HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1998-01-12 SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes -- January 12, 1998
Committee Present: Jack Booker, Richard Fischer, Peter Fortunato,
Dan Hoffman (Chair) , Elizabeth Mulholland, Nancy Ramage, Patricia
Vaughan. Ex Officio: Andy Hillman.
Others Present: Roxy Johnston (Water Department)
Committee Absent: Mary Gutenberger. Ex Officio: Chuck Baker,
Larry Fabbroni, Thys Van Cort (or designee) .
1. Introductions & Agenda Review
2 . Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the 12/8/97 meeting were
approved as submitted.
3. Reports:
Dan Hoffman (Chair) reported considerable beaver damage to trees of
varying sizes along the lower trail.
Andy Hillman (City Forester) reported:
removal of beaver dam from the small tributary at the Giles
Street parking lot
cutting of tree blocking the lower trail
hauling out of trash from near entrance of new roadway (old
"upper trail" ) to 30 ft dam (of Giles Street)
rearranging of straw bales to improve erosion protection
above 30 ft dam
hauling up and out of culvert section near 30 ft dam
future removal of concrete posts stored at Giles Street
parking lot
future protection of trees by wire
future investigation of beaver removal
Beth Mulholland reported the imminent fall of a large living tree
onto the path near CommonLands. (Andy Hillman will look into this
immediately. )
Nancy Ramage voiced appreciation for the Water Plant tour:
to Peter Fortunato (SMCAC) for arranging it
to Chuck Baker (WTB) for doing it
3.5 Beaver Problem: After much discussion pro & con, the
Committee voted to recommend removal of the beavers (via live
traps) and protection (via "chicken wire" ) of important trees.
4 . Water Systems Consolidation: Roxy Johnston (Water Department)
reported on items contained in the 12/11/97 memo by Chuck Baker to
Dan Hoffman - "Response to questions raised at meetings/in minutes"
(attached) :
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee - 1/12/98 Minutes page 2
4 . Water Systems Consolidation (continued)
Pearsall Place Pumping Station
Raw Water Supply line
Holding container(s) in 60 ft Reservoir
Dams
Watershed Property and Natural Area
Water Treatment Plant
Pat Vaughan initiated discussion of the environmental impact
of alternatives cited in the Baker memo and yet other variants in
the event that the 6 Mile Creek reservoir system was "mothballed" .
She reported that from her perspective (as a member of the City
negotiating committee) it appears that a consolidation decision is
at least 9 months away. She agreed with Dan Hoffman and Roxy
Johnston that the SMCAC should be ready to jump in to effect a
particular alternative, if necessary. Nancy Ramage brought up
concerns about the long-term status of the 6 Mile Creek Natural
Area, should the City go out of the water supply business; Peter
Fortunato proposed that the SMCAC develop a vision for the Natural
Area for the 21st century (notwithstanding the water system
decision. )
5. Natural Areas Commission - Update: Pat Vaughan reported
forward movement on the Ithaca Falls agreement (which has been
driving the creation of the NAC) , but noted that full agreement
had been slowed somewhat by the discovery of arsenic waste at the
site.
6. Land Acquisition/Protection - Update: Dan Hoffman reported
the 12/30/97 letter by Eric Nussbaum to Gay Nicholson (Finger Lakes
Land Trust) and the 1/5/98 response by Betsy Darlington (both
attached) , indicating the owners were open to acquisition and/or
preservation of the "Nut Tree Associates" parcel, by the City or
the Town. Dan Hoffman reported indications that the owner of the
"Sincebaugh" parcel lived in the Ithaca area. Andy Hillman
reported that Bob Sweet was anxious to have his property preserved,
but that he was unhappy with the City's negotiations. Dan Hoffman
will check on the status of negotiations.
7 . Repair & Restoration Projects - Update: Covered in earlier
reports.
Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 pm.
Minutes by Jack Booker
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, January 12, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
5 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
5 min. - 2. Minutes of December 8, 1997 Meeting (ENCLOSED)
15 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
30 min. - 4 . Water Systems Consolidation: Continued discussion
- Potential impacts of alternatives on Six Mile
Creek Natural Area (Roxy Johnston)
- Should SMCAC take a position?
10. min. - 5. Natural Areas Commission: Update
15 min. - 6. Land Acquisition/Protection: Update
10 min. - 7 . Repair & Restoration Projects: Update
- Bridge Restoration at Pkg Area (Rick Gray)
- Repair of Lower Trail (Andy Hillman)
Restoration of Areas Affected by Emergency
Pipeline Repair Project (R.Gray, A.Hillman)
- Bicycle Control Measures Along Rec Way
Adjournment
NOTE: February Meeting will be Feb. 9, 1998 (2nd Monday)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, if you
expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W)
Minutes
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
February 9, 1998
Committee members present: Dan Hoffman, chair; Jack Booker, Peter
Fortunato, Harry Littell, Beth Mulholland, Nancy Ramage.
Guests: Roxie Johnston, Dave Sleeper.
Committee members absent: Richard Fischer, Mary Gutenberger, Pat
Vaughan. Ex officio: Chuck Baker, Larry Fabbroni, Andy Hillman,
Thys Van Cort (or designee) .
1. Minutes: J. Booker is trying to find last month's minutes .
2. Reports:
Chair: D. Hoffman distributed Chuck Baker's memorandum giving
responses to the committee questions about potential impacts of the
water system options .
City Forester: Andy Hillman was not able to attend the
meeting, but he sent the following report, in absentia:
- He has put wire mesh around some trees, including some at
Giles Street parking lot (to protect them from beavers) .
- He has pulled out the metal culvert along the former path
above the reservoir at the 30 foot dam.
- The concrete guard-rail posts have been removed from the
parking area at Giles Street entrance.
- Graffiti has been painted on the cement wall near the
exposed pipe, for the first time. Andy will try to wire-brush the
wall to remove the writing.
- Many unleashed dogs continue to run along the lower creek
path.
- N. Ramage will e-mail Andy, to ask him if he could possibly
get some chips down along the path, which is widening badly as
walkers try to avoid the mud and wet patches.
B. Mulholland: Beth received a letter from Matt Braun,
Curator of the DeWitt Historical Society, reporting that he saw the
graffiti being applied to the cement wall. He is very concerned,
and spoke to the boys . Unfortunately, he did not take their names
nor ask which school they attended.
P. Fortunato will write George Frantz to raise again the
problems of bikers going off the Recreation Way.
3. Beaver Problem:
The committee will asked Andy again (in writing) to have the
beavers trapped and removed. They have been causing a great deal
of damage to the trees in the area.
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, Minutes 2/9/98 page 2
4. Land Acquisition and Protection:
Doug Foster reported (through Dan) that the City has purchased
parts of the Grigorov and Baker parcels as substitute parkland (SM-
02 and SM-04) . A purchase is pending on SM-17, and the City is
interested in SM 11 and SM 12, but the purchase offers and selling
prices are still far apart.
Nut Tree Associates wants to sell parcels SM-14 and/or SM-19;
Doug says he will follow up on this .
5. Water System Upgrade and/or Consolidation:
The committee moved and seconded D. Hoffman's proposed
statement, and then approved the amended version unanimously (6-0) .
Copy attached to minutes .
6. Natural Areas Commission
The Committee reviewed the City Attorney's revised draft of
the implementing legislation for the Natural Areas Commission
(NAC) . Various changes were recommended; most significantly, the
Committee believes §114-4 .B and 114-6, which are intended to
require the solicitation of the NAC's advice prior to new
construction or rehabilitation of facilities in a natural area, and
prior to the approval of a restoration plan, should provide
exceptions only for "necessary, emergency repairs, " not for
"emergency repairs and necessary improvements, " as proposed by the
Superintendent of Public Works. As modified by these requested
changes, the proposed legislation was endorsed unanimously (6-0) .
See annotated copy attached to official minutes for exact
modifications .
7. Meeting time for March:
March meeting time may be changed due to conflicts for
committee members. [NOTE: March meeting was subsequently
cancelled due to likelihood of not achieving a quorum. ]
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Ramage
STATEMENT ON POSSIBLE UPGRADE AND/OR CONSOLIDATION OF CITY WATER
SUPPLY SYSTEM
From: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
Common Council I 2/?//j? SIN
Mayor
Board of Public Works
Superintendent of Public Works
Assistant Superintendent
Chief Water Plant Operator
WHEREAS, according to City staff and consulting engineers, the City of
Ithaca's water treatment facility is outdated, deteriorated and in need of
replacement; and
WHEREAS, the City is currently in the process of determining whether to
build a new, "stand-alone" treatment facility or, in conjunction with the
the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point) and
Cornell University, to form a consolidated water supply system for the
region that might involve building a smaller City treatment plant or
relying entirely upon the Bolton Point and Cornell systems for supply and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, whichever course is pursued, there are possible consequences for
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area; and
WHEREAS, whichever course is pursued, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
wishes to ensure that its concerns and comments will be solicited and
considered in a timely fashion, and that any actions taken in the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area in conjunction with a change and/or consolidation of the
water supply system(s) will have the smallest possible negative impact on
the character of the Area;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
(SMCAC) requests that it be kept informed of the City's deliberations
regarding the upgrade and/or consolidation of the water supply system in a
timely fashion; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the SMCAC requests that it be given an opportunity to
participate in the consideration of specific, proposed actions that could
have a direct effect on the character of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area
(including but not necessarily limited to: repair or upgrade of the raw
water pipeline and related access needs, construction of pre-sedimentation
basins in the Upper Reservoir, expansion or modification of the lagoon
area, or "decommissioning" of existing facilities in the event that Six
Mile Creek is abandoned as an active water source) , with the goal of
developing a cooperative approach that minimizes any possible negative
impacts; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the SMCAC strongly urges the Common Council to make a clear,
unequivocal commitment that, even if the City ceases to use Six Mile Creek
as an active water source, there will be no diminishment in the level of
protection now accorded the Natural Area and no sale or conveyance of land
now owned by the City in the Natural Area, for purposes that could include
development or reduce public access.
Approved 6-0 (3 absent) on 2/9/98
l i
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, February 9, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
5 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
0 min. - 2. Minutes of January 12, 1998 Meeting (Not yet ready)
15 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
10 min. - 4. Beaver Problem: Update
10 min. - 5. Land Acquisition/Protection: Update
20 min. - 6. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation:
- Proposed SMCAC position (ENCLOSED)
20 min. - 7 . Natural Areas Commission:
- Update
- Proposed legislation (ENCLOSED)
10 min. - 8. Repair & Restoration Projects: Update
- Bridge Restoration at Pkg Area (Rick Gray)
- Repair of Lower Trail (Andy Hillman)
- Restoration of Areas Affected by Emergency
Pipeline Repair Project (R.Gray, A.Hillman)
- Bicycle Control Measures Along Rec Way
__= NOTE: March Meeting will be March 9, 1998 (2nd Monday) ___
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, if you
expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W)
f r
City of Ithaca
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
306 Giles Street
Ithaca NY 14850
January 24, 1998
Chuck Baker
Chief Water Plant Operator
2 Water Street
Ithaca NY 14850
RE: Tour of Water Plant
Dear Chuck:
I want to thank you for taking the time last month to give members of
the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (and friends) a description and eye-
opening tour of the City's water treatment plant.
Your comments were thorough and you responded patiently to our
numerous questions. As a result, all who were able to attend are much
better informed about the state of the plant and what the City's future
needs are.
Also, at our January meeting, the Committee was very pleased to hear,
from Roxie Johnston, that you are open to working together with us to
figure out the most environmentally compatible ways to upgrade the pipeline
and other parts of the system, should the City decide it intends to replace
the existing plant.
We appreciate your professional expertise and your willingness to help
us as concerned laypersons to be more knowledgeable.
Sincerely yours,
DANIEL HOFFMAN
Chairperson
cc: /Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
Larry Fabbroni
Bill Gray
02/03/1998 10:21 6072746507 CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE PAGE 02
� f
ORDINANCE NO. OF 199
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, 113-4, 113-5, and 113-6 OF
CHAFFER 113 ENTITLED "SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE," ENACTING
SECTIONS 113-7 AND 113-8 AND CHAPTER 114,AMENDING SECTIONS 320-1,320-5,3204
and 320-9, and DELETING SECTIONS 320-6 and 320-7 OF CHAPTER 320 ENTITLED
"WATERSHED" OF THE CITY OF ITHACA MUNICIPAL CODE.
WHEREAS, the City Code of the City of Ithaca provides for oversight of the Six Mile Creek
Natural Area by the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, Common Council of the City of Ithaca wishes to provide for designation and
oversight of all Natural Areas located within the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the
City of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 113 entitled "Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee" be modified by
1 renaming the chapter"Natural Areas Commission."
0 SECTION 2. That section 113-1 be modified to read as follows:
§113-1. The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee established by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca,
by resolution of Dec. 21, 1993, is hereby renamed the "Natural Areas Commission" and is continued
pursuant to the terms outlined herein."
SECTION 3. That section 113-2 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-2. Purposes and duties.
The purposes and duties of the Commission shall be as follows.
A. To support the conservation of the designated Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca, in
accordance with the commitments and policies contained in Chapter 114, Natural Areas, and Article I,
§320-1, of Chapter 320, Watershed ("Natural Areas") of the City of Ithaca Code.
B. To advise the Board of Public Works, the Department of Public Works, the Planning and
Development Committee of the Common Council and the Conservation Advisory Council with regard to
public concerns about the Natural Areas, threats to the ecosystems contained therein and opportunities to
improve the protection thereof
C. To monitor public usage of the Natural Areas.
D. To assist in efforts to educate the public about the importance and the fragility of the Natural
Areas,
E. To gather and present expert environmental information about preservation of the resources of
the Natural Areas and proper human use of the Areas.
F, To assist the Superintendent of Public Works and the Personnel Administrator in the selection
of one or more Natural Area Rangers, by reviewing applications and interviewing candidates.
G. To hear regular reports from and advise the Natural Area Ranger(s).
H. To make recommendations to the Department of Public Works or Board of Public Works
regarding maintenance needs, procedures, rules or policies for the Natural Areas.
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1. With regard to Natural Areas partially within or adjacent to the Town of Ithaca, to participate
in discussions with the government of the Town of Ithaca regarding town policies with a potential effect
on said Natural Areas, at the direction of the Mayor or the Common Council.
J. To make policy recommendations as needed regarding any of the Natural Areas, including the
need for a change in the boundary.
K. To submit an annual report of the Commission's activities and concerns to the Board of Public
Works and Common Council."
SECTION 4. That section 113-3 be modified to read as follows-
§ 113-3 Membership; appointment;residency;terms.
A. (1) The Commission shall consist of eleven(11) voting members.
(2)The members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee serving at the time of adoption
of this Chapter shall be appointed to the Commission. Additional members shall be appointed to bring the
membership of the Commission up to eleven.
(3) The Mayor shall appoint one (1) member from each of the following entities the
Common Council,the Board of Public Works and the City Conservation Advisory Council, The Town of
Ithaca Conservation Advisory Board may name one member from its ranks, and Cornell University may
name one member.
In addition, the Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, shall appoint six members from the
public, all of whom shall have a scientific, environmental and/or civic interest in one or more of the
designated Natural Areas, at least three of whom shall have a strung interest in and familiarity with the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area and at least two of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with the
Ithaca Falls area. Diligent efforts shall be made to appoint Board members with training or expertise in 71r
geology,woodland or forest ecology and archaeology. At least eight(8)members of the Commission shall
be residents of the City of Ithaca.
B. In addition, the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer, the Chief Operator of the City
Water Filtration Plant, the City Forester, the Natural Areas Ranger(s), the Director of Planning and
Development (or his/her designee) and a member of Cornell University's Natural Areas Commission
(designated by the chair of that group) shall serve as non-voting, ex officio members of the Commission
C. All members representing city or town boards or committees shall initially be appointed for terms
ending Dec. 31, 1997, but shall be replaced if their service on said board or committee ends. Of the six(6)
initial representatives from the public, two (2) shall be appointed for a term ending December 31, 1997,
two shall be appointed for terms ending Dec. 31,1998, and two(2) for terms ending December 31, 1999.
Subsequently, each seat shall be filled for a three-year term." Incumbent Commission members may be
reappointed.
SECTION 5. That section 113-4 be modified to read as follows.
§ 113-4. Officers
The Officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary, all of
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02/03/1998 10:21 6072746507 CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE PAGE 04
whom shall be elected by the Commission, on an annual basis. The initial chairperson shall be drawn from
the members continuing from the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee."
SECTION 6. That section 113-5 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-5. Quorum.
The Commission shall not act on substantive matters without the presence of a quorum, which shall
be six(6)voting members."
SECTION 7. That section 113-6 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-6. Bylaws; records.
The Commission shall adopt bylaws establishing rules of procedure. The Commission shall keep
accurate records of its meetings and shall file an annual report as provided in§ 113-2 of this chapter."
SECTION 8. That sections 113-7 and 113-8 be added, to read as follows:
§ 113-7. Subcommittees.
The Commission shall maintain separate subcommittees for Six Nfile Creek and for Ithaca Falls.
Other subcommittees for other Areas shall be established as deemed necessary by the Commission. The
representative from Cornell University shall serve on the Ithaca Falls subcommittee.
§ 1134. Meetings.
The Commission shall meet on a regular basis, at least once in each quarter of the year."
re----SECTION 9. That chapter 114 shall be enacted, to read as follows:
CHAPTER 114; NATURAL AREAS
114-1. Designation of Natural Areas;boundaries; maps.
A. The Common Council shall designate as Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca those areas that
are owned, leased or controlled by the City, which are wholly or substantially in a natural state, which have
significance for ecological and/or recreational reasons, and which are best appreciated and maintained in
a natural, relatively undisturbed state(rather than as an active use park).
B. The designated Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca are:
1. The Six Mile Creek Natural Area,
2. The Ithaca Falls Natural Area,
3. The Fuertes Sanctuary, and
4 The Southwest Natural Area.
C. The boundaries of the Natural Areas shall be shown on maps approved and amended as
necessary by Common Council.
§ 114-2 Commitment to preservation.
The Common Council hereby affirms the City of Ithaca's commitment and intent to protect and maintain
the Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca in a generally natural, undisturbed state. The addition of human-
made elements shall be as minimal as possible,and shall be primarily in the form of hiking trails, educational
02/03/1998 10:21 6072746507 CITY ATTORNEY OFFICE PAGE 05
aids and measures necessary for the public safety,
§ 114-3, Natural Areas Commission.
The Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body to the Board of Public Works (and
Common Council, when appropriate) that shall coordinate City and public concerns about the Natural
Areas. The purposes, duties and membership of the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter
113, Natural Areas Commission, of this Code.
§ 114-4 New Construction or Rehabilitation.
A. City boards and staff involved in any plans for construction of new facilities or rehabilitation
of existing facilities in a Natural Area shall give vigorous and thorough consideration to the commitment
in Section 114-2, above,and shall inform and work with the Natural Areas Commission in the development
of such plans.
B. Except for emergency repairs improvements to the watershed no permanent
changes shall be made in the Natural Areas without prior approval from the Board of Public Works or the
Common Council, acting after soliciting the advice of the Natural Areas Commission.
§114-5. Maintenance.
Ecologically-informed guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance activities within the
Natural Areas shall be promulgated and updated as necessary by the Department of Public Works, in
consultation with the Natural Areas Commission,and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works.
§114-6. Restoration.
required disruption of a Natural Area, except emergency repaired necessary improvements
to the watersh hail be restored to as natural or compatible a state as practical, on the basis of a
restoration plan approved by the Board of Public Works with advice from the Natural Areas Commission.
§114-7 Prohibited activities.
The following activities are prohibited in all of the Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca.
A. Ice skating.
B, Camping.
C. Littering.
D. Amplified sound.
E. Wood cutting.
F. Trapping.
G. Rock climbing and rappelling.
H. Hunting and shooting.
I. Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding.
3. Plant digging.
K. Flower picking.
L. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
M. Fires of any kind
N. Siding.,"
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SECTION 10. Thection 320-i, subsection B(2)and(5)of Chapter 320, entitled"Watershed",
tif----
shall be amended to read at as sfollows:
"§ 320-1. Commitment to preservation and policy on use.
A. The Common Council hereby affirms the City of Ithaca's commitment and intent to protect and
maintain the following three(3)uses on city holdings within the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, (which area
includes the City Watershed and Wildflower Preserve), and which area is defined on a map entitled "Six
Mile Creek Natural Area," dated December 1, 1993, which map is filed in the City Clerk's Office:
(1) The water supply system, including the reservoirs, raw water line, darns, access roads and the
necessary maintenance and alterations to keep the water system operational for present and future use.
(2) The current natural resources and natural character of the area, which includes an exceptionally rich
flora and fauna in a unique habitat with adjacent buffer land.
(3) The opportunities for passive,low-impact recreation appropriate for a natural area of which the City
of Ithaca has few that are public and easily accessible.
B. In its effort to protect and maintain these attributes, the city shall be guided by the following
principles:
(1) The city holdings within the Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall remain as natural as possible, with
the addition of only minimal human-made elements,such as hiking trails and/or facilities necessary for public
safety, and for operation,maintenance and necessary alterations of the water supply system. Nothing herein
is intended to prevent construction of the Town of Ithaca's proposed South Hill Recreation way.
(2) City boards and staffinvolved in any plans for construction of new facilities or rehabilitation of existing
facilities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall give thorough consideration to the objective of preserving,
to the greatest extent possible,all three(3)of the uses listed above. Except in emergency situations where
it is not practical,the Natural Areas Commission shall be contacted and given an opportunity to comment
before such new construction or rehabilitation is commenced.
(3) The city shall continue to seek to protect from development all land within the Natural Area
boundary as defined on the aforementioned Six Mile Creek Natural Area map, through a planned strategy
of negotiation of voluntary easements, acquisition of development rights, purchase, agreements with the
Town of Ithaca, independent actions by the Town of Ithaca or otherwise. Actions to implement this strategy
shall be subject to Common Council approval and actively pursued by the City Attorney and a staff member
designated by the Director of Planning and Development
(4) The city shall continue to seek to work cooperatively with the Town of Ithaca and the Soil and
Water Conservation District to ensure protection of the area.
(5) The Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body to the Board of Public Works(and to
the Common Council,when appropriate)about the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. The purposes, duties and
membership of the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter 113,Natural Areas Commission,
of this Code.
(6) Ecologically informed guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance activities within the
Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall be promulgated by the Department of Public Works, in consultation with
the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, Circle Greenway, the Parks Commission and the Conservation
Advisory Council, and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works.
§ 320-2. Public access. [Adopted 8-14-1996 by Board of Public Works]
The city hereby permits public access to the Six Mile Gorge for walking and nature study between Aurora
Street and the sixty-foot darn only on marked paths specified for such purposes. Access to the reservoir area
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above the sixty-foot dam and the surrounding shore area shall be prohibited, except by special permit from
the Department of Public works for scientific studies. No access shall be permitted from 10:00 p.m. until
4-00 a.m. in the natural areas and the restriction of 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a m. in the parking area at Giles
Street.
SECTION 11. That section 320-3 subsection A shall be amended to read as follows:
§ 320-3. Public entrances and parking.
A. There shall be only seven(7)entrances, all to be marked:
(1) Hudson Street at Renzetti Place.
(2) Giles Street at Columbia at the present stairway.
(3) Giles Street at the Indian campground (west of bridge).
(4) Giles Street to the Van Natta's Dam Pond (east of bridge.)
(5) Giles Street just below East State Street.
(6) South Hill Recreation Way on Burns Road.
(7) Commonland off New York State Route 79.
§ 320-4. Prohibited activities. [Amended 4-8-1996 by Ord. No. 96-5]
A. The city hereby prohibits the following activities throughout the gorge area:
(1) Swimming.
(2) Boating.
(3) Ice skating.
(4) Camping.
(5) Littering.
(6) Amplified sound.
(7) Wood cutting.
(8) Trapping.
(9) Rock climbing and rappelling.
(10) Hunting and shooting.
(I 1) Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding.
(12) Plant digging.
(13) Flower picking.
(14) Consumption of alcoholic beverages_
(15) Fires of any kind.
(16) Skiing.
B The Board of Public Works is authorized to grant specific,revocable exceptions to any of the above
prohibitions, upon consultation with the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee and a finding of special
circumstances. When granting such an exception, the Board shall retain the right of the city to impose
reasonable conditions intended to protect public safety, the water supply system or the natural environment
or to control the city's potential liability.
SECTION 12. That section 320-5 shall be amended to read as follows:
§ 320-S. Ranger(s).
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The position of Natural Area Ranger is hereby established to advise users of regulations governing
the Natural Areas and to demonstrate the City's intention to protect said areas and enforce the regulations.
The Ranger(s) shall be provided with adequate equipment to communicate readily with law enforcement
agencies. The Ranger(s) shall work under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and shall
consult regularly with the Natural Areas Commission.
SECTION 13. That sections 320-6 entitled"Circle Greenway Commission" and 320-7 entitled"Six Mile
Creek Advisory Committee" shall be deleted.
SECTION 14. That section 320-8 entitled "Signage" shall be renumbered section 320-6, and shall be
amended as follows:
§ 320-6 Signage,
The City hereby directs Department of Public Works, with guidance from the Natural Areas
Commission, shall provide adequate, consistent and attractive signage in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area,
to alert the public to the regulations and the potential hazards in the Natural Area.
SECTION 15. That section 320-9 entitled"Penalties for offenses" shall be renumbered as section 320-7.
SECTION 16. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication
LIof a notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
DRAFT
q:Vattorne' ordranc\natareas.wp
Proposed Proposed
STATEMENT ON POSSIBLE UPGRADE AND/OR CONSOLIDATION OF CITY WATER
SUPPLY SYSTEM
From: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
To: Common Council
Mayor
Board of Public Works
Superintendent of Public Works
Assistant Superintendent
Chief Water Plant Operator
WHEREAS, according to City staff and consulting engineers, the City of
Ithaca's water treatment facility is outdated, deteriorated and in need of
replacement; and
WHEREAS, the City is currently in the process of determining whether to
build a new, "stand-alone" treatment facility or, in conjunction with the
the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point) and
Cornell University, to form a consolidated water supply system for the
region that might involve building a smaller City treatment plant or
relying entirely upon the Bolton Point and Cornell systems for supply and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, whichever course is pursued, there are possible consequences for
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area; and
WHEREAS, whichever course is pursued, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
wishes to ensure that its concerns and comments will be solicited and
considered in a timely fashion, and that any actions taken in the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area in conjunction with a change and/or consolidation of the
water supply system(s) will have the smallest possible negative impact on
the character of the Area;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
(SMCAC) requests that it be kept informed of the City's deliberations
regarding the upgrade and/or consolidation of the water supply system in a
timely fashion; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the SMCAC requests that, where appropriate, it be given an
opportunity to participate in the consideration of specific, proposed
actions that could have a direct effect on the character of the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area (including but not necessarily limited to: repair or
upgrade of the raw water pipeline and related access needs, construction of
pre-sedimentation basins in the Upper Reservoir, "decommissioning" of
existing facilities in the event that Six Mile Creek is abandoned as an
active water source) , with the goal of developing a cooperative approach
that minimizes any possible negative impacts; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the SMCAC strongly urges the Common Council to make a clear,
unequivocal commitment that, even if the City ceases to use Six Mile Creek
as an active water source, there will be no diminishment in the level of
protection now accorded the Natural Area and no sale or conveyance of land
now owned by the City in the Natural Area, for purposes that could include
development or reduce public access.
Draft by Dan Hoffman, 2/5/98
City of Ithaca
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To: Common Council
Mayor Alan Cohen
Board of Public Works
Superintendent of Public Works (Bill Gray)
Assistant Superintendent (Larry Fabbroni)
Chief Water Plant Operator (Chuck Baker)
From: Dan Hoffman, Chairperson
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
Date: 2/16/98
Re: UPGRADE AND/OR CONSOLIDATION OF CITY WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee is following with interest the
ongoing discussions about the future of the City's water supply and
treatment system. At its meeting on February 9, 1998, the Committee
approved the enclosed statement, asking to be kept informed of these
deliberations and for the opportunity to participate directly in the
consideration of specific actions related to the upgrade or
"decomissioning" of the City system, in order to minimize possible negative
impacts on the Natural Area. In adddition, the statement urges Common
Council to make a commitment (now) to preserving the Natural Area, even in
the event that the City decides to stop using Six Mile Creek as a water
source.
We would appreciate your consideration of the concerns set forth in
this statement, as well as any response you may wish to make. The most
direct way to reach me is at my home address (306 Giles Street, Ithaca) or
phone (273-6933) ; the Committee also has a mailbox in City Hall.
STATEMENT ON POSSIBLE UPGRADE AND/OR CONSOLIDATION OF CITY WATER
SUPPLY SYSTEM
From: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
To: Common Council
Mayor
Board of Public Works
Superintendent of Public Works
Assistant Superintendent
Chief Water Plant Operator
WHEREAS, according to City staff and consulting engineers, the City of
Ithaca's water treatment facility is outdated, deteriorated and in need of
replacement; and
WHEREAS, the City is currently in the process of determining whether to
build a new, "stand-alone" treatment facility or, in conjunction with the
the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (Bolton Point) and
Cornell University, to form a consolidated water supply system for the
region that might involve building a smaller City treatment plant or
relying entirely upon the Bolton Point and Cornell systems for supply and
treatment; and
WHEREAS, whichever course is pursued, there are possible consequences for
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area; and
WHEREAS, whichever course is pursued, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
wishes to ensure that its concerns and comments will be solicited and
considered in a timely fashion, and that any actions taken in the Six Mile
Creek Natural Area in conjunction with a change and/or consolidation of the
water supply system(s) will have the smallest possible negative impact on
the character of the Area;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
(SMCAC) requests that it be kept informed of the City's deliberations
regarding the upgrade and/or consolidation of the water supply system in a
timely fashion; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the SMCAC requests that it be given an opportunity to
participate in the consideration of specific, proposed actions that could
have a direct effect on the character of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area
(including but not necessarily limited to: repair or upgrade of the raw
water pipeline and related access needs, construction of pre-sedimentation
basins in the Upper Reservoir, expansion or modification of the lagoon
area, or "decommissioning" of existing facilities in the event that Six
Mile Creek is abandoned as an active water source) , with the goal of
developing a cooperative approach that minimizes any possible negative
impacts; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the SMCAC strongly urges the Common Council to make a clear,
unequivocal commitment that, even if the City ceases to use Six Mile Creek
as an active water source, there will be no diminishment in the level of
protection now accorded the Natural Area and no sale or conveyance of land
now owned by the City in the Natural Area, for purposes that could include
development or reduce public access.
Approved 6-0 (3 absent) on 2/9/98
City of Ithaca
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TO: Mariette Geldenhuys, City Attorney
FROM: Dan Hoffman, Chairperson
Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
DATE: 2/16/98
RE: Proposed legislation on Natural Areas Commission
Last year, the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (SMCAC)
endorsed the formation of a Natural Areas Commission (NAC) for the
City, based upon certain conditions. The Committee also proposed
legislation intended to amend the City Code to create and empower
the NAC. A revised version of the proposed legislation, dated
January 15, 1998, was recently distributed to the SMCAC. At its
meeting on February 9, 1998, the Committee discussed the revised
draft and recommended certain changes, most of which it considers
to be relatively minor and non-controversial, but a few of which
relate to the conditions the Committee attached to its original
endorsement of the NAC. Enclosed is a copy of the version you
drafted, with the SMCAC's recommended changes written in by hand.
I am not certain what procedure is intended, from here on. If
you know, please advise.
enclosure
cc: Doug Foster
Pat Vaughan
�n d o r St oA t,s t ,$v e g-'-�-� 4 2oc n
g Si r� /`1 - v1s Cam.-.. 4 ( 07i
ORDINANCE NO. OF 199
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, 113-4, 113-5, and 113-6 OF
CHAPTER 113 ENTITLED "SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE," ENACTING
SECTIONS 113-7 AND 113-8 AND CHAPTER 114, AMENDING SECTIONS 320-1, 320-5, 320-8
and 320-9, and DELETING SECTIONS 320-6 and 320-7 OF CHAPTER 320 ENTITLED
"WATERSHED" OF THE CITY OF ITHACA MUNICIPAL CODE.
WHEREAS, the City Code of the City of Ithaca provides for oversight of the Six Mile Creek
Natural Area by the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee; and
WHEREAS, Common Council of the City of Ithaca wishes to provide for designation and
oversight of all Natural Areas located within the City;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the Common Council of the
City of Ithaca, New York, as follows:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 113 entitled "Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee" be modified by
renaming the chapter"Natural Areas Commission."
SECTION 2. That section 113-1 be modified to read as follows:
§113-1. The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee established by the Common Council of the City of Ithaca,
by resolution of Dec. 21, 1993, is hereby renamed the "Natural Areas Commission" and is continued
pursuant to the terms outlined herein."
SECTION 3. That section 113-2 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-2. Purposes and duties.
The purposes and duties of the.Commission shall be as follows:
A. To support the conservation of the designated Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca, in
accordance with the commitments and policies contained in Chapter 114, Natural Areas, and Article I,
§320-1, of Chapter 320, Watershed ("Natural Areas") of the City of Ithaca Code. cieropr
B. To advise the Board of Public Works, the Department of Public Works, the
committee of the Common Coungtod the Conservation Advisory Coun it w th regard to
public concerns about the Natural Areas, threats o the ecosystems contained therein and opportunities to
improve the protection thereof.vs.c.,
C. To monitor public.usage of the Natural Areas.
D. To assist in efforts to educate the public about the importance and the fragility of the Natural
Areas.
E. To gather and present expert environmental information about preservation of the resources of
the Natural Areas and proper human use of the Areas.
F. To assist the Superintendent of Public Works and the Personnel Administrator in the selection
of one or more Natural Area Rangers, by reviewing applications and interviewing candidates.
G. To hear regular reports from and advise the Natural Area Ranger(s). WidL
H. To make recommendations to the Department of Public Work Board of Public Works
regarding maintenance needs, procedures, rules or policies for the Natural Areas.
q:\attorney\ordinanc\natareas.wp 1
L With regard to Natural Areas partially within or adjacent to the Town of Ithaca, to participate
. in discussions with the government of the Town of Ithaca regarding town policies with a potential effect
on said Natural Areas, at the direction of the Mayor or the Common Council.
J. To make policy recommendations as needed regarding any of the Natural Areas, including the
need for a change in the boundary.
K. To submit an annual report of the Commission's activities and concerns to the Board of Public
Works and Common Council."
SECTION 4. That section 113-3 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-3. Membership; appointment; residency; terms.
A. (1) The Commission shall consist of eleven (1 1) voting members.
(2)The members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee serving at the time of adoption
of this Chapter shall be appointed to the Commission. Additional members shall be appointed to bring the
membership of the Commission up to eleven. C3,
(3) The Mayor shall appoint one (l) member from each of the followingntities: the
Common Council, the Board of Public Wor lOnd the City Conservation Advisory Council. the Town of
Ithaca Coir�servation Advisory Board may name onemember from its ranks, and Cornell University may
name onPmember. CI) Cc)
In addition, the Mayor, subject to the approval of Common Council, shall appoint six members from the
. public, all of whom shall have a sciie3rtifrc, environmental and/or civic interest in one or more of the
• designated Natural Areas, at least three of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area and at least two of whom shall have a strong interest in and familiarity with the
Ithaca Falls area. Diligent efforts shall be made to appoint Board members with training or expertise in
geology, woodland or forest ecoloyer d archaeology. At least eight (8) members of the Commission shall
be residents of the City of Ithaca.
B. In addition, the Assistant Superintendent for Water and Sewer, the Chief Operator of the City
Water Filtration Plant, the City Forester, the Natural Areas Ranger(s), the Director of Planning and
Development (or his/her designee) and a member of Cornell University's Natural Areas Commission
(designated by the chair of that group) shall serve as non-voting, ex officio members of the Commission.
1849
C. All me ers representing city or town boards or committees shall initially be appointed for terms
ending Dec. 31, , but shall be replaced if their service on said board or committee ends. Of the six (6)
initial representatives from the public, two (2) shall be appointed for a term ending December. 31,-1997,191$
two shall be appointed for terms ending Dec. 31, and two (2) for terms ending December 31, Z000
Subsequently;each seat shall be filled for a three- ear term." Incumbent Commission members may be
reappointed. (g 90l
SECTION 5. That section 113-4 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-4. Officers.
The Officers of the Commission shall be a Chairperson, Vice Chairperss d Secretary, all of
q:\attorney\ordinanc\natareas.wp 2
.
whom shall be elected by the Commission, on an annual basis. The initial chairperson shall be drawn from
the members continuing from the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee."
SECTION 6. That section 113-5 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-5. Quorum.
The Commission shall not act on substantive matters without the presence of a quorum, which shall
be six (6) voting members."
SECTION 7. That section 113-6 be modified to read as follows:
§ 113-6. Bylaws; records.
The Commission shall adopt bylaws establishing rules of procedure. The Commission shall keep
accurate records of its meetings and shall file an annual report as provided in § 113-2 of this chapter "
SECTION 8. That sections 113-7 and 113-8 be added, to read as follows:
§ 113-7. Subcommittees.
The Commission shall maintain separate subcommittees for Six Mile Creek and for Ithaca Falls.
Other subcommittees for other Areas shall be established as deemed necessary by the Commission. The
representative from Cornell University shall serve on the Ithaca Falls subcommittee.
§ 113-8. Meetings.
The Commission shall meet on a regular basis, at least once in each quarter of the year."
SECTION 9. That chapter 114 shall be enacted, to read as follows:
CHAPTER 114: NATURAL.AREAS Sv ,f)
ft fd tvA e
§ 114-1. Designation of Natural Areas; b ndaries; maps.
A. The Common Council designate as Natural Areas e€t ose areas 1 -
�•-• _ - -• • -• . •- - , which are wholly or substantially in a natural state, which have
significance for ecological and/or recreational reasons, and which are best appreciated and maintained in
a natural, relatively undisturbed state(rather than as an active use park).
B. The designated Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca are:
1. The Six Mile Creek Natural Area,
2. The Ithaca Falls Natural Area,
3. The Fuertes Sanctuary, and
4. The Southwest Natural Area.
C. The boundaries of the Natural Areas shall be shown on maps approved and amended as
necessary by Common Council. .
§ 114-2. Commitment to preservation.
The Common Council hereby affirms the City of Ithaca's commitment and intent to protect and maintain
the Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca in a generally natural, undisturbed state. The addition of human-
made elements shall be as minimal as possible, and shall be primarily in the form of hiking trails, educational
q:\attorney\ordinanc\natareas.wp 3
mod, , . e,a ) s/X.
/
aids and measures necessary for the public safety. ��'`' 4
l -fir r-t41
§ 114-3 Natural Areas Commission. „5"....•69 l .1 y J 1-'
The Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body to the Board of Public Works (and
Common Council, when appropriate) that shall coordinate City and public concerns about the Natural
Areas. The purposes, duties and membership of the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter
113, Natural Areas Commission, of this Code.
§ 114-4. New Construction or Rehabilitation.
A. City boards and staff involved in any plans for construction of new facilities or rehabilitation
of existing facilities in a Natural Area shall give vigorous and thorough consideration to the commitment
in Section 114-2, above, and shall inform and work with the Natural Areas Commission in the development
of such plans. PV-C14.0 y
B. Except f o, mergency repairs : . • • . . • - - -- . : -:_, no permanent
.changes shall be made in the Natural Areas without prior approval from the Board of Public Works or the
Common Council, acting after soliciting the advice of the Natural Areas Commission.
§114-5. Maintenance. yowl/14A
Ecologically-informed‘guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance activities within the
Natural Areas shall be promulgated and updated as necessary by the Department of Public Works, in
consultation with the Natural Areas Commission, and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works.
§114-6. Restoration. X61 AGe 't' j
Any required disruption of a Natural Area, excep^emergency repairs
, shall be restored to as natural or compatible a state as practical, on the basis of a
restoration plan approved by the Board of Public Works with advice from the Natural Areas Commission.
ti
§1 14-7. Prohibited activities.
The following activities are prohibited in all of the Natural Areas of the City of Ithaca.
v � (,t40 i4*-11/44 4•41 & &( ( c?
B. Camping.
C. Littering. C iyl 6 `f r�S`J r drk
D. Amplified sound. oA ISS kPc.at
E. Wood cutting. wd 1'
r F. Trappin
jG. Rock clime mbing and rappelling.
{`) H. Hunting and shooting.
I. Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding.
J. Plant digging.
K. Flower picking.
\ L. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
M. Fires of any kind.
N. Skiing. -
�cd S c 2 , IL)" 1'
•
q:\attorney\ordinanc\natareas.wp 4
SECTION 10. That section 320-1, subsection 13(2) and (5) of Chapter 320, entitled "Watershed",
shall be amended to read as follows:
"§ 320-1 Commitment to preservation and policy on use.
A The Common Council hereby affirms the City of Ithaca's commitment and intent to protect and
maintain the following three(3) uses on city holdings within the Six Mile Creek Natural Area, (which area
includes the City Watershed and Wildflower Preserve), and which area is defined on a map entitled "Six
Mile Creek Natural Area," dated December 1, 1993, which map is filed in the City Clerk's Office.
(1) The water supply system, including the reservoirs, raw water line, dams, access roads and the
necessary maintenance and alterations to keep the water system operational for present and future use.
(2) The current natural resources and natural character of the area, which includes an exceptionally rich
flora and fauna in a unique habitat with adjacent buffer land.
(3) The opportunities for passive, low-impact recreation appropriate for a natural area of which the City
of Ithaca has few that are public and easily accessible.
B. In its effort to protect and maintain these attributes, the city shall be guided by the following
• principles:
•
(1) The city holdings within the Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall remain as natural as possible, with
• the addition of only minimal human-made elements, such as hiking trails and/or facilities necessary for public
safety, and for operation, maintenance and necessary alterations of the water supply system. Nothing herein
is intended to prevent construction of the Town of Ithaca's proposed South Hill Recreation way.
(2) City boards and staff involved in any plans for construction of new facilities or rehabilitation of existing
facilities in the Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall give thorough consideration to the objective of preserving,
to the greatest extent possible, all three(3) of the uses listed above. Except in emergency situations where
it is not practical, the Natural Areas Commission shall be contacted and given an opportunity to comment
before such new construction or rehabilitation is commenced.
} (3) The city shall continue to seek to protect from development all land within the Natural Area
boundary as defined on the aforementioned Six Mile Creek Natural Area map, through a planned strategy
of negotiation of voluntary easements, acquisition of development rights, purchase, agreements with the
Town of Ithaca, independent actions by the Town of Ithaca or otherwise. Actions to implement this strategy
shall be subject to Common Council approval and actively pursued by the City Attorney and a staff member
designated by the Director of Planning and Development.
(4) The city shall continue to seek to work cooperatively with the Town of Ithaca and the Soil and
Water Conservation District to ensure protection of the area.
(5) The Natural Areas Commission shall be the advisory body to the Board of Public Works (and to
the Common Council, when appropriate) about the Six Mile Creek Natural Area. The purposes, duties and
membership of the Commission are set forth in further detail in Chapter 113, Natural Areas Commission,
of this Code.
(6) Ecologically informed guidelines for Department of Public Works maintenance activities within the
Six Mile Creek Natural Area shall be promulgated by the Department of Public Works, in consultation with
the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee, Circle Greenway, the Parks Commission and the Conservation
Advisory Council, and subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works.
§ 320-2. Public access. [Adopted 8-14-1996 by Board of Public Works]
The city hereby permits public access to the Six Mile Gorge for walking and nature study between Aurora
Street and the sixty-foot dam only on marked paths specified for such purposes. Access to the reservoir area
q:\attorney\ordi nanc\natareas.wp 5
above the sixty-foot dam and the surrounding shore area shall be prohibited, except by special permit from
the Department of Public works for scientific studies. No access shall be permitted from 10:00 p.m. until
4:00 a.m. in the natural areas and the restriction of 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. in the parking area at Giles
Street.
SECTION 11. That section 320-3 subsection A shall be amended to read as follows:
§ 320-3. Public entrances and parking.
A. There shall be only seven (7) entrances, all to be marked:
(1) Hudson Street at Renzetti Place.
(2) Giles Street at Columbia at the present stairway.
(3) Giles Street at the Indian campground (west of bridge).
(4) Giles Street to the Van Natta's Dam Pond (east of bridge.)
(5) Giles Street just below East State Street.
(6) South Hill Recreation Way on Burns Road.
(7) Commonland off New York State Route 79.
§ 320-4. P►. .ited activities. [Amended 4-8-1996 by Ord. No. 96-5]
A. Th hereby prohibits the following activities throughout the-geFge-ar-ea.:
(1) Swimming.
(2) Boating. S1 PI C'v. cA4--
(3) Ice skating. N'VfNirt4 / k \ ,
(4) Camping. a n. . ,vJS 3/044 rL► c.q(
(5) Littering. ,l
(6) Amplified sound. Or' -pJr-�`I
(7) Wood cutting. c�.. --/-0 cl 0(4)5 i S f J.t.e/ rm.of-:
(8) Trapping—
(9) Rock climbing and rappelling.
(10) Hunting and shooting.
(11) Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding.
(12) Plant digging.
(13) Flower picking.
(14) Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
(15) Fires of any kind. ��SS/arh
Alfa, rej Arcji-°
B. The Board of Public Works is authorized to grants cific, revocable exceptions to any of the above
prohibitions, upon consultation with the Six Mile C Ativisecy C-emMittce and a finding of special
circumstances. When granting such an exception, the Board shall retain the right of the city to impose
reasonable conditions intended to protect public safety, the water supply system or the natural environment
or to control the city's potential liability. •
SECTION 12. That section 320-5 shall be amended to read as follows:
•
§ 320-5. Ranger(s). /`1 tsvt 1 C 1 i l( J
•
q:\attorney\ordinanc\natareas.wp 6
The position of Natural Area Ranger is hereby established to advise users of regulations governing
the Natural Areas and to demonstrate the City's intention to protect said areas and enforce the regulations.
The Ranger(s) shall be provided with adequate equipment to communicate readily with law enforcement
agencies. The Ranger(s) shall work under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and shall
consult regularly with the Natural Areas Commission.
SECTION 13. That sections 320-6 entitled"Circle Greenway Commission" and 320-7 entitled "Six Mile
Creek Advisory Committee" shall be deleted.
SECTION 14. That section 320-8 entitled "Signage" shall be renumbered section 320-6, and shall be
amended as follows:
,1 a — 74 , //e1
320-6. Signage.
- ity hereby directs Department of Public Works, with guidance from the Natural Areas
Commission, shall provide adequate, consistent and attractive signage in the -- Natural Ar:�
to alert the public to the regulations and.tpotential hazards in the Natural Ar
• Seri 4 xJ57.
SECTION 15. That section 320-9'entitled "Penalties for offenses" shall be renumbered as section 320-7.
SECTION 16. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately and in accordance with law upon publication
of a notice as provided in the Ithaca City Charter.
•
•
•
q:\attorney\ordinanc\natareas.wp 7
l✓9
Table 9-1. Proposed Future Parks,Improvements, and Estimated Costs
Proposed Proposed Capital Estimated
Park Site Improvements to Site Cost
Maple Ave./Mitchell St. 12 ac.lawn area,walkways,benches, signage,play structure,
Neighborhood Park(1.5 -3 ac.) basketball court, security lighting, landscape plantings $80,000 •
Vincenzo Iacovelli 1 ac.lawn area,walkways,benches, signage,play structure,
Neighborhood Park(3.5 ac.) basketball court,security lighting,landscape plantings $80,000
Chase Farm 12 ac.lawn area,walkways,benches, signage,play structure,
Neighborhood Park(1.5 ac.) basketball court,security lighting,landscape plantings $75,000
Westwood Hills/Woolf Lane 1/2 ac.lawn area, walkways,benches, signage,play structure, $65,000
Neighborhood Park(1.7 ac.) security lighting, landscape plantings
Dates Dr./Duboise Rd. 1/2 ac.lawn area,walkways,benches,signage,play structure,
Neighborhood Park(1.5 ac.) basketball court, security lighting,landscape plantings $75,000
Neighborhood Park to East of 1/2 ac.of lawn area, walkways,benches, signage,play
Former Odd Fellows Complex structure,security lighting, landscape plantings $65,000
(1.5 ac.)
Trumansburg Rd./Hopkins Rd. 1/2 ac.of lawn area, walkways,benches, signage,play
Neighborhood Park(1.5 ac.) structure, security lighting, landscape plantings $65,000
West Haven Rd./Mecklenburg 1 ac. lawn area,walkways,benches, signage,play structure,
Rd./Elm St.Neighborhood Park basketball court, security lighting, landscape plantings $80,000
(6.5 ac.)
Coy Glen Rd./Elm St./City 1/2 ac.of lawn area, walkways,benches,signage,play
Neighborhood Park(1.5 ac.) structure,security lighting,landscape plantings $65,000
Inlet Valley Community 2 baseball/softball diamonds, 1 soccer field,4 tennis courts, 1
Park Complex (Tutelo& basketball court,5 ac. lawn areas,2 mi.of walkways, 2 play
Saponi sites with connection structures,2 comfort stations,.5 mi.roads&50 parking
via Mancini land)(25 ac.) spaces,4 20x30 ft.picnic pavilions,40 picnic tables,benches,
signage,security lighting,landscape plantings $760,000
West Hill Community Park 1 baseball/softball diamond, 1 soccer field,4 tennis courts, 1
(20 ac.) basketball court,4 ac. lawn areas, 1 mi.walkways, 1 play
structure, 1 comfort station,50 parking spaces,2 20x30 ft.
picnic pavilions,20 picnic tables,benches, signage,security
lighting,landscape plantings $475,000
South Hill Community Park 1 baseball/softball diamond, 1 basketball court,5 ac. lawn
(10 ac.) areas, .5 mi.walkways, 1 play structure, 1 comfort station,20
parking spaces, 10 picnic tables,benches, signage, security
lighting,landscape plantings $280,000
Tareyton Park Improvements Upgrade the existing ballfield to regulation standards. $35,000
Americans With Disabilities Miscellaneous modifications to bring existing park facilities
Act compliance into compliance with A.D.A. standards $50,000
TOTAL $2,250,000
City of Ithaca
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MEMO TO: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee members
FROM: Dan Hoffman, Chairperson
DATE: March 5, 1998
RE: CANCELLATION OF MARCH MEETING
As you may recall from our February meeting, at least two members will be
out of town at the time of our next regularly scheduled meeting (Monday,
March 9, 1998) . These absences, combined with the lack of an active
liaison/member from the Board of Public Works, raise concerns that we may
not achieve a quorum. It appears that there are no urgent issues on which
the Committee must act at this time. Therefore, I have decided to cancel
the March meeting. The Committee will meet as usual on the second Monday
in April: Monday, April 13, at 5: 15 PM.
Enclosed are materials supplied by Roxy Johnston, regarding the beaver
problem. It appears that the Board of Public Works (though not Common
Council) became embroiled in the previous controversy, in 1993; thus, it
could be argued that the BPW should be consulted and asked to "sign off"
before action is taken to remove the beavers. I will let the BPW know of
the Committee's concern. Meanwhile, the destruction of numerous young,
healthy trees in the vicinity of the Wildflower trail and along the banks
of the Creek continues unabated.
Enclosure
cc: Rick Gray
Andy Hillman
Larry Fabbroni
Roxy Johnston
Doug Foster
Mayor Cohen
r_
City of Ithaca Water Treatment Plant
202 Water Street
Ithaca,NY 14850
City ofitliaca
Feb ruary 10, 1998
200 E.Buffalo
Ithaca NY, 14850
Dear Dan Hoffman:
Enclosed is the memo I mentioned regarding beavers. Chuck and I walked part of the trail this
morning(2/10/98)coming in from the Giles St.entrance. The current damage did not appear to be as
severe as that from 1992(Chuck's observation). The newest tree damage appeared to be on trees
across from the parking lot,down slope from the lagoons. The most recent damage seemed to be
from this fall. Chuck felt there was some chance that the beavers did not make it through the high
flows in January.
I specifically looked for the`larger'tree near the beginning of the trail that Nancy Ramage
mentioned. I was unable to locate any tree matching that description. There is a nice medium sized
oak(?)that has been damaged—but that damage is much older.
Perhaps it would be practical to consult with a person from the DEC again—given that they have
expertise with this sort of problem. Also, any tour of the gorge by a DEC official should include a
Six Mile Creek Committee representative—to ensure that specific concerns are addressed.
Sincerely,
44.4,-4---1== ,
Roxy Johnston
Lab Technician/Ecologist
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, April 13, 1998
5: 15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
5 min. - 1 . Introductions & Agenda Review
0 min. - 2 . Minutes of January & February Meetings (Not yet ready)
15 min. - 3 . Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
10 min. - 4 . Beaver Problem: Update
10 min. - 5 . Land Acquisition/Protection: Update
10 min. - 6 . Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation: Update
10 min. - 7 . Natural Areas Commission: Update
15 min. - 8 . Gorge Ranger( s) Selection for 1998 : Discussion
15 min. - 9 . Repair & Restoration Projects : Update
- Bridge Restoration at Pkg Area (Rick Gray)
- Repair of Lower Trail (Andy Hillman)
- Restoration of Areas Affected by Emergency
Pipeline Repair Project (R.Gray, A.Hillman)
- Bicycle Control Measures Along Rec Way
__= NOTE: May Meeting will be May 11, 1998 ( 2nd Monday) ___
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, if you expect
to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W)
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, May 11, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
5 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
5 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes (enclosed) :
- January 12, 1998 Meeting
- February 9, 1998 Meeting
15 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
15 min. - 4 . Land Acquisition/Protection: Update
- Thys Van Cort and/or Doug Foster invited
10 min. - 5. Natural Areas Commission: Update
20 min. - 6. "Work Party" in the Gorge: Sat. June , 1998
- Discussion & Proposal
5 min. - 7 . Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation: Update
10 min. - 8. Selection of 1998 Gorge Ranger(s)
5 min. - 9. Other Repair & Restoration Projects: Update
- Bridge Restoration at Pkg Area (Rick Gray)
- Repair of Lower Trail (Andy Hillman)
- Restoration of Areas Affected by Emergency
Pipeline Repair Project (R.Gray, A.Hillman)
- Bicycle Control Measures Along Rec Way
(P. Fortunato)
=== NOTE: June Meeting will be June 8, 1998 (2nd Monday) ===
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, if you expect
to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W)
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, June 8, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
5 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
5 min. - 2. Approval of Minutes (enclosed) :
- April 13, 1998 Meeting
- May 11, 1998 Meeting
15 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
15 min. - 4. 1998 Gorge Ranger(s) : Update, Discussion of Priorities
30 min. - 5. "Work Party" in the Gorge: Sat. June 27, 1998
- Finalize Details (equipment, supervision,
refreshments, etc)
- Publicity
10 min. - 6. Expenditure of Remaining Funds in 1998 Budget
- 2nd bridge from parking lot?
- More fencing/gates along Rec Way?
- Other
5 min. - 7 . Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation,
Commitment to Preserve Natural Area: Update
5 min. - 8. Natural Areas Commission: Update
__= NOTE: July_ Meeting will be July 13, 1998 (2nd Monday) ___
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) or 273-2202 (W)
dlh306 @aol.com
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
June 8, 1998 Minutes
Committee Present: Elizabeth Mulholland, Dan Hoffman (Chair) ,
Peter Fortunato, Jack Booker, Pat Vaughan; Ex officio: Andy
Hillman (City Forester) , Darlene & Crow (Gorge Rangers) .
Others Present: Roxy Johnston (Water & Sewer) .
Committee Absent: Richard Fischer, Mary Gutenberger, Harry
Littell, Nancy Ramage; ex officio: Larry Fabbroni, Chuck Baker,
Thys Van Cort (or designee) .
1. Introductions & Agenda Review:
New Gorge Rangers (Darlene & Crow) and Committee members were
introduced.
2 . Approval of Minutes:
Minutes of the meetings of April 13, 1998 and May 11, 1998
were approved without change.
3. Reports:
Beth Mulholland reported that wildflower paths are still
widening (due to muddy conditions) .
The plant sale was a success, with Pat Vaughan selling
aggressively.
A letter dated June 8, 1998 by Elizabeth Mulholland and Peter
Fortunato to the Editor (copy attached) centered on problems of
misbehaving dogs in 6 Mile Creek Gorge.
Andy Hillman reported sighting a new rope swing hanging from
a tree at the 30-foot dam.
4. 1998 Gorge Rangers:
The new Gorge Rangers, Darlene & Crow, reported observations
and priorities: dogs, bicycles (especially on South Hill side) ,
litter and tent (on City side of Van Natta's Dam) , swings,
jumping off old pump house (at 30-ft dam) and Giles Street
bridge, parking (on Giles Street and Slaterville Road) , and
beaver damage. . .
5. Work Party in the Gorge:
The "Work Party in the Gorge" scheduled for June 27, 1998
was postponed due to the unavailability of Nancy Ramage
(the coordinator) on that date. Discussion included the placing
of occasional logs to define trail edges as well as wood chips in
wet or washed-out areas.
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE, June 8, 1998 page 2
6. Expenditure of Remaining Funds in Budget:
Andy Hillman proposed use of remaining funds in the Six Mile
Creek "contracts" budget line (around $1500) to contract for a
simple footbridge (from the Giles Street parking area to the
"butterfly meadow" ) , including a bench built into the railing,
made from black locust, as a -memorial to Rick Gray (who drowned
since the last Committee meeting) .
A motion in support of contracting for construction of such a
bridge (with the design to be vetted by a subcommittee of Andy
Hillman, Beth Mulholland, and Dan Hoffman) was moved and passed
unanimously.
7. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation:
Pat Vaughan reported that negotiations with the Bolton Point
system were continuing.
8. Natural Areas Commission:
Dan Hoffman will be meeting with Bill Gray and the City
Attorney to try to iron out the few remaining, substantive
differences in proposed enabling legislation.
9. Other:
Roxy Johnston reported that new NYS grant money is available
for streambank stabilization/restoration. One area the City is
concerned about is the old slide area between Commonland and the
eastern end of the lower reservoir. She said the slide area is
threatening an active water line. Also Water & Sewer money is
available to control silt, which is a concern to Bolton Point and
to Cayuga Lake.
Dan expressed concern about the potential impact of getting
heavy equipment to the slide area and asked whether the solution
would involve massive regrading (such as occurred on the slopes
just to the west, above the reservoir) . Roxy indicated that
other, less disruptive approaches were possible.
Beth Mulholland suggested that Dan Karig (Cornell Professor
of Geology) be invited to participate in discussions of erosion
control.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.
Minutes by JFB
07/31/98 14:09 607 273 8433 IA4hlTF -->9p2734436 Pg. 01
Environmental Laboratories
525 Third St.Ithaca,NY 14850, (607)273-8381.Fax(607)273-8433,e-mail:ju13ecomeH.edu ,
ELAP 10869
EPA NY00981
TO: Dan Hoffman, Chairman Six Mile Creek Committee
FROM: Roxanne L. Johnston,Water Quality Analyst, City of Ithaca&Jose Lozano, Director
RE.: Six Mile Creek Watershed Assessment and Restoration
DATE: July 31, 199$
Attached is a copy of the application submitted under the NYS Bond Act by the City of Ithaca.
The project concerns streambank stabilization/restoration worts to be done in the Six Mile Creek
watershed Areas included in the proposed work fall in the City of Ithaca, the Towns of Caroline
and Ithaca, and,to a very minor extent,the Towns of Denby and Dryden. The overall project goal
is to ensure long-term protection of the Six Mile Creek watershed as a municipal water supply,
protect designated conservation and preserve areas, and to alleviate landowner erosion
concerns.
The project addresses drinking water concerns by making improvements in the silt pond design
and by stabilizing streambanks where erosion rates are disproportionately high Long-term
strearnbank protection is addressed through installation of riparian buffer zones throughout the
watershed. Critical areas of erosion were determined based on a study performed by the
Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District(1994). Areas of focus for buffer zones
and riparian forests will be based on more detailed assessments to be performed as part of this
project
A major component of this project is the bioassessment of the Six Mile Creek watershed. We
expect to gather data on stream morphology,water chemistry,invertebrate and fish populations,
and vegetation characteristics. This data will be used in conjunction with land use information,
soil types,topography,and aspect characteristics to develop a complete database for the
watershed and for development of a long term modeling program. The database will provide the
framework for an informed decision making process at the local level and will be beneficial
information for the state of New York as it works to fulfill the requirements of the Source Water
Assessment Program.
Broad-based support of this project will improve the likelihood that it is funded. Along with your
support, your comments and suggestions would also be greatly appreciated
Sincerely,
Roxanne L. Johnston `
•
--°i ice' CITY OF ITHACA
.-'1 1
'`�"'^"`., �4', 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850-5690
rr-09 .Pv OFFICE OF THE CONTROLLER
'7PoRA?S0=— Telephone: 607/274-6576 Fax: 607/272-7348
Water Quality Improvement Projects
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Room 398
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12233-3503
June 3, 1998 -_
Dear Sir(s)or Madam(s):
Enclosed is an application requesting Bond Act funding for development of a watershed
based management program for Six Mile Creek, located entirely in Tompkins County.
The project also addresses some critical areas of concern where immediate streambank
protection is needed.
The application is being made by the City of Ithaca through the Water and Sewer
Division. The creek serves as the drinking water supply for the city. Erosion threatens
this water source as well as private property and fish habitat.
Thank you for considering this application.
Sincerely, ,_
. , _ g_ v.--; at_
OW
i-
Roxanne Johnston
3111*.
.
Water Quality Analyst Laborato Di - or
Water and Sewer Division Environmenta Laboratories
City of Ithaca
enGrlj
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification."
WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS - CLEAN WATER/CLEAN AIR BOND ACT
APPLICATION FOR STATE ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS FOR SFY 1998/99
PART A •APPLICANT INFORMATION
1. APPLICANT MUNICIPALITY: 3. CONTACT PERSON: Roxanna Johnston
J City U Town J Village❑Other(specify)
of:Ithaca 4. PHONE:( 607) 273-8381 FAX:( 607 ) 273-8433
2. APPLICANT MAILING ADDRESS: 5. CONTACT MAILING ADDRESS(if different from applicant):
(no.&street) 108 E. Green St. (no.&street) 525 3rd. St.
(city) Ithaca N.Y. (zip) 14850 (city) Ithaca (state) NY (zip) 14850
PART B• GENERAL PROJECT INFORMATION
1. PROJECT NAME: Six Mile Creek Watershed Assessement and Restoration
2. PROJECT LOCATION(S)AND ZIP CODES:
D City J Town U Village of Dryden,Caroline, Ithaca, Danby County of: Tompkins
U City 21 Town D Village of
ZIP CODE(S): 14817, 13053, 14850, 14881 USGS Quad Map(or copy)Attached El
3. PROJECT TYPE:Select ONE Project Type ONLY
Wastewater Treatment Plant J Nonpoint Source Pollution.Nonagricultural
aJ Aquatic Habitat Restoration U Pollution Prevention
4. MANAGEMENT PROGRAM,PLAN OR PROJECT AREA(S):
a Great lakes U Lake Champlain U Long Island Sound ®Any Waters
a Finger Lakes O Hudson River O Peconic Estuary Program U Populations <75,000
U Onondaga Lake 0 NY-NJ Harbor Estuary Program ❑South Shore Estuary Reserve (WWT Qgly)
5.EXISTING CLEAN WATER STATE REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROJECT#
PART C• PROJECT TIMING AND COSTS
1. PROPOSED START DATE: November, 1997 3. TOTAL PROJECT COSTS: $ 963,900
2. EXPECTED COMPLETION DATE: June, 2001 4. STATE FUNDS REQUESTED $ 481,950
5. LOCAL MATCH $ 481,950
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 2
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
PART D- PROJECT SUMMARY
Provide a brief summary statement that describes the proposed project. Describe what will be constructed,the water quality andlor
aquatic habitat problem that will be addressed and anticipated environmental benefit of the proposed project. ' It may be helpful to
complete the application PRIOR to writing this summary.
The main obective of this project is to decrease silt loading of the City of Ithaca's water treatment facility and Cayuga Lake.
The most immediate concern is the City's silt dam where sediment removal is an annual event in an effort to protect the
city reservoir. The project addresses this concern by(i) construction of staging areas that significantly reduced
streambed disturbance, (ii) restructuring the silt pond for improved gravel removal, (iii) installation of revetments at compromise
sites, (iv) restoration of riparian forests and other vegetated waterways, (v)and development of a Dredged Silt Management
program.
The project also addresses long term solutions to the sediment problem through the development of a watershed
management program based on bioassessment protocols. To accomplish this portion of the project,the city, in
cooperation with various other groups,will (i)collect baseline physicochemical and ecological data(ii)develop a GIS
database,and(iii) use the data to participate in the development of a predictive modeling program that incorporates
hydrology,ecology, and economic factors. Results from this work will help pinpoint critical areas of concern for
streambank stabilization efforts including riparian forest restoration, buffer zones, and conventional riprap.
Source Water Assessment Program requirements will also be addressed through the project. Other benefits of
sediment loading abatement are(i)macroinvertebrate,fish and plant habitat restoration, (ii) reduced restrictions on use
in the south end of Cayuga Lake, (iii) reduced costs to the city in water treatment and reservoir maintainence, and(iv)
reduced bank erosion problems faced by landowners.
Sediment loading is a severe problem for the city's municipal water supply. It is responsible in part for swimming
restrictions in the South in of Cayuga Lake. It decreases suitable spawning habitat hurting fisheries., These reasons,
coupled with the lack of a management plan for the Finger Lakes in general and Cayuga Lake specifically, have created
the need for a project of this sort
PART E.MUNICIPAL RESOLUTION AND CERTIFICATION
3 Municipal resolution is attached
I hereby affirm under penalty of perjury that information provided on this form and attached statements and exhibits is true to the best of
my knowledge and belief. False statements made herein are punishable as a Class A misdemeanor pursuant to Section 210.45 of the Penal
Law.
(title) City Controller of(entity) City of Ithaca
(date) (signature)
(print name) Dominick Cafferillo
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 3
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
PART F- PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Clearly. concisely and specifically describe what the overall project is and where the project will be located.
For projects involving multiple phases. components and/or locations, briefly describe each below. Include
in the description(s). as appropriate:
What will be constructed to improve water quality or restore aquatic habitat. Identify
approved Best Management Practices (BMPs) and/or Best Available Technologies: include
dimensions. specifications. etc.
Improve silt dam area sediment removal/separation efficiency and decrease required maintenence disturbances.
Construction of access road, continuous flow channel,and high flow channel in silt pond.
Cease operations in current gravel removal site and restore riparian buffers.
Reshape existing silt pond to serve dual purpose of silt and gravel removal.
Expansion of buffer zone between silt pond and dredged material storage area using native vegetation.
Implement Dredged Material Management program.
Stilling basins and gravel trenches to decrease runoff from shooting range and silt storage.
Project area is slightly larger than 5 acres.
Streambank stabilization measures throughout watershed..
Installation of conventional riprap at selected sites with backfill where appropriate.
Installation of stacked slab(stone) revetments with backfill where appropriate.
Bank reshaping and revegetation at selected sites.
Restoration of riparian forests where compromised.
Promotion of zone-tillage practices throughout watershed.
Structure/vegetation installation will be in accordance with NCRS materials and construction specs.
Point sites for selected restoration encompass less then 5 acres..
Other restoration efforts will occur throughout the watershed over the course of the project
2. The location of the project (street address, proximity to the affected waterbody. etc.). For
point source projects. provide the location of the discharge. Remember to attach the required
maps (see instructions for Part B3 on page ii of this application form).
The silt dam is adjacent to Burns Rd. to the SE. It is located in the Town of Ithaca. (#2)*
Four sites have been selected for specific streambank stabilization structure installation:
Upstream of the 30'dam on the NE bank behind Commonlands development, Town of Ithaca. (#1)
Extensive slide area threatening raw water supply line, approx 30 yds. from main channel of creek.
Tributary along German Cross Rd., Town of Danby. (#3)
200 yard series of S-curve banks directly depositing clay and gravel, approx.25 m. from main channel.
Tributary from Grove School Rd. to Route 330,Town of Caroline. (#4)
Failing culvert at road crossing, slide area approx 100 yds. upstream of culvert.
End of Six Hundred Road, Town of Caroline. (#5)
Failing stacked slab structure on massive slide area-largest sediment contributor in watershed.
Other locations throughout the watershed will be selected based on results from the stream assessment.
*Map references are numbered at end of descriptions.
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 4
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
PART G -PROJECT BUDGET AND FUNDING SOURCES
• Project Budget
Fill in the proposed budget sheet below. In cases where projects involve multiple phases. components
and/or locations.use a copy of this budget sheet to provide a budget breakdown for each component.
phase or for each geographic area where work will be performed.
Name of Project Component (if applicable): Six Mile Creek Watershed Assessment and Restoration
Total Project
Costs * Local +State Funds
Expenditure Category tenter ALL Match Requested
project-related
costs)
1. Construction Costs
$ 400,000 $ 200,000 $ 200,000
2. Personal Services(i.e..Municipal
Personnel)
a. Salaries. Wages&Fringe Benefits $ 359,000
h.Travel $ 10,000
Total $ 369,000
$ 184.500 $ 184,500
3. Nonpersonal Services
a. Equipment $ 42,900
h. Supplies& Materials $ 65,000
c. Other(please specify) Testing, Indirect, Overhead $ 70,000
Total $ 177,900 $ 88,950 $ 88,950
4. Consultant/Contractual Services(e.g..engineering
and design. legal. fiscal) $ 17,000 $ 8,500 $ 8,500
5. Land Acquisition
$ NA $ $
6. Other(please specify)
$ NA $ $
7. Contingencies
$ NA $ $
8. Total 963,900 $ 481,950 _
$
*The Bond Act prohibits using other state or federal grant dollars received for the project for the local match of the project
+ State Funds refers to assistance from either Water Quality Improvement Project Bond Act or Environmental Protection
Fund implementation
BUDGET COMPONENTS:
This project does not conform well to a breakdown using the budget sheet. However, more
information may be helpful in assessing the project. Following is a more detailed list of expected
expenses.
Construction Costs:
Three sites of riprap installation with appropriate backfill and vegetation plantings. Stone
used no less than 500 lbs (pers. comm. Tom Chiotti, DEC biologist). Installation carried out by
professional contractors. Support of installation carried out by city employees of the Water and
Sewer(W&S) Department with use of W&S equipment. Vegetation obtained largely through
Plant Material Program. Planting coordinated with local schools and interested organizations to
miniminze costs. Additional plantings done by W&S staff.
Some sites will require removal of extensive amounts of downed vegetation. Two sites
involve repair of existing structures-both are constructed of stacked slabs. One site is better
contained using stacked slabs, access will require rudimentary extension of the existing
maintainence road with restoration measures after work is completed. __
A new mobile gaging station is being constructed through a cooperative effort with
USGS.
Salaries include project personnel at approximately half time for the duration of the project
plus one GIS support specialist at 1/10 time. There is also money budgeted to hire
seasonal/technical support for bioassessment portions of the project and longterm monitoring.
Supplies and materials are largely supported through the W&S Dept.with respect to
smaller items such as computer access, office supplies, etc. Some specialized equipment will be
required(some having already been purchased)such as: Hydrolab(multiparameter H2O probe-
purchased), computer programs/training/support(GIS software-some purchased, some training
completed), and a GPS. Smaller items will also have to be purchased such as; sampling bottles,
field equipment, analysis equipment, and sample testing at outside laboratories.
Some travel is expected to maintain awareness of current state of the science of
watershed management plus for technical training programs.
Consultant/Contractual Services:
Some restoration efforts will require expertise that may be contracted out. Issues
involving legal matters will require consultation. Some technical support work may be contracted
out depending on the availability of staff.
No other expenses are anticipated.
The majority of costs in this project will be in development of a Watershed Based Management
Program (WBMP). Construction of streambank protective structures is also expensive-and will
continue to be necessary if some other form of management for this stream is not implemented.
It is anticipated that the development of a successful WBMP will significantly decrease the current
threats/impairments to this watershed and therefore will decrease longterm expenses.
Bond Act/EPF April 1998
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
• Total Funding Squrces for Project
I. o State Funds Requested $ 481,950
?. Municipal Contribution (Local Match) $ 481,950
Specify Sources: City of Ithaca Water and Sewer Dept.
3. Total Project Costs $ 963,900
4. Other Funding Sources:
Funding Source Grant/Loan Type *Status of $Amount
(Federal,State,Local. Funding
Private)
Rural Development
Housing and Urban Development
Clean Water SRF Long-Term
Loan
Other Bond Act Funds (e.g. Parks
and Recreation. Brownfields)
Other Sources - specify
TOTAL $
o State Funds refers to assistance from either Water Quality Improvement Project Bond Act or Environmental
Protection Fund implementation
* Use the following to indicate status:
I - Intend to apply to the supplemental or alternative funding source. but have not done so at this time.
P -Have applied to the supplemental or alternative funding source, but have not received a commitment
at the time this application was filed.
A - Have received a commitment from the supplemental or alternative funding source.
•
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 6
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects .
PART H - PROJECT BENEFIT
•
Clearly.concisely and specifically describe the water quality and/or aquatic habitat problems that the project
will address. Include:
•
. The name and value of the affected waterbody(ies). Briefly describe the value of the resource
including:
• For a state-designated wetland. provide the designation number.
2 • For surface water. describe classified best use (i.e.. high quality drinking water. shellfish
waters. contact recreation. trout or trout propagation waters etc.)
• For a groundwater resource. indicate if it is a primary water supply aquifer and/or
supplying private wells.
• For aquatic habitat. provide the names of specific fish and wildlife species and how they
could use the habitat (i.e.. spawning. nursery. migratory etc.).
Surface water. Six Mile Creek is used as a municipal water source for the City of Ithaca. Approximately 2 miles
are designated as a wildflower preserve protecting rare and sensitive plants(Botrychium oneidense, Ulmus thomasii,
Carex hitchcockiana,Carex jamesii, Carex retroflexa, Poa sylvestris,and Cardamine douglasii). It is also used
recreationally for swimming and fishing along its length.
Aquatic habitat: Six Mile Creek has populations of Longnose Dace, Brook Trout, and Brown Trout. The distribution
of these fish is restricted due to habitat degradation in the lower reaches of the stream. Habitat restoration would
increase the presence of these fish.
Questions 24 ask for descriptions of: a)water quality and/or aquatic habitat impairment b) the
pollutant/disturhance causing the impairment c) the source of the pollutant/disturbance. Cite documentation
such as DEC's PWL.County Health Department violations. a report or study indicating a violation of water
quality standards. assessments in wildlife management plans. wildlife and/or habitat restoration plans_etc.
If the waterhody is listed on the NYS DEC Priority Waterbodies List(PWL), write the identification
number below and include the one page Waterbody Data Sheet from the PWL. (The PWL is available at all
' County Soil and Water Conservation District and DEC Regional offices). PWL Segment #: 0705-0040
A description of the water quality and/or aquatic habitat problem (i.e.. fish consumption
advisories. beach closures. habitat impairment from land use and hardening of shorelines. etc.)
Under the Great Lakes Management Program: Habitat loss/degradation and beach closings.
Under Finger Lakes and their tributaries: Municipal water supplies threatened, reduced fish populations,
and habitat loss/degradation.
Under Any Waters: Municipal water supplies threatened, beach closures, degradation of fish populations,
and habitat loss/degradation.
*Actual project work will take place in Six Mile Creek. The creek was not listed this year but has been in
prior years due to sediment problems. It is a major contributor to sediment problems in the south end of
Cayuga Lake, improvements in this tributary will have positive repercussions for the lake.
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 7
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
3. The name of the priority pollutant(s)or disturbance(s)causing the impairments.
Under the Great Lakes Program: Physical disturbance and turbidity.
Under Finger Lakes and their tributaries: Turbidity, silt/sediment, and physical disturbances.
Under Any Waters: Silt/sediment, habitat destruction, and physical disturbances.
4. The source(s)of priority pollutants or disturbances causing the impairment identified above.
Under the Great Lakes Program: Dredging, NPS, and shoreline development.
Under Finger Lakes and their tributaries: Urban and suburban runoff, NPS, hydro modification, and human activities
including shoreline development.
Under Any Waters: Urban and suburban runoff, NPS,hydro modification,and dredging.
5. The expected environmental benefit: Describe the extent to which a water quality and/or
aquatic habitat problem will be addressed by the project. For pollution prevention projects.
include a brief description of anticipated reduction in risk to the public health or environment and
explain the type and amount of toxic or hazardous material to be reduced.avoided or eliminated.
The project will decrease sediment loading to the silt dam and decrease sediment disturbance at the silt dam through
stabilization/protection measures.
The project will also address more permanent solutions by gathering baseline data for stream modeling which
will be used to help implement further streambank stabilization measures. The focus of the majority of the work
will be on decreasing sediments. The success of this project would result in dramatic decreases in sediment
loads to Cayuga Lake, improved treatment capacity for the drinking water facility, and habitat improvements.
Current sediment loads contribute to a swimming ban in the South end of Cayuga Lake and limit native brook trout
populations. Decreases in sediments would improve both situations.
PART I - COORDINATED APPROACH
I. Indicate the priority in a Management Plan or Program that the project will address (Refer
to Appendix 2 in the Information.for Applicants pages A-5 thrn A-26)
Under the Great Lakes Program: Restoration, protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat.
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 x
Application for State Assistance.Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
?. Explain how the project contributes to a comprehensive and coordinated approach to
solving water quality problems and/or restoring aquatic habitat. Include a brief description of
how the project is consistent with water quality policies or recommendations in other plans (i.e..
County Water Quality Strategy: an approved Watershed Management Plan: Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program: NYS Coastal Nonpoint Pollution Control Program: DEC approved
species or habitat management plan or project: and/or New York State's Open Space
Conservation Plan).
This project will fufill the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP)as outlined in the 1996 Clean Water Act
Amendments. SWAP requires delineation of watershed boundaries, identification of potential pollutants/other water
quality problems,development of appropriate management plans, and long term monitoring programs. The project
addresses all the objectives of SWAP. It also addresses priorities listed under the Great Lakes Management
Program.
The project will contribute to a database containing physiographic and geographic watershed data that is currently
under development in partnership with the USGS, USDA County Soil and Water Conservation-District, researchers
from the Center for the Environment from Cornell University, and Tompkins County Planning Department.
An integral component of a watershed management program is public involvement. Public participation is intrinsic
to this project in the form of cooperative efforts with landowners and other citizens groups. This component is
addresssed in the project through partnerships with Cayuga Nature Center, Cornell Cooperative Extension,
the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.
PART J -PROJECT READINESS
I. State Environmental Quality Review(SEQR) -For each question below,circle the
appropriate response
• What is the SEQR classification for the project? Type I Type II
• Has the SEQR process been commenced? ® N N/A
(e.g. has an Environmental Assessment Form been completed?)
• Has a lead agency been determined? N N/A
If YES. provide the name City of Ithaca
• Has a determination of significance been made by the lead agency? ( N N/A
If YES.circle the appropriate response to the following:
Negative Declaration? Q N N/A
Positive Declaration? Y N N/A
Has the draft Environmental Impact Statement been accepted? Y 0
Has the.final Environmental Impact Statement been accepted? Y
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 9
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
2. List the approvals and permits required for the project - using the tables below, indicate for each:
the type of approval/permit. the responsible agency: date application submitted: whether or not the
permits/approvals have been issued and the date issued.
• State Permits or Approvals(e.g.. SPDES. freshwater or tidal wetlands, stream disturbance, solid
xvastc)
Type Agency Date Issued Date
Submitted (Yes or No) Issued
Article 15 DEC June 3. 1998
• Federal or Local Permits or Approvals
Type Agency Date Issued Date
Submitted (Yes or No) Issued
3. Provide information about land ownership including the status of easements or permission to use
or restore the site.
A portion of watershed is owned outright by the city and protected under watershed rules and regulations. Other
parts of the watershed are under various jurisdictions(Towns of Caroline, Danby, Dryden, and Town of Ithaca, and
Slaterville Springs)with the remainder being privately held. Access to the land is partially covered under the
watershed rules and regulations as well as under the Department of Health permitting process. Cooperative
relationships have also been developed through the USDA with some private landowners. The major construction
site is under city ownership.
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 10
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
4. Describe the status of the following:
• technical reports:
Water Resources Data New York,Water Year 1996,Vol.3.,Western New York,USGS Water-Date Rpt NY-96-3.
Water Resources Data New York,Water Year 1997,Vol.3.,Western New York,USGS Water-Date Rpt NY-97-3.
Aquatic Vegetation Control Program,State Fiscal year 1986-1987,City of Ithaca,New York Planning and Development,Moran,E.C.
Cayuga Lake Ammonia Toxicity Assessment,June 1989,Special Joint Subcommittee,City and Town of Ithaca,Town of Dryden,
Moran,E.C.
An Analysis of the Six Mile Creek Watershed for Watershed Implementation Plan Development,June 1996, Center for the Environment.
and Dept.of Ag.and Biol.Eng.,Rutland,K.K.,Wilkinson,M.C.,and Steenhuis,T.S.
Six Mile Creek Streambank Erosion Inventory Report,Summer 1994,Soil and Water Conservation District,Barber,A.,Russell-Anelli,J.
• design drawings. plans and specifications:
GIS: Watershed boundary, hydrology, roads,topography, partial land use, EPA&USGS
reach files containing water quality data.
Soil type maps.
NCRS materials and construction specifications regarding riprap and vegetation measures.
Suggested stabilization measures as determined-by technical report number 5, listed above._
• other(e.g..bidding):
Two EPA and DOH certified laboratories available for water analyses as well as GIS
expertise/consulting through the City of Ithaca's Water and Sewer Department.
PART K - FOR NONPOINT SOURCE AND AQUATIC HABITAT RESTORATION PROJECTS
ONLY
1. Project Personnel - Identify the key personnel for the project. including:
• Name. title and qualifications of the Project Manager
Larry Fabbroni, P.E., L.S. Assistant Superintendant, Department of Public Works,Water&Sewer Division.
Experience with design and implementation of water quality projects. Previous experience administering
large scale projects.
• Name. title(s) and qualifications of parties responsible for project oversight
Jose Lozano, Ph.D., Lab Director of the Environmental Laboratories, City of Ithaca. Research design
experience in biological field. Experience with water quality related studies and problem solving.
Roxanna Johnston,Water Quality Analyst. Research design experience in ecological field.
Experience with implementation of restoration projects.
• Names. titles of parties responsible for operation and maintenance and their experience with a
similar type of project
Jose Lozano: Experience in environmental analyses, plant physiology and statistics background.
Roxanna Johnston: Experience developing and implementing restoration project involving native plants,
soil characteristics, and soil organisms. Experience performing field surveys-both taxonomic and .
physiogeographic.
Bond Act/EPF April 1998 //
Application for State Assistance Payments for Water Quality Improvement Projects
2 Operation and Maintenance-Briefly describe the following:
• An explanation of how the project will be maintained (i.e.. inspections. scheduled monitoring
and repair)
Weekly gaging station readings coupled with automatic storm event sampling of silt loading and flow regimes.
Quality control/Quality Assurance program in place with USGS, EPA, and NYSDOH.
Gaging station site maintained by City of Ithaca crews. Hydrology equipment maintained/calibrated by USGS
and Environmental Laboratories Personnel.
Water treatment plant daily monitoring and annual reporting.
Weekly monitoring of silt loading at city reservoir.
Appropriate follow-up at sites of riprap/vegetation installation to ensure structural soundness and plant health..
• An explanation of how the project will be redesigned if the original project does not meet the
project goals after five years.
This project incorporates watershed modeling approaches that will allow for continual adjustment and modification
of approaches. Involved parties will evaluate the project semi-annually.
The only structures proposed in this project are conventional riprap and stacked slabs. Failure of any of these
structures would require rehabilitation or removal,whichever is deemed appropriate. Failure of vegetative
measures would require consideration of more aggressive techniques for those sites.
PART L-ENFORCEMENT STATUS
• Ic the municipality under enforcement(e.g..consent order) to construct the project?
❑yes Ono
• If YES. attach a copy of the enforcement instrument
I "
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SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, July 13, 1998
5:15 - 6:30 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
5 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
0 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes _
- June 8, 1998 not yet submitted)
20 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Gorge Rangers
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
20 min. - 4 . "Work Party" in the Gorge
- Now scheduled for Sat. July 18th, 9:30 AM
- Who will attend?
- Discussion of tasks (equipment, supervision,
refreshments, etc. )
5 min. - 5. Natural Areas Commission: Update
5 min. - 6. Land Acquisition/Protection: Update
10 min. - 7 . Stream Stabilization Grant/Project: Update
10 min. - 8. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation
- Update on City Decision-Making
- Update on Commitment to Preserve Natural Area
(regardless of water system decision)
=== NOTE: August Meeting will be August 10, 1998 (2nd Monday) ===
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) , 273-2202 (W) or d1h306 @aol.com
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, August 10, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
3 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
Designation of Notetaker
2 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes
- June 8, 1998 (enclosed)
- July 13, 1998 (not yet submitted)
20 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Gorge Rangers
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
15 min. - 4 . Second "Work Party" in the Gorge
- Scheduled for Sat. Aug. 15, 9:30 AM
- Try to improve path above old pipeline?
- Who will attend?
- Discussion of tasks (equipment, supervision,
refreshments, etc. )
30 min. - 5. Transition to Natural Areas Commission
- On 8/5/98, Common Council approved legislation
replacing the SMCAC with a Natural Areas
Commission. The next time our group meets, it
will probably be as the NAC. We will discuss
upcoming changes and opportunities.
20 min. - 6. Streambank Stabilization Project/Grant Application
- Presentation by Roxy Johnston
(copy of grant application enclosed;
please review before meeting)
- Discussion
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) , 273-2202 (W) or dlh306 @aol.com
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Minutes of Meeting, 4/13/98
Committee Present: Harry Littell, Nancy Ramage, Richard Fischer,
Dan Hoffman (Chair) , Pat Vaughan, Elizabeth Mulholland, Jack
Booker, Peter Fortunato.
Others Present: Roxy Johnston.
Committee Absent: Mary Gutenberger; ex officio: Andy Hillman,
Larry Fabbroni, Chuck Baker, Thys Van Cort (or designee) .
1. Minutes. The minutes of January & February meetings were not
yet available for approval. (The March meeting was cancelled. )
Dan intends that at our next meeting, the previous three sets of
minutes, including these in hand, will be available.
2 . Water System Options. There isn't any new substantial
information available about the City's forthcoming decisions.
Pat recapitulated the City's options. On May 14, 1998, City
representatives will meet with those from Bolton Point in order
to assess possibilities for partnership in the water business (in
particular, what would be the cost of water) .
Dan reiterated the Committee's concerns for the future of
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area (in the event the City goes out
of the water "business" ) , as stated in the position we adopted
recently. Pat said she'd brought this up previously with City
people, who listened but made no real comment about our concerns.
Pat said she thought that if the City truly got out of the water
business, land acquisition in the Six Mile Creek area might no
longer be a priority for the City.
Dan requested that Pat reiterate to Common Council the
unique value of Six Mile Gorge, this Committee's concerns about
protecting it, and the general level of public concern for the
Natural Area. Pat said she will request that this issue be
placed on Council's agenda for the next meeting. The issue would
then probably be referred to the City's Planning & Economic
Development Committee. Pat suggested that SMCAC members lobby
Common Council regarding the importance of the matter as we see
it. Pat thinks the most important question has to do with what
level of maintenance the Natural Area would be accorded, if the
City went out of the water business. Jack asked Dan if he could
draft a resolution to be presented to Common Council, and Dan
graciously agreed to do so. The Committee passed unanimously a
motion requesting that Dan write such a resolution.
3. Natural Areas Commission. Dan said he happened to be at a
meeting of the Planning & Economic Development Committee where
the draft legislation that would create the Natural Areas
Commission was discussed. (No one had notified him that this
discussion was on the agenda. )
There is a continuing disagreement about the involvement of
the Natural Areas Commission in decision-making processes. This
raises once again the Six Mile Creek Committee's concerns about
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 4/13/98 page 2
the effectiveness of a Natural Areas Commission. The main
sticking point appears to be the language of SS 114-4.B and 114-
6, which are intended to require the solicitation of the NAC's
advice prior to new construction or rehabilitation of facilities
in a natural area, and prior to the approval of a restoration
plan. The SMCAC recommends that the only exceptions should be
for "necessary, emergency repairs, " while the Superintendent of
Public Works wants exceptions for "emergency repairs and
necessary improvements. " The SMCAC feels the "necessary
improvements" exception is too vague and might be construed to
include almost anything.
The SMCAC endorsed slightly revised versions of the two
sections in question, as suggested by Dan:
§114-4 . B. Except for necessary, emergency repairs to the water
supply system at Six Mile Creek and routine maintenance of
existing facilities, no significant, permanent changes shall be
made in the Natural Areas without approval from the Board of
Public Works or the Common Council, acting after soliciting the
advice of the Natural Areas Commission. "Routine maintenance"
refers to work carried out on a regular basis and according to
standardized, general procedures set forth in the "ecologically-
informed guidelines" described in Section 114-5 of this Chapter,
§114-6. Any significant disruption of a Natural Area by the City
shall be restored to as natural or compatible a state as
practical, on the basis of a restoration plan promulgated with
the advice of the Natural Areas Commission. If the Department of
Public Works and the Natural Areas Commission cannot agree on the
plan, the Board of Public Works shall make a final determination.
In related matters, Pat updated information on State funds
available for the City's purchase of the Ithaca Falls land. Dan
mentioned that a public hearing scheduled for April 20 will focus
on a proposed master plan for the entire Southwest area of the
City, including the proposal to develop the current Southwest
Park and designate a "substitute park" (natural area) further
south that includes the Negundo Woods.
4. Reports: Beth reported on the glory of this year's Hepatica
bloom in the Gorge. She also spoke about the continuing problem
of damage by beavers throughout the area near Van Natta's dam.
Also, a lot of last year's restoration project trees have not
survived. Also, staging sites and truck turn-arounds off the
access "superhighway" are now being used as bonfire sites. Also,
many Hemlock branches are down in the woods because of winter's
last heavy snow.
Peter spoke about his recent positive contact with the Town
regarding measures to prevent mountain biking off the South Hill
Rec Way near the upper reservoir. So far, however, he doesn't
know if the fencing has materialized.
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 4/13/98 page 3
Nancy spoke about the need for repair of the lower trail on
the north side of the gorge. Roxy suggested that the Committee
could try to organize a volunteer effort to spread wood chips on
the trail. Nancy said she would contact Andy asking if materials
could be made available for chip-spreading by volunteer workers,
perhaps in early May.
Beth reminded us of the yearly plant sale at the high
school. The Six Mile Creek Information booth could help get
volunteers for trail work.
5. Beavers, and more beavers, and some more about beavers who
chew up a lot of trees in order to make a good living for
themselves in Six Mile Creek: The City has not acted on the
Committee's recommendation that beavers causing extensive tree
damage in the Van Natta's Dam area be removed. Roxy has found a
1992 Board of Public Works resolution, indicating that no action
would be taken (on an earlier beaver problem) at that time. Dan
pointed out to the Mayor that the present beaver damage is in a
new, more visible location (along the most heavily used sections
of the trail) and is quite extensive. The Mayor reported back to
Dan that BPW feels the State DEC has to sign off on the solution
- e.g. , trapping and removing our furry, buck-toothed and
voracious neighbors. Dick will contact DEC to find out about
beaver trapping season and related regulations.
6. Land Acquisition: No news to speak of. Nancy mentioned the
urgency of continuing efforts toward acquisition of the parcels
we wish to purchase. Dan will find out exactly how much money is
currently available for such purposes.
7 . Gorge Ranger: Dan will contact Andy to see if he has ideas
or candidates in mind for filling the position this year. The
season is beginning, and Gorge use is already very high. Beth
and Peter said they would read resumes of applicants again, if
necessary.
8. Restoration Projects: Roxy and Dan each have information
about possible sources of funds.
