HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-HDPC-1989-12-04 HYDROPUNE R CCMMIISSICN
Minutes
December 4, 1989
Present: Ed Brothers, Cathy Emilian, Margaret Fabrizio, Dan
Hoffman, Helen Jones, Elizabeth Mulholland, Martin Sampson, Alex
Skutt, Mike Sprague. Also, media.
1. Meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Dan Hoffman.
2. Van Natta Dam--Surrender of Exemption. The request to surrender was
filed three weeks ago. A response from FERC had not yet been
received, but is expected. Ms. Jones reported that a developer has
contacted her and is interested in developing the site. He had
received an RFP but did not respond. Ms. Jones had spoken to him at
length, and he asked if he could communicate with Council regarding
his plans.
3. Ithaca Falls--New York State Recreational Rivers Designation. It
was reported that the Planning and Development Committee of Council
plans to hold a public information meeting by the end of January and
would like DEG--approved boundaries identified. Ms. Fabrizio
reported that representatives of DEC have agreed that, upon initial
review of the maps, the boundaries that have been presented seem
supportable. It was noted that DEC cannot support the conditions
sought by Town of Ithaca; and Town of Dryden's position is
indeterminate. When a consensus is reached and the tax parcel maps
are returned by DEC, Assemblyman Luster is expected to request a
letter of agreement (informal commitment) from the Commissioner of
DEC in support of the proposed boundaries. There was discussion
about interpretation of information received regarding the sale of
power from a municipality to a public utility. It was agreed to
have the city attorney's office ask the state attorney general for
clarification regarding the law that authorizes or regulates the
sale of power to a utility. A report was requested regarding
financial projections based on current power sale rates. Ms. Jones
stated that the numbers were being compiled and would be submitted
as soon as possible; it was suggested that the city controller
assist in preparing this report for review by the Planning and
Development Committee.
Ms. Fabrizio discussed circumstances surrounding the problems
encountered in Riverhead regarding recreational river designation.
She then urged the City to take a strong role in obtaining support
from Town of Dryden on this land use issue. Then Fabrizio,
seconded by Emilian, moved the following: The Hydropower Commission
requests that Common Council set up a working meeting with a DEC
representative and representatives of the three municipalities
involved (City, Town and Dryden) to discuss issues of designation.
This meeting should be held as soon as possible after tax parcel
maps have been returned with boundaries that are supportable by DEC.
Motion passed 6-0-1 (Sampson) .
Hydropower Commission
Minutes - December 4, 1989
Page 2
4. Approval of Minutes of November 6 was moved by Sprague, seconded by
Sampson, and carried unanimously.
5. Resignation of Therese Araneo, at-large com=ity member. Dan
Hoffman asked Commission members to suggest possible successors for
consideration by the Planning and Development Committee.
6. There was discussion involving leadership in pursuing designation of
Fall Creek and concern regarding a lack of strong advocacy in City
Hall. Some members believed that it is not within the Hydropower
Commission's capacity to assume this role without official
direction. It was agreed to seek the Mayor's assistance in this
matter.
7. Next meeting date was set for January 11, 1990.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
EPJ-HYDRO/Minutes.Dec