HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989_09_21 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes •
C C
Town of Mamaroneck
Conservation Advisory Commission
740 West Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, NY. 10543 914-381-6133
MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21, 1989
A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on
Thursday, September 21, 1989 in Conference Room A of the Town Center, 740
West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:10
P.M.
Members Present: Steven Goldstein, Acting Chairman
Charles Bernstein
Herbert Calman
Susan Cavalieri
Kevin Ryan
Irma Volk
Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus
Others Present: James Johnson
Stephen Tomecek, Consultant
Robert Hohberg, Consultant
Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator
Rene' Rathschmidt, Recording Secretary
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Approval of Minutes - The minutes of August 17, 1989 were approved.
Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for October 19, 1989.
CHAIRMAN REPORTS
Correspondence - Steven Goldstein, Acting Chairman, distributed the
following correspondence:
Division of Water Report - received from the Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) .
Emblem - several samples of the proposed emblem for recycling from the
DEC.
CAC Minutes - 9/21/89
New Members - Steven Goldstein welcomed new members Irma Volk and Herbert
Calman.
Mr. Goldstein also expressed the hope that the members who were asked to
chair the CAC would reconsider so that the Chairmanship could be filled with
a current member already familiar with the concerns of the CAC.
ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR
Sheldrake Watershed Study/Natural Resource Inventories - Claudia Ng
recapped reasons for needing a topographical map. Stephen Tomecek, an
Consultant to the CAC, was on hand to answer the members questions regarding
the map. Once the definitions of scale and intervals were presented by Mr.
Tomecek a discussion ensued which is summarized in the following paragraph
Mr. Tomecek assured the members that since most of the information needed
has already been documented and is accessible the project will not be as
involved as previously thought. Claudia Ng expressed the need for a decision
of the part of the CAC regarding what they need to see and how they will use
the map since that will determine what scale will be used. Mr. Tomecek
explained that a 200 foot scaled map at 2 foot intervals will put you into
1/8 acre accuracy rate while a 400 foot scaled map at 500 foot intervals will
only give you a 1/4 to 1/2 acre accuracy. He also went on to explain that if
the CAC chose the 400 foot map they would be able to see small wetlands but,
would lose slopes, flood zones, and wetland boundaries. He also said that on
the other hand, a smaller scaled map would escalate costs. Mr. Goldstein
interjected and suggested that the members consider all the factors mentioned
by Mr. Tomecek before coming to a decision and if cost was the final
determining factor he suggested contacting the Planning Board and asking for
their input and possible support stating the reason that a map like this
could also be helpful in their decision making. He noted that support from
other groups might make the high cost factor more justifiable. After
considering all factors and emphasizing that it was the small areas that the
Commission needed to see more defined they voted to stride towards obtaining
a 200 foot scaled map at 2 foot intervals. Ms. Ng will draft a memo to the
Planning Board asking for their input
1990 BUDGET - Ms. Ng informed the Commission that it's 1990 proposed
budget is due by September 27, 1989. After minor adjustments and additions
to the draft budget, which was mailed in the last minutes packet, the
Commission passed the draft.
Letter to residents near conservation areas - item tabled.
Historical Background Pamphlet of the CAC - Mr. Goldstein again stressed
the need for members to begin preparations on the pamphlet.
Hazardous Waste in Hudson Valley - Ms. Ng reminded the Commission that
hearings on this subject have been scheduled to take place in Tuxedo, New
York.
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CAC Minutes - 9/21/89
EDUCATION/LEGISLATION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
School Project - Rene' Rathschmidt, reporting on behalf of Michael
Scheffler, stated that a meeting with Mr. Chang, of the Hommocks School, had
taken place. During this meeting Mr. Chang informed Mr. Scheffler that the
school had a Community Service Group made up of 7th and 8th graders for whom
this project would be ideal. Mr. Chang requested that all pertinent
information on the project be forwarded to him as soon as possible.
Tree Preservation Law - Claudia Ng reported that after consultation with
the Engineer, Mr. Jakubowski, he had informed her that the CAC's suggestion
of lowering the square foot limit to 10,000 feet would increase the number of
permits his department already handles and would in turn be unworkable at
present. In order to make the 10,000 square feet proposal more workable he
when on to suggest that dead trees and persons wanting to cut down less than
10% of the trees on their property be exempt so that the number of increased
permits would be lessen. Mr. Goldstein responded that dead trees in a non
hazard setting, such as woods, should not be removed because other species of
life exist on and in the dead wood. Kevin Ryan suggested incorporating
provisions for diameter and such to protect large mature trees. The
commission voted to consider exemptions in order to keep the 10,000 square
feet limit.
OPEN SPACE SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Work Plan Update - No Update.
RECYCLING SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
Publicity - No Update.
Recycling Program for Apartments - Ms. Ng informed the Commission that a
Meeting has been scheduled, with an EAC consultant invited, for September 23
at 10:00 a.m. in the Town Court Room.
CONSULTANT/LIAISON REPORTS
Reservoir - Robert Hohberg reported that the nitrate level in the
Reservoir is very good (double A) at present and that the alkaline levels are
also fine. He also noted that the oxygen levels have been flucuating which,
he feels, is cause for concern. He went on to report that the lower level
and both arms have been completed. Mr. Hohberg also said that he is now
equipped to test for lead content in water. He noted that drinking water
should be a top priority and that he will be available to test individual
homes for a fee.
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CAC Minutes - 9/21/89
ONGOING
Jay Property - Claudia Ng reported she had received a letter from County
Executive, Andrew O'Rourke, stating that new monies have been obtained and
maintaining the assurance that the County will continue to work with the Jay
Coalition in restoring and maintaining the property.
Golfball Ocean Litter - No Update.
Trapping - No Update.
Livingston/Hilltop Road - No Update.
Inventory of Streamside Properties - No Update.
Pesticides - Steven Goldstein informed the Commission that he had noticed
that a herbicide had been sprayed along Con Rail's railroad tracks but, did
not see any signs posting the application. Kevin Ryan responded that he will
investigate the law as it pertains to the railroad. Ms. Ng will draft a
letter to Con Rail noting this issue.
NEW OR OTHER BUSINESS
Bonnie Briar - Irma Volk informed the Commission that she had been
walking and notice that the little ponds in the area were in the process of
being filled in. Steven Goldstein suggested for Ms. Ng to follow up.
Meeting Commenced at 10:45 P.M.
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