Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, David Kukle, Steve Walker, Bud Gladsone, Ed Snow, Glen Faulkner, Ritchie Gabriel, Jeff Gearhart, Bill Federice, David Edinger, Greg Vurckio

Others:  Jeff Baker, Tim Cox, Jason Merwin, Samantha Costa, Jessica Fiedler, Gemma Young, Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Michelle Yost, Joan Lawrence Bauer. Tina Mole,  Shiloh Williams, DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, DEP Commissioner Rit Aggarwala, DEP Director External Affairs John Milgrim

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

2.  September 15, 2025, and September 17, 2025, Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.   

3. & 4. LAP/SAP Negotiations/Status of Amended City CE to State:
Ric opened this discussion by introducing DEP Commissioner Rit Aggarwala and DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush.  Ric provided a brief update on the events which led to Commissioner Aggarwala and Deputy Commissioner Rush attending the CWT meeting.   During the previous week Ric met with Jason, Shiloh Williams and Deputy Commissioner Rush to discuss the status of the Water Withdrawal Permit and the actions DEP has taken on this negotiation process.  Ric shared there was very positive dialogue at the meeting which resulted in Deputy Commissioner Rush suggesting DEP attend the October 20^th CWT meeting.   Ric and Jason agreed.

Ric continued with the meeting by thanking Commissioner Aggarwala  and Deputy Commissioner Rush for attending the meeting in person.  Commissioner Aggarwala thanked CWT for the invitation, and shared that while the Zoom option was offered, he felt it more important to attend the meeting in person to promote open conversation and answers.  Commissioner Aggarwala explained why DEP made the decision to stop the negotiations.  He shared that honest people could have honest disagreements, which is the basis of good negotiations.

However, some people stopped talking about an agreement and started posturing for their own benefits.  When this began happening, Commissioner Aggarwala had to put a stop to this and get back on track with the issue at hand with the Water Withdrawal Permit.   Commissioner Aggarwala believed that  DEP has built good relationships with CWC and the watershed communities.  DEP has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate that they take the watershed needs seriously and work for viable solutions.   He proceeded to explain that the current structure in the watershed dates to the 1990’s and addresses the risks of that timeframe very well.   However, these risks have changed dramatically over the years.  We’ve seen changes in water needs along with changes to the climate.   All this needs to be reviewed by DEP closely to determine the most feasible and cost-effective ways to move forward.  Commissioner Aggarwala said that source water protection is valuable to do in today’s environment and is the most effective way to do it.  However, DEP needs to look at this in conjunction with future needs to identify the best solutions.   Commissioner Aggarwala proceeded to “quash” rumors by emphasizing that  DEP has no intention at this time to cut any programs or eliminate support to current programs. 

Commissioner Aggarwala proceeded to explain that DEP is currently completing scientific studies to help identify risks to the FAD over the next decade.  He anticipates these study findings to be available for the upcoming 2026 FAD review.  It is DEP’s goal to have the analysis needed to determine what the various options are as we move forward with the FAD.   He highlighted that the watershed communities need to be open to zero-base budgeting and starting fresh to look at what is needed as we move forward.   

DEP stressed that partnership with the watershed communities is important to build the future.   As we move forward we need to craft a new set of programs to meet the changing needs.  This isn’t meant to eliminate programs, but to restructure them for what is required.  Deputy Commissioner Rush interjected that the challenges we are facing now are significantly different than the challenges in 1992.   It is proven that the watershed communities are highly successful at protecting the watershed.   We need to continue with that success as we adapt to the changing environment and promote economic growth.   Deputy Commissioner Rush stressed that a great deal has changed and its important to look at all the programs and partnerships to continue with our success.  Ric emphasized to the executive board members that it is critical that they function as an officer of the CWT as we move forward working with DEP.

Ric posed the question to Commissioner Aggarwala as to why DEP is engaging in new scientific research rather than utilizing the National Academy report.  Commissioner Aggarwala stated that they did not disagree with the National Academy findings, but DEP felt this report did not address all the issues such as impacts due to climate change.  The impacts of Hurricane Irene and the major rainstorms which caused severe flooding were not fully considered in the National Academy study.  Commissioner Aggarwala and Deputy Commissioner Rush both felt strongly that these issues need to be addressed and analyzed to define more accurately what is needed for the future.

