HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1997-10-20 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
October 20, 1997
Committee Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Dan Hoffman (Chair), Nancy
Ramage, Jack Booker, Rick Gray, Pat Vaughan, Peter Fortunato. Ex Officio
member: Robert Drabicki, Gorge Ranger.
Committee Absent: Dick Fischer, Mary Gutenberger; Ex Officio members,
Chuck Baker, Larry Fabbroni, Andy Hillman, Thys Van Cort.
1. Common Council member PR"-Vaughan was introduced as a new
member of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (The Committee). Roxy
Johnston, a lab technician from the Water Treatment Plant, introduced
herself, as did also several visitors from the general public concerned
about dogs in the Natural Area. The Agenda was reviewed and revised in
accordance with the absence of some Committee members.
2. Minutes of the 9/8/97 meeting were approved.
3. Reports: Dan reported on Marjorie Olds's resignation and passed
around Marjorie's letter of resignation, which was taken up as item 6 of
today's agenda. Pat informed the Committee of a meeting upcoming on
10/21/97 arranged by representatives from the City and the Town as a
follow-up to the City's "Comprehensive Water System Evaluation." A
"presentation of the full draft study" was to be on the agenda, said Rick.
The City Forester was not present, and did not submit a report to the
Committee; however, Beth reported on the further growth of plantlife on
the barren slope of the slide area in the Gorge. She also said a Native Plants
Society for our area has been formed. Peter reported on his close
observation of a Turkey Vulture feeding along a Gorge trail and also
mentioned the beautiful, impermanent sculpture garden that has been
anonymously created using natural materials in a part of the Gorge. Roxy
presented a copy of the Water Treatment Plant Newsletter that features
writing about the ecology of Six Mile Creek and some photography of the
flora.
4. Gorge Ranger Report: Some public lewdness has continued in certain
areas of the Gorge. There was a discussion of several down-trees and
plans for their removal. There have been a few further instances of dogs
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running loose, and Bob has been informing people of the importance of
controlling their animals for the mutual good of all parties. As a
consequence of this contact, several dog owners came to today's meeting in
order to address the Committee. Bob says he will continue working "until
the money runs out" -- probably at the end of this month.
5. Tom Clavel, Fran Helmstetter and Peter Friedlander, all Gorge walkers
and dog owner,addressed the Committee, generally reflecting their
concern that dogs continue to have a place in the Gorge and that persons in
charge of dogs must act responsibly. A sense of honest communciation
prevailed, though there did not seem to be a clear-cut solution as to how to
control the overall impact of the many dogs who interact as a large,
amorphous social set in the early evening, especially during the summer.
The folks present agreed in principle with the need to continue to spread
the word among other dog-lovers that appropriate control is every owner's
concern and that dogs impact the Gorge and other Gorge users.
6. In her letter of resignation Marjorie suggests a couple of other people
who might be interested in replacing her. She has spoken with Harry
Littell already, and Peter agreed to invite Harry to our next meeting.
Marjorie also mentions Herman Sieverding, and Dan will contact him about
attending our next meeting. Rick will ask Margaret Fabbrizio if she is
interested in coming on November 10, and possibly joining the Committee,
and Tom Clavel said that he is interested and will return on November 10
too. The Mayor makes the appointment based on his available information
regarding qualifications. MZO must be replaced by a City resident.
7 . Dan attended a public hearing on the Town of Ithaca's draft
Open Space Plan, and presented the Committee's comments . The Town
is now considering all comments and will probably present a revised
Plan at another public hearing in the near future. As to the
Sincebaugh property, there has been no response to the letter sent
by the Finger Lakes Land Trust. Dan asked that Committee members
try to find out how we can make contact with John Sincebaugh.
8. A meeting to discuss the City Natural Areas Commission is upcoming on
10/27/97. The "implementing legislation" will be discussed, said Dan.
9. Rick said that the Grigorov property acquistion is moving smoothly.
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Doug Foster has not been recently in touch with the Committee regarding
other parcels.
10. Rick spoke with Larry Fabbroni who said he might be able to put a
crew together soon to work on restoration in certain sites impacted by last
winter's emergency repairs. Rick said Andy told him Rick could try
planting some Redbud seedlings in the area, but Beth shifted
uncomfortably in her seat and reminded us all that Redbud might like it
around here, but it's not native. On the other hand, she said, maybe we
don't have to be so strict in how we define a bioregion. Dan said he would
contact Andy for an update on trail repairs and measures for bike control
on the south side of the Gorge near Burns Road.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for
11/10/97.
Minutes submitted by Peter Fortunato
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