HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC Minutes - June 27, 20166-27-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory Council Meeting Submitted By Bill Evans
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Danby Conservation Advisory Council
Minutes of Regular Meeting June 27, 2016
Present
Joel Gagnon
Don Schaufler
Mary Woodsen
Dan Klein
Bill Evans
Absent
Jenny Caldwell
Matt Ulinski
Others Present
Jack Miller
C. J. Randall
Ronda Roaring
The Meeting was opened at 7:05 PM
Public Comments/Privilege of the Floor
Ronda Roaring read section 105(h) of the Open Meetings Law and interpreted it as meaning
that the CAC has not had grounds for going into Executive Session. Joel disagreed and
pointed out that the CAC Executive Sessions have involved discussions regarding acquiring
an interest in the land, which has an effect on its market value. Dan noted that our Town
Attorney has addressed this issue and has said that our easement deliberations do fall under
the exemption in the Open Meetings Law.
Additions to Agenda
None
Minutes
The May minutes were approved. Dan moved and Mary seconded. All present approved.
Discussion
Bill Evans spoke on his involvement trying to minimize artificial light effects on sky glow and
ecology in Ithaca. He noted that Ithaca will potentially be buying ~2000 street lights from
NYSEG and changing them to LEDs. While LEDs have greater efficiency, they have a range
of color variations and ones with higher proportions of short wavelength light (green, blue,
UV) have greater impact on wildlife and greater contribution to sky glow. He suggested that
Ithaca sky glow visible in Danby could increase 5x in the coming decades depending on the
Ithaca lighting policies. Current Ithaca Lighting Code does not have any language regarding
light spectrum. Bill suggests it is in Danby’s interest to actively follow and comment on Ithaca
lighting decisions so as to minimize the impact to Danby’s night sky. Bill also noted that in
order to be effective in doing so, Danby needs to get its lighting in line with any effective
recommendations it supports. He will present further details in a future meeting.
Bill Evans also noted that the Danby Community Council has organized a conference on
Danby streams to be held July 15 at the Upper Buttermilk State Park pavilion.
6-27-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory Council Meeting Submitted By Bill Evans
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Don noted that he and Joel discussed the format for West Danby Water District property
management suggestions to be sent to the Town Board. Once written it up, he will distribute
it to the CAC members for feedback.
Executive Session
Dan moved that we go into Executive Session to discuss a potential easement transaction. Don
seconded. All were in favor.
In Executive Session at 7:37PM
Out of Executive Session at 8:08PM
Discussion
Joel noted that we are coming out of Executive Session to have an open discussion on some aspects of
the rationale and protocol of Executive Session. Dan noted that his understanding is that if the body is
authorized to do so, the body goes into Executive Session and decides who to invite. Joel concurred.
Mary indicated that there should be a special reason for inviting someone, such as if they are a Town
Board member or if a landowner wants to discuss an easement on their property.
Additional discussion ensued reiterating the basic process of carrying out an easement negotiation.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 PM.
The next meeting is July 25, 2016 at 7:00PM.
Respectfully submitted by Bill Evans
6-27-2016 Minutes - Danby Conservation Advisory Council Meeting Submitted By Bill Evans
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