HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1991CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES -- Meeting of Jan. 14, 1991
Present: Betsy Darlington, Roger Farrell, Bara Hotchkiss, Judy Jones, Rob
Shapiro, Keith Waldron, John Wertis
Liaisons: Jill Tripp (BPW), John Johnson & Carolyn Peterson (CC)
Guest: Barbara Blanchard
Absent: Cathy Emilian, Guy Girard
1. Dec. Minutes approved, with addition of adjournment time: about 9:40
PM. Keith taking notes; Bara offered to take minutes each month after this.
2. Jill reported from Downtown Visions Task Force, and BPW: DVTF will
make suggestions re Commons vegetation maintenance and improvements to
gorge pathways from downtown up Cascadilla Cr.( ?) and Six -Mile Cr.
Bus transit bldg. (B. Blanchard): architects and engineering firms have
been (or are being ?) interviewed. 70 % of bldg. to be complete by July, 191.
3. John W. reported from Inlet Island Committee: will propose access to
N. tip of island, with a loop trail out to it. Open space needs to be better
utilized as park land. Probably will recommend restrictions on types and sizes
of commercial development. Looking into idea of cutting into bank on W. side,
to provide docking facilities for small boats. No current recommendation re
alienation. Development proposals hinge on there being adequate access under
new overpass. Committee's work nearly complete.
4. Roger reported from EMC: Town of Ithaca CAC proposal for 6 -Mi. Cr.
being sent to EMC. EMC discussed ConRail spraying - -info to be sent to a
committee. EMC recommends naming Fuertes Sanct. as off - limits to spraying.
Mary Smith has replaced Jim Skaley as Env. Planner assigned as staff
coordinator to EMC. She maintains an env. library. Jim Skaley has report on
buried tanks (as does Roger who will get us a copy). Emphasizes need for
preventing leaks. Removal of tanks costs avg. of $184,000 if leaking; as low as
$800 if not. Zebra mussels now in barge canal no. of Seneca Lk. Expected in
Cayuga Lk. by spring. Conference on this pest on Feb. 1 at Cornell (Statler).
5. John W. presented resolution from CAC to CC re extension of trail
around Farmers' Market; we added extending it to Buffalo St., to link up with
proposed "inter- park" trail from Buttermilk to Taughannock. Passed unan.;
John Johnson will take to CC.
6. Keith: ConRail spraying: field trip to identify sensitive areas not to
spray - -end of April. (Schedule this at April meeting.) Invite Mark Walker (who
first contacted us about this) and man Keith spoke to at ConRail in Phila.
Keith will invite Reg Louey (DEC, Region 7- -Supt. for Pesticide Regs.)
to March CAC meeting to inform us on pesticide regs. re homeowners, parks,
etc. (THINK OF QUESTIONS FOR HIM.)
7. Keith: Vapor emissions at gas stations: talked to Roxanna Savino (Pres.
of Southern Tier Service Station Operators) and Marian Ragona (VP National
Assoc. of Service Station Operators): regs. to reduce air pollution a minimum
of 2% reduction in pollutants in NY air corridor. Included in regs.: installation
of vapor recovery systems that reduce emissions during fuel dispensing
operations (delivery to service station and from pumps). Regs. go into effect
1/1 /91 in NYC, and rest of NYS by 1992. "Stage 2 vapor recovery" (VR) refers
to capture of fuel vapors at the pump. Costs at typical service station
estimated at $40,000 for installation of VR sys. (underground tanks and pumps),
and $13,000 for diagnostic equipment! VR equip. in NYC area is leased from
major oil cos. at monthly cost of $250, and as much as $900 for replacing
damaged hoses and nozzles. High cost will hurt small operators especially.
Many stations are switching to fiberglas underground tanks - -but these
aren't compatible with methanol.
8. Calder Award: Nancy Ostman at Cornell Plantations contacted Betsy
re this prestigious award and to see if CAC might be interested in nominating
Margaret Fabrizio for her work in getting Fall Creek designated. Award
recognizes someone for successfully bringing together envir. and business
groups to protect terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems. (The "business" in this case
being Cornell.) CAC voted unan. to nominate her. Betsy and Nancy Ostman will
follow up.
9. Natural History Network wants to reprint the brochure and is asking for
donations of $35 -40 to cover cost. Carolyn will check if City can do this for us.
NHN's next meeting is Feb. 1 at 4H Acres, 4:30 PM following 3:30 walk.
10. Betsy read memo she sent relaying complaints from residents near silt
pond. Question raised - -why was fish ladder built to begin with and would
anything be gained by repairing it? Betsy will call Ed Brothers and others to
get an opinion. (Note from Betsy: Ed doesn't know the situation there and
couldn't give an opinion. Various others she contacted also weren't sure, but
thought it probably wouldn't do much good. Large- mouthed bass (which
wouldn't use it) may be the only major fish in the 60' reservoir. Small- mouthed
bass and trout would use it, but probably aren't there to do so.) Discussed lead
from firing range. Question raised if City needed to continue to use this area,
or could it perhaps be converted to recreational use for the public? John
Johnson will ask Police Chief McEwen about possibility of moving it elsewhere
and of having a field trip with us. (Note from Betsy: I called the Chief to
apologize for sending the memo without talking to him first. As you saw from
his and Chuck Baker's letters, the lead is periodically cleaned up - -I don't know
how often - -and the officers keep the place clean. He felt neighbors' complaints
were unjustified. He said a field trip this spring would be fine.)
11. Betsy read letter from Ray Nolan at DEC saying Hog Hole is in process
of being designated. Public hearing will be held before it's completed. Also:
material from Jim Houghton re parking garage siting was shared. Jim will keep
us up -to -date since we no longer have a liaison to that committee. Also: memo
from Linda Tsang (Pl. Dept.) re LoPinto project on Floral Ave. Also: paint
removal and construction on mopes are on Charter and Ordinance (C &O)
agenda. Also: no word as to what the DEC award was to CAC for its storm
drain stencilling which we heard about through the grapevine.
