HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1987CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ithaca, New York 14850
January 21, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (4) Anthony, Baker, Miller, Semmler
Liaisons (1) Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the Conference
Room. The minutes of the last meeting were approved after the following
amendment was made:
Paragraph 5, first three lines should read:
"At this point, Chairman Miller introduced Paul Glover, who has
received a grant from the Alternatives Fund to do a 3 -month study on the
impact of Rt. 96 alternatives, and, related to that, planning & growth of
Tompkins County. It was again........."
Chairman Miller reported on her activities concerning Wilcox
Press, i.e., she has requested an ordinance that can be enforced concerning
odors; she has also been in contact with Assistant Attorney General Doug Ward
requesting sample legislation.
John Semmler requested an informal discussion of the "low salt/
no salt" question. He has completed a write -up of thinking on this issue
and will give it to the City Clerk to be distributed by mail to CAC members
for individual input.
Ashley reported that Fire Chief Olmstead is taking a course
which will prevent him from attending our meeting until the April Meeting.
She reported that he told her that there may be $80,000 to $100,000 appropriated
for a study of the training center site based on the passage of the
Environmental Bond issue.
The question of election of officers came up and was put aside
since a quorum was not present. It was however decided that the existing
slate of officers would be nominated and a vote is to take place at the
February meeting.
A brief discussion of the SEAF for the "Functional Family" zoning question
ensued and it was decided that the CAC agreed with a negative declaration.
The question of representation on the Shade Tree Committee was
decided to mean that the Shade Tree Committee will be sending a representative
to be a member of the CAC; this was applauded.
The meeting then turned to the "Old Business" listed on the Agenda.
Carolyn said that the Six Mile Creek group has monthly meetings and that
(cont.)
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Page 2 - January 21, 1987 CAC Minutes
the major activity of the committee at the moment is to create a map
of this large area (almost 600 acres) for immediate practical use as well
as to be used as a planning document.
Carolyn also reported on the Cascadilla Creek Beautification project;
she said that it is the #1 project for the Ithaca Centennial Commission.
They plan to replace creek walls where they are caved into the stream,
replace lilacs, and are considering bridge restoration.
There followed a rather lengthy discussion of the proposed
demolition of the railroad abutment near Buttermilk Falls State Park.
Ashley had contacted Andrew Mazzella, head of the Finger Lakes Parks
Commission. He said that the idea came from DOT and seemed to have
approval from city officials. The Parks Commission itself had previous
plans to use the old bridge structure as part of a "hike and bike" trail
that they hope to build, connecting to Treman State Park. It was pointed
out that that would also access Cass Park and other city properties.
Steve Baker had interviewed Jon Meigs on this same subject.
He indicated that it has been discussed by the Design Review Board.
There could be removal (and replacement) of one of the sides in order
to widen the road if there were lots of money; if dollars are limited,
one side might be removed all together. DOT has a concern for safety.
The CAC requested that Ashley invite Andy Mazzella to meet with us; it
was thought that he could help inform us, and that we could, perhaps,
support the Parks Commission.
The meeting adjourned shortly after 9:30 p.m.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ithaca, New York 14850
February 18, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (4) Anthony, McShane, Miller, Semmler
Liaisons (1) Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the
Conference Room. The minutes of the last meeting were approved.
It was noted by our chairman that we should add to the meeting
agenda discussion of John Semmler's exposition on the CAC and the subject
of using less salt on city streets. Chairman Miller also brought up the
fact that no EAF had been seen by CAC for the zoning change in Collegetown.
It was decided that a letter of complaint should go to the mayor.
At this point Chairman Miller introduced Professor Marvin Adleman,
who is the Chairman of the Shade Tree Advisory Committee (STAC) for the
city. Professor Adleman briefed the CAC on the membership, history, mission,
and concerns of the STAC, which has only recently (1986) been reconstituted.
He told us that his group was in a "period of discovery" at the present
time, taking inventories, etc. He reported that there are no "pruners"
on the city payrolls at the present time, and that, in fact, he himself
directs the annual pruning done on the Commons "limb by limb." It was
decided that the CAC and the STAC would share meeting agendas and minutes
and in general "keep in touch."
