April 29, 2024, CWT Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

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

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

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

2.  March 18, 2024 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Bud Gladston.  Motion carried.   

3.  Report from Water Discovery Center:  Ric introduced Sally Fairbairn, Board of Trustee Member for the Catskill Water Discovery Center.  Ms. Fairbairn reported on the role of the Water Discover Center as it relates to the preservation and education of our watershed.   She shared some of the programs they are working on including Camp H2O, which has been supported by CWC educational funds; The Nature Trail, which is accomplished in partnership with Delaware County; and discussion on our town/villages drinking water vs. the water we transport to NYC.   Ms. Fairbairn invited members to the Ground Water Conference on June 7^th.  This will be an all-day event, with various speakers in the morning session followed in the afternoon by a panel comprised of various municipal leaders (including our own Bud Gladstone) to discuss and answer questions on the watershed infrastructure.  Ms. Fairbairn shared that the first step is to educate our towns/villages and communities on the importance of our water and how we need to preserve it.  She is looking for input from the various counties on how to accomplish this.  Ric reiterated that we emphasize the need to protect our water as well as the water that flows to NYC.  

4 & 5.  LAP/SAP Negotiations & Status of Amended CE to State:  Ric opened this discussion by sharing that the backstop proposal concept is not going anywhere.  He credited the CWT with helping this to happen, stressing the importance of having the voice of the coalition heard.  Jeff took over the reins on the discussion by first thanking Ric and Dave for all their efforts in heading off the backstop proposal, which would have been a significant issue.   Jeff proceeded to brief everyone on the April 16^th negotiations, including providing an overview of the backstop proposal and its impacts.   Ric said that the work done on this was an important example of the coalition representing the communities, coming together to get the outcome that is needed and acceptable to everyone.  

Jeff moved on to report that CSAP is moving forward with a separate committee assigned the task of working on the valuation of licenses and how to implement these changes.   Jeff stated that this is a very complex issue with many variables that need to be worked through. 

On LAP, Jeff shared that there was not a substantive discussion at the negotiations as they are waiting for more information from the city, including the maps of the wetlands.   On the Conservation Easement discussions, Jeff stated that they are getting closer to finalizing and resolving issues as raised by DEC and the environmentalists.   

6. CWC Report:  Jason provided the following report for CWC:

• The April 2^nd annual meeting went very well and was well attended.
• The Community Wastewater Projects are moving along.
• There were no bids received for the Community Vitality Project.  The city indicated they would not pay unless it was done through bids.  CWC is determining what the next steps are to resolve this issue.
• Dave (Kukle) raised a question to CWC on behalf of Greene County regarding the new testing required on landfills.  Greene County is looking for funding support from CWC to help on this, especially if the towns/villages must do additional testing, which can be very costly.  Jason said CWC is looking at this to determine where they can help outside of the watershed.
• Dave also asked CWC about the septic systems program for new and replacement systems.  He asked if the permanent septic replacement program will take care of permanent residents first before the Airbnb’s and businesses.  Ric reminded everyone that the septic program is a win for everyone involved: the owners, the city, the towns and villages. 

7.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:  Bud reported that as of March 31, 2024,
the checking account had $9,146.46,
the savings account had $97,993.52 and
the CD had $50,000. 
Greg Vurckio made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Will Outsen.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented warrant #107 in the amount of $7,435.68 for payment of March legal fees,  January – March Administrative Support fees and postage for mailing of election notices. 
Steve Walker made the motion to pay warrant #107, seconded by Will Outsen.  Motion carried.   

8.  Other:  Bud shared that Delaware County is in discussions with WAC easement committee to get changes to their programs regarding consent and veto rights.  Bud, who is a member of the WAC easement committee, asked if the coalition could be involved in resolving this.   Ric asked the executive committee members if they want to authorize Jeff to move forward with helping resolve these issues or do they want to have WAC request CWT involvement.  Bud suggested that it would be best to have the WAC submit a request to CWT for support on these issues.   Ric asked Bud to share this with WAC, indicating CWT would be willing to help.

Jeff reported that the election ballots will be sent on April 30^th , with a due date of May 31^st.  He reminded members that the ballots only go to towns and villages and not to the counties offices.

Ric shared with members that Cher is retiring from her Town of Neversink employment effective April 30^th.  CWT contract for administrative support services is with the Town of Neversink.  He asked the executive board members if they wanted to continue having Cher as their administrative support, hiring her as a contractor.   The members agreed that they wanted to do this.  
Ed Snow made the motion to hire Cher Woehl as a contractor for administrative support effective
May 1, 2024, seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.  
Ric, Jeff and Cher will complete the appropriate paperwork for Delaware County, who manages the banking and payments for services.

Several members will not be available for the May meeting.  The board members agreed to not have a meeting in May and reconvene in June. 

9.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Greg Vurckio, seconded by Bill Federice.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:37 pm.