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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989_06_15 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes C I CAae Town of Mamaroneck CO Conservation Advisory Commission 740 West Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543 914381-6133 APPROVED MINUTES JUNE 15, 1989 A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Thursday, June 15, 1989, in Conference Room B of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:15 P.M. Members Present: Michael Scheffler, Acting Chairman Charles Bernstein Susan Cavalieri Douglas Gould Irma Volk Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus Others Present: Tom Leddy, Town of Mamaroneck, Highway Department Bob Hohberg, Water Consultant Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator © James Johnson, Friends of the Reservoir Gladys Sherak, Volunteer Rene' Rathschmidt, Recorder Members Excused: Steven Goldstein Members Absent: Kevin Ryan 1 Thomas and Susan Amlicke ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Approval of Minutes - The minutes of May 18, 1989 were approved pending minor changes. Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for July 20, 1989. CHAIRMAN REPORTS Reports from the Chair were unavailable at this time. OPEN SPACE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Michael Scheffler reported to the Commission that Irma Volk and Gladys Sherak had walked this morning. The purpose of this walk was to evaluate the condition of the remaining section of the Leatherstocking Trail, from Weaver Street to the New Rochelle border. The following was reported: CAC MINUTES 6/15/89 r Gladys Sherak reported that although the sides of the trail contained evidence of recent dumping of garden debris the trail itself was in good shape. Ms. Sherak also said that the woodchipped areas had held up 'well, that tire tracks were spotted near Knollwood Road, and the trail was well marked. Also mentioned was the siting of deer on the trail. Ms. Sherak also said that the area around the pond was a mess, boards were sighted near Weaver Street and bike trails were apparent throughout. Michael Scheffler suggested contacting residents near the areas in which garden debris was sighted to determine the source and also to inform them that the area is a conservation area and illegal dumping activity needs to be stopped. Gladys Sherak interjected that all residents along South Drive should be contacted because pinpointing violators will be difficult without the residents' help. Mrs. Johnson mentioned that Mrs. Mattingly, a resident on Knollwood, and Shelley Mydans of the Hommocks area may be willing to help. Michael Scheffler also reported to the Commission that he and Gladys Sherak had met and toured the Hommocks with Mrs. Helen Brownell. Mr. Scheffler stated that Mrs. Brownell had pointed out some of what they thought were trouble spots. Upon investigating these areas it was determined by himself and Ms. Sherak that the problem was not so serious as once thought. He said that he tried to explain that the area was a conservation area and not a park and therefore needed to remain in a more natural state which allows for vines such as grape, cat brier and Virginia Creeper. Gladys Sherak also noted that there was a large overgrowth of poison ivy sighted by the marsh area of the trail. Michael Scheffler on behalf of the Open Space Committee distributed a draft of a letter, regarding the work plan for the conservation areas to the residents of the Hommocks, Leatherstocking Trails, etc. . . The letter was discussed and comments were mentioned by members present which, in turn, were C incorporated. Mr. Scheffler said that he will rewrite the memo and submit it to Steven Goldstein for approval. One such suggestion was the involvement of high school students in the making of signs for the Hommocks area. Charles Bernstein reported that he had met with Rick North, Principal of the Hommocks Middle School, and discussed the topic of signs with him. He said Mr. North was very interested in the project and gave him the name of Ms. Chang, the person with whom he should contact. Michael Scheffler will contact Mr. North, in writing, to confirm the conversation and to outline ideas and to receive input. Mr. Bernstein will schedule a meeting with Mr. Chang. EDUCATION/LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS Tree Preservation Law - Douglas Gould reported to the Commission that he had met with Tom Leddy, Charles Bernstein, and Claudia Ng, this evening to discuss the Tree Preservation Law. He stated that some changes would need to be made to the draft law. Mr. Gould mentioned that the tree cutting plans would need modification, permitted use needed clarification, and