . . .areas of great natural
beauty, wilderness character and ecological or geological significance (and may include) beautiful streams
and gorges, virgin tree stands, rare plant life, scarce animal habitat or unusual geological formations. " The
sites included in this Inventory have been reevaluated since the previous Inventory and described more fully.
Some sites have been dropped from earlier listings because they have been sufficiently degraded and no
longer merit inclusion as a UNA, and other sites have been added . Thus, the classification of a UNA is an
ongoing process .
•
To be included in the present inventory, a UNA site had characteristics that fell into one or more of the
following general categories :
I , Important natural community: This broad characteristic includes state-designated wetlands, designated
natural areas/preserves, historical botanicaVzoological sites, important teaching sites, old -growth forests,
sites with a plant or animal community type that is rare or scarce in the County, those with diverse flora or
fauna, including birding sites and those having a wilderness character.
2 . Quality of example: These sites were considered the best representatives, or examples, clan ecosystem,
plant community, or animal community of high quality within the County. The sites contain especially large
individuals, dense populations, or a particularly diverse mixture of species.
• 3 . Rare or scarce plants or animals: These sites contain plant or animal species that have been recognized
as rare or scarce at a national, state, or local level, those with critical migration, reproductive, or feeding
habitat for rare or scarce animal species, and those with reports of large mammals .
• . 4 . Geological Importance: These sites arc rare or outstanding examples of geological features or processes,
and paleontological sites .
5 . Aesthetic/cultural qualities: These sites contain acknowledged outstanding natural or scenic beauty as
viewed from within or from a distance, have recreational value, sites designated as urban greenspaces and
sites with culturalhistoric/archeological significance .
It is the intent and hope of the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council that the identification
of local sites as Unique Natural Areas will serve as an important step towards their protection .
•
•
Numerical List of Sites
• January 2000
Site Code Site Name
UNA-001 Lansingville Swamp
UNA-002 Salmon Creek Woods
UNA-003 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code LDI )
UNA- 004 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG I )
UNA-005 Hemlock Creek Swamp
UNA-006 Devils Den
UNA-007 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG3)
UNA-008 Webster Creek Swamp
UNA-009 Groton City Fen
UNA-010 Champlin Road Potentilla Fen
UNA-011 Route 222 Fen
UNA-012 Nubia Swamp
UNA-013 Groton Water Supply Fen
UNA-014 Groton Bank Swallow Colony
UNA-015 Groton Swamp
UNA-016 Sanguisorba Swamp
UNA-017 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG26)
UNA-018 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG6)
. UNA-019 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG5 )
UNA- 020 Locke Creek Gulf
UNA-021 Salmon Creek Road Marl Springs
UNA-022 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code LD4)
UNA-023 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code LD5 )
UNA-024 Lake Cliffs, North of Myers Point
[JNA-025 Hidden Glens
