Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, David Kukle, Steve Walker, Edward Snow, Bud Gladstone, Winifred Zubin, Christina Viafore, David Edinger, Greg Vurckio

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

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

2.  June 19, 2023, Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Greg Vurckio and seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.

3.  LAP/SAP Negotiations:  Jeff gave a status update on the LAP/SAP negotiations. Meetings on the LAP/SAP have been very positive, and he anticipated that the upcoming meeting with the City would result in approval and agreement on projects requiring the town/village approval before submission.   This would support the CWT recommendations and address the ongoing concerns regarding to have the Towns and Villages involved in the processes.   Jeff also shared that the State’s draft of the wetlands law should be released in December or January, with the requirement to be adopted by the end of 2024.     It is anticipated that there will be a lot of questions on how to implement the law.   He anticipates that several meetings will occur to identify and address the concerns, issues and solutions.  Jeff will keep the members apprised as this all rolls out.

4. Status of Amended City CE to State:   Regarding the Conservation Easement amendments, Jeff indicated the issues with the SAP need to be completed before moving forward on these amendments.  

Discussion amongst the members occurred centering around the license agreements with landowners for LAP/SAP.  Questions were raised on whether every county must do the same thing and will all be offered the same opportunities, etc.  It was explained that this will likely be a pilot program which will allow the Towns/Villages to review and approve the projects.  If the majority of the Towns/Villages do not opt in then issues will be addressed after the pilot is completed.  after the pilot, the issues will be addressed.  The pilot program will be handled on a ‘project-by-project’ basis.  There will be no blanket yes or no on the proposed projects.  The Towns/Villages will be able to look at the projects individually.

Ric reminded everyone that the core objective CWT is after is changes to LAP and that CWT is one of the people sitting at the table.  He re-iterated that if the main goal is reducing LAP, then we also need some viable form of SAP.  Bottom line if we say NO SAP/NO LAP then we lose everything including our seat at the negotiations.

A question was raised regarding the City’s agreement to case-by-case purchases?  Jeff indicated that the City is open to it.  He reminded everyone that the City will be measuring success based on metrics that will provide answers to “How do we know it will work?”   “How do we know towns will participate?” etc.  Our goal is to demonstrate and provide the answers to these metric questions.  We will need to amend our soil and stream contracts to build these measurements in and to provide full budget items. 

David asked how much leverage a municipality has to include the stewardship needs in the contracts.  Everyone agrees that there is a dire need for robust stewardship in the program.    Jeff acknowledged this to be a very valid point and felt it was appropriate to include these needs in the contracts.

As this discussion was wrapping up, David raised questions regarding a stabilization project where there is a failing slope that needs to be repaired.  Specifically he asked if the Landowner could say no to the project?  And does the city have to say yes to the project?  Jason shared that if the city allows the work to occur they must also get the appropriate permits from DEC.   Ric shared that our overall goal is to want the City to compel and be willing to participate in a good project.  We need to provide sound science supported projects and do a better job at marketing these projects to gain the overall support. 

5.  CWC Report:  Jason shared that everything was going well on the various efforts currently in progress at CWC.  No major issues or concerns to report.

6.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of October 31, 2023,
the checking account had $9,519.73 and
the savings account had $120,433.68.  
David Edinger made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Steve Walker.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented warrant #102 in the amount of $5,563.10 for payment of September legal fees and July-September Administration fees. 
Ed Snow made a motion to pay warrant #102, seconded by David Kukle.  Motion carried.

7.  Other: Ric reminded and asked everyone to keep looking for compelling land swap examples that can be used in the supporting arguments for allowing land swaps.   Ric also reported that the Wastewater Treatment discussions and meetings are continuing.   Ric also shared with everyone that the annual dues letter was sent out on October 12. 

8.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Ed Snow, seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:16 pm.

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

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

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

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

2.  May 15,  2023 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.    

3.  LAP/SAP Negotiations:  Jeff briefed members on the stakeholder meeting sharing that they were able to get universal agreement on the framework which stresses working together as a unified team. This approach was used by Greene County Soil & Water District and the Catskill Center with the goal of establishing a template on the process and how it works.  The exercise with Greene County will demonstrate how to involve towns from the beginning and throughout the process, with decisions made by the local municipalities.  This will be a “bottom up” process with collaborations by the agencies, the municipalities, and the landowner.   Ric suggested we continue as a group to look for more “real-life” examples, showing what works and what doesn’t.   

Jeff also shared that there were concerns at the stakeholder meeting regarding the core LAP and when will it be addressed.  Jeff stated that they will start dealing with this at the July meeting.   He also explained that the LAP Long-Term Acquisition Plan that was distributed to the members is a placeholder document required by the FAD, submitted by the city but subject to further negotiations.   Negotiations are still in progress and will continue until resolutions are agreed upon.  Jeff then gave an overview of the plan, including a brief history of the LAP program.  

4. Status of Amended City CE to State:  Jeff gave a status on the City Conservation Easement amendments, stating that they are awaiting the response from the State.  Nick Carbone shared a letter from DEP to the Town of Roxbury re: Turnaround Construction Request that was denied due to conservation easement restrictions.  A brief discussion of this letter followed.

5.  Exploring Opportunities for Increased Connections to City WWTPs:  Ric and Jason reported on the wastewater treatment facility meeting, sponsored by CWC.  The meeting was attended by CWC, CWT and various municipalities with city-owned wastewater treatment plants.   Ric, Jason and CWT Executive Board members that attended the meeting all agreed it was a great success.  It gave attendees the  opportunity to not only meet others, but exchange ideas and issues.    Margaretville provided input on the challenges they faced dealing with inflow and infiltration (I & I), and how they achieved a successful solution, which entailed hard work on the municipality’s part and holding the city accountable for their end.  Ric stated that the hope was to leave the meeting with a baseline, which would include information on current capacity  and potential growth, and then move forward from there.  He asked that all members reach out to the communities that weren’t in attendance at the meeting to gather more information.  These communities my not have issues but they have knowledge and information that is beneficial to the discussions.      

6. CWC Report:  Jason provided a brief report on the status of various projects in progress at CWC, including the septage feasibility study and the New Kingston and Shokan wastewater projects.  Jason also shared that to date 29 septics have been replaced.  

7.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of May 31, 2023, the checking account had $8,902.64 and the savings account had $138,864.76.  Greg Vurckio made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Ed Snow.  Report accepted.   Bud presented warrant #100 in the amount of $7,705.50 for payment of June legal fees.  Steve Walker made a motion to pay warrant #100, seconded by David Edinger.  Motion carried.

9.  Dues Report:  Ric shared that there are 5 towns/villages (Hamden, Hurley, Rochester, Shandaken and Village of Hunter) that still have outstanding dues for 2022.  Our goal is to keep these municipalities as CWT members as it will benefit everyone.  He asked board members to reach out to these municipalities and he will as well. 

10.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Ed Snow , seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 6:59 pm.  

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

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

Others:  Jeff Baker, Jason Merwin,  Nick Carbone, Bruce Dolph, Mary Crisafulli, Heidi Emrich, Sean Mahoney, David Schneider, Cher Woehl

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

2.  March 20,  2023 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.    

3.  LAP/SAP Negotiations:  Jeff handed out to the group the proposed discussion topics for the upcoming Buffer Protection Workgroup Meeting (scheduled for May 17^th).  He briefed everyone on the on discussions that have occurred which resulted in these proposed topics.  Jeff answered any questions that arose from the group regarding the topics to be discussed at the May 17^th meeting and provided explanations as requested.  Jeff shared his optimism that there will be positive progress in the LAP/SAP Negotiations

4. Status of Amended City CE to State:  Jeff briefed everyone on the status of the revisions to the CE.  The State is currently completing their review of the revisions. 5.  Improving Executive Committee Communications with Member Towns:  Ric opened this discussion with comments on how CWT and CWC need to continue to work together as a unified group, emphasizing that participation and communication are important to success.  He stressed that the more we work together we become a stronger voice as one watershed and we get more accomplished.  Jeff mentioned that some towns have voiced concerns they weren’t being heard or being represented.  It was agreed that a goal of CWT will be to develop a process that will work for all towns in the watershed to support participation and problem resolution.   Ric conveyed that when towns have an issue or concern, they should bring forward to and discuss with CWT, who in turn will work with CWC in finding solutions.    

As part of this discussion, the issue Tannersville is facing with septic hookups was addressed.  Sean Mahoney, Town of Hunter Supervisor and David Schneider, Mayor of Tannersville, attended the meeting to address this issue.   They shared that due to DEP sewer use laws and requirements they cannot move forward and approve the septic hookup for a current resident.   Additionally, the prohibitive law is impeding their ability to move forward with a significant business opportunity.  Supervisor Mahoney and Mayor Schneider asked that CWC and CWT work with them to collectively negotiate a solution that will provide for more flexibility with DEP sewer laws.  They did share that DEP has offered the Storm Water Retrofit Program as a possible solution.  Jeff shared there are 2 different categories to consider—the city owned plants and the municipality owned plants.  Each has their own issues thus resulting in potentially different solutions.  Ric asked the executive board members if they agree with convening a meeting with CWT and the impacted municipalities to discuss the issues and potential solutions.  Members agreed and Ric will work with Jason to schedule the meeting.

6. CWC Report:  Jason reported that the CWC Annual Meeting, held in April, had very good representation from watershed communities and stakeholders attending.   He also reported on the various contracts CWC is in the process of finalizing including the Flood Hazard Program, the Septic Maintenance and the Storm Water Retrofit Project contracts.

7.  Potential Land Swaps:  Ric brought forward a land swap proposal that the Town of Neversink is currently working on.  The Town Board has asked CWT to help with achieving this land swap which entails swapping 2 acres of city-owned land for 2 acres of town-owned land.   The City parkland restrictions come into play on this proposal, however Jeff and Ric both felt that would not be an issue to accomplishing the swap. 

8.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of February 28, 2023, the checking account had $6,709.37 and the savings account had $148,732.97.  Ed Snow made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by David Edinger.  Report accepted.   Bud presented warrant #99 in the amount of $7,793.08 for payment of March-April legal and administrative fees.  Steve Walker made a motion to pay warrant #99, seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.

9.  Ric requested that we review the dues payment accounting list at the next meeting.  He also asked Bud to look into our current banking interest rates.

10.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Greg Vurckio, seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 8:02 pm. 

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Steve Walker, Edward Snow, Bud Gladstone, Winifred Zubin, Greg Vurckio, Bill Federice, Dave Kukle

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

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

2.  January 16,  2023 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Winifred Zubin.  Motion carried.    

3.  Conservation Easement Discussion:  Jeff provided an overview on the final Conservation Easement language that was shared with all members prior to the meeting.  A significant change is to remove DEC from the conservation easement decisions.   Jeff asked for approval to move forward with the proposed language, stating that it would then be sent to the State with the goal to get this language out there as segway to the May 30^th meeting on the FAD revisions.  The revised language was discussed by members before a motion was made by Bud Gladstone, seconded by Ed Snow to move forward with the language as proposed.  Motion was carried.

4. Reports:
a.  FAD Deliverables:  Jeff shared that the May 30^th meeting will be at CWC with DEC, DOH and others.  The purpose of the meeting is to explain the work done over the last year to identify a revised Land Acquisition Program that focuses on the stream and flood programs.  He emphasized that this is an important meeting for our elected officials to bring forward their concerns and needs regarding SAP.   It will be an important opportunity for NYC and NYS to hear from towns and their concerns about not being part of the discussions and decisions.  Bud shared that SAP needs to include language that ensures the land is protected but allows for improvements per town requirements.  Jeff agreed that language is needed to effectuate this in the land acquisition program.  Jeff said that this is by no means the last meeting on the subject, and they have until the end of 2023 for a revised SAP.

b.  Streamside Acquisition:  See above

c.  Flood Commission Reports:   Nothing to report

d.  CWC Report:  Jason reported the CWC Annual Meeting will be on April 4, 2023, at 1 pm.  There will be a presentation on the 25 years of CWC—what it is, what it does, etc. 

e.  Below the Reservoirs –  Nick reported that there is a lot of discussion and debate regarding the shutdown of the tunnel and the leaks in the Marbletown aqueducts.  He shared that on April 11^th Jen Garigliano will be making a presentation on this. 

5.   Ric and Jason updated members on the contracts meeting at CWC (hosted by Tim and Jason).  The meeting was successful as it showed a lot of cooperation and unity in identifying what the contract issues are and what is needed to resolve these issues.  The meeting was attended by several representatives from different NYC departments dealing with contracting as well as NYS DOH.  Ric shared an important message of the meeting was conveying to the City that CWC and SWCD watershed contracts are different than other contracts NYC enters into.  CWT/CWC are partners with the city and not simply contractors for them.  This meeting was a good start to what will more than likely be a long process to get the City to understand the concerns of CWT/CWC and the SWCD’s and recognize the need to work together for consistency on our contracts. 

6.  Ric reported on the Economic Vitality study.  The committee is currently looking at the overall scope of the project, attempting to narrow it down so it is more manageable.  The challenge is that there is a diverse group of stakeholders and before the study can move forward the decision needs to be made as to what the goal is and what are the outcomes they want to achieve—what does everyone want to get out of this.   It was shared that a facilitator, who understands the watershed programs, may be required to help guide the committee on this process.  

7.  Ric updated members on the issue surrounding access to sewage plants in the towns.  The concept should be to allow a more comprehensive plan for people to hook up to the septage while also making it easier for the municipalities.  If communities want to grow they need to have a way to get more people hooked up to their septage plants.  The municipalities and NYC need to develop a partnership that will allow for this to happen. Ric and Jeff felt a meeting is needed to further discuss this issue and attempt to reach a workable solution. 

8.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of February 28, 2023,
the checking account had $1,261.86 and
the savings account had $157,734.91.  
Bill Federice made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Ed Snow.  Report accepted.  

Bud presented warrant #98 in the amount of $4,553.75 for payment of January-February legal fees. 
Steve Walker made a motion to pay warrant #98, seconded by Greg Vurckio.  Motion carried.

9.  Jason reported that DEP is posting 16 job openings for positions to be located at CWC and asked the members to help publicize this so local residents can apply for the jobs.   

10.  Members agreed that there would be no meeting in April and the next meeting will be scheduled for May 15, 2023.

11.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Ed Snow, seconded by Greg Vurckio.   Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:58 pm. 

January 16, 2023 CWT Executive Board Meeting Minutes

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, Scott Grey, Edward Snow, Bud Gladstone, Winifred Zubin, Greg Vurckio, Will Outsen, Christina Viafore, Bill Federice, David Edinger

Others:  Jeff Baker,  Tim Cox, Jason Merwin,  Bruce Dolph, Mary Crisafulli, Heidi Emrich, Elizabeth DeFalco, Cher Woehl

1.  Call to Order:  Ric Coombe called the meeting to order at 6:17 pm.

2.  November 22,  2022 Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Bud Gladstone.  Motion carried.    

3. Reports:

a.  FAD Deliverables:  Jeff provided an update on the revised FAD, sharing that there have been significant revisions made to the FAD including a proposal to move away from the core Land Acquisition Program.   Jeff shared that DEP will continue working with the work-groups to redefine the LAP and what it should be.   DEC has indicated they will not expand the SAP until it receives the DEP report.  After discussion and much information sharing, CWT Resolution #1 of 2023, which supports the revisions to the FAD, was brought to the members for approval.   Bud Gladstone made the motion to approve CWT Resolution #1 of 2023, seconded by Bill Federice.  Motion was unanimously approved and carried. 

b.  Streamside Acquisition:  Nothing to report.

c.  Flood Commission Reports:   Nothing to report

d.  CWC Report:  Jason reported the CWC Annual Meeting will be on April 4, 2023.  He also shared with the members that CWC is working on the Storm Water study which will address the design, construction and maintenance of the Inflow and Infiltration systems.  One goal of CWC is to provide ownership of the I&I systems to the local communities rather than the NYC.   Tim talked briefly about septic design providing that it would be more efficient and feasible to have the contract construction handled through the Towns/Villages rather than the city.  Jeff suggested that CWC reach out to CWT to assist with the construction contract language when they get closer to developing this part of the study.

Jason updated members on CWC’s efforts to bring DEP employees onsite at the CWC headquarters.  These efforts have proved successful as DEP employed a new attorney who will reside at CWC Headquarters.  DEP has also established 13 new positions they are currently recruiting for that will also be located at CWC Headquarters.   Ric encouraged CWT members to be advocates to help DEP fill these positions.

e.  Below the Reservoirs –  nothing to report

4.   Ric updated the members on the 2022 Membership Dues received to date.   There are still Towns/Villages that have not submitted their dues payment.  He suggested that educating the Towns/Villages on what CWT does and the benefits of CWT may help keep the membership intact which supports the goal for full participation and unified strength.  He also suggested that any briefings be accomplished with support from CWC.   It was suggested that Cher issue reminders to those Towns/Villages that have not yet remitted their dues payment. 

5.  Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   Bud reported that as of December 31, 2022, the checking account had $6,807.40 and the savings account had $148,834.88.  David Edinger made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Bill Federice.  Report accepted.   Bud presented warrant #97 in the amount of $5,547.02 for payment of November-December legal fees and October-December administrative fees.  Greg Vurckio made a motion to pay warrant #97, seconded by Ed Snow.  Motion carried.

6.  Members agreed that there would be no meeting in February and the next meeting will be scheduled for March 20, 2023.

7.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Ed Snow, seconded by Greg Vurckio.   Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:07 pm.