Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 1991MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET ITHACA, NY 14850 CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL 7:00 p.m., THURSDAY. 3 JANUARY, 1991 TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) AGENDA 1 Meoort of the Cihair. ?. Persons to be leara. 3. Staff report. 4. Member concerns. 5. Review of September 20, October 4, November 7, and December 6 meeting minutes 6. Discussion of Coddington Road sewer extension. 7 Discussion of Susan Beener's Land Use Control Mechanisms report. 8. Committee reports. 9. 1990 accomplishments and 1991 goals. 10. Other business. 1 I. Consider agenda for next meeting. 1 ". 44ou'rnment -- 9:30 P.M. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer cc: Dan Walker Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Ruth Mahr Laura Marks Elizabeth Mulholland Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member ADOPTED MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING 3 JANUARY 1991 ---------------------------- ---------------------- - - ------ Present: John Whitcomb (Chair) Celia Bowers Christiann Dean Ruth Mahr laura marks Others Present: George Frantz (Acting Town Planner) Scott Dvorak (Planning Aide) Dan Walker (Town Engineer) Absent: -Richard Fischer Eva Hoff man Dooley Kiefer Elizabeth Mulholland Jeff Caster (ad hoc) Phillip Zarriello (ad hoc) A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by John Whitcomb, Chair, at Town Hall. Chairperson's report John Whitcomb discussed his GIS meeting with Bill Waltman at . Cornell. He feels that the system that is being developed there will be of value to the CAC. John presented photographs from Susan Beener's autumn town flyover and asked whether further flyovers would be a duplication of county efforts. Dan Walker thought they would be, although the Town's use of a private plane could get more details, be done annually, and be much less costly, whereas the County photogrammetric flights are only done once every ten years and are much more costly. Persons to be heard There were no persons to be heard. Staff report Scott Dvorak did not yet have agendas for other committees, so could not report on what is being done. There was some discussion of the status of the CACs recommended reactions to the Town Board. Member Concerns Ruth Mahr asked Dan Walker about the Town's road salting plan. Dan provided information on the decision process of when and where to salt, sand, and/or plow. There is no written Town policy. Celia suggested the use of coarser sand, with no salt, as in the Adirondacks. Christiann and Ruth want to know more about Cornell's and the Plantation's policies. After some discussion Dan suggested that this topic should be taken up with the Public Works Committee, John Whitcomb said that, as a member of that committee, he would be able to get information on the subject. Ruth asked if the CAC could receive something written from the engineer's office. Coddington Road Utility Extension Dan Walker presented the Town Engineer's utility extension proposal for Coddington Road. It would extend sewer service to almost all Coddington Road properties and water service to a small area south of King Road. The sewer would replace existing septic systems. The project is expected to cost about $1,200,000 and would probably not be constructed until sometime in 1992. Dan estimated the town -wide benefit assessment. might have to be raised $15, to about $80/unit. Discussion ensued about the effects utilities would have on the area and whether septic systems were failing and if that isn't the responsiblity of the owner. The CAC is concerned that in addition to possible beneficial effects there may be long -run negative effects on the Six -Mile Creek Valley if the sewer encouraged development in the area. It was agreed that the topic would be referred to the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) for further discussion and comment. Minutes John asked for written comments on the minutes for 9-20, 10-4, 11-7, and 12-6, noting that Dooley had turned hers in. He wondered if his handwritten notes for the September 6 meeting were in the staff's files. Scott noted that minutes -for the November 13 meeting are also needed. The minutes will be considered and approved at a future meeting. John noted that he was attempting to hire a recording secretary for the CAC for 1991. Ruth Mahr said that she believed that a CAC member could take minutes. It was noted that earlier attempts at this failed to produce a volunteer. Land Use Mechanisms report John suggested that a discussion wasn't necessary but that members should use Susan Beener's report as a reference, especially during the upcoming open space indexing process. 2 Christiann Dean thought that the section on agricultural land protection was not comprehensive and could be improved by using Matt Hastie's earlier report on that topic. It was agreed that Matt's report will be attached as an appendix to Susan's report. Parks. Natural Areas. and Stream Corridors Committee Laura marks discussed the upcoming community meeting about the Sig -Mile Creek Valley report. The meeting is scheduled for Sunday, 6 January 1991 at 2 p.m. The Planning Board will hold its public hearing on the report on January 15. Laura mentioned a negative letter being cirulated about the report and the effects it may have on the meeting. It was suggested that laura write a letter to local publications in response to some of the misconceptions of that letter without specifically referring to it. Christiann asked Dan Walker about the status of a Burns Road realignment; he said it's a 20 -year-old consultant's idea, and there are no present plans. George Frantz reported that at last night's Common Council meeting the City of Ithaca approved paying up to $67,500 for the lower half of the Heffron property. Laura, John, George, and Scott met with Ron Brand to get his input on the Six Mile Creek Valley report, and he gave a number of insights about possible sewer impacts. Agriculture Committee George Frantz said that he was making revisions to the agriculture inventory and policies. Draft maps were given to Susan Beeners to refine. The next Agriculture Committee meeting will be 17 January 1991. 1990 Accomplishment and 1991 Goals John Whitcomb discussed his list of 1990 accomplishments and 1991 goals for the CAC. He listed the completion of the Open Space Index as top priority and the review of goals and objectives of the comprehensive plan as the next priority. Discussion followed about how the CAC will go about indexing open space. Laura marks offered that her committee will take tAe lead. Celia Bowers had distributed a memo earlier of her view of how the CAC should work, questioning if and how'the CAC committees are contributing to the two top priorities. Celia would like to see the index as the first item on every agenda until its completion in order to focus the council's attention on it. Staff will supply copies of the comprehensive plan's goals and objectives to the CAC as soon as they are available. 3 FAQ mnncil Vacancies Ruth Mahr presented background information on the draft resoulution she has prepared on procedures for filling CAC vacancies. She noted that there may be two alternative ways of looking at the CAC, each having different implications for such procedures. The CAC may be perceived as a somewhat autonomous environmental advocacy group within Town government; or it may be perceived as advisory to and under the control of the Town Board. In the latter view if a Town government is somewhat hostile to environmental concerns, the CAC would be a rubber stamp group. Ruth's draft reflects her vision of a strong CAC as an environmental advocacy committee. The resolution was tabled for consideration at the next regular CAC meeting. The Town Board asked the CAC provide it with a resolution recommending a council chairperson. John Whitcomb said that he would like to serve in that position for another year. Ruth Mahr had reservations about John serving on both the Town Board and on the CAC and even stronger reservations about his serving as Chair of the CAC while also serving on the Town Board. She suggested that there was a potential for a conflict of interest. Christiann Dean moved that John Whitcomb remain the chairperson of the CAC for one more year. Celia Bowers seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. Adjournment The agenda for the next meeting on 24 January 1991 was discussed. Jack Martin from Cornell will give a presentation on alternative sewage disposal methods. The Agriculture and Open Space committees will report and membership procedures will be further discussed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. Submitted by: Scott D. Dvorak with comments by Dooley Kiefer and Ruth Mahr 2-6-91 Moved by laura marks, seconded by Celia Bowers. Aye - John Whitcomb, Celia Bowers, Christiann Dean, Dooley Kiefer. Ruth Mahr, and Laura marks No - None Abstain -.Eva Hoffman 2-21-91 4 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL 7:00 p.m., THURSDAY. 24 JANUARY, 1991 "TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) AGENDA ' Report of the Cha r 1.% to be hear. ,3. Member concerns. 4. Committee reports. - Open Space Indexing Committee - Parks, Natural Areas, and Stream Corridors Committee - Agriculture Committee �. Alternative sewage disposal methods presentation by Jack Martin. 6. Discussion of membership procedure and Ruth Mahr's proposed resolution (enclosed). 7. Approve meeting schedule. 8. Address Comprehensive Planning Committee Goals and Objections draft. 9. Other business. 10. Consider agenda for next meeting. Adourimmenl - ;:-0 ,.,m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer cc: Dan Walker Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Ruth Mahr laura marks Elizabeth Mulholland Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member I - MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrance at rear of building -- west siva) 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 , 1991 (Rescnecu ieo from ,;anuary ?s, PI -91 ) AGENDA ^=r:cns t oe hea.-d. � r^zmoer CrnCYrns Discussion of committee structure. �Ccmmiltee- Repert 6_ Discuss;on of memcersnip procedure :,no Muth t"Ianr's proposed resolut,on 7. npprove 1991 meeting schedule. 8. Acdress Comorehensive Planning Committee Goals ana Oolections draft 9. Other business. 10. Consider agenda for next meeting. 1 1. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. GAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Calla Bowers Christiann ,Dean R ;c, r lscner Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer CC: Dan Walker Ott Dvorak, Planning Aide Ruth Mahr ]aura marks Elizabeth Mulholland Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriel lo, ad hoc member ADOPTED MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING 31 JANUARY 1991 Present: John.Whitcomb (Chair) Celia Bowers Richard Fischer Eva Hoffman Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member Others Present: Scott Dvorak (Planning Aide) Absent: Christiann Dean Elizabeth Mullholand A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by John Whitcomb, Chair, at the Town Hall. Report of the Chair John introduced Margaret Bishop, who will do CAC minutes from now on. She is a candidate for a Master's degree in historic preservation at Cornell's Department of City and Regional Planning. John mentioned that he had received two pamphlets --one on conserving land and one on affordable housing -- from an agency in Vermont. He gave them to Scott to make copies for the other members of the Council. John mentioned that the Highway Department promised to send him a report about the -use of salt on the roads and that he would share it with the Council when he received it. Persons to be heard There were no persons to be heard. Member concerns Dooley asked if the list of the 1990 CAC accomplishments was adopted or amended at the last meeting. The goals were stated to be the creation of an Open Space Index and the development of Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives from an environmental standpoint. Dooley suggested that the Council spend time refining the 1990 list and it was decided to be put on the agenda for the next meeting (7 February 1991). John mentioned that the state decreed all CAC's must file an annual report. Scott said that he filed a short report to the state based on quarterly action of the Council. It was suggested that a committee be formed to write an annual report. Dooley asked if the vacancy on the Comprehensive Planning Committee had been advertised, and wondered how Jerry Weisburd, a developer, was chosen. John stated that Mr. Weisburd had been selected by David Klein, the Chairman of the CPC. Dooley announced that the Cornell University Environmental Law Society could offer a summer intern for 6 to 8 weeks and asked whether the Council would be interested in hiring one. She said that some of the funding for the intern might be shared by Cornell and the Environmental Law Society. It was decided that the request should be addressed to John Whitcomb and Georg -e Frantz and that the Town Board should also be notified. Dooley stated that Sue Beener's report on protection mechanisms needed specific examples and that maybe the Environmental Review Committee could work with Sue to flesh out these suggestions. Laura said that the report needs work and if the disk was available to the CAC, the report could be regularly updated. Dooley announced that on 23 March 1991, there would be a seminar on Pesticides Hazards in the Non -Agricultural Workplace. The seminar would run from 8:30-12:30 and is sponsored by the New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides; it is free and will be held at the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Hall. One of the scheduled speakers is the Assistant Attorney General who will discuss the legal aspect of the seminar topic. Dooley said that she wanted the Council to talk about the budget at some future point, either in committee or as a whole. It was stated that the budget was approved by the Town Board. Scott said a copy of the budgdt was mailed with the 10 January 1991 letter. There was a question about whether the CAC should know the percentage of whose hours were charged to the CAC (ie. consultants, attorney's time). Services used by the CAC through the Comprehensive Plan were not charged to the CAC and therefore not part of the CAC budget. There was a question about whether the Comprehensive Plan draft goals and objectives were sent to Council members. Because the CPC had not yet adopted the goals and objectives, nothing was mailed to CAC members, -so although this is on the agenda, there is nothing to discuss. Laura questioned that if CAC members were to be appointed by March, the Council should know who is not rejoining and that seat vacancies should be advertised. John stated that an adv- _..i samen man in Ithaca Journal several months ago and one letter from an interested person had been received to date. It was decided that the recommendation and selection of CAC members should be discussed at the next meeting. Staff report Scott reported that the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council is scheduled to present their report on Unique Natural Areas at the Town Board meeting on 11 February 1991. Scott said he would let the CAC know at the next meeting if this presentation would definitely take place on its scheduled date. 2 Discussion of committee structure The status of the existing committees (Environmental Review; Parks, Natural Areas, and Stream Corridors; and Agriculture) was discussed and the possibility of reassigning tasks and reshuffling members was brought up. Dick Fischer said that he believed it is too early.in the CAC's history to begin reshuffling members since they had finally set up a rapport with other members. John, an ex -officio member of the Agriculture Committee, stated that this committee is working on the Comprehensive Plan, protective measures and education. John said that the Council needed to discuss what committees are needed and who should be on them. A concern was raised that members should be able to join and leave committees and not be limited to a specific term. Two possibilities for the coming year were outlined -- changing the focus of the Environmental Review Committee and creating a new committee for working on the goals and objectives of environmental planning for the Comprehensive Plan. Laura discussed the Six -Mile Creek document and stated that the Parks, Natural Areas, and Stream Corridors Committee could work with Scott in creating an open spaces and natural resources index. She suggested that they move ahead at the committee level and not the council level, but to solicit and consider comments from the CAC as a whole. She commented that perhaps the council could be broken up into .two committees, one.to do the indexing and one to address the goals and objectives. Ruth Mahr voiced her concern that the Council's energies were going -in too many directions and should be concentrating on the Open Space document. It was suggested that a Current Concerns Committee be formed to investige member concerns. Celia feels that the primary concern of the Council should be to create the Open Space Index and that a large committee is unwieldy for such a complex issue. She suggested a smaller committee be formed to- address this issue. Laura said she saw three distinct parts to the Open Space issue --the Open Space Index, a technical report of what exists; what to protect; and the philosophy of the issue including the index's goals. Eva Hoffmann stated that it was important the committees report to the Council as a whole and allow the Council to approve or not. Scott said that Open Space mapping has begun and the staff planned to review aerial photographs to verify the maps. The question was brought up as to when the Council would be able to review the goals and objectives section of the Comprehensive Plan. It was decided that after the CPC meets on 12 February, when it is expected that the CPC will adopt a draft of the goals, a copy of the draft will be mailed to CAC members. It was decided that the Council needs to be informed more frequently and in more detail as the document is written and that the CAC needs to agree with the document before it is presented 3 to the Planning Board. The name of the new committee to address the Open Space issue will be the Open Space Inventory Committee and its charge will be to index/inventory Open Spaces in the Town of Ithaca. John reported that the Agriculture Committee will continue in its present capacity and Christiann Dean, the Chairperson, will discuss particulars at the 7 February meeting. The Environmental Review Committee was discussed. This committee primarily reviews development proposals and makes recommendations. Suggestions were made that the Environmental Review Committee could also look into pesticide use, salt on the roads, hazardous waste pick-up and address current issues and problems; however, it was decided that the ER Committee should continue to review proposals and make recommendations, which is a full menu for any one committee. In order to reorganize the membership of the committees (the Agriculture Committee is understaffed and the Environmental Review Committee is overstaffed), a sign-up list was circulated. Four committees were decided upon --Open Space Inventory, Agriculture, Environmental Review and a current issues committee. Committee reports Laura marks reported that the Six Mile Creek proposal was discussed at a public meeting at the Coddington Road Community Center and at the Planning Board. Both meetings were well - attended by residents of the 'area. Laura said a question was raised at the Codes and Ordinances Committee meeting regarding the one -house -per -seven -acres clause and that some felt it needed scientific justification. There was also some criticism with respect to water quality issues. The Codes and Ordinances Committee is looking at the Conservation District concept apart from Six Mile Creek, and it, too, would like some documentation in support of the 7 acre size. Laura noted that this could open up the basis for all our Zoning Ordinance lot -size restrictions. Laura reported that the Planning Board will revisit Six -mile Creek this week and it is expected that they will declare it a critical environmental area and will justify and decide boundaries. Discussion o membership procedure and Ruth Hahr's resolution The Council decided that it is necessary to set up a procedure on how to recommend people to fill- vacancies on the CAC and discuss criteria for membership. The question was raised about the length of a member's appointment. Dooley Kiefer brought up her concern about the appointment of a chair. She felt that the CAC should elect a chair after it re -organizes in March. However, this was already done for 1991. The Council recommended John Whitcomb to continue and the Town Board has appointed him to do so. The concern was raised about the interaction between the Town Board and the CAC. The Council decided that the CAC should be as independent as possible in the event that in a future 4 administration it does not receive the support from the Town that .it now has. Dick Fischer commented that the CAC should continue its friendly relationship with the Town Board. Laura marks agreed and wants to keep up the support of the Town Board by retaining John and Eva on the CAC, both of whom are members of Town Boards. The Council decided to send a resolution to the Town Board regarding the membership of the CAC before the Board enacts a local law about the CAC. A motion was made to have "no more than two of the nine members" be from the Town government. Ruth opposed the motion; all other members approved and the motion was carried. A motion was made to adopt the document as written but Dooley Kiefer felt that further discussion was needed. "Expiration of terms and appointment/reappointment" was discussed and it was decided that the Town Board should solicit applications at least two months, instead of six weeks, before the vacancies are to occur. Also it was decided that all applications should be received at least four weeks before the - beginning of the new term, not three as stated in the document. The Council will review the applications as a whole and interviews will be scheduled as appropriate. It was decided that the limit on terms should stand. Under "Vacancies" the March 1 dates were changed to Dec. 31 and the minimum limit on membership was changed from five to seven. Under the topic of Officers, Dooley suggested that this line be added: "The Town Board shall appoint a chair by CAC recommendation for the second year and thereafter the CAC will appoint the chair." Also it was suggested that, after the first two years, the chair may not be a member of any other Town Board. Specific changes and reorganization of the document will be done - by Scott and the revised document will be brought to the next meeting. Dick moved that the document be accepted with the changes and Ruth seconded it; the motion was carried by a unanimous vote. There was a question about whether this document should go to the Town Board for their information or be kept for internal CAC use; it was decided by the Council to keep the document internal for now. A discussion arosA as to whether the Board should re - advertise the vacancies on the CAC. It was decided not to advertise, rather announce it to the members whose terms expire (Bowers, Hoffman, Mahr, and Mulholland) and to the ad-hoc members and have those who are interested in applying put something in writing. 1991 Schedule The Council decided to keep the schedule with two meetings a month and cancel ones not needed as appropriate. The schedule as written was approved by all members of the CAC. 5 Comprehensive Planning Committee Goals and Obiectives Draft The draft is not yet available. It will be sent to CAC members as soon as it is. The expected date at this point is 13 February 1991. Agenda for next meeting The scheduled agenda was approved with one addition -- Discussion of 1990 accomplishments. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Submitted 2-13-91 by Margaret Anne Bishop Revised 3-18-91 Adopted 3-21=91. Moved by laura marks, seconded by John Whitcomb. Ayes - John Whitcomb, Candace Cornell, Christiann Dean, Eva Hoffman, Dooley Kiefer, Ruth Mahr, and laura marks. 6 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF I THA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1991 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Member concerns. 4. Staff report. S. Committee Reports - Discussion of Agriculture Committee's Comprehensive Plan draft ( mailed previously). 6. Presentation by Jack Martin on alternative sewage disposal methods. 7. Consideration of minutes ( mailed previously). 8. Discuss 1990 accomplishments and the creation of an annual report for the DEC. 9. Other business. 10. Consider agenda for next meeting. 1 I. Adjournment -- 9:30. p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer CC: Dan Walker Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Ruth Mahr laura marks Elizabeth Mulholland Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member REVISED MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL HEETING 7 FEBRUARY 1991 Present: John Whitcomb (Chair) Celia Bowers Christi'ann Dean Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer laura marks Jeff Caster (ad hoc) Others Present: George Frantz (Acting Town Planner) Scott Dvorak (Planning Aide) Dan Walker (Town Engineer) Matt Hastie (Cornell student) Bill Hilker (Town resident) Absent: Richard Fischer Elizabeth Mulholland Phillip Zarriello (ad hoc) A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by John Whitcomb, Chair, at Town Hall. Report of the Chair John Whitcomb announced that he brought natural resource inventories from other towns/areas and has decided to leave them at Town Hall as a resource for all interested parties --some were initially passed out to Council members for review. John discussed a new Town of Ithaca committee, the Comprehensive Plan Coordinating Committee which incorporates the Chairpersons of Town entities --Planning Board, CAC, CPC --plus Shirley Raffensperger, Ron Brand and other staff members. He said their duty was to coordinate the Comprehensive Plan and assess where the plan is and how it is moving along. John will be responsible for keeping the Coordinating Committee up to date on the CAC and relaying the CAC's comments about inventory and analysis, natural resources, land use, open space, agriculture and parks. John thinks the schedule is too ambitious for input from the grass roots level and that initial comments will be accepted from all levels of government (i.e., staff, coordinating committee, CAC and subcommittees). Dooley and laura asked if the deadlines were realistic. Dooley asked if the CPC will revise drafts of the Comprehensive Plan at the 12 March meeting and whether other councils would have a chance to look at the revisions. John felt 1 that the plan would benefit from early input by all interested parties. Persons to be heard There were no persons to be heard. Member concerns Dooley announced that Andy Zepp of the Nature Conservancy (who was instrumental in starting the Finger Lakes Land Trust) would be giving a presentation about the Nature Conservancy's lands and work in central New York at Cornell's Ornithology Lab at 7:30 p.m. on 7 March. She suggested that, since that was a regular meeting night for the CAC, they should all attend as a group. Christiann agreed and the Council decided to consider it as an option. Dooley inquired about the Unique Natural Areas report and Scott informed her that Kurt Jerka would be presenting his report at 6:30 on 11 February to the Town Board. Dooley asked about Codes and Ordinances' actions on recent Planning Board referrals and other issues. John suggested that the staff liaison to the COC, John Czamanske, give an oral or written presentation to the CAC at the next meeting. She also asked if the lakefront or sunset proposals were discussed at the COC meeting. Eva said no about the lakefront and she wasn't sure about the sunset proposal. Agriculture Committee report Christiann discussed the draft of the Agriculture Committee's Comprehensive Plan and asked for the CAC's comments. She listed the members of the committee: Monica Crispin, Jim Ainsley, John Whitcomb, and Matt Hastie (Cornell graduate planning student who did research on local farms). She also noted with appreciation the work -of another Cornell graduate student, Chuck Carson. A considerable amount of discussion ensued and written comments were given to Christiann by several members of the CAC. The following concerns were raised: further definition of terms/terminology; include maps; make the numbers of people and acres more clear; include monetary figures (ie. income, sales, profits, etc.); need more information about the various crops and how many acres there are of each; whether the regulations on farmers are unfair and are an undue burden. Christiann stated that development pressure has a negative effect on farming. She said that by continuing to farm, farmers are helping the Town preserve open space and so it is in the Town's interest to help farmers continue to farm. Bill Hilker asked what criteria were used in the survey of local farmers by the Corneli students. Matt Hastie said they used tax parcel maps, which person's land was coded as agricultural land or those identifying themselves as farmers, and K word-of-mouth information. Laura made a motion to adopt the document as revised; Celia seconded it and the motion was carried by a unanimous vote. Christiann announced that there would be a working meeting on Monday, 11 February at 8 AM to make the suggested revisions and discuss educational efforts. Christiann noted that the original recommendations made by the Agriculture Committee have been greatly watered down in the comprehensive Plan Committee's goals and objectives section. Presentation by Jack Martin --alternative sewage disposal methods Jack Martin asked the members of the CAC if they had any specific questions. Laura said they were looking for something halfway between a.personal septic system and a full-scale sewer. John said there was a concern that there will be raw sewage on the surface of the ground. Jack asked -what prompted the petition by the residents for the new sewer system. Bill Hilker replied that it was motivated by a concern for the contamination of wells and the different types of soil. John asked how expensive a mound system would be and did it need a huge area. Jack said that it would be more expensive than a sand filter and would be no bigger than an existing leach field; he said the life expectancy of such a system is 15-20 years.- Christiann ears:Christiann said that educating home -owners about the proper use of a system would be most beneficial at this point and that is hasn't been determined what the needs of the Town are exactly. Jack mentioned an alternative to the conventional sewer --the community septic system which is currently in use in the Village of Newfield. Jack said that the Town could also create a sewer district that would be empowered to run the system, check the tanks and determine when tanks need to be pumped. Christiann suggested that a committee be set-up for public education and Jack said that maybe the Cornell Cooperative Extension could be used as a resource toward that end. Dan Walker said the state regulations were concerned with surface discharge. He said that lot size and soil type must meet existing Health Department codes. Dan stated that the Town needs effective legislation to help solve this problem. Jack gave a slide presentation that described various types of sewer and septic systems. Agenda for next meeting John announced that at the next meeting the CAC would interview candidates for the vacancies on the Council. Applications had been received thus far from Celia Bowers, Ruth Mahr, Eva Hoffmann, Jeff Caster and Candace Cornell. John said that the Council would ask the applicants questions and then go into executive session to vote. He 3 suggested that the incumbent members being voted upon be excused while the rest of the Council discussed their interview and voted. It was tentatively decided that this was the fairest system. John said that the Council should discuss the goals and objectives statement that results from the CPC meeting of 12 February at the next CAC meeting (21 February). Dooley announced that the Environmental Review Committee would be meeting on 4 March at 4:45 PM to review the long environmental assessment form and requested that Susan Beeners be present. Laura suggested that Dooley call Shirley and ask for Sue as a consultant to the committee. Adiournment The meeting was adjourned by John Whitcomb at 10:15 PM. Submitted 2-13-91 by Margaret Anne Bishop. Revised 3-18-91. Revised 3-21-91. Adopted 5-16-91. 4 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) ( 607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1991 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Member concerns. 4. Staff report. S. Membership Interviews (8 p.m.) 6. Committee Reports 7. Consideration of minutes. - September 20 (mailed end of December) - October 4 ( mailed end of December) - October 25 ( enclosed) - November 7 ( mailed end of December) - December 6 ('mailed end of December) -January 3 ( enclosed) 8. Discuss Comprehensive Plan draft Goals and Objectives (enclosed). 9. Other business. 10. Consider agenda for next meeting. 1 I. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: 'John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers -%Christiann Dean 815 Richard Fischer.kN/ Eva Hoffmann ✓Dooley Kiefer copy: ✓Candace Cornell Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide 4uth Mahr �faura marks Elizabeth Mulholland --'J'eff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarrielio, ad hoc member �.C. ADOPTED MINUTES TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING 21 FEBRUARY 1991 aaaa:aaaa:a saaaaaaaa:aasa:aasaaa asaaaaa:aa:ssassaa ss aaa:aa aaa a:a3aaa Present: John Whitcomb (Chair) Celia Bowers Christian Dean (8:15) Eva Hoff man Dooley Kiefer (7:15) Ruth Mahr laura marks Others Present: Scott Dvorak (Planning Aide) John Czamanske (Planning Technician) Jeff Caster (ad hoc) Candace Cornell (Candidate for CAC) Bill Hilker (Town resident) Absent: Richard Fischer Elizabeth Mulholland Phillip Zarriello (ad hoc) ssssaa=aaas3sa9a3aaaassa as a:sa asa saaaasssaacca aaasa aaaaasa aasaaa:a:3 A regular meeting of the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory _ Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by John Whitcomb, Chair, at the Town Hall. Chairperson's Report John Whitcomb reported that the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council presented its Unique Natural Report to the Town Board at its last meeting. The report is available for reference in the Planning Office. Margaret Bishop, the recording secretary for the CAC has resigned. Members were asked, once again, to think about how they want meeting minutes to be handled. John recently returned from the Association of Towns conference and had several reports on wetlands and steep slopes. He asked that Scott Dvorak have these photocopied and distributed to Council members. One of the discussions at the conference was about SEQR reviews and how those that do not consider the impact on affordable housing may be struck down in court. John also mentioned that Representative Marty Luster is promoting a bill supporting the legality of impact fees. John said that Rep. Luster needs as much support as possible for this effort. Persons to be Heard There were no persons to be heard. Member Concerns Dooley Kiefer said that'she understood Jim Skaley, of the County Planning Office, to be concerned that Requests for Proposals (RFPs) don't have any SEQR information. She feels that the Town should include environmental questions in any of its RFPs. Dooley also brought up the subject of possibly employing a Cornell law student this summer. Staff had already reviewed this possibility and had not acted upon it due to the high cost compared to the amount of supervision required and -the type of work that would be needed. Dooley thinks that the CAC should still consider the possibility. John asked that CAC members provide a list of possible projects that an intern could work on this summer. John reminded everyone that the Nature Conservancy will be making a presentation at Cornell's Lab of Ornithology on its recent activities in Central New York. The presentation is Thursday, March 7 at the same time as the next regularly scheduled CAC meeting. Due to the high interest of CAC members in attending. the presentation it was agreed that the next meeting will be held at the Lab of Ornithology. Staff Report Scott Dvorak handed out drafts of section II.C.S (Parks and Recreation) and II.C.1 (Natural Resources) for review by the CAC, and discussed the Comprehensive Plan timeline and the important dates for review and comment on portions of the Plan (e.g., comments on draft Goals and Objectives due March 1). John Czamanske gave a report on the current status of various CAC issues in the Codes and Ordinances Committee (COC). It was noted that the Conservation District issues has been placed as the highest priority for the COC by the Town Board. They have also discussed the posting of signs and notification of neighbors upon receipt of a development application at the Planning Office. Lake shore development and sunset periods for permits are still on the COCs agenda. Ruth Mahr wanted to know about the potential state aid cuts that the Town is facing due to the State of New York's most recent fiscal crisis. She would like to know what they are and if we can respond to them. [The current proposal is to cut 100% of unallocated state aid to local governments 2 ($263,000 in 1991 budget) and 60% of allocated aid ($34,000 in 1991 b udget)]. Celia Bowers questioned the Highway Department's current policy of road de-icing. It was agreed that a committee should be formed to prepare a response to the Department's present policy. Dick Fischer had said earlier that he would like to be on such a committee. Ruth and Celia both volunteered to be on the committee as well. Dooley noted that the City has identified 4 acres along Cayuga Inlet as candidate parkland to trade for the Inlet Island parkland needed to be alienated for DOT's Route 96 project; some of it was said to be in the Town of Ithaca, and she asked staff to identify it. John W. said the Town Board was informed of the land in executive session, so that it's not public yet. Membership Interviews Celia Bowers, Candace Cornell, Jeff Caster, Eva Hoffman, and Ruth Mahr were the candidates for the four open seats on the CAC as of March 1, 1991. Each person gave a statement that was followed by an open floor for questions. At 9:05 p.m. the CAC went into executive session to discuss the candidates. At 9:20 p.m. the CAC returned to regular session and voted by secret written ballot. Celia Bowers, Candace Cornell, Eva Hoffman, and Ruth Mahr were chosen to be recommended to the Town Board to fill the vacancies. Minutes The minutes from the meetings of September 20, October 4, October 25, November 7, December 6, and January 3 were considered. All minutes were passed with minor revisions except for those from October 25 which were set aside for further revision and reconsideration. Goals and Objectives CAC members expressed a general dissatisfaction with the draft of the goals and objectives section of the Comprehensive Plan. Comments included such items as: - the lack of perspective without seeing the whole report; - unclear as to what was a goal and an objective, some objectives seem like goals, or policies, or strategies; - too vague; - needs a table of contents to make it more readable; - too long; redundant; - too technocratic; -doesn't inspire. 3 l q John Whitcomb asked that members make their comments in writing and give them to staff by the March 1, 1991 deadline. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Submitted by Scott Dvorak 3-21-91. Revised 3-25-91. Revised 4-12-91. Adopted 5-16-91. 4 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA Cornell University Lab of Ornithology Saosucker Woods Road Ithaca, NY 14850 -------------------- - 7:30 P.M-, THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 1991 Public presentation by An , - .,y 7er,, of the Nature Conserva^cv/Roches-,.r 0f` ca "Overview of the Nature Conservancy's Efforts In Central New vorw:." Bob Beck and Rob Paratley of the Finger Lazes Land Trust will be available for informal discussion after the presentation. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Candace Cornell Celia Bowers Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide (607)273-1747 Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member ADOPTED MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL 7 MARCH 1991 Present: Candace Cornell Eva Hoff man Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Others Present: Scott Dvorak, Planning Technician Absent: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Jeff Caster, ad hoc Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc A special meeting of the Town of Ithaca's Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was held at Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology at 7:30 p.m.. Andy Zepp of the the Nature Conservancy of Central New York presented an overview- of the Conservancy's protection efforts worldwide and in Central New York, focusing on some recent acquisitions. Submitted by Scott Dvorak 3-21-91. Adopted 3-21-91. Moved by Dooley Kiefer, seconded by laura marks. Aye - John Whitcomb. Candace Cornell, Christiann Dean, Eva Hoffman, Dooley Kiefer, and laura marks. April 4, 1991 Quick Draft Report on CAC Meeting March 4, 1991 Central New York Nature Conservancy Presentation by Andy Zepp I. Natural Heritage Program -Natural Heritage Program began in early 1970's which established a methodology for inventorying the flora and fauna of each state in the U.S. The Natural Heritage Program became active in NYS in mid 1980's. -The NYS Natural Heritage Program employs five people as state employees. -The Natural Heritage Program is a joint project of the DEC and the Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy can generally act quickly on projects since it is not encumbered by the bureaucracy of the DEC. Later on, the Nature Conservancy often transfers regulatory rights of properties to the DEC. II. Interesting areas under the Central NY Nature Conservancy -Elderado Beach on Lake Ontario, north of Polaski, with extensive sand dune complex. -Frenchman's Bluff on Chemung River near Elmira with localized timber rattlesnake populations. -Chaumont Barrens, Jefferson Co. near Watertown, has prairie vegetation on thin soils covering limestone bedrock. Depressions in the bedrock form miniature bogs supporting interesting species. -Bonapart Swamp near Harrisville is cedar swamp with orchid spp. and the American Bittern.:; -Crusoe Lake near the northern edge of the Montezuma Preserve has interesting wetlands. (The Central New York Nature Conservancy closed on a 250 acre property on April 4, 1991, near the northern edge of the refuge which will later be transferred to the NYS DEC.) -The spreading globe flower, a wetland wild flower of Tompkins Co., can be found in isolated fens. The CNY Nature Conservancy would like more location information when available. -Wilson Bay near the Thousand Islands has a population of the rare Blandings turtle as well as the largest breeding colony for the rare black tern. - French Creek, near Jamestown (technically in western NY) contains the most diverse stream system in the central -western NY -region including rare fish spp. such as the spotted darter. -Nature Conservancy Preservation guide to holdings for CNY is available for $7.50 at the CNY Chapter. Ill. Issues -Gov. Cuomo's proposed bill for environmental funds referred to as "Pay as you go" will be money annually allocated by the legislature for sewage treatment, land acquisition and recycling. There will be no land acquisition in the first year. This bill still needs State legislative approval. Support can be given by writing to Senator Jim Seward in Albany. -A question was raised concerning impact fee for developers. Andy agreed this was an important fund raising vehicle but was not prepared to discuss this topic. MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca. New York 14850 Entrance at gear o` building -- west side) ( 607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 1991 1. Reoort of the Chair. ersons to be heard. 3. Member concerns. 4. Committee reports. S. Consider resolutions on affordable housing and open space (enclosed) �6. ' Consideration of minutes (enclosed. -July 18 - September 6 - October 25 - November 13 -January 31 . - February 7 - - ( February 214id March-' enclosed for your review and comment) 7. Other business. 8. Consider agenda for next meeting. 9. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffman Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member ADOPTED MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING 21 MARCH 1991 Present: John Whitcomb, Chair Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Eva Hoffman Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Others Present: Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Greg Williams, reporter from WHCU Radio Absent: Celia Bowers Richard Fischer Jeff Caster, ad hoc Phil Zarriello, ad hoc . A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by John Whitcomb, .Chair, at the Town Hall. Report of the Chairperson John Whitcomb revisited the subject of having a law student intern work for the CAC this summer. After speaking with Karl Niklas and John Barney, Dooley Kiefer had -drafted a proposal for a CAC intern, and Town Supervisor Raffensperger approved sending it in response to Cornell's inquiry. John Barney, the Town Attorney, is not interested in supervising an intern. In the past, his firm gave more to interns than they got in return. Nonetheless, the CAC remains interested and would supervise the intern themselves. Various ideas were offered on what the intern could do. Many projects have been identified, but none have been decided on. John W. has listed the position with Cornell's Law School summer placement program. John Whitcomb announced that the search for a new Town Planner has been narrowed to about a half a dozen out of more than 100 who had applied. He said all of the interviews are good and the committee is happy with the quality of the candidates. A decision shouid be made in 4 to 6 weeks. John Whitcomb passed around a letter he has written to Shirley Raffensperger in regard to the current status of John Barney's moratorium research. John feels that the time for reconsidering the moratorium issue may be near. Persons to be Heard There were no persons to be heard. Member Concerns Dooley Kiefer asked if a copy of Marty Luster's impact fee legislation has been obtained. It has not. Dooley said that a third New York municipality has assumed responsibility for wetland protection within its jurisdiction from the DEC. The Town of Hempstead, the Town of Union, and now the Village of Southampton. She asked Scott if he could contact the Village to find out more about their regulations; Candace already has copies of the other two. Dooley then asked about the County Planning Office's seminar series. Candace is the only CAC member to attend any of the meetings and felt as though they are slow paced but valuable. Dooley announced that the state legislature will face bills dealing with Sunday hunting in the Southern Tier. There will be a hearing in Cortland on March 22 at 3 p.m. at City Hall. There is also a proposal to lower the hunting age from 14 to 12. Eva Hoff man discussed Cornell's upcoming Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) for their "Precinct 7," which includes the Orchards and further south, and said that she had received a draft of the report. There will be a formal presentation on April 16 and public presentations on April 17 and 18. She noted that the sig neighborhoods receiving special presentation are not necessarily contiguous to the area covered by the report and that some neighborhoods that are contiguous (e.g., Snyder Hill) are not receiving a special report. Dooley expressed her frustration with the lack of consultation the CAC is allowed in the early development of proposals such as Cornell's GEIS. For example, on February 28 -there had been a preliminary scoping meeting with Planning staff, whereas CAC has still not been notified. Other CAC members worried that the CAC had an ambiguous and sometimes ineffective role in the Town government. John said that he would set up a meeting with Shirley Raffensperger, Town Supervisor, and other council, board, and committee heads to attempt to clarify the CAC's role. Dooley thinks Shirley need not be involved - that the chair of the Planning Board, plus Dooley and the Town Planner could work it out, and that, in any event, once a new Town Planner is hired, staff should be less overworked. Laura marks announced that Cornell Cooperative's Composting Committee is looking for members. There is a March 28 orientation and E meetings on April 4, 11, and 18. Unfortunately, !aura does not have the time due to her work on the Open Space Inventory. John Whitcomb mentioned some other items about local composting. The Town is composting yard waste at the Highway Barn and allowing the Parks Department to use the product. Cornell University has been participating in the County's composting program including such items as food scraps from the dining facilities at a pilot site off Freese Road. Open Space Inventory Committee Laura marks and Scott Dvorak discussed the activities of the Open Space Inventory Committee (OSIC). Laura indicated that OSIC members are field -checking information that had been mapped by Scott and entered onto a spreadsheet and Scott presented the draft map that the committee members are using. Laura handed out an open space classification list and asked that the CAC members complete a quick prioritization of the entries to guide the OSIC in its process of prioritizing open spaces. It was noted by several CAC members that this work had already been done several months ago by the CAC as a whole. Laura felt that the earlier work did not provide enough distinction in the classification for it to be useful, although she will consider it along with these new lists; she insisted she wanted to start anew. She asked for the lists back by next Tuesday. Sia Anile Creek Valley Report Laura said that John Barney is working on legislation for steep slopes and stream corridor overlay districts to be used for environmentally sensitive areas. It was noted that the Codes and Ordinances Committee is spending the first 1 1/2 hours of each meeting on the Conservation District issue. Agriculture Committee Christiann Dean announced that there would be a meeting of the Agriculture Committee at 8:00 a.m. on April 10. The group will discuss its goals for farmland protection and will look at other communities' efforts in protecting their farmland. They will also discuss what groups need to be educated about farmland protection. Environmental Review Committee (ERC) A special meeting will be held on March 25 at 4:30 p.m. to discuss the DEC Long Environmental Assessment Form (LEAF) that the Town uses and how to tailor it to the Town's needs. Eva reported that the public hearing of Cornell's Hasbrouck expansion was adjourned at the last Planning Board meeting because the Town K Engineer was not satisfied with the sewer and water information that Cornell was providing. John Whitcomb expressed his frustration with this event. He noted that this information was part of the SEQR process for the project which received a negative declaration by the Planning Board just prior to it being adjourned for lack of information. Traffic problems in Forest Home should also receive more consideration. The EAF should not have received a negative declaration at this time. It makes SEQR appear to be formality. A discussion ensued as to the ERC's role in development review. Should their comments be directed to staff and included in staff's process or directed directly to the Planning Board as though the ERC were a citizen advocacy group. Dooley feels as though the staff generally has not made use of ERC's comments. It was noted by Eva that the Planning Board assumes that staff has been diligent in completing and reviewing the forms, and that Part II is filled out accurately and therefore it is somewhat of a formality for their passage. Where does the ERC fit in? This question will be addressed at John Whitcomb's planned meeting with Shirley, et al. Open Space Resolution John Whitcomb presented a draft resolution requesting that the Town Board look into providing funds for an open space protection program. The resolution suggested various funding mechanisms including allowing developers to give money in lieu of the required 10% set-aside. Laura marks felt that the timing of the resolution may be wrong in light of the OSIC activities. Other members had questions about the resolution and specific wording. John said that he would rework it and resubmit it a later date. Affordable Housing Resolution John Whitcomb presented a draft resolution on affordable housing. CAC members had concerns with various parts of the resolution, though agreeing with it in concept. John agreed to rework this resolution and resubmit it also. St ff Report Scott revealed that he has established a "CAC library," housed in the Planning Department, and that there is already much material there for the CAC to read. This will save time, paper, and postage since he won't be making individual copies of everything for each member; however, if someone needs a copy of something, they need only ask. 4 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 } /1II ... V.�V.ili �` •`awl, VI �JU� idlnq �� 11'iV\ JIv2i (607)273-1747 7:00 P.M.,THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 1991 Aaenda Report cf, the Chair �. R=rsJrs `o be ~ears?. Member concerns. Report on The Nature Conservancy's f'^arCh % meet,ng. S. Committee reports. 6. Report on the Open Space Inventory. 7. Consider resclutions on affordable hcusing and open space enclpsed). 8. Consideration of minutes. -February 7 (enclosed)- - February 21 (enclosed): -(Awaiting comment on October 25 and November 13 minutes. March 21 minutes enclosed for your comment.) Consider a9enda for next meeting. 10. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffman Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr Laura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member ADOPTED MINUTES TOWN OF' ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL APRIL 4, 1991 Present: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Dooley Kiefer Ruth Nlahr Laura marks Others Present: Phillip Zarrielio, ad hoc Scott Dvorak. Planning Aide kihua Hue. interested in summer internship with CAC Dave Auble :absent: Eva Hoffmann Jeff Caster, ad hoc A regular meeting of the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by John Whitcomb, Chair. at the Town Hall. Chair's Report John Whitcomb announced an April 26 and 27 New York Land Institute meeting in Syracuse and inquired into any CAC member interest in attending. Saturday at 9 a.m. will deal with municipal regulation of freshwater wetlands. meeting ;s being scheduled to discuss the CAC's and Environmental Review Committee s (ERC) role in the Town government. [The meeting was held on April 19 at e3F nm. E °a Hoff mann and John oley Kiefer, Shirley Raffensperger, Carolyn Grigoro�-, Georg attended. It was agreed that the ERC is an advisory body to the Planning Board rather than the planning staff per se and will direct its remarks to them; similarly, the ERC may be advisory to the Town Board. Shirley gave assurance that the CAC will be involved in the Cornell university Orchards GEIS process.] 1 The subject of summer internship possibilities was brought up. John announced that he had two applications in response to an announcement placed at the Cornell University Law School and an application from Yihua Hue. a Landscape Architecture student. Scott Dvorak introduced Yihua. who was in the audience. Dooley noted that there were two earlier applications from Corneil University law students in the file, too. Christiann Dean mentioned that Matt Hastie and Chuck Carson are available again this summer and are currently looking for funding. Christiann Would like to work with Matt and/or Chuck on Agriculture Committee projects. Laura atarks ,%,anted to know how student funding iWork Study) worked. John said that the CAC should devote some time at the end of the meeting to discuss the Council's summer needs and that he would ask George or Scott to Rork out funding questions. John said that Shirley Raffensperger had met with John Barney, Town Attornev, about the moratorium issue. He has not heard any details of the meeting. ohn reminded everyone that DEC's annual CAC and ERC workplan review meeting will be held at the Cortland DEC office on Thursdat , April i i at , p.m. He will be leavirg Town Hall at 1 p.m. if am: one is interested in joining him and Scott. Member Concerns Dooley Kiefer brought up the Inlet Valley parkland swap issue again. She hasn't pursued her inquiry at the last meeting regarding which properties are involved and she made a formal request that staff get this information. which she believes should be public information. Dooley looked into SEQR regulations to see if a negative declaration can be rescinded. This was in response to the Cornell University Hasbrouk Apartments situation in which a neg dec was given and then questions were raised about sewer and water provision adequacy. Dooley discovered that a peg der can be rescinded. Doolev noted that, according to the minutes of the County's Public Works and Construction Management Committee, the Tompkins County Hospital Steam Plant is possibly for sale. She noted that the land involved is the sort of steep -slope West Hill land the CAC is concerned about and she asked that the CAC remain informed on any developments. Scott said that the County had not made any decisions yet about what to do with the property, although George Frantz has had some discussion with County off icials. Also, there seems to be some activity with Cornell University's plan to build a tennis bubble near the intersection of Pine Tree Road and Ellis Hollow Road. Dooley would like more information for the CAC on that plan as well. She pointed out that on a related issue, there is a County plan to realign Pine 2 Tree Road at Ellis Hollow- Road to improve the intersection. The realignment may infringe on a nearby wetland. Dooley wanted to know the status of this Plan. Laura wondered how the new alignment and mitigation of traffic problems would effect the positive SEQR declaration on the proposed McDonald s at East Hill Plaza. As the planning department is informed of anv developments the ERC and C_VC will be informed. :ooiey informed the CAC that Mav j through 1 1 is Water Week. Organizers of this event are asking that people or organizations adopt a particular cods:- of water. She also announced that April 22 is Earth Dav and it will be a labbving day- for environmental issues in .�lbanv. Laura suggested Six Mile Creek as a body- to consider. The Arm,. Corps of Engineers has published a booklet informing land owners about the Corps jurisdiction over wetlands. The booklet briefly describes various act1vities that the land owner maj- undertake that would need a permit rom the Carps. Dooley said the Corps will not provide multiple copies but has made the booklet available for copying and she sugnested illiat this booklet be made available by the Town of Ithaca to de .elopers, the ("AC. the Planning Board. etc. Marty Luster recently mailed a press release announcing 17 bills, introduced by the Rural .Resources Commission, most of them clarifying Town, Village, and Cit,�:,r law with respect to zoning issues. An "incentive zoning ' law was mentioned, and Dooley suggested that it would be appropriate for the CAC and Town to review and formally support this law. Candace Cornell passed out notes on the Nlarch 7. 1991 Nature Conservanc-y meeting I: these notes have been added to the March 7 minutes). Laura marks discussed her efforts in stream corridor definition for John Barney, John is drafting Environmental Protection Overlay District EPOD! legislation and asked Laura to define stream corridors. Celia Bowers is doing the same for steep slope areas. John plans to eventually include wetlands, woodlands, and floodplains in this legislation. Celia asked for comment on her steep slopes document. Laura asked for any help or suggestions any members of the CAC may have. Dooley expressed concern about the adequacy of choosing an arbitrary distance frcm a str e m'_ cp^ter to define a corridor. since protection should be tailored to the details of the land around each stream. Laura agreed, but said it was a) what the COC requested, b) what time constraints allowed, and c) staff would be making recommendations in this format. The CAC could choose to be a part of those recommendations or give none. The issue of illegal dumping sites was brought up. Scott said that the Town is participating in a County program to clean up illegal dump sites this summer. Persons found guilty of illegal dumping may be sentenced to clean up dumping under County law. He will give Shirley Raffensperger a list of J sites noted or. the Open Space Inventory Committee's field surveys and any other sites the CAC identifies. John Whitcomb.re minded everyone that the CAC is a public meeting and must be conducted with that fact in mind. ERC Report Doolev said that the ERC met last Monday and that due to illness she did not attend. She asked that Ruth Mahr give'a summary of the meeting. Ruth said that they reviewed the Stellar Stereo and Minnies' BQ proposals. -itlZer seemed to individually have a significant impact, however, both contributed to the continuation of development sprawl along Route 13 in the Town. The ERC also reviewed the Cornell University Draft GEIS. The next meeting is scheduled for Mav 22 anal/or Mav 29 to review a draft new long iaF if staff gets it typed in time. Agriculture Committee Report Christiann Dean reported that the agriculture Committee will meet on April 1 1. Tiley intend to discuss the role of farmland preservation in i:eeting general planning goals. Open Space Inventory Committee (OSIC) Report Laura introduced the categorization process that the OSIC has been working on in order to rank individual properties identified on the Open Space Inventory Map. There were two separate handouts: (1 l) a Categorization (into 3 levels) and (Z) a Ranking Process (a formula to apply to different parcels). Laura commented that different parts of Town government have such great expectations for the OSA, but that our original charge is to inventory all the land and then to prioritize it for protection. Laura does not see this as resulting in a policy document; some other CAC members disagreed. Christiann moved to accept the categories without change if only active agricultural land were moved from Category III and Category II. Laura agreed to second it. Scott then explained the methodology in arriving at the new list, and noted that the list of c tegorles '� shorter c � list had .. :. �...�, � .. now hart.,r becau e the first _� included economic and other properties of land, such as "Cornell University - owned". Now all lands in Category I are "natural"; II includes both natural and some human -made; III is entirely human -made. Ruth commended Scott on the logic of this approach. Christiann. noted that in Oregon they are legislatively protecting classes 1-6 agricultural soils. Dooley agreed that Scott had done a good job; she's glad to see Cornell University and Ithaca College land listed by its natural features rather than 4 because its owned by them. Dooley suggested moving "scenic view" to I; 'aura said that since it had fallen into category II by member vote on her March handout list it should remain there. This reopened some discussion of the approach of having members fill out individual ranking lists rather than sharing the information and discussing it Council -wide. Candace noted that she believes the 10 -acre limit for mature forest in category Ii is too large, and recommends it become 5 acres. Dooley said she liked the Ranking formula handout. but astied what the OSI committee means by Intrinsic value. Scott pointed out that he had just put the ranking handout together, and it wasn t really ready for diSCUSSIOP.. Other members made �: �r10uS positive comments about 1L, too. Ruth objected to using the list as a ranking list. It should simply be a way: to categorize, ranking should come latter. Dooley suggested removing the level labels i, H. and III and 'Keeping the list as the basis for a map of 22 categories. Phil agreed. Christiann moved to accept the Ranking Process as our guide, in concept, with a further definition of intrinsic" value to be added. :after some uiscussion she asked for amendments to clarify concerns, and accepted that there be further discussion: and then acceptance of the numerical values by the CAC, with the understanding that not each item in the ranking equation will get equal weight. She then withdrew her motion. commenting that she believed the discussion helped clarify our thinking. John expressed his displeasure at what has happened tonight to the work of the OSI Committee -- the amount of time taken and level of discussion. Dick Fischer moved acceptance of the committee's categorization scheme as is -- but with active farmland moved to Category iI and the mature forests size reduced from 10 acres to 5 acres. Celia bowers seconded the motion. Discussion continued. Ruth commended the clear list of categories the committee developed, and suggested that perhaps the three levels could be used to make a three -color map. Ruth suggested that mature forest should be in Category I. Celia said that would make too many items in I -- and anyway forests would probably be protected because they are on steep slopes or in some other level -I Category. too. Christiann noted that she, like Join, had hoped the CAC could act on this quickly. but she has found torniaht'S disc sslon valuable and productive. Phil asked when the ranking process would-be applied. He assumes that all categories will be on a map, but noted that there is a "juxtaposition" question; for example, he might rank a mature forest differently depending on what is next to it. Ruth recalled that "location" had been an important consideration in the CAC's earlier approach to categorization. A vote was taken, and the motion passed 6-2, with Dooley and Ruth opposed. It was noted that the committee intends to proceed with the 5- categories as amended and present examples of how this system would work. Final decision on any categorization will be made later. Summer Student Intern John reintroduced the summer intern issue and asked for CAC input on needs. Christiann said that she would like an intern to work on agriculture education issues and that Matt Hastie was available and qualified. She noted that George Frantz would be happy to supervise him. Matt would get $ 12.50/hr. for half-time. Laura marks said she would like to have an intern studs- animal habitats and corridors in the T own; wildlife corridors are riot well-documented. Candace sees a need for legal research, and Dooley felt that a law intern should have priority since we have already advertised for one. It was reported that there is approximately $3,000 in the CAC budget for consultants and student interns combined. No decision was made at this time. Minutes Because of the lateness of the hour, it was agreed to postpone any action on minutes to the next meeting. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 p.m. Submitted by Scott Dvorak 4-15-91. Revised by Dooley Kiefer 5-2-91. Revised by laura marks 5-13-91 Adopted 5 -20-91. Mahr moved to adopt, marks seconded. Ayes - Bowers, Cornell, Fischer, Kiefer, Mahr, and marks. Abestentions - Hoffmann. r MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) ( 607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1991 Agenda 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Member concerns. 4. Staff report. 5. Committee reports. 6. Discuss summer internship needs. 7. Discuss Open Space and Affordable Housing resolutions (enclosed). 8. Consider meeting minutes:, - October 25 ( enclosed) - - November 13 ( enclosed) - February 7 (sent in last mailing) - February 21 ( enclosed) - March 21 ( enclosed) 9. Consider agenda for next meeting. 10. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffman Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr ]aura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member MINUTES TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL April 18, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Chair, Celia Bowers; Candace Cornell; Christiann Dean; Eva Hoffmann; Dooley Kiefer; Ruth Mahr, laura marks. ABSENT: Richard Fischer. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide; George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner, Greg Williams, reporter for WHCU Radio; Susan Manion, Recording Secretary. A regular meeting of the Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council (CAC) was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by John Whitcomb, Chair, at the Town Hall. CHAIR'S REPORT: 1) Whitcomb reported the following items would be distributed for future CAC discussion: a) Impact fee legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Marty Luster. Cornell noted that this was being revised to include contingencies for affordable housing. b) Incentive zoning legislation which defines incentives or bonuses as adjustments to the permissible population density, area, height, open space, use or other provisions to the zoning ordinance or local law for a specific purpose authorized by the Town Board. 2) Marks, Dvorak and Whitcomb met with Michael Cavanaugh of the NYS DEC for the yearly review of the CAC Work Program. Whitcomb requested guidance on the Open Space Inventory, but received little direction. 3) Cornell and Whitcomb will attend the New York Land Institute conference on wetlands 4/27. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. MEMBERS CONCERNS: 1) Mahr addressed the exchange of memos (see attached addendum) between her and Whitcomb. She was concerned that Whitcomb's memo did not address some of the substantive issues she had raised, instead focusing on peripheral issues. Hence, Mahr wished to make certain that the substantive issues be clear for the record. a) Personalizing discussions. Mahr was not offended by the practice of referring to committees by the Chair's name. She believes that substituting the chair's name for the committee name may personalize discussions, mixing personalities with issues. Using the name of the committee would be more businesslike and might facilitate more rational discussions. b) Voting ori important matters the same meeting they are first presented. Whitcomb's memo evades this issue and presents what Mahr thought was a factual error. She believed that the resolution which was actually voted on and passed was moved by Fischer, who is a member of the Open Space Committee. As a matter of procedure, Mahr suggested that one of the two monthly meetings be devoted primarily to less formal discussion and the other to a more formal business with voting on resolutions. c) Committees. Mahr felt that perhaps she made a poor choice of words when she referred to "formulating" committees. However, her concern was not with how or by whom committees are formulated but rather the size of committees of the CAC. If committees consist of a majority of CAC members, those committees can effectively meet and conduct business on behalf of the CAC without benefit of input from the entire CAC; furthermore, it is possible subsequently for this smaller group to ignore input from the remaining members and move their agenda through the CAC. Mahr did not say this was happening, but simply that she is troubled by the undemocratic implications of such a possibility. d) Mahr further remarked that she CAC Minutes, 4-18-91 had been uninformed of the July 1 deadline to which Whitcomb referred in his memo, and she wondered whether that had been made clear to the CAC. e) She wished further to state that if we were behind schedule, it was not because has been working on the Open Space Inventory but accomplishing little. It was rather that we had not allocated time to the project. This seemed, however, not a good reason to compromise on quality now. She felt that through the discussion at the meeting, even though it was heated at times, and through the exchange of memos -between her and Whitcomb, much had been clarified. Mahr said that she felt that it is possible to so the inventory within the time constraint, that she still has major concerns with the process the Open Space Committee is using to construct and inventory, and that she hopes that the Open Space Committee will be responsive to her concems(end of addendum). Mahr also reported Beth Mulholland suggested that the CAC open dialogue with similar groups such as the CAC in the city and county, including developers and business people. It was noted that the dialogue should be well thought through and substantive. Bowers expressed concern that because of the necessary work on the Comprehensive Plan and Open Space Inventory this idea should be tabled. Kiefer requested updates on the following items: a) The Army Corps of Engineers wetland information flier from the 4/4/91 meeting? Is it being distributed?. b) The status of the'County hospital steam plant -sale. c) What lands in the Town the City of Ithaca has proposed for trade for the Inlet Island parkland for the DOT project. She also announced courses being offered in May at the Center for Environmental Information in Rochester: 1) a Survey Course in Environmental Law, and 2) a Course in Environmental Dialogue. She has information on them if anyone is interested. Hoffmann raised the question of when the "CAC box" on the Short EAF gets checked and by whom, and if whether there should be a separate ERC box. It was the consensus of the CAC that the box designated for CAC response will be checked, with a note that the review was by the ERC. The file of ERC memos will be brought to each meeting for review by CAC members. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: CAC members expressed concern that the writing of the Comprehensive Plan has now been delegated to the consultant, Ron Brand, of Stuart Brown Associates. Frantz clarified the procedure noting that Ron Brand originally was hired to oversee the process and to provide guidance to staff and various committees with the CPC. The responsibility of writing was left with the CPC and the Town Planning Department. This has not worked, primarily because of time constraints. Ron Brand has now been contracted to write several chapters of the Plan consisting of Chapter 4, which includes the Comprehensive Plan, the policies which will guide the Town in the future, recommendations for land use, transportation, natural resource protection, open space protection, parks, etc.; Chapter 5, which outlines the mechanisms by which the Town could implement the recommendations of Chapter 4; and Chapter 6, which deals with administration of the Plan. Whitcomb reviewed the timetable which calls for the draft to be completed by 7/1, circulated for review and revisions during summer, and adopted early Fall. Kiefer noted that it is not wise or sensible to have public comment time for major things in the summer when so many persons are out of town; she recalled the flak DOT has gotten for this. CAC members questioned what Brand was given as resources. Members expressed concern about sections of drafts already completed by committees. The CAC was reassured that Brand was particularly interested in the policy statements which were adopted by the CPC last fall. Kiefer asked if we know what statements those are. Bowers particularly requested Steep Slopes Concerns be forwarded to Brand. Frantz further clarified the relationship of CAC to CPC. CAC will have a major role in the SEQR review CAC Minutes, 4-18-91 2 of the final draft. However, members agreed that the relationship of the CAC to Ron Brand needs to be clarified. It was suggested that Brand be invited to CAC meeting to allow each committee chair to outline for him what they believed to be most important. Whitcomb recommended that any additional comments be made directly to the CPC and its chair David Kline. After further discussion it was decided to not to involve Brand in our next meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ag Committee: Chair Christiann Dean reported that the committee met 4/10/91 and reached consensus on the goals of committee. Frantz gave a presentation on how the Ag Committee related to the rest of Town government. A presentation was given by Matt Hastie on various kinds of protection measures for the Town of Ithaca's needs as he perceived them, and an analyses of the pros and cons of various protection mechanisms for farm land for the Town of Ithaca. At the next Ag Committee meeting Matt will review various types of farm land protection. It will be 3:30 p.m. on 4/22 at the Cooperative Extension office on Dey St. Environmental Review Committee (ERC): Chair Dooley Kiefer noted that the ERC had not met since the last CAC meeting. The next meeting will be at 4:30 pm on 5/6/91, and will be a review of the revised long EAF unless there are development review projects to do, and/or unless the forms are ready sooner. Open Space Inventory Committee: Chair laura marks had motions to introduce. Motion by marks, seconded by Mahr to rescind the motion of 4/4/91 concerning the categorization list of the Open Space Inventory Committee -- carried (6 Ayes, 1 Nay [Cornell], 1 abstention [Bowers] ). Motion by marks, seconded by Cornell to change the name of the Open Space Inventory Committee to Open Space Committee ---carried unanimously. Marks reported that the committee is striving to make the listing internally consistent. For example, Cornell Plantations has been reclassified arboretums, in category 3. It was suggested that there should be open dialogue between the Open Space Committee of the CAC and the CPC Land Use Committee. Steve Smith, chair of the CPC Land Use subcommittee, will be invited to the next CAC meeting. STEEP SLOPES CONCERNS REPORT: Since the Steep Slopes Concern report was handed out at the meeting, a brief recess was taken to allow all members to read it. Bowers then reviewed the process of development of the document, being particularly sensitive to it being legally defensible. She said that suggestions made by CAC members following the last meeting were taken into consideration. After considerable discussion, the following revisions, done by consensus or approved motion were made in the proposed document: #1 - "75% building reduction on 15% slopes or greater" be changed to "75% reduction of the allowable density under current zoning". #4 - Moved by Kiefer, seconded by Mahr to change "all water" to "sufficient water" ---carried (5 Ayes, 3 Nays). #5 - "purchaser" be changed to "owner"; add the word "financially" before "responsible". CAC Minutes, 4-18-91 3 #6 - "bordered by" be changed to "below". #9 - "natural contours" be changed to "more level contours". #10 - Add "because the diameter of a tree is not indicative of its age." #11- "groundcover" be changed to "plants". #12 - Delete "(The soil on the West Hill lake slope averages 2" - 7")." Moved by Kiefer, seconded by marks to adopt the Steep Slopes Concerns as revised --- carried unanimously. This will be sent to the Codes and Ordinances Committee for their next meeting. SUMMER INTERNSHIP NEEDS: Moved by Bowers, seconded by marks to go into Executive Session to discuss summer internship needs. Moved by marks, seconded by Cornell to return to regular session. Moved by Mahr, seconded by Dean that the CAC explore the objectives of hiring summer interns, availability and cost.'Kiefer, Whitcomb and Cornell will interview law intern applicants, develop a work program and determine cost to the CAC. Cornell and marks will explore the possibility of Nancy Ostman and Bob Wesley as consultants and define what they would do. Frantz will explore a possible work program, cost and availability of Matt Hastie. The CAC will take action at the next meeting ---carried unanimously. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan E. Manion Recording Secretary Submitted by Manion 4/25/91 Revised by Mahr 5/3/91 Revised by Kiefer 5/9/91 - Revised by Dvorak 7/18/91 --- -- -- -- . - Corected by Whitcomb 915191 - __-- Approved 9/5/91 CAC Minutes, 4-18-91 TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL ADDENDUM TO MINUTES OF 4/18/91 (8/1/91) MEMBER CONCERNS: Mahr: I presume everybody saw an exchange between me and all of you, and it turned out to be between John and me, and I'd like to set some things straight I think for the record with respect to your memorandum, John. Whitcomb: OK. Mahr: I met John at the scoping session the other night for the Ct'rI1!'li ilc aYld i tC`id }1":1} ti,^ = `„ like sofueone who had stuck her neck out and had her head chopped off. I want it clear that I certainly did not ot neai any offe se- at all. by :any I '`' ?--? e were r' � f want to c1ea wrote, �o if t.-. r. o-,._ ar-y rr�i4�a.:i.�er;;tan�_aiz:5s I wa �. _ r them aL. Under your iterpersonalizing discussions in your response to me, John, you say that I was offended by it. I was r t; oLt n f:td 1b n.`l zl d s I sl r T jai t id ' - t:?ink iC J_ -E d. -:-a ;v p_ rSG 1 rlg 1 c 1S, tJ:.�, _ j S d n it's a good idea to do that. If we can refer to committees by the - title of the- co,nmitt:je rather than lby the cha.rperson or 'he committee that there might be a tendency for - we all get realty tied up in what we are doing, and all have some ego-, and, L I ili::%, b that 'what we are doing is wonderful - and so when people question it or maybe say something that may be construed to be critical of it, I think that there may be a tendency to take it personally - I think it's completely understandable. And if not mentioning the committee by chair but rather by the name of the committee, I think that maybe that would be a way of avoiding that. Number 2, bringing important matters before the Council without scheduling time for reflection or review. I didn't feel that your response real - nawered that. I mean you went through the process of what happened, but still there's an issue here that I - think is important. That is whether or not we should be discussing things and taking votes on them at the same meeting that the material is presented. I think - my feeling is that that is not a good idea. I have a suggestion for process later on. In fact, to clarify the record there, one of the resolutions was moved by Christiann who is not on the Open Space Committee, but she later withdrew her resolution and Dick Fischer moved another resolution I b-elieve, which was subsequently passed, and he was on the Open Spaue Committee. Number 3, formulating a committee so that its membership constitutes a majority of voting members of the Council. I think in your response to that, you latch on to a word I had used - formulated - which is an unfortunate use of terms. However, the issue there was one of the size of the Open Space Committee relative to the rest of the CAC and if you count you as a member (now I don't know if you've been going to the meeting or -not --y,- that's five out of eight, and that means a committee can meet and conduct its business and effectively get it through the whole CAC and I'm concerned about that possibility. I'm not necessarily saying that's happened or will happen, whatever, but I see that as a possibility and I'm concerned about that. To continue, point number 4 that I'm going to make- I was not aware of the July 1st deadline. The information that we have to CAC Minutes, 4/18/91, Addendum P. have this finished by July 1st, that's new to me, and if we have to have that deadline I don't know if it missed me, or I missed it, or whatever, but I certainly was not aware of it, and if T should have been, I'm sorry. The information that. I had was that there was a deadline, but nobody was going to meet that deadl Ine . Whitcomb: Yo_'re speaking of the Comprehensive Plan? Mahr: Yes. And I want to point out that if we are behind sched,ale i don't think it's because of all the discussion that goes on here. in fact, if we are behind schedule its more that we have i I 1• ' been f3lVerte�� O;_ir att�'ritloTi t0 3+1 -her filings. n fa��t, we .laVeil .. ._' _I1 WOrk-ng on it As far as I'm concerned, the discussion we had last ±1 tiG ai loi-j g}1 :lUt r%ei sonal1 r 'lr' ri ' lilC •i t. the time, :ne in to t'.r7e research that I did on the Amherst document to drafting my rnerriorandum to you getting me Hack to the original reso_;z}iar01she Town Board est o'iishing the CAC, Section 2'91Y o Municipal -. f M i a? Law, and I've learned a lot In that ;rocess about i_:i_. the , Y ,le process w: s Open Sp !� - _, _ventor,s and so forth, �G o ilie t' O - 1pfal and feel much bett_•r infor;ned now , if the exchange = f memos and of that tenore of that meeting led me to understand the whole -process better, I think that for me it was useful and I would like to think that discussion last time was useful for more people than fuse me and I would hope - , I du ie,el that however, getting back to the earlier point about the composition of the Open Space Committee, I'd like to feel since I'm not on the committee, maybe I just haven't been up on what this is all about, that if I have questions which are substantial kinds of questions and I have comments, I'd like to feel that the committee is interested in responding -t-o--rhe-.--and to try to clear things up. I really didn't think things were clear at all last week, in fact, I still have some problems with the approach that we are taking but I'd like to defer any comments that I have on that till later if we come back to the Open Space Committee. You can put it on the agenda maybe for later in the meeting if we talk about open space later on. In the mean time, with respect to process, you and I were talking after the Planning Board meeting the other night, and I have an idea which I'd like us to consider, and I think it would be helpful. In terms of our meetings I wondered if perhaps, since we are now meeting two times a month, if we could make one meeting a less formal meeting where we have more discussion perhaps, and then the -next meeting ( I think maybe suim:� ung_ said the Planning Board does this?), Hoffmann: I think there has been an idea or plan that the Planning Board should do this, but it hasn't worked out so far - isn't it right we were going to try to go back to that, George? Frantz: Trying. Mahr: I was going to suggest that we might try that, to have the long substantial, substantive discussions and reviews of things at one meeting and have the voting at a more formal business meeting, and maybe we can have our cake and eat it too that way. I'm just throwing that out as a possibility for process here. At this point I'd like to talk about open space later on. Whitcomb: There will be an Open Space Committee Report. I think CAS, Minutes, 4/18/91, Adde durn p. 3 your point- are well ta}c--ri. Agair;, I apolog17- for referring to =C?mtll�11 -- =t.`_; tP�;o :� i- Sq'3 corrilrit"Pell, and I will refrain from doing that in tl-,e future to the extent that I can. I agree with you. that discussing and voting on issues- at the same meeting is probably not a goo.' i(ie.a, especially wheri they are- things that- :: lot of discussion and understanding. i ':1; *nk probably j1. behooves any committee that is giving a report, whether they have .a. trlFE-It 4-Drity of the Council or whether they have a minori'.y to try to explain to people who weren't privy to the discu-•sionStl-Ica the committee has been having to bring them up to speed on what's been happening. I know that the Open Spa -:e Committee has been iileeting weekly, and so i= meeting twice as often as we are, and I know they ai-e making great strides, although they lave nothing concrete at the moment to present. They're too vusy testing, and �_. _ rms of ,Open: Space. The Comprehens i Je Man dcc.,ai l l' 'raS talked about eari.y oil. Jiliy 1st has always been the deadline, and i<<o`1 _ of :.s didn't re.zl - y t�F:11eve th1at it w i� .ei F t e+., cann- .1- P ' ' n h n t h L t t Y- P - t r :-. s �n� j tnrouyh a a ge _n �e process aha. L_,e e �r,y .lc� of making that at this point. And that is that Stuart Brown Associates with YOrl ?R r,-xl7d as prEij'St manageY has tl 94 Vei; mere responsibility for pulling thing together, so we hope that than will work out. He's going to do most of the writing of the plan. Staff has been researching providing hire with the iii,%entories and 1 --he mapping information that he needs, so we're trying that strategy. And I think your idea of having one formal meeting a month and one session as a working session is an excellent idea. I thing we talked about that on Council, as I recall. It seems as though our _a.gendas fill up rather quickly, and we still have staff reports, committee reports, and member concerns, and maybe we would eliminate those to one meeting a month and get down to work. I know the CPC has now adopted that strategy. There are several sub committees on the CPC, and one meeting a month is a formal meeting where they adopt things, the second meeting they break up into working groups then come back to report at the end of the meeting. I'm willing to try almost anything. I also think that if we all including myself would listen a bit more when someone is speaking instead of trying to think of what we are going to say next, and interrupting and so forth, maybe we could be more courteous to one another on the Council we could accomplish quite a bit more. I've seen over the past few months we've gotten more and more vocal. The other thing I was wondering there are two ways to run a meeting. One is to do everything by motion and second, then discussion, and revise. The other way is to have kind of a free wheeling discussion, and not make any motions until its clear that the Council is ready to--votes.-,I- prefer the later, myself, rather than using parliamentary procedure and motions to affect the discussion, I would prefer to have the discussion first. Thank you. Christi-ann? Dean: I appreciate you bringing this up, Ruth, and I feel there would be some advantage to having one meeting less formal and one meeting more formal, and I, like you John, prefer to not be so wedded to parliamentary procedure it can be quite a constraint. CAC Minutes, 4!13%91, Addenduru p. 4 Rut I also feel like it can work if the, people who make the motions aren't attached to the :notions getting voted on or passed through. I feel lake our process was quite useflxl last weA, i:l that sometimes whc-n there is a lot of discussion then its useful to just pull it together for a moment, put it into words and have people say "no, that's not what T meant", or "teat's what I want", and to vote on it. And even if things get voted down. I made some motlons and t2hey got voted down, and I dic r.'t Leel offended at all that they got voted 1,3u .l. "_s:_.'_ _,, fine. My purpose was just to clarify the process. So I th-ink if peop'_e aren't, redly attache;;. to the motions that they n'-2:-odU.ce getting , passed ri.._.ght len, L-JarlAarlentary procedure can' be a aseLul process. Whitcomb: Are the. -f-, other m�-:'Trtber concer as at S t i r;le ? TT,ci,I 1 � Marks. '"'.�.y I �,iti`;_. 1 -hi -3 diSlcllssIUTl? Til- time ,_p. Whitcomb: e but I~woiaid 1 i LK e- to bring it to a = lose . ' 1- 4 +' Marks._.o w _ n. `o t':,.�ln, ; ou ..r_:. ?ialogue bt.'.iJC::r:. l:i and John ;:A-d'he rrlemohave r=a! ly riel%i (i clear some tensions that have been building for a long tinkle. The whole• process that we are gong through in and of itself_ _s a. really frustrating process and we've had turn over of staff time and time again. We've been doing it backwards since we triec? to do the prioritization before looking at maps which now the process has turned around in the committee when it got taken out of Council. And I really appreciate the both of you for trying to wort: this out. I'd also like to say that I'd like to agree with you about personalizing the discussion by using the proper names for committees. As John noted, it started with the other committee's name that was too hard for anybody to use more than once in a month. One thing that I've been noticing is that even with the Open Space Inventory Committee the name has been four times on the last couple weeks people using the Open Space Committee instead of the Open Space Inventory Committee. and I'd like to have it either changed. I moved once last summer to adopt the name Open Space Committee and it was turned down. I'd like to have that reu-ened for consideration since that is what everyone is using anyway. I had planned as part of the committee report - this might be a better time - to ask for a withdrawal of the motion that was passed last week, because I feel that not only was it not clear and was out of turn and filled with hostility, but I also feel that it's tying the committee's hands and the council's hands as a whole to be able to be flexii-)le. So I'd like us to consider withdrawing the motion to adopt the categorization list as it stands ,to be reconsidered at a later date. Scott and I have talked quite a bit that-as-o-f-we-'-ve got a good clip ahead of us but I don't think we're really behind schedule. Do you think that's true, Scott? Dvorak: Yes Marks: And I too hope that we can figure out questions that are less heated. Mahr: I'm very grateful for what Laura just said because I think we're close on this thing, on getting this thing done. CAC Minutes, 4/18/91, Addendum p. 5 Marks : T can, too . Mahr: 11-1 k, if ce c,,n all by just clear headed about it and sit down and Slay, look, what are our hang-ups h'e're, let's GYl together and figure this out. I think it can be done. I',m co r] f li'm'n . Whitcomb: I tT;ink what we did last week, rather than begin adapted and cast. in concrete Is already been evolving. I noticed that the Open Space Inve,:atory Committee meeting on Tuesday I sat i -n for awhile, and They had ._already made some revisions and were using the thing as more r,f a working document to try to lest it against the various parcels of open space +,-hat we have acid see if n r o Its realistic ;.,t. _.S rC:a_i�,�ic� Marks: T hF:,0V it. t as a solid mo tio:l I feel is ty__ag ouzr hands to do the best job that we can for the Council. Whi tcomb: l don't know at, cut- the order of withdra4-.iT:g that ll!' .=_:1.., :�.iflc' I think that i` was Dick w, o ma(3e that mnotion, =s y,,:),.< po_ d _taut. To with ara`•,,, D' k w o u l! ? liavte %o w hdr•aw. Kiefer: TD'S !)een -d; fi:ila a .' iv withdraw j_t. 17 o --an :. i %" a ne_w mo -Lon rescinding it. And Dick doesn't have to be involved in ,,,.. , q 1. 1 , a.. (- Marks: Should I move it now or during the committee report? I would like to move to rescind the categori list of the open spaces inventory. Mahr: Second. Whitcomb: Is there any further discussion of that? The motion has been made and seconded that we rescind the approval of the open space categorization list as it was presented last time. Hoffmann: I was not here at that time, but I would certainly like to be involved and voting on this. This is fine with me. Whitcomb: Any further discussion? If not, are we ready to vote? All those in favor signify by "aye". Opposed likewise? The motion is carried. One Nay. [Cornell] Having gotten that out of the way - Dooley, you have further member concerns. Kiefer: Yes. I, too, had hoped to speak to this subject. In fact, my way of doing it I was going to ask you to add it to the agenda after we fini:;hed member concerns. I don't know whether its worth talking about anymore -or not. I don't find the Plantations to be a helpful example. I told Ruth that, and I would say that for your memo,too. -- Marks: I'm sorry I didn't hear that. Kiefer: I said I don't find the Plantations to be a helpful or clarifying example. Marks: Oh, well Scott has some other ones that we can go through. Kiefer: With respect to when your committee has gotten back in thL-right order now and then a ranking, it as my recollection that that's what Council thought a long time ago and staff was doing the mapping and that's why we talked about ranking earlier. Now four months later we're back to it. Marks: Staff always promised us to do mapping, but Susan would say, I'll do that on.Wednesday, and ---. Kiefer: I'm grateful that we're back doing it that way, also. I wanted to correct the statement that we hadn't done that before, CAC- Minutes, 4/18/92, addendum but it was Jut o£Iginal approach. Harks: 2Gat�e flgRt, P. G Kiefer: Qitt respect to memo. and again, this is jest a small correction, in the memo you said that Ch istiann had mage the mctlo=. Her motion was, as I recall, was to adopt the ranking formula as a guideline. Harks: That Was one O£ two motions, Kiefer: Sic[ to accept the claasi£Icat±on schleme. Narks: C" , -I £i>:t moven t0 ajoDt tz 31�Icat-L 3yatem, w215££ew L- move] to adopt the r kin\ scheme, th=w withdrew 1\. 21,es S2ek mOveG t\. Kiefer: 2a ..32z ?aQ= committee »e2ort, we'te gei5g 1 :aIe about 2roce3z, - II ce£tai222 wait. Harks: I d IiEe to &t deal vitE i_ tt±a wee%. 9e Save ctEeE tt2£gJ tc talE about\ C3 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 dtr:g (607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1991 Agenda _ 5, -a eccr 0. 1 To"noklrs County "°z -tiro an?, t �': ,�, ?n:illlSed). Comiml�tee relllcrTs te?0 Siooes re, nmenoat.ans to CCC (encloserl). Discuss Open Soave and Affordable Housing resolutions tsent in last matiing). 9. Discuss NYS legtslatton informatton'from Marty Luster's office (enclosed)'. t U. Report on summer internship hiring. 1'.. Consicer meeting minutes: - October 25 (enclosed) - November 13 (sent in last mailing) - February 7 ( sent in last mailing) - Fetruary 21 (sent in la:t mailing) - Mar -.h 21 ( sent in last mailing) - Aprt 1 4 ( hanced out at April 18 meeting) - April 18 ( enclosed for your review).: 2. Consider agenda for next meeting. 3. Aciournment -- 9:w p.m. Cana Bowers Candace Cornel l Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffman Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide vooley Kiefer Kuth Mahr ]aura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc memoer Phillip Zarrlello, an hoc fnember APPROVED MINUTES (7-18-91) TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL May 2, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Chair; _ 7_Ro ger-. , Candace Cornell, Richard Fischer; Eva Hoffmann; Dooley Kiefer; Ruth Mahr; laura marks. ABSENT: Christiann Dean OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide; Susan Manion, Recording Secretary; George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner (9:30 pm); Greg Williams, reporter for WHCU radio; Ruth Arcone, CHAIR'S REPORT: Whitcomb announced the Town Board appointment of Floyd Forman as Town Planner, to begin 6/1/91. Whitcomb, Cornell and Frantz Lhe NYS Land Institute seminar on wetlands in Syracuse on 5/1/91. Cornell reported that there were two presentations. The first was on the NYS DEC and Army Corps of Engineers' positions on regulatory processes. The second was given by an attorney who represents developers who are trying to develop wetlands. Cornell noted that there was not equal representation of people who wanted to preserve wetlands. It was given from the standpoint of how Town Boards could grant wetlands development. She also notpol 'flat o[ 4/1/91 the Army Corps of Engineers requires mitigation of any size wetlands. DEC's development of new regulations ?s on hold. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. MEMBERS' CONCERNS: Cornell voiced concern that the CAC is not operating as efficiently as it should. More responsibility should be delegated to committees, and members should trust the expertise of committees. She opposed voting on committee reports. Things to be voted on should be on the agenda and seen ahead of time. "Editorial comments should be given to staff in writing", and that an attitude of congeniality, mutual respect and compromise should be fostered. Mahr wondered how we generate feedback to committees? Marks stated that the OSC preferred comments in writing. Whitcomb suggested that committees be allowed to make full reports before dissection. Cornell suggested for future consideration the development of educational seminars for the community. This will be discussed on a future agenda. Bowers thinks it may be too early for educational meetings, but agrees 100% with Cornell on the rest. Fischer wanted to know the status of the Six Mile Creek preservation study report. Whitcomb stated that it had gone to the Planning Board and Codes and Ordinances Committee (COC). CAC Minutes, 5/2/91 p. COC is working to create environmental overlay districts that will protect features found in the Six Mile Creek gorge. A draft report is expected from the COC in the near future. Fischer noted that Dr. Sweet had said the report had errors about soil types and asked if the errors had been corrected; Whitcomb said Frantz had determined that his soil maps were not in error. Whitcomb noted the letter to the Town from City Council member Dan Hoffman_ trying to prompt the Town`to take action to protect Six dile Creek. Kiefer asked if someone will be answering the letter. Marks questioned why the Town has not responded on the Six Mile Creek preservation study report. Dvorak noted that at the next CAC meeting we will have a draft copy of the Stream Corridors Overlay district. Kiefer requested the name of this agenda item be changed, since it is often information sharing, rather than concerns. Kiefer attended the last CPC Land Use Committee meeting She believes more dialogue is needed between: this committee and OSC, so that at least similar language is used, and duplication of - effort is avoided. Marks mentioned that she now was attending all CFC Land Use Committee meetings. Kiefer questioned why Steve Smith was not at CAC meeting as planned. Whitcomb stated that Smith was unable to attend, and also believed that his committee was not far enough along to report anything to us. We do share staff, and staff is attempting to coordinate more. The County EMC is interested in compiling information from all municipalities on salt use policy. Kiefer requested staff send this information to them: The County EMC Administrative Affairs Committee chaired by Herb Engman also requested county municipalities forward their SEQR laws to that committee. City of Ithaca CAC Chair Betsy Darlington, Kiefer, and Dick Flaville walked the Southwest Park area attempting to determine why peepers could no longer be heard. The City is dumping brush and some construction materials in this area. On 5/5/91 the City of Ithaca CAC will be meeting at Steamboat Landing to walk the Conrail line. Conrail officials seem amenable to minimizing or discontinuing pesticide spraying along those portions of the track that are environmentally sensitive. Kiefer encouraged Town CAC members tojoin them. Kiefer- dis:tributed. ,a wetland pre_:ervation petition sponsored by the Audubon Society. Kiefer requested that the staff_ get a copy of the County map and policy statement of forest land. CAC Minutes, 5/2/91 p. 3 Kiefer agreed with Cornell that the CAC should have reports to read before discussing or acting on them at a meeting, but disagreed with requiring that all comments be in writing to staff. She finds discussion at meetings and hearing the ideas of other members useful and productive. Bowers reported that Green Heron Farm on Trumansburg Road has applied to the Zoning Board of Appe._tl-c Lu cclistruct an indoor horse arena. It is on the ZBA agenda 5/8/91. Whitcomb will investigate if the CAC has input to the ZBA, and if this proposal will go the ERC. Cornell has forms to apply to EMC if anyone knows of an area they are interested in exploring the possibility of adding onto the Unique Natural Areas. Hoffmann discussed the State program to help preserve scenic views, and asked the CAC to think about scenic views from roads. Fischer commented that 15 years ago the Tompkins County Highway Department developed a list of scenic vistas from County Roads, and suggested they be contacted. Whitcomb commented that no vice -chair for the CAC had been appointed this year, and this will be an agenda item for the next meeting. Whitcomb also questioned whether everyone had received copies of memos to Dar_ Walker on Pine Tree Road, and Cornell's pesticide storage project. These will be forwarded. STAFF REPORT: Dvorak reminded everyone of the public scoping hearing on the Cornell G.E.?.S. at the Women's Community Building at 7 p.m. on 5/7/91. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ag Committee: No report. Environmental Review Committee (ERC): Kiefer announced the next meeting will be on Monday 5/5/91; there are three development applications to review, and the long EAF to work on. Open Space Committee (OSC): Marks'voiced concern that maps being developed for the Comprehensive Plan were not including updated material discovered by the OSC in field studies. The maps are being developed from interpreting and compiling existing maps. No field work is being accepted. Kiefer requested the Town generate a listing of official consultants to visit and verify map changes. Perhaps CAC Minutes, 5/2/91 p.4 tiiS would be something a summer intern could do. Field checking is necessary. John will write a 'Letter to the Town Board challenging the lack of field study done on the Comprehensive Plan maps. The CPC has invited Dvorak and marks to the meeting 5/14/91 to report to Ron Brand on the progress of the Open Space Inventory. Tests of the formula developed by OSC members appear to be working, with the exception of low numerical rankings for wetland areas. Dvorak has been developing a working map and spread sheer. The spread sheet considers ownership, vegetative cover, topography, size, land use, zoning vulnerability, existing protections, historic, cultural and scenic significance, and special characteristics. Mahr still has reservations about numerical rankings and asked if there is still time for discussion. Marks noted that the Amherst plan used words, but a computer does better with numbers. One of the purposes of an Open Space Inventory is to prioritize parcels for future acquisition. Marks noted that when the inventory is completed, a list (,-f the top 10-25 parcels will be generated. Human judgement will have to determine which of these parcels sho!ald be purchased by the Town to avoid development. At the nest meeting we w1il discuss goals and objectives to guide us in the formulation of the open space inventory. Kiefer voiced concern about the apparent low numerical rankings of the wetlands. Whitcomb noted that Mahr's memo suggests we need an explicit policy statement. This will be discussed at the next meeting. d efer noted the size of some of the parcels and asked the source of the parcel numbers. She also asked which protection measures are included in the committee's analysis and how they have been weighted. Dvorak said he drew the parcel .boundaries and numbered them. He said there are three levels of protection: 1) areas owned by a municipality (county, town, state) are assumed to be definitely protected and therefore score 0; 2) medium level protection is assumed for Correll natural areas, private preserves, and deed restrictions; and 3)( lowest level has only a permit process (eg. DEC, COE). STEEP SLOPES DISCUSSION: Marks noted that the changes made to the Steep Slopes Concerns report passed at the 4/18/91 CAC meeting significantly weakened the document. Bowers submitted additional changes that would restrengthen our position. Mahr and Kiefer took exception to the document not being forwarded to the COC as. passed. D-31-1 11 tc, ON-Ub noted that the COC did not intend to discuss the steep slopes concerns at their last meeting So he deeded t o mold it for further discussion. Several expressed procedural concerns regarding the rescinding of the 4/18/91 motion. Hoffmann suggested that both documents be forwarded to the COC, reminding everyone that we should not worry about writing legal documenL-s, G CAC Minutes, since that is the job of the Town Attorney. A lengthy discussion followed. Moved by Cornell, seconded by Boxers to rescind the Steep Slopes Concerns document passed on 4/18/91 and to adopt the several major changes suggested by the OSC dated 4/23/91 and add them to the Steep Slopes Concerns document dated 4/221/91, to be forwarded to the Codes and Ordinances Committee --Moved by Kiefer, seconded by Whitcomb to amend the original document to delete "Our recommendations for the stream corridor and wetland EPODs will follow shortly." ---carried. The amended motion w.�-L� _aurri_d (5 -ayes, 3 .abstefitlons fNoff,tiann, K-1efer, and Mahrl )). Kiefer asked that in the future we vote on one change at a time. SUMMER INTERNS: At 9:10 pm it was moved by marks seconded by Bowers to go into executive session to discuss summer interns ---carried. At 9:40 pm it was moved by marks seconded by Cornell to return to regular session ---carried. Moved by marks, seconded by Bowers to recommend to the Town Board to extend the appointment of Scott Dvorak: from 7131/91 t:>> r1'%5:r9' for the e.v.u1usivc u: of the CAC at a cost not to exceed $1,768 - --carried unanimously. ADDITIONAL STAFF REPORT: Frantz referred members to the 4;26;'91 memo from the Planning staff on the sale of the old Tompkins County Heating Plant plu-'< about 25 acres. The Town's position is to inform the county that the west hill slope is extremely important to the residents of the town, as exhibited by the recent town survey. The soils are highly erodible, and driveways to Rt. 39 would be excessively steep. The Town attorney is investigating which municipality would have the authority of subdivision approval. NYS LEGISLATION ON INCENTIVE ZONING: A bill in the NYS legislature on incentive zoning, sponsored by Assemblyman Marty Luster was forwarded to CAC members. Cornell believed that there will be a revised version with additional language on affordable housing, and that she had requested Marty Lusters office to forward the newer version to Cornell and Whitcomb when it is available. Therefore this was tabled un -1-2 the next meeting. MINUTES: Moved by Fischer, seconded by marks to approve the revised minutes of the 1-0/25/90 meeting with the fol.iowing corrections: a) pg. 2, line 20 - correct spelling of "consistent". b) pg. 5, line 2 - correct spelling of "inflammatory" c) pg. 5, line 5 - delete 'f.aas" --- carried unanimously. CAC Minutes, 5/2/91 p. 6 Moved by Fischer, seconded by Cornell to approve the revised minutes of 11/13/90 meeting. Hoffmann Noted that Mahr and Kiefer had left the meeting when the vote on the Six Mile Creek Study was taken. The minutes reflect the vote was unanimous. Marks noted that she had also left, so that in fact there was no quorum, and the vote was not legal. Kiefer suggested the minutes reflect when members left. A motion regarding the Six Mile Creek Study will be prepared bywarks to be submitted for the next meeting. Moved by Mahr, seconded by Hoffmann to adjourn at 10:05,p.m. Respectfully submitted, Susan E. Manion Submitted by Manion 5/10/91 Revised by Kiefer 5/16/91 Approved by CAC 7/18/91 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Senaca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) ( 607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1991 Aganda 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard 3. Staff report. 4. Member concerns and information. S. Committee reports. 6. Appointment of Pica -Chair of CAC. 7. Six Mile Creek Valley Report revisited ( resolution enclosed). 8. Discuss Cornell GEIS (enclosed in non -ERC member packets). 9. Discuss NYS legislation information from Marty Luster's office (sent in April 18 mailing). 10. Posting of signs legislation from COC (enclosed). 11. Discuss Open Space and Affordable Housing resolutions (sent in April 18 mailing). 12. Consider meeting minutes" - November 13 (enclosed) - February 7 ( sent in April J8 mailing) - February 21 (sent in April 18 mailing) -March 21 ( sent in April 18 mailing) - April 4 (sent in May 2 mailing) -April 18 (enclosed) - May 2 ( enclosed for your review and comment). 13. Consioer agenda for next meeting. 14. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr ]aura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member MINUTES TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL May 16, 1991 MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, John Whitcomb; Candace Cornell; Richard Fischer; Eva Hoffmann; Dooley Kiefer, Ruth Mahr, laura marks. MEMBERS ABSENT: Celia Bowers; Christiann Dean; Susan Manion, recording secretary. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, planning aide. Chair John Whitcomb called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm in the Ithaca Town Hall. REPORT OF THE CHAIR: Whitcomb reported that the Codes and Ordinances Committee (COC), has been working on the language for the Environmental Protection Overlay District. Town Attorney John Barney is presently reviewing the language, then the chair of the COC, Karl Niklas, would like the CAC to review the language. Marks noted that the COC chair would like to present stream corridors, steep slopes, and wetlands EPODs to the Town Board as one package. An attempt will be made to have a quorum for an extra CAC meeting prior to the next COC meeting to review the EPODs. Whitcomb will survey CAC members not present. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. STAFF REPORT: Dvorak: reviewed the tentative schedule for the Town of Ithaca Planning_ Board, which calls for formal designation of themselves as lead agency and to adopt the scope for the Cornell University G.E.I.S. on May 21. (Hoffmann noted that if the CAC plans to have any input on the scope of the G.E.I.S., we need to comment as soon as possible.) On June 4 will be the acceptance of the draft scope of the G.E.I.S., the Hasbrouck Apartments expansion final site plan approval and the Cornell tennis facilities sketch plan. The CPC Goals and Objectives committee meeting will be tomorrow, 5/17/91, at 8:15 am, and they would like Mahr and Kiefer to attend if possible. Both Kiefer and Mahr said it was impossible on such short notice. MEMBER CONCERNS AND INFORMATION: Mahr noted that Cornell University is now engaging in two earth- moving projects, and questioned if they had been issued the necessary permits. The fust is removal of the sludge from the ponds in Cornell Plantations next to the water filtration plant which are being dredged and removed. Whitcomb will ask Judy Jones where it is being taken. The second is the old Oxley Arena adjacent to Cascadilla Creek. Hoffmann reported that approval for a temporary unpaved parking lot on that site to be used for construction crews had been approved by the Planning Board. Kiefer noted that this had been reviewed by the ERC, and believed there was enough space for runoff to percolate through the gravel and soil before it reached the Creek. Mahr indicated a tremendously deep trench appears to be going directly into Cascadilla Creek. Dvorak will have the Town Engineering Department staff investigate. Mahr voiced concern about the backlog of minutes, and would like the CAC to reduce the backlog so that at each meeting the CAC need only consider the minutes from the previous meeting. CAC Minutes, 5-16-91 Mahr understood that she was to lead a discussion on planning objectives and philosophy tonight as referred in her memo distributed at the last meeting, but this is not on the agenda. She was prepared to do this tonight, and will not be at the next scheduled meeting. Fischer requested clarification. She specified the objectives and philosophy that guides the planning that will therefore guide the open space inventory. This impacts on the open space selection process. For example, what is the philosophy on protection of open space? Do we all have similar goals? Section 239Y of New York State Law, which defines open space, says that it depends on its contribution to a desirable pattern of development (no one has told us what a desirable pattern of development is) and conform with planning objectives (we have not defined planning objectives). We cannot define open space for our purposes in the Town of Ithaca until we specify what we are assuming the planning objectives are. Marks requested distribution ahead of time for review, and discussion at the next meeting. Whitcomb asked Kiefer if she had received a copy of his letter to Dan Walker regarding Cornell University pesticide storage facilities. This needs to be distributed to CAC. Kiefer said it was posted in the Environmental Notice Bulletin. The SUNY construction fund is Lead Agency. Dvorak will check with Frantz about any notice having been received from the State Dormitory Authority regarding the pesticide storage facility improvement project at Cornell. John Barney is investigating what influence and jurisdiction the town municipality has over a state project. The memo concerning the realignment of Pine Tree Road was distributed to all CAC members. Dan Walker has not received notification from the State. Kiefer received information on the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trades, which is trying to harmonize regulations between the U.S. and the European countries. There are two problems. We have more stringent food quality regulations than many industrialized countries. EPA has commented that current US food residue standards would be changed under this harmonization to allow higher levels of pesticides residues. All environmental standards are jeopardized. The US regulations will only be weakened. She was, however, most concerned about the second problem, the Constitutional question. This kind of negotiation is being done in secret on a "fast track". When the Executive is given "fast track" authority it means that whatever they negotiate cannot be CAC Minutes, 5/16/91 amended, can only be debated for 20 hours, and only takes a majority vote in the Senate to pass it, unlike other treaties, where a two-thirds majority is required. There is a Senate Resolution #78 sponsored by Hollings and Conrad to get this off the "fast track", and she encouraged CAC members to write to our Senator. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Environmental Review Committee: Kiefer reviewed the two pages of comments from the ERC enclosed in members' packets. The ERC decided that it was not appropriate to focus on Cornell University G.E.I.S. because they had to deal with project applications and the Long EAR Cornell asked for location of some of projects mentioned. Hoffmann and Kiefer clarified. Kiefer asked the CAC to endorse #4B on the report. Motion by Fischer seconded by Cornell that the CAC recommend that the Planning Board institute a schedule of fines for non-compliance with an approved site plan. At the time of site -plan approval, a date should be set by when compliance will be complete. Absent good cause shown, for each week the project sponsor fails to comply, he/she would be fined a specific amount. In addition, if the site plan is not complete at the time of request for an occupancy permit, at most a temporary certificate of occupancy should be issued. The CAC also recommends that the Town designate a particular individual to periodically check new projects for site -plan compliance CAC Minutes, 5-16-91 2 (including landscaping), and report back to the Planning Board on any problems. We suggest it may be most efficient to have the Building Inspector do this as part of his rounds. ---Carried unanimously. Whitcomb asked if we wanted an endorsement of #6A on the report. Motion by marks seconded by Fischer that the CAC formally request the Planning Board to rescind its negative declaration for the Cornell University Hasbrouck Apartments expansion and delay any determination until sewer and water infrastructure and traffic impact questions are settled. The Planning Board has the authority to rescind its negative declaration since SEQR calls for disclosure of the sort of information that is still missing, and since those questions should be answered before a determination of significance is made, this seems to be a situation that calls for the recision of the negative declaration, pending necessary answers to important questions. Following Hoffmann's clarification of several questions from CAC members the motion was carried (Hoffmann abstained). Kiefer asked a procedural question as to why the ERC never received EAF's for G.E.I.S. for Cornell. Kiefer reported that the Long Environmental Assessment Form typed by Manion was not in a usable format. Manion explained in an earlier conversation with Kiefer that she did not have the software to produce a final product. Kiefer will discuss with Frantz the possibility of the Planning Department putting it in a final form for the 6/11/91 meeting. Cornell offered to do the typing if it was not too long. Ag Committee: There was no report. Open Space Committee: Dvorak and marks reported on the progress of the Open Space Inventory to the CPC on 5/14/91. Dvorak reviewed the map and spread sheet ranking for preservation as discussed at the previous meeting. A sheet describing the value designations for the natural attributes, vulnerabilities and protections was distributed. The equation (natural attributes plus vulnerabilities, minus protections equal the value for preservation) can be applied to any particular parcel. Of 178 parcels on the map, 13 came out 15 or above, 51 came out 10-15, 114 came out 0-10. The highest parcel came out 24. Dvorak, using the West Hill slope as an example, noted that it was a unique natural area, had woods over 5 acres, steep slopes, scenic value, was a deer wintering area, zoned R-15, R-30, and had water and sewer, there are development proposals on site; there were no protections, for a total of 17. The COC is presently working on EPODs for wetlands, woodlands, stream corridors, floodplains, and steep slopes, and it was noted that 4 of the 5 were in category 3. Kiefer questioned why any parcels that have been developed were excluded, because although we initially said open space is anything that has not been developed, as we talked more it became clear that there are culturally or historically significant things that should also be included in this kind of listing. Marks reminded everyone that this is an ongoing process. The spread sheet will need to be continually updated. Dvorak clarified the protections. Those parcels that are State-, Town- or City - owned, and the 10% set-aside areas are already protected, and do not require further preservation. Permits, Agricultural Districts, National Flood Insurance Program, and EPODs were only another step of review. Kiefer requested clarification on steep slopes. Marks said that the Town is adopting the definition of steep slopes as 15%. In the steep slopes concerns report sent to the COC, the CAC Minutes, 5-16-91 3 CAC recommended no development on slopes over 25%. Slopes 15-25% are vulnerable, with any development having lower density. New York State law states that the Index has to be prioritized for acquisition or preservation. All the parcels have been run through the preliminary ranking, and the parcels that you would intuitively think should be preserved are the ones that basically have filtered out. Others will require the protection of EPODs. Mahr questioned if EPODs would only protect by requiring additional restrictions for development Marks reported that the Town Attorney says he can defend one house per five acres. On the Codes and Ordinances Committee Niklas and Rue want to see how much property will be affected, and if it is too much, the COC may go with one house per three acres. Dvorak noted that only a "nobuild" zone would give absolute protection. He said that protection mechanisms will not take parcels off the open space list. Deed restrictions are presently the only protection. Whitcomb also reminded everyone that not all open space acquisitions would be for public access. Dvorak mentioned how the open space plan can really be a combination of three plans: natural resources, agricultural land preservation and parks and recreation. Hoffmann asked if any scenic views have been identified in the top protection category. Dvorak mentioned that Coy Glen, South Hill swamp and West Hill slope had exceptional scenic views and were in the top category. Marks said that scenic views come more under the heading of parks and recreation part of the inventory. Hoffmann suggested we generate a list of scenic views, as suggested at the last meeting. Marks suggested that the computer could show what scenic views had been identified. Kiefer questioned why Steve Smith, chair of the Land Use Committee of the CPC, had not come to a CAC meeting as planned. Whitcomb stated that the Land Use Committee is still working on maps, and had not begun an policy decisions. Therefore, Steve Smith believed there was nothing to report at this point. Whitcomb suggested that any CAC members interested in what the Land Use Committee was doing, should attend their meetings. Mahr questioned if there was any room for the wildlife corridor concept. Dvorak noted that biological corridors were part of the first list of natural attributes, and as soon as they have been identified, will be added to the spread sheet. Kiefer asked if there were any other "attributes" that had also not been used in the calculations. Dvorak said that "significant habitats" have only been partially used. Marks said she feels harassed by certain non-members of the Open Space Committee. She hears only criticisms, not acknowledgement that the committee is taking everyone's view into account. APPOINTMENT OF VICE -CHAIR: Marks nominated and Cornell seconded Dick Fischer, who declined because he is often away on travels. Marks nominated Christiann Dean, but she, too, is often absent. Motion by Mahr seconded by Hoffmann to nominate Dooley Kiefer as its vice -chair for the remainder of 1991 ---Carried (Whitcomb, Fischer, Hoffmann, Kiefer and Mahr) 2 opposed (Cornell and marks). NOVEMBER 13 MINUTES: Because there was no tape recording of the 11/13/90 minutes, it was brought to the CAC's attention at the previous meeting that the resolutions passed at the meeting could be invalid because there was not a quorum present. Following a brief discussion concerning the sequence of members leaving the November 13 meeting, moved by marks, seconded by Fischer to approve the minutes of the 11/13/90 as per the revision distributed in the last mailing ---Carried unanimously. CAC Minutes, 5-16-91 4 SIX -MILE CREEK: Motion by Fischer seconded by Hoffmann to approve the following resolution: Whereas in reviewing the minutes of the CAC's November 13, 1990 meeting it was discovered that a quorum was no longer present at the time of the vote on the "Six -Mile Creek: A Heritage to Preserve" report; and Whereas it was and is the intention of the CAC to accept that report; and Whereas revisiting this topic at this time affords the CAC the opportunity for further comments; then be it Resolved that the CAC again endorses the work of the Parks, Natural Areas, and Stream Corridors Committee, accepts its report entitled "Six Mile Creek: A Heritage to Preserve", and acknowledges that following the November 13, 1990 meeting the report was correctly forwarded to the Planning Board for its consideration, and be it further Resolved that the CAC notes that the report can be considered in two parts: 1) the "Conservation District" appendix, which contains draft language for a Zoning Ordinance amendment/addition that should be and is being reviewed by the Codes and Ordinances Committee and Town Attorney for action by the Town Board, and 2) the main body of the text, which contains various statements of philosophy and principles, and that the CAC now commends to the Comprehensive Planning Committee to be incorporated into the draft Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Ithaca, and be it further Resolved, that the CAC requests that the Planning Board support the designation by the Town of the Six Mile Creek area as a Critical Environmental Area (CEA) of the Town of Ithaca. ---Carried unanimously. POSTING OF SIGNS LEGISLATION FROM COC: Whitcomb noted that the ERC comments to the COC were well taken. There was a brief discussion on the length of the posting time. Whitcomb believed that the signs should be posted when the plans arrive for review. Hoffmann stated that the COC had discussed this at great length, and she, too, did not feel it was correct. Members decided to recommend that the posting should occur within seven days of the application (for development, subdivision, or variance) being initially filed and a project number being assigned. Hoffmann would like to have specifics on what the sign should look like and what it should say. Cornell suggested a very generic sign that would announce the application, and note the name and address of the applicant. It should also be more specific that the applicant is the responsible party to post and maintain the sign. The Building Inspector will be the designated officer to ensure that these rules are properly enforced. Dvorak will send a memo to the COC with the suggested changes. CORNELL UNIVERSITY SCOPE DRAFT G.E.I.S.: Whitcomb noted that Bruce Britton had written the most comprehensive set of comments on this. Kiefer mentioned that ERC believed that loss of scenic views should be addressed, and traffic counts should also include pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, and others. Fischer said that he believed Cornell's planning department is proceeding wisely. Mahr believed that Town Board, not the Planning Board, should be the lead agency for the G.E.I.S. Kiefer noted it would be appropriate for the Planning Board to shepherd the process because of their expertise, but agreed the Town Board should be lead agency. Cornell mentioned the Ellis Hollow Community group memorandum distributed at the scoping session, which highlighted the traffic problems in establishing a safe bikeway route, and the preservation of McGowan Woods and green belt area to be connected to the Upper Cascadilla Creek. Mahr noted that this is a great plan for the area, but is not a part of the scope of the G.E.I.S. Dvorak mentioned that Dan Walker is compiling a list of comments generated from the scoping session, and Frantz is working on the Long EAR CAC Minutes, 5-16-91 5 Motion by Fischer seconded by Cornell the following resolutions: Resolved that 1) The G.E.I.S. should address scenic views within, from and of Precinct 7. (e.g. west on Snyder Hill Road and west on Ellis Hollow Road) 2) The CAC feels that McGowan Woods and Upper Cascadilla Creek are special areas and should be highlighted as such in section IV.D. La. 3) The G.E.I.S. should evaluate the importance of the area as an educational resource not only for Cornell University students but also for area residents and school children (e.g. the Orchards, Fish Hatchery, McGowan Woods). 4) The G.E.I.S. should include pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, and others in addition to automobiles in its traffic counts and considerations. Be it also resolved that the CAC feels strongly that the Town Board, not the Planning Board, should be the lead agent for the G.E.I.S. The creation of the GEIS is in response to a zoning request by Cornell which is the jurisdiction of the Town Board. In addition, the large scope and multi -faceted issues involved in a GEIS make it more appropriate for an elected body to be responsible for the document. The Town Board should use the Planning Board and its expertise in this area to guide the process of the GEIS and solicit its recommendations; however, the Town bard should maintain ultimate responsibility. ----Carried unanimously. MINUTES: 2/7/91- Under Ag Committee report: Chuck Clarkson's name was incorrectly spelled; p. 2, delete second "are". Moved by Cornell, seconded by Fischer to approve the 2/7/91 minutes as corrected --- carried (Hoffmann abstained). 2/21/91 - Kiefer mentioned the insert on p. 2. For future information, insertions cannot be actual part of minutes. She suggested that when people add things, it should be noted with brackets and the additional information be identified by having it "Editor's note:". Bottom of p. 3 - strike "some objectives seem like." Moved by marks seconded by Fischer to adopt the 2/21/91 minutes as revised --- carried unanimously. 3/21/91 ---moved by Kiefer, seconded by marks to move without correction ---carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 10 pm. Respectfully submitted, Susan E. Manion, Recording Secretary Submitted by Manion 5/23/91 Revised by Mahr 7/18/91 Revised by Kiefer 7/18/91 Corrected by CAC 9-5-91 Approved 9-5-91 CAC Minutes, 5-16-91 6 4. J. F, 3. 9. w MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA _CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM ,126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrant- at rear of building -- west sine) (607)273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 1991 Agenda R?porr. of Me Cnair. Persons w be nearer. ,CA0 Work Plan. - Open Soace phi losopny eiscussicn ( Ruth Manr memo enclosed). - ncsolutions on af`urdable Housing avid open aacCc (rieW v?r: iv..s crii iv"�^.i Discuss Town Stream Corridor EPOD ( mailed last week). Discuss wending NYS Incentive Zoning legislation (sent in May c mailing). Staff report. Member concerns anr, information. 0=mittee reports. Consider meeting minutes: ' - April 4 ( sent in May 2 mailing) ' - April 18 (sent in May 16 mailing) - May 2 (sent in May 16 mailing). Consider agenda for next meeting. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. rS(` ^"or..;.:..,.. i., •^�1.,+^.^r^h ^dpi.. Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide D Co 1;N K ?ofor Ruth Mahr laura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member .9 d MINUTES TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL June 6, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Chair; Christiann Dean; Richard Fischer; Dooley Kiefer, Ruth Mahr; laura marks. ABSENT: Candace Cornell; Celia Bowers; Eva Hoffmann; Susan Manion, recording secretary. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, planning aide; Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member; Bill Hilker. The meeting was opened at 7:05 pm at the Town Hall. CHAIR'S REPORT: Whitcomb reported a SEQR guide is available from Matthew Bender, Inc., which attempts to capture the essence of every legal decision that has been made in New York State regarding SEQR. The cost is $110, and subscribers receive periodic updates. It was suggested that Town Attorney John Barney have a copy. Candace Cornell will host a dish -to -pass barbecue for CAC members on June 15 at 5 pm. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. CAC WORK PLAN: Whitcomb reviewed the present activities of the CAC: 1) To comment on Town policies. 2) We each have our own environmental concerns (hazardous waste, road salt, education in schools, agriculture, open space, etc.). 3) We presently work in three committees (Environmental Review Committee, Open Space Committee, Ag Committee). We have begun work on preserving and protecting. certain natural areas within the town and preserving agricultural land. The open space indexing process, rather than being an end in itself, is just the beginning. We have not begun to discuss a parks and recreational plan (i.e. playgrounds, park areas, green belts). Scenic views have been discussed briefly. Once the index is completed, we can concentrate on individual projects. Whitcomb asked if the committee system was adequate. Dean pointed out that our committee work reflects much more than individual members' interests. Each committee member was chosen because of interest in that particular area, but that does not mean that these member's interests are limited to only these areas. Marks noted that the CAC is representative of the people in the Town of Ithaca. Our individual interests reflect the interests of the entire community. She also suggested a CAC newsletter to show homeowners how they can be more environmentally aware. Mahr reflected that we had initially started out pursuing more things, then we decided that we should put more of our energy into the open space index. When this is more complete perhaps we can again pick up some of the other areas. Mahr particularly enjoys individual environmental problems and policies, and looks forward to having time to pursue this. Kiefer asked if parks and recreation was a component of the Comprehensive Plan? If so, the CAC should have some responsibility by nature of the topic. Whitcomb noted the interesting lack of dynamics between the CPC and CAC, and had initially believed the CPC would be more definitive than what is actually being produced. The initial Comprehensive Plan will not be a policy statement, but more of a directional document with CAC Minutes, 6-6-91 suggestions for more planning. The CPC may have public information meetings in early fall. The public needs to know there has been activity. Kiefer asked when the chapters Ron Brand was to have written would be finished, and Whitcomb answered these were supposedly due some time in July. Kiefer suggested that some subset of the CAC should consider parks and recreation, and perhaps it was appropriate that this be done by the Open Space Committee, since parks are a kind of open space. Marks noted that one thing the entire CAC has in common is our desire to protect natural areas. According to the resident survey 85% of the respondents said that they wanted natural areas preserved. 70% said that we had adequate park space for the amount of building we have now. It is clear that the OSC needs to focus on what natural areas need to be preserved first. She agreed that we need a parks plan, and suggested Mahr be on that committee. PLANNING OBJECTIVES AND OPEN SPACE: Mahr explained that the background material used in formulating the sketch document sent to all CAC members in the last mailing concerning planning objectives and open space, was Section 239Y of Municipal Law, the memo to marks from the April mailing, and the philosophy document that she and Kiefer had drafted for the CPC. The objective of the discussion was to conceptualize open space and the components of open space to see how all of this dove -tails in the planning process. Much of the planning should come from the open space document. She explained that if parcels of land are characterized by (1) natural scenic beauty or (2) openness or natural condition is the present use, and if these (a) enhance present or potential value of abutting or surrounding development, (b) contribute to a desirable pattern of development, (c) conform with planning objectives, or (d) conserve natural or scenic resources, then by definition they become open space. However, a -d involve planning statements or objectives that we have not been given. For instance, we have not been told what a desirable pattern of development is. The open space document is the outcome of a planning process, which includes objectives which have not presently been defined. Dean noted that it may be part of our task to formulate those objectives. Mahr commented that we need to articulate what objectives we are assuming. Marks agreed with Mahr, but noted that what Mahr suggests is an unmanageable project, which is what initially happened in the Open Space Committee this year. We need to decide that the real Open Space Plan is different than the Open Space Inventory Index. Tasks need to be broken down into "do -able" sections, to avoid frustration, rather than trying to do it all at once. We need to keep in mind that the Open Space Inventory is only a small part of the Open Space Plan. It is necessary to inventory what open space is out there, then we can apply planning objectives in determining what needs to be preserved. Whitcomb reminded members that 239Y was over 20 years old. It gives broad definitions of open space. Kiefer noted that it made a lot of sense to expand the Open Space Inventory into a Natural Resources Inventory because it would be most helpful in review of development applications and to determine which parts of the Town can stand to be developed. We are beyond what 239Y says, but we still must comply with it, We need to state what our assumptions are. Whitcomb noted that the CPC is looking to the CAC to tell them what we believe are the valuable attributes of the open space. Kiefer expressed concern that wetlands were not strongly protected in the indexing process. Marks remarked that if the EPOD legislation comes out of COC as strong as CAC member Cornell recommends, we could delete wetlands from the Open Space Index, because we will not need to acquire them. Zarriello believes the Open Space Inventory should be left as an inventory and not have any connotation as a "plan". Mahr, continuing her presentation, asked what is the Town of Ithaca's philosophy of growth? If CAC Minutes, 6-6-91 2 you are going to grow, in what locations? What density will be allowed? Whitcomb noted that the goals and objectives of the CPC address these questions, and the CAC had reviewed and commented. Growth in the Town of Ithaca has been at about 1 % a year for the past 20 years. An attempt has been made to have that growth clustered, confined to areas already served by existing services (water and sewer), and to preserve agricultural lands on West Hill. These questions will be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. He also noted that it is difficult to separate ourselves from the philosophy of growth in our neighboring municipalities. We are at the mercy of the growth in these communities, since these people drive through the Town of Ithaca to get to Cornell. Dean wished to look at it as an interdependence rather than "at the mercy". Dean has a farm on the border of the Town of Ithaca and the Town of Danby, and has found the Town of Danby very sensitive and very interested in decisions we are making in the Town of Ithaca, and don't want to be overly influenced by us. Whitcomb noted that County Planning should take a more active role in discussions between communities. Mahr continued by discussing the planning objective of "the preservation and enhancement of communities". What recreational land is available? Will there be green space within communities, and buffer zones or green belts? The next planning objective was historic preservation. What does this imply for on open space? Conservation & preservation of natural and scenic resources would include location of any fossil fuels and soil types. Do we want to preserve all agricultural land, or by soil type or location? Dean noted that the Ag Committee had addressed these questions. Mahr continued: What woodlands should be preserved? Mahr suggested that with our population, determine how the present population is using our resources, then, avoid further depletion, so that future generations have the same endowment. Natural resources would also include water (stream corridors, lakes, ponds), scenic resources (gorges, steep slopes, scenic views), and species preservation (unique natural areas, wetlands, wildlife corridors, endangered species). If we assume the above as planning objectives then these goals have certain open space implications that ought to show up on the open space document. Marks applauded Mater's presentation, particularly in reference to the Comprehensive Plan. However, it is not the Open Space Index. The Open Space Inventory is really only one small project. Marks reviewed what the OSC was considering, and had suggestions on how to get these objectives accomplished. For example, historic preservation: all should become development constraints. If there is an Indian Burial Ground on the site, you don't develop on it. The CPC transportation subcommittee is dealing with several of the issues under conservation & preservation of natural and scenic resources. Our own Ag committee is dealing with several of these issues. Trees and woodlands are real modifiers of the environment. COC EPOD on woodlands will have to address that. Some of the soils are being considered in the Open Space Inventory. Dividing these tasks make them much more manageable. Scenic views are too complex for the Open Space Committee alone. Whitcomb said that the CPC would be delighted to receive a document from the CAC endorsing these objectives. The next meeting will be a discussion of the Open Space Inventory to date. The CAC was in consensus that Mahr should write up her analysis and submit these objectives to the CAC for transmittal to the CPC. CAC RESOLUTION ON CREATION OF A TOWN FUND FOR PROTECTION OF OPEN SPACE: Motion by Kiefer, seconded by Fischer to adopt the following resolution, which was carried unanimously. Following further brief discussion there was a motion by marks and seconded by Fischer to substitute the word "acquisition" for "purchase" in the RESOLVED section of said resolution ---carried unanimously. WHEREAS residents of the Town of Ithaca wish to protect large, contiguous areas of open space; and WHEREAS these areas may be protected legislatively by conservation overlays, zoning, etc., or by outright purchase or purchase of development rights; and CAC Minutes, 6-6-91 3 WHEREAS the Town of Ithaca currently has no funds designated for such purchase; and WHEREAS many communities have created funds for land purchase by taxation, special fees, and/or grants; and WHEREAS the Town does have the power, under Article IV, Section 22 of the Subdivision regulations to require developers to donate 10% of their project's area to the Town for park space, or as an alternative, to make payments in lieu of land reservation; and WHEREAS land conservation, to date, has resulted in a number of small, non-contiguous parcels of Town -owned land that may be unsuitable for park space; and WHEREAS the Town is currently developing a Comprehensive Plan and an Open Space Index which together will give direction as to which open space lands need protection; and WHEREAS the Town of Ithaca will develop a program for open space protection after completion of the Open Space Index; therefore be it RESOLVED that the CAC recommends this program be begun now by having 1) the Town Board create a fund for the acquisition of open space. 2) the Planning Board exercise its option of requiring developers to make payment to this fund in lieu of land restoration, where appropriate, and 3) the Town Planning staff research and recommend other methods of creating funds for open space acquisition and that such recommendations be referred to appropriate Town committees for recommendation to the Town Board. This will be forwarded to the Town Board for the July meeting, and copy sent to the CPC. Consideration of the draft resolution on affordable housing was again deferred because it will entail quite a bit of discussion. TOWN EPODS: Dvorak reported that the COC has tabled the stream corridor EPOD until they get comments from the CAC. Marks noted that she has done the draft stream corridor EPOD, Cornell is working on wetlands, and Bowers did steep slopes, which went to the OSC and then to the CAC and on to COC. Comments were received from marks and Bruce Britton on the proposed stream corridor EPOD. Kiefer turned in comments to COC already since she thought the CAC was having a special meeting and she was away. Kiefer noted that in general the CAC should be utilized in a formal way in the implementation of the EPOD process. Using marks comments as a pattern, there were several comments. Bean believed that section 7 on Land Use Standards needed additional work, particularly discouraging the use of manure. There is no reference to pesticide and chemical fertilizers because the State regulates management of this. Marks noted that she did not address commercial development. The focus of this document was on residential developments with a little bit of agriculture. Whitcomb asked about stream corridors that are already residentially developed, such as the stream corridor of Forest Home along Fall Creek. Does that prohibit vegetable and flower gardens along Fall Creek? COC should revisit the minutes of public hearings on the Fall Creek recreational river debate, and pay attention to the questions asked by the Fall Creek residents. Whitcomb found no definition of how things are measured. What about streams that have a lake as part of them (i.e. Beebe Lake) that is wider than the protection corridor? How is this dealt with? Marks said it isn't. Dean noted that the document did not protect the actual source of the stream. Marks said that may be covered in the wetland EPOD. There was a lengthy discussion concerning the EPOD boundaries as defined by the COC and redefined by marks. Marks supported the boundaries she had suggested, but believed the boundaries should be tentative until each individual stream CAC Minutes, 6-6-91 4 could be studied. She did extensive field studies testing the proposed legislation. Dean asked why distances are measured from the center line; Marks said that it what the Town attorney feels comfortable with. Fischer noted that the centerline can change yearly. It was noted that there is no suggested definition of "stream corridor". Zarriello said one could use the 100 year flood plain's mean average high-water mark. Dean suggested 500 feet. Kiefer recalled the NYS wild scenic and recreational rivers interim 1/4 mile boundary. Mahr suggested that in our comments we mention that we question the distances that they have suggested and note that we are more conservative in our estimates, rather than being more specific. Ultimately we would like to study each one individually. Kiefer noted that in addition to the EPODs mentioned by CAC in this draft, there also needs to be a critical environmental area overlay district, a scenic overlay district, and a historic/cultural overlay district. This language should be added. Dean suggested we needed an agricultural overlay district, also. Kiefer believed the final document should specifically designate the CAC to have input on the establishing boundaries, special permit approval, variance approval, land use standards, and any additional information that the special expertise of the CAC could provide. Whitcomb will write a letter to the COC covering all the comments made. STAFF REPORT: Dvorak reported: 1) The sludge being hauled from the Cornell water treatment ponds is probably being spread on their own land, so no permit is required by the Town. 2) The trench at the Oxley site was for installation of new utilities. 3) According to Dan Walker and George Frantz small prefab modules are being installed by Cornell University for use as pesticide storage sites. The Town Attorney is investigating whether the Town has jurisdiction. Whitcomb noted that Judy Jones, the person in charge of that project, indicated she would be happy to come to the CAC and make a presentation. She will be invited to the July meeting. MEMBER INFORMATION AND CONCERNS: Dean asked if the Town of Ithaca has a noise ordinance. Whitcomb said yes, and it applies to amplified sound. Dean asked does it apply to the backup noise of trucks? The noise of trucks working on Buttermilk Falls plaza is very offensive. Does the ordinance have time restraints? This will be investigated. Is the ordinance serving its purpose or does it need to be strengthened? Kiefer reported: The County Board of Representatives has decided to sell --- in connection with the old hospital heating plant--- approximately 80 -acres of West Hill land: one large parcel and two non- contiguous parcels separated by the old railroad right of way. She strongly encouraged the passage of the Steep Slopes EPOD before the sale. The Draft NYS Open Space Conservation Plan is available at County Planning. Comments should be sent to Jim Hanson by 6/10/91. Dvorak said the Town had a copy of the draft also. He commented that it was quite vague. Kiefer suggested we have a subcommittee to prepare a draft outline of procedures and policies the CAC has been following or should follow, and adopt this so we don't flounder. Mahr requested a printout of all the resolutions passed by the CAC. Dvorak will provide. Kiefer went to the Town Planning Board meeting that reviewed the proposed Minnie's Barbecue on the Elmira Road. In addition to the concern about smoke and odors, the major concern is traffic. A traffic study is really important in this area. Dan Walker has noted that Route 13 serves two incompatible purposes: one as a through highway and the other as a local road. As long as it CAC Minutes, 6-6-91 5 serves these two purposes, it cannot function well. It is zoned commercial, but it was obvious the site could not support that. Perhaps it is time to reconsider the zoning in that area. She suggested we consider whether we are interested in making any recommendations on rezoning Inlet Valley before it is too late. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ag Committee: Dean reported that they had met on 6/5/91 and reviewed the proposed 2010 map in light of prime soil maps and active and inactive farmland maps. Two types of agriculture that will be viable and desirable for the Town over the next 20 years will be dairy crop operations (which require large contiguous tracts) and vegetable, fruit and specialty animal farming (which can take advantage of smaller pockets of suitable land, especially closer to the city). The committee is recommending preservation of the band of existing farmland on West Hill and South Hill as a top priority, and to take an active interest in the preservation of Cornell's agricultural land. They will meet again on 6/26/91, to review Matt Hastie's recommendations for protective mechanisms for the Town of Ithaca. The committee plans to make recommendations for which of these protective mechanisms (zoning, tax relief, the purchase of development rights, recruitment of new farmers) the Town should adopt. Environmental Review Committee: Kiefer reported that the committee plans to meet on 6/12/91 from 3-5:30 pm to work on the Long Environmental Assessment Form and five subdivision and development applications. Open Space Committee: Marks reported the next meeting will be Tuesday at 10 am. The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Susan E. Manion Recording Secretary Submitted by Manion 6/13/91 Revised by Kiefer 7/18/91 Approved 9-5-91 CAC Minutes, 6-6-91 6 I - MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM En.r,rce at rear of bulla ng -- west lice) 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca. New York 14850 (607)2.73-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 1991 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6 Agenda meeting °-r cps, rc ce Ocen Soace o,sc:,ss,cn - Co=n : summit`=e reCor`' SnClus:l:' r ecort ! enclosed) - c r 3 f t scenic :,st3 resoiut,on (ancicsec usan ^".n 1 on's ,scussion of minutes Consider meeting minutes: — Acril 4 ( revised draft enclosed)' — Aoril 16 ( sent in May 16 mailing) — flay 2 (sent in May 16 mailing) — May 16 (enclosed for your review and comment) — June 6 ( handed out at June 20 meeting for your review and comment) Other business - Adjournment -- 9:30 P.m. CAC Memcers: ,.conn `�vhitcom0, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Chr,stienn Dean Ric;,ard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide ,Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc memoer Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member MINUTES TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL June 20, 1991 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dooley Kiefer, vice -chair; Celia Bowers; Candace Cornell; Richard Fischer; Eva Hoffmann; Ruth Mahr, laura marks. MEMBERS ABSENT: Christiann Dean; John Whitcomb. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide; Susan Manion, Recording Secretary. The meeting, held at the Town Hall, was opened at 7:10 pm by vice -chair Dooley Kiefer. FORMAT OF MEETING MINUTES: Manion requested input on the length and substance of recent minutes, mentioning that since recordings of the meetings were kept, verbatim minutes were unnecessary for historical value. Kiefer noted that minutes serve other purposes: to inform absent members of what happened; to remind members who were present what was said, and any necessary actions that are required; what actions were taken and why; and substantive differences of opinions. The consensus of the members was to have summary minutes done in chronological order, with topics underlined. Cornell requested that when referring to the institution of Cornell, always use University. Marks supports use of last names only, to remove any element of personal relationships. MEETING MINUTES: Hoffmann asked for clarification on the 5/16/91 resolution submitted to the Planning Board to rescind the negative declaration on the Hasbrouk apartments. The approved resolution states that it was carried unanimously, but the minutes reflect that Hoffmann had abstained. Manion stated that the abstention was noted on the tape; therefore, the minutes are correct, and the information with the resolution should be changed. It was moved by Mahr, seconded by marks to approved the 414/91 minutes with the following revisions: P. 1- last paragraph: only the first sentence should be a regular part of the minutes. The remainder of the paragraph did not happen during the meeting, and therefore should be bracketed, beginning: [Note: "The meeting was held on April 9th at 2:30 pm and ---". P. 2 - third paragraph under Member Concerns: delete "April 10 P. 3 - third full paragraph, last sentence: insert "from the Town of Ithaca" after "...booklet be made available...". P. 5 - first full paragraph: add " for mature forests" after "...10 acre limit...". P. 5 - third full paragraph: delete first sentence beginning "Ruth said..." and insert "Ruth objected to using the list as a ranking list. It should simply be a way to categorize. Ranking should come later." P. 5 - fourth full paragraph, beginning of 5th line: "by", not "be". --- carried (Hoffmann abstained). (Mahn questions if we need to include all this.) Action on the 4/18/91 minutes was deferred again since Bowers, Cornell and Fischer did not have copies with them. VICE -CHAIR REPORT: Kiefer reported that Judy Jones will attend the 7/18/91 CAC meeting to discuss the Cornell University pesticide storage project. Jones would like questions prior to the meeting. These should CAC Minutes, 6-20-91 be submitted to Dvorak by 7/11/91. Mahr wondered if we knew enough about the project to have questions ahead of time, and requested a summary proposal of the project from Dvorak. Dvorak noted that the project was modeled after a successful project at Michigan State. Bowers wondered why they needed to dispose of the pesticides. Are they over -purchasing? Cornell wondered why these storage facilities were located near water. These questions will be forwarded to Ms. Jones. STAFF REPORT: Dvorak reported that the local contingent of the DEC Land Acquisition Advisory Committee (local members include Stu Stein, Barbara Blanchard and Jim Hanson) will be submitting their comments for the rough draft of "Conserving Open Space in New York State" by the end of June, and have asked for suggestions of properties to be included in this document. Several private groups have submitted suggestions. Dvorak would like to submit some of the properties that have been identified by the Open Space Committee. There was a lengthy discussion on whether the CAC should certify this list, or if the list should come only from the Open Space Committee. Mahr believed the list should be called a preliminary list. Cornell and Fischer supported the CAC endorsement of the list. Bowers noted that the ones that had no protection should be identified as such, as well as the ones that were publicly owned. Kiefer suggested that since the private groups had already suggested all the areas with the exception of Coy Glen, that Dvorak forward Coy Glen, noting its omission. Motion by Fischer, seconded by Bowers that the CAC endorse the following areas to be submitted to the local DEC Land Acquisition Advisory Committee to be included in "Conserving Open Space in New York State ": Six Mile Creek corridor, South Hill Swamp area, Lick Brook, Cayuga Inlet, Coy Glen, West Hill Slope, and Northwest Swamp ---carried unanimously. OPEN SPACE DISCUSSION: Kiefer referred members to three documents: a report continuing Mahr's discussion on 5/16/91, the draft report from the Open Space Committee, and the draft resolution on scenic vistas, all of which are relevant to this continuing discussion of open space. She suggested we begin by discussing sections I and II of CAC Mahr's document. Mahr began by noting that the DEC definitions of open area (space), open area (space) inventory and open space index are confusing. Perhaps we should adopt our own definitions that are less awkward and confusing. She reviewed the definition of open space being any area (1) characterized by natural scenic beauty, or (2) whose existing openness, natural condition or present state of use accomplishes one or more of the following: (a) enhances the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding development; (b) establishes a desirable pattern of development; (c) conforms with the planning objectives of the municipality; or (d) conserves natural or scenic resources. In order to apply this definition certain planning objectives must be defined, such as the desired rate of growth, preservation and enhancement of new and existing communities, historic preservation, or conservation and preservation of natural and scenic resources. In doing this, locational factors become important. How much growth you have in the Town determines how much open space is needed. Where you target development is the converse of open space. Each impacts the other. We need to decide where we need open space. Bowers noted that Mahr had been discussing human needs in relation to location. There are areas in the Town that should not be developed not because of human needs, but because that are unique habitats for animals and plants. Mahr stated that two plots may be identical, but you may choose one over the other for preservation simply because of its location. Kiefer noted that many of the criteria associated with the DEC definition of open space are related to location (i.e. enhances the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding development). CAC Minutes, 6-20-91 2 She asked if anyone agreed that "location" is important, pointing out that she believes we are still missing the (a), (b), and (c) discussed earlier. Bowers agreed that buffer zones have not yet been taken into account. Cornell said she thinks (a) -(d) have been taken into account. Marks believed that all the criteria had been evaluated by the Open Space Committee, but the concentration had been on natural areas because that was the common interest shared by the entire CAC. Mahr noted that in a proper open space index it would have to be more comprehensive. Bowers mentioned the 10% set aside required in developments is often decided by the developer, and is the least desirable section. If there were more direction, adjacent developments could have adjoining open space. Hoffmann noted that development often happens where there are public water and sewer lines. Yet some of these areas should be left as open space and not developed. There was a break in the discussion to view the draft 2010 map developed by the Comprehensive Planning Committee. DRAFT 2010 MAP: Marks described the preliminary draft 2010 map, prepared by Ron Brand, saying it is utility driven, based on the goals and objectives of the CPC, with input from the Open Space Committee draft Open Space Plan, the CPC's Land Use Committee, and the existing land use map. The designated open space was based on 15% slopes, floodplains, wetlands, and stream corridors. Then agricultural lands were identified. What land was left was then evaluated by what areas were served by public water and sewer lines. Based on existing utilities it can accommodate 30,000 people, compared to the Town's present 17,000. Cornell mentioned a major concern was the lack of affordable housing. She noted that the "conservation zone" on the map is one house per seven acres, and this could be interpreted as elitist zoning. Mahr noted that the proposed residential areas dictate where the open space will be. If one proposed residential development elsewhere, then open space would also be elsewhere. Being utility -driven, does it take into account environmental and transportation factors? Kiefer noted that there appeared to be no open space around heavily developed areas. Dvorak said park lands had not yet been identified nor had biological corridors. This is a preliminary plan. Bowers again requested that after the natural areas of the open space plan had been identified, we should begin concentrating on park and recreation areas, and encouraged the CAC to consider appointing a Parks and Recreation Committee. Mahr expressed concern over the heavy concentration of development on West Hill. Bowers and Mahr questioned the philosophy behind the map. Bowers noted that the Agricultural Zone is not really just for agriculture; it simply allows agriculture in an otherwise residential zone. Several members believed there should be a presentation on this preliminary 2010 map to the CAC and it was decided that Town Planners Frantz and Forman be invited to a special evening CAC meeting on either 6f27/91 or 7/11/91. Dvorak will try to arrange this. Cornell will also present the wetland EPOD recommendations from the OSC at this special meeting. RETURN TO OPEN SPACE DISCUSSION: Kiefer returned to Part II Mahr's document: applying the definition of open space to the development of an open space inventory. Following some clarification, everyone agreed that the definition of open space is comprehensive and the designation of open space should be independent of ownership. Mahr suggested an additional premise stating "the designation of open space is independent of existing protection mechanisms and is independent of vulnerability to development." The job of the CAC is to designate certain properties as open space. In this first selection one does not consider those things. That is a further refinement. Kiefer mentioned that the CAC -approved document of 11/90 included the definition of open space and our rationale for its preservation, and would be CAC Minutes, 6-20-91 3 helpful to clarify this discussion. Dvorak will send copies to all members. Marks disagreed with the premise that the CAC has not had the benefit of the requisite information on planning goals and objectives or desirable patterns of development, stating that perhaps the total CAC has not had this infonnation but believed the Open Space Committee has. Kiefer noted that since the Comprehensive Planning Committee has not finished its work, by definition we do not have that information. Marks stated that precisely because of that this is an opportunity for the CAC to have input into their goals and objectives. Bowers, referring to section B.2, noted that she did not believe the Town should have a growth target. Mahr noted that you will not know your open space needs until you know the projected growth. No one has given us the pattern of development. Dvorak suggested a broad statement that you should have open space where there are important natural features and there should be open space in urban settled areas. Our first responsibility is to pinpoint areas within the Town for protection and preservation. He referred members to an open space inventory flow chart on the chalk board. Marks reviewed the work of the OSC as described by the flow chart, noting that the preservation of natural areas was a unifying factor among the entire CAC. Agricultural areas are being studied by Dean and the Ag -Committee. She agreed that parks and recreation and urban areas need further work. We have already begun to work on scenic views. (Marks questioned if she had said this.) These will continue to be explored working toward the Open Space Plan. Kiefer asked how we could justify not taking into account "enhances the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding development, establishes a desirable pattern of development, or conforms with the planning objectives of the municipality" in the ranking process. Marks noted that in viewing the draft open space map, which shows publicly protected areas, privately protected areas and the top twenty areas that had come out in the ranking process, she sees a very desirable pattern of development emerging. Bowers stated that she did not necessarily see a desirable pattern of development, but a desirable pattern of beltways a green. The problem is financial. We can have a legal justification for preservation of these areas, but do not have the financial backing necessary for parks and recreation areas. The acquisition methods are then different. Mahr did not believe at this point we can worry about acquisition but we need to deal with preservation. Dvorak noted that the mechanisms to do these things are very different. In devising the ranking process it became clear that all the factors (natural areas, ag lands, urban space, parks and recreation, scenic vistas) could not be considered simultaneously. For example, the Town of Amherst open space inventory ranking was based on Parks and Recreation. The OSC, in determining the ranking process for preservation, decided to concentrate on natural areas because it was the unifying factor of the CAC This is not to exclude Ag land, which v� inventoried. In the ranking process, prime soils and Class II are considered, and farmland is in the formula. Fischer noted that the OSC was very mindful of the desires of the people in the Town, as expressed through the recent Town survey, in that they wished to keep the rural character of Ithaca. Dvorak, following further explanation of the open space flow chart, was asked to put the open space flow chart on paper and distribute to members. Mahr noted that scenic views are coupled with natural areas, and should be in the ranking in the State definition. Kiefer asked members to take on the assignment of considering Part III A and B for the next Open Space discussion. OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE: CAC Minutes, 6-20-91 4 C . - Marks would like a draft Open Space Report for discussion at the 7/18/91 meeting. Members were asked to review the rough draft, and marks suggested specific assignments according to interests and expertise. This input was requested by 6/24/91, so that the committee could consider them at their 6/25/91 meeting. She would like the CAC to consider the philosophy adopted by the OSC, in that the first step is to define the ranking process for preservation in terms of natural areas. The other areas will be explored later. She also noted that as a follow-up project for the OSC she would like to relate to the State what a frustrating process an open space inventory is, according to State definitions. Kiefer believed that the 11/90 document had already been approved as part of the CAC Open Space report, and noted that it should be incorporated in or added to the committee's report. Marks briefly reviewed the evolution of the ranking for preservation. The OSC originally had taken personal preferences of areas that should be preserved, and from these developed a ranking process. This ranking process eventually developed into the philosophy of the OSC. It then ceased to be a ranking when determining individual parcels for preservation. She requested CAC members to consider this for discussion at a later date. SCENIC VISTAS DRAFT RESOLUTION: Kiefer asked if action could be taken on the scenic views resolution quickly; however, since there was apparently going to be some controversy, it was tabled for another meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 10 pm. Respectfully submitted, Susan E. Manion Recording Secretary Submitted by Manion 6/27/91 Revised by marks 7/18/91 Revised by Mahr 7/18/91 Revised by Kiefer 7/18/91 Approved 9/5/91 CAC Minutes, 6-20-91 5 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (607) 273-1747 4:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 1991 i . Discussion of the draft 2010 Comprehensive Plan map. 2. Discuss draft Wetland Environmental Protection Overlay District comments (encicsed). 2. Adjournment -- 5:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Calia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann - Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr ]aura marks Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member MINUTES TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL June 27, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Chair, Celia Bowers; Candace Cornell (5 pm); Christiann Dean; Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann; Dooley Kiefer; Ruth Mahr, laura marks. ABSENT: None OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, planning aide; Floyd Forman, Town Planner (4:20 pm); George Frantz, Assistant Town Planner (4:20 pm); Susan Manion, recording secretary; Nisa Marks. The special meeting, held at Town Hall, was called to order at 4:10 pm by John Whitcomb, Chair. MEMBERS CONCERNS AND COMMENTS: Kiefer asked members if they still wished to receive the individual copies of ERC reports, and there was a positive consensus. Kiefer has a report from Betsy Darlington, chair of the City of Ithaca CAC, dealing with the recent walk along the Conrail line to investigate the effects of pesticide spraying along the tracks and she turned it in to Dvorak for the CAC file. Several members expressed interest in the report, since some of the tracks are located in the Town of Ithaca. PRELIMINARY DRAFT 2010 MAP OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Chair Whitcomb recalled that the CPC has been working for more than a year on goals and objectives, etc., for the Comprehensive Plan, and said that recently the Town Planning Consultant, Ron Brand, had transferred his version of the CPC's ideas onto a map. Whitcomb introduced the Town Planner, Floyd Forman, to present the preliminary draft 2010 map that is being developed by the Comprehensive Plan Committee. He emphasized that it was a preliminary draft, and would probably have many revisions. The map is basically utility driven, also taking into account existing road systems and existing mass transit systems. It is a vision of what the CPC would like the Town to be like in 20 years. Assistant Town Planner George Frantz presented the. different land use categories. Recreation included State Parks, the upper portion of Alumni fields of Cornell University, and Town Parks. Conservation -Open Space is designated for low intensity uses, with no greater density than one house per seven acres. Frantz stressed that this was not a zoning map, in that the Conservation/Open Space area could have several different types of zoning within it. Kiefer asked if the patterns begin described reflect what the Town wants or what will happen given the existing and already -improved infrastructure. Frantz said it is what the Town wants; Forman; added "plus the effects of water and sewer". He gave Inlet Valley as an example. Bowers asked about population assumptions; Frantz said it would grow from the present 18,000 to between 21,00 and 23,000. Fischer asked who would like to Town to look like this? The Town Board? Forman said the Town Board members had just come in to look at the map this afternoon which is why he and George were late. Forman reviewed the Neighborhood -Commercial category, noting that there is controversy as to whether there would be any Neighborhood -Commercial areas added, or simply criteria for Neighborhood -Commercial properties. Bowers objected to some Neighborhood -Commercial areas being sited on major arteries, and believed that the definition of Neighborhood/Commercial was unclear. Forman stated that restrictions for this type of development could be in the zoning code. Agriculture Land would be protected.by zoning, but with hope that the Town would also protect the agricultural economy as well. Rural Residential would have a density of one house per three acres. Water and sewer is not available in most of these areas. Kiefer asked if sufficient groundwater was available for wells in these areas, and Frantz CAC Minutes, 6-27-91 stated that that was not a criteria for siting and was unknown. Dean questioned the proposed rural residential site in the Inlet Valley area. She noted that it is prime agricultural soil, and has great potential for fresh market farms. There is water and sewer available to the site, with additional water and sewer lines being extended this year. Kiefer believed the Town Board should reconsider extension of public water and sewer lines to this area. She asked if bids had been let yet. Whitcomb said the Town Board had just authorized the Town Engineer to advertise for bids at the last Town Board meeting. Kiefer noted there may still be time for the Town to change zoning in that area. Suburban Residential would allow two dwelling units per acre for overall density. Frantz suggested that the subdivision regulations could encourage cluster development to allow larger areas of green space. Urban Residential .would allow density of six-eight units per acre. Bowers questioned the placement of a large amount of this near the hospital. Commercial was expanded somewhat from existing commercial sites, but may be reduced primarily because the City of Ithaca has sufficient commercial to service both the City and Town. Forman noted that the Town of Ithaca commercial zoning doesn't work well--for example, the developed commercial areas have no trees, and hi thinks that is why people don't like the commercial development that has occurred.By contrast, he described commercial zoning where he came from, where on a given lot only 25% could be for the commercial enterprise, 40$ must be open, and the balance would be for parking. Dean wondered why the east side of King Road/96B Commercial classification was extended on the north side of King Road. The south side is already commercial. There has been a great deal of neighborhood opposition to additional commercial development in this area. Bowers noted that there is now a great deal of existing empty commercial property in the Town and City. The Public- Institutional classification includes the hospital, County Biggs complex, Ithaca College, and Cornell University. There are still some areas of the Town that have not been classified. Limite Industrial includes only the existing industrial areas, and may be extended, such as the proposed industrial/office/high technology park connected to Cornell University to be located near the airport. Mahr asked what groups had had input into the map. Has the Open Space Committee of the CAC? Frantz replied that it reflects interactions with many people and committees. Mahr asked if environmental considerations were taken into account. The map reflects linear development rather than cluster development. Utility driven development may only appear cheap because hidden costs are not considered. She mentioned specifically the transportation and environmental costs of linear development on West Hill, including the cost imposed upon the City of Ithaca by additional traffic, and loss of scenic views, impact on gorges and Cayuga Lake. Is this what the Town wants? Frantz noted that in developing the map the first areas identified were wetlands, stream corridors, recreation areas, steep slopes, city reservoir areas, and agriculture areas. The next areas identified were existing development; then future development was studied. Traffic considerations were also taken into account. For example, traffic impact on the city led to the decision to downgrade the density on South Hill because the existing traffic arteries are near capacity. Bowers asked why Park and Ride areas were not considered, and Frantz noted that according to the recent Town survey, 92% of the Town residents drive their cars. Kiefer reviewed the CAC work being done on the Open Space Inventory and Index, noting that eventually areas will be targeted for protection or development. How will these decisions be reflected on this Comprehensive Plan map? Forman reassured the CAC that there is no deadline--- the map would be revised as long as the Town wishes it to be revised. Until the Town Board is satisfied with what has been done, the work will continue. Marks noted that the Open Space Committee will draw out not only the top areas for protection, but two additional categories will be identified: mid-range properties, and properties with the least environmental sensitivity. Perhaps the areas with the least environmental sensitivity could be targeted for future development. Dean asked about the process of down-zoning. Frantz replied that first the Town Board would have to approve the Comprehensive Plan. Then the Planning staff could draft new zoning regulations that reflect the approved Comprehensive Plan. Hoffmann asked if Cornell University planners had CAC Minutes, 6-27-91 2 seen this map, and was told no. Mahr noted that the map appears to reflect attitudes as they are now, in that people want to drive, and are not interested in Park -and Ride. This kind of attitude is environmentally disastrous, and she would encourage the Town to help educate Town people, and incorporate new assumptions into the plan. DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE COC WETLANDS EPOD: Cornell presented the draft recommendations from the Open Space Committee for the COC wetlands EPOD. The following suggestions were made by CAC members: Fischer suggested that on page 2, in the first full paragraph, the numbers should be written "one, three, etc". Also, the wetland DEC designations should be explained. Hoffmann and Fischer suggested that several of terms used (i.e. obligate species, facultative species, hydrophytic vegetation, gleying) need to be defined. Kiefer suggested that this be done within the document when the terms are used, rather than by glossary. She also asked that short definitions of DEC classes of wetlands be included. Mahr asked what the process for presentation of this document would be. Cornell stated that it was an educational memorandum for COC to consider in development of the wetlands EPOD. Mahr also questioned the 100 feet buffer referred to in the first paragraph under Overlay District Restrictions, and suggested the word "minimum" be inserted before "...100 feet...", followed by " depending on land use". Kiefer noted that it needed to be clarified which part of the document was the rationale and which part of the document was recommendations. She also questioned why wetlands less than one-half acre were not considered. Cornell believed that the quality of the wetlands less than one-half acre in the Town of Ithaca were not worth fighting for, and that it weakens the paper. Hoffmann believed all the wetlands should be included. Marks requested some provision be included on subdivision of land, and will forward the suggestion to Cornell. Mahr asked if it would be possible to impose land use restrictions in areas surrounding wetlands; in a sort of stepped zoning - less intensive use in areas more nearly adjacent to the wetland. Cornell requested comments by 7/7/91, and will revise this document for discussion and passage at the 7/18/91 CAC meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Susan E. Manion Recording Secretary Submitted by Manion 7/8/91 Revised by Mahr 7/18/91 Revised by Kiefer 7/18/91 Revised by marks 7/18/91 Approved 9/5/91 CAC Minutes, 6-27-91 3 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARDROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1991 Agenda 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Consider meeting minutes: -April 18 (sent in May 16 mailing) -May 2 (sent in May 16 mailing). 4. Presentation by Juoy Jones from Cornell University ( 7:30 p.m.) 5. Continue discussion of open space. - Open Space Report draft ( enclosed). - Scenic views resolutions ( two enclosed). 6. Discuss Wetland EPOD memo (enclosed). 7. Planning Priority resolution ( enclosed). 8. CAC Procedures (will be mailed separately on Monday, July 15, 1991). 9. Staff report. 10. Member concerns and Information. 1 I. Committee reports. 12. Consider meeting minutes.- - inutes.- May 16 (sent in June 20 mailing) -June 6 ( sent in June 20 mailing) - June 20 ( enclosed for your review and comment)' - June 27 ( enclosed for your review and comment).? 13. Consider agenda for nexi 14. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laure marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member REVISED MINUTES (8/31/91) TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVA"TON ADVISORY COITN CI7' July 18; 1991 PRESENT: L Do is e r L, t'n r a ca Z.- " 3 OTHERS PRESENT: Scott- Dvorak, plann-Ing alde; Jud -y- d rT- 4 ABSENT: Me I a 1- '7 in T.- 1_, I 4 q .-alf REPORT OF THE CHAIR: Whitcomb reported: e w- TO 1 ann F -rd' Plann ng sta-ff, -v-:;ted '-c requife an 1D j fo .- the Cay La, Es ta t a t -a me n t (ETSI Th e MM - e latest A—raft of t -he 7 c, h e- 4 P n t a01),jeCt-1.V�S 1.3 -,7a i I e- w all CAC members. v Shirley A 1, et t t e d cz ;yen r e c e I v, up e L 7� - e s e L �= -i � r,7, D '- - - I• 1� �� ;1 --- �� Luse on 'ow- :D. 1 1 ard- . Sup s r 11 ecl e eta `_'!a t R ck Pa-k� and O—n S-7-ce f--. 0 Z) r! CV.! --a L CAS asked to forward coi-,ime-nt-s I--,- C 7, mb e S D a n N e f e - , nd o she is lntefe- p a, r. -.D PERSONS TO BE HEARD: MINUTES: '1 1,-1"Members Concerns" Mal-ir 8/91 minate-s: Marks under "Me had substant-1. ally rev -'L -sed i --1n 1.14- � S C -nclacle alyost th- s was no o 4 -r -,e- -cla e- was She t- q- i= -'C tn ,n L -,D an cr 10,7- L r ;a A I m e e n 0 a COE� -�r :) -C, r ?,. r-- -'a, e- E.- n w e -- e n o a s n i.__. 3 o . 1 5 2 Mc t- 2- 4- - !- - = - :-- .---- c. - 7 - - .- '- by ',,!:zh-. seconifedjr J, t r y e j Se.33L` CORNE,LL UNIVERSITY PESTICIDE STORAGE PROJECT: I rT- -1 L f. -7 Ic r �a e o f and tJ'e� waz be i i -,g dcn:e a o t;, -a 7 e ea r �- 1- FaC j 7 "'�S T7, o e c: z-7 s m i = a r o a s uc a J s la pro M ic- h i jail S to t nd iS bam-e-f vT twenty ye -a ----s of r-e---eafc.h.- Z t 3 -7 C4 2- a ,27 t.0 4- 2-s n f:- O."L. 12* I n 1.5 a n d no 4-i=.' 7 o 2. - stcrage fa c- I I I t --' e s d, S c ill_ on ; cc.-it.-4in" na �—d wa =tewatr-i- Scal I' i� 4- a r: 4- 1, �T �7 tZ r)7r afler.,7. IfttiL_er a br-el r e, f - (I e I ri t' e r q u e i c nS Xi e fer asked 1.5 ::-,n.ly vafte-r :a.7- t- 0', a ,(ones Sa Zi -- J Marks aSkeft tl?e sft— %—ri:-7 Jones s a 1" A7 a:: a c -I o Ir -n g .."7 a e4 f :7 '7 A j Mahr asked rlsk-s, E . g. , 7 a1 c^. Jones Ou-'- t'na� t" are del -) _'1 . I C. C 7 a -7e Ii:i ±.-I 7 f pre.SenCe -0 n rl,,, 7 7y f =I �r v_27 Mahr noteid, tlbat- thi-r&-6 ol: t -l -e S-fzt6s were near the S 0, e, a + c C. M, u n a 4- ...... ai Jones .:5a i -I n e a 2- la c I u g- 3 t C, iof- 0 e n PC! -'2 0 rp Bowers asked ainif ??ii r el 1 a7 -e 7 " Jones said S-ome a - re loade'--? 2* --1 12-'-e 2 -UL SC, e Mahr aszed _f th.L-*-cz p-ro.-,;ectL_ je S e -e- 4- 4 r, g 4-a es pg, c s. Mahr aske-.-47 wlj]y t-2-', e 1- 7-'- ad, ► t -t- ug Il t- abou t1 -3e tl-.rye e a 1- Jones -t-l-.,e; ne.a- ,je V_- 4- 4- 4- I- Ie 7 - Mahr and Kiefer �::---mtpe- ej -7 4L Jones tu_,2erf a= a n C' -;ac c t n "o. -7 —La t thlere 15 d S t e n 7 rks Jones rel'l -J" G? a 'I", 7 L7 -- r A r, , I AC M 1' - u -- e z, 7," q c Z T n er, s e p1l ._S_ e'd -I 4- -a 1. =, e -17f h., ec-c-nmending 'he 'Nlew York ate C-3 ns truc t cn, F, nd d. e -na gh e a CL z t c a h o 1;21. e e u e Sh ea 3 -1 4: a -n a' e r no r c -a s n c e Z w c (f c, I i c) na ".ia T:-, m -a z- a n I" v e -,- S L 4-- y be 'a�r- e c ma n r. EL h g C �a f Lim- n I a e ay'_._... h _vi iiia= e - t n e s -o f r e S -a r ,:: h a -m. z u 7 t n 17- e _0 hanifed cu- ,-�rit' ifta t 0 �4 1 3 g Mahr a s 1K ed i t --e r e- 1,la S wee:_ a- any that an n,-, I e n c e S S 11 c; -a t d 7 the ya a A t t L + t p na cn'., a t t h e y e e d ,mancagers to -spray cn7 w e c 4 X e f e r L I Tl L pr og am. ep' 4 e. I t h a t t he groin n s pe �D Ic e .-D -I--, '--a Jones - -L � -'-t - --,- - - -- :x t - 'a 4 C� ,,j t c r a ca c ..I!.:.. w ]-1 Y y e :t:l, C, e n r3 t e h a t t1i.e%f-e P-Yeclauticns with the pesticides, b -at- what a1jout- IL -1 e I-- mia. e r t) th— n t o F: a s p - f r e - '--ne e I CTed ti-ece wers uka to ._a4-:77 e t1Ni: e,--- a;-, t I! - g - h e r --. c e n rest C a have I—en ,:,1evg-!-:D-ed. 7oAe= =a'ef 'ha' sh--- wou',ri be happy :.v t ki - -- I L. - - - - -a n s c� z- n a U-1 C" -* I- ! o n s ma y e L, p a s C C n e 7 W FI- w a - 'ran to f:,D r n L -7:L =L ;-_ - - .-- -o.`:. -- !- RETURN TO MINUTES: -D n "",-a r! r 't, e a P r :,-; v -n .3 J- I U -ZZ: -c, L J t c c i:...7 :".0 8� I n Page 21 move 4-.ht� oentence •b---q-,nn--*ng "n drsf'� repiDf�-- 15 _e' 1 ow M 1, -3 C e ek u e 1. -i g �-j P -g= CO'ZEee f '2 a- C M e ag-,- apl W--- ll g Na_ Ce ;:.0 M n ef W. - P, tj i it is i. - T,) t L rr= 11 n-- h c c a•- COMMITTEE REPORTS: Environmental Review Commit -tee: Kiefer nC I Hoffmann i -i i e ^''a D(f i a n g r -T n t t iJ T, _7 7 N., 5 0 e Ly I.D tl-e ;cin an l C_ rT j_ n Ez G Z �- - F , 7 1 t F7C S g e S 71 e cl f r S a t I t Q n t 7 -A t F: 4 4- hn u h 3 e e r e c t Sz e 'y"__ n ra t -'e. a J_ g n :::,a n t -___`.7__ 1n:-RentaI _ift ''act. K_ , y - -.,a t e a o p- :z ,3 e t h e a' t ngt - g.a - 12' C 1-,a J- 1 4- r T 71 rl., 1.7z. n I- c.- 7 1 r zL e, ew, but wcn; L I n T' .1 r : -I TAa e C -C Hoffmann .2 v -a o o no t e al t I. -I a t mil._ FIR C y;.. t s a I 1' 3 c. f a_ _ :•vr: c z -a =wed anc. q1-:e=t`o-aad 1--hE :--, 7 l- --1 Cln:' ;7, e reviawed ty the ERC a n w t S c u 1 .2 n, IDLl - n can a I a, Ml 0 y Z �- I 'CIO Marks I)el eved 1- a, L hh eU EPC :Ti C. p r0 cl S W a::; n., c c I `j L L, L ong. EPF was '_1_ e o pa t tO use J_ n P,_Z in,g, r:7 I gu, i C, e S 1-,i -ir- _- e I- 'e an. Ma�-!­ t -v e-4 e—j- P, Kiefer t 1--I ie __ c - 3mm, - ... - __ S S I c 'a I cl chose, a n d n c. t e C-1 t t 1 u h;= C - " :,: p o 4 3 c t zx a! Whitcomb S a t e cl that -.m a a a g n 1-,0 V L ,-he sameiiia z, I I I I .=._______y :5 tt a f: E e C I V -._, h. a t a p p I Icat ons arrive ,Y,- L., L, -, _.� 7.: !oa L. Fel I Ja T. iW e r qu e t L C, t~:�'ti (f Hoffmann 1. 1 tr: 'L m a n n n d e f t h e p 1-1. cc - -- - - - t I., v X i e f e r -.-P.e --i t —Lc_...., 1-7 4- 1 j= A as s t 1 4-- T) t -1 --bers clon't c7c F2, s —I r L Mahr noted that t e per e oz-� W A"" C L }til -c E R Whitcomb no -t--1 t W a E. z 2 .,,.c t e L -1-1 l..ar k s. i L 0, _ -7 7 7 X 1 if 7: Dean e COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ag Committee: Dean _ __ L: w'-: . �-.._...___ _=,.:::. ____. _.. �.�..,_. v__ -.•y_ i•..�_ ,-._tea, 1 _ t _ t:_ T L T L�.. _ �,- _ _ i _ L L `` .� _ p✓ LL lon _.. ice _ i'vn v _ __lll� __i _ - _ J w n v �. �...v.ii:'t� _ _e :11 L y-1 ._ L DRAFT '`MEMO ON PLANNING PRIORTTIES: Kiefer male he Lc 1 .J Cz �::CilIGe1:a 1 1 _ L _ L S� .. lae r 1e sei.. ..J 11'a _ 11 ..._ ... :ll a ._. _ _c.. i _ U C .. .. L .- I ri'e L t y1 L 'I j i L _3 1 S�e%__��.^.' area`, '�.� rc__u'L.,J:_ ,_.,� :�_'✓ .� v...�.. -_ :^.- unite l_ .-, LIf Marks "='.cmc'. why w LQ1 v_ L Whitcomb aT"` i."a �L.,L,:a the i'J_ .,- '" 's i' ~L L_ andwill . , in September _ .e goals, o Jec� IveS, an pJ._�_osop)L;_a ^ ill i C ✓ln ._ _._. �. _.._� _.w � �..t t:l__. ..- _ __._ _._.: .1 __... r ._._ ... �_ _ 1� v✓ _. :_{ter v .a :._ :•r'_ -i Et�L'? V_�. _Ci__ LJY Vii:_ i-�D iii��; .: �. _ i. .0 Cc'.:Ir,.�'=.e_.... •+4 vJu b i.;'L g t : t l 1"1e % Yl = �. e _ 1_� J u i [ , C: J h _ u _ � J LJ cy _. y :7 Z f,11 , L . L . - L �� .-. rti n:•+ .1 .7 - L - , t-.. L i- L - Marks =a:_..dv� e.w r�.�1 .,L:_ _ �cil�.� propi .. -- ,lse L, Father that -L i :Da e be ca --_t u:Se ccu,_�3 ermine CAC c r e i': '_ = 1 . Dean Bowers caoi_._c; rr a p _ i; g r J, ._. t L l.a � t _ _ _ >. . t C _ . _ �. • u a i � v •. _ a � L _. 1 1 e �. _ . i 1 a - Kiefer .'.:-.� 4:�;. Bpr ,er-'a F. - -P-C'2 _, _ Ly m._ ALL. t. i ... ,J _V_ u_ .: ,_.._ ��._ �V -u_ ___�. _ r _i _'�. Whitcomb I. �1 -'. mu oL t__:ie Ll_'aL :a%Jl-,f ?_.Z_= _v ...._ ,,.. :. ry, L - r33 L-.- a..___. ._. ..1. Kiefer Marks ' _� Maar - -.. -, _ 7 '? IJ TD -z . -:; --, Cl .-" GSC_. --1 '- . -- % , 1 '7 E oite S u to t e � 7 C Z r wo M a h r w n r e h o r%; m u. c'- r c I c S 'I e TE P C D E -wo u I �2 a r - n t a UL. -1% e ' a- e S a viz nc-, e Bowers s -l-,, --a t "i --e I e c I e.=- L a Wh i tcombte -1'e cl, e -7 is w"."a� W----.7" .1 L thL � e e r s o sug :a 3 t -w c f- ng -- -he Y Whitcomb S t t d th e I- C Mahr l-1aC-:1 n o -)i ei-n wl e v e s cc -nice --ns, b u t o "7 a -=5 Hoffmann q u e S t I. :,.:e? 5 S I I I t a -'D B o w e r s I e v e S E? C) -D Whitcomb :i_..'_ c- --t.L-f y 7- Mg '7 ! '5'71 1 0 1 Agenda for Next Meeting: n 1 0 Pt a- ,I.e _rte Bey e g s '7 to " �-- u gges7 te Open Space Committee: Whitcomb n - --ted that t'n-- i 7 -C - -.I- 10,0 :-pe- a c -e .-uv.. o w h.3- s h L Marks, n p r e S e n n CIP e n site ace Reles --d we ea w- h nc:2 s, S. nca -a 1-0e, lest ad f r nu- H o fmann askle-C -2:11, a Marks S --,-id she '---e I i e v e s in e s s, n d e v e r Y o e n �z, e s c lti W n ty a t - - 7move on. Th e C e n. b e t -h 1"y . n L a' L I t 77. -z- �Z 4 4 �4- e r S ow e 7 .-a_- llo-;f.manri f -u Ju Mate r . . . L V Marks I* -1 L- 11 -4 t C 4- -C C _fc S -D.. t e A"C a n a' t h w u - 2i,- C %7 V the f t :D the p I a n tn- te t 0 AC S E a ­a 71 -7 t Z; A 74 then appy r t 4- e Wit: a �f, jo 1 L c a - Mater v� ,t=' 4 �li i cle. n c thc•c - t; n:7. I- t ;v -1 7 1A Kiefer i r"7 -a :ic t r e 3 a.5 2he c -ctn. c7 Lb e c.-•' 1, n r T Pa_t Tri C c. n c I c,; a c e I _de_.. c 4_` aL .--a n-C c. t. e C n c I S 1- c e t, 'he �-,a a'! p r 'n e ir C t.: 7 -1 yal L d L 1, nt a e r:-mn c L Th e t I, a 1 1 7 L, y ng V e I c p", n c n t c jE�-c -L Ve= 7- c m -----.e -e 1 as4- o7o t h e C A C h c c w s a a 3 - I., e n Marks nu Bowers J id not 1--el -Leve th,2 na al -a'_ _J n d n s I 't n a Whitcomb S t f t h t C L 1 i g n 3. t is -:1 1 a o 313 1 t - tMahrIaIIfI f M a r k Ss t,_7, t` L that the - 14;=­ _e tc h--­:� a. m1 M.IL Marks Whitcomb S t - I h Lr -4 7 Marks -a'f t'-� e AUGUST MEETINGS: D -.71 15 V NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) ( 607) 273-1747 7=00 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 1, 1991 MEETM6 CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann HAS BEEN CANCELLED ----aaaa--faa- M sai-aaaasaaa�f aaasa: Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr ]aura marks Jeff Caster, ad hoc member Phillio Zarriello, ad hoc member MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHA CA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) ( 607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 8, 1991 Agenda 1. Discussion of scope and content of the draft open space report, inventory, and index ( report and example of inventory spreadsheet are enclosed). 2. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND PLEASE CALL SCOTT DVORAK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. WE MAY NOT HOLD THE 1 ^EETI NG IF THERE WILL BE ABSENCES. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean t�:vhor.i C:±nncr Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr ]aura marks Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member If you wish to review the full spreadsheet and/or the maps before the meeting please call Scott and arrange a time. DRAFT MINUTES (8/11/91) TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL August 8, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Chair; Celia Bowers; Candace Cornell; Eva Hoffmann: Christiann Dean; Dooley Kiefer; Ruth Mahr; laura marks. ABSENT: Richard Fischer; Susan Manion, recording secretary. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, planning aide. A special meeting of the CAC was opened at 7:00 pm in Town Hall. Whitcomb explained that he had called this meeting because he believed it was important that the Open Space Inventory be approved expeditiously. Several other Towns have requested copies of the approved Town of Ithaca Open Space Inventory to aid in their deliberations, as well as the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan Committee, staff, and officials. He outlined the procedure for the meeting as follows: Dvorak w_l review what the Open Space Committee has accomplished since its inception. After all CAC members who are not members of the OSC have ,had the opportunity to comment or express concerns on scope and philosophy, members of the OSC would respond. OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE REPORT: Dvorak gave an overview of the report of the Open Space Committee. A section of the spread sheet was mailed to all members, and the full spread sheet was exhibited at the meeting, The process began by creating the open space map of the Town of Ithaca. The open space was L;c,ti divided into 178 parcels. The boundaries of these parcels were determined by a combination of physical features, public and private ownership, roads, and tax parcels. The parcels were then transferred to the spread sheet, which would become the Open Space Inventory. The committee then evaluated each parcel, determined what type of variables would be used, and began the long process of developing the equation to determine ranking. As the ranking process was developed, it was double-checked against the properties on the spread sheet, and the calculations retested from the equation. This ranking then became the Open Space Index. Dean expressed interest in studying the full spread sheet and map. Dvorak noted that the spreadsheet and map were too large to be reproducible for mailing, but were available for members to review at Town Hall. Hoffmann asked how each property was assigned its point value for physical characteristics. Marks referred her to page 12 of the Appendix, which explains the ranking for preservation. Mahr believed that these numbers should be on the spreadsheet, also. Marks, referring to the equation on page 5, noted that on the spread sheet the ranking is referred to as "need for preservation". This actually means "need for additional preservation". For example, Buttermilk Falls has the protection CAC Minutes, 8/8/91 p. Z of being State-owned. It needs to be preserved, but doesn't need additional protection. Dean believed that availability of water and sewer under development pressures should be weighted more. Marks noted that one point is given for each developmental pressure. Hoffmann suggested the word "or" be inserted on page 5 under "developmental pressures",, thereby clarifying the point system. Kiefer asked what was a prime natural feature. Dvorak answered the natural features were listed under physical characteristics. It was suggested that the language be uniform. Dean requested a copy of the spread sheet ranking from highest to lowest. Dvorak noted that it was available. Kiefer noted that at one time everything was going to be ranked for preservation, then as a separate exercise, a listing would be made of the parcels that needed additional protection mechanisms. Mahr believed -that preservation without protections should be listed separately. Then a separate list should be made of those that need additional protection. Another column could be added to the spreadsheet. The Council concurred. Kiefer nuLud that developmental pressures, on page 4 could be redefined "developmental pressures were divided into three groups according to how much they spur development and/or their incompatibility with natural features." instead of "Their perceived threat to maintaining land open". The Council agreed. She also suggested that on spreadsheet item #1, Cayuga Lake, there is a way of describing the topography. She expressed surprise that it came up such a low value. Dvorak noted that the Lake did not necessarily belong on the list, because the Open Space Inventory is land oriented. Whitcomb stated that Cayuga Lake was obviously the most important resource and it may not belong on the Open Space Inventory. Bowers believed the lake received a low score because it was such a unique item. Mahr noted that additional marinas could be built, therefore it was susceptible to development. She was surprised that Cayuga Lake has the same ranking as the Mundy Wildflower Garden. She also mentioned that wetlands still come out low. She believed that the public would be asking these same questions. Will the ranking process hold up to public scrutiny? Bowers suggested that Cayuga Lake be taken care of in a separate paragraph. She also reminded the Council that the Inventory was intended to be continually revised. Kiefer believed there are things missing from this draft that are do -able. She is content with the content of this if it is an interim report to the Town of Ithaca. There are some that we can still do that -should be part of the initial docum5nt. There are some things we can not do, such as buffer zones, which have not been inventoried because we do not have the Town policy concerning development areas to identify them. But we can identify scenic views, and part of biological corridors can be identified before this document goes to the Town as the 1991 Town CAC Minutes, 8/8/91 p. 3 of Ithaca Open Space Inventory. Bowers believed that staff time would be required to identify scenic views and biological corridors, and we have been told that we will not have the staff time available for at least a year. Whitcomb noted that biological corridors could be important in the ranking of parcels. It might increase or decrease the relative value of certain parcels if they were or were not in a biological corridor. However, this would be time-consuming. Mahr stated that it is for that reason she would prefer that this not be called an Open Space Index, but rather a "Natural Areas Index". Marks stated that the if this were an natural areas index, the spread sheet would not consider scenic views, historic or cultural areas. The natural areas have been emphasized in the Open Space Index. Kiefer mentioned that not all open space parcels of a certain type have equal value. That is something we have not dealt with. Part of their value could be what they are near. This may require Town policy to evaluate. We should also earmark where development could be channeled by investigating the lowest ranked parcels. Dvorak noted that they had tried to consider these other things with a more complicated equation, but found it no.t workable. Whitcomb reminded the Council of the definition of Open areas, as described by Municipal Law 239Y: "Open areas are any areas characterized by natural scenic beauty or existing openness, natural condition or present state of use, if preserved would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding development or would establish a desirable pattern of development, or would offer substantial conformance with the planning objectives of the municipality, or would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources." The Tuwii stated that the purpose and duty of the CAC "is to conduct and maintain an inventory of the natural resources within the Town of Ithaca, maintain an up-to-date index of all open spaces as defined in section 239 in public or in private ownership within the Town, including but not limited to natural landmarks, glacial and other geomorphic or physiographic features, streams and their floodplains, swamps, marshlands, wetlands, biotic communities, scenic and other areas of natural or ecological value. Such index shall include ownership, present uses of such open areas so as provide a base of information for recommendations by the -.Council for their preservation and their use." Dean commended the Open Space Committee for the fine job they have done in fulfilling this charge. Hoffmann stated that she was ready to have this move.on, but would be more comfortable with the document being presented as an interim inventory that would then be added on to. In the text she would like this specifically stated, along with what we would plan to add, such as scenic views, biological corridors, buffer zones, etc. Mahr agreed that scenic views and biological corridors should CAC Minutes, 8/8/91 p. 4 eventually become part of this inventory and index. She agreed that the report should be moved on, because it contains valuable information, and it can become useful almost immediately. However, she would exclude historical and cultural areas, parks and recreation, and buffer zones. We need to define open space, and state exactly what we have inventoried, and call it that. Then we need to state what we plan to inventory next. Dean proposed the following title: "Town of Ithaca: Base Line Open Space Inventory and Index, 1991." She also suggested that we bring the information about the changes and additions that we propose to the front of the document. Bowers noted that all existing parks and recreation areas were listed on the spreadsheet. Whitcomb noted that the spreadsheet would be mailed to everyone not on the committee for their review, so that it can be cross- referenced with the map and text. A lengthy discussion on what to name the document followed. Cornell suggested "Initial" be added to "Open Space Inventory and Index". Mahr preferred to have it renamed "Natural Areas Index". The consensus of the Council was to call the document an "Open Space Inventory and Index." It was suggested to include the flow chart created by Dvorak as part of the report. This will be part of the appendix. Bowers requested that the report be voted on at the 8/15/91 meeting. Mahr disagreed, stating that if we discuss it at the next meeting we will not be ready to vote. She asked if the Open Space Committee was welcoming editorial changes and was told yes. Dean asked what was meant by an "Agriculture Zone" in Appendix B and was told it was the current zone. She noted that there is a lot of agricultural land that is not in agriculture zoning. Also, not all the agricultural land in the Town of Ithaca is in a NYS Agricultural District. It will be discussed at the next meeting. Kiefer believed that the information in the documelit could be made available to the Town for their immediate use, if it were distributed as an interim or partial document. She expressed concern that the language decided upon in November, 1990 was not used, and should be incorporated in the document. COC DISCUSSION OF POSTING PUBLIC NOTICES: Hoffmann reported on the Codes and Ordinances Committee discussion of the proposed law that was developed from the CAC suggestion on posting public notices of land use change applications. She noted that the COC agreed with all.of the CAC's suggestions except the posting of signs. Staff members did not support posting any signs, because of the staff time commitment involved. Also,they believed neighbors would be notified by mail, and larger projects would have many public hearings, therefore posting signs was unnecessary. Hoffmann believed if the COC were to vote on the posting of signs, it would not pass. Perhaps both CAC Minutes, 8/8/9_ P. 5 the COC proposed law and t -he CAC reso•'_utlon should be forwarded to the Town Board for their consideration. She also noted that some of the staff did not disagree about the posting of the signs, but were concerned about time frames of seven days for the initial posting following the.appllcaticn, then the thirty days posting previous to any public hearing. Mahr stated that this decision should be left to the policy makers, not the staff. Bowers asked what the policy was in the City of Tthaca, and was told that they do post signs, but knew no detaitS. I' was suggested that we check with the City of Tthaca regarding their policy. Whitcomb stated that he wished to have the CAC recommendations attached to the COC's when it is sent to the Town Board, and offered to explaln the rationale behind the CAC resolution. RETURN TO THE -OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE REPORT: Kiefer asked a draft of the report was going to be presented to neighborhood associations and to the public before it is sent to the Town Board. Whitcomb stated that he had discussed this with Super°visor Raffensburger, who believed it should go out for a public information meeting early in the Fall. Kiefer thought it should be called a draft until we get reactions from the public. Mahr agreed, particularly if the CAC takes it to the public, _0_ the Town Board. Bowers suggested that copies of the approved document be mailed to all the neighborhood associations. If they have questions or comments, then we could schedule an information meeting.