HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1978Regular Meeting
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPASSION
7:45 P.M.
January 17, 1978
PRESENT:
Commissioners (7) - Carlson, Burbank (arrived late), Hoard, Sterling, Gallant,
Capowski, Holman
ALSO PRESENT:
Jeanne Fudala, representative of Ecology Action
MINUTES:
Amendment to Minutes of the November 15, 1977 Meeting
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
Under Nuclear Waste, p. 3,
RESOLVED, That the item be amended to read: "States have the authority to regulate
transportation of nuclear wastes if delegated authority by federal agencies."
A vote on the amended minutes of November 15, 1977 resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
DESIGNATION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN:
Chm. Carlson asked for nominations for chairman and vice - chairman of the Commission.
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That Patricia Carlson is nominated as chairman of the Environmental Commission
for a term of office to expire December 31, 1978.
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That William Burbank is nominated as vice - chairman of the Environmental
Commission for a term of office to expire December 31, 1978.
Carried Unanimously
PRIORITIES FOR THE CON24ISSION:
Following are priorities as discussed by the Commission. Chm. Carlson commented that
first, the Commission should follow through on ongoing projects; and secondly, be ready
to respond to crises which arise.
Possible New Priorities: Southwest Study Noise Pollution and Ordinances
Energy Study of Growth
Recycling Food /Environment Interface
Fall Creek By -Pass
Open Spaces Survey
Comm. Holman suggested that Larry Hamilton be invited to speak at a Commission meeting
regarding Fall Creek. It was also suggested that Prof. Fisher ba invited to talk to
the Commission on returnables and recycleables; and that Jonathan Meigs be invited
to discuss growth in the Southwest and the Southwest Study.
Comm. Hoard and Comm. Gallant were delegated to design a method for collecting informa-
tion in regard to projects requiring permits or started from the Building Department
and /or the Department of Public Works, in relation to SEQRA threshholds.
The Commission agreed they should get copies of the legislation dealing with the Open
Spaces Survey and copies of the Tompkins County proposal.
OLD BUSINESS:
Environmental Management Council Expense
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That Comm. Burbank be reimbursed from Commission funds up to $10.00 for the
expenses incurred in attending the Council.
Carried Unanimously
Ex- Officio Representatives
Comm. Burbank inquired about the status of ex- officio members of the Commission. Comm.
Holman explained that the Commission could have nine ex- officio members as follows:
the Mayor, City Attorney, two aldermen, one member of the Mayor's Citizens Advisory
Committee (inactive for a number of years), a city member of the County Board of Repre-
sentatives, chairman of the Planning Board, chairman of the Board of Public Works and
the City Clerk.
-2- January 17, 1978
Bikeway Funds
Comm. Holman informed the Commission that $5,000 which was to have been appropriated
for bikeways in 1978 was not appropriated. The thinking was that because the $5,000
that was left in the budget had not been expended, it was highly unlikely that $10,000
would be expended in 1978. Therefore, all that remains in the budget is the encumbered
$5,000. She said the Commission should have firm plans by April to convince the Council
that there ought to be additional money appropriated in the final budget for 1978.
CETA Employees
Comm. Holman informed the Commission that CETA workers to do Open Spaces Survey or
other projects should be handled through Bickley Townsend and the Planning Department.
Terms of Office
There was discussion concerning the amendment of legislation which changed the terms of
members from four years to two years in order to conform with State regulations.
Three members of the Commission were appointed to terms ending December 31, 1980, and
therefore are not in conformity with the new legislation.
It was suggested that three of the members involved, Nancy Gallant, John Capowski and
Patricia Carlson be reappointed immediately to terms expiring December 31, 1979
because of the following advantages:
1. All Commission members would have terms conforming to City and State regulations;
2. Half of the terms would expire each year, thus ensuring some continuity on the
Commission;
3. The three members involved, who are all actively involved in Commission work, could
continue their commitments.
If Comm. Hoard's appointment expires in 1979 instead of 1978, one of the three members
listed above should be reappointed to a term expiring December 31, 1978.
Date of Meeting
The Commission were informed that the third Tuesday of each month is the regular
meeting time of the Commission and they meet in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.
NEW BUSINESS:
H -39 Alaskan National Interest Land Conservation Act
Comm. Capowski informed the Commission he had received materials from Audubon requesting
support of Bill HR -39 Alaskan National Interest Land Conservation Act. Unless Congress
takes action on large parts of Alaska, some of which are wilderness, some not, it will
be very much open to development. Congressman Matt McHugh who serves on the House
Subcommittee of Alaskan Lands and Oversight, would welcome letters in support of the
bill which would be helpful; in addition the Audubon Society is looking for people
locally to meet with Congressman McHugh to talk about the issue,
ADJOURNMENT:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That the meeting is adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chairman, Environmental Commission
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. February 21, 1978
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Carlson, Capowski, Gallant, Hoard, Sterling, Holman
ALSO PRESENT: Press: Jennifer Rohm, W.H.C.U.; Dan Cummings, W.T.K.O.
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Chairman Carlson.
Chairman Carlson read the minutes of the January 24th meeting.
The following correction was made by Comm. Hoard:
Item delegated to Comm. Hoard and Comm. Gallant - correct wording
to read, "requiring permits or started from the Building Department
and /or Department of Public Works."
Resolution
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 24, 1978 meeting be approved
as amended.
Carried Unanimously
Because of an oversight in procedure in electing officers, a new election
was held.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the Commission adopt the slate of Patricia Carlson as
chairman and Will Burbank as vice - chairman.
Resolution to Close Nominations
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the nominations be closed.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
Carried Unanimously
Bikeways
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That Comm. Burbank be delegated to work with the Planning
Department on bikeways in regard to incorporating bikeway design into
any construction in the golf course and Fall Creek areas as a result of
the flooding.
Carried Unanimously
Southwest
Comm. Sterling reported that Jonathan Meigs of the Planning Department
and Paul Glover from Ecology Action will be present at the March meeting
to discuss the Southwest study.
Chairman Carlson suggested the commission might wish to consider having
the Chamber of Commerce meet with them to present their ideas on growth.
Comm. Capowski suggested that three people might be too many for one
meeting.
Open Space Survey
Comm. Capowski reported that the scope may be larger than the commission
had thought: end uses ought to be considered at the outset of the study
as this may determine how the study is conducted. He said community
interests ought to be considered in determining the scope of study.
Chm. Carlson reported on Comm. Burbank's conversation with Bickley Townsend
regarding Open Spaces Survey relationship to the General Plan. The Council
will have to approve the study upon its completion.
The consensus of the Commission was that Comm. Holman take the General
Plan to Per Moberg and consult with him. If the General Plan meets with
DEC approval, a working session before the next regular meeting will be
-2-
February 21, 1978
called to examine the General Plan. If not acceptable, an application
for CETA employment should be submitted.
Comm. Hoard suggested that Fall Creek studies may provide some of the
information, particularly in regard to soils in that area.
SEQR
Comm. Hoard reported that she and Comm. Gallant had been working on a form
to be used by the Building Department and perhaps the Department of Public
Works which, after being approved by the Commission, will be sent together
with a cover letter explaining what information the Commission needs, what
they are trying to do, the threshholds and the requirements of the State
which will take effect in September of this year. She expects to have
the draft form ready to present at the next meeting of the Commission.
Noise Ordinance
Chairman Carlson and the Commission reviewed the draft of the Noise
Ordinance which the Charter and Ordinance Committee has been working on.
Chm. Carlson noted that Article III had been deleted. The Commission made
recommendations as follows:
1. In Article IV, 68.40 Violation, the violations refer only to "levels"
of noise. Levels are not specified in 68.24 or 68.29, and people who have
noisy animals, who annoy hospital patients, etc. might not be in violation
of the ordinance.
2. "Annoyance" itself appears to be a very vague term, and it would be
desirable to improve the wording of any sections using this term.
Comm. Capowski suggested that the Rochester City Code section might serve
as a good model for rewording. He suggested further that it would be
useful to have examples of different db levels.
Chairman Carlson was asked to inform Chairman Nichols of the Charter and
Ordinance Committee of the Commission's recommendations.
Resolution
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
KhSOLVED, That the City check into whether or not it is in compliance
with the air pollution requirements under statutes such as the Air Quality
Review Act.
Carried Unanimously
Old Business:
Terms of Office
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the terms of the commissioners be as follows to conform to
the amended local law:
Burbank term expiring December 31,
Sterling it 11 " IT
Carlson if "
Hoard
Gallant "
Capowski
1978
it
If
1979
it
IT
Carried Unanimously
Chairman Carlson agreed to inform the Mayor of the suggested terms.
Comm. Hoard asked for a list of the commissioners with terms, addresses
and telephone numbers. Chairman Carlson agreed to ask Mrs. Hutson to
provide such a list. She was provided with a copy of the State law.
Jeanne Fudala of Community Self- Reliance Center, reported that an issue
of Nucleonic Week reported that Salina Salt Bed will most likely be chosen
as nuclear repository site because of the proximity of the West Valley
installation which is heavily contaminated.
Adjournment:
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That the meeting adjourn at 9 :45 p.m.
Carried Unanimously
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. March 21, 1978
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Carlson, Burbank, Gallant, Hoard, Sterling, Holman
ABSENT: Comm. Capowski
ALSO PRESENT: Jon Meigs, Planning staff; Joel Meltzer, WTKO; Carl Lagase
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Chairman Carlson.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 21, 1978 meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
Bikeways
Comm. Burbank reported that he had met with Bickley Townsend of the Planning and
Development staff concerning bikeways. He said he sees a need for more comprehensive
planning, particularly with county review of railroad rights -of -way. He reminded the
Commission that the Board of Representatives have scheduled a meeting on plans for
rights -of -way for Monday, March 27, at noon at the Tompkins County Court House.
for bikeways signs
Chm. Carlson reported that the specifications 'have been sent by the Planning Department
to the Board of Public Works, and followed up by several reminders. She feels now, it
is a matter of contacting the proper persons in the Department of Public Works to get
the signs made.
Bikeracks
Comm. Burbank reported he had researched further into the matter of using bikeracks
on the buses. He found that racks can be made to allow easy access to the engines;
they are not designed for use by children; and the drivers do not have to leave the
bus to aid with loading or unloading the bicycles. Mr. Burbank is now trying to find
out more about the insurance programs covering the buses.
Noise Ordinance
Comm. Holman reported that the Noise Ordinance will go to the Common Council for adoption
at its April meeting. The section on howling animals which had been of concern to the
Commission has been deleted and is covered by another section of the ordinance. A drawback,
perhaps,as it is written is that in order for a peace officer to file an appearance ticket
someone must make an official complaint, which cannot be anonymous. This is quite
different from the thing in the Noise Ordinance, and Comm. Holman commented that she wants
to call it to the attention of Ethel Nichols, chairman of the Charter & Ordinance Committee.
Supercan
Comm. Gallant reported attending a meeting at the public library in Syracuse at which she
received a booklet from which she got an idea for a superman -like figure which could be
used as a recycling symbol for local use. She is presently researching copyrights on same.
Comm. Burbank informed the Commission that a lecture will be held on March 30 at 8:00 p.m.
at the Community Self - Reliance Center at which Dick Fischer will speak on "Don't Take
Garbage for Granted" which concerns container legislation.
Comm. Holman informed the Commission that hearings on state resource recovery plan will be
held on April 6 in Liverpool and April 7 at 10 a.m. in the County Office Bldg. in Binghamton.
Container legislation is not included. Copies of the proposal may be obtained from the region
Appointment to Fall Creek Capital Project Information Committee 'al office in Cortland
Comm. Carlson reported receiving a letter from Mayor Conley requesting the Commission to
appoint a representative to the Fall Creek Capital Project Information Committee.
RPQnllltil n
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That Comm. John Capowski be appointed as representative of the Environmental
Commission to the Fall Creek Capital Project Information Committee, with Comm. Carlson
and Comm. Burbank to serve as alternates.
Carried Unanimously
66•'BUSINESS:
NYSE &G Proposal for Transmission Line
Comm. Burbank called attention to plans which the New York State Electric & Gas Corp. have
for a transmission line across the flood control channel, permission for which they have
applied for to the Army Corps of Engineers. The deadline for response to the application
is April 17, 1978.
Chin. Carlson designated Comm. Sterling and Comm. Holman to investigate the plan for the
power line and its impact.
-2-
March 21, 1978
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That Comm. Sterling and Comm. Holman be empowered to act in the name of the
Commission after investigating the proposed power line by the NYSE &G.
Carried Unanimously
Sun Day
Comm. Burbank informed the Commission that Sun Day will be observed on the Commons on
Saturday, May 6. The purpose is to promote the use of sources of renewable energy of
the country and also promote conservation of energy. Comm. Burbank asked for support
and participation of the Commission. Chm. Carlson agreed to serve as liaison for the
event.
4 OLD BUSINESS:
SEQR
Comm. Hoard distributed a draft of a form on which she and Comm. Gallant have been
working which is intended for use by the Building Department and /or the Department of
Public Works, and asked the Commission for review and comment.
ADJOURNMENT:
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, the Commission adjourn from regular session to work session on the Open Space
Survey at 8:30 p.m.
Open Space Survey
Jonathan Meigs of the Planning Department staff discussed the Southwest Study to inform
the Commissioners of proposed uses for the largest remaining open space in the City.
He made a full, informative presentation and answered the many questions of the
Commissioners.
Chairman Carlson distributed sections of Egner & Niederkorn's study on open spaces
and recreation which was done in 1968 to each commissioner for updating. The Commissioners
are asked to report on their respective sections at the next meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. April 18, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Burbank, Capowski, Hoard
ABSENT: Sterling, Gallant, Holman
ALSO PRESENT: Kevin Rowe, Planning & Development Dept. staff; Bob
Lynch, WTKO
OLD BUSINESS:
New York State Electric and Gas Proposal for Transmission Line
Chm. Carlson reported that investigation revealed the NYSE &G transmission
line work is underway and no action is necessary by the Commission.
Nuclear Waste Storage and Transport
Chm. Carlson reported on Cornell University's low -level radioactive
waste, and transport of same. She said she had discussed the subject
with Bob Gardner, Mgr. of Radiation Safety at Cornell's Radiation
Biology Laboratory on Warren Road, near the Tompkins County Airport. He
told her that the radioactive waste storage site near the airport is to
be closed soon and the waste will be transported to another site. He
also told her there are all kinds of federal and state guidelines and his
office is responsible for seeing that these are followed. Unless the
person who is to receive the waste is licensed and going to transport it
himself, Cornell has to provide a properly licensed person to take it
to its destination. Chm. Carlson said it may be possible to invite Mr.
Gardner to a meeting of the Commission to discuss transport of radioactive
waste or other hazardous substances. Chm. Carlson also reported that the
Ithaca Fire Department has no record of transport of any hazardous substances,
Comm. Hoard reported on Dr. Pohl's report to EMC on the federal program
to develop a national waste disposal system. She said the extent of
potential jurisdiction over, or control of, waste disposal outside of
city limits, varies.
Comm. Capowski was designated to check with Cornell University (J. Rish's
group) to investigate legal avenues to control or just know about
hazardous waste transport through Ithaca.
Comm. John Capowski informed the Commission that the May 1978 meeting
will be his last inasmuch as he is moving from Ithaca.
Fairgrounds Subdivision
Because of the likelihood that an Environmental Impact Statement will be
required, Cornell University is required to supply information for an
environmental assessment on subdivision of its Fairgrounds site. Chm.
Carlson agreed that she will write a letter to the Planning and Develop-
ment Director, asking him to include the Commission in the assessment
process.
SEQR
Comm. Hoard reported that the form on which she has been working, to
determine the number of type 1 actions the city is involved in, is ready
to be typed and duplicated.
Resolution
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission agrees to sponsor a workshop
in late summer on SEQR which will be open to the public, business and
government officials.
Carried Unanimously
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 21, 1978 meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
Sewage Treatment Project
Chm. Carlson asked Kevin Rowe to report on the sewage treatment project
and tell the Commission, if nothing else, where to find out about it.
-2- April 18, 1978
Mr. Rowe described how the ICI "deep shaft" waste water treatment process
operates, and explained that it is a test project that the Canadians
want to install in the United States to demonstrate how the system works.
The City of Ithaca has agreed to let them test it here so that EPA can
include it as an alternative in the 201 Water Treatment Studies that are
in progress. He explained that the one being discussed is only a
demonstration project. If it is selected as the final system on the
basis of a cost - benefit analysis, several more shafts would have to be
built to process city output.
The question was asked whether or not the water was being tested for
substances before it goes to the municipal water system. Mr. Rowe said
it isn't, but he would think it would be essential. Chm. Carlson asked
if the engineers are working for the City of Ithaca or for the Canadian
group, and Mr. Rowe explained they are working for the City. Chm. Carlson
commented that maybe the Commission should request the engineers to make
the test of the water, but Mr. Rowe said Mr. Dingman doesn't see any
sense in it, and explained that the entire city sewage system is being
studied, not the entire water system. Chm. Carlson commented that if
they end up with the results of that study and what comes out one end,
it might be possible to check the input also, by having somebody else do
it inexpensively and then compare the figures.
Chm. Carlson commented that the results of this process on toxic waste
is one question the Commission would want to see answered. She asked if
the Commission want to take any further action on this program, or if the
Commission should keep themselves more informed than they have been doing.
Bikeways
Comm. Burbank reported that the Department of Public Works has just
informed Planning and Development staff that more information is needed
on signs, routes, etc. and would like to have another meeting with them..
Sun Day
Comm. Burbank informed the Commission he has been requested to ask the
Commission to have a table or display on the Commons on May 6, 1978, for
the observance of Sun Day. The Commission agreed this would be done.
Tompkins County Resource Recovery Program
Comm. Burbank reported that Tompkins County is still pursuing a county -wide
resource recovery plan, and he suggested that the city develop a position
on solid waste. Comm. Burbank and Comm. Gallant were designated to in-
vestigate city solid waste and to formulate a proposed Commission position
on the program for action at the next meeting.
Noise Conference
Comm. Hoard informed the Commission that the New York Noise Control
Conference will be held at Statler Hall on May 19, 1978.
Resolution
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Carlson
RESOLVED, That the Commission provide the $10.00 registration fee for
Comm. Hoard and Comm. Burbank to attend the Noise Control Conference on
May 19, 1978.
Carried Unanimously
Open Space Study
Comm. Sterling and Comm. Carlson were designated to work up a draft
proposal of the Open Sapce Study, to be sent to DEC.
Chm. Carlson asked Kevin Rowe to advise the Commission on what is needed
in the Open Space Study. Among other things, he commented the 1969
Recreation Plan should be expanded to include undeveloped areas.
An Open Space Index will be produced which will provide for each area:
1) Description
2) Present use
3) Comments (if proposal is in works or if special ownership problems
exist, or if the Commission has some proposal to make)
-3-
April 18, 1978
Chm. Carlson commented that the 1969 Recreation Plan will be used,
supplemented by aerial photographs to add to areas listed in that report.
It was agreed the Commission will write their own definition of "open
space" to include schools, etc. or not.
ADJOURNMENT:
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, the meeting adjourn at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
by Patricia Carlson, Chairman
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M. July 18, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Burbank, Gallant, Hoard, Sterling
The meeting was called to order by Chm. Carlson at 7:05 p.m.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 18, 1978 meeting be approved
as published.
Carried Unanimously
NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL SITE:
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That the City Environmental Commission urges the Common
Council to oppose the establishment of a nuclear waste disposal site
in the vicinity of Ithaca in every way possible.
Carried Unanimously
ROUTE 96:
Chm. Carlson presented a draft resolution to be presented to the Common
Council, as follows:
WHEREAS, the Common Council last year requested the investigation of
lower- impact alternatives to the building of a four -lane Route 96; and
WHEREAS, the differential impact of different design alternatives cannot
reasonable be measured without comparable data for the different designs;
and
WHEREAS, investigation of pre - emptive signals to stop trains for
emergency vehicles has been initiated but not concluded by the City; and
WHEREAS, investigation of possible bus service to the hospital has been
initiated but not concluded by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City environment and neighborhoods will bear the brunt of
the serious adverse effects of a four -lane expressway, such as destruction
or devaluation of homes and businesses, loss of economic development to
areas outside the city's control, and increased air pollution, noise
pollution, and water runoff problems;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Environmental Commission advise
the Common Council to ask New York State Department of Transportation
for a full -scale evaluation of a low- impact second bridge design com-
parable to any other design evaluations NYSDoT may make for Route 96.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Environmental Commission advises
the Common Council not to allow construction of a four -lane expressway
design to begin unless the lower - impact solutions to the City's problems
such as those cited above are implemented, tested, and proved to be
ineffective.
Discussion followed on the floor. The second paragraph of the draft
was amended as follows:
WHEREAS, the various impacts of different designs cannot reasonably be
compared unless similar data are available for the different designs;
and
Resolution
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the resolution as amended be adopted by the Commission.
Carried Unanimously
-2- July 18, 1978
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONS:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That $30.00 be allocated for a representative or representatives
from this Commission to attend the annual meeting of the New York State
Association of Environmental Commissions, to be held at Grossingers, N.Y.
on September 17 and 18, 1978.
Carried Unanimously
NUCLEAR WASTE INFORMATION MEETING:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That Comm. Carlson be reimbursed $5.00 for a check given on
behalf of the Commission for its share in the sponsorship of the informa-
tional meeting on nuclear waste.
Carried Unanimously
CETA EMPLOYEE:
Chm. Carlson reported that an application for a CETA (Comprehensive
Employment Training Act) employee is being filed by the Commission
jointly with the City and Town Planning Departments. If successful,
this employee would work on an open space - natural resources document.
OPEN SPACES STUDY:
Comm. Gallant wondered if people's backyards would be affected if such
spaces were listed. Comm. Hoard explained that this Commission would
only review applications which required discretionary action and would
not affect projects people were permitted to do by right. The present
brief, Open Spaces Study could be expanded later with information from
the CETA employee's study.
Another possibility was a suggestion by Bickley Townsend that Cornell
planning students wanting to do field work could be utilized on natural
resources; and Neil Orloff's offer for spring term student projects in
environmental law.
NEW COMMISSIONER:
Persons were discussed who might be willing to serve on the Commission
and several will be checked out before the next meeting of the Commission.
SEAR:
Comm. Hoard reported on the SEQR legislation. The City version was often
used as a model to the county. She noted that DEC lists had been changed
and the City will have to pass some amendments by September 1st to reflect
the new procedures.
BIKEWAYS:
Cemm. Burbank reported that he had talked to those in charge of construc-
tion of the peripheral streets project and they were receptive to his
suggestion of providing places for bikes on the project.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Patricia Carlson, Chairman
NUCL7.AR WASTE DISPOSAL SITE RESOLUTION
Be it resolved,
That the City Environmental Commission urffes the Common
Council to oppose the establishment of a nuclear waste disposal
site in the vicinity of Ithaca in every way possible.
ROUTE 96 RESOLUTION
Whe e as
the Common Council last year requested the investigation of lower -
impact alternatives to the building of a four -lane Route 96; and
Whereas
the various impacts of different designs cannot reasonably be
compared unless similar data i$ available for the different designs;
and �.
Whereas
investigation of pre - emptive signals to stop trains for emergency
vehicles has been initiated but not concluded by the City; and
Whereas
investigation of possible bus service to the hospital has been
initiated but not concluded by the City; and
Whereas
the City environment and neighborhoods will bear the brunt of the
serious adverse effects of a four -lane expressway, such as
destruction or devaluation of homes and businesses, loss of
economic development to areas outside the city's control, and
in ;reased air pollution, noise pollution, and water runoff
problems;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED
that the City Environmental Commission advises the Common Council
to ask NYSDOT for a full -scale evaluation of a low- impact second
bridge design comparable to any other design evaluations NYSDOT
may make for Route 96;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED
that the City Environmental Commission advises the Common Council
not to allow construction of a four -lane expressway design to
begin unless the lower- iripact solutions to the City's problems
such as those cited above are implemented, tested, and proved to
be ineffective.
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. September 19, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Arnold, Burbank, Hoard, Holman
ABSENT: Gallant, Sterling
Chairman Carlson introduced The Rev. Earl Arnold to the members of the
Commission present.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 18, 1978 meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
BIKEWAYS:
Chairman Carlson reported to the Commission that $5,000 in the Bikeways
budget has been deleted by the Common Council on the recommendation of
Supt. Dingman.
Comm. Holman reported that Mayor Conley
meeting that he is going to investigate
on the bikeways signage from existing 1
the capital project is closed out. She
discuss the matter with him but did not
from him.
had commented at the Council
to see if he can get work done
ine item accounts, even though
said she had called him to
reach him and has not heard
Chairman Carlson presented a draft of a resolution which she wished to
forward to the Council. Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
WHEREAS, bicyclists in the City of Ithaca have been requesting a bikeways
system for many years; and
WHEREAS, numerous studies by both lay groups and city departments have
been completed with the aim of implementing a bikeway system; and
WHEREAS, numerous delays have already occurred in the implementation of
the plans; and
WHEREAS, deletion of funds for this project was done with no advance
notice to the public, to lay boards, or even to city departments;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council is urged to restore
the funding of the signing of the downtown - Stewart Park bikeway
immediately, and to direct the Department of Public Works to proceed
with the needed work as soon as possible.
Carried Unanimously
New York State Association of Environmental Commissions
By Comm. Arnold: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That Comm. Burbank be reimbursed in the amount of $72.10 for
the balance of the cost of attending the Annual Conservation Commission
Conference at Grossingers September 17 and 18, 1978. The Commission
had originally allocated $30.00 toward the cost of attending the
conference.
Carried Unanimously
Cornell DEIS
The Commission discussed a public informational meeting to be held in
the Common Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. the following evening,
September 20, 1978, by the Planning Department staff in regard to the
proposed development by UFAIR, a Cornell subsidiary that proposes to
develop the land on South Meadow Street to developers for the benefit
of the Cornell University Medical School. Planning and Development
Director Van Cort does not want to take the additional time required
for a full public hearing and final impact statement, which was among
the recommendations of the Commission's letter responding to the Draft
Statement. The Commission felt that the public hearing would not
-2- September 19, 1978
require too much additional time, and that the estimates of the period
required to prepare the final statement were exaggerated, since the
FEIS can simply be the DEIS plus the comments received from the public
and responses to the comments. The Commission also felt that more
copies of Environmental Impact Statements must be made available to the
public.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission recommend to the City that
there be a minimum of three copies of draft statements provided for
public view: 1 to be located in the Tompkins County Library, 1 in the
City Clerk's office and 1 in whichever office is going to make the
decision, in addition to their own working copies.
Carried Unanimously
Truck Traffic on East State Street
Comm. Holman reported that the following resolution had been presented
by an East State Street resident to Common Council and was referred to
the City Attorney for negotiation with the New York State Department
of Transportation:
Section 1. The Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby finds
and declares that heavy truck traffic in residential neighborhoods is
a public nuisance, resulting in high levels of noise for residents at
all hours, extreme hazards for pedestrians, other drivers, and resi-
dents, and excessive wear and tear on City streets which are maintained
by the taxpayers of the City of Ithaca.
Section 2. It shall be the policy of the City of Ithaca to
eliminate, insofar as possible, all heavy truck traffic from resi-
dential neighborhoods.
Section 3. Under authority of 91640(a)(5) of the Vehicle and
Traffic Law of the State of New York, we hereby direct that a sign be
erected at the entrance to the City of Ithaca at East State Street
saying
Trucks Over
8 Tons
Prohibited
Trucks Use Alternate Routes
into Ithaca
Further, we direct that a sign be placed at the foot of State
Street, for Eastbound traffic east of the intersection known as the
Tuning Fork, saying
No Trucks
Except
Local Deliveries
Section 4. In order to assist in the implementation of these
rules, we hereby direct the Mayor to request the New York State
Department of Transportation to erect a sign for northbound traffic
at Exit 8 on Interstate Route 81 saying
Truck Traffic to Ithaca
Use Exit 11
Route 13
23 Miles Ahead
Section S. Insofar as is necessary for the performance of their
duties, trucks belonging to any governmental unit are excepted from
these provisions.
Carried Unanimously
The Commission expressed approval of the Council resolution on East
State Street truck traffic.
SEQR:
Chairman Carlson noted that study on actions falling under SEQR had
not been undertaken because of impending changes in rules and regula-
tions by the State.
-3- September 19, 1978
CETA Application
Comm. Carlson reported that the Planning Department has submitted
the application for a CETA employee to whoever makes the decisions.
Comm. Holman reported that the federal government had approved funds
and eventually the Commission should hear as to whether or not they
will have someone to work on the site inventory and natural resources
inventory.
Conservation Commission Conference
Comm. Burbank reported on the Conservation Conference. He called
attention to a new position of Environmental Management Specialist
in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University. He
noted that some communities have used school classes to conduct open
spaces surveys.
Comm. Burbank recommended that starting next year the Commission should
send at least two persons to the Conference.
Comm. Burbank reported that there is published a directory of
environmental organizations in New York State that he thinks would be
worthwhile obtaining. The cost is about $3.95.
Resolution
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Arnold
RESOLVED, That the Commission forward a check and obtain a copy of the
Directory of Environmental Organizations in New York State.
Carried Unanimously
Announcements
Comm. Holman reported that the Federal government has sent 4 sets of
material - -Task Force Reports on Nationwide Outdoor Recreation, 2 sets
of which were complete. Chairman Carlson accepted 1 copy for her files.
Comm. Burbank announced that there will be a conference during the
weekend of October 8 -9 at Washington, D.C., the subject being the
Critical Mess (Nuclear Waste), and expressed the hope that a Commission
member might attend; if not, that a report be obtained from someone who
does attend.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
Environmental Commission
August 7, 1978
H. N. VanCort
Director, Department of Planning and Development
City of Ithaca
City Hall
Ithaca, New York 14850
Dear lair. VanCort,
This letter is in response to your request for comments
on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the pro-
posed subdivision of the UFAIR Development Corporation property.
Members of the City of Ithaca Environmental Commission have
thoroughly reviewed the DEIS and have found it to be inadequate
in several respects.
First, the DEIS is too much an advocacy document for the
project, rather than the unbiased report on the social, economic
and environmental impacts which is intended by the State Environ-
mental Quality Review Act (SEAR). A bias for the proposed project
is apparent throughout the DEIS -- a flaw which has proven to be
common in other states where the draft impact statement can be
prepared by the developer rather than by the lead agency itself.
It is im -oortant that the bias of the draft statement be eli7_ir at, ed
when the Final statement is prepared by your department.
Perhaps the most serious problem with the DEIS arises
from the fact that the proposal for which City approval is sought
at this time is not the actual development of the entire 45 -acre
site, but only the division of the site into six parcels to be
disposed of by UFAiR. According to the DEIS, commitments have'
been made to potential buyers for two of the six proposed parcels,
but the sale and development of the remaining four parcels is
"difficult to forecast." Despite the acknowledged difficulty of
::acting the sale of the majority of t'r.e proposed parcels, it
Re ZreTV purpCSe Of an impact statement, On this type of ; ropCSal
attempt to forecast the likely develo -D ,ent of the entire site
the consequent impacts. The Final EiS should go fLSt'r!Er ,
-:e DEIS by presenting specific market - controlled "hypothetical
development" or "development scenarios" for the parcels for which
no development is proposed at present. It is not sufficient to
state only that the potential devlopment would be commercial or
industrial.Without this attempt to more precisely predict the
impacts of the development of the entire project site, the City
has not gained the type of information which the State Legislature
intended the SEQR process to provide.
Similarly, the Final EIS should eamine a "development plan"
for the entire site as an alternative to the proposed market -con-
tolled development. Such a development plan is an important
alternative in liEhtl of the the following finding re €arding the
project area in the City's recent report Ithaca's Southwest: A
Develo -Dment ct-udv , vdhile 1t is easiest for the clay to be a
svectator to market development, the results can be undesirable
and costly... For these reasons, the market - controlled growth
option seem less desirable than one featuring some degree of mun-
icipal control and direction." (P age 5'�)
According to the DEIS, the proposed project includes the
subdivision of the project site and the deeding of a 13 -foot wide
right -of -way alon` South Meadow Street to the City. Certain
specific measures w -ich would help handle the increased traffic
due to the develoi .en-1 of the site are also described, _ncluding
the widening of South Meadow, the sigralization of several inter-
sections along South Meadow, and the realignment of West Clinton
Street. Land requirements for the widening of South Yeadow and the
realignment of 1 %est Clinton are discussed in the DEIS, and both
projects are described as "proposed." However it is not established
when, or if, UFAIR or the City or the State can or will carry out
these improvements. It appears possible that they will not be
carried out. Therefore the Final EIS should explore the impacts
of the heavier traffic resulting from the full development of the
site without these improvements. It is not sufficient to dismiss
the impacts of the proposed project on traffic by stating that
the adverse effects of the proposed project will be mitigated by
improvements which are not part of the proposed project.
Also, the Final EIS should give estimated traffic volumes
which could be generated by the proposed project and project
alternatives. It is not sufficient to merely state the number of
parking spaces which are possible. The number of times each parking
space is likely to be used each day should be estimated, and
daily and peak hour traffic volumes should be calculated. The
amount of truck traffic generated by the proposed project should
also be projected.
The economic impacts of the proposed project should be
more thoroughly explored in the Final EIS. The uses proposed for
the project site should be related to existing uses in adjacent
areas and the central business district. The relationsh_ of
existing to proposed uses is especially importan j n 1, g, t of trio
following f r_di n_s from the previously mentioned Scutriwest
Development Stun:,, The Southwest's via il1ty for commercial
use has already been proven by the successful and exDanc -ng E1?' -ra
Road/Meadow Street commercial area. But whether Ithaca can support
further retail expa=nsion is dubious, especially in view of the
one- year -old Pyra_mmiid Mall in nearby Lansing and present plans for
a new retail complex in the central business district. Instead,
the Southwest could serve as a site for diversified commercial
uses that do not compete with existing retail trade." (Page 70).
In this regard, the increase in City sales tax revenues
due to the proposed project projected in the DEIS should be closely
examined in the Final EIS. The DEIS does not appear to have con-
sidered the possibility that much of the sales tax revenues
generated by the proposed new development may be at the expense
of existing City businesses.
Finally, the Environmental Commission believes that the
City should hold a public hearing on the DEIS. Because this is
the first impact statement for which the City has been lead
agency, a public hearing would be an ideal forum to explain the
i?;act statement process to the public and City decision makers,
and to receive comments on the DEIS. T�oreover, a public hearing
would establish a precedent of full public disclosure and public
- Darticipation on projects of this scale and ii-i,portance to the
co=u— rtity.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the DEIS.
If the Environmental Commission can be of any assistance in the
preparation of the Final EIS on this project, please feel free to
contact me.
Very truly yours,
Patricia Carlson
Chair, an
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. October 17, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Arnold, Burbank, Gallant, Holman
ABSENT: Sterling, Hoard
OTHERS PRESENT: WTKO - Nigro
The meeting
MINUTES:
The Ithaca Journal
was called to order at
- Marcham
8:10 P.M.
By Comm. Arnold: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of September 19, 1978 be corrected as
follows, and approved as corrected: The last paragraph on the first
page of the Minutes showing the heading Cornell DEIS should be
changed to show the first word on line 5 as "sell" rather than "develop."
CYANIDE DISCHARGE:
Chairman Carlson had a.letter which she had received earlier in October
from Paul Sheneman, and part of the letter was the recommendation that
the Department of Public Works state the measures they are taking to
enforce the cyanide discharge regulations when they appear for state aid.
Chairman Carlson will write a letter to the Department of Public Works
asking for a copy of the section of its Operation and Maintenance Aid
Application for 1978, the section -,dhich deals with enforcement of the
cyanide discharge.
BIKEWAYS:
Chairman Carlson reported that the Commission has decided to make a
statement to the Budget and Administration Committee at its regular
meeting on October 26th. Among the main points to be presented to
the Budget and Administration Committee are that the bikeways project
should not be penalized for inaction by various City departments, and
the fact that the Environmental Commission thought this project was
going along perfectly well until it was deleted without prior notice. Comm.
Arnold suggested that maybe members of the Budget and Administration
Committee could be approached before the October 26th meeting to see
how they feel about bikeways. Other Commission members felt this was
a good thing.
NOISE CONTROL:
Chairman Carlson mentioned Stan Blum's interest in noise control,
but since Blum had not reported back to the Commission as yet, she
would wait until she has something to tell the Commission.
UFAIR:
Chairman Carlson discussed the UFAIR case. She mentioned that it was
rather a peculiar case. She felt that the aims of the SEQR legisla-
tion were, in fact, carried out in this case. The Environmental
Commission is trying to make sure that the environmental concerns,
both social and economic, are taken into account in the granting of
discretionary application and that although, in many ways, this turned
out to be a real problem in terms of getting the information to the
public, the legislation and draft environmental impact statement were
in fact used by the Planning Department in exactly this way. Many
changes were made with reference to the original application and the
developers were required to change aspects such as landscaping, traffic,
etc. Many points that were brought up by the Commission were not in
the draft environmental statement, even though the answers were in the
supplementary documents. When the Environmental Commission saw the
document it w�is very pro- development and a lot of the work that had gone
into it did not show up at all.
The public had about two or three weeks to respond to the draft
environmental impact statement but there was only one copy available.
The public was not aware of the situation and the responses were
therefore very late and the City Planning staff was under great pressure
to do something quickly.
-2- October 17, 1978
Chairman Carlson felt that if the Planning Department had received
the Commission's letter earlier it might have gone ahead and scheduled
the public information hearing. As it was, the letter was not re-
ceived until the last day. Since many of the points raised in the
Commission's letter had already been taken care of in the supplementary
documents, or at least noted, the Planning Department did not feel that
it was justified in delaying the project any longer.
Chairman Carlson felt that the seeker process was working but in a
very awkward fashion. Next time she hopes that the developer will
know sooner what he has to do and also that the public will have
greater access to the DEIS involved so that more response can be
made.
Chairman Carlson brought up a matter that she considered to be separate
from the one just discussed. Part of the objection to the UFAIR
project was not to the project itself, but the whole idea as to what
the area was zoned for. Puny developments presently allowed by
zoning would have the same problem.
Some people have suggested that perhaps the area
should be used for residential purposes or for a park area. Chairman
Carlson thought these were good ideas and should be considered but
does not consider the present time the right time to do it. If the
Commission is interested in this kind of issue, the time to do some-
thing is before a developer has worked up a specific plan.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Comm. Arnold said that the discussions had opened up the whole question
of the City's land -use policy and perhaps the Commission should take
an educational role in the problem. Perhaps the Commission could ask
individuals, such as someone from Natural Resources at Cornell, and
Mr. Van Cort from the Planning Department, to talk or describe the
land -use policy as it applies to Ithaca. Some months ago Jon Meigs
talked about the southwest area of Ithaca and maybe this might be a
good time to ask the Planning Department to bring the Commission up -to-
date.
PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS:
Comm. Holman mentioned that the Charter and Ordinance Committee and
the Planning Board had been asked by the Board of Zoning Appeals to
consider certain larger general questions that were caused by the
recent Goldberg /Thaler project. Those developers asked for a parking
variance on Aurora Street. One of the specific questions that the
Board of Zoning Appeals is raising and Charter and Ordinance Committee
is considering is the requirement for a certain amount of parking
space for a certain number of square feet within the Central Business
District. Comm. Holman questions the reasonableness of expecting a
developer in the business district to provide a specific number of
parking spaces. She wonders if there is another way, and if perhaps
this might be a project for the Environmental Commission.
Discussion followed on the floor.
The Commission discussed the parking situation as a whole, especially
in the residential area just outside of the business district.
Resident permits were discussed for those people living near the
business district so that they would have first choice of parking areas
in front of their own homes. Chairman Carlson is going to write to
Frank Gombas to see if she can get the rationale of the alternate
parking method and to inquire as to whether it could be done on a
weekly rather than a daily basis.
Chairman Carlson asked the Commission to be thinking about the parking
situation and if ideas occur, to draft resolutions so the Commission
can talk about them at the next meeting.
-3- October 17, 1978
ZONING:
The Commission discussed zoning, especially as it pertains to parking
lots and the landscaping of parking lots, in accordance with the Code.
Comm. Holman mentioned that there is available a chart that shows the
various zones in the City of Ithaca and the requirements and use
designations. Such a chart can be obtained from the Building Depart-
ment for $.50.
NEW BUSINESS:
Several conferences were mentioned. Comm. Holman mentioned one that
will be held in November by the National Urban Forestry organization.
The registration fee is $30.00.
One of the Commission members had an application which was received
from the Department of Environmental Conservation. It referred to
recycling or resource recovery programs at the local level. The City
is associated with Challenge Industry and the Commission wondered
whether Challenge Industry is the agency to do a larger and more
complete resource recovery program than the City is currently engaged
in, and if so, how is it to be carried out.
Comm. Gallant mentioned that she will be moving from Ithaca.
She is going to New Mexico. Discussion followed as to where to look
for someone to take her place.
ADJOURNMENT:
On motion made by Comm. Gallant and seconded by Comm. Arnold, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
Environmental Commission
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. - Room 208 November 28, 1978
PRESENT: Burbank, Chm. Carlson, Hoard, Sterling
ALSO PRESENT
ABSENT: Arnold
Council Liaison Holman; Jeanne Fudala, Community Self- Reliance
Center; Mick Bottge, Planning & Development; Paul Harvey, W.H.C.U.;
Peter Shacknow, W.T.K.O.
Jeanne Fudala was present to announce two community forums at the Community
Self- Reliance Center:
Tuesday, December 5, 1978, 8:00 P.M. on UFAIR- Meadow St. Mall
Tuesday, December 12, 1978, on Solid Waste Disposal
In addition, on Saturday, December 2, 1978, a workshop on Solar Ene - --gy is being
conducted.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the October 17, 1978 meeting be approved as recorded.
Carried Unanimously
BIKEWAYS:
Comm. Burbank reported briefly on a meeting with the Budget & Administration
Committee on October 26, 1978.
Alderman Holman commented that she had assumed that the resolution which directed
the Department of Public Works to construct the signs from the Commons to Stewart
Park, and further resolved that the cost of the project be taken out of the
operating budget of the Department of Public Works, had the support of the Budget
& Administration Committee. However, at the November 1, 1978 meeting of the Common
Council, the Chaiman of the Budget and Administration Committee skipped the
bikeway item. After Mayor Conley called this to his attention, Alderman Holman
and Boronkay moved that the item be lifted from the table, and the following
resolution was presented by Alderman Gutenberger, seconded by Alderman Bordoni:
"WHEREAS, this Common Council closed out the capital project known as "Bikeways"
on September 6, 1978, and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that a part of this system
can be built in 1978;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council directs the Board of
Public Works to construct the signs necessary for the route from Ithaca Commons to
Stewart Park, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the expense for this project be taken out of operating
funds of the Department of Public Works."
After discussion of the resolution, Alderman Boronkay and Holman moved the following:
"RESOLVED, That the final papagraph of the resolution read, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
That the expenses for this project be taken out of operating funds." The amendment
was defeated;Alderman Bordoni withdrew his second of the original resolution, and
Alderman Boothroyd seconded the original resolution. After additional discussion,
the original resolution was defeated.
Later in the meeting, under NEW BUSINESS, Alderman Holman and Boronkay presented
the following resolution:
it WHEREAS, This Common Council closed out the capital project known as "Bikeways"
on September 6, 1978, and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of the Common Council that a part of this system shall
be built in 1979;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council include in its 1979 Budget
-2- November 38, 1978
be
a capital project to /known as "Bikeways," and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an allocation of funds to the "Bikeways" capital
project be included in the 1979 City of Ithaca budget, said allocation to be
sufficient to adequately sign that portion of the route from the Commons to
Stewart Park and that funding for this portion be the minimum amount considered,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Department of Public Works he directed to develop
a budget for the Bikeways capital project in the month of November 1978." The
resolution was Carried Unanimously.
Alderman Holman reported that at the November 22, 1978 meeting of the Board of
Public Works the following resolution was passed:
By Comm. Cleveland: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
''RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to include $3,000 in its capital
program for 1979 to fund the signing of a bikeway between Ithaca Commons and Stewart
Park."
Discussion followed on the value of si -,nage to the total Bikeways system.
Recc) liit inn
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, That the Common Council include $5,000 in its capital program for 1979
to fund the signing of a Bikeway between Ithaca Commons and Stewart Park and further
development of Bikeways within the City.
Carried Unanimously
SEOR. (State Envi ronrientaI Qu:il i ty ReN, 1e�,) Anc UFAI R (Univers i ty -Fa i rgrounds) :
The effects of SEQR on development within, and outside the City where the review
process is not enforced was discussed briefly.
OPFN SPACFSr
Comm. Hoard volunteered to work on inventory and try to prepare the open spaces
review for submission to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
LAND -USE PLANNING:
Mick Bottge of the Planning & Development staff addressed the Commission, describing
overall planning and in particular, the Southwest. He reported on the Cherry Street
Industrial Park as a project which simultaneously would encourage developers
(especially local developers) and would safeguard environmental concerns. An EIS
would be worked out at the beginning, and desirable environmental criteria would
be incorporated so that undesirable effects would not result. The advantage to
developers is that the review process would be shortened, since a separate EIS
would not be required. The desirability of encouraging certain light industry to
locate within the City instead of in rural areas was discussed.
Mr. Bottge suggested that Cherry Street and Southwest Park could be developed to
include parkland and a segment of bikeways, which the Commission might want to
recommend. He suggested that the State, through the Finger Lakes Parks Commission,
be approached for cooperation with landscaping and bikeways in the Southwest and
Cherry Street development. He commented that a partnership between the City of
Ithaca and the federal government could provide infrastructure for the Cherry Street
development so that developers would be encouraged to locate there. At this point,
$169,000 is proposed as the City's share. At present, there are three companies
interested, with option on land.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commission members were reminded to submit comments on the proposed federal nuclear
waste management policy.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION:
Business, Realty, and the Community Self - Reliance Center were suggested as areas to
be represented on the Commission in appointing new members.
MEETING:
Comm. Burbank suggested an informal meeting in January so Commission members can
become acquainted.
SCREENING OF PARKING LOTS:
Comm. Burbank reported that parking lots do indeed require a screen and wondered
how this portion of the ordinance could be uniformly enforced. Investigation
of the possibility of inspecting parking lot screening as part of housing inspection
was recommended.
-3- November 28, 1978
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 P.m.
Patricia Carlson
Ch,,u T rman
Environmental Commission
OFFICE OF
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Mayor Edward Conley
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca, New York 14850
Dear Mayor Conley:
CITY OF ITHACA
TOMPKINS COUNTY
ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850
December 26, 1978
TELEPHONE:272 -1713
CODE 607
As you know, the terms of three Commissioners on the Environmental
Commission have expired. In addition, one Commissioner, Nancy Gallant,
has moved to the Southwest, and informed us at the November meeting
that she was resigning her post (which was to have run until Dec. 31,
1979).
The two continuing Commissioners are the Rev. Earl Arnold and I,.s.
Deborah Hoard. I would like to recommend the following people for
your consideration to fill the three 2 -year vacancies and the single
1 -year vacancy created by Isis. Gallant's resignation:
1. Will Burbank, 222 Utica Street. Mr. Burbank is a Commissioner
at present, and has contributed a great deal to the Commission's
work in the last two years. We think reappointment would be
very helpful to the Commission.
2. Christopher Lee, 118 West Court Street. I•ir. Lee is manager of
the Stovepipe at 910 West State Street, and would bring to the
Commission the point of view of a businessman. As you know, this
point of view is increasingly important as Ithaca attempts to
keep both its excellent environment and its healthy business
climate. In addition, Mr. Lee is interested in working with the
City on ways to take greater advantage of its attractive waterway!
3• Jeff Furman, 220 Utica Street. Mr. Furman is an attorney (he
shares an office at 108 West Buffalo with attorney Ruth Siegel).
He is already active on civic boards in the mental health area,
especially mental health in adolescence, and would also like to
contribute to the betterment of the environment. His interests
include the proposed nuclear waste disposal site in the Salina
salt deposit. We feel that Mr. Furman's legal expertise will be
especially helpful to the Commission as it addresses the problem
of what the City can do to minimize this threat.
I recommend that one of the three people above be appointed to fill
out Ms. Gallant's term, and the other two to regular 2 -year terms. In
addition, we have a vacancy in the 2 -year term which is to be filled by
- 2 -
a person between the ages of 16 and 21, as described in our enabling
legislation. This year we have two excellent possibilities for this
position:
1. Ms. Noreen Richards, 145 Grandview Court. Ms. Richards is
16 years old and attends the Alternate High School. She is
interested especially in air and water pollution problems,
and (like Mr. Furman) in the nuclear waste problem. She was
recommended by a teacher, Jeff Stein.
2. Ms. Katie Stein, 1018 East State Street. Ms. Stein is also 16,
and attends the high school. She became interested in environ-
mental conservation through a section of a biology course, and
has a general interest in the environment of the City.
Either of these young women would do an excellent job, I am sure.
I have personally spoken to every one of the people listed above,
and they have all expressed their willingness to serve on the Environmental
Commission. I believe the City is fortunate to have so many talented
people willing to give of their time and energy to help make Ithaca an
even better place to live. I hope you will give all of them serious
consideration for appointment.
Sincerely yours,
Patricia r1. Carlson
Chairman
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Arnold, Burbank, Chm. Carlson, Hoard
ALSO PRESENT:
December 19, 1.078
Council Liaison Holman; Cris Lee, potential commissioner;
Stan Blue, citizen interested in noise probic"n; Jane
Marche m, Ithaca Journal; Peter SchacRnoy, WTKO
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 28 meeting be accepted as
corrected. Carried Unanimous]),
Correction--motion to approve minutes: Seconded by Sterling, not GRKAW
Vehicle - Noise * J called attention co Qe
Stan Blue, a cKizen interested in noise Problems,
I t iffled ones. Ee said he W
noise created by motorcycles, especially un"'I
investigated the problem with , muffler Outlet an Elmira Road JIM found
that removal of the muffler increases mileago per gallon by 10-20 percePt.
Muffled motorcycles produce around 50 jecibels of noise; unmuffled cycles
may ploduce as much as 70-80 decibels, sigrificanti), exceeding the
statutory limit for noise in residential areas'
The recently adopted Noise Ordinance was discussed, and strategy for
obtaining enforcement Of it-
ResKution
By- Secohded by Comm. Buybanh
RESOLVED, That the Charter and Ordinance Committee be requested to
consider the enforcement of the Noise Ordinance, especially "
as mOtW"a'
,,,, into ,,,t,r use in the Spring. Carried Unanimously
Chairman Carlson agreed to write to the New York Stite Dapartmont K
Environmental ConserVaLion concerning assistance on training that may ho
available to local agoncios,attempting noise Or""ce on"comeh"
SEOR she had scnt to the COM""n"
Clem. Carlson called attention to the letteys
a couple of which are listed under SEQR. She said silo needed a senne P'L
Shing the commission should do in terms & vnr`
guidance about what, if any — , to the Council for copshleTP110-1
vil_iaae of Lansing; also on the letter sent
in regard to the proposed industrial pdA on Cherry Street:.
Alderman Holman informed the Commission t"at the City fund"'" for the
industrial part would be discussed at the Common council budget hearin,,
the following evening. There was discussion of how the Environvental
Commission might provide support for both the Bikeways project anal the::
industrial park.
Resolution Seconded by Comm Hoard
By Corilm. Arbank: pport funding for the
RESOLVED, That the Environmental CommisslOn sil
Bikeways project and the Cherry Street Industrial Park development, at tK'
City budgeting Process- carried Unanimously
Letter to Seyrou - r Smi - dt ,
-,- T__ t
sub,ect
to the I
of the rozonipg of a site
Carl atten-1011
�son ci_
Rua 0 nnd Rosto
13 by the Village Of Lan "L',
at the intoysection of Nal-ynn
ie had
written to ''Ir, Smidt on-
to light industyin! use. She
rePor" s)
toxic waste on somc i
,,,Qng ho concern hocn"su
Of M disPa" 1
0i
impact ate, wOuld
the Wn''! npd quggosting that
Burbank,
an FnVQ0nnPnearl
IA COW"
u's reProsonty. `
very Useful. Commissioner
K�nm "nd
unmmi!nsioncr Hoard, alsO 1
the Envd7onmontai Kanonuwn,L
hr'" his ,,Lcr
to the attention of TW,
member of EMC, wurc nyi`" 19
Environmental Managcmcnt "wlss-
t
-2-
December 19, 1978
SE_QR Ordinance
Chm. Carlson announced that in the Spring Kevin Rowe and a fellow student
will be reviewing the City's SEQR Ordinance in Light of the latest
revision of the State SEQIZ laws. The review will be under the direction
of the Planning Department.
Parking
Chm. Carlson reported on her exchange of letters concerning alternate side
parking. There appears to have been no change in policy for street
cleaning since the enactment of the alternate side street parking ordinance
in 1964. Alderman Holman will inquire about the status of overnight
parking in metered areas in residential areas. Mrs. Carlson received
response from traffic engineer Gombas, copies of which she had suit to thu
Commission.
Comm. Hoard suggested that a discussion of "Ithaca and Automobiles" be on
the agenda for the next meeting.
New Members
Chm. Carlson introduced Cris Lee, who has been suggested for appointment
but has not yet been officially appointed. New appointments need to be
glade, including so;ieone under 21 years of age. RecolmTlendat ion Shave been
sent to the Mayor whc will male the appointments.
Resolution of Appreciation
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Arnold
WHEREAS, This will be Pat Carlson's last meeting, and
WHEREAS, Pat has served as chairperson for the last two years, and
WHEREAS, Pat's leadership has been a real asset to the work of the
Commission, and
II;EREAS, Pat's personal contributions in the area of environmental
concerns have been a source of encouragement and support to other members
of the Commission;
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission extends its thanks to
ComlOiss_ioner Carlson and wishes her well as she relocates out of the
Ithaca area.
Carried Unanimously
AD,JOFiRNI,IF.NT
By Comm, Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Heard
RESOLV1 =1i1, The meeting is adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Carried Unanimously
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
Environmental. Commission
Regular Meeting
PRESENT:
Comm iss oners (7)
ALSO PRESENT:
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMWrAL CONf14ISSION
7:45 P.M.
January 17, 1978
- Carlson, Burbank (arrived late), Hoard, sterling, Gallant,
Capowski, Holman
Jeanne Fudala, representative of Ecology Action
MINUTES:
Ame— nc.ent to Minutes of the November 15, 1977 Meeting
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
Under Nuclear Waste, p. 3,
RESOLVED, That the item be amended to read: "States have the authority to regulate
transportation of nuclear wastes if delegated authority by federal agencies."
A vote on the amended minutes of November 15, 1977 resulted as follows:
Carried Unanimously
DESIGNATION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN:
Chm. Carlson asked for nominations for chairman and vice - chairman of the Commission.
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That Patricia Carlson is nominated as chairman of the Environmental Commission
for a term of office to expire December 31, 1978.
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That William Burbank is nominated as vice - chairman of the Environmental
Commission for a term of office to expire December 31, 1978.
Carried Unanimously
PRIORITIES FOR THE COMMISSION:
Following are priorities as discussed by the Commission. Chm. Carlson commented that
first, the Commission should follow through on ongoing projects; and secondly, be ready
to respond to crises which arise.
Possible New Priorities: Southwest Study Noise Pollution and Ordinances
Energy Study of Growth
Recycling Food /Environment Interface
Fall Creek By -Pass
Open Spaces Survey
Comm. Holman suggested that Larry Hamilton be invited to speak at a Commission meeting
regarding Fall Creek. It was also suggested that Prof. Fisher be invited to talk to
the Commission on returnables and recycleables; and that Jonathan Meigs be invited
to discuss growth in the Southwest and the Southwest Study.
Comm. Hoard and Comm. Gallant were delegated to design a method for collecting informa-
tion in regard to projects requiring permits or started from the Building Department
and /or the Department of Public Works, in relation to SEQRA threshholds.
The Commission agreed they should get copies of the legislation dealing with the Open
Spaces Survey and copies of the Tompkins-County proposal.
OLD BUSINESS:
Environmental Management Council Expense
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That Comm. Burbank be reimbursed from Commission funds up to $10.00 for the
expenses incurred in attending the Council.
Carried Unanimously
Ex- Officio Representatives
Comm. Burbank inquired about the status of ex- officio members of the Commission. Comm.
Holman explained that the Commission could have nine ex- officio members as follows:
the Mayor, City Attor:.cy, two aldermen, one member of the Mayor's Citizens Ad eLsory
Committee (inactive for a number of years), a city member of the County Board of Repre-
sentatives, chairman of the Planning Board, chairman of the Board of Public Works and
the City Clerk.
_2_ January 17, 1978
Bikeway Funds
Comm. Holman informed the Commission that $5,000 which was to have been appropriated
for bikeways in 1978 was not appropriated. The thinking was that because the $5,000
that was left in the budg_.t had not been expended, it was highly unlikely that $10,000
would be expended in 1978. Therefore, all that remains in the budget is the encumbered
$5,000. She said the Commission should have firm plans by April to convince the Council
that there ought to be additional money appropriated in the final budget for 1978.
CETA Employees
Comm. Holman informed the Commission that CETA workers to do Open Spaces Survey or
other projects should be handled through Bickley Townsend and the Planning Department.
Terms of Office
TF re was discussion concerning the amendment of legislation which changed the terms of
members from four years to two years in order to conform with State regulations.
Three members of the Commission were appointed to terms ending December 31, 1980, and
therefore are not in conformity with the new legislation.
It was suggested that three of the members involved, Nancy Gallant, John Capowski and
Patricia Carlson be reappointed immediately to terms expiring December 31, 1979
because of the following advantages:
1. All Commission members would have terms conforming to City and State regulations;
2. Half of the terms would expire each year, thus ensuring some continuity on the
Commission;
3. The three members involved, who are all actively involved in Commission work, could
continue their commitments.
I£ Comma Hoard's appointment expires in 1979 instead of 1978, one of the three members
listed above should be reappointed to a term expiring December 31, 1978.
Date of Meetin
The Commission were informed that the third Tuesday of each month is the regular
meeting time of the Commission and they meet in the Common Council Chambers in City Hall.
NEW BUSINESS:
H -39 Alaskan National Interest Land Conservation Act
Comm. Capowski informed-the Commission he ha received materials from Audubon -requesting
support of Bill HR -39 Alaskan National Interest Land Conservation Act. Unless Congress
takes action on large parts of Alaska, some of which are wilderness, some not, it will
be very much open to development. Congressman Matt McHugh who serves on the House
Subcommittee of Alaskan Lands and Oversight, would welcome letters in support of the
bill which would be helpful; in addition the Audubon Society is looking for people
locally to meet with Congressman McHugh to talk about the issue.
ADJOURNMENT:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That the meeting is adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chairman, Environmental Commission
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. February 21, 1978
PRESENT:
Commissioners (6) - Carlson, Capowski, Gallant, Hoard, Sterling, Holman
ALSO PRESENT: Press: Jennifer Rohm, W.H.C.U.; Dan Cummings, W.T.K.O.
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. by Chairman Carlson.
Chairman Carlson read the minutes of the January 24th meeting.
The following correction was made by Comm. Hoard:
Item delegated to Comm. Hoard and Comm. Gallant - correct wording
to read, "requiring permits or started from the Building Department
and /or Department of Public Works."
Resolution
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 24, 1978 meeting be approved
as amended.
Carried Unanimously
Because of an oversight in procedure in electing officers, a new election
was held.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the Commission adopt the slate of Patricia Carlson as
chairman and Will Burbank as vice - chairman.
Resolution to Close Nominations
By Comm. Sterling: Seconde by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the nominations be closed.
A vote on the resolution resulted as follows: Carried Unanimously
Carried Unanimously
Bikeways
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That Comm. Burbank be delegated to work with the Planning
Department on bikeways in regard to incorporating bikeway design into
any construction in the golf course and Fall Creek areas as a result of
the flooding.
Carried Unanimously
Southwest
Comm. Sterling reported that Jonathan Meigs of the Planning Department
and Paul Glover from Ecology Action will be present at the March meeting
to discuss the Southwest study.
Chairman Carlson suggested the commission might wish to consider having
the Chamber of Commerce meet with them to present their ideas on growth.
Comm. Capowski suggested that three people might be too many for one
meeting.
Open Space Survey
Comm. Capowski reported that the scope may be larger than the commission
had thought: end uses ought to be considered at the outset of the study
as this may determine how the study is conducted. He said community
interests ought to be considered in determining the scope of study.
Chm. Carlson reported on Comm. Burbank's conversation with Bickley Townsend
regarding Open Spaces Survey relationship to the General Plan. The Council
will have to approve the study upon its completion.
The consensus of the Commission was that Comm. Holman take the General
Plan to Per Moberg and consult with him. If the General Plan meets with
DEC approval, a working session before the next regular meeting will be
-2- February 21, 1978
called to examine the ;- vneral Plan. If not acceptable, an application
for CETA employment should be submitted.
Comm. Hoard suggested that Fall. Creek studies may provide some of the
information, particularly in regard to soils in that area.
SE R
Comm. Hoard reported that she and Comm. Gallant had been working on a form
to be used by the Building Department and perhaps the Department of Public
Works which, after being approved by the Commission, will be sent together
with a cover letter explaining what information the Commission needs, what
they are trying to do, the threshholds and the requirements of the State
which will take effect in September of this year. She expects to have
the draft form ready to present at the next meeting of the Commission.
Noise Ordinance
Chairman Carlson and the Commission reviewed the draft of the Noise
Ordinance which the Charter and Ordinance Committee has been working on.
Chm. Carlson noted that Article III had been deleted. The Commission made
recommendations as follows:
1. In Article IV, 68.40 Violation, the violations refer only to "levels"
of noise. Levels are not specified in 68.24 or 68.29, and people who have
noisy animals, who annoy hospital patients, etc. might not be in violation
of the ordinance.
2. "Annoyance" itself appears to be a very vague term, and it would be
desirable to improve the wording of any sections using this term.
Comm. Capowski suggested that the Rochester City Code section might serve
as a good model for rewording. He suggested further that it would be
useful to have examples of different d.b levels.
Chairman Carlson was asked to inform Chairman Nichols of the Charter and
Ordinance Committee of the Commission's recommendations.
Resolution
Ry—Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the City check into whether or not it is in compliance
with the air pollution requirements under statutes such as the Air Quality
'Review Act.
Carried Unanimously
Old Business:
Terms of-Office
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the terms of the commissioners be as follows to conform to
the amended local law:
Burbank term expiring December 31, 1978
Sterling 11 if ft it "
Carlson IT " it " it
Hoard if " it " 1979
Gallant it it it it
Capowski " " " " it
Carried Unanimously
Chairman Carlson agreed to inform the Mayor of the suggested terms.
Comm. Hoard asked for a list of the commissioners with terms, addresses
and telephone numbers. Chairman Carlson agreed to ask Mrs. Hutson to
provide such a list. She was provided with a copy of the State law.
Jeanne Fudala of Community Self- Reli4nce Center, reported that an issue
of Nucleonic Week reported that Salina Salt Bed will most likely be chosen
as nuclear repository site because of the proximity of the West Valley
installation which is heavily contaminated.
Adjournment,
By Comm. Capowski; Seconded by Comm, Sterling
RESOLVED, That the meeting adjourn at 9:45 p.m.
Carried Unanimously
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
r`
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. March 21, 1978
PRESENT:
Co— mm sioners (6) - Carlson, Burbank, Gallant, Hoard, Sterling, Holman
ABSENT:
Commissioner (1) - Capowski
ALSO PRESENT: Jonathan Meigs, Planning staff; Joel Meltzer, WTKO; Carl Lagase
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by Chairman Carlson.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED That the minutes of the February 21 1978 meeting be approved
� g PP
as published.
Carried Unanimously
Bikeways
Comm. Burbank reported that he had met with Bickley Townsend of the
Planning and Development staff concerning bikeways. He said he sees a
need for more comprehensive planning, particularly with county review of
railroad rights -of -way. He reminded the Commission that the Board of
Representatives have scheduled a meeting on plans for rights -of -way for
Monday, March 27, at noon at the Tompkins County Court House.
Chm. Carlson reported that the specifications for bikeways signs have been
sent by the Planning Department to the Board of Public Works, and followed
up by several reminders. She feels now, it is a matter of contacting the
proper persons in the Department of Public Works to get the signs made.
Bikeracks
Comm. Burbank reported he had researched further
bikeracks on the buses. He found that racks can
access to the engines; they are not designed for
drivers do not have to leave the bus to aid with
bicycles. Mr. Burbank is now trying to find out
programs covering the buses.
into the matter of using
be made to allow easy
use by children; and the
loading or unloading the
more about the insurance
Noise Ordinance
Comm. Holman.reported that the Noise Ordinance will go to the Common
Council for adoption at its April meeting. The section on howling animals
which had been of concern to the Commission has been deleted and is
covered by another section of another ordinance. A drawback, perhaps, as
it is written is that in order for a peace officer to file an appearance
ticket someone must make an official complaint, which cannot be anonymous.
This is quite different from the thing in the Noise Ordinance, and Comm.
Holman commented that she wants to call it to the attention of Ethel
Nichols, chairman of the Charter $ Ordinance Committee.
Supercan
Comm. Gallant reported attending a meeting at the public library in
Syracuse at which she received a booklet from which she got an idea for
a superman -like figure which could be used as a recycling symbol for
local use. She is presently researching copyrights on same.
Pertinent Meetings
Comm. Burbank informed the Commission that a lecture will be held on March
30 at 8:00 p.m. at the Community Self- Reliance Center at which Dick
Fischer will speak on "Don't Take Garbage for Granted" which concerns
container legislation.
Comm. Holman informed the Commission that hearings on state resource
recovery plan will be held on April 6 in Liverpool and April 7 at 10 a.m.
in the County Office Building in Bingha mton. Container legislation is
not included. Copies of the proposal may be obtained from the Regional
Office in Cortland.
Appointment
Comm. Carlson reported
Commission to appoint
Information Committee.
to Fall Creek Capital I
receiving a
a representai
2-
March 21, 1978
roject Information Committee
letter from Mayor Conley requesting the
ive to the Fall Creek Capital Project
Resolution
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Co Sterling
RESOLVED, That Comm. John Capowski be appointed as representative of the
Environmental Commission to the Fall Creek Capital Project Information
Committee, with Comm. Carlson and Comm. Burbank to serve as alternates.
Carried Unanimously
Old Business:
SEAR
Comm . Hoard distributed a draft of a ford on which she and Comm. Gallant
have been working and which is intended for use by the Building Department
and /or the Department of Public Wo ks, and asked the Commission for review
and comment.
New Business:
NYSE$G Proposal for Transmission L_
Comm. Burbank called attention to j
& Gas Corp. have for a transmissioi
permission for which they have app:
The deadline for response to the al
ne
Tans which the New York State Electric
line across the flood control channel,
ied for to the Army Corps of Engineers.
plication is April 17, 1978.
Chm. Carlson designated Comm. Ster ing and Comm. Holman to investigate
the plan for the power line and it3 impact.
Resolution
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Co Hoard
RESOLVED, That Comm. Sterling and omm. Holman be empowered to act in
the name of the Commission after i vestigating the proposed power line by
the NYSE$G.
Carried Unanimously
Sun Day
Comm. Burbank informed the Commission that Sun Day will be observed
on the Commons on Saturday, May 6. The purpose is to promote the use
of sources of renewable energy of the country and also promote conserva-
tion of energy. Comm. Burbank asked for support and participation of
the Commission. Chm. Carlson agreed to serve as liaison for the event.
Adjournment:
By Comm. Gallant: Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, the Commission adjourn from regular session to work session on
the Open Space Survey at 8:30 p.m.
Open Space Survey
Jonathan Meigs o the Planning Department staff discussed the Southwest
Study to inform the Commissioners of proposed uses for the largest re-
maining open space in the City. He made a full, informative presentation
and answered the many questions of the Commissioners.
Chairman Carlson distributed sect:
spaces and recreation which was di
updating. The Commissioners are
sections at the next meeting.
ons of Egner & Niederkorn's study on open
ne in 1968 to each commissioner for
sked to report on their respective
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. April 18, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Burbank, Capowski, Hoard
ABSENT: Sterling, Gallant, Holman
ALSO PRESENT: Kevin Rowe, Planning & Development Dept. staff; Bob
Lynch, WTKO
OLD BUSINESS:
New York State Electric and Gas Proposal for Transmission Line
Chm. Carlson reported that investigation revealed the NYSE&G transmission
line work is underway and no action is necessary by the Commission.
Nuclear Waste Storage and Transport
Chm. Carlson reported on Cornell University's low -level radioactive
waste, and transport of same. She said she had discussed the subject
with Bob Gardner, Mgr, of Radiation Safety at Cornell's Radiation
Biology Laboratory on Warren Road, near the Tompkins County Airport. He
told her that the radioactive waste storage site near the airport is to
be closed soon and the waste will be transported to another site. He
also told her there are all kinds of federal and state guidelines and his
office is responsible for seeing that these are followed. Unless the
person who is to receive the waste is licensed and going to transport it
himself, Cornell has to provide a properly licensed person to take it
to its destination. Chm. Carlson said it may be possible to invite Mr.
Gardner to a meeting of the Commission to discuss transport of radioactive
waste or other hazardous substances. Chm. Carlson also reported that the
Ithaca Fire Department has no record of transport of any hazardous substances
Comm. Hoard reported on Dr. Pohl's report to EMC on the federal program
to develop a national waste disposal system. She said the extent of
potential jurisdiction over, or control of, waste disposal outside of
city limits, varies.
Comm. Capowski was designated to check with Cornell University (J. Rish's
group) to investigate legal avenues to control or just know about
hazardous waste transport through Ithaca.
Comm. John Capowski informed the Commission that the May 1978 meeting
will be his last inasmuch as he is moving from Ithaca.
Fairgrounds Subdivision
Because of the likelihood that an Environmental Impact Statement will be
required, Cornell University is required to supply information for an
environmental assessment on subdivision of its Fairgrounds site. Chm.
Carlson agreed that she will write a letter to the Planning and Develop-
ment Director, asking him to include the Commission in the assessment
process.
SF.QR
Comm. Hoard reported that the form on which she has been working, to
determine the number of type 1 actions the city is involved in, is ready
to be typed and duplicated.
Resolution
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission agrees to sponsor a workshop
in late summer on SEQR which will be open to the public, business and
government officials.
Carried Unanimously
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Capowski
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 21, 1978 meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
Sewage Treatment Project
Chm. Carlson asked Kevin Rowe to report on the sewage treatment project
and tell the Commission, if nothing else, where to find out about it.
-2- April 18, 1978
Mr. Rowe described how the ICI "deep shaft" waste water treatment process
operates, and explained that it is a test project that the Canadians
want to install in the United States to demonstrate how the system works.
The City of Ithaca has agreed to let them test it here so that EPA can
include it as an alternative in the 201 Water Treatment Studies that are
in progress. He explained that the one being discussed is only a
demonstration project. If it is selected as the final system on the
basis of a cost - benefit analysis, several more shafts would have to be
built to process city output.
The question was asked whether or not the water was being tested for
substances before it goes to the municipal water system. Mr. Rowe said
it isn't, but he would think it would be essential. Chm. Carlson asked
if the engineers are working for the City of Ithaca or for the Canadian
group, and Mr. Rowe explained they are working for the City. Chm. Carlson
commented that maybe the Commission should request the engineers to make
the test of the water, but Mr. Rowe said Mr. Dingman doesn't see any
sense in it, and explained that the entire city sewage sys '1 is being
studied, not the entire water system. Chm. Carlson commer that if
they end up with the results of that study and what comes one end,
it might be possible to check the input also, by having so, t)ody else do
it inexpensively and then compare the figures.
Chm. Carlson commented that the results of this process on toxic waste
is one question the Commission would want to see answered. She asked if
the Commission want to take any further action on this program, or if the
Commission should keep themselves more informed than they have been doing.
Bikeways
Comm. Burbank reported that the Department of Public Works has just
informed Planning and Development staff that more information is needed
on signs, routes, etc. and would like to have another meeting with them.
Sun Day
Comm. Burbank informed the Commission he has been requested to ask the
Commission to have a table or display on the Commons on May 6, 1978, for
the observance of Sun Day. The Commission agreed this would be done.
Tompkins County Resource Recovery Program
Comm. Burbank reported that Tompkins County is still pursuing a county -wide
resource recovery plan, and he suggested that the city develop a position
on solid waste. Comm. Burbank and Comm. Gallant were designated to in-
vestigate city solid waste and to formulate a proposed Commission position
on the program for action at the next meeting.
Noise Conference
Comm. Hoard informed the Commission that the New York Noise Control
Conference will be held at Statler Hall on May 19, 1978.
Resolution
By Comm. Capowski: Seconded by Comm. Carlson
RESOLVED, That the Commission provide the $10.00 registration fee for
Comm. Hoard and Comm. Burbank to attend the Noise Control Conference on
May 19, 1978.
Carried Unanimously
Open Space Study
Comm. Sterling and Comm. Carlson were designated to work up a draft
proposal of the Open Sapce Study, to be sent to DEC.
Chm. Carlson asked Kevin Rowe to advise the Commission on what is needed
in the Open Space Study. Among other things, he commented the 1969
Recreation Plan should be expanded to include undeveloped areas.
An Open Space Index will be produced which will provide for each area:
1) Description
2) Present use
3) Comments (if proposal is in works or if special ownership problems
exist, or if the Commission has some proposal to make)
-3-
April 18, 1978
Chm. Carlson commented that the 1969 Recreation Plan will be used,
supplemented by aerial photographs to add to areas listed in that report.
It was agreed the Commission will write their own definition of "open
space" to include schools, etc. or not.
ADJOURNMENT:
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, the meeting adjourn at 9:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted
by Patricia Carlson, Chairman
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:00 P.M. July 18, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Burbank, Gallant, Hoard, Sterling
The meeting was called to order by Chm. Carlson at 7:05 p.m.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 18, 1978 meeting be approved
as published.
Carried Unanimously
NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL SITE:
By Comm. Gallant Seconded by Comm. Sterling
RESOLVED, That the City Environmental Commission urges the Common
Council to oppose the establishment of a nuclear waste disposal site
in the vicinity of Ithaca iri every way possible.
Carried Unanimously
ROUTE 96:
Chm. Carlson presented a draft resolution to be presented to the Common
Council, as follows:
WHEREAS, the Common Council last year requested the investigation of
lower- impact alternatives to the building of a four: -•lane Route 96; and
WHEREAS, the differential impact of different design alternatives cannot
reasonable be measured without comparable data for the different designs;
and
WHEREAS, investigation of pre - emptive signals to stop trains for
emergency vehicles has been initiated but not concluded by the City; and
WHEREAS, investigation of possible bus service to the hospital has been
initiated but not concluded by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City environment and neighborhoods will bear the brunt of
the serious adverse effects of a four -lane expressway, such as destruction
or devaluation of homes and businesses, loss of economic development to
areas outside the city's control, and increased air pollution, noise
pollution, and water runoff problems;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the City Environmental Commission advise
the Common Council to ask New York State Department of Transportation
for a full -scale evaluation of a low- impact second bridge design com-
parable to any other design evaluations NYSDoT may make for Route 96.
AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the City Environmental Commission advises
the Common Council not to allow construction of a four -lane expressway
design to begin unless the lower- impact solutions to the City's problems
such as those cited above are implemented, tested, and proved to be
ineffective.
Discussion followed on the floor. The second paragraph of the draft
was amended as follows:
WHEREAS, the various impacts of different designs cannot reasonably be
compared unless similar data are available for the different designs;
and
Resolution
By Comm. Sterling: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the resolution as amended be adopted by the Commission.
Carried Unanimously
-l- July 18, 1978
NEW YORK STATE ASSOCIATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSIONS:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Conol. oallant
RESOLVED, That $30.00 be allocated for a. representative or representatives
from this Commission to attend the annual meeting of the New York State
Association of Environmental Commissions, to be held at Grossingers, N.Y.
on September 17 and 18, 1978.
Carried Unanimously
NUCLEAR WASTE INFORMATION MEETING:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That Comm. Carlson be reimbursed $5.00 for a check given on
behalf of the Commission for its share in the sponsorship of the informa-
tional meeting on nuclear waste.
Carried Unanimously
CETA EMPLOYEE:
Chm. Carlson reported that an application for a CETA (Comprehensive
Employment Training Act) employee is being filed by the Commission
jointly with the City and Town Planning Departments. If successful,
this employee would work on an open space- natural resources document.
OPEN SPACES STUDY:
Comm. Gallant wondered if people's backyards would be affected if such
spaces were listed. Comm. Hoard explained that this Commission would
only review applications which required discretionary action and would
not affect projects people were permitted to do by right. The present
brief, Open Spaces Study could be expanded later with information from
the CETA employee's study.
Another possibility was a suggestion by Bickley Townsend that Cornell
planning students wanting to do field wor: could be utilized on natural
resources; and Neil Orloff's offer for spring term student projects in
environmental law.
NEW COMMISSIONER:
Persons were discussed who might be willing to serve on the Commission
and several will be checked out before the next meeting of the Commission.
SEQR:
Comm. Hoard reported on the SEQR legislation. The City version was often
used as a model to the county. She noted that DEC lists had been changed
and the City will have to pass some amendments by September 1st to reflect
the new procedures.
BIKEWAYS:
Comm. Burbank reported that he had talked to those in charge of construc-
tion of the peripheral streets project and they were receptive to his
suggestion of providing places for bikes on the project.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m..
Patricia Carlson, Chairman
..
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. September 19, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Arnold, Burbank, Hoard, Holman
ABSENT: Gallant, Sterling
Chairman Carlson introduced The Rev. Earl Arnold to the members of the
Commission present.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm.'•Burbank
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the July 18, 1978 meeting be approved as
published.
Carried Unanimously
BIKEWAYS:
Chairman Carlson reported to the Commission that $5,000 in the Bikeways
budget has been deleted by the Common Council on the recommendation of
Supt. Dingman.
Comm. Holman reported that Mayor Conley
meeting that he is going to investigate
on the bikeways signage from existing 1
the capital project is closed out. She
discuss the matter with him but did not
from him.
had commented at the Council
to see if he can get work done
ine item accounts, even though
said she had called him to
reach him and has not heard
Chairman Carlson presented a draft of a resolution which she wished to
forward to the Council. Discussion followed on the floor.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
WHEREAS, bicyclists in the City of Ithaca have been requesting a bikeways
system for many years; and
WHEREAS, numerous studies by both lay groups and city departments have
been completed with the aim of implementing a bikeway system; and
WHEREAS, numerous delays have already occurred in the implementation of
the plans; and
WHEREAS, deletion of funds for this project was done with no advance
notice to the public, to lay boards, or even to city departments;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Common Council is urged to restore
the funding of the signing of the downtown - Stewart Park bikeway
immediately, and to direct the Department of Public Works to proceed
with the needed work as soon as possible.
Carried Unanimously
New York State Association of Environmental Commissions
By Comm. Arnold: Seconded by Comm. Hoar
RESOLVED, That Comm. Burbank be reimbursed in the amount of $72.10 for
the balance of the cost of attending the Annual Conservation Commission
Conference at Grossingers September 17 and 18, 1978. The Commission
had originally allocated $30.00 toward the cost of attending the
conference.
Carried Unanimously
Cornell DEIS
The Commission discussed a public informational meeting to be held in
the Common Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m. the following evening,
September,20, 1978, by the Planning Department staff in regard to the
proposed development by UFAIR, a Cornell subsidiary that proposes to
develop the land on South Meadow Street to developers for the benefit
of the Cornell University Medical School. Planning and Development
Director Van Cort does not want to take the additional time required
for a full public hearing,_4nd final impact statement, which was among
the recommendations of -the Commission's letter responding to the Draft
Statement. The Commission felt that the public hearing would not
-2- September 19, 1978
require too much additional time, and that the estimates of the period
required to prepare the final statement were exaggerated, since the
FEIS can simply be the DEIS plus the comments received from the public
and responses to the comments. The Commission also felt that more
copies of Environmental Impact Statements must be made available to the
public.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission recommend to the City that
there be a minimum of three copies -.of draft statements provided for
public view: 1 to be located in the Tompkins County Library, 1 in the
City Clerk's office and 1 in whichever office is going to make the
decision, in addition to their own working copies.
Carried Unanimously
Truck 'traffic on East State Street
Comm. Holman reported that the allowing resolution had been presented
by an East State Street resident to Common Council and was referred to
the City Attorney for negotiation with the New York State Department
of Transportation:
Section 1. The Common Council of the City of Ithaca hereby finds
and declares that heavy truck traffic in residential neighborhoods is
a public nuisance, resulting in high levels of noise for residents at
all hours, extreme hazards for pedestrians, other drivers, and resi-
dents, and excessive wear and tear on City streets which are maintained
by the taxpayers of the City of Ithaca.
Section 2. It shall be the policy of the City of Ithaca to
eliminate, insofar as possible, all heavy truck traffic from resi-
dential neighborhoods.
Section 3. Under authority of 91640(a)(5) of the Vehicle and
Traffic Law of the State of New 'York, we hereby direct that a sign be
erected at the entrance to the City of Ithaca at East State Street
saying
Trucks Over
8 Tons
Prohibited
Trucks Use Alternate Routes
into Ithaca
Further, we direct that a sign be placed at the foot of State
Street, for Eastbound traffic east of the intersection known as the
Tuning Fork, saying
No Trucks
Except
Local Deliveries
Section 4. In order to assist in the implementation of these
rules, we hereby direct the Mayor to request the New York State
Department of Transportation to erect a sign for northbound traffic
at Exit 8 on Interstate Route 81 saying
Truck Traffic to Ithaca
Use Exit 11
Route 13
23 Miles Ahead
Section 5. Insofar as is necessary for the performance of their
duties, trucks belonging to any governmental unit are excepted from
these provisions.
Carried Unanimously
The Commission expressed approval of the Council resolution on East
State Street truck traffic.
SEAR: +�
Chairman Carlson noted that study on actions falling under SEQR had
not been undertaken because of impending changes in rules and regula-
tions by the State.
-3-
September 19, 1978
CETA Application
Comm. Carlson reported that the Planning Department has submitted
the application for a CETA employee to whoever makes the decisions.
Comm. Holman reported that the federal government had approved funds
and eventually the Commission should hear as to whether or not they
will have someone to work on the site inventory and natural resources
inventory.
Conservation Commission Conference
Comm. Burbank reported on the Conservation Conference. He called
attention to a new position of Environmental Management Specialist
in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University. He
noted that some communities have used school classes to conduct open
spaces surveys.
Comm. Burbank recommended that starting next year the Commission should
send at least two persons to the Conference.
Comm. Burbank reported that there
environmental organizations in New
worthwhile obtaining. The cost is
is published a directory of
York State that he thinks would be
about $3.95.
Resolution
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Arnold
RESOLVED,.That the Commission forward a check and obtain a copy of the
Directory of Environmental Organizations in New York State.
Carried Unanimously
Announcements
Comm. Holman reported that the Federal government has sent 4 sets of
material - -Task Force Reports on Nationwide Outdoor Recreation, 2 sets
of which were complete. Chairman Carlson accepted 1 copy for her files.
Comm. Burbank announced that there will be a conference during the
weekend of October 8 -9 at Washington, D.C., the subject being the
Critical Mess (Nuclear Waste), and expressed the hope that a Commission
member might attend; if not, that a report be obtained from someone who
does attend.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
Environmental Commission
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. October 17, 1978
PRESENT: Carlson, Arnold, Burbank, Gallant, Holman
ABSENT: Sterling, Hoard
OTHERS PRESENT
The meeting was
MINUTES:
WTKO - Nigro
The Ithaca Journal - Marcham
called to order at 8:10 p.m.
By Comm. Arnold: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of September 19, 1978 be corrected
follows, and approved as corrected: The last paragraph on the
page of the Minutes showing the heading Cornell DEIS should be
changed to show the firs -t word on line 5 as "sell" rather than
as
first
"develop."
CYANIDE DISCHARGE:
Chairman: Carlson had a_letter which she had received earlier in October
from Paul Sheneman, and.part of the letter was the recommendation that
the Department of Public Works.state the measures they are taking to
enforce the cyanide discharge regulations when they appear for state aid.
Chairman Carlson will write a letter to the Department of Public Works
asking for a copy of the section of its Operation and Maintenance Aid
Application for 197/8, the section ,diich deals with enforcement of the
cyanide discharge.
BIKEWAYS:
Chairman Carlson reported that the Commission has decided to make a
statement to the Budget and Administration Committee at its regular
meeting on October 26th. Among the main points to be presented to
the Budget and Administration Committee are that the bikeways project
should not be penalized for inaction by various City departments, and
the fact that the Environmental Commission thought this project was
going along perfectly well until it was deleted without prior notice. Comm.
Arnold suggested that maybe members of the Budget and Administration
Committee could be approached before the October 26th meeting to see
how they feel about bikeways. Other Commission members felt this was
a good thing.
NOISE CONTROL:
Chairman Carlson mentioned Stan Blum's interest in noise control,
but since Blum had not reported back to the Commission as yet, she
would wait until she has.something to tell the Commission.
UFAIR:
Chairman Carlson discussed the UFAIR case. She mentioned that it was
rather a peculiar case. She felt that the aims of the SEQR legisla-
tion were, in fact, carried out in this case. The Environmental
Commission is trying to make sure that the environmental concerns,
both social and economic, are taken into account in the granting of
discretionary application and that although, in many ways, this turned
out to be a real problem in terms of getting the information to the
public, the legislation and draft environmental impact statement were
in fact used by the Planning'Department in exactly this way. Many
changes were made with reference to the original application and the
developers were required to change aspects such as landscaping, traffic,
etc. Many points that were brought up by the Commission were not in
the draft environmental statement, even though the answers were in the
supplementary documents. When the Environmental Commission saw the
'document it was very pro - development and a lot of the work that had gone
into it did not show up at all.
The public had about two or three weeks to respond to the draft
environmental impact statement but there was only one copy available.
The public was not aware of the situation and the responses were
therefore very late and the City Planning staff was under great pressure
to do something quickly.
i
-2- October 17, 1978
Chairman Carlson felt that if the Planning Department had received
the Commission's letter earlier it might have gone ahead and scheduled
the public information hearing. As it was, the letter was not re-
ceived until the last day. Since many of the points raised in the
Commission's letter had already been taken care of in the supplementary
documents, or at least noted, the Planning Department did not feel that
it was justified in delaying the project any longer.
Chairman Carlson felt that the seeker process was working but in a
very awkward fashion. Next time she hopes that the developer will
know sooner what he has to do and also that the public will have
greater access to the DEIS.> involved so that more response can be
made.
Chairman Carlson brought up a matter that she considered to be separate
from the one just discussed. Part of the objection to the UFAIR
project was not to the project itself, but the whole idea as to what
the area was zoned for. Many developments presently allowed by
zoning would have the same problem.
Some people have suggested that perhaps the area
should be used for residential purposes or for a park area. Chairman
Carlson thought these were good ideas and should be considered but
does not consider the present time the right time to do it. If the
Commission is interested in this kind of issue, the time to do some-
thing is before a developer has worked up a specific plan.
Discussion followed on the floor.
Comm. Arnold said that the discussions had opened up the whole question
of the City's land -use policy and perhaps the Commission should take
an educational role in the problem. Perhaps the Commission could ask
individuals, such as someone from Natural Resources at Cornell, and
Mr. Van Cort from the Planning Department, to talk or describe the
land -use policy as it applies to Ithaca. Some months ago Jon Meigs
talked about the southwest area of Ithaca and maybe this might be a
good time to ask the Planning Department to bring the Commission up -to-
date.
PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS:
Comm. Holman mentioned that the Charter and Ordinance Committee and
the Planning Board had been asked by the Board of Zoning Appeals to
consider certain larger general questions that were caused by the
recent Goldberg /Thaler project. Those developers asked for a parking
variance on Aurora Street. One of the specific questions that the
Board of Zoning Appeals is raising and Charter and Ordinance Committee
is considering is the requirement for a certain amount of parking
space for a certain number of square feet within the Central Business
District. Comm. Holman questions the reasonableness of expecting a
developer in the business district to provide a specific number of
parking spaces. She wonders if there is another way, and if perhaps
this might be a project for the Environmental Commission.
Discussion followed on the floor.
The Commission discussed the parking situation as a whole, especially
in the residential area just. outside of the business district.
Resident permits were discussed for those people living near the
business district so that they would have first choice of parking areas
in front of their own homes. Chairman Carlson is going to write to
Frank Gombas to see if she can get the rationale of the alternate
parking method and to inquire as to whether it could be done on a
weekly rather than.a daily basis.
Chairman Carlson asked the Commission to be thinking about the parking
situation and if ideas occur, to draft resolutions so the Commission
can talk about them at the next meeting.
A.
-3-
October 17, 1978
ZONING:
The Commission discussed zoning, especially as it pertains to parking
lots and the landscaping of parking lots, in accordance with the Code.
Comm. Holman mentioned that there is available a chart that shows the
various zones in the City of Ithaca and the requirements and use
designations. Such a chart can be obtained from the Building Depart-
ment for $.50.
NEW BUSINESS:
Several conTerences were mentioned. Comm. Holman mentioned one that
Will be held in November by the National Urban Forestry organization.
The registration fee is $30.00.
One of the Commission members had an application which was received
from the Department of Environmental Conservation. It referred to
recycling or resource recovery programs at the local level. The City
is associated with Challenge Industry and the Commission wondered
whether Challenge Industry is the agency to do a larger and more
complete resource recovery program than the City is currently engaged
in, and if so, how is it to be carried out.
Comm. Gallant mentioned that she will be moving from Ithaca.
She is going to New Mexico. Discussion followed as to where to look
for someone to take her place.
ADJOURNMENT:
On motion made by Comm. Gallant and seconded by Comm. Arnold, the
meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
Environmental Commission
CITY OF ITHACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. - Room 208
PRESENT: Burbank, Chm. Carlson, Hoard, Sterling
ALSO PRESENT:
ABSENT: Arnold
November 28, 1978
Council Liaison Holman; Jeanne Fudala, Community Self - Reliance
Center; Mick Bottge, Planning & Development; Paul Harvey, W.H.C.U.;
Peter Shacknow, W.T.K.O.
Jeanne Fudala was present to announce two community forums at the Community
Self- Reliance Center:
Tuesday, December 5, 1978, 8:00 P.M. on UFAIR- Meadow St. Mall
Tuesday, December 12, 1978, on Solid Waste Disposal
In addition, on Saturday, December 2, 1978, a workshop on Solar Energy is being
conducted.
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Gallant
RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the October 17, 1978 meeting be approved as recorded.
Carried Unanimously
BIKEWAYS:
Comm. Burbank reported briefly on a meeting with the Budget & Administration
Committee on October 26, 1978.
Alderman Holman commented that she had assumed that the resolution which directed
the Department of Public Works to construct the signs from the Commons to Stewart
Park, and further resolved that the cost of the project be taken out of the
operating budget of the Department of Public Works, had the support of the Budget
& Administration Committee. However, at the November 1, 1978 meeting of the Common
Council, the Chaiman of the Budget and Administration Committee skipped the
bikeway item. After Mayor Conley called this to his attention, Alderman Holman
and Boronkay moved that the item be lifted from the table, and the following
resolution was presented by Alderman Gutenberger, seconded by Alderman Bordoni:
"WHEREAS, this Common Council closed out the capital project known as "Bikeways"
on September 6, 1978, and
WHEREAS, it is the consensus of this Common Council that a part of this system
can be built in 1978;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council directs the Board of
Public Works to construct the signs necessary for the route from Ithaca Commons to
Stewart Park, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the expense for this project be taken out of operating
funds of the Department of Public Works."
After discussion of the resolution, Alderman Boronkay and Holman moved the following:
"RESOLVED, That the final papagraph of the resolution read, "BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,
That the expenses for this project be taken out of operating funds." The amendment
was defeated;Alderman Bordoni withdrew his second of the original resolution, and
Alderman Boothroyd seconded the original resolution. After additional discussion,
the original resolution was defeated.
Later in the meeting, under NEW BUSINESS, Alderman Holman and Boronkay presented .
the following resolution:
it WHEREAS, This Common Council closed out the capital project known as "Bikeways"
on September 6, 1978, and
WHEREAS., it is the consensus of the Common Council that a part of this system shall
be built in 1979;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That this Common Council include in its 1979 Budget
-2- November 38, 1978
be
a capital project to /known as "Bikeways," and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an allocation of funds to the "Bikeways" capital
project be included in the 1979 City of Ithaca budget, said allocation to be
sufficient to adequately sign that portion of the route from the Commons to
Stewart Park and that funding for this portion be the minimum amount considered,
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Department of Public Works.be directed to develop
a budget for the Bikeways capital project in the month of November 1978." The
resolution was Carried Unanimously.
Alderman Holman reported that at the November 22, 1978 meeting of the Board of
Public Works the following resolution was passed:
By Comm. Cleveland: Seconded by Comm. Schickel
"RESOLVED, That the Common Council be requested to include $3,000 in its capital
program for 1979 to fund the signing of a bikeway betwee.i Ithaca Commons and Stewart
Park."
Discussion followed on the value of signage to the total Bikeways system.
Resolution
By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Burbank
RESOLVED, That the Common Council include $5,000 in its capital program for 1979
to fund the signing of a Bikeway between Ithaca Commons and Stewart Park and further
development of Bikeways within the City. Carried Unanimously
SEQR. (State Environmental Quality Review) and UFAIR (University- Fairgrounds):
The effects of SEQR on development wi0 in, and outside the City where the review
process is not-enforced was discussed briefly.
OPEN SPACES:
ork on inventory
Co. Hoard volunteered to w and try to prepare the open spaces
mm
review for submission to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
LAND -USE PLANNING:
Mick Bottge of the Planning & Development staff addressed the Commission, describing
overall planning and in particular, the Southwest. He reported on the Cherry Street
Industrial Park as a project which simultaneously would encourage developers
(especially local developers) and would safeguard environmental concerns. An EIS
would be worked out at the beginning, and desirable environmental criteria would
be incorporated so that undesirable effects would not result. The advantage to
developers is that the review process would be shortened, since a separate EIS
would not be required. The desirability of encouraging certain light industry to
locate within the City instead of in rural areas was'discussed.
Mr. Bottge suggested that Cherry Street and Southwest Park could be developed to
include parkland and a segment of bikeways, which the Commission might want to
recommend. He suggested that the State, through the Finger Lakes Parks Commission,
be approached for cooperation with landscaping and bikeways in the Southwest and
Cherry Street development. He commented that a partnership between the City of
Ithaca and the federal government could provide infrastructure for the Cherry Street
development so that developers would be encouraged to locate there. At this point,
$169,000 is proposed as the City's share. At present, there are three companies
interested, with option on land.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commission members were reminded to submit comments on the proposed federal nuclear
waste management policy.
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSION:
Business, Realty, and the Community Self- Reliance Center were suggested as areas to
be represented on the Commission in appointing new members.
MEETING: -
Comm. Burbank suggested an informal meeting in January so Commission members can
become acquainted.
SCREENING OF PARKING LOTS:
Comm. Burbank reported that parking lots do indeed require a screen and wondered
how this portion of the ordinance could be uniformly enforced. Investigation
of the possibility of inspecting parking lot screening as part of housing inspection
was recommended.
-3' November 28, 1978
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Patricia Carlson
Chnarman
Environmental Commission
CITY OF ITIIACA
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. December 19, 1978
PRESENT: Arnold, Burbank, Chm. Carlson, Hoard
ALSO PRESENT: Council Liaison Holman; Cris Lee, potential commissioner;
Stan Blue, citizen interested in noise problems; Jane
Marcham, Ithaca Journal; Peter Schacknoy, TVTKO
MINUTES:
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the November 28 meeting be accepted as
corrected.
Carried Unanimously
(Correction -- motion to approve minutes: Seconded oy Sterling, not Gallant)
Vehicle Noise
Stan Blue, a citizen interested in noise problems, called attention to tl*.e
noise created by motorcycles, especially unmuffled ones. fie said he had
investigated the problem with a muffler outlet on Elmira Road and found
that removal of the muffler increases mileage per gallon by 10 -20 percent.
Muffled motorcycles produce around SO decibels of noise; unmuffled cycles
may produce as much as 70 -80 decibels, significantly exceeding the
statutory limit for noise in residential areas.
The recently adopted Noise Ordinance was discussed, and strategy for
obtaining enforcement of it.
Resolution
By Comm. Arnold: Seconded by Comm. Burbank-
RESOLVED, That the Charter and Ordinance Committee be requested to
consider the enforcement of the Noise Ordinance, especially as motorcycles
come into greater use in the Spring.
Carried Unanimously
Chairman Carlson agreed to write to the New York State Department of-
Environmental Conservation concerning assistance on training that may be
available to local agencies.attempting noise ordinance enforcement.
SEQR
Chm. Carlson called attention to the letters she had sent to the Commission,
a couple of which are listed under SEQR. She said she needed a sense of
guidance about what, if anything, the Commission should do in terms of the
Village of Lansing; also on the letter sent to the Council for consideration
in regard to the proposed industrial park on Cherry Street.
Alderman Holman informed the Commission that the city funding for the
industrial park would be discussed at the Common Council budget hearing
the following evening. There was discussion of how the Environmental
Commission might provide support for both the Bikeways project and the
industrial park.
Resolution
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission support funding for the
Bikeways project and the Cherry Street Industrial Park development, at the
City budgeting process.
Carried Unanimously
Letter to Seymour Smi.dt
Chm. Carlson called attention to the subject of the rezoning of a site
at the intersection of Warren. Road and Route 1.3 by the Village of Lansing
to light industrial_ use. She reported she had written to Mr. Smidt ex-
pressing her concern because of the disposal of toxic waste on some of
the land and suggesting that an Environmental Impact Statement would be
very useful. Commissioner Burbank, the Commission's representative to
the Environmentai Mianag�:,rnejit. C�,r, l:; : c.:, and Commiss:i.oner Hoard, also a
member of EMC, were asked to bring; this matter to the attention of the
Environmental Managcment Commission.
- 2 -
December 19, 1978
SEQR Ordinance
Chin. Carlson announced that in the Spring Kevin Rowe and a fellow student
will be reviewing the City's SEQR Ordinance in light of the latest
revision of the State SEQR laws. The review will be under the direction
of the Planning Department.
Parking
Chm. Carlson reported on her exchange of letters concerning alternate side
parking. There appears to have been no change in policy for street
cleaning since the enactment of the alternate side street parking ordinance
in 1964. Alderman Holman will inquire about the status of overnight
parking in metered areas in residential areas. Mrs. Carlson received
response from traffic engineer Gombas, copies of which she had sent to the
Commission.
Comm. Hoard suggested that a discussion of "Ithaca and Automobiles" be on
the agenda for the next meeting.
New Members
Chin. Carlson introduced. Cris Lee, who has been suggested for appointment
but has not yet been officially appointed. New appointments need to be
made, including someone under 21 years of age. Recommendations have beer.
sent to the Mayor who will make the appointments.
Resolution of Appreciation
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Arnold
WHEREAS, This will be Pat Carlson's last meeting, and
WHEREAS, Pat has served as chairperson for the last two years, and
WHEREAS, Pat's leadership has been a real asset to the work of t]-je
Commission, and
WHEREAS, Pat's personal contributions in the area of environmental
concerns have been a source of encouragement and support to other members
of the Commission;
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission extends its thanks to
Commissioner Carlson and wishes her well as she relocates out of the
Ithaca area.
Carried Unanimously
AD.70URNIMENT :
By Comm. Burbank: Seconded by Comm. Hoard
RESOLVED, The meeting is adjourned. at 9;25 p.m.
Carried Unanimously
Patricia Carlson
Chairman
Environmental Commission