HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC Minutes - July 25, 2016Draft – For Review Only
7-25-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory Council Meeting - FINAL7-25-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory
Council Meeting Submitted By Matt Ulinski
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Danby Conservation Advisory Council
Minutes of Regular Meeting July 25,2016
Present:
Joel Gagnon (Chair)
Jenny Caldwell (Absent)
Bill Evans
Dan Klein
Don Schaufler (Absent)
Matt Ulinski
Mary Woodsen
Others Present:
Ronda Roaring
CJ Randall
Chris Muka
Jack Miller
The Meeting was opened at 7:00 PM
Public Comments/Privilege of the Floor
Chris Muka attended and introduced himself.
Additions to Agenda
Matt sent a message and a proposed motion about executive session.
Minutes
The minutes were submitted by Bill Evans. Matt will post as draft and we can review at next meeting.
Discussion and Agenda
Creating a Natural Inventory
CJ Randall presented a copy of Creating a Natural Resources Inventory. The inventory is used to
inform comprehensive plans and as a building block for open space inventory. Included are forests, ground
water, soils, mapping of resources; local designated CEAs vs UNAs. CEAs are tools to limit development to
save natural resources. UNAs do not provide this protection. Zoning changes need to be mindful of
property rights, though. A natural resources inventory can be used for planning and review process. Data
sources need to be credible, but we are lucky because Cornell has much data about the area available. Joel
asked what was missing from the inventory ‘wish list’.
An Open Space Plan allows a CAC to be a Conservation Board (as opposed to a Council) and be more
involved in planning decisions. CJ asked how the CAC might want to be involved. Joel said that since the
CAC is developing this might be a big undertaking at this time. Dan suggested that by the time this is done
we might be ready to use it. CJ asked if the CAC would be interested in helping out with this process. Bill
asked how to get info on private land. CJ says this can be obtained from ortho imagery which has resolution
to several feet. Matt suggested that CJ create a list of things the CAC can do to help in the process.
Management Plans
Water District and Deputron Hollow. Still in progress.
Draft – For Review Only
7-25-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory Council Meeting - FINAL7-25-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory
Council Meeting Submitted By Matt Ulinski
Page 2of 2
Easement Negotiations
Joel got some responses, mostly waiting. Durfee Hill property owned by the Moore family. Dan
Moore will try and come to meeting next month. There are three brothers. Not very developable. Dan has
made contact with some folks. Matt is still talking to several property owners.
Executive Session Discussion
CJ Randall says that unless there is a contract in front of us that we cannot discuss in Open Session we
should refrain from going into Executive Sessions. She thought this was what the town attorney
recommended. Joel said Pam Goddard said that discussions leading up to easements should be public. Once
the discussions are about the specifics of an easement then the discussions could be in executive session. He
suggested we could do this out of meetings as a subcommittee or individual basis. Dan cited the COOG law
and interpreted it differently. The consensus was to ask Guy Krogh, the town attorney, to provide guidance.
Joel will draft email to Guy to get response and circulate. Bill asked what would happen if we continued to do
what we’ve been doing. Dan said nothing. Joel said we might get sued.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.
The next meeting is August 22, 2016 at 7:00PM.
Submitted by Matt Ulinski