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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2012-10-04 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board 7:00 p.m., October 4, 2012 Final Minutes Members Present: Eva Hoffman, Diane Conneman, Ellie Stewart, Jon Meigs, Kristine Shaw, James Hamilton, Tony Ingraham, Ellie Stewart, Susan Perri, Vladimir Micic Staff present: Mike Smith Persons to be heard: None Member Concerns: James went to sustainability session on 9/25. He asked Herb Engman about restructuring of water bills to encourage conservation. James felt he got an evasive answer, and town is not actively moving on it. Diane replied that the Bolton Point Commissions sets the rates; the town does not have a majority vote. Eva remembered Herb came to a meeting and said it would lower revenue too much if people conserve water too much. James feels we need to continue working on ideas to reduce pumping water uphill and reduce green house gasses. Kristine suggested forming a committee, offering to give them support in working on the issues. Jon stated we need specific numbers to work with. James suggested starting cautiously. Kristine stated that we need to get a discussion started at the Bolton Point Commission, and asked if we knew any allies there. James knew one person, but that person is not in charge of implementating rate structures. Eva said we need to present it as a way of lowering waste products, not an economic saving, but a way to save the earth. If results lowered usage enough, it would lower energy costs, maybe expenses could be more of a wash. Kristine suggested we do some initial research; find out best ways to interact with Bolton Point. James will investigate the three-tier system currently being used by Port St. Lucie, Florida, and provide details. The Board agreed to set aside more time at its next meeting to discuss the issue in greater depth. James is interested in reducing the speed limit on Pine Tree Road to 30 mph. He is interested in feedback. He is in contact with Tompkins County, and is interested in community input. Chair Report: Kristine discussed with Herb the status of using herbicides on town land to control invasive plants. Herb said there is some "wriggle room"to use them, and suggested putting together a more formal document or "white paper"requesting the need 1 for herbicides. Rich Schoch agrees in principle, but is worried about actual training of staff and availability. A general discussion followed. The town is reluctant, but there is no formal law or policy banning pesticides. How can we document need? There was a discussion of defining a white paper and how involved does this need to be. A general consensus was reached, that a "white paper" was a few pages backing up our reasons. Some things to include are: what invasive plants are we talking about, what Town lands are they a problem in— document where, why can't other methods of removal be used for these specific invasives; the benefits of getting rid of the invasives; benefits of using herbicides; town staff vs. outside contract for application; talk with CU Plantations as a resource. Kristine and James volunteered to begin working on one. Coordinator Report: The Town Planning Board is meeting on Tuesday October 16. It will be considering preliminary and final site plan Approval for the proposed E. & V. Energy Company, on the former Bell Grocery site on Elmira Road. A sign variance is also needed. It will also be considering special permit for the proposed Groundswell Incubator Farm Pond at EcoVillage. It is back on agenda for 10/16, after modifying plans, so that no variance is needed for stream setback. Mike also reported that Aaron Donato has resigning as an associate from the Board because of work and school conflicts, so that he is unable to attend meetings. Minutes: August minutes were approved as presented. September minutes were approved as corrected. Business: East Shore Conservation Zone: The final resolution recommending to the Town Board that the area be rezoned as a Conservation Zone, and to work with neighboring municipalities on similar rezonings, was presented. Eva moved to pass it, Tony seconded. Following a discussion about the need to add the property descriptions first, it was decided to add tax parcels to the proposal. As Eva and Tony had no objection, the tax parcel listings were added to the proposed East Shore Conservation Zone resolution. The motion passed unanimously. Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone: The draft of the Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone Document was presented to the Board. After suggestions of minor changes involving improved wording for clarification, rewording of some areas regarding rare species for more accuracy, and corrections of a picture citation, James moved and Susan seconded to accept the document and forward it on to the Town's Planning Committee. The motion passed unanimously. EMC representative: Kristine can no longer make the new schedule of meetings, and is not seeking to renew her membership. Vladimir might consider it, but will need to look at his schedule. Tony suggested the possibility of a non-member becoming an associate 2 and attending the meetings. He also suggested inquiring to see if any existing ERC members are Town residents, and would be interested in being on the CB. REPORTS Environmental Review Committee: no report Scenic Resources Committee: Tony reported that the Committee met with the exhibit designer for the interpretive sign. They are nearing final approval for color. The next step is a pdf of the total design to look at. Communications Committee: James reported that Committee has not met in a month. The Conservation Board's Facebook now has 29 "likes". The post card on timber harvesting in Conservation Zones has been sent to approximately 55 property owners. Also, an article from the Conservation Board was in the fall town newsletter. Southwest Glens and Conservation Zone Committee: already reported on EMC: There is a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct 16 at 7pm regarding new DNA's for the Hawthorne Orchard area and Salt Road Fen. Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Programs: On 9/10, a new spot near Old 600 Road was sampled. It had not been affected by drought and had healthy growth of organisms. Normal sampling was also done on 9/18. City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission: no report Comprehensive Plan Committee: Comments from the Conservation Board regarding the Comp Plan have been provided to the Comp Plan Committee. It was also noted, that Cornell is unhappy with the proposed Conservation Zones in areas they want to develop in East Hill area. Cornell Natural Areas: Park Park is now ready for planting wild flowers next week in order to reduce garlic mustard weed. Risley Trail and area below are being restored; plants were transplanted. Other Business: Diane said that she contacted Christianne White, Chair of the Town Agriculture Committee, to discuss whether we have common forestry interests that would be worth getting together to discuss at some point. Susan noted that it has been three months since we set up the Facebook page, and we had agreed to report to the Town Board on its effectiveness after ninety days. Susan will draft a letter and send to Communication Committee for feedback. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30pm Ellie Stewart, note taker 3