Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 1998TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MEETING SITARMARY _FINAL Town Hall Thursday January 15, 1998 Present: Elizabeth deProsse, Eva Hoffmann, Geri Tierney, John Yntema, Richard Fischer, Jon Meigs Absent: Kara Hagedorn, JoAnn Cornish, Barney Unsworth, Phil Zarriello Staff: Jonathan Kanter, Susan Ritter. The meeting was called to order at 7:35pm. Persons to be Heard: None Nomination -of Vice Chair Upon nomination by Elizabeth dePmsse,_ which was.secondedby Eva Hoffmann, the Board voted unanimously for Geri Tierney to -assume -.the Vice -Chair-position. In.the-absence-of.ChairpersomKaraHagedorn,-Geri.ran_the meeting. Member Concerns JonMeigs.asked whathad.happened with KaraHagedom's. comments onlhe.Park,-Recreation, and Open Space - Plan pertain_'ng_to.zoning.onthe. eastern -borders of..State-Park_- EvaI3offmann indicated that Kara had arrived at_the_Planning Board_public headug after.the_hearing.hadbeenclosed,.but_that.shesubmittedamap-to. the Board with -her -recommendations. .Jonathan Kanter indicatedthat several.ather people-at-the.hearing-expressed concerns regarding -the -need to -carefully- consider- zoning densities in areas -surrounding the -State Park, and -that the Planning Board'-s-recommendations-4oIhe Town -Board reflectedJhisconcern. - Jonathan -indicated -that the -Codes- & Ordinances- Committee -would be looking akspeciflc zoning-recommendations-for-this-andother areas -addressed in the Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan. Jon Meigs asked how detailed the mapping for zoning changes would be, and whether they would involve surveys of boundaries. Jonathan indicated that zoning_ changes would not entail a survey, and that a new survey would be prohibitively expensive anyway. Tax maps should suffice for obtaining distance measurements and boundary determinations, and topographic maps and. aerial photos wouldalsobe used to provide information_ Phil has offered to digitize aerial photography for. the Coy Glen and South Hill Swamp Area, which the Board can then use to make recpmmendations on a boundary. Coordinator and Chair Reports - Meeting Minutes Procedures The Board discussed options for recording meeting minutes/summaries. Jonathan Kanter indicated that because the Conservation Board has more of an advisory role, rather than approval authority, there exists more flexibility in how meetings are documented and how much information needs to be recorded in minutes. Jonathan Kanter indicated that the Town normally provides the services of a Town secretary to transcribe the meeting minutes. This person would not likely attend the Conservation Board meetings, but would transcribe the meeting minutes from audio tape. These minutes would be lengthy and would include all of the details of the meetings. The secretary would not edit.the minutes down. The other option is to continue having a Board member take summary notes, and either rotate the responsibility among Board members, or have a single member maintain responsibility. ( • There seen)ed to be a general feeling among Board members that a 15+ page transcription of the meeting minutes would be too much information and too much to review, and instead indicated a preference for a meeting summary, as has beer} done for recent meetings. John Yntema stated that he was willing to edit the notes taken by the transcriber. He expressed concern that the note taking�responsibility would mean less than full participation by the assigned person in meeting discussions, since more attention would have to be focused on meeting notes. Elizabeth suggested keeping Barney on as note taker, if he is willing. The Board agreed to think about this, and to discuss the issue further at the February meeting. - New Environmental Planner for the Town of Ithaca Susan Ritter was introduced - Cornell university Lake Source Cooling Project The NYSDEC issued its statement of findings for the CU Lake Source Cooling Project. According to a recent newspaper {eport, DEC will be issuing a permit soon. Staff from Cornell U. will provide an update to the Town Planning Board on Tuesday January 20th. The main issues that are expected to be addressed include building design and public access. Also expected to be discussed are issues pertaining to vegetation clearing, landscaping, and sidewalks. The Town Board had earlier expressed concern with the building design. These concerns were addressed by Cornell, and include the followingmodifications: design elements that emphasize the horizontal nature of the building, placement of glass and canopy along portions of the front facade, utilization of poured concrete rather than concrete blocks to facilitate more color and texture variation, and more emphasis on landscaping around the building. • Given its uniqueness, a Special Land Use District (SLUD) has been requested for the cooling facility site. Cornell U. Jras expressed a possible interest in selling a portion of the land to the Town after construction is completed in the year 2000. There are also some discussions pertaining to initiating a lease or license agreement with the Tqwn in the interim. The Planning Board still needs to give its recommendation regarding the proposed rezoning. The Conservation Board will have an opportunity to review the plans before a preliminary site _plan approval is issued Geri suggested that the Board address the issue of aesthetics along the Lake. In particular, plans for using riprap along the Lpke need to be looked into. - Status of Environmental Review Committee Jonathan indicated that the Board needs to discuss the operation and membership of the ERC. Membership needs to be re -determined for the new year. The issues and difficulties of establishing a more active role for the ERC and for providing more up to date project recommendations to the Planning Board were discussed Elizabeth i}rdicated that she would be willing to serve on the ERC. Jonathan indicated that ERC members were not always getting development reviews to the Planning Board in a timely manner, and that the Committee needed to reexamine its current organization and operation to be more effective. Ideas for improving ERC operations were suggested, and include: 1) Having the entire Conservation Board review proposals and make comments at Board meetings; an individual would be assigned to coordinate the review and provide the necessary information to facilitate the Board's recommendation • 2) the ERC would meet regularly as a Committee to review and provide comments, and a coordinated letter would be prepared including all ERC comments. I • Both the above would appear to work better than the current recent process where individual ERC members review separately and provide comments separately. The need to advertise ERC meetings as public meetings somewhat complicates the scheduling of ERC project review meetings and must be factored into any scheduling considerations. If ERC reviews are done in conjunction with Conservation Board meetings, then they can be advertised jointly. A desire fol holding joint project site visits with the Planning Board was expressed, especially for large and complex projects. Jonathan Kanter stated that the Town Planning Dept. could help orchestrate this. The ERC d scussion will be continued at the February Conservation Board meeting. Jon Meigs said that he would contact Phil to see if he was preparing comments for either the Lake Source Cooling or the Mecl lenburg Heights Project. - Public Awareness Campaign Geri reported that the Rural New York Action Grant committee had not selected the Conservation Board's public awareness campaign proposal for a grant. This campaign is intended to create more public awareness of the threats to natural areas posed by nearby development. Geri stated that she thought this was a very worthwhile project concept and that it should be pursued regardless of the grant money. It was thought that this campaign could be achieved with little expenditure of money, and that the 1998 Conservation Board account in the Town Budget might include sufficient funds for this purpose. Jonathan stated that the Planning Dept. could help with some of the work involved with this project. • Approval of 12/4/97 Minutes Corrections: - the referenced journal articles were not attached. - typo on 1 qt, paragraph - "o" in development - the reference to Geri as an associate member should be changed to member Geri recognized Barney for doing a very good job on the last several month's meeting minutes, and that he had gone above and beyond the call of duty. The Board } nanimously accepted the meeting minutes, with the corrections noted above. South Hill Plant Study - Follow-up and Next Steps The BoardTIiscussed the consultant's follow-up report, dated October 1997, for the South Hill Plant Study. Errors and omissions were identified, and action items discussed. The proposgd South Hill Park location was not shown on the study area map that had been prepared by the Planning Department, and Board members requested that it be identified on future maps. Several items in the report were identified as needing clarifications, these include: - clarification on what was meant in the report by the statement that the Board should look at a larger area for protection. Did they mean a larger area than that shown in green on the Planning Dept. map? - areas 31 and 32 are described in the report but are not identified on the map. - the implications, legal, technical, or otherwise, need to be clarified for the terms "scarce" and "rare" (species), because there are specific references in the report text. - Jonathan indicated that he and Phil had already requested clarifications from the consultant on the following: is - pg. 1: What specific areas of theproposed Townpark site contain the rare Carex (Sedge) species? - pg. 2: Mq�ch part of the proposed Town park site is recommended to be set aside as a natural area? - pg. 2: In what way would the proposed Town park site affect the nearby UNA? • Geri proposed the creation of a next generation map. This map would be based on the new information provided in the consultant's report,. whit emp-hasis on is enti ying the most criiicaUsensitive arias. The Planning Dept. will attempt to create this map in the next week or two. Work Plan Priorities for -1998 The Board identified the following priorities for 1998. - Pursue protection of key areas, including South Hill Swamp, Coy Glen, and the areas adjacent to Buttermilk Falls. - Revisit prioritization of other Conservation Areas/Zones. - Go forward with the Public Information Campaign. - Revamp ERC so that it works more efficiently.. - Continue to apply,pressure to the City and Town to purchase more of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. - Continue to inventory and analyze significant viewsheds in the town . - Continue progress on GIS projects, particularly relating to environmental atlas/overlays. Subcommittees for the Viewshed and Public Information projects will be organized at the next Board meeting. Prioritizatir of natural areas was tasked for the next Board meeting. Other Jonathan KqnterannouncedAiaLthoPlannitVCommiUce has.bemdisbandedandmuRedwith the_..Codes.awd Ordinances Committee (COC), and that Phil Zarriello has been appointed to serve on COC. • Jonathan also requested articles for the Town of Ithaca newsletter. The next issue of the newsletter will be released in March or April. News articles should be submitted by early March. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:40pm. Minutes prepared by Susan Ritter, 1/26/98. • Anc�j�VE COPY TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MEETING SUMMARY FINAL Town Hall Thursday February 5,1998 Present: JoAnn Cornish, Elizabeth DeProsse, Eva Hoffman, Jonathan Meigs, Geri Tierney, John Yntema, Phillip Zarriello Absent: Richard Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Barney Unsworth Staff: Susan Ritter The meeting was called to order at 7:35 pm. Persons to be Heard: None Member Concerns John Yntema asked whether members would be receiving a 1998 calendar of meeting dates for Town Board and Committee meetings, as they had last year. Members had received a month by month calendar showing the schedule of meetings for the entire year. JoAnn stated that last year's calendar was produced by Starr, and that it may not be produced anymore since Starr left. However, Mary at the Planning Department could likely get Members a listing of meeting dates for 1998. Susan said that she would look into this. Phil provided everyone with a copy of "The County Planner". This is a publication produced by the Tompkins County Planning Department providing a summary of local planning related news and activities. Phil provided an update on Cornell University Veterinarian School's solid waste disposal methodology proposals. Numerous proposals have been submitted involving heat and/or pressurization, or chemicals to sterilize and minimize/eliminate the solid waste produced by the school. Two consultants have been hired to review the environmental significance of the proposals. Of the proposals that pass the environmental review, three will be chosen for further design and costs analysis. Coordinator and Chair Reports Geri asked Members to consider what sub -committees were needed and who would be interested in serving on them. She requested that Members come to the March meeting to discuss this issue. Geri stated that she was interested in the Public Awareness Campaign Committee and is intending to write an article for the Town's newsletter Telated to this. She invited anyone interested to help her with this. John Yntema expressed interest in the Viewshed Committee. Phil mentioned that he and Ellen Harrison have recently established a committee to work on a watershed management plan for the Town. Phil stated that this would be much more than just a stormwater management plan, and would focus particularly on water quality concerns. Susan handed out a memo from Jonathan Kanter requesting articles for the Town of Ithaca newsletter. Drafts for all articles {rust be submitted by Monday, March 2nd. Also distributed was'•a memo concerning the upcoming meeting of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network on February 12th. Susan provided a briefing on several development proposals. A microbrewery is being proposed along Elmira Road near Mancini Drive. The brewery will be housed in an existing building in an area that is already heavily developed. Kara Hagedorn was briefed on this proposal and had asked Planning Department staff about wastewater treatment and the disposal of organic wastes. The project was not referred to the ERC. Phase II of the Summerhill Apartments is another upcoming proposal. This site is located near East Hill Plaza behind the senior citizens apartment complex. It consists of 84 dwelling units on 6.4 acres of land. This site was formerly approved for development 17 years ago. The developers are coming to the Planning Board for sketch plan discussions on February 17th. Thus far only a very rudimentary layout sketch has been submitted. Because of the insufficient information provided thus far, and the timing of the Planning Board meeting, the ERC is not being asked to comment at this time. Board members will definitely be kept apprised of this proposal. The existence of wetlands on the property will likely make this a project that the ERC will want to review. Susan indicated that packets for the Mecklenburg Heights development proposal had been prepared and were ready for distribution to ERC members. Environmental Review Committee Procedures and Appointments -r A memo from Kara presenting her proposal for the ERC's re -organization was handed out, and time was allotted for Members to read it. Discussion then ensued as to how to make the ERC operate most efficiently and effectively. The major difficulties to resolve were of the scheduling of project review meetings and preparation of ERC recommendations in a timely manner. Board members wanted to achieve a schedule that would optimize their ability to comment on development proposals at the Planning Board's bimonthly meetings. Members expressed displeasure at having to regularly work under a rushed deadline, and questioned whether they could receive project review packets sooner. Members also discussed how internal disagreements, while reviewing projects, shpuld be handled. Geri proposed that the entire Conservation Board be involved in big projects, and thought that this would also lend more weight to ERC recommendations. Phil questioned the need to advertise ERC meetings and stated that he felt that this formality hindered the flexibility of the ERC. Members seemed to generally agree that the ERC would have the opportunity to settle disagreements during the project review meetings and that this should provide an adequate level of comfort for the lead person to write up a report. After some discussion it was decided to have the ERC meet at 6:30pm on both the first and third Thursday of the month. This allows one hour prior to the regularly scheduled Conservation Board meetings. Geri asked for volunteers to serve on the ERC. The following members stated that they were willing to serve: Elizabeth, JoAnn, Jon Meigs, and John Yntema. Phil stated that he had too many other commitments, but was willing to gerve on an as needed basis, Geri stated that she was also willing to serve on an as needed basis. Despite prodding from Geri, there were no members willing to volunteer as Chair for the ERC. There was some speculation as to whether Kara would be interested in this position, although it was not known whether she was even intending to serve on the ERC. The ERC chair position was left vacant and the issue tabled until next month's mgeting. It was mentioned that only one public advertisement was needed for the entire year's meetings, and Susan stated that she wquld look into whether the ERC could be included in this listing. The first meeting of the ERC was then scheduled for February 19th. Susan handed out the Mecklenburg Heights development proposal to the new members of the ERC, and Elizabeth agreed to act as Chair for this particular project. The members asked to receive any additional development proposals submitted before the Feb. 19th meeting. John Yntema had several concerns with the Ithaca College Fitness Center proposal: 1) questioned the IC's claim that the facility would only produce 20 lb. of solid waste, 2) questioned whether the removal of the volleyball court would mean that it was being relocated elsewhere, and if so, where would this location be, 3) questioned the confidence of IC to distribute brochures advertising its new facility before the proposal had even gone through the development review process. Susan stated that Kara had earlier notified the Planning Dept. that she did not have any concerps with the facility. John Meigs stated that he was in agreement with Kara. Approval of 2/5/98 Minutes T Corrections: - pg. 1 under Member Concerns, change spelling of John Meigs name to Jon Meigs - pg. 2, 1st paragraph, change sentence to read that John Yntema stated that he was willing to edit the notes taken by the Town transcriber, not that he was willing to take notes. -pg. 3 sentence above Public Awareness Campaign, change from John Yntema to Jon Meigs, for responsibility in contacting Phil. The Board approved the minutes, with the corrections noted above. There were 2 abstentions by Members who had not attended the 2/5 meeting. Procedure for Meeting Minutes Geri recapped the options for recording meeting minutes. 1) the Town could provide a transcriber who would provide a word for word account of the meeting; John Yntema stated that he would be willing to edit these down. 2) have a Conservation Board member take notes and prepare a meeting summary. Susan stated that utilizing the Town transcriber could not be on an "as needed" basis to fill in for an absent CB note taker. Utilizing the Town's transcriber would have to be an established routine. . Given the general preference by Members for a summary rather than a transcription, and the fact that Barney had done such a good job in the past, and that the CB wanted to ask him if he was willing to continue in this role, the decision on how to produce meeting minutes was postponed until the March meeting. Phil suggested that in addition to a CB note taker, meetings also be recorded as a backup measure. This was agreed to by several other members, and so it was decided to tape the March CB meeting. Members generally agreed that the taped recordings only needed to be saved for a short time, and then re-recorded over. Jon Meigs asked whether it was necessary to have a record of ERC meetings. Other members stated that meeting minutes were not taken for previous ERC meetings, and that it was believed that official ERC meeting minutes were not ngcessary. South Hill Plant Study Susan provided a handout that she prepared summarizing the information in the 1997 Inventory, South Hill Unique Natural Area, Ostman and Wesley report. This table of information was produced in lieu of the next generation GIS map that had been requested at the January CB meeting. Susan felt she needed input from the Committee on how best to graphically represent the new information in the consultant's report. During their subsequent field trip in 1997, the consultants discovered additional numbers and varieties of rare and scarce plant species throughout the study area. Susan felt that the added information did not readily lend itself to creation of a more finely tuned map, from those previous produced. The new information increased the number of plant community cells where scarce and rare species were located, and because they only reported the types of species found, but not their locations or distribution throughout the cell, it was difficult to appraise one cell as being "better" than another. She asked the Committee to look at the table she had prepared and to determine what information they felt was most important to be mapped. Geri stated that she felt that the identification of the rare plant communities cells should continue to be emphasized in the next generation maps. Phil stated that he wanted to have the County's original UNA boundary shown on the map. JoAnn stated that the original UNA was arbitrarily drawn, and included areas that are disturbed. She did not think this boundary provided much meaning for this study. Geri stated that she also did not want to have the original UNA boundary denoted either. Phil persisted that the UNA should be shown, reasoning that its location would illustrate areas s a that had been given up from consideration, and would provide a reference and comparison for where protection is requested. Phil stated that the contour information should also be shown on the new map. There was also discussion pertaining to the proposed Town Park, especially the proposed trails and road. Concern was expressed about the proximity of the road to the UNA, and the existence of trails that will allow greater access to the UNA leading to possible damage. Libby asked about mapping the locations of old growth and wetlands. Geri expressed concern for mapping too much information. The final request by Members was to map 1) topography, 2) the road around the proposed Town park, 3)wetlands, 4)old growth, 5)rare communities, and 6) the 3 categories of rare and scarce species, hatched in light colors, 7) the County UNA boundary. It was recognized that this may be too much information for one map, but Committee members asked Susan to see what she could do, and to bring a draft map to the March 5th CB meeting. Geri stated that the next step in the process was to meet with the Codes and Ordinances Committee and to come up with a strategy for protection of the area. A CB Member will check with the Codes and Ordinances Committee to see if they can schedule time at their March 18th meeting for the topic. It was hoped that the new map would be available for this meeting. John Yntema noted a discrepancy between the table Susan had prepared, and the letter the consultants submitted to the Planning Department clarifying aspects of their report. In their letter Ostman/Wesley stated that Carex complanata plant species should not be designated as a global rarity. Susan said she would correct this in the table. • Ag and Farmland Protection Plan George Frantz spoke to the Committee about the Ag and Farmland Protection Plan. He explained its purpose and asked them to consider passing the draft resolution in support of the Plan that had been included in their meeting packets. Board members accepted the resolution with one correction. Other Business Jon Meigs stated that the CB needed to begin discussions on Coy Glen, and that it needed to be addressed similarly to the South Hill Swamp. Adiournmgnnt The meeting was adjourned at 9:25pm. Minutes prepared by Susan Ritter 2/13/98 0 TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MEETING SUMMARY FINAL Town Hail. Thursday March 5,1998 Present: JoAnn Cornish, Elizabeth deProsse, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffman, Jonathan Meigs, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff: Jon Kanter, Sue Ritter Absent: Geri Tierney, Richard Fischer The meeting was called to order at 7:30. (This followed a 6:30 meeting of the Environmental Review Committee of the CB, which heard a report on the current status of the Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project.) 1. Persons to be Heard: None. 2.,3 Member Concerns: &Coordinator at�d Chair Reorts Sue circulated an updated list of member addresses for correction and completion. This will be available at our next meeting. Sue asked the group for their opinion concerning Earth Day, which is scheduled locally for April 25, a Saturday, with April 26 as a rain date. The general feeling was that this had proved to be a worthwhile event last year, and that there are a number of topics which we could well highlight with a display on the Commons- the County Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan again, invasive plant species, possibly others as well. Barney will contact Geri for development of plans, Lib deProsse, Eva Hoffmann and Kara Hagedorn also indicated willingness to help out. More on this at the next meeting. Sue will indicate our interest in taking part to the Earth Day sponsors. The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network will be meeting in Ledyard on March 12. Minutes of their February meeting were available for those interested. Lib deProsse has attended and can provide details The New York State Wetlands Forum will held on April 9 and 10 in Albany. Jon Kanter indicated that funds might be found in the CB budget for anyone interested and able to give the time. The Mecklenberg Heights development, a federal low-income project, has gained Planning Board approval and will be reviewed in a public hearing in April. 4. Organization of Sub -Committees: The Environmental Review Committee will be chaired by JoAnn Cornish, with Lib deProsse, Kara Hagedorn, Jon Meigs and John Yntema. JoAnn will call the meetings. The Viewshed Committee, as currently constituted, will consist of Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs and John Yntema. Education and Public Awareness will be chaired by Geri Tierney, with Kara Hagedom and Barney Unsworth as members. Water Quality Management, which is a subcommittee of Codes and Ordinances, will be monitored for us by Phil Zarriello, working with Ellen Harrison. 5. Business: The minutes of the February CB meeting were approved following some discussion of Kara Hagedorn's reactions to the proposed construction of a microbrewery on Ehnira Road. Her concerns have to do with the disposal of compost from the brewing process and the fact that wastewater will be run off into the city sewer system. CB March Minutes -2 6. Meeting Minutes: Some changes in this procedure are possible later in the spring. For the present, Barney Unsworth will take minutes with help when needed from Lib deProsse. 7. South Hill Plant Study: Geri Tierney had prepared a draft resolution concerning the CB study of this Unique Natural Area. The group worked this resolution over carefully, intending to present the finished version to the Planning Board and other "Town entities". Sue Ritter presented the revised maps of the South Hill area which she has produced. These maps are a considerable refinement of the work done earlier, giving greater detail and accuracy to the locations and extent of rare plants, etc. The limitations of such studies were discussed as well. Plans now call for redefining the boundaries of the U.N.A. and giving greater clarity to the variations in terrain, including the features of surrounding areas, and taking another look at the photographs of the area. Possibly Wesley and Ostman will have more to add as well. Jon Kanter indicated that the Codes and Ordinances Committee should meet with the CB to discuss the South Hill area in detail when more work has been done and the resolution has been refined. 8. Coy Glen: Sue led a discussion of the available maps of this area as well. We seem to be treading water in terms of moving toward any consensus regarding this area. Again we will try for a written report on the visit to Coy Glen taken by Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth, Richard Fischer and John Yntema- for the next meeting . Possibly old CB minutes would yield some worthwhile information too. Sue will check this. The boundaries of the U.N.A. and the size of a recommended buffer zone along the stream bed need to be refined for CB consideration. 9. Other Business: The Town Planning Dept. is preparing a calendar of all Town Board meetings for 1998- probably available soon. Members expressed a desire to see some movement in the relationship between the Planning board, the Finger Lakes Parks and the Buttermilk Valley Estates project of Wally Wiggins. He is apparently in violation of the Planning Board conditions for going ahead with development, since no land has been conveyed, as earlier agreed. Direct purchase by the state of a buffer plot seems the ideal outcome. 10. Adjournment at 9:35 Prepared by Barney Unsworth TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Town Hall, Thursday, April 2,1998 Draft Summary Present Elizabeth deProsse, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffman, Jonathan Meigs, Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff Jon Kanter, Susan Ritter Absent JoAnn Cornish, Richard Fischer The meeting was called to order at 7:35 by Chair Hagedorn Persons To Be Heard Joan Noteboom, Town Clerk, made a presentation detailing the state and local regulations concerning the taking of meeting minutes. She announced that our discussions will be taped, beginning next month, and a secretary will be in attendance at our meetings in order to prepare for transcribing the draft minutes afterward. This procedure will be followed with all meetings of the various boards of the Town government. Then these draft minutes, after being checked for accuracy and completeness, will be made available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act and preserved as part of the official Town historical record. Considerable discussion followed, mostly about the time and effort which will be required in order to follow these procedures. . Member Concerns Phil Zarriello mentioned the Cornell Lake Source Cooling project, and the fact that several recent letters to the editor and an op-ed piece, all in the Ithaca Journal, attacked the project vigorously but with criticism which seemed lacking in any specifics or substance. Jon Meigs countered that some of the alternatives to the LSC project might be worth investigating, if they had not been already. Since the Planning Board will be reviewing this project again, Phil and Jon will communicate with them to supplement the report from our Environmental Review Committee concerning this project. Sue Ritter distributed the calendar for 1998 meetings of the various Town boards, March through December. Also the latest CB membership roster was distributed. Announcement of the Public Meetings at the Finger Lakes National Forest for Spring was made. Coordinator and Chair Reports Kara Hagedorn mentioned the legislative efforts of Marty Luster in working to bring some sensible state regulation to the proliferation of cell towers which we face. Jonathan Kanter urged that CB members review the proposed local law for telecommunication facilities which is now available in draft form from the Codes and Ordinances Committee. Comments should be sent to Jon by April 21'. The Town Board plans a public hearing on the matter next May 11. This will eventually become a new portion of the zoning law. Kara also called CB attention to the "Watchable Wildlife" status, awarded to Buttermilk Park, as part of a New York State Watchable Wildlife guide. Minutes of 3/5/98 These were amended and approved. In response to questions, Jon Kanter commented on the desirability of bringing developer Wally Wiggins and the Finger Lakes Parks office together for a fruitful resolution of the questions relating to the Buttermilk Valley Estates project. Since acquisition of a parcel by the state is the most desirable outcome, this is not a time to press for any actions which might nullify that possibility. Northeast Subarea Transportation Study Update. Jonathan Kanter reported on the current status of this study, and emphasized one unique feature - the fact that the public is being invited to respond early in the planning process rather than at the termination. They are encouraged to indicate which transportation problems seem the most pressing in their view, and to mention any others which they feel should be on the list. CB members are urged to respond, and to gather other responses if possible. Several suggestions were made and discussed. Jon also mentioned that the study could be extended to other parts of the county as well, depending on the success of this effort. A public meeting is scheduled for May 16. Jonathan reported also on the Northeast Drainage Meeting, which was lightly attended. The winter has been kind, so that there was no serious flooding or other dramatic incidents to discuss. The Town is currently at work in the Christopher Circle area. Residential upgrading along CMRa Lake - the Schruben ProppM. CB members expressed concern about the impact of the dramatic change in building height which is being contemplated here. This could set a precedent for other remodeling, and result in a "wall of buildings" along the lake. The Zoning Board of Appeals should consider the elevation of the property as viewed from the lake, and its relationship to other nearby properties. A new zoning ordinance is being prepared by the Codes and Odinances Committee for lakeshore properties. Earth Day The CB is planning an exhibit on The Commons for this event, which is scheduled for April 25 from noon to 5. Some suggestions for the exhibit were discussed, including invasive species, the impact of pets on wildlife, another presentation concerning the Open space Plan, etc. Geri Tierney and Sue Ritter will work on the graphics for this, and other members will plan to staff our exhibit table on the 25h. Draft Resolution - South Hill U.N.A An extended discussion here resulted in some amendments to Paragraph 4 (after the THEREFORE). The advanced hour made this a painful experience. The meeting was ended at 9:50 p.m. Barney Unsworth 111!hC�i►� Ca TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MEETING SUMMARY Old Jail Conference Room, Thursday, May 7, '98 Present Elizabeth deProsse, Richard Fischer, Dara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffman, Jonathan Meigs, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff Susan Ritter Absent JoAnn Cornish, Geri Tierney The meeting was called to order at 7:40 by Chair Hagedorn Member Concerns Phil Zarriello presented a statement which he had prepared concerning the Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project, to be considered and then circulated through the Town Staff and Board structure. This statement was prompted by those criticisms of the project which strongly imply that Cornell has been irresponsible and secretive in their efforts to get the project through the extensive "permitting process". And, since the CB has essentially signed on to the project as it has been reviewed and refined, that we as a board are gullible, at best. Extensive discussion resulted in an amended document, a copy of which is attached to these minutes, cast into the form of a resolution by Zarriello for circulation to the staff and boards mentioned above. Whether it would be circulated to the public as well is an option for Cathy Valentino to decide. The resolution was moved by Lib deProsse, seconded by Dick Fischer, approved by the CB members present with one abstention - Kara Hagedorn. Coordinator Report Sue mentioned that Jonathan Kanter has been in contact with Wally Wiggins concerning the much-discussed parcel of land on the back portion of Buttermilk Valley Estates, adjacent to Buttermilk Falls State Park. Jonathan is currently attempting to setup a meeting between State Parks representatives and Wiggins. Kara Hagedorn and Phil Zarriello will be brought into this meeting, representing the CB. While this recent progress explains the somewhat tentative nature of negotiations recently, Eva Hoffman stated that in Planning Board dealings with Wiggins, he was open to discussions of this and other questions, willing to do whatever seemed necessary for progress'to be made. Sue then went on to discuss the May 4th meeting of the Town of Ithaca Agricultural Committee, where the purchase of development rights or PDR's, and the criteria for ranking candidate parcels were the principal topics of discussion. A revised list (as of April 1998) of invasive plants here in Tompkins County, as prepared by F. Robert Wesley was distributed for CB member files. Also, in view of the Page 2 attention which is now being given to the growing phenomenon of cellular towers here in the county, as well as elsewhere, Sue distributed a reprint from the Spring '98 issue of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology LIVING BIRD magazine. One quote from "Deadly Towers", as the article is titled... "It is not farfetched to predict that tower kills could soon exceed five million songbirds a year across North America." Chair Report Kara mentioned first that the annual NYS Conference of Environmental Management Councils will be held this year in Ithaca, on September 11th through 131`. The conference is entitled "Our Environment, Our Responsibility", and should represent an unusual opportunity for CB members, since travel and accommodations will not be concerns. A reminder that the next public meeting concerning the Northeast Subarea Transportation Study is firm for Saturday, May 16, 9am-12pm at DeWitt Middle School. Completed questionnaires are still welcomed by Jon Kanter. Minutes of 4/2 CB Meeting Accepted as corrected. Minutes Procedure Kara has had discussions with several Town staff people regarding this matter, specifically for the future functioning of the CB. We will continue with the current practice, at least for the balance of this year, with CB members keeping our own minutes and submitting them to the group for correction at the following meeting, after which they are filed with the Town Clerk as the official record. Resolution Process Due to the feeling that our procedures have become somewhat careless in recent months, Sue provided copies of a Robert's Rules of Order abstract which details proper procedures for the adoption of resolutions. This was reviewed by the group, which then turned to a reconsideration of the South Hill Swamp Resolution, worked on at our last meeting, Lib deProsse moved, Eva Hoffman seconded the resolution, and it was passed unanimously by the Board. South Hill Swamp Discussion centered on the question of what boundaries we should recommend for this Unique Natural Area. The boundary in the original EMC study are not very specific, and plans for the site cannot be reviewed carefully without clear guidelines. What sort of protection is being proposed - a redefined UNA, a Conservation Zone, or other ? What about the proposed park - located where, for whose use? Where will the access road be located? Are we coordinating these boundaries with the bicycle path interests? What about the contemplated sledding hill? Sue has produced a series of maps which portray all the information which has been collected for this site, indicating the areas which should be considered for protection. After extensive examination of this information, Phil suggested that we undertake a "design session", in which CB members would set down on paper proposals for a Page 3 protective boundary. Sue said she would provide a map and colored pencils for this exercise at the June 4th meeting. Our intent is to submit a recommendation to the County EMC, as well as to the Town Codes and Ordinances Committee. Some members expressed interest in reviewing the maps prior to the June 4th meeting. Sue stated that she will make available, to interested CB members, copies of the SHS map that she has produced. Some of the Board members were able to acquire maps that were presented at the meeting. A field trip to the SHS area will be scheduled for those CB members able to take part. Eva suggested including Town and Planning Board members on the field trip. She also stated that Evan Monkmeyer needed to be informed of any site visit that involved his property, and that in the past, he has requested to be present during site . Suggested dates - Friday, May 15 at 1:30 or Wednesday, May 20 in the late afternoon. Members will be notified. The balance of the agenda was not considered due to the lateness of the hour. Kara adjourned the meeting at 9:45. ADOPTED RESOLUTION: Position Statement on Lake Source Cooling Project Town of Ithaca Conservation Board May 7, 1998 MOTION by Elizabeth deProsse, seconded by Richard Fischer: WHEREAS the Town of Ithaca Conservation Board has reviewed the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Cornell University Lake Source Cooling project as a means of providing chilled water to meet the University cooling needs, and WHEREAS the Conservation Board feels that the Cornell Lake Source Cooling project team has done a commendable job, involving this Board and the community at large from the project's early conception through the State Environmental Quality Review process and beyond, and WHEREAS the Conservation Board feels that the Lake Source Cooling project team has acted responsibly in addressing concerns of this Board and others, and WHEREAS the Conservation Board recognizes that a project of this scope and magnitude will have some environmental impact, but the risks associated with Lake Source Cooling have been considered and adequately addressed in the EIS, and WHEREAS the Conservation Board also believes that these potential risks do not outweigh the known adverse environmental impacts and depletion of non-renewable energy resources required by other feasible cooling technologies. THEREFORE, the Conservation Board feels that, with Cornell's continued cooperation, the Town of Ithaca should move forward to provide the necessary permits required to make Lake Source Cooling a reality. AYES - Zarriello, deProsse, Fischer, Hoffman, Meigs, Unsworth, Yntema, ABSTENTIONS - Hagedorn ADOPTED RESOLUTION: Recommendations for the Protection of the "South Hill Swamp Unique Natural Area" Town of Ithaca Conservation Board May 7, 1998 MOTION by Elizabeth deProsse, seconded by Eva Hoffman: WHEREAS the South Hill Swamp Unique Natural Area (UNA) has long been recognized as one of the most important and valuable natural areas in Tompkins County, and The Town of Ithaca recently contracted botanists Robert Wesley and Nancy Ostman Ph.D., to survey the ecological communities and rare species that are present within the South Hill Swamp UNA, and Their work produced a report describing the ecological communities, rare species, and other natural features, and It has been found that the South Hill Swamp contains rare and unique plant species that warrant protection from threats to its ecological systems. THEREFORE, The Conservation Board (CB) requests that all Town entities consult with the CB, in a timely manner, for information and advice concerning the South Hill Swamp UNA prior to taking any action that might affect this important ecological area. These actions include, but are not limited to, applications for development, subdivision approvals, zoning changes, public utilities and public works projects, and communication structures, and The CB further recommends that the Codes and Ordinances Committee continue to work with the CB to develop appropriate Town policies regarding this unique area. AYES - deProsse, Fischer, Hagedorn, Hoffman, Meigs, Yntema, Zarriello NAYS - None. The MOTION was declared to be carried unanimously TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Town Hall, Thursday, June 4,1998 FINAL Meeting Minutes Present: JoAnn Cornish, Elizabeth deProsse, Richard Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Geri Tierney, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff: Susan Ritter, George Frantz Absent: Eva Hoffman, Jonathan Meigs, Barney Unsworth The meeting was called to order at 7:40 by Chairperson Kara Hagedorn Persons to be heard: None Members Concerns: Responding to Richard's question about Cornell's Precinct 9 Athletic Field Project, Susan informed the CB that the Planning Board was scheduling a site visit there on June 23 (Tuesday) at 3:30 p.m. Member are invited to attend and should meet at the Reis Tennis Center. Susan will notify Eva, Barney, and Jon M. of this event. Clarification was requested concerning the City of Ithaca's Southwest Landuse Plan; specifically, what is the Town's involvement? The City is in the process of alienating the Southwest Park, and obtaining substitute parkland elsewhere. One of the proposed substitute parklands is adjacent to the Southwest Park, and makes up a portion of the Negundo Woodsy a UNA, which the Town is purchasing from the County and holding for the City. The City intends to preserve the substitute parkland/Negundo Woods. Kara will write a memo/letter to the City to request that they reaffirm their commitment to the preservation of Negundo Woods as a UNA. Comments are due to the City by June 8th. Chair and Coordinator Reports: Kara reported on the meeting between State Parks and developer Walter Wiggins regarding the potential purchase by Parks of a portion of Buttermilk Valley Estates. The meeting was attended by Walter Wiggins, Jack Clancy, Sue Poelvorde, Jonathan Kanter, and Kara Hagedorn. Clancy indicated that Parks is interested in purchasing the back 30 lots of Buttermilk Valley Estates. Wiggins stated that those lots are the source of the only profit to be made after he will have spent $125,000 for sewer, water, and electric, having already spent $100,000. Discussions led to the following four scenarios: 1. State Parks buy the back 6 lots (out of 72 total lots). 2. Parks buy the back 30 lots. 3..Parks buy the back half of the subdivision. 4. Parks buy the whole subdivision. There will have to be an appraisal of the 4 scenarios before there is any agreement on the purchase/sale. Parks has to get an estimate of the cost of the appraisal. If the appraisal is higher than $5,000 it would have to be bid out, thus delaying the process. Jonathan discussed the previous subdivision conditions, which included the donation of —18 acres to State Parks (Lot #69) and dedication of a small public park to the Town of Ithaca (Lot #68) with Wiggins, who is no longer happy about that. His first fourteen lots are approved for development. Mail: - Soil and Water Conservation newsletter - A wetlands notice - Pennsylvania is having a river awareness month Reminder: Sept. 11, 12, 13 is the Conference on the Environment, taking place this year in Ithaca. Approval of Meeting Minutes: After correcting the term CB'ers to read CB members, the minutes were moved by Yntema, seconded by deProsse, and passed with two abstentions - Geri Tierney and JoAnn Cornish. South Hill Swamp: George Frantz brought aerial photos of the SHS area, and provided some information and guidance as related to SHS protection. Several CB members went on a field trip to the SHS area earlier in the week. These areas visited were pointed out and discussed. Susan and George went on a subsequent trip to eastern edges of the SHS area and found extensive wetlands not indicated on the maps. We discussed whether we are talking about boundaries for the UNA or a Conservation District Zone. The Conservation Zone has development restrictions, while the UNA has no regulatory power. There is also some potential for the purchase of development rights on one or two of the parcels. Geri suggested that the Conservation District might be more important if we cannot do both. Concern about the Ithaca College parcel: it is currently zoned R15. If it were zoned a Conservation District, there could only be 7 house lots on 50 acres. Would Ithaca College permit the Town to purchase development rights? They have not been approached. The Ithaca College student environmental organization could help generate support among IC administration for a plan to protect SHS. Concerns and questions regarding the Monkemeyer parcel and the proposed Town park were also discussed. A map was marked with a proposed Conservation District. At next month's meeting we will bring back the map and construct a narrative proposal and rationale. After a brief review of the Town's Conservation District Zoning language, some CB member expressed concern with the uses that are allowed. Susan will send CB members the Conservation District Zoning ordinance and members will consider ways to improve its protective measures. Meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Submitted by Elizabeth deProsse 11 TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Town Hall, Thursday, 2 July 1998 Final Meeting Minutes Present: Elizabeth deProsse, Richard Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffmann, Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff Susan Ritter Absent JoAnn Cornish, Jon Meigs Chair Hagedorn opened the meeting at 7:35 Persons to be Heard None Member Concerns Phil Zarriello reported briefly on the recommendations of the Cornell - Community Waste Management Advisory Committee's waste disposal solution for the Veterinary College, now being presented to the Cornell authorities. Rather than any form of incineration, the group has recommended two combinations of waste management, each of which is currently in use, singly, but not in combination. One is "dry rendering", a form of autoclaving which uses external steam and an internal auger to ensure complete exposure of waste to the steam heat. The other is a chemical digestion system. Each procedure has some drawbacks, but it is felt that in combination they could be very effective. This committee has been in being for some 20 months, and represents the ultimate level of citizen participation. John Yntema asked the group about a letter in today's Ithaca Journal concerning the Lake Source Cooling Project, outlining some concerns which the writer had involving the coriolis effect and its impact on lake currents. No alarms were raised. Concerning site plans for the Cornell Fingerlakes Credit Union building at East Hill Plaza, the present configuration includes five drive -up lanes.. Geri Tierney expressed concern about the possibility that this layout would increase the number of idling automobiles of waiting customers. Does the Town have any policy for dealing with the ever-growing problem of the exhaust from idling automobiles? Eva volunteered to bring up this general issue at the next meeting of the Planning Board meeting. Eva Hoffman asked about the situation at Cornell's Pleasant Grove Apartments, where up to 12 one-story buildings are scheduled to be demolished in order to create new athletic fields. What about asbestos and its disposal in this process? She will be tracking this question. Coordinator and Chair Reports Sue Ritter reported on the recent visit to the Precinct 9 athletic fields by members of the Conservation Board, the Zoning board and others. This was valuable for the information gathered. The CB will now wait for the preliminary plan to be presented. Sue also reviewed Jon Kanter's memo concerning the Summer/Fall Town newsletter, and the possibilities for contributions from the members of the CB. The Wesley-Ostman Study of plant life in the South Hill unique natural area was suggested, as well as an article dealing simply with invasive plants and their impact in many parts of the Town. CB members are encouraged to think of other possibilities for the newsletter as well. Chair Kara Hagedorn enlarged on the recent meeting concerning the Buttermilk Estates project of Wally Wiggins, involving Wiggins, Town representatives, and Kara and Sue Poelvoorde from Finger Lakes State Parks. The details of the discussion are well covered in the minutes of the June 4 CB meeting. The State will now move to secure appraisals of the four possible scenarios which were considered. Kara then turned to a discussion of the Keeping Track program, a movement established to monitor habitat loss for various wildlife. The program is taking hold in a number of locations in the Eastern U.S., and is being considered by the Tompkins County EMC. Might this training be worked into the September State EMC conference in Ithaca? And does the CB have funds which could.be used to help amortize the costs? Kara will report back from the presentation which is scheduled for the EMC. The Black Diamond Trail, a long -held project of Finger Lakes Parks, looks as though it might be moving to Tuition. A fulltime State l'ark's employee is being assigned to this project, under Sue Poelvoorde's direction, and some funds are being released which will mean that the entire trail right-of-way, except for a few pieces near Taughannock Park, are in hand. This will be a major addition to the hiking and biking possibilities in the County, and should make the projected improvements included in the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan even more tourist -attractive. Both plans include access from one trail to the other for hikers and bikers. Business: Approval of Minutes Libby deProsse's draft minutes of the June 4a' CB meeting were approved with minor corrections. South Hill Swamp Unique Natural Area Considerable time was devoted to a review of the studies which the CB has made of this area over the past several years. Three different conceptual park designs, developed by the Town, showing various degrees of development for tie proposed park were reviewed as well. How do projected conservation district boundaries match with those of the unique natural area? What about relations with the adjacent landowners and their plans for development? What about specific plans for park development, beyond the general layout which has already been approved? What about drainage issues? What about buffer areas along the proposed road? There is a good possibility that this topic will come up at a Planing Board meeting soon, and our May 19 report, along with the July 7 Estimated Development Costs for Conceptual Park Plans will need at least an introductory paragraph or two to make it current with CB thinking. Geri Tierney said she would volunteer to re -write and update the ERC comments that had submitted to the Planning Board previously. Adjournment took place at 9:15, for the benefit of fireworks mavens. Barney Unsworth TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Town Hall, Thursday, 2 July 1998 Final Meeting Minutes Present: Elizabeth deProsse, Richard Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffmann, Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff Susan Ritter Absent JoAnn Cornish, Jon Meigs Chair Hagedorn opened the meeting at 7:35 Persons to be Heard None Member Concerns Phil Zarriello reported briefly on the recommendations of the Cornell - Community Waste Management Advisory Committee's waste disposal solution for the Veterinary College, now being presented to the Cornell authorities. Rather than any form of incineration, the group has recommended two combinations of waste management, each of which is currently in use, singly, but not in combination. One is "dry rendering", a form of autoclaving which uses external steam and an internal auger to ensure complete exposure of waste to the steam heat. The other is a chemical digestion system. Each procedure has some drawbacks, but it is felt that in combination they could be very - effective. This committee has been in being for some 20 months, and represents the ultimate level of citizen participation. John Yntema asked the group about a letter in today's Ithaca Journal concerning the Lake Source Cooling Project, outlining some concerns which the writer had involving the coriolis effect and its impact on lake currents. No alarms were raised. Concerning site plans for the Cornell Fingerlakes Credit Union building at East Hill Plaza, the present configuration includes five drive -up lanes. Geri Tierney expressed concern about the possibility that this layout would increase the number of idling automobiles of waiting customers. Does the Town have any policy for dealing with the ever-growing problem of the exhaust from idling automobiles? Eva volunteered to bring up this general issue at the next meeting of the Planning Board meeting. Eva Hoffman asked about the situation at Cornell's Pleasant Grove Apartments, where up to 12 one-story buildings are scheduled to be demolished in order to create new athletic fields. What about asbestos and its disposal in this process? She will be tracking this question. Coordinator and Chair Reports Sue Ritter reported on the recent visit to the Precinct 9 athletic fields by members of the Conservation Board, the Zoning board and others. This was valuable for the information gathered. The CB will now wait for the preliminary plan to be presented. Sue also reviewed Jon Kanter's memo concerning the Summer/Fall Town newsletter, and the possibilities for contributions from the members of the CB. The Wesley-Ostman Study of plant life in the South Hill unique natural area was suggested, as well as an article dealing simply with invasive plants and their impact in many parts of the Town. CB members are encouraged to think of other possibilities for the newsletter as well. Chair Kara Hagedorn enlarged on the recent meeting concerning the Buttermilk Estates project of Wally Wiggins, involving Wiggins, Town representatives, and Kara and Sue Poelvoorde from Finger Lakes State Parks. The details of the discussion are well covered in the minutes of the June 4 CB meeting. The State will now move to secure appraisals of the four possible scenarios which were considered. Kara then turned to a discussion of the Keeping Track program, a movement established to monitor habitat loss for various wildlife. The program is taking hold in a number of locations in the Eastern U.S., and is being considered by the Tompkins County EMC. Might this training be worked into the September State EMC conference in Ithaca? And does the CB have funds which could be used to help amortize the costs? Kara will report back from the presentation which is scheduled for the EMC. The Black Diamond Trail, a long -held project of Finger Lakes Parks, looks as though it might be moving to fiuition. A fulltime State Park's employee is being assigned to this project, under Sue Poelvoorde's direction, and some funds are being released which will mean that the entire trail right-of-way, except for a few pieces near Taughannock Park, are in hand. This will be a major addition to the hiking and biking possibilities in the County, and should make the projected improvements included in the Tompkins County Waterfront Plan even more tourist -attractive. Both plans include access from one trail to the other for hikers and bikers. Business: Approval of Minutes Libby deProsse's draft minutes of the June 4,' CB meeting were approved with minor corrections. South Hill Swamp Unique Natural Area Considerable time was devoted to a review of the studies which the CB has made of this area over the past several years. Three different conceptual park designs, developed by the Town, showing various degrees of development for the proposed park were reviewed as well. How do projected conservation district boundaries match with those of the unique natural area? What about relations with the adjacent landowners and their plans for development? What about specific plans for park development, beyond the general layout which has already been approved? What about drainage issues? What about buffer areas along the proposed road? There is a good possibility that this topic will come up at a Planing Board meeting soon, and our May 19 report, along with the July 7 Estimated Development Costs for Conceptual Park Plans will need at least an introductory paragraph or two to make it current with CB thinking. Geri Tierney said she would volunteer to re -write and update the ERC comments that had submitted to the Planning Board previously. Adjournment took place at 9:15, for the benefit of fireworks mavens. Barney Unsworth TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Town Hall, Thursday, August 6, 1998 Final Meeting Minutes Present: Richard Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffmann, Barney Unsworth, Phil Zarriello Staff: Susan Ritter Absent: JoAnn Cornish, Elizabeth deProsse, Jon Meigs, John Yntema. Chair Hagedorn opened the meeting at 7:40 pm. Persons to be Heard: None Member Concerns: CB members asked questions concerning several projects currently under Planning Board scrutiny: What is the status of the housing project going in north of the elderly apartments on East Hill? Have any changes in the configuration of the Cornell Athletic fields in that area occurred as a result of CB recommendations? (Yes, there will be less disturbance to the neighborhood from lights. A considerable number of trees will be taken for one of the fields, but Cornell's environmental groups are not protesting.) Concerning the boundaries of South Hill Swamp area, can any assistance be given to Codes and Ordinances in preparing the legal language for conservation zoning of this type? Kara Hagedorn reports inquiries from town residents concerning the use of herbicides along town -maintained roads. What about the effects of runoff? Is there any CB policy which could be helpful here? Kara will follow up with Fred Noteboom. Six Mile Creek Bond Act Project: Roxana Johnston, a Water Quality Analyst with the City of Ithaca, reviewed the current conservation activities centered around this stream, "one of the worst polluters at the South end of the lake" in her words. Turbidity resulting from erosion of the comparatively steep gradients seems to be the chief problem. Monitoring of the two-year-old gauging station has served to confirm the extent of this damage and provided data for the NYS Bond Act application. Johnston emphasized that the problems of the Creek are not confined to the City alone - certainly the towns of Ithaca, Dryden, Caroline and Danby are impacted as well. Bond Act moneys applied for by the City will be used to begin work on erosion mitigation and to further protect the watershed as a municipal water supply. Bioassessment is the first step. and the support of the various municipalities is important at all stages. Coordinator and Chair Reports: Sue Ritter has prepared the applications for those CB members attending the Sept. 11 Conference on the Environment and will be submitting them to the County. A resolution was submitted to the Town Board to allocate the funding. Kara Hagedorn reviewed the environmental programs offered this year by the Finger Lakes State Parks, she urged CB members to attend some of the programs and to urge their friends to do so as well. The Cayuga Lake Watershed Network is planning a day -long affair on August 15 to spark interest in their watershed -wide approach to "the vitality of Cayuga Lake and its watershed". The suggestion was made that the Conservation Board could well join this organization as a group to show support for their efforts. Sue Ritter will investigate this possibility. JoAnn Cornish, who has been a solid supporter of the CB both as a Town staff member and since, must resign. Her City staff responsibilities are claiming priority, and we are the losers. Phil Zarriello suggested having the CB provide some financial support for the acquisition of a the Spatial Analyst GIS software for Sue Ritter's (Town Planning Dept.) GIS work. This software item would provide more GIS capabilities. Can the CB budget be a partial source for this expenditure? We'll see. Business: Approval of Draft Minutes from 7/2. Approved as corrected. The Rural New York Grant Program 1998: The group discussed suitable topics for a 1998 grant application but did not reach any shared conclusion Town Newsletter: Kara will submit an article about the Watchable Wildlife Program for Buttermilk. Richard will submit an article regarding the fall foliage of goldenrods, and maybe about the bluebird house project/study. Keeping; Track Program: Kara reported on the presentation which the E.M.C. received on this activity, which is essentially a way for trained observers to monitor the quantity, range of species and health of area wildlife. A presentation will take place at the Youth Bureau on September 7 at 7 p.m. Both Sue and Kara will be present - others are urged to attend. South Hill Swamp Unique Natural Area: Sue will digitize the new proposed SHS conservation boundary, worked out by CB members and prepare a map for the next meeting. Kara and Sue will take the lead in initiating a draft report. Phil has offered to provide input. They intend to use the Six Mile Creek report for ideas on organization, and the Ostman/Wesley report for content. The CB intends to forward the report to Codes and Ordinances Committee. The hope is to have it available for the COC's September 16 meeting. Considerable discussion was devoted again to the proposed South Hill Park plan, and its boundaries in relation to the UNA. Attorney's for Evan Monkmeyer have contacted the Town's Planning Dept. to request bringing the proposed park and the 6 lot subdivision back before the Planning Board. It is anticipated that they will be submitting their application materials for site plan approval in the very near future. This led to discussion of possible CB actions/recommendation regarding the proposed parksite. Suggestions included urging a reconfiguration of the Park, requiring Monkmeyer to cluster the subdivision, and to also consider an alternative community park site. Kara brought up the idea of an alternative site next to IthacaCare. The CB feels some heartburn about this overall issue. Kara will contact Geri about including some of these recommendations in the CB comment letter, and will bring it to the next Board meeting for discussion/approval. The meeting was adjourned at 10:05. 9/3/98 - Town Hall TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Final Meeting Minutes Present: Elizabeth deProsse, Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs, Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff: Susan Ritter Absent: Kara Hagedorn, Richard Fischer Assistant Chair Tierney opened the meeting at 7:35. She welcomed a group of Ithaca College students who were in attendance as part of their work in a communications course. Persons to be Heard: None Member Concerns: John Yntema discussed the lighting situation around the `Big Al" station/store on South Hill. He commented on the brightness of the lights, and its visual impact on the area. Sue reported that Kara had also received a complaint from a resident who felt that the glare from the lights at night were a potential traffic hazard. More on this after further investigation. Coordinator and Chair Reports: Sue reported on the question of CB membership in the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, and the reason why this would be awkward. Barney will discuss this with Kathy Valentino. Eva Hoffmann plans to attend the Partnership for Environmental Improvement and Economic Development in NYS conference being held in Syracuse on October 8 -9th. She will report back to the CB after attending the meeting. Several CB members will be attending all or part of the 1998 Conference on the Environment on the September 13 weekend. Discussion centered on what workshops seemed to be most interesting, the need for drivers for the Cornell vehicles which will be used for transporting conference participants to various locations, etc. Business: The minutes for the August 6 CB meeting were approved as amended. Environmental Review Committee: The Environmental Review Committee, certainly the most important subcommittee of the CB, needs attention, due in part to the fact that ERC Chair, JoAnn Cornish has resigned from the CB. Geri asked for additional support from CB members for this activity, as new projects are being brought to the attention of the Town Planning Board and our input is sometimes helpful. Barney Unsworth volunteered to help, and Phil Zarriello will assist on projects as needed. Jon Meigs stated that he could serve as the contact between the Planning Department and ERC for determining which projects that will go to the ERC, however no one volunteered to serve as ERC Chair. Sue reported on several newly proposed projects that have been submitted to the Planning Department, these include: the modular trailers at the Wilson Lab, an addition to the Cornell Golf Shop, an ambitions extension of the paved parking area at Trinity Lutheran Church on Honness Lane, and construction of a pole barn to house the innovative Ithaca College composting program as it grows in size. The CB recommended submitting the Church paving project and the IC compost project for ERC review. Conservation Board Membership: Regarding recruitment of a new CB member, Geri reviewed the steps which were taken last year to publicize the CB as an opportunity for important volunteer service in the Town. Similar efforts will be made now, so that Letters of Intention of prospective new members can be presented to the Town Board before the end of the year. Current members are urged to look for possible new ones. South OR Swamp - report preparation: Sue presented an outline of the paper she and Kara had drafted as part of the proposal for establishing a SHS Conservation District. This is a very substantial proposal, and Sue requested help from the group in working on various component sections in the report. Phil stated that he would help on the general description section, Geri offered to work on the Wesley/Ostman report summary, J. Yntema on the history of the UNA/SHS, and others stated they would look at the draft and try to provide some input. All of the sections which Sue has suggested seem integral to a satisfactory report, even though the final work will be lengthy. It was decided that inclusion of some of the ideas in our recent discussions of the proposed park site would not be appropriate here. Considerable time and attention was then devoted to the map set which Sue has prepared for the SHS report. What to include in the report, what information is most relevant, etc. etc. This again brought up the question of park extent and location. The extent of old growth forest will probably be determined by walking the property again. Changes in the conservation district boundarywere debated at length. Since the Monkmeyer lawyers appear to be preparing a presentation to the Planning Board sometime in the near future, there is a need to reach some conclusions on much of this. The next Environmental Review Committee meeting is scheduled for September 17 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned at 10 p.m. B. Unsworth 10/1/98 - Town Hall TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Final Meeting Minutes Present: Jon Meigs, Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zariello Staff: Sue Ritter Absent: Lib deProsse, Dick Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffmann Vice Chair Tierney opened the meeting at 7:40 pm. Member Concerns: John Yntema inquired about the status of "draft copies" of documents prepared by and for CB members - in this case, the ERC comments he had prepared for the IC Compost and Trinity Church projects. Who do such copies go to? Generally speaking, such materials should be turned over to Sue Ritter, who will see that they go to the appropriate Planning Department staff members, and to the Planning Board, and whoever else should be informed. A discussion followed concerning the exterior lighting recently completed at the new Ithacare facility, as well as at the `Big Al" pit stop, both on South Hill. The lights are bothersome to some neighbors, and these are hardly the first instances of lights having an adverse impact on those living nearby. Could the community be served by a "general informational environmental ordinance" which we could work on? The Board asked Sue to research what other communities have done in terms of regulating exterior lighting, and to discuss this issue with other Town Staff. Board members will consider developing guidelines for the Town. (See below - A Work plan for 1999). Phil Zarriello reported that the final recommendation of the Cornell -Community Waste Management Advisory Committee (CCWMAC) investigating disposal methods for Vet School waste. The final report has been completed and turned over to Cornell. How much of the recommendations will be adopted remains a matter of conjecture. Phil referred to the many hours of committee work over several years as an "interesting community involvement project." Some brief mention was made of the lawsuit brought against the Town, Cornell, and others, by the group seeking to halt the Lake Source Cooling Project. The Town's involvement is yet to be determined, but it will likely be far less significant than that of Cornell Cornell `s project plans may be delayed somewhat. Sue Ritter reported that the Town budget for next year will probably include a $2000 item for CB expenses. Members should review needs they may have for reference materials, etc. Sue has located a spatial analysis computer program which she can get access to when needed, so advises against purchase of this item at present. The Town newsletter will be mailed to all residents within the week. What about topics for future newsletters? Suggested: population growth in the Town, the use of road salt on Town roads, ditto for herbicides on road shoulders, etc. are possibilities. Are other agencies in the County, such as the EMC, monitoring road salt, for example? Also, protection of the South Hill Swamp area, and why - a preliminary presentation.. What is happening with the Cayuga Lake Network Alliance? Barney will investigate. Sue reported that La Tourelle is planning some changes which will involve the Town Planning Board - changing their tennis "bubble" into a permanent facility, etc. This did not appear to be an issue that would need CB recommendation.. Business: The minutes for the 9/3/98 CB meeting were approved as corrected. CB Membership: Geri and Sue reviewed the plans being made to publicize the availability of seats on the Board for interested Town residents. Direct mail and public service announcements in local newspapers have been helpful in the past and will be used again. Present members were urged to do some recruiting. South Hill Swamp: report preparation. Considerable time was spent going over the draft report that has been prepared thus far - "South Hill Swamp - A Protection Strategy Proposal". What to include, what to leave out, what about wildlife? (Jon Meigs will contact John Confer about this.) But overall, how to prepare a report which is complete, and therefore useful, without being encyclopaedic is the challenge. The location of boundaries, where they don't follow the old Unique Natural Area lines, the location of the proposed Town park - some work still ahead to achieve consensus on the committee. Codes and Ordinance will be meeting on October 21, and we decided to notify thea that the CB was completing its work and would like to meet them soon. A cover memo, an outline of the draft report, and a map showing the proposed Conservation District will be distributed to the COC at their meeting on the 21t. Sue will prepare a rough draft of the memo and email it to Phil and several other members to finalize. CB Goals and Plan of Action: Geri pressed members to think productively about this for the upcoming calendar year. The topics suggested above for the next newsletter, discussed above, could be a place to start. The meeting was adjourned at 9:40. Barney Unsworth 5 November 1998 Conservation Board Meeting 11/5/98 - Old Jail Conference Room TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Final Meeting Minutes Present: Lib deProsse, Dick Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs, Barney Unsworth, Phil Zarriello Staff: Sue Ritter Absent: Geri Tierney, John Yntema Persons to be Heard: None Member Concerns: Barney Unsworth reported on a conversation with Fred Noteboom of the Town Highway Department. First, in regard to the question of road salt use during the winter months, the present practice of using salt in as limited quantities as possible seems to be succeeding. Much of the salt is mixed with a product called "Dri-Band Magic", which reduces the amount of salt needed and also limits the corrosive effect which the salt has on all road -clearing equipment. Another practice now being contemplated is that of spreading some of this "magic" on the highways at critical points before the snow and ice arrive to see what effect this will have on the need for salt. Another tack which Fred would like to try is the use of a computerized monitor which meters salt use depending on road conditions. This would cost about $3000 per truck - and is not in next year's budget. As for coordination between the State and the various municipalities within the county which engage in road clearing, there is little of this going