Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment

Attendance:  Chair Joan Maylie, Nick Mercurio, Jennifer Metzger, Paul Lendvay, Ed Maestro, Rick VandenHeavel, Deb Weltsch, Ilonka Lukas
Town Board Liaison:  Ken Cluen
Excused; Joe Liuni

Previous minutes of May 24 and June 28 were approved and corrections made. A motion was made by Paul L and seconded by Nick M and unanimously approved.

Old Business:
Progress Reports:
Membership- Joan M reported that our concerns re term limits will be voted on at the Sept, Town Board meeting.  Joan stated the the cost of training, and implementing this training is not cost effective within a one year term.  Our members attend seminars, training and volunteer countless hours to develop programs of education for the townspeople, not to mention our yearly Energy Expo.  The town would benefit from longer service terms in our commission.

Biodiversity Assessment- Jenn M reported that the new grant was forwarded to Hudsonia, Ilonka L will be notified when the approvals are completed.

Wetlands- Jenn M and Joan M were concerned about the spraying of weeds by the county along major roadways.  Jenn M attempted to contact a person in charge to find out what type of chemicals are used.  All were concerned about the runoff into area waterways.

Nick M  reported on the new regulations by the Army Corps in relation to Federal Wetlands.  Jurisdiction for enforcement lies with the individual townships. This commission would like to have educational workshop with professionals to advise all interested and involved persons.  Ken C will check into the feasibility of consultants C T Male is addressing this issue

Joan M reported on a meeting she attended on bank stabilization.  She stated that willows can be planted for this protection.

Planning Board- Nick M reported that there are no new applications that would be a concern  for the RCCE.
Nick M stated that the county recommended that the southern 32 corridor should be zoned industrial.  Several members were concerned about this and the types of business this could produce. Another concern is this corridor sits on a large underground water aquifer.

Recycling- Joan M stated that in Town of Marbletown they accept, based on a fee schedule, all old computers, fax machines, TV etc. Jenn M would like to let the town residents know of this program  Nick M  volunteered to email the form to our members.

EMC- tabled

Program- Aquifers and Wellheads of Rosendale by Stephen Winkley will be held on Sept 27 at 6pm

New Business:
Rondout Creek watershed council-Jenn M reported this council is comprised of representatives from the towns of Rosendale, Marbletown, Rochester and Wararsing. It is facilitated by Clearwater and the Hudson River Basin Watch for watershed protection on the lower Rondout with community involvement.  Jenn M would like the town to complete a questionnaire to compile for a report to be used by these organizations.

Williams Lake/Canopy Development- Nick M reported that he attended a meeting at the Sustainable Conference Center.  His perception was that this will be an upper class spa resort.  This is also to include housing in a cluster format. There are numerous discussions about this in the near future.

Motion to adjourn by Paul L and seconded by Jenn M