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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2007-03-01 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board March 1, 2007 Final Minutes PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee,James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Brent Katzmann, Larry Sallinger STAFF: Sue Ritter PUBLIC: Caleb Crow Persons To Be Heard: None Member Concerns: None Chair and Coordinator Reports: Chair: Because the Longview Project was not accurately described in the public hearing notice (published in the Ithaca Journal) for the February Planning Board meeting, due to miscommunication on the part of the applicant, it will need to be rescheduled for a future Planning Board meeting. Resident's in the Northeast area of the Town continue to express concern about drainage, and the potential increase in runoff from the Briarwood II Subdivision proposal. The Town has received a Zoning Board of Appeals application from Leslie and Margaret Reizes requesting a variance to construct a two-family residence on the west side of Taughannock Blvd,in the Conservation Zone (more on this in ERC report below). Coordinator: The Town will begin considering updating the 1993 comprehensive plan. It is anticipated that the initial task of reviewing the plan will be undertaken by Town Board members, with likely wider participation sought once a determination is made on the updating needs. Jon asked about the status of recently reviewed Planning Board projects, such as the Cornell Animal Health Center, Merrill Family Center, and the utility department service yard improvements at Cornell. Sue and Eva provided input on each of these recent Sketch Plan proposals. All of the applicants are expected to return, with formal and detailed site plan submissions to the Planning Board in the near future. Business: Minutes: February 1, 2007 meeting minutes were approved as corrected. R. Fischer Award 2006 Environmental Award: The committee met and after carefully weighing each of five nominations,has decided to recommend Caroline Elementary School fifth grade teacher,Jane Clark. Because of Ms. Clark's long dedication to environmental education, the nature of her student's calendar project, and its successive influence on students over the years, she ranked ahead of the other nominees. The committee felt that this year's nominees were all quite impressive and it was difficult to make a decision. All runner-ups will be mentioned in the public announcement. Tree/Forest Protection Ordinance: James favored modifying the existing language of the Conservation Zone to provide forest protection, and/or developing a comprehensive tree protection law for the Town. Sue stated that current existing laws/zoning do not protect forests, or individual trees stands, and a tree protections law would help protect these resources. Discussion then focused on the relationship between the conservation zone and potential tree ordinance. Larry asked how a new ordinance will be enforced and who is responsible for enforcement. Regular Reports and Updates: ERC: The Cornell University coal expansion project, the Taughannock Blvd project, and the Ithaca College Athletic Expansion project were discussed. The committee submitted a memo to the Planning Board describing concerns over the Ithaca College Athletic project, particularly the size of project and amount of fill to be moved. Owners (Margaret B./Leslie Reizes) of land on Taughannock Blvd.have applied for a variance to construct a two-family residence. Sue reminded the Board that the request for a two-family residence also requires issuance of a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (in addition to the area variance), and therefore the project will need a SEQR review. The committee will make a site visit in the near future. SCENIC RESOURCES COMMITTEE: The committee finalized the insert for the town newsletter. The Town Board will likely approve funding for the copying/mailing costs, so it will not affect the Conservation Board's budget. The committee is also producing a handout which will be available at the exhibit, illustrating and describing a tour of the identified views in the Town. TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: None SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: The Community Science website is being further developed and will now increase the readability of graphs of data collected. Sampling results have determined that the three damns present on Six Mile Creek prevent sediment and increase turbidity, subsequently improving overall water quality. This information may impact the City's decision on water source. CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Discussion about what to do with the City's water reservoir area (Six Mile Creek). One potential option is to turn it into a Park if the City decides to turn to Bolton Point for water. Other Business: None Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 PM. Minutes generated by Chris Benedict 2