MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

FEBRUARY 18, 1997 AT 2:30 P.M.

Present: Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte and Latimer

Also Present: Debra Wood, Robert Dittman, William

Wood, David Butler, Rosa Packard, Bruce

Carlston, Rick Lyman, Carolyn

Cunningham, Mr. Yoegel, Ms. LeLash

Commr. Oliva, Mr. Buroughs, Commr.

Petrocelli, Mr. Brachitta, Mr. Russell

Mrs. Keating

Items Discussed:

Chair Carsky called the meeting to order at 2:35 p.m. and turned it over to Commissioner Oliva. The Commr. gave brought the Committee up to date on what has happened so far. On August 19 it was put out for distribution, on September 30 there was a public hearing and written comments had to be in by October 15. The most asked question was about trees.

The next step is for the Board to sign out a resolution that will allow the Planning Department to circulate this document. After that point, a findings statement will be forthcoming.

Comm. Oliva stated that we cannot remove trees on private property without the owner’s permission. However, we will be going forward with the location because it is the most favorable.

Leg. LaMotte asked if trees on private property are not removed, what is the liability.

Comm. Petrocelli stated that ultimately, if those trees are designated as a danger, the homeowner would be liable if an accident occurred due to his trees. That is something that has to be worked out between counsel and the homeowner.

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Leg. LaMotte asked for an explanation on Wetlands Mitigation and Mr. Buroughs explained that the County puts in a new wetlands area.

Chair Carsky asked how this is monitored and the Comm. stated that special wetlands staff go out and count the vegetation and check to make sure everything is progressing.

Leg. Latimer asked about the FCWC letter about relocation and Comm. Petrocelli said that was done already.

Leg. Latimer also wanted to know what the replacement policy is if light GA is not to be replaced and Comm. Petrocelli stated that the Wolff’s Lane buffer will be larger.

Leg. Latimer asked why we replace on the perimeter and not on Light GA and Comm. Oliva stated that planes will be tiled down. Some may be replaced with plantings that won’t grow as large.

The Hotel Site will be clear-cutting, the Echo site will be cleared and an extra 10 foot buffer will be added. Comm. Petrocelli stated that the 10 foot buffer was a balance.

Mr. Wood of the Quaker Meeting asked about the trees in the graveyard. Some are very old and historic. If they said no what impact will it have on the users. Mr. Russell stated that the answer will have to come from the FAA and they would continue to operate as is with a displaced runway.

Carol Cunningham stated that some trees are more valuable than others.

Bruce Calston asked if the trees were not touched, would they be in violation. Mr. Russell stated that landing traffic would be affected but takeoff traffic would not.

Mr. Lyman asked how many planes would be displaced and Commr. Oliva stated that has nothing to do with increasing operations at the Airport. The runway is 4500 feet but if it is displaced we can only use 3100 feet.

Mr. Russell stated that light GA can operated at 3100 feet

Leg. Latimer stated that it is up to the private owners to determine if trees are to be cut.

Ms. Packard was extremely concerned about disturbing the cemetery. Was an assessment done of the removal of trees for runoff into the reservoir done?

That quesion was not answered.

Chair Carsky thanked all for coming.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Latimer, the minutes of February 4 and February 11 were approved 3-0.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Latimer, the SEIS for the Airport was signed out 3-0.

On Motion of Leg. Latimer, seconded by Leg. LaMotte, the meeting closed at 3:50 P.M.