HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2008-05-01 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
May 1, 2008
Final Minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Mike Goettel,James Hamilton,
Brent Katzmann, Susan McCutcheon,Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Darby Kiley
GUESTS: Herb Engman, Stephen Wagner, Bill Sonnenstuhl,Janet Wagner
Persons To Be Heard:
None
Guest Presentation:
Nick Schipanski from the Wetlands Committee of the Tompkins County Water
Resources Council presented information from a report, "Wetlands Protection in
Tompkins County, New York: Existing Status, Gaps and Future Needs." (Copies of the
report were enclosed in meeting packets and available through Planning Department.)
After the presentation, several questions were asked. Herb asked if there was a cost
estimate for mapping all of the wetlands in the county. Nick responded that he did not
have any of those numbers,but it would be very expensive. Herb added that in the past
the EMC was training volunteers to map wetlands. A similar effort could be started for
a Town map of wetlands. Bill Sonnenstuhl asked about mitigation projects and Nick
said that often mitigated wetlands do not function as proposed.
Members Concerns:
Jon asked if any of the members had information on power line right-of-ways on the
West and South Hills that have recently been stripped of vegetation. Herb said that he
noticed behind Emerson the area had only been brush hogged. No one had any other
information.
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Chair: Diane attended a deer management information session held by Cornell. There
are areas on Cornell property where deer will be hunted and where deer will be
surgically sterilized. She also mentioned that there is new research on chemical
sterilization.
Diane shared information on conservation easements where farmers will put areas back
into production and not renew the easements.
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Coordinator: Six Mile Creek Partnership Meeting was held on April 9, 2008-
coordinated by Cayuga Lake Watershed Network;invited agencies and others involved
with Six Mile Creek. The meeting was developed from "Sixmile Creek: A Management
Overview" (from MMI report, Flood Mitigation Needs Assessment for Sixmile Creek).
Dan Karig provided geological context; sediment is coming from trough area. The
important take-home message-Six Mile Creek is in good condition. The report
included ten recommendations in Management Overview-most have to do with
education, what the City and Highway Department can do, and stormwater regulations.
Update on Holochuck project: consultants are preparing EIS (accepted scoping
document on April 1, 2008). The traffic study was probably conducted last week, and
they are starting biological studies.
Update on IC Athletics and Events Center (from 4/22 PB meeting): The Planning Board
accepted FEIS with minor changes and started discussing Site Plan. Findings statement
will be on agenda on May 20. Mike will email ERC when the FEIS is on the IC website.
At the May 20 meeting they will also consider the preliminary site plan.
The Stormwater Annual Report is on the May 12 Town Board agenda for public review.
Also new permits for MS4s and Construction are in effect starting May 1. How does this
affect town-MS4 (keep implementing SWMP, a few more tasks); construction permit
(training requirements, MS4 signs off on SWPPP, acceptance form submitted with NOI
to DEC). Ellen Hahn will be providing training on new permits.
Cornell T-GEIS has arrived. Jonathan met with Cornell reps and others. The PB will
review the document for completeness for public review. The CB will then review and
should think about assigning a couple people to the task of review and comment.
Stream setback law will be going back to COC at the next meeting, will review where
left off and move forward. There will be a public information session at some point(this
fall) and the CB will be involved.
Storm Sewer System and Surface Water Protection(IDDE law): the COC sent the law to
the Town Board who will then look for the CB and PB to review again-expect to
receive a copy prior to the June meeting.
Report from Supervisor:
Herb told the board that there will be an energy audit of Town Hall and the Public
Works facility. Solar will be considered for the Town Hall roof with input from
NYSERDA. Herb provided a brief update on the Comprehensive Plan Committee. He
also informed the group that the Town will be hiring a Department Head for Building
and Zoning.
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Business:
Minutes: March minutes accepted as discussed
Wind Energy Local Law:
The members discussed the Wind Energy Local Law. The proposed resolution was
amended and approved. Diane will write cover letter to address CB's two concerns:
(1) The diagrams should be complete;
(2) Section 2.G. Removal-include language that addresses what happens if the owner
does not remove the facility. If owner does not remove the facility, the Town will
remove at the owner's expense. Also include language "poses nuisance" or something
similar besides just"ceases to perform its originally intended function."
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: No report.
SRC: The committee drafted a memo to the Town Supervisor regarding the Scenic
Resources report, requesting that the report be reviewed by the Planning Committee.
The committee also discussed the Scenic tour map. The committee wanted the scenic
tour map to remain unchanged and follow up through Sapsucker Woods Road to Route
13.
R. FISCHER AWARD COMMITTEE: The award will be presented to the Ithaca College
Natural Lands Committee at a tree planting event on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:00 PM at
Coddington Road entrance of the South Hill Rec Way.
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: No report
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: Sampling took place on
April 301h
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Invasives removal events.
Other Business: Jon continues to work on Conservation Zone language update.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM.
Minutes generated by Darby Kiley
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