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COMMISSION MINUTES
Date: October 17, 2019
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 2ndFloor Conference Room,
City Hall
PRESENT:
Commissioners — (6) Roth (Chair), Freyburger, Hoffman, Moeller, Sanders-Jauquet, Shelley
OTHERS PRESENT:
Financial Management Assistant — Swartz
EXCUSED: George, LeventryCommon Council Liaisons Brock and Kerslick
1. CaII to order:
1.1. Statement from the Public: None
1.2. Commission Response: N/A
1.3. Agenda Review: Add under old business City Harbor Waterfront development; Parks budget request update.
Add under new business the proposed Art work in the parks.
2. Presentation — DEC Hazardous Wastes Sites under review. Nels Bohn, Director of Community Development,
|URA
See attached for the handouts that were discussed.
a. DEC has links on their website to access information.
b. DEC is continuing to monitor properties where there has been ground water contamination.
c. DEC will share the results of testing if we contact them for the information.
d. There is public notice on those projects that have a public comment period.
Sites under review/being monitored include those designated A or 02 in the database — this includes: Ithaca Gun
FactoRdls;NYSEG—FirstGtreet(manufactured gas facility) & Court Street (coal tar); North Meadow (Dry
cleaner); Emerson/Morse industrial — Chainworks.
For the Ithaca Falls area, off site irnpacts are still being monitored...gas vapors. All of the area has been remediated
except the cliff base. Developer Frost Travis has agreed to put a fence on the south side of the gorge for safe public
access. The former bridge to the overlook had to be removed due to heavy contamination. It would be expensive to
replace the bridge and there would be no easy access to work on it once the area is developed. The Gun factory
chimney fate is still unknown, has historic significance but also presents a hazard — Council will have to decide.
3. Questions regarding DEC clean-up plans
a. Tom Shelley questioned why Nates FIoral Estates is not on the EnvironmentalSite Remediation list. Nels
Bohn stated, they are not on that list because a developer is not breaking ground on the site. There has
been a lot of investigation of Nates Floral Estates over the past two years and the property owner does have
a few items to address.
b. Dan Hoffman asked about an old manufactured gas plant site located between the Waste Water
Treatment Plant and Cascadilla Creek. Nels Bohn said NYSEG has taken responsibility to clean it up.
c. Gary Priscott is the DEC project representative that deals with some of the City's projects and he is
available to answer questions on sites he oversees. Nels will send contact information.
4. Staff Reports: Staff is not present.
5. Old Business:
5.1. Memorial Policy Update — Tyler Moeller and Monika Roth attended the October 15, 2019 Board of Public Works
(BPW) meeting to present the drafpolicy. The BPW is concerned that the policy not make extra work for City Staff.
It was explained that PRNR would screen applications for donations once a year in October or November and
discuss applications with staff and then take the agreed upon applications to BPW for approval. It is assumed that
projects could then be planned in winter when stafare less busy. Tyler Moeller will discuss with Jeanne Grace, since
she will be doing the implementation of the items. Further discussion centered on having unrestricted donations
made to address priority parks, recreation and natural areas needs, rather than focusing just on trees and benches.
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
October 17, 2019
The Commission has a list of projects for parks generated by staff, that needs to be shared with BPW. Further
concerns were expressed about the city website and getting the donation application and information on the site
(need to talk with Melody Faraday).
Monika Roth made a motion that PRNR send a letter of commitment to review the memorial donation applications
and make recommendations for installation. Tom Shelley second, all in favor.
5.2. Tree retention updates — Jeanne Grace told Monika Roth that she will present a summary of the proposed
ordinance to this Commission in November with hopes that it will go to the Planning and Economic Committee in
December.
5.3. Budget requests — Jeanne Grace gave Monika Roth an update. The budget should be approved around the
middle of November. The tree lawn area along Cayuga St. side of Dewitt Park is in the Mayor's budget. The City
Cemetery vault repairs received donations from Cornell, so it is requiring less money from the City. The Swan Pond
repairs did not get approved. Park signage was included in the Mayor's budget.
