Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, Steve Walker, Edward Snow, Bud Gladstone, Will Outsen, Christina Viafore, David Edinger, Greg Vurckio

Others:  Jeff Baker, Jason Merwin,  Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Mary Crisafulli, Heidi Emrich, Sean Mahoney, David Schneider, Cher Woehl

1.  Call to Order:  Ric Coombe called the meeting to order at 6:18pm.

2.  March 20,  2023 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.    

3.  LAP/SAP Negotiations:  Jeff handed out to the group the proposed discussion topics for the upcoming Buffer Protection Workgroup Meeting (scheduled for May 17^th).  He briefed everyone on the on discussions that have occurred which resulted in these proposed topics.  Jeff answered any questions that arose from the group regarding the topics to be discussed at the May 17^th meeting and provided explanations as requested.  Jeff shared his optimism that there will be positive progress in the LAP/SAP Negotiations

4. Status of Amended City CE to State:  Jeff briefed everyone on the status of the revisions to the CE.  The State is currently completing their review of the revisions. 5.  Improving Executive Committee Communications with Member Towns:  Ric opened this discussion with comments on how CWT and CWC need to continue to work together as a unified group, emphasizing that participation and communication are important to success.  He stressed that the more we work together we become a stronger voice as one watershed and we get more accomplished.  Jeff mentioned that some towns have voiced concerns they weren’t being heard or being represented.  It was agreed that a goal of CWT will be to develop a process that will work for all towns in the watershed to support participation and problem resolution.   Ric conveyed that when towns have an issue or concern, they should bring forward to and discuss with CWT, who in turn will work with CWC in finding solutions.    

As part of this discussion, the issue Tannersville is facing with septic hookups was addressed.  Sean Mahoney, Town of Hunter Supervisor and David Schneider, Mayor of Tannersville, attended the meeting to address this issue.   They shared that due to DEP sewer use laws and requirements they cannot move forward and approve the septic hookup for a current resident.   Additionally, the prohibitive law is impeding their ability to move forward with a significant business opportunity.  Supervisor Mahoney and Mayor Schneider asked that CWC and CWT work with them to collectively negotiate a solution that will provide for more flexibility with DEP sewer laws.  They did share that DEP has offered the Storm Water Retrofit Program as a possible solution.  Jeff shared there are 2 different categories to consider—the city owned plants and the municipality owned plants.  Each has their own issues thus resulting in potentially different solutions.  Ric asked the executive board members if they agree with convening a meeting with CWT and the impacted municipalities to discuss the issues and potential solutions.  Members agreed and Ric will work with Jason to schedule the meeting.

6. CWC Report:  Jason reported that the CWC Annual Meeting, held in April, had very good representation from watershed communities and stakeholders attending.   He also reported on the various contracts CWC is in the process of finalizing including the Flood Hazard Program, the Septic Maintenance and the Storm Water Retrofit Project contracts.

7.  Potential Land Swaps:  Ric brought forward a land swap proposal that the Town of Neversink is currently working on.  The Town Board has asked CWT to help with achieving this land swap which entails swapping 2 acres of city-owned land for 2 acres of town-owned land.   The City parkland restrictions come into play on this proposal, however Jeff and Ric both felt that would not be an issue to accomplishing the swap. 

8.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of February 28, 2023, the checking account had $6,709.37 and the savings account had $148,732.97.  Ed Snow made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by David Edinger.  Report accepted.   Bud presented warrant #99 in the amount of $7,793.08 for payment of March-April legal and administrative fees.  Steve Walker made a motion to pay warrant #99, seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.

9.  Ric requested that we review the dues payment accounting list at the next meeting.  He also asked Bud to look into our current banking interest rates.

10.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Greg Vurckio, seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm.