HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PARKS-1992 C
MINUTES - PARKS COMMISSION MEETING - JANUARY 27 , 1992
The meeting was opened with a discussion of a "Public Speaker"
session. This session would allow members of the general public to
make a formal presentation to the Parks Commission. The presentation
would be for a limited time ( 3 to 5 minutes per topic ) , and would be
at the beginning of the meeting. At the conclusion of the
presentation, the presenter may stay, but not participate in the
meeting.
The commission will not make a decision on any particular topic until
a formal presentation has been made and a case built. To adequately
prepare members of the commission, written information will be gladly
accepted prior to the meeting.
Dan Krall motioned, it was seconded, and was unanimously passed.
A Park Inventory Sub-Commitee was formed to decide what should be
defined as a park, a green space. . . etc. This commitee will try to
determine what we as a commission, have jurisdiction over. Since the
commission must recommend park lands for alienation, this information
will be particularly helpful.
The sub-commitee will consist of: Dan Krall, Nina Bassuk, Beth
Mulholland, Linda Tsang and Dan Schmohe .
INLET ISLAND - John Schroder presented an in-depth history and master
plan for Inlet Island. Presently, property ownership does not
necessarily correspond with usage. Plans are to create a coherent
green space or an "Urban Waterfront Promenade" along the west side of
the island. The promensde would be a fifty foot greenway with a
pedestrian path. It would begin at the Brindley Park fountain,
continue along the waterfront and go around the Coast Guard Station.
The tip of the island would then become accesible to the public by
using a thin strip ( 12 ' ) of privately leased land ( owned by the city,
leased to Peter DeGraff ) . The city would continue to be the primary
enforcers.
The plan calls for the city to sell its portion of Inlet Island and
to remove it from park status. The zoning will be commercial/marine .
Desired usage will be for waterfront related businesses, i . e .
restaurants, shops, etc. Building heights will be lowered from the
current 70 ' maximum to 40 ' .
This land will have to be replaced. Since Cass Park was purchased
with BOR money, parkland must be exchanged for parkland.
�. One proposal was for the city to buy a triangular piece of land on
Brindley Street to create a "Greenway Connector" in the West End.
This would connect to the Cayuga Inlet Trail, go along the west side
of the flood control channel, cross over to the east side by way of a
pedestrian/bike path, and continue to Buttermilk Falls State Park.
SOUTHWEST PARK - We, as a commission, have to start thinking about
what to recommend the city do with the money received from the sale
of Southwest Park.
CASS PARK BIKEWAY IMPROVEMENT RESOLUTION - Diane Sherman, JoAnn
Cornish and Guy Gerade will, as a sub-commitee, study this further
and report back to the Parks Commission. It should be noted that the
BPW did pass a resolution to widen the path but referred this matter
to the Parks Commission for its recommendation.
The next meeting will be February 24 at 4: 30 PM in the City Hall
Conference Room. BPW Commissioner Carol Reeves will present cases
concerning the Stewart Park parking issue and Dewitt Park usage.
All subsequent meetings will be held on the third monday of each
month at City Hall.
MINUTES - PARKS COMMISSION MEETING - FEBRUARY 24, 1992
In Attendance:
Beth Mulholland John Wilson
Nina Bassuk Carol Reeves
JoAnn Cornish Linda Tsang
Dan Krell Guy Gerard
Diane Sherman Dan Schmohe
Willard Dickerson Carl Lagoze
No Hunting Proposal for the Hogs Hole area from the Charter and
Ordinance Committee . It was determined that we should hold a Public
Hearing or a Public Information Session. It was suggested that the
city attorney be present to discuss legal ramifications concerning
this issue .
Bike Commission Resolution: Guy Gerard, Diane Sherman, JoAnn Cornish
and Dave Nutter met at Cass Park, to look at and discuss, the
proposed widening of the pedestrian/bike path. The Bicycle Advisory
Committee has received two letters of complaint about bikes on the
path. In response to these complaints, the committee has determined
that:
1 . The Cass Park path should be mixed use
2 . The path should be signed, pedestrians having the
right-of-way, bikes to yield
The Bicycle Advisory Committee requested the City look into the
possible widening of the path and for over-all improvements of the
path. It was felt that some hazards could be eliminated simply by
repaving and properly maintaining the path.
It was agreed that the minimal standards for bike and pedestrian
paths would be all the city could ever afford so that is about all we
can hope for. Since ASHTO standards hold up in court, anything less
could be a liability, yet the cost of building or bringing current
paths up to ASHTO standards is prohibitive in light of the city' s
present financial situation.
It was determined that the road shoulders, in their present
condition, are unsafe for use by bicyclists. Perhaps barriers
between the road and the shoulder could be installed to bring it up
to a Class II bikeway. The state may become involved when the new
overpass is built and possible additional funding.
Guy Gerard oppossed the widening of the path and requested that this
issue be brought to the Parks Commission. He feels that it is
primarily a pedestriasn path but that bicyclists are welcome . He
went on to say that the path is visually unencumbered so you are
prepared to slow down if you are on a bike and approaching a
pedestrian. Guy felt strongly that widening the path would have a
,remendous negative visual impact on the site. Others felt that at
the present width it is unsafe for two bicyclists to pass each other
or for a pedestrian and bicyclists to pass each other.
Another issue to consider if the path were widened the proposed two
feet would be on many of the trees along the path. Some would have
to be cut down, others would be seriously damaged. Some of the trees
are donated trees so removing them may not even be possible .
It was decided that the Parks Commission table the motion for now and
it was unanimously voted on to have the Bicycle Advisory Committee
look into the cost, acceptability and DOT approval for a Class II
Bikeway along Taughannock Blvd.
NEW BUSINESS: Diane Sherman presented information about the "March
for Parks" program as a way to raise money for the community. This
would be similiar to a walk-a-thon. It was suggested that Circle
Greenway be the designated route. Much work would have to be done to
get public participation. A specific objective would have to be
determined and advertised. We should think about this for our next
meeting.
Dan Krall will look into how alternate lands for park classification
are determined. (Should we decide to aleinate some park lands, what
are our choices for new park lands. )
We were warned that additional budget cuts are probable and they will
most likely be in parks maintenance .
• if joy City of Ithaca
$70010;V,1 r Parks Commission
Parks Commission Meeting
April 20, 1992
Minutes (by Diane Sherman)
Present: Diane Sherman, Beth Mulholland,Carol Reeves, Guy Gerard,Beverly Baker,
David Fernandez,John Wilson,Willard Dickerson, Richard Fisher,John Schroeder, and
Nina Bassuk.
The April Parks Commission meeting was brought to order by the chair at 4:40pm.
The first item on the agenda was consideration of the Inlet Island Report. The discussion
was opened by a comment that street trees or space for street trees should be included in the
route 96 plans where new roads will be created. Guy asked if the Inlet Island plans
included trees along the walkway. John indicated that enough space was incorporated in
the plans for trees and benches in that area.
There was a concern that the route 96 bridge include provisions for bicycles. The
current plan is for the roadway to be 14 feet wide. A comment was made that the city
should request a marked bikelane on the bridge.
There was a discussion on what "Brindly Park" should be named in the new plan.
This issue should be revisited when the plans are finalized.
A comment was make that the Parks Commission should be consulted when it is
known how much substitute land is needed, and we should have some input into the choice
of these lands.
A motion was made to vote on approving the Inlet Island plan,and forwarding it to
the Planning Board. The vote was unanimous in favor of approving the plan.
Under new business,Beverly brought up the Dewitt Park renovation plans that
were approved 2 years ago still have not been completed, and the committee would like to
hire outside labor to complete the plantings and benches. Beverly will check with Dan on
the timing. Carol did not believe the BPW had considered this issue,and will check to be
sure.
There is still a question as to what advisory group should have jurisdiction over
natural areas. The way the Parks Commission was set up,it does not have jurisdiction
over natural areas. However,Carol and Beth believe that issues involving natural areas are
not being adequately covered at the present time.
Diane announced she was stepping down as chair,and that JoAnne had expressed
interest in taking over. A vote was taken, and was unanimous.
It was decided that the next meeting would be a continuation of our park tours
started last year. We will meet in Dewitt Park on May 18 at 4:30. Beverly will bring her
van for transportation
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MINUTES - PARKS COMMISSION MEETING - June 15, 1992
Present: JoAnn Cornish, Richard Fisher, Beth Mulholland, Guy Gerard,
Dan Schmohe, Willard Dickerson, John Schroeder, Nina Bassuk, Linda
Tsang
The meeting was called to order by the chair at 4:40 PM. The first
item on the agenda was a discussion of substitute land for Inlet
Island park land conversion. John Schroeder began the discussion by
showing the commission the three proposed substitute parcels in the
Inlet Island Land Use Plan as recommended by the Land Use Committee.
The total value of these three parcels is probably less than the
total value of the land being alienated. The Parks Commission is
being asked to recommend land for conversion which will best serve
the City of Ithaca. Three parcels were suggested: 1. A walkway from
the Commons to the 6 Mile Creek Gorge possibly between the Wilcox
Press building and the pizzeria. 2. A 1/2 block parcel between
Center Street and Clinton Street which currently has a furniture
warehouse on it. 3. The parcel across from the GIAC building which
is being used for the new pool and recreation facilities. A formal
resolution should be presented to Commom Council no later than the
end of August.
Dan Schmohe recieved a letter concerning the 5 boxwood which were
planted by the city in Dewitt Park. It seems that one of the shrubs
was planted on church property and they were not pleased. They
threatened to remove the shrub themselves if the city did not do it.
Since the deadline was past, we assumed the shrub had been removed.
Dan was going to check on this.
A brief discussion of the Hogs Hole hunting issue brought forth a
unanimous decision for a no hunting recommendation by the Commission.
Safety for area residents was the deciding factor.
A committee was formed to discuss the parks usage survey. JoAnn
Cornish, Beth Mulholland, Linda Tsang and Dan Schmohe volunteered.
As part of the parks usage discussion, Dan Schmohe brought up the
issue of the Festival Lands. He would like to see the Parks
Commission recommend that it be given to the state. (This is a very
"hot" issue and will be discussed further at the August meeting. I
have a packet of information that you will be receiving before the
August meeting so be on the lookout. )
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10PM.
�. Parks Commission Meeting
July 20, 1992
Minutes (by JoAnn Cornish)
Present: JoAnn Cornish, Beth Mulholland, David Fernandez , Dan
Schmohe, Doria Higgins
The July meeting was held at Cass Park for the completion of our
Parks tour. The meeting started at 4 : 15 PM.
Dan started the tour in the Concession and Locker Room areas pointing
out recent improvements . We were also able to look at some of the
equipment used to make and maintain the ice during the winter months .
Much of this equipment is 20 years old and in serious need of repairs
and/or replacement. The cost of this is quite high (Dan can give you
more exact figures ) . Some money has been allocated for the 1992-93
season. With what Dan showed us, it is safe to say that the cost of
operating Cass Park far exceeds the cost of any other park in the
city.
Dan also pointed .out recent repairs to the pool area as well as some
problem areas in and around the building complex.
Doria Higgins attended the tour ( after discussing it with me first)
to show the Commission the area known as the Festival Lands. Since
( it is so close to Cass Park it seemed like a logical time to see it.
(Since so few people showed up for the meeting, I decided to send
each commissioner the correspondence concerning the Festival Lands .
You will find it in this packet. Please try to read it prior to the
meeting so we can discuss this issue. )
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47:.A ; ;.
=s Parks Commission
Parks Commission Meeting
November 16, 1992
Minutes (by JoAnn Cornish)
Present: JoAnn Cornish,Beth Mulholland, David Fernandez, Nina Bassuk,John
Schroeder, Carol Reeves,Guy Gerard,Dan Schnoe,Doria Higgins
The November Parks Commission meeting was brought to order by the chair at 4:40 pm.
The October 19 meeting minutes were approved.
Doria Higgins (Citizens to Save Our Parks) spoke briefly on the Festival Lands issue. She
stated that there has been much misinformation given out on this subject. On October 19,
1992,the city attorney,Chuck Guttman,issued a memo stating that the Festival Lands are
not designated park land. Doria stated that the city is in legal jepardy if it abides by this
document since it is parkland by implied dedication. She reminded the Commission that
the state has already intruded on the city's land.
Guy Gerard expressed concern for the ecological and developmental stresses the expansion
of the marina would place upon this site.
David Fernandez reminded the Commision that apart from the complicated legal issues
surrounding the Festival Lands,our major concern should be what is best for the City of
Ithaca.We can make our own determination to see,if in our opinion,it is parkland or not.
We can then make a recommendation based on our conclusions. David went on to say we
should"democratize" the park. That this expansion would make this parkland accessible to
many more people including the handicapped and the elderly.
John Schroeder informed the Commission that the Festival Lands had been apraised for
$670,000.00.
(Please see the enclosed notes on the Festival Lands taken at the Planning and Development
meeting on November 16, 1992.)
John Schroeder reported that money had been approved for the apraisal of Inlet Island.
The apraisal will most likely take place sometime in late December.
Dan Schmoe reported that a grant for the Cass Park ice rink had been applied for. It is a
$480,000.00 capital improvement project. 50%of this would be reimbursed if the grant
were approved. The repairs will be done this summer if the grant is approved.
Reports were given on the following parks:
Dewitt Park- Carol Reeves Strawberry Fields-Dan Schmoe
Auburn Park-Carol Reeves City Cemetary-David Fernandez
Thompson Park
Strawberry Fields-Dan Schmoe