tiNA-026 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code L06)
UNA-027 South Salmon Creek Woods
UNA-028 Ludlowville Woods
UNA-029 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG9)
UNA-030 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG 13)
UNA-031 Bear Swamp, Groton
UNA-032 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG12)
UNA-033 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG11 )
UNA- 034 Cemetery Lane Seepy Woods
UNA-035 Cemetery Lane Rich Woods
UNA-036 North McLean Marl Meadows
UNA-037 McLean Fen
41 UNA- 038 Upper Fall Creek Corridor
UNA-039 McLean Woods
UNA-040 McLean Preserve & Adj . Wetlands
UNA-041 Beaver Brook Swamp
Numerical List of Sites
• January 2000
UNA-042 Beaver Brook Springs
UNA-043 Beaver Brook Fens
UNA-044 East Malloryville Tamarack Swamp and Fen
UNA-045 North Malloryville
UNA-046 Malloryville Bog, Swamp, Fens and Esker
UNA-047 Morris Road Woods
UNA-048 Peruton Swamp and Fens
UNA-049 Townley Swamp, East Branch
UNA-050 Townley Swamp, West Branch
UNA-051 • Wyckoff Swamp
UNA-052 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG 14)
UNA-053 Portland Point Quarry
UNA-054 Mi.nnegar Brook Woods
UNA-055 Lower Salmon Creek
UNA-056 Taughannock Gorge
UNA-057 Smith Woods
UNA-058 Frontenac Creek Glen
UNA-059 Hart Woods
• UNA-060 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code MEI )
UNA-061 Willow Creek Glen and Lake Slopes
UNA-062 Maplewood Glen and Lake Slopes
UNA-063 Shurger Glen
UNA- 064 Lake Cliffs, South of Portland Point
UNA-065 Head Corners Wetland
UNA-066 Cornell Ponds # 1 & DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG21 )
UNA-067 Dryden-Lansing Swamp
UNA-068 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code WG 19)
UNA-069 Wood Road Swamp
UNA- 070 Caswell Road Swamp
UNA-071 Mill Darn Marsh, Freeville
UNA-072 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code GRI7 )
UNA- 073 Freeville Fir Tree Swamp
UNA-074 Ed Hill Road Trillium Woods
UNA-075 Malloryville Fen
UNA-076 Fall Creek Road, Moss Seep
UNA-077 Mud Creek Woods
UNA- 078 Mud Creek Swamp
UNA-079 Woodwardia Woods
• UNA-080 Woodwardia Bog
lNA- 081 Dryden Firehouse Wetland
UNA-082 Etna Swamp
UNA -083 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TA4 )
e
Numerical List of Sites •
• January 2000
UNA-084 Sheldon Road Wetland
UNA-085 DEC Mapped Wetland (Codes TA2 and TA3 )
UNA-086 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TA5 )
UNA- 087 Fringed Gentian Meadow
UNA-088 Airport Ponds, Wetland
UNA-089 Lakc Cliffs, McKinney's Point to Bolton Point
UNA-090 Esty's Glen
UNA-091 Glenwood Ravine and Lake Slopes
UNA-092 Foyer Orchard Diatreme
UNA-093 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TW3 )
UNA-094 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TW2)
UNA-095 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TW1 )
UNA- 096 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TW4)
UNA-097 Indian Creek Gorge and Lake Slopes
UNA-098 The Hog Hole
UNA-099 Biological Station
UNA- 100 Stewart Park Woods (Fuertes Bird Sanctuary)
UNA- 101 Newman Tract
UNA- 102 Renwick Slope
• UNA- 103 McKinneys Twin Glens and Lake Cliffs
UNA- 104 Palmer Woods
UNA- 105 Bull Pasture Ponds
UNA- 106 Sapsucker Woods Bird Sanctuary
UNA- 107 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code TM)
UNA- 108 Monkey Run
UNA- 109 Fall Creek Hemlock Grove
UNA- 1 10 Etna Bird Sanctuary (Etna Marsh)
UNA- I 1 1 DEC Mapped Wetland (Code DR3 )
UNA- 1 12 Dryden Peat Swamp
UNA- 113 Dryden Lake Outlet Swamp
UNA- 114 Dryden Lake, Marshes and Swamp
UNA- 1 15 Dryden Bogs
UNA- I 16 Star Stanton Hill
UNA- 1 17 Slaterville Wildflower Preserve (Old 600)
II I8 Dryden- Slaterville Fir 'Free Swamp
UNA- 119 Hurd Road Woods
UNA - 120 Ringwood Ponds
UNA- 121 Pleasant Hollow Swarnp, South
• UNA- I22 Pleasant Hollow Swamp, North
UNA- 123 Pine Woods
UNA- 124 Frost Ravine
UNA- 125 Durland Bird Preserve
•
•
•
Numerical List of Sites
• January 2000
UNA- 126 Ellis Hollow Swamp
UNA- 127 Polson Preserve and Snyder Hill Woods
UNA- 128 Cascadilla Woods and Fish Ponds
UNA- 129 McGowan Woods
UNA- 130 Fall Creek Valley, Ithaca
UNA- 131 Mundy Wildflower Garden
UNA- 132 Beebe Lake Woods and Gorge
UNA- I33 `Phomas Road Wetlands
UNA- 134 Fall Creek Gorge, Ithaca Falls
UNA- 135 Linn Street Woods
UNA- 136 Cascadilla Gorge
UNA- 137 Octopus Cliffs
UNA- 138 Coy Glen Road Hackberry Woods
UNA- 139 Coy Glen
UNA- 140 Culver Creek Ravine and Woods
UNA- 141 Enfield Creek Swamp
UNA- 142 Weatherby Road Meadow
UNA- 143 Stevenson Forest Preserve
• UNA- 144 Enfield Glen
UNA- 145 Steep Hollow
UNA- 146 Calkins Road Glen
UNA- 147 Cayuga Inlet Floodplain
UNA- 148 Cayuga Inlet Parnassia Fen
UNA- 149 Lick Brook and Inlet Valley Slopes
UNA- 150 Buttermilk Creek Gorge and Inlet Valley Slopes
UNA- 151 Larch Meadows
UNA- I52 Fleming Meadow
UNA- 153 Negundo Woods
UNA - 154 South Hill Swamp
UNA- I55 Eldridge Preserve
UNA- 156 Six Mile Creek Valley, Ithaca
UNA- 157 Cooks Corner Gully
UNA- 158 Caroline Swamp (Slaterville Swamp)
UNA- 159 Buffalo Road Rich Woods
UNA- 160 Brooktondale Gorge
UNA- 161 Middaugh Woods
UNA- 162 Six Mile Creek Woods, Caroline
UNA- I63 Fischer Old-Growth Forest and Inlet Valley Slopes
• UNA- 164 Connecticut Hill
UNA- 165 Carter Creek Preserve
UNA- 166 Key Hill Swamp Preserve and Seven Springs Swamp
UNA- 167 Swamp \Vest of Key Hill
- .
4
Numerical List of Sites
• January 2000
UNA- I68 Cayuga Inlet Gorge, West Branch
UNA- 169 Piper Road Sundew Fen
UNA- 170 Van Buskirk Glen
UNA- 171 Michigan Hollow Swamp and Ponds
UNA- 172 Danby Fir Tree Swamp
UNA- 173 Durfee Hill Oak Woods
UNA- 174 Deputron Hollow
UNA- 175 Caroline Depot Woods
UNA- 176 Willseyville Beaver Ponds
UNA- 177 Belle School Road Fen
UNA- 178 Eastman Hill
UNA- 179 White Church- Willseyville Swamp
UNA- 180 Caroline Pinnacles
UNA- 181 Bald Hill Woods
UNA- 182 Bald Mountain Laurel Woods
UNA- 183 Shindagin Hollow
UNA- 184 The N arrows
UNA- 185 White Rock Gorge
• UNA- 186 Thatcher's Pinnacles
UNA- 187 Headwaters Swamp
UNA- 188 West Danby Morainal Valley
UNA- 189 West Danby Creek, South Branch Woods
UNA- 190 Cornish Hollow Swamp
UNA- 191 Auger Hole
UNA- 192 Pony Hollow Creek Marshes and Swamp
•
•
•
0
s/2. ./e0
'T O M[ lP IKINS COUNTY
SI" Cot
;.1 .113. lENVIIKONMUENTA )L M[ A\ NA\Gr )EMOENT CO1L][ NCl[ IL , �, �
•
:, •
•• t2i East Court Street Ithaca , New York 1.485o
Telephone (607) 274-5560 Fax (6o7) 274-5578
Minutes of the EMC General Meeting
April 12 , 2000
Present : Susan Brock, Kenny Christianson , Donna Jean Darling, Barbara Ebert , Karen Edelstein , Jean
Foley, Roxi Dakar Hewertson , Bruce Johnson , Stephen Nicholson , Duane Randall , Bob Roe,
Kristin Rowles , Larry Sharpsteen , Elissa Wolfson, Roger Yonkin , and Tony Zarachowicz
Absent : Herb Engman , Joyce Gerbasi , Walter s; roman , Peter Newell , Susan Kerns Robinson
Associates : Bob l-3eck,Walter Ruble, Dooley Kiefer
Ix -officio :
Guests : Elizabeth Cameron and Donna Connery (Cornell University Environmental Compliance
Office) , Janet Hawkes (Cayuga Lake Watershed Network), Doria Higgins
I. Call to Order — The meeting was called to order by Chair Susan Brock at 7 : 06 PM.
H. Privilege of the Floor — Doria Higgins spoke about. the NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation ' s (DEC) 1998 § 303 (4) W'aterbodies List and the 1996 Priority Waterbodies List (PWL), and how
they were developed . She said that 24 out of 25 segments of waterbodies listed in the 1. 9961' WL as problem
areas were not identified on 1998 303 (d) list . She was very concerned about this discrepancy and handed out
materials on this issue. Bob Roe said the Town of Danby is very concerned about the re-assessment of property
values and the 13 . 8% increase in the assessed value of vacant land .
Approval of the March 2000 Minutes — The March , 2000 minutes were unanimously approved .
• IV . Cayuga Lake Watershed Steward — Janet Hawkes , Director of the Cayuga Lake Watershed
Network, discussed the watershed steward position . She said the steward will assist the Network with education ,
community outreach and collaboration efforts. The Network serves as an umbrella group for the 40
municipalities in the watershed . Janet said the five-year position should be Red by May I , 2000, and will work
with the Intermunicipal Organization and seek citizen participation . Janet handed out a flyer advertising the
position .
V. Chair's Report — Susan Brock said she forwarded the names of Ron Retain (as the EMC
representative) , Kristin Rowles (alternate), and Dooley Kiefer (for notification only) to Cornell for the Lake
Source Cooling (LSC) datasharing group , The Board of Representatives voted on a resolution restructuring the
Water Resources Council (WRC) , which included a voting seat for the EMC . Dooley Keifer was appointed to
serve as the FMC ' s representative earlier in the year, and Susan asked if anyone else was interested . Members
agreed to have Dooley Kiefer serve as the EMC 's liaison to the MRC . Susan said she was contacted by AES
Cayuga regarding the installation of new technology at the former Milliken Station Plant that will reduce
emissions from the plant . Susan said AES does not intend to retire the air pollution credits and will probably
transfer them to another facility. She did not know whether AES plans to go through an environmental review
process to determine if there are any negative impacts related to the new technology. The Executive Committee
met with members of the UNA and Education Committees to sort out details related to distribution of the UNA
Inventory, and municipal and landowner notification . She said everyone agreed that landowner notification was
a good idea and questions remained related to the timing of events. She expected the members to present a
proposal to address the issues discussed .
Vi. Coordinator' s Report — Mikel Shakarjian said she sent copies of the EMC Quarterly Report to town
supervisors and mayors and reminded members to turn in information for the Annual Report .
•
The EMC is a citizen board that advLces the County Board of f rpresent sri ves on matters relating to the
environment and does not necessarily express the views of the Tompkins County Board of Representatives.
VII . Board of Representatives Liaison — Dooley heifer said Powerlight representatives were very
impressed by the information provided by the EMC on solar power. She also said the BOR passed a resolution
allowing the County to obtain options for siting communication towers and that final wording in the resolution •
stated that the County will prepare an Environmental Impact Statement.. She also said the County did not use
" Ice- Ban " this winter due to concerns about its impact on fish . Dooley said the BOR ' s Planning and
intermunicipal Coordination Committee was going to conduct outreach meetings that may provide an
opportunity to include the UNA information .
Viii . Municipal Reports —
Town of Newfield- Donna Sean Darling said the Town Board is considering establishing a planning
board . 'there is no zoning in Newfield and the community is in the process of conducting a visioning session .
She also said the municipal water system is very old and there is a demand Mr public water in the area ,
e specially trailer parks.
Town of Ulysses- Jean Foley said she attended the March Town Board meeting and used the bullets to
summarize the Fits activities. The Town has been on a list for five years to receive a loan to establish a water
system . The list was recently updated , moving the "Lown closer to accessing those funds . She said current
estimates for establishing a water system range from $700- 900. 00 annually, per household for thirty years . Jean
also asked about two parcels being considered by the County for foreclosure .