12. CAC library is currently in a box at Betsy's. Barbara B. volunteered to
see if P1. Dept. could have a shelf for us, for people to borrow from. (Thanks,
Barbara!)
13. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 PM for discussion of selection of Chair.
(Betsy left.) Betsy was reelected unan.
Keith Waldron and Betsy Darlington
MINUTES
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting of Feb. 11, 1991
Present: Betsy Darlington (Chair), Cathy Emilian, Roger Farrell, Guy Girard, Bara
Hotchkiss, Judy Jones, Rob Shapiro, Keith Waldron, John Wertis
Liaisons: John Johnson (CC), Carolyn Peterson (CC), Jill Tripp (BPW)
Guests: Chuck Baker (DPW), Lew Durland (Energy Commission), Barbara Blanchard
(CC); Members of 6 -Mile Creek Comm.: Bill Dress, Buzz Lavine, Beth Mulholland, Carolyn
Peterson
Absent: None
1. Chuck Baker, Chief Operator of Water Filtration Plant, talked to combined CAC
and Six -Mile Creek Committee re cleaning of gravel from stream upstream of the silt
pond, and lead bullets at police firing range nearby. Gravel is cleaned once a year (and
DEC permit is issued for that each year), but can go on for some time; not done in one
day. Some gravel is pushed up against the banks. Gravel that's been piled on the shore to
drain is gradually removed -- usually at night. Gravel is removed to keep stream flowing in
the channel, away from the banks. Silt dam is too shallow and warm to support much fish.
Betsy reported on conversation with DEC biologist who said if streams are left alone,
they eventually stabilize; constantly disturbing it as City does often causes more siltation
problems than it solves; City's activities may well be causing increased siltation.
It's been 6 -8 years since silt right behind the silt dam has been removed.
60' Reservoir hasn't been dredged in years. 52% less volume in dam. If zebra
mussels invade, City will probably use chlorine to kill them in the pipe.
Lead from bullets poses no health threat. Birds (etc.) unlikely to ingest it - -it's
embedded in the bank and would have to be dug out. Doesn't know how often it's cleaned
up.
Proposed work (including replacing /rebuilding bridges) along old access road to 30'
dam from Giles St.: DPW feels this is a Type II action. (Note: This is still being looked
into; there's considerable difference of opinion. Also, much of the work would be in the
Town, so their SEQR ordinance would be the relevant one.)
2. Jan. Minutes corrected as follows: #2-- 11designed" (not completed); #6- -Frank Del
Vilbiss is man Keith spoke to; # 10- -cut, "possibility of moving it elsewhere and of ".
Minutes then approved. ( "Eyes above the nose. ")
3. Lew Durland: Lead house paint. Handed out proposal from him and Doug Dylla for
us to review at March Meeting. Most houses built before 1950's had lead in paint. Indoor
and outdoor paint both a problem. Grinders are used by most painters for exterior
removal. Can be very hazardous. Heat guns a problem if used improperly - -can vaporize
the lead. Soil around Lew's house had 50,000 times the amount of lead considered
dangerous. 5% of the soil was lead, by weight. His cat nearly died. Children and pets are
most at risk; inhale it, eat it. Plus, kids' underdeveloped nervous systems esp. vulnerable.
Neurotoxic effects.
He suggests warning people of the problem, and regs. requiring that neighbors and
tenants be notified when removal is to be done and who's doing it, UNLESS the paint is to
be scraped off and caught on tarps for removal. Inexpensive to test paint samples for
lead. Paint has been lead -free since 1977 -78. (But a little mercury is in it still.) Lew will
come to March meeting with a proposed resolution.
On another topic, Lew suggests a Conservatip reminding people of our energy -
saving ordinance.
4. Liaison reports: Jill - -BPW considering idea for 1 -3 -day scavenger days. Have
to work out details of removal of junk left by curb, however. Bara suggested a passive
waste exchange via computer. Parks Commission proposal being drafted by Interim Pk.
Comm.
Betsy - -land to be acquired to substitute for park land to be alienated on Inlet
Island: Inlet Is. Committee is making a list of ideas for substitute lands. Call John
Schroeder with ideas. Some that have been put forth: DOT near Farmers' Market, small
piece along ConRail (Grindley St. area), Somero - Pakkala parcel (6 -Mile Cr.), Cornell's
Biological Field Station, Reuben Weiner's Land south of Cherry St. Ind. Pk., N. side of Fall
Cr., west of Ithaca Falls (Martin King's land).
Cathy - -Shade Tree Comm. working on "citizen pruner" program. Applied for
grants. Planning to upgrade Elmira Rd. Looking at So. Titus near park - -maybe change rd.
there? Mass Transit: Downtown Visions T.F. is proposing making bus system more "user
friendly" and also having a permanent Mass Transit committee. Bernie Carpenter has
retired, but is being hired as a consultant doing grants and working on new consolidated
transportation facility. Nancy Olds (sp ?) is managing daily IT activities. Mass transit
coordinator position was eliminated in budget process?
Judy-- EAF's: Wegman's - -bad siltation of flood relief channel (from many causes).
Neg. Dec., but asking City to look into channel improvements.
5. Discussion of idea of lawn -care demonstration sites. Monica Crispin (Co -op Ext.)
will be asked to Mar. or Apr. meeting.
6. Barbara Blanchard will try to dig up a file cabinet for CAC library, so available in
City Hall. (Planning Dept. said they didn't have any place for it.)
7. Barbara Blanchard asked CAC members to provide input on environmental
assessment on Sciencenter.
8. County is following NEPA envir. review procedures for transit building.
ki ss 4 J t-
MINUTES
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting of March 11, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Guy Girard, Roger Farrell, Bara Hotchkiss,
Judy Jones, Rob Shapiro, Keith Waldron, John Wertis
Liaisons: Jill Tripp (BPW), John Johnson (CC)
Guest: Gretchen Tripp
ABSENT: Cathy Emilian
1. Minutes approved without change
2. BPW report (Jill): BPW and DPW have been given reminder of idling
law; Bill Gray has reviewed Household Haz. Waste brochure; study has been
started on improving signal timing on Rte. 13 - -more $ needed to complete;
Parks Commission resolution was approved'by BPW (and CC) - -it will report
to BPW and CC; ideas for members of Parks Comm. should be sent to Mayor
Nichols; plans for composting structure to be built at landfill - -will accom-
modate sludge from entire county - -SEQR being followed; Stewart and Cass
Parks are being fertilized.
3. SEQR workshop: April 11, 7 PM, SADD Conf. Rm.- -Biggs Bldg.
4. EMC (Roger): Buried tank study limited to underground storage tanks
of petro. products (no other toxic materials); only tanks with 1 100 gal.
capacity or more are regulated - -have to be listed with DEC; Tompkins
County hasn't taken on water quality status [? what does this mean ?}
Cortland County has a strict ordinance and actively seeks out such tanks
and checks for leaks; avg. of 15 years to start leaking -- depending on soils,
etc.; estimated that 35% of tanks that should be registered with DEC are
not; fire prevention code could be used as reason to require remediation.
5. Inlet Is. (John W.): April 4 - -next mtg.; still considering substitute
lands for alienated ones, and design and use of Inlet Is.. Three top choices of
committee for substitute lands: 5 acres, beyond Carpenter Park (betw.
Commun. Gardens and DOT); Reuben Weiner's land so. of Cherry St. Ind.
Pk.; small parcel near ConRail and Brindley St. Coast Guard Aux. reluctant
to give access to tip (owned by State) - -but City could preempt the "use"
lease they have (or both could use it).
6. Letter to Mayor from Cornell Greens on Cornell's use of pesticides,
esp. on lawns: Keith will draft a letter to Cornell (Rhodes, Trustees, and
Greens) re use of pesticides on Campus. Public relations, public health, need
for better posting when spraying has been done.
7. EAF subcomm. for Apr. -June: Rob, Cathy, Betsy
8. Sciencenter: Barbara Blanchard asked at last meeting to give them
our comments, to help them with their design. Betsy will write to them with
following concerns /comments: drainage (effluents, volume); traffic flow;
need for keeping (and enhancing) the buffer of vegetation between Creek
and Sciencenter -Sr. Citiz. complex; big trees in parking lot; berm, big trees,
shrubs along Rte. 13, for buffer; safety in parking lot - -keep kids out of it;
need for safe sidewalks and bikeways leading to site; stay abreast of plans
for linear park, and coordinate with these; limited use of de -icing salts and
pesticides; energy efficient materials and lighting; composting facility and
worm box; recycling area; construction fence around site and regular
cleanups during construction; sedimentation control measures during
construction; incorporate educational info re these various things into the
design, to educate the public.
9. Construction and design guidelines: Betsy will send our list to P &D.
10. Paint removal (re lead paint): Lew Durland couldn't come. Send him
any comments on his draft. Bara will ask Lew to call Gary Gleason at
WWTP. How enforce? Distance - -maybe 1001? Need for education -- dangers,
options. HUD is working on regs.
11. Conservatips: Lew Durland suggested co- sponsorship with Energy
Commission. Betsy will ask Grapevine if ok with them to list both groups,
and will let Lew know we think it's a good idea.
12. Rob will find out what's going on south of Rte. 13 out by the airport.
(Huge mess - -been stripped of all vegetation and now is one big mud hole.)
13. Field trips scheduled:
ConRail: May 4 (raindate May 5): 10 AM, meet at Steamboat
Landing (IFM)
Firing Range: John Johnson will set up with Chief McEwen:
meet to carpool at donut shop at East Hill Plaza at 5 PM, Thur. May 9.
*** [John: is this date ok with the Chief?)***
14. Meeting adjourned about 9:30 PM
MINUTES
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting of April 8, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Roger Farrell, Guy Girard, Judy Jones, Rob Shapiro, John
Wertis;
Liaisons: John Johnson and Jill Tripp
Guest: Monica Crispin
ABSENT: Cathy Emilian, Bara Hotchkiss, Keith Waldron; Carolyn Peterson
1. March minutes approved unanimously.
2. Monica Crispin from Cooperative Extension discussed our lawn care idea with us. Two
big problems: stream bank erosion (a lot of programs have dried up that used to address this)
and overfertilization, esp. with nitrates. Extension can provide info and help: soil test,
diagnosis of problem, what to apply & when. They also have seminars, aimed at institutions
(golf courses, e.g.) but don't yet have a "package" for homeowners. Mark Walker (Water
Resources Institute) is doing water testing. Our soils not as bad as some places (e.g. L.I.) re
leaching of toxic materials. Here, pesticides mostly adhere to soil particles and don't leach
out. Nitrates (esp. soluble type) are highly leachable and cause the most problems. Insoluble
nitrogen is best in fertilizer: releases slowly and doesn't leach out as much. A County task
force is supposed to be looking at water problems but hasn't met yet (Gary Lamont - -SCS, Jim
Skaley -- County Planning, Monica, et al.)
A good project would be to encourage school classes, Scout groups, etc. to adopt a
stream or even a storm drain hole and monitor it, etc.
Turf industry - -esp. for golf courses - -is picking up on IPM. Big $ savings. Homeowners
need a lot of educating on mixing, application, time to apply, improper application, etc.
Ext. is having some composting demo projects.
Most calls to Extension concern lawn or tree problems.
(Monica will write an article for the papers on lawn care.
BT spraying for gypsy moths: affects all lepidoptera larvae, but few are out at the
same time as gypsy caterpillars. Also, it breaks down very fast.
3. Guy will attend central bus facility meeting on May 15. (Note: meeting was April 18,
and I don't know if he could go to it.)
4. Liaison reports: John W.- -Inlet Island meeting was canceled. Natural History Network
meeting - -an outreach meeting will be held Sept. 19 at Watkins Glen 4 -H Camp to make a
networking model for the Finger Lakes Region. Sat., May 4: energy fair on Commons.
Judy (County's Solid Waste Advisory Comm.): May -July will be intensely involved with
solid waste management plan.
John W. (6- Mile): Carolyn Peterson wants to disband that committee. Maybe ask Town
to take the lead? What about gorge ranger? Discussion of Carolyn's and Betsy's letter to Bill
Gray re 6 -Mile road work.
Jill (BPW): Jill will talk to Chuck about work on 6 -Mile Creek access road;
.Barbara Blanchard is working on a public info. process for DPW; discussions of adding
something to water supply so sludge won't have copper in it and can then be composted: big
question is whether or not this would increase phosphates. One -year trial proposed. Joint
Transit Facility: they want a CAC rep on it. Need to incorporate strong environmental
measures in its design (insulation, energy conservation, drainage, landscaping, e.g.)
Roger (EMC): Bob Beck showed video about Finger Lakes Land Trust. Lots of DEC top
off icials are taking early retirement. Buried tank study: County hasn't yet formally accepted
the report. Cornell is doing a road salt management study. Oct. 5 or 12-- likely date for
household haz. waste pickup. Airport terminal -- presence of wetlands has changed proposed
location. Unknown yet if new proposal - -on grass runway - -is ok. Paved runway to be 800'
instead of 1200' so Warren Rd. won't have to be moved again.
-- -Rob Shapiro and Betsy Darlington
MINUTES
Conservation Advisory Council
Meeting of May 13, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Cathy Emilian, Roger Farrell, Bara Hotchkiss, Judy Jones, Keith Waldron, John
Wertis; Liaisons: Jill Tripp (BPW), John Johnson (CC), Carolyn Peterson (CC)
Visitors: Police Chief Harlin McEwen, Reg Louey (DEC), Barbara Blanchard
ABSENT: Guy Girard, Rob Shapiro
1. Chief McEwen: police firing range along Six -Mile Creek. Showed photos of site. Except for mowing
(done by DPW), IPD responsible for site. No one allowed to use it except during scheduled practices. Other
police agencies use it, too. A small building on site is, he thinks, served by a septic tank. Lead fired into
bank is occasionally removed for recycling. (Bank of the hillside, some distance from creek.)
Field trip: Monday, JULY 8 at 7:30 PM, combines with regular CAC meeting. Jill will check with Bill
Gray to see if he could assign someone from DPW to show us the watershed area above Burns Rd. Really
rotten weather: meet there on July 9 instead.
2. Reg Louey from DEC: pesticide regs. A pesticide is a chemical or other agent that will destroy a pest
or protect something from a pest. Types: herbi -, insecti -, miti -, fungi -, nemato -, mollusc -, growth regulators,
disinfectants, and repellents. All pesticides have an EPA registration number. (Even Clorox must be
registered.)
General use -- anyone can purchase, possess;
Restricted use -- applicator must be certified to purchase or use, or be under the "direct supervision" of
someone who is;
Banned - -no one can use or possess. (E.g. DDT)
Two types of certification: Private and Commercial - -for hire (e.g. Chemlawn).
For latter: must be a certified, registered applicator. Certification is only for the particular category
of use for which applicator will use it (e.g. turf, ornamentals, structural.) A triangle must be on side of
vehicle with the expiration date of DEC's permit. (Governmental agencies also must be registered.) DEC
regulates federal applicators as well as state. Label on pesticide is the law. Nothing says how far applicator
must stay from water; will just say "don't use in water." 10,000- 15,000 different pesticides on the market.
Approx. 1000 basic components.
He and one M (or two ?) others are responsible for enforcement in a 9- county area.
Legislation pending on changing DEC rule that disallows using less than the amount directed on the label.
3. April minutes approved unan.
4. James Bay II hydroproject: no environmental review has been done; Cree Indians will be displaced; NY
State may buy; write legislators & oppose the project. Further discussion in June when we have more data.
5. Jill —BPW: road project along 6- Mile - -Bill Gray's waiting for aerial photos. SWPark: dumping, knocking
down trees, etc.; Bill Gray will report on this. In the meantime, he's ordered staff to stop outward expansion
of fill area, and to go up, not out. "No skateboarding" signs in DeWitt Park. Weirs put in Inlet near SW Park
(unclear what for). Plantings planned in watershed area where CNG put gas pipeline. Nesting barn swallows
under Octopus bridge: problem re plans to paint bridge: maybe can't be stopped for this year, but future
planning should take such problems into account.
6. Judy —Solid Waste Committee: Usually meets alternate Mondays, 7:30, Court House. Public input
needed re funding, interim disposal, recycling, waste exchange and salvage, etc. Charles Pomada at Historic
Ithaca -- recycling bldg. materials.
7. Passed resolution to CC on construction on 159 slopes: unan.
8. Discussed need for an excavation - and -fill ordinance. Peterson said this is one list for C &O consider-
ation.
9. Paint removal ordinance: Lew Durland is working on this.
10. DEC gave CAC a commendation for the storm sewer stencilling project last year.
11. Cathy —Shade Tree Adv. Comm.: reported on citizen pruner project; improving old Elmira Rd. with
plantings.
Public transit committee: nothing's happening - -no meetings yet.
John W. —Inlet Island: nothing yet.
tree
12.
MINUTES
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting of June 10, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Roger Farrell, Guy Girard, Bara Hotchkiss,
Judy Jones, Rob Shapiro, Keith Waldron;
Liaisons:'John Johnson (CC), Carolyn Peterson (CC), Jill Tripp (BPW)
Guests: Brian Eden, Lew Durland
ABSENT: Cathy Emilian, John Wertis
1. Minutes of July approved unan.
2. EAF subcommittee for July, Aug., Sept. will be Shapiro, Darlington,
Waldron.
3. Jill —BPW. Elmira Rd. sidewalks -- public meeting on June 18. There
will be some scavenging recycling days in end of June, probably.
BPW voted to have Parks Commission consider future use of SW Park.
4. James Bay— HydroQuebec project: Brian Eden. Project is a disincen-
tive to energy conservation since it provides cheap power. There've been no
new energy generating plants in NYS since 1601s. Phase I was done in 1973:
30 dams, one of which is larger than the largest dam in the US; diverted 7
major rivers into the LaGrand River - -these are now at 10% of their former
flow. The LaGrand is too full and its banks are eroding. There's no freeze -
over of James Bay as formerly. The changing flows (they regulate the flows)
have disastrous effects - -e.g. during one release 10,000 caribou were
drowned. Big impact on migratory birds: a major nesting area. Also may be
affecting eel grass growth. James Bay is fresh water, Hudson Bay is salt.
NY has signed a 20 -year contract, but has until Nov. 30 to rescind it. If it
goes through, Phase II would build 30 more dams, and ultimately 15,000 sq.
kilometers will be flooded. There's been a lot of road - building in the area
where there had been none for 100's of miles.
One big problem: a 10 -15 -foot layer of peat, now flooded, is releas-
ing mercury that had been tied up in it. (The mercury had come originally
from the surrounding rock.) As the peat decays, bacteria convert the
mercury to a water - soluble form. (Judy - -have I got this right ?) Mercury is
getting into the food chain (including the fish that the Innuit and Cree
depend on). Innuit and Cree had been entirely self - sufficient. Now, with
flooding of the bottomlands, much of their livelihood has been destroyed.
The project is having major psychological and cultural impacts on them. It
also has affected caribou migration routes.
A group opposed to the project is meeting regularly, to push for
greater energy efficiency and cancellation of the contract. Hoyt - Hinchey
Bill would require that NYS apply its own environmental standards to the
project before going ahead. No environmental review was done. Oct. 4 -6 --
-- conference on the project at Cornell.
Our resolution should push for greater energy efficiency so we won't
need the power from Canada, and cancellation of the contract. NY is a big
enough consumer of their power that this would probably kill the whole
second phase. Guy, Lew, and Brian will draft a resolution for our consider-
ation in July or Aug.
For more info, call Brian Eden: 589 -6257
5. Lead paint removal: Lew Durland. MD. and Baltimore have tight
regs. on how it can be removed. (NIA also has regs., mostly for indoors.) MD
and Balt.: Prohibit grinding or burning (and dry- scraping indoors). 0 K to
use a heat gun to soften it, then scrape with a putty knife. This doesn't
vaporize the lead (if under 4000). (Note from Betsy: the Consumer's article
he gave us says even this isn't ok since the heat gun blows the dust around.)
Chemical removers are also ok., and outside, dry scraping is, too. Encapsu-
lating it -- covering with siding or a material that bonds to it - -is good, but
really just postpones the problem. Ithaca Paint and Decorating is very
helpful, with lots of info and products. (E.g. cloth swabs--"When it turns
red...") Trisodium phosphate (in automatic dishwashing detergent)- -good
way to clean up- -binds with inorganic materials. Acidic water is bad; ours
has a high enough pH (7 -8) that lead in pipes doesn't dissolve readily in it.
Lead isn't legal in plumbing pipes anymore.
Lew suggests using education now, then follow up with a resolution
later. But further discussion led to a consensus on the desirability of
starting work now on an ordinance since it takes so long for the process to
work its way along, and simultaneously do the educating - -which Lew has
already started (Channel 7, letter to editor, e.g.) Lew passed out draft of
his recommendations, addressing safe removal, cleanup, symptoms of lead
poisoning and whom to call, products for safe removal, regs. for abatement.
A training course for painters would be useful (they do this in MD). Lew will
polish up his handout and circulate it to painters and others for comments.
Bara and Lew will work on a resolution to CC. Lew will call John Wertis to
see if he's interested in helping, and Jill Tripp also might be able to help.
6. BPW s Public Participation Plan (the bright pink book): bring written
comments to July meeting.
7. Solid waste: Judy -- committee is reviewing outline of plan which must
be approved by the state before state will let any part of it be implemented.
Someone suggested putting messages re recycling, etc. on sheet the trash
tags come on- -maybe a message behinTeach tag (like fortune cookies!).
S. EMC: Roger - -He'll write up tank study stuff for July meeting. There
may or may not be a hazardous waste collection in Oct. Surface water study
in County is in talking stages.
9. Betsy reported that parking garage committee is getting started.
EAF subcommittee reviewed Benson proposal along Floral Ave., next to
Cay. Inlet, for 4 more lots (last year it was for two more). Everyone agreed,
as last year, that whole area should be rezoned. EAF Subcommittee recom-
mended neg. dec. for GIAC pool. Brief discussion of CPF drainage plans- -
passed out copies. DPW wants it to go under Wickes driveway - parking lot to
lessen impact on SW Park woods and wetlands.
10. Inlet Valley: John J. will take our rezoning recommendation to C &O.
11. Adjourned about 9:45 -10:00 PM.
- -Bara Hotchkiss and Betsy Darlington
MINUTES
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting of July 8, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Cathy Emilian, Roger Farrell, Guy Girard,
Bara Hotchkiss, Rob Shapiro, Keith Waldron, John Wertis;
BPW liaison, Jill Tripp; GUESTS: Polic Chief McEwen, Officer Kirk
Ostrander; DPW reps., Ken Harding and Chuck Baker; CC member
Bob Romanowski
ABSENT: Judy Jones; CC liaisons, Carolyn Peterson and John Johnson
1. At Chief ivlcEwen's invitation, we met at the Police Firing Range
near the Six -Mile Creek Silt Dam. Chief McEwen and Officer Ostrander
explained the department's use of the facility, which is located well away
from Six -Mile Creek. All officers must train there at least 2 times a year- -
except that currently the dept. is switching over to semi - automatics, and
training is more frequent. Lead accumulates in the bank behind the targets
and occasionally officers remove it for recycling. (A large quantity is now
awaiting such retrieval.) Chuck Baker (Supervisor of the Water Filtration
Plant) says the lead poses no threat to the water supply. Before practices,
loud speakers announce that the area is to be used, to warn off anyone who
might happen to be nearby. However, the density of the vegetation behind
the targets greatly reduces the likelihood of someone stumbling into the
area during a practice. Facility has been in use for about 40 years.
In addition to the City, other users include County Sheriff, State
Police, FBI.
2. We then toured the silt dam, pond and upstream areas with Chuck
Baker and Ken Harding. The pond was last cleaned out thoroughly 12 years
ago, and needs to be done again. Gravel removed from upstream of the pond
is piled next to the creek and also near the Firing Range.
3. After our tours, we all agreed - -as we had prior to the trip - -that we
could see no major problems with what the City was doing in these two
areas. (Discussion had been stimulated by criticisms from Town citizens.)
4. June Minutes were approved unanimously.
5. Guy passed out a draft resolution regarding James Bay II for mem-
bers to consider; agreed to call Betsy with comments. It was suggested that
people contact Senator Seward with concerns about the proposal.
6. John Wertis agreed to continue serving on the Six -Mile Creek Com-
mittee, and to contact Betsy when he can't get to a meeting.
7. BPW's Public Participation Plan: main suggestion was that CAC get a
schedule of when projects are to take place- -say, 6 months at a time - -so we
can comment re potential scheduling problems (e.g. bridge painting during
barn swallow nesting season). Also concern was raised about how the plan
would be implemented.
8. Liaison reports:
EMC (Roger): buried tank study being worked on still.
STAC: citizens need to know they should water street trees, esp.
newly planted ones. John Wertis said he'd write a letter to editor on this.
Also, City budget doesn't provide enough for replacernent of all trees lost.
Public Transit: just getting started. Guy's our liaison.
Parks: meets 3rd Mondays at 4 PM.
9. Adjourned about 9:15, with fading light telling us it was high tirne to
quit.
-- - -Bara Hotchkiss and Betsy Darlington
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Meeting of August 12, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Cathy Emilian, Guy Girard, Bara Hotchkiss, Judy Jones, Keith Waldron,
John Wertis; LIAISONS: Carolyn Peterson and John Johnson (CC), Jill Tripp (BPW); GUESTS: Brian
Eden, Tony del Plato, Kate Arenfeld
ABSENT: Roger Farrell, Rob Shapiro
1. July Minutes were approve unanimously.
2. Bara Hotchkiss suggested, and everyone agreed, that we send Mayor Ben Nichols our condolences
over the death of his wife, Ethel. Betsy will write the letter.
3. Jill (BPW): Scavenger Days were a huge success. Only 10 violations, and only 3 of these were
serious./ Paint exchange will be Oct. 12, along with Haz. Waste pickup: call for an appointment (273-
5700)./ Lengthy discussion of proposed park on Northside and concerns with its latest shrinkage of 3
feet. Finally, we voted on the following motion: "CAC urges Common Council to direct the Board of
Public Works to place the road so as not to take additional footage from the park, as the plans were
presented prior to the last Common Council Meeting." Motion failed 4 -3, but Jill was asked to express
CAC concerns on this to BPW./ BPW will be addressing the 1992 Budget soon./ Money- saving sugges-
tion to pass on to BPW: do less mowing, e.g. at Cass Park. Some areas could be mowed just once a year
(or even less); this should be done between July 15 and Sept. 1, according to Lab. of Ornithology. Such a
system would also be good for the environment (wildlife; less fuel use and pollution).
4. Discussion of Buried Tank Study memo written by Roger Farrell. Bara will share the memo with
Dick Jager. Betsy? will talk to Dick about wording. Suggested that letter simply endorse ErVIC's
decision (Option 1), and that letter go to County Board an John Andersson at County Health Dept.
Consensus that it's important for the County to begin to work on the problem.
5. Cathy (STAC): people can donate $ for City trees; goes into special gift fund.
6. Guy (Transit): Committee's moving ahead - -e.g. use of peripheral parking lots (e.g. a deal with
Wegman's), and a shuttle to the City; integrated system among Cornell, IT, Tomtran, etc.
7. Betsy (Parking garage): Committee had field trip to Syracuse. Mindbogglingly expensive to build
a garage. $10,000- 13,000 per space -NOT including maintenance and operating costs.
8. James Bay Resolution: Discussion, with Brian Eden, Tony Del Plato, and Kate Arenfeld. Cuomo
is reconsidering the contracts -- perhaps seeking a delay of a couple of years, or canceling them outright.
Con -Ed had 40 bids that were below Hydro - Quebec's! (NYSEG is being good and concentrating on
demand -side management.) Maine has pulled out; Vermont will vote again. Resolution to Common
Council and Cuomo: approved unanimously.
9. City Attorney has found that money from the water fund can be used for any municipal purpose,
while money from sewer fund must be used for sewer - related projects only. This means water fund
money can be used to buy land not draining directly into the currently used reservoir.
10. Incinerators in City are legal, with DEC permit. Fairview Manor's recently spewed ash all over.
John W. will look into lit. to distribute to City residents. Betsy will write to local papers about the
problem.
11. Resolution re rezoning of Rib area between Floral Ave. and Inlet. Decided that Betsy would
draft something, circulate it, receive comments, and we'd discuss further in Sept.
12. Adjourned about 9:45 Pivi.
- - -Bara Hotchkiss and Betsy Darlington
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES -- Meeting of Sept. 9, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Bara Hotchkiss, Judy Jones, Keith Waldron,
John Wertis; Liaisons: Jill Tripp (BPW), John Johnson (CC)
ABSENT: Cathy Emilian, Roger Farrell, Guy Girard, Rob Shapiro;
CC liaison, Carolyn Peterson
1. August Minutes were approved with one correction: it's Dick Yager,
not Jager.