• The consensus of the Council was that a public meeting should be scheduled. Following a discussion of the 8/15/91 agenda, the meeting was adjourned at Submitted by Manion 8/31/91 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERYATION ADYISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM i 26 East Seneca Street Ithaca. New York 14850 ( Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (607)273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 1991 Agewla 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Discussion of Open Space Report ( spreadsheet enclosed). 4. Discussion of biological corridors. S. Scenic views resolutions ( two sent in July 18 mailing, the other handed out at July 18 meeting). 6. Discuss Wetland EPOD memo (sent in July 18 mailing). 7. Discussion of Town's planning priorities. 8. Member concerns and information. 9. Committee reports. 10. Consider meeting minutes: -April 18 ( revisions not completed) - May 16 ( handed out at August 8 meeting) - June 6 ( handed out at August 8 meeting) - June 20 ( handed out at August 8 meeting) - June 27 ( handed out at August 8 meeting) - July 18 ( handed out at August 8 meeting) ' - August 8 ( not completed). 11. Consider agenda for next meeting. 12. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Scott Dvorak, Planning Aide Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laure marks Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member �t I DRAFT MINUTES (8/20/91) TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL August 15, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb, Chair; Celia Bowers; Candace Cornell; Eva Hoffmann; Dooley Kiefer; Rut_-: Mahn . ABSENT. CiirlStiann Dear:; Ricard Fischer,- Iau_.-4 mark=; Susan Marion, recording secretary. OTHERS PRESENT: Scott Dvorak, planning aide. The meeting at Town Hall was called to order at by the Clair, ,John Whitcomb. REPORT OF THE CHAIR: (Tape was accidentally erased - not available) PERSONS TO BE -HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. DRAFT RESOLUTION ON SCENIC VIEWS AND VISTAS: Hoffmann presented the draft resolution dated 7/18/0,1, which was based on two earlier resolutions presented by Kiefer and marks. A motion was made by Cornell, alnd seconded b;t Bower-- tc- approve the resolution on scenic views and vistas with the amendment that the t .}'^ de'-" i.-ne be changed til Sep to mbe-1 30 . Mahr asked for a clarification of the difference between view and Vista. Hoffmann clarified that view wouId be a small area, but vista would be more panoramic, which 1.s the dictionary definition. Kiefer suggested under "Resolved", sections 1 and 2 should be indented. Whitcomb asked when scenic views and vistas should be added to the Open Space Index, and was told after the initial adoption ref rode x. Cornell suggested that _Ln item 1 under "Resolved" it should read "as views from a certain vantage point or roar'", rather than. "area". The Council agreed. Whitcomb noted that the Town was publishing a newsletter in early October, , �d h � y- � i the 1-i }� �-� �:�:a i�1 C'-iA iii N ve-M e c_ober and t; �:r fo:e si..gges.. 4«e. i.,; :e c,.. �..: e r so that this information could be included in the newsletter. Hoffmann wished to retain the September date, but: still have the information included in the October newsletter. Mahr suggested a letter to the editor in the Ithaca Jnurnal. The motion was unanimously ca_ri_ed as afrienc;ed. BIOLOGICAL CORRIDORS: Kiefer reported that she and r•:_. ;her had met with Pea r Marks on 7,'225-/91 to discuss the feasIbi_ity of inventorying. b1ologic:al corridors in the Town o -E Ithaca. Laura marks was unable to c attend. F'iSCrier asked Peter" Mdrks if it was al_eady too late to t - 4- '..�.. J 7 D .� : ! F i 1(- I .1 .b U i_ i i i f,--'-, u Q yi tJ J i procedure. Step one would be to inventory habitat types and t:] map them. He cautioned th�.t we should not look at the Town of Tthaca in isolation, but should consider- how many habitat types are in the whole Finger Lakes region. Also, you can not just ta'_ about woods or meadows. is r -ally important to talk abo z'_ specific kinds of woods and meadows. He estimated about 50 habitat types would be important to inventory. Step two would deal with conductivity. By mapping the habitat types you can almost see where you need coiinections intervening similaz- types of habitats. The Town is capable of deciding teday where they want woods twenty years from now. He :;uyyr_ti: !_:-,'' ._'-.-) one from Cornell {?i?iVerSity who CC:?z_d � Uite CiuiG''r'.ly and. ed511y, by interpreting air photos, do overlays sufficient Lor us to get a sense of this inventory. The County has recti nt air photos. The Town would need to decide if the expense is worth it. He suggested we use a topographical map for a base map and then overlays for each habitat type. On studying the Open Space Inventory Map he did note a few important errors in Cornell Plantations. Not all natural areas have special status. Parcels 40,41 and 42 appear on the map as being privately protected, aiiu' _ it y r: a'F y aren't, even if they are Cornell University lands. The NaturalrAreas group at Cornell University undertook a project a couple of years ago to rank all University lands according to four classes of environmental and i anc i was d�scove ed. i natural- areas mport � �e. Tt � r that not ai._ of the most important lands have appropriate protection. He was impressed that the creators of the Open Space Inventory Map were apparently familiar with the Cornell University classification. Fischer asked Peter Marks if adding biological corridors to the Open Space Inventory might make it politically harder to sell. Both Peter Marks and Kiefer disagreed, and Marks has offered to meet with the CAC, Town Staff, Planning Board to give an iP_trUductory overview of the concept, then open for questions and a general discussion. Mahr wondered if the Town of Ithaca was perhaps too smaii to be dealing with this, and perhaps it should be a county project. Perhaps they would be willing to do this with their resources and our a:ssi` Lance. Kiefer said that is '-�_ � - et-' Cour_�i.y Pla_ir.ir!g �;� � �g �u`in_�i!:i1q i.ii._ctr ir! Dryden and the Village of Lansing. The northeast part of the Town of Ithac., is included in t:;e_e projects. It would i':?t o sense to go to the County Environmental Management Counci;. and ask if they would like to take this on. However, it would, not i;:i�:'pt'ti lil tl e f' fi.lture . f?` w:�.S [7' taa ? t -f-o , i n ni � I -L q rC i :c unty, but bel_`ve- the Town needs to be d.o?.` :5(---,ontr, Cornell yuestloned if the Town could afford to h.-1ve s:nmt'one the overlays, Also, no ;;natter what areas we pick it has to depend on the ownership and whether A i_'=. .: a ilable . Cornell has i--dy -1c t�'.?i? n,7.i ir:g1 a; -e _ r,,st�� 1::Yi r�c,L Y'Tliri? w!^.�C,h '_?:-is would be meaniny—Ful connections and plausible in terms of "AC Minute•, 3/1S/'a1 p. 3 own�!_ship that we might be ablea to geto c-:o,nect major parks. We `1( to pr;?vF-nl- h,ab ! a, f:. _;Ulllf'^j-a i, -)n, �''1� park. -4 ct a 'Jere" valuable resource . The flr3t step _,� to f�Ui[le up �� tt? .:Jr r idUrs t connect the parks and some large place.:z of open space. That would be a good beginning. It depends on how much Lan(: t{;e Town can acquire, also. Slie has also-) done a lot a rese.ar.'h on the amo6tnt lcj:_' necessary for a unc �_-L .1. is? L I aZ C1 fa--.L-- Bowers - .L = Bowers noted that it doesnIt necessarily depend on lard acquisition. Some of these ares may be acquired by caref,zl planning as lanf-1 gets developed what land will be tl_e 10 a Se . Cornell responded that bialogic•aL corridors must be a cr ;_t ica'_ size. The 10% set aside might not be large anou(jh. Whitcomb rioted that if the Town mandates clustering more open space is saved. Cornell also noted that decent tax incentives fbr help, but wou-idrequire State legislation. Hoffmann noted that in some cases the 10 percent set aside v ;.au cl be centrally Located in the development for recreational use o= the people living there. Mahr suggested the Town develop, a land 'bank, so, that undevelopable lands that are absolutely not sui.a for development co-uld be traded for developable lands. Kiefer will invite Peter Marks to attend a CAC meeting in October. WETLAND EPOD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CODES AND ORDINANCES COMMITTEE: Cornell had incorporated the su.gge _'tion, maide a:_ a result of the di::cussibn 7/11-3/91. She rioted that if we are going to fight fo_ wetlands we need to come up with a criteria. For example, a 1/2 acre wetland that is not a fen or a bog is not its crucial as a wetland that is two acres. Hofasked a,ed if location wasn't an important- factor. She uygested that we attempt to pz­serve all wetlands that a greater than 1/ 2 acre unless that 1/ 2 acre or lc !. _ _2-L5sn`--Lof4- with a running or intermittent s=tream, if we are going to pass a wetland legislation it -has to be something functional. Cornell noted that Town Planner Frantz „ad suggested that wher; wetland legislation is passed, we will have to have a wetlmi?d delineation done of all the wetlands in the Town. that .all ' a �r l0 � d fi 7 Hoffmann believes �..a o 'rie _ � aric..s st:�:a,a� ��a i.�er, t � _ c, . Kiefer suggested a memo be sent to Codes and Ordi:?nnc:es. Ca nmi ;_ tet - J d :. a _ l : cc - . %11! ._.., V31—UE, c - -. ^ .� tz g l we all wetlands function equally well. We should add to our recommendations that it crucial t all etland. within t i - c a a na �._ wL Town be delinea.te.? before the COC iiiakf>s aOL a wetlands cutoff point. When the COC comes to.; discus, :sp cec izi.: language of legislation, the CAC t=an again respond. A imotion was made by Bowers aI;d secorided by Hoffmcnn t .a.ccept the wetland EPOD recommeridations to be sent to Code -s a2::, Ordinances f_oi(mittee incorporating the in:tde `_onigh` — r CAC Yj'nu+-es. 3/115/01 p. 4 OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE REPORT: i-,.4- 1 Cornell -brevia .iG-nom- cofplet.y spelle(A out. M.ILnL ITi"e b r t--- v a t ilo n s as much a s s s I J_ fh e. E, e� 15 ??-0t r o iTl e Y o "d be appropriate. Whitcomb reported that Dean had reviewed t- 1.1 e map and spreq(!.­hec= t, paying part31-cular attention .to the a 9 r L cEi 1 tu r e ar e a,-- , anc!w1a Howeverhr- , s L -:a t is 5 ied wi t-11-1 the expressed concern that economics was not taken, into cons i d e r a t i 0 n . 4 \ja I Mahr !-ler a t t e n n j C ha_- t t Value. She asked why 'Lands only bordering DEC Classified streams were given point.:-, rather than lands bordering any stream. Dvorak I fled by noting that several streams that were not DEC Classified streams were listed as separate pare -els and were ranked. Mahr why did Coy Glen have such a low ranking and wcais 'old i t wa.- one o -F --he top ?Q , She bel Ieved thaw any proper ty bordering on a stream should be given extra points. Dvorak nottd that almos_i all the pr,,),D(z-__-rtJ.es ',,,ad stfeams, Mahr suggested that in the format of the spreadsheet UnJI-c-Ilue Na -11 -ural Areas be given a separate column and anything that did not add tip to the Natural Characteristic Value should be deleted. She also asked about points for artificial pond's. Dvorak _gated that- two ,:are given 111E tllere r _ ai-iy j -D 0" n d s I�I;a I _* �_ �', e, - d 4. 1p"-� _C C7 - f- _, - L L re were mciltiple ds the parcel -S! h o u 1 d Mahr t, I e) po- n receive additional points. Cornell noted that some artificial ponds are of landscape value only. Bowers did nobeli-lieve we coilld a.­3sz:-5s the v7J1ue o ri a Ir t -1 _` I a I p(-, ted Mahr asked _iE a property o-inly had a- wetla.nd, an-! h another property with only five acres of woods, in tfle rankI ng the wetland was only 1.5 times the value of the woods. That is an a r b i rdi Y v a 1 u e , -"-'h e b e I e- VCi: w e t- la -11,,31 U She suggested the committee test some of the properties giving wetlands a higher point -s, just to see if this changed the ranking, and supplied examples of having done this, with only 755% of the top ranked parcels remaining on the list. She suguester-1 lat t' ?e methodology of why these point values were chosen shraid! stot1p front. Bowers stated that the basis, for the rankin-9 wad done from an'In- i)E: In f. na`­ ie i e. zs . f I Whitcomb did not believe the rank -Ing system should Ibe changed al- t. h j s time. Mahr also commented that cultural va­,ies and Cayuga Take should be d.rapped f1foin the ranking Kiefer noted that on the t Some are ca I led w a o d 1 rj d S grid :3 o. m, e woo, Dvorak Ct.m.t-ed t -1 -1 -1 -at they all 'tic L. 4- wo d Kiefer 1- C4.- 1. 4- -�hat T-�` S! a7 S�. 7 j V !-I a 4 J­ -huul� called 'awns, not fiel, ..tAC ¢t _ t: t7?: c _ .._iig :Op(itjx'n-phy 1Tiore J. F t'n':i?'• ion Siio!_lld 'Oe 1Tta'ae be (ween level and .-lope, and sugges ted -,,,,ndl .il.: t i na 111e sprela:J in 5 °L r o F the parceCg -is are 1t1e, and should be noted 121 tie rPpor'`._ Cc are me ist iCin -,-! ilnd-r s e �._,lv Cst�r"�._t_.._, = id i:C �ir_iggL��:I,P1t t'Clray be mentioned `r t:)il r r,' .t She v ., and og.a�.ni She ams a(z;ree_ that natural features should be grouped together. She as. -:ed what the difference was between a stream ;nk and stream corridor. Dvorak noted that in some, ar - as the bane. was ve_-, y s ` _ =�.:, 1: in a g:-rge. Kiefer, refer - 11,11j- `D pard_ _nC'_ a7 titr?_?m:_ h (_,ens, an_'' way w..11 t,e C'..';a e- L stream. She noted that it was _ot a DEC C1a.ss_{ied str_�^ Dvorak sta!Led that i t. d_a no'_ rec,-_ -e a pGint. Kiefer bel 1 e v e d all >~ ee,itns sI-IoiiI - J be r aiik-d cuii:: istentIy. S1 -ie re-ra ra o o or } er h t ass � =. r d t a cavi ten r pJ_ g_v:_ �o CAC members L' .a evening endorsing a policy statement on Cayuga Lake, wetland:=, and air quality that should be incorporated i Ito the Ope_i Space document. Bowers bel ieved that all oL these -Features h_.O .al with, and the Open Space document was not t:,e place E:: deal policy statements. it should be only an inventory and in:de:.. 51; did not disagree with what K efer is saying, but we should concentrate on this after tide docume-at is apprc)ved. Kiefer ,.r,+r� , '�I•-11+ �t �^-1 - l ;, ty� 7 t�; +i, �- t..-. JUe noted 1. i _t 1 _/ •.iJ r aT 1..�. ba.1. e .i -1i . it� 411a t. �l i��i� ilv .., f t In ,_ L h 1 L _ _ '_ L 1 _ ....._`i :. 1. ''J n1111. i• L•...- .. i1 �J, �li - �.._._ _ _. -._- and 1 t 1- i he)--' e: l e r 't- ' n i t Z n} � i_ i L e• as - r, � Hoffmann had, su�rlit�t_e.� d;- _ �omt. 1:_.� ill wx 1, ly, -� �.t_ k7�.c•. us _ ;e. dlSc.1jS I Gil ,ii ii_i.�4fit S'i- wCill_ CI, ,amt ti; Err s Lady She nG •. ed tCidt on page two of the open space document i -t states that the overall goal of -the CAC was to protect air and water quality by preserving Stream Corrld rS, wetlands, Steep slopes, w..lvdli;t:-, •, ,. .� i 1 1, • ., m,r th i _amt;: t' x, !-e:- Zri i_'::�t=.�p_a_.._ :_1✓jc` _.;_._�� era I1C: � _;Ze `vJc��:.._ _ `- a_r. Cornell suggested we change the yir;o-d'ncj and thei., s'iJL It3u ��, e `:teii thoa9h tic' inten is?:i wa3 For ' 11e `.ream Gx"r dnr Kiefer noted til -IF -It several definitions needed to '.:Xe expanded or justifications were not specified, for example mature forest, 5 acre or 10 acre woodlots. She asked 1f by inventorying meadows are we implying that they should remain meadows? TEE no1:, w�, s_nould noe that these are transient, and as pa_'t of na.tuY•aI ar_•_.: S_.. rl W_'_ ...` `;1t C'C ... ..._."'GWS Dvorak notes! t lat meadow was neve-1- us er7 a:. -- -t'_ -?, 'ID ' _.i_i'- tj' ' e we r r, Y a c ,/ : 1¢.j . ' 1 Hoffmann noted that some meado w are cu` f hay ..` lea.wt once season, t1-lus r emaming meadows. Dvorak l.L were- Y f= a c - i l - Q n u . Kiefer rues1 iC ^lei' the rcitiv :a _ _•1t vi1 n2 _'a 10 -- noting tY:a- elle could see no just -i F_CaL iCtil for l ?,:: varied p oin``S f0_ --o in, She lbe'- I'eved wetter and sewer ha.d a. much larger impact, and shoald Cornell v I=wed t.'. e -)pe 14. P C'-na'e /1/ ' 91 J i 4-1 1 Hoffmann noted that I E: e nd sewer- tre n 3 t a I I J vou pl.Dn a ahead of t- i e- '_h:_ -;.t de-,.;-'onri),ent �"(.;Ltld acl- ha;pen because I t IS =t.rl env ironmenta7­111 sens i til ve the water an -1 sewer �_'-efe to LL; I 11 .}-1e e r. v - --t:7 - 4 - can't prevent Jevelopment. e IL e r --1 IL j t 1:J -i- --atment plants are not -lWF 1 e7 p rial IC CL t he e I" V d s 1J c h Fzk to a r e o w e n as a! t,*,. v e E,--) Lrl n,3 e ` C in terms of the Comprehens-qve Olan., th,*.-:7 is should have. Cornell I -- 7 y e•t h i .3 c )._i_., '_-) e ;-:L d d d , b u .17 10 e 1' _:ri o 1 .111 and costly. Kiefer a 1 S `.+r'•1 J, e S i e d, ars i i n t ,r Y Ft F, I.. g corridors is -missing. B o w e r s v i c e d Zi[ n ---1 'Qu} th e I e g n J, 11 File 1 -;1 - would require. There Was another general discussion about what to call the document ( inn t—i'al, Lore! iminal-y, etc) "PhaSe !" wa and generally accepted by the members. I Whitcomb not:e­d -!Ia4-nee, Z 1,Ck document, and would like a vote in September. ,Kiefer .1bel1evec-1, th�­ -,I the document was not complete to be presented to the Town Boal -d. 'coo e Whitcomb stated that he believes ItS time to Move on, a. -Id a I -I-) e - should be taken in September. Cornell suggested a' ! :.. a., �,=.c t. fi'r' e(1��er i <a?i Hoffmann 4 - Hoffmann prleyerred 7 T ::= nat, rai ckz Mahr n1 --ted -I- h a t h e d c c um, e n t- re a I I y i Is- flot a planning tool. If there were In-lo'lagical curs -I'dors it - closer to a planning t-c-ol, and if we included where Should develOpment occur or not occur. Whitcomb noted that when this document is approved, he would li!,­ LO f e s hu lose c omm i t 41- e_ e s t- o tic ne w pe _", s (; t -- he -n � x I V phase. He the:. reviewed t h;_ d I L; c; u 1 3 u'f-) c u me n t- w -1- 11 1 n c 1 u d. e what areas wi_11 be included i n s u b s e q 1 a e n. t- phases. h e spread Sheet will b -e reformatted t n, gr _- ;--k p s _4 -.-n 1' 1 a f th ]L n 9 .3 g e. -L h e r . 'I"n e document will no te that the values are arbitrary, bu. t that --lifferen' values have been tried, a,, 1(1 4- 11 e 1 t W e r C� -IT, e the value ojE, anc, S;aw_-,r T I I - I i -I - 0 S c, .5. ng e Cornell asked fair e c. I i t o r cotriment-s by 2/1_0,!91- Pii -r,,3 v I s e-1 ' - -I will be fo r w a r,3 e,-' 4(--- c, a I I mne iTilb fz' Mahr Oro e 0 he i nd c- x Kiefer Dwn tIm-t �'AC. Mc The C1: t I --e C,:laz--i i I t 84 a! o �:, t . S r. f- .L L , 1 W --- e,-,ar e,-.- t a - 1. ; .. - -* - t- , -1 -n tec.1 y M - n :! I j lu MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1991 Aoenda 1 . Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Consider Open Space Report (please review the enclosed spreadsheet options). 4. Committee reports. 5. Member concerns and information. 6. Consider meeting minutes: Apr__ 4 18 (revisions not completed) - May 16 (handed out at August 8 meeting) �6 (handed out at August 8 meeting) ne (handed out at August 8 meeting) e M(handed out at August 8 meeting) - Ju— l 8 (handed out at August 8 meeting) - August 8 (not completed). 7. Consider agenda for next meeting. 8. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC MEMBERS: John Whitcomb - Chair Eva Hoffman Celia Bowers Dooley Kiefer Candace Cornell Ruth Mahr Christiann Dean !aura marks Richard Fischer Phillip Zardello, ad hoc member MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991 Agenda 1. Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Consider approval of Open Space Report (please review the enclosed spreadsheet and document ). 5. Discuss concerns for Floyd Forman meeting (Oct.) 4. Committee reports. 5. Member concerns and information. 6. Consider meeting minutes: - July 18' (revised) - August 8 (draft - August 15 (draft) 7. Consider agenda for next meeting. (Floyd Forman; CAC procedures). Decide meeting date (Oct. 10 or 17), Oct 3 is pre-empted by special Town Board Budget meeting. 8. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John Whtorrti, Chair Eva Hoffmann Celia Bowers Dooley Kiefer Candace Cornell Ruth Mahr Christiann Dean laura marks Richard Fischer Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc membeY REVISED Minutes (►o) 4q ►) Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council September 19, 1991 PRESENT: Dooley Kiefer (Vice -Chair), Candace Cornell, Christiann Dean, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann, Ruth Mahr, laura marks. EXCUSED: Celia Bowers, John Whitcomb ALSO PRESENT: Sylvia Wahl (Community), Valorie Rockney (Recording Secretary) Vice -chair Dooley Kiefer opened the meeting at 7:12 pm. REPORT OF THE CHAIR: Dooley Kiefer reported that John Whitcomb was involved in a conference at Cornell University and unable to attend tonight, so she would chair the meeting. She noted that there is a draft local law on minimum density in commercial zones that is available for comment, and she had asked that copies be available for CAC members tonight. With respect to Agenda item 7, Dooley noted that our next regular meeting date (Oct. 3) has been preempted by the Town Board, and this was shown on the 1991 meeting date list Scott had prepared early this year. We need to decide when our next meeting will be, and whether we want to meet once or twice in November. After some discussion, the Council agreed to meet on October 10 and November 21. The plan is to decide at the October 10 meeting whether to hold the second October meeting on the 17th or the 24th. Dooley announced she had attended the Sept. 18 meeting of the County Board's Public Works and Construction Management Committee to hear Jim Kazda's presentation of the East Hill Plaza area safety improvements. He presented a schematic design showing possible sidewalks and bikepath, and a somewhat different alignment for Pine Tree Road than the one given to the Planning Board and reviewed by the Environmental Review Committee in connection with Cornell's tennis center plans. He stressed that the Judd Falls portion of the project will go forward with or without a Pine Tree Rd. realignment; the County is most concerned about the road by the Plaza. The Pine Tree segment can be thought of as a Phase II. After discussion, members of the CAC decided to attend the presentation of this plan at the Town Board meeting on October 3, and then discuss their reactions at the next CAC meeting. RECORDING SECRETARY: Dooley reported that John had told her to expect a new recording secretary for this evening. Dooley introduced Valorie Rockney, who who was greeted with enthusiasm. (Valorie had been at the front of Town Hall since before 7 pm, unable to get in; fortunately she had finally discovered the side entrance. PERSONS TO BE BEARD: Candace Cornell commended Eva Hoffmann's comments about scenic views in the newspaper. At Dooley Kiefer's request, Eva agreed_ to coordinate responses sent in by citizens about scenic views. OPEN SPACE REPORT: Candace presented the Open Space Committee's Report, and handed out (1) results of spreadsheets, (2) her list of changes for the 1992 O.S. repts. (3) spreadsheet of the top 30 and (4) percentage analysis of spreadsheet by categories. She also summarized changes from the previous spreadsheets. For consistency, the report now uses "protection" rather than "preservation", and "areas' rather than "parcels". All buffer zones have been added, and both the number of wildlife habitats (fauna and flora) and the number of scenic views have increased significantly, based on Candace's field notes. Streams classified AA - C+ have been given 10 pts, and , intermittent streams, classified as Class D, 7 points. Dooley suggested "parcels" not be replaced by "areas", and "wildlife habitats" should be called "biological habitats." The report will be revamped annually. Candace suggested other members do what she is doing: make a list of possible changes for next year. Perhaps the largest change is that the system of 30 top areas and 30 secondary areas has been changed to a system of 20 top areas and 12 secondary areas. Candace demonstrated that the data naturally fall out that way, and she stated that this allows a clearer and more coherent public presentation. In general, the major impact of this change in method is that the Eldridge Preserve and the Newman Tract move in to the top 32 areas, and the Ithaca College surrounding area and the Shalebrook area move out of the top 32 areas. Candace said the index is based more on intrinsic values now. The sorting was done by removing all publicly protected parcels. Then the remaining 153 areas.were sorted by intrinsic value and then by need for preservation. After discussion, it was agreed that an appendix would be made with a list of all open space land in the Town, ranked acc. to intrinsic (natural features) values, regardless of ownership or protection status. Eva Hoffmann pointed out that this could be a positive and encouraging, because it would show that some of the land is already protected. Candace commended Sylvia Wahl for her editing work on the document. She encouraged CAC members to get changes to her as soon as possible, so that the report can be finished. Christiann agreed that it would be well to start saving the changes for next year, and get the current report ready to present to the Town Board. Dick asked if we weren't going to discuss changes we wanted tonight, and Candace said not, just to hand in typos and editorial comments. Candace discussed CU's Natural Areas, referring to the 1990 Ostman & Marks ranking report, and said that 7 of CU's Natural Areas in the Town of Ithaca that are rated "4", which means not a high level of protection. At the end of Candace's presentation, Dooley thanked her and asked who had done the recent draft. Candace said it was she and John. Dooley wondered how many hours she had put in, and Candace said. 112 hours in 1 week. A general discussion then ensued of the DEC classification of streams. Currently intermittent and degraded streams are given a lower classification (Class D). This classification is reflected in the point system in the report, which was discussed in some detail. Candace was asked how the results changed when all streams were given 10 pts., but she didn't have that info. Christiann noted that parcel #109 has not 1 but 4 class D streams, and she wondered if it gets 7 or 4 x 7 points. It was not clear that this was the best approach. It was felt that there was room for improvement in the system, and that the improvements could be made next year. Christiann complimented the entire Committee on its work. She stated that this is a tremendous baseline document, which represents a large amount of very productive work. Considerable discussion ensured about a number of additional points in the document. Dooley asked what was meant by "common habitats': it refers to habitats of common species. Mutually agreeable formulations were worked out in most instances, and noted on Candace Cornell's copy of the original report. Laura marks noted that if a parcel was 100% prime soil it would get 10 pts, but if were half prime and half class III it would get 17 points. Dick F asked about p 7 IIIA "more than a few hundred acres". p 7 last P.: "subjective" - he asked that this be removed, so we don't call attention to this fact. p 20: 3 Eva: add def of wildlife p 5 include scenic views and habitats Dick F p 26: App F Attributes to features EH: p 8? Physical characteristics cf App. Physical Features Development pressures cf Development ? lm p2 remove "ch" from her name p 5 P. 3 strike first sent? NO p 6 last P strike underline p 13 concl. last P. p 14 DK - add ref to need for outside consultants CD p 26 I A: DEC A-Ct ? Ruth II Philosophy P. 2 Cayuga Lake sent - move to p 7 and add more about Cayuga Lake Need some tables and figs in text, eg top 30 intrinsic value explain methodology more (p 4) Have we done OSI? DK (See p 2) - Have we met state mandate? Laura marks suggested remaving the sentence about plans for future recommendations, on the.grounds that it may be seen as overstepping the bounds of the '' 's role. She has discussed this with John Whitcomb, Shirley Raffensperger, and Floyd Forman who agree. Dooley Kiefer raised the question of whether or not this report does what the State and the Town have mandated the CAC to do. Candace urged everyone to get revisions to her soon. The CAC agreed to continue this discussion at the next meeting, using a revision of the document that Candace will prepare using the revisions that members will give her. Floyd Forman will be invited to meet with the Conm— ttee the meeting after that. Additional suggested revisions were discussed. Christiann urged the CAC to draw the discussion to a close at the next meeting. The members agreed that this had been a very productive meeting, and that a great deal had been accomplished. The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm. Minutes prepared by Valorie Rockney, September 20, 1991. Revised by Dooley Kiefer, October 5, 1991. 4 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1991 Agenda 1 . Report of the Chair. 2. Persons to be heard. 3. Approve meeting minutes of ';pptp„mher 19 4. Approve Open Space Report (please review the enclosed spreadsheet and document ). 5. Discuss concerns for Floyd Forman meeting (Oct.) 6. Committee reports. 7. Member concerns and information. 8. Approve meeting minutes: - Jud 8 (revised) - August 8 (draft - Auoust i 5 (draft) 9. Consider agenda for next meeting. (Floyd Forman; CAC procedures). . 10. Adjournment -- 9:30 p.m. CAC Members: John G. Whitcomb, Chair Eva Hoffmann Celia Bowers Dooley Kiefer Candace E. Comell Ruth Mahr Christiann Dean laura marks Richard Fischer Phillip Zarriello, ad hoc member Minutes Town of Ithaca Conservation Advisory Council October 10, 1991 PRESENT: John Whitcomb (Chair), Celia Bowers, Candace Cornell, Christiana Dean, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann, Dooley Kiefer, Ruth Mahr, laura marks, Phillip Zarriello (ad hoc member). ALSO PRESENT: Valorie Rockney (Recording Secretary) Chair John Whitcomb opened the meeting at 7:05 pm. REPORT OF THE CHAIR: John Whitcomb reported that the Comprehensive Planning Committee at its meeting last Tuesday adopted Chapter II of the Comprehensive Plan, which is the working draft of the Inventory. It is to be presented to the public at 7:30 next Monday at the Women's Community Building. Copies of Chapter II and of the Inventory Maps were distributed to the CAC. In addition, a proposed local law has been referred from the Codes and Ordinances Committee, setting minimum density requirements. After discussion, John asked for CAC members to get individual s comments to him. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Dooley Kiefer had a number of revisions and additions to the minutes. After some discussion it was agreed that she would get those revisions in writing to Valorie Rockney, and that minutes incorporating those revisions would be resubmitted at the next meeting. ADDITIONAL REPORT OF THE CHAIR: John reported that because of a misunderstanding about the time of the meeting, the County engineer who is designing the Pine Tree Road project did not give a presentation at the last town Board Meeting. However, he will give his report at the next meeting. OPEN SPACE REPORT: Candace Cornell presented the revised version of the Open Space Report. Some concern was expressed about ranking methods, and discussion ensued of the relative effect of the factor "development pressure" on the rank order. There was also discussion about the method of selecting the number of areas to be included in the top-ranked group(s). One question was whether opinions about the values of specific areas should be considered or whether the ranking method should be purely mathematical, and if mathematical, what method of computation should be chosen. There was general agreement that whatever method chosen should be logical, straightforward, and easy for the general public to understand. The West Hill Neighborhood Association reportedly hopes that West Slope, Coy Glen, and the wetlands would have high rankings. Eva Hoffman asked how the Planning Board is expected to use the rankings. A number of other proposed revisions were suggested. Christiann Dean praised the Committee for having done a magnificent job. She is pleased with the distribution of areas throughout the town. She suggested that perhaps a good copy editor could help, and wondered if Dooley would be willing to take this on. Richard Fischer and Phil Zarriello also praised the work of the Committee. John suggested that one method would be to place the cutoff point at 15%, or some other reasonable percentage, of the areas. After some discussion of the pros and cons of various methods, laura marks moved to use 32 areas as the top-ranked group. This motion was carried unanimously. The issue of relative location was also discussed. On the one hand, open space that is in heavily developed areas may be considered more valuable to the people in the locality, and on the other hand, open space next to other open space may be considered more valuable as wildlife habitat and corridors. Dooley had prepared a restructuring and revision of the document, including some tables and figures that she thinks ought to be added. She proposed to have the Committee review her new version. Celia Bowers pointed out that the longer the CAC delays in presenting this document, the less impact it will have. Considerable discussion -ensued on the question of relative location. Christiann moved that the following sentence be added: 'The relationship of different land uses to one another and the distribution of open space within the town should be given greater consideration in future revisions of this document." The motion passed (6 for, 1 against, 2 abstained). Substantial discussion ensued about the question of copy editing the document. Christiann defined copy editing as making suggestions about grammar, sentence flow and minor restructuring for clarity only, with no changes of meaning nor additions of material. After considerable discussion, the CAC decided not to consider adopting Dooley's proposed restructuring of the document. While - several members praised her writing skills and knowledge of environmental issues, the CAC as a whole felt that it was too late in the process to undertake such a restructuring for this year. Two appendices were felt to be important to add: A sheet of economic guidelines on land protection from a group in Dutchess County, and a copy of the relevant State law. Several different versions of resolutions concerning the Open Space Report were considered and discussed. Because of a personal responsibility, Dooley had to leave before the vote was taken. Eventually Celia moved that the CAC adopt the Open Space Report as it stands, including the substantive changes adopted at the meeting and the two appendices, with the issue of who was to do the copy editing left open and the final version to be available at the next CAC meeting on November 14. The motion was carried unanimously. Christiann asked who was supposed to carry the ball in preparing the document for final presentation. The consensus was that the Open Space Committee would be responsible for fulfilling this task. Eva conveyed a request from the COC for the CAC to explain in writing the rationale for the 7 acre lot requirement and the 200 foot buffer in the proposed stream corridor EPOD. Laura volunteered to respond and to attend the COC meeting if necessary. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm. Minutes prepared by Valorie Rockney, October 11, 1991. MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (60 7) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, NOV. 14, 1991 7:00 pm 1. Report of the Chair (Pamphlet, NYSACC, Wetlands & Open Space Forum, associate • NOTE: THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS' TERMS EXPIRE DEC. 31, 1991: DEAN, FISCHER, KIEFER, MARKS, WHITCOMB. PLEASE ADVISE THE CHAIR BY NOV. 23 IF YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR REAPPOINTMENT. CAC Members: John G. Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace E Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Phillip Zarriello, associate member members) 7:15 pm 2. Persons to be heard 7:20 pm 3. Discuss minute taking methods 7:30 pm 4. Approve meeting minutes of October 10 (enclosed) 7:40 pm 5. Final Presentation of Open Space Report (enclosed ) and discussion of public presentation strategy 8:00 pm 6. Discuss procedures (draft enclosed) 8:20 pm 7. Prepare for meeting with Floyd Forman(next meeting) 8:35 pm 8. Committee reports. 8:50 pm 9. Approve meeting minutes: - -•�"T (revised) -, August 8 !draft - agu=-15 (draft) - 19 (revised, enclosed) 9:10 pm 10. Member concerns and information. 9:20 pm 11. Consider agenda for next meeting.... Interview candidates for membership?, Meet w/ Floyd? - 9:30 pm 12. Adjournment • NOTE: THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS' TERMS EXPIRE DEC. 31, 1991: DEAN, FISCHER, KIEFER, MARKS, WHITCOMB. PLEASE ADVISE THE CHAIR BY NOV. 23 IF YOU WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR REAPPOINTMENT. CAC Members: John G. Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace E Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr laura marks Phillip Zarriello, associate member motes Town of Ithaca ConsmN ticm Advismy Cmncil November 14, 1991 PRE 7T: John Whitcomb (Chair), Celia Bcw-ers, Christiann Dean, Eva Hofmann, Dooley Kieffer, Ruth Mahr, laura marks ALSO PRESENT. W'alorie Rocknej (Recording Becretarl) EXCUSED: Candace Cornell, Richard 'Fischer Chair John Whitcomb opened the meeting at 7;07 pm. REPORT OF THE CHAIR: John Whitcomb reported that he.. Candace Cornell.. .and Dooley Kiefer participated in the New 'fork State CAC Conference in Rochester. He and Candace sent out notes on their views of the Conference with the agenda mailed to Torn of Ithaca CAC members. Dooley also plans to s�abrnit a statement of her own. She had several criticisms of John and C ndtce's statement. John brought back notebooks with reference materials far each CAC member. He found that at the Conference, most other CAC's call additional people working with there regularly "associate members". He would like this CAC to consider doing this as well. Christiann Dean commented that she thought it, was a good idea and would recognize the value of the people's work. PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. APPROVAL OF MIIU=: A discussion of the procedure for taking . -K-- correcting and ren. -rising minutes of the CAC meetings then occupied the next one and a half hours. Valorie Rockney stated that the revisions she had been asked to incorporate into the September minutes were extremely long and caused multiple work sessions between meetings. In the other Boards or Committees she has known, no attempt is made to "revise history", and any additions corrections are simply noted in the minutes of the next month. She said that she did not feel comfortable with this as a use of her time, and as a result, she was no longer willing to do such revisions. She stated that she felt that the CAC had the right to require its employee to do revisions if it wished, Axid that if it did indeed want these revisions, she would immediately resign without hard feelings so that another secretary could be recruited. Several members felt that the time spent on discussions of minutes should be greatly shortened; others disagreed and feat that it was essential to make corrections, additions, and revisions to the minutes, until they represented a generally'agreed upon view of what had happened at the meeting they recorded. Laura marks felt that the hollowing points, which had not always been recorded in the past, should always be included in minutes, - Who moved and seconded each motion - The outcome of votes and consensus decisions - What the group agrees ought to be noted for the record. ,Alorie agreed to be sure to include these points. Celia suggested that a notice could be put on the top of each set of minutes stating that "Any revisions to these minutes will be found in the minutes of the meeting." After some :discussion, she moved to accept the summe-13 minutes, with such a note about revisions at the beginning of each set of minutes. Iaura seconded this motion. The vote was 3 for.:3 against, and 1 :ybstention, so it fq-iled. After discussion, Ruth moved that corrections be made in the master copy of the minutes, and that additions be tvrje"_1 the recording secretar.T. Eva seconded this motion, but it too fail end (3 for, 3 against, 1 Abstention), After discussion, Laura moved that the master copy be corrected by a. -volunteer CAC member, and that there be no additions. Celia seconded this motion, but it failed (3 for, 3 : _ainst, 1 abstention"I. A dis( uussion then ensiled as to :whether the CAC should ask to have Town Planning Department star take the minutes. Celia stated that the CAC should present itself through its minutes as dealing with substantive issues. Eva pointed out that the minutes need to protide supporting background for members who are not able to be present Ruth stated that a means needs to exist to correct errors of fact. Christiann moved that errors of fact be corrected in the master minutes (exam.ple Exxon, not Arco), that revisions be tfped by their revisor, approved by the CAC and attached to the original. Ruth seconded this motion, and it passed (6 for, 1 against). Dooley then pointed out that the revisions she submitted far the October 10 minutes had not been made and requested that this be done. Valorie said that the CAC had just agreed not to handle it that way. Dooley said that she was. considering resigning. ,John, C'hristiarin, and Valorie all said that the -1 would be sorry if she did. M I'-;a-ira -moved, and Celia seconded the motion, that the October 10 minutes be approved. Several members felt that page 3 should read "with copy editing" rattier than '"-without copy editing". John said that he had listened to the tape.- twice apestwice and that it said "without". After discussion, it was decided to change the minutes to read with copy editing. Celia also said that she hoped Dooley would not resign. John said that he will mail Dooley's revisions to each member of the CAC. It was agreed not to approve the minutes until these revisions are considered. 0 John opened the discussion on the Open Space Report, and pointed out the the Town Board is expecting this report at its first meeting in December. Eva commented that, with orientation of the chart of the rankings changed from horizontal to vertical on the page, the data now appear to break at 49 areas, not 32. Ruth wondered whether it would have been better to use an acreage basis. .John handed o -it a spreadsheet on which he had trached the cumulative acreage of the areas. Of the approximately 18,000 total acres in the TCTT,n, more than 12,000 (roughly t•kro thirds) is open space. The areas that the CAC is recommending be presei-red represents approximately clue - luarter of the total acreage in the Town. Of the open space, 052 acres belongs to institutions (Cornell, The Nature Conservancy), 2,742 is agricultural, and 1,254 is privately-mvned, non-agricultural lana. The CAC is recommending that 10% of the total open space in the Town that is privately owned be preserved. Christiann pointed out the agricultural land should also be labeled as privately owned, and that farmers will be attentive to %hi-- point. -ura presented a map that she had marked to show the distinction between agriculture and other, open space. John also handed out a revision he was suggesting to the conclusion, based on reactions from several Town officials, saying that the features of these areas (e.g.,.prime .:soil, wildlife habitat, farming, etc.) should be preserved. There 1 ,w- well be spaces in these areas that may be appropriate for development. Laura said that this is a justification for future Conservation Districts and EPOD's. Eva commented that buildings or utility lines could be sited so as to preser 7e views, and that the CAC was not trying to stop people from building, but rather to direct building so that it doesn't obstruct valuable features. .John commented that it appears in the report that the CAC is, advocating preser: attion of all these parcels intact. The language in the enabling legislation that requires CAC's to draw a line and pick top-ranked areas creates real problems for CAC's. The COC is considering a wetlands EPOD. Laura said that the map shows that conserSration districts are still needed. Celia commented that a great deal of linkage is already there. A small amount of money could purchase the development rights to the rest. Ruth and Eva both felt that some areas needed to be protected in their entirety. Laura said that because the Town doesn't have the money to purchase land or development rights, it can't say that people can't build on their land. Christia.-Lin said that many of the farm owners will be upset by the recommendation that their land be protected. Celia urged that the CAC accommodate the political necessity, but leave open the possibility of greater action for later. I After some discussion the group )worked out revisions to the conclusion that met these concerns. These changes were noted on John's copy of the conclusion to be made in the final --ersion of the report_. Laura moved that they be adopted, Celia seconded this, al -id the motion was unanimously passed. Dooley had a number of revisions to propose: there were inconsistencies in :vhether Arabic or Roman numerals were used on the maps, some -map nurrnbers had periods after them ;md some did riot, and "pocket" should not be written :with a capital p. These and a number of other revisions were also noted on John's copy of the report, to be incorporated in the final s:-ersion. Christiann reported that she anticipated strong resistance to this plan within the farm cominunity. Celia moved to adopt the Open Space report, laura seconded this, and the motion passed unanirnousl4 . John said that the report will go to the Town Board, and then to the Planning Board and the CPC. Then it will come back to the CHC,' and then to a public hearing. Christiann reported that Monika Crispin from Cooperate .-e Extension has offered to host a meeting for farmers. At the I41 rSAC meeting, the president was -r-ery impressed with this report and suggested that -Are submit it far awards. Discussion them ensued about inter-r-iewing new candidates at the December meeting far positions on the CAC. Terms expire 12 r $ 1, and a total of 5-9 members are needed, including members who are continuing. Christiann said that she will not ask for reappointment to the CAC, because other commitments do not permit her to accept another d. y ear term. She expressed her continued interest in the work of the CAC, and said that she hoped to continue to have some involvement, perhaps as a mernber of the Agriculture Committee. Ruth will be leaving in mid-January- to teach in Prague, so she ;will resign at year end, also. L ira recommended that at the next meeting the CAC talk about membership and procedures. John said that he will appoint a procedures committee, consisting of Richard, Dooley and Eva. He said there is also a need to put together a work plan from the Open Space Report. He also wants the CAC to meet with Floyd Forman, to say that the CAC would like to use its expertise, as well as what has been learned from putting together the Open Space Report, 4. to b �e helpful to the Town. He wants to discuss with Floyd how he could see the CAC fitting in with the work of the Towm, and hCAv planning staff could help the CHC. It was decided to hold the next meeting on Thursday, December 12, 1991. The meeting was adjourned at 10:20 pm. Minutes prepared by V alorie Rockney, , Movember 15, 1991. 4 January 6, 1992 MEMO TO: Members of the CAC FROM: John G. Whitcomb SUBJECT: Dooley Kiefer revisions to 11-14-91 meeting Dooley's revisions to the 11-14-91 minutes are almost correct, but not quite. Dooley's version of the circumstances leading to her resignation are missing some important details. The CAC had just spent an hour and a half discussing procedures on handling revisions to minutes. After much debate and disagreement, a reasonable solution had been achieved. We had proceeded to the next agenda item, approval of the 10-10-91 minutes. Dooley first complained that her extensive revisions to these minutes had not been incorporated. I explained that I had directed the secretary to delay action pending the outcome of the CAC's discussion. Almost as a afterthought, Dooley asked if Valorie had written down the comments she had made earlier in this meeting regarding John and Candace's report on the NYSCAC meeting. Valorie had not. Dooley then suggested that Valorie could transcribe the comments from the tape. Someone pointed out that we had just spent an hour and a half defining how to deal with revisions and accordingly, Dooley should write her comments down and submit them for the CAC's approval. Dooley ignored this suggestion and, to my great surprise, began to read again the comments she had made earlier in the meeting, during the Chair's report! Since these comments were clearly unrelated to the agenda item we were considering, namely the approval of the 10-10-91 minutes, I ruled Dooley "out of order." She became angry and said she had no choice but to resign. Several CAC members and I urged her to reconsider. She later wrote a letter of resignation from the CAC. Revisions to 11-14-91 CAC meeting by Dooley Kiefer, 12/12/91 and further corrected by John Whitcomb, 1-6-92. p.l (addition to chair's report) John announced two up -coming conferences of interest. On Nov. 20 at 7:30pm there will be an Open Space forum sponsored by Coop. Ext.; both he and George Franz will be participants. On Sat., Nov. 23, from 9 to 3 an EMC -sponsored Wetlands conference will be held; John will be substituting for Candace an a panel. John also reported that Candace had created a flyer on the CAC, to help recruit members, and John will have this available at the Wetlands conf. P-1 -- � a-:�of chair's rpt. has corrections noted on minutes directlyJih �r x k) � P. 2 ( replace next -to -last para.) John asked for approval of the October 10, 1991 minutes. Dooley pointed out that the revisions she had submitted had not been included and requested �1 that this be done. Valorie said that the CAC had just agreed to handle revisions in a different manner. Doolev then asked if her comments made earlier in the meeting about John's and Candace's report on the NYSCAC conference, had been written down by the secretary. Valorie replied that she had not taken down any of the specifics. Dooley then began to repeat the comments she had made earlier in the meeting, saying this would eliminate any need to correct the minutes later. John then ruled Dooley out of order, since member concerns had already been covered once in the meeting. Dooley the said she felt she had no choice but to resign, that this was for her the last straw. She did not feel her request was unreasonable. Several members urged her to reconsider. Dooley thanked them•.and said she would stay until the end of the meeting because she had something else to report on. P-2 -- last two paragraphs: additional corrections noted on the minutes P-4 (middle of page) -- addition cc Dooley reported receiving a communication from NYU law school asking if the CAC would like to be listed with the new Pro -Bono Students New York (P*B*S NY) network. There is a chapter at Cornell that could be a source of law student interns for us. John said the Town mig_nt be interested. Dooley said she would list the Town, and then she left. I To: To�Fm of Ithaca Conservation .advisor -j Council //Oz From: !aura f. marks Re: Suggested Minutes Additions Sug�este,d Minutes Additions for November 14, 1 jq i Insert between last two paragraphs on page 2 the following: [Dooley did indeed resign, submitting a letter of resignation to john 'Whitcomb, CAC chair and Shirley Raffensperger, Town Supervisor on November 21, 19 j 1. The referenced letter can be found in the office of the Town Clerk] Sun xested MLiutes A dditifins for Decem b�?r 12, Insert at the end of the last paragraph of page 1 the following: [The referenced letters can be found in the office of the Town Clerk] 11 MEETING NOTICE TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL TOWN HALL'BOARD ROOM 126 East Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850 (Entrance at rear of building -- west side) (607) 273-1747 7:00 P.M., THURSDAY, DEC. 12,1991 7:00 pm 1 . Report of the Chair 7:15 pm 2. Persons to be heard, Member concerns and information. 7:20 pm 3. Approve meeting minutes of Nov. 14 (enclosed) 10/10, 9/19 ....... 7:30 pm 4. CAC appointments (members, associate members, -Chair and Vice Chair) 8:15 pm 5. Meeting with Floyd Forman to discuss CAC role in Town government 9:00 pm 6. Committee reports. 9:15 pm 7. Approve old meeting minutes:- .- July 18 (revised) :_Auqus_ t 8 (draft (draft) _ Sept. 19 (revised) 9:25 pm 8. Consider agenda for next meeting (committees, work plan for 1992) 9:30 pm S. Adjournment _ CAC Members: John G. Whitcomb, Chair Celia Bowers Candace E. Cornell Christiann Dean Richard Fischer Eva Hoffmann Dooley Kiefer Ruth Mahr [aura marks Phillip Zarriello, associate member Adopted Minutes Town of ithiied Conservation Advisory Council December 12, 1991 P ESENT: John Whitcomb (Chair). Celia Bowers, Candace Cornell, Cr!ri sti ann Dean, Ric -hard Fischer, Ruth Mahr, l aura marks, Phillip Zarri el l � � ALSO PRESENT: Valorle Rockney 1"Recording Secretary). Later in meeting: u, -San Beeners, Floyd Forman (Town Planner) EXCUSED: Eva Hoffmann Chair Jonn Whitcomb oeened the meeting at 7:07 pm. REPORT OF THE CHAIR: John Whitcomb reported that he recently spoke at tt-ic Weltldnds Conference at Cornell sponsored by the County ENC. He was part of a panel presentation where he represented the point of vie ;•Y of an elected official. He also spoke at the recent Open Space Conference sponsored by Cooperative.Extension and discussed the methods of the To%sm's Open Space Index. His presentation of the Open 3pace Report to the Town Board went well. The report has been referred to the CPC and the Town Planning Board. Comments fr,uni all three bodies; will be brought back to the CAC, hien presented at a piablir_: information meeting in February, and then back through the CAC to the Town Board_ John and Carl Niklas are working on the methods for '=electing top parcels. They are considering various- other methods, as A.ell as the option of using no eut-off point at all. The DEC will be holdingpublic hearings an the :Mate's Open Space Flan in Jdnuary. The CAC will have representation at the hearings. T vv o CAC member; have Submitted written resignations. Ruth � lahr will be teaching in Prague next January, and Dooley Kiefer has also resigned. John enrecsed regret at losing Such valuabie members of the Council, and he passed around their letters so that other members could read them. Christiann's term is expiring, she has asked not to be reappointed. and John commented that she will also be greatly missed.CTkt- rz�ere��c�c1 iE}�et5 co_rh be, -Vo„�r)a ' *\z.. � `ce. T,`�� C-Lcrk .'J-Sze.a�hneJ Ii�� h/ PERSONS TO BE HEARD: There were no persons to be heard. M ride S, Y 1 MEMBER CONCERNS: Candace Cornell reported on a number of issues. The Open Space Committee will continue its ;cork next year, dealing with the issues of how to implement preservation strategies and of biological corridors. She has already received a letter from a developer expressing concern about the Open Space report. She has been searching out models for preservation of open space by municipalities. Candace has been working ,.?vith the Finger Lakes Land Trust on the issue of reducing tax assessments on properties with conservation easements. Slee participated in the recent discussions �,�rith Conrail and ether officials concerning spraying along the railroad rights -of -wag. These talks Yvare very constructive. She reported that the Town needs to put ,_ap signs along the Conrail right -of -%^ray saying "Sensitive Area -Cao Not Spray" and this will be honored by the company. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Laura moved to accept the minutes of November - 14, Christiann seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Laura moved to accept the minutes of October 10, Celia seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. Candace moved to accept the minutes of September 19, laura seconded, and the motion passed unanimously, with the correction that on page 4, the word "Committee" be changed in two placer to "Council" in referring to the CAC APPOINTMENTS TO COUNCIL: John reported that Dick, 1 aura, and he were. i illing to accept reappointment to the CAC. He has also talked with Phillip Zarriello, who has expressed his willingness to accept an initial two-year appointment. Christiann has asked not to be reappointed- she wants to use her time to focus on her work with the Agriculture Committee. Dick, ]aura, John and Phillip were all unanimously elected by paper ballot for t;5ro-year terms. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Christiann proposed that committee members be appointed as Associate Nembers. Slee proposed that Associate r1embers would not vote on CAC matters, would receive notices of meetings and approved minutes, would not receive other mailings unless they request them, and that they would be people who were either working on specific focus areas such as committees or generalists who were work.ing on overall CAC issJue•- tJ •J •- . After some discussion, Christiann moved, seconded by iaura, to establish a category called Associate Hember, and invite committee members to join. An Associate Hember should be a resident of the Town of Ithaca or a person %„;ho operate business in the Torin, or a staff member of an organization that serves the Town. An Associate Nember should also meet the other criteria ;et forth for mernbersl-0p involving environmental awareness and commitment. Richard proposed an amendment, seconded by ]aura, that Assoc ate l-tembershi p should be limited to residents and operators of businesses within the Town. The amendment was defeated B-1. The motion eras defeated 3-4. Laura, seconded by Celia, moved to create a category of .associate Nembership with the same qualifications; as regular members, ,and a category of Consultant for those who meet the criteria for regular members, but do not live in the Torr n. This motion passed 5-0-1. RECOMMENDATION TO TOWN BOARD FOR CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR: Candace expressed her hope that John would continue as Chair for another year. She pointed out that, for John to be able to do this, the length of time .a member of the Town Board could be Chair of the CAC, as decided in the February 1. 1991 CAC meeting, would need to be changed from 2 to T years. She moved, seconded by Celia, that the CAC adopt this change.. Ruth expressed concern, feeling that it is important to keep the CAC chair non- political. on- political. Chri sti ann was concerned that this might put John in an a .,-1k ,hfard position. flick: felt that John's link to the To,,tn Board was valuable. Phillip thought that the decision should be up to John. John expressed his interest in completing the OS report, and also in implementing some of the ideas from the recent conferences. If the CAC wishes, he will continue this work as a regular member. The motion was passed 3-1 John then voted in favor of it to bream the tie. Candace, seconded by laura, then nominated John for a one-year term as Chair of the CAC. Celia, seconded by Laura, nominated Candace as. Vice - Chair, also for a one -year -term. An election by paper ballot was then held, with Christiann and Ruth abstaining on the grounds that they were not going to be members of the CAC next year. John received 4 yes votes, and Candace received 3 yes votes and 1 no vote. John broke the tie on the election of Candace with a yes vote, so both '•were elected. MEETING WITH ELOYD FORMAN: John introduced Floyd Forman and commented that he would like to offer the CAC's assistance in the To,,% -'n'1 planning effort. Floyd had prepared a list of areas where his department could use the CAC's .assistance: 1. Field checking on OS reports and also using aerial photos for checi{.ing . Completion of Agriculture Committee report 3. Wildlife corridors - recommendations 3 4. EPODs: stream corridors., wetlands., etc. The CAG could yet involved with delineation of specific EPOD areas and criteria for inclusion. 5. ',Netlands. Candace is qualified to do delineations and has been very helpfu i to Planning Staff. n. Comments on development reviews 7. Comprehensive_ plan. He would like to have CAC comments before public meetings, and he also wants the CAC to participate the the SEAR plan for Planning Board review. Discussion ensued about the extent to which the CAC's role should be one of technical assistance or of environmental advocacy. Floyd felt that he and planning staff have em..,ironmental awareness. He is looking for ax,pertise, which he feel the CAC has, rather than just advocacy. .John asked what kind of staff support the Planning Department coul►a offer. Floud said that was difficult, as staff was already pushed to the limit. Getting the Comprehensive Plan done is his first priority. and staff also have committee work to do. Christiann requested that some of George Frant 's time be allocated to the Ag Committee, as it had been in the past. In view of the fact that 3,440 acres of the Town is farmland, and the Ag Districts are current]y being redrawn for the next 7 years, she feels that this is a critical time for agricultural land use in the Town. If one or two large farmers decide not to re -join the Ag Districts, it will forever change the face_ of the torn. Floyd agreed to try to free up some. of George's time to work on this. He cautioned the CAC, however, that he is getting many such requests from various groups. Discussion then ensued on the issue of time allocation to the Ag Committee rolative to the Open Space Report. It was generally agreed that the CAC would establish priorities for use of time, and would communicate these priorities to the Planning Department. There was general agreement_ on the value_ of collaborative effort. Fioild said that his goal on the Comprehensive Plan is to qet a pian that the Town wiil accept - he doesn't want to put in all that for nothing. He pointed out that it will be a compromise, that no one group will get all that it t,vants, and that 70-80% of ,A hat a group %rants is a lot better than nothing. Laura requested that environmental issues for the comprehensive plan originate from the CAC, not from staff. Floyd felt he could not agree to this request. i:eiia asked Floyd what his view 'Was, in theoretical terrns:, of the role of the �.MC in the Filanninq process. Flood reported that several members. have 4 +tome in with comments. .all have been assessed and considered, and many are incoraorated. He tries to take the best idem; from the manu that are Presented to him. Y !dick asked about the status of the MacDonalds proposal to open a restaurant near the P & C. Floyd reported that he has not yet received anything from them, although he is expecting to soon. He is trying to. get the .special permit process in place. SCHEDULE OF MEETING TIMES: There was general agreement to adopt the f i rut Thursday of the month as the regular meeting t i rues tr i th ti'i►� thi rd Thursday as the meeting time a,Vai]able if more is needed_ ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATIONS: Laura moved, and Dick seconded, to accept the two member resignations with regret and thanks_ The motion carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- Celia moved, and Dick seconded, to approve the minutes of July 1 C, "august u, ,august 15, and September 19. The motion paased unanimously. Candace moved, and Dick seconded, that the rAC go into Executive Session. The motion was carried, the CAC went into Executive Session, and then oaf terward it resumed its regul ar meeting. John asked Christiana if she would chair the ALi Committee. She said she ,A i l l consider this and let the CAC knov%, by mi d -January_ The neXt meeting will be held on Thursday, January '?, 199 ,121. Laura moved for adjournment, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:52) pm. , 1�iinutes prepared by uaiorie RockneyD1r +pproved by the CAC. January `?, 199a, subject to revisions made January 7, 1111 ;included in this document).