9. House for Sale on Giles Street. A large house near the upper
"trail" entrance on Giles Street is for sale. Nancy suggests it
could be a great resource for Six Mile Gorge, as a study center,
for example. The place, however, has a very high price tag.
Some argued that investment in large parcels of land is a higher
priority. Discussion gave Committee members the opportunity to
envision long term goals and consider the means by which the
Natural Area might be buffered and protected for the future.
10. Possible rescheduling of next meeting: stay tuned.
Meeting adjourned 6:45 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Peter Fortunato
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Minutes of Meeting, 5/11/98
Committee Present: Harry Littell, Dick Fischer, Dan Hoffman
(Chair) , Pat Vaughan, Elizabeth Mulholland, Jack Booker; ex
officio: Andy Hillman (City Forester) , Thys Van Cort (Planning
Director) .
Committee Absent: Peter Fortunato, Mary Gutenberger, Nancy Ramage;
ex officio: Larry Fabbroni (Asst Supt for Water & Sewer) , Chuck
Baker (Water Plant Operator) .
1. Minutes. The minutes of the January 12, 1998 and February 9,
1998 meetings were approved as submitted.
2 . Reports. Andy: The third memorial bench has been
designated/paid for, in honor of Mary Johnson. There is $1,575
remaining in the Contracts budget line for Six Mile Creek, enough
to pay for a second bridge from the parking area or for some
fencing along the Rec Way. More plantings are planned for the
pipeline restoration area. Service road from Commonland may be
"abandoned" by City, now that access is available from Giles
Street.
Pat: Took Committee's request (for commitment to protect Six
Mile Creek Natural Area, whatever decision is made regarding water
system) to Common Council. Issue will probably be addressed by
Planning & Economic Development Committee. We should ask Rick Gray
to keep us posted, as Pat is not on P&ED Committee.
Dick: Spoke to Ray Nolan of Dept of Environmental
Conservation regarding beaver trapping/relocation. Nolan is very
"reticent" to issue permit out of season; won't grant permit to
destroy lodge, in any case. Trapping season is February/March.
Dick presented Chair with a collection of photos he and his wife
took, documenting damage to trees at Six Mile Creek by beaver.
Nancy (in abstentia) : Dan says Nancy noticed that small house
on Giles Street across from upper trail entrance is for sale
(cheap) . She wondered if it would make sense for City to acquire
it and convert lot into parking area (e.g. , for people with chairs,
who would have an easier time navigating the upper trail) . Most
feel that pedestrian/wheelchair crossings of Giles Street at that
spot would be dangerous, and that acquisition of land in a natural
state is a higher priority.
3. Land Acquisition/Protection. Thys Van Cort, Director of
Planning for the City, attended at the Chair's request and updated
the Committee regarding land acquisition. His opinion is that all
the land between the Rec Way and the back lot lines of properties
fronting on Slaterville Road should be in public ownership. He
said the process of acquisition was "grinding on very slowly; " he
is not sure why it is taking so long. Thys says Planning Dept does
not have enough staff time to make it a priority. He is not sure
who is in charge of negotiating with property owners. City now
believes it can use eminent domain to acquire Six Mile Creek land
(even in Town) if property owners won't negotiate.
mm
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 5/11/98 page 2
Thys produced a summary of Capital Project 292, indicating a
Council authorization of $275,000, and disbursements (in 1996 and
1997 ) of $52,567.88 (mostly for Somero-Pakkala and Walker
purchases) . The balance remaining, for land acquisition, appears
to be $222,432. 12. The summary does not distinguish between monies
restricted for "water supply" purposes and unrestricted funds.
Thys will supply updated list of properties to be acquired,
appraised values, etc. These parcels should be prioritized.
4 . Natural Areas Commission. No progress, apparently.
Investigation into contamination problems with Ithaca Falls site to
be completed soon?
5. "Work Party" in the Gorge. Nancy has proposed that the
Committee sponsor a volunteer effort to spread wood chips along the
lower trail, on Saturday, June 27th, starting at 9:30 AM. Andy
says Public Works can arrange to have an ample supply of chips
delivered to the parking area by then, as well as carts or other
equipment to move them. Andy says he can provide at least two DPW
personnel to supervise. All committee members present say they
expect to be able to participate. The project was endorsed
unanimously. Specific details and plans for publicity will be
finalized at our June meeting.
6. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation. No real movement. City
is still waiting to get cost information from Bolton Point.
7 . Selection of 1998 Gorge Ranger(s) . Neither of last year's
rangers is available. City has advertised; there are three
applicants so far. Committee and Andy agree that the preferred
situation is to have two part time rangers who can complement and
back each other up, rather than one full time. Beth and Peter
volunteered to assist in screening applicants. Target date for
hiring is (by) Memorial Day.
8. Repair & Restoration Projects. Dan reports that the Town of
Ithaca has built at least two more sections of wooden fence, with
gates, at locations where paths used (improperly) by bikers leave
the Recreation Way. Andy suggests that the City could contract
with someone to build other sections (in the same style) , using
funds left in the Six Mile Creek budget for 1998.
Adjournment at approximately 6:45 PM.
Minutes submitted by Dan Hoffman.
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Unapproved)
Minutes, August 10, 1998
Committee present: Dan Hoffman, chair; Jack Booker, Harry Littell,
Beth Mulholland, Nancy Ramage, Pat Vaughan; ex officio: Andy
Hillman (City Forester) , Crow Marley and Darlene Bently (gorge
rangers) , Doug Foster (for City Planner Thys Van Cort) .
Others present: Roxy Johnston.
Committee absent: Dick Fischer, Mary Gutenberger, Peter Fortunato;
ex officio: Larry Fabbroni, Chuck Baker.
1. Minutes for June 8 and July 13 were approved as submitted.
2 . Reports:
D. Hoffman reported that the Executive Summary of the Town
of Ithaca's Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan is now out, and
passed around a copy. It includes the Sincebaugh property as a
parcel recommended for low-density, residential zoning and for
inclusion in a Town program for purchase of development rights.
The gorge rangers distributed a written report (attached to
official minutes) , and discussed the month's activities.
B. Mulholland reported that the Travel Writers, meeting
here, were impressed with the local enthusiasm for Ithaca.
R. Johston announced a meeting of the Cayuga Lake Watershed
group for Sat. , Aug. 15, at the Goose Watch Winery.
D. Foster reported that two properties -- SM 2 (Grigorov)
and SM 4 (Baker) have been acquired (as substitute parkland) ;
that the Tulson property has been approved for subdivision (prior
to City purchase of one portion) ; and that negotiations with Dr.
Sweet -- for SM 11 and 12 -- are proceeding. (These will also
require subdivision) . [Dan, is this worded correctly?]
3. Second "Work Party" in the gorge:
N. Ramage outlined plans for the 2nd Work Party for this
coming Saturday. The purpose will be to spread more chips along
the path, and to repair the disrupted path along the exposed
pipeline, damaged in a severe flood a few years ago. We discussed
plans and divided up tasks to prepare for the event. Ramage also
thanked the committee as well as community members for the
successful Work Party that took place on July 18.
4. Transition to Natural Areas Commission:
Hoffman reported that Common Council has approved the
Natural Areas Commission, which means that the Six Mile Creek
Advisory Committee will disappear as soon as the Mayor makes the
appropriate appointments to the new commission. Dan will write a
letter outlining membership details and making a number of requests
for the committee (per "Proposed Tasks" memo, attached to official
minutes) . D. Foster will provide maps, including refined versions,
so as to define exactly what areas will fall within the
commission's purview.
.1)?
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- 8/10/98 Minutes p. 2
A. Hillman will request an increased budget for the new
commission since our responsibilities and coverage will be so much
greater. New signage is one immediate expense to come out of the
budget.
5. Streambank Stabilization Project/Grant Application:
R. Johnston made a presentation of the grant application
that she and Jose Lozano, Laboratory Director, have submitted for
stabilization of the creek banks in selected "critical areas. " The
committee will continue its discussion at the next meeting, as time
ran out.
Minutes taken by N. Ramage
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
City of Ithaca
306 Giles Street
Ithaca NY 14850
August 21, 1998
Hon. Alan Cohen, Mayor
City of Ithaca
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca NY 14850
RE: Appointment of Natural Areas Commission members
Dear Alan:
The members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (SMCAC)
were pleased to learn that Common Council has approved the
establishment of the Natural Areas Commission (NAC) , which will
encompass the existing SMCAC and broaden its scope.
The SMCAC has asked me to convey the following concerns to
you.
It is our understanding that while the legislation
establishing the NAC was apparently intended to take effect
immediately, the members of the NAC cannot begin functioning as
such until they are officially appointed.
As you know, the NAC legislation stipulates that all of the
existing SMCAC members (who wish to) will be appointed to serve on
the initial NAC. I have polled the current members, with the
exception of Mary Gutenberger (liaison from BPW) . All eight
(listed below) are willing to continue.
SMCAC position
Dan Hoffman, 306 Giles Street CAC liaison
Nancy Ramage, 964 E. State Street at large
Peter Fortunato, 172 Pearsall Place at large
Elizabeth Mulholland, 105 Penny Lane at large
Jack Booker, 308 Eastwood Terrace at large
Harry Littell, 902 Giles Street at large
Richard Fischer, 135 Pine Tree Road Town Conservation
Board
Pat Vaughan, 304 Eastwood Avenue Common Council
Mary Gutenberger has never attended a SMCAC meeting; it is our
understanding that her schedule will not permit it. Since regular
communication with Public Works will be essential for the proper
functioning of the NAC, we strongly encourage you to find a BPW
liaison who will be able to attend on a regular basis.
The NAC legislation provides for 11 seats, 9 of which are to
be filled by the Mayor. We respectfully suggest that assigning
current members as follows would satisfy the requirements for the
seats to be filled by the Mayor. (The 6 public, at-large
appointments require ratification by Common Council. ) As you can
see, there is one more at-large seat than there are current SMCAC
members. If the NAC is to include at least 8 City residents, as
required, the new, at-large member must live in the City;
furthermore, s/he should have a "strong interest in and familiarity
with the Ithaca Falls area. "
Public, at-large (6) :
- at least 3 familiar with Six Mile Creek:
FORTUNATO, LITTELL*, RAMAGE*
- at least 2 familiar with Ithaca Falls:
MULHOLLAND, * [vacancy]
- one other:
BOOKER*
Common Council (1) : VAUGHAN*
Conservation Advisory Council (1) : HOFFMAN*
Board of Public Works (1) : * [vacancy]
* = City resident (at least 8 of 11 must be)
We note that of the at-large members, two are to be appointed
through December, 1998, two through December, 1999, and two through
December, 2000. The NAC legislation suggests that "the Mayor shall
use best efforts to appoint board members with training or
expertise in geology, woodland or forest ecology, and archeology. "
Among current SMCAC members, Dr. Fischer and Beth Mulholland have
training and/or expertise in woodland ecology.
In addition to the nine seats described above, one seat is to
be filled by a liaison from the Town of Ithaca's Conservation
Board, named by that body (Richard Fischer has been serving in that
role on the SMCAC) and one seat is to be filled by Cornell
University (apparently, this must also be a City resident) ;
Cornell's Natural Area Commission may also name an ex-officio
member from within its ranks. We request that you contact these
entities and ask them to make these appointments as soon as
possible (keeping in mind the areas of expertise we are seeking) .
The SMCAC has continued to meet (and to be productive, as
evidenced by our repair work on the gorge trail! ) , pending
appointment of at least a quorum of the NAC. We are eager to move
forward with our new, broader charge. If I can be of further
assistance, please let me know.
Sincerely yours,
DANIEL HOFFMAN
Chairperson
cc: Pat Vaughan
Mariette Geldenhuys, Esq.
Doug Foster
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, September 14, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
3 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
Designation of Notetaker
2 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes
- August 10, 1998 (enclosed)
15 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Gorge Rangers
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
5 min. - 4 . October Meeting Date
(2nd Monday is a holiday)
10 min. - 5 . Land Acquisition
- Update
10 min. - 6 . Work Parties
- Review of accomplishments to date
- What's next?
10 min. - 7 . 1999 Budget Request
- Update, discussion
20 min. - 8. Transition to Natural Areas Commission
(see attached letter to Mayor Cohen)
- Update, discussion
10 min. - 9 . Streambank Stabilization Project/Grant Application
- Update, continued discussion
5 min. - 10. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation
- Update on City Decision-Making
- Update on Commitment to Preserve Natural Area
(regardless of water system decision)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) , 273-2202 (W) or dlh306 @aol.com
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE (Unapproved)
Minutes, September 14, 1998
Committee Present: Dan Hoffman, chair; Jack Booker, Harry Littell,
Beth Mulholland, Nancy Ramage, Pat Vaughan; ex officio: Crow
Marley (gorge ranger) , Doug Foster (for City Planner Thys Van
Cort) , Larry Fabbroni (Ass't Supt of Public Works) .
Others Present: Roxy Johnston, Mayor Alan Cohen.
Committee Absent: Dick Fischer, Peter Fortunato, BPW
representative; ex officio: Chuck Baker.
1. Minutes for Aug. 10 approved; under "Committee Absent, " the
name "Mary Gutenberger" to be replaced by "BPW representative. "
2 . Discussion about the need for the Mayor to name a new
representative from the Board of Public Works.
3 . Reports:
Gorge rangers' written report described increase in activity
due to the return of students. National Merit Scholars helped
clean up Indian Encampment area. Police apprehended and released
person with B-B gun in that area. Pot plant growing on top of old
mill building taken into police custody. Rangers seek
clarification of rules and duties. (Eg. , what is "swimming?" )
D. Hoffman asked L. Fabbroni if City could produce attractive,
consistent signage (as Cornell Plantations does) to notify people
that they are entering a natural area.
4 . Transition to Natural Areas Commission:
Mayor Cohen asked SMCAC to help find and nominate qualified
individuals for remaining NAC seats (ie. , those that won;t be
filled by current SMCAC members) . Cohen will present current names
and any new ones to Common Council, for approval. R. Johnston
presented draft of NAC board member requirements, which will be
directed towards qualified individuals at Cornell.
5 . Next meeting date set for Oct. 19, due to Columbus Day holiday.
6 . Land Acquisition:
D. Foster thought City may have closed on a couple of the
substitute parkland properties. D. Hoffman wondered if anyone had
contacted the mysterious Mr. Sincebaugh. L. Fabbroni suggested
f
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE Page 2
Minutes, September 14, 1998
that the most effective approach might be to talk to his lawyer
(Richard Thaler) .
7 . Work Parties:
Praise for recent accomplishments. More to do: C. Marley --
more trail work could be done at Indian Encampment, graffiti
removed (or covered) at Columbia St. footbridge, railroad tie steps
repaired at Columbia St. entrance, chips placed on rest of loop
trail. D. Hoffman -- erosion on trail near Wildflower parking
area, steps needed off access road near 30' dam. C. Marley and H.
Littell agree to organize one more work party to build steps.
8. 1999 Budget:
SMCAC goes on record as advising Common Council that present
SMCAC budget ($9,840) will not cover expenses of MAC, with its
expanded responsibilities . P. Vaughan suggests A. Hillman
bring supporters to Common Council and make a pitch for more funds.
9 . Future of City Water System:
P. Vaughan discussed the City's proposal to Bolton Point to
buy water, merge distribution systems. Bolton Point hasn't
accepted. Acceptance would take City out of water business. L.
Fabbroni suggested that entire area would benefit from merger. D.
Hoffman reiterated SMCAC's concern about fate of the natural area.
10. Public Forum on Watershed:
R. Johnston submitted a draft format for an upcoming event
aimed at viewing and discussing the watershed and watershed issues.
Minutes by H. Littell
"MAYOR'S OFFICE
—9 .
CITY OF ITHACA"
September 30, 1998
Re: Natural Areas Commission
To Whom It May Concern:
The people of Ithaca are blessed with an environment that is rich in natural beauty especially in the
many waterways and gorges that dot the local region. Therefore it is important that we continually
search for effective governing mechanisms to manage and maintain this heritage. I read with great
interest an electronic bulletin describing the Natural Areas Commission for the City of Ithaca. Please
accept this package of information as a formal application for membership on this committee.
Three years ago I relocated to Ithaca, taking a position with the Work and Environment Initiative (WEI),
a program of Cornell's Center for the Environment(CfE). With WEI, I coordinated the organizations
research, outreach, and fundraising efforts around new approaches for achieving sustainable economic
development. Key activities included training community development officials in targeted recruitment
strategies, organizing the national Eco-Industrial Development Roundtable, and securing funding from
multiple sources. Prior to WEI, I worked with the Energy, Environment, and Resources Center (EERC)
in Knoxville, Tennessee on "beneficial reuse" projects sponsored by the federal Department of Energy
(DOE).
There is nothing more invigorating than a brisk morning in early Spring or late Fall walking one of
Ithaca's many creeks in search of the big fish. As a fly fisherman and outdoorsman, I appreciate what
our local waters, woods, and gorges have to offer. For these reasons, along with a deep sense of
community spirit, I am very interested in serving on the Natural Areas Commission.
Thanks in advance for considering my credentials.
Sincerely,
—'-149 Ilk 6tilIctO
Tad McGalliard
Education and Development Coordinator
Cornell Center for the Environment
TAD MCGALLIARD
1147 Danby Road 607/277-0276 (hm)
Ithaca, NY 607/255-9996 (wk)
14850 tnm2 @cornell.edu
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Cornell Center for the Environment, Ithaca, New York.
Education and Development Coordinator 08/98-present
• Coordinate development of a new environmental major; administer graduate degree in
environmental management.
• Develop Center-wide publications including annual report, newsletters, and web-based outreach.
• Manage Center's development efforts including donor maintenance, and solicitations.
Cornell Center for the Environment, Work and Environment Initiative, Ithaca, New York.
Research Associate 11/95-08/98
• Grant Writing and Proposal Development. Organize and write both unsolicited proposals and
responses to "request for proposals." Successfully raised over$200,000 from various federal and
nonfederal sources including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Energy, City of
Trenton, NJ, Northampton County, VA, and Team Associates Inc.
• Outreach and Seminar Management. Organize and manage various outreach activities
including seminars, roundtable meetings, and conferences. Organized an eight week seminar
series on "Industrial Ecology" in conjunction with Cornell University's Johnson Graduate School of
Management. Instrumental in organizing the Eco-Industrial Development Program, a networking
association of communities.
• Marketing Analysis. Conduct local, regional, national, and international market analyses.
Developed a regional business recruitment strategy for the Sustainable Technologies Industrial
Park in Cape Charles, VA by focusing on local and regional strengths of the Eastern Shore of
Virginia and the growing Norfolk market. Developed regional market overviews in support of eco-
industrial development projects in Plattsburgh, NY, Baltimore, MD, and Trenton, NJ.
• Research Coordination and Publications. Direct research activities for sponsored projects using
on-line or published sources including world wide web searches, on-line literature reviews,
database searches, and database development. Authored numerous deliverables including
feasibility studies, presentations, and marketing strategies.
• Project Management. Organize staff activities to ensure successful completion of sponsored
projects. Develop project outlines, action steps, and milestones for completing tasks. Prepare
budget and financial management plans for multiple projects.
1
Bridge Refugee Services, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Placement Coordinator 08/95-11/95
• Outreach and Prospect Development. Responsible for developing financial and organizational
support for individuals and families given refugee status and granted asylum by the U.S.
Department of State. Organized and delivered presentations to ecumenical organizations about
sponsoring refugees. Engaged in follow-up discussions with interested groups and individuals.
• Market Research. Compiled lists of targeted organizations which included churches, religious
groups, and nonprofit organizations and developed contacts. Organized information into
databases and weekly reports in order to better manage current and future activities.
University of Tennessee's Energy, Environment, and Resources Center, Knoxville, Tennessee.
Research Specialist and Conference Coordinator 01/93-11/95
• Proposal and Grant Writing. Co-authored several successful grant and contract proposals
including a $275,000 cooperative agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency and
several sponsored projects with Lockheed Martin/Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
• Conference Management. Primary responsibility for the organization and operation of the annual
Beneficial Reuse Symposium (1993-1995). Tasks included: advertising, production of marketing
and registration materials, budgeting, exhibit sales, agenda development and speaker
commitments, accounts receivable, registration procedures, trouble shooting, and publishing
proceedings.
• Research and Publications. Directed research activities for sponsored projects with the
Department of Energy. Developed and managed a mail survey that was sent to nearly 2,000
managers in the steel manufacturing and scrap metal brokerage industries. Co-authored several
reports on the recycle and reuse of contaminated scrap metal.
Apple Tree Bookstores, Inc., Knoxville, Tennessee.
Sales Manager 08/89-08/91
• Sales and Marketing. Responsible for retail sales of a locally-owned bookstore company with two
retail outlets. Developed a marketing program that featured presentations, performances, and
exhibits by local artists, musicians, writers, and nonprofit organizations. Assisted customers with
special orders and book selections.
• Management. Managed a small sales force of both part-time and full-time employees. Trained
employees in the use of computerized inventory and sales programs, and sales techniques.
Organized monthly and annual inventories
• Purchasing. Purchased book and non-book items for resale.
EDUCATION
01/93-08/95 Master of Arts, University of Tennessee, Political Science.
06/92-12/92 Teacher's Certification Program, University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
09/85-05/89 Bachelor of Arts, University of Tennessee, Liberal Arts.
INTERESTS
Mountain biking, rappelling, fly fishing, hiking, book collecting, and traveling.
2
•
•
Committee Information Form
The City of Ithaca would first like to thank you for your interest in serving on a City committee. We appreciate
and value the members of our community who wish to be of service in this capacity. Please fill in the basic
information below. Most committee appointments require Common Council approval, and basic information for
each applicant is helpful for Council Members.
NAME: THOMAS N. MCGALLIARD (TAM
ADDRESS: 1147 DANBY ROAD. ITHACA. NY 14850
PHONE: (HOME) 607/2 7 7-0 2 7 6 (WORK) 607/255-9996 (FAX) 607/255-0238
E-MAIL ADDRESS: TNM2 @CORNELL.EDU
DATE OF BIRTH: APRIL 25. 1967 LENGTH OF RESIDENCE IN THE CITY: 3 YEARS
OCCUPATION: EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR. CORNELL CENTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
EDUCATION:
HIGH SCHOOL FARRAGUT H.S.. KNOXVILLE. TIC
COLLEGE: BA UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
OTHER: MA UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
COMMUNITY AFFILIATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:
• 5+YEARS OF GRANT WRITING AND PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE
• WORKED WITH DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY IN OAK RIDGE TENNESSEE ON BENEFICIAL REUSE PROJECTS
• ORGANIZED STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCES THAT INVOLVED COMMUNITY LEADERS, ENVIRONMENTAL
ORGANIZATIONS, CONSULTANTS, BUSINESSES, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
• SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH AND OUTREACH WITH THE WORK AND ENVIRONMENT
INITIATIVE (WEI), CORNELL UNIVERSITY
• ORGANIZED THE NATIONAL ECO-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR COMMUNITY
REPRESENTATIVES INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
❖ CURRENTLY WORKING ON MULTIPLE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROJECTS INCLUDING AN ENVIRONMENTAL
FILM FESTIVAL, A SUSTAINABILITY SEMINAR SERIES, A NEW ENVIRONMENTAL MAJOR, AND A GRADUATE
PROGRAM IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
❖ AVID FLY FISHERMAN
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
COMMITTEE:
REPLACING:
TERM EXPIRES
1
i
1
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, October 19, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
3 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
Designation of Notetaker
2 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes
- September 14, 1998 (enclosed)
15 min. - 3. Final Report for 1998 from Gorge Rangers
10 min. - 4. Other Reports
- Chair ( 1999 budget)
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
10 min. - 5. Dog-Training (Trail Etiquette) at Six Mile Creek
20 min. - 6 . Proposed Mural for Base of Columbia Street Footbridge
- Students from Alternative Community School will
present their designs for proposed mural(s)
- Discussion of whether a mural is appropriate
15 min. - 7 . Official Boundary of Six Mile Creek Natural Area
- Doug Foster will present an updated map
- Committee needs to decide whether boundary shown
appears to be accurate/appropriate
10 min. - 8. Transition to Natural Areas Commission
(see attached letter to Mayor Cohen)
- Update, discussion
5 min. - 9 . Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation
- Update on City Decision-Making
- Commitment to Preserve Natural Area
(regardless of water system decision)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) , 273-2202 (W) or dlh306 @aol.com
i
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
City of Ithaca
306 Giles Street
Ithaca NY 14850
October 6, 1998
Hon. Alan Cohen, Mayor
City of Ithaca
108 E. Green Street
Ithaca NY 14850
RE: Appointment of Natural Areas Commission members
Dear Alan:
This is simply a reminder that the members of the new Natural
Areas Commission (NAC) have not yet been appointed, by you and the
Common Council (or, in the case of two slots, by Cornell or the
Town of Ithaca Conservation Board) .
As I indicated in my letter of August 21, 1998, and at the
meeting of the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (SMCAC) which you
attended, on September 14, 1998, all of the current SMCAC members
(except for BPW liaison Mary Gutenberger) are willing to serve on
the NAC.
Below, as you requested, is a list of those members, their
addresses, the slot they could fill on the NAC, and any relevant
expertise. According to the NAC legislation, the institutional
slots all expire in December 1999. Two of the at-large slots
expire in 12/98, two in 12/99, and two in 12/00. My suggestions
for the expiration dates for at-large members are included below
(corresponding to their current SMCAC terms, as much as possible) .
* Pat Vaughan
304 Eastwood Ave Common Council
12/99
* Dan Hoffman
306 Giles St CAC liaison
12/99
* Jack Booker
308 Eastwood Ter at large
12/98
Peter Fortunato familiar w/ Six Mile
172 Pearsall P1 at large Creek area
12/98
* Nancy Ramage familiar w/ Six Mile
964 E. State St at large Creek area
12/99
Elizabeth Mulholland familiar w/ Ithaca
105 Penny Ln at large Falls area; woodland
12/99 ecology expertise
* Harry Littell familiar w/ Six Mile
902 Giles St at large Creek area
12/00
Richard Fischer Town Conser- forest ecology
135 Pine Tree Rd vation Board expertise
12/99 (appointment
by Town CB)
In addition to the above, there are three vacant slots on the
NAC, as indicated below, the last of which is to be filled by
Cornell University. An asterik indicates that the appointment must
be a City resident, in order to achieve the required eight City
residents on the 11-member NAC. Ideally, those appointed would
also provide expertise in areas not already covered, ie. , geology
and/or archeology.
* VACANCY at large familiar w/ Ithaca
12/00 Falls area
* VACANCY Board of
12/99 Public Works
* VACANCY Cornell
12/99 (appointment
by Cornell)
As we have discussed, finding City residents to fill these
slots, who also have the desired expertise, and (at least in the
case of the at large member) familiarity with the Ithaca Falls
area, will probably be very challenging and perhaps impossible.
Let me remind you that there will shortly be an opportunity to
appoint (or reappoint) the two at-large members whose terms expire
in 1998. Also, the Cornell Natural Areas Commission is entitled to
name an ex officio member (who need not live in the City) . These
are both possible ways to find the desired expertise.
I hope these appointments will be made very soon, so the NAC,
which was to be established "effective immediately" when Council
approved the legislation in August, can start working, officially.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
DANIEL HOFFMAN
Chairperson
cc: Pat Vaughan
Doug Foster
MINUTES OF THE SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
October 19, 1998
COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Jack Booker, Dick Fischer, Harry Littell,
Elizabeth Mulholland, Nancy Ramage, Pat Vaughan, Dan Hoffman (Chair) ,
Peter Fortunato; ex officio: Andy Hillman (City Forester) , Doug
Foster (Assistant City Planner) , Darlene Bentley and Crow Marley
(Gorge Rangers) .
ALSO PRESENT: Roxy Johnston (Water Plant Technician) , Francois
Bereand (Alternatives Community School teacher) , Emily Finegan
(Alteratives Community School student) .
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: BPW representative; ex officio: Chuck
Baker, Larry Fabbroni.
1. The order of the agenda for the meeting was revised slightly.
2 . Minutes of the 9/14/98 meeting were approved as submitted.
3. Gorge Rangers' Report: The Gorge Rangers presented their
September report, presumably their final one of the season.
Highlights of the report include the following: After a busy summer,
activity in the gorge slowed appreciably with the advent of the
cooler weather; thanks to Larry Fabbroni, budget allocation allowed
extension of salaried hours for both rangers through the end of the
warm season; suggestions were made for explicit signage indicating
that all types of hunting are prohibited in the gorge; beaver
activity continues and continues as the furry, buck-toothed mammals
continue to be as busy as, well, beavers. . . rangers have tried to
protect selected trees with wire guards; workdays in the gorge this
summer were very successful and photo documentation was shown to the
Committee; the rangers are working on an extensive manual describing
the job and its duties; both rangers said they look forward to
reemployment next year; the rangers' "wish-list" (attached to
official minutes) includes many forward-looking ideas for the
Committee's consideration.
4. Other Reports:
Beth commented on the deterioration of the parking lot/entrance
area (off Giles Street) and on the general widening of trails. Some
gorge users have told her the grassy ( "transition") area (between the
parking lot and the trial) looks "crummy. " Nancy spoke about broken
glass in the parking lot and the first impression it creates for
visitors to the area. Dan asked if Beth might retrieve the plan for
this area that the Committee once formulated. Beth urged that we
make arrangements for clean-up that does not require the rangers to
spend their time on it.
Peter reported that bike use appears to have lessened on the
South side, both on the Rec Way and off of it. Presumably this
year's fencing near the Burns Road entrance to the Rec Way has had
some effect in discouraging biking off the Rec Way.
Harry reported on his arrangements with the Ithaca Dog Training
Club to conduct a clinic on 11/1/98 at the parking lot. He created
flyers advertising the event and they will be posted. Other forms of
publicity for the event were also discussed.
5. Mural proposal: Student artist Emily Finegan presented her
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE, 10/19/98 page 2
accomplished sketches for proposed artwork covering graffiti on the
base of the pillars of the Columbia Street footbridge. Andy
suggested that perhaps the City could paint over the existing
graffiti first, so that the mural could then be executed on a clean
backdrop. Nancy moved that the proposal be endorsed and Dick
seconded the motion. During the ensuing discussion, the Committee
was supportive; the biggest concern was over scheduling and
completing the project during decent autumn weather. The Committee
voted unanimously to endorse the execution of the proposed murals,
subject to continuing dialogue (re: implementation logistics)
between the project supervisor and the City Forester.
6 . Maps: When Common Council adopted revised legislation, in
December 1993, regarding protection of the Six Mile Creek Natural
Area, it referred to an official map showing the Natural Area
boundary to be filed simultaneously with the City Clerk. Apparently,
no such official map was ever filed. Doug Foster has prepared two
"rough drafts" of maps (dated October 1998) intended to show the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area, and he presented these to the Committee.
Both maps are limited to the Town of Ithaca and show two lines: the
inner line shows land owned by the City of Ithaca (in the Town) ; the
"blue line" is intended to show the boundary of land that should be
protected from development - it extends considerably beyond current
City holdings. The only difference between the two maps is that one
shows topographical lines.
One question is whether the official Natural Area should include
only land currently owned by the City, or extend to the "blue line. "
Roxy Johnston argued for the former; Dan Hoffman suggested that if
that course were taken, the "blue line" should still be established
as a goal for future land protection.
Dan asked Doug for a map that would show property lines.
Discussion ensued about the precision of the map Doug will eventually
produce and the protocol for approval of such a map. Dan suggested
that any map should be complemented by a description and explanation
of the "blue line" boundary. There was some confusion centering on
the need for both a "1993 map" (for after-the-fact filing, ) and/or a
"1998 map" (to accompany the recent Natural Areas legislation) .
Doug agreed to produce an updated map for the November meeting
of the Committee, including current City holdings.
Additional discussion involved the status of City land
acquisitions. It was hoped that the "blue line" issues would be a
matter for Committee consideration over the next few months.
7 . Water system upgrade and consolidation: Pat Vaughan reported on
significant progress in City negotiations with Bolton Point and
Cornell regarding a consolidated system. Until a commitment is made,
Council is seemingly unwilling to deal with the preservation issue in
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
8. 1999 Budget: There is some interest from Common Council in a
modest increase. Dan and Andy have drawn up a budget proposal to be
submitted for Council's consideration (asking for a total allocation
of $13,900 rather than $9,840) ; most of the increase is for ranger
salaries . The Committee voted unanimously to submit this proposed
budget to Council.
Minutes submitted by Peter Fortunato
_�. .... ", AI NI P.02
TO: Common Council
FROM: Dan Hoffman, Chairperson, Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
Andy Hillman, City Forester
DATE: 10/20/98
RE: 1999 Budget for "Natural Areas"
Thank you for the opportunity to present a belated request for
a small increase (dollar-wise) in funding for the Six Mile Creek
Natural Area and the new natural areas to be placed under the
jurisdiction of the Natural Areas Commission.
The Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee was surprised to learn,
this month, that the proposed 1999 budget line for "Six Mile Creek"
(account A7113) is essentially the same as for 1998, despite the
fact that, in August, Council greatly expanded the responsibilities
of our committee, which will be reconstituted as the Natural Areas
Commission (MAC) .
One impetus for the creation of the NAC was the impending
acquisition by the City of the Ithaca Falls area, which is intended
to become another City natural area. An additional natural area
will be the long-neglected Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, already owned by
the City, and a fourth will be the new Southwest Park/Natural Area,
part of which has already been acquired by the City and Town.
Each of these additional natural areas will require some
attention, at a minimum including consistent signage regarding
rules and correction of obvious hazards (such as the steps and
footbridge leading toward Ithaca Falls) . The NAC legislation
clearly intends that rangers would be monitoring other natural
areas besides Six Mile Creek, and such attention would certainly be
helpful in identifying problems and curtailing improper uses.
The budget for Six Mile Creek was reduced from $10,740 in 1997
to $9,34Q in 1998, with those funds coming out of contractual
services and construction materials. Those two categories support
modest physical improvements in the natural area, either by
providing funds for materials when work is done in-house, or by
allowing the City to contract with an outside provider when City
staff are occupied with other projects. The proposed 1999 budget
provides no funding whatsoever for construction materials; we ask
that $1,000.00 be added to that line, and that contractual services
be restored to the original 1998 level ($1, 100.00) , by adding
$500.00. Some possible, small-scale construction/repair projects
for 1999 are listed on the other side.
Signs are often stolen or defaced in the Six Mile Creek area.
Nevertheless, effective enforcement depends upon their presence.
Given the present demand at Six Mile Creek, and the need for signs
in new natural areas, we suggest that this line be increased from
$400.00 to $600.00.
Finally, we suggest that provision be made to increase the
amount of hours available from the rangers in 1999. The current
budget, $7,040.00, allows for 40 hours per week of ranger time
during the prime season (June to mid-October) . We have found that
it is most effective to have two rangers, thus allowing for about
20 hours a week per ranger. Andy estimates that an increase of
$2,560.00 in this line (to $9,600.00) would enable the City to
employ two rangers, each for an average of 30 hours a week, for an
extended season, starting in May and running through October. This
would provide more coverage, cut down on illegal activities, and
increase the opportunities for education of natural area patrons
and coordination of volunteer efforts.
This season provided a particularly striking example of how
rangers can inspire, organize and supervise volunteers from various
parts of the community to tackle tasks that would otherwise consume
the time of paid City staff or simply go undone. In a series of
"work parties," trails were repaired, made more accessible and
spread with woodchips, handsome rock steps were installed at a
location that otherwise invited liability, and massive amounts of
litter and debris were hauled out of the gorge. There is no
reason, except for the limitations of time, that rangers could not
expand on this kind of activity in the future, at Six Mile Creek
and in the new natural areas. A very modest increase in the
investment in these positions could reap disproportionate rewards,
in the safety, beauty and accessibility of our natural areas, and
in public good will.
Here are our requested changes to the 1999 budget:
Account 7113 -- "Natural Areas" [now "Six Mile Creek"]
SMCAC Change from
Line Item Proposal Proposed pudaet
100 Advertising 100 -0-
120 Hourly, pt & seasonal 9600 +2560
440 Staff development 500 -0--
405 Phone 500 -0-
415 Clothing 200 -0-
435 Contractual services 1100 +
482 Signs & blanks 600 +200
483 Construction supplies 1000 +1000
TOTAL +4260
1304
Pos9ible Low-Cost Proiectg (Six Mile Creek only)
- Restore second footbridge from Giles Street parking lot
- Install bike racks at upper Giles Street entrance and at entrance
above Indian Campground
- Build more fencing/gates where City property borders Recreation
Way (to discourage bikers from leaving Rec Way)
- Repair steps from Giles Street to bottom of gorge, below Columbia
Street footbridge
- Repair/upgrade trails on City property on south side of Creek (to
help take some pressure off main Wildflower trail)
TOTAL P.03
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, November 9, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
3 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
Designation of Notetaker
2 min. - 2. Approval of Minutes
- October 19, 1998 (enclosed)
10 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
10 min. - 4. 1999 Budget Allocation
- Update, discussion
5 min. - 5. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation
- Update
15 min. - 6. Streambank Stabilization Project
- Update, discussion
30 min. - 7 . Official Boundary of Six Mile Creek Natural Area
- Revised draft map
- Future Land Protection Priorities
15 min. - 8. Transition to Natural Areas Commission
- Update, discussion
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) , 273-2202 (W) or dlh306 @aol.com
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Minutes of Meeting -- November 9, 1998
Committe Members Present: Richard Fischer, Harry Littell, Beth
Mulholland, Nancy Ramage, Pat Vaughan, Dan Hoffman; ex officio:
Andy Hillman (City Forester) , Doug Foster (Assistant City Planner) .
Also Present: Roxy Johnston (Water Plant Technician) .
Committee Members Absent: Jack Booker, Peter Fortunato, BPW
representative; ex officio: Chuck Baker, Larry Fabbroni.
Minutes, etc.
Chairman Hoffman called the meeting to order when a quorum was
reached. The minutes of the October 1998 meeting were approved as
submitted. The agenda for this meeting remained unchanged.
Reports
Andy Hillman reported little activity, with the exception of a
clean-up of the area under the Columbia Street pedestrian bridge,
where the murals at the Indian campground have been completed. The
stairway from Giles Street to this area has not yet been repaired.
Dan Hoffman noted that a pile of wood from the clean-up was still
lying to the side of Giles Street, near the top of the stairs.
Beth Mulholland reported her pleasure at the dog event arranged by
Harry Littell and conducted by the Ithaca Dog Training Club, who
attended with their animals. Mrs. Margaret Pough introduced the
program with a demonstration of how to elegantly clean up dog mess
from the trail (carry plastic bags of the right size) . After a
discussion of general "trail etiquette, " the group broke into
smaller groups to address specific problems. Beth also reported
how good the new steps down to the thirty foot dam looked in the
landscape (though her neighbors suggested there should be a
railing) .
There was a short discussion of the gorge rangers' power: Could
they be deputized? Dan will talk with the City attorney's office
about this matter.
Boundary of Six Mile Creek Natural Area
Dan explained that when the City legislation pertaining to the Six
Mile Creek Natural Area was revised in December 1993, an official
map delineating the natural area was to be filed concurrently.
Apparently it was never filed. Dan found a copy of a map dated
December 1, 1993, which he and Doug Foster believe is the map that
was supposed to be filed. It shows City owned land (in both the
Town and the City) and a line labelled "natural area, " intended
also to incorporate then-privately owned land to be acquired or
protected. There was no objection from the Committee to the filing
of this map for the purpose of satisfying the 1993 legislation.
When the Natural Areas Commission legislation was adopted this past
August, reference was again made to an official map; again, though,
no such map was actually filed. Doug has produced a new, computer-
generated map that shows land now owned by the City (in the City &
the Town) and with another line intended to represent the "ideal"
boundary of the natural area. Dan suggested that the Committee
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE, November 9, 1998 page 2
review this map for submission (to Council) , both to satisfy the
August 1998 legislation and to illustrate to the City (and Town?)
what the goals and priorities for future land protection are.
Committee began its review at the Aurora Street bridge. It agreed
that the City should control at least a corridor of land, probably
mostly along creek wall, that could be used (by the public, starting
at the Tuning Fork and/or parking' lot behind the Woolworth/Library
building) to reach City-owned land east of the Wilcox Press site.
(With a "permanent" creek crossing between Wilcox Press and the
Columbia Street bridge, this could be a way to connect the gorge
directly to downtown, as Circle Greenway had intended, 20+ years
ago. ) Also, the City should gain control of the steep bank on the
south side of the creek (below the homes on Hudson & Giles Streets) ,
in order to minimize dumping and other inappropriate uses.
A wide (500'?) area of privately-owned land below the Valentine
Place apartments (extending from the gorge rim to the creek) should
be protected. No consensus was apparent as to the current water
plant site. Some thought the entire property should be included
within the "ideal" natural area; others said it might be OK to allow
the flat area now occupied by buildings to be sold and developed for
relatively low-impact uses (such as housing) , if the water plant
facility were no longer needed. Existing home lots on Giles Street
(west of the bridge at Van Natta's dam) should be excluded.
The review of the "ideal" boundary of the natural area will continue
at future meetings.
Water system upgrade and/or consolidation
Pat reported the new water system deliberations are "stagnant. "
Stream Stabilization Project
Roxy Johnston reported that a portion of the funds requested have
been granted ($175,000) . No plans or design details of work to be
done have been finalized; noris there a decision yet on what to do
about the old slide area (below Commonland, above the eastern end of
the 30' reservoir) .
1999 Budget
Common Council decided to make the small additions to the "Six Mile
Creek" budget line the Committee requested, other than the increase
for ranger wages, which was placed in contingency for a later
decision. Some on Council are not convinced that expenditures or
ranger coverage at the other natural areas is necessary. The
Committee will need to appear and make its case when Council takes
this up again (probably in the spring of 1999) .
Transition to Natural Areas Commission
The Mayor has not yet appointed anyone to the Natural Areas
Commission.
Minutes by Beth Mulholland & Dan Hoffman
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Monday, December 14, 1998
5:15 - 6:45 PM
3rd Floor Conference Room - City Hall
AGENDA
Estimated
Time
3 min. - 1. Introductions & Agenda Review
Designation of Notetaker
2 min. - 2 . Approval of Minutes
- November 9, 1998 (enclosed)
10 min. - 3. Reports
- Chair
- City Forester
- Beth Mulholland
- Others
5 min. - 4. Water System(s) Upgrade/Consolidation
- Update?
20 min. - 5. Official Boundary of Six Mile Creek Natural Area
- Continued discussion/revision of draft map
- Future land protection priorities
15 min. - 6 . Development of Iacovelli Park by Town of Ithaca
- Update (by George Frantz)
- Discussion
10 min. - 7 . Transition to Natural Areas Commission
- Update, discussion
20 min. - 8 . Southwest/Negundo Woods Natural Area
- Update
- Proposed Recommendation for Plan (enclosed)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Please contact Dan Hoffman, Chairperson,
if you expect to be absent or wish to see the agenda modified.
273-6933 (H) , 273-2202 (W) or dlh306 @aol.com
NOTE: JANUARY MEETING -- Monday, January 11, 1999, 5:15 PM
To: Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
From: Dan Hoffman (Chairperson)
Date: 12/6/98
Re: PROPOSED RECOMMENDATION ON PLANNING FOR
SOUTHWEST/NEGUNDO WOODS SUBSTITUTE PARK/NATURAL AREA
PROPOSED, that the Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee (which
continues to meet pending official appointment of its members to
and as the core of the new Natural Areas Commission for the City of
Ithaca) approve the following resolution, to be submitted to the
Common Council.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and the State of New York have
designated a certain portion of the southwestern area of the City
(and an adjacent area in the Town of Ithaca) as "substitute
parkland" replacing the existing Southwest Park; and
P
r
WHEREAS, certain of the properties within the designated,
substitute parkland have been acquired by the City or the Town, and
it is the intent of the City to acquire all of the designated
substitute parkland as soon as practical; and
WHEREAS, to date, no comprehensive or specific planning has
occurred for the use, improvement, maintenance or protection of
this new park/natural area; and
WHEREAS, decisions regarding adjacent or nearby properties or
landuses could impose undesirable impacts or limitations on the new
park/natural area;
NOW THEREFORE, the members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory
Committee, in their capacity as a majority of the membership of the
new Natural Areas Commission of the City of Ithaca, pending
official appointment pursuant to enabling legislation adopted by
Common Council in August 1998, recommend the following:
1. That Common Council allocate sufficient funding, up to
$30,000.00, to retain a professional consultant to develop a
proposed plan for the so-called "substitute park"/natural area.
2 . That the scope of work for the consultant include:
a. A program designed to solicit meaningful public comment
b. Consultation with:
- Natural Areas Commission
- Parks Commission
- Board of Public Works
- Planning Board
- key staff from Dept of Public Works, Planning Dept &
Youth Bureau
- Town of Ithaca
2 . Scope of Work (continued)
c. Development of a proposed plan for the design, use, and
maintenance of the park/natural area, including:
- means of access from Routes 13 and 13A
- appropriate entranceways
- delineation of areas to be maintained as "natural
areas"
- delineation of areas intended for "active recreation"
(playing fields, picnic areas, etc)
— location of proposed roadways, parking areas, the Black
Diamond Trail (as it approaches/crosses the
substitute park/natural area) , other bicycle/
handicapped access paths, and walking trails
- location of any proposed lighting
- location amd scale of any proposed structures
(eg. ,pavilions, bathrooms, storage, fences) and
design guidelines to be applied to them
- location of any proposed filling or regrading
- location of any proposed new or re-established wetlands
- desirable landscaping or species encouragement
- relationship and existing or possible connections to
nearby recreational or natural areas (eg. ,
Buttermilk Falls State Park, linear greenway along
Flood Control Channel, Coy Glen, wetlands/woods in
original Southwest Park)
- relationship with/access to Inlet and Flood Control
Channel
- appropriate buffering from conflicting adjacent or
nearby landuses
- any other recommendations necessary to maximize the
success of the park/natural area and the greenway
corridor of which it is a part
3. That the Planning. Department invite proposals from qualified
consultants and that Commom Council select a consultant, after
soliciting the recommendation of the Natural Areas Commission.
4. That no decisions regarding disposition of adjacent properties
be made by the City until a design plan for the park/natural area
is established.
•
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE
[To be known in future as the Natural Areas Commission]
Minutes of Meeting -- December 14, 1998
Committe Members Present: Dan Hoffman, chair; Beth Mulholland,
Harry Littell, Jack Booker, Pat Vaughan, Dick Fischer, and Nancy
Ramage; ex officio: Doug Foster (City Planner) .
Also Present: Roxy Johnston (Water Plant Technician) , George
Frantz (Town of Ithaca Planner) .
Committee Members Absent: Peter Fortunato, BPW representative;
ex officio: Andy Hillman, Chuck Baker, Larry Fabbroni.
1. The minutes of the November 9, 1998 meeting were approved with
one minor correction (N. Ramage was absent) .
2. Reports:
Hoffman reported that the pile of wood cleaned out of the
gorge and left near the Columbia St. footbridge has been removed.
Ramage raised the issue of the latest beaver damage, which has
been extreme. Dozens of small and medium-sized trees have been
destroyed; one has been left hanging across the main trail. The
character of the area used most frequently by the public is being
changed dramatically. The area of destruction has spread across
Giles Street to the eroding hillside just west of the bridge.
3. Beaver Situation (see Reports, above) :
After much discussion, the Committee unanimously recommended
that beavers in the Van Natta's dam area should be removed in as
humane a way as possible, during the upcoming trapping season. We
ask that the Board of Public Works consider this recommendation as
soon as possible. Vaughan will convey the recommendation.
4. Water System Consolidation:
Vaughan reported that on December 2, Common Council passed a
resolution authorizing the City to negotiate a proposed agreement
under which the City and Cornell would become partners in the
Bolton Point water system. They still need to iron out issues of
governance, but the big stumbling block -- that Bolton Point had
wanted to make the City pay for previously-purchased equipment --
has been removed. Vaughan said that Council and the other Bolton
Point parties are viewing the Six Mile Creek watershed (and the
water supply system) as an important resource that might someday
need to be reactivated, depending upon future conditions . It is
their intention to maintain as much of the watershed/supply system
as possible, including the dams. The City will maintain its own
distribution system, and no one has suggested removing the big pipe
from the 60-foot dam.
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Dec. 14, 1998 p. 2
5. Boundary of the Six Mile Creek Natural Area:
The Committee resumed work on defining the "ideal" boundary of
the Six Mile Creek Natural Area.
Foster distributed updated versions of the computer-generated
maps of the area, showing a proposed boundary. Discussion
followed, especially about the need to preserve a public way from
downtown, along the Creek, leading to Van Natta's dam and the
Mulholland Wildflower Preserve. The Committee decided not to
insist upon City ownership of such a corridor, but perhaps
acquisition of an easement to maintain public access from the urban
to rural setting. The map should show this connection, including
alternate pathways from the "tuning fork" to the Creek behind the
former Wilcox Press site. The County Museum could be on the
"trail" . Committee members voiced concern over the appearance
of the south side of the gorge for people walking on the north
side, but felt the City needn't own that section on the south.
6. Development of Iacovelli Park by the Town of Ithaca
George Frantz attended our meeting to explain that a crew from
the Town of Ithaca had cut down a number of small scotch and white
pine trees in Iacovelli Park, and dumped loads of concrete debris
in the cleared area. It was convenient for the road crew to dump
there, and no one realized that people would miss the trees.
(There has been a good deal of concern expressed to Committee
members. ) Frantz apologized for this "error in judgment" and the
disconcerting combination of events, and said there would be more
careful oversight in the future and prior notification of the
Committee. The area of the dumping will be graded & re-vegetated.
20 pine stumps range from 6 to 9 inches in diameter; 4 or 5 of the
trees removed were 9-12 inches, and 3-4 poplar trees were 12 inches
in diameter. The Norway spruce and red pine have not been touched.
There was also discussion about a basketball court proposed
for the park, which, as Hoffman pointed out, has always been of
concern to our committee. Frantz assured us that any proposals
regarding the park will go to the neighborhood and the 6-Mile Creek
Committee for comment before going to the Town Board. He also
explained that this is a neighborhood park, not a community park,
and thus there will be no parking lot. The Planning Department
also intends there to be a play structure, 30 feet by 30 feet, on
the east side of the Recreation Way, and a pavilion, for which a
small grove of scotch pine may have to be removed. The Committee
would like further discussion before these developments occur.
7. Town of Ithaca Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) Program
Frantz reported that the Town's PDR program was getting
underway. Draft conservation easements will be drawn up for two
parcels of agricultural land, and work is proceeding on properties
on South Hill. No action yet on the PDR properties in the Six Mile
Creek area (eg. , Sincebaugh) .
SIX MILE CREEK ADVISORY COMMITTEE -- Dec. 14, 1998 p. 3
8. Southwest Park/Negundo Woods Natural Area
In its capacity as the Natural Areas Commission-to-be, the
Committee discussed concerns regarding the substitute Southwest
Park/Natural Area.
The City has designated land to be "substituted" for the
existing Southwest Park, and has started to acquire that property,
but, as yet, has no plan or design for the use or operation of the
new park/natural area. For example, there is no provision for
direct access to the new park/natural area from Route 13 (or Route
13A) , or for ensuring that there will be an adequate "buffer"
between the park/natural area and heavy commercial uses permitted
in the adjacent zone along Route 13. The Committee feels that such
a plan is needed, as soon as possible.
The City is considering selling off part of the land it has
acquired which is outside the designated parkland boundary, but
between the park and Route 13. The Committee is concerned that, in
the absence of a plan for the park, this sale could exacerbate the
problem of conflicting uses. Foster supports the request for a
plan for the park (and says the money for a consultant could come
from the sale of the current Southwest Park) , but believes that
issues such as access and buffering can be addressed by applying
the City's site plan review ordinance to any development proposed
for the area between the park and Route 13.
The Committee unanimously approved a recommendation (attached)
that will go to the Planning Board and then to the Budget Committee
of Common Council.
8. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at about 7:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Ramage
l •
To: Common Council
From: Dan Hoffman
Chairperson, Six Mile Creek Advisory Committee
(acting in its capacity as the Natural Areas Commission,
pending formal appointment)
Date: 12/15/98
Re: RECOMMENDATION ON PLANNING FOR
SOUTHWEST/NEGUNDO WOODS SUBSTITUTE PARK/NATURAL AREA
At a meeting on 12/14/98, members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory
Committee (who form the core of the Natural Areas Commission, as
established by Common Council in August 1998, but who have not yet
been formally appointed thereto) unanimously approved the follow-
ing. Timely consideration of these recommendations by the appro-
priate committee(s) of Common Council is respectfully requested.
WHEREAS, the City of Ithaca and the State of New York have
designated a certain portion of the southwestern area of the City
(and an adjacent area in the Town of Ithaca) as "substitute
parkland" replacing the existing Southwest Park; and
WHEREAS, certain of the properties within the designated,
substitute parkland have been acquired by the City or the Town, and
it is the intent of the City to acquire all of the designated
substitute parkland as soon as practical; and
WHEREAS, to date, no comprehensive or specific planning has
occurred for the use, improvement, maintenance or protection of
this new park/natural area; and
WHEREAS, decisions regarding adjacent or nearby properties or
landuses could impose undesirable impacts or limitations on the new
park/natural area;
NOW THEREFORE, the members of the Six Mile Creek Advisory
Committee, in their capacity as a majority of the membership of the
new Natural Areas Commission of the City of Ithaca, pending
official appointment pursuant to enabling legislation adopted by
Common Council in August 1998, recommend the following:
1. That Common Council allocate sufficient funding to retain a
professional consultant to develop a proposed plan for the so-
called Southwest "substitute park"/natural area.
2 . That the scope of work for the consultant include the
following:
a. A program designed to solicit meaningful public comment
b. Consultation with:
- Natural Areas Commission
- Parks Commission
- Board of Public Works
- key staff from Dept of Public Works & Youth Bureau
- Planning Board
- the Town of Ithaca
2 . Scope of Work (continued)
c. Development of a proposed plan for the design, use, and
maintenance of the park/natural area, including:
- means of access from Routes 13 and 13A
- appropriate entranceways
- delineation of areas to be maintained as "natural
areas"
- delineation of areas intended for "active recreation"
(playing fields, picnic areas, etc)
- location of proposed roadways, parking areas, the Black
Diamond Trail (as it approaches/crosses the
substitute park/natural area) , other bicycle/
handicapped access paths, and walking trails
- location of any proposed lighting
- location of any proposed structures (eg. , pavilions,
bathrooms, storage, fences) and design guidelines to
be applied to them
- desirable landscaping or species encouragement
- relationship and existing or possible connections to
nearby recreational or natural areas (eg. ,
Buttermilk Falls State Park, linear greenway along
Flood Control Channel, Coy Glen, wetlands/woods in
original Southwest Park)
- relationship with/access to Inlet and Flood Control
Channel
- appropriate buffering from conflicting adjacent or
nearby landuses
- any other recommendations necessary to maximize the
success of the park/natural area and the greenway
corridor of which it is a part
3. That the Planning Department invite proposals from qualified
consultants and select one, after soliciting the recommendation of
the Natural Areas Commission.
4 . That no decisions regarding disposition of adjacent properties
be made by the City until a design plan for the park/natural area
is established.