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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1981ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. January 21, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners: (7) Hanna, Hoard, Bangs Perko, Sheffield, Swanzee, Holman OTHERS PRESENT: Pamela Mitchell, Claudia Montague ABSENT: Deborah Dietrich MINUTES: RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September and December meetings be approved. Carried Commissioner Hoard chaired meeting in the absence of an appointed Chairman. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: Each Commission member introduced themself. It was reflected that there is,:: still a shortage of two members. It could not be determined whether the Mayor will appoint persons to fill the remaining vacancies. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Comm. Perko agreed to serve as Vice - Chairman. It was suggested to ask Deborah Dietrich if she would be willing to serve as Chairman. Because of the absence of Comm. Dietrich, a final decision will be made for a running slate at the next meeting. EMC REPORT: Comm. Hoard explained that her appointment by the Mayor to the Environmental Commission will be ending next year. Following that term, the representative will be selected only by the commission. This is a result of the changes by the county. ODD /EVEN PARKING: Comm. Holman circulated and explained report on odd /even parking that is to go to Common Council. Discussion followed regarding this report. The report is now in the hands of the Planning & Development and Charter & Ordinance Committee. RECYCLING: Resolution By Comm. Bangs: Seconded by Comm. Perko RESOLVED, That addition of investigation of equipment and routes be added to the charge of the Recyling Task Force. Carried This task force will be appointed at February council meeting, and will be asked to report back in July. Comm. Hoard updated commission on recycling projects, mentioning that a county committee will plan and consider solid waste management, which would include recycling. Someone from that committee should be on the city's commission. Elva Holman will have figures on volume of city collections at next commission meeting. LANDFILL Comm. Hoard mentioned that Town of Covert's ban on non - resident use of landfill was upheld in court, and Town of Spencer is still investigating a similar ban. These actions give urgency to work of recycling task force. LAMPRICIDES: Comm. Hoard updated commission and new commission members on this EMC project. A report will be coming out after the experiment. -2- January 21, 1981 NUCLEAR WASTE BAN: t Comm. Holman reported that new federal regulations will soon be out in circulation and will supersede all previous laws regarding nuclear waste. PERIODICAL SUBSCRIPTION: Resolution By Comm. Swanzee: Seconded by Comm. Bangs RESOLVED, That the magazine Environmental Action be subscribed to for the cost of $15. MEETING TIME: Carried Resolution By,Comm. Bangs: Seconded by Comm. Perko RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission will meet every fourth Tuesday of each month, starting February 24, 1981. Carried ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, DEBORAH HOARD, Vice Chairman W I/ ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK 7:30 P.M. February 24, 1981 No Official Meeting Due to Lack of Quorum PRESENT: Hoard - Presiding Commissioners - Banks, Sheffield Council Liaison - Schuler Called to Order: 7:40 P.M. Additions to Agenda: Nuclear Regulations Home Heating Safety Issue. SLATE FOR ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Rick Banks - Chairman John Perko - Vice - Chairman To be officially voted at March meeting. Rick Banks chaired the remainder of the meeting. CORRECTION OF JANUARY 21, 1981 MINUTES: Elva Holman is council liaison not commissioner Correction of Rick's last name - it is Banks not Bangs Minutes approved with above corrections REPORT ON EMC MEETING (COUNTY) (Hoard) County formed toxic waste committee County formed woodlot managemebt practice committee County passed resolution for modified Lamprey Program Option II Comm. Hoard moved city Environmental Commission back County and recommended Common Council take same stand and pass along to the Board of Representatives. SOLID WASTE No action at any level on waste, recycling, incinerators. BOTTLE BILL State level and proposed bill reviewed. Comm. Hoard moved that the City Environmental Commission back enactment of State Legislation similar to the 1979 -1980 Senate 2153 -A and Assembly 2822 -A and ask Common Council to do the same. No other action at this time. SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: Discussed letter from CRESP Coordinator (Cornell) regarding cost/ result ratio of proposed treatment operation. G()T.TT) WARTF.- Task Force being formed by the City. GLASS RECYCLING: Experiment discussed (Bryant Parkana) FA -2- RTKF. STTRAFV Discussion deferred NUCLEAR WASTE: February 24, 1981 Transportation and power to regulate same discussed. Ithaca has ordinance to restrict transportation. Since overruled by Federal Government, government to publish an atlas for such transportation. HOME HEATING SAFETY ISSUE: Discussion on booklets to be sent for and placed in City Hall for distribution. The meeting of the Environmental Commission was adjourned at 9:15 P.M. CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting March-24, 1981 PRESENT: Acting Vice - Chairman - Hoard Commissioners - (5) - Hanna, Sheffield, Swanzey, Banks, Cornish Council Liaison - (2) - Schuler, Holman ABSENT: Commissioner - (1) - Perko CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:44 P.M. by Acting Vice - Chairman Hoard. MINUTES: No minutes submitted for approval due to lack of quorum at February 1981 meeting. MEMBERSHIP: Vice - Chairman Hoard introduced a new member of the commission, Joanne Cornish. There are now two vacancies. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED that Comm. Richard Banks be Chairman and Comm. John Perko be Vice - Chairman for the year 1981. 0 Carried Unanimously EMC REPORT Comm. Hoard reported that the EMC recycling group is beginning to get together. Comm. Hoard is acting chairman of the EMC recycling group. EMC did pass a positive recommendation on deposit bottle legislation and passed it to Board of Reps. There has been a special committee formed by the County Board of Reps to formulate a Board position. Ralph Jordan (Chamber of Commerce) and Mr. England, manager of the P &C, Judd Falls Road, spoke at the EMC meeting of concern about the cost to supermarkets if they had to take in bottles they did not sell. Also, a gentleman from a distributing company spoke about the cost to small businesses. - Comm. Hoard also reported that the commission is looking for sites where,% , toxic wastes had been dumped in Tompkins County. CITY RECYCLING TASK FORCE Comm. Hoard gave a report on today's meeting. The first and third Tuesdays, 4 to 6 P.M. will be the regular meeting times, in City Hall. Comm. Hoard said Lloyd Irwin gave a very interesting talk on the process and cost of the City's solid waste collection. While the tonnage has remained the same, the cost is up considerably. The cost per load is $107.36 to the landfill site (a load is 6 tons). His department has 4 trucks running every day, with 1: -in reserve. The city spent $180,592.62 in 1980. The department handles 10,000 tons of solid waste each year. There are 11 men in the depart- ment, working on 5 trucks which cost $45,000 each. Cornell University sends 22 tons and the city sends 30 tons of solid waste to the landfill each week. There was a discussion on Ithaca Scrap trying to get Cornell University and local businesses to recycle marketable materials, especially paper and corragated cardboard. Ithaca Scrap recycles 20 -25 kinds of paper. There was also a discussion on the fact that Challenge Industries no longer handles bottle pick up. Ithaca Scrap will pick up bottles but their pick ups must be clean (no metal rings on bottles, no waste mixed in). There were a number of questions raised by the Task Force and the Conservation Council; it is hoped the Task Force will answer these questions. i -3- LAMPRICIDES: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Hanna The City Commission supports EMC and the County Board of Reps in their comments to DEC concerning recommendations of Modified Option II. Carried Unanimously SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: Report by Comm. Holman. There will be further discussion on this matter in view of proposed cuts in federal funding. Nobody knows quite what the sit- uation is at this point in time. There will be additional discussion about how the planning of the sewage treatment plant is to proceed. Before we are ready to authorize another stage in planning, we need to be very sure that we are approving the right kind of plant in order to assure the federal funding. This is the largest capital project ever undertaken in Tompkins County. The Commission and EMC need to be notified of impending developments. ROAD SALT USE: Comm. Holman read minutes from Board of Public Works meeting of March 11, 1981. There was a discussion of salt use on roads and resulting damage to trees, bodies of water, etc; Comm. Sheffield is to check with Jack Dougherty on current practices. PUBLIC FORUM: A Lobbyist for Environmental Planning Lobby from Albany will speak.on toxic waste, solid waste, and nuclear waste on Thursday, April 9th, at 8 P.M. at the Old County Court House. The Conservation Advisory Council is to be co- sponsor. Meeting adjourned at 9:06 P.M. x CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting April 29, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners (6) - Banks, Cornish, Hoard, Perko, Sheffield, Swanzey Council Liaison (1) - Holman ABSENT: Commissioner (1) - Hanna The meeting was called to order at 7:49 p.m. MINUTES: By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Perko RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 24, 1981 meeting be approved as corrected. Correction: Page 1, EMC REPORT, paragraph 2: the Environmental Management Council is looking for sites ... Carried Unanimously CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Resignation of Commissioner Chairman Banks reported that Commissioner Deborah Dietrich had sub- mitted her resignation from the Commission. Resolution By Comm. Swanzey: Seconded by Comm. Hoard RESOLVED, The Commission accepts the resignation of Commissioner Dietrich. Carried Unanimously Environmental Action Communication Chairman Banks reported receiving a Clean Air ballot from the Environ- mental Planning Lobby, Environmental Conservation Committee of the Assembly, requesting an expression of interest from the Conservation Advisory Council regarding environmental issues. Resolution By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED, That the Environmental Conservation Commission return the Clean Air ballot to the Environmental Planning Lobby, expressing their support. Carried Unanimously Membership in Planning Lobby By Comm. Hoard: Seconded y Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED, That the Commission become a member of the Environmental Planning Lobby. Carried Unanimously Ithaca Task Force on the Recycling of Solid Waste Chairman Banks informed the Commission that the Common Council had appointed him as ex officio member of the Ithaca Task Force on the Re- cycling of Solid Waste, and observed that it would be difficult for him to attend the 4 p.m. meetings. He asked if another member would be agreeable to attending the meetings in his place. Comm. Hoard reported that she is a member of the Task Force as a representative of another body, and she said that she felt the Council should appoint a voting member to the Task Force from the Conservation Advisory Council inasmuch as there should be twelve members on the committee instead of the current eleven. OLD BUSINESS: Energy Conservation Materials Comm. Swanzey reported on availability of energy conservation pamphlets from Cooperative Extension and New York State Electric and Gas. Elva Holman suggested that Conservation Advisory Council cooperate with NYSE &G and Cooperative Extension in distributing energy conservation materials in the fall. -2- April 29, 1981 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Bikeways Survey Mrs. Holman reminded the Commission that the Commission had previously discussed the formation of a subcommittee to assist with the Bikeways Surveys, Discussion followed. Chairman Banks was empowered to ask Mayor Bordoni for authorization to appoint a Bikeways subcommittee of representative persons who will tabulate surveys and make appropriate recommendations. EMC REPORT: Comm. Hoard reported that the Environmental Management Council has a relatively new committee on toxic waste who are getting started on a public information campaign trying to get people who might know of some hazardous wastes or materials that might have been buried. Comm. Hoard reported that the Environmental Management Council are also starting a wetlands mapping project. They have scheduled two training sessions (1 this week and 1 next) to train the persons how to identify the wetlands plants which are indicator species. These training sessions will be held at Sapsucker Woods. Details may be obtained by calling the Environmental Management Commission office C274-6282). RESOURCE RECOVERY Comm. Hoar reported that the County /City Task Forces will meet jo -intly on the third Tuesdays of each month. TELEDYNE PROPOSAL; Comm. Hoard reported that the EMC discussed a proposal which would consist of building a plant in Tompkins County which would handle larger quantities of garbage than any refuse disposal facility plant yet proposed locally. Solid waste would be reduced to cigar -like pellets which can be burned in any furnace that burns coal, and would have a little-more than half the heat value of coal. "INDUSTRIAL' WASTE MATERIALS PROGRAMS: Chm. Banks reported receiving a communication from the State regarding legislation for establishing industrial materials recycling programs within the Department of Environmental Conservation to work on programs to reduce Hazardous wastes by source reduction and recycling or recovery. The department will give technical assistance and encourage - -ment to industries for adoption of programs which will cause less hazardous and other industrial waste, and will give assistance to industries to recover and recycle. They wish to set up a task force to advise and assist. ROAD SALT: Discussion on this item was postponed, BOTTLE BILL REPORT: Chm. Banks reported passage of a bottle bill in Suffolk County on March 24, 1980, Also, New York City Mayor Koch is now interested in a bottle bill, The Tompkins County Board of Representatives are involved, along with Environmental Management Council, and many are concerned against bottle bill legislators listening to powers controlling - -those that show up and speak out against it. Some comments in materials received by Chm, Banks: More people are needed to work together, There are claims that people will lose jobs. More unskilled than skilled labor will be needed. Michigan testifies for the bottle bill and claim that it leaves more time in Parks & Recreation for other important tasks. Local government is pressed for extended life of landfills. Breweries could handle - -may even show profit. Distributors would have the largest investment. There would be an increase in jobs of retail clerks. Letter campaigns are emphasized. Prices will go up a little, then eventually fall back down. There will be an initial invonvenience, and reorganization. E -3- April 293 1981 In the State of Maine, the small stores make out well -- people _ return and spend the refunds. Chm. Banks suggested writing a letter to people in the state govern- ment in support of the bill. Comm. Hoard commented that the Commission passed a resolution previously and transmitted it to the Common Council, requesting their endorsement, and that it be sent to the appropriate state legislator. Resolution By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Sheffield RESOLVED, That Chm. Banks write to the following persons at state level, enclosing the deposit resolution passed by the Commission: Governor, Carey, Speaker Fink, Senator Anderson, Senator Eckert, Assemblyman. Carried Unanimously ROAD SALT: The Commission agreed to accept Jack Dougherty's invitation to meet at the Maintenance Facility to discuss road salt use. Chm. Banks distributed copies of an article entitled "Salt Injury to Roadside Plants" by George Hudler. Chm. Banks suggested that a copy of the article be sent to the Department of Public Works. Alderman Holman informed the Commission that there had existed a Shade Tree Committee in the past; however, they have not been an acting committee for several years. MISCELLANEOUS: (BRAINSTORMING) Dre ging o —In Iet Comm. Hoard reported that some people had spoken to her regarding the dredging of the inlet and how was the decision made by the Board of Public Works to approve? Crosstown Connectors Comm. Hoard repo–r–f–eU that the County, Town of Ithaca and Cornell Univers-ity have agreed upon the first phase of a route to get people from Slaterville around - -from Pine Tree Road between the P$C and Eastwood Commons, on behind the orchards and end up about Caldwell Road. The county will build it as a county road. Alderman Holman commented that in its last reincarnation it was called the Circumferential Route, and if anybody would like to see it she has a copy. 'L'eaf Collection for Mulch There was discussion concerning the collection and baling of leaves for use as mulch. as- has been done in Batavia, New York. ADJOURNMENT: By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm, Swanzey On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9 :55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Richard Banks, Chairman t CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting June 23, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners (5) - Banks, Cornish, Hanna, Perko, Sheffield Council Liaison (1) - Schuler ABSENT: Co— mm ssioners (2) - Hoard, Swanzey The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. MINUTES: Tie was no approval of minutes of the April 29, 1981 meeting, as it could not be determined what had become of the drafts of the minutes. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chairman Banks reported that he had received a letter from the "Save The River" Commission announcing a festival which would feature a St. Lawrence River Cruise. He passed the letter to the members present. NEW BUSINESS: It aca Energy Commission Chairman Banks, ex cio member of the Commission, reported that` attendance at the meeting was good; membership represents many groups in the City. A concern is that there is no member on the Commission from the Common Council; therefore there is no way of communicating fheir ideas to the Council. Two of the items discussed at the meeting were electrical consumption in the City, and ways of cutting it down; and proposed weatherizati:on ordinances for the Municipal Housing Code. One idea proposes compliance within five years; another applies only to landlords. There is question concerning enforcement of such an ordinance; if it were mandatory,it would be difficult to get the Common Council to approve. Chm. Banks commented that Doug Dylla, Neighborhood Housing Services, tel. 277 -4500, would appreciate hearing from members of the Council after they have read the proposals. New.York State Electric & Gas (NYSE &G) were approached concerning a downtown office, and responded that they would have to look into it. Dredging of Inlet Chairman Banks reported having received a call from Paul Fingers, Environmental Management Council, who is concerned about the impact on the Wetlands Area of the dredging of the Inlet by the State. He indicated that the Common Council would assign this item to committee. Chm. Banks commented that it appears the benefits of the project would outweigh the cost, and said he would call Mr. Fingers and discuss it further with him. Shade Trees Chairman Banks reported that he had wanted to discuss this item with a neighbor who has materials on tree varieties, but had been unable to see him as he is out -of -town. He is interested in finding out which trees are most salt tolerant, and in checking the city plan on planting. OLD BUSINESS: Recycling Alderman Schuler reported that she and Alderman Holman have talked about a work study person to work with the Planning staff on recycling study. The Budget and Administration Committee are concerned that this will be precedent setting if this person were to go into the Planning Department. Mr. Van Cort is writing a statement and will talk to Alderman Gutenberger. Ms. Schuler asked the Conservation Advisory Council to endorse the use of a work study person. a -2- June 23, 1981 Resolution By Commissioner Perko: Seconded by Commissioner Cornish RESOLVED, the Conservation Advisory Council recommends to the Common Council the hiring of a work -study (summer) student to provide staff support in the recycling study. Carried Unanimously Bottle Legislation The Council reviewed the.public hearing which had been held May 27 on the bottle legislation. Road Salt Update Chair an Banks reported on the discussion which he had with Jack Dougherty, and nothing more can be done on this item until the fall or winter when the salt is being used again. Recycling Task Force Chairman Banks informed the Council that he officio member of the Ithaca Recycling Task hold its regular meeting the fourth Tuesday This time is not convenient for him, and he would be able to attend the meetings for hii had been appointed ex Force which he believed of each month at 4:00 p.m. asked if another member R. Meeting Date The Council agreed that the July meeting of the Council would be held on July 20, 1981 instead of on the regular meeting date of July 28. Gypsy Moths Commissioner Cornish asked what the stand of the Council is in regard. to gypsy moths; she had been asked by several people and didn't have the answer. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Richard Banks, Chairman CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Postponed Meeting July 28, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners - (4) - Cornish, Hoard, Perko, Sheffield ABSENT: Commissioners - (3) - Banks, Hanna, Swanzey Commissioner Hoard chaired the meeting in the absence of Chairman Banks. The meeting was called to order at 7:45 P.M. MINUTES: By Comm. Perko: Seconded by Comm. Cornish RESOLVED, that the minutes of the April 29, 1981 and the minutes of the June 23, 1981 meetings be approved and accepted as published. Resignation of Commissioner Comm. Cornish notified the Council of her resignation as of August 1981. She will write a letter to Mayor Bordoni. EMC REPORT: Selection of Consultant for Trash Burning at Old. Hospital Comm. Hoard reported that a consultant has been selected for the trash burning plant at the old hospital and that there will be a technical advisory committee meeting soon which she will attend and report back to the council. Standing Committees within EMC Comm. Hoard reported that EMC has recently reorganized and they now have four standing committees. There is one on Fish and Wildlife, one on Air and Water Quality, one on Solid Waste and Waste Disposal, and one on Land Use and Transportation. Dredging Cayuga Inlet The Land Use and Transportation Committee will be looking into the project. The main issue at this time is the disposal site. East Ithaca Connector Road There was a public meeting recently about the East Ithaca Connector Road and it is something that the EMC will have to make a comment on soon. The matter should be kept on the agenda each time so that the EMC can keep track of the project. Comm. Perko will follow East Ithaca Connector project. EMC Solid Waste Committee The EMC Solid Waste Committee and the County Planning Board are meeting every Wednesday at noon and working on recycling programs for the county like the city recycling task force is doing for the city. EMC Membership If any member knows of any one interested in serving on the EMC, they should have the person send a resume to Gus Freeman. They should be residents of the City of Ithaca. - OLD BUSINESS: Shade Trees Discussion deferred to the September meeting. -2- July 28, 1981 NEW BUSINESS: Lamprey Eel Program Comm. Hoard reported there has been some major reorganization due to loss of funding to the Fish and Wildlife Division of the State and the lamprey control program is not a top priority. Trimming of Creek Banks Discussion deferred to the September meeting. August Meeting There will be no August meeting unless something happens to warrant it. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M. Respectively Submitted, CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting March-24, 1981 PRESENT: Acting Vice - Chairman - Hoard Commissioners - (5) - Hanna, Sheffield, Swanzey, Banks, Cornish Council Liaison - (2) - Schuler, Holman ABSENT: Commissioner - (1) - Perko CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:44 P.M. by Acting Vice - Chairman Hoard. MINUTES: No minutes submitted for approval due to lack of quorum at February 1981 meeting. MEMBERSHIP: Vice - Chairman Hoard introduced a new member of the commission, Joanne Cornish. There are now two vacancies. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED that Comm. Richard Banks be Chairman and Comm. John Perko be Vice - Chairman for the year 1981. 0 Carried Unanimously EMC REPORT Comm. Hoard reported that the EMC recycling group is beginning to get together. Comm. Hoard is acting chairman of the EMC recycling group. EMC did pass a positive recommendation on deposit bottle legislation and passed it to Board of Reps. There has been a special committee formed by the County Board of Reps to formulate a Board position. Ralph Jordan (Chamber of Commerce) and Mr. England, manager of the P &C, Judd Falls Road, spoke at the EMC meeting of concern about the cost to supermarkets if they had to take in bottles they did not sell. Also, a gentleman from a distributing company spoke about the cost to small businesses. Comm. Hoard also reported that the commission is looking for sites where;% toxic wastes had been dumped in Tompkins County. CITY RECYCLING TASK FORCE Comm. Hoard gave a report on today's meeting. The first and third Tuesdays, 4 to 6 P.M. will be the regular meeting times, in City Hall. Comm. Hoard said Lloyd Irwin gave a very interesting talk on the process and cost of the City's solid waste collection. While the tonnage has remained the same, the cost is up considerably. The cost per load is $107.36 to the landfill site (a load is 6 tons). His department has 4 trucks running every day, with l:.in reserve. The city spent $180,592.62 in 1980. The department handles 10,000 tons of solid waste each year. There are 11 men in the depart- ment, working on 5 trucks which cost $45,000 each. Cornell University sends 22 tons and the city sends 30 tons of solid waste to the landfill each week. There was a discussion on Ithaca Scrap trying to get Cornell University and local businesses to recycle marketable materials, especially paper and corrugated cardboard. Ithaca Scrap recycles 20 -25 kinds of paper. There was also a discussion on the fact that Challenge Industries no longer handles bottle pick up. Ithaca Scrap will pick up bottles but their pick ups must be clean (no metal rings on bottles, no waste mixed in). There were a number of questions raised by the Task Force and the Conservation Council; it is hoped the Task Force will answer these questions. -2- COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STUDY Comm. Hoard stated that the County will continue to serve as disposal agent but will not serve as collector. The City Task Force and County Study groups need to work together. The point of the City Task Force and the County Committee is to see if public policy can maybe have an ordinance requiring people to seperate the recycl- ables for regular pick up. BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT LEGISLATION: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Hanna RESOLUTION WHEREAS carbonated soft - drink, beer, and ale bottles and cans create problems of litter; are a hazard to pedestrians, vehicles, and animals; add to the amount of municipal solid waste; and deplete our finite stock of natural re- sources, especially energy; and WHEREAS requiring a mandatory deposit on all carbonated beverage containers sold in the State of New York would to a great extent alleviate these problems; and WHEREAS landfill space in Tompkins County is limited and may be unavailable sooner than previously expected; and WHEREAS the glass recycling program run by Challenge Industries in the City of Ithaca has recently ended; and WHEREAS the siting of a solid waste erfergy- recovery facility is under consid- eration in Tompkins County, and removing beverage containers from the waste stream would make such a facility more efficient; and WHEREAS proposed legislation considered in the State of New York Legislature (Senate Bill 2831 and Assembly Bill 3692) would not require a change to refillable bottles or affect non - beverage food containers, but would only require a deposit on all carbonated beverage containers, thereby providing an economic incentive to return them to store where bought rather than tq throw them away; and WHEREAS the institution of such proposed legislation is not expected to have a detrimental effect on the State's economy or overall work force; and WHEREAS the New York State Conference of Mayors in May, 1980, supported the enactment of State Legislation requiring a deposit on all carbonate beverage containers: WHEREAS it is easier and more appropriate to deal with beverage container deposit legislation on the State rather than on the local level. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Ithaca Environmental Commission does support the enactment of State Senate Bill 2831 and Assembly Bill 3692 which would require a deposit on all carbonated beverage containers sold in the State of New York. Discussion followed on the floor. Carried Unanimously Comm. Hoard has a sample letter for those who wish to write concerning the bill with list of the 2 committees in the Senate and the Assembly who will be considering the bill. Resolution to be forwarded to Common Council with the recommendation that they add their endorsement to this type of message and that it be sent to the appropriate State Legislators. r � a ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION PROCEEDINGS CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting 7:30 P.M. January 21, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners: (7) Hanna, Hoard, Bangs Perko, Sheffield, Swanzee, Holman OTHERS PRESENT: Pamela Mitc e , Claudia Montague ABSENT: Deborah Dietrich MINUTES: RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September and December meetings be approved. Carried Commissioner Hoard chaired meeting in the absence of an appointed Chairman. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS: Each Commission member introduced themself. It was reflected that there is= still a shortage of two members. It could not be determined whether the Mayor will appoint persons to fill the remaining vacancies. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Comm. Perko agreed to serve as Vice- Chairman. I:t was suggested to ask Deborah Dietrich if she would be willing to serve as Chairman. Because of the absence of Comm. Dietrich, a final decision will be made for a running slate at the next meeting. EMC REPORT: Comm. Hoard explained that her appointment by the Mayor to the Environmental Commission will be ending next year. Following that term, the representative will be selected only by the commission. This is a result of the changes by the county. ODD /EVEN PARKING: Comm. Holman circulated and explained report on odd /even parking that is to go to Common Council. Discussion followed regarding this report. The report is now in the hands of the Planning & Development and Charter & Ordinance Committee. RECYCLING: Resolution By Comm. Bangs: Seconded byX Comm. Perko RESOLVED, That addition of investigation of equipment and routes be added to the charge of the Recyling Task Force. Carried This task force will be appointed at February council meeting, and will be asked to report back in July. Comma Hoard updated commission on recycling projects, mentioning that a county committee will plan and consider solid waste management, which would include recycling. Someone from that committee should be on the city's commission. Elva Holman will have figures on volume of city collections at next commission meeting. LANDFILL Comm. Hoard mentioned that Town of Covert's ban on non - resident use of landfill was upheld in court, and Town of Spencer is still investigating a similar ban. These actions give urgency to work of recycling task force. LAMPRICIDES: Co ;rn, loard uodaied coiiviission and new commission members on this EMC project. r� report will be coming out after the experiment. -2- January 21, 1981 NUCLEAR WASTE BAN: Comm. Holman reported that new federal regulations will soon be out in circulation and will supersede all previous laws regarding nuclear waste. PERIODICAL SUBSCRIPTION: Resolution By Comm. Swanzee: Seconded by Comm. Bangs RESOLVED, That the magazine Environmental Action be subscribed to for the cost of $15. Carried MEETING TIME: Resolution By.Comm. Bangs: Seconded by Comm. Perko RESOLVED, That the Environmental Commission will meet every fourth Tuesday of each month, starting February 24, 1981. Carried ADJOURNMENT: On a motion, meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M. C Respectfully submitted,. DEBORAH HOARD, Vice Chairman Regular Meeting PRESENT: Acting Vice - Chairman Commissioners - (5) - Council Liaison - (2) CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK - Hoard Hanna, Sheffield, - Schuler, Holman ABSENT: Commissioner - (1) - Perko March 24, 1981 Swanzey, Banks, Cornish CALL TO ORDER: Meeting was called to order at 7:44 P.M. by Acting Vice - Chairman Hoard. MINUTES No minutes submitted for approval due to lack of quorum at February 1981 meeting. MEMBERSHIP: Vice - Chairman Hoard introduced a new member of the commission, Joanne Cornish. There are now two vacancies. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED that Comm. Richard Banks be Chairman and Comm. John Perko be Vice - Chairman for the year 1981. Carried Unanimously t EMC REPORT Comm. Hoard reported that the EMC recycling group is beginning to get together. Comm. Hoard is acting chairman of the EMC recycling group. EMC did pass a positive recommendation on deposit bottle legislation and passed it to Board of Reps. There has been a special committee formed by the County Board of Reps to formulate a Board position. Ralph Jordan (Chamber of Commerce) and Mr. England, manager of the P &C, Judd Falls Road, spoke at the EMC meeting of concern about the cost to supermarkets if they had to take in bottles they did not sell. Also, a gentleman from a distributing company spoke about the cost to small businesses. Comm. Hoard also reported that the commission is looking for sites where toxic wastes had been dumped in Tompkins County. CITY RECYCLING TASK FORCE Comm. Hoard gave a report on today's meeting. The first and third Tuesdays, 4 to 6 P.M. will be the regular meeting times, in City Hall. Comm. Hoard said Lloyd Irwin gave a very interesting talk on the process and cost of the City's solid waste collection. While the tonnage has remained the same, the cost is up considerably. The cost per load is $107.36 to the landfill site (a load is 6 tons). His department has 4 trucks running every day, with 1:.in reserve. The city spent $180,592.62 in 1980. The department handles 10,000 tons of solid waste each year. There are 11 men in the depart- ment, working on 5 trucks which cost $45,000 each. Cornell University sends 22 tons and the city sends 30 tons of solid waste to the landfill each week. There was a discussion on Ithaca Scrap trying to get Cornell University and local businesses to recycle marketable materials, especially paper and corragated cardboard. Ithaca Scrap recycles 20 -25 kinds of paper. There was also a discussion on the fact that Challenge Industries no longer handles bottle pick up. Ithaca Scrap will pick up bottles but their pick ups must be clean (no metal rings on bottles, no waste mixed in). There were a number of questions raised by the Task Force and the Conservation Council; it is hoped the Task Force will answer these questions. 41 -2- COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT STUDY Comm. Hoard stated that the County will. continue to serve as disposal agent but will not serve as collector. The City Task Force and County Study groups need to work together. The point of the City Task Force and the County Committee is to see if public policy can maybe have an ordinance requiring people to seperate the recycl- ables for regular pick up. BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEPOSIT LEGISLATION: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Hanna RESOLUTION WHEREAS carbonated soft - drink, beer, and ale bottles and cans create problems of litter; are a hazard to pedestrians, vehicles, and animals; add to the amount of municipal solid waste; and deplete our finite stock of natural re- sources, especially energy; and WHEREAS requiring a mandatory deposit on all carbonated beverage containers sold in the State of New York would to a great extent alleviate these problems; and WHEREAS landfill space in Tompkins County is limited and may be unavailable ' sooner than previously expected; and WHEREAS the glass recycling program run by Challenge Industries in the City of Ithaca has recently ended; and WHEREAS the siting of a solid waste energy - recovery facility is under consid- eration in Tompkins County, and removing beverage containers from the waste stream would make such a facility more efficient; and WHEREAS proposed legislation considered in the State of New York Legislature (Senate Bill 2831 and Assembly Bill. 3692) would not require a change to refillable bottles or affect non - beverage food containers, but would only require a deposit on all carbonated beverage containers, thereby providing an economic incentive to return them to store where bought rather than to throw them away; and WHEREAS the institution of such proposed legislation is not expected to have a detrimental effect on the State's economy or overall work force; and WHEREAS the New York State Conference of Mayors in May, 1980, supported the enactment of State Legislation requiring a deposit on all carbonate beverage containers: WHEREAS it is easier and more appropriate to deal with beverage container deposit legislation on the State rather than on the local level. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Ithaca Environmental Commission does support the enactment of State Senate Bill 2831 and Assembly Bill 3692 which would require a deposit on all carbonated beverage containers sold in the State of New York. Discussion followed on the floor. Carried Unanimously Comm. Hoard has a sample letter for those who wish to write concerning the bill with list of the 2 committees in the Senate and the Assembly who will. be considering the bill. Resolution to be forwarded to Common Council with the recommendation that they add their endorsement to this type of message and that it be sent to the appropriate State Legislators. LAMPRICIDES: By Comm. Hoard Seconded: Comm. Hanna The City Commission supports EMC and the County Board of Reps in their comments to DEC concerning recommendations of Modified Option II.. Carried Unanimously SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT: Report by Comm. Holman. There will be further discussion on this matter in view of proposed cuts in federal funding. Nobody knows quite what the sit- uation is at this point in time. There will be additional discussion about how the planning of the sewage treatment plant is to proceed. Before we are ready to authorize another stage in planning, we need to be very sure that we are approving the right kind of plant in order to assure the federal funding. This is the largest capital project ever undertaken in Tompkins County. The Commission and EMC need to be notified of impending developments. ROAD SALT USE: Comm. Holman read minutes from Board of Public Works meeting of March 11, 1981. There was a discussion of salt use on roads and resulting damage to trees, bodies of water, etc; Comm. Sheffield is to check with Jack Dougherty on current practices. PUBLIC FORUM: A Lobbyist for Environmental Planning Lobby from Albany will speak on toxic waste, solid waste, and nuclear waste on Thursday, April 9th, at 8 P.M. at the Old County Court House. The Conservation Advisory Council is to be co- sponsor. Meeting adjourned at 9:06 P.M. e CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting April 29, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners (6) - Banks, Cornish, Hoard, Perko, Sheffield, Swanzey Council Liaison (1) - Holman ABSENT: Commissioner (1) - Hanna The meeting was called to order at 7:49 p.m. MINUTES: By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Perko RESOLVED, That the Minutes of the March 24, 1981 meeting be approved as corrected. Correction: Page 1, EMC REPORT, paragraph 2: the Environmental Management Council is looking for sites ... Carried Unanimously CHAIRMAN'S REPORT: Resignation of Commissioner Chairman Banks reported t -at Commissioner Deborah Dietrich had sub- mitted her resignation from the Commission. Resolution By Comm. Swanzey: Seconded by Comm. Hoard RESOLVED, The Commission accepts the resignation of Commissioner Dietrich. Carried Unanimously Environmental Action Communication Chairman Banks reported receiving a Clean Air ballot from the Environ- mental Planning Lobby, Environmental Conservation Committee of the Assembly, requesting an expression of interest from the Conservation Advisory Council regarding environmental issues. Resolution By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED, That the Environmental Conservation Commission return the Clean Air ballot to the Environmental Planning Lobby, expressing their support. Carried Unanimously Membership in Planning Lobby By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Swanzey RESOLVED, That the Commission become a member of the Environmental Planning Lobby. Carried Unanimously Ithaca Task Force on the Recycling of Solid Waste Chairman Banks informed the Commission that the Common Council had appointed him as ex officio member of the Ithaca Task Force on the Re- cycling of Solid W_aste an__J observed that it would be difficult for him to attend the 4 p.m. meetings. He asked if another member would be agreeable to attending the meetings in his place. Comm. Hoard reported that she is a member of the Task Force as a representative of another body, and she said that she felt the Council should appoint a voting member to the Task Force from the Conservation Advisory Council inasmuch as there should be twelve members on the committee instead of the current eleven. OLD BUSINESS: Energy Conservation Materials Comm. Swanzey reported on availability of energy conservation pamphlets from Cooperative Extension and New York State Electric and Gas. Elva Holman suggested that Conservation Advisory Council cooperate with NYSE&G and Cooperative Extension in distributing energy conservation materials in the fall. -2- April 29, 1981 ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA: Bi eways Survey Mrs. Holman reminded the Commission that the Commission had previously discussed the formation of a subcommittee to assist with the Bikeways Surveys. Discussion followed. Chairman Banks was empowered to ask Mayor Bordoni for authorization to appoint a Bikeways subcommittee of representative persons who will tabulate surveys and make appropriate recommendations. EMC REPORT: Comm. Hoard reported that the Environmental Management Council has a relatively new committee on toxic waste who are getting started on a public information campaign trying to get people who might know of some hazardous wastes or materials that might have been buried. Comm. Hoard reported that the Environmental Management Council are also starting a wetlands mapping project. They have scheduled two training sessions (l this week and 1 next) to train the persons how to identify the wetlands plants which are indicator species, These training sessions will be held at Sapsucker Woods. Details may be obtained by calling the Environmental Management Commission office C274-6282). RESOURCE RECOVERY Comm. Hoard reported that the County /City Task Forces will meet jo -intly on the third Tuesdays of each month. TELEDYNE PROPOSAL: Comm, Hoax reported that the EMC discussed a proposal which would consist of building a plant in Tompkins County which would handle larger quantities of garbage than any refuse disposal_ facility plant yet proposed locally. Solid waste would be reduced to cigar -like pellets which can be burned in any furnace that burns coal, and would have a little-more than half the heat value of coal. `YNDUSTRIAL WASTE MATERIALS PROGRAMS: Chm. Banks reported receiving a communication from the State regarding legislation for establishing industrial materials recycling programs within the Department of Environmental Conservation to work on programs to reduce hazardous wastes by source reduction and recycling or recovery. The department will give technical assistance and encourage - -ment to industries- for adoption of programs which will cause less hazardous and other industrial waste, and will give assistance to industries to recover and recycle. They wish to set up a task force to advise and assist. ROAD SALT: Discussion on this item was postponed, BOTTLE BILL REPORT: C m. Banks reported passage of a bottle bill in Suffolk County on March 24, 1980. Also, New York City Mayor Koch is now interested in a bottle bill. The Tompkins County Board of Representatives are involved, along with Environmental Management Council, and many are concerned against bottle bill legislators listening to powers controlling--those that show up and speak out against it. Some comments in materials received by Chm. Banks: More people are needed to work together. There are claims that people will lose jobs. More unskilled than skilled labor will be needed. Michigan testifies for the bottle bill and claim that it leaves more time in Parks & Recreation for other important tasks. Local government is pressed for extended life of landfills. Breweries could handle- -may even show profit. Distributors would have the largest investment. There would be an increase in jobs of retail clerks. Letter campaigns are emphasized. Prices will go up a little, then eventually fall back down. There will be an initial invonvenience, and reorganization. -3- April 29, 1981 In the State of Maine, the small stores make out well -- people _ return and spend the refunds. Chm. Banks suggested writing a letter to people in the state govern- ment in support of the bill. Comm. Hoard commented that the Commission passed a resolution previously and transmitted it to the Common Council, requesting their endorsement, and that it be sent to the appropriate state legislator. Resolution By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm. Sheffield RESOLVED, That Chm. Banks write to the following persons at state level, enclosing the deposit resolution passed by the Commission: Governor, Carey, Speaker Fink, Senator Anderson, Senator Eckert, Assemblyman. Carried Unanimously ROAD SALT: The Commission agreed to accept Jack Dougherty's invitation to meet at the Maintenance Facility to discuss road salt use. Chm. Banks distributed copies of an article entitled "Salt Injury to Roadside Plants" by George Hudler. Chm. Banks suggested that a copy of the article be sent to the Department of Public Works. Alderman Holman informed the Commission that there had existed a Shade Tree Committee in the past; however, they have not been an acting committee for several years. MISCELLANEOUS: (BRAINSTORMING) Dredging o nlet Comm. Hoard reported that some people had spoken to her regarding the dredging of the inlet and how was the decision made by the Board of Public Works to approve? Crosstown Connectors Comm. Hoard reporteU that the County, Town of Ithaca and Cornell University have agreed upon the first phase of a route to get people from Slaterville around - -from Pine Tree Road between the P&C and Eastwood Commons, on behind the orchards and end up about Caldwell Road. The county will build it as a county road, Alderman Holman commented that in its last reincarnation it was called the Circumferential Route, and if anybody would like to see it she has a copy. ''Leaf Collection for Mulch There was discussion concerning the collection and baling of leaves for use as mulch as has been done in Batavia, New York. ADJOURNMENT: By Comm. Hoard: Seconded by Comm, Swanzey On a motion the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Richard - Banks, Chairman CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACA, NEW YORK Regular Meeting June 23, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners (5) - Banks, Cornish, Hanna, Perko, Sheffield Council Liaison (1) - Schuler ABSENT: Commissioners (2) - Hoard, Swanzey The meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. MINUTES: There was no approval of minutes of the April -29, 1981 meeting, as it could not be determined what had become of the drafts of the minutes. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Chairman Banks reported that he had received a letter from the "Save The River" Commission announcing a festival which would feature a St. Lawrence River Cruise. He passed the letter to the members present. NEW BUSINESS: Ithacaa nerg Commission CEiairman Banks, ex o icio member of the Commission, reported that attendance at the meet ni g was good; membership represents many groups in the City. A concern is that there is no member on the Commission from the Common Council; therefore there is no way of communicating their ideas to the Council. Two of the items discussed at the meeting were electrical consumption in the City, and ways of cutting it down; and proposed weatherization ordinances for the Municipal Housing Code. One idea proposes compliance within five years; another applies only to landlords. There is question concerning enforcement of such an ordinance; if it were mandatory it would be difficult to get the Common Council to approve. Chm. Banks commented that Doug Dylla, Neighborhood Housing Services, tel. 277 -4500, would appreciate hearing from members of the Council after they have read the proposals. New York State Electric $ Gas (NYSE &G) were approached concerning a downtown office, and responded that they would have to look into it. Dredging of Inlet Chairman Banks reported having received a call from Paul Fingers, Environmental Management Council, who is concerned about the impact on the Wetlands Area of the dredging of the Inlet by the State. He indicated that the Common Council would assign this item to committee. Chm. Banks commented that it appears the benefits of the project would outweigh the cost, and said he would call Mr. Fingers and discuss it further with him. Shade Trees C airman Banks reported that he had wanted to discuss this item with -a neighbor who has materials on tree varieties, but had been unable to see him as he is out -of -town. He is interested in finding out which trees are most salt tolerant, and in checking the city plan on planting. OLD BUSINESS: Recycling Alderman Schuler reported that she and Alderman Holman have talked about a work study person to work with the Planning staff on recycling study. The Budget and Administration Committee are concerned that this will be precedent setting if this person were to go into the Planning Department. Mr. Van Cort is writing a statement and will talk to Alderman Gutenberger. Ms. Schuler asked the Conservation Advisory Council to endorse the use of a work study person. -2- June 23, 1981 Resolution By Commissioner Perko: Seconded by Commissioner Cornish RESOLVED, the Conservation Advisory Council recommends to the Common Council the hiring of a work -study (summer) student to provide staff support in the recycling study. Carried Unanimously Bottle Legislation The Council reviewed the public hearing which had been held May 27 on the bottle legislation. Road Salt U date Chairman Banks reported on the discussion which he had with Jack Dougherty, and nothing more can be done on this item until the fall or winter when the salt is being used again. Recycling Task Force Chairman Banks informed the Council that he officio member of the Ithaca Recycling Task hold its regular meeting the fourth Tuesday This time is not convenient for him, and he would be able to attend the meetings for hii had been appointed ex Force which he believed of each month at 4:00 p.m, asked if another member R. Meeting Date The Council agreed that the July meeting of the Council would be held on July 20, 1981 instead of on the regular meeting date of July 28. Gypsy Moths Commissioner Cornish asked what the stand of the Council is in regard to gypsy moths; she had been - -asked by several people and didn't have the answer. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Richard Banks, Chairman CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CITY OF ITHACa, NEW YORK Postponed Meeting July 28, 1981 PRESENT: Commissioners - (4) - Cornish, Hoard, Perko, Sheffield ABSENT: Commissioners - (3) - Banks, Hanna, Swanzey Commissioner Hoard chaired the meeting in the absexce of Chairman Banks. The meeting was called to order at 7:45 P.M. MINUTES: By Comm. Perko: Seconded by Comm. Cornish RESOLVED, that the minutes of the April 29,1981 and the minutes of the June 23, 1981 meetings be approved and accepted as published. Resignation of Commissioner Comm. Cornish notified the Council of her resignation as of August 1981. She will write a letter to Mayor Bordoni. EMC REPORT: Selection of Consultant for Trash Burning at Old Hospital Comm. Hoard reported that a consultant has been selected for the trash burning plant at the old hospital and that there will be a technical advisory committee meeting soon which she will attend and report back to the council. Standing Committees within EMC Comm. Hoard reported that EMC has recently reorganized and they now have four standing committees. There is one on Fish and Wildlife, one on Air and Water Quality, one on Solid Waste and Waste Disposal, and one on Land Use and Transportation. Dredging Cayuga Inlet The Land Use and Transportation the project. The main issue at Committee will be looking into this time is the disposal site. East Ithaca Connector Road There was a public meeting recently about the East Ithaca Connector Road and it is something that the EMC will.have to make a comment on soon. The matter should be kept on the agenda each time so that the EMC can keep track of the project. Comm. Perko will follow East Ithaca Connector project. ENIC Solid Waste Committee The EMC Solid Waste Committee and the County Planning Board are meeting every Wednesday at noon and working on recycling programs for the county like the city recycling task force is doing for the city. EMC Membership If any member knows of any one interested in serving on the EMC, they should have the person send a resume to Gus Freeman. They should be residents of the City of Ithaca. OLD BUSINESS: Shade Trees Discussion deferred to the September meeting. -2- July 28, 1981 NEW BUSINESS: Lamprey Eel Program Comm. Hoard reported there has been some major reorganization due to loss of funding to the Fish and Wildlife Division of the State and the lamprey control program is not a top priority. Trimming of Creek Banks Discussion deferred to the September meeting. August Meeting There will be no August meeting unless something happens to warrant it. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M. Respectively Submitted,