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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_01_14 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes C C Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory Commission Area Code 914 740 West Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 381-6133 MINUTES A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Thursday, January 14, 1988, at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, N. Y. The meeting commenced at 8:10 P.M. Members Present: Robert Komitor, Chairman Suzanne Carpenter Susan Amlicke Elinor Fredston Steven Goldstein James Santos Irma Volk Others Present: Robert Hohberg, Water Monitoring Consultant Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator Lynn Reichgot, Larchmont League of Women Voters Frederick A. Lewis, Recording Secretary Administrative Matters Minutes - The minutes for the meeting of November 19, 1987, were approved without corrections. Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 1988. Natural Resources Inventory Referring to Page 4 of the November 19 meeting minutes, Ms. Amlicke recommended Ann Gunsalus as a volunteer for the Inventory. Solid Waste Disposal Recycling - Ms. Amlicke recommended and requested Mr. Goldstein's active participation in recycling inasmuch as she was not actually a member of the Commission. At this point, Mr. Komitor advised that Gloria Allen has resigned from the Commission and that Jane Moss was appointed as her replacement. Ms. Moss is actively interested in recycling. Ms. Ng reported on recycling markets selected from a list provided by the County. A market in Portchester is offering $15 a ton but will only take newspaper. There is a charge for mixed paper. The American Independent Paper Company located in Tarrytown is offering $20 a ton, but will also charge for mixed paper. CAC Minutes - 1/14/88 A & R Lobosco Recycling Center in Flushing, Queens is willing to match Garden State Paper Company's current price of $30 per ton, which is 60% of what they will earn from it, and provide us with a five year contract with an evergreen clause. The price will be adjusted annually to market value, but will never be less than $20 a ton. The firm is a second generation family company which has been in business since 1947. Stephen Batty, a private recycling consultant, is working with this company in an attempt to expand waste paper imports to Korea and Asia for recycling there. He can do this economically by using barges bringing imports to this country since they generally return to those countries empty. In so doing, he will get more and his operation can pay better. It was pointed out by Ms. Ng and Ms. Amlicke that Mr. Batty formerly worked for Garden State. Ms. Amlicke indicated that she has dealt with him in the past and that Mr. Batty is anxious to get our paper because he knows it is clean. Ms. Ng noted that in regard to Garden State, Bob Henderson (NYS DEC, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste) has agreed to accept their contract, which is for one-year with automatic one-year renewal, as sufficient for the requirements in order to receive State funding for recycling equipment. William D'Elia, a representative from Garden State had spoken to Mr. Henderson and convinced him of the stability of their contract. However, this contract still allows for termination within 90 days notice of either party. With New Jersey under mandatory recycling and a contract which allows for easy termination, members were uncertain as to the future with Garden State. For example, Garden State already rejects any dealings with Connecticut. A discussion also centered around a market for handling mixed paper. Garden State is supposed to take mixed paper when they could, but they have not accepted a load for an entire year. However, it was pointed out that the Town is getting a payback from the County because the Town does not have a transfer station and it is cheaper to send it to Charles Point than to the recycling center. Ms. Ng stated that Mr. Batty has informed her that he could possibly take the mixed paper to a center in Port Washington, but they would prefer to have the paper separated (at least for cardboard and brown paper) because it would involve a lot of labor to separate the load after it is mixed. Mr. Batty stated, however, that they will match Garden State in agreeing to take it whenever they could. Concerns were expressed about giving up a reliable center against a new firm where there was not much information. The question was raised what would happen if they went out of business. On the other hand, it was pointed out that perhaps it would be to the Town's advantage to look for a New York market at this time especially in lieu of increased recycling in New Jersey and Garden State may have more business than they need. Questions were raised concerning Mr. Batty's present involvement with the Korean market. Ms. Ng pointed out that he already is involved with exporting paper from California to Korea but is now looking to expand it to the East Coast, which produces even more waste paper. A & R LoBosco currently has a contract with Garden State to deliver up to 20,000 tons of baled paper a year. A & R also has a 6,000 ton per year contract with Chonju Paper Mfg. Ltd. , a division of Samsung, Korea's largest corporation. Ms. Ng outlined further discussions she had with various consulting and research people leading to contact with a consulting firm, Citizens Recycling Gorporation, which is making an effort to locate a recycling firm for us. The contact person, Dr. Alan„Hirschkowitz, director of this firm, will get back to her with possibilities in the near future. Ms. Ng advised that this firm tries to match needs with the right recycling center. -2- CAC Minutes - 1/14/88 Mr. Komitor questioned the time table involved in making a decision and Ms. Ng indicated that Mr. Batty would like to have a decision as soon as possible. At this point, Ms. Amlicke reiterated her recommendation that the Flushing site be visited and that someone talk to Garden State to find out where the Town stood with them in lieu of that State's mandated recycling. Mr. Komitor suggested that Ms. Ng try to contact the Citizens Recycling Corporation to see if they have any centers to submit for consideration. If there is a variety of alternatives, a decision should wait. Otherwise, a subcommittee should be formed and plans made for visiting the sites. It was recommended that Mr. Altieri, Mr. Leddy and those familiar with recycling operations be members of the visiting group. Ms. Ng, however, advised that she had spoken to Mr. Altieri and he indicated that he would first like to have a recommendation from the Commission before taking any action. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the Town recommending an inspection of the Flushing operation to see if they can handle our paper, a Dun & Bradstreet five-year financial analysis on A & R LoBosco be done to determine if they are stabled; and advise the Town of mandatory recycling in New Jersey and the possibility of losing our New Jersey market, thereby the probable need to locate a New York market. The Commission voted unanimously that the recommendations be sent to the Town and also requested Ms. Ng to send a memorandum to the Town Administrator A discussion was held on Garden State's present contract which Ms. Ng read. The contract has been in force since 1971 and automatically renewed every two years in November. Ms. Ng was asked to verify with Fred Kellogg whether or not a new contract was signed last November. . Ms. Ng provided the Commission with figures showing that in 1987, newspaper recycling has dropped from 850 tons to 544 tons. The figures and the reduction in recycling were briefly discussed. Environment Leatherstocking Trail - Resident Letter - Mr. Komitor referred to the copy of the appeal letter to adjoining residents of the trail which was included in the packet received by the Commission and inquired whether there were any questions or suggestions. The suggestion was made to send it by registered mail but the consensus of feeling was that the expense was not necessary. It was pointed out that the letter did not have a phone number where people can call to report violations or inquire about trail information. Mr. Goldstein felt that wider distribution shouldbe_made_to cover all conservation areas. He also stated that the adjoining residents are not necessarily the abusers and that the conservation areas are being abused to a great extent by illegal use because people do not know the rules and regulations governing use of trails, etc. It was also stated that a good percentage of the dumping in the areas were being done by gardeners, especially when residents were not at home. The suggestion was made that the letter instead be placed in the Town and Villages newsletters as well as newspapers, and Mr. Komitor suggested the use of both alternatives. Further discussion was held on the abuses and illegal use of the areas and the question of penalties for violations were raised. It was pointed out that violators must be caught red handed. Ms. Ng read a section of the Town Code Book citing the penalty for such violations as a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $50.00 and a possible imprisonment of up to thirty days for default payment of the fine. It was thereupon suggested that we include in the letter the words, illegal and punishable, in the paragraph referring -3- • CAC Minutes - 1/14/88 to the reporting of violations. It was also suggested that we include a sentence urging people to review the rules and regulations. The question was raised on how to incorporate all of the suggested information in a letter and Mr. Goldstein suggested two pages, one an appeal and the second page will include the rules and regulations governing the use of conservation areas, citing illegal uses, and to include a map showing the conservation areas. Trapping - Mr. Komitor brought up Ms. Kathryn Clarke's appearance and discussion at the Commission's November meeting in which she discussed the setting of leghold traps in the community. A discussion was held on the legality of the setting of these traps on private property. Mr. Komitor further read a letter sent by Ms. Clarke to Mayor Noto and the Village Trustees (copy on file) requesting that they consider the passage of a local ordinance requiring a trapper to get written permission from a landowner before setting traps on the property. Mr. Komitor indicated that he will also send a letter to both Mayors as well as the Town Supervisor supporting Ms. Clarke and he read the draft of his proposed letter. Ms. Ng advised that another untagged trap was found in early December in the Sheldrake River Trails, by one of the bridges. Ms. Volk advised that school children frequent this area. It was suggested that the letter include the finding of the trap and that school children are taken into the area. Discussions centered around the possible regulating of trapping by county or municipalities. Ms. Ng noted that she had reviewed some of the State environmental conservation laws which indicated the limitations of other government levels to prevent the setting of traps. The question was raised whether leghold traps could be outlawed since there were other safer traps available for use. However, it was again pointed out that this could not be done. Mr. Hohberg reviewed the booklet and suggested that trappers be confronted and questioned concerning the type of animals they plan to trap, and to determine whether he is a licensed trapper and setting traps within the confines of the law. He further suggested rigorous enforcement of the laws. Mr. Goldstein suggested that we make an effort to obtain more information pertaining to the group lobbying against leghold traps. Water Courses and Water Bodies Water Monitoring - Mr. Hohberg reported that he had made a presentation to the Village of Mamaroneck Board in which he covered his studies from the Mamaroneck River to the harbor, from Sheldrake River to the harbor, and including East and Guion Creeks. In his presentation, he discussed the material coming down the river. Mr. Komitor commended Mr. Hohberg on his presentation. Mr. Hohberg further advised that he made a public statement to Suzi Oppenheimer's Tri-State Long Island Sound Caucus Public Hearing concerning polluting of the Long Island Sound. He also advised that he submitted a memorandum (copy on file) to Mr. Altieri providing information to validate his water monitoring studies. Mr. Hohberg also suggested that the Commission give time and thought to any studies they may wish to have done this summer. Ms. Fredston suggested a study be done on East Creek. Mr. Hohberg mentioned the Larchmont Reservoir in which there had been no study since 1979-80. He also proposed a coliforms count of the Long Island Sound noting that CZMC is preparing to do a study of the Sound. Ms. Fredston suggested that Mr. Hohberg coordinate his activities of the Sound with Mr. Allen of CZMC. The Commission decided that Mr. Hohberg'G nextprojertshould be a reevaluation of East Creek. -4- CAC Minutes - 1/14/88 New Business Annual Report - Mr. Komitor requested recommendations on topics for inclusion in the report. Ms. Fredston felt that her coverage of the Coastal Zone Management Commission should no longer be continued since it is now an established Commission and advised that she will review past minutes to find another topic. Ms. Volk mentioned the stream corridor management workshop which was conducted by the County Environmental Management Council and advised that she will handle this. Mr. Komitor stated that he will again write a summary /overview. During the course of the discussion, Mr. Goldstein raised the question of the Commission's thoughts for the publication of more permanent Commission brochure which should include trail system ru es a reg>>_ations governing the trails, purpose of the fission, etc.. Ms. Ng noted that the brochure -s�ioulT be done in early summer so as not to conflict with the Annual Report deadline. Mr. Goldstein advised that he has access to a laser printer and a short discussion was held on the advantage of using this type of printer. Mr. Goldstein will follow it up with Ms. Ng. Other assignments are Ms. Amlicke will possibly cover recycling, Mr. Hohberg will handle water monitoring, and Mr. Leddy will do cemeteries. Davids Island was mentioned as an issue to be included but Ms. Fredston indicated that she felt that the Commission was not involved that much in the project for more than brief mention in the Report. Mr. Komitor suggested to Mr. Goldstein that he view the past minutes to see if there is an area of interest in which he could provide a report. Ms. Ng read to the Commission possible highlights from her overview of the minutes. The highlights were discussed and Mr. Komitor indicated that he will write a paragraph on the proposed flume. Spring Walk - Tabled until the next meeting because of the lateness of the evening. Meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M. -5-