HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 3-16-06 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
March 16, 2006
Final Meeting Minutes
PRESENT: Melissa Anthony, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee, James Hamilton,
Brent Katzmann, Susan McCutcheon, Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger.
STAFF: Sue Ritter
The meeting was called to order at 7:35PM.
Member concerns: Lenore called attention to the recent good coverage by the Ithaca
Journal of activities that involve the Board including the Lake Slopes Conservation Zone
and the Six-Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program.
Larry expressed concern that the Recycling and Solid Waste Center's increased flat
fees for bulk loads of trash may lead to more roadside dumping, more mixing of
recyclables with trash for dumping, and possibly outdoor burning. The increase is
intended to comply with federal regulations, as waste disposal is considered part of
interstate commerce.
Sue wondered if there was any program to help low income families dispose of their
wastes, particularly large appliances, rather than just dump them somewhere.
Larry suggested taking these concerns to the County EMC.
Chair Report: The Planning Board will serve as the lead agency for the proposal to
raze the Biggs Building. Cornell's Scoping Document for their Transportation Plan
DGEIS (draft general environmental impact statement) is available for CB members to
read.
Coordinator Report: The chimney swift tower building plans are proceeding quickly.
The Town Board has given the go-ahead and Alex Hyland with student volunteers from
Cornell's outdoor education program will construct it. Locally produced wood will be
used and Home Depot will provide other needed materials. It will be placed near the
water tank just off the Pew Trail.
The notice of the open CB position appeared in the Town's Newsletter and in the Ithaca
Community News and it generated a number of inquiries (unfortunately mostly from City
residents).
The Holochuk Homes, LLC developer of the 100-acre property in the Lake Slopes area
intends to submit a sketch plan soon, possibly in time for the April 18 Planning Board
meeting.
The Planning Department is waiting for more information from the developers of the
Briarwood 49-lot subdivision on how storm water will be handled before scheduling it on
the Planning Board agenda.
The minutes from 2-2-06 were approved as amended.
Coordinator Report:
Sue reported that the public hearing for the Lake Slopes Conservation Zone enjoyed a
good turnout at the Feb. 21 st meeting of the Planning Board with speakers both for and
against the Zone. The hospital has been concerned that the wording of CZ regulations
does not permit hospitals. Diane then mentioned that the COC has proposed an
amendment that allows uses by hospitals, but specifically for hospitals treating people
(rather than veterinary care). The Holochuk group did not provide comments.
However, as noted in the Coordinators report, they will be bringing a sketch plan to the
PB in the near future. Supporters of the Black Diamond Trail were in favor of the CZ,
while others argued that the Town was using its power of eminent domain over this
area. Some residents of the Town of Ulysses said they would like to see similar
protection measures extended up along this sloped forested corridor in the Town of
Ulysses.
The Planning Board sent their recommendation of approval of the CZ to the Town
Board. On April 10, the TB will hold a final hearing and possible enactment.
Dock regulations: The increased numbers of requests to the Town for variances from
current dock size regulations has forced the Town to reexamine these rules for dock
building. No one is sure how the current regulations (30 feet long with maximum area of
300 sgft) were developed or what they were based on. Since the Army Corps of
Engineers allows 100 foot long docks, the Town may need to recognize that 30' is too
short. However, much depends on the depth of the water which varies considerably at
different points from the shoreline all around the lake. Jon said that we should be
concerned with how far into the lake a dock protrudes, both for esthetic and safety
reasons, and that proposals to fortify shoreline with rip-rap or other materials may
degrade the appearance of the shoreline. Elissa wondered if there is any possibility for
dredging the south end of the lake. Siltation has made it difficult to navigate that part of
the lake, even with small-draft vessels. Dredging might reduce the need for long
docks.
Regular reports and updates:
ERC: The Lucente (Briarwood) Subdivision: Considerable development has gone on
since the last visit by the team. However, the developer has agreed to convey two
sections of the property, containing wetlands, to Cornell University and the Laboratory
of Ornithology and this will protect these fragile areas. The ERC still criticized the plan
because it showed that some lots at the north end of the development are too close to
the proposed buffer zone between the development and the wetlands.
The College Crossing development at the corner of Danby and East King Road
(Monkmeyer): The soil is somewhat waterlogged, partly due to rain and partly to the
general flatness of the lot. The ERC recommended that attention be paid to the way
run-off is handled during and after construction because the building and the parking
lots together will produce a significantly large impermeable surface, that the mature
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spruce trees be preserved and that they be protected from the effects of any salt or
other chemicals that may be used to keep the parking areas open, and that care be
taken to use nonintrusive lighting. Since a walk-way to the College Circle Apartments
will be constructed and since the project may include fast-food businesses, it was
suggested that waste receptacles be placed along the walk to encourage proper
disposal of trash.
Cornell University Campus Road Rehabilitation: The ERC agreed that no comments
were needed.
Biggs Building demolition: The ERC had no problem with the plan to raze the structure.
However, it was suggested that some material that might prove valuable such as
hardware, some wood, etc. should be saved .
Jon then argued that we should consider more of a connection between the
Conservation Board's current work and the need for historic preservation in the Town.
Might it be part of the CB's responsibility to address such issues? Brent said he would
like to prepare a document developing this idea for future discussion.
Scenic Resources: Diane distributed some recent panoramic photos taken by James of
several areas in the Town. A discussion of these pictures led to the question of how to
inform the public and gather their opinions of the beautiful areas of the Town and the
work of the Committee. The Committee had thought of a public exhibit, but wanted
ideas from the CB on how to proceed. Several concerns were expressed--that to get
truly striking photographs requires the best equipment and techniques possible as well
as a stroke of luck that puts the photographer in the right place at the right time, a
process that is both time-consuming and costly. One also must make arrangements
with property owners for permission to pull off the road in order to reach some of the
best spots. Some members of the Committee are admittedly getting a little weary and
would like to get a presentation to the Town Board soon. If we start consulting the
public, this would only delay the process.
Jon suggested putting some of the best photos on the Town web site and publicizing
the display. Maybe a grouping of photos, hopefully in color, could be inserted in the
next Town Newsletter and public comments solicited.
Sue mentioned that Katie Borgella, from the Tompkins County Planning Department,
will be speaking at the April CB meeting and may have some ideas for the Scenic
Resources Committee.
Fischer Award: No nominations have been received. Jon suggested that the committee
and the CB members be on the alert for news of citizens of the Town who have done
something exceptional as a "local conservation project" and consider them for the
Award. He also proposed that PRI be considered as the awardee for 2005, considering
the new building housing the Museum of the Earth. Members agreed to consider this
possibility and decide at the next meeting.
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Tompkins County EMC: Larry is required to make oral and written reports on the
activity of the CB and listed the items he wanted to include in the first report: 1) the
Scenic Resources Committee's work so that the EMC is aware of this initiative; 2)
mention of the vacancy on the CB; 3) an update on the Fischer Award to start them
thinking about possible 2006 nominees. He also reported that the last two meetings
included personnel from Cornell discussing sustainable initiatives on campus. His
impression from the meetings and discussions with others is that such initiatives are
largely driven by student committees, but that Cornell operates on the principle that if it
is too expensive, or there is not a good business reason to do so, sustainability efforts
are not made.
Lenore suggested that Ithaca College representatives should appear at EMC meetings.
Their "green" business school building reflects some interesting work that is being done
at IC.
Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: James reported that the recent heavy
rains allowed good high-water sampling and the CSI lab now has a lot of samples to
analyze. Meetings are now bimonthly and the next will be held on March 20, 2006
when results will be reported.
Plans to get all the data on the Citizen Science web site have not been perfected.
However, some sampling data can be found at-
\\http.polarbear.css.cornell.edu/smc—mon.
City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission: Jon reported that the NAC has seen the
vision statement section on the city's open space/green space plan. It regards wooded
portions of Southwest Park as having good recreational possibilities, and believes that
more than the 15 acres proposed should be allocated. The NAC would have some
authority over this natural area, but needs to assess the effects of development on it.
The City has been notified that the Six Mile Creek water supply system needs repairs.
The NAC will be informed by the DPW on the concerns it has for the system.
Additional properties in the Six Mile Creek area are becoming available that would allow
new acquisitions to protect the watershed. Dan Hoffman has raised some concerns
about Town activity in the watershed. Jon has not heard the details, but will find out
more in time for the next meeting.
The Dick Fischer bluebird house project at Six Mile Creek is underway.
8. Other business: The revised work plan for 2006 was briefly discussed. Larry moved
and James seconded the motion that the plan be adopted. Passed.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40PM.
Submitted by Lenore Durkee
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