HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1975ENVIRONTIETITAL CiO�i[.� ?T^_1SSIO'1 T 77,TINIG
City of- ITINACA '-,M,77 Y07--- `
"egular T'eeting 7:00 p.m.
PRESENT
Chairman Joy Dale�;,
Ytichael fall
Jonathan Simons
R. Steven Shauger
Alderman .fancy Treyer
A .SEDIT
John L. Shisler
OTI:IJ':S PRESENT
F.I. Fatthys VanCort - Director of Planninq
Dan I-_of fman
Plea Silver Cornell Conservation Cluh
City C1erI; - Rundle
6
January 21; 175
SI7E??.T,171G IN
Jonathan Simons and R. Steven Shauger tool= the oath of office as
members to the Environmental Commission for four year terms.
`I LUTES
By Jonathan Simons seconded by R. Steven Shauger
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the Novem -be.r 19, 197- meeting be
approved as recorAed by the City Clerk,
- Carrier?
NO£?INATIONS x OTZ CTIAI.Iii W17
By Nichael all - secondec! by TZ. Steven Shauger
RESOLVII) That Joy Daley be nominated for Chairman
By Fichael Nall seconded by Jonat'an Simons
RESOLVED, That the nominations be closad. Carried
icy oich.ael Hall seconried Jonathan Simons
RESOLWD, That Joy Daley be r'uly elected. Chairman. Carried.
NOTIINATIONS FO-"I, VICr CTIAIR"WT
By Joy Daley, seconder! by Jonathan Simons
REI SOLVED , That �" ichael I`all be nominated for Vice Chairman.
Dy Jonathan Simons seconded.?)y a. Steven Shauger
RESOLV ^n. That the nominations he closed. Carried
By Jonathan Simons,- seconded 1-y R. Stever_ Shauger
RESOLVED, That Fichael Tull be rluly elected Vice Chairman.
Carried!
COUNTY ENVIROMENTAL P ?1a ":IA07P.ENT COUNCIL
Chairman Daley asled if anyone r,ould line to volunteer to attend
tho County Environmental ITanage?ient Council Meetings the third.
Thursday of the month. It vras decided that the members i,.1ould.
take turns attending these meetings.
r II,rr,TAYS
?ichael hall reporter! that he was going to tally to P�.r . VznCort.
He knew nothing more than the last time they met which i,•Yas the
course that Cornell was doing on the bilceway business an"-k they
should 1,e nearing completion of a report on that.
EDLTCATI01?
Michael Tsall reported noT-r that school is hack in session they will
to get together to inform the ne7i members about the project
Tle need something to 1,uild our image around town and also hopefully
to encourage people to take action so that it be environmentally
sounAl. an education procram is a good way of going about that.
The Conservation Club through the Department of 11atural resources
-2n January 21, 1975
has some People who are interested in working on that sort of
project, and it was Doing to be arranged to get credit from the
drab bag course. They are thinking about rTritinq some radio
spots and get public service time on T?F'CU as the Syracuse Commission
has done rather successfully on-WHEN. Mr. Hall is looking into
the possibility of putting material on the Common bulletin boar?.
There will be a time and temperature sign and a cormnunity bulletin
board. Also maybe a series of articles in the Ithaca Journal.
People can write anything they want but it has to go through the
Commission if it is going to have the Commission's stamp on it.
If the Commission wants to take a stand that they don't feel that
the City should be taking then they can go ahead and publish it
anw-Tay. This Rives the City a little bit of a veto po�-Ter.
Joy Daley reported that she attended a meeting of the Beautification
Council and they mentioned '�ikeways. She 1,All convey to them that
the Commission will he interested in helping in this project.
CO111NO11TS
Joy Daley explained that there are problems on the Commons with
regards to dogs and hottles, etc.
City Clerik ?.undle explained that the Commons Advisory roar- is
,,Torking on these problems, of dogs and police protection. There
has been at least two thefts at jewelry stores. The mayor. ancl.
Chief of Police and several merchants met to delve into the problem
of security. The Committee from Common Council which is involved
in negotiating with the SPC,,\. is also taken on the problem of trying
to get more coverage from the SPCA of taking the dogs off the Commons.
FESTIVAL - SPRIMG CL EA.i:T TIP CA'1PATGN
Joy Daley reported that at the Beautification meeting they are talking
a?iout their festival, since it is the beginning of the Picentennial
celebrations. Joy Daley aske� the Commission to think about if
there is a place in this community to have some sort of a spring
clean -up campaign, and if so rOw i•,e should go about it. It has
always been done by volunteers before.
FEBRUARY ?'ErTINIC
"i chael -TT-a -1 reported that at the February meeting they will 'iscuss
the Tall Creek corridor an;?. see if they can aet Larry Hamilton an
publicize it. 'lichael hall asked if they ever got any of the budget
requested from Common Council.
Alderman !Nancy "°eyer explained, yes, not much but they have enough
to cover conferences and some other expenses. It was roug'Zly $50000.
Mrs. 11eyer explained that the Mayor suggested to her one thing that
they request a machine to corpose the Christmas trees. r'rs. Meyer
felt that it was time for them to get stronger. It was e:;plainee'.
to her that they have legislative powers that they can use, so it
is time to start playing a stronger role as they have in the bikeways.
t'rs . °leyer reported that the City has not res?)onded at all on the
paper recycling.
11. ttatthys VanCort, Planning Director presented a tally on ooen
spaces as folloiTs
There are a lot of different binds of open space that remain in the
City. The first and prohably the most important are the public
parks which are designated. as open space and designated for recreation
and are protected from building development. They are not protected
from, change and they can be changed from pristine areas to developed
park areas. The easiest developable land is from the flatest land.
open space is not only th-s,- expanses of park or undeveloped land.
Omen space also is a view that is becoming increasingly important.
People are beginning to realize that oi}en space has to rio r ?ith the
views from dwellings or from places. In Ithaca it is very import-
ant ')ecause there are some many hills and there are so riamy es,-tra--
-3-
ors'inary views, that are worthy of protection
change someboO.y 's environment if you built. It
people are vo--.T ,,Yriting lay Ts about and they are
Jifferent kind' of open space.
January 21; 1 ^75
It 117ould really
is a value that
protecting this
Another kind. of open space is parking areas around l,uildings.
Those in most zoning calculations are considered-as open spacer
even if it is parking. The `loor area ratio is the ratio between
the floor area that is the accumulative amount of floor space in
all the floors compared. to the total lot size, called an r R. In
an F[?R you are only allowed, to ?wild, say one half as much floor
space as the whole lot. In the PAR calculation any area that is
not covered by a building is consideretl open space. 'Pveryonees
back vard, is a very important Part in oven space in the City.
r.ost people have a yard around their houses, It is a very important
component of the recreation system of the City, Tycessability is
very important when talking ahoiit open space. Can you get to it?
TThat kin -1 of condition is it in? Is it valuable for recreational
purposes? I£ you were going to design a necT torn or if you were
going to design a recreation system for an existi.nrt City like Ithaca,
you would try to resign a.higher hierarchy with Oifferent kinds of
recreation areas. In each of these types of facilities you look
at the size of the facility, the use that it is going to nut to,,
TThat 1 -inds of facilities you are going to provide, kinds of services
anal another critical factor is the distance from the user, a.ne_". then
acre of user. ^h.e higae:3t l <_incl of parr or recreation area. is a
regional or larger park, an that people will corle a great distance
to go to it.
The next one r+.aTTn on the scale is the City vi,,e parlr.. Ithaca has an
extraordinarily good sy -.tem of City T,,Tide parks. Typical of those
are Stewart Park, Cass Park.
The next is a community wirl.e earl-a In a City like Ithaca it is
small enough so that eclge �ietTTeen community wide and neighbor'nood
is sort of blurred., In a very large City that becomes more apparent.
s?eighhorhoo(l parks are parl-s that would serve a distinct neighborhood
in a City. For instance:, a park that would serve north side or
south side or east hill or lest ,-ill would have prohably, if Vol'
were doing it for the book, there woul. 3 be ballfields, or at least
a ballfield, and.. kids in that neighborhood, should be able to walk
to the park, that is the i%:-�-le idea of a neighborhood. park.
On a smaller scale, ,, need a series of tot lots that are very
close to ,people and that primarily serve those people who can t
go over six or eight ,-docks to a park and it is in the area of
neighborhood parks or community parks and these tiny parks.
The Planning ^oars. for d-uite a while has f:een pushing tn increase
ti:e nu=nber of neig,- il,orhood facilities. Common Conncil last year
voteel to c?o ConTTay Parr. , t3-at is now serving a neighborhood park.
There is noT,T a professor a.nd a class of students at Cornell who are
preparing a waster Man for 17,i keways in and around the Cit,.T. They
have been asked not only to d.o a master Plan pointing ont notable
points nna selecting stood streets to get the points from k`ut that
money also dive us an ir+plementation Man so that we can begin right
away by doing inexpensive pieces of that system. Probably that mould
mean to begin with streets designated as hike streets; that is you
don't take the cars off.. you just put up signs caution bikeiTay so
that the motorists ,,Tould he a�,Tare that it eras used by bicyclers
and hicyclers could cycle with some relative g.ra(le of degree of safety.
T'Te are also working c:Titli Finder Lakes Park neonle who are nol.a in the
process of acruiring land! that Trill connect Cass Park. to ToIttermilk
and then to Treman and?. then hopefully to r2augilannock Park.
The secon <' op en s,-)ace system that eTe are lool_inct at in the next year
or so is the `7aterways systen_ The watery ays system. is a unique
- 44
January 21. 1975
thing in Ithaca. There are all kincls of *.- „ate.rs. A terribly complex
problem is you have got natural gorges that have particular kinds of
problems and potentials and you have very formal canals that cut
through the City.
Almost all the industries or activities which are grouped around
the water that no longer relate to water have *heir backs to the
water, and it is nracticallt7 impossible to get to the water.
T7hen talking about development for recreational purposes you have
to ';.e very careful to balance the ecological concerns with the
concerns of getting people into it. It is a very delicate job
that takes a great deal of sensitivity and sense and. advise from
people who knoTt7 ahout things like that. TThenever you see open
space any. say this would. he nice for people to loo's at this you have
to balance these concerns of exploitation or development against
preservation.
r 'r. VanCort displayer,' . a land use map and said that in 1969 the
Planning n>oard :lid a *Waster plan. In this open space they included
all kinds of open space, They project into 199x' what they think
the remaining open space will ne used for. r ^re VanCort saifl the
mats was not a proposal but a projection.
The other way that the City formally looks at open space is through
the zoning ordinance. The zoning ordin-ance in fact although it is
very cumbersome and flawe tool has a great deal of effect on the
open space in the City. Not only does it specify the size of the
open space to 11)e left around houses around any '- uild.inq but it
designates certain types of property as par]--s and in this zoning
ordinance all publically o,ined lancl is designate{! P and that is a
pretty strong restriction. That means that none of this land. can
be built un except for certain limited public uses; ,,Thic.h means that
even if this land changes from pur?lic or quasi pur,lic ownership it
can't be c?eveloped without an action of either the noard. of Zoning
Appeals or Common Council.
Steven Shauger asked i7hen _you treat the City of Ithaca do you treat
Ithaca as beincT a unique situation relating to other cities of the
same size,
?r. VanCort felt every ease then you do son.ethinq you treat it as
unique. Ithaca is ohviouE'y unique in a lot of t,7ays.. The topo-
graphy is extraordinary, the ,-!ateriyays are really uninile You :0
consider_ Ithaca in terms of its natural :situation and in that sense
it is really unique.
Steven Shauger asked. if �?r- VanCort considered things like Cornell
.:)einq a large open space ancl the state land is 50,00n acres of
undeveloped state land near Ithaca.
1r. VanCort explained that we have a very large piece of land, whicl-I
is formerly marsh land., it is tieing fille:l it is not virgin marsh
lan'., there has been a lot of activity an -7 dumpincr on it- it teas
!Douctht with POR money, 5f) '• matching from the fee eral government
which means that to do anything Raoul -1 make recreation out of it
takes practically an act of Congress.
Aancy r °ever said there is another question that is har_-1 for the
ta, —a-ter' s concern the narks cost money to l.eep up and if the pres-
sure sure came from the area for this to be a ball park you can ?�-e
guaraitt -cl! that the children vrho play at that are not all City
crzL!.ren. It is a real_ ecoizomAcal vThc -t-her i,,e want to 'out
Cite money into this or in other kinds of oar' °s n1L: t,+hPr kin's of
Ian' developments
"r Van Cort said we are obliged- ry federal recreation and. la` -,” to
development this harp. TTONq e c"evelop it is another question, nor
1
- 5-- January 21 . 1175
you are nettinc; into the whole cTuesti-on of intermunicipal cooperation
of recreation. Traflitionally It'-iaca sort of supplied a lot of
r. Qcreation for surrounding areas :Freb . "low the Town of Ithaca has
I)een getting to contribute to it. r ?.r. VanCort explained that one
of the interesting things about the recreation plan that =as clone
in 19G9 is that really virtually ignores anything outside of
municipal I -)oundaries. ;1r. VanCort felt that we did something like
that we would Probably look at greater sprearl than we did in the past.
3ikeways should not end a municipal boundary, waterways don "t. All
these systems are Nigger than just the boundaries of the City of
Ithaca. especially F•7hen you are lookinn at it it is sort of
theoretical, you have to look at the greater area if'not a larger
area I-)ut traditionally it has 'been pretty lirnitel
ike 'Tall asked if Tir. VanCort if he felt he ',ad a good inventory
of open apace right now, because it wats surTcYester' that one of the
classes taught in his department of natural resources at Cornell
would tal o that on as a term project maybe. If it neecis -7ork there
is a potential source of getting it done maybe that would he further
investigated.
;?r. VanCort said it could probably use some updating. The 196P
stud,',, does inventory of the parks and suggests some new parks "3ut
lie e,id n' t think goes into t zings lill -e Six 'Tile Creel:. T'e -Jidn ' t
know if that is officially desianateil park. There is a lot of
publically owned land there. 21r,. VanCort said they ! -ould like to
'je involved in anything the department of natural resources at Cornell
does on Pall Creel: so they can learn �ahat the department of natural
resources has been doing.
Tlike fall said this brings up the subject of the neat meeting. Fe
did a favor for Professor Hamilton last fall in which he �romisec ?
that he would reciprocate by giving a presentation on Fall Creek so
they are tryinn to set that up for the rebruary meeting.
Nike Sall askeJ abo ? ?t the bikeway business. ?te asked °r, N,'anCort
hoar he felt about the projects, _?o you have got goor7 lines of
gentility in the class- how much pressure shoulcl they apply to the
organization.
??r. VanCort said there was a �neetincy of the Ithaca Urban Area Planners
anq we mentioned that we should. (Pet together ?-7ith the class, sort of
Monitor the progress and make sure that they are aime <? something.
Nancy Tleyer felt the Cascad.illa t -Talk is really a marvelous experience.
She r ?ould life to see something like that in Six 'Tile Creek. She
asked if this ?,Tas the kind of thing that through some sort of process
we could turn it over so that we could get either state or federal
funding, to mare those brirlges over those dead ends so that we souk?.
advertise these paths.
rTr. VanCort said he (lidn ' t know if you need I-)ricl(-Tes . That is Tart of
the study to look into nossil)le funding. TTr. VanCort was not too
optimistic about the funding% lle felt that we �p7ill have to start
small- we will have to start with. an overall ;Waster Man but ?Pith
fairly inexpensive pieces to implement.
Nancy r?eyer asked would. it take only one structure to get yogi up to
that flat part under the Columbia street Dricldae.
%1r. Vanc ort said when you start dormtown you must start on the north
side of the creek and then at a certain point there is sheer rock.
?'ike , -Tall sai(l he was talking to TT. '?caner anO he indicated that
there ?i7as no?,r a !-)lan to put a hike rack inside the parking narage her
the attenclant, and as]-_ed TT.r. Van('ort if this ? -as true.
n January 21 1075
r:,r. VanCort sait+, he has Teen tall--,inq to Supt. Oincrm.an about t'li s.
?ancy �?.eyer asked. P'r. VanCort if there uas any king of support or
stand he would he interested in from Council
"r. VanCort said they are lool-inq for 701 funding for the ,•,ateriyal!s
study. 'hen this comes to Council he thinks support fro?q tljis
Commission would be helpful,
Tiilce !Tall asked if they get that money are they goinn to seen +a. it
entirely on the Planning Department or is t?lere a posEi'�ility that
they !1oiil,1 support a graduate sturlent.
,1r. VanCort sai,'. that 1,7as too much that V ere e7as only a shall
amount of money, (10,000.00)
"r. _'all sai;? there are several things they have tall -ad. about
tonight that woulr' male ideal thesis 'or projects for ?eople. Tle
sai,! he x,-as looking for two things one. is funding support an,'t the
other is good ideas.
lir. VanCort said any king' of free help would l,e greatly appreciates
r Maybe it could be clone by staff, ' ^r. VanCort thought they T,?ill
have a eery hare' time getting any of t'ieir people to coo natural
syste':ns thincrs, to clo complex engineering things ahout ':toT7 much
Clatar can go through that thing and �7hat happens if you change
the configuration on the bottom. If thev could. ciet help r,yith that,
it vioula. be fal-)ulous.
:fancy L °.eyer explained that there are matching Bane's for the l ,icen
tennial: so that if the idea for this structure gets along, then
possibly there T,oulcl he maLchinc% func?.s for it
Joy ?)aley thanked Tr. VanCort for attending the meeting and to keep_
them in min(!. if there is anything they can help him -ith as to
taking t "W-� official position.
On a motion the meeting was a0journecl at 310 r) .m ,
J eph . Tund.le . City -C-13-r]. --
Regular Meeting
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of ITHACA, NEW YORK
7:30 p.m.
February 18, 1975
PRESENT
Joy Daley, Chm., Michael Hall, R. Steven Shauger, John L. Shisler, Jonathan Simons,
Alderman Meyer
OTHERS PRESENT
H. flatthys Van Cort - Director of Planning Dan Hoffman
Professor Lawrence Hamilton Tony Incalcatera - Cornell Conserve. Club
Dan Smith Meg Silver - 11 11 "
MINUTES
By Joy Daley: seconded by Michael Hall
RESOLVED, That the minutes of January 21, 1975 be approved as recorded by the
City Clerk.
Carried
BIKEWAYS
Alderman Meyer asked 1 =lichael Hall to give a report on the bikeways.
Michael Hall commented that he had talked with Thys Van Cort and gave him a copy
of the City of Tempe, Arizona Report, which includes a lot of design factors.
Mr. Van Cort is going to get that into the design class at Cornell. Mr. Hall
also gave Mr. Van Cort one of the latest reports from the Bureau of Outdoor
Recreation, devoted a large share of the report to bikeways.
Nancy Meyer asked if there is funding for this, or does Council have to be asked
for the funding for this.
Chairman Daley commented that the funds were allocated from the Transportation
Dept. on a year to year basis, and the year ends at the end of June. She said if
there should be sort of an application for this then we should do it.
Michael Hall said the responsibility lies with the Planning Dept. and he will get
in touch with Mr. Van Cort on this matter.
Alderman Meyer said if there has to be a resolution in Council she would be willing
to take it to Council for action.
AREA BEAUTIFICATION COUNCIL
Alderman Meyer rought up the subject of the Greenbelt.
Joy Daley said the project is coming along, the Beautification Council is just
proposing this Greenbelt project. The City will be involved with it, the Council
is doing the planning and working on it, and Mrs. Daley doesn't know exactly
where they stand on the Greenbelt project. There are no monies available, they
don't have the technical knowledge, they have the idea, and they think they can
get some technical advice.
Discussion was held as to what this Greenbelt project really amounts to.
Joy Daley said they are trying to connect all the scenic views together by walkways;
the State Game Farm, Van Natta's Dam, the Cornell Plantations, etc. and following
the creeks.
Greenbelt Project:
By Alderman Meyer: seconded by Jon Simons
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission support the concept and that they offer
any services they might give to the Greenbelt project.
Carried
Alderman Meyer said -she would take this resolution to Council in March, she asked
Mr: Van Cort what the City might be asked to do with the Greenbelt project.
Joy Daley said there are funds because-it is a Bicentennial Project.
Alderman Meyer said she spoke to Comm. Clynes of the Board of Public Works and he
is interested in reestablishing swimming at Stewart Park. She commented the
reason swimming is prohibited there is because of merky water not bacteria content.
-2- February 18, 1975
Alderman Meyer stated it should be a concern and an issue of the Environmental
Commission. She said if the park would be reestablished for swimming a lot of
children would take advantage of it.
Thys Van Cort, spoke on the feasibility of the swimming at Stewart Park.
Alderman Meyer was to have Comm. Clynes speak to the Environmental Comm. to give
them more knowledge on this.
Alderman Meyer asked if this could be a State project.
Several points were brought up regarding the swimming at Stewart Park.
By Michael Hall: seconded by Jon Simons
RESOLVED, That Alderman Meyer investigate the possibility of restoring swimming at
the southend of Cayuga Lake, and that she contact Mr. Comerford and Jack Clynes of
the Board of Public Works, and to see if they could supply the Environmental Comm.
with information, or if we may be of any help to them.
Carried
FALL CREEK RECREATIONAL RIVER
Joy Daley introduced speakers Professor Hamilton and Dan Smith of Cornell, who have
spent a lot of time studying Fall Creek and the possibility of making it a recrea-
tional river.
George Hamilton said he and Dan Smith have been consultants to the Tompkins County
Environmental Management Council. He stated he had a proposal which the Tompkins
Co. Environmental Management Council, has indorsed, to have Fall Creek, from
Cayuga Lake to the County Line, desi nated as a recreational river under the
State's Wild, Scenic and Recreationa? River program. The County Planning Board
has this resolution from the Env. Management Council under consideration, and
they are wondering what the County can do rather than have the State include it
under their system. Professor Hamilton explained Fall Creek as to its points of
interest, its recreational values. He pointed out the places of recreational areas
of Fall Creek and where bridges cross it, the fact that some railroad crossings
might be taken out, the places where the creek is very attractive. Fall Creek runs
generally from Cayuga Lake in the City, through Cornell properties, then through
Freeville, on to Groton. Fall Creek from a public health standpoint, is not in
too bad shape, measured against other rivers in central New York State.
Alderman Meyer asked about legalized swimming in Fall Creek, under the suspension
bridge and the basin of the Falls that have never been developed in past years.
Professor Hamilton said there is a problem, if you legalize it on Cornell property
Cornell would be responsible, they would have to have lifeguards, sanitation
facilities. At the basin of the Falls, Professor Hamilton thought there because
of the accidents, there is a prohibition. Beebe Lake would require dredging to
allow swimming. There are problems with sewer system, in Forrest Homo, Etna and
Freeville. If there were to be .-wimming in Fall Creek there would be tight
restrictions made in Forrest Home, Freeville and Etna. If there was proved a
violation of the health standards, Fall Creek is qualified, the health commissioner
could bring suit against the failing subjects. There is no municipal system in
Freeville, there have been.studies and it is known that 50% of the septic systems
are not functioning properly. This is a tremendous financial burden on the residents.
If they. were given a ten year period to clean up these, and low cost loans. There
are a number of historic homes, the underground railroad in Etna, in Malloryville
there is a historic marker telling the former uses of Fall Creek, the Federated
Church in McLean celebrated it's 100 anniversary last year, the old mill site
at LaFayette Corners, there are two octogan buildings along Fall Creek, the stone
school and carriage house in Varna. One of the best examples of a public commons
is at the end of the bridge in Etna, is the old baptist church, Houtz Hall and a
fine old home on the left of greek rEvival, all too rare in central New York. One
of the uses of Fall Creek is supplying water to Cornell and Forrest Home, it's
quality does need protection. Power was formerly generated and could be again
from the power'.station at Triphammer Bridge. Water has been drawn from three
places from Fall Creek, in the Cornell crops experiment near Freeville is one area.
F4ll.Creek is a tremendous asset to Tompkins County. One of the good things and
also a threat to Fall Creek is that it runs parallel,of roads. Fall Creek would
be good for bikeways, horseback riding trails, hiking, winter cross country skiing
-3- February 18,' 1975
or snowshoeing. In Freeville there is a picnic area, but there are not many.
Canoeing is done on Fall Creek in Etna.
Discussion was held on the violations of Fall Creek and how Fall'Creek'could be
watched and reports made when there was a violation of it.
Professor Hamilton told the Commission that there is State aide for fishing, to
improve the fishing at the loft at Fall Creek, there are proposals for acquisition
on Fall Creek, but they lose their initiative, they purchased the primary fishing
uses they wanted and now they are going to Salmon Creek and other areas that we
have no interest in. However, we can then bring these programs with a record
permanently we think they can be encouraged to raise the importance of the acqui-
sition of Fall Creek. There are some State funds. No funds have been allocated
directly for recreation at this point. There are BOR funds in some communities,
for would -be parks. We do have support f Dan the Etna Community Assoc., Cayuga
Trails Club, the Sierra Club, Tred Unlimited, the Environmental Management Council,
we have several others.
Dan Smith said there is a real problem in Varna with the river tearing away at
the banks, rip- rapping has been considered. The trouble with rip- rapping is
that it will solve the problem in one place and just move it down - stream. The
subject of septic systems was brought up again. Dan Smith said Newfield, Freeville,
and Etna are so far down on the list, that there is never any hope for the
federal government to step in for funding.
There was discussion of the resolution.
Fall Creek - A Recreational River:
By Jon Simons: seconded by Alderman Meyer
RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Environmental Commission endorse the proposal to designate
Fall Creek as a recreational river under the provisions of the N.Y.S. Wild, Scenic
and Recreational River Act and that it receive the support of the Common Council.
Carried
Chairman Daley thanked Professor Hamilton and Dan Smith for their presentation
and the gorgeous pictures shown of the Fall Creek area.
Chairman Daley said last month they decided to take turns going to the County
Management Council meetings and asked whose turn it was this month.
Michael Hall stated he would try to go.
Steve Shauger said he went to the last meeting and said William Hicks the regional
staff director of D.E.C., appeared and discussed the Fall Creek recreation and
other business and when he was finished they spent about two hours revising their
by -laws. Mr. Shauger said he was disturbed with the meeting.
Chairman Daley said we have to keep this contact with the County, to get funding
through the State, as a Commission we can not get funding on our own. The County
Management Council acts as a clearing house for the Commission. Chairman Daley
asked Michael Hall about the land use conference.
Michael Hall said there is going to be a conference and the date has been set for
later in April. His last knowledge of the objectives of the meeting were, where
is Ithaca going to go as far as recreation, transportation, and industry and an
updating of the master plan for development in the Ithaca area.
Chairman Daley asked Tony Incalcatera to report on the survey being made by him.
Tony passed out a preliminary survey.
If the survey is satisfactory to the Environmental Commission, this Saturday he
will approach the City of Ithaca from two outlets, in the Weston's Shoppers Plaza
and Woolworths, there will be copies of the survey. It will be printed on used
paper to promote the project. By taking the survey on Saturday at these two
locations, Mr. Incalcatera feels he would get the most widespread results.
-4- February 18, 1975
Chairman Daley thought this type of survey should be tried and if the results
are not satisfactory then Mr. Incalcatera could try a telephone survey.
Alderman Meyer asked exactly what was the reason for the survey.
Mr. Incalcatera said he wants to make more people involved in the Commission, to
show up for meetings. He wants to evaluate all different outlets in Ithaca,
television stations, radio stations, news media, the Cornell and Ithaca College
campuses, and to get specific input into those outlets, which he would develop
and the Commission would benefit from it. Mr. Incalcatera said his job is to
intice the community into being involved with the Environmental Commission.
Suggestions were made by Mike Hall that a thank you letter be sent to Professor
Hamilton and he said he would do it himself.
By Alderman Heyer: seconded by Hichael Hall
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Carried
Joy Daley, Chairman
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
.ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m. March 18, 1975
PRESENT:
Mike Hall
Steve Shauger
John Shisler
Nancy Meyer
Jon Simons
Joy Daley, Chairman
OTHERS PRESENT:
Tony Incalcatera
Pat Riexinger
Mr. John Comerford
Charles Dunlap
Matthys Van Cort
Ruth Mahr
Gay German
MINUTES: By Jon Simons: seconded by Mike Hall
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 1975 meeting be
changing the name from George Hamilton to Lawrence Hamilton
COMMITTEE REPORTS
approved as corrected by
under the Fall Creek Recreation.
Carried
BIKEWAYS: Mike Hall reported that the report done on bikeways is completed, and it was
presented to the City, County and Town. At the next Environmental Commission meeting
the report will be presented if the commission is willing, and invite Joe Gentilly to
present the report. A motion was made to devote the next Environmental Commission
meeting to Bikeways.
By Nancy Meyer: seconded by Jon Simons
RESOLVED, That the April meeting of the Environmental Commission be devoted to Bikeways,
and Mr. Joe Gentilly be invited.
Carried
AREA BEAUTIFICATION COUNCIL MEETING: Nancy Meyer reported on the Area Beautification
Council meeting she attended. Mrs. Meyer said the A.B.C. voted to help establish a
fund to support the suggestion from the Environmental Commission to help send a boy
to one of the conservation camps. The Environmental Commission headed up this project
and now has to find a boy to send. Suggestions were made as to how the boy would be
chosen.
By Nancy Meyer: seconded by John Shisler
RESOLVED, That application be published in the Ithaca Journal for interested boys to
go to the conservation camp, and that campers will be chosen by drawing.
Carried
Nancy Meyer informed the commission that the Area Beautification Council festivities
that is held every year will be held in Dryden on the 3rd of April at noon.
ENVIRONMENTAL COUNTY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL: Steve Shauger reported that he went to the
County Environmental Management Council meeting on the 27th of February. Dennis Winters
reported for Frank Liguori on .a study of area suitabilities, physical verses situation,
density, surface drainage, airport master plan, carried over the next twenty years.
The County Environmental Management Council supported the four county railway system.
SWIMMING ON THE SOUTH END OF CAYUGA LAKE: John Comerford commented that there is no
plan for swimming on the lower end of the lake.
Joy Daley discussed some of the problems that are involved to re- establish swimming at
Stewart Park.
Mike Hall asked if the state were to do anything about swimming, where would that be.
Charles Dunlap replied it would have to be done on the west side of the lake, the state
north proper 'Uy line. The question has been, does Ithaca need the area for swimming with
so much other space available.
-2- March 18, 1975
Joy Daley asked how long it would take for the re- establishment of swimming in that
area.
Charles Dunlap replied there would have to be planning, funds sought and determine what
;facilities would be needed.
Director of Planning Van Cort gave some history and background on swimming at Stewart
Park.
Other discussions were held on the problems of swimming in that area.
RUTH MAHR - 103 Judd Falls Road spoke to the Commission.
To the Committee on the Environment, City of Ithaca from the Steering Committee of
the Cayuga Coalition
Speaking as an individual and on behalf of the Cayuga Coalition, I would like to express
our enthusiastic endorsement of any action that will enhance the prospect of restoring
public swimming at the south end of Cayuga Lake.
I may add that the Cayuga Coalition had as its primary objective last September the
initiation of an inquiry into the feasibility of restoring the lake and shoreline to a
state that would permit swimming once more. More pressing concerns, however, prevented
the Coalition from pursuing the goal at that time.
To the extent that time and manpower permit, our organization happily offers any
assistance it, can to the City in the endeavor.
Charles Dunlap said he would contact the Health Department and ask them to make the
necessary tests, and he said he would appreciate it if the Environmental Commission would
contact someone up at Cornell to make soil tests. Mr. Dunlap said the human interest was
not that important at this point, but was to be considered.
John Comerford thought that there could be other water activities that people could
participate in other than swimming if that was definntely out.
By John Shisler: seconded by Nancy Meyer
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission support research into the feasibility
of restoring swimming at the southern end of Cayuga Lake.
Carried
ITHACA FALLS AND CASCADILLA: Mike Hall presented the subject of the Ithaca Falls and
Cascadilla and if the area is suitable for swimming at the base of it like Buttermilk
Falls.
Joy Daley commented that at the Area Beautification Council meeting this subject was
brought up about Ithaca Falls, not for swimming but particularly because of this
walkway. There is a problem of property rights, it is not city land, it is private
land.
INVENTORY AND INDEX SYSTEM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: John Shisler introduced
Martha Howard who will be helping establish an inventory and index system for the
Environmental Commission.
Martha Howard asked the Commission how they would want the system set up.
Joy Daley answered that there is no continuity, the Planning Department has a lot of
records and material. The minutes are another thing, there is no general file. The
City Clerk has many other meetings to attend and the last few meetings of the Environmental
Commission have been taped to see if they can do without the City Clerk's attendance.
Martha Howard asked if there is anything in back and white, minutes of the meetings, to
base operations on.
Joy Daley said yes, in the City Clerk's office the Minutes are kept and possibly there
might be projects started that were not completed.
Discussion was held on the system and what could be and should be done with it.
-3- March 1::, 1975
Joy Daley said there should be a motion to establish this uniform system of filing.
By Jon Simons: seconded by Steve Shauger
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission look into establishing a central filing
system.
Carried
EMBLEM AND M0TT0 FOR ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION: Tony•Incalcatera commented he had
planned a schedule of the next two months. What he planned to do is have that contest
to design the emblem and motto for the Environmental Commission, the schools are
helping promote the contest, the deadline for the entries is March 31, 1975.
Discussion was held on the type of emblem, and the regulations involving the contest
and the criteria that will be used for judging.
Pat Riexinger reviewed a survey that was held on a Saturday downtown with public
opinions about the Environmental Commission, the answers to the question of what
Environmental issue would you like to see the Commission attend to were: protection
of national areas from development, recycling of waste proeucts, increasing mass
transit, relocation of Rt. 96, noise pollution, stop urban sprawl_, increase City
Planning, auto efficiency incentive, air pollution, clean and dredge Cascadilla Creek,
energy conservation,Cayuga Lake and dog control.
Tony Incalcatera commented that the award for the contest is a $25 savings bond and a
green plant, as first prize. The savings bond would cost $18.75 and the plant would
be $7.50 to $10.00
Tony Incalcatera said there are no funds available at this time. The posters are
costing $25.
The Commission discussed the possibilities of a sponsor for the award and contest.
A decision was made to have a special meeting on the 8th of April of the Environmental
Commission at 7 :30 p.m. on the contest and results of the same.
CLEAN -UP CAMPAIGN: Nancy Meyer suggested that as a Bicentennial project would be to
suggest to everybody to clean up their own property.
Steve Shauger said he was disappointed in the Hike for Heritage that the hikers
didn't do some picking up while they were walking.
ADJOURNMENT: By Steve Shauger: seconded by John Shisler
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned.
Meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m.
Carried
Joy Daley, Chairman
ENVIRONMENTAL COINMISSION
City of ITHACA, NEW YORK
Regular Meeting
PRESENT
Joy Daley, Chm.
Mike Hall
Nancy Meyer
Jon Simons
John Shisler
OTHERS PRESENT
Tony Incalcatera
Meg Silver
Pat Riexinger
RESOLUTION TO E.M.C. FOR SWIMMING
7:00 p.m.
April 15, 1975
Nancy Meyer suggested that the Environmental Commission send a formal request
to the Environmental Management Council to investigate the use of Stewart Park
for swimming, on the County level instead just the City level.. Nancy Meyer
put the request into a resolution as follows:
By Nancy Meyer: seconded by John Shisler
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission requests the Environmental Manage-
ment Council with the cooperation of the County Planning Board to investigate
and cooperate with other vested interest in the City in the possibility of
swimming at Stewart Park.
Carried
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
By Jon Simons: seconded by Mike Hall
RESOLVED, That the minutes be approved as recorded by the City Clerk.
Carri ed
ANNUAL REPORT
Chairman Joy Daley read the annual report covering the period January 1, 1974
to December 31, 1974 as follows:
No meetings were held until April due to lack of quorum.
In April new members Tim Ray and Michael Ha 1 were sworn in and election of
officers was held. Joy Daley, Chairman and Nancy Meyer, Vice Chairman were
the elected officers.
A list of concerns to be brought be"f -te=e the Commission was made.
In May a presentation on Bikeways was given by Michael Hall and he was
appointed Chairman of the committee to produce plans for bikeways in Ithaca.
In the July meeting the Commission heard a discussion of the proposed County
bottle legislation.
In September the bottle legislation was disrussed by the Commissioners and a
motion was made supporting the efforts to draft bottle legislation by the County.
The October meeting was a planning meeting discussing the goals set by the
Common Council for the Commission and plans made for several future meetings.
A group of students from Cornell Conservation Program were present and volun-
teered to work with the Commission on an educational campaign. Joy Daley
attended the N.Y.S. Assoc. of Conservation Commissions in Syracuse on October
20, 1974.
Mr. Frank Liguori presented a plan for zoning in Tompkins County to control
land use at the November meeting. Comm. Tim Ray resigned due to other
activities and his classes.
The Commission also worked on other continuing projects during 1974, such as
-2- April 15, 1975
paper recycling project and an educational project. It also tryed to help
agith solutions for environmental problems as they came up, such as the Cornell
coal pile runoff and misuse of open space on South Hill.
There were six months of 1974 during which there were no meetings due to lack
of quorum this was due partly to vacancies on the Commission. We now have a
full voting membership and hope to accomplish some of our goals.
Joy Daley, Chairman.
By dike Hall: seconded by Jon Simons
RESOLVED, That the annual report submitted by Chairman Joy Daley be approved.
Carried
Joy Daley, Chairman mentioned that there will be a conference at the Ramada Inn
with several Environmental groups.
CONTEST WINNER
The winner of the Logo Contest was Roberta Lynch who received a $25 savings
bond and a green plant.
ADJOURNMENT
By Jon Simons: seconded by John Shisler
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Joy Daley, Chairman
Carried
ENVIROMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New.York
Regular Meeting 7:30 p.m. May 20, 1975
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman
Michael Hall
Stephen Shauger
Gay German
N�an.cy_ - M-e-yer , Alderman r
ABSENT - EXCUSED
John S isler, Jonathan Simons
GAY GERMAN - OATH OF OFFICE
City Clerk Rundle issued the oath of office for the Environmental
Commission to Gay German, term to expire December 31, 1976.
MINUTES
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the minutes of the April 22,
1975 meeting.
By Stephen Shauger: seconded by Michael Hall
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 22, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded by the City Clerk.
Carried
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bikeways:
Michael. Hall reported that he talked to Joe Gentily and he had very
little to report. He stated that within the next month he would
get together with Mr. Gentily and Mr. Van Cort and see if they
should write another article on Bikeways to keep interest up.
Chairman Daley commented that she felt that the Commission should
be trying an educational approach to the Bikeways. Chairman Daley
stated her concern that everyone will think it is a good idea but
nothing will get done.
Alderman Meyer commented that resolutions should be sent to the
Planning $ Development Committee.
By Gay German: seconded by Stephen Shauger
RESOLVED, By the Environmental Commission of the City of Ithaca,
that Common Council be asked to direct the City Planning & Develop-
ment Committee to implement and proceed with the Bikeway Project.
Carried
Recycling
Alderman Nancy Meyer commented on having solid waste disposal as a
fall project after a report from the Board of Public Works. Alder-
man Meyer further felt that the Commission can not do the work all.
the time, and should get the project going then turn it over to
other interested groups.
Central File System
Chairman Daley reported that Martha Howard is working on the
old minutes and a system for filing the Environmental Commission
-2-
May 20, 1975
minutes correspondences and any business having to do with the
Commission.
Educational Campaign
Chairman Daley asked if the Commission wanted to continue with the
educational aspects of recycling, hikeways and other projects.
Chairman Daley commented that the Commission could try to get some
films and send letters to organizations that could help with the
campaign, and projects.
Alderman Meyer commented on the possibility of using Channel 2 to
educate the public.
Alderman Meyer reported that the Mayor wanted some posters from
the Commission to be taken to the N.Y.S. Conference of Mayors at
which he will be appointed President. Alderman Meyer commented
that she has a slide projector and if anyone has any good slides
they could use the projector to show them at the conference.
Report on Salt
Alderman Meyer remarked that she has a report that was given to
her two years ago on the quantity of salt we use and asked if anyone
wanted to read it and maybe do something on it at a later date.
Stephen Shauger reported to the Commission that he wrote a letter
to the .Journal in regards to the road salts, and felt that this
would be a good project to follow. Mr. Shauger commented that
this salt all runs -off and is a definite health hazard which
something should be done about.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
Alderman Meyer commented that she had a booklet that explains how
the University of Wisconsin Arboretum works. There are nature walks
and other ideas for Cass Park and other parks.
Public Access to Cable Television
Gay German reported that the meeting on public access to cable
television will be at the Library downstairs at 7:30 p.m. on the
21st of May.
Soil Samples Outcome
Michael Hall reported that the soil samples from the south end
of Cayuga Lake were put into a report and sent to John Comerford
as a research project from Cornell. This report confirms the
suspicion that the swimming would not be very good on the west -
southwest corner of the lake.
Meeting through the Summer
Chairman Daley asked if it would be convenient for her to call,or
have each person call her if they are not going to be at the
meetings.
Everyone decided to call if they knew they would not be able to
make it to a meeting.
Posters Around Town
Mayor Conley talked to Chairman Daley about posters out on the
Commons, hoping that there is something that can be done about
this problem. There is an ordinance pertaining to some kinds of
posters, but there needs to be enforcement.
-3- May 20, 1975
Supplies
Some suggestions were made pertaining to needed supplies and the
breakdown of the budget.
Supporting Legislations
Stephen Shauger felt that the Commission should go on record
supporting or rejecting legislations, for example the bottle
legislation.
Chairman Daley explained that the City Clerk's office has sent
out letters on legislations and that bottle legislation was one
of the issues.
Roberta Lynch Presentation
Chairman Daley reported that the presentation to Roberta Lynch
did not turn out as she had planned. The Mayor, Ms. Lynch and
herself were the only ones there with no news media or radio
coverage.
DeWitt Park
Gay German reported on some alternatives that were talked about
as possibilities for improving the conditions of DeWitt Park.
Gay German felt that it would be nice to support the resolution
made at this meeting.
Chairman Daley asked why the memorial was in the middle of the
park.
Gay German stated that there are going to be two more memorials
put in for the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Michael Hall stated that he would get in touch with Mr. Gentily on
the Bikeways and if anyone had any ideas that they should get in
touch with him or Mr. Gentily.
Environmental Management Council
Gay German was asked to attend the next meeting.
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Joy Daley, Chairman
Environmental Commission
ENVIRONMENTAL CGLMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular 7:30 p.m. June 17, 1975
PRESENT
Joy Daley, Chairman
Gay German
Stephen Shauger
Michael Ball
Jonathan Simons
OPIU -]ZS PRESE14T:
Al+ ec rman, Fancy Meyer
ABSF.Iv 1' :
To-T Shisler
MINUTES
By Jonathan Simon: seconded by Stephen Shauger
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 20, 1975 meeting be approved as recorded
by the City Clerk.
Carried
Michael Hall reported that 114r. Gentilly has no more active interests in the
Bikeways, except that Mr. Gentilly's group did the report and would like to see
it carried to completion.
:tichael Hall suggested that at the next meeting of the Environmental Commission
that a decision should be made as to how much progress has been made on the
Bikeways.
Boy to Camp
Chairman Joy Daley, reported that Chuckie Erkslavin, who is 13 years old and
thrilled to be able to attend the Environmental Camp. Mrs. Daley reported that
the money has been sent for the boy's attendance. The fee was 514.00, coming
from the Environmental Commission's budget. (travel account)
Cornell Conservation Club Bill
Chairman Joy Daley reported that the Environmental Comm. owes Cornell Conserva-
tion Club $8.95 for printing, and that will come out of the office supplies account
of the budget.
Bond for $18.75
Chairman Joy Daley reported that the check is written for the bond presented to
the winner of the Logo contest.
By 'Michael Hall: seconded by Jonathan Simons
RESOLVED, That $18.75 be taken out of the budget for Da�ment of a bond Presented
to the winner of the Logo contest.
Carried
Alderman Meyer commented that stationary has to be printed up on the winner's
presentation.
Cornell Conservation Club Studv
Chairman Daley presented the letter from Prof. Reese to the Environmental Comm..
The letter recommends that the Environmental Comm. try to involve themselves in
- 2 - June 17, 1975
something that will bet more public attention.
Alderman Meyer suggested that the Environmental Commission should identify when
the Environmental Cora. has initiated a project. Discussion was held on the
Shade Tree Committee and the salt used in the winter on the streets.
Chairman Joy Daley said that Judy Benedict is the li.ason to the Shade Tree Com-
mittee for the Planning Department.
Waterways
Gay German reported that Emanuel Cart-Ir did a study of Ithaca creeks, and canals
and how they could be improved.
hairrnan Daley said that nnssihly hntb Judv hcriedi. ^._t snd Fmnniie? Carter coul(i came
to a Envirorinental Comm. meeting together.
F'�ibiicity
Discussion was field regarding the possibility of starting more publicity for pro-
jects done by the Environmental Commission or initiated by the Environmental
Commission, and the possibility of appointing a publicity chairman. Chairman Joy
Daley said it may need more professionalism than she could contribute. Chairman
Daley said that most of the members do not have the time to do this. A suggestion
was made to spread the job among all the commission members.
Workshop at Phiteface Mountain
Chairman Joy Daley asked if anyone would be able to go to the Workshop in Whiteface
Mountain for a week in July. New York State Electric and Gas is the only organ-
ization that Environmental Comm. belongs to and the only organization of the
Environmental Council.
Michael Ball said that he would be Linable to attend the ;%orkshop for the whole week
but he would try to go for a day or so.
Cn1 iri W-1C4 -a
Alderman. Meyer commented that she talked to Donald `Kalsh at the Mayor's Conference
on Solid Waste. Alderman "Meyer said she will be going doin again in the fall and
Mr. Walsh will be sending some consultants to study the problem in the Ithaca area.
By Michael Hall: seconded by Gay German
RESOLVED, that `fr. Donald Walsh of the Mayor's Conference be invited to attend a
meeting of the Environmental Commission.
Carried
Alderman 'Meyer said she would write or contact Mr. halsh to see when he could
attend a meeting.
Swinmting at Cayuga Lake
Michael Hall reported that he Has talked to \fr. Comerford and he said there is a
lot of sediment at that end of the lake. There would be a lot of expense involved
in cleaning it up.
Projects
Discussion was held regarding the projects in progress and whether to start no
projects with the old ones still unfinished.
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Joy Daley, Chairman °
Environmental Ccranission
Regular Meeting
PRI:SENF :
Joy Daley, Chairman
Gay German
Michael Bail
John Shisler
ABSENT:
Stephen Shauger
J: r.athan Si-ions
OTI1ERS PRESIyiT:
Alderman, Nancy Meyer
?MINUTES:
ENIRO MENTAL OMIISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, N. Y.
7:30 p.m.
By Mike Hall: seconded by Gay German
July 15, 1975
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 17, 1975 meeting be approved with the
following addition: Nancy Alever was requested to contact Ray Shuler.
By 117ichael Mall: seconded by Gay German
RESOLVED, That Alderman Nancy. "lever write a letter to ",lr. Raymond Shuler, Head
of Department of Transportation, to see if he could come to an Environmental Com-
mission meeting (not necessarily the regular meeting date) to discuss the new
route 96.
Carried"
Carried
Report on Route 96
Alder,-:;an Nancy Meyer reported she has received an answer to her letter to Raymond
Shuler, that he would not be able to come to an Environmental Commission Meeting.
Bikeways
Mike Hall reported that he has spoken to the City Planning Department, and they are
in the process of reviewing; the technical report, submitted by the Cornell University
Class of graduate landscape architecture concerning the bikeways. Based on the
bikeways report, they are going to the Planning Board next week to recoTrrnerd ui nnle-
mentation of the bikeways system. It is up to the Planning Board at that -point to
decide how much and how soon we will accomplish the project. They are also in pre-
liminary stage of talks with the tocv-n, and the 'Jicentennia'_ committee concerning
integrating; the bikeway system with town plans, and possibly with bicentennial T)roiects.
There has been some talk with N'ew York State to tie their bikeway system in with
the Cit" of ithr: a', It is 1tlwn �Ve1yTZrt that ,- :4 -1 4- tthn next mnnth and :2 +1) Pre
will be some substantial development on the bikeway system. Plike Hall recoTmTiended
that the Envirorunental Commission write a letter to the Planning Board, further rein-
forcing; the Lnvironmental ConuniSSiOns support in the bikeways project.
Chairman Joy Daley coLinented that she would see that something is sent to them by
next Tuesday.
Solid Naste
Aldernran :fancy Meyer commented that Solid ,Vaste would be a very good thing to get into
this year. Alderman 'lever said that Don I`'a.lsh is one of the key people. '1r. 11.'alsh
is the lawyer for the Conference of tlayors. Alderman `Meyer sail that "Ir. I'alsh is
interested in helpingl her puSlh on sore other alr-ernatives. There is a tri- cow:ty
study that has boon t;oin; on for about six n,orrtiis h.itl; "'r. °:c: :oal, and they ha \-e been
working i;itli }rank Ligouri. First the idea was to, take our tr<,sh to ",illiken
Station and burn it; now they hale shifted their ideas to Cornell, to ret the trash
Y
- 2 -
going up to Cornell. Alderman `leyer said she is going to attend a meeting on this
on Thursday. The city at this point does not feel they should be involved in this
until they get further along in the study. Alderman "leyer said she disagrees, if
eventually because solid waste is a County proble ?il, the cite should start thinking
about these alternatives now. Alderman 'ieyer said she thinks the city budget has
something to do with type of equipment and personnel required. Uderr?an "ever
corinented on the different issues that have to be considered if there is going to
be a solid waste program in Ithaca.
Alderman "'leyer remarked that she would like to see this matter go to a committee or
have Ir. Brotiyn, or someone, cor;:e down to the Department of Public Itiorks to speak on
the solid waste considerations.
Three counties involved are: Tompkins, Cayuga and Cortland.
Alderman Meyer stated that it costs 40� a mile to go to the landfill area, which is
11 miles away.
Salt and Shade Tree Co?nmittee
Chairman Joy Daley commented that she has talked to Judith Benedict of the Planning
Department regarding the Salt and Shade Tree CorJnittee. Chairman Dalev stated that
there has been no sub- cormiittee formed to work with on this problem. Chairman Daley
said the Shade Tree Committee is interested in this problem, but they are not noin*
to go into it further. Chairman Daley said they should wait until Stephen Shauger
comes back to work on this further.
New York State Association of Conservation Commission Conference
Chairman Daley reported that there i.rill be a New York State Association of Conser-
vation Cormissions Conference on October 18, 1975, probably on a Saturday. Chairman
Daley said she has not received the details on the conference, but it is a good
opportunity to become infonl ?ed. Chairrlan Daley said probably there would be a brief
meeting Friday, an indepth meeting on Saturday, a workshop Saturday night, and a
brief meeting Sunday morning.
Chairmman Dalev said that she has received from the New York State Environmental
Council, a memo saying t,`iat the Co anission is not doing their duty, and they lead
better. Chairman Daley said she would take care of that matter.
Films, Environmental Impact
Alderman iteyer said that she has the Environmental Impact films requested, and there
could be an informal meeting at her house to go over the films.
Meeting Adioun-mient
By Mike ball: seconded by John Shisler
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Joy Daley
Environmental Conr?ission Chairman
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman
Michael Hall
Stephen Shauger
Gay German
Jonathan Simons
ABSENT:
John Shisler
OTHERS PRESENT:
Alderman, Nancy Meyer
MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca., New York
7:30 P.M.
August 19, 1975
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the minutes of the July 15, 1975 meeting with the
addition of the word "list" after films on page 2.
By Jonathan Simons: seconded by Stephen Shauger
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 15, 1975 meeting be approved as corrected and
recorded by the City Clerk.
Carried
Films
Chairman Daley commented that they were to get together and choose films they thought
would be appropriate for television and that no films have been cleared for T. V. at
this point.
Stephen Shauger asked what criteria does it have to be to safisfy the community.
Gay German answered practically any film can be cleared for T. V.
Chairman Daley commented one film was a Disney film, and that they have all the
copyrights so they would not be able to show it.
Gay German remarked that she wrote a letter and hadn't received a reply yet.
Chairman Daley asked if they should contact Channel 2 and ask them for films. She said
they show films and do have a couple that are cleared for T. V., but said she has not
seen environmental films on Channel 2.
Stephen Shauger commented that there is a lot of films produced by State Agencies that
are authorized to do this.
Gay German added that this list was from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.
Chairman Daley commented that they were really sort of can films and that there was a
list that they got from the NTYS Department of Environmental Conservation. They don't
have to worry about clearance, just that some of them are copyrights like the Disney film.
Chairman Dalev said if they write to the State there is usually no charge and they have
done this with "Keep America Beautiful" and all they had to pay for was the shipping.
They must reserve the film and there is always a waiting list anyway. Chairman Daley said
they will look into that, and said that she would keep the name so they know who to contact.
Solid Waste
Chairman Daley commented that she was interested in solid waste and said she had read in the
Ithaca Journal that Cornell decided that they could not use the trash for the fuel, but
they didn't explain that they were going to continue to seek another source or what was
going to happen, and is interested in it because she thinks it would be an ideal project.
Stephen Shauger asked if this was just an idea or was it something that is being seriously
considered.
Chairman Daley said it was being seriously considered, and said Alderman Meyer. had gone
to serveral meetings and she reported that there was an upcoming meeting in the next few
days. She had read in the paper, and had heard on the radio and T. V. also, that Cornell
-Z-
said it was too expensive and that they couldn't use it, but they didn't explain if the
committee would continue to try to find another source and said originally Cornell
thought they might use the fuel.
Michael Hall commented that he knew that it was Milliken Station and that he would look
into that and would be interested in knowing what their long term plans are for the
station and how they are going to get the fuel there.
Chairman Daley added that when they had the run -off -problem and they had considered gas,
but with the energy crises they decided against that, and its particular type of coal,
but he didn't say that in the future they were not going to use coal.
Report on Salt
Chairman Daley commented that the Shade Tree Committee is not forming a committee to study
the salt question or they haven't done anything about it. They said that it is a problem
and if they wanted to work on it, it would be up to their..
Tri- County Study
Chairman Daley asked about the Tri- County and asked if they found another use for fuel.
Alderman Meyer commented that there was going to be a meeting on Thursday and that she will
not be albe to attend. She added the meeting will be in Frank Ligorie's office on
Implementation of the Tri - County and that it is their monthly meeting. She said what
they have in their minds now is to go to Cornell.
Chairman Daley said they reported at the last meeting and it came out in the news media
that Conrell said they couldn't participate is this project.
Alderman Meyer commented that if they don't go to Cornell they will probably find some
other alternative. She said the City DPW feels that it is none of their business
until things are at a very final stage because they feel that solid waste is a County
problem and not their problem. She said in terms of who receives it and what is done
to it, in her mind related to how you take it there and what you do with it before you
take it to that last step. She feels it is important to have contact with them so that
they can plan for that last step, and would really like someone to go to the meeting and
to call her when she gets back, because she is going to be in touch with Ken Brown and
Don Walsh. If they can program the Cityperse into any other alternatives, they are
going to investigate that possibility, either for the situation as it exists now or
for the future, and to try to encourage them to start :thinking. If you get certain kinds
of equipment, that equipment helps program it into one solution, which might be taking
it.out to the landfill. If you start thinking in terms of other concepts, then you
might start thinking in terms of other equipment. Papers not in good shape now, glass is
going, but metal is something that needs to be investigated. She is waiting for Fall and
getting in touch with the Mayor's Conference people.
Chairman Daley said she would try to attend the meeting and would stay as long as she could.
Route 96
Alderman Meyer commented that she has talked to Connie Cook and she said it is time to get
another meeting. She said they have to express this point of view before they get too far
on the design stage so they know people care about those other alternatives. One is the
visual impact on the kind of bridge they build, and the second is whether or not they need
expressways or whether or not they need boulevards. Alderman Meyer said she would like
to see boulevards or parkways rather than no access highways.
Files
Chairman Daley commented that she hasn't talked to Chucky Erlexben or Martha Howard, but
said Martha was going to work on the file all summer long and that she would try to have
something by the next meeting.
Stephen Shauger commented that they had discussed the films and was wondering about the
slides for the game committees for the highschool physics.
Alderman Meyer said it could be done for television, and that they have to get it together
and said the Environmental Commission may sponsor it. Alderman Meyer said she would
consider it for September, and said when they had the opening of the Commons, somebody came
to the Commons Advisory Board and asked if they could show slides or films on the side of
Rothschilds building. She thought it was a good idea, and thought it was a possibility,
-3-
and asked if they could take the films from the library. She said she would be willing to
run them, if they were willing to order them. She said she was willing to put a press
release to run in the paper as an Environmental Commission sponsored thing, and said
on Thursday evening she will take it to the Commons Advisory Board.
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Joy Daley, Chairman
Environmental Commission
Minutes - Environmental Commission -
Present: Mike Hall
Jon Simons
Gay German
John Shisler
Joy Daley
Excused: R. Stephen Shauger
Others present: Alderman Nancy Meyer
Approval of Minutes
September 16, 1975
Motion by Jan Simons: seconded by John Shisler
Carried
Films:
Gay German reported that she andNancy Meyer had made arrangements
to show environmental films on the Commons fcr two Thursdays, the
18th and 25th. Films have been obtained and publicity given to
these films. A discussion followed on a list of films to be cleared
and shown on Public access T.V. Gay German has received a list of
producers for the films and we will get together and select films
that we are interested in getting clearance on so that they may be
shown on T.V.
File:
Joy Daley reported that she had spoken to Martha Howard about the
central file. She is working on it but the help she expected did
not materialize and therefore progress has been slow.
Salt:
Mike Hall read a report compiled by Steve Shauger as follows:
This stuff is merely a partial listing of what transpired between
Mr. Dingman and me. I have not drawn any conclusions except that
I question the "sanity" of bare pavement policy on many of Ithaca's
streets. What happened to the good ole' snowplow (in two winters,
a plow has yet to scrape snow from Mitchell St.) ?!
I am not sure what approach the Commission should take on this mat-
ter. Certainly we need conclusive evidence of the toxic effects
salt has on plants and the environment. As we are charged with
public education related to our environmental ills, perhaps our
job is to inform our public just what the salt appears to be doing --
other than melting snow. Perhaps this will be a neighborhood issue
though numbers of concerned people do not seem to be a factor with
D.P.W.; greatest public convenience will be a hard nut to crack. I
am willing to work on whatever course the Commission decides to take
on this -issue. Whatever is decided, keep in mind something that
Mr. Dingman said: "the salt issue is an issue during the warm months
when people have to fix their cars and yards. When the snow starts
to fly it is a very different matter - people want to go where they
2 -
September 16, 1975
want when they want and salt is a means to that end."
Sorry I can't make the meeting - hope it will be a good one despite
my absence' I have to be involved in the courses I have created or
else.
/s/ Steve
P.S. Gay German said that Steve McRae would like to work on salt
issue - does he still?
Meeting with Mr. Dingman, Ithaca D.P.W. 9 Sept. 1975
Q. How often is salt spread? A. Whenever there is an adherence
of ice or snow to road surface.
Q. How much salt is spread? A. 700 tons plus or minus depending
upon severity of winter.
Q. Are there "priority" salt routes? A. Yes, Mitchell, Buffalo,
State Streets, etc. plus all bus routes.
Q. Is only salt used? A. No, mostly salt (NaCl) but some CaCl and
cinders used on roads with a surface that cannot take the con-
stant freezing and thawing.
Q. Does salting cost lives? A. No, it saves lives. Bare pavement
policy reduces accidents.
Q. There is supporting research which indicates bare pavement policy
can be fatal when the driver hits an unsalted roadway at too high
a speed! A. This cannot be definitely proven.
Q. What is direct cost of salting to City? A. Difficult to deter-
mine. $35,000 is average cost of cinders and salt
$113,000 is total average budget for snow removal
$75,000 labor
Q. Where does the salt come from? A. Lowest bidder but generally
Cargill due to transportation costs.
Q. Why not cinders or sand? A. Cleanup costs too high and they do
not provide bare pavement. Bare pavement policy increases each
year with traffic demand. No salt is used on Commons, walks or
parking garages - tends to destroy concrete.
Q. Do you apply salting costs to street tree replacement? Roadwork?
Bridge Repair? Vehicle deterioration? A. It has not been di-
rectly proven that salt kills vegetation. Some roadwork and
bridge repair are a result of salt damage. Proper highway plan-
ning should minimize these effects. Vehicles can be washed and
properly treated to tolerate road salt. Driving a private vehicle
on a salted public road is an owner risk.
Q. What would happen if an individual sued the city for salt damages
to private property? A. It would be appealed many times over
- 3 - September 16, 1975
and if city lost the salting costs would skyrocket due to new
insurance charges to protect the city against law suits.
Q. What about ecological effects and health hazards? A. Ecological
effects are not definitely proven. Proper highway design can
minimize these. There are lots worse roadway chemicals than
NaCl that get into groundwater and the environment (asbestos, etc.).
Q. What are the alternatives? A. Ethylene glycol perhaps (unre-
searched and expensive) "Progress" is difficult to reverse - use
of salt will continue.
Final words:
Sane salting is the answer. Public demand will make determination -
whatever course results in the greatest public convenience not who
makes the most noise!
FINI!
Mike Hall moved that a letter be written to D.E.C. for information
on the subject. Seconded by Gay German.
Carried
Mike Hall will write the letter and investigate further.
Solid Waste:
Nancy Meyer reported the Tri- County Committee studying the resource
recovery plant is still meeting monthly and working toward the con-
struction of the plant. The site has not been chosen and such things
as use of the fuel have yet to be settled. Cornell indicates some
interest in the use of the fuel but such things as the truck nuisance
on city streets have still to be settled. Another possibility for
fuel use would be N.Y.S. E. $ G.
Composting:
The Commission discussed the possibility of using leaves collected
by the city for composting. Also under discussion is the disposal
of limbs, trees, etc. for firewood or some other useful purpose.
Several methods for use and disposal of each product was discussed.
Gay German said she would investigate methods as now used and report
to the Commission at a later date.
Bicentennial:
John Shisler distributed copies of American Issues Forum to each
Commissioner. He strongly recommended the Commission involve itself
in a Bicentennial project. He related incidents of groups seeking
information for their projects and cited examples of lack of infor-
mation or interest in such projects and groups. A discussion of the
advisability of the Commission conducting such a project followed.
There were no concrete suggestions for such a project. It was felt
- 4 - September lo, 1975
some thought should be put to suggestions for a Project. It was
moved by Jon Simons that Bicentennial Project be put on the Agenda
of the Commission at the October meeting. Seconded - Gay German.
Carried
Mike Hall reported he contacted Mr. Noel Desch at Cornell concerning
use of fuel at the heating plant. Mr. Desch stated that to his
knowledge no consideration has been given to the use of fuel other
than coal in the foreseeable future.
Meeting adjourned 9:00 P.M. Moved, John Shisler: seconded by
Jon Simons.
Joy Daley, Chairman
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman
Gay German
John Shisler
Stephen Shauger
ABSENT:
:MIc 1 Hall
Joaathan Simons
OTHERS PRESENT:
Steve McRae
MINUTES:
7:30 P.M.
October 21, 1975
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the Minutes.of the September 16,
1975 meeting.
By Gay German: seconded by John Shisler.
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 16, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded.
Carried
Films
Chairman Daley reported that the movies on the Commons were well re-
ceived. The first Thursday night there were about 30 people there. The
second Thursday night it was pouring,rain, but Alderman :Meyer reported
to Chairman Daley that she had a good crowd under the covered portion of
the Mall.
Chairman Daley asked to consider the possibility of each member taking
two (2) Thursdays each, during the next summer to show the movies. A
sign explaining what was happening; who was sponsoring the movies, etc.
would be advisable. Possibly the Journal would advertise these movies
under Events, or Odds and Ends in the Leisure section.
Stephen Shauger asked if it would be advisable to show the movies in
different areas? Possibly Stewart Park?
Chairman Daley commented that it would be a good idea since Stewart Park
is well used during the summer. Also there might be too much construc-
tion going on at the Commons with the Caldwell project under way. Possi-
bly we could get the Pavilion at Stewart Park. It might be a good idea
if we could work together in twos because of moving the equipment from
place to place, etc.
Salt
Stephen Shauger reported that he has literature on the subject and there
is more on the way. He is trying to get more background on what he has
already found out about road salting and 'how this could appear to us in
Ithaca. What we really need is somebody's recommendation or, where we
should go with the information once we have it. What position we should
take on it and who we should aim it at. On Thursday the County Environ-
mental Management Council will be discussing road salting.
Discussion followed regarding this meeting, and what position the Environ-
r,�,enta.l Commission should take on this issue.
- 2 - _October 21, 1975
Leaves - Tree Wood
Chairman Daley asked. Gay German if she had a chance to check with the
City to find out what they do with their leaves.
Gay German commented that she didn't understand what she was to find
out. She further stated that she had been trying to reach Ed Lynch all
weer; but he doesn't return any calls. 'tic is in charge of the trees.
Chairman Daley stated that Mr. Lynch is very busy and goes to work
very early in the morning.
Stephen Shauger asked if you do reach him, will you try to get the leaves
composted some way or other?
Gay replied that she thought she was supposed to be finding out if
there is any way to schedule the tree cutting and whether or not there
would be any rule against people coming in to take the firewood away in-
stead of taking it to the landfill, or maybe even having a private
enterprise take it away.
Chairman Daley commented that the leaves are not taken to the landfill -
they are dumped somei,,,here.
Gay German remarked that she thought they were taken to the southwest
park and used as mulch.
Chairman Daley stated that she understood that they were dumped, and
could they be made available to the public if they wanted to use the
I
eaves.
Leaves aren't the problem that the trees are.
Gay German suggested that they get the schedule and have it printed in
the paper saying This tree is going to be cut down and if you want
firewood you go to that particular place to get it."
Chairman Daley added that there is a question of liability and other
factors to consider, as to whether the firewood can be left for the
public.
Stephen Shauger made the suggestion that you get good cooperation if
You go to the employees doing the work, first, and see what they think
of your suggestion. With that information, go to Mr. Lynch.
More discussion followed.
Film List
Chairman Daley asked if another copy of the film list was obtained.
Gay German replied "no." It was decided to get together and decide
what course of action to take.
Association of the Area Beautification Council
Chairman Daley commented that the Association of the Area Beautification
Council is on as "Old Business" because we' usually have somebody in
attendance at these meetings and she has been involved in a project that
they were trying to get off the ground concerning shade trees.
Mrs. Mulholland seemed to think that as far as the Council is concerned
they can't get a chairman and there were only five (5) who offered to
serve on the Committee - two of these were people who are very much
committed to Circle Greenway - so it would be impossible. Thev are
planning a publicity campaign - trying to get people to plant curb side
trees. The project will consist of seminars on trees in the fall and then
something at their Spring Festival on Care of Trees. Also publicity
trying to get people to do private plantings.
- 3 -
Swimming at Stewart Park
October 21, 1975
Stephen Shauger asked what happened with the Stewart Park Swimming
Project.
Chairman Daley replied that the Board of Public Woks ;noted a little
"seed" money and they are going to do a study. For our part of it -
idichael Hall had someone go out and take soil tests at the site across
from Stewart Park - at that point. The conclusion was that it is as
bad, if not worse. If that is going to be developed, it will have to
be used for something else. It isn't in the plan with the State. As
far as Stewart Park is concerned, they have given $10,000. to do a
studyfor development of swimming. No one came up with a concrete plan
at the meeting which Mrs. Daley attended. The question was raised if
Chairman Daley was sure the amount was $10,000. to study this projoct.
Chairman Daley wasn't absolutely sure but stated it could be researched
in the Board of Public Works minutes.
New Business
Bicentennial Projects
Chairman Daley asked–if — anyone came up with a terrific idea for a
Bicentennial Project? Chairman Daley remarked that there doesn't seem
to be any people to work on this. People are involved. in their own
projects. The City Bicentennial Commission was more or less appointed
to coordinate these projects - not to do them. The City Federation of
Women's Clubs are planning a Quilt Show - which is a large undertaking.
They have received money from the N.Y.S. Council for the Arts, who con-
sider this show a form of Art - so they are going to do a slide show.
If we do come up with a project - it will have to have a Chairman and
a lot of organization - which means that someone will have to give an
awful lot of time.
Stephen Shauger stated that he thought they should support some of the
existing projects that need 'help. There is no sense creating all of
these Bicentennial projects - fragmenting our efforts - and nothing
comes of any of it.
Chairman Daley stated that there were twenty (20)announced Bicentennial
Projects -
Stephen Shauger suggested that they find out how many valid projects are
left and pick one or two to work or.. The Circle Greenway is of particu-
lar interest to him because it will be a lasting project and it involves
the City and the Town and a lot of people.
The Groton group is involved with shade trees, according to Chairman
Daley, but money is a big factor (or rather the lack of it.)
Gay German commented that she has a list of suggestions for the possible
bicentennial project. She will get the list to Chairman Daley who will
have it reproduced and mailed out to the Commissioners, hopefully with
the Minutes. Chairman Daley said she will check to find out which of
the listed projects are still going and which have fallen by the wayside.
Water Stud
Gay German asked what had become of the water study.
Stephen Shauger commented that part of it was included in the Greenway
project.
COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Daley reported that she has received a publication entitled
"Environment Monthly." The Commission is being invited to enter a
bicentennial project for Communities under 15,000 etc. Entry fee is
$50.00. Chairman Daley asked if the Commissioners felt that this would
be worth the entry fee to enter? It would mean getting by the City Con-
troller and Common Council because we don't have that kind of expendi-
ture money in our budget. "his means that we would have to go to the
City Council and ask if we could. take $50.00 out of our budget. It would
be tough, to explain why we want to enter.
- 4 - October 21, 1975
Chairman Daley also reported that the National Trails Symposium is
scheduled for November, if someone would like to attend that.
The E.P.L. Convention will be held in Canandaigua October 24, 25 & 26.
Chairman Daley thought she could go for one day. If anyone else would
like to go - the expenses will be reimbursed. The program is a Land
Use but Workshops will be offered on other topics.
Mrs. Daley read a letter as follows:
Dear Ms. Daley,
The Public Service Department at 1,1VBR -F;,1 offers free publicity to human
service organizations. We would- like to familiarize area residents with
the kinds of assistance your organization provides, how they can best
take advantage of what you offer and how they car. contact you when they
need to do so. WVBR -FM invites your organization to send us information
regarding your activities, prcgra:iis and upcoming special events. We
will prepare a short public service announcement containing the informa-
tion you have sent us and see that they are aired as frequently as
possible. WVBR -FM hopes to help you reach the people you serve. If you
need any additional information please feel free to contact 11,.e at the
station any time. Phone number and name are listed on the letter.
Be advised that this service exists and if you want to take advantage of
it, Chairman Daley will get in touch with `I1VBR -FM.
Chairman Daley read a letter from the New York State Department of En-
vironmental Conservation:
Dear Ms. Daley,
I see in the 1974 Annual Report for the Ithaca Conservation Commission
that you are now Chairman. The feeling comes to me that there has been
quite a turnover in membership. We have not heard from your Commission
in quite some time and our mail list is out of date. Will you please
send an up to date list of Commissioner members? This is used in New
York State Environment and Conservation Commission bulletins and other
mailings. Thank you for your assistance.
Chairman Daley reported that she has consistently sent mailing lists to
this Department.
Chairman Daley up -dated her list of telephone numbers with those members
who were present.
Motion for Adiournment
By John Shisler: seconded by Gay German.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
Joy Daley, Chairman
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. November 18, 1975
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman, Gay German, Jonathan Simons and Stephen Shauger
ARSUNIT
Michael Hall and John Shisler
MINUTES:
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the Minutes of the October 21,
1975 meeting.
By Jon Simons: seconded by Gay German.
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the October 21, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded.
Carried
Leaves - Tree Wood
Gay German reported on her conversation with Mr. Ed. Lynch. Mr. Lynch
gave her a few facts concerning discarding of wood from trees which are
removed, also leaves from city parks, etc. as follows:
If people ask for the wood from a tree in front of their house, he
will leave it on the curb for 5 days for them to pick it up, then he
hauls it away to a specific location.
People often ask him for wood when they call to report that a tree
needs to come down.
Seemingly there is no schedule for cutting them down.
All of the wood is used (except willow and elm) for heating mainten-
ance buildings at the Golf course, City cemetery and Stewart Paris
attendent's houses. Anything left is piled at the Willow Ave. office.
People are free to take it and sometimes stop and ask, but he doesn't
want to advertise it because they would end up taking everything,
including the topsoil.
Leaves from city parks and city Christmas trees are used as mulch to
raise the level of Southwest Park.
Chips from stumps of trees are used around playground equipment and
for mulch. Ms. German also reported on her conversation with Mr.
Jack Dougherty who is in charge of gathering leaves from city streets.
He advised that some from Cornell, Cayuga sleights, East Hill and some
of South Hill go to the Cornell Plantation.
The rest go to half a dozen individuals by request and to Southwest
Park. Discussion followed concerning the fact that leaves have not
been collected from the streets this year.
Salt
Stephen Shauger reported that he was able to find very little in the
way of valid research on how salt affects the roadside - in the Cornell
Library.
Mr. Shauger also reported that he wrote to the Massachusetts Audubon
Society which sent the article entitled "Has Salt Lost Favor ? ". The
article will be attached to the minutes of this meeting.
Mr. Shauger commented that there is a great deal of information about
how salt affects ground water.
More discussion followed concerning salt.
Resolution
1', y S t c r. S . -,r. onded G ti -Jn
{i {'.. t {le tI: ;0 0 I. t. to cI lays is ;7 trib:.lt
- 2 - November 18, 1975
in the corrosion of vehicles, and
WHEREAS, The level of salt in streams, rivers, and lakes has been
rising in recent years and in many public water supplies
the level has increased above that permissible for low
sodium diets, and
WHEREAS, Salting roads does not appear to be significantly cheaper
than other methods of ice and snow removal, and
WHEREAS, Salt can cause some damage to roadways and bridges, and
WHEREAS, The levels of salt in the soil and near roadways are suffi-
ciently high to damage vegetation, especially trees such as
maples, elms and pines,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission of
the City of Ithaca recommends to Common Council that they
re- evaluate the use of salt as a means of winter street
maintenance.
Carried
Bicentennial
Chairman Daley checked three projects or, the list of Bicentennial
suggestions which she felt an Environmental Committee would be in-
volved in. The shade tree issue is not a dead issue, as was pre-
viously indicated. A meeting was held recently with NL�rserymen and
Landscape contractors, discussing types of trees and whether materials
would be available if there was considerable interest.
The Seminar that the Beautification Council
off until December lst. Chairman Daley sug
good for all to make a note of it. At this
plaining the Beautification project - also
trees. There will be a panel and the Shnde
be explained.
is planning, has been put
Bested that it would be
Seminar they will be ex-
general information on
Tree Commission . -ill also
Chairman Daley commented that the Circle Greenway Project sounds
like the best project because it is the city's "official" project and
it will be long lasting. It means the cooperation of the Town, which
lends itself to cooperating with our neighbors.
Chairman Daley explained that Beth Mulholland telephoned her, asking
if the Environmental Commission would have time to have someone come
from the Circle Greenway to explain that project. Mrs. Mulholland
will be at our December meeting and will explain Circle Greenway to us.
Chairman Daley suggested that the Environmental Commission hold off
making a decision as to their Bicentennial project until they hear
from the Circle Greenway committee.
Goals
Chairman Daley stated that one of the Environmental Commission's
functions is to keep an updated list of Environmental Organizations.
We should be trying to come up with a list.
Gay German agreed to go through the organization file at the library
to pick out those listed there.
Chairman Daley stated that other functions of this Commission also
include land use, green spaces inventory, etc. The Planning Department
will have to help out if we are to do the green spaces inventory.
Stephen Shauger commented that the Planning Department should have a
list of the neighborhood parks.
aur.ti;., :. • >tt.+f.iueA' ... , _ .. �_-.. yh..: _.. e.r.�.Xwi.._..'.�: ._ .......,. ....,......_ ...��.� ,. .� .. �.. _...�.._.... .. �... .. . ...,�.._.. .____.__... ___ _.__...__. ._...__ . _ _ _
- 3 - November 18, 1975
Gay German made the suggestion that area parks might be a good
Bicentennial project.
Discussion followed concerning what should be done with DeWitt Park.
Chairman Daley agreed to approach the Planning Department concerning
the green spaces inventory, for help.
Chairman Daley stated that Aldermen Nancy Meyer and Bob Boothroyd are
the two liaison people between our committee and Common Council. We
will be working through them.
E.P.L. Conference
Chairman Daley reported on her attendance at the.E P.L. Conference.
It was mostly on Land Use. The Workshop which she did attend on
Energy was terrific.
Motion for Adjournment
By Jonathon Simons: seconded by Gay German
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Joy Daley, Chairman
r,___
W
F
ENVIROMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New.York
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman
Michael Hall
Stephen Shauger
Gay German
Nancy Meyer, Alderman
7:30 p.m.
ABSENT - EXCUSED
John S isler, Jonathan Simons
GAY GERMAN - OATH OF OFFICE
May 20, 1975
City Clerk Rundle issued the oath of office for the Environmental
Commission to Gay German, term to expire December 31, 1976.
MINUTES
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the minutes of the April 22,
1975 meeting.
By Stephen Shauger: seconded by Michael Hall
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 22, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded by the City Clerk.
Carried
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Bikeways:
Michael Hall reported that he talked to Joe Gentily and he had very
little to report. He stated that within the next month he would
get together with Mr. Gentily and Mr. Van Cort and see if they
should write another article on Bikeways to keep interest up.
Chairman Daley commented that she felt that the Commission should
be trying an educational approach to the Bikeways. Chairman Daley
stated her concern that everyone will think it is a good idea but
nothing will get done.
Alderman Meyer commented that resolutions should be sent to the
Planning & Development Committee.
By Gay German: seconded by Stephen Shauger
RESOLVED, By the Environmental Commission of the City of Ithaca,
that Common Council be asked to direct the City Planning & Develop-
ment Committee to implement and proceed with the Bikeway Project.
Carried
Recycling
Alderman Nancy Meyer commented on having solid waste disposal as a
fall project after a report from the Board of Public Works. Alder-
man Meyer further felt that the Commission can not do the work all
the time, and should get the project going then turn it over to
other interested groups.
Central File System
Chairman Daley reported that Martha Howard is working ari,the-
old minutes and a system for filing the Environmental Commission
-2- May 20; 1975 '
41
minutes correspondences and any business having to do with the
Commission.
Educational Campaign
Chairman Daley asked if the Commission wanted to continue with the
educational aspects of recycling, bikeways and other projects.
Chairman Daley commented that the Commission could try to get some
films and send letters to organizations that could help with the
campaign, and projects.
Alderman Meyer commented on the possibility of using Channel 2 to
educate the public.
Alderman Meyer reported that the Mayor wanted some posters from
the Commission to be taken to the N.Y.S. Conference of Mayors at
which he will be appointed President. Alderman Meyer commented
that she has a slide projector and if anyone has any good slides
they could use the projector to show them at the conference.
Report on Salt
Alderman Meyer remarked that she has a report that was given to
her two years ago on the quantity of salt we use and asked if anyone
wanted to read it and maybe do something on it at a later date.
Stephen Shauger reported to the Commission that he wrote a letter
to the Journal in regards to the road salts, and felt that this
would be a good project to follow. Mr. Shauger commented that
this salt all runs -off and is a definite health hazard which
something should be done about.
University of Wisconsin Arboretum
Alderman Meyer commented that she had a booklet that explains how
the University of Wisconsin Arboretum works. There are nature walks
and other ideas for Cass Park and other parks.
Public Access to Cable Television
Gay German reported that the meeting on public access to cable
television will be at the Library downstairs at7:30 p.m. on the
21st of May.
Soil Samples Outcome
Michael Hall reported that the soil samples from the south end
of Cayuga Lake were put into a report and sent to John Comerford
as a research project from Cornell. This report confirms the
suspicion that the swimming would not be very good on the west -
southwest corner of the lake.
Meeting through the Summer
Chairman Daley asked if it would be convenient for her to call,or
have each person call her if they are not going to be at the
meetings.
Everyone decided to call if they knew they would not be able to
make it to a meeting.
Posters Around Town
Mayor Conley talked to Chairman Daley about posters out on the
Commons, hoping that there is something that can be done about
this problem. There is an ordinance pertaining to some kinds of
posters, but there needs to be enforcement.
-3- May 20, 1975
Supplies
Some suggestions were made pertaining to needed supplies and the
breakdown of the budget.
Supporting Legislations
Stephen Shauger felt that the Commission should go on record
supporting or rejecting legislations, for example the bottle
legislation.
Chairman Daley explained that the City Clerk's office has sent
out letters on legislations and that bottle legislation was one
of the issues.
Roberta Lynch Presentation
Chairman Daley reported that the presentation to Roberta Lynch
did not turn out as she had planned. The Mayor, Ms. Lynch and
herself were the only ones there with no news media or radio
coverage.
DeWitt Park
Gay German reported on some alternatives that were talked about
as possibilities for improving the conditions of DeWitt Park.
Gay German felt that it would be nice to support the resolution
made at this meeting.
Chairman Daley asked why the memorial was in the middle of the
park.
Gay German stated that there are going to be two more memorials
put in for the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Michael Hall stated that he would get in touch with Mr. Gentily on
the Bikeways and if anyone had any ideas that they should get in
touch with him or Mr. Gentily.
Environmental Management Council
Gay German was asked to attend the next meeting.
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Joy Daley, Chairman
Environmental Commission
Regular
PRESENT
Joy Daley, Chairman
Gay German
Stephen Shauger
Pdichael Hall
Jonathan Simons
OTHERS PRESENT:
Alderman, Nancy Meyer
ABSENT:
Jo Shisler
MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL CaMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
7:30 p.m. June 17, 1975
By Jonathan Simon: seconded by Stephen Shauger
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 20, 1975 meeting be approved as recorded
by the City Clerk.
Carried
BIKEWAYS
Michael Hall reported that Mr. Gentilly has no more active interests in the
Bikeways, except that Mr. Gentilly's group did the report and would like to see
it carried to completion.
Michael Hall suggested that at the next meeting of the Environmental Commission
that a decision should be made as to how much progress has been made on the
Bikeways.
:.
Chairman Joy Daley, reported that Chuckie Erkslavin, who is 13 years old and
thrilled to be able to attend the Environmental Camp. Mrs. Daley reported that
the money has been sent for the boy's attendance. The fee was $14.00, coming
from the Environmental Commission's budget. (travel account)
Cornell Conservation Club Bill
Chairman Joy Daley reported that the Environmental Comm. owes Cornell Conserva-
tion Club $8.95 for printing, and that will come out of the office supplies account
of the budget.
Bond for $18.75
Chairman Joy Daley reported that the check is written for the bond presented to
the winner of the Logo contest.
By Michael Hall: seconded by Jonathan Simons
RESOLVED, That $18.75 be taken out of the budget for payment of a bond presented
to the winner of the Logo contest.
Carried
Alderman Meyer commented that stationary has to be printed up on the winner's
presentation.
Cornell Conservation Club Study
Chairman Daley presented the letter from Prof. Reese to the Environmental Comm.
The letter recommends that the Envirorvnental Comm. try to involve themselves in
2 - June 17, 1975
something that will get more public attention.
Alderman Meyer suggested that the Environmental Commission should identify when
the Environmental Comm. has initiated a project. Discussion was held on the
Shade Tree Committee and the salt used in the winter on the streets.
Chairman Joy Daley said that Judy Benedict is the liason to the Shade Tree Com-
mittee for the Planning Department.
Waterways
Gay German reported that Emanuel Carter did a study of Ithaca creeks and canals
and how they could be improved.
Chairman Daley said that possibly both Judy Benedict and Emanuel Carter could come
to a Environmental Comm. meeting together.
Publicity
Discussion was held regarding the possibility of starting more publicity for pro-
jects done by the Environmental Commission or initiated by the Environmental
Commission, and the possibility of appointing a publicity chairman. Chairman Joy
Daley said it may need more professionalism than she could contribute. Chairman
Daley said that most of the members do not have the time to do this. A suggestion
was made to spread the job among all the commission members.
Workshop at whiteface Mountain.
Chairman Joy Daley asked if anyone would be able to go to the Workshop in Whiteface
Mountain for a week in July. New York State Electric and Gas is the only organ-
ization that Environmental Comm. belongs to and the only organization of the
Environmental Council.
Michael Hall said that he would be unable to attend the workshop for the whole week
but he would try to go for a day or so.
Solid Waste
Alderman Meyer commented that she talked to Donald Walsh at the Mayor's Conference
on Solid Waste. Alderman Meyer said she will be going down again in the fall and
Mr. Walsh will be sending some consultants to study the problem in the Ithaca area.
By Michael Hall: seconded by Gay German
RESOLVED, that Mr. Donald Walsh of the Mayor's Conference be invited to attend a
meeting of the Environmental Commission.
Carried
Alderman Ateyer said she would write or contact Mr. Walsh to see when he could
attend a meeting.
Swimming at Cayuga Lake
Michael Hall reported that he has talked to Mr. Comerford and he said there is a
lot of sediment at that end of the lake. There would be a lot of expense involved
in cleaning it up.
Projects
Discussion was held regarding the projects in progress and whether to start new
projects with the old ones still ,mfini;shed.
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Joy Daley, Chairman
Environmental Commission
ENVIROWENTAL COM.IISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, N. Y.
Regular "-leeting 7 :30 p.m. July 15, 1975
PRESENT
Joy Daley, Chairman
Gay German
Michael ball
John Shisler
ABSENIT:
Stephen Shauger
Jonathan Simons
OTHERS PRESE 4'T:
Alderman, Nancy Meyer
MINUTES:
By Mike Hall: seconded by Gay German
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 17, 1975 meeting be approved with the
following addition: Nancy Meyer was requested to contact Ray Shuler.
By P•Iichael Hall: seconded by Gay German
RESOLVED, That Alderman :fancy"Meyer write a letter to ?Mr. Raymond Shuler, Head
of Department of Transportation, to see if he could come to an Environmental Com-
mission meeting (not necessarily the regular meeting date) to discuss the new
route 96.
Carried"
Carried
Report on Route 96
Aldeimian Nancy Meyer reported she has received an answer to her letter to paymond
Shuler, that he would not be able to come to an Environmental Commission Meeting.
