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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2008-01-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board January 3, 2008 Final Minutes PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Brent Katzmann, Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger STAFF: Sue Ritter Persons To Be Heard: None Member Concerns: None Chair and Coordinator Reports: Chair: The Town of Ithaca sent a notice of "negative declaration" of significance impacts to the NYSDEC Environmental Notice Bulletin, regarding the Town's adoption of the Transportation Plan and the amendment to the Town's Comprehensive Plan to incorporate the Plan. Coordinator: The Town is setting a public hearing in Feb. for discussion of the Stormwater Law. The Jan. 22nd PB meeting will discuss Cornell's co-generation Project, Holochuck Project, and the Wiedmaier Project (special approval). Business: None Interim Report on an Environmental Assessment of Lands Adjacent to Sapsucker Woods Diane began the conversation by outlining the medium-high sensitive areas outlined in the report and found that these areas are not planned to be built on. Eva asked that if the moratorium was continued, as asked by the report authors, whether it would help determine potential environmental impact. Sue added that the consultant's report, with their recommendations, need to be completed and considered by the Town before the moratorium ends. Many members of the CB would like to see the moratorium extended to ensure that an accurate assessment of the area is made. Sue responded to a question stating that those portions of land proposed to be donated to the Lab of Ornithology might not be donated if the development does not occur, it is all tied together. Diane initiated a conversation by the CB to draft a resolution to ask the TB to extend the moratorium. This resolution was drafted. James moved on the resolution, Larry seconded. The resolution was carried unanimously. 2008 CB Priorities A.) Participate in Town's Comprehensive Plan process B.) Complete Scenic View Conservation Plan -begin implementing recommendations C.) Coy Glen Conservation Zone —prepared recommendation D.) Natural Heritage Preservation Program Development E.) Review Conservation Zone Law for improvements-particularly in regard to tree preservation F.) Continue ongoing activities such as Fischer Award, ERC reports to PB, and respond to TB requests Committee and Committee Chair Assignments for 2008 ERC Chair —Larry Members — Chris, Jon, Susan, Mike SRC Chair —James Members —Eva, Larry, Jon Fischer Award Chair —Brent Members —Diane, Chris Conservation Zone Law Members —Eva, Jon, Chris (Will be further discussed at Feb. CB meeting) Regular Reports and Updates: ERC: Ithaca College A&E Center EIS draft will be reviewed and commented upon before Feb. public comment period ends. ERC will meet before the next CB meeting. Wiedmaier remediation project was discussed and the plan appears to be adequate. ERC recommends deed covenants are put in place to protect plantings in future. Lastly, the Cornell co- generation plant was discussed and the ERC had no real issues with the project. Though, it was felt that a simulation of the potential noise should occur. SRC: Diane will be giving a presentation to the Town Board at the Jan. 7th meeting. TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: None R. FISCHER AWARD: None SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: Annual meeting will determine the needs for volunteers in 2008. Viewpoint of the group will be increased to include all of Cayuga Lake watershed. CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: None Other Business: None. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM. Minutes generated by Chris Benedict