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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2009-03-05 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board March 5, 2009 7:30 p.m. Final minutes Members present: Diane Conneman, Andrew Goodell, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Tony Ingraham, Susan McCutcheon, Nirav Patel Staff: Darby Kiley, Sue Ritter Guest: Kristine Shaw Persons to be heard: None Members' Concerns: There were none this month. Stream Setback Law Presentation: Sue Ritter gave a Stream Setback Law Presentation to the CB as a dress rehearsal for the Tuesday, March 10h public meeting. The law is a collaborative effort of the CB, Codes & Ordinances Committee and the Planning Staff. The Stream Setback Law applies to new development and expansion of existing development. CB member comments were as follows: 1) James requested an addition to prohibitive use (Zone 2): add "not allow gravel driveway or dirt" because once driven on, a dirt roadway becomes an impervious surface. 2) Eva asked how many parcels or what percent of land within the town will be affected by this law? Eva wants the town to look at small lots and farmland where land is farmed right up to the stream. What happens if the farmer decides to sell and subdivide? If the land was unplanted, how would the planning board view this land? 2) Eva asked how many parcels or what percent of land within the town will be affected by this law? Eva wants the town to look at small lots as well as farmland where land is farmed right up to the stream. What happens if the farmer, or other owner of such land, decides to sell and the land gets subdivided into residential lots? If the land was unplanted, how would the Town view this situation? Would the law require new owners to plant appropriate stream-side plants in Zones 1 and 2? Would new owners have to remove invasive plant species, if they existed on the land? 3) Diane thought this would be an opportunity for education. 4) James had a comment for page 7 (c): state clearly who the applicant is. It needs to be defined as on page 2 and 3. It's unclear as stated. It's important for residents to know this law. 5) Tony: page 4 section d: Creeks do move. Define setbacks. What happens if it moves? 6) Nirav: The actual mix of vegetation for the land under setback is not mandated. How do you mandate the creation of a riparian zone that provides benefits? 7) Diane: The tree ordinance is important to complement this law. Mandate planting of trees and shrubs with development. 8) Nirav: This is an opportunity to correct the wrong. Demand re-vegetating along creeks. 1 9) Eva: Look at other municipal laws if the situation changes. Without teeth, the law will not be helpful. 10) Tony asked if it was possible to add incentives. 11) Nirav: Use the 'carrot approach': "If you have a new development and the developer agrees to do this and this and this, then you'll be rewarded. 12) Darby noted we now use stormwater credits. 13) Kristine suggested the town might provide the labor for plantings requested by an applicant. 14) Sue Ritter suggested maybe the town could apply for a grant to buy plants for the applicants. 15) Nirav said if the incentives are strong enough, more will come on board. There has to be substantial incentives, not just social awareness. 16) Darby spoke about adding it to the selling process with an easement on the property. Forest Home may be a good example where lawns are mowed right up to the stream. Natural Heritage Preservation Program Sue Ritter also spoke about the Natural Heritage Preservation Program. It was created to identify locations of importance in the town. If money becomes available, the town could purchase development rights. Staff needs to do a lot more work on this booklet before it's ready for comments. Sue also spoke about the future of the Briarwood Development and the possible interest by the Land Trust. They were not interested in purchasing this land. Chair and Coordinator Reports Chair: Diane had nothing new to report. Coordinator: Carrowmoor: The acceptance of the final scoping document is scheduled for the March 24th PB meeting. IC A&E Center Wetlands Mitigation Plan: At the March 3rd Planning Board meeting, the PB accepted the Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement. The Town Board and Finger Lakes Land Trust are negotiating to hold the easement jointly. Northeast studies/moratorium: the Planning Committee will be discussing how to proceed at the March 12th meeting. Verizon Cell Tower: At the March 3rd Planning Board meeting, the PB adjourned any action until the March 24th meeting. The proposed actions are for Preliminary and Final Site Plan and Special Permit approvals. The applicant will also need variances for the height and fall zone. Business: The following correction from the 2/5.2009 minutes was suggested and corrected: Page 3, change "we" to "they". The minutes were approved as read. Regular Reports and Updates: Environmental Review Committee: The committee sent in their comments for IC's wetland mitigation plan on 16 February. Jon Kanter will distribute the comments during the 17th 2 February Planning Board meeting. There were no other projects to review. ERC members will take turns chairing the committee and come up with a name at their next meeting. Scenic Resources Committee: Tony reported a productive meeting on February 16th. They reviewed and identified the important sites and looked at resources at each site. They identified three priority sites: East Shore, Pine Tree Road and Danby Road pull-off. They are attempting to develop a framework about how to tell each site story best and get a clear message, using the media to tell the stories. The committee will meet again in the middle of March. R. Fischer Award Committee: James announced that Tom Reimers has been nominated to receive the 2009 award. This is the third year in a row that he has been nominated and Tom is very well deserving of the award. Diane commented on his contributions for Cayuga Trails Club and how it is time to honor him with this award. Tompkins County EMC: Kristine Shaw attended the last meeting but hadn't prepared any formal comments. It was noted that Herb Engman served 29 years on the EMC. Sixmile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: There was nothing to report. City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission: No report. Comprehensive Plan: Diane reported that about 30 people attended the Neighborhood meeting. There seemed to be openness and good ideas with great appreciation for the town. The Ag focus group is looking at agriculture in our town and why it is important. Agriculture in the town is very small compared to other areas of concern. The telephone survey results indicated 90% of those responding thought scenic views were important. Neighborhoods were also thought to be important. Other Business: Tony noted that the article for the Town newsletter has been submitted. Membership: It was moved and seconded that Kristine Shaw will be appointed as the liaison on the EMC and approved as a member of the Conservation Board. All members voted in favor and the motion carried, and will be on the Town Board's upcoming agenda. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 pm These draft Minutes generated by Susan McCutcheon Provisionally approved 5/7/09 3