Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1993MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Meeting of Jan. 11, 1993 Present. Peter McDonald, Keith Waldron, Rob Shapiro, Betsy Darlington, John Wertis, Bara Hotchkiss, Paul Salon, Cathy Emilian; BPW Liaison Guy Gerard; Guests Heather Collis and Paul Glover; Absent. Judy Jones and CC liaison, Dan Hoffman (both out -of -town) 1. Dec. Minutes approved unanimously. 2. Betsy announced that the Mayor and Common Council had reappointed Judy, John, Paul, and her for another two -year term. 3. Betsy announced that another printing of the lead paint booklet is being done, with $300 from the Tovyn of Ithaca CAC, $500 from City, and donation of $25 from Dr. Jerry Hersh (who also requested 15 copies). 3500 copies this printing. 4. Heather Collis: she is working for a national organization called GreenCorps which involves young people in environmental campaigns. She is working on one re ancient forests. She told us that these are now 90% gone in the US, and the rest is going fast. US Forest Service is responsible for much of the problem, with help from all of us through our taxes. They have no plans in place to protect the forest and no standard for limiting the # of board feet cut each year. They fund all road building in our national forests. House Interior Committee had proposed legislation last session that didn't get anywhere. Its chair, George Miller, pulled several of the key provisions. Hinchey is now on this committee. GreenCorps and Sierra Club are proposing a platform that includes sustainable forestry practices, protective designation of the last remaining ancient forests in the NW, and putting the Forest'Service under the BLM (it's now under the USDA). Several members questioned the wisdom of that, given the BLM's poor record on the lands it's responsible for in the west. A forest summit is to be held in April (Clinton is calling this ?). Post card and petition campaign to Congressmen re protection of our national forests. CAC read the petition; John moved, Cathy seconded; voted unanimously to endorse it, and each member present signed it. Guy expressed his thanks to Heather, noting that it was good to see some young, energetic people getting involved in major environmental issues. General "seconds" to his thoughts from around the table. 5. Discussion of the Article 78 proceeding brought by Betsy, Marty Blodgett and Paul Glover. Dismay expressed by members over the BZA's decision without prior environmental review. Resolution of support of the suit discussed_ and worked on; Paul moved, Peter seconded; approved unanimously. (See other side.) 6. Paul Glover and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): There have been 3 meetings. Unclear how each member is chosen, but at least some are appointed by their municipal governments (e.g. Barbara Blanchard). For some reason, Cornell has 4 reps on it. CAC members wondered why we have seen no publicity of their meetings and decisions. Paul has been speaking out at these meetings and his ideas (e.g. for bikeways, buses, rails) are generally ignored. Federal gov't lists 15 things MPO's are supposed to consider, including energy conservation, environmental effects, life -cycle effects, among others. Unclear exactly what its powers are. Group is making decisions to recommend to the State or federal gov't regarding transportation and economic superstructure of the County for the future. One or more of DOT's top people are present at the meetings. So far, the group has endorsed 4 -lane rte. 13 to Cortland from Ithaca, widening of Warren Rd. beyond airport, and an East Ithaca Connector( ?). Paul said one DOT rep (Steve Vetter) said that by the end of 1994 there would be opportunity for public comment on their decisions - -but not for give -and -take with the committee. Paul reported that the budget for rte. 96 has mysteriously expanded from about $13 mill. to $27.7 mill. (about the cost that had been projected for Plan B, which Common Council turned down). CAC members wondered if perhaps the state was planning to build Plan B afterall! Heather( ?) said .new roads are now being turned down around several large cities due to air quality problems. Decided to ask EMC coordinator, Mary Smith, to call a meeting of EMC and CAC's to learn about the MPO from its chairperson and /or members. Bara to call her. Also generally agreed that we should try to attend their meetings. Paul said that public participation in MPO's is mandated. A letter to Steve Vetter at DOT was proposed, requesting itemization of the rte. 96 overruns and asking if any major change was contemplated from Plan A -1 as approved by Common Council; Betsy agreed to write it. Paul told us that the name has been changed from MPO to Ithaca- Tompkins County Transportation Planning Committee. He thinks the next meetings are on Jan. 19 and Feb. 2, possibly at 10 AM. 7. Discussion of the problems at the Weisburd site on Floral Ave.: Betsy reported that on Dec. 19 and 31 she visited the site and found the erosion and sedimentation control measures agreed to were not being followed. On Dec. 31, she and John Schroeder noticed that mud was flowing into the stream from the little diversion gully that had been dug on Dec. 17 to stop water from flowing into Floral Ave. Betsy reported that the southerly stream was blocked off near the top of the site and its flow diverted down the new road bed. Fresh silt has been deposited throughout the length of the stream to the Inlet. Also, a number of hackberry trees are no longer marked with yellow tape, and she didn't see signs of areas to be protected around the borders having been marked off. Concern expressed by members: what good does it do to put in so much work to make sure protective measures are taken if they, in fact, are not taken when the development proceeds? Paul will find out from DEC what can be done, if anything, about silt entering the Inlet. Betsy said Bldg. Dept. is aware of problem and working on it; she'll find out where things now stand re getting developer to comply with the conditions agreed upon during Site Plan Review. 8. Guy reported from BPW that the beavers along 6 -Mile Creek are safe, at least for now - -but an amendment inserted in their resolution at the last minute makes the precise area uncertain, possibly only from Van Atta's Dam to 30 -foot Dam. 9. Last item on agenda was deferred to next month. Peter passed around a list of matters (pesticides, Cayuga Lake association, neighborhood composting, regular meetings of all the CAC's - -at least annually) that he'd like us to address during the coming year; to be discussed at Feb. meeting. 10. Adjourned about 9:45 PM. - -Betsy Darlington (over) MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Meeting of February 8, 1993 Present: Rob Shapiro, Betsy Darlington (Chair), Peter McDonald, Bara Hotchkiss, Keith Waldron, Paul Salon, John Wertis; BPW liaison Guy Gerard Absent: Judy Jones, Cathy Emilian; CC liaison Dan Hoffman Guests: Speakers - -Jim Hanson and Dwight Mengel; Karin Limburg, Carl Leopold, Eva Hoffmann, Peter Voorhees (WHCU/WYXL), Matthew McDonald, Mary Smith, Caroline Spicer, Dooley Kiefer, Paul Glover, Nick Vandam 1. This was a joint meeting with the EMC and other CAC's to hear about the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization). Jim Hanson, Tompkins County's Planning Commissioner, joined later by Dwight Mengel, the County's Director of Transportation, explained to us what this new organization is all about, and answered questions. To get federal help, our "metropolitan region" must have in place an approval process for transportation plans. The MPO has been given this authority, as well as being designated the lead agency for the new air quality improvement program. It is to come up with a comprehensive plan for regional transportation by Oct. /Dec. 1994. At the moment, the MPO (our local group is called the Ithaca- Tompkins County Transportation Committee, or I -TCTC) is preparing the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) proposal for this year. This may include road, mass transit, bicycle, and pedestrian proposals for federal funding. In the past, there has been no process for public participation or regional planning for the annual TIP applications. Because our MPO is so new, this year's proposal cannot be informed by a comprehensive trans. plan since none exists as yet. But in the future, TIPS should be based on comprehensive plans and involve public participation. I -TCTC has two main committees, the Policy Committee and the Planning Committee. The latter, chaired by Cornell's John Gutenberger, is mainly made up of technical staff people (DPW and Planning Dept. staff, mainly), and makes recommendations to the Policy Committee, chaired by Ben Nichols. The "CEOs" of the County and each municipality in the "metropolitan area" (Lansing, City and Town of Ithaca, Cayuga Heights), plus a rep. from the State DOT, are the only voting members of the Policy Committee. The MPO is just getting under way. They are interviewing candidates for director, developing a mechanism for public participation, and generally getting organized. Jim also mentioned several innovative and successful auto - reduction programs from around the country- - use of free vans in Atlanta; Cornell's demand - reduction program; and ones in Oregon and Kentucky (no details given). Cornell's system has, in just 2 years, reduced # of cars going to campus by 25 %. Both Dwight and Jim are clearly committed to improving alternatives to private auto use. Bara mentioned the Amherst, Mass. area's free bus service for all citizens - -very successful, buses heavily used; funded in part by the area colleges. One term we will be hearing has the acronym, ISTEA (pronounced ice -tea). This stands for Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act, and is a new federal program, presumably to promote what its name indicates. 2. City CAC continued with brief meeting on its regular agenda. Betsy updated members on the Article 78 proceeding (hearing before Judge Relihan, but no action as yet). Betsy also announced that Tompkins County Health Dept. was sending $25 to the City for 100 copies of the lead paint booklet, to be sent out in a big mailing, mainly to painting contractors. Bara presented a possible resolution to send to Cuomo regarding tightening up State regs. re removal of lead -based paint: passed unanimously, and to be sent to Cuomo by Bara. Keith announced that Conrail has contracted with a different company to do its spraying; also that they want to come up for another visit along the tracks. Keith will arrange this with Frank DeVilbiss of Conrail. Note to Judy, John, and Paul: if you haven't yet gotten sworn in at City Clerk's office, please do so soon! - -Betsy Darlington CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES: Meeting of March 8, 1993 PRESENT: Keith Waldron, Peter McDonald, Rob Shapiro, Betsy Darlington, Judy Jones, John Wertis; BPW Liaison, Guy Gerard; GUEST, John Friedeborn, new City Forester ABSENT: Cathy Emilian, Paul Salon, Bara Hotchkiss (new baby!!); CC Liaison, Dan Hoffman 1. John presented a Short EAF for our consideration, appropriately (and humorously) filled out, for Bara and Dick's new baby, born Feb. 28, weighing S lb. 10 oz., named Eliza Hope. Neg. Dec. approved unanimously, with all present signing it. John to send to Bara and Dick. 2. Jan. and Feb. Minutes approved unan. 3. This year's TIP proposal: brief discussion. Peter borrowed, to take a more thorough look at. Guy reported that at recent meeting(s ?) of the, 4PO it hates become evident that the DOT wants to "call the shots," even on City projects not on State routes. The MPO�decid d not to endorse this year's TIP. Meeting on March 9 of Policy Wig. Comm. of MPO. Guy is trying to get to all meetings, and Betsy will also, when her Belle Sherman hours permit. 4. John Friedeborn, the new City Forester, was introduced. Owns Cascadilla Tree Service. Discussion of what the job entails. In addition to trees, parks and grounds seem to be his responsibility. He's currently inventorying the City's pesticide supplies, and sorting out ones that are either no longer permitted or that are ineffective. Still feeling his way in the job. S. Peter led discussion of CAC plans for the year. Suggested working more with other groups; being more proactive so don't always have to be putting out fires. John: the only problem with being proactive is that it takes a lot of time and energy; not sure if he has the time. Peter suggested we keep our eyes open for meaningful issues to track. Peter contacted Co -op Ext. re pesticides and composting. A. Composting: Peter has gotten 9 neighbors to put their garbage in his compost pile. Suggested there could be block captains who would initiate such a system with several neighbors. Extension is very interested, and someone (Monica Crispin or Brenda Werner) will come to April meeting, to explore how we might start such a program. Master Composter program has meant people going to Ext. to learn how. Peter envisions, instead, going to people in neighbor- hoods with the info. Peter reported that Co -op Ext. and County Solid Waste Division have been having difficulty cooperating on a composter program, with latter tying everyone's hands re what can be advocated. Judy will explore this possible problem at the next SWAC meeting, and will also call Monica Crispin to see what's up. Consensus was that we might be able to facilitate some positive motion between the two agencies. Keith said that Seattle and Portland (OR) have model composting programs; he'll try to get info for us. Peter has contacts in WA, also, and will find out what he can. Suggested that, in the meantime, each of us, can - -as the "spirit" moves us -- approach nearby neighbors and start small projects. Peter would like to start something, as a pilot program, in one neighborhood, e.g. Fall Creek where he lives. He'll prepare a handout for our review in April. B. John suggested we come up with issues one body or another in the City should be focusing attention on, and we could act as facilitators (and promoters and supporters). One or two CAC members could track each issue. Judy pointed out that to some extent we already do this, via the groups we have liaisons to. A couple of possible issues: packaging; watershed protection. 6. Lead paint booklet distribution in time for painting season: John: Agway, Sherwin Williams, Grossmans Rob: IP &D, Cayuga Lumber Peter: Southside Community Center, GIAC, Alternatives Library, Greenstar, Co -op Extension Keith: East Hill hardware and paint store Judy: Wickes, Valley Lumber, Ithaca Building Center, Bishops Betsy: Building Dept. (and rest of City Hall) 7. Betsy reported that Judge Relihan dismissed the Article 78 suit for lack of "standing" by the petitioners. Decision hasn't yet been made whether or not to appeal the decision. 8. Betsy distributed copies of DEC - proposed changes in SEQR, sent to her from Town of Ithaca. We'll discuss this at April meeting. 9. DOT response to our question re huge increase in cost of Rt. 96 project: not from changes in the project but from "normal" inflation, etc. - -Betsy Darlington CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Meeting of April 12, 1993 Present: Cathy Emilian, John Wertis, Peter McDonald, Paul Salon, Rob Shapiro, Betsy Darlington (Chair), Judy Jones, Keith Waldron; Guests: Brenda Werner, Harry Littel, Pat Fox, 3 Cornell students. Absent: Bara Hotchkiss (home with new baby!), CC and BPW liaisons (Hoffman and Gerard) 1. March Minutes approved unanimously. 2. Neighborhood composting: Brenda Werner from Co -op Extension met with us to discuss Peter's idea for promoting composting among small groups of neighbors, as he has done in his neighborhood. Brenda told us that it is most cost - effective for vegetable /fruit wastes to be handled at home - -the obvious place for composting, and where it's easy to do. Problem is getting it started. One thing being discussed is making composting bins available at 1/2 price to groups of 5 composters. Judy will talk to Tom Richardson at County Solid Waste. 3. Therm spill: Harry Littel and Pat Fox, the couple who had to move out of their home because of the spill, filled us in on the background and what's being done now: Therm has reported to DEC that 6 -800 gal. of Varsol leaked. Varsol is a complex solvent used for degreasing. Readings are still being gotten in Littels' basement from the one crack left unsealed so DEC can monitor it. This and /or other chemicals may permeate the soil. After this a SPDES permit will be needed by Therm. Soil and water remediation may be needed. Corrective action plan will be required by DEC. The cleanup operation has seriously damaged a big area in the woods behind Therm - -both City and private land. DEC says it will restore the area. A pollution prevention program is badly needed - -for this and other firms. Harry told us that former employees claim that the Therm dumping system has always been "down the drain." Bad housekeeping appears to have been a longstanding problem at the plant, with neighborhood complaints dating back at least to 1981. Betsy reported that Guy Gerard who regularly runs along the trail behind Therm has been reporting significant amounts of smell and slick around the small stream since Feb., 1992. Why was no substantive action taken by DEC? What can be done by citizens to get real action when there is a potentially big problem? Members wondered why it had been played down in the papers: perhaps because Therm is such a big employer? Cathy to call Ithaca Times and Peter the Ithaca Journal to try to get more complete coverage. Dick Brazell at Syracuse DEC office is in charge of the cleanup. 