HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2008-03-06 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
March 6 2008
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Brent Katzmann, Jon
Meigs, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
Larry supplied an article from The Economist (Feb. 15, 2008) which discussed
homeowners going to solar power. Eva followed by discussing an article about
Fenway Park adding solar panels.
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Vice Chair: Brent reported on a public meeting focused on the Carrowmoor
development. The developer, John Rancich, sponsored the event, and invited
West Hill residents, with over 25 attending including several town officials.
Town officials were vocal in expressing their openness to such project.
Questions about the long-term financing of development arose.
Coordinator: Planning Board schedule includes Holochuck Homes Subdivision
on March 18th to discuss the public scoping document for the environmental
impact statement. Also Ithaca College temporary meteorological tower will be
discussed. On March 10th, a Town Board meeting will consider extending the
development moratorium in the NE portion of the Town.
Business:
February minutes were accepted as corrected. Larry motioned, Chris seconded.
Biological Corridor/Habitats
Members had been sent information including the 1992 Open Space Report Map,
Greenways for Tompkins County, and an aerial image from 2002 of the Town.
Questions about updating the Open Space Map arose. Sue helped with keying in
the infrared (aerial) map. Sue followed by adding that wildlife biodiversity is
declining as a result of habitat fragmentation; the board questioned how this
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could be minimized. The term "biological corridor" was discussed. Sue cited
ecological papers that described biological corridors as generally being linear
patches, such as streamside riparian areas, shelter belts, and fencerows.
Technically they are described as facilitating movement, more so than providing
overall habitat needs, such as for reproduction, feeding, etc. Sue thought using
the term biological corridor in the Town down-played the importance of these
areas as essential habitat for wildlife. Jon asked when a corridor becomes a
habitat. Brent followed by asking how the CB can use this info during planning
and project review. Sue read from a DEC document that outlined what local
municipalities can do once a habitat has been identified. Proposed developments
in identified sensitive areas would need to follow specific regulations. Jon
suggested that the current map be updated which was then followed by James
stating that open spaces do not necessarily equal a healthy ecosystem. Brent
followed by asking what the CB could do to play a role in the Town's
Comprehensive Plan. Jon asked that the CB discuss the Comp. Plan at the next
meeting. After some initial discussion, Brent added that the CB's role in the
Comp. Plan should be integrated at all levels of the plan. Eva would like to see a
written statement to the core planning committee.
Recruitment Strategies for new CB members
Brent relayed Diane's request to: 1.) Encourage each of us to identify one person
that may be a viable candidate, and 2.) Reach out to former Fischer Awards
recipients.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: Two projects from Ithaca College; a.) Metrological Tower-PB hearing on
the 18th. Concerns relate to disturbance during installation which the College will
try to minimize, and b.) Athletics Center; Concerns include the roof color, which
should be re-designed to meld into the local setting more, ventilation tower
could be re-designed to be less visually intrusive, minimize land disturbance
during construction, re-created wetlands should be managed to remove non-
native species.
SRC: SRC members agreed to James' recommendation for posting the SRC
project on the Town's website. The SRC web pages will contain links to
associated documents and maps. James would also like to see information signs
for East Shore Park, Pine Tree Rd., Longview, Trumansburg bus stop, and
Ecovillage. Signs would be developed at these sites to outline points of interest
and scenic viewpoints. CB discussion followed on how to proceed with getting
the signs installed and moving forward with public recognition. There was some
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question as to whether it was feasible to place these signs in or near the road
right-of-ways.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: The Feb. 131h meeting, a resolution was proposed
requesting that the Tompkins County Legislature support a federal carbon tax.
Larry asked about his authority to vote on such an issue on behalf of the Town.
FISCHER AWARD: Three nominations have been submitted; 1.) Tom Reimers,
2.) Ithaca College Natural Lands Committee, and 3.) Sustainable Tompkins.
Nominators will be asked to provide more background information about
nominee before a decision will be made.
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: Wednesday
morning flood event was sampled (everyone was excited).
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Members are continuing
development of guidelines for work occurring in the City's Natural Area. This
document could assist the Town in the management of construction projects
within natural areas. Members also discussed user safety in the Six-Mile Creek
area. The Commission is trying to get funding for a consultant to survey
invasive species in Six-Mile Creek.
Other Business: Jon will begin to draft Conservation Zone language.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict
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