2. Decided to cancel October meeting since it falls on a holiday, and
since there doesn't appear to be any pressing business, and since everyone
felt we "deserved a break that day."
3. Liaison reports:
Jill —BPW: She shared CAC's concerns re shrinkage of Northside
Park; there's no action that BPW can take at this time./ Busy preparing
budget./ DPW has been too busy to deliver the green bins to City residents
(and might be waiting also for the new recycling truck)./ Bill Gray had
indeed misunderstood Betsy's hastily written note regarding minimal recy-
cling in City Hall (she inadvertently left out the critical word, "Hall," so he
thought she meant in the entire City!).
4. Judy —SWAC: County's asking for a 4 -month delay in closing of
Landstrom Landfill./ Leachate study: 1 -2 % of it is being collected and taken
to the WWTP. A lot of leachate is escaping from the dump. Plume is moving
north in the groundwater./ Working on a home composting project./ Recy-
cling centers will have collection bins for glossies, magazines, and junk
mail, probably later this fall./ Judy has recommended to the committee that
the County have scavenger days (like the City's recent one) -- preferably
several times a year./ Bara said volunteers are needed to help register
participants at the Hazardous Waste collection day (Oct. 12) (two sites).
Call her if you can help.
5. John W. —Inlet Island: Still nothing, but the Chair is working on it.
6. John W.-- Six -Mile Creek Comm.: John suggested to us his idea that
it become instead a Natural Areas Committee. We thought the idea could
have merit, and suggested that he and John J. discuss it with them.
7. STAC, EMC, Public Transit liaisons: absent. No news re pk. garage.
8. Betsy reported that the current plan for Finkelstein's woods south of
Gun Hill Apts. is donation of a conservation easement on them to City.
9. Home energy audits: Jill had a free one done by Guy Caroselli in
Chenango Bridge - -1- 648 - 3800 - -and it was excellent- -very thorough. Betsy
had one done by NYSEG, and it came with a bunch of freebies (several to
choose from - -she chose water - savers for faucets, weather stripping around
front door, and fluorescent bulbs for incandescent fixtures).
10. Jill —Parks Commission: pulling itself together.
11. Resolution re rezoning of R -3a zone along Cayuga Inlet: approved
unanimously after making two minor changes ('intense" to "intensive "; and
150 feet from top of bank). Betsy will get copies to John J. and Carolyn, to
take to Council.
12. Brian Eden came to end of meeting to see what the story is for James
Bay Resolution. We agreed we should continue to push it.
13. Adjourned at 9 PM!
-- -Bara Hotchkiss and Betsy Darlington
RESOLUTION TO COMMON COUNCIL
FROM THE CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Regarding rezoning along Cayuga Inlet
September 9, 1991
WHEREAS, the Cayuga Inlet Flood Control Channel is an important recre-
ational resource for residents of, and visitors to Ithaca; and
WHEREAS, the scenic beauty of the strip of land that runs between Floral
Avenue and the Channel contributes significantly to the enjoyment of those
using the stream corridor for boating, fishing, or walking; and
WHEREAS, part of this strip is maintained by the City as a public park; and
WHEREAS, the privately owned portions of this area receive drainage from
West Hill, thus slowing down and filtering this runoff; and
WHEREAS, the privately owned portions are currently zoned R -3a, which
could lead to more intensive development of this sensitive piece of land
than is compatible with adjacent uses along the Flood Control Channel; and
WHEREAS, the new West Hill Master Plan proposes reducing the density of
R -3a zones (including the above strip) on West Hill to R -2c; and
WHEREAS, the Conservation Advisory Council feels that R -2c is also too
dense for the above strip of land; now therefore be it
RESOLVED that Common Council change the zoning of the strip of land
between Floral Ave. and the Cayuga Inlet Flood Control Channel from R -3a
to R -1 a; and be it further
RESOLVED that Common Council prohibit construction of any structures
within 150 feet of the top of the bank along the Channel.
Passed unanimously at the September 9, 1991 Meeting.
MINUTES -- CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
Meeting of Nov. 4, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington (Chair), Cathy Emilian, Roger Farrell, Bara Hotchkiss, Rob Shapiro, Keith
Waldron, John Wertis; CC liaison -- Carolyn Peterson
ABSENT: Guy Girard, Judy Jones, CC liaison - -John Johnson, BPW liaison- -Jill Tripp
1. Sept. Minutes approved unanimously (we didn't have an Oct. meeting). Betsy read nice thank you
letter frorn Ida Webber.
2. Lead: Lew Durland couldn't come, but sent along material re lead paint removal. Judy Jones called
in comments on Lew's draft brochure: HEPA sanders and filters require training, and they're not readily
available. Betsy will pass on to Lew these and comments from others, along with Bara's list of testing labs
and disposal recommendations. If the brochure is ultimately distributed statewide, inserts will be needed
giving local sources of information.
Lew has been crediting the CAC with all the work he has done. We all agreed he should have a title-
- "Special Investigator," "Chair of Lead Abatement Project," or something. Betsy will talk to him about
this so he can be properly credited.
Lew has contacted many other individuals and groups for their comments (Health Departments,
CAC's, painters, paint stores, etc.), and many have expressed interest in it being a state -wide document.
NYS is considering adopting legislation re lead paint removal, but unfortunately is concentrating on
one like the one in Mass., rather than Maryland .The latter is better. E.g., the former would require
removal of lead paint in buildings - -not always the best or safest thing to do. We passed around Lew's
petition requesting legislation that would address this problem.
Bara will coordinate with Lew re sources of funds, etc. for printing the brochure-- BOCES, Coop
Extension, Judy Jones (for ideas from Cornell), EMC, DOH, paint stores. Carolyn will see if CAC can get
$200 -300 budgeted for printing costs. (CAC doesn't have its own budget.)
Lew will be at the Dec. meeting for further discussion.
3. Inlet Island: John W. showed us John Schroeder's 9 colorful maps of In. Is., detailing evolution of
land ownership and proposed plans. (I.e., how much parkland, how much commercial, etc.) Current zoning
( "marine ") would permit 7 -story buildings. Consensus on CAC was that this was way too high. 2 or 3
stories, max. Committee is now looking at lands to be acquired for replacement park land, and at a
possible special zoning designation. CAC felt rezoning should be done before alienation.
4. EMC: Roger announced the Erb ?C's wetlands conference- -Nov. 23. $10. EiVIC is working on salt and
pesticide policies for the County highways.
5. STAC: Cathy reported on: 1) Tree - planting plans for Elmira Rd., near Baker Park; and 2)
Suggestion that parkland space be apportioned according to population (some areas need more - -e.g.
southside).
6. Betsy reported on her meeting with Dennis Draper, City plumbing inspector, re storm drain
requirements for service stations and parking lots. Oil separators are required for former but not latter.
New EPA standards are stricter, and eventually he thinks may be applied to latter, as well.
6. Solid waste: Bara reported that all junk mail will be recyclable, starting Nov. 23 (at drop -off
centers). One- time -only for phone books, too.
7. John W. reported seeing someone dumping a large pot of something down a storm sewer, and ensuing
conversation with the culprit. (It was kitchen grease.) Carolyn will see if Wastewater T.P. or City has any
dumping regs, and if so, what they are.
8. Conrail (pesticide spraying): Keith called Frank DelVilbriss who will be meeting with his Albany
people. He'll come up Dec. 1 1 to meet with us and others over lunch. (Maybe site visit, too.) Our photos
and maps were very useful to him. Betsy will invite Dooley Kiefer. Bara will ask Dick Yager.
9. Rabies: Discussion re possible ordinance requiring kitchen wastes to be in solid containers with
tight lids. Decision: since already illegal to have spilled trash, Betsy will write letter to editors about the
need for containing one's garbage.
10. Betsy will ask Jill about use of corrosive cleaners on Commons (reported by someone in a letter -to-
ed.).
11. CAC terms for Bara, Cathy, Rob, Keith, and Guy all expire Dec. 31. Guy wasn't here, but all others
want to continue and will get necessary forms from Teresa Alt.
12. EAF's: Cathy suggested, and everyone agreed, that EAF reports would not be copied to everyone
unless specifically asked for. Betsy will announce at meetings what EAF's were reviewed that month, and
will make a couple of extra copies to pass out to anyone who wants there. She'll also give a copy to City
Clerk so people can ask her for copies as well.
�arq F+o�U.�LiSs �eSM �Gr�i�yj1
CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
MINUTES
Meeting of Dec. 9, 1991
PRESENT: Betsy Darlington, Bara Hotchkiss, Rob Shapiro, Keith Waldron, John Wertis, Judy Jones,
Guy Girard; Liaisons: Carolyn Peterson ( C), Jill Tripp (BPW); Guest: Lew Durland
?off,, - sok-so� C((
ABSENT: ), Cathy Emilian (�� �)
1. Tree ideas to pass on to STAC via Cathy: city could plant fruit trees in public places where it
would not be messy to do so (no peach trees, e.g., next to sidewalks!) (Jill will pass this idea on to Parks
Commission, too); watering of street trees -- education of the public, esp. with newly planted trees.
Bara suggested use of jail inmates in the tree care program.
2. BPW- -Jill: Ithaca Festival still big unknown re cost of cleanup.
Use of potent solvents on Commons (reported in a letter to Ithaca Journal) was a big mistake-- rnaterial
had been ordered by the Fire Dept. and accidentally got used instead for cleaning Commons' concrete.
Jill was asked to find out what DPW actually does use, ordinarily.
3. Lead paint project: Lew Durland, "Lead Investigator" (his new, official title, as of this meeting;
one can pronounce "lead" either way and still be right): Common Council has allocated $200 for
printing costs for 1992, to cover some of cost for this big project. Judy and Bara will help v.,44 review
Lew's draft, and will contact Jim Houghton and /or Kenn and Susan Marash to see if any could donate
services, for layout, artwork, etc. Judy will run it by Cornell's industrial hygienist. Brochure should
include list of all the specialists who have given advice on it.
Richard Gottfried, Chair of House Health Committee (NYS) is drafting a bill.
Distribution: Paint and hardware stores, City Hall, County Courthouse, Grossmans, Painters'
Association, Co -op Ext., mail to painters and paint companies, State Fair ( ?). Start with County
distribution, and try to get funding help from DOH, EMC, etc. John Andersson at Co. Health Dept. has
expressed interest.
Hope to finish up at Jan. Meeting.
4. Everyone expressed regret at Roger Farrell's retirement from the CAC. Since this also left the
City without its official rep. to the EMC, Bara agreed to be our new rep.
(CAC's rep. is the City's official rep.)
5. Burning used oil at service stations (for heat) (re proposed Quick - lube's EAF): non - issue, for now.
6. Carolyn: reported that Common Council had voted 6 -5 NOT to refer the resolution re Inlet
Valley rezoning to committee. We should rework it, and bring it back to CC. John W. and Betsy to work
on new draft. John will get copy of Village of Lansing's ordinance.
C &O finishing up work on an excavation- and -fill ordinance; steep slope ordinance is moving
slower.
Hunting at Treman Marine Park- -only place in City where it is legal. Many complaints (shooting
too close to walkers; shooting of practically tame ducks; shooting too close to nearby residences;
general complaints about this practice in the City). Parks Commission to hold public hearing on it in
January. Then C &O will take up removing this exception.
7. Solid waste: tipping fee will probably be lower than expected.
8. Betsy reported on Lynn Gifford's (DPW engineer) work with Cornell on drainage in SW portion of
City.
9. State organization of CAC's: Betsy will ask John Whitcomb (Town CAC) to talk to us sometime
about what advantages there might be in joining.