HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2007-05-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
May 3, 2007
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, James Hamilton, Susan McCutcheon,
Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
Larry asked whether a re-scheduling would be needed for the June meeting concerning
a conflict with the Ithaca Festival. The festival falls on the last day of May this year and
will therefore not cause a conflict of the June 7th CB meeting.
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: Diane informed members of an invitation to the Tompkins County Water
Resources Council meeting which occurred on May 9th to discuss the water monitoring
project. Both the WRC and Cornell intend to develop a strategic approach to monitor
water quality in the southern end of Cayuga Lake.
Coordinator: Sue is preparing the Town's stormwater annual report required of
municipalities classified as MS4's (municipal separate storm sewer system). The
annual report outlines what the town does concerning stormwater management and
water quality protection, including such components as public outreach and education.
As required by the Phase II National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System program,
the Town needs a permit to discharge stormwater runoff into creeks, lakes, etc. within
town boundaries. A local law for stormwater management and erosion and
sedimentation control needs to be adopted by the Town, as well as a regulatory
mechanism for an illicit discharge detection and elimination program. If members
would like to obtain more information, the report is available on the Town's website
and through Sue. On another note, the Town Transportation Plan was put before the
Town Board on May Th.
Business:
Minutes: April 3, 2007 meeting minutes were approved as corrected. Larry moved,
Brent second.
R. Fischer Award 2006 Environmental Award
The date for the ceremonial tree planting to honor Jane Moon Clark was moved to
Saturday May 191h. Diane supplied the Board with a proposed agenda for the ceremony
along with a draft award certificate. Tasks for the event were assigned to members.
Invitations and details for the ceremony were discussed and finalized.
Stream Setback Law Comments
Board members were supplied with comments from various professionals who
evaluated the proposed law. Responses from professionals were very specific on
needed changes.
Much of the discussion focused on the definition of "bank-full". James had a
concern that local waterways do not necessarily fit into the model used in the proposed
law and some adjustments are needed. Questions surrounding the changing of setback
widths surfaced from various members, but after discussion members felt that at this
point too much previous work has been done to make any drastic changes outside of
those proposed by the commenting professionals.
One of the major concerns raised was how to protect waterways while
simultaneously not disrupting homeowners. In particular, the impact that the 35 foot
setback may have on smaller lots was outlined. Sue stated that the COC supports
modifying or strengthening site plan and subdivision rules that would give the
Planning Board the ability to protect headwater streams (those having less than a 50
acre drainage area). Overall, members felt pleased with the comments received and the
Board felt that 1-2 comments from each member will be discussed at the next CB
meeting.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: A site visit to the proposed Fransden development will occur in the near future.
SCENIC RESOURCES COMMITTEE: More feedback is needed from the public.
Members were asked to generate more support from the community and it was
determined that the display in the Town Hall will be maintained through the end of
May.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: Andy Zepp, of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, gave a
presentation to the EMC. Andy discussed the changing role of the Land Trust; moving
from a entity that obtains and maintains preserved land to that of an intermediate with
a ready source of funding to help advance the transfer of land from private landowners
to other bodies, particularly public entities, i.e. NY State.
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SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: A recent meeting of the
volunteers involved discussion of the March 281h sampling results. Results showed high
turbidity below the dams which eventually results in additional silt being kicked up
downstream. A future workshop will occur concerning macro- invertebrates.
Volunteer orientation will also take place Wednesday, May 23ra
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: None.
Other Business: Two candidates have applied for positions on the CB. These
candidates will be invited to the next CB meeting to preview the activities and business
of the board. Members were asked to volunteer in assisting with interviewing
candidates.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:33 PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict
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