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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2013-02-07 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board February 7, 2013 7:00 p.m. Final minutes Members present: Andy Goodell, James Hamilton, Tony Ingraham, Jon Meigs, Vladimir Micic, Kristine Shaw, Ellie Stewart Staff: Mike Smith Guests: Two students from Ithaca High School government class Persons to be heard -none Member concerns James would like to recognize Diane Conneman's contributions over many years to the Conservation Board with a card and gift. Vladimir offered to get a card which members can sign at the Town Hall front desk. Chair and coordinator reports Kristine attended an Agriculture Committee meeting for the Town of Ithaca, which had forestry issues on the agenda. The Committee wants to avoid any regulatory issues that would add requirements to agricultural land owners. The result of the meeting is that the Agriculture Committee and Conservation Board will try to increase cooperation and communication on topics that we share interests with. Mike reported that the February 19th Planning Board meeting has been cancelled and the March 5th meeting has a few small subdivision projects. He mentioned some upcoming events: The Ithaca Native Landscape Symposium will be on March 1-2 near the Commons, and a seminar from the NY Forest Owners Association. Approval of minutes from 12/06/12 and 01/03/13 Minutes were approved with minor edits. Discussion of work goals, committee assignments, and meeting time for 2013 Mike reported that he puts together a list of Conservation Board accomplishments each year. Town of Ithaca Conservation Board Activities /Accomplishments for 2012 - Awarded its Richard B. Fischer Environmental Conservation Award to Cayuga Compost and held the associated tree planting ceremony at the Town's West Hill Park; - Environmental Review Committee continued to provide comments for site plan and subdivision projects and conducted site visits to many of the projects; - Coordinated the design and production of the interpretative sign panel for East Shore Park; -Prepared articles for the Town newsletter regarding a general update on CB activities and timber harvesting; - Reviewed and provided comments regarding the Town's draft Comprehensive Plan; - Drafted the Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone report and presented it to the Town's Planning Committee; - Developed a post card and brochure regarding timber harvesting, for landowners in the Town's Conservation Zone; - Developed a Conservation Board Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/IthacaConservationBoard); - Discussed and provided comments regarding the potential new Conservation Zone along East Shore Drive; - Continued to discuss water rates in the Town and potential water conservation ideas for public outreach. The 2013 Work Goals were further discussed, and item i)was deemed not a work goal, but something to continually keep in mind with all projects. Ellie suggested that i)be changed to have the Conservation Board complete a year-end review as a way to make sure that we are completing tasks. The Work Goals were approved as amended. Committee Assignments - Andy offered to chair the Environmental Review Committee. The Southwest Glens and Creeks Committee was discussed, as it's main work has been completed. Discussion moved towards renaming the committee to the Conservation Zoning Committee, with Ellie remaining chair. Kristine suggested creating an Invasives Committee, but the board decided to wait on that. Vladimir will coordinate with Kristine about joining the EMC. Continue discussion of the use of pesticides in Town of Ithaca Parks, Trails, and Preserves to manage invasive plants Kristine is working on a new draft of the white paper on Invasives which she will be emailing soon. Continue discussion regarding Town of Ithaca water conservation efforts Vladimir will coordinate with Nick Goldsmith on Bolton Point's water rates. Nick had mentioned by email that he hopes to get an energy audit done, similar to the waste- water plant. Vladimir has been trying to find research to prove that a tiered system works, and has come across studies from a Georgia professor whom he will be contacting. James also brought up that the City of Ithaca will need to shut down the Six Mile Creek water plant when they are rebuilding it, and Bolton Point and Cornell water systems may need to provide the city's water temporarily. Regular reports and updates: Environmental Review Committee -No report Scenic Resources Committee - The East Shore Park sign has been received. The committee will begin the initial work on the next sign. Communications Committee - James asked Cornell Natural Areas to submit information to the committee in order to be considered for the Fischer Award. The deadline for nominations is February 28th. Mike notified members that the Town newsletter that is likely to be published in early April could use an article from the Conservation Board. He recommended that articles be submitted by the end of February. James volunteered to draft an article about the Scenic Resources sign and the new Facebook page. Conservation Zoning Committee - There will be a Town Board meeting discussing the Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone on February 25th at 4:30pm in the Town Hall. Tompkins County EMC - The Hawthorn Orchards (part of Cornell Natural Areas) has been designated as a new Unique Natural Area. Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program - The Community Science Institute will be submitting a permit for a benthic macro-invertebrate (BMI) specialist, and James has been designated as the lead sampler. City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission - There had been some improper action to reduce invasives by citizens (particularly with Norway Maple), and the offender was asked to stop. The NAC is also promoting the connection of trail systems such as the Gateway Trail. Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Academy - James spent 12 hours working in the Fall Creek/Beebe Lake area weeding invasives with registered pesticide applicators. He brought in Hemlock Woolly Adelgid samples to pass around. Community Energy Action Plan Advisory Committee -No report. Other Business News of the expanded firewood moving ban due to the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer was discussed. This was determined to be too large to be able to sufficiently explain in the Town newsletter. Review 2013 Work Goals / Set March agenda Updates to the water conservation plans could be a potential topic. Kristine will continue to work on drafts of the white paper on invasives. Vladimir suggested that the Conservation Board is a good venue for outside experts on these topics. These draft minutes were written by Andy Goodell 2013-02-27.