4. Proposed SEQR changes: decided to defer discussion until meeting of CAC's and EMC to discuss them. 5. EAF subcomm. for next 3 months: Rob, Paul, Betsy. 6. Discussion of Post Office's loss of downtown services: forces people to drive when, before, they could walk. Wastes energy and time, increases congestion on the roads. Betsy to write something reflecting CAC's views; Peter to read it at public hearing on the topic. 7. M -1 zoning changes: Betsy was asked to send to Common Council a message applauding the proposed reduction in height from 70 to 50 feet, but encouraging CC to lower it still further - -to no higher than nearby structures (e.g. Lehigh Valley House). 8. Earth Day: Judy proposed a big cleanup at Stewart Park, to collect some of the massive amt. of junk washed in by the floods. 1 PM, Apr. 25. Betsy to notify Ithaca Journal. Judy to check with Rick Ferrel. [P.S.: 6 of us showed up along with about 4 others including a cute little 5- or 6- year -old. Tons to do, despite big cleanup the day before by about 75 people.] 9. Liaison reports: STAC: Cathy reported that 50 bare -root trees are coming for Arbor Day planting on Apr. 30. Volunteers will do the planting and homeowners will care for them. SWAG: Judy reported that DR -7 is off, CPF is on. 10. Peter reported that James Bay is by no means dead over again. To be discussed at May CAC meeting. 11. Adjourned about 9:30 or 10. NYS is poised to sign another contract. Same problem all - -Betsy Darlington CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MMUTES for Meeting of May 10, 1993 Present: Rob Shapiro, Peter MacDonald, Judy Jones, Betsy Darlington, Paul Salon, Bara Hotchkiss and her new environmentalist, Eliza; CC liaison Dan Hoffman; Guest: Mark Baustian Absent: Cathy Emilian, Keith Waldron, John Wertis, BPW liaison Guy Gerard 1. James Bay: Peter and Mark explained HydroQuebec's latest proposal and possible NYS contract for its power. NYS would be committed to pay $5 billion. "Great Whale Project." No need for the power in Quebec for at least 7 years, so NYS purchase of 800 megawatts is needed to make the project viable for HydroQuebec. Under the terms of the contract, NY would pay for the power whether or not it uses it. Gov. Cuomo seems to be the main supporter of the contract, and reluctant to give it up. Not the "clean power" HydroQuebec would like us to believe: e.g. methane and CO2 emissions, while not as great as from coal plants, nevertheless are significant, from rotting vegetation; also, aluminum plants have collected nearby and are significant polluters. Draft of letter to Cuomo approved unanimously; Peter will send. 2. April minutes were approved unanimously. 3. Neighborhood composting: Co -op Ext. doesn't have the staff to help extensively. Judy talked to Tom Richardson at Solid Waste: County funds Extension to do the composting program. He said Brenda Werner could do a small -scale thing - -e.g. 1 or 2 apt. buildings, training one evening and then providing master composters as support. Peter agreed to talk to Richardson further. 4. Therm: update of spill and cleanup from Betsy. 5. Dan reported that DPW is making upper path from Giles St. to lower reservor (30- foot dam) into a road so vehicles can get there to make repairs from slides that threaten the water line. He said one of the washed out areas may be re- routed rather than repaired. CAC members expressed need to keep informed on the project; Betsy will call Guy to find out more details. 6. Golf course pesticide use: Peter will talk with John Friedeborn, City Forester, to find out where things stand. Adj ourned at 9:10 - -Betsy Darlington MINUTES CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL- -CITY OF ITHACA Meeting of June 14, 1993 Present: Keith Waldron, John Wertis, Rob Shapiro, Judy Jones, Peter McDonald, Betsy Darlington; CC liaison Dan Hoffman; Guests: Asst. City Atty. Pat Kennedy, P &D Bd. Chair David Kay, P &D Dept. Deputy Director Herman Sieverding Absent: Cathy Emilian, Bara Hotchkiss, Paul Salon; BPW liaison Guy Gerard 1. May Minutes approved unan. with one correction: Peter agreed to call Co -op Ext. , not Tom Richardson, re composting. 2. Environmental review for Walmart(?)-- discussion: Pat, David, and Herman were present to discuss with us how to conduct this review in the fairest possible way, and in a way to avoid even a perception of unfairness in light of Betsy's lawsuit against the BZA. Pat said that, although Betsy's suit (with Blodgett and Glover) was purely on procedural grounds, the three intervenors who live near the site gave affidavits that were highly judgemental on possible environmen- tal impacts. Pat explained that, on the one hand, the Planning Board might open itself up to suit by Walmart if Betsy participated as a member and Chair of the CAC for its review, but on the other hand, if the CAC were not involved at all in the review process, suit by opponents of the project was likely. She mentioned a meeting last WedoeSday between Mayor Nichols, herself, Betsy and Dick Darlington, David Kay, Herman Sieverding, and Thys Van Cort to discuss what should be done. Pat proposed that the CAC conduct the review, as required under City law, but that Betsy recuse herself from the CAC's formulation of its recommendations. Betsy could still participate as a member of the public in P&D and CAC meetings, as could any other member of the public. Betsy said that she had proposed this solution at the Wei. meeting but only as her own opinion, wanting to discuss it with the CAC before advocating it. Pat said that, in CAC's recommendations, CAC should make clear that Betsy has recused herself. Lengthy discussion followed, some of it responding to the letters from Pat and Mayor Nichols in which any CAC involvement in the review was questioned. -- Betsy pointed out that the CAC is purely advisory, unlike BZA, ILPC, P &D, or Common Council -- bodies on which individuals sometimes recuse themselves. Pat said that, while we are only advisory, P &D Bd. pays attention to our recommendations and takes them seriously. -- Rob pointed out that the CAC isn't suing anyone, that it simply had passed a resolution of support of the suit, and that Betsy isn't suing Walmart( ?), but the BZA for issuing a variance before environmental review had been done. -- John corrected Pat's assertion that CAC had "ratified" the suit; CAC had passed a resolution of support. CAC was not a part of the suit in any way. -- Betsy pointed out that the CAC's resolution pre -dated the intervention in the suit by three neighbors. She also asked if the City, by agreeing to permit the intervention on its side by Thorntree Associates, had signed onto statements Thorntree had made in their own behalf. Pat said she didn't think she had ever said one way or the other if it was ok with her for them to intervene, and therefore had not, she thought, necessarily signed onto their statements. -- Keith said that it was entirely a procedural question and had nothing to do with "Walmart or developer X, Y or Z," and that we always start out a review with a clean slate and do as thorough and objective a review as we can. He also asked, in light of Pat's comments, if there still might not be a "perception" problem even without Betsy playing her normal role in the review. Pat said that if the CAC were to pass a resolution in support of the legal concept that the BZA couldn't give a use variance without environmental review, this might help. She reiterated that there was nothing technically or legally wrong with the CAC or Betsy participating in the review; that it was a matter of perception. She felt that at the first opportunity, e.g. at the P &D meeting when it declares itself lead agency, or perhaps at the scoping session, someone from CAC should state how it intends to conduct the review. -- Betsy asked Pat if, in her opinion, the Planning Board had the power to reverse the BZA's "conditional" variance, if it determined that having the building in the location for which the variance was issued would cause significant environmental harm. She said that as part of Site Plan Review, it was likely that the building would get changed one way or another and thus would probably have to go back to the BZA for a new variance. Betsy asked, if the building were not adjusted in this way, would P &D be able to reverse the variance. Betsy reported that the Chair of the Planning Bd., Susan Blumenthal, at the time of the suit told her she didn't think the Board had the power to reverse the variance, even if it was called a "conditional variance." Pat said she would not answer that question since she and Betsy were engaged in the lawsuit on the question. Betsy said that if the Planning Board could not reverse the conditional variance, then in fact, the BZA had made a "decision" and was not simply engaging in a "planning activity," as maintainted by the City in its response to the lawsuit. Betsy mentioned that at the BZA discussion (as shown in their minutes) prior to issuing the variance, Thorntree Assoc. had stated they needed the variance because there was no other building configuration or location on the site that the building could take, in accordance with the developer's directives. -- Dan mentioned that the BZA never does environmental reviews. -- Betsy said that under NYS law, the only variances that do not require environmental review are area variances 2 such as for lot line adjustments and set - backs. These are the only variances in the Type II list. Dan said the law didn't clearly state that use variances require env. rev. Betsy said that the law says that anything not on the Type I or Type II list is automatically "unlisted," and "unlisted actions" are subject to env. review. Dan said the NYS legislature is currently considering a bill to clarify this, the proposal being to state explicitly that use variances do require env. review. Betsy said that the Town of Ithaca does an EAF for all use variances, no matter how minor. Pat said that Town law differs from City law; Betsy said this was a matter of State law, and applied to everyone. -- The question was raised as to why the BZA hasn't been doing env. reviews for use variances. Betsy said that the CAC normally only finds out about actions when it receives the EAF, so we don't have a mechanism for knowing the BZA is considering a use variance. Sometimes she notices in the legals that a variance is to be considered, but perhaps hasn't been diligent enough in following up; the variances are normally for trivial matters that she hasn't felt it worth raising a fuss about. -- Pat said that the BZA did an environmental review for a recent use variance request, prior to issuing the variance. John proposed that the CAC send a letter to the BZA commending them for doing the env. rev., as in accordance with SEQRA. Consensus was this was a good idea; John agreed to draft such a letter. -- The CAC agreed to the process initially proposed- -that Betsy recuse herself, but could still offer her comments as a member of the public, as could anyone else. Betsy said that she would try to be quiet unless there was some issue that she felt was being overlooked. The consensus was that the entire CAC (minus Betsy) should conduct this review, as has been its practice with large projects. John agreed to function as Chair of CAC for purposes of this review. He also agreed to attend the next Planning Bd. meeting, to explain how we were addressing the problem of a perception of unfairness if Betsy were to participate in her normal role. 2. Soil and Water Conservation District for Tk. County: Betsy said the County is unusual for not having a SWCD and was considering this. Keith said that not having one presents problems for himself and others, in the work they do. Betsy said the reason we don't have one is that years ago, it was thought it wasn't needed because Cornell could fill the role instead. Further discussion was postponed till Bara could be present. 3. Therm: Judy - -along with Rob and Dan -- reported on the May 20 So. Hill neighborhood meeting with DEC, NYS Attorney General's office, and Therm. DEC has told Therm it must identify all its drains and where they drain to. Her impression was that Therm has one or more illegal drains that go to no- one - knows - where. She said Therm should certainly have made sure where all its drains go, at least as long as five years ago, maybe 10. It was reported that there is a pollution plume that extends all the way to Giles St., and that this contains some or all of the following chemicals, in addition to Varsol: trichlorethylene, tetrachlorethylene, carbon disulfide, ethylbenzene, and xylene. The latter two were in a sump on Therm property. These chemicals are unrelated to the spills earlier this spring, but would not have been discovered if the spills hadn't occurred. Therm has signed a consent order for sampling. Peter raised concerns that the DEC had never done a thorough investigation, despite many years of complaints from neighbors. Each complaint was checked out in a superficial sort of way, but the repeated complaints should have triggered a more thorough review. Judy said the DEC gave out a human health and medical screening hotline for people to call, requesting evaluation of exposure. She said the DEC did not otherwise address residents' concerns re safety, e.g. for their children playing in the area, but that individual responses vary widely among people and this is a hard question to answer. The Atty. General's office said they want to work with Therm to contain costs (which are enormous), but they regard threats of lay -offs and bankruptcy as bogus. Therm has avoided taking necessary house - keeping measures required of any such business. Rob said a lot of employees were at the meeting and were highly emotional, as might be expected, even going so far as to say the people who lived in the affected houses didn't have to live there - -it was their choice. Judy said that the City has a larger issue of storm sewer managements, illegal drains, runoff from parking lots, etc., but that this was not a part of the meeting. 4. Lead paint brochure: Betsy asked if people needed more copies; answer: no. Peter said it is best to give just a few at a time to each location because otherwise they get stashed away somewhere and forgotten. Important to go back regularly to each site to see if they need more. Members have enough for now. 5. Betsy reported briefly on a new committee that has been formed in the County to make recommendations on greenways, both for recreational trails and for biological corridors. 6. Proposed SEAR changes: Betsy reported on meeting she attended with other CAC's and EMC, and said she's been told the DEC plans to take its time on this. Draft written up after that meeting has been sent to Chairs of CAC's and EMC, for them to consider with their groups. We went through the draft and agreed to a few changes. Consensus was that we should highlight those issues we feel are of top priority. Betsy will incorporate comments from other groups when she gets them, write a new draft, and send it out again for (hopefully) final review before sending it to the DEC. 7. EAF subcomm. for June - Sept.: John, Judy, Betsy Adjourned at 9:20 PM. -- Betsy Darlington CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES OF JULY 12, 1993 Present: Cathy Emilian, Betsy Darlington, Peter McDonald, John Wertis, Judy Jones, Keith Waldron, Paul Salon; Visitor, Doria Higgins Absent: Bara Hotchkiss, Rob Shapiro; Liaisons Dan Hoffman (CC), Guy Gerard (BPW) 1. June Minutes were approved unanimously. 2. DEIS and Draft Master Plan for Treman Marine Park: Discussion of pros and cons of the plan. Comments for State Parks and Common Council were prepared and approved unanimously. Major concerns had to do with changes to the parking areas that members felt were unneeded and would involve the loss of many trees and shrubs, a significant increase in amt. of pavement, and needless spending. Members liked the proposals for the natural areas (Hog Hole wetland, floodplain forest, tall grasslands). 3. Resolution to BZA re variances and SEQRA. Resolution was discussed and approved unanimously. Assistant City Attorney, Pat Kennedy, at the June meeting, had suggested such a resolution. 4. Walmart( ?) review: Betsy recused herself and John Wertis took over chairing this portion of the meeting. Discussion of the site plan and the EAF. Members approved various recommendations to the Planning Board, which John will write up. CAC decided to recommend a positive declaration. Major concerns had to do with: a) Drainage, and in particular, potential increases in flooding downstream, if 13- 14 acres were to be covered with impervious surfaces. Most of project is in the 100 - year floodplain with a risk factor of 9 feet. Analyses done by Sear -Brown were only for 10 -year floods. b) Traffic problems. C) Loss of land designated by Common Council for substitute parkland for SW Park, when that is alienated. d) Loss of scenic views from Rt. 13 and the levee, the latter slated to be a bike trail, and already widely used by pedestrians. e) Impact on birds and other wildlife. It was pointed out that the EAF should address the entire project, including future expansion, since this apparently is the company's plan. 5. Tree- cutting by DPW: Cathy told us that there had been some complaints from property owners regarding tree removals around City infrastructure projects (pipes, etc.). Problem seems to have been resolved. She told us also that street trees surrounded by concrete have an average life expectancy of only 10 years, and in street lawns of only 30 years. City trees have it rough! - -Betsy Darlington CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES -- August 9, 1993 Present: Betsy Darlington, Cathy Emilian, Rob Shapiro, Paul Salon; BPW liaison Guy Gerard Absent: John Wertis, Bara Hotchkiss, Keith Waldron, Peter McDonald, Judy Jones; CC liaison Dan Hoffman 1. Lacking a quorum, July Minutes were deferred till September meeting. Betsy announced that John Wertis is moving to Elmira and will be resigning from the CAC. Cathy agreed to replace him on the EAF subcommittee. 2. Two EAF's-- gymnastics building and new retail plaza at Meadow and Cleveland- -were reviewed. 3. Cathy reported that during the demolition of a dry cleaning place (on Friday ?) at State and Seneca, the workers were busy punching holes in large tanks of toxic liquids. DEC was called and fines will be levied and cleanup is being required. Guy will talk to Joe Daley who reported the incident to DEC, then call Ithaca Journal to see about an article. 4. Guy reported that the Therm cleanup has now been turned over entirely to Therm. Someone has dumped a truck off from the new roadway that was created for the cleanup. Agreed that we should send a memo to BPW asking what the status of the cleanup is - -when will restoration begin? what chemicals are still remaining? what are the plans for the area? Betsy agreed to send the memo. 5. Betsy reported that the SW Area Land Use Study Committee has submitted its report. The project grew out of Common Council's directive to look at possible uses of SW Park. Betsy passed out two maps showing proposed land uses, including new roads that would cross the Inlet and cut through SW Park. A number of comments were made by everyone present, but lacking a quorum, and since no one else had had a chance to read the report itself, it was decided to defer specific official comments on the report until Sept. Concerns expressed, based on the maps, were that the amount of new roadways was excessive, that Coy Glen could be badly affected by a new road along it, that the Octopus is on the brink of being solved, that more roads just generate more traffic, that Ithaca will end up looking like New Jersey if the plan is implemented. The constant refrain was, "Why ?" 6. Walmart(?) scoping session: discussion of what to recommend to Planning Board for inclusion in the DEIS, at the scoping meeting on Wed. Consensus that State's scoping checklist be gone through carefully at the meeting. Major issues mentioned: the project would be in the 100 -year flood plain (with a flood potential of 9 feet on federal flood plain maps); increase in traffic; loss of substitute parkland for the SW Park exchange; loss of view, and of last piece of open land along Rt. 13; impact on breeding and migratory birds, Inlet Valley being an important migration corridor. Inventories should be done of birds, amphibians (wetlands are also on the property), and other vertebrates. Rob will call David Kay, Chair of the Planning Board, regarding these matters. The developer has still not announced if the project is for a Walmart, but that's everyone's guess. CAC wondered why they aren't saying what the project is. 4A - -Betsy Darlington ** TURN OVER FOR THE SEPTEMBER 13, 1993 AGENDA ** CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES: Meeting of Sept. 13, 1993 Present: Peter McDonald, Rob Shapiro, Betsy Darlington, Judy Jones, Paul Salon, Cathy Emilian (last portion of mtg.); CC liaison Dan Hoffman; Guest Barbara Blanchard Absent: Keith Waldron, Bara Hotchkiss; BPW liaison Guy Gerard 1. July and Aug. Minutes were approved unanimously. 2. SW Area Land Use Plan discussion: Peter: The need to develop the area with roads, housing, commercial buildings seems to have been assumed by the committee, but was never explained. What's the justification? Would their proposals add to the City? What would realization of the plan do for the City? Rob: the need to provide housing in SW Park was proposed although the "Focus Group" of real estate developers, builders, marketing experts, etc. shot this down. Barbara: Focus group concluded housing would be reasonable if it were limited to low or moderate income housing and if a large area were used for this purpose and if the City were to provide infrastructure, building permit guarantees, etc. Rob: Physical constraints of the site are considerable - -e.g. the CPF, Conrail's staging area, etc. It was asked if the SW Connector idea was simply accepted as a "given" since it had been talked about for so long, or if the committee really thought there was a need for it. Barbara said that it has been generally accepted for a long time. Betsy said that new roads to relieve traffic frequently don't have that effect afterall. Betsy raised potential problems of sink holes in SW Park where buried tree stumps have rotted out or will rot out. Also, unknown if toxic materials have been buried there, along with DPW's demolition materials. Household trash at least used to be