Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment

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

Previous minutes of July 26 were approved and corrections made. A motion was made by Nick M and seconded by Jenn M and unanimously approved.

Old Business:

Expo/Fest - Dates for next year were discussed; either April 26, or the first Sat. in May are possibilities. Jenn M would like to hire Arm of the Sea, which are an environmental friendly puppeteers, for the Fest,

Open Space - Joan spoke about the importance finding someone capable of using arcview to make our digitized NRI Maps usable.  Nick was to contact CT Male to see if they could help us with. this.

Biodiversity Assessmen t- A grant for $2,500 was approved by Hudsonia to complete the town of Rosendale's biodiversity assassment study.  Nick M. stated he will contact CT Male, to see if someone is available to complete the mapping.  Joan contacted Karen Schneller-MacDonald to ask if she would be willing to be the leader of this new study.

Planning Board -  Nick M reported that there are no new applications that would be a concern for the RCCE.  The Williams Lake purchase was discussed.

Wetlands - Nick M would like to approach CT Male regarding a seminar.

EMC - Joe L. reported that the county has started to map Rosendale for storm water regulations.  A new Commission was formed and they were in the process of developing bylaws.

Solar Data Transfer - Nick reported no new transfer of data due to lack of personnel.  Our liaison will contact building and grounds personnel for training on the computer for transferring info. 

Membership - Joan M. reported that the Town Board will review and vote on term limits for RCCE.

Joan stated that due to her part time Florida resident status, she is resigning her chairmanship effective the end of this month.

Joan made a motion to appoint Nick M. as chair and Joan as vice chair. This was voted on and approved. Congratulations to Nick in his new endeavor.

Rondout Creek Watershed Council Questionnaire - Jenn M. attempted to complete this for the Watershed Council.  Questions were answered this meeting.  Joan M. provided a past history on the Rondout Creek flooding.

New Business:

Rondout Reservoir meeting - Joan reported she had attended it along with Town Supervisors, and County Legislators.. Concerns were discussed regarding the lack of  a flood mitagation policy.

Roadside Spraying - Jenn M had called the County regarding the spraying along the highways.  Roundup is being used which has an adverse effect on anphibians. There was concern that these toxins would get into the waterways. Deb W made a motion that Jenn be the spokesperson for the Commission with regards to spraying matters and representing our concerns to the Town Board and DEC. This resolution was unanimously approved

.Program - Aquifer and Wellhead Protection by Stephen Winkley on Sept 27 at 6 pm . Deb will do PR 

Motion to adjourn by Paul L and seconded by Joe L