Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Scott Grey, 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, Gemma Young, Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Michelle Yost, Joan Lawrence Bauer, Robert Drake, Hope Costa

1.  Call to Order:  In the absence of Chair Ric Coombe, Vice-Chair David Kukle called the meeting to order at 6:21 pm. 

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

3.  LAP/SAP Negotiation Update:  Jeff reported that negotiations on the Side Agreement have successfully ended.  Key items in the agreement included the City limiting land acquisitions and agreeing to continue with funding of current programs.  There were also several new initiatives included in the final agreement and Jeff suggested members read the document provided to them to get the details on these initiatives.  Jeff shared that this final agreement contains almost everything we were asking for and that the remaining items will be addressed in the discussions on the FAD revisions.  The City has committed to working with CWT on development of the new 2027 FAD.  The City is also committed to working with CWC and CWT to improve the current septic programs.

Jeff said that it’s up to us to create the documents required to implement the Side Agreement, sharing that it will take significant effort to do so and members need to be proactive in doing this.  David K. asked what the next steps with the Side Agreement are.  Jeff shared that the agreement has been signed by everyone except CWT.  At this point Jeff distributed the CWT Resolution which would authorize the signing of Side Agreement.  After a brief review of the document, David Kukle made the motion, seconded by Glen Faulkner, to approve the resolution.  The motion was unanimously approved by roll call of the CWT Board Members.

Jeff then addressed the letter from CWT to Ms. Kate Malcolm regarding the Water Withdrawal Permit.  Board members were provided with a copy of the letter, which Jeff proceeded to explain its contents.  Jeff does not anticipate any issues resulting from this letter, sharing that had yet to see the comments from the environmental organizations.  Jeff did share that comments were received from the new Watershed Inspector General, however he did not anticipate that there would be issues as we move forward.

4.  Status of Amended City CE to State:  Jeff reported that the status remains the same and we have not received anything from DEC to date.

5.  CWC Report:  Jason provided a comprehensive report on the CWC statistics for 2025, including that CWC awarded 1000 grants last year.  He shared that the Town of Olive approved the bids for the Shokan project.  Bids totaled $74 million.   Jason reiterated Jeff’s comments regarding the approved Side Agreement and new initiatives.  While the Side Agreement does include expansion to existing CWC programs, it also provides several new programs including the Workforce Development program.  Jason shared that the contracts and processes for these new programs will take time to develop and implement.  He asked that Board Members understand and share with their respective communities implementation of the new programs will happen but not overnight so please have patience.   Jason also requested help from CWT in identifying the needed upgrades for I & I or regular septic plants.  He asked Board Members to provide CWC with data on their I & I plans, their workflows, etc.   This will help CWC with the development of the new programs.  Jason then reported that the Community Vitality Study final report will be available by the end of the week.  

David K. asked if there have been any applications received for the Workforce Development Program.  Gemma Young, WDP Program Manager, communicated that there have been several good inquiries.  The deadline for submitting the applications is early February and she recommended that, due to the extensive paperwork involved in the process, the sooner the applications are submitted the better for everyone involved.  David then asked how would private firms, such as engineering firms, apply for the program.  Gemma suggested they partner with other organizations that qualify to apply, stating they need to have a good plan to establish a robust training program.  She further explained that partnering would be the better option for the smaller private organizations who may face challenges trying to implement a workforce development program within their company. 

In closing the CWC report, Jeff and Jason both echoed to the Board Members to reach out to CWC with any Wastewater Treatment Plant issues they have.  This includes technical and logistic issues on contracts, issues with DEP, etc.   They emphasized the importance of everyone coming together as a united front with one voice.  Jeff told members to not wait until CWC has the program up and running, but to provide documentation to Jason now so that issues and problems can be addressed during the development phase.  

6.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:  Bud reported that as of November 28, 2025, 
the checking account was $11,556.62,  
the savings account was $73,343.27 and
the CD had $52,306.30. 
Ed Snow made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by David Edinger.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented Warrant #122 in the amount of $6,412.00 for payment of the November legal and administrative support fees. 
Ed Snow made the motion to pay Warrant #122, seconded by David Edinger.  Motion carried.

7.   Other:  David K. provided an update on the Membership Dues Committee, sharing that the committee is currently completing their research.  He asked the Board Members for any ideas or suggestions on the membership dues.  Jason shared that CWC has data on towns that indicated they do not feel they are getting support from CWT.  He will share this with the membership committee for inclusion in their research.

Jeff reported on Ric’s behalf that we will NOT have a meeting in January and will reconvene in February. 

8. Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Greg Vurkio, seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried. 
The meeting adjourned at 6:57 pm.