5.4. Other — Todd Bittner and Cynthia Brock wrote letters regarding the City Harbor Waterfront development plan. If
we want to comment on this project we should do so at the Planning Board meeting next Tuesday 10/22/19. Scott
Freyburger and Tom Shelley offered to draft a letter regarding the storm water. Dan Hoffman will write an additional
paragraph for that letter suggesting they reduce the car entrances into the parking lot to one crossing of the
waterfront trail instead of two and full street infrastructure for the current dirt road servicing the boat slips. Dan
Hoffman proposed we send comments to the planning board concerning water handling, bike issues regarding the
waterfront trail and the East West access. Mickey Sanders-Jauquet second, all in favor.
6. New Business:
6.1. Moving forward to address unfinished business — Deer; Natural Areas Plan & Position proposal; Green spaces
within development projects; other suggestions. See attached list titled PRNR Business.
Grants - The County has a grant program for $5,000 for municipal parks and trails, the application is due in March.
We need to meet with Jeanne Grace to see where the highest priority is and apply at the beginning of the year.
Green space — Tom Shelley, Scott Freyburger and Monika Roth met with Megan Wilson to review what currently
exists in zoning code. Scott Freyburger, Tom Shelley and Mickie Sanders-Jauquet will be the group working on this
going forward.
Green New Deal - There will be opportunity for public input. It is important that the plan acknowledge the importance
of trees and green space to carbon mitigation. As a starting point, Nina Bassuk, Shade Tree Subcommittee chair,
has data available on the benefit of trees for reducing energy costs in urban areas.
Adopt a Park — Need to develop a process to work with volunteers. It was suggested that PRNR could host
neighborhood meetings to get input on what residents would like to see in parks near their homes. PRNR should
make recommendations, but not organize the volunteers. There are some active neighborhood associations which
would be a good starting place.
Adopt a Trail — There is a county wide trail group that meets to discuss overall trail development and connectivity.
Monika Roth will share information.
Ithaca Falls - Tyler Moeller suggested we reach out to the public about improvements to Ithaca Falls and Ezra tunnel,
especially now that there is development planned for the area, maybe a subcommittee can be created. Per Monika
Roth, we could also look into County Tourism Grant (via TCAD) for a feasibility study for improvements to the falls as
a tourism destination. Tom Shelley suggested an archeological park as part of the park complex on the area's
industrial history.
General goals - Would like to see City Parks listed on the city web site. Need to focus on Natural Areas Manager
position next year and that person would look for funding/grants for natural areas. Maybe this position could be
shared with the Town and/or County.
6.2. Commission Vacancies — Looking ahead to year end, terms ending for Roth, Freyburger, Leventry, Sanders-
Jauquet. Members should be thinking about whether you will apply for another term. Four people have applied to fill
vacancies. Monika Roth will set up phone interviews with the candidates on 11/14/19 between 5-6 PM, this is the
2
Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
October 17, 2019
hour prior to our next meeting. Any Commissioner that can attend is welcome to sit in. Monika Roth will send a
spreadsheet to the Commissioners with the candidate's information from their application to review.
6.3. Other - Art in the park. Monika Roth will send an email to the Planning Department and the Community Life
Commissioner about the sculptures proposed to be located in Baker Park and Cass Park. Art work in the parks
should come to our commission for review and discussion about exact location.
7. Environmental review subcommittee report: See attached for Tom Shelley's report.
8. Minutes — Review and approve 9/9/19: Dan Hoffman would like the units of measurement listed under 4.3.
Debbie Swartz will check with Jeanne Grace and add it. Mickie Sanders-Jauquet made a motion to approve, Tyler
Moeller second and all were in favor.
9. Member Announcements: None
10. Next meeting is Thursday November 14, 2019. Note: Moving to Thursday due to Veteran's Day.
11. Adjournment: On a motion the meeting was adjourned at 8:17 pm
Debbie Swartz
Financial Management Assistant
Monika Roth
Chair - Parks, Recreation and Natural Resources Commission
Hazardous Waste Sites under review - Information provided by Nels Bohn, IURA (10/2/2019)
A good starting place to get the lay of the land about hazardous waste sites is to review the
NYSDEC environmental site remediation database for the City of Ithaca.
Type in "Ithaca" in the City prompt and a list of 22 sites in the City and Town should come
up. Remediation at several of the listed sites has been completed. The information for some
sites appears not to have been.updated in some cases. For instance, the Clinton West Plaza
dry cleaner site was recently determined complete, but the narrative is not updated.
A note on Program acronyms:
BCP = Brownfield Cleanup Program (program to assist private sector purchaser not responsible
for contamination remediate brownfield site)
ERP = Environmental Restoration Program (program to assist municipality not responsible for
contamination remediate brownfield site)
HW = Hazardous Waste (regulatory program compelling responsible party to remediate
hazardous waste disposal.site)_. _._ ....-.- .-.-.._ _ ._:_ ......:: _._..._.. __.. _._ _.._.-.. _...._..... _.___....__._.... ............_....
VCP = Voluntary Cleanup Program (legacy program replaced by BCP)
A note on "Site Class":
Alphabet Sites are listed on the State Superfund registry. Numbered sites are non -registered
site.
A = Active
C = Completed
N = No Further Action (required)
02 = Hazardous Waste confirmed that poses a significant threat to human health or the
environment
04 = Closed with site management reporting required
PRNR may want to focus oversight energies on "A" and "02" sites where remediation has not
been completed. Requesting updates and site specific information from NYSDEC can move a
project to the top of the list for NYSDEC staff juggling multiple work assignments, let NYSDEC
staff know the community seeks an appropriate remediation and avoid "regulatory capture"
where the interests ofthe property owner is prioritized over the public interest.
Please note that some sites are divided into individual operating units or separate regulatory
programs. The area impacted from Ithaca Gun factory operations has five separate listings to
reflect differing property ownership or funding and regulatory programs:
1. Former Ithaca Gun Factory
2. Former Ithaca Gun Factory - Off-site
3. Ithaca Falls Proposed Park
4. Ithaca Falls Overlook
5. Ithaca Gun Company Site
The Tompkins Public Library is the local repository where NYSDEC and EPA post information
about each site.
Here's my brief summary status report on the sites you mentioned:
Ithaca Gun area
City -owned Ithaca Falls Overlook site - remediation completed, on-going site
management
Former Factory site - Site investigation complete. Remedial alternatives analysis
submitted to DEC by property owner. DEC requested modifications to include more
alternatives. Next step: NYSDEC will select an a draft remediation for public comment
prior to implementing selected remediation. This will be an opportunity for the public
to review and comment on the proposed remediation.
Cliff and floor of Ithaca Falls Gorge - EPA jurisdiction. Waiting on EPA proposal to
address lead -impacted soils accumulating at base of the gorge wall. Recent sampling
showed.no.lead,excee.dances..on. the_ public p.athway.lead ng_to_the.Falls.but a need.to..__.
contain lead -impacted deposition.
Chainworks
Remediation is on-going. Original Record of Decisions (ROD) required cleanup only to industrial
standards. Chainworks is conducting a higher level remediation to authorize residential use
for portions of the site. Emerson (responsible party) and Chainworks will request an
amendment to the ROD to authorize residential use where residential cleanup standards are
met. Emerson will continue to own a contaminated portion of the site at the top of 5. Cayuga
Street where on-going water and air pumping continues to remove contaminants.
