HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2007-04-05 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
April 5, 2007
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee, Eva Hoffmann, Susan
McCutcheon, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
None
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: Diane supplied an article that outlined the improvement in efficiency of energy
production by installing a single large windmill as opposed to many smaller windmills.
Coordinator: The Town Board will hire an outside engineering firm to evaluate the impact on
drainage system from the Briarwood II subdivision development in the Northeastern portion of
the Town. The site visit to the proposed Carrowmoor development off Mecklenburg Road has
been postponed until weather improves. Ithaca College has put together a scoping document
that focuses on the issues that will be analyzed in the environmental impact statement for the
planned Athletic and Events Center development.
Business:
Minutes: March 1, 2007 meeting minutes were approved as corrected. Larry moved, Lenore
second.
Westview Subdivision development
Members were shown photos that were taken of the site after the heavy rains that occurred in
mid-March. The massive amount of erosion and impact from the development were apparent.
The project was shut down after a neighbor brought to the Towns attention the large amount of
erosion and drainage problems. This problem highlighted the fact that the Town currently has
no stormwater management local law, and has limited enforcement power (except to withhold
building permits), and so NYS DEC was called in to help with enforcement. The developer has
been required to implement a number of erosion and sedimentation control measures,
including installing sediment basins, and check dams in the ditches, to slow water runoff and
control sediment on site. Concerns were raised by Board members regarding the maintenance
and effectiveness of using such structures. Further discussion followed outlining concern by
ERC members regarding past recommendations given to the Planning Board. Sue and Eva
informed the Board regarding the procedures and possible improvements for the process.
Discussion continued regarding how CB member should handle directed concerns from
citizens. Members, if contacted by a Town citizen concerning an urgent problem or issue that
appears more appropriate for Town staff to handle, should alert the appropriate Town staff
person. It is important that Board members take the time to listen to the resident and
document their concern. Inform them of your role as part of an advisory group to the Town
Board.
R. Fischer Award 2006 Environmental Award
Jane Clark, recipient of the 2006 award, feels that the planting of the tree should include
the children in her class. As a result, it has been proposed to have the tree planting occur on
Saturday May 51h at 1:30 pm [update-event to occur on May 191h at 10:OOAM]. At that time, the
certificate, and possibly the plaque, will be presented to Jane as opposed to the Town Board
meeting. A list of Jane's friends/associates and other individuals will be invited to attend the
ceremony.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: Members visited the Taughannock Blvd. Riezes development site. The owner seeks a
variance because the house is proposed to be built within the rear yard setback, and also needs
a special permit because the dwelling is proposed as a two-family residence. As this property
is in the Conservation Zone and the Unique Natural Area, the ERC feels that erosion problems
due to the steep slopes and erodible soils, the impact on the Black Diamond Trail, the change in
character caused by the large building, and the general impact on the road from the steep
driveway makes this development a major issue. The ERC has sent comments and
recommendations to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Riezes was alerted by Town staff that
he will need to provide more information in his application regarding the proposed grading of
the site and erosion control,because of the steep slopes and soil conditions.
SCENIC RESOURCES COMMITTEE: The committee met twice since the last CB meeting.
Responses thus far to the Town newsletter insert have been encouraging and include both e-
mail and written responses. CB members had a chance to visit the display in Town hall at the
end of the meeting.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: Later this month/early next month water monitoring will begin at
southern part of Cayuga Lake for phosphorous, sediment, and pathogens. Larry reported to the
EMC on the scenic resource committee findings.
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: None.
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: None.
Other Business: Stream setback law-Code and Ordinances requested that a copy of the law
be sent to water resource related professionals to get their feedback on the law. Responses have
been received, and overall, the feedback obtained was good.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict