HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2012-12-06 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board (CB) Meeting
December 6, 2012, 7:00 p.m.
Final Minutes
Members present: Andy Goodell, James Hamilton, Eva Hoffmann, Jon Meigs, Vladimir Micic, Susan Perri
and Ellie Stewart.
Staff: Mike Smith, Environmental Planner and Nick Goldsmith, Sustainability Planner
Guests: None
In the absence of Chairperson, Kristine Shaw, Vice-Chairperson James Hamilton opened the meeting at 7:05
PM
1. Persons to be heard: None
2. Members' Concerns: Ellie brought up the subject of hydraulic fracking and she noted there was a county
resolution about this. James advised us to look at the Website of Walter Hang to see the comments about the
State's efforts with regard to fracking and a health study. James feels the Dec. 12, 2012 to Jan. 11, 2013
comment period is too short, it's over the holidays and the speed of the process is too high.
Ellie reported about her presentations at the Planning Committee (Pl. Com.) meeting about the Coy Glen
Conservation zone, which went well, and CB's proposal for rezoning an East Shore Drive area from
residential to Conservation Zoning, which was not so well received. There was nobody present from the
neighborhood group, which first brought our attention to the problem of development in this sensitive area.
She felt the Pl. Com. members did not seem favorable toward a rezoning and seemed to see the suggestion as
a not-in-my-back-yard, or NIMBY, reaction by the local residents. The Pl. Com. tabled any decision and
would have a site visit before their next meeting. Ellie suggested that some other CB member should go to
the next Pl. Com. Meeting on Dec. 20 and make the case better. Susan will go and put together more
information to present to indicate the importance of this rezoning.
3. Chairperson and Coordinator Reports:
Chairperson: None
Coordinator: Mike reported on Planning Board (PB) agenda items for the Dec. 18'h meeting. Ithaca College
wants to convert first floor space in temporary dormitories in modular buildings constructed five years ago, to
office space. Cornell University (CU) Plantations is bringing back its Botanical Garden Master Plan project
after it was postponed in August. David Auble wants to use an area of his land south of the hotel at the
intersection of Rt. 96 and King Road to dump fill. There is no plan for any specific project at the site. The
Town engineer has looked at it.
4. Business: The minutes of the 11/01/12 CB meeting were approved with minor corrections.
6. Continue discussion regarding Town of Ithaca water rates and potential water conservation ideas (switched
with item 5 for the benefit of Nick Goldsmith, who was present). Vladimir stated that the use of tiered
systems is declining in popularity. Existing technology uses a pump to get water uphill from the lake to users.
Nick's predecessor Katie Stoner did work on identifying ways to improve the efficiency of the techniques
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used now, a complete audit. James stated that he wants to encourage conservation of water and lessen the use
of pumping that way. He does not want to see the Town use more expensive fuels and techniques. Ellie said
we should also try to use less water generally, whether the energy source is cheaper or not. Nick said that the
Town is looking into investing in a wind farm or buying energy from them. Renewable Energy Credits (REC)
can be bought. There was a discussion about water and sewer rates. There was an email from Diane about
energy costs, fairness and water conservation.
Nick provided various lists of resources and asked what the impact of rate changes might be. Ellie
stated that it would be good to have actual examples of tier structures to see if they work. Nick and Vladimir
will look for some. Nick said that we have to do the research as Bolton Point is not likely to do it. Ellie asked
for a report on various rate structures which promote conservation. Eva said that the lowest and highest users
of water may be motivated to do their bit to conserve it, but the middle group, which is likely to be the largest,
may not want to bother.
5. Continue discussion of the use of herbicides in Town of Ithaca Parks, Trails and Preserves to manage
invasive plants. We all agreed that the report,Draft "White Paper" on Invasive Species Management, written
by Tony and emailed to us on Dec. 5, 2012, is very good. After a brief discussion we decided to have a few
corrections made, and then to have a new copy sent out to everybody.
7. Regular Reports and Updates:
Environmental Review Committee: No report; there has been no meeting.
Scenic Resources Committee: We received an email from Tony on Dec. 6, with his report: "The only news is
that the East Shore Park sign is being fabricated now. The estimated delivery date was originally Dec. 6, but
the fabricator, Fossil Industries on Long Island, informed us that Hurricane Sandy forced them to delay this
date until about Dec. 12."
Communictions Committee: James talked about the Big Red Bikes program and Natural Areas of Cornell
Plantations as possible organizations for the Fischer Award this year. James asked us to think of nominations
for this award. FEMA funds will help to rebuild stone work damaged in the Natural Areas in Cascadilla
Creek.
Southwest Glens and Creeks Conservation Zone Committee: Ellie stated that she took the committee's report
to the PI Com., whose members thought it was a good idea. They will take it to a Town Board(TB)
discussion (Study Session) meeting. It will then be taken to a neighborhood meeting and after that be brought
back to the TB.
Tompkins County EMC: No report.
Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: James stated that the water was sampled on Dec. 4 when the
creek was low. The Community Science Institute(CSI) will accept tax deductible donations to promote a
healthy environment.
City of Ithaca Natural Areas Commission: Jon spoke of a promotion of connections of recreational trails in
the county, on behalf of the City of Ithaca.
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Comprehensive Plan: Mike reported that the committee had met yesterday and had forwarded the
Comprehensive Plan to the TB for their review to begin. The Comprehensive Plan Committee made some
changes in the document in response to the CB Aug. 9, 2012 letter with our comments about the Comp. Plan
which Kristine prepared. Mike highlighted these changes.
Cornell Plantations Natural Areas Academy (NAA): James reported that he helped plant and transplant trees
in Park Park in November.
8. Other Business: Kristine was nominated to continue as CB Chairperson for 2013. The members
nominated and voted to reelect James to continue as Vice-Chairperson for 2013.
The 2013 Meeting Schedule was approved as written, with the understanding that we may cancel a meeting in
late summer if too many members will be away then.
9. Review 2012 Work Goals/Set January A eg nda: At the January meeting we will continue to discuss
herbicide use in Town Parks and water conservation ideas along with the work goals and committee
assignments for 2013.
10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:53 PM.
Respectfully submitted by Eva Hoffmann
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