HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988_09_15 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes Town of Mamaroneck
Conservation Advisory Commission
Area Code 914
381-6133
740 West Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 15,1988
A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on
Thursday, September 15, 1988, in Conference Room B of the Town Center, 740
West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at
8:O5PM.
Members Present: Robert Komitor, Chairman
Charles Bernstein
Steven Goldstein
Mary Anne Johnson
Others Present: Cheryl Lewy, liaison, Village of Larchmont Board
Robert Hohberg, Water Monitoring Consultant
P. Thomas Leddy, Beautification Director
Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator
Barbara Cleary, Recording Secretary
® Administrative Matters
Approval of minutes - The minutes of July 21, 1988 and August 18, 1988
were approved with corrections.
Next Meeting - The next CAC meeting was set for October 1, 1988.
CAC duties - Establishment of subcommittees within CAC was adjourned to
the next meeting.
Budget - The Commission discussed the proposed 1989 budget. Ms. Ng
distributed a schedule which showed the budget and expenses from previous
years. Ms. Ng reviewed the budgets for previous years and discussed the
amount of funds needed for particuliar areas for this year's budget. The
budget must be in by September 28, 1988. Ms. Ng stated the CAC should
provide her with a list of specific projects so that she can discuss the
appropriation of funds with Mr. Altieri. The CAC concurred that they will
need additional funds for consulting purposes this year. Mary Anne Johnson
suggested that an oil seperation study is needed.
Environment
Premium Conservation Area - Robert Komitor stated he had written a letter
to Supervisor Battalia regarding the illegally parked cars and other problems
in the Premium Conservation Area. Thomas Leddy reported that he received a
V call about an open manhole in that area. The cover was quickly replaced.
• CAC minutes - 9/15/88
Trapping - Ms. Ng reported that several traps were"iound in the
Q conservation areas. This is a safety problem becausechildren and residents
use these areas and could get injured. Mr. Bernstein raised the question of
who would be liable if someone got hurt.
Mr. Komitor said we have a local law which prohibits trapping in
/ Conservation Areas but questioned whether the law was enforceable. Mr.
t/ Goldstein stated that this municipality can pass a law which would prohibit
hunting and trapping.
Mr. Komitor asked the Commision if the CAC should recommend the use of
signs which would prohibit trapping in these areas, but was concerned whether
the legality of these signs could be challenged in court. Ms. Ng will check
with the DEC about the regulations. Mr. Leddy stated that there was already
V a sign near the reservoir stating wildlife is protected.
Robert Hohberg volunteered the services of his students to post no
trapping signs in the conservation areas. Mr. Hohberg informed the CAC that
trappers must abide by specific regulations, which specify that the trap
must display the name of the trapper, the trap must be tended every 24 hours
and can not be more than 6 inches wide. If these regulations are not
followed the traps can be consfiscated.
Inventory of Streamside Properties - Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Bernstein, Mr.
Leddy, Mrs. Volk and Ms. Ng surveyed streamside properties along Fenimore
Road and also along the Fenbrook property. Mrs. Johnson noted the golf
course was like a lake after the previous night's rain and also noticed alot
of erosion. Mrs. Johnson suggested the possibility of enlisting local
residents to protect stream by planting special vegetation. The CAC can
® request or suggest to the Planning Board that special plantings be a
condition for developing.
Mrs. Johnson said she needs a clear map which specifies the conservation
areas and proposed hiring Cliff to check on encroachments.
Steven Goldstein will draft a letter to the town attorney to follow up on
a. citation against the Livingston's for Alantin aneremoving natural
vegetation in a conservation area.
Griffen Avenue (Winston Property) - Ms. Ng stated she placed a call to
Region III of the DEC for a status update and they said that all comments and
letters have been collected. As of now the property is being protected as
Wetlands. The DEC does not know when a final decision will be made.
Development
WHS Harbor, Inc. - Ms. Ng stated there was nothing new to report on this
project.
David's Island - The project was passed by the Assembly concerning the
use of County parks. Mr. Komitor requested that a letter be written to Suzi
,/ Oppenheimer and ask for support in the Senate.
Water Courses and Water. Bodies
of
Water Monitoring - Mr. Hohberg said Beth H steiter wants to know what
she should do about the proposal - computerized plan which controls amount of
water that enters the harbor.
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CAC minutes - 9/15/88
Lester Karin asked Mr. Hohberg to review the Village of Mamaroneck's
study on Water Pollution. The study finsr. Hohbeng fg'som data
Gutanis worthwhile
C and concurs that there is severe pollution
eek.
nat Cuntinofntal colifornrers and fecal concentration. Avenue
. Hohberg explained
tremendous amount
about fecal stroo$,i.
V East Creek - the point of pollution was found to 1988 eryMr. Hseverg,vere at the
Post Road outfall near Nassau Road. On August 11,
accompanied by Mr. Richard Doran spotted a te11 tale fungus and recorded a
fecal count of 850,000. Mr. Doran wants to set up a meeting with the Town of
Mamaroneck and the Village of Larchmont to initiate a dying project. Mr.
Hohberg informed the Commission that a county health official admitted that
there is a sewer line breakage in that area. He also believes the CAC should
support this project, and recommends a letter be written to Supervisor
Battalia. Mr. Hohberg volunteered to monitor the situation and keep after
them.
Mr. Hohberg stated that he is working on producing his report and he will
present it to the Commission when completed. He also passed around a
schedule of the projects he and his students will be working on this
semester.
Contour Map - Ms. Ng informed the Commission that the estimated cost of
the project could as much as $50,000. She also said she called Steve Tomecek ---
to ask if he could supply her with a useful study for about $10,000.
Ms. Ng will send out Request For Proposal to Malcolm Pirnie, John Campbell,
C Steve Tomgcek, and the Soil and Water Conservation District.
Mr. Komitor stated that the Town Board would like the CAC's imput on the
Bonnie Briar's land use regulation. Mr. Komitor questioned whether there was
a way to change the current zoning laws in order to have the least negative
effect on the environment should development ever
rccur.
which included having
Ms. Ng said the CZMC has made several suggestions
the town purchase the land, zone it for golf course, upzone to 2 acres (as
done in Scarsdale) and if all other suggestions are exhausted opt for cluster
zoning.
Mr. Bernstein suggested a land trust. Ms. Ng said land trust would buy
land of Bonnie Briar but must turn it over to the Town a most immediately.
Mr. Komitor requested that everyone read the proposin order to discuss
it further at next meeting.
Ms. Johnson stressed the importance of getting the contour map done.
Army Corps of Engineers Flood Control Project - Mr. Komitor has written a
draft letter which will be sent to Supervisor Battalia addressing flood
control of the Sheldrake. One of the concerns addressed during the
,.� discussion, was the use of a lever, its effectiveness and what happens to the
water that the levy holds back.
Mr. Goldstein stated he was against the flume method because it impedes
wildlife. He would suggest the use of riprap instead of concrete. Ms. Ng
said Cliff had suggested a berm out from the streamsides. She further said
she does not favor concrete and suggests a lev ,by Alan Mason's house. Mr.
V Hohberg proposed a step contrr l in areas where you don' t want flooding. Mr.
CKomitor will write a letter.
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CAC minutes 9/15/88
Solid Waste. Disposal
County Household Chemical Cleanup Day - has been scheduled for October
22, 1988. All bottles must be labeled with the name of the chemicals they
contain.
Plastics - No update.
New or Other Business
Westchester County Charter Revision - Ms. Ng is trying to get more
information. She has not had a chance to review the public hearing which was
held on September 14, 1988.
Meeting adjourned 10:20PM
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