HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2008-04-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
April 3rd, 2008
Approved Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Mike Goettel,James Hamilton, Eva
Hoffman, Brent Katzmann, Susan McCutcheon,Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter, Darby Kiley
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Member Concerns:
James expressed concern about Town Attorney Brock's interpretation of the Towri s
Conservation Zone language (Section 207-11) -that a forest management plan is not
required for single family home construction. Sue stated that forest management is a
permitted use in the Conservation Zone. Eva supported James' concern and reminded
members that the PB allowed clearing only in footprint of house. James was passionate
about this situation. Wiedmaier must follow PB decision to fix culverts etc.;new
stormwater law will help with this;he will be required to rectify the situation with tree
re-planting. James felt that Wiedmaier got off too easy, even though Wiedmaier
incurred expenses because of his actions.
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: Invitation to attend Six Mile Creek Partnership on April 91h was supplied by
James.
Coordinator: At the April 71h Town Board meeting a public hearing will be held to
extend the northeast moratorium through September. Also, an initiative to extend the
South Hill Rec. Way through Caroline has begun. Lastly, a revised preliminary site plan
for IC A&E Center has been received (the swimming pool will be added to Phase I). On
April 22nd the final EIS will be under consideration, and the PB will start to review the
site plan.
Business:
Minutes: March minutes accepted as corrected
Comprehensive Plan
Town had a second meeting regarding the Comp. Plan. TB members went through the
plan and CB members were supplied with a boiled down version of the compiled
minutes (packet). A recent article in Ithaca Times discussed a portion of the March 31s,
meeting. The Comp Plan Steering Committee will drive the main focus groups on the
issues. CB will have plenty of opportunity to provide input, stated Sue. Town survey
will be sent out to Ithaca residents. Susan asked whether members (on committee) come
from all areas of the town. Jon asked about College/University perspective; a focus
group will include them. Mike followed by asking about road/vehicular traffic
assessment. Because town recently finalized transportation plan, the Town will rely on
that data from that study. Additional data from separate groups on road traffic might
also be assessed.
Sue reminded the CB that the Comp. Plan does not actually contain any laws or
actions. But rather that it outlines "prescriptive" goals and objectives of the Town. The
Town is faced with a 20% growth over the past 20 yrs; 6% over last 5 yrs.
Eva inquired about the housing component;previous Comp. Plan did not
specifically outline where housing would occur. Diane added that the survey itself
would provide an opportunity to educate the public on the Town. Brent followed that
affordable housing needs to operate in a sustainable front and that this should be
included in the Comp. Plan.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: Looked at Holochuck scoping document;was complete with minor suggestions.
SRC: Scenic tour map could be created;will be on Town's website along with a printed
version in Town Hall. Website will include the document created for the SRC report
and map actual content has yet to be determined. Meeting how/why on scenic sign
project took place.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: Larry invited members of Cayuga Heights to apply for CB;
audience members were surprised that they were part of the Town!
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: Bi-monthly meeting,
result from March 51h flood event were discussed. High sediment levels found but low
on all other parameters; Sixmile can be used as a baseline for a healthy creek as
compared to other creeks in the area. The next creek sampling is on April 301h. CSI now
has information available in Town Hall lobby.
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Last meeting discussed contract
for invasive species survey. They will be meeting on April 141h with Mayor Peterson
regarding safety for users (visitors).
Other Business: Jon will be working on Conservation Zone language update. Also
James informed members about an April 151h deer control program meeting from
Cornell.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:25PM.
Minutes generated by Chris Benedict