Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment-RCCE

Attendance:Chair Joan Maylie, Ed Maestro, Nick Mercurio, Deb Horowitz, Rick VandenHeavel, Ilonka Metsger-Lukas
Absent: Paul Lendvay
Town Board Liaison; Ken Cluen
Guest Volunteers; Jennifer Metzger, Joe Liuni, Manna Jo Greene, Boy Scout Brad Whittance from Troop 66

Meeting opened at 6:45pm Joan M reported that Karen Schneller-McDonald had canceled her program for this evening and rescheduled for our April meeting.
Previous minutes were reviewed discussed and changes made.  A motion was made by Nick M and seconded by Deb H and unanimously approved.

Old Business
New attendance policy was discussed and now will be 5 excused and/or 3 unexcused in a calendar year. This passed with an unanimous approval.
Water Budget; Deb H still in touch with Steve Winkley with a possible presentation in July/August time frame.

Open Space: Joan M reported that she has the maps on a disk and had asked Nick M to help prepare them to be sent to Geomatica.

Solar Data Transmission: Nick M reported that he made another disk of data to be sent to Gay Canough  for continuous reporting of the energy produced by the solar panels. Discussion centered on power frequent outages and possibly including a battery backup to avoid loss of data.

Planning Board: Nick M reported about a public hearing on a sewer district of minor subdivision. This would include the bank transferring its septic system field to water and sewer. This was .54 acres and turns out to be .24 acres of federal wetlands. Planning broad member Joe H questioned why the town would want to acquire federal wetlands. This land was identified to be located on state route 32 north of the bank.
Another project application is no. 4-12 by aleo for a special use permit, 30 unit apartment complex. in the vicinity of Cappys. Previous concerns were noted.
Same applicant is applying for 5 plex apartment house on the corner of Lower James St. and Ann Lane ( previously where a house fire occurred).  This is contingent on water and sewer service. 

At this time Board Liaison Ken Cluen brought the good news that both Jennifer Metzger and Joe Liuni were officially appointed members of this commission-- hearty applause followed.

Biodiversity Assessment: Joan M reported that a application will be made of a grant to finish the Town of Rosendale.  Hudsonia is offering another 3 day course of the biodiversity training, anyone interested should send in their applications , of which Joan M has.

Energy Expo/Earthfest: Joan M complemented at he new design of this years fest/expo. The team will be ordering t-shirts to sell this year with this logo.
Everyone is working diligently on the assignments to make this an outstanding family event/expo. 

New Business;

Hudsonia BAT training session dates are May 22,23, and 24 or August 7,8 and 9 2007.

Motion to adjourn by Joe L and seconded by Jennifer M