HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-Parks-2016-03-08Approved – 7/12/16
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CITY OF ITHACA PARKS COMMISSION
Tuesday, March 8, 2016, Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Cornell Cooperative Extension, 615 W illow Avenue, City of Ithaca
MINUTES
Present:
Commissioners:
Margart Hobbie
Ellen Leventry
Roberta Moudry
Staff:
Megan Wilson, City Planner
Jeanne Grace, City Forester
Jim D’Alterio, Recreation Faciliities, Cass Park
Josephine Martell, Common Council liaison
Others:
Persephone Doliner, Parks Commission applicant
Rick Manning, Friends of Stewart Park
Leland O’Connor, City Engineering Technician
Tim Logue, Director of Engineering
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Due to a lack of quorum, the approval of minutes were held for a future meeting.
PERSONS TO BE HEARD
None.
NEW BUSINESS
Columbia Street Park Capital Project
Leland O’Connor attended to present the proposal for improvements at Columbia
Street Park. The proposal is to remove the stairway at the northwest corner of the
parcel and repair other stairways. They will also create an entry point for city
mower, which could be paved or gravel.
Roberta asked if the dangerous metal stairway off of Columbia on the northwest
corner of Hillview Park could be removed as part of this project. Leland stated that
they will look into removing it.
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The group discussed the fact that the linear stairway segment to be removed at NW
edge of park is a redundant path, is eroded and is not used for pedestrians as much
as a place for drinking, smoking etc.
While a quorum was not present, all Parks Commissioners in attendance supported
the project as presented. Megan will write a recommendation to be sent to the BPW.
Request for Storage Shed at Cass Park
Babe Ruth Baseball has requested a new shed to be placed near field #9. Jim
suggested a 10x10 or 12x12 shed but nothing larger than one of those sizes. It
would be placed on a bed of crushed stone. They have used a shed nearby but need
more space. Jim notes that they have their own mower and they do a great deal of
work on the field. He also understands their need for more storage. There is a
precedent to allow a private organization to install a shed – there is an 8x8 shed that
is by field #8 (Carl Ripken) and the Dragon Boat group also has a shed. He feels they
could do without it, but they have a strong volunteer group and do a lot or work in
the park. The location that they have proposed would have the least impact of any
site in that area.
Ellen asked how long have they used the field, and how much do they pay? They
took over baseball program from IYB about 15 years ago. They do not pay for either
field but they will start to pay next year. They probably have put at least $40k into
the fields, and they save the City money by administering the program. Jim is
working with the City Attorney’s office to set up a payment schedule.
Persephone asked where the shed is located. It is attached to the backstop of the
field.
Jim noted that it is a multiuse field. Baseball and soccer are both played there. Ellen
asked that it be sensitive in color palette. Jeanne asks if Jim will have a key. He will.
Jim noted that this is not part of the IYB. It is a unique arrangement that benefits
everyone, but it is complicated.
Megan will craft a statement of support from the Commission, to be sent to BPW.
Update on Stewart Park Large Pavilion
Rick Manning reported that Friends of Stewart Park (FSP) is working with the City
to restore the window and door units of the Large Pavilion. The north windows will
be done this year, through a tourism grant. There may be funds to do an additional
door.
The work has to be done around reservations for the pavilion. FSP needs
endorsement of the Parks Commission and approval of BPW to do this work. There
will be additional fundraising to complete the work.
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The goal is to create a safe, secure and beautiful structure.
Fuertes Overlook
Rick reported that the Friends of Stewart Park received a $10k grant from a local
family foundation to restore the stone overlook at the swan pond. The grant
requires that an additional $5k be raised. One thought is to connect the stone path
to somewhere on the trail and perhaps to reuse some of the stone in the path to
restore the overlook. Stone restoration costs may be $3k, and metal railings are
estimated at $6k. There would also be an interpretive panel that would tell the story
of the Cayuga Bird Club and the habitat (history and habitat). The bird club will/may
donate about $2k. There will be a Bird Benefit on Friday, April 8 at Cinemopolis.
Ellen noted that this area has needed recovery and clearing for some time.
Geese Management Update
Josephine reported that an ordinance has been drafted to prohibit the feeding of
geese on City property. It will be going to Planning Committee for discussion on
March 9, and the public will have the opportunity to review and comment. There
will also be an effort to educate the public about why it is important to not feed the
geese. Jeanne will put up signs in April asking that people not feed them, but
Council will not pass ordinance until May.
Josephine also reported that she is trying to get an intern from CALS, but it requires
$2500 matching amount from City. The goals for this summer is to band and collar
geese and create a map of nests. April 9th is a park cleanup day, and at that point,
nests can be identified.
Megan noted that it is important to educate the public in advance of the passage of
an ordinance to avoid public surprise and concern. The draft ordinance will be
circulated to all stakeholders.
Dewitt Park Hedge
Jeanne reported to BPW about the installation of additional lights in DeWitt Park.
She noted that BPW wanted the hedge cut down, but Bill Goldsmith suggested they
might reconsider and seek a recommendation from the Parks Commission. Jeanne
has made other improvements and there is a sense that they have made the park
cleaner and safer. However, it is difficult to know because the winter months
change the usage and population.
Jeanne says it is possible to do a hard pruning but that would mean a few years of an
unattractive hedge. Ellen advocates trimming back the hedge. Roberta and Margaret
advocate trimming the hedge, but not removing it.
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For the record: Ellen loves nature, but hates some hedges.
The neighborhood association and the veterans are concerned about problems in
the park. The commission suggested that it is possible to trim the hedges to retain
an edge. The commission advocated continuing with the pruning and maintenance
plan and seeing how the park functions during the summer. Jeanne will examine the
hedge and see how low it can be trimmed without causing shock to the hedge.
Bill asked that Parks Co mmission send a paragraph to BPW, stating the plan for the
park. Jeanne will draft this and share it with the BPW.
As for the new lighting, the posts are being sanded and painted and cement pads will
be poured.
Additional Osprey Platform in Cass Park
Osprey platforms have been installed at Cass Park, Newman Golf Course, Treman
Marina, and Stewart Park. The Treman platform may need to be moved due to
routing of trail.
There is a desire for one near the Children’s Garden. Jeanne suggested across the
inlet, near a fallen box elder. The birds don’t like to be near a tree. She provided a
map of the proposed location.
While a quorum was not present, all Parks Commissioners in attendance supported
the installation of a new osprey platform in Cass Park.
City Parks Logo Request for Proposals
Megan is ready to send out the call for the logo. The deadline was initially April 1 but
will be revised to May 1 to allow artists 6 weeks to submit. It will be send to
standard distribution lists, community groups, art teachers, etc.
Josephine notes that there may be a call for signage for areas near the gorges. The
area near Fall Creek, the Ithaca Gun site and “the island,” the park by the Lake Street
Bridge and the house and parcel just north of the bridge. The “reward” for this
competition might be that the designer would get the job.