HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB minutes 12-7-06 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
December 7, 2006
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, James Hamilton, Brent Katzmann, Susan
McCutcheon, Larry Sallinger.
STAFF: Sue Ritter
Member concerns:
Larry suggested that the Town consider enacting a local law requiring more energy
conservation for those large-scale, high-energy usage developments, such as hotels (air
conditioners with every room, and laundry needs), and similar business and residential
developments. Brent stated that new state building requirements have resulted in much more
energy efficient buildings, and that targeting new buildings may not be the right approach. In
addition, multi-family housing, with shared walls and surfaces, are much more efficient than
stand-alone dwellings, so it is necessary to carefully consider the intent of such a law. It was
suggested that before enacting an ordinance, that the Town continue its internal review of
energy consumption of its facilities and equipment, and develop and begin implementing its own
conservation strategies. Larry suggested that the issue of energy conservation legislation be a
2007 CB work item.
Chair and Coordinator reports:
Chair: Diane reported that she attended the Lansing presentation, and Sue the Trumansburg
presentation, of the County's Natural Features Focus Area project. She felt that the Lansing
presentation, and the subsequent discussion among attendees, was very interesting. During
the group breakout discussions, she mentioned the Scenic Resource Committee's idea
concerning signage for scenic locations which was favorably received.
Diane shared an informational brochure she received concerning Cornell's new heating and
power plant project, which involves building a natural gas line from the CU power plant to
Genung Road. Diane received an email from Town Board member Herb Engman who has
suggested that this might provide an opportunity for also incorporating a bike trail along the
utility line route. CB members indicated their support for this.
Coordinator: Sue reported that Andy Zepp, Director of the Finger Lakes Land Trust, will be
speaking at the December Town Board meeting regarding seeking cooperation with the Town,
as well as other municipalities, in land acquisitions.
Business:
Minutes: The November meeting minutes were approved as corrected.
2007 Meeting Schedule: The draft resolution proposing the 2007 meeting schedule was
approved (Motion by Brent, Seconded by Chris, Unanimous approval), with the caveat that if the
June 71h meeting falls on the same day as the Ithaca Parade, that the meeting be moved to
June 21st
CB Membership: Diane reported that Melissa is interested in stepping back to an Associate
position because of the demands of new motherhood. She may be interested in returning to a
voting membership in the future, if an opportunity arises. CB members approved the change.
The ERC will need to know whether Melissa is interested in continuing on with that committee.
Sue was asked to advertise the CB vacancy, and members were asked to think of possible
candidates.
Nominate 2007 Vice Chair: James nominated Brent for Vice Chair, Brent agreed to serve, and
members unanimously approved the appointment.
Secretary for 2007: Chris agreed to a three-month stint at the minute taking. He will not start
until February, as he cannot attend the January meeting.
Regular reports and updates:
ERC: The Committee met to discuss the sketch plan materials for the Phase II development of
Judd Falls Plaza, behind the new Rite-Aid. The proposal includes a hotel and drive thru-
restaurant. The Committee will be preparing comments.
Scenic Resources: The committee learned that an 11x17 color insert in the Town's newsletter
would cost around $2000, so they will be investigating a more modest proposal, likely 8.5x11
and color on only one side. The purpose of the insert would be to generate public interest and
obtain residents' input in identifying important scenic locations.
Tompkins County EMC: No report.
Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: The monitoring program held their third annual
symposium and included volunteers working on all the monitored streams/water bodies in
Tompkins County, including Taughannock Creek, Inlet Valley, Stewart Park, and others. The
symposium included talks and the sharing of information and experiences amongst the
volunteers. The Community Science Institute website is still a work in progress, and will (does)
serve to provide information and data on the various monitoring programs being conducted in
the County.
James reported on high E. coli bacteria counts for water samples taken downstream from the
silt dam. The reason for these high counts is not clear. It may be coming from the City's
dredging of the silt pond, as bacterial counts above Burns Road are much less. The silt pond is
completely filled in, so the pond is no longer functioning to remove silt. City crews are working
on removing the silt, and using a different strategy than in years past, when Paolangeli
performed the work. The crews are doing the work much more carefully than in the past, so it is
slow going. Other high E. coli counts were also found in Six Mile Creek, such as along Valley
Road in Brooktondale, with the sources not yet known.
City of Ithaca Natural Areas: No report
Fischer Award: The committee needs to advertise for the 2006 award. James submitted a
nomination for Jane Clark, a 51h grade teacher at Caroline who had also been nominated last
year. Larry reported on a forthcoming nomination for the Ithaca College Natural Lands
Committee. Brent thought that Steve Nicholson (Tompkins County EMC Chair) may also be
interested in submitting a nomination.
Brent will be writing a press release to encourage submission of nominees, James will help edit
it. Brent will send a copy to Positive News, and Liz Boucher at Ithaca Community News. Sue
will send the notice to the Ithaca Journal and Times.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40PM, and followed by an informal conversation with hot cider
and cookies provided by Diane.
Submitted by S.Ritter