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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-HDPC-1988-09-26 HYDROPOWER COMMISSION MINUTES September 26 , 1988 Members Present : Chairman Dan Hoffman , Elizabeth Mulholland , Martin Sampson , Terese Araneo , Mike Sprague , Mark Walker , Helen Jones ( Staff ) Guests . John Homa , Rick Costanza ( Ichthyology Department of Cornell University ) Members Absent . Ellen Harrison , Ed Brothers , Cathy Emilian �r * � � � � * * � * � �c � k * �r �r �r * * �c �c +r7kk * �r � � * * k * * * * * * * * * �ck •ck * * 'k k �c �: :'r �c * 3r 7kk ;c * The meeting was called to oLGer by Chairman Dan Hoffman at 7 : 40 p . m . A presentation was made by John Homa and Rick Costanza concerning the fishery study of Ithaca Falls . The study consisted of the mailing of 50 surveys to area fisherman and istributed to local sporting goods some of the surveys were d stores . They had a 48 percent return ( 24 surveys ) . The surveys indicated that the spot is a very valuable fishery . Helen would like the written report on the fishery study to include a statement clarifying that the stocking of fish occurs at the Lake Street bridge . A Commission member asked what the survey is intended to provide to the overall project , and what , if any , effect does it have on the referendum . Helen Jones stated that the study was done to provide factual background covering the present situation at the Ithaca Falls site . This study was originally intended to provide additional documentation as to the positive changes 2 in the area since the last survey was done . Copies of the report summarizing the study will be presented to Council for their review . Chairman Hoffman suggested John Homa and Rick Costanza review the report with Ed Brothers , as he is the most knowleageable Commission member on this subject . The Commission reviewed the minutes of August 10 , 1988 and a motion to approve the minutes as corrected was made by Mark Walker and seconded by Mike Sprague . Discussion then turned to the rejection of the Commissions recommendation by Council and Councils decision to put the Ithaca Falls project on the ballot this November . Chairman Hoffman briefly outlined some of Council ' s reasons for going to ballot this year . Council felt that current economic conditions are favorable and it may not continue . They are also confident that they can negotiate a price with NYSEG , which would be more certain than waiting until the bid process goes into effect . One of Council ' s major reasons for not going to ballot this year was the lack of time to provide public education . They also mentioned that if the project was not approved this year , they could always go to referendum next year . Helen was informed by the Board of Elections that there is no limit on the number of words used on the ballot . However , the Commission members agreed that the message should be concise , complete , and clear . Also , the message must be conveyed to the voters that a " no " vote does not mean 3 no to the project , but only to the City being the developer . Commission members want to stress " clean power " in the public education campaign . The different strategies used to inform and educate the public were discussed at length by the Commission . Helen Jones informed the Commission that the B & A Committee has approved $ 10 , 000 to provide the campaign . Some suggestions were newspaper articles , radio time , published material ( costly to buy talent to design material ) , mass mailing , and possible telephone surveys . A telephone survey would be used to assess the educational needs of the public concerning the topic . The Commission agreed that the information provided should contain what the ramifications of a " no " vote would be . There are three main objectives in educating the public . what is hydropower and what effect would it have on the site ; why the City is involved ; and what the implications of the decision will be . Helen Jones has communicated with several agencies , all of whom presented different approaches to handling the educational campaign . To date , an agency has not been chosen . The Commission agreed that visual presentations of the finished project would educate the public and avoid misinterpretations , such as a photograph that would be realistic in terms of the size of the plant and its placement on the site . Martin Sampson suggested using cartoons to portray a short , informational message . Commission members 4 also suggested having an informational telephone number where the public could have questions answered and receive further information . The meeting was adjourned at 9 : 20 p . m .