Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, David Kukle, Greg Cross, Ed Snow, Glen Faulkner, Will Outsen, David Edinger, Greg Vurckio

Others:  Jeff Baker, Tim Cox, Jason Merwin, Michelle Yost, Nick Carbone (via Zoom), Thomas Hoyt, Bruce Dolph, Elizabeth DeFalco, Roger Gilson (Times Union), Cher Woehl

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

2.  January 20, 2025, Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Greg Cross. Motion carried.   

3. & 4. LAP/SAP Negotiations/Status of Amended City CE to State: Ric welcomed everyone to the meeting before turning it over to Jeff who reported that the Core LAP and CSAP contract negotiation discussions are continuing with minor issues being raised and resolved.  Jeff stated that the one issue still open is the municipal option to propose land acquisitions to the City in Priority Areas 3 & 4 as part of Core LAP.  Jeff recapped the option proposed by CWT which would allow Towns/Villages to offer specific parcels of land in Priority Areas 3 & 4  to the City for purchase.  The provision allows Towns/Villages to decide every 5 years if they want to participate. 

Jeff proceeded to discuss the CWT Resolution provided to Board Members for discussion.  This draft resolution grants municipalities, except for those in Delaware County, Jewett and Windham, the right to offer land to the City.   Delaware County, Jewett and Windham have all passed resolutions which exclude them from the provision, thus opting out of the program for as long as the Core LAP program exists under the new Water Withdrawal Permit.  Ric stated that this is the benefit of “home rule” as it gives everyone options.  It’s not all for one/one for all but allows Towns/Villages to make the decision to participate or not.   Ric then opened the floor to discussion on the proposed resolution, reminding everyone that our intent is to finalize and approve language for Jeff to move forward with.

Thomas Hoyt spoke on behalf of Windham stating that they have also passed a resolution like Delaware County opting out for the duration of the new Water Withdrawal Permit. Greg asked for clarification on the Delaware County resolution to opt out of the program.  Ric and Jeff explained that when a County opts out, no Town/Village can choose to participate in the future.  They further explained that if a Town/Village opts out, that doesn’t impact other Towns/Villages in the County unless the County passes a resolution to not participate.  David K. proceeded to explain that if a Town/Village opts out, they are opting out for 5 years.  At the end of 5 years, they have the choice to continue as is or opt into the program.   He suggested to Board Members that they make their Towns/Villages aware of this. 

Thomas Hoyt asked if there would be community guidelines for this program.  Ric explained that the Towns/Villages set their own guidelines.  They are in control of this.  Ric re-iterated that a Town/Village may propose parcels to the City to purchase, but the City can say no, they do not want to purchase. 

Greg shared with members that Denning is passing a resolution to opt out of the program and asked that they be added to the resolution language.   Jeff also shared that Ashland has opted out of the program and will be included in the language.  

Ric asked if there was any more discussion that needed to occur on the resolution before it is adopted.  As there was none, David Kukle made the motion to approve the Resolution of the Coalition of Watershed Towns Supporting a Town Option to Propose Land Acquisitions by the City of New York with the revision to add Ashland and Denning.  Glen Faulkner seconded the motion .  Motion carried unanimously. Ric thanked everyone for a very productive discussion and for taking the time to help bring this resolution to fruition.   

Before moving on to the next agenda item, Jeff shared that in talking with David K. it was brought to his attention that everyone may not understand the purpose or intent of the negotiation for the side agreement.  He provided a brief explanation sharing that the side agreements are a way for the City, CWT, CWC and the environmental organizations to discuss and resolve issues that don’t necessarily belong at the State level.   Jeff cited examples such as Regulatory Upgrade 2 and the I&I issues that are currently being resolved through side agreements.

The discussion moved into the status of the amendments to the City CE to the State.  Thomas Hoyt asked when the easements will be turned over from the State to the City. Jeff responded that they are currently resolving an issue with the environmental groups and are approximately 90% completed with resolving all open issues. 

5. CWC Report:  Jason gave the CWC update, focusing on the Community Vitality Study.   He asked that the Towns/Villages and CWT please be responsive to the consultants, who will be reaching out to everyone for information.  David K. asked if there will be questions provided beforehand so that everyone can be better prepared.  Jason agreed this would be beneficial and will see what he can do.   Ric reminded everyone that we must be forward-thinking when we address community needs for the vitality study.  Jason concurred by sharing that the City and DEP are already in the forward-thinking mode, so we also need to be.   Jason reminded everyone about the CWC Annual Meeting which is scheduled for April 1^st.   He also shared that CWC will be involved in a mandatory meeting with FEMA regarding the flood funds, and a contract meeting with DEP sometime in March.

6.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:  As Bud was absent from the meeting, Ric asked Greg Vurckio to provide the treasurer’s report.  Greg reported that as of January 31, 2025, 
the checking account had $5,176.64,
the savings account had $113,767.57 and
the CD had $52,306.30. 
Ed Snow made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Glen Faulkner.  Report accepted.  
Greg presented warrant #114 in the amount of $3,407.00 for payment of January legal fees and administrative support fees.  
Greg Cross made the motion to pay warrant #114, seconded by David Edinger.  Motion carried.   

7.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Ed Snow, seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm.