HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2007-10-04 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
October 4 2007
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Melissa Anthony, Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee,
Mike Goettel, James Hamilton, Brent Katzmann, Susan McCutcheon, Jon Meigs,
Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
Melissa updated her e-mail address to melissa.l.anthony@gmail.com
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: Diane supplied us with a copy of the Tompkins Weekly article on the
moratorium. Additionally, a copy of the Town newsletter which highlighted the
Fischer Award ceremony was supplied. A letter was received by Cathy
Valentino from Rocco Lucente's attorney, noting trespassing on his property, and
requesting that site visits were not allowed without prior consent. The town
responded by stating that "official business is omitted from this restriction."
Lastly, Cornell recently made public its Comprehensive Plan which provides for
development mostly within the Town's borders.
Coordinator: The Town consultant selection committee will interview two
finalists for the biological/ecological study of lands affected by the development
moratorium in and adjacent to the Sapsucker Woods UNA. The Community
Science Institute is requesting increased funding in 2008 from the town for the
Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring program. The increased funding is to
enable expansion of the monitoring program county-wide, with costs divided
among twelve municipalities and other interested stakeholders. Jon asked Sue
about the status of metrological tower at Ithaca College. Sue replied that there
were a lot of questions at the Planning Board meeting regarding the impact on
the Unique Natural Area environment (particularly the rare and scarce plants)
and views. Additionally, Cornell's Merrill family Sailing Center did get
approval.
Business:
Minutes: Not yet completed (the September minutes have been requested
through a Freedom of Information Request by the attorney representing Rocco
Lucente).
Scenic Resource Committee's report to Town Board
Susan had a chance to drive the scenic views route as outlined in the report. She
stated that it was a total of 40 miles and took 2hr 15min to do the entire loop.
Further comments about adding markers to assist drivers to locate the sites may
be helpful. Group comments followed about particular site-specific changes to
the map/descriptions. Susan asked whether this map could be made available to
the Chamber of Commerce for sale/distribution to the community. Brent
outlined that the report highlights critical actions that the Town can do to
maintain these views. Furthermore, a handout which outlines the critical points
may be helpful for Town Board members. Mike made the following points: 1.)
How to weigh scenic beauty vs. natural beauty; 2.) may be helpful to include the
public on designated areas to preserve; 3.) the criteria the committee generated
was repeatable and defendable (based on criteria system); and 4.) He would like
to see someone in the future have the power to impact future development and
protect the views. Lenore followed by saying that we need to work with
neighboring locales to preserve views that cross town boundaries.
Wind Energy Updates
Mike began the discussion of the draft wind energy local law by outlining some
additional language that could be included in the regulation. First, concern
surrounding possible light flicker and its impact on animals and humans.
Second, language should be included regarding windmill nuisance and any
impact on the surrounding area. Third, the regulation should include site
placement so that the impact on animals (bird) can be minimized (possible
survey to outline movement). Lastly, added language (pg. 7) to protect the town
from having to remove non-working towers. Larry asked what the current
standing law is and Sue answered by saying that there is none. Brent suggested
that off-grid systems should be allowed, and that there should be no pre-set
number of towers a single property can house. Additionally, pg. 3, #9 reads
"...an accessory use", but should be further defined. Also, pg. 6, #5 reads
"...shall be installed by a qualified wind energy installer", but Brent suggested
that a homeowner could install it themselves under the guidance of a qualified
installer.
Draft Stormwater Management Local Law overview
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Members were supplied with a document which outlined differences between
the proposed TOI Stormwater Law and the currently existing NYS DEC Law.
The new town law would provide tighter regulations than the DEC law. TOI
law has a lower threshold (10,000 ftz) for requiring an erosion and sedimentation
control plan. Additionally, the TOI law would require permanent stormwater
treatment practice(s) for new impervious surfaces over 10,000 ftz. Questions
were raised regarding the long-term maintenance of these basins. One way to
combat this would be to implement less permanent facilities and rely more
frequently on earthen swales.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: Some members visited the proposed site for the Ithaca College
metrological tower. Members voiced concern over the forested area that may
need to be removed during construction and the impact which will occur to
access the site. Additionally, the view of this site may be harmed by this
temporary tower.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: Last meeting Paul Curtis described the deer
management plan by Cornell. It will involve minimal fencing, a sterilization
program, and hunting will be allowed. Paul will keep the EMC updated on the
progress of this plan.
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: Recent sampling
event did not occur because of lack of a flood event.
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Consultants preparing
the City of Ithaca Water Supply Project EIS (Six Mile Creek vs. Bolton Point)
presented proposals for the scoping document at the last BPW meeting (9-1-07).
Other Business: Lenore informed the Board that she will resign her position on
December 31st 2007.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:20PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict
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