HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAC Minutes - January 23, 2017Danby Conservation Advisory Council Meeting Minutes – 1/23/17 – Draft Minutes
Members present: Joel Gagnon, Bill Evans, Don Schaufler, Dan Klein, Matt Ulinski,
Mary Woodsen
Non‐members present: Zach Blazek (Ithaca College intern working with CJ), CJ
Randall, Ronda Roaring
The Town Board has not appointed a chair of the CAC yet, so we need a
temporary chair of the meeting. Joel was designated temporary chair.
CJ presented information about doing a Natural Resources Inventory (NRI). If
the Town develops a Natural Resource Inventory and takes some additional steps,
we can then require developers to take the NRI into account when developing.
The CAC can also become a Conservation Advisory Board (CAB), which can have
more influence in shaping conservation subdivision and reviewing development
projects. The Town of Ithaca has a CAB.
The CAC would be involved with some field work and public outreach and
education.
This inventory is a tool which, once developed, could be used in rezoning, for
example, for more accurate riparian zone setbacks, or zoning to protect a rare
species. It could also be used to identify particular areas where protection by
easements is especially important, for example. Another example is that we could
protect smaller wetlands than NYS law protects.
November and December minutes – moved, as amended, by Bill, seconded by
Dan – approved unanimously.
May 13 Bird and Tree Walk by Bill and Don – DCC and CAC sponsored.
The Town Board has not yet appointed the chair of the CAC. Bill was asked if
he would take it on but declined due to already being overextended. Then Mary
declined. Then Matt was asked and said he would consider it, but he wasn’t
willing to commit to it without giving it some thought.
Management plans for Deputron Hollow and West Danby Water District parcel
need to be developed. Don said he will do some work on this.
Mary and Joel have done some work on redeveloping the easement template.
They will share their work by email.
Mary suggested we get a presentation on the tax implications of easements. CJ
says she will ask Guy Krogh if he is willing to do this. Other ideas of who could give
this information include the Land Trust and the Assessment Dept.
Next month: development a game plan of how we are going to solicit easements.
Minutes by Dan Klein