HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2018-05-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
May 3rd, 2018 5:37 p.m.
Final Minutes
Members present: Michael Roberts (Chair), Will VanDyke (Vice-chair), James Hamilton, Eva
Hoffmann, Ellie Stewart, Vlad Micic, Jon Meigs
Staff: Mike Smith
Guests: Hannah George (prospective member)
1. Persons to be heard: N/A
2. Member Concerns:James shared that he was happy with NYSEG's fluorescent bulb buyback
program.
James wanted members to remember to comment on the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) public outreach regarding invasive species. He noted that
deer were not included as an invasive species and we should include a mention of that omission
in our comments.
3. Chair and Coordinator Reports: Mike R noted that he was still working on a good-faith
commitment document to help outline the expectations of Conservation Board (CB) members.
Eva requested a bit more clarification on what good-faith would mean. Mike provided that
clarity.
Mike R reported that he has been in communication with the Agriculture Committee (AC) chair
regarding overlapping initiatives between the two committees. He noted he'll be able to
summarize at a later date.
Mike S reported on a Town of Ithaca Planning Board project in which Cornell is expanding
portions of its North Campus housing. Some of the project lies within the City of Ithaca limits
but noted the size of the project will be of interest for the CB.
Mike S also reminded the CB of the Town's staff appreciation day on May 10th and that if we
intend to go, we should RSVP.
Mike S presented two updates on grants for the town to study the possible expansion of
sidewalks up South Aurora (96B) and Trumansburg Road (96). The route 96B project is already
moved to the design phase with a staff kick off meeting happening the week of May 7th. The
Route 96 project is setting up a pedestrian study and seeking public outreach.
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Lastly Mike S noted that on June 4th the DEC will hold their NYSACC meetings. There will be an
online option for attending, but wanted to know if there was any interest from board members
to attend in person.
4. Approval of April 5th, 2018 Minutes:
James moved to approve with stated revisions. Eva seconded.
5. Planning for the 2017 Fischer Conservation Award tree planting ceremony:
The final text was discussed and almost complete for the plaque. May 19th at 2pm was selected
as the date and time. Tutelo Park had previously been selected as the location for the
ceremony. A white pine was selected as the tree for the ceremony. It has a special meaning to
the Tutelo Native Americans. Mike S will check to see if the pavilion is available.
6. A Recap of the Conservation Boards Attendance at the April 22nd Sustainable Tompkins
Earth Day Event: Lindsay, James and Will attended the event. Overall the members attending
felt it was a well-run event but more could be done to get the public to attend. There were
many good conversations with the public who were in attendance. It was noted that we need
to try and focus on only a couple topics in the future, as it got a little overwhelming to try and
cover everything they had. Will noted that many of the most impactful conversations were with
members of other groups who were tabling.
Eva would like to formally thank the members who were attended the event.
Mike Roberts would like the CB to continue to find other events that we could attend. One
recommendation was the Cornell Cooperative Extension Plant Sale on May 20th. The CB agreed
to contact the Native Plant Society to try and hand out some of the CB pamphlets on native
plants.
7. Regular Reports and Updates:
• Environmental Review Committee:There was a discussion regarding the proposed
Babcock property subdivision. The CB discussed whether more could be done to reach
future land owners on subdivided land.
• Scenic Resources Committee: No update
• Communications Committee: the CC was finalizing the press release for the Fischer
Award. Will to make a facebook event that people can commit to sharing online.
• Tompkins County EMC: No Update
• Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program:James noted that in a recent round of
sampling they were trying to achieve a tier 3 degree of testing for Benthic
Macroinvertebrate (BMI) identification. The samples taken did not register similar
enough. James noted the Community Science Institute (CSI) held a meeting on April
14th and announced their comprehensive study that higher levels of nitrogen coming
from manure runnoff from all local farms are leading to an increase in Harmful Algal
Blooms (HABs).
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• Cornell Botanic Gardens Natural Areas Program:The members scouted for Hemlock
Wooly Adelgid and James noticed the worse case he's ever seen off Snyder Hill Road, in
the Paulson Preserve. James noted that Ringwood preserve also has some. They also
worked to clear the sidewalk on the Cascadilla Gorge Trail.
• Deer Management Committee: Mike S provided an update that city council member
Donna Flemming and Bernd Blossey attended the last meeting. Bernd discussed
Trumansburg's deer management season this year and reported that 52 deer were
killed this season. Mike also noted that the Village of Cayuga Heights hired White
Buffalo again to conduct their deer management plan and successfully wrapped up their
season. Bernd also spoke with the committee regarding how and where to start if the
plan were to be approved. His suggestion was that the Town of Ithaca try to coordinate
it with Cornell's efforts. He also mentioned that the best method would be to start in
the center and work toward the outer limits of the Town. Lastly he noted that the
northwest part of Town may be difficult due to the population density. Mike R asked if
the committee is closer to deciding on private or public land. Mike S noted that private
land won't require changing existing Town laws. May 22nd is the first public outreach
meeting. Mike S will be making a Facebook event.
8. Other Business: Will provided a summary of the interview with Hannah George and moved to
formally recommend Hannah George to the Town Board for full Conservation Board
membership. James seconded. The CB voted unanimously.
Will presented an update on Ithaca College's water usage. He spoke with Greg Lischke, Ithaca
Director of Energy Management and Sustainability during the college's sustainability week.
They have seen a 15% reduction in water usage in the last year and are expecting even more
improvements over the next few years.
Eva presented the action items for the Scenic Resources Committee.
The Conservation Board would like to check off one of their work goals as New York State has
proposed a ban on plastic grocery bags.
9. June Agenda: A discussion on what events we can support for Invasive Species week during
July 8-14th.
Mike R will see if Mark Whitmore can attend a future meeting to discuss bio controls to combat
the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid.
Mike Roberts moved to adjourn, Ellie Stewart seconded.
Meeting adjourned at 7:12 pm Minutes drafted by Will VanDyke 5/21/18
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