Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment

Program on watersheds and aquifers was presented by Steven Winkley

Attendance: Chair Nick Mercurio, Joan Maylie, Jennifer Metzger, Deb Weltsch, Ilonka Lukas, Rick VandenHeavel, Joe Liuni.

Excused: Ed Maestro, Paul Lendvay
Guest: Manna Jo Greene

Previous minutes of Aug 23, 2007  and draft minutes of Sept. 27, 2007 were approved.

The motion was made by Nick M. and seconded by Jennifer M.

Old Business:

BAT-Jennifer stated she has been in contact with Tim Kerin to help with a new biodiversity study as well as to integrate mapping.  Karen Schneller McDonald will write the text and supply some of the mapping from the Nature Conservancy.  Jennifer is contacting several folks for availability with help in field work and reporting findings.
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NRI-Nick emphasized the need to formulate onto a disk the information about the town resources.  This information should be easily accessible on programs run by most computers. Nick was attempting to contact Geomatica for help or the new county EMC.  CT Male could provide this help for reimbursement  Manna Jo suggested getting an intern to write the NRI text.  Jen will contact Bard to see about availability. Stephen Winkley was asked to put his data in the digitized form used by Geomatica.  This would be done for a fee.  We have marked $1000.00 in the budget for digitizing.  Manna Jo suggested that a letter be written in support of Steve Winkley be sent to Maurice Hinchey.  She thinks it possible that  support letters might reinstate Steve's grants. Deb W. has offered to write this letter.

Expo-Jennifer has asked that the expo be the first weekend in May. Discussion was also on the the entertainment for next year.  Jennifer stated an animal program will cost  $300, Under the Sea $800 and Big Sky $250.00.  She predicts a large crowd for these family friendly entertainers.  A motion was was to accept these entertainers by Nick M and seconded by Joan M. A motion was made to accept the expenses of these entertainers by Jennifer M and seconded by Deb W.  All members approved both motions. Jennifer M will contact all and secure them for the first Saturday of May. The RCCE would like to encumber the 20% down payment for the budget.

UCEMC-Members have been visiting towns giving info for the public hearings on the county's Open Space Plan.  Joe L reported that the new bylaws are almost completed and will be registered with the State. The number of members are still in discussion.  Joe mentioned that the commission will need to be changed due to the upcoming charter form of government. The county highway dept is helping with mapping for the storm water regulations. Most of the towns in the county are in the process of compliance.

Joan M. reported that at the next town workshop, a public hearing for term limits for the RCCE, will be held. The Town Board suggested terms would be 3 members will serve for 5 yrs, 3 members will serve 3 yrs and 3 members will serve 2yrs.  Nick would like to see the RCCE have equal years as other town commissions.  Manna Jo did not agree, and suggested staggering the terms of 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years with the most senior members serving for one year.  Joan said this would put RCCE's most knowlledgeable and productive members at risk politically.  Discussion followed.  Nick M made a motion to propose that the RCCE endorse a minimum term of 3 years with a turnover by attrition. Rick V seconded. All approved.  Nick asked all members be present at the public hearing.

Solar- Nick M stated that he has not yet been able to turn over the solar computer to the town.  He suggested a letter be sent to the Supervisor reccomending the Town assuming this.  Power outages are too numerous.

Wetlands Training -Nick M reported that it will be in the Spring.

Solar-Nick M reported that the town will be audited by NYSERA on Oct 15, 2007 to verify installation and the collection of data monitoring.

Planning Board-Nick M reported that there are no new applications that would be a concern for the RCCE.

New Business--tabled
Commission Records Transfer

Committee Preferences

Motion to adjourn by Deb W. and seconded by Jennifer M