Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, David Kukle, Steve Walker, Bud Gladstone, Ed Snow, Glen Faulkner, Ritchie Gabriel, Jeff Gearhart,  David Edinger, Greg Vurckio

Others:  Jeff Baker, Tim Cox, Jason Merwin, Jessica Fiedler, Michelle Yost, Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Heidi Emrich, Mary Crisafulli, Cher Woehl

1.  Call to Order:  Ric called the meeting to order at 6:20 pm.

2.  December 16, 2024, Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Steve Walker. Motion carried.   

3 & 4. LAP/SAP Negotiations/Status of Amended City CE to State: Ric opened this discussion by emphasizing to the members that we are here to provide guidance to Jeff regarding the proposed language for the municipal option for city acquisitions.   He asked Jeff to explain to the members the language CWT is considering.   Jeff explained that the proposed changes to Core LAP would include a provision for the Towns/Villages to propose specific parcels in Priority Areas 3 & 4 for acquisition by the City.   If a Town/Village determines that a particular parcel should be offered to the City, because it benefits the community in some way, the municipality can ask the City to consider a land purchase.  The language would also include an option that would allow the Towns/Villages to opt into this provision with the opportunity to revisit their decision every 5 years.   This proposed language gives the Towns/Villages the most flexibility on their land and on their participation.  Jeff did share that the City is open to this provision. 

Steve asked if the proposal included parameters, such as the size of the land or the inability to sell agricultural land.  Jeff said, at this point, the basic water quality criteria apply, including the 10 acres provision.  He stated that any additional parameters would be up to the Towns/Villages to set, allowing this to be controlled locally.

Glen reiterated his understanding that with this proposed language advocates the sale must be a benefit to the Town/Village as well as the owner and the City before any transaction can occur.  

Glen asked Jeff to explain further the 5-year option.   Jeff explained this allows the Towns/Villages to make the decision every 5 years as to whether they want the ability to propose property to be purchased by the City as stipulated in this provision.  The 5-year term allows the Towns/Villages to make their decision as they look forward to their future demographics and needs and to revisit it periodically as local conditions may change.  This is like the existing provisions in the Water Supply Permit for villages and hamlets which gives them the right to exclude city acquisitions and waive some of the water quality criteria.  Tim Cox and Jason Merwin explained what CWC does regarding watershed villages and hamlets for the 5-year review.  Currently CWC sends letters to the Towns/Villages reminding them its time to review their hamlets.  These letters usually go out 6 months in advance of the deadlines, with the letter outlining what the Town/Village chose to do previously.  If the Towns/Villages choose to keep it the same, they do not need to respond.  However if the Towns/Villages want to propose a change, they must pass a Town/Village resolution to make the change happen.   Ric suggested we try and line up the ability to propose lands for city purchase with the CWC timeline. 

Delaware County’s opposition to the proposed language was discussed.  David K. raised a concern regarding the language opposing the proposed provision.  He shared that the opposing language states that no sales of land in areas 3&4 can be offered to the city, however the sales of land can be offered to non-profit organizations.  The concern with this is that non-profits do not pay property taxes to the Town/Village, eliminating a revenue stream, but the City would be paying property taxes.  He cautioned the members to read the opposition language thoroughly to fully understand what it is proposing. 

Ric reiterated that with the CWT proposed language, the Towns/Villages have the flexibility to say NO to any sales.  He also said that even if the Towns/Villages decide to sell, the City may say no they do not want to purchase.  

Bruce Dolph raised the issue that Delaware County is completely opposed to the proposed language.  Jeff shared that he has not yet seen a resolution from Delaware County that states this.  Glen shared that he doesn’t believe the 5-year option has been presented to Delaware County yet.  Bud agreed and stated that Delaware County Board Members must perform their due diligence and share the proposed language in its entirety with Delaware County Board of Supervisors before any county resolution is made.  Ric agreed and asked that the CWT Delaware County Board Members meet with Delaware County prior to our February meeting.  This issue needs to be resolved in the February  meeting so that Jeff can proceed with finalizing the negotiations. 

On the State Wetland Regulations, Jeff reported that the regulations have been finalized.  He shared that the mapping system does not appear to be as cumbersome as originally thought to be.  He stated that the next steps are to work with NYC on how their regulations are going to coordinate with the new State Regulations.  

5. CWC Report:  Jason provided the statistics on the septic program, sharing that they completed 282 septic projects in 2024.   He then gave an overview of the 5 contracts they are currently in negotiations with DEP.  On the Community Vitality Study, Jason shared that the bids would be due on January 23.  The issue CWC is facing is that there is no contract with the City yet, which may hinder proceeding with the Community Vitality Study.  Jeff noted that the study is included in the FAD.   One final update Jason provided was on the CWC Annual  Meeting which is scheduled for April 1^st.

6.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:  Bud reported that as of December 31, 2024,
the checking account had $8,489.05,
the savings account had $103,174.81 and
the CD had $50,000. 
David Edinger made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Ed Snow.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented warrant #113 in the amount of $3,363.55 for payment of December legal fees and administrative support fees. Greg raised the question regarding the supporting invoices for the warrant and the totals did not match the warrant amount.  After reviewing the info, Cher realized she had inadvertently included the wrong invoices in the Board Members packages.  She did confirm that the amount of Warrant #113 was correct as presented.   
Steve Walker made the motion to pay warrant #113, seconded by Glen Faulkner.  Motion carried.   
Cher did provide Board Members with the correct invoices via email.  

7.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Greg Vurckio,  seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:20 pm.