Bikeways
Mike Hall reported that he leas spoken to the City Planning Department, and they are
in the process of reviewing the technical report, submitted by the Cornell University
Class of graduate landscape architecture concerning the bikeways. Based on the
bikeways report, they are going to the Planning Board next week to recommend imple-
mentation of the bikeways system. It is up to the Planning Board at that point to
decide how much and how soon we will accomplish the project. They are also in Pre-
liminary stage of talks with the town, and the Sicentennigl committee concernin(i
integrating the bikeway system with town plans, and possibly with bicentennial projects.
There has been sorie talk with New York State to tie their bikewav system in with
the city of Ithaca "s. It is the feeling that within the next month and a half there
will be some substantial development on the bikeway system. Mike Mall recommended
that the Environmental Commission write a letter to tiie Plannine Board, further rein-
forcing the Lnvirorriental Conunissions support in the hikeways project.
Chairman Joy Daley coranented that she would see that something
en
is sent to them by
next Tuesday.
Solid Waste
Alderman ancy Meyer commented that Solid Waste would be a very good thing to get into
this year. Aldvrnian Meyer said that Pon Walsh, is one of the key people. 'Tr. l'alsh
is the lawyer for the Conference of P'ayors. Alderman 'Meyer said that , Ir. I.'alsh is
interested in helping her push on some other alternatives. There is a tri- county
study that has been goint on for about six months wit:. ?Ir. 'Ic: ;cal, and they have teen
working dvith Frank Ligouri. First the idea was to, take our trash to `Rilliken
Station and burn it; now they have shifted their ideas to Cornell, to Fet the trash
- 2 -
going up to Cornell. Alderman i,ieyer said she is going to attend a meeting on this
on Thursday. The city at this point does not feel they should be involved in this
until they get further along in the study. Alderman 'Meyer said she disagrees, if
eventually because solid waste is a County problem, the city should start thinking
about these alternatives now. Alderman 'Meyer said she thinks the city budget has
something to do with type of equip:�ent and personnel required. - '%lderman ".eyer
cornnented on the different issues that have to be considered if there is going to
be a solid waste program in Ithaca.
Alderman Heyer remarked that she would like to see this matter go to a committee or
have 14r. Brown, or someone, core down to the Department of Public Forks to speak on
the solid waste considerations.
Three counties involved are: Tompkins, Cayuga and Cortland.
Alderman Meyer stated that it costs 40¢ a mile to go to the landfill area, which is
17 miles away.
Salt and Shade Tree Committee
Chairman Joy Daley commented that she has talked to Judith Benedict of the Planning
Department regarding; the Salt and Shade Tree Committee. Chairman Daley stated that
there has been no sub - com;iiittee formed to work with on this problem. Chairman Daley
said the Shade Tree Committee is interested in this problem, but they are not going
to go into it further. Chainian Daley said they should wait until Stephen Shauger
comes back to work on this further.
New York State Association of Conservation Commissions Conference
Chairman Daley reported that there will be a New York State Association of Conser-
vation Commissions Conference on October 18, 1975, probably on a Saturday. Chairman
Daley said she has not received the details on the conference, but it is a good
opportunity to become informed. Chairman Daley said probably there would be a brief
meeting Friday, an indepth meeting on Saturday, a workshop Saturday night, and a
brief meeting Sunday morning.
Chairman Daley said that she has received from the New York State Environmental
Council, a memo saying that the Commission is not doing their duty, and they had
better. Chairman Daley said she would take care of that matter.
� _.
Filmsp Environmental Impact
Alderman ;Meyer said that she has the Environmental Impact films,,requested, and there
could be an informal meeting at her house to go over the films.
Meeting Adjournment
By Mike Hall: seconded by John Shisler
RESOLVED, That the meeting be adjourned at 8 :15 p.m.
Joy Daley
Environmental Commission Chairman
. r
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman
Michael Hall
S tephen Shauger
Gay German
Jonathan Simons
ABSENT:
John Shisler
OTHERS PRESENT:
Alderman, Nancy Meyer
MINUTES
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
7:30 P.M.
August 19, 1975
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the minutes of the July 15, 1975 meeting with the
addition of the word "list" after films on page 2.
By Jonathan Simons: seconded by Stephen Shauger
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 15, 1975 meeting be approved as corrected and
recorded by the City Clerk.
Carried
Films
Chairman Daley commented that they were to get together and choose films they thought
would be appropriate for television and that no films have been cleared for T. V. at
this point.
Stephen Shauger asked what criteria does it have to be to safisfy the community.
Gay German answered practically any film can be cleared for T. V.
Chairman Daley commented one film was a Disney film, and that they have all the
copyrights so they would not be able to show it.
Gay German remarked that she wrote a letter and hadn't received a reply yet.
Chairman Daley asked if they should contact Channel 2 and ask them for films. She said
they show films and do have a couple that are cleared for T. V., but said she has not
seen environmental films on Channel 2.
Stephen Shauger commented that there is a lot of films produced by State Agencies that
are authorized to do this.
Gay German added that this list was from the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation.
Chairman Daley commented that they were really sort of can films and that there was a
list that they got from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. They don't
have to worry about clearance, just that some of them are copyrights like the Disney film.
Chairman Daley said if they write to the State there is usually no charge and they have
done this with "Keep America Beautiful" and all they had to pay for was the shipping.
They must reserve the film and there is always a waiting list anyway. Chairman Daley said
they will look into that, and said that she would keep the name so they know who to contact.
Chairman Daley commented that she was interested in solid waste and said she had read in the
Ithaca Journal that Cornell decided that they could not use the trash for the fuel, but
they didn't explain that they were going to continue to seek another source or what was
going to happen, and is interested in it because she thinks it would be an ideal project.
Stephen Shauger asked if this was just an idea or was it something that is being seriously
considered.
Chairman Daley said it was being seriously considered, and said Alderman Meyer had gone
to serveral meetings and she reported that there was an upcoming meeting in the next few
days. She had read in the paper, and had heard on the radio and T. V. also, that Cornell
-2-
said it was too expensive and that they couldn't use it, but they didn't explain if the
committee would continue to try to find another source and said originally Cornell
thought they might use the fuel.
Michael Hall commented that he knew that it was Milliken Station and that he would look
into that and would be interested in knowing what their long term plans are for the
station and how they are going to get the fuel there.
Chairman Daley added that when they had the run -off problem and they had considered gas,
but with the energy crises they decided against that, and its particular type of coal,
but he didn't say that in the future they were not going to use coal.
Report on Salt
Chairman Daley commented that the Shade Tree Committee is not forming a committee to study
the salt question or they haven't done anything about it. They said that it is a problem
and if they wanted to work on it, it would be up to them.
Tri- County Studv
Chairman Daley asked about the Tri- County and asked if they found another use for fuel.
Alderman Meyer commented that there was going to be a meeting on Thursday and that she will
not be albe to attend. She added the meeting will be in Frank Ligorie's office on
Implementation of the Tri - County and that it is their monthly meeting. She said what
they have in their minds now is to go to Cornell.
Chairman Daley said they reported at the last meeting and it came out in the news media
that Conrell said they couldn't participate is this project.
Alderman Meyer commented that if they don't go to Cornell they will probably find some
other alternative. She said the City DPW feels that it is none of their business
until things are at a very final stage because they feel that solid waste is a County
problem and not their problem. She said in terms of who receives it and what is done
to it, in her mind related to how you take it there and what you do with it before you
take it to that last step. She feels it is important to have contact with them so that
they can plan for that last step, and would really like someone to go to the meeting and
to call her when she gets back, because she is going to be in touch with Ken Brown and
Don Walsh. If they can program the Cityperse into any other alternatives, they are
going to investigate that possibility, either for the situation as it exists now or
for the future, and to try to encourage them to start _-thinking. If you get certain kinds
of equipment, that equipment helps program it into one solution, which might be taking
it out to the landfill. If you start thinking in terms of other concepts, then you
might start thinking in terms of other equipment. Papers not in good shape now, glass is
going, but metal is something that needs to be investigated. She is waiting for Fall and
getting in touch with the Mayor's Conference people.
Chairman Daley said she would try to attend the meeting and would stay as long as she could.
Route 96
Alderman Meyer commented that she has talked to Connie Cook and she said it is time to get
another meeting. She said they have to express this point of view before they get too far
on the design stage so they know people care about those other alternatives. One is the
visual impact on the kind of bridge they build, and the second is whether or not they need
expressways or whether or not they need boulevards. Alderman Meyer said she would like
to see boulevards or parkways rather than no access highways.
Files
Chairman Daley commented that she hasn't talked to Chucky Erlexben or Martha Howard, but
said Martha was going to work on the file all summer long and that she would try to have
something by the next meeting.
Stephen Shauger commented that they had discussed the films and was wondering about the
slides for the game committees for the highschool physics.
Alderman Meyer said it could be done for television, and that they have to get it together
and said the Environmental Commission may sponsor it. Alderman Meyer said she would
consider it for September, and said when they had the opening of the Commons, somebody came
to the Commons Advisory Board and asked if they could show slides or films on the side of
Rothschilds building. She thought it was a good idea, and thought it was a possibility,
-3-
and asked if they could take the films from the library. She said she would be willing to
run them, if they were willing to order them. She said she was willing to put a press
release to run in the paper as an Environmental Commission sponsored thing, and said
on Thursday evening she will take it to the Commons Advisory Board.
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
Joy Daley, Chairman
Environmental Commission
Minutes - Environmental Commission -
Present: Mike Hall
J.on Simons
Gay German
John Shisler
Joy Daley
Excused: R. Stephen Shauger
Others present: Alderman Nancy Meyer
Approval of Minutes
September 16, 1975
Motion by Jan Simons: seconded by John Shisler
Carried
Films:
Gay German reported that she andNancy Meyer had made arrangements
to show environmental films on the Commons for two Thursdays, the
18th and 25th. Films have been obtained and publicity given to
these films. A discussion followed on a list of films to be cleared
and shown on Public access T.V. Gay German has received a list of
producers for the films and we will get together and select films
that we are interested in getting clearance on so that they may be
shown on T.V.
File:
Joy Daley reported that she had spoken to Martha Howard about the
central file. She is working on it but the help she expected did
not materialize and therefore progress has been slow.
Salt .
Mike Hall read a report compiled by Steve Shauger as follows:
This stuff is merely a partial listing of what transpired between
Mr. Dingman and me. I have not drawn any conclusions except that
I question the "sanity" of bare pavement policy on many of Ithaca's
streets. What happened to the good ole' snowplow (in two winters,
a plow has yet to scrape snow from Mitchell St.) ?;
I am not sure what approach the Commission should take on this mat-
ter. Certainly we need conclusive evidence of the toxic effects
salt has on plants and the environment. As we are charged with
public education related to our environmental ills, perhaps our
job is to inform our public just what the salt appears to be doing --
other than melting snow. Perhaps this will be a neighborhood issue
though numbers of concerned people do not seem to be a factor with
D.P.W.; greatest public convenience will be a hard nut to crack. I
am willing to work on, whatever course the Commission decides to take
on this issue. Whatever is decided, keep in mind something that
Mr. Dingman said: "the salt issue is an issue during the warm months
when people have to fix their cars and yards. When the snow starts
to fly it is a very different matter - people want to go where they
- 2 - September 16, 1975
want when they want and salt is a means to that end."
Sorry I can't make the meeting - hope it will be a good one despite
my absence! I have to be involved in the courses I have created or
else.
/s/ Steve
P.S. Gay German said that Steve McRae would like to work on salt
issue - does he still?
Meeting with Mr. Dingman, Ithaca D.P.W. 9 Sept. 1975
Q. How often is salt spread? A. Whenever there is an adherence
of ice or snow to road surface.
Q. How much salt is spread? A.
upon severity of winter.
700 tons plus or minus depending
Q. Are there "priority" salt routes? A. Yes, Mitchell, Buffalo,
State Streets, etc. plus all bus routes.
Q. Is only salt used? A. No, mostly salt (NaCl) but some CaCl and
cinders used on roads with a surface that cannot take the con-
stant freezing and thawing.
Q. Does salting cost lives? A. No, it saves lives. Bare pavement
policy reduces accidents.
Q. There is supporting research which indicates bare pavement policy
can be fatal when the drivel- hits an unsalted roadway.at too high
a speed! A. This cannot be definitely proven.
Q. What is direct cost of salting to City? A. Difficult to deter-
mine. $35,000 is average cost of cinders and salt
$113,000 is total average budget for snow removal
$75,000 labor
Q. Where does the salt come from? A. Lowest bidder but generally
Cargill due to transportation costs.
Q. Why not cinders or sand? A. Cleanup costs too high and they do
not provide bare pavement. Bare pavement policy increases each
year with traffic demand. No salt is used on Commons, walks or
parking garages - tends to destroy concrete.
Q. Do you apply salting costs to street tree replacement? Roadwork?
Bridge Repair? Vehicle deterioration? A. It has not been di-
rectly proven that salt kills vegetation. Some roadwork and
bridge repair are a result of salt damage. Proper highway plan-
ning should minimize these effects. Vehicles can be washed and
properly treated to tolerate road salt. Driving a private vehicle
on a salted public road is an owner risk.
Q. What would happen if an individual sued the city for salt damages
to private property? A. It would be appealed many times over
3 - September 16, 1975
and if city lost the salting costs would skyrocket due to new
insurance charges to protect the city against law suits.
Q. What about ecological effects and health hazards? A. Ecological
effects are not definitely proven. Proper highway design can
minimize these. There are lots worse roadway chemicals than
NaCl that get into groundwater and the environment (asbestos, etc.).
Q. What are the alternatives? A. Ethylene glycol perhaps (unre-
searched and expensive) "Progress" is difficult to reverse - use
of salt will continue.
Final words:
Sane salting is the answer. Public demand will make determination -
whatever course results in the greatest public convenience not who
.makes the most noise!
FINI!
Mike Hall moved that a letter be written to D.E.C. for information
on the subject. Seconded by Gay German.
Carried
Mike Hall will write the letter and investigate further.
Solid Waste:
Nancy Meyer reported the Tri- County Committee studying the resource
recovery plant is still meeting monthly and working toward the con-
struction of the plant. The site has not been chosen and such things
as use of the fuel have yet to be settled. Cornell indicates some
interest in the use of the fuel but such things as the truck nuisance
on city streets have still to be settled. Another possibility for
fuel use would be N.Y.S. E. $ G.
Composting:
.The Commission discussed the possibility of using leaves collected
by the city for composting. Also under discussion is the disposal
of limbs, trees, etc. for firewood or some other useful purpose.
Several methods for use and disposal of each product was discussed.
f Gay German said she would investigate methods as now used and report
to the Commission at a later date.
Bicentennial:
John Shisler distributed copies of American Issues Forum to each
Commissioner. He strongly recommended the Commission involve itself
in a Bicentennial project. He related incidents of groups seeking
information for their projects and cited examples of lack of infor-
mation or interest in such projects and groups. A discussion of the
advisability of the Commission conducting such a project followed.
There were no concrete suggestions for such a project. It was felt
I
- 4 - September 16, 1975
some thought should be put to suggestions for a project. It was
moved by Jon Simons that Bicentennial Project be put on the Agenda
of the Commission at the October meeting. Seconded - Gay German.
Carried
Mike Hall reported he contacted Mr. Noel Desch at Cornell concerning
use of fuel at the heating plant. Mr. Desch stated that to his
knowledge no consideration has been given to the use of fuel other
than coal in the foreseeable future.
Meeting adjourned 9:00 P.M. Moved, John Shisler: seconded by
Jon Simons.
Joy Daley, Chairman
t
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. October 21, 1975
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman
Gay German
John Shisler
Stephen Shauger
ABSENT:
Michael Hall
Jonathan Simons
OTHERS PRESENT:
Steve McRae
MINUTES:
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the minutes of the September 16,
1975 meeting.
By Gay German: seconded by John Shisler.
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 16, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded
Carried
Films
Chairman Daley reported that the movies on the Commons were well received.
The first Thursday night there were about 30 people there. The second
P I f l
Thursday night it was pouring but Alderman Meyer reported to Chairman
Daley that she had a good crowd under the covered portion of the Mall.
6&"44° -", consider the possibility of each member taking two (2) Thursdays
each, during next summer to show the movies? A sign explaining what was
happening; who was sponsoring the movies, etc. would be advisable.
Possibly the Journal would advertise these movies under Events, or Odds
and Ends in the Leisure section.
asked if it would be advisable to show the movies
in different areas? Possibly Stewart Park?
Chairman Daley t- t that.,would be a good idea since Stewart Park is
well used during the summer. Also there might be too much construction
going on at the Commons with the Caldwell project under way. Possibly
we could get the Pavilion at Stewart Park. It might be a good idea if
we could work together in twos because of moving the equipment from place
to place, etc.
r
Salt
the way.
- 2 - October 21, 1975
ON
airy reported that he has literaturenand there is more on
He is trying to get more background on what he has already found
out about road salting and how this could appear to us in Ithaca. What we
really need is sombody's recommendation on where we should go with the
information once we have it. What position we should take on it and who
we should aim it at. On Thursday they Environmental'�'r�,r .CQy
will be discussion road salting.
Discussion followed a4ettt this meeting, ( % t t; f i f �''t:
.:
}
We should make a decision whether or not to go on record as supporting
this bare pavement policy or an unknown alternative.
asked what about supporting - looking into the issue.
hoped that was what we would do.
stated we don't have enough evidence at the present
time to make a decision. It was agreed that by the next meeting we would
have enough information on hand.
If E.N.C. will need help later on we should support them in their
position, if they come up with a`valifd judgment also.
stated the Sierra Club is also interested in supporting
a given specific resolution. We'll probably end up seeing things pretty
much the same way.
stated that' the problem is that the facts in these
situations - at least up until '1972, which is where my information comes
from - are ambiguous. - A real trade - off - you have more snow and ice
if you don't use salt but the notion that more accidents occur is not fair.
In fact in some cases, the,'accident rate goes down, also if you use sand
you have a costly clean -up job in the spring but we found it was cheaper
to use sand and cinders than using salt.
- 4 - October 21, 1975
look into - but it could be the case of not seeing amage now but we
still may be approaching a threshold which, at some point will go over -
and at that point the rate of damage will go up.
stated that he finds it
intriguing that in all of these reports they say they can't make "salt
to" damage to vegetation and yet they suggest trees that are resistant to
salt be planted along the roads.
stated that they advise against planting Hemlocks because
salt will kill them.
Chairman Daley commented that that was one of the factors when one of the
ed
Garden Clubs (before the parking ramp was built) want /to plant in that
area - 1kRXxxxxtxAxtaxpxtxxxmxtkjxg The City stipulated that it couldn't
be planted too near the street, it can't be this, and it has to be salt
resistant. By the same token the report states that there is no proof -
apparently they are just trying to touch "all the bases."
stated that he didn't have anything further to report
but will by the next meeting s¢ we can come to a conclusion on this salt
business and hopefully support whatever ENC does.
Chairman Daley suggested if
done before the next meeti
time at the meeting.
stat
this area (salt) to co
has any recommended reading to be
it could be done beforehand so we don't waste
d that we really need an impartial expert in
in.
Chairman Daley stated that some times if you can get statistics - they say
that Ithaca has a les4 severe winter compared to the statistics - there
are so many factors Vhat enter into this or any questions.
will try to search out some of the things in this
Bibliography that s1&em really appropriate to our particular city. Some
of the articles ar4 good - not new, though. Several titles are "Salt
Contamination of Ekisting Well Supplies," Use and Effects of Highway
De -icing Salts," 11fHas Salt Lost Favor ? ", "Survey of Salt
tart and Highway De- icing."
stated that salt can cause a real medical problem
if it gets into water supplies - people who are on salt diets.
stated that salt mixed with Clorine chemicals in
the water supply are dangerous ( ?) (Sorry I couldn't understand what
this man was saying about this topic)
3 -
October 21, 1975
stated that he found in some of the reading
"soverA gn immunity" - what this means is there can be a tort if there is a
dangerous condition on public property and someone is directed to salt the �ed
road but doesn't do it - then the City or whoever is liable for damage that
incurred could be sued. This is one of the reasons why they are very re-
luctant to change the road salting policies when they have had "bare pave-
ment" policies so - by the law - if you have a wreck because the road
isn't salted or it is icy because they haven't put enough salt on it -
the City could be sued and damages collected.
Chairman Daley commented that it didn't mean that it had to be salt -
just that the pavement should be clear.
agreed - it just means that the roads have to be kept
passable.
15,000 accidents in
325 million dollars
one - B.R.) It was
argument.
Chairman Daley Comm,
on property damage
read that in the City of Chicago - salting prevents
j
the course of a year which saves the victims more than
( ?)(I'm \not sure that I heard the right amount on that
agreed that that article presented one side of the
anted that yo'14 may save on accidents but you spend it
- trees, etc.
said another angle \is there are so many hundreds of
millions of dollars which are spent each year restoring or replacing
vehicles damaged by salt - maybe this i §, a cost that should be included
in the salt.
commented that it will` ,be an interesting situation
here in Ithaca where we have the salt mine. Ie costs benefit ratio
n
may be pushed out of whack - we may also get mor\6\ opposition to chJJing
the practices now, too.
stated that Burlington spent 22% less for snow clearance
the first winter they discontinued the use of salt. You�car loses about
$100. of its value each year if you live in a salt area. Salt causes damage
to concrete highways and bridges. Estimates of average cost for vehicles
range up to $200. per vehicle every year. Also a typical suburban town
loses 50 to 100 mature road side trees per year - which can be valued at
$1,000. to $52000. each.
We consulted Larry Hamilton to find out what evidence he had seen of trees
damaged by the use of salt and he was sort of equivicated - its not striking
but apparently some of the affects accumulate so that is an area we could
5 - October 21, 1975
Also, salt dirties up the windshields so visibility isn't as good as it
should be.
asked if there are any classes At Cornell who would
be willing to undertake this study as part of th
said this would be a--feal possibility - it would
probably have to occur next spring - be,eause things are pretty much
perking along right now. It might, 6e a real good source of supplemental
information. The ENC will probably sponsor some kind of study.
article
, stated that there is one particular mRt called
"Environmental Effect of Highway De- icing" that we should get ahold of.
Chairman Daley.tientioned that there is a Conference coming up - and they
are having Workshops. She will try to go on Saturday and will bring
copies of whatever they will let her have.
Chair an Dd "I y asked Gay German if she had a chance to checkNwhat the
City 'would-do with
Gay didn't understand what she was to find out. She further stated that
she had been trying to reach Ed Lynch all week but he doesn't return
any calls. He is in charge of eaat;6 .iig a = the trees.
f rJ C,
Chairman Daley stated that Mr. Lynch is very busy goes to work very
early in the morning.
asked Gam��if .char s reach him, will you try
to get the leaves composted some way or other?
Gay replied that she thought she was supposed to be finding out if there
is any way to schedule the tree cutting and whether or not there would be
any rule against people coming in to take the firewood away instead of
taking it to the landfill - or maybe even having a private enterprise take
it away.
Chairman Daley commented that the leaves a4-eir' -t taken to the landfill -
they are dumped somewhere.
Gay German s,d she thought they were taken to the southwest park and used
as mulch. jIP
Chairman Daley stated that she understood that they ape dumpedl`� ' Could
they be made available to the public if they wanted to use the leaves?
- 6 - October 21, 1975
Leaves aren't the problem that,,trees are.
Gay German suggested that they get the schedule and have it printed in
r%
the paper saying "This tree is going to cut down and if you want firewood
you go to that place to get it."
Chairman Daley added that there is a Question of Liability and other
things as to whether they can leave the wood for the public.
made the suggestion that you get good cooperation if
you go to the employees doing the work first and see what they think of
your suggestion. With that information, go to Mr. Lynch.
More discussion followed.
Chairman Daley asked if another copy of the film list was obtained.
replied "no", -*e��t was decided to get together and
fri g U re 1
Association of the Area Beautification Council
4: iv, rd :, g
Chairman Daley s that the Assn. of the Area Beautification Council
is on as "Old Business" because we usually have somebody in attendance
at these meetings and she has been involved in a project that they were
trying to get off the ground concerning shade trees.
Mrs. Mulholland seemed to think that as far as the Council is concerned
they can't get a chairman and there were only 5 who offered to serve on
the Committee -
two
of
these were
people who
are very much committed to
Circle Greenway
- so
it
would be
impossible.
They are planning a cu-
campaign - trying to get people to plant curb side trees. The project
- 7 -
October 21, 1975
will consist of seminars on trees in the fall and then something at their
Spring Festival on Care of Trees. Also publicity trying to get people
to do private plantings.
asked what happened with the Stewart Park Swimming
�• 'pry`:.; .
Chairman Daley replied that the B.P.W. voted a little seed money and they
are going to do a study. For our part of it - Michael had someone go out
and take soil tests at the site across from Stewart Park - at that point.
The conclusion was that it is as bad, if not worse. If that is going to
be dev eloped, it will have to be used for something else. It isn't in
ar E .
the plan with the State. As far as the Stewart Park tag they have
given $10,000. to do a study for development of swimming. Nolone came up
with a concrete plan at the meeting which Mrs. Daley attended.
Question was raised if M-Y-s. Daley was sure the amount was $101000. to
study this project? M-i-s. Daley wasn't absolutely sure but stated it could
be researched in the B.P.W. minutes.
New Business
r
Chairman Daley asked if anyone came up with -a terrific idea for a Bicen-
tennial Project ?� There doesn't seem to be any people to work on this.
People are involved in their own projects. The City Bicentennial Commission
was more or less appointed to coordinate these projects - not to do them.
The City Federation of Women's Clubs are planning a Quilt Show - which is
a large undertaking. They have received money from the N.Y.S. Council for
of the Arts, who consider this show a form of Art - so they are going to
do a slide show. If we do come up with a project - it will have to have
a Chairman and a lot of organization - which means that someone will have
to give
an awful
lot of
time.
-r`
stated
that he thought they should support some of the ex-
isting projects that need help. There is no sense creating all of th &se
Bicentennial projects - fragmenting our efforts - and nothing comes of
any of it.
Chairman Daley stated that there were 20 announced Bicentennial Projects -
- 8 -
October 21, 1975
s' r suggested that wA-- find out how many valid projects
are left and wo- pick one or two to work on. The Circle Greenway is of
particular interest to 4* because it will be a lasting project and it
involves the City and the Town and a lot of people.
-/I1
The Groton group is g-4-}-e shade trees :g, according to Chairman
Daley, but money is a big factor (or rather the lack of it).
A has a list of suggestions for a
gg possible bicentennial
project. She will get the list to Chairman Daley who will have it repor-
duced and mailed out to the Commissioners, hopefully with the Minutes.
Chairman DaleyAwill check --
_ to find out which of
the listed projects are still going and which have fallen by the wayside.
asked what had e of the water study.
that part of it was included in the Greenway project.
COMMUNICATIONS
Chairman Daley reported
"Environment Monthly."
project for Communities
Commissioners i.eal this
that she has received a publication entitled
I J
W e being invited to enter a bicentennial
under 15,000, etc. Entry fee is $50.00. 4)4 the
would be worth the entry fee to enter? It would
mean getting by the City Controller and Common Council,_ because we don't
have that kind of expenditure money in our budget r w4+Clr means that k
have to go to the City Council and ask if we could take $50.00 out of
our budget. It would be tough to explain why we want to enter.
Chairman Daley also reported that the National Trails Symposium is scheduled
for November - if someone would like to -that.
The E.P.L. Convention will be held in Canandaigua October 24, 25 $ 26.
Chairman Daley thought she could go for one day. If anyone else would
like to go - the expenses will be reimbursed.
but Workshops will be offered on other topics.
Mrs. Daley read a letter as follows:
Dear Ms. Daley,
The program is a Land Use
The Public Service Department at WVBR -FM offers free publicity to human
service organizations. We would like to familiarize area residents with
the kinds of assistance your organization provides, how they can best take
advantage of what you offer and wkxt how they can contact you when they
- 9 - October 21, 1975
need to do so. WVBR -FM invites your organization to send us information
regardingyour activities, programs and upcoming special events. We will
prepare a short public service announcements containing the information
you have sent us and see that they are aired as frequently as possible.
WVBR -FM hopes to help you reach the people you serve. If you need any
additional information please feel free to contact me at the station any
time. Phone number and name are listed on the letter.
Be advised that this service exists and if you want to take advantage of
it, Chairman Daley will get in touch with WVBR -FM.
Chairman Daley read a letter from the New York State Department of Environ-
mental Conservation:
Dear Ms. Daley,
I see in the 1974 Annual Report for the Ithaca Conservation Commilleff ssion
that you are now Chairman. The feeling comes to me that there has been quite
a turnover in membership. We have not heard from your Commission fox in
quite some time and our mail list is out of date. Will you please send an
up to date list of CommissionerX members? This is used in New York State
Environment and Conservation Commission bulletins and other mailings.
Thank you for your assistance.
Chairman Daley reported that she has consistently sent mailing lists to
this Department.
Chairman Daley up -dated her list of telephone numbers a+ tLig' +' e
Motion for Adjournment
By John Shisler: seconded by Gay German 14 f ;
m
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. November 18, 1975
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman, Gay German, Jonathan Simons and Stephen Shauger
.ABSENT:
Michael Hall and John Shisler
MINUTES:
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the Minutes of the October 21,
1975 meeting.
By Jon Simons: seconded by Gay German.
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the October 21, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded.
Carried
Leaves - Tree Wood
Gay German reported on her conversation with Mr. Ed. Lynch. Mr. Lynch
gave her a few facts concerning discarding of wood from trees which are
removed, also leaves from city parks, etc. as follows:
If people ask for the wood from a tree in front of their house, he
will leave it on the curb for 5 days for them to pick it up, then he
hauls it away to a specific location.
People often ask him for wood when they call to report that a tree
needs to come down.
Seemingly there is no schedule for cutting them down.
All of the wood is used (except willow and elm) for heating mainten-
ance buildings at the Golf course, City cemetery and Stewart Park
attendent's houses. Anything left is piled at the Willow Ave. office.
People are free to take it and sometimes stop and ask, but he doesn't
want to advertise it because they would end up taking everything,
including the topsoil.
Leaves from city parks and city Christmas trees are used as mulch to
raise the level of Southwest Park.
Chips from stumps of trees are used around playground equipment and
for mulch. Ms. German also reported on her conversation with Mr.
Jack Dougherty who is in charge of gathering leaves from city streets.
He advised that some from Cornell, Cayuga Heights, East Hill and some
of South Hill go to the Cornell Plantation.
The rest go to half a dozen individuals by request and to Southwest
Park. Discussion followed concerning the fact that leaves have not
been collected from the streets this year.
Salt
Stephen Shauger reported that he was able to find very little in the
way of valid research on how salt affects the roadside - in the Cornell
Library.
Mr. Shauger also reported that he wrote to the Massachusetts Audubon
Society which sent the article entitled "Has Salt Lost Favor ? ". The
article will be attached to the minutes of this meeting.
Mr. Shauger commented that there is a great deal of information about
how salt affects ground water.
More discussion followed concerning salt.
Resolution I
Stc� i:cn Sha uger : ;0conde"i i�v Gay 6 Ll . an
h;, -- 11FA5, the i�se oi salt to c'e- -ice is a contribi-" in(, facts,
- 3 -
November 18, 1975
Gay German made the suggestion that area parks might be a good
Bicentennial project.
Discussion followed concerning what should be done with DeWitt Park.
Chairman Daley agreed to approach the Planning Department concerning
the green spaces inventory, for help.
Chairman Daley stated that Aldermen Nancy Meyer and Bob Boothroyd are
the two liaison people between our committee and Common Council. We
will be working through them.
E.P.L. Conference
Chairman Daley reported on her attendance at the =E P.L. Conference.
It was mostly on Land Use. The Workshop which she did attend on
Energy was terrific.
Motion for Adjournment
By Jonathon Simons: seconded by Gay German
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Joy Daley, Chairman
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS
City of Ithaca, New York
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. November 18, 1975
PRESENT:
Joy Daley, Chairman, Gay German, Jonathan Simons and Stephen Shauger
ABSENT:
Michael Hall and John Shisler
MINUTES:
Chairman Daley asked for approval of the Minutes of the October 21,
1975 meeting.
By Jon Simons: seconded by Gay German.
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the October 21, 1975 meeting be approved
as recorded.
Carried
Leaves - Tree Wood
Gay German reported on her conversation with Mr. Ed. Lynch. Mr. Lynch
gave her a few facts concerning discarding of wood from trees which are
removed, also leaves from city parks, etc. as folloows:
If people ask for the wood from a tree in front of their house, he
will leave it on the curb for 5 days for them to pick it up, then he
hauls it away to a specific location.
People often ask him for wood when they call to report that a tree
needs to come down.
Seemingly there is no schedule for cutting them down.
All of the wood is used (except willow and elm) for heating mainten-
ance buildings at the Golf course, City cemetery and Stewart Park
attendent's houses. Anything left is piled at the Willow Ave. office.
People are free to take it and sometimes stop and ask, but he doesn't
want to advertise it because they would end up taking everything,
including the topsoil.
Leaves from city parks and city Christmas trees are used as mulch to
raise the level of Southwest Park.
Chips from stumps of trees are used around playground equipment and
for mulch. Ms. German also reported on her conversation with Mr.
Jack Dougherty who is in charge of gathering leaves from city streets.
He advised that some from Cornell, Cayuga Heights, East Hill and some
of South Hill go to the Cornell Plantation.
The rest go to half a dozen individuals by request and to Southwest
Park. Discussion followed concerning the fact that leaves have not
been collected from the streets this year.
Salt
Stephen Shauger reported that he was able to find very little in the
way of valid research on how salt affects the roadside - in the Cornell
Library.
Mr. Shauger also reported that he wrote to the Massachusetts Audubon
Society which sent the article entitled "Has Salt Lost Favor ? ". The
article will be attached to the minutes of this meeting.
Mr. Shauger commented that there is a great deal of information about
how salt affects ground water.
More discussion followed concerning salt.
Resolution
Ste��r�cn Shauger: secondc,i iati, Gays: an
i` I Rt_1 the -,e o ;alt to de- -ice rozi, -zvs is a contrib>>, ing frv::t '
- 2 - November 18, 1975
F
in the corrosion of vehicles, and
WHEREAS, The level of salt in streams, rivers, and lakes has been
rising in recent years and in many public water supplies
the level has increased above that permissible for low
sodium diets, and
WHEREAS, Salting roads does not appear to be significantly cheaper
than other methods of ice and snow removal, and
WHEREAS, Salt can cause some damage; to roadways and bridges, and
WHEREAS, The levels of salt in the soil and near roadways are suffi-
ciently high to damage vegetation, especially trees such as
maples, elms and pines,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission of
the City of Ithaca recommends to Common Council that they
re- evaluate the use of salt as a means of winter street
maintenance.