the time period for tree permits would need to be changed. Mr. Gould said that the committee would need to meet again to finalize changes, once that is done they will report back to the Commission. RECYCLING SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS © Susan Cavalieri reported the following results of the Recycling Taskforce meeting: CAC MINUTES - 6/15/89 Signs - Ms. Cavalieri said the taskforce had spoken about placing signs near Maxwell Avenue to identify the recycling area. She questioned Mr. Leddy about the signs that were once there. Mr. Leddy said that when the ' intersection was under construction all signs were removed. Plastics - Ms. Cavalieri reported that the recycling depot would soon have a receptacle for plastics. Ms. Ng interjected and said that she was waiting for the completion of signs which would identify which types of plastics are acceptable and which are not. Ms. Ng also stated that Suburban Carting would be the company that will supply the bin and take the plastics. Ms. Cavalieri also stated that the Town will be working with the Chamber of Commerce for Saturday pickup of corrugated cardboard. She suggested sending flyers to corrugated cardboard users to notify them of the Saturday pickup. Ms. Cavalieri also noted that the mandatory newspaper legislation and dumpsters for apartments were discussed. Village of Mamaroneck - Ms. Ng reported on the Village of Larchmont Recycling Committee meeting she attended on June 14, 1989. Ms. Ng noted that the Village of Mamaroneck had received a grant from Westchester County to study collection. She also stated that the Village is willing to try to work jointly with the Town to be sure that all necessary steps are taken to facilitate mutual needs. Ms. Ng also said that in order to keep costs down the Village would be willing to advertise and purchase bins along with the Town. ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR REPORTS Town purchase of Monroe Day School Property - Claudia Ng reported that the Town of Mamaroneck has purchased the Monroe Day School. The 1 acre property includes a house, pool, and tennis courts which will be used for recreational purposes. She also noted that this purchase will "round out" the Larchmont Reservoir conservation area. Map of undeveloped lands - Ms. Ng showed a map of current undeveloped lands which are located in the three municipalities. The map was scruntinized by the members and areas not depicted on the map were discussed as to whether or not they should be included. One such area was the Con Edison property which was mentioned by James Johnson. Ms. Ng responded that this area was not included because atru s cture was located on the property and therefore gave it another classification. Mary Anne Johnson suggested looking into the Durham Road properties for lot divisions. Ms. Ng will follow up and report back to the Commission. New/revised laws deadline - Ms. Ng informed the Commission that the Town is recodifying the Town Codebook, so if the CAC wants any laws to be changed or added, they should identify them before the end of this year. Summer Work Program - Ms. Ng stated that the Summer Work Program will begin on June 28, 1989. Mr. James Johnson distributed a memo which listed 0 -3- CAC MINUTES - 5/15/89 summer work projects for the Reservoir area. He explained in detail what each project entailed. He also noted that the old filter plant was in need of restoration. Mr. Johnson stated that once the filter plant was restored a weather station could be placed there or it could be made over as a museum. He also mentioned the necessity of wildlife fences and an aeration system. Mr. Johnson noted that Mr. Howard McMichael was willing to donate the use of the ship yard bubble pump for use at the reservoir during the summer months. CONSULTANT LIAISON REPORTS Mr. Hohberg reported to the commission that he will be concentrating on the reservoir this summer. He said he will be conducting a repeat study of the one he performed back in 1979. Mr. Hohberg also spoke about the water sampling he performed on behalf of the Coastal Zone Management Commission (CZMC) which concerned the High Tech Car Wash. He noted that the CZMC was disappointed that he conducted it after 4 days of rain. Mr. Holberg said he would be willing to repeat the study, but the guidelines must be clear cut. He also noted that performing the study just after an afternoon rain storm would not be sufficient to flush out the car wash drainage system. ONGOING Residential Development - 746 Mamaroneck Avenue - Ms. Ng reported that the Village of Mamaroneck Planning Board had approved the application of the Pure Foods cite for condominiums. She also noted that oil traps and the use Oof wells were incorporated. Golf Ball Ocean Litter - Ms. Ng spoke with the Village of Mamaroneck Chief of Police. She asked for a copy of the Village's Litter Law because the Chief said that he does not feel he has any grounds to cite a violation. Ms. Ng also reported that the Chief had spoken with the resident who had been teeing off into the sound. The Chief noted that the resident said that he was not the violator because he always recollects his balls. Ms. Ng also said that a reporter form the Daily Times was interested in printing an article about the litter. Trapping - Ms. Ng noted that the new attorney still needs some time to review the topic. Mr. Hohberg reported that Susan Amlicke had sighted traps at the reservoir. Livingston/Hilltop Road - no update. Inventory of Streamside Properties - no update. Sheldrake Watershed Study - Ms. Ng stated that a new, more refined, request for proposal will go out to licensed engineering companies. They will just be requested to conduct the computer analyses for the watershed simulation model. The natural resources inventories map will be revised in-house and the data will be provided to the engineering company. -4- CAC MINUTES - 6/15/89 Jay Property - Charles Bernstein said he had received a letter from Diane Keane which stated funds of 6 million dollars ( 2 million from County - 4 million from State) . He also stated that they were seeking a new appraisal from the Zoning Board. Mary Anne Johnson asked everyone to write to Diane Keane and Andrew O'Rourke urging condemnation of the property. Pesticides - Douglas Gould reported that Steven Goldstein relayed to him that the Court had upheld the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) regulations regarding pesticides. Therefore he suggested reopening the issue of pesticides. Historical/Background Pamphlet of the CAC - no update. Meeting adjourned at 10:12 P.M. 0 -3- a C C Town of Mamaroneck 4110 Conservation Advisory Commission 740 Wgst Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543 914-381-6133 MEMO TO: CONSERVATION ADVISORY COMMISSION FROM: OPEN SPACE SUBCOMMITTEE RE: CONSERVATION AREAS WORK PLAN DATE: MAY 18, 1989 Hommocks Conservation Area 1. Check triangular pipe structure to see if can be removed. 2. Highway Superintendent will check if any dead trees need removal. Premium Conservation Area 1. Use large boulders with metal plaque as entrance sign. 4600 2. Put up a tow-a-way sign instead of just "no parking." 3. Narrow entranceway to 9 ft. by putting row of cut telephone poles and prickly plants along either side. 4. Fill all holes with gravel, then spread over with woodchips. 5. Clean out tidal ditch and finish cleanup of area. 6. Start planning and possibly construction of boardwalk if workforce is available. Leatherstocking Trail 1. Reinforce sign on Country Road. 2. Replace sign on Weaver Street. 3. Obtain addresses of garden dumping violators for CAC to followup with letters. 4. Construction of new catwalks over extremely muddy areas. 5. Install erosion control logs with anchors on steep portion of trail. 6. Repair first step of catwalk on section near Old White Plains Road. 7. Boulders between Fenimore and Avon needs graffiti removed. New e 4 r THE LARCHMONT RESERVOIR JAMES G. JOHNSON JR. CONSERVANCY 111 June 16, 1989 FRIENDS OF THE RESERVOIR: Proposed Summer Projects - for Summer Work Crews, etc. 1) Cut brush along existing trails. A) Lower reservoir trail B) Dennis Drive trail C) Pinebrook Drive entrance (on berm) and large peninsula trails (improve identification of these trails) . 2) Build catwalk on Dennis Drive trail over muddy area. 3) Clear brush in selected areas around the filter plant. 4) Extend the existing trail along the stream below the lower reservoir to a point where it will join the designated parking area. This will permit the trail to follow a part of the stream where there are small waterfalls when the river is running strong. 1100 5) Complete the loop trail around the center of the peninsula which is approached by the Dennis Drive Trail. 6) Create a new trail from the wildflower garden that will follow along the border of the Reservoir property to a small clearing next to the Westchester Joint Water Works building. 7) Eradicate poison ivy and oriental bittersweet in selected areas. 8) When time permits help with weeding the wildflower garden. 9) Build low walls (of brick or railroad ties) around the flower beds on each side of the front door of the filter plant, to prevent erosion. 10) Make arrangements to vandal-proof the gate and fence for the wildlife preserve. 11) Continue work on Sheldrake Lane, and particularly where it crosses over a small bridge over the river. 12) Work on tree nursery in fenced area where owners of 10, * DiForio property formerly had vegetable garden.