HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-PRNR-2018-04-09
PARKS, RECREATION AND
NATURAL RESOURCES
COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT:
Chair Roth
Commissioners (7) Hoffman, Moeller, Shelley, Freyburger, Berry, Leventry, Myers
OTHERS PRESENT:
Common Council Liaisons - Brock, Kerslick
Information Management Specialist - Myers
Alderperson - Mohlenhoff
Chief of Staff - Cogan
Deputy Director of Planning – Nicholas
City Forester – Grace
Deputy Youth Bureau Director – D’Alterio
EXCUSED:
Concepcion
Executive Assistant - Swartz
Introductions:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff asked the Commissioners to introduce themselves. Each
discussed where they live, where they work, what their specific interests are related to
the Commission, and something unique about themselves.
Introduced were: Chair Monika Roth, Michelle Courtney Berry, Scott Freyburger, Daniel
Hoffman, Ellen Leventry, Tyler Moeller, Beth Myers, Thomas Shelley, Sarah Myers
Orientation:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff gave an overview of the City of Ithaca legislative organizational
structure, the role of the new advisory commissions, the specific charge of the Parks,
Recreation and Natural Resources Commission (PRNRC), and information about
proposed agenda and meeting formats.
Staff Introductions:
Supporting staff introduced themselves stating their position, tenure and role relating to
the Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission (PRNRC) and the City of
Ithaca.
Introduced were Information Management Specialist Myers, Youth Bureau Deputy
Director D’Alterio, Deputy Director of Planning, Building, Zoning and Economic
Development Nicholas, and City Forester Grace.
Date: April 9, 2018
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Common Council Chambers,
3rd Floor, City Hall
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
April 9, 2018
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Question and Answer Session:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff led a Q&A session with the Commissioners and asked the
Commissioners what information would be helpful to assist them in their roles. Various
items were requested including:
Topic Brainstorm:
Alderperson Mohlenhoff led a brainstorming session for future PRNRC meetings.
Potential Topics/Resources for Commission (not all inclusive) to be provided in the
future:
1. Access to GIS – Provide a presentation from the GIS Department on mapping
and what is available online currently, and how to access the information
2. Provide a list of private resources/organizations that could also provide input and
discuss certain topics with the commissions (i.e. for PRNR - Friends of Stewart
Park, Friends of the City Cemetery, etc.
3. Information/discussion on the goose population in city parks.
4. Provide maps for all city parks
5. Re-establishment of Community Advisory Groups for certain topics - i.e. EPA and
discovery of lead at Ithaca Falls recently - Bring Community Development
Director Nels Bohn in to do a presentation for the commission
6. Provide information on utilization and rates for city golf course
7. Invite Supt. Mike Thorne/Nick Goldsmith, Sustainability Coordinator to attend a
commission meeting to discuss the City’s LED street light program
From the Planning Department:
1. All site plan/environmental review for new projects will be sent to PRNR for
review, input, etc. Presentation to the commission on SEQR/CEQR.
2. Dredging information/status
Homework for May Meeting:
1. Alderperson Mohlenhoff assigned “homework” to the Commissioners and asked
that they review the provided excerpt “Plan Ithaca Goals” from the
Comprehensive Plan and identify the ways in which it pertains to the role of
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission.
Discussion followed regarding staff presence at the PRNRC meetings.
Alderperson Mohlenhoff and Chief of Staff Cogan explained that staff presence
would depend on agenda items as the goal is to ensure that staff members with
the most knowledge on a particular topic would be made available at a meeting.
Staff resources are tight so every effort will be made to make sure that they are
being used effectively.
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
April 9, 2018
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2. Selection of a Vice Chair for each commission - Alderperson Mohlenhoff and
Chief of Staff Cogan would like each commission to have a vice-chair. Chair
Roth asked commission members to consider the role of vice chair and be ready
to discuss/appoint one at the May meeting.
3. Send Chair Roth ideas for topics of discussion for the commission; she is also
willing to meet individually with commission members; feel free to reach out to
her.
This commission has a city group e-mail prnr@cityofithaca.org
However, remember - if you respond to someone who used the group e-mail, the reply
will display the e-mail you provided on your application.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2018 and will include the development of a
Commission work plan.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 pm.
Respectfully submitted by,
Sarah L. Myers,
Information Management Specialist