Jason shared that CWC agrees with Commissioner Aggarwala regarding the importance of communications and the criticality of working together.   Jason further shared that there was anxiety regarding the misunderstanding that DEP was moving away from current regulations and programs. 

However, CWC now understands that this is not DEP’s intent.  DEP is not looking to eliminate but rather is looking to determine what is best for the future.   Commissioner Aggarwala asked that CWC and CWT help to identify what DEP should look at and what questions they should ask to be assessed in the study.

Glen Faulkner posed the question to Commissioner Aggarwala regarding how communities can deal with the barriers they encounter against new lodging, additional housing, septic and other regulations while attempting to grow their economy.   Commissioner Aggarwala acknowledged that this was a good question and stated that it should be in DEP’s long-term interest to support healthy economies in the communities while also supporting the DEP vision.   He shared that a joint economic development study  would address these concerns.

David (K.) asked DEP what challenges they are facing with the State.   Shiloh Williams shared that the Conservation Easements is the biggest hold up.  DEP fully supports conservation easements but as DEC does not have a process in place in is causing delays.

Jeff expressed his appreciation to Commissioner Aggarwala, Deputy Commissioner Rush and Shiloh Williams for attending our meeting.  He stated that DEP has provided great opportunities for everyone to work together and CWT is eager to be a partner in the process.  He shared that we appreciate the opportunity to help ensure the communities have the tools they need while supporting the DEP goal for cost effectiveness.   

Ed thanked DEP for attending our meeting in person stating that this demonstrates that DEP is willing to collaborate with the communities.   Ed asked if there will be a FAD even if the DEP study is not completed.  Commissioner Aggarwala shared that the study will be done in 2026, as it was started in 2024 and projected for 2 years.  It will be completed in time for the new FAD discussions and while it may not have all the answers it will provide a good start.

Bruce Dolph asked  about DEP’s position on land swaps.   DEP supports land swaps and is looking at a strategic plan for city land vs town land swaps that are mutually beneficial for all parties.

Ric asked Commissioner Aggarwala about the status and timing of the side agreements.  Commissioner Aggarwala responded that DEP is hoping to get them completed as quickly as possible.  He explained that when DEP withdrew from the negotiations, their intent is not to renege on any of the agreements made.  He further shared that DEP ended the negotiations based on concerns with the revised contract as it contained several new items that were not discussed at the negotiating table.  DEP felt it was not in the spirit of what was discussed and agreed upon during the negotiations but was more in line with a posturing movement.

With no more questions to Commissioner Aggarwala, Deputy Commissioner Rush and Shiloh Williams, Ric thanked them for taking the time and traveling the long distance to attend our meeting.  He felt is was a very positive and productive discussion which shed light on the various actions taken by DEP.

5.  CWC Report:  Jason provided a brief report, sharing that they have a new operating contract and they are entering into a new septic program working on septic systems through 2029.

6.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:  Bud reported that as of September 30, 2025, 
the checking account was $15,199.84,
the savings account was $86,706.70 and
the CD had $52,306.30. 
Greg Vurckio made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Ed Snow.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented Warrant #120 in the amount of $6,783.00 for payment of the September legal fees and administrative support fees.  
Steve Walker made the motion to pay Warrant #119, seconded by Glen Faulkner.  Motion carried.   

7.  Other:  The negotiations will be resuming the following week.  Considering this, Ric asked to go into an executive session to discuss CWT negotiation position and provide Jeff with directions on how to proceed.  David Edinger made the motion to move to executive session, seconded by Glen Faulkner.  Motion carried and the Executive Board entered executive session at 7:45 pm.    

Ed Snow made the motion to end the executive session, seconded by Bill Federice.  Motion was carried and the executive session ended at 8:40 pm.

8.  Adjourn:  As there were no other items to discuss Ric asked for a motion to adjourn.  Motion to adjourn was made by David Edinger,  seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm.