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. 

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, David Kukle, Edward Snow, Bud Gladstone, Winifred Zubin, Greg Vurckio

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

.

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

2.  August 15, 2022, Meeting Minutes Approval: 
Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by David Kukle.  Motion carried.    

.

3. Reports:

a.  FAD Deliverables:  Jeff reported that there has been two negotiating sessions with NYC and they are looking at revisions to the land acquisition programs. With a focus on land acquisitions that are tied to flood mitigation and stream acquisition programs.  He reported that the next negotiating session will be in January 2023.  It is the intent to open this January meeting to CWT members, community leaders, DEC, DOH  and other environmental parties.   Jeff also shared that prior to the January meeting, the city attorney is planning on preparing a comprehensive explanation of where they are in this process to give everyone a better understanding.   All members agreed that this would be very beneficial.  Discussion then occurred on options for providing education to the watershed towns/villages collectively so that they have a better understanding of the importance of the watershed and the issues.  Communicating and educating will enable the towns/villages to assist with input on issue resolution and decisions that ultimately impact their areas.  As part of this, there needs to be a mechanism for ensuring ongoing communications and information sharing to all our watershed towns/villages. 

b.  Streamside Acquisition:  Jeff reported that work is being done on a streamside acquisition program that will be community driven.  

c.  Flood Commission Reports:   Nothing to report

d.  CWC Report:  Jason reported that things are going smoothly, and construction is slowing down for now.  Jason also reported that DOH is recommending that NYC does studies in upstate community to identify how the watershed impacts them.   They are looking for academic assistance on these studies.   Jason shared that it is still in the infant stages.  They are focusing on the scope and approach for the study.  Ric said they agreed to look at the original studies (from 15 years ago) as a “baseline” to study against.   Jason shared that CWC is looking at short term rentals and impacts in the septic program.    

e.  Below the Reservoirs –  nothing to report

.

4. Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   
Bud reported that as of October 31, 2022, the checking account had $8,623.51 and the savings account had $117,195.33.  Greg Vurckio made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Ed Snow.  Report accepted.  
Bud presented warrant #96 in the amount of $6,819.12 for payment of August-October legal fees and July-September administrative fees.  David Kukle made a motion to pay warrant #96, seconded by Winifred Zubin.  Motion carried.

5.  Ric explained to members a request that came to CWT, via CWC, from a new homeowner wanting to resolve the issue of hooking up to the sewer system that was connected by previous owner in the past.   Ric did resolve the issue working with DEP and the Town.  However,  he pointed that in the future CWT will assist municipalities on issues and should not be in the business of providing help to individuals.  He will work with CWC on how to avoid this situation in the future.

6.   Ric presented the idea of organizing a facilitated discussion with CWT, CWC, DEC, DEP, etc. and all towns/villages/people across the counties west of the Hudson.  Purpose of this discussion would be to educate and communicate importance of the watershed, issues within the watershed, options for addressing issues, etc.  This would also promote the goal to have all towns/villages working together as a unified group and not as individuals.  Jeff suggested that this would be a great opportunity for addressing the Stream Management contracts that are coming up for renewal, providing the forum to look at these contracts together and not tackling them individually.  Members asked how we would facilitate notifying/inviting everyone.  One suggestion was to send invites to all town/villages and affected organizations and asking them to share with individuals that they deem would benefit from this.  Another suggestion was to ask CWT to handle the invites.   Discussions on this idea will continue.

7.  Members agreed that there would be no meeting in December and the next meeting will be scheduled for January 2023.

8.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Greg Vurckio, seconded by Ed Snow.   Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 7:32 pm. 

Location:  CWC Headquarters (Arkville, NY)

Present:  Ric Coombe, David Kukle, David Edinger, Edward Snow, Bill Federice, Steve Walker, Will Outsen, Christina Viafore

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

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

2.  June 20, 2022, Meeting Minutes Approval:  Motion to approve the minutes made by Ed Snow and seconded by Steve Walker.  Motion carried.    

3. Reports:

a.  FAD Deliverables:  Jeff reported that the comments on the FAD were submitted and there was overall support on the areas discussed.  Jeff also shared that discussions are continuing on the SAP/Land Acquisition Program with the smaller group and DEP, with the next meeting to be held in mid-October.  After that meeting, Jeff foresees opening the attendees to a broader group.    Heidi asked Jeff if there is a timeline available yet for the FAD changes.  Jeff shared that after the October meeting they hope to have a better sense of a timeline. 

Jeff reported that he will be submitting comments to DEC on the Part 360 Regulations which deals with the solid waste regulations and requirements.   The essence of these comments will be that there is no reason for heightened solid waste restrictions in the watersheds.

b.  Streamside Acquisition:  Nothing to report.

c.  Flood Commission Reports:  Nick reported that Jennifer Garigliano, from DEP, may be at the next meeting to discuss the tunnel closure and potential impacts.   

d.  CWC Report:  Jason reported everything is going very well with no major issues.  He will be having a meeting with NYC on the contracting issues but doesn’t anticipate any problems.   Michele asked how often they encounter errors on the septic system replacement estimates that result in additional costs to the project.  Jason shared that this is pretty much typical and that each discrepancy is looked at individual prior to approval. 

e.  Below the Reservoirs –  nothing to report

4. Warrants and Treasurer’s Report:   As Treasure Bud Gladstone was not in attendance at the meeting, Ric deputized David Kuckle as treasurer for this meeting.  David reported that as of July 31, 2022,
the checking account has $611.83 and
the savings account has $132,040.61. 
Steve Walker made the motion to accept the Treasurer’s report, seconded by Bill Federice.  Report accepted. 

David presented Warrant #95 in the amount of $6,991.50 for payment of
June/July legal fees;
April-June administrative fees;
and Dropbox subscription fee. 
Ed Snow made a motion to pay warrant #95, seconded by David Edinger.  Motion carried.

5.  Ric asked members if they agreed to cancelling the September meeting, reconvening in October as hopefully there will be more to report based on Jeff’s meetings.  Members agreed.  Therefore our next scheduled meeting will be October 17, 2022. 

6.  Adjourn:  Motion to adjourn was made by Steve Walker, seconded by Ed Snow.   Motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.