HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2002-02-07 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
February 7, 2002, 7:30 PM
Final Meeting Minutes
Present: Clifford Blizard, Chairperson, Lenore Durkee, Jon Meigs, Barney Unsworth, Donald
Weir, Vice-Chairperson, Elissa Wolfson, John Yntema
Guests: None
Staff: Sue Ritter
Persons to be heard: None
Member Concerns: Don inquired about the status of the stream buffer ordinance. The revised
ordinance was sent to Cornell professor Rebecca Schneider for reading and suggestions. She has
not yet completed this task.
John Yntema asked about the possibility of having Conservation Board minutes and other
announcements sent to members via e-mail addresses. Sue replied that it is possible, but could be a
problem as members have different word processing systems which may not readily translate such
documents.
Clifford announced the chartering of a new statewide organization, the New York Old-Growth
Forest Association, dedicated to preserving ancient forests. An organizational meeting and
workshop will be held on May 4.
Coordinator and Chair Reports: None
Business: Minutes from 1-7-02 were approved with minor corrections.
CB Organizational Business:
1) Associates: Sue reported that the Town Board agrees with the proposal by the CB to recruit
individuals with Associate status, but reminds the CB that the Town Board must approve such
applicants. The TB is not opposed to an Associate serving on CB committees, but stipulated that
the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council (EMC) representative must be a full
member of the CB, not an Associate.
2) Modifications to Local Law 44: Local Law 44 established the Town of Ithaca Conservation
Board, but some sections now require revision to conform more closely to the actual operation of
the Board and to clarify some of the language. Sue read her suggested modifications to Sections 3,
4 and 6 which were approved, with some additional suggestions from the members. The revisions
will now be considered by the Codes and Ordinances Committee.
Membership and Committee participation:
1. Since it appears that Barney will likely retain his status of full member following his resignation
as Chair of the CB, the Board needs to fill one position as full member at this time. Two candidates
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were recommended by the interview committee. After some discussion, a motion was made to
offer the member position to Diane Conneman and the position of Associate to Conrad Istock, with
the understanding that he would be offered a voting position as soon as there is an opening. The
motion passed.
2. It was moved and passed that Don Weir serve as the CB Tompkins County EMC representative
for the County for a year.
Committee Reports:
1. Revised Zoning Ordinance Review Committee: This Committee met several times for a
thorough review of the Town of Ithaca Zoning Ordinance as revised by the Codes and Ordinances
Committee. The Committee's extensive comments will be considered by Codes and Ordinances in
late February. The Review Committee is thanked for giving the time and effort needed to
thoughtfully examine this document.
2. Environmental Review Committee: The Environmental Review Committee (ERC) made a site
visit and reviewed the plans for the Linderman Creek Apartments, Phase 11. Jon Meigs reported
several concerns of the ERC, including questions about drainage and impact on adjacent wetlands,
possible deleterious effects from the extensive grading planned for the site, need for preservation of
adjacent wooded areas, need for a streamside buffer because of the project's proximity to
Linderman Creek, assurance that the light fixtures will be efficient in their use of energy and light
distribution, usefulness of the stormwater detention basin, timing of the construction phases, and
lack of clarity describing future construction plans.
Other Business: Lenore will prepare an article on pollen pollution for the spring issue of the Town
Newsletter.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 PM.
Submitted by Lenore Durkee
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