HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987_05_21 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes RECE
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Town of Mamaroneck ,�`�Conservation Advisory Commission
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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.
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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).
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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.
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