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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990_01_18 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes C C fEG aJ ED MR 8 1990 Town of Mamaroneck PATRICIA A.Dici0CCt0 MEConservation AdvisoryCommission AANARONC K N.Y. 740 West Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543 914-381-6133 r~MIri+JTES JANUARY 18, 1990 A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAG) was held on Thursday, January 18. 1990 in Conference Room A of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:25 P.M. Members Present: Kevin Ryan, Chairman Herbert Calman Susan Cavalieri Sandy Feldman Douglas Gould Gladys Sherak • Others Present: Claudia Ng. Environmental Coordinator Robert Leopold Robert Hohberg Rene' Rathschmidt, Recorder ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Approval of Minutes - The minutes for November 16, 1989 were approved. Next Meeting - The next meeting is scheduled for February 15. 1990. ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR REPORTS Sheldrake Watershed Study/Natural Resources Inventories - At the last scheduled meeting The Town Administrator, Stephen. Altieri, told the Commission that the project would most probably need to be postponed until next year. He stated that the cost of the map would make it a capital project therefore, it could not he placed within this year's budget. Alternative methods of completion were discussed. one of them being as to whether the map could he done in stages. Hs. Ng was asked to investigate this alternative. At this meeting, she reported that the cost would either run higher if done in stages versus all at once or i.t required more money upfront. She informed the Commission that after advising Mr. Altieri of her • findings, the project was put off to the 1991 fiscal year. The other alternative would be to do the hydrological study first on existing larger scale maps. but this would not be cost-effective. The Commssion directed Ms. Ng to ask the Administrator whether the project could be reconsidered mid-year. CAC Minutes 1/18/90 County Department of Environmental Protection - Ms. Ng stated that the ® CAC had received a letter from County Legislator Diane Keane informing them that a resolution concerning the County department of Environmental Protection had been passed on November 6, 1989 (see attached) . Ms. Ng also noted she was in receipt of an additional letter on this subject from Diana Blair, Executive Director of the Federated Conservationist of Westchester County, Inc. She said Ms. Blair expressed the appreciation of their Board to the CAC for their support of the resolution calling for the study. New York State Water Survey Form - Ms. Ng asked members to complete the survey, which was included in the last mailing packet, and return it to the address listed on the survey. She noted that this survey is asking for an individual's opinion, not a professional assessment, and therefore, would need the CAC's individualized attention. EDUCATION LEGISLATION REPORTS Tree Preservation Law - Douglas Gould reported that at the last meeting of the Education/Legislation Committee several recommendations on the law had been made. He noted that they had then been passed along to the Town's Attorney for review. Mr. Gould asked Ms. Ng as to whether they had been worked on by the Attorney and Ms. Ng responded that they had not. Ms. Ng noted that the present guidelines and criteria would need further refinement and recommended to Mr. Gould that perhaps it would be best to take this issue ® back to committee for additional recommendations. Mr. Gould concurred and will report back. Trapping - Kevin Ryan reported that no leg-hold traps have been sited recently. However, Douglas Gould responded that the issue should still be pursued. Ms. Ng was instructed to ask the Town attorney for his comments. OPEN SPACE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS School Project Update.- Kevin Ryan suggested that Earth Day projects and participation be requested from the high school students. He encouraged the creation of a self-sustaining grammar school program, with L.I.F.E. Center. Work Plan Update - A proposed work program for 1990 was submitted for comment to the Commission by Highway Superintendent Tom Leddy. The program was broken into 3 month quarters in order to allow work to be done in appropriate weather. Several comments and recommendations were made which will be passed along to Mr. Leddy. Also Ms. Ng mentioned that a tow-a-way sign which has been proposed for placement at Dillion Avenue was set for public hearing on January 27th. A decision as to what kind of entrance sign should be put for the Premium Conservation Area was tabled until costs for various permanent signs, which are less likely to be vandalized, could be obtained and compared. Ms. Ng told the Commission that she needed to know what kind of wording they wanted for the sign. -2- CAC Minutes 1/18/90 QRECYCLING TASKFORCE Publicity Campaign - Susan Cavalieri and Ms. Ng reported that Alice Model has nearly completed the video on recycling. The video contained shots of the incinerator and various places within the Town and Village. They also mentioned that some progress has been made on the postcards and brochure and that they will be ready in the near future. Composting - A meeting on composting and how to change habits to reduce waste will be held by the Continuing Education Center on April 19, 1990 at the High School. Further information will be forthcoming as the date nears. Douglas Gould noted that the leaves at Taylor Lane could not be recycled because of the discovery of toxic waste found at that site. He inquired as to the status of the other composting sites, particularly, Flint Park and the Hommocks School. Ms. Ng responded that the site at Flint Park belongs to the Village of Larchmont and that it will continue, but the leaves being stored on the Hommocks School parking lot will be removed by a private hauler. She will keep the Commission updated on any further developments on composting. Mandatory Newspaper Legislation - Tabled. Continuing Education Workshop - The Continuing Education Center will be holding a workshop on recycling on Thursday evening, April 19, 1990. Coe CONSULTANT LIAISON REPORTS Water Quality Report - Mr. Hohberg recapped the results of his report, which was distributed to the Commission, on the study he conducted over the summer on the Larchmont Reservoir. He noted that the Reservoir received an A rating. The water only contained 10 ml of nitrate and therefore, he stated that it can be used as a back up water supply. Mr. Hohberg said he discovered more siltation then in previous years and he noted that the photic zone and oxygen levels were slightly lowered. This was probably due to the lowering of the lake for the Gardens Lake dredging project. Douglas Gould questioned Mr. Hohberg as to whether the oxygen level would return to it's pervious level and Mr. Hohberg responded that it was possible when the lake turns over. The coliform count was not bad, although it clearly increased as it got closer to the shore. An increase in alkalinity near the walls was also exhibited, probably due to leaching from the mortor. Kevin Ryan asked if the prognosis was good for the Reservoir to maintain it's A rating and if not what could the CAC do to assure that it did. Mr. Hohberg said that as long as the water was monitored closely and new construction developments, which would impact directly on the Reservoir, was restricted the water should remain fine. Mr. Hohberg stated that he would like to sample the waters between the Reservoir and Gardens Lake. It was noted that Bayberry Country Club may be discharging their pool water into the waters again. Furthermore, he could evaluate the impacts from the County pipeline construction along Brookside Drive. © Lead Testing Capabilities - Mr. Hohberg reported that he is now equipped to do residential testing of home drinking water to see if it contains levels -3- CAC Minutes 1/18/90 of lead. He stated that he would be able to detect micrograms per liter of 4110 lead within the water. He noted that the testing would require residents to refrain from using water for an 8 to 18 hour period of time for proper testing. The Environmental Protection Agency has placed lead high on the danger/risk list. It was noted that the County did have lead-testing services, but you would have to go to the Grasslands to have it done. Mr. Hohberg will conduct a test run and report back. ONGOING Jay Property - Tabled Historical Background Pamphlet of CAC - Rene' Rathschmidt reported that the project is a third complete. She noted that some further research into past years would be required and that she will keep the Commission updated as to her progress. Livingston/Hilltop Road - Tabled. NEW OR OTHER BUSINESS CAC Annual Report for 1989 - Ms. Ng informed the Commission that it was time once again to work on the Annual Report. She suggested that this be done through subcommittees and that the subcommittees refer to the 1988 report for format, etc. . . She also said that it would need to be completed . in time for it to be printed by April 1st. Kevin Ryan suggested that everyone have ideas and outlines ready for discussion by the February meeting. All concurred. Earth Day - Ms. Ng noted that the CAC should be taking a coordinating role with liaisons to other organizations for Earth Day activities. She also reminded the Commission of the Feb 1, 1990 meeting where other organizations have been invited to attend. In view of this special occasion, the Commission members were asked to concentrate on this and postponing other CAC work. Mr. Gould suggested having a theme, such as focusing on what the individual can do to help the environment. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 10:40 P.M. 41, -4 RESOLUTION NO. 198-1989 (AS AMENDED) WHEREAS, the environmental community of Westchester County, led by Mrs. Edith G. Read, has voiced a strong commitment to establish a Department of Environment as part of our County Government, and WHEREAS, current environmental concerns within Westchester County have become so interrelated that distribution among existing offices and departments needs to be reviewed and may need the attention of a single office , now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that your Special Task Force on the Environment requests the Westchester County Board of Legislators to request the County Executive to prepare a special study to determine how best to protect our fragile environment and the need to establish a County Department of the Environment, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that said special study be completed and transmitted to this Honorable Board by May 1, 1990. SPECIAL TASK FORCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT