HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980_01_24 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes Uncorrected
Minutes
of
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THE TOWN OF M".AMARONECK OuNSERVATION ADVISORY COiMIMISSION
A regular meeting of the Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory
Commission was held on January 24, 1980, at the Weaver Street Firehouse .
The meeting was cal led to order at 7:35 p.m.
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Members present : Robert Chairman C.A.C. and W. C.C.
Elinor Fredston C.A.C. and W.C.C.
Mildred Warnecke C.A.C.
Orlando Ciraco C.A.C .
Mary Anne Johnson W.C.C. and C.A.C.Emeritus
Robert Hohberg
Jacques DuBouchet W.C.C. , Hydrik1ic Engineer
Eileen Mason, Recording Secretary
Also present: Tom Leddy, Town Conservationist
Cliff Emanuelson, Conservation Consultant
Tom Amlicke, Town Councilman and Liaison to Town Council
Merle Ohlinger, C.A.C. , New Rochelle
Elizabeth Stern, L.I .F.E. Center
Margie Strauss,
Joan Heilman, Village of Mamaroneck, Recycling Coordinator
Phyllis Wittner )
Le Sueur G. Smith ) Pryer Manor Association
Alex Buchman
Robert E. White, Engineer )
Manuelore Merz )Village of Larchriont
Randle Carpenter ) Premium River Residents
Other members of the Public
Minutes
The minutes for the meeting held on November 29, 1979, were reviewed,
corrected and approved for distribution.
Members of the C .A. C.
The Chairman reported that Commission members Vivienne Brauman and
Joseph De Salvo had advised the Corimission that they would be unabls to
continue as members beyond the expiration of the two year term on
December 31, 1979. Other expiring terms were Mrs. Fredston, Mr. Gunsalus
and Mr. Barrett. The Town Council approved two year extensions ' for
Mrs . Fredston, Mr. Gunsalus and Mr. Barrett (December 31, 1981); it also
approved the appointment of Mr. Barrett as Chairman to Gucceed Mr. Amlicke
now Town Councilman and Liaison with the Town CGuncil for the C.A.C.
2.
Budget
Mr. Emanuelson reported that only $1,500 of the L.I .F.E. Center41114,
budget amount of $2,500 qualifies for 50% matching funds. He ex-
plained further that things that did not relate to envirnmental
advice to the Town could not be funded by matching funds either.
Annual Report
Duke Schirmer is still missing some final reports . Deadline for
all reports is February 1. Budget information relating to the C.A. C.
and the W.C.C . will be presented in combined form in the 1979 Annual
Report.
New Format for C.A.C. Regular Meetings Proposed
Mr. Barrett suggested to the Commission members that since members
of the Water Control Commission are, with the exception of M. DuBouchet,
also members of the C.A.C . and in many instances the business of both
Commissions overlap, that it would be expedient to combine meetings of ,Th
the two Commissions wherever possible. For this reason he suggests that
notices of all C.A.C. meetings be sent to M. DuBouchet and asked that
his name be included on the C.A.C . mailing list for notices of meetings
and minutes.
The Chairman also put forward for consideration a change in the start
of the meeting from 7 :30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Therefore, the next meeting
will take place on Thursday, February 28, 1980, at 8:00 p.m. at the
Weaver Street Firehouse.
The next suggestion put forward by the Chairman was that a portion of
each meeting be set aside for topics of specific interest be discussed
in general and that interested parties also be invited to attend the
C.A.C . meetings for these general discussions.
Commission members agreed to these changes and Mrs. Fredston suggested
that, in the interests of ending the meetings no later than 11 p.m. ,
reports on other agenda items be submitted in writing and discussion of
3.
New Format (continued )
the topic only when warranted.
General Tonics for Discussion: Premium Marsh - Pryer Manor Association
Siltation in Premium River
Disposition of Remaining
Marshland
Premium Point
Pryer Manor Association -- Mrs. Wittner stated that the major concern
for all the Manor residents is that in times of rising flood waters
access to the area by emergency services is not possible over any of the
normal access routes. The remaining access is by boat.
Another handicap to a solution appears to be the different munici-
palities that deal with taxes, maintenance, fire , ambulance and police,
etc.
In 1968, a recommendation was made by the Town Engineer Widulski
that Dillon Road should be raised and widened. Other residents present
ay'\26.4,gkYs cs+k.h 9
,i.. anrPPd that the road bed would need to be raised approximately two feet.
The flooding situation has been aggravated by the filling in of wet
areas on the New Rochelle side of the Road and a house has been built
there in spite of strong opposition by Pryer Manor residents at the time
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because of the flooding problem at that point.
The New Rochelle border is very close to Dillon Road and run-off
froal New Rochelle property indicates that for a long term solution, the
City of New Rochelle should be included in the planning.
A motion was made by Mr. Ciraco and seconded by Mrs. Fredston to
urge the Town tind the Town Engineer to inspect the Dillon Road area
and report to the C.A. C. its findings and suggestions for raising the
mously.
road bed to permit access to the area at all times It was carried unani-
Mr. Barrett will prepare the letter and send it out over his signature
with a copy to the Engineer, City of New Rochelle.
Mrs. Ohlinger of the City of New Rochelle C.A.C. told the Commission
that there will be a meeting of that C.A. C. on February 9. She also
4.
Pryer Manor Association (continued )
reported that the report by Mr. Raymond of Raymond, Parish, Pine and
Weiner, Inc. , concerning recomendations for the coastal area of New
on
Rochelle based his firm' s report will be presented at a public meeting in
New Rochelle at the end of February. Mrs . Fredston will try to attend
the meeting and so will Mr. Barrett
Siltation of Premium River - Premium River empties into Echo Bay through
Premium Pond and Premium Point Weir. Excessive siltation in Premium
Pond is evident at low tide and it extends up river and into the Marsh.
Water from Pinebrook River area, Post Road commercial and residential
development in Town of Mamazoneck, City of New Rochelle and Village of
Larchmont finds its way into the Premium Marsh and River complex. The
Marsh has been designated as a G .A.P.C. The siltation accumulation also
aggravates flooding conditions along the waterways leading to the Marsh
and the roads nearby.
The Chairman suggested that Itr. Rayiiond be invited to atttend a C .A.C.
meeting following his report to the City of New Rochelle to discuss
his findings and recommendations for the Premium Marsh complex and the
New Rochelle shoreline.
Remaining Marshlands - Mr. Emanuelson stated that the Town of Mama-
roneck has acquired all the marshland within its boundaries. The City
of New Rochelle owns Pryer Manor Marsh. The Commission would like to
know the exact boundaries of the area or areas that constitute the G. A.
1'. C . . Mr. Emanuelson can supply the maps showing boundaries for the
next meeting.
Premium Point - It was reported to the Commission that duck shooting
from boats has been observed along the Premium Point shoreline. The
Commission will make informal inquiry as to the legal status and
maintenance of hunting regulations along the shore .
It was also reported that a broken water line on Premium Point led to
- 5. Premium Point (continued)
excessive sand removal both by the actual break and a repair crew. The
repair has been made and the sand replaced,,
Parks, Cemeteries and Conservation Areas.
Larchmont Reservoir - a not-for-profit corporation is being formed
called, " Friends of the Reservoir. " Approximately $1, 000 has been donated
to it so far. Several tasx force groups have been started : Dr. William
Gay - Stewardship; Dr. Alan Mason and Mr. Whitehorn - Water rianagement ;
James Johnson and Robert Barrett- Acquisition; Liz Stern and Carol Berry -
Publicity; Elizabeth Lehman - Research; and Phyllis Schwartz - Fundraising.
Other possibilities for the area might be through an application for
an experimental hydroelectric plant under grant provisions from N.Y.E .R.D.A.
The "No Trespassing" signs will be amended by painting them out and
temporary welcoming signs erected until permanent signs are ready.
The Chairman plans to invite State and County officials to the next
C.A. C. meeting to discuss the reservoir property.
Hommocks Marsh - Mrs. Fredston reported that the Little Harbor Sound
group responsible for underwritin' the cost of silt removal last year
has reported that silt is returning to the dredged area in large quantities.
Periods of heavy rainfall aggravate the condition and they would be in-
terested in having a retaining wall and catch basin constructed. Mr.
Emanuelson stated that the C.A.C. went on record many years ago as re-
commending both a catch basin and retaining wall to alleviate scouring
and soil movement. Presently it has not been determined where financial
responsibility might lie . Mr. Johnston, the Town Attorney, will advise
Mr. Elfreich of the Town' s responsibility before the Engineer responds
to the communication he received from the Little Harbor Sound Group.
Mrs. Fredston made a motion that the C .A.C. confirm the need for a
retaining wall and catch basin and add its support to a movement to
construct them. Mr. Ciraco seconaed the motion which was carried
unanimously.
6.
Parks, etc. (continued )
Sheldrake, Leatherstocking Trail - Mr. Ernanuelson and Mr. Leddy reported
that the Eagle Scout project to build a new catwalk has been completed and
that it turned out very well.
Quaker Cemetery - The Commission received another letter from
Mr. Curnin dated January 8, 1980, respecting the condition of the crypt.
The nametery itself is continuously maintained and the cost of the
repair is estimated to be $1.,500. Mr. Barrett will write to Mr. Curnin
advising him of this and suggesting the possibility that he or a group
-Pry+o
of Quakers raise the money for the repairs.
Premium Marsh - Mr. Emanuelson presented the design for the replace-
ment sign for the Premium Marsh conservation area to the Commission.
Mrs. Warnecke made the motion to accept the design as rendered with
one minor change, Mrs. Fredston seconded the motion which was carried
unanimously.
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V/ Huguenot Cemetery - Mrs. Wohnson reported that a resident of Moran
Place, Mrs. Katz, is concerned with the loss of a small Huguenot family
cemtery located near the New Rochelle border.
Leaf Composting
Mr. Leddy stated and Councilman Amlicke agreed, tnat need for an
alternative leaf composting sight is a priority in view of the impending
sale of the Taylor ' s Lane property. Mr. Amlicke reminded the Commission
that Mrs. Oppenheimer and Mr. Gianunzio of the Village of Mamaroneck
along with Mayor Noyer of the Village of Larchmont had all expressed a
desire to be included in negotiations' for a new site. Mr. Amlicke feels
that a unitea effort would produce favorable results.
Solid Waste Management and RecyclinAmilbtg
Notices stating tax benefits from Re-cycling are to be sent out by
Larchmont Savings and Loan Assn. soon. A small number went out with
an error of approximately $?5,000.
Solid Waste Management (continued ) 70
After discussion, Mrs. Fredston moved that notice of the error and
the corrected and updated amounts be sent to the "Daily Times" for
publication. Mr. Ciraco seconded the motion which was passed unanimously.
Wetlands and datercourses
Mrs. Fredston reported that on December 1, 1979, she attended the
L.I. Sound Envir mental Leaders Conference in Stamford, Conn. This
shorelines.
conference related to the Souno, Connecticut and New York State ! Topics
covered were: dredging; water pollution; the Rye-Oyster Bay bridge pro-
posal; N.Y. State ' s Water Management Plan - 208; nuclear management and
CZM. Connecticut has approved a Coastal Zone Management Plan but the
NRDC threatens a suit against it on the basis that it might not be
adequate to meet federal standards.
1980 has been designated as the"Year of the Coast . " A consortium of
environmental groups will push for the enaction of overdue coastal zone
managemtint legislation; other goals are focus and concentration of effort
and a recognition by officials of the need for concern and action to
improve and protect coastlines.
Water management - the League of Woman Voters sponsored a tri-state
conference of C.A. C. ' s which Mrs . Fredston attended.
It was agreed that a minimum of 10% of program funds be allocated for
public participation in Water Resource Management; also funding for
support staff, technical advice and travel.
Public participation funds should also be used to support staff
already at work in the area of water Management otherwise E.p.A. would
rather deal with consultants than independent local groups.
Development of a public participation program was deemed essential,
particularly in the budget process.
First B.M.P. manual completed and a seminar held. No representation
from either the Village of Larchmont or the Town of Mamaroneck.
on Larchmont Harbor
The article written by Mrs. Fredston/appeared in the "Daily Times. "
a
8.
Water Monitoring
Mr. Hohberg presented various charts and reports compiled by him
on the basis of the sampling of the waters of the Larchmont Reservoir
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upper lake during July, August and part of September, 1979. These are
all included in the limnological report which he prepared based on the
tests made.
Now that the report is complete the Commission recommended that a
copy be shown to the Town Council and a copy sent to Cal Weber.
Mr. Barrett requested that4xtra copies be made available for the "Friends
of the Reservoir."
Land Use planning and Acquisition
Ginsberg Property - Mrs. Warnecke reported that the home on this
hecSd
property has been put up for sale but has/nothing about further plans
for the property. Mrs. Warnecke intends to ask Larry Wintere about this .
The C.A.C. would like a copy of the Environmental Impact Statement
because of its interest in the property.
Magid Property - nothing further has been learned.
Mrs. Warnecke also reported that changes have been made in the
membership of the Village of Larchmont Harbor Commission.
An encroachment on Otter Creek Marsh was made by the Mamaroneck Beach
and Cabana Club to enlarge a parking lot and the event has been reported to
the D.E.C. whose legal department is now working on remedying it. Also
an E.I.S. is due for Otter Creek.
Mrs. Warnecke has been arranging and publicizing walks at the week-
ends in the Otter Creek area. One has already taken place .
Miscellaneous
Mr. Hohberg reported that the Conference held by the N.Y. Association
of C .A. C. is at Grossinger' s last October focussed on toxic substances.
Included was investigation of chemical company landfills and frequency
and amount of petroleum entering the environment through spillage.
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9.
- Miscellaneous (continued ) •
He reported that our community is well ahead of other areas with
respect to the Local Resource Inventory. Many localities are just
starting.
The Commission discussed the presentation to the Town Council of .
names of residents for consideration to fill the vacancies in Solid
Waste Management, Environmental Legislation and E.M.C. representation.
A number of names were propsed but it was agreed that M. Jacques DuBouchet
would be a good choice for a position on the C.A.C. since meetings of
the C.A.C. and W.C.C. will be combined wherever*_ possible. M. DuBouchet
is already a member of the W.3 . C. and his expertise as an hydraulic
engineer would serve the 7, .A. C. well.
There being no further business to come before the meeting, the
meeting was adjourned.
Dated : Jam ua y 211., 1980