HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB minutes 11-2-06 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
November 2, 2006
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee, James Hamilton, Eva
Hoffmann, Brent Katzmann, Susan McCutcheon, Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger.
STAFF: Sue Ritter
GUESTS: Adrian Williams and Stephan Wagner
Discussion of the Briarwood II subdivision project was moved to the head of the
agenda.
Sue Ritter first described the project, with special attention to the guest's concerns with
storm water drainage and the status of the wetlands, and then explained the measures
planned to ameliorate these problems by the use of strategically placed berms and
drainage channels as well as control of water level in the wetlands using weirs to slow
the discharge of runoff.
Mr. Willams and Mr. Wagner then stated that, since the completion of Briarwood I, there
have been changes in drainage patterns, and possibly changes in the populations of
breeding birds (particularly hawks) and plant species resulting from the encroachment
of residences on the wetlands. With respect to bird and plant populations, they argued
that an updated survey is needed. However, considering stormwater drainage issues
and solutions, they suggested problems may also arise from "base flow" water
emanating from drainage pipes and ditches from areas where impermeable surfaces
(houses, driveways, etc.) exist. Homes to the west of the Briarwood development have
had difficulty in dealing with the water and are hard-pressed to keep basements dry,
even with sump pumps. They contend that this issue has not been addressed.
Diane then read a letter from the CB, to be presented to Mr. Williams and Mr. Wagner,
explaining that the ERC had revisited the site and had read the PB's stipulations on
current development plans. ERC members said that the visit did not reveal any
additional findings that would argue against the Briarwood II development, and also
noted that Mr. Lucente will be required to address the stipulations before development
can proceed. The CB supported this statement.
Following some exchange of thoughts, the CB members suggested that they would be
interested in any additional evidence that Mr. Williams and Mr. Wagner could present
that would cause the Board to reconsider.
Member concerns: Lenore mentioned that the ERC was not adequately informed of the
issues concerning modifications of lighting at the Overlook at West Hill. In Project # 03-
10-471, the owner requested that the previously approved outdoor lighting fixtures be
replaced by new decorative style fixtures. The ERC agreed with this modification, but
later learned that these new fixtures did not conform to the originally approved Planning
Board site plan, that required shielded fixtures. Knowing this, the ERC's initial response
to the proposal might not have been supporting.
The ERC learned that Jon Kanter had looked at the lighting situation at night and
concluded that the porch lights were not a problem, but that glare from the community
building was excessive. Jon has proposed a compromise: the newly installed fixtures
can remain, but the community building and all future development must adhere to the
original requirements of the PB. The ERC and the CB agreed to this compromise.
Concerns of the ERC regarding the communication of project information will be
conveyed to the Planning Department.
Chair report: Diane complimented Jon on his article on the Fischer Award in the latest
Town newsletter and called attention to the series of meetings being held locally on the
Tompkins County Natural Features Focus Area Project. She also now has a copy of
the "Guide for Local Planning for Agriculture in New York State" as well as a brochure
on "Environmental Effects of Agricultural Land Use Change" that are available for CB
members to examine.
Coordinator's report: Sue noted that the Town Board has approved the modification to
the zoning ordinance related to solar collectors, and that the outdoor lighting local law
was also passed.
Business: The minutes were approved as corrected.
Discussion of Natural Heritage Preservation Program: The Town Board has expressed
support for advancing development of this program. A Planning staff person will be
assigned to rework the original draft, and will do so in cooperation/oversight with the
CB.
Regular reports and updates:
ERC: The Briarwood II situation was briefly discussed (see notes above). Sue pointed
out that most towns in New York, including Ithaca, do not have a performance
standards for undertaking biological surveys in environmental assessments of new
developments proposals.
Scenic Resources: Diane reported that the Committee continues to work on the
inventory project. It was noted that Jon Kanter was impressed by the work done so far
and is reporting on it during a presentation he is giving to a planning class at the
College of ESF in Syracuse.
Tompkins County EMC: The EMC noted that no SEAR review was done prior to the
establishment of the experimental off-leash dog area in festival lands by the City of
Ithaca. Larry reported that at its next meeting, the EMC will probably pass a resolution
to the City, requesting a full review that will be in accordance with State environmental
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law and directed towards addressing protection of wildlife in that area as well adjacent
state owned land.
Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: Water sampling was done on October
30. The annual symposium is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, at the Human
Services Building on State Street. Six Mile Creek volunteers and those from Fall Creek
and other areas will bring the data collected so far. James is asking the CB members to
access the website (www.communityscience.org) to see how it is working.
City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission: Jon reported that the Committee has been
concerned primarily with the water plant issue, i.e. either to use Bolton Point for the City
water supply or to rebuild the existing water treatment plant. The NAC has prepared a
communication to the BPW and the Common Council stating that it has no
recommendation for either of the proposals, but asking, if Bolton Point is chosen, if the
City has a commitment to maintaining the water quality of Six Mile Creek.
R. Fischer Award Committee: Jon reported that he has not received any response to
his request, appearing in the County Newsletter article, for names of prospective Fisher
Award nominees and he reminded the CB members that they should be looking for
possible nominees.
Other business: Larry described the 2006 Conference on the Environment held at the
Chatauqua Institution. It was somewhat disappointing as the conference coincided with
the severe snowstorm in the Buffalo area which cut down on presentations and
attendance. A talk by Sharon Anderson, of the Cayuga Lake Watershed group on rain
gardens was most informative. These gardens are constructed so as to store excessive
water and allow its slow release, thus helping to control flooding. He suggested Ms.
Anderson as a possible speaker at a CB meeting.
Larry felt that the meeting topics and speakers were generally oriented towards county
rather than municipal boards.
Diane reminded those members whose terms are expiring, that they will be receiving a
letter from the Town asking about their future participation on the Board. At this time,
Diane agreed to serve as Chair of the CB for another year, an offer which was
enthusiastically accepted by the members.
The meeting adjourned at 9.25 PM.
Lenore Durkee
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