HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-Parks-2016-02-09
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CITY OF ITHACA PARKS COMMISSION
Tuesday, February 9, 2016, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Avenue, City of Ithaca
MINUTES
Present:
Commissioners:
Margaret Hobbie
Dan Krall
Ellen Leventry
Staff:
Jim Dalterio, Cass Park Recreation Facilities Director
Megan Wilson, City Planner
Josephine Martell, Common Council Liaison
Bill Goldsmith, BPW Liaison
MINUTES
Due to a lack of quorum, November 2015, December 2015, and January 2016
minutes will be reviewed at the March meeting. Since this has been an ongoing
issue, the commissioners present agreed that the draft minutes should be posted to
the City’s website until a final version is approved.
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA
An update on the Geese Working Group was added to the agenda.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Proposed Picnic Pavilion & Cob Oven in Conley Park (Josh Dolan)
Josh Dolan presented a proposal to create a picnic pavilion and cob oven in the
southern end of Conley Park. The project would be a joint effort of Cornell
Cooperative Extension and the Northside United neighborhood association. The cob
oven would be located beneath the pavilion and would be approximately 3’ tall on
top of a 2’ foundation. Local residents Mateo and Peaches, who have built several of
these ovens throughout the country, would build it out of 100% local materials. In
terms of maintenance, plaster needs to be reapplied each year, and Mateo and
Peaches have volunteered to do this. Josh and Chrys Gardener would provide
routine maintenance. They also hope to partner with Northside United on
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maintenance and possibly adoption of the park. Exact specifications on the pavilion
have not been provided. The builder suggested 24’ x 24’; it would need to be a
minimum of 10’ x 10’ just to cover the oven.
All of the commissioners present felt that a 24’ x 24’ pavilion is way too big and
would take up too much of the valuable green space in the park. Additionally,
maintenance of the new installation is a concern. They questioned whether the
project would be better located in the Children’s Garden. Josh responded that he
believes that Mateo is approaching them but his focus is on Conley Park. He believes
that locating the oven right in the neighborhood would provide access for more
residents. He stated that Northisde United could help with maintenance pavilion
reservations, if use of the pavilion becomes popular.
Megan asked about the neighborhood’s reaction to the proposal. Josh noted that it
was mixed, and many felt the proposed pavilion was too big.
The Commission noted that with the creation of the green space along the creek as
part of the project at 210 Hancock Street and the closure of Adams Street,
community green space will increase considerably. There is no overall vision for
this area, and new projects are coming forward with little consideration of the area
as a whole. Several commissioners expressed surprise that this project is not being
coordinated with the Sciencenter.
Bill noted that BPW will have lots of questions about this project. He noted that
sometimes there being “nothing there” is exactly what people like about a park. Like
the Parks Commission, BPW will be concerned about maintenance and repair needs
as well as who will oversee operation.
While a quorum was not present, those commissioners in attendance unanimously
agreed that they do not support the proposal for the picnic pavilion or cob oven in
Conley Park due to its size and maintenance concerns. They strongly encouraged
Josh to work with either the Sciencenter or Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services
to locate the project on private property near the park.
Josh also noted that Cornell Cooperative Extension is considering signage as part of
the Permaculture Project. Signage has not been reviewed by Parks Commission or
approved by BPW and will need to be presented at an upcoming meeting.
Friends of Stewart Park Update (Rick Manning)
Rick Manning reported that the Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) are currently waiting
on three studies that will guide their upcoming efforts: (1) the City’s building study
by Pam Kingsbury; (2) the revised Stewart Park Revitalization Plan (SPRAP); and
(3) a campaign feasibility study for fundraising. There will be more discussion on
these studies in the coming months, but the new playground has emerged as a
leading project for the FSP.
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The SPRAP will be looking at entry and wayfinding signs. Rick will bring the designs
to the Parks Commission in the near future.
Rick also reported that the FSP have been awarded a $10,000 grant to renovate the
stone overlook at the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. They need additional funding to move
forward and are seeking an additional $5,000 from the Cayuga Bird Club.
Rick noted that he thinks the City should decide about allowing dogs in Stewart
Park. With the park being a community gathering place as well as a home to one
end of the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, it is difficult to prohibit dogs. There are areas
where dogs should not be allowed, such as in or near Fuertes, but those areas could
be the exception. The Commission will discuss this idea further at an upcoming
meeting.
Geese Working Group Update (Josephine Martell)
Josephine reported that the Geese Working Group is following up on the stakeholder
meeting held in early January. The goals for this year include preparing a
management plan, working with the DEC to collar adult geese, reaching out to the
Lab of Ornithology, and working with volunteers to create a map of the locations of
geese nests. If there is time, volunteers could oil some nests this year. The DEC is
also looking into the possibility of using an experimental hazing drone to harass the
adult geese, but a grant or other funding source is needed. The Commission
discussed the need for public outreach on the program as well as approvals from the
Board of Public Works. Josephine and Megan will also work on a no‐feeding
ordinance to accompany the other components of the program.
Bill stated that he had heard mixed opinions on whether this program could actually
work to reduce the geese population. Josephine noted that the goal is to discourage
geese from locating on City lands where the conflict between people and wildlife is
greatest.
Park Logo Design
The Commission reviewed the draft call for proposals for a park system logo.
Commissioners indicated that they wanted it to be clear that: (1) the City will own
the selected logo; (2) entries will not be returned; and (3) the City is not obligated to
choose a logo from the submissions. The groups discussed the possibility of
working with an artist to refine a submitted design if the Commission likes the
concept but would like a few “tweaks” to the proposal. Bill reminded the group that
the BPW is looking for a recommendation on the entire sign, not just the logo. The
Commission will need to consider the content of the sign as well.
The Commission discussed what the winner would receive. Jeanne Grace had
mentioned that she may have a small amount of funding that could be the
stipend/prize for the winner. Passes to Cass Park were also discussed.
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Previously, the Commission had considered holding a community vote on the
submitted logos. Upon further discussion, the Commission decided that they would
narrow down the selections to a few finalists and then hold a vote to get input on
their final recommendation.
Membership (Megan Wilson)
Megan reported that the press release announcing the available seat on the Parks
Commission was released shortly after the January meeting. Only one application
has been submitted so far. Parks Commissioners should still continue to recruit new
members. Martha Giomousis is interested in joining to represent the beautification
program. If she is unable to participate, the Commission will need to seek a change
to the City Code that mandates that one seat be dedicated to the designee of the
beautification program.