dumped there illegally. Peter: While a lot of hard work obviously went into the plan, it lacks imagination and vision, and is top -heavy toward development. Bicycle and other groups were not solicited for alternative ideas. Document doesn't envision invigorating or enhancing Ithaca. "Just fill up this hole on the map." The Focus Group's conclusion was, "Make the City pay, then we'll develop it." Barbara mentioned the serious ground water problems in the area, and later pointed out that you need a lot of vegetation to deal with the extensive water problems there. Peter: the Plan doesn't address the existine problems. Unbridled development along Rt. 13 has created the problems, and some of the suggestions advocated in the Plan would exacerbate these. (Traffic congestion, pollution, drainage /runoff, etc.) Rob asked why not terminate the SW connector at Floral Ave. Barbara said that this wouldn't get the cars to where they're going on Rt. 13. Betsy said that ending at Floral Ave. would help cars headed to the south get around the City, and avoid the Rt. 13 strip. No voice in the plan for non - development options, such as reestablishing flood plain and wetland functions in SW Park. Peter said the Plan doesn't reflect various ideas such as some Barbara had suggested (e.g. small business off - shoots of the CPF). Betsy commented on the problem with having the City pay huge sums to make housing viable on the site. If it's not a viable project with private enterprise footing the bill, maybe it's too expensive for the City, also. Dan asked why not permit the expansion southward of Nate's Floral Estates. Barbara said many on committee were opposed to more trailers and also were concerned about further residential development on the old City dump. Rob pointed out that the 30 -year life of Nate's, so far, might serve as an experiment of sorts, and perhaps showed that building on the former dump was safe. Barbara said that preliminary environmental studies might be done of the former dump site. Judy raised the problem of crossing Coy Glen with a new road. Barbara said County has agreed to pay 50% of SW connector costs. The plan needs to demonstrate the need for affordable housing in the price range that it would be if at SW Park. Paul suggested that a new road through the area, more or less parallel to Rt. 13, might not be so bad if it could be kept free of development. Otherwise, it would just turn into another congested Elmira Rd. He also suggested that the SW Park area could be used for a wetland to filter out pollutants before they reach the Lake. There is federal money for wetland restoration or rehabilitation. Perhaps there could be a pilot project there. Judy said that we should ask that storm -water routes be shown on a map in the Plan. Paul will borrow Dan's copy of the report, Cathy will read Joe's copy, and Rob and Peter will prepare a draft of CAC comments, to be circulated to CAC members before being sent to Common Council. 3. EAF subcommittee: Cathy, Judy, and Betsy agreed to continue for another 3 months. 4. SWAC - -Judy: This weekend there'll be a big publicity campaign at grocery stores, encouraging shoppers to try in their shopping to reduce packaging. 5. Commendation from CAC (now done sporadically, but not more than once a year, it seems): unanimous vote to give this to Doria Higgins, in recognition of all her hard work on behalf of the City parks, esp. Stewart Park and Cass Park /Treman Marine Park. Betsy will draft a statement to go with the certificate to Doria. 6. Cayuga Inlet Trail: unanimous approval of the EMC's resolution in support of ISTEA funding for this project. - -Betsy Darlington CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting of November 8, 1993 PRESENT: Peter McDonald, Betsy Darlington, Rob Shapiro, Judy Jones, Paul Salon, Bara Hotchkiss; CC liaison, Dan Hoffman; BPW liaison, Guy Gerard; Guest, Jan McCarrick ABSENT: Cathy Emilian, Keith Waldron 1. Sept. Minutes were approved unanimously. Jan McCarrick was introduced; she's considering asking for appointment to CAC. 2. Betsy announced receipt of Common Council's new policy regarding attendance at meetings of commissions, boards, councils, etc. Dan told us that we are "City Officials." 3. EMC rep. from CAC (and City): since Bara lives outside the City, and in any event, announced that she is not going to ask for reappointment to CAC in January, we need a new rep. to EMC. Peter is considering this and will talk to Herb Engman, EMC Chair to learn what's involved. 4. SW Area Land Use Plan comments: discussion of Peter's draft. After a number of minor changes were made, we voted unanimously in favor of the draft. Peter will rewrite, and send new draft to Rob and Betsy for comments. Then Betsy will circulate new draft to entire CAC. 5. DOT's plans for rt. 13 changes at south end of City: Betsy and Dan reported on Common Council's comments to DOT. 6. Therm spill area rehab /restoration: Betsy and Guy reported on Six -Mile Creek Committee's ongoing efforts to have certain minimal actions taken right now, to divert water from the new roadway so winter snows and rains won't cause further erosion and stream siltation. CAC asked Betsy to send a memo to BPW, urging the City to act promptly. 7. Solid Waste Advisory Committee: Judy reported that the consumer education project had ended and is being evaluated at two of the stores. Judy agreed to attend the GEIS hearing on the Solid Waste Plan. 8. Discussion of chlorine -free paper was deferred, as was recommendations re cutting of trees on steep slopes. 9. Betsy announced that 5 members' terms expire Dec. 31 and asked who wanted to be reappointed: Bara - -no, Peter - -yes, Cathy--? (absent), Keith--? (absent), Rob--? Adjourned in record time, at 9:12 PM - -Betsy Darlington