Town of Ithaca- Elissa Wolfson summarized the activities of the Town ' s Conservation Board . She said
they are examining the visual aspects of the Intermunicipal Sewer and Water Project , Cornell ' s proposal for
waste management at the Veterinary School and the Town ' s Land Use Plan .
LX. Committee Reports/Resolution No. 3 -2000 —
Environmental Review Committee — Resolr.rtian : Cornell Radiation Disposal Site- Barbara Ebert
began by summarizing the Environmental Review Committee ' s activities regarding Cornell ' s Radiation
Disposal Site Feasibility Study and presented Draft Resolution No . 3 -2000 . The resolution was moved ,
seconded and then discussion began . [ Susan Brock abstained from discussion . Bruce Johnson replaced her as
Chair . ] Barbara said the clock is not ticking on this project since the Proposed Remedial Action Plan (PR AP)
has not been released . The Committee met with Cornell and DEC representatives after receiving Cornell ' s reply
letter. Members discussed the differences between Option 2 and Option 6 . Option 2 installs a grout curtain
around the contaminated area to bedrock, but does not seal the bottom . The main concern is that the •
" competent" bedrock beneath the site is fractured and contamination will move into these spaces once confined
by the grout curtain . Donna Connery explained the geology of the area and the process used to estimate the
depth to " competent" rock using eight core samples . Sounding was not done to determine fracture zones .
Barbara Ebert thanked Donna for being so helpful to the committee. The motion carried ( 11 in favor, I against,
abstaining were : Susan Brock , Donna Jean Daring, Roxi iiewertson and Duane Randall) . Barbara Ebert said
she had been contacted by Walter Hang (Toxics Targeting Inc. ) regarding the former city dump in the
Southwest Park Project area . Walter contacted DEC and EPA and determined that this site is not considered an
inactive hazardous waste site by these agencies. She said that Walter had correspondence from the County
Department of Health expressing concern over possible groundwater contamination and a denial for expansion
o f the existing mobile home park . Questions remained as to why the site is not on the state list of inactive sites .
She said this knowledge will not stop development of the area , however it is a public health issue. Barbara
participated in a press conference on this issue on behalf of the Committee. The Committee also sent a letter
regarding the proposed Museum of the Earth project at the Paleontological Research Institute .
Unique Natural Areas - Bruce Johnson said the committee will distribute the Inventory to all municipal
o ffices and public libraries . tvrcmbers discussed the notification of municipal bodies and landowners .
Suggestions were made to reduce the time involved in the process that could be incorporated into a proposal by
the Committee . Bruce also said the presentation to the Board was scheduled for April 18 , 2000 .
Education Committee — Steve Nicholson announced the next meeting of the Committee arid
summarized plans for the EMC ' s Earth Day table at Stewart Park.
County Towers Committee- Susan Brock said the County was committed to an EIS process for the
project and she will coordinate efforts with the Environmental Review Committee.
X . Adjournment - The meeting was closed by Chair Susan Brock at approximately 9 :04 PM.
Submitted by ,
as
iMikel Shakarjian . EMC Coordinator
Approved by Council on May t0, 2000
Page 2
r ,
J .R , v
.4S 1
• • t- 48; f" - -• EMC News , ,,
r yam ,'
May 3 , 2000 Volume 7, No . 5
;*,a 14' On April 18, 2000, the Tompkins County Board
e of Representatives proclaimed:
�� . . ; >•� t
� WHEREAS , for decades now Earth has been
'y Sf sending out distress signals, and
WHEREAS, the natural world -- its land , resources,
Great Aretusl and capacity to absorb waste -- is increasingly stressed and
threatened by both increasing numbers of humans and human
On May 2, 2000, the County Board of activities, and
Representatives voted to approve the installation of WHEREAS, we all make our home on this unique
a photovoltaic system on the roof on the new planet and should pay attention to what we as individuals and
governments do that adversely affects our common
County Libretti/1 environment and threatens the legacy for our children 's
children , and
WHEREAS , this year marks the 30`h anniversary of
the first Earth Day, inspired by former Senator Gaylord
Library Solar Panel Committee Nelson, and Earth Day provides the opportunity for us to
Several of us attended the public meeting in Lansing that focus attention on the wonders of the natural world and what
• AES Cayuga held to announce the proposed installation of a needs to be done to counter the stress on Earth's natural
catalytic NOx reduction system . This will reduce NOx systems, and
emissions by over 90%, but use will be limited to the `ozone WHEREAS, nationwide the Earth Day theme this
season ", May through September. Dan Rothhaupt, president year is "clean energy now" , since only a rapid transition to
of AES , assured us that AES , the world 's largest power energy efficiency and use of renewable energy sources (such
company, is concerned about the environment, and tries to as solar and wind power or fuel cells) will cut global
achieve US emissions standards in all their installations, warming and protect our health , air, water, wildlife, and
Submitted by Steve Nicholson economy, and
WHEREAS, locally Earth Day will be observed and
Education Committee celebrated in many ways, including a community-wide
The LINA Landowner notification letter will hopefully be exposition in Stewart Park at the south end of Cayuga Lake
on Saturday. April 22 , where more than thirty local groups
sent out before July 1st. Members have agreed to stuff
will have displays and educational materials promoting
envelopes, as there are 1, 500 parcels involved . In
collaboration with the UNA committee, we are developing solutions to pressing environmental problems,
the report to municipalities . Earth Day 2000 was fun but NOW THEREFORE, I , Barbara Mink. Chair of the
EMC had the Tompkins County Board of Representatives , do hereby
poorly attended, due to awful weather. The
largest display, including a UNA map, EMC pamphlets , and proclaim Saturday.uApril X2 . 2000 , as '
solar panels microwaving popcorn (with the help oft' •j
batteries) . There were almost 40 groups involved, and it was
EARTH H DAY IN TOMPKINS COUNTY
great to have so many environmentally minded folks in one
pavilion ! Robert Wesley prepared information on the and urge all residents and visitors to both enjoy the day and
vow to "think globally. act locally" in the spirit of preserving
invasive species in "Tompkins County that will compliment
the invasive species list, Next meeting : Tuesday May 16 P 7 and restoring Earth to health.
PM , at Cooperative Extension . IN WETNESS TNESS W HEREOF, I have hereunto set my
Submitted by Steve Nicholsonhand and cause to be affixed the great seal of the County of
Tompkins this 18th day of April , 2000.
• Barbara Mink, Chair
Board of Representatives
V
Municipal Reports Upco n vt,r Mtcrtrc1.paLReports'
June 14
Town of Caroline T. Danby, T. Dryden, T. Lansing, T. Enfield
In March, the Town of Caroline instituted a I 80-day July 12 `a
moratorium on subdivisions . This will give the Town time to T. Caroline, T. Groton, T. Ithaca. V . Lansing
finish preparing subdivision regulations to address possible August 9
impacts on water quality , water supply, erosion , flood Summer Break
control transporaa [ ion_ utility services , and agriculture.
Developers must pay the costs associated with these upc -mixt subwa4sconse the/ EMC Nem)se
regulations . A public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday , June
May 10th at 7PM at Caroline School to review and allow T. Newfield. T. Ulysses. V. Cayuga Heights, V . Trumansburg
comments on the proposed regulations . July
V. Dryden, V. Freeville, V. Groton, C . Ithaca
The proposed 180' tall County communication tower on Taft August
Road would violate the Town of Caroline's law restricting Summer Break
tower height to 140' . The site is also within two miles of two
UNAs . Re-engineering of the proposed system , and/or
alternative sites arc being explored . The high cost of the
system has been questioned by totem residents as well as its
affect on property values in the immediate area. The
Watershed Committee has recommended three projects to the
County ' s Flood Hazard Mitigation Committee based on the
following criteria: ( 1 ) danger to a building , (2) applicant
ability to share cost, and (3) information available to the
committee.
S'trhnritted by Steve Nicholson
•
No Reports Submitted
Chair 's Report
Environmental Review Committee Report
Towers Committee
Coordinator 's Report
E.tecutive Committee Report
Water Resources Committee Report
Unique Natural Areas Committee Report
•