HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2008-07-03 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
July 3, 2008
Final Minutes
MEMBERS PRESENT: Diane Conneman, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Brent
Katzmann, Jon Meigs
STAFF: Susan Ritter, Chris Balestra
GUESTS: Stephen Wagner, Bill Sonnenstuhl, Adrian Williams
Persons To Be Heard: Stephen Wagner distributed to the Board a document with
suggested modifications to the Conservation Zone language. Mr. Wagner requested
that the Board consider including the two statements highlighted in his document as
part of the other revisions being considered by the Board.
Members Concerns:
None
Lakefront Residential Zone - consider recommendation to the Town Board
Chris Balestra led the Board in a discussion of the proposed changes to the zoning
ordinance to incorporate new dock regulations. Members raised numerous points for
clarification and identified apparent incompatibilities including the following specific
suggestions:
pg 5, #1 - clarify "convex" vs "concave" shoreline references
pg 3, #1C - eliminate "and fills"
pg 3, #2 - provide specific guidance on shoreline earth moving, including distinguishing
movement that is above and below the OHW.
Pg 8, Section 9B - 8' height limitation for seawalls seems incompatible with pg. 3 Section
6 #2
pg 9 F - remove "cabana, boathouse" as neither are proposed to be permissible
structures
pg 9F(2) - suggested more specific activity definitions/limitations when defining
"changing area."
General comments: Consideration should be given to creating a buffer for shoreline
vegetation, (see Lake George, Town of Hague); Define difference between "wharf" and
"dock"; determine applicability/appropriateness of permitting decks, patios at water's
edge, state the permissibility of compost toilets on lakefront properties.
1
Members modified the resolution to the Town Board to state that the CB supported the
law but that the CB has "suggested several important changes to other parts of the law".
James moved in favor of the resolution, Eva seconded. Lack of quorum prevented
passage. The Board agreed to have Diane contact CB members not present to obtain
their vote on the resolution, as modified.
Chair and Coordinator Reports:
Diane reminded the Board that the Town Tour, organized by the Planning Department
in preparation for the Comprehensive Planning process, is full and scheduled for
Tuesday, July 8
Sue had no report
Business: There was no quorum present to approve the May and June minutes.
Revisions to Conservation Zone
Discussion continued regarding the current language in the Town Conservation Zone.
It was recommended that language submitted by Town residents Stephen Wagner and
Adrian Williams be incorporated under "Purpose", reflecting the importance of
hydrologic functions in Conservation Zones. Jon suggested that the Board consider the
suggestions and discuss them further at a future meeting. James agreed to review the
entire CZ language and see what else might need to be changed as it relates to water
issues. Sue expressed concern about the proposed changes to Section 270-11 (of the CB
drafted modifications) which she said would expand what was permitted in the CZ, by
modifying the meaning of "forest management." She suggested possibly introducing
the language under 270-22, "Additional Requirements and restrictions." Jon agreed to
revisit this area.
Memo to Town Board Re: Roadside Ditches
Board members offered editorial suggestions to Diane for the memo that she drafted
citing inconsistencies in the Town's installation of culverts and the recently adopted
Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Law. Diane will revise and send to the
Town Board.
Regular Reports and Updates:
ERC: No report, though Sue mentioned a project at 819 Taughannock Blvd. that
requires numerous variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals, and that staff had
concerns with the project.
2
SRC: James expressed concern about how links to the SRC report are difficult to locate
on the Town's website, and he recommended a home page link. Discussion followed
about the relative safety of the recommended Town Tour route. SRC to revisit.
R. FISCHER AWARD COMMITTEE: No report
TOMPKINS COUNTY EMC: No report
SIX MILE CREEK VOLUNTEER MONITORING PROGRAM: James reported dates for
upcoming samplings; BMI survey to be held 9/2-9/08 to compare to DEC definitions of a
healthy environment. The website will soon link satellite imagery to sampling sites.
Next meeting of the Monitoring Program will be September 22, 2008.
CITY OF ITHACA NATURAL AREAS COMMISSION: Jon reported that the City has
assigned a new ranger for the Six Mile Creek area. The new hire is a former law
enforcement officer and Navy Seal. His role includes advising residents on issues of
safety.
Other Business: Brent asked about status of permitting non-Town residents to serve
as associate members on the CB. While the issue is unresolved, it was felt that the CB
could, and should, recommend including a nonresident if the candidate possessed
valuable qualifications and could be expected to offer significant contributions. Brent
agreed to query Jason Hamilton about his continued interest in joining the Conservation
Board.
August meeting of the Conservation Board was canceled due to lack of member
availability.
Next meeting to be held September 4, 2008.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:37 PM.
Minutes submitted by B. Katzmann
3