Next Chairman Miller introduced Andy Mazzella who has been Regional
Director of the Finger Lakes State Parks for the last ten years. He discussed
and described at length their proposed Hike and Bike Trail. He indicated
that they do not have a final route at this time and their only interest
in the railroad abutment previously discussed by CAC was a slight saving
in dollars. Phase 1 of this project would be from Buttermilk to Cass Park
and the marina; Phase 2 would be from Buttermilk to Lower Treman.
The Council then turned to the business of election of officers.
The existing slate of officers, i.e., Chairman: Ashley Miller;
Vice Chairman: John Semmler; and Secretary: Toni Anthony, was presented
to the Council for vote. There was a unanimous affirmative vote - these
officers will serve until December 31, 1987. It was also decided to designate
John McShane as the official Spokesman for the CAC.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:30.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
March 18, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (4) Semmler, Miller, Baker, McShane
Liaisons (1) Peterson
The meeting was called to order at 7 :30 by Chairperson Ashley Miller
and the minutes of February 18, 1987 were unanimously approved.
The members present welcomed Betsy Larlington, a prospective member
awaiting appointment by the mayor.
Carolyn peterson reported that brochures on hazardous household
waste had been ordered for the brochure rack in front of City Hall.
She also reported that Common Council had passed a resolution directing
the Planning staff to research ways of controlling the length and speed
of the trains through the Octopus, as well as pre - emptive signaling.
It was suggested that the CAC's submitted op -ed piece for the
"Ithaca Journal" on roadsalt be retrieved and re- submitted next year.
A request was made to the Chairperson to contact hYSEG for their
latest report on coal tar deposits at three locations within the city.
A lengthy discussion was held on the upcoming changes in Route 96,
what it would mean for the city, and the GAC's role in this controversy.
It was agreed that the CAC would review the DEIS, due from NYSDOT in
late Spring or early Summer and would make a statement at the following
Public Hearing. In an effort to clarify all plans being considered for
Route 96, the Planning Department will be asked to make a presentation on
this at the April meeting.
At the CAC's request, the Planning Department forwarded a College -
town Re- Zoning EQR application, after the fact, reporting confusion
of language in the 1985 city Environmental Quality Review ordinance
revision. The phrase in question is in Article C of Section 36.6:
"Any department recieving an Environmental Assesment Form, shall within
five days of its receipt, etc." City Planner van Cort felt that this
regulation did not apply since technically the Planning Department did
not "recieve" an EAF. It was suggested a wording change of "recieving
or initiating" be taken up with the Charter and Ordinance Committee.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ithaca, New York 14850
April 15, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (5) Anthony, BakerjDarlington, McShane, and Miller
Liaisons (1) Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the
4th floor Conference Room. The meeting agenda and the minutes of the March
18, 1987 meeting were distributed.
Thys van Cort, City Planner was in attendance and Chairman
Miller asked him to make his "Route 96 Presentation" as the first order
of business. Mr. van Cort had drawings of Plans A, B, and C and
very carefully pointed out their similarities and differences. He took
a great deal of time answering questions and reviewing the history of
the problem. His presentation was very well received by the members.
Chairman Miller asked Betsy Darlington to report on the
Stewart Park gabions. She said that she had talked to several people and
that Jack Dougherty had told her that the project "was on hold" and that
any new gabions would "have to be approved by the Stewart Park Committee."
Chairman Miller showed the group a number of Short Environmental
Assessment Forms and one LEIF (the one received after the fact, in response
to CAC's objections).
Chairman Miller announced that Fire Chief Olmstead will be
CAC's guest at the May meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 9:40.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ithaca, New York 14850
May 20, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (4) Anthony, Baker, Darlington, and Miller
Liaisons (1) Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the
4th floor Conference Room. The minutes of the April 15, 1987 meeting were
approved.
The chairman reminded the group of the presentation of the Neiderkorn
report, as well as the public meeting scheduled for early June. Chairman
Miller also suggested that the Council make a contribution to the Shade
Tree Commission and there was some discussion of making a contribution
to the recycling effort as well. Chairman Miller announced that while
she will be able to continue as a Council member she wishes to be relieved
of the Chairmanship July 1, 1987.
At this point Fire Chief Olmstead made a detailed presentation
of the conditions at Ithaca's Fire Training Center and other matters regarding
disposal of hazardous wastes. The Council thanked the Chief for his careful
presentation and adjourned at approximately 10:00 p.m.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ithaca, New York 14850
June 17, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (5) Anthony, Baker, Darlington, McShane, and Miller
Liaisons (0)
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the 4th
Floor Conference Room. The minutes of the May 20, 1987 meeting were distributed
and a tentative agenda made up for the evening's meeting. The only items
that CAC had time to consider were the proposed Theory Center building
on the South side of the Cornell campus (Cascadilla Gorge) and a review
of the "new" Stewart Park plans presented by Commissioner Darlington, who
is our SPAG representative.
After a good deal of tentative discussions and attempts at interpretations
of newspaper articles and hearsay reports, it was decided that the CAC
would write a letter to Earl Flansburgh, Chairman of the Buildings and
Properties Committee of the Cornell Board of Trustees requesting that there
be no encroachment on the gorge. A copy of this letter is appended to
these minutes.
Commissioner Darlington explained some of the details of the Trowbridge
Stewart Park Plan and there was some inconclusive discussion.
It was decided that the CAC would donate $50.00 for a tree to
be placed in McDaniels Park on West Hill; this tree is to be given in recognition
of the work of Ithaca Recycles and will symbolize natural resources saved
by recycling efforts.
The meeting adjourned just before ten o'clock.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
City of Ithaca
Ithaca, New York 14850
September 17, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (4): Anthony, Baker, Miller, and Semmler
Liaisons (1): Peterson
The meeting started with an informal discussion of Stewart Park
and tracing of Council actions in October 1984. It was decided that at
that time CAC had only addressed environmental issues and had focused on
the wetlands issue.
There was a short discussion of the upcoming Environmental Conference
in Cortland. Tentative plans were made for Commissioners Baker and Miller
to attend, along with Carolyn Peterson.
The "new business" section centered on environmentally - related
items in the upcoming DPW budget. It was decided to have expanded discussions
on the "No- salt" policy and Chairman Miller requested that each member
bring in "concrete" suggestions concerning ways to educate Ithaca's winter
drivers. All agreed that it is essential to have the presence of Mark
Albanese for these discussions.
Carolyn had a letter explaining that the City Council has already
approved the exchange of lands necessary for marina expansion, although
some technicality has apparently held up the interim plans.
Chairman Miller reported that she had tried to call Dan Collins
from NYSEG for an update on Coal Tar at IAWWTP, but he had not returned
her call. He had promised a report in mid - August.
Although there were no representatives of the Shade Tree Commission
present, Carolyn reported that it has been meeting regularly and that the
makeup of the group is'excellent. They are proposing an Inventory of Trees
and also making up a list of desirable trees for planting. The CAC will
be provided with a list of their goals.
Carolyn announced that only four of the sixty "odor logs" (Wilcox
Press) distributed in May have been returned. She also alluded to past
and future discussions of a "No Smoking" Ordinance for public (city) places.
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Ithaca, New York 14850
December 16, 1987
Present:
Commissioners (5) Anthony, Baker, Darlington, Farrell, and Miller.
Liaison (1) Peterson
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Miller in the 4th
Floor Conference Room. The minutes of the last meeting were distributed,
read, and approved. Chairman Miller announced that the LEAF has to be
redone for the Alienation Proceedings discussed earlier. Chairman Miller
also announced that she would not be serving on the CAC after 1987 because
of her change of residence.
Commissioner Darlington reported on the SPAG meeting and indicated
that they ha nded (a)acceptance of the "goals" and that the resourceX
(',.be used as guidelines for the future; (b) the establishment of a Par s
Commission; (c) that the Niederkorn Plan be rescinded, and (d) that the
stabilization of the current buildings should proceed as quickly as possible.
�� This meeting was also attended by Eric Broberg and Barbara Hotchkiss
as observers, although both indicated that they would probably be willing
to serve as members.
The major business of the evening was a painstaking review of
the SEAF and LEAF submitted by the Farmers' Market. Anna Steinkraus, president
of the Ithaca Farmers' Market Cooperative, Inc. and Charles J. Guttman,
Attorney at Law, attended the meeting and were available for discussion
and explanation. After this intensive examination the CAC voted unanimously
that the project would result in no major impacts and that the CAC supported
a Negative Declaration.
Although there was no time for discussion of the Shade Tree Ordinance
it was decided that the City Clerk will be asked to circulate copies of
this ordinance to the CAC. The meeting adjourned at 10 :25.