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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 1997TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES JANUARY 16, 1997 ADOPTED 3/6/97 PRESENT: Chair Phillip Zarriello, Eva Hoffmann, Lois Levitan, Richard Fischer. ABSENT: Jon Meigs. STAFF: Geri Tierney (Planner), George Frantz (Assistant Town Planner). GUESTS: John Yntema, Kara Hagedorn, Barney Unsworth, Frank Baldwin. Chair Phillip Zarriello opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. o Richard Fischer noted the new Town Historical Markers. o Information about the Environmental Bond Act issue was provided. o Chair Zarriello reported on the Citizens Advisory Council for the Veterinary Waste Incinerator. - o The Full Environmental Assessment for the CU Lake Source Cooling Project will be available soon for the Conservation Board to review. o Assistant Planner George Frantz mentioned the meeting between the Town Planning and Engineering Departments and Ithaca College regarding the addition to Ford Hall. Ithaca College has submitted a formal application for the Ford Hall project. The Planning Department will pass information to the CB for review, when it is received. No additional information on the parking lot has been received yet. o Eva Hoffmann stated that the Planning Board had a sketch plan presentation by Ithaca College, which included all the plans for the projects in the future and the parking lot. Ithaca College was asked to provide more details to the Planning Board. The Planning Board echoed the CB concerns about potential drainage problems. There was a brief discussion on the parking lot issues at Ithaca College. o Chair Zarriello presented a writeup of the Conservation Board history. o Lois Levitan noted that she saw a newspaper report that a potential developer approached the Town Board at their last meeting, and asked for more information. George Frantz gave a brief description of this project, which is a potential proposal for low income family housing units on the Ceracche property located on Mecklenburg Road. o Assistant Town Planner Frantz presented the working draft of Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan to this Board. Mr. Frantz mentioned some of the revisions of the Plan, costs and possible funding mechanisms (bonding, partnerships, purchase of development rights). The Plan examines the Town's assets and needs for growth, and outlines a strategic plan for meeting the Town's need for parks and recreational facilities. Implementation of this Plan depends upon the Town's growth; the need for parks facilities would reflect development in the Town. The plan identifies multiple small neighborhood parks, and 3 community parks that are approximately 15 to 20 acres in size that could accommodate baseball and or soccer fields intended to serve a wider area than the neighborhood parks. The Plan also identifies natural areas that would be considered for future Conservation Zones. Costs for incorporating 25 percent of the Town area into Conservation Zone were described. o The report by Nancy Ostman and Bob Wesley on the South Hill Swamp was briefly reviewed. The CB will ask Ostman and Wesley for a more detailed inventory of South Hill Swamp during the next growing season. The information provided indicates the Town should seek a designation of a DEC regulated wetland from the State because the Ostman/Wesley report indicates that the wetland is larger than 12.4 acres. o Potential new members to the CB introduced themselves and gave a brief summary of their interests to the CB. John Yntema became interested in the Conservation Board because of the Ithacare project. He would like to be involved in activities of the Town of Ithaca. Barney Unsworth's interests are in bikeways and recreational areas. He would also has an interest in natural areas preservation for wildlife. Kara Hagedorn interests are in Open Spaces and Greenways. She would like to see sufficient buffers established around the State Parks for wildlife. Frank Baldwin interest are similar to interests of other new members. o A motion was made by Ms. Hoffmann and seconded by Mr. Fischer to approve the 1997 Schedule of the Conservation Board with a few date changes. AYES - Zarriello, Hoffmann, Levitan, Fischer. NAYS - None. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FEBRUARY 6, 1997 ADOPTED: 3/6/97 PRESENT: Chair Phillip Zarriello, Eva Hoffmann, Lois Levitan, Richard Fischer, Jon Meigs STAFF: Geri Tierney GUESTS: John Yntema, Kara Hagedorn, Barney Unsworth, Frank Baldwin, Elizabeth deProsse. Chair Phillip Zarriello opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. o Lois Levitan raised the issue of cleaning Town culverts and ditches. Concern was expressed about the method and ensuing erosion that typically results. Chair Zarriello stated that Fred Noteboom, Highway Superintendent, should be invited back to the CB to discuss that issue, and to meet new members. o Geri Tierney distributed information on a New York State Wetland Conference in Rochester this March. Anyone interested in attending this conference, please notify Ms. Tierney before February 14. o One- and two-year terms for the Conservation Board were discussed. John Yntema volunteered serve a one-year term. o Chair Zarriello reported that the EIS for the Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Project will be available in March for review. An update was given on the Cornell Veterinary School Incinerator Project. Information and the Town's involvement on the Water Front Study was discussed. o The Ithaca Town Board reappointed Phillip Zarriello as CB Chair. The CB will nominate a Vice -Chair in March. Subcommittees activities and membership were discussed. Members will be appointed to subcommittees at the next meeting. The chair of the ERC (Environmental Review Committee) and the CB will continue to provide a preliminary project review and make the determination as to whether a full ERC project review is needed. J The CB formerly received summaries of development review projects. The CB would like continue receiving this summary in order to keep informed. o Approval of the minutes from 11/7/96 with no changes was moved by Lois Levitan and seconded Phil Zarriello. All members present voted in favor, except Eva Hoffmann who abstained. o Actions regarding the South Hill UNA were discussed. The Ostman/Wesley report map, showing vegetation areas and their characteristics, was reviewed. The necessity of buffering the South Hill Swamp from nearby residential development, including pets, pesticides and invasive plants that accompany them, were considered. The issue of urgency related to development pressure in this area was discussed. The Evan Monkemeyer- sketch plan (for single family homes on large lots) is currently the only proposed development in the immediate area. The Planning Board has asked Mr. Monkemeyer to revise the sketch plan to provide a buffer between the development and the UNA. The CB agrees that the eastern boundary of Monkemeyer's property be undeveloped to buffer the UNA. Jon Meigs suggested the CB should comment on the proposed community park associated with this development. The activities associated with a recreation park may conflict with the preservation of the UNA. Meigs proposed that active recreational public areas be distanced from the South Hill UNA. The CB discussed buffering the UNA from proposed park development in that area, particularly from dogs. The CB noted options for buffering the natural area, including distance, fencing, signage and recommend no direct connection be made between the potential recreational park and the UNA. The CB felt it is important that they be involved in the park planning process in this area. The CB would like to rehire Nancy Ostman and Bob Wesley to better document plant life in the UNA this spring/summer. Wildlife information would also be useful. o The CB tabled the discussion of the Coy Glen UNA until the March meeting ACTION ITEMS: o Jon Meigs will draft a resolution to staff, Planning Board, and Town Board to request development actions in this area be minimized until the CB completes their analysis of South Hill UNA and can properly delineate area that should be protected. o Frank Baldwin will be contacting DEC to determine what is required to have the South Hill UNA redesignated as a DEC regulated wetland. o Dick Fischer will contact local "birders" who may be interested in providing a bird survey of the South Hill UNA. The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL FINAL MARCH 6, 1997 Approved 7/7/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Vice Chair Kara Hagedorn, Frank Baldwin, Elizabeth DeProsse, Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema ABSENT: Richard Fischer, Lois Levitan STAFF: Geri Tierney, CB Coordinator; JoAnn Cornish, ERC Coordinator The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. BOARD MEMBER CONCERNS: Kara Hagedorn had a discussion with Planning Board Member Gregory Bell in regards to a role as a Planning Board Member. He offered to speak to the Conservation Board to give a perspective of what the Town Planning Board does. The Planning Board takes the advice seriously from the Conservation Board on projects it reviews. Mr. Bell wants to give a background of what the Planning Board does, and what the Conservation Board could do to be more effective. The Conservation Board was in agreement to have Mr. Bell attend a meeting. Mr. Bell will give a brief overview of what the Planning Board does, and how the Conservation Board could be more effective with reviews. Chair Zarriello received "The Environmental Notice Bulletin," which is published weekly. In region seven, which is the Town of Ithaca's region, that there are several permits for Stream Protection Clean Water Act. The gravel bars can be removed to install rip -rap, which seems to have a negative impact on stream protection and clean water. After floods, the State has permitted people to enter streams to clean out gravel bars. This is starting to raise some concerns. This could be a very expensive process to do. Cleaning these areas could disturb the habitat. The Conservation Board would need to discuss buffer issues at some point. There are no activities like this in the Town. Chair Zarriello stated that he spoke to the Planning Committee, and they have provisionally agreed to have a designee from the Conservation Board to be part of the Planning Committee. The Planning Committee is for strategic planning of development issues to help people through the process. If a Conservation Board member is interested in volunteering for the Planning Committee, please contact Chair Zarriello for more information. Chair Zarriello stated that a former member of the Conservation Board, Cheryl Smith, sent a letter on DEC Camper Programs. She was looking for a sponsorship. It could be a monetary sponsorship. This is a Conservation Workshop Camp to expose children to Conservation issues and the wilderness of the outdoors. The cost is approximately $150 to $200. Part of the sponsorship is a non -monetary part where the child is sponsored by a group and needs to report back to the group. This is set up for low income families to help sponsor children that would not be able to go to camp on their own. The Board will discuss this matter further at a later date. COORDINATOR AND CHAIR REPORTS: Geri Tierney briefly listed the items distributed in the member's folders for this meeting. First, there is an updated draft resolution from Jon Meigs. In regards to the review logs requested last week, there is a list of all the projects currently scheduled for review before the Planning Board. There is a memo from Planner Cornish in regards to park regulations, particularly related to dogs. There is a publication from Westchester County from the Director of Planning, Jonathan Kanter. It is an advisory piece that Westchester County wrote up describing how Conservation TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 3/6/97 Boards should function, what they should do, and some common problems the Board might run into. This publication gives advice, and Planner Cornish recommended that the Board review it. The new members also received background information of the Conservation Board. There is a copy of the Town's Environmental Review Law that the Town has implemented for SEQR. There is a copy of the background legislation designating the Conservation Board and the bylaws. There is a copy of the Town's Wetland Guidelines that was written by this Board. There is a copy of the Town's Comprehensive Plan. The Coy Glen Biological report can be supplied to anyone wanting a copy. COMMITTEE REPORTS: There are no official committees set up at this point, so there are no reports. PROPOSED COMMUNITY PARK ON SOUTH HILL: Planner JoAnn Cornish stated that she would talk about the Community Park that is being recommended for the Monkemeyer land on South Hill. The concern for this park is that it is very close to the South Hill Swamp. Given the charge to design this park, she took some of the concerns that Planner Tierney had expressed to her and common sense for planning this. She presented a brief history of this plan on how the Town is going to acquire land from Evan Monkemeyer. Mr. Monkemeyer came before the Planning Board with a sketch plan. Planner Cornish pointed out on the survey map done by Nancy Ostman and Bob Wesley of the South Hill Swamp, where the proposed park would be located. The Monkemeyer family owns a lot of land on the South Hill, which Mr. Monkemeyer would have most of the control of. Mr. Monkemeyer came before the Planning Board with a sketch plan for a subdivision. Phase I was for lots 1 through 8. This was a conventional 30,000 square foot lot subdivision. Phase II would be another subdivision to total 22 lots in this area. There is a piece land that was dedicated as park land that Mr. Monkemeyer wants to sell to the Montessori School. The Planning Board agreed that it would be a good idea because it is adjacent to the Montessori School property. It makes sense for Mr. Monkemeyer to sell that piece of land to the Montessori School for them to use. In return, the Planning Board wants an even exchange of land in addition to the 10 percent set-aside that the Town requires for subdivisions. There is a definite need for some type of park in this area. It was explained to Mr. Monkemeyer that he could sell these lots with a 100 -foot buffer to the South Hill Swamp that people cannot build upon. Planner Cornish stated that the Town would require a 4.5 acre park from Mr. Monkemeyer if he was to develop these lots. The park area would be a community green space with a play structure. A buffer is being planned to keep people and pets away from the South Hill Swamp area. The drainage on South Hill is a problem. The Town is looking for a level land for the park space with minimal grading. Mr. Monkemeyer is planning to develop all of his properties over the next few years, which would come in phases to the Town. The terrain is very steep, and it is questionable whether this type of grading could be done to construct a road. There has also been interest in developing access roads in this area. Mr. Monkemeyer is insisting on preparing a Site Plan proposal for Phase I, and the Planning Board is going to allow him to do that. Phases II and III would be considered more of a clustering and conservation design for the subdivision, rather than the standard 30,000 square foot lots all over the 100 -acre parcel on South Hill. If Mr. Monkemeyer clustered his property he would be able to get more units on less space. There would be a large area for open space. The Planning Board tries to encourage developers to look into clusters. Planner Tierney pointed out to the Conservation Board where the commercial properties are in this area on a map. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 3/6/97 Planner Cornish stated that if Mr. Monkemeyer develops Phase I and II he would have to give the Town a 4.5 acres for open space for a park development. Since the Town is unsure what is going to happen with the other parcels, the Town would need to plan on what they could get at this point. If Mr. Monkemeyer develops all his parcels, the Town would receive an 11 -acre park. However, Mr. Monkemeyer has indicated his willingness to give the Town the 11 acres. He has also indicated that he may get control of his sister's property, and that would help the open space park plan. These were just schematic plans to show what Mr. Monkemeyer could do. There has been several discussions with Mr. Monkemeyer about this issue. This park would be considered regional, and the Town would own the park and maintain it. Hopefully, the developer would pay for the road way. Planner Cornish stated that in the Town's Park and Open Space Plan, a connector walkway was going to go straight through the Unique Natural Area. Assistant Town Planner George Frantz, Planner Tierney, and herself had a lengthy discussion about the problems if a trail was put through this area. They wanted to discourage the idea of having people walking through the Unique Natural Area. There is an existing trail, but it is overgrown now. Ms. Cornish pointed out the Unique Natural Area on a map, and where the proposed trail would go in this area. The topography is steep in the South Hill area for bike paths and pedestrian paths. These plans are to give the Board an idea of the direction that the Town is going with the community park, and to ask for any suggestions or comments that the Town should be considering from an environmental stand point. In discussions, the Town Engineer and the Town Supervisor indicated that they do not want the pond as part of the park because they would have to assume liability for the pond and maintenance. It does not mean that it cannot be recommended or that a water feature in the park couldn't be a part of it, it is just the direction the staff was given. Houses could be built around the pond. The pond would need drainage work done if houses were built near that for retention. The location and accessibility of the park have been recommended for a community park. Mr. Monkemeyer is willing within the next four months to give the Town 11 acres for this park. There are not a lot of contiguous parcels that would allow an 11 -acre park that would be buildable for some of the things the Town wants. The 11 acres is more than 10 percent of the land Mr. Monkemeyer wants to be developed. The most leveled land in this area is where the proposed park land is suggested to be. This park would be available to anyone, it would not be a restrictive park The Conservation Board suggested that the Planning Staff work with Ithaca College in regards to a path way from the Campus to College Circle for the students. Ithaca College is working with the Planning Board on campus construction proposed for Ford Hall and the J and M lot parking areas. Ms. Hagedorn stated that she walked the boundaries of the upper part of Buttermilk Falls State Park. It was interesting to see how many people whose property borders the Park have started to use the Park. There is garbage and tree forts near the boundaries. There are several unofficial trails to the Park. There is a small buffer area between the proposed Wiggins development and the Park. Restrictions could be added to the deeds to require a buffer. The Board discussed fencing for the boundary, to act as a buffer to keep people and their animals out of the Park. This possibility would need to be addressed to the Attorney for the Town, for any legal issues on fencing. SOUTH HILL SWAMP UNA - PROPOSED RESOLUTION AND DEC STATUS: The Conservation Board had a lengthy discussion on the proposed resolution to DEC to make some changes and amendments for the language. MOTION by Jon Meigs, seconded by John Yntema: WHEREAS the Conservation Board has been asked to make recommendations for protecting the "South Hill Unique Natural Area," an area of the Town of Ithaca containing special flora, rare ecological communities, old-growth forest, and wetlands, as documented by an inventory conducted in 1996 by experts Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley, and TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL M MUTES 3/6/97 WHEREAS Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley consider the South Hill Swamp to be one of the two most unique natural areas within the Town of Ithaca, and WHEREAS such flora are susceptible to destruction or reduction in number to below a level at which they can remain naturally viable within their habitat, through human activity or by activity controllable by humans, such as development or the activities of humans and domestic pets within the area, and WHEREAS such flora are of value to the people of the Town of Ithaca because of their scarcity, their aesthetic qualities, their illustration of the history of occupation and development of the Town, and their utility to education and scientific research, which are ultimately of economic importance to the Town, and WHEREAS the Conservation Board intends to continue and complete its work of defining the area meriting protection, including the South Hill Unique Natural Area, and to make recommendations to the Town concerning appropriate protective measures, in 1997, and WHEREAS a complete assessment of the area's resources will not be obtainable until the 1997 growing season is well underway, thus leaving development plans which are currently under discussion for property in and adjacent to the area without benefit of a complete assessment, be it RESOLVED that the Conservation Board asks the Town Planning Board, Planning Department and other agencies responsible for regulating development in the Town, to take into consideration the above matters when reviewing applications for the development and use of property in and adjoining the South Hill Unique Natural Area, and to consult the Conservation Board before deciding on any such applications. There being no further discussion, Chairperson Zarriello called for a vote. AYES - Zarriello, DeProsse, Hagedorn, Baldwin, Hoffmann, Meigs, Yntema. NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. Frank Baldwin stated that DEC suggested that the State would be able to protect the South Hill Swamp UNA, or the Town or County would also be able to protect the area. The only areas that the State needs to protect are Class I areas. If the Town writes DEC on why this should be considered an Unique Natural Area, that they might reconsider it. The area does not need to any specific size to be protected. If the area is to be considered special for protection, the State should be informed of the Town's interests are. Mr. Baldwin will draft a letter for the Conservation Board to review to pass along to the Town Board for review. COY GLEN UNA BOUNDARY CRITERIA: The criteria would be passed along to the subcommittees of the Board for review, and they would bring the information back to the Board for further discussion. ELECTIONS: MOTION by Jon Meigs, seconded by Eva Hof&nann: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby elects Phil Zarriello as Chair for the 1997 term. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - DeProsse, Hagedorn, Baldwin, Hoffmann, Meigs, Yntema. NAYS - None. ABSTAIN - Zarriello. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. MOTION by Phil Zarriello, seconded by Jon Meigs: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby elects Kara Hagedorn as Vice Chair for the 1997 term. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 3/6/97 AYES - Zarriello, DeProsse, Baldwin, Hoffmann, Meigs, Yntema. NAYS - None. ABSTAIN - Hagedorn. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously APPROVAL OF MINUTES: JANUARY 16, 1997 MOTION by Eva Hoffmann, seconded by Phil Zarriello: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of January 16, 1997 as written with the following corrections: Page 2, paragraph 5, states "the report indicates an extent to an area," shall read "the report should indicate an area larger than 12 acres." A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, DeProsse, Hagedorn, Baldwin, Hoffmann, Meigs, Yntema. NAYS -NONE. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: FEBRUARY 6, 1997 MOTION by Eva Hoffmann, seconded by Phil Zarriello: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of February 6, 1997 as written with a spelling correction: AYES - Zarriello, DeProsse, Hagedorn, Baldwin, Hoffmann, Meigs, Yntema. (4) NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. SUBCOMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: Planner Cornish stated that the Environmental Review Committee meets separately from the Conservation Board to review the projects at hand. Not all the projects warrant Environmental Review because the Environmental Impact Statements are prepared by Staff, containing their views of the significance of the impact. The Planning Board and Staff take the review and comments from the Environmental Review Committee seriously. This Committee, of the Conservation Board, has an important function, and is the most powerful tool it has, to become involved with what happens in the Town of Ithaca, environmentally. The Committee has met separately for each project that warrants the proper environmental review. The Conservation Board will discuss the subcommittee appointments at the next meeting for review and voting. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Minutes transcribed by DK 4/14/97; edited by JAY 06/26/97 & 6/29/97. FINAL TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL APRIL 3, 1997 Approved 7/17/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Vice Chair Kara Hagedorn, Elizabeth DeProsse, Eva Hoffmann, Lois Levitan, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema ABSENT: Frank Baldwin, Jon Meigs, Richard Fischer STAFF: Jonathan Kanter, Director of Planning; JoAnn Cornish, ERC Coordinator; Geri Tierney, CB Coordinator GUESTS: Fred Noteboom, Town Highway Superintendent; Lachlan Chambliss Chair Zarriello opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m The Board had a discussion on the recent Town Newsletter and the article by Chair Zarriello. The Monkemeyer proposal was pulled from the Planning Board and the Town Board agendas because Mr. Monkemeyer did not provide the needed information to proceed with this proposal. Mr. Kanter stated that the agreement that Mr. Monkemeyer and the Planning Department had was not acceptable to Mr. Monkemeyer. The idea of a larger area for a park space would be ideal, but further discussion with Mr. Monkemeyer is needed. The Board discussed which members could contribute time to the Earth Day Celebration on the Commons, April 18-26. The Board also discussed what would be on the table for this celebration. The Planning Staff agreed to work with the Conservation Board on the displays. Planner Tierney passed around an article about green parking lots and a handbook on the Unique Natural Area in the Town of Ithaca for the Board to review. Chair Zarriello reported on the Cornell University Veterinary Incinerator Project which is moving very slowly. DISCUSSION OF TOWN HIGHWAY POLICIES: Highway Superintendent Fred Noteboom explained how the Highway Department deals with sedimentation. The Highway Department has become more sensitive to this issue over past year. Road stabilization work is needed in several areas of the Town including the Coy Glen area. In some areas, the Highway Dept. has used fabrics fences for sedimentation control . The Dept. is also attempting, instead of cleaning an entire length of a ditch, to only clean portions of it, as a means of slowing runoff. On some of the steeper roads, piping is being considered as an alternate to ditching because of high erosion rates and road safety. The Dept. plans to buy a hydro seeder to seed the ditches after construction had been done. Herbicides are limited to use of Roundup for poison ivy control. Lois Levitan stated that she has some concerns on the steep ditches on Elm Street, mostly for safety reasons. Mr. Noteboom stated that Elm Street is narrow, with little shoulder and deep ditches. Ms. Levitan asked if there are alternatives to digging the ditches deeper. Planner JoAnn Cornish stated that the deepest ditches on Elm St. are in the City. Mr. Noteboom stated that installing storm drains in some of these areas would be costly, but desirable. The Board expressed concern about the deep ditches along the road and the safety of pedestrians and bicyclist on Elm Street. Kara Hagedorn expressed concern about the ditches overflowing on King Road, and asked what could be done. Mr. Noteboom stated that King Road would be repaved with new drainage being installed this year. Ms. Hagedorn asked if the Highway"Department was responsible for cutting the trees on Sand Bank Road. Mr. Noteboom responded, yes, that some trees needed to be removed for safety reasons. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 4/3/97 Ms. Hagedorn stated that the State Park directs many people to Sand Bank Road to get from Lower to Upper Buttermilk Park and the appearance of Sand Bank Road is part of their Park experience. Mr. Noteboom explained the Highway Department maintenance operations along Sand Bank Road. Ms. Levitan asked if there is a way to change ditch slopes; presently, steep ditches act like storm drains and offer little mitigation of storm runoff and accelerate erosion along the ditch. Mr. Noteboom stated that there are possible drainage structures that could be installed to alter slope. Ditches along Orchard Hill Road have some of these structures, which work well. The Highway Dept. also has to maintain the capacity to handle a certain amount runoff volume to prevent street flooding. Additionally, the capacity of the ditches generally needs to be increased as areas upstream are developed to handle the increased runoff. This has been experienced along. Elm Street and West Haven Road from the EcoVillage project. Ms. Hagedorn asked if Sand Bank Road was widened when the trees were removed. Mr. Noteboom responded no, but it appears wider because of armoring the shoulder with asphalt along one section of the road. Trees were removed for safety reasons, and also to help keep the ditches clean. Mr. Noteboom stated that he would be glad to help anyone with questions or concems. He can be contacted at the Highway Department. DISCUSSION OF COY,GLEN UNIQUE NATURAL AREA BOUNDARIES: Chair Zarriello reminded the Board of the CB draft report on "Coy Glen as a Biological Corridor". The Board needs to address what areas of Coy Glen should receive attention and be protected (i.e. conservation easements and zoning). The CB needs to identify boundaries for protection, mainly to protect the Unique Natural Area (UNA) of Coy Glen. Planner Tierney pointed out on a map the area of Coy Glen and the ownership of the area. She pointed out possible boundaries of where the Conservation Board should consider. She also showed a map of the land use in the area. Signage about the UNA should be considered for people to understand the uniqueness and fragility of the area. While inventorying the area for the boundaries, if and where the signage could go should be considered. Dogs should not be allowed into the UNA, or they should be kept on a leash. The Board discussed having literature at the Earth Day Celebration, about keeping dogs leashed while walking on Town trails and in UNAs. EcoVillage borders on the Coy Glen UNA, so putting signage up about dogs being on leashes make more sense. John Yntema asked if there are places in the Town where dogs are not permitted. Director of Planning Kanter stated that there are leash laws, but because of lack of enforcement many dogs are allowed to run loose, such as along the South Hill Recreationway. Mr. Noteboom stated that this has been a problem with a lot of the Town trails; people are walking their dogs in areas where dogs are not allowed or they are not leashed. Chair Zarriello stated that dog awareness is one component of protecting UNAs, but the Board also needs to consider protection zones that limit development. Planner Tierney suggested that a committee, composed of the Conservation Board members, Planning Staff, and other interested groups walk the Coy Glen area to determine appropriate boundaries for its protection. Planner Cornish asked if this committee would need to contact the landowners for permission to walk private lands. In the past, many landowners did not respond to this type of request. Ms. Levitan stated that there was a proposal in the late 1970's to make this area into a State Park. Many of the problems associated with the Town's interest in this area probably is a carryover from the proposed State Park. Ms. Levitan thought landowners would be more receptive to the Town if they were aware of its interest in protecting this area as a UNA. Planner Cornish stated that the landowners should still be contacted before the group walks the area. Ms. Hagedorn asked what would happen after the boundaries are defined to protect the area. Chair Zarriello stated that conservation easements would be one option. Director of Planning Kanter stated that acquisitions would be another option, and perhaps a purchase of development rights program, which the TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 4/3/97 Town is considering at this point. Chair Zarriello stated that this Board needs to find out what needs to be protected, and along the way think about mechanisms to do it. This time of year would be a good time to do this. Director of Planning Kanter stated that the Planning Committee would be meeting on April 14. If this Board thinks it is a good idea to start a committee with other groups and boards, then he would mention it to the Planning Committee. The Conservation Board agreed with Mr. Kanter's idea. Planner Tierney will produce copies of a map for the Coy Glen area for each member to take and review while walking the site. Some members of the CB volunteered to walk the UNA. The Town Newsletter also has an article about dog control from the Parks Department. If the SPCA is notified, they would follow up on all complaints of dogs. The Planning Department would be coordinating a field trip to the UNA for people to review the area. Ms. Hagedorn stated that Planning Board member Greg Bell would not be able to attend the meeting. Mr. Bell will be asked to come back at another time. Director of Planning Kanter gave a brief description of what the Planning Committee and the Planning Board do separately and together. The Planning Committee meetings are open to the public. Chair Zarriello stated that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) from Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Project has been submitted to the Planning Department. It is a large draft that should be divided up into pieces for the Conservation Board to review. This review of the DEIS is for completeness and adequacy, as addressed in the scoping process. Comments are needed by April 21, 1997. Director of Planning Kanter stated that the Planning Board and the Town Board are also involved agencies. The Planning Board is reviewing the site plan for the East Shore Drive site where the facility is going. The Town Board might be asked to rezone the property because a lake source cooling facility is not one of the allowed uses. Planner Tierney has agreed to review the sections of DEIS that relates to the site plan and zoning issues. The Planning Board has already concurred that Staff will do that on their behalf. DEC wanted additional input from the involved and interested agencies before they accept the project for full public review and comments. Chair Zarriello closed the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Minutes transcribed by DK 04/07/97; edited by PJZ 06/06/97, and JAY 06/26 & 29/97. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES MAY 1, 1997 APPROVED JUNE 5, 1997 PRESENT: Phil Zarriello, Chair; Kara Hagedorn, Vice Chair; Frank Baldwin, Lois Levitan, Jon Meigs, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema. ABSENT: Elizabeth deProsse, Eva Hoffmann. STAFF: Geri Tierney, Conservation Board Coordinator; JoAnn Cornish, Environmental Review Committee Coordinator. GUEST: Greg Bell. Chair Phil Zarriello opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. MEMBER CONCERNS: Kara Hagedorn asked when the latest draft of the Open Space Plan would be reviewed by the Conservation Board. Chair Zarriello stated that a prior draft has already been reviewed by this Board. Planner JoAnn Cornish stated that the new draft has been distributed to the public, and will be used for public hearings. Ms. Hagedorn stated that she has serious concerns about the buffers to Buttermilk Falls State Park. There was some protection of Conservation Zoning through the previous draft, and this draft does not have it. She would be happy to lead a field trip through Buttermilk Falls State Park to show her concerns about creating buffers. Chair Zarriello asked Ms. Hagedorn if she is proposing the Conservation Board review this plan again before it becomes final. Ms. Hagedorn responded, yes. Planner Geri Tierney stated that this is a good time to do this because this is the time for public input. Chair Zarriello asked when would the final plan be proposed. Planner Cornish stated that there would be public hearings set up to make comments or suggestions. Ms. Hagedorn pointed out on a map where the buffers should be located for the Buttermilk Falls State Park from the Walter Wiggins development because of wildlife she has observed during watches she leads in these areas. Walter Wiggins would be donating 18 acres to the Buttermilk Falls State Park upon final approval of his subdivision near the park. Chair Zarriello stated that this conversation should be an agenda item for further discussion. COORDINATOR AND CHAIR REPORTS: Chair Zarriello stated that there were some concerns mentioned regarding the reviews submitted to the Planning Board. The reports need to be worded constructively, not confrontationally. Planner Cornish stated that the comments need to be kept factual and advisory rather than editorializing the report. The main points are becoming lost during this effort. Planner Tierney stated that she handed out a section describing the role of the Conservation Board at the beginning of this year. The section mentions the importance of the relationship between the Conservation Board and the Planning Board. It makes it clear that the Conservation Board has only the power of persuasion because the Board is only an advisory board. The Conservation Board had a brief discussion on how the Environmental Review Committee's comments would be presented to the Planning Board. The Board decided to meet the third Thursday of this month to discuss the Environmental Review Committee's role, and discuss two subdivisions that will becoming before the Planning Board on May 20, 1997. The Conservation Board discussed the outcome of the Earth Day Celebration held in April. GUEST CONCERNS Planning Board Member Gregory Bell described the Planning Board's function. He suggested that members of the Conservation Board attend a Planning Board meeting for further information or to comment on a project. The Planning Board usually receives comments from the ERC at the night of the meeting, and usually has to read the comments during the presentation of the proposal. Sometimes it is hard for the Planning Board to read and listen to the applicants/agents as they are speaking. Mr. Bell suggested that if the comments were in before the mail out of the packets, the Planning Board could review the material ahead of time. Lois Levitan asked Mr. Bell if he is conveying as an individual or from the Planning Board the invitation to come to the Planning Board meetings. Mr. Bell stated that it is him individually, but the Planning Board meetings are open to the public. The Planning Board has never discussed this issue. Planner Cornish stated that whoever takes the lead for certain projects, that person should go to the public hearing to speak out on that proposal. The passion or concerns of the memorandums are not conveyed because it is just a piece of paper. Eva Hoffmann often speaks to the Planning Board on behalf of the Conservation Board. It might be a suggestion that a person attend a Planning Board meeting to speak, especially if they feel strongly about that proposal. That person would need to state, at that time, whether they would be talking on an individual basis or for the Conservation Board. CORNELL UNIVERSITY LAKE SOURCE COOLING PROJECT DEIS: Chair Zarriello stated that the comments were mailed to Department of Environmental Conservation for the Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Project DEIS. There were different comments gathered from other Boards and Committee members of the Town that were mailed to DEC. The Conservation Board had a brief discussion on the Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Project DEIS, and what some of the comments were that were submitted to DEC. SOUTH HILL SWAMP FOLLOW-UP SURVEY: Planner Tierney stated that a new proposal for a follow up study done last fall was received from Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley. Ms. Ostman and Mr. Wesley selected sites they thought require further study, and cost to complete this study were provided. The follow up study will cost $4,500 because they underestimated the time required to 3 complete the previous study and they are proposing several site visits to complete this study. The Conservation Board needs to write a memorandum to the Town Board to request funding of this study. Ms. Ostman and Mr. Wesley would like to start soon because the plants are starting to bloom. The Town Board meets again on May 12, 1997. The Conservation Board has approximately $2,000 in the budget for members to attend conferences and other related CB expenses. Some of the money needs to remain for a conference in October. Since there is not $4,500 in the fund, the Town Board would need to identify other funds. The Conservation Board agreed to use $1,000 of there budget to support this study. - MOTION made by Frank Baldwin, seconded by Phil Zarriello: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby authorizes $1,000 to help fund the plant study by Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley for the South Hill Swamp. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Meigs, Hagedorn, Levitan, Baldwin, Yntema. NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. Approval of minutes was postponed until the June meeting. Chair Zarriello adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. DRAFTED: 5/20/97 dk Edited: 5/28/97 pjz h FINAL TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL MAY 15, 1997 Approved 7/17/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Vice Chair Kara Hagedorn, Elizabeth DeProsse, Lois Levitan, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema. ABSENT: Frank Baldwin, Richard Fischer, Eva Ho$inann, Jon Meigs. STAFF: Geri Tierney, CB Coordinator, JoAnn Cornish, ERC Coordinator; George Frantz, Asst. Town Planner. Chair Zarriello called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Chair Zarriello stated that the Town Board approved the money for the contract between Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley for a survey ofthe Unique Natural Area in the South Hill area. Planner Tierney stated that the contract is still being worked out with Ms. Ostman and Mr. Wesley, on details of the survey. The Town Board approved approximately $4,500 total (the Town Board would contribute $3,500 and the Conservation Board would contribute $1,000). There was a brief discussion of the contract between Ms. Ostman and Mr. Wesley that the Town of Ithaca would be entering into for the survey of South Hill Unique Natural Area. GRIGOROV SUBDIVISION: Planner Cornish stated that the family of Town Board Member Carolyn Grigorov owns a large parcel on the South Hill. Her family is dividing the back part of the land (approximately 30 acres) to give to the City of Ithaca for their Watershed/Park land. This would be part of the City's park land substitution program. There should not be any environmental concerns. Ms. Levitan asked if the Grigorovs would receive any money for the land. Planner Cornish stated that she is not sure of all the details for the exchange, except that the land would be for City park land. Chair Zarriello asked if this would be an actual exchange. Planner Cornish stated that this is part of the park land substitution program through New York State. The Board had a discussion of the issue of park substitution for the Inlet Island. Mr. Yntema asked if the Town of Ithaca owned any land in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area or is it all owned by the City of Ithaca. Planner Cornish stated that the Town of Ithaca owns two parcels in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, which are located on Coddington Road. There are several pieces of land in the Town of Ithaca owned by the City of Ithaca. The Board did not have any problems with the Grigorov subdivision. NAZER LOT LINE MODIFICATION: Planner Tierney stated that the Suwinskis purchased the 93 acre agricultural parcel next door to the Nazers on Mecklenburg Road. The Nazers own a small frontage lot that they thought was a larger piece. The r TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL NIINUTES 5/15/97 Nazers thought their property extended to the fence, which is shown on the survey map. When the Suwinskis surveyed their parcel for the purchase of the property, it was noticed that the Suwinskis owned land beyond the fence, towards the Nazer house. The Nazers would like to purchase 0.14 acres from the Suwinskis to correct this lot line. Planner Tierney had prepared an Environmental Assessment Form, and did not see any concerns. The Board did not have any concerns about the lot line modification to the Suwinski and Nazer properties on Mecklenburg Road. The Conservation Board will write a brief report to the Planning Board showing that they do not have any objections to this proposal_ MONKEMEYER DEDICATION: Planner Cornish stated that the Monkemeyer dedication of park land issue would be coming before the Planning Board for further discussion. The Environmental Review Committee (ERC) should -review this issue before the next Planning Board meeting. There were some issues with which Mr. Monkemeyer was not comfortable, and there were also some issues with which the Town staff was not comfortable. The attorneys and planning staff met with Mr. Monkemeyer to discuss a few ideas. On an enlarged map, Ms. Cornish pointed out the parcel that was supposed to be dedicated to the Town of Ithaca for park land. The Montessori School would like to purchase land near the proposed park land site for future expansion of their school. Currently, Mr. Monkemeyer only needs to donate 4.5 acres of his property for the 10 percent of dedicated park and open space land for Phase I of his subdivision proposal. Mr. Monkemeyer's father's land (in trust), and his sister's land, both connect to his own land, and the proposed new park land would be developed in the corner of the three parcels. From the Town's point of view, there would be a lot of advantages. There are very few pieces of property on the South Hill that are contiguous and could be graded out for a park. The Town is feeling very lucky that Mr. Monkemeyer has come to the conclusion that he would give the 12.5 acre park up front. Discussions with Mr. Monkemeyer included the Unique Natural Area (UNA). There was a brief discussion about Mr. Monkemeyer's concerns regarding buffering the UNA from the park land and his property. The buffer would not be built upon. The Board discussed the areas of boundary for the UNA on the South Hill. Chair Zarriello had concerns of drainage issues in this area. Mr. Yntema stated that he was also concerned about that issue, because there is a drainage ditch behind College Circle which drains onto his property in South Hill. Planner Cornish stated that the Planning Staff would be reviewing the drainage issues, and they would be discussing them with Mr. Monkemeyer during the development review process. No approvals have been given to Mr. Monkemeyer yet. The Planning Board could require clustering in this area, which would mean Mr. Monkemeyer could fit the same amount of houses in a much smaller area. Mr. Monkemeyer was requested originally to come in with a cluster plan, but he was very hesitant and resistant to that. The Planning Board has the power to ask for clustering in this area. This proposal would be before the Planning Board for a 12.5 acre park to be accepted in this location conceptually, meaning the Town does not have a legal survey, but the concept and location would be accepted. The Planning Board would be recommending that the Town Board accept the 12.5 acre parcel in concept, so Mr. Monkemeyer could sell the property that is contingent upon the survey of this land he needs to have done for subdivision approval. The resolution would go to the Town Board for the June meeting. .r TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 5/15/97 Planner Cornish stated that there were discussions, of bicycle paths in this area to connect to the future park. The Conservation Board could make any type of recommendation to the Planning Board and the Town Board on this issue. There has been a strong movement to have a developed park on the South Hill. The Planning Board could ask the developer to cluster in an area, because it is part of the subdivision regulations to develop a cluster plan for environmental reasons. The Planning Board cannot demand that the developer cluster, but it could require that a cluster subdivision plan be submitted for review. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that if Mr. Monkemeyer condensed the lots to 100 feet wide, he would have five lots for Phase I. The length of the cul-de-sac would be reduced, and then there would be a 200 foot wide buffer zone. This would be a rationale for clustering a subdivision. This proposal may require an environmental impact statement for a cluster subdivision of a negative determination. There have been times the Planning Board requested a clustering subdivision plat and the developer responded to the cluster subdivision. There have been times when clustering was suggested and the developer pulled out. Ms. Levitan will develop a memorandum from the Conservation Board informing the Planning Board of CB concerns about the proposed park. The Conservation Board Members gave their concerns to Ms. Levitan to include in the memorandum to the Planning Board. DRAFT TOWN OF ITHACA PARK, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN DISCUSSION: Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that there would be three informational meetings scheduled for June for public input. The idea is to brief the public on the draft plan. The three meetings would be on South Hill, West Hill, and East Hill. He does not expect the Town Board or the Planning Board to hold any public hearings until September on the draft plan. This would give the public the summer to read the plan. Hopefully, the plan could be adopted in early fall. Chair Zarriello asked if the Conservation Board should supply their comments of the plan. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that this Board could take the summer to correlate their comments for presentation to the Planning Board and Town Board in late August or early September. This version would not be changed because this draft was supplied to the public for review. This plan would be revised upon the decision of the Town Board before being adopted as a final plan. This plan is a revision of the 1994 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. The plan discusses new community parks and neighborhood parks that are recommended for the Town of Ithaca to develop. The plan also discusses the cost of these parks for the Town of Ithaca. Mr. Frantz pointed out on an enlarged map where the future parks should be located and what neighborhoods need a park facility in the Town of Ithaca. The Conservation Board will discuss this matter further at a later date when all members are in attendance. Chair Zarriello adjourned the meeting at 9:45 p.m. Minutes transcribed by DK 06/02/97; edited by JAY 06/26/97. k 1 9, MM � 'S TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL 5 JUNE 1997 Approved 7/17/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Vice Chair Kara Hagedorn, Elizabeth DeProsse, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann, Lois Levitan, Jon Meigs, John Yntema ABSENT: Frank Baldwin, Barney Unsworth STAFF: CB Coordinator Geri Tierney (left at 8:00 pm), Assistant Town Planner George Frantz GUEST: Lachlan Chambliss Chair Phil Zarriello opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. MEMBER CONCERNS: Lois Levitan asked what happened with the Monkemeyer parkland. Geri Tierney stated that all the information is not in yet. The Planning Board approved the proposal to the location seen by the Conservation Board. The Planning Board received the Conservation Board's comments. More information needs to be gathered for the Monkemeyer proposal. The proposal has not been heard by the Town Board yet. Ms. Levitan asked what information needs to be received for this proposal. Planner Tierney stated . that she is not sure what information has not yet been submitted. Chair Zarriello asked what has been happening with the Monkemeyer Garden Center on the intersection of Danby Road and East King Road. Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that proposal is up for preliminary site plan approval with the Planning Board within the next couple months. CHAIR REPORT: Chair Zarriello asked if Nancy. Ostman and Bob Wesley received an approved contract for a new South Hill Swamp Unique Natural Area (UNA) survey. Planner Tierney responded, yes, and they have started their survey. COORDINATOR REPORT: Planner Tierney stated that the Finger Lakes National Forest is going to revise their management plan, which happens about every 15 _years. They have started the process, and it will take several years -to complete. They sent some information to the Town Planning Department, and invited us to participate in this project. They are looking for people to join an interest group that meets on a regular basis in Hector. If someone is interested in participating in that group, an application needs to be filled out. The Board could receive the material, and provide written comments to them. Ms. Levitan asked when would the meetings start. Planner Tierney stated that the meetings would start at the end of this month. There is going to be a meeting at the end of June, July, August, and September. These would be preliminary meetings, and a new Forest Management Plan would be drafted from there. Richard Fischer asked if the information says what the group would be discussing. Planner Tierney stated that the plan would be determining what the priorities are during the meetings. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL NM,TUTES 6/5/97 The Rural Grant Program applications for 1997 are in. In past years, grants up to $5,000 were granted for four different areas: Environmental Action Grants, Land Conservation Grants, Historic Preservation Grants, and Planning Grants. Deadline for applications is July 15, 1997. If anyone has a project for one of these categories, please contact the Planning Department. The Tompkins County EMC received one of these grants last year. Ms. Levitan stated that the Finger Lakes Land Trust has received several grants. Planner Tierney handed out information on training courses the Conservation Board could consider attending. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Ms. Levitan asked what is the fill site map of the HSHP building for. Jon Meigs stated that the fill site map goes in conjunction with the Ford Hall, J -lot and M -lot parking expansion that were previously discussed. Ithaca College reacted to the comments of the extension of barriers to prevent filtration problems, and making the contour layout more natural looking. Mr. Yntema asked if the fill site map is the same for the other projects reviewed. Mr. Meigs responded, yes. Chair Zarriello stated that the plans, do not say how much fill would be removed. Ms. Levitan stated that the plans say "raw fill volume = 9,300 cubic yards." Mr. Meigs stated that amount would include all projects happening on the Ithaca College Campus. Chair Zarriello stated that the Planning Board would be informed that the Conservation Board does not have any comments for the HSHP building. SOUTH HILL SWAMP SURVEY DISCUSSION: Mr. Fischer made some comments on how many birds are in the South Hill Swamp area. Mr. Fischer also told.the Board about the different species that could be f6und in this area. Ms. Levitan asked how big of an area did he and John Confer cover for their survey. Mr. Fischer stated that they covered approximately 50 acres. Mr. Fischer also explained the different flowers he saw in this area. He would be giving the Conservation Board an update soon along with the new survey being done. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 1, 1997: MOTION by Jon Meigs, seconded by Richard Fischer: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of May 1, 1997 with the following corrections: A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Fischer, Hagedorn, Levitan, Meigs, Yntema. NAYS - None. ABSTAIN - Hoffmann, DeProsse. The motion was declared be carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 3,1997: Mr. Meigs asked to table the Minutes of April 3, 1997, for corrections and additional clarification of wording. TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 6/5/97 Chair Zarriello admitted that he did not review the minutes as well as he should have. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MARCH 6,1997: Chair Zarriello asked the Conservation Board if the Minutes of March 6, 1997, should be tabled for further clarification and corrections. The Conservation Board was in agreement to table the Minutes of March 6, 1997, until corrections and clarification have been done. DISCUSSION OF TOWN OF ITHACA PARK, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN, 3/10/97 DRAFT: Assistant Town Planner George Frantz stated that this Board was supplied with a memorandum from the Planning Department announcing the three public information meetings on the draft Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. Mr. Frantz reviewed the memorandum with the Board discussing the dates, times, and places. The Planning Department will receive comments to correlate into one report for the Town Board to review. Ms. Hagedorn stated that she had a concern about the creation of a buffer on the east side of the Buttermilk Falls State Park. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that Zoning for Open Space, and the Purchase of Development Rights, described in the draft Plan, could help alleviate those concerns. Ms. Hagedorn pointed out on an enlarged. map where the boundaries of the Buttermilk Falls State Park are located. Ms. Hagedorn asked if anything outside the Park boundary would be zoned anything different than it is already zoned for. Assistant Town Planner Frantz responded, yes. There would be a few areas to the east of the Park's boundary to be proposed. Some of the areas are zoned R-30, which means one house every 30,000 square feet. A subdivision would have to have 30,000 square foot lots. Ms. Hagedom stated that she has strong concerns about that, because as a naturalist for the Buttermilk Falls State Park, she can very strongly say that Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park is one of the richest wildlife areas of Ithaca. She can hike Taughannock Park's three mile trail, and see many different wildlife animals. She could hike Robert Treman State Park's four mile loop, and see about the same thing as Taughannock Park. The Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park has beavers, Great Horned Owl, Red-tailed Hawk nests, woodpecker nests, etc. She has documented wildlife in books of the Park, The existence of wildlife attracts people to the Park. If the area outside the Park is rezoned in the Town's Open Space Plan as Conservation Zoning, it could offer protection to the area and wildlife in the Park. She feels that a huge development on the comer of West King Road and Route 96B would be a concern to her. Last year, a developer sent the State Parks a letter with a proposal for 128 units of low income rental units. Ms. Hagedorn pointed out on a map where the developer wants the low income rental units to be. If the development progresses, the people could make illegal trails into the Park. Then there would be security problems, because people could enter the Park through these illegal trails when they felt like it. The buffer would help the wildlife in the Park, and would help keep people from coming into the Park illegally. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that the developer's subdivision would be approximately 3,500 feet westward of the park to within 500 to 1,000 feet of Lake Treman. Ms. Hagedorn stated that she has a concern about drainage from the developed land. There are also concerns of erosion in the Lake Treman area and Buttermilk Creek from the developed land. She feels that any development would increase erosion in these areas. The subdivision would be bordered on both sides TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD FINAL MINUTES 6/5/97 by deep ravines. She is not opposed to allowing strips of development towards Route 96B like the houses on West King Road, that help buffer the Park. Assistant Town Planner Frantz explained the different areas of zoning around the Buttermilk Falls State Park. Mr. Frantz stated that the changes to the draft plan were done in November during Planning Staff discussions. The Planning Staff discussed areas around the Buttermilk Falls State Park as to what could be considered as Conservation District. The Conservation Board had a brief discussion on the draft Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan for zoning and development close to the Buttermilk Falls State Park. Assistant Town Planner Frantz stated that 1991 was when he first drafted the Conservation Zoning District for Six Mile Creek Valley. The original goal of the Conservation District Zoning was essentially to reduce the potential for residential development to about 10 percent that is allowed under the R-30 zone and five percent that is allowed under R-15 zone. The Walter Wiggins parcel is 70 acres with 10 homes allowed instead of 70 homes that was proposed . Another benefit for Conservation District Zoning, when the development potential is knocked down from 70 homes to 10 homes, those 10 homes could be clustered on 20 acres. Since there is public water and sewer available, the 10 homes could be located on 10 acres closest to Danby Road leaving 60 acres, as either private ownership or possibly deeded over to the State Parks for addition to the Buttermilk Falls State Park. This is one of the concepts in the draft plan, the use of cluster subdivisions, in order acquire additional buffering in the Town of Ithaca. The landowners that have been approached on this idea have been in support of Conservation District Zoning. The Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan needs to be in conjunction with the Town of Ithaca Comprehensive Plan. The Conservation Board could help by thinking of areas in the Town of Ithaca that they think could be Conservation Zoned. NOTHING ELSE RECORDED. Chair Zarriello adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Minutes transcribed 06/25/97 by DK; edited 06/29/97 by JAY TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL 17 JULY 1997 Approved 10/2/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Frank Baldwin, Elizabeth deProsse, Lois Levitan, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema. ABSENT: Vice -Chair Kara Hagedorn, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs. STAFF: Geri Tierney, CB Coordinator. Chair Phil Zarriello called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MEMBER CONCERNS: John Yntema asked if there was a ten percent set aside for subdivisions, particularly the Ithacare Project. Mr. Yntema stated that as far as he knows the only Ithacare Project set aside was for a little path. The whole Ithacare Subdivision Project involved more than 60 acres. Mr. Yntema asked what percentage was set aside, if anything, on the Ithacare Project. Chair Zarriello stated that there is a path that circled the perimeter of the property. There is a wetland near the Ithacare Project. Mr. Yntema should contact the Director of Planning for further details. Planner Geri Tierney stated that she could look into the issue for Mr. Yntema for the next meeting. Lois Levitan asked if the Cornell University's Proposed Soccer Field Lighting had come before the Conservation Board before. Chair Zarriello stated that he responded to that issue, and he did not see a big problem with that. It is not a residential area. Ms. Levitan stated that she had some comments, -on the lighting issue. She does not know what the magnitude of this lighting would be, but the lighting of the football field has a major effect on the entire Town environment. If this is anything similar to that, she thinks that there are definite conservation issues. Planner Tierney stated that the Planning Board discussed this issue at length at the July 15 meeting, and felt that they needed more information for the Environmental Assessment Form. Cornell University will be rescheduled in August. They are not planning to do the same lights as Schoellkopf Field, they are planning to use shielded lights. This should reduce excess light into the sky and towards West Hill. The Planning Board is trying to get Cornell University to quantify how much light would affect the area. Cornell University also mentioned that they would like to shield the existing lights at Schoellkopf Field. There will be an opportunity for the Conservation Board to comment on this issue. Mr. Yntema stated that the Planning Board would be considering Cornell University's Women's Softball Fields before the Conservation Board meets again. He visited that site when it was raining, but it seems like a nice place to put the softball fields. The Conservation Board discussed the location of the Cornell University's Women Softball Fields that would be coming before the Planning Board in August. The Conservation Board discussed having a member from this Board attend or join the Planning Committee. COORDINATOR AND CHAIR REPORT: Chair Zarriello stated that there was a presentation on an innovative technology for dealing with medical waste in regards to the Cornell University Incinerator Project. The presentation involved the use of alkaline solution. It would not destroy syringes, but it would make them noninfectious. This may be an alternative to incineration. Chair Zarriello explained to the Conservation Board what the presentation involved, and where the representatives were from. The representatives are currently working on a project in Florida. There is a conference in Oswego (New York) called "Community Development and Transportation" on Friday, September 15, 1997. Planner Tierney stated that the revision process has started for the Draft Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. If there are any further comments they should be submitted to the Planning Department. The Conservation Board briefly discussed the Public Information Meetings for the Draft Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. If the Conservation Board feels comfortable with the Draft Plan, then a letter for support should be passed on to the Town Board to consider. Planner Tierney stated that the Monkemeyer/Town Park proposal appeared before the Planning Board again, and preliminary subdivision approval was given to subdivide the park parcels. The Planning Board made a negative determination of environmental significance for this action. However, the Town Board is concerned about the presence of wetlands in the area. The Town Board hired a consultant to do a wetland evaluation to see if there are any significant wetlands on those parcels before the Town accepts the park location. The evaluation will be the next step, and then the Town Board will consider accepting the location of the park. The Planning Board accepted the location and the subdivision for preliminary approval only. The Planning Board did review the Conservation Board's comments on the Monkemeyer proposal. Chair Zarriello stated that he received comments for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Cornell University Lake Source Cooling Project. If the Board has any further comments or questions the representatives for the project could be asked to come back for clarification. The Conservation Board had a brief discussion on Cornell University's Lake Source Cooling Project. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MARCH 6,1997: MOTION by Phil Zarriello, seconded by Elizabeth deProsse: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of March 6, 1997 as written with amendments. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Baldwin, deProsse, Yntema. NAYS- None. ABSTAIN - Levitan. The motion was declared to be carried. APRIL 3,1997: MOTION by Phil Zarriello, seconded by John Yntema: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of April 3, 1997 as written with amendments. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Baldwin, deProsse, Yntema, Levitan. NAYS- None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. MAY 15, 1997: MOTION by Phil Zarriello, seconded by John Yntema: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of May 15, 1997 as written with amendments. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Baldwin, deProsse, Yntema, Levitan. NAYS- None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. JUNE 5, 1997: MOTION by Elizabeth deProsse, seconded by Phil Zarriello: RESOLVED, that the Conservation Board hereby approves the Minutes of June 5, 1997 as written with amendments. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Baldwin, deProsse, Yntema, Levitan. NAYS- None. fx. The"rirtidn was declared to be carried unanimously. UPDXA-E ON STATUS OF GRANT APPLICATION: Chair Zarriello stated that Ms. Tierney and Ms. Levitan prepared an application to the 1997 Rural New York Grant Program, to fund a public information campaign about suburban threats to nearby natural areas. SOUTH HILL SWAMP - CONSIDERATION OF DRAFT LETTER TO DEC: Chair Zarriello stated that Mr. Baldwin drafted a letter to Ray Knowland of the DEC, ,stating the Conservation Board had considered protection of the South Hill UNA, and was regesting that the State consider designating this a DEC regulated wetland. Mr. Yntema asked what is the significance if the State decides to proclaim it a regulated wetland under Article 24. Planner Tierney stated that many activities are regulated by the State in designated wetlands, and within 100 feet of such a wetland. Chair Zarriello stated that this designation would force a more complete environmental review for any development in this area. MOTION by Phil Zarriello, seconded by John Yntema: RESOLVED that the Conservation Board approves of the draft letter and intends to send it as soon as possible. A vote on the motion resulted as follows: AYES - Zarriello, Baldwin, deProsse, Levitan, Yntema. NAYS - None. The motion was declared to be carried unanimously. BUTTERMILK FALLS STATE PARK FIELD TRIP FOLLOW-UP: Chair Zarriello stated that there were two draft letters regarding Buttermilk Falls State Park for the Board's consideration. One letter is addressed to Supervisor Valentino and Fred Wilcox (Chairperson of the Town's Planning Board). The second is addressed to the person who manages State Park land to try to get this land included on a list for acquisition by State Parks. Such an acquisition would mitigate any action the Town has taken to subdivide this land. Chair Zarriello asked the CB if this was their intention while taking the tour at Buttermilk State Park. Ms. deProsse stated that it was one of them. Chair Zarriello stated that was the first draft, and that these letters had to be careful not to offend the groups they are trying to persuade. Ms. Levitan stated that the Conservation Board should draft a letter to the Town stating they are aware that this area has fallen through the cracks. Chair Zarriello stated that those concerns could be addressed through the Parks and Open Space Plan. Chair Zarriello stated that the Board could submit their comments to him, and the letter could be revised before mailing to Supervisor Valentino and Fred Wilcox. COY GLEN PROJECT - BOUNDARY IDENTIFICATION: Mr. Yntema stated that Cornell Plantations is exploring Coy Glen's natural area on July 20th from 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Chair Zarriello stated that a good portion of Coy Glen is owned by Cornell University. Mr. Yntema asked if this a part that the Conservation Board should be looking at or not. Chair Zarriello stated that we are looking beyond that because that area is being protected by Cornell University Plantations as a natural area. Chair Zarriello adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Drafted 8/11/97 by DK; edited 08/28/97 by JAY TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL 7 AUGUST 1997 Approved 10/2/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Frank Baldwin, Elizabeth deProsse, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffinann, Lois Levitan, Jon Meigs, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema. ABSENT: Vice -Chair Kara Hagedorn STAFF: Geri Tierney, CB Coordinator Chair Zarriello called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. MEMBER CONCERNS: Jon Meigs stated that he noticed at the Catholic Cemetery on Five Mile Drive, that the property on the east side is being completely filled. He wondered if they have a valid permit to fill so far. Planner Geri Tierney stated that she would ask the Town Engineer. Lois Levitan stated that she is very pleased with the Town Hall being located downtown at the old Post Office. The Conservation Board should write a letter to the Town Board stating that they are pleased with that decision. COORDINATOR AND CHAIR REPORTS: Mr. Meigs asked what has been happening with the Cornell University Projects of the Women's Softball Field and the Soccer Field Lights. Planner Tierney stated that those projects were in front of the Planning Board this past Tuesday. The Soccer Lights were approved. The Planning Board was satisfied along with the public who attended and spoke about the need of putting better control on the lights. The University showed the Planning Board examples on a video tape and photographs of the type of light control that they would be using on these lights. Cornell will be using the same protection on the Schoellkopf lights as well. The shields would cut off light into the night sky and also reduce glare on West Hill. It would be economical also because it will save energy by using less powerful bulbs with reflectors. The lights should be installed before start of fall sports. The lights for Schoellkopf should be done this summer also. Mr. Meigs asked whether it would be possible to encourage Axiohm to retrofit their lights in their parking lot. The lights are on all night long. Planner Tierney stated that the Town may not have any ability to regulate those lights at this point, but it could be looked into. Eva Hoffmann stated that the Women's Softball Field received preliminary approval by the Planning Board. The Zoning Board of Appeals will be reviewing this project for a special approval. Chair Zarriello stated that he received a copy of a letter from Mr. Fletcher to the DEC regarding the Lake Source Cooling Project, and read the letter to the Conservation Board. The Conservation Board had a brief discussion of this letter. Planner Tierney stated that she has reviewed the DEIS, and she has compiled a draft for consideration by the Town Board and the Planning Board. Planner Tierney stated that JoAnn Cornish has resigned from the Town of Ithaca, and would be working for the City of Ithaca as a Planner/Landscape Architect. Planner Tierney stated that the Town of Ithaca has purchased the downtown Post for a new Town Hall. The Post Office will be leasing some space from the Town of Ithaca, and will continue to operate there for the next 20 to 25 years. The CB had a brief discussion on this purchase. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Planner Tierney stated that the Environmental Review Committee (ERC) received information on the Russo's Garden Center at 1061 Danby Road being proposed by Evan Monkemeyer. Mr. Yntema asked what the Planning Board did with this proposal. Eva Hoffmann stated that the Planning Board had a number of discussions with Mr. Monkemeyer. The applicants were unsure whether they would be using, selling, or storing various chemicals such as pesticides. Mr. Yntema asked if Mr. Monkemeyer received preliminary approval. Ms. Hoffmann responded, yes. Chair Zarriello asked what is going to happen with the storage on the site. Ms. Hoffmann stated that Mr. Monkemeyer is suppose to come back with revised plans for the Planning Board. The proposed plan had a portable toilet near the entrance and next to the sunken ice cream garden. The Planning Board asked Mr. Monkemeyer to consider providing toilet facilities in the building that could be accessible to people even after the main business is closed. The Planning Board did not give preliminary approval for the ice cream stand and the BBQ stand. The storage trailers are permitted for three years, and will be removed at that time. If Mr. Monkemeyer finds that within three years they need the storage buildings he will have to plan on building a permanent storage facility. PARK, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN: Chair Zarriello stated that Kara Hagedorn had some concerns about development on the east side of Buttermilk Falls State Park. She wanted the Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan revised to include a buffer for the Park. It is time for these and any other comments to be submitted in writing for inclusion in revisions to this. One of the major concerns that Ms. Hagedorn raised was the area east to the Buttermilk Falls State Parks seems to be an appropriate candidate for Conservation Zoning or some other protective mechanism. Ms. Hoffmann stated that the current draft Plan seems to be dealing only with land west of Wiggins' proposed development, not the other land further north which Mr. Frantz had also discussed as a potential Park buffer. Chair Zarriello stated that Mr. Frantz never mentioned anything about that in the original park plan. Planner Tierney stated that some of that land was included in previous drafts, but not in the current draft.. The Conservation Board discussed the development of the Buttermilk Falls Estates by Walter Wiggins, and how that affects the Buttermilk Falls State Park. The Conservation Board discussed the community parks for the Town of Ithaca that are proposed in the draft Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. They also discussed facilities that the Town of Ithaca should consider and what the Town needs in certain areas. A letter should be drafted on the comments for changes and passed along to the Board for the next meeting for review. DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE REVISIONS: The Conservation Board has received copies of the draft Zoning Ordinance Revisions. These are suggested changes to the ordinance, and comments should be submitted to the Codes and Ordinances Committee. BUTTERMILK FALLS FOLLOW-UP LETTER: The Conservation Board discussed concerns and comments concerning the draft letter to the Town Supervisor and the Planning Board Chair for the Buttermilk Falls State Park. Chair Zarriello adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Drafted by DK on 8/19/97; edited 08/28/97 by JAY TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL SEPTEMBER 4, 1997 Approved 10/2/97 PRESENT: Chair Phil Zarriello, Vice Chair Kara Hagedorn, Elizabeth deProsse, Lois Levitan, Jon Meigs, Barney Unsworth, John Yntema. ABSENT: Frank Baldwin, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann. STAFF: Geri Tierney, Coordinator. GUESTS: Grace Allen, Lanny Joyce. Chair Zarriello opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. . PERSONS TO BE HEARD: Grace Allen stated that she is not from the Town of Ithaca, that she is from the Town of Lansing. She is here because she has spent so much time going to the Town of Lansing in regards to the draft Environmental Impact Statement (dEIS) on the Lake Source Cooling (LSC) Project. The Town of Ithaca and the City of Ithaca were raising questions as to the possible effect on water quality of the LSC project, particularly the mussel control activities. This is a subject near and dear to her heart because she takes her water from the lake. The Town of Lansing has no public water available where she lives and most of her neighbors do not have public water. She made comments on the scoping documents , and basically she feels those comments were brushed aside. Since she was so interested in the water quality, she contacted the Town of Ithaca regarding her concerns. Ms. Allen asked what was the Town of Ithaca's interest in water quality regarding this project? Chair Zarriello stated that the Town of Ithaca is interested in water quality in general. Ms. Allen mentioned the Town of Ithaca comments on the dEIS. She has concerns in connection with the lake sediments, and stability of things, and what is going to be done. She is concerned that Cornell is saying that there will be no impacts on drinking water. They are really denying that there are people that might be affected in the vicinity of the lake intake. She is approximately 4,000 feet from the proposal on the survey map. Cornell has a quotation from the director of Bolton Point operations which states that there may be some people on the 1200 block of East Shore Drive who take their water from the lake, and then they show where the possible users are located. The point is that she wants their references. They say that, in connection with the heavy metals and because of the distance from any possible users, and because they know about good management practices, they would not have any impacts on water quality. The point is that they do not really know; they have not said whether there is going to be chemical pollution and toxicity from the heavy metals. It all depends on a whole series of things: deviation, magnitude, etc. They say the impact would be non-detectable. Maybe they are right and maybe they are wrong, but they are not going to know. She and others will be affected by this. As for the pigging, it really disturbs her because they cannot reverse water flow from the outflow. They will be discharging approximately 26,000 gallons of reverse flow will occur during the pigging process qc twice a year during operations. They said there would be no impact because of the distance from the possible water users, but she lives south-southeast of that intake and the prevailing wind is north-northwest, so anything that happens would come straight towards her. She agrees that maybe the heavy tissues and shell fragments will settle out, and neither of those would concern her because she can filter them out. It is the very fine pulverized shells that concern her because she would need to put more filters on. She normally puts the filters on twice a month or approximately three weeks apart. If she gets a really heavy wind, it will rile up the surface and then scour the bottom. Then she gets so much silt sedimentation and will need to change the filters just about everyday. While this construction is happening she can imagine doing this on a daily process. They did not say anything about constraints of weather, and very fine sedimentation will be carried at surface level. They say that the heavy sediment will settle, but the very fine stuff will go to the surface, and it is the surface water that is carried to the beach, so it will be the surface water carrying pulverized sediment that she will receive. In addition to not being able to filter the fine sediment, the other problem is with the mussels - the smell and the taste, and that is something they can do nothing about, once it is in the system. She was on Lake Erie a few weeks ago at a place called Geneva on the Lake, talking to a Motel Manager. He was furious because people are getting wells drilled so there are a lot of things coming up on the beach, andxhe decomposition is so different. Indeed there was a smell, and the water was so bad. Jon Meigs said that directly contributed to the lake decomposition. Ms. Allen responded, yes. She called the Sea Grant Program at SUNY, and she talked to Charles Nagle. Initially he said she was absolutely right that they should be doing some monitoring when they actually do the pigging operation. She gathered that Mr. Kauffman from Bolton Point, who has talked to him since, and he is mortified that instead what it really depends upon is how they get the mussels out. That does not help her if they get a lot out of there, if they are not monitoring. And what is going to happen? There is going to be no monitoring of the silt sedimentation where they say in some instances the measurement of heavy metals exceeds the New York State Guidance Values, and there is a possibility depending upon the magnitude, the deviation, and etc., that there could be some toxicity of the water. Then in the next paragraph, they jump on the safety wondering if it would effect water quality. Chair Zarriello stated that he and Lanny Joyce discussed this issue earlier today. All the dredging operations will be monitored. Ms. Allen stated that the documents do not mention that. Chair Zarriello stated that he thought this will be added because of the residents' concerns. Lanny Joyce stated that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) felt the control of the mussels was not adequate when dredging is done, then it would be good to have a monitoring program to institute. Chair Zarriello asked if the first check would be a visual one to see if there is anything coming out of the filtration. Mr. Joyce responded, yes. In general they will want to pay attention to what is going on, and there will probably be a camera down there during pigging to see how the whole operation works. They are not sure there will be mussels growing. During June to December; the mussels will land inside the intake pipe, and they will grow very slowly from June to December because 39 degree water is not their normal climate. So whatever growth occurs in that time period will be flushed out during pigging. Chair Zarriello stated that the Zebra Mussels are not just going to be in the pipes, they are also going to be on the shorelines. Mr. Joyce stated that they would be much closer to the shore. There is a band that runs around the circumference of the lake where the mussels are already living and dying. The mussels have a five year life cycle, and they grow approximately 1/4 inch per year. Chair Zarriello stated that he is not dismissing Ms. Allen's concerns. There is a video conference on Zebra Mussels on September 10th, that people might be interested in attending. There is a $5 cover fee. If this is really a concern, he feels the contribution of the LSC project is going to be minor part of what already exists. The concern is a modification to the water intake, to run the water through a sand filter before use. Ms. Allen stated that is not the issue. She does not have an intake line - she has a V12 (??), so the water comes up and is filtered by gravity. She is concerned about is the fact the water she draws, which comes from a shallow depth, will be full of pulverized shells. She cannot filter out particles smaller than 20 microns. Chair Zarriello asked Ms. Allen if she is using cartridge filters. Ms. Allen responded, yes. She cannot filter smaller particles, and she does not know if there sill be a taste and smell attached to the pulverized shells. There is nothing here that gives her any confidence that this would not happen. Chair Zarriello stated that he does not understand Ms. Allen's well situation. If it is a beach well, she should not be getting fine particles as a result of the changes in clarity. Ms. Allen responded, yes, she would. Chair Zarriello stated that it seems like there is a direct connection to the Lake. Ms. Allen stated no, not in terms of her taking fill and tissue through the actual well. Chair Zarriello stated that if these particles get into her well, then there has to be a direct route to the water. Ms. Allen stated that she is not concerned about that. She is concerned about the water contamination, water silted with the fine pulverized material, etc. Chair Zarriello asked if even the fine particles, the clays and silts that are out there now - is she is picking those up in her well and does she have to change her filter fairly often? Ms. Allen stated yes, that is correct. Chair Zarriello stated that he is having a hard time visualizing Ms. Allen's well, because if it is a beach well and the water is being run through gravel, she should not be getting the fine particles in her well. Ms. Allen stated that it does happen. There is a lot of scouring when there's water in the shallow area, and her water comes from very shallow water. The water picks up sediment and silt that comes through the well and needs to be filtered. Her well goes down to the beach instead of her garden. Chair Zarriello asked Ms. Allen if her well sits directly in the water with no gravel. Ms. Allen responded, yes. There is gravel below, but the well sits on the beach. Chair Zarriello stated that is what he is asking, because that is why she has a problem with silt. Ms. Allen stated that as anyone has with any well there is some type of silt or some kind of sediment coming in. Chair Zarriello stated that if there is direct contact with the water, sure there would be. Ms. Allen stated that she does not, because she does not have a line going out into the lake. She does not have fouling and the eroding by the tissues and shells in her well. It is the fine particles that she needs to worry about. She is just concerned about the fact that there is so little attention paid, and she knows that Mr. Joyce does not agree, she heard that secondhand. Mr. Joyce does not agree that there is little attention being paid. When she reviewed the comments that she wrote (three pages of comments) in the scoping document, her comments are summarized as just being three kinds of concerns. There is one reference to drinking the water. They know she takes her water from the Lake, and yet it comes out per Mr. Kauffman that there "may" be people using Lake water there. There are many other factors, she has messes of stuff here, and she was simply concerned because when she read the CB comments in the dEIS, drinking water concerns were purely in connection with the biofouling mechanisms. She wanted to know in particular why the Conservation Board was limiting their concerns to those chemicals. Were the CB concerns incorrectly summarized in the dEIS? Chair Zarriello responded, no. Those were responses to the Board's direct comments, but this Board had raised comments previously in regards to the modeling study and the updated phosphorus. Those issues have been addressed. What Ms. Allen was reading were responses to comments that this Board felt were completed. Ms. Allen asked if the Board feels that these are adequate responses to their comments. Chair Zarriello responded, yes. Having the video camera on the site during the first few pigging operations to see what comes out, and there should be a plan if they see large quantities of mussel material coming out that some monitoring be done as part of the pigging operations to be sure that it is not a problem. Ms. Allen asked what would happen if they do find that things are not as painted in the impact statement. Would the impact be if the effect of the pigging is different from what they expect? Mr. Meigs stated that depends on how severe it is. It might call for some corrective action. Chair Zarriello stated that pigging could be done more often so there would not be a large quantity of material. Ms. Allen asked what happens to the residential users when that happens. Chair Zarriello stated that this is all hypothetical, if it happens and if the pigging schedule was done on a semi-annual basis, it may have to be increased to every five months so there would not be large quantities building up. The evidence indicates that is not going to be the case. Ms. Allen stated that she wished she had more confidence. Chair Zarriello stated that he needs to go with what the data suggests. If the data suggested differently, he would suggest that they should be modifying their plans now. These comments are based on some hypothetical condition, but the data does not indicate it will happen. Ms. Allen stated that she is completely dependent on the Lake for water for three residential units. Chair Zarriello stated that he lives on the lake and he received the water directly from the Lake for years, and he knows the problems associated with it. If he was still getting his water from the lake he would be concerned, but the more general concern that he has is the non -point source run off. That is a quality issue far more serious than the LSC project. There have been some analyses this past summer indicating that residuals of pesticides are high in Cayuga Lake. There should be more investigations as to why that is. Ms. Allen stated that she has talked to Bolton Point quite often about that. Chair Zarriello stated that when things are balanced out, those efforts should be directed at how the City of Ithaca directs their storm drains (and perhaps even the Town of Ithaca). Ms. Allen stated that right now we are talking about the LSC project. Chair Zarriello stated that, as he mentioned before, he thinks the data is sound and the evidence suggests that it is not going to be a problem. Mr. Joyce has suggested what they plan to do to monitor the situation. If there is cause to react to that, then they would be in a position to identify that to make a judgment call. Ms. Allen asked what about the sediments, chemicals, and the heavy metals. Chair Zarriello stated that is part of the dredging operations. That has been addressed in terms of the silt curtains. Ms. Allen asked what are they going to do. Chair Zarriello stated they would do a visual inspection, and if things are moving outside the curtains, have a plan to do some analysis. That is being adequately addressed as a result of the concerns of Ms. Allen and others. Ms. Allen asked how long ago did the Conservation Board write their comments on the environmental impact statement. Chair Zarriello stated that was several months ago. Ms. Allen asked why didn't the public hear about all of this. Mr. Joyce stated that there was a 30 day review period for the agencies to do an adequacy review. As an involved agency, the Town's Conservation Board had an opportunity to judge whether the entire document was adequate or not for public review. When the DEC judged the document to be adequate, then it was passed onto the public review period instead of the normal 30 day review period, it was made into a 60 day review period. The public comment period was extended to twice as long as required. Ms. Allen asked if the Conservation Board is dealing with other aspects of the project as well. Chair Zarriello responded, yes. Ms. Allen stated that she would be mailing in her comments on the Lake Source Cooling Project. Chair Zarriello stated that if there is anything that could be done to ease her concerns, she can make an effort to hand in her comments. Mr. Meigs asked Ms. Allen how many other residents along the her portion of the lake shore are there who have the same condition? Ms. Allen responded, approximately three. It is very difficult because they never see each other. They are all down below the road level, and are widely spaced out. She knows the next house above hers takes water from the lake, because she rented that house for a year. She thinks there are two other houses that take the water from the lake. She cannot say anything more than that. She thinks the new houses that were built three or four years ago receive their water through the Village of Lansing, but there are other houses between them and her. Mr. Meigs asked if there would be any Town of Ithaca properties that would still be drawing water from the lake. Chair Zarriello stated that he thinks they all have public water now. Ms. Allen stated that on the west shore, many people have wells. Chair Zarriello stated that the properties up to the Town line have public utilities. Ms. Allen asked if the Public Health Department has any registry of lake water users. Chair Zarriello responded, no. Ms. Allen stated that they did a big survey four or five years ago. Chair Zarriello stated that the Public Health Department did a survey when they supplied the chemicals for lamprey control. Ms. Allen responded, yes, but there has been a more recent survey. She thought it was done specifically to get a registry of lake users. Chair Zarriello asked Ms. Allen if she has talked to John Anderson at the Tompkins County Department of Health. Ms. Allen stated that she tried the other day. She left a message, but he never called back. She thanked the Board for their time and left the meeting. Mr. Joyce stated that he would like to say that they are open and available whenever people have questions and comments. Cornell took the comments that Ms. Allen put together very seriously, and the comments provided guidance as they responded to the scoping in March 1995. That was a very important part of what they did by responding to the questions and comments about water quality. He thought they did a thorough job in addressing those comments. They have been talking to Ms. Allen regularly, but it was only tonight that he discovered she was unhappy about the way here comments were addressed. He was surprised it was this late that he found out. He would have appreciated knowing Ms. Allen's concerns earlier to deal with them sooner. Barney Unsworth stated that he still does not understand completely what Ms. Allen is concerned about. Chair Zarriello stated that the well Ms. Allen is describing sounds to him like a well that he used to use - a submergible pump that sits on the lake bottom. Any time it rains, sediment is sucked into the pipes and clogs the filters. If he was still on that system today, it would need to be modified because of the zebra mussels. A beach well is one that is surrounded by a fair amount of gravel, and the sediment usually settles out before going through the pipes. Also, mussels are not sucked into the pipe. That is why he tried to raise that issue with Ms. Allen because it sounds like, given her concerns and the overall picture, that would be what he would want to build. Mr. Unsworth stated that the power station does a lot more pigging than people realize. Mr. Unsworth asked if there is any way to gain from their experience as to what is drained off afterwards, and how far it would travel and what effect it would have. Mr. Unsworth stated that what Cornell plans to do is being done in a many times larger scale up the lake, but somehow we never hear anything about it. Mr. Joyce stated that pigging is not used at Milliken. There are a number of different water systems that use the lake, and their main flow goes through the steam condensers in the power plant. That is a flow that is larger than what Cornell proposes to use. It is a hot flow through a large, relatively shallow pipe, so they kill the zebra mussels with heat. After the zebra mussels are dead, they gradually decay and fall off into the lake. Cornell does not have the ability to use this method because they will not be using hot water. They proposed a closed water route that has a maximum temperature of 60 degrees. The water will not reach 100 degrees - which is necessary to kill zebra mussels.. The proposed system would follow the cooling load that is heavily driven by the outside air temperature. Cornell has modeled a high flow rate, and requested a permit for this high flow rate, just to be conservative. Milliken does not use pigging, but pigging is commonly used in other locations of water intakes on the Great Lakes. It is becoming the treatment of choice where chemical treatment is not acceptable to DEC, or the other states' equivalent to DEC. DEC made it very clear to Cornell that any chemical means for controlling zebra mussels was not going to be looked upon very favorably. So this proposal is not unique, but it is different. Most of the water lines into the Great Lakes do not go much deeper than 20 to 40 feet, so they are very easy access by divers. In those cases because they are right in the zone where the zebra mussels are growing and multiplying in huge quantities each year, they attract enormous quantities of mussels. Pumps are needed to disperse the mussels. There would be more pigging done for the use of zebra mussel control. The City of Waterloo uses pigging for zebra mussel control, and Cornell has watched their process. Chair Zarriello pointed out that if the proposed pipes do accumulate mussels, they would be expelled at a depth of 250 feet, so there is less chance of that reaching the surface. Mr. Joyce stated that the pigging would not be done at a high velocity. Water would move only at a couple feet per second. The water would not be shooting out of the pipe like a jet. Ms. deProsse stated that Ms. Allen was talking about the heavy metals and things. She was concerned about churning them up from the bottom of the lake. Mr. Joyce stated that in the area of the intake and the outfall pipes close to shore, that dredging would be done to keep the pipes submerged below boating depth. Those shallow sediments were analyzed carefully at the request of DEC. Those sediments do have concentrations of metals and pesticides. That is why Cornell is very carefully addressing the removal of the lake sediments, and containing the area that would be dredged to a small area surrounded by the silt curtains. Ms. deProsse asked what are silt curtains. Mr. Joyce stated that silt curtains are the black fabric that runs along the edge of construction sites to control sediment run off. It is not a perfect device, but it does a good job of containing the sediment as long as there is no heavy current going through. Ms. Levitan asked what does pigging mean. Mr. Joyce stated that pigging is basically putting a foam bullet through the pipe to push out anything that is inside clinging to the surface. It cleans the inside of the pipe from zebra mussels, as opposed to controlling them with chemicals. Cornell is proposing to let the mussels grow there from June until December, if they land and grow there at all From December to June there are no free floating mussel babies in the lake, because the mussels don't reproduce in water temperatures below 50 degrees. Bolton Point has a screen over their intake, and they use chlorine to kill any mussels that do foul their screen. This works because they chlorinate the water anyway, and the chlorine is not released back into the Lake. Cornell cannot chlorinate without having it all go back into the lake. Ms. Levitan stated that there was a letter in the Ithaca Times from a resident who was very concerned about the project. Ms. Levitan asked about the model that concerns this resident. Mr. Joyce stated that the resident was referring to the thermal and hydrodynamic modeling that Cornell did at the lake which actually was the state of the art based on local meteorological data that was collected at the Game Farm Road Weather Station. It was verified with data taken from the lake and calibrated to see if it was realistic. In this model, Cornell needed to make an assumption about fluoride. All along Cornell has been questioned about how hard could they run the lake source cooling? What is the limiting factor and how do we know that it was taken into consideration for the modeling of the impacts on the lake? Cornell decided to model everything 25 percent larger than what it is actually going to be built, and they also chose to model as if the plant ran 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all summer, in an attempt to represent the worst case scenario. In reality, the cooling load, and therefore, the lake source cooling will typically vary two -to -one daily, and ten -to -one seasonally. Cornell only has a three -to -one variation seasonally in the model. Cornell used very high quantities of water pumped through the system at the highest flow rates that was imaginable to go through the system, in attempt to see if the impacts are still negligible. Then they will feel better running it at a real flow rate, at which they expect to operate for the first 30 to 50 years. That is hard to explain in the dEIS. It was direct response of the community saying to us how hard could the system be run some day and what is the limited factor on how big of a flow could be pushed through. It turns out to be the pipe size. The pipe size could be pushed as hard as it could be done, and it was modeled that way. Ms. Tierney asked Mr. Joyce if he was talking about the correct model? The resident's article referred to a model with a four mph wind which never varies, and a current which likewise does not change speed or direction. Mr. Joyce stated that there are two different modeling efforts in the dEIS. That was a direct response of comments from the DEC, who wanted to know what the lake -wide impacts would be. In addition to the model he just described, there was a field modeling effort in the vicinity of the outfall. That is what the resident is referring to. That model is used to analyze the performance of a diffuser and an outfall in a body of water, river, or lake. Cornell made assumptions and did sensitivity work on the southern basin of the lake. Mr. Joyce stated that the model parameters were chosen conservatively to create the largest possible pool of undispersed outflow. If there was higher current and wind, the outflow would be dispersed faster. So Cornell used very low numbers to show the worst possible effect, that of a stagnant day where the water just comes up and sits there because there is no current in the southern basin. Chair Zarriello asked Mr. Joyce if he thinks they could add a plan to monitor after the pigging operation, if they detect a significant quantities of mussels. Mr. Joyce responded, yes. He thinks monitoring makes sense to see how the process works. This would help ascertain what volume is growing each year. These monitoring reports would be used over time to see what is going on with the lake. He does not think that Cayuga Lake is finished being populated by zebra mussels. Seneca Lake is radically different now than Cayuga Lake, from a water clarity standpoint. People at Seneca Lake found zebra mussels five years before they were found in Cayuga Lake. Chair Zarriello stated that some sampling of intake depth can be done before pigging and then immediately after to see the difference. Mr. Joyce stated that the biomass of zebra mussels from this project is relatively small compared to the whole lake biomass of zebra mussels that are dying all the time. There is a very small amount of zebra mussels in Cayuga Lake to worry about. Not that it couldn't have an impact, but it is just very small, relatively speaking. Bolton Point mentioned that they would like to have a monitoring plan available should the dredging operation near shore prove inadequately contained by DEC standards. Monitoring at the intake is something that could be considered. Cornell feels confident that the impact of zebra mussel shells in the intake area is not a major concern. Zebra mussel shells are not in a very big quantity. But Cornell is open to suggestions. This will be a learning process, and they will be developing a few general guidelines that Cornell could collect data on, to put the details together as it gets closer. MEMBER CONCERNS: Mr. Meigs asked about the filling behind the cemetery property. Mr. Tierney stated that this project did go through the Planning Board for approval, but that an ERC letter was not in the file. That proposal should have gone through ERC review. Mr. Meigs asked Ms. Tierney if she thinks this proposal is being handled acceptably. Ms. Tierney stated that she has not looked at the site yet. Mr. Meigs asked what does the file indicate. Ms. Tierney stated that the file indicates that the Planning Board and the Town Engineer thought there were no problems and everything was fine. She did not look into that proposal any further. Mr. Meigs stated that he heard that it might be a temporary dewatering operation, which suggested that they may be removing what is being put there. Ms. Tierney stated that she did not get that impression from looking at the file. She thought the fill was going to be permanent. Mr. Meigs stated that he would like to look into that further, and would contact the Planning Department for further information. COORDINATOR AND CHAIR REPORTS: Ms. Tierney stated that it is becoming that time of year to renew membership and recruit new members. Five Board member terms are expiring this year, and those members should consider renewing membership. The award of grant that the Conservation Board applied for will not be known until December. Director of Planning Kanter mentioned that the Conservation Board should go ahead with the project, and perhaps the Town could find another way to publish the materials if the CB did not win the grant. The first opportunity to distribute this information will be in the fall newsletter to be distributed at the beginning of October. The deadline for articles for that issue newsletter will be September 12. The Town received another letter from the Finger Lakes National Forest, regarding the new Forest Plan. They wanted to remind the Town that their meetings are ongoing and invited the Town again to attend. In addition to the conference notice that was supplied in the mailing, which is the conference specifically for the Conservation Board, there are other conferences that may interest the Board. The Conference on the Environment is on October 17 - 19, and there is money in the budget to send two or three interested members. Any interested members should contact the Planning Department within the next week. DRAFT ZONING ORDINANCE REVISION COMMENTS: Chair Zarriello stated that comments on the draft Zoning Ordinance revision are due next week. In the packet there was a cover letter from the Codes and Ordinances Committee along with an Executive Summary. The Conservation Board reviewed both the Executive Summary and the revised ordinance and discussed comments. The Conservation Board will summarize their comments for the Codes and Ordinances Committee. LAKE SOURCE COtOLING DEIS COMMENTS: in T Ms. Tierney stated that if the CB wished to comment on the dEIS, they should do so immediately as comments are due next Monday. Chair Zarriello adjourned the meeting at 9:30 p.m. Minutes transcribed by Debby Kelley on 9/15/97. Partially edited by JAY 09/21/97. Edited by GLT 9/22/97. U, FINAL F I N' A L i • TOWN OF ITHACA CONSERVATION BOARD MINUTES FINAL OLD JAIL CONFERENCE ROOM, OCTOBER 2, 1997 Present: Chair Phil Zarriello, Vice Chair Kara Hagedorn, Frank Baldwin, Elizabeth DeProsse, Richard Fischer, Barney Unsworth. John Yntema. Absent: Eva Hoffman, Lois Levitan, Jon Meigs Staff: Geri Tierney, Coordinator Chair Zariello called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm Persons to be Heard: None Member Concerns: Kara Hagedorn expressed her belief that the growing possibilities for cellular phone towers in our region have already begun to create a visual distraction in our viewsheds - one of our most important environmental treasures. Unless steps are taken to control them, they will be as invasive as purple loosestrife in the next few decades. Kara sees them as particularly out of place in agricultural zones, and would like to see the Town Codes and Ordinances tightened in this regard. Also, such codes should provide for their combination with other towers where possible and the firm erecting them should be required to make provision (by posting a bond. perhaps?) for their removal when they are no longer in service. The CB voted to authorize Kara to speak for the group in contacting the County Environmental Management Council about this topic, and to write a letter to the Town Codes and Ordinances Committee as well. • Lib DeProsse reported on her attendance at the recent conference; Building Partnerships for a resource Sustainable Watersheds. She is for those wishing information on the participating groups and the programs which will be growing out of the meeting. She plans also to represent the CB at the upcoming 1997 Conference on the Environment in Port Jefferson. Coordinator and Chair Reports: Phil Zarriello reported on the ongoing meetings involving Cornell and the community in the matter of disposing of low-level radioactive waste. A proposal by a pathologist, Fred Quimby, for using sodim hydroxide to decontaminate waste was considered but not adoopted., which was a disappointment to Phil. He saw it as an environmentally sound idea, perhaps the best of the current alternatives, and a procedure which would only be used occasionally. A consultant has been hired to construct a matrix of the alternatives, their cost. etc. and future meetings will deal with this report. Phil read a letter from John Clancy of State Parks responding to our communication suggesting state acquisition of acreage on the fringe of Upper Buttermilk State Park property. Discussion followed regarding the prospects for such action by the state in the near future. Since Walter Wiggins apparently is not in compliance with the agreement which the Planning Board had made concerning his donation of property in this area to the Town, Phil volunteered to contact him in this regard. Geri Tierney is leaving her Town position in a few weeks in order to join the staff of the Dept. of Natural Resources at Cornell. Fortunately for us, she wishes to continue her link with the CB as an associate member. Phil Zarriello had an appropriate letter of commendation for Geri which was duly signed by those present She expressed her thanks. and also circulated a card she had brought along so that members could communicate with Lois Levitan regarding her tragic loss There are still funds available in the Town budget for CB projects and activities, and Geri suggested that topographical maps be made available to the membership and also provided for the Town Hall meeting room. This was agreed to. Business The minutes for the CB meetings of 17 July, and 7 August were reviewed and accepted with minor revisions. The minutes for 4 September were also reviewed and accepted after some discussion and revision. Page 2 1998 membership: The CB terms of five current members are expiring in December. In order to be renewed for another year, a letter of application must be sent to the Town Board. Dick Fischer indicated that he would be seeking renewal, as is John Yntema. and Frank Baldwin is not. Others are undecided as yet. Coy Glen Proiect: Geri Tierney reminded the group that the Town should be urged to add some additional protection provisions to the boundaries of this Unique Natural Area, and the CB needs to walk the area and make some recommendations. Tentative plans for such a visit on October 14 were made. Draft Open Space Plan Comments: Hurried consideration was given to the comments of Kara Hagedorn and Lois Levitan regarding this plan. Since a public meeting of the Town Board to consider this topic is scheduled for next week, a group of CB members plan to meet on Sunday afternoon to prepare our statement. Geri Tierney distributed copies of a press release concerning CB membership which she will place for us. Minutes prepared by Barney Unsworth.