on at present, except in very informal ways. The new Winter Weather Alliance was suggested as a vehicle for increased communication. Fred played a role in getting this alliance of municipalities, schools, business firms, and police agencies into being„ and would prefer that it develop through at least one winter season before any additional responsibilities, such as salt - monitoring, are added to the program. Salt use, herbicide use, and the new Weather Alliance were all suggested as topics for the town newsletter. The upcoming Neighbors Around Cayuga Lake conference, scheduled for 11/14 at the Cayuga Nature Center, was mentioned as a means of keeping in touch with the Cayuga Lake Watershed Management Plan, now under development. Sue Ritter will try to attend. Coordinator and Chair Reports: Sue first mentioned a workshop on "Using SEQR" which will be held on November 19 at the Ramada Inn. Sponsored by the Tompkins County Planning Federation, Sue sees this as a valuable meeting for those CB members who are able to attend. Then she turned to the North Campus Residential Initiative of Cornell, which will make for very significant changes in that area of the campus and which will involve both the City and the Town, with the City as lead agency. (Most of the construction will take place on City land.) Traffic will certainly be an issue of great interest to the Town, and will undoubtedly involve the Northeast Transportation Study. Changes involving the Moore Building will doubtless bring lots of attention to the project, not all of it sympathetic. Scoping is now going on, and the CB will have an additional opportunity for input at the time when the EIS is available. Eva Hoffman emphasized that a written communication to the Planning Board is the best way to forward comments. Sue will see that copies of the draft scoping document are available to those interested. Another proposal soon to be considered by the Town Planning Board is a Burger King application for East Hill Plaza. This would take away what little green space remains, and was greeted with very limited enthusiasm by those present. Contrary to earlier information, the lawsuit which has been brought against the Cornell Lake Source Cooling Project has been brought against the Town as well as Cornell, and so involves both legal staffs. Kara Hagedorn mentioned that another project which may well call for CB attention is the proposed addition of bleachers and lights to alumni field on the CU campus. In the matter of CB staffing, Kara mentioned that there is still no chair for the Environmental Review Committee of the Conservation Board. This means that no one has assumed responsibility for passing along ERC comments in a timely fashion. Also, along with the vacancy left by the departure of JoAnn Cornish, there is a good possibility that Geri Tierney will find it necessary to withdraw as well. Both of these people have made substantial contributions to the work of the board, and it will be difficult to find replacements of similar quality. The current vacancy is being advertised, and if all goes as expected, several candidates will be available for consideration in December. Barney Unsworth suggested that the candidates be invited to our December meeting, where we could discuss the parameters of the job, the time required, and other questions which they might have. Also of course it would give CB members the opportunity to learn something of their backgrounds, their interest, etc. Light refreshments would serve to enhance the holiday spirit. Sue Ritter will look into this. Kara reported on the Keeping Track informational meeting which she attended at the Cayuga Nature Center. A county -wide group of some eighteen members is being formed. She will probably apply to the CB for some of the funds necessary to complete this training. The group (Lib, Jon) adopted an informal resolution supporting this request. Also, as a member of the E.M.C. Tower Committee, Kara reported on the proposal for a new, or revamped, communications system which is being requested by fire and police agencies in the County. Phil mentioned the legislation recently adopted by the Town Codes and Ordinances Subcommittee which bears on this question. Some work is contemplated to coordinate these proposals into an emergency and safety system which will meet the needs of all agencies. Business: Approval of Minutes ..... The minutes of the October CB meeting were approved as amended. Exterior Lighting_ Kara reviewed the outdoor lighting situation at Big Al's Pit Stop on Route 79 south. The overhead lights of the fueling island are newly installed, and appear to present a visual hazard in that they can blind the drivers of vehicles passing by. Eva suggested that a contact with Andy Frost, the Town Zoning Officer would help. Kara and Jon will look into the situation and begin work on a proposed lighting ordinance which would deal with this and other situations. The group was supplied with copies of pertinent literature concerning outdoor lighting, and Kara requested all to review this material and pass along whatever comments and ideas it suggested to her or to Jon. South Hill Swamp: The Codes and Ordinances Committee expects a report from the CB on this topic, probably early in the new year. Sue Ritter reviewed the various sections of the report which are being prepared, and discussed their state of readiness, those who are committed to helping prepare each section, etc. She asked that CB members set the next meeting as a deadline for their responses. The wisdom of recommending establishment of a conservation district as the best means for providing adequate protection was discussed. Perhaps a more careful evaluation of the ecosystem here is necessary, with both Cornell and Ithaca College involved. Dick Fischer will look into whether the Cornell owned parcels have adequate protection measures applied to their deeds. Time, or the lack thereof intervened, so that Adjournment: took place at 9:50. Barney Unsworth TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD Town Hall Board Room, December 3, 1998 7:30 pm, Final Minutes Present: Lib deProsse, Richard Fischer, Kara Hagedorn, Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs, Geri Tierney, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema, Phil Zarriello Staff: Susan Ritter Chair Hagedorn opened the meeting at 7:35 pm.. Before beginning on the agenda, the group initiated a social hour with the two candidates for membership on the CB, Leo Kriksunov and Elissa Wolfson. After introductions, Kara began with a brief review of the history of the Conservation Board, and its role in the town municipal organization. The charge to the original group, called the Conservation Advisory Council, would still seem to be valid: 1 - To preserve and protect the natural resources of the town, and 2 - to provide an environmental review for the town boards and committees, and 3 - to map all the undeveloped areas of the Town. Discussion then turned to the CB concerns for 1999, as the group saw them. The principal tasks discussed were: development of an adequate outdoor lighting ordinance - one which would speak to the proliferating concerns in this area which are being noted and expressed by CB members; development of a generic conservation district plan which can serve as a template for the Codes and Ordinances Committee in dealing with such locations as Coy Glen; continued support for, and attention to, the Town's Open Space Plan; and completion of the work on the South Hill Swamp recommendations. Refreshments were available during this portion of the meeting. To complete the introductions, members of the CB spoke in turn of their experience and training in environmental work, and their reasons for serving on the CB. Persons to Be Heard: None Member Concerns: The deliberations of the Environmental Review Committee of the CB, which took place in the hour before this meeting, were reviewed for the group. Lib deProsse and John Yntema will put together a report for the PB concerning ERC reactions to the Burger King application for a facility in the East Hill shopping center. Coordinator and Chair Reports: Several lighting items were reviewed again. First, it appears that the lights on the fuel island of Big Al's gas station on South Hill are not in conformity with the description in the original application to the Planning Board. Several CB members have confirmed this, and spoke to the impact of these lights on the vision of passing motorists. Andy Frost will be moving soon on this glare problem. The new signs on the M&T Bank branches around town then came in for their share of criticism as well, since they also produce glare which seems unnecessary and which may be a violation of local ordinances. The question of local ordinances and of state ordinances, and of their interpretation, would seem to be worthy of investigation. More need for a new outdoor lighting ordinance was mentioned here as well. Sue will have a new Planning Department e-mail address for us soon. Kara mentioned several recent wetland publications which are available now for those who are interested. She also mentioned her role as liaison with the County Environmental Management Council, making reports from that body available to the CB. 1999 Meeting Schedule: The CB passed a resolution approving the suggested meeting schedule for 1999, noting that the April I" meeting would conflict with Passover observance. The resolution was moved by Lib deProsse, seconded by Jonathan Meigs, and passed unanimously. The Nomination of CB Chair for 1999: A unanimous ballot was cast recommending that Kara Hagedorn be continued as Chair for 1999. This recommendation will be sent to the Town Board. South Hill Swamp: Discussion centered around designating this Unique Natural Area as a Conservation District, and the drafting of a recommendation to this effect which would be forwarded to the Codes and Ordinances Committee. Sue Ritter reviewed what has been done to date on the report for the COC, what still needs to be done, and who has volunteered to help with these tasks. Phil Zarriello suggested designating levels of protection within the projected conservation district, and ways to delineate them. Several members suggested that in addition to developing the conservation district idea, that efforts be made to work with I.C. administration to develop other possible protection measures. Since boundary lines for the proposed South Hill Town Park and the Conservation District overlap at several points, uses of the area which are not acceptable for both concepts might develop. Members asked to have mention of their concerns, pertaining to the Park, included in the report's discussion on adjacent landuse issues. However, overall concerns will need to be addressed and outlined in formal comments to the Planning Board. The issue of the Monkmeyer parkland transfer will likely come up in the coming months. Sue asked that all SHS report materials be sent to her by December I& so that she can complete and mail out the compilation on the I I'h. The Board agreed to meet on December 17th to work on the report and to further discuss boundary issues. The meeting ended at 9:40 pm Barney Unsworth.