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

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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.