Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987_05_21 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes RECE C C LVED 11 AUG 13 267 Daum Town of Mamaroneck ,�`�Conservation Advisory Commission q 4+►trlSe Ax-• - 4 740 West Boston Post Road *90' 9 Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 698.-3441 MINUTES A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Thursday, May 21, 1987, in the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:00 P.M. Members present: Robert Komitor, Chairman Susan Amlicke, Emeritus Elinor Fredston Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus Others present: Clifford Emanuelson, Conservation Consultant Robert Hohberg, Water Monitoring Consultant P. Thomas Leddy, Beautification Director Jane Moss, L.I.F.E. Center Claudia Ng, Environmental Assistant Irma Volk, EMC Maria Mora, Recording Secretary Administrative Matters Next Meeting - The March minutes were tentatively approved. The next CAC meeting was set for June 11, 1987. Environment Litter Law - Mr. Komitor relayed Bob Funicello's letter opposing the proposed new litter law. He stated that the new litter law requires you to register if you want to distribute any kind of advertising material and that there is a fee for the certificate of registration. It was mentioned that the Pennysavers are a nuisance and that littering might continue even if people were to register. Mr. Komitor remarked that with the certificate of registration you could at least know who is doing the littering. It was questioned if there is a fine for those caught littering and the response was that anyone caught littering could get a $250 fine and/or imprisonment. CAC agreed that the litter law is a good idea and Ms. Ng was designated to find out when this litter law will be approved by the Town Council. It was reported that a lot of home owners and gardeners are depositing their leaves in conservation areas and that the leaves are being swept into the gutters. Mr. Leddy remarked that it is very difficult to pick up the leaves that accumulate in the grassy area between the curb and the sidewalk. You have to use a special machine to do this type of work. Mr. Emanuelson noted that this machine takes four to five men to do the job instead of the usual two or three. Another problem brought up was street sweeping. Mrs. Moss stressed that people don't want the leaves in the streets because they are dangerously CAC minutes - 5/21/87 narrowing roads, clogging the storm drains, and causing street fires. It was noted that street sweeping is not prohibited in the months of August, September, and October. Improve Entrance to Premium Marsh - Mrs. Johnson inquired about filling in pot holes at this entrance off Dillon Road. Mr. Emanuelson feels that by filling in the pot holes there will be more parking on Town land. Mr. Komitor suggested that they enforce the new parking laws and this way people will get more parking tickets there. Mr. Leddy offered to write a memo to the Police Department requesting that they regularly check this area and issue tickets. Mrs. Johnson said that the Premium Marsh is not used for tours anymore, but she feels that if the trails could be protected from bikers, then it would be good for passive recreation. Maintenance of Trails and Conservation Areas - The CAC received a favorable note of recognition by Town Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone at last night's Town Council meeting. It was suggested that a maintenance program for the trails and conservation areas be done; that we should attempt to try to get some more community involvement along with the trails; and that the people would have a personal interest because they live in that area. Also, that we should get them involved with the CAC and have them help us out in just overseeing that the trails are maintained. Mrs. Johnson stated that the local people can be of help in reporting dumping and they can give us a list of places needing receptacles. It was agreed upon that we should arrange stone containers at the end of streets. Mr. Komitor mentioned that a walk should be organized for officials. He wants Steve and Jim to coordinate it. Mrs. Johnson feels that this walk will remind people of the conservation areas and that the walk should be publicized so that people will become more aware of it. She also spoke of an annual walk done in Annapolis, MD, in which 50,000 people showed up. It was suggested that we should make it an annual walk, either in the summer or fall. Water Courses and Water Bodies Gardens Lake Dredging Project - Mr. Emanuelson explained Malcolm Pirnie's suggested alternative of dumping around Hommock's Field. The Town's engineer consultant didn't agree with the second alternative of pumping the spoils to the Rockland Thruway Pocket. He stated that it would cost too much to maintain until it dries out. The third alternative was to drain the lake and to let the material dry out on the spot. It was reported that this would be a problem with the residents, who would oppose it for aesthetic and safety hazard reasons. Also, it would cause fish and wildlife disruption. Mr. Komitor stated that the Rockland site seems like the best site, but it is not a feasible one. It seems like the Hommock s Field is the most feasible one. The estimated cost for dredging and transporting is $120,000. It was noted that the Weaver Street Bridge will be closed. Mr. Komitor suggested that we find out when the Weaver Street Bridge will be closed before we start on the project. Code Enforcement Officer - CAC wants to have Mr. Hohberg appointed as a Code Enforcement Officer. Mr. Funicello and Mr. Goldstein were designated to help Mr. Hohberg with the code. Mr. Komitor noted that the Town attorney has been informed of this request and will assist in developing such a position. Mr. Komitor will give Mr. Funicello and Mr. Goldstein a call to follow up on this. -2- CAC minutes - 5/21/87 Solid Waste Disposal Proposed State Legislation to Promote Resource Recovery - The State wants to approve funding to develop two generic plans for municipal resource recovery plants. The intent is to reduce time in generating a plant for a municipality and it provides some uniformity and consistency with quality standards. Mrs. Fredston emphasized recycling and thought it was time to push for mandatory recycling. NYPIRG is very strongly against incineration because at least 10% of what you burn remains as residue and the rest is essentially in the air as pollutants. Mrs. Amlicke felt that it would not be a good idea either because of the constant changes in technological progress. Mrs. Fredston suggests simply using the designs of existing plants that are successful. Mr. Emanuelson noted that municipalities starting from scratch would be able to take advantage of the generic plans. The cost for the developing these plans is $2 million. Mr. Komitor will write a letter relaying the CAC's comments to the Supervisor . Leaf Composting - Mr. Emanuelson presented his map of the Rockridge Road area, belonging to the Village of Mamaroneck, as a possible alternative site for leaf composting. It was noted that the residents across the street are opposed to this plan because of the smell and noise it would create. It was also noted that the residents on the top of the hill would not be as affected by the smell and the leaf compost site because they are so high up. Mr. Emanuelson stated that a shredder is needed to help eliminate leaves and that reshredding the leaves as they come in will reduce them up to 20%. These shredders cost about $100,000. Mr. Komitor mentioned that if three municipalities were to get together that they could split the cost for the shredder. Also, having this tri-municipal solution could make it more appealing to getting a grant. A full-time person will be needed to shred and turn leaves. Recycling Grants - Mrs. Amlicke had reviewed the reimbursement documents. She reported that several communities in Westchester have received recycling grants, but they must have a two-year contract. This grant pays 50% of the recycling cost but it only covers glass and metal, not leaves. It was suggested that the Ms. Ng contact the State Waste Grant personnel to see what needs to be given to them to get reimbursements. She will also inquire whether labor or second hand equipment could be included as items eligible for reimbursement. Recycling - It was reported that there have been complaints regarding the cleaniness of the center. Mr. Leddy explained that there is a sanitation man who periodically monitors and maintains the site during the week and a separate person is hired just for supervising on Saturdays. Mr. Komitor suggested combining funds for hiring just one full-time monitor. Communications to Commission Thank you letter from EMC regarding river workshop - Ms. Ng read aloud the thank you letter from Susan Gallion on behalf of the EMC (copy of letter attached). -3- CAC minutes - 5/21/87 Members,and Liaisons Caroline Silverstone wrote to Paul Noto reminding him of CAC's links to the Village of Mamaroneck and encouraged them to send a liaison to the meetings. She also suggested that he have Charles Bernstein appointed as their CAC liaison to the EMC. Mr. Komitor will present an annual report to the Village of Mamaroneck Board along with Mr. Hohberg. New or Other Business Announcements: 1. Wetlands and River Corridor Management Symposium will be at Silver Bay on June 17-19. 2. There will be exhibits and lectures at the Museum of Natural History on the Hudson River. 3. Tree workshops are scheduled for various places and times in the state. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 P.M. -4-