HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2008-01-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
January 3, 2008
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Brent
Katzmann, Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
None
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: The Town of Ithaca sent a notice of "negative declaration" of significance impacts to
the NYSDEC Environmental Notice Bulletin, regarding the Town's adoption of the
Transportation Plan and the amendment to the Town's Comprehensive Plan to incorporate
the Plan.
Coordinator: The Town is setting a public hearing in Feb. for discussion of the Stormwater
Law. The Jan. 22nd PB meeting will discuss Cornell's co-generation Project, Holochuck
Project, and the Wiedmaier Project (special approval).
Business:
None
Interim Report on an Environmental Assessment of Lands Adjacent to Sapsucker Woods
Diane began the conversation by outlining the medium-high sensitive areas outlined in the
report and found that these areas are not planned to be built on. Eva asked that if the
moratorium was continued, as asked by the report authors, whether it would help determine
potential environmental impact. Sue added that the consultant's report, with their
recommendations, need to be completed and considered by the Town before the moratorium
ends. Many members of the CB would like to see the moratorium extended to ensure that
an accurate assessment of the area is made. Sue responded to a question stating that those
portions of land proposed to be donated to the Lab of Ornithology might not be donated if
the development does not occur, it is all tied together. Diane initiated a conversation by the
CB to draft a resolution to ask the TB to extend the moratorium. This resolution was drafted.
James moved on the resolution, Larry seconded. The resolution was carried unanimously.
2008 CB Priorities
A.) Participate in Town's Comprehensive Plan process
B.) Complete Scenic View Conservation Plan -begin implementing recommendations
C.) Coy Glen Conservation Zone —prepared recommendation
D.) Natural Heritage Preservation Program Development
E.) Review Conservation Zone Law for improvements-particularly in regard to tree
preservation
F.) Continue ongoing activities such as Fischer Award, ERC reports to PB, and respond to TB
requests
Committee and Committee Chair Assignments for 2008
ERC Chair —Larry Members — Chris, Jon, Susan, Mike
SRC Chair —James Members —Eva, Larry, Jon
Fischer Award Chair —Brent Members —Diane, Chris
Conservation Zone Law Members —Eva, Jon, Chris (Will be further discussed at Feb. CB
meeting)
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: Ithaca College A&E Center EIS draft will be reviewed and commented upon before
Feb. public comment period ends. ERC will meet before the next CB meeting. Wiedmaier
remediation project was discussed and the plan appears to be adequate. ERC recommends
deed covenants are put in place to protect plantings in future. Lastly, the Cornell co-
generation plant was discussed and the ERC had no real issues with the project. Though, it
was felt that a simulation of the potential noise should occur.
SRC: Diane will be giving a presentation to the Town Board at the Jan. 7th meeting.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: None
R. FISCHER AWARD: None
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: Annual meeting will
determine the needs for volunteers in 2008. Viewpoint of the group will be increased to
include all of Cayuga Lake watershed.
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: None
Other Business: None.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:04 PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict