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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1994 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMI'rl'EE JANUARY 10, 1994 Present: E. Mulholland, P. Fortunato, J. Tripp, D. Hoffman, G. Gerard, J. Friedeborn, N. Ramage, R. Gray, M. Olds, J. Johnson I. Approval of the December 13, 1993 minutes was postponed to the February meeting. II. 1994 Goals A. Acquistion of Gorge Rim Property B. Public Relations C. Develop Work Plan 6, ,r-ko_2ol D. Restoration of E4pe.,Fa.ted Plants E. Monitor Beaver Activity F. Increase attention to S. Hill Side of the gorge The following items were added to the above list G. Increase work with the Finger Lakes Land Trust H. Seek more cooperation with the IthacaTown Board to protect the gorge I. Specify the boundaries of 6 Mile Creek III. Membership Resume sheets were collected and it was the consensus of the group that voting membership would be based on the requirements of our by law. Members not listed as voting would be considered as adjunct members and would continue their interest and commitment by being active in discussions and offering their advice at our meetings. IV. Therm Spill A subcommittee made up of J. Friedeborn, B. Mulholland, and J. Johnson was formed to develop recommendations for the rehabilitation of the disturbed areas to be forwarded to the city attorney. V. Memorials Discussion on this topic to be continued. VI. Election of Officers Postponed VII. Phil Snyder J. Johnson will follow up with the city attorney to see that this bill is paid. VIII.Signage Postponed IX. Town of Ithaca Resolution Discussion to be continued SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE February 14, 1994 5:00PM 3RD FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM CITY HALL I. REPORT ON THERM PLANNING II. MEMBERSHIP III. IMPLEMENTATION OF1994 GOALS work plan SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE February 14, 1994 Present: J. Booker, B. Dress, P. Fortunato, J. Friedeborn, J. Johnson, E. Mulholland, M. Olds, N. Ramage, J. Tripp I . Approval of minutes The minutes of December 13, 1993 and Jan. 10, 1994 were approved with only one minor correction. II . Therm Clean-up The list of requests for the Therm clean-up were sent to the Planning Committee, from which it will go on to the full Council . Comments from committee members included the following: Only the hatched area on the plan is affected. The map should be redrawn. How binding are the dates by which steps are to be taken? III . Membership Voting members are: Jack Booker, Marjorie Olds, Peter Fortunato, Dick Fisher (Town Conservation Advisory Board) , Beth Mulholland (Circle Greenway) , John Johnson (Chair and Council member) , Jill Tripp (Board of Public Works) , Dan Hoffman (City Conservation Advisory Committee) and Nancy Ramage. IV. Achievement of Committee Goals We began discussion of implementation of goals; discussion to be continued at March meeting. A. Acquisition of Gorge Rim Property We are waiting for appraisals, which are due soon. The BPW might purchase some land. We will look into the possibility of Jean Apgar, of Pearsall Place, donating land to the city. M. Olds volunteered to work with the Land Trust. $165,000 . 00 is available to purchase land. B. Mulholland identified the Baker property as important; also the Pocola property, which is a 26 acre triangle just before the 30 foot dam. We hope to have some members of the CAC attend our March or April meeting in order to discuss land purchase. B. Public Relations P. Fortunato recommended a PR event in the gorge, a "healing" in the aftermath of the Therm spill. Discussion followed, and concerns were raised about possible noise, litter, or tacky decor. Discussion is to be continued. J. Booker suggested an article in the Journal . Wendy Skinner is a good contact there. Minutes taken by NH Ramage SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MARCH 14, 1994 Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Jack Booker, John Johnson, Bill Dress, Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, John Friedeborn, Chuck Baker Excused: Jill Tripp 1 . Approval of Minutes : The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ( "Committee" ) approved the February 1994 minutes . 2 . Therm Letter: JJ introduced the Therm Resolution passed by the Planning Committee and then per advice of numerous "informed sources" JJ and EM made an urgent, executive decision to "pull" Resolution from Council session and ask Mayor for letter instead. Mayor ' s letter turned out to reflect a less than cooperative tone. Committee discussed the nature of the political beast - that sometimes quick decisions have to be made "on the spot" without recourse to other Committee members . 3 . Gorge Recruitment: Andy Palmeri, our ranger last year is returning. CB will let us know when he is due to come on board, and summer schedule. 4 . Circle Greenway: EM noted that next year will be the 20th anniversary of Circle Greenway, and that she hopes to be able to pass on some of the work she has been doing in the gorge to some other dedicated and "willing, working hands" . At a later meeting we will address how we can plan with Water & Sewer and Streets & Facilities . The meeting was adjourned shortly around 6 : 00 p.m. , so we could go out into the City of Ithaca and soak up the last rays of the day. MZO ce\\\ CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE t,REEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE , Minutes of April 11 Meeting . PRESENT: Marjorie Olds , Richard Fischer , Chuck Baker , Jill Tripp Nancy Ramage , Bill Dress , John Johnson , Dan Hoffman , Peter Fortunato , John Friedeborn , Beth Mulholland . This meeting was called to order by Chair John Johnson . Minutes of the March meeting were approved . The report on land acquisition looks promising , we may be able to acquire all high-priority rim lands . Nancy noted that much Wildflower Preserve signage is faded or gone . Needed are more "NO BIKES" signs and more of the Gorge Entrance signs which list prohibitions . Circle Greenway will re-stencil its direction logos . A discussion about memorials came to a decision that all should be grouped together rather than dotted along the trail , this site would presumably be the open area just before. the woodland entrance. Beth has had phone conversations with Tom Clausen and Martha Donovan ; they are both open to ideas and understand that vandalism is a real problem. No decisions have been made pending looking at recent bench catalogs , and further thinking about a grove of trees with stone markers . Beth suggested it might be time to up-grade the design of the Van Natta ' s Pond area . John Friedeborn reported meeting with Hal Piger , the new man in charge of the Therm spill clean-up. Marjorie reported talking with Finger Lakes Land Trust about joint efforts on land acquisition , Beth cautioned that the City ' s purchases seem to be so near and so tied in with alienation that we might better stay with the City process . The plansfor Wildflower Day were given . . NEXT MEETING: At Van Natta ' s Pond , May 9th at 5 o ' clock . OVER —4 An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE MINUTES MEETING OF MAY 9, 1994 PRESENT: John Johnson (Chair) , Beth Mulholland, Peter Fortunato, Jill Tripp, Ed Hart, David Schwartz, Richard Fischer, Doug Foster, Becca Harper, Dan Hoffman Review of Minutes of April meeting; Addition: add Jack Booker to attendees at the meeting. Minutes Approved. David Schwartz and Ed Hart of Finger Lakes Land Trust, and Doug Foster of the City Planning Dept. discussed current land acquisition plans along the City Watershed. Interest in various groups working together for land protection. Finger Lakes Land Trust has no current plans for in-city property. They have been talking with property owners of two parcels in the Town of Ithaca, and are looking beyond the immediate region. Doug Foster presented a map of the Watershed area delineating city-owned land and privately owned land within the watershed target area. Property appraisals are now underway on some of the privately-owned parcels looking to acquire as substitute land as part of the park alienation process for Inlet Island. The next step is for properties to be prioritized for acquisition. Executive Session : Proposal that this Committee recommend to the Planning Committee and the City Attorney immediate acquisition of two specific parcels with the dedicated funds for park land acquisition within the City Watershed. See Attached Resolution. Report on Therm spill clean-up relayed by Beth Mulholland from John Friedeborn, City Forester. John has received a report from Therm, but he has not had an opportunity to review the report. John and Beth will be meeting with John Friedeborn. Report on Signage. General sense that signage is insufficient, members would like to see larger signs prohibiting bicycles . Discussion of Gorge Ranger presence. General sense that the Gorge Ranger needs to be a stronger, more visible presence this year, particularly in regard to discouraging bicycle use. John Johnson will convey concerns to Chuck Baker, Supervisor of the Gorge Ranger. Peter Fortunato is eager to see more specific signage discouraging off-trail usage. General agreement that we will bring sign ideas to the next meeting to be forwarded to the Department of Public Works . General discussion of the need for increased enforcement. Dan Hoffman suggested that the Town be contacted for cooperation in this matter. Richard Fischer will take this request to the Town of Ithaca CAC, John Johnson will contact Town Planner George Frantz . Report on memorials . Beth spoke with Martha Donovan and Tom Clausen regarding memorials . One idea is to have a grove of memorial trees with seating. Beth will be visiting the area with John Friedeborn and Adam Carman next week. Beth will bring a sketch of possible improved design of open area. Circle Greenway report - a successful Wildflower Day in the gorge. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 6 : 30 p.m. NEXT MEETING: June 13th, at 5 : 00 p.m. at Mulholland Preserve. SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE June 13, 1994 Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Jill Tripp, Jack Booker, Marjorie Olds, Dan Hoffman, Ed Hart, Dick Fischer, and Rick Ferrell. 1. Approval of Minutes: The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee ("Committee") approved the May, 1994 minutes. 2. Gorge Enforcement: What do we want/expect from Ranger: More exposure to public? Frequent visibility at Van Natta's Parking Lot? Coverage at swimming holes and to what end? Coverage along Wildflower Path? Keep an eye out for bicyclists? Watch entrance from Common Land? Keep a watch over Old Mill? Cover the Gorge area in its entirety each day? (Ed Hart has offered to walk Gorge area in entirety before we answer this question.) Zero in on bicyclists? More discussion of our goals for Ranger at the next meeting. And follow-up how to accomplish those goals and lessons for next year's hiring of ranger. 3. Therm Update: Elizabeth quite pleased with progress and techniques used in pill area--not too fussy, nor unnatural in effect. owever, new spill possibly? 0.. Signage: Thanks to Peter Fortunato for his contributions on this front! (Peter in England.) For next meeting: Do we desire big, dramatic (and costly) signs at major entrances or many, smaller signs at Upper Path on Giles, Winners' Circle, Common land, 60 Foot Dam, Marjorie's side yard, Juniper Drive, Bums, Road, etc. Ed suggested small, encouraging signs (Do the Right Thing type message), within gorge, right about where sneaky bicyclists enter onto non-biking paths. How to stretch money for signs? Should DPW be footing cost? Ask Committee members to cover their areas? Should we put emphasis on "No Bikes on Mulholland Wildflower Preserve"? Dick suggested we provide maps with clearly delineated biking and no biking areas to bike shops in area. S. Memorials Three people very interested (and must decide soon) in memorials within Elizabeth's Wildflower Preserve entrance area. 2 Should Pond area be upgraded: Should enhancement include three natural- looking but indestructible benches? Should we plant a grove of trees with names memorialized on seating rocks? Elizabeth suggests that the nicer an area looks, the better the pubic responds to keeping area tidy. And users provide informal surveillance. Elizabeth is in Preserve every Sunday at 10 unless a downpour in progress, so suggests Committee members drop by and look at area under consideration. 6. Ithaca Falls: Does Cornell Wish to strengthen its relationship with Ithaca and as a token of its esteem, deed over Ithaca falls to City? If so, who is more capable of maintaining this natural treasure than the Six Mile Creek/Natural Areas Advisory Committee? Should there be a Natural Area Commission? Many people--community, parks Commission, etc. must be included in further discussions with Cornell. 7. Odds and Ends: Several Six Mile Creek neighbors are running out of time and patience with City on purchase of their land. Paakala property now up for sale. Carolyn Grigerov frantic. What can Committee do to move this forward? MZO I� AGENDA JULY 11, 1994 5:00 PM 3rd Floor Conference Room City Hall I. Ranger Report II. Signage III. Memorials ��f•••a 1^ wL4i tall c� J�l G= 11,71 # TTI7 a,�yc�q�` ms CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF 11 JULY 1994 PRESENT: John Johnson, Peter Fortunato, Marjorie Olds, Chuck Baker, Beth Mulholland, Superintendent Gray. Chairman Johnson brought the meeting to order. The first discussion on Minute-taking - with a perusal of Robert's Rules of Order, Chapter XIV - was not concluded by the arrival of Superintendent Gray who had been invited to take part in an examination of Gorge Range problems . The Ranger again has not attended a Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee meeting nor handed in a report. Persistent public questions about the Ranger' s whereabouts suggests the Ranger is not the "City presence in the Gorge" which is the job's first priority. It appears his presence at the swimming places is taking greater precedence over other parts of the job, especially stopping the biking activity. It was pointed out that biking is the most pressing problem facing the Gorge eco-system. The problem will be discussed within the Superintendent' s department. There was complete agreement that Ranger hours should be staggered. Chuck suggested that we should take another look at the "Ranger Duties" list to see if it could be condensed. There was no decision on the increasingly complicated signage problem mostly because any sign, expensive or inexpensive, is sure to be vandalized. Beth will continue the search for materials and good prices . JJ/cjh Addendum: "UPDATE: Ranger has resigned. More information at next meeting" An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" -O�IT1�/� .�~� ti� Itl ejj 11`0 N.......d.. _ CITY OF ITHACA 1 08 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 CIRCLE GREENWAY TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Minutes of meeting , 11 July ' 94 PRESENT: John Johnson , Peter Fortunato , Marjorie Olds , Chuck Baker, Beyh Mulholland , Superintendent Grey . Chair Johnson brought the meeting to order. The first discussion on Minute-taking - with a perusal of Robert ' s Rules of Order, Chapter XIV - was not concluded by the arrival of Superi-tendent Gray who had been invited to take part in an examination of Gorge Ranger problems . The Ranger again has not attended a Six Mile Creek Advisory Com- mittee meeting nor handed in a report . . Persistent public questions about the Ranger whereabouts suggests the Ranger is not the "City presence in the Gorge" which is the job ' s first priority . It appears his presence at the swimming places is taking greater precedence over other parts of the job , especially stopping the biking activity . It was pointed out that biking is the most pressing problem facing the Gorge eco-system. The problem will be discussed within the Superintendent ' s department . There was complete agreement that Ranger hours should be staggered . Chuck suggested that we should take another look at the "Ranger Duties " list to see if it could be condensed . There was no decision on the increasingly complicated signage problem mostly because any sign , expensive or inexpensive , is sure to be vandalized . Beth will continue the search for materials and good prices . An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 6. `\.11111 I �i r)A. A r ' X171519 SS I CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE CITY CLERK (607)274-6570 SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE MINUTES SEPTEMBER 12, 1994 PRESENT: Jill Tripp, Peter Fortunato, Andrew Ramage, Bill Dress, Nancy Ramage, Marjorie Olds, Richard Fischer, Beth Mulholland John Johnson was delayed; Beth chaired the meeting. Beth reported from Circle Greenway that beaver are again in the Van Natta Pond area; we will all be on the lookout for serious damage. Beth also reminded the Committee of her plan to "retire" at the end of 1994 (except, maybe, for light maintenance of the Wildflower Walk if no one becomes available) . Peter Fortunato presented examples of Gorge entrance signage. One was accepted by a motion from Jill and a second from Marjorie. The design will be sent to Rick Ferrel to see if the sign shop can make it. A discussion of budget requirements for 1995 noted that Van Natta entranceway badly needs a new bulletin board; this should be design-coordinated with the entrance sign, bike racks and trash cans . Catalogs will be sought. It was decided to increase the payment for tour guides to $60 . 00 . It was noted that the Ranger problem was nicely taken care of by chilly weather over the Labor Day weekend. Jill and Marjorie again spoke to the idea of trying to find a ranger from among the community who may need summer employment and who may also be interested in Gorge preservation; this was agreed to and the Personnel office will be informed of this idea. We agree that the search should begin now rather than wait until Spring. NEXT MEETING: October 17, 1994, 5 : 00 p.m. , third floor conference room. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" tai Recycled Paper �� .............o._.-...:......a..i ..n.ehilililiav>ty.t; �+ 11 5 1 111.171M Ali = i y. � T.E1 I lil,C -f6�i CITY OF ITHACA 1 OB EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CODE 607 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY BOARD. Minutes of Meeting , 9 August , ' 94. PRESENT: Jill Tripp , Chuck Baker, Marjorie Olds , Beth Mulholland , Peter Fortunato, Nancy Ramage, Rick Ferrel , Dan Hoffman . Bill Dress . Beth chaired the meeting in the absence of vacationing John Johnson . Chuck reported that the Ranger had resigned to accept a new job with better prospects . Rick may have a substitute but it seems likely we will be without a Ranger for the rest of the summer; the new se- curity rules preclude filling the job quickly. It was suggested that the job description should be reviewed . Jill also suggested we start now to build a pool of community members (not students ) who night be interested in a summer job. Nancy said it would be wise to employ some just for the Labor Day weekend ; Rick will call Manpower. Beth reported that 2 "No Trespassing" have been mounted at the Penny Lane entrance to the 30 foot dam area , this contradicts the 1984 designation that public accessability be allowed to the 60 foot dam (subsequently changed by the Committee to Potter Falls ) . We will inquire of the BPD about this posting . Nancy reported that on her early morning walks in the Gorge she has seen a van parked at Van Natta ' s , have they stayed all night? Marjorie suggested the police be requested to monitor the area . Rick reminded us to get license numbers and report to police. Memorials were again discussed . Most members feel vandalism will be a problem although donors will be asked to sign a waiver to relieve the City of liability . Beth will invite donors to meet her Sunday at 10 o ' clock at Van Natta ' s to see the site , look at park furniture catalogs , and express their ideas . Peter suggested people might give money for Preserve projects , their names could be all put on one memorial board . Budget requests are due by the latter part of August ; it was de- cided to ask for separate requests for each environmental committee instead of all being in a "Six Mile Creek" line. We have some money left for this year which can go for new bike racks , Rick will provide costs for the horseshoe type , which is a bikers ' favorite. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" It was decided to try for a new bulletin board (fomerly provided by Circle Greenway ) Beth will ask Adam Carmen for catalogs . The budget request will�reflect this cost . Peter will look into the matter of getting really large signs , 2 ' by 3 ' , for the entrances . he feels they should be of metal and strongly mounted 10 ' off the ground - they might be shot at but otherwise could last a long time. ( Beth ' s comment : Remember the "No Swimming" sign at 30 ' dam cut down by a beaver. ) NEXT MEETING: Monday , September 12 at 5 o ' clock , 3rd floor Conference room. AGENDA: SIX MILE CREEK COMMITTEE OCTOBER 17, 1994 MINUTES PRESENT: John Johnson, Jill Tripp, Bill Dresser, Nancy Ramage, Ed Hart, Dan Hoffman, Rick Gray, Doug Foster, Beth Mulholland Chair Johnson announced that there will be an election of Officers in January; he & Beth are working to make a list for the December meeting. Beth presented George Frantz ' s plan for a no-bike gate at lagoons & Giles Street. Doug Foster reported slow progress on land acquisition: Mrs . Merrill - is willing Pogo Paolangeli - no Professor Sweet - is concerned about capital gains Baker' s - have very high price The Committee pointed out that the City only wants the back of Baker property (the slope & 350 ' of rim) . Where is the letter & map from Betsy & Beth clearly stating this proposal? Attorney' s Office? The Committee requested that the City buy the Pakala property now with money already available per our previous Resolution. John will talk to Rick Ferrel about signs . Beth was asked to prepare a plan for the Van Natta ' s Pond area as it would be upgraded to make a suitable setting for memorial benches. John will talk with the Personnel Office about the new idea of finding a Gorge Ranger from among local people who might want a summer job. Jill suggested that we spread the word about the opportunity, maintain a pool of appropriate persons, and explore the possibility of job sharing. Beth submitted a list of "gorge jobs" which have been performed by Circle Greenway (Beth) , and which the Committee will have to assume when Circle Greenway is transferred to the Parks Commission. Respectfully Submitted by Elizabeth Mulholland Minutes Six Mile Creek Committee November 14, 1994 Present: John Johnson (chair) , Dick Fischer, Rick Gray, Dan Hoffman, Jack Booker, and Nancy Ramage I . Minutes were approved. II . Gorge Ranger Valerie Saul , personel director, approved the committee's request in principle, namely, that a pool of potential gorge rangers be assembled from among longer term residents of the area. New suggestions: to check with the Youth Bureau, and to advertise locally and in the schools. III . Signage Signs are being made by the Elmira company, according to our approved model. They should be available before our December meeting. IV. Van Natta's Pond Plan [Postponed, due to illness of Beth Mulholland. ] V. Natural Areas Resolution There was some discussion, pro and con, of the idea of the current committee becoming part of a newly formed Natural Areas Commission. Concerns were raised about diluting this committee's interests, and about the ignorance of many of us regarding the problems and issues of other natural areas around town. On the other hand, it is hard to find enough people for many small committees, and the new commission would simplify the lines of communication to the DPW. The question was raised, "Do we need to do this now?" The issue was tabled for the moment. VI . Land Acquisitions Update The committee was sorely disappointed that there was no further news on land acquisition, especially as we had made it known last month that we wished to have an update at the November meeting. Minutes taken by Nancy Ramage The next meeting will be on December 12, at 5 : 00 pm.