Dry Cleaners
• Clinton West, 609-625 W. Clinton - closed: remediated with on-going site management
• Campagnolo, 503-51.1 N. Meadow - closed: remediated with on-going site management
• 33.5 N. Meadow - remediation implemented - unclear if it is closed
Nate's Floral Estates
Data collected to date collected by NYSDEC as part of a statewide initiative to analyze the
impact on former dumps on drinking water does not indicate conditions at Nate's constitute a
hazardous waste designation, though seeps discharging to the flood control relief channel
(adjacent to Wegmans) exceed standards in the waterway and sediments that adversely
impacts the environment and retention of the soil cap over the former landfill needs to be
addressed to protect human health. Contamination at Nate's (former City dump) is not
considered to rise to the level of an inactive hazardous waste listing at this time.
For more information about the site investigation at Nate's see this link.
Environmental Site Remediation Database Search
EWYORK
STATE OF.
• OPPORTUNITY
Department of
Environmental
Conservation.
hops://www. de c.ny. gov/cfnx/extapps/derexterna1/haz/results. cfm?...
Environmental Site Remediation Database Search
Results
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CP = Clifton Pardclpegon
IRM = Interim Remedial Measuro
RWW= Remedial Work Plan • TAG= Technical Assistance Grants
RD = Remodlal Design
RA= Remodlal Mikan
COC = Certificate of Completion
IC = Instdullonol Control
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PRNR Business
Progressing Anticipated next steps/completion
-Memorial Policy Nov BPW, done byyearend, promote in spring
-Deer JeanneismeetinQvviththeK8/haSnnith8kDunCogan
Aboutacnoperat/vaogneement—baitstatiunson 2 city
Pnoport/eu—PRNRvote/Dedtnmovafonward
Deer P!ots — looking at data, info in Nov
-Park signage In city budget (Council votes in Nov) — then finalize
design & installation plans
-Private property tree removal Dec Planning & Econ Dev agenda
Work to move forward on in 2020
,.Natural-areas/ranger position Group�work-on-this~�ni-Hannah7Todd-B,-Paul-P.,
others?
-County Grant for city parks
-Green space requirements for new
Development projects -- '
Relates also to In -Fill and to Biophilla goals
Feb or March due date...review possible projects
Group to work on this —Scott, Tom, Mickie
-Adopt a Park Group to work on this?
Get updates
-Geese
-Green New Deal
Is there a plan for 2020 as in 2019?
How to integrate green spaces as part of plan
Notes from the Planning and Devlopment Board Project Review Committee meeting, Oct. 10,
2019
1. 620 S. Aurora St., aka Chain Works. This is a "minor subdivision" in which .897 acres (OU -1) is
being split off from the main area of the project to be retained by Emersonsub 15 LLC (the current
owner) so that on-going remedation of the site can be continued. The remaining 95.04 acres (OU -2) is
being conveyed to L Enterprises LLC so that Phase I of the Chain Works project can now start. All
environmental reviews, rezoning and other permit requirements are in place for Phase I to begin. The
subdivision also includes easements for the proposed Gateway Trail, a primary and two alternative
routes, so that the long awaited Gateay Trail can now be built out as well.
2. 411-415 College Avenue. The review of the redevelopment of the Chacona Block (Student
Agencies, CIB, etc.) is under way. The project is next to the Cascadilla gorge which is an
environmentally sensitive area.
3. 101 Pier Rd., aka City Harbor /Guthrie Clinic Development Approval of Phase I of this project is
in the works. Notably, a secondary, independent project is the removal of the existing docks and sea
wall to be rebuilt in unison with the dredging of the section of Cascadilla Creek from the Rt. 13 bridge
'' * to*the mouth' of Cascadilla Creek. -Apparently DEC and Army Corps of Engineers approvals for this
project will be in place by the time the dredging starts. The developer noted that thisis a critical
subproject as the docks are all rented for the next boating season. The Golf Course Community
Building and golf course parkingwill be part of Phase II of this project.
4. Immaculate Conception Redevelopment Project. Appovals for this project are underway. There
are no real environmental issues involved. Noteworthy is that the new apartment/townhouse structures
are being built 3-4 feet off the ground (as with many nearby Victorian age houses) as the water table is
only 5 feet below the ground. Many of us are living in a fprmer swamp!