Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, David Kukle, Steve Walker, Edward Snow, Christina Viafore, David Edinger, Greg Vurckio, Will Outsen, Bill Federice

Others:  Jeff Baker, Tim Cox, Jason Merwin, Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Elizabeth DeFalco, Michelle Yost, DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, Cher Woehl

1.  Call to Order:  Ric Coombe called the meeting to order at 6:17pm.

2.  October 16,  2023 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.    

3.  Signage on City Property Issue:  Ric opened this discussion with a brief overview of the issue which deals with DEP notification to a business owner to remove their signage which is on City owned property.   The signage in question was for steam cleaning of boats which is required for boating use on the reservoirs.  Ric introduced DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, who attended the meeting to talk with members on this and share the status of actions moving forward.   Deputy Commissioner Rush explained the land use rules, which require land use permits for signage and shared the steps taken by DEP on this issue.   Deputy Commissioner Rush reiterated the need for organizations to work together in addressing issues and developing feasible solutions.   On this issue, DEP is working closely with CWC to potentially define and implement a “win-win” solution for all parties involved.   He also shared that there will be no action taken on this specific issue until a solution is developed.   Members and other meeting attendees voiced their appreciation and thanked Deputy Commissioner Rush for attending the meeting in person to provide the update on this issue.

4.  DEP Update:  Deputy Commissioner Rush took this opportunity of attending the CWT meeting to provide updates on what is happening at DEP.    He shared the following:

• DEP is working on their Strategic Plan, which is anticipated to be released in early 2024.  The plan will address watershed issues that have been raised to DEP.
• Procurements appear to be going easier with the changes made, however hiring is still happening slowly and DEP is finding it difficult to fill positions needed especially in Arkville.
• Negotiations on the Land Acquisition and Stream Acquisition Programs are progressing, however members need to be aware that there are a lot of different organizations coming to the table, especially in the SAP negotiations, which has an impact of reaching final resolution.
• An update on the 30 x 2030 legislation recently passed.  Specifically, this legislation states that by 2030,  30% of land will be owned by the State.   DEP was not consulted on this legislation nor were they aware of it prior to its passing and soon will be sitting at the table with stakeholders to discuss further.
• An update on the tunnel closures.  The tunnel closure has been rescheduled for October 2024 due to issues that have arisen with the pumps handling the water flow; settlement and sink holes appearing; and impacts to private wells located near the tunnel.   DEP is working diligently and with tremendous effort to analyze these issues, including analysis of the ground conditions and wells before they implement the shutdown in October.

Ric thanked Deputy Commissioner Rush for attending the meeting and for providing an update to everyone on the DEP activities.  

5. CWT Board Member Vacancies:   Ric discussed the Delaware County CWT vacancies, explaining the process which entails Delaware County members chose an alternate to replace the vacated regular member position and that the alternate will be filled during the regular CWT elections in spring 2024.  

6.  LAP/SAP Negotiations:  Jeff provided a general overview on the ongoing LAP/SAP discussions and shared with members some of the key components addressed in the negotiations.  Negotiating sessions will occur in early January and February.   

7. Status of Amended City CE to State:   Jeff provided a brief overview on the status of these

8.  CWC Report:  Jason shared the following information in his CWC report:

• CWC will be working with DEP on solutions for the signage issue, however, members need to understand that this will take time to develop.  Ric encouraged board members to think of any issues or questions on this matter and to share them with Jason as he moves forward with developing a viable solution with DEP.
• CWC elections are coming up in April, with nominations due in February.  We will hold off CWT elections until after the CWC elections occur, as both CWC and CWT have vacancies that need to be filled for Delaware County.
• CWC now has the authority to complete the FSR’s for septic maintenance.  They will be looking at what is needed, estimated costs, and the benefits to the towns/villages.  They also will be developing the designs and engineering needs.

9.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:  As Bud was not in attendance at the meeting, Ric asked Greg Vurckio to provide the treasurer’s report.   Greg reported that as of November 30, 2023
the checking account had $9,521.14 and
the savings account had $142,816.43. 
David Kukle made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Ed Snow.  Report accepted.  

Bud presented warrant #103 in the amount of $8,715.59 for payment of October and November legal fees and payment to Delaware County Treasurer for fees for checks. 
Steve Walker made a motion to pay warrant #103, seconded by Bill Federice.  Motion carried.   

Ric raised the question on if CWT should buy a CD.   Brief discussion occurred and
David Kukle made the motion to put $50,000 in a CD for 6 months to 1 year, seconded by Will Outsen.  Motion was carried. 
We will be checking with Delaware County Treasurers office on the CD rates at our current bank and proceed from there. 