Carried
Bicentennial
Chairman Daley checked three projects on the list of Bicentennial
suggestions which she felt an Environmental Committee would be in-
volved in. The shade tree issue is not a dead issue, as was pre-
viously indicated. A meeting was held recently with Nurserymen and
Landscape contractors, discus—sing types of trees and whether materials
would be available if there was considerable interest.
The Seminar that the Beautification Council
off until December 1st. Chairman Daley sug
good for all to make a note of it. At this
plaining the Beautification project - also
trees. There will be a panel and the Shade
be explained.
is planning, has been put
gested that it would be
Seminar they will be ex-
general information on
Tree Commission will also
Chairman Daley commented that the Circle Greenway Project sounds
like the best project because it is the city's "official" project and
it will be long lasting. It means the cooperation of the Town, which
lends itself to cooperating with our neighbors.
Chairman Daley explained that Beth Mulholland telephoned her, asking
if the Environmental Commission would have time to have someone come
from the Circle Greenway to explain that project. Mrs. Mulholland
will be at our December meeting and will explain Circle Greenway to us.
Chairman Daley suggested that the Environmental Commission hold off
making a decision as to their Bicentennial project until they hear
from the Circle Greenway committee..
Goals
Chairman Daley stated that one of the Environmental Commission's
functions is to keep an updated list of Environmental Organizations.
We should be trying to come up with a list.
Gay German agreed to go through the organization file at the library
to pick out those listed.there.
Chairman Daley stated that other functions of this Commission also
include land use, green spaces inventory, etc. The Planning Department
will have to help out if we are to do the green spaces inventory.
Stephen Shauger commented that the Planning Department should have a
list of the neighborhood. parks.
3 - November 18, 1975
Gay German made the suggestion that area parks might be a good
Bicentennial project.
Discussion followed concerning what should be done with DeWitt Park.
Chairman Daley agreed to approach the Planning Department concerning
the green spaces inventory, for help.
Chairman Daley stated that Aldermen Nancy Meyer and Bob Boothroyd are
the two liaison people between our committee and Common Council. We
will be working through them.
E.P.L. Conference
Chairman Daley reported on her attendance at the:E P.L. Conference.
It was mostly on Land Use. The Workshop which she did attend on
Energy was terrific.
Motion for Adjournment
By Jonathon Simons: seconded by Gay German
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
Joy Daley, Chairman
UDUCON SOCIETY
SOUTH GREAT ROAD / LINCOLN, MASSACHUSETTS 01773 / T _
EL, -25S 5500
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SALT STOCKPILE IN PITTSFIELD, estimated at 70,000 tons although��._as.
the amount varies with additions and withdrawals, is stored beside a brook
and wetlands. The Salt Institute, a trade organization for the salt industry,
has blamed such storage for water problems such as occurred in Burlington.
The battle over the environmental
effects of road salt continues to escalate.
It is at its most intense in southeastern
New England, where complex drainage
and shallow soils have brought the issue
of the contamination of drinking water
supplies to a head. Several citizens'
groups in eastern Massachusetts recently
have produced position papers opposing
further use of salt for de -icing roads, and
one of these was reprinted in part in the
January issue of the Conservation Leader.
The Salt Institute, an industry lobbying
group, was quick to respond, and charges
and counter - charges have enlivened this
winter's newspapers.
In the last two years, two other in.
crested parties — the Highway Research
3oard of the National Research Council/
_ r x
The Institute, however, has not taken active interest in solvir,gM1t'reY ab use
caused by open stockpiles. The existence of stockpile is not unknown since
E. R. Vidal has complained to all governmental and industrial sources
about the problems it poses.
National Academy of Sciences, and the
Environmental Protection Agency — have
Published full -scat, reviews of scientific
studies of the problem, and a scientific
conference was held last spring at the
University of Syracuse. Late in 1971 the
Massachusetts ano National Audubon
Societies contracted with Habitat, Inc.,
an independent environmental education
group in Belmont, Mass., to make an
impartial summary of the issues. Habitat's
report, a 40 -page document citing 85
Publications, has now been completed
and is available to our readers on re-
quest,' This assessment of the overall salt
problem is based on the facts review0.j in
the report. _
i
'Send 5()t't!n`rs with a large. self- addres esd;.
stamped envelope to Salt, Massachusetts Audu-
on Society, Lincoln N1 ,ass. 01773.
Some Facts and Findings
• The quantity of salt used annually
on U.S. roads has doubled every five to
six years since 1947. and amo;lnted to '9
million tons in 1970. In addition, almost
2 million tons were used in Canada. This
accounts for more than 10 per cent of ail
the salt produced in the world.
• At a price of $10 -20 per ton de-
livered, road salting in North America is a
$150 million dollar per year ausiness --
not counting the costs of distributing it.
6 In a sample survey of Massachusetts
towns, the majority used much r-nore salt
per mile of road thjn the quantity recom-
mended by the Salt Institute r;
itself is unlikely to be conse vati',,e.
Apparently many highway departments
fCanlinued on page 2J
Page 2
SALT (from page 1)
in the pursuit of a "bare pavement"
policy, overuse salt for speed and con-
venience rather than for efficiency or
economy.
• Salting roads does not appear to be
markedly cheaper than plowing and
sanding. In the only direct comparison of
costs that could be made, the town of
Burlington actually spent 22 per cent less
for snow clearance in the first winter
after discontinuing use of salt.
• Up to 50 per cent of the salt put on
major highways is removed by vehicles —
presumably to be deposited elsewhere, con
side streets, parking lots, driveways,
Some 25 per cent runs off in meltwater,
12 per cent goes into the soil and 10 per
cent is thrown into the air by vehicles to
- fall out on the surrounding land.
• Salt formerly caused significant
damage to concrete roadways, especially
on bridges. With modifications in the
technology of concrete this appears to be
no longer a major problem.
• Salt causes a significant increase in
the rate of corrosion of vehicles. Esti-
mates of its average cost range up to S200
per vehicle per year, the most authorita-
tive estimate (by the Society of Auto-
motive Engineers) being about S100 per
vehicle per year. Recent improvements in
vehicle design and in techniques of under -
sealing may have reduced these losses, but
there is no clear evidence that they have
been reduced significantly.
• Some vehicles become so corroded
as to be structurally unsafe. No statistics
are available to gauge the importance of
this hazard.
• Levels of salt in the soil and in the
air near roads are sufficiently high to
damage roadside vegetation, especially
trees such as maples, elms and pines. Salt
is not the only factor causing the wide-
spread die -offs of roadside trees in New
England, but studies indicate that com-
paratively few trees would die from the
other factors (e.g. drought, air pollution
and disease) in the absence of salt.
• A typical suburban town loses
50-100 mature roadside trees per year,
which can be valued (according to a
valuation scheme accepted for insurance
claims) at $1000 -5000 each. Property
values and visual amenity decline corre-
spondingly. Costs of removing the dead
trees and of planting new ones are addi-
tional.
• Many, if not most, urban and subur
ban water supplies have shown a me.asur
able increase in salt content in associatto
with the recent increase in the use of roa
salt. Hundreds of shallow wells near Ne
England roads have had to be closed.
least two Massachusetts towns have har+
to close town wells, and one is buying
water from outside because of excessive
in Burling- c
salt levels; other water supplies
con-
sidered endangered. A study g
ton showed that both salt leaching from a
stockpile and run -off from roads con-
tributed to the salt in the well supply.
al
Contamination elsewhere is so general
er
that roads are evidently the primary
source.
• In many public water supplies the
salt level has increased above that permis-
sible for patients on low- sodium diets. No
statistics could be obtained on the
number of individuals involved, or the
cost to them of buying low -salt water for
drinking.
• Salt levels in streams, rivers and
lakes have been rising in recent years. In
some ponds and ach lakes the high
enough to app
for some of the more sensitive plants and
animals. It may reasonably be expected
that communities of plants and animals
will change. in composition and species
diversity will decrease.
• Some lakes become so stratified
that the normal annual turnover of water
is delayed or prevented. In consequence
oxygen levels in the deeper strata are
reduced, with potentially serious con-
sequences.
• The amount of salt used on North
American roads is similar to the natural
rate of input of salt in rain - water, which
is ultimately derived from the oceans. In
the "snow belt" of the northern United
States and southern Canada it probably
exceeds natural input by several times,
and in the Great Lakes Basin it probably
exceeds natural input by a factor of
5-10.
• Only part of the additional input
can be accounted for as additional out
flow in rivers: the remainder is presum-
ably accumulating in ground water and
lakes. The long -term consequence is that
salt levels in fresh waters over much of
this area will continue to rise, even if
usage of salt levels off, until a new equi-
librium is reached between input and
outflow. The consequences may be
especially serious in the Great Lakes: the
chloride concentration in Lake Erie has
already risen from 7 to 23 parts per
million in the last 50 years.
• Existing statistics on road accidents
do not permit an exact comparison of
accident rates on comparable roads with
and without salt. There has been no
marked long -term trend in accident rates
on snowy and icy roads, associated with
increased use of salt. Better statistics are
needed before conclusions can be drawn,
n but it is clear that any effect of salt on
d accident rates, whether upward or down -
w ward, is relatively small.
At • No other chemicals appear feasible
as alternatives to salt for de -icing roads.
Calcium chloride, which is alread:_r used in
onjunction with sodium chloride, *is
more expensive and has many of the same
disadvantages. Urea, which has few un-
toward side effects, is much more pensive and may leave a slippery residue
on the road surf ace.
• Plowing and sanding is a reasonable
and cheap alternative, but does not per-
mit such fast driving on the same road
surface. improved vehicles,
• Driver education, im ro ro limits and
studded tires, lowered speed
better enforcement wouldlead dto sroads-
cantly improved safety on
costs and - Benefits
A common thread which runs through
most of the major problems of our en-
vironment is that a technological inno-
vation n that brinos Imme late profit or
convenience to a few has widespread
adverse efifecfs on many
others who
not Imme lately invo ve and who often
do not rea tze w at is appening. The
Corr se pondin-g ti_rea w is runs sough
the arguments of environmentalists is the
demand that all the costs and benefits
should be considered before a technolog
ical program be evaluated. In most cases
it is difficult to balance the costs and
benefits rationally, because many of the
environmental effects are remote and in-
tangible. Road salting is no exception,
but it is actually easier than usual to
estimate the costs and benefits, because
there are few (if any) direct gains to those
who use it, and because most of the
indirect effects, whether costs or benefits,
have rather clear economic implications.
The effects of road salting fall into
three main categories: effects on water
sup lie vegetation vehicles a trait l
ow, which are relatively easy to evaluate
quantitatively; effects— on_traff-ic safety,
which can be exploited_to Generate emo-
tid`nar arguments but which appear to bn
�- —
rve y unimportant - and e'recis —�'
convenience and es thetics_`•vhich involve
me crlfficult balancing of intangible
costs against intangible benefits.
Many highway engineers, with the
vigorous support of the Salt Institute,
claim that it is self-evident that salt is
necessary for highway safety, but there is
at least as much evidence in the actual
statistics to suggest the opposite. One of
the best sets of data is from a study in
Michigan, which arrived at two appar-
ently contradictory results:
With increased usage of salt the percentage
of accidents occurring under icy conditions
decreased; but at the same time, with increased
usage of salt, there occurred an increase in the
total number of winter accidents (i.e., incluclrng
accidents under icy road conditions as well as
accidents under bare pavement conditional.
one explanation for this apparent contrauiction
may lie in the manner in which accidents are
statistically recorded. If, for exampie, roaa
conditions were generally icy (or ice - prone),
but salt were applied so as to melt ice, accidents
may bA recorded as occurring on "dry" or
"wet" pavement, rather than on "snowy" or
"icy" pavement.
Another explanation might be that salt has
positive effects (i.e., lowering accident rates)
under the immediate icy road conditions when
it is applied, but "residual" negative effects
(raising the accident rate) when it is on clear
roads, but not needed to melt ice. Several
explanations for such negative effects of salt on
dear roads have been suggested. Critics of
salting note that "bare pavement" cleared of
snow and ice by salt may actually maintain a
thin, slippery film, created by the remaining
salt's attracting or retaining moisture, which
represents a hidden hazard to traffic. Motorists,
they contend, may be given a "false sense of
security" by the pavement which appears to be
as dry and safe as dry, unsalted, summer pave-
ments, leading them to increase speed and drive
with less care. Also salt spray can create a
semi - opaque, white film on the windshield,
which can substantially reduce visibility and
may contribute to accidents in this way.
hether the effect of salt on the acci-
dent rate Is upwards =or ownwar s, rt
seems "'clear that it is not very large, in
commarison. to tFie _ effe.cts of iFie many
other relevant __ _ _ factors. We think that the
`Bu�cd_ of proof is now on those who
claim that the effect is significant: pend-
ing such proof, the safety factor should
be assigned zero on both cost and benefit
scales.
It should not necessarily be surprising
that increas;ng or discontinuing the use of
salt has not had very impressive effects on
accident rates. It has been shown in
studies of occupational and traffic acci-
dents (Chauncy Starr, SCIENCE,
165:1232 -1238, 1969) that risks are
more or less consistently balanced against
benefits. In the case of roads, the speed
of driving would thus be adjusted to the
conditions in such a way as to maintain
the level of risk at whatever the driver
feels is acceptable. Salting icy roads per-
mits drivers to drive faster for the same
level of risk, but it would not necessarily
be expected to reduce the level of risk.
Of the intangible effects, many drivers
welcome the convenience of being able to
drive at their usual speeds on dry roads in
all weathers. Others dislike driving with a
film of dirty salt on the windshield and
enjoy the shade and beauty of roadside
trees. Those who live beside roads espe-
cially suffer from the loss of roadside
trees which give shade, quiet and privacy.
It is difficult to assert that one group's
feelings are more important than the
others', but it is clear that some gain at
the expense of others.
Of the tangible effects, the loss of
water supplies is a serious matter for the
individuals and towns affected. At
present, water can be brought from out-
side, at a total cost of hundreds of thou-
sands of dollars per town. However, if my
calculations of the salt budget of the
snow belt are correct, this will eventually
be a regional or even a continental prob-
lem: there may not be enough unsalted
water outside to buy in a few decades.
Loss of trees, at $200,000 per town,
would amount to several millions of dol-
lars per year statewide, and many tens of
millions per year nationwide. But these
figures pale into insignificance against the
total cost of salt- induced corrosion of
vehicles. Even if we assume that modern
improvements (which are still only un-
supported claims) have reduced this to
S50 per vehicle per year, this would still
amount to a loss of about $3 billion per
year in the snow belt
As we have seen, the main benefit of
road salting is that it keeps traffic
moving. One study suggested that a snow-
storm which tied up New York City for
an hour would cost S30 million. Assum-
ing that economic activity in the snow
belt is about six times larger than that of
New York, ten such storms per year
would "cost" S2 billion. Another way to
approach this estimate is to observe that
the Gross National Product is about $3
billion per day, of which a third to a half
is generated within the snow belt. Ten
storms which cut economic activity by
15 -20 per cent would again "cost" S2
billion. One flaw in these calculations is
that much of the "economic activity" is
not lost, but merely deferred: shoppers
for example, make up most of their de-
layed purchases when the weather clears.
Another flaw is that much of the GNP is
not beneficial: many "economic activi-
ties" should really be regarded as.
"costs," not "benefits." For example,
increased corrosion of automobiles means
that more replacements are purchased,
which increases the GNP and is, therefore,
usually classified as a "benefit." Eco-
nomics is a strange science.
The real social significance of road
salting is beginning to emerge. It is not
simply a matter of rusty fenders, dead
maples and relocated wells: it is a major
burden on society, a key element in the
highway syndrome from which the nation
suffers. The primary reason we use road
salt is to keep traffic moving fast: we
need to keep traffic moving fast because
we have made our society dependent on
highways and on the automobile. Even
with our present transportation system,
the benefit -cost equation of salt use
appears to come out negative (for every-
one except the salt manufacturers and the
automobile manufacturers). If we had a
more rational transportation system, it
would be less affected by snow and even
the apparent benefits of salt would be
seer) to be much smaller.
What Should Be Done
Whatever is done to relieve our costly
dependence on the automobile, the salt
problem will have to be faced. We cannot
continue to double salt use every five
years: we cannot even continue for long
at the present level. My calculations of
the salt budget of the snow belt suggest
that use will have to be cut back by at
least 80 per cent in the near future. I
conclude, therefore, that salt use should
be replaced by plowing and sanding in all
but a few special situations.
Two obvious candidates for special
treatment are steep hills and major high-
ways. At least until better systems of
surface transportation are introduced, it —
makes some sense to maintain fast traffic - -
on a limited number of inter -city routes
wfjereasrJt makes little sense " -to -salt
suburban roads so that_ commuters can
get home in 15 instead of 25 minutes).
However,_it_ is far from clear that piece-
meal salting would reduce corrosion costs
slgniflcantly,even if ii relieves the long
term pollution_,problem. -
Dr. 1. C. T. Nisbet
CAPE COD GROUND WATER
The Association for the Preservation of
Cape Cod has published Impact Study III,
"The Environmental Impact of Ground Water
Use on Cape Cod." The 63-page paperbacK was
written by Dr. Arthur N. Strahler, former chair-
man of the Columbia University Geology Oe.
partment. Copies are available either through
Audubon Headquarters to Lincoln, or The
Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod,
P.O. Box 636, Orleans, Mass. 02653 at $1.25
postpaid.
MASSACHUSETTS AUEDUE30N SOCIETY
LINCOLN. MASSACHUSETTS 01773
i..oON SERVAT:Oil • EDUCATION • RESEARCH
-- 2M lX XU