HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC Minutes 11-06-2024
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
November 6, 2024
6:30 In Person
Lansing Community Library
MINUTES
1. Call Meeting to Order
Present: Ed Dubovi, John Fleming, Todd Walters, Brian Boerman, Robyn Bailey, Lisa Scanlon
Non-CAC attendees: Siobhan Hull, CCE; Jerry Sheng, CCE; Dean Shea, Planning Board.
2. Presentation on the complexity of easements by Amy Olney- Finger Lakes Land Trust
Amy Olney gave an excellent presentation on the issues related to easements and the possible
funding sources for this type of land conservation. An important consideration when discussing
easements is that this type of venture is a “forever” commitment on both parties involved in the
transaction. The landowner is legally obligated to adhere to the conditions of the easement, and the
owner of the easement must monitor on a yearly basis that the terms of the easement are being
maintained. For the owner of the easement, this entails a financial obligation that must be recognized.
Considerable costs are associated with establishing the easement such as title searches, surveys,
appraisals, environmental hazards assessments, and documentation of the easement property.
Easements can develop through donations by the landowner, through purchase of development rights,
and through various grant programs dealing with agriculture, water quality, and forest preservation.
The grants programs may take several years and require input from knowledgeable grant writers.
Given the costs associated with easement ownership, it may well be that the Town forgoes any
movement into this type of effort until there is a funding source dedicated to maintaining the
conditions of the easements.
3. A brief mention was made concerning the Town resolution on the Norfolk Southern rail line.
Seems to be a need for an action item related to contract with NS
4. The Tompkins County EMC will be holding a public meeting at the Ithaca library on 11/13 at 6 PM.
The topic will be a report by the UNA committee on any updates to the UNA maps. A Zoom like is :
https://tompkinscountyny-
gov.zoom.us/j/99213487047?pwd=ckNBZldNejRHS0poWk9KcHlHQ21UUT09; Tompkins County Public
Library
5. Dean Shea from the Planning Committee discussed several items related to access to grants and
soliciting some assistance with establishing guidance for vegetation for “buffers” especially between
properties in different zones. Solar development on “brown fields” was also mentioned.
6. Departmental and Committee Reports
There were no committee reports