10.  Executive Session:  Ed Snow made the motion to go into an executive session, Will Outsen seconded the motion.  Motion carried and the executive session started at 7:10 pm.  Invited to remain during the session were: Tim Cox, Jason Merwin, Bruce Dolph, Nick Carbone and Michelle Yost.    Ed Snow made the motion to end the executive session, seconded Bill Federice.   Motion carried and the executive session ended at 8:04 pm.

11.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by David Edinger, seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm.

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, David Kukle, Steve Walker, Edward Snow, Bud Gladstone, Winifred Zubin, Christina Viafore, David Edinger, Greg Vurckio

Others:  Jeff Baker, Tim Cox, Jason Merwin, Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Elizabeth DiFalco, Michelle Yost, Mary Crisafulli, Cher Woehl

*
1.  Call to Order:  Ric Coombe called the meeting to order at 6:15pm.

2.  June 19, 2023, Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Greg Vurckio and seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.

3.  LAP/SAP Negotiations:  Jeff gave a status update on the LAP/SAP negotiations. Meetings on the LAP/SAP have been very positive, and he anticipated that the upcoming meeting with the City would result in approval and agreement on projects requiring the town/village approval before submission.   This would support the CWT recommendations and address the ongoing concerns regarding to have the Towns and Villages involved in the processes.   Jeff also shared that the State’s draft of the wetlands law should be released in December or January, with the requirement to be adopted by the end of 2024.     It is anticipated that there will be a lot of questions on how to implement the law.   He anticipates that several meetings will occur to identify and address the concerns, issues and solutions.  Jeff will keep the members apprised as this all rolls out.

4. Status of Amended City CE to State:   Regarding the Conservation Easement amendments, Jeff indicated the issues with the SAP need to be completed before moving forward on these amendments.  

Discussion amongst the members occurred centering around the license agreements with landowners for LAP/SAP.  Questions were raised on whether every county must do the same thing and will all be offered the same opportunities, etc.  It was explained that this will likely be a pilot program which will allow the Towns/Villages to review and approve the projects.  If the majority of the Towns/Villages do not opt in then issues will be addressed after the pilot is completed.  after the pilot, the issues will be addressed.  The pilot program will be handled on a ‘project-by-project’ basis.  There will be no blanket yes or no on the proposed projects.  The Towns/Villages will be able to look at the projects individually.

Ric reminded everyone that the core objective CWT is after is changes to LAP and that CWT is one of the people sitting at the table.  He re-iterated that if the main goal is reducing LAP, then we also need some viable form of SAP.  Bottom line if we say NO SAP/NO LAP then we lose everything including our seat at the negotiations.

A question was raised regarding the City’s agreement to case-by-case purchases?  Jeff indicated that the City is open to it.  He reminded everyone that the City will be measuring success based on metrics that will provide answers to “How do we know it will work?”   “How do we know towns will participate?” etc.  Our goal is to demonstrate and provide the answers to these metric questions.  We will need to amend our soil and stream contracts to build these measurements in and to provide full budget items. 

David asked how much leverage a municipality has to include the stewardship needs in the contracts.  Everyone agrees that there is a dire need for robust stewardship in the program.    Jeff acknowledged this to be a very valid point and felt it was appropriate to include these needs in the contracts.

As this discussion was wrapping up, David raised questions regarding a stabilization project where there is a failing slope that needs to be repaired.  Specifically he asked if the Landowner could say no to the project?  And does the city have to say yes to the project?  Jason shared that if the city allows the work to occur they must also get the appropriate permits from DEC.   Ric shared that our overall goal is to want the City to compel and be willing to participate in a good project.  We need to provide sound science supported projects and do a better job at marketing these projects to gain the overall support. 

5.  CWC Report:  Jason shared that everything was going well on the various efforts currently in progress at CWC.  No major issues or concerns to report.

6.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of October 31, 2023,
the checking account had $9,519.73 and
the savings account had $120,433.68.  
David Edinger made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Steve Walker.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented warrant #102 in the amount of $5,563.10 for payment of September legal fees and July-September Administration fees. 
Ed Snow made a motion to pay warrant #102, seconded by David Kukle.  Motion carried.

7.  Other: Ric reminded and asked everyone to keep looking for compelling land swap examples that can be used in the supporting arguments for allowing land swaps.   Ric also reported that the Wastewater Treatment discussions and meetings are continuing.   Ric also shared with everyone that the annual dues letter was sent out on October 12. 

8.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Ed Snow, seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:16 pm.