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Environmental Commission Minutes for 2011
Minutes from Thursday, March 24, 2011
Rosendale Environmental Commission
Attendance: Chair Jen Metzger, Nava Tabak, Tanya Jurcic, Sandy Petersen, Tim Kerin, Bill Stamm (volunteer), Naja Kraus (volunteer), F-Stop Minissali (Town Board liaison), Jessica Barry, Joe Liuni
Excused: Sarah Charlop-Powers and Deb Weltsch
Adoption of Minutes: Nava made a motion to accept the February 17th minutes. Sandy seconded. None opposed - minutes adopted.
New Business:
Deb Weltsch and Sarah Charlop-Powers are resigning from the commission, Deb due to family obligations and Sarah due to a new job outside of the area. Bill Stamm submitted an application to the town for the environmental commission previously, and Naja Kraus, who left the commission when her baby was due, would like to return to the commission and is submitting an application.
Review of draft conservation easement, proposed purchase of Joppenbergh Mountain:
The proposal from OSI is for OSI to buy the land for $185,000 and then sell it to the town for $85,000, along with a conservation easement. The town attorney has reviewed the conservation easement, and the commission read through the document and discussed it. Joe suggested that perhaps the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) could buy it and pay taxes on the land. The commission discussed hunting as a permitted use. We discussed whether the commission should comment on the proposed purchase and came to a unanimous agreement that we were in support of the purchase. Sandy P. motioned that Jen M. draft a letter to the Board for the RCCE to review and provide input on. Joe L. and Tanya J. seconded. None opposed – motion passed.
According to Nava, there are two Natural Heritage Significant Habitats mapped on the property. Karst features have also been identified on the property. Jen requested that Nava get some more data on the natural resources topography of the land.
Hydrofracking discussion
Paul Bermanzohn (a town resident) is very active on the issue of hydrofracking and has asked if the RCCE would be interested in making a declaration on the topic. Jen asked him to research it and see what other towns have done regarding municipal resolutions. Commission members stressed that any resolution would have to be very carefully crafted. The commission discussed if or to what extent we would be involved. Sandy suggested that a resolution be worded in a way that a moratorium should be considered until we have more information. Joe stated that the main concern for Rosendale would be a pipeline running through the town. The DEC will make a decision in July and will not wait for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) study to be completed. Joe suggested that an advisory committee could be formed to advise the town board. Sandy suggested that one member from the RCCE could be on the committee. Joe will bring up the issue at the next EMC (Environmental Management Council). Sandy will contact Jemaine Bell, a member of the Climate Change Task Force who is knowledgeable on this subject, and get more information.
Old Business
Progress reports on 2011 Earthfest & Expo
Jessica stated that we don’t have too many vendors. The Climate Task Force has agreed to approach as many vendors as possible. They think that price is an issue and that the vendor fee should be lowered from $125 to $75. Tanya and Jen will continue Deb’s work contacting the non-profits. Food vendors - Market Market and The Rosendale Café are confirmed. Sandy will also contact The Big Chees and Twisted Foods. Tanya will expand the farmer contact list.
April 12 screening of “Dirt! The Movie”
Three speakers (Jonathan DeLura, Ron Khosla, and Dr. Lee Reich) are confirmed for the question and answer session after the movie. The editor of Edible Hudson Valley will introduce the speakers and act as a moderator. The session will last a maximum of 45 minutes. The publisher of Edible Hudson Valley will also be presenting 3 “local hero” awards before the movie.
March 8 Green Infrastructure//Stormwater Management workshop
Jen said the event went well. There were about 18 people in attendance and it was a diverse group, including architects, engineers, and landscapers. She suggested that we consider doing one in the Fall on the subject of Erosion and Sediment Control.
Planning Board
Sandy reported that neighbors of the proposed cell tower on Davis Road are taking legal action on this issue.
EMC
Joe publicized the screening of “Dirt! The Movie” and the Earthfest. He asked if any other organizations were interested in co-sponsoring educational film screenings with the RCCE. He also reported that the water quality problems of the lower Esopus has been a main focus of EMC’s deliberations and gave RCCE an update on this issue.
SEQR
Jen reported that DEC requested more data on the hydrogeological work done by HRVR. HRVR was not asked to do a karst inventory of the site as a requirement for the DEIS, as RCCE had requested. Instead, HRVR was asked to consider the town’s comments generally in its revisions. Last week, HRVR submitted a revised DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Study).
Chickens
The town is in the process of revising the zoning code and now would be a good time to make a revision to the code to allow chickens. RCCE could recommend suggested code to the Town Board. Proposed code could address the number of chickens, setbacks, hens-only, etc.
Motion to adjourn by Sandy. Minutes taken by Tanya Jurcic.
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Minutes from Thursday, February 17, 2011
Rosendale Environmental Commission
Attendance: Chair Jen Metzger, Nava Tabak, Tanya Jurcic, Sandy Peterson, Tim Kerin, Bill Stamm (volunteer)
Excused: Sarah Charlop-Powers, Deb Weltsch, Jessica Barry, Joe Liuni, F-stop Minissali (liaison)
Adoption of Minutes:
Nava made a motion to approve the January 20 minutes. Sandy seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.
New Business:
Open Space: Proposed purchase of Joppenbergh Mountain
Jen gave the following summary: OSI has reached a price of $185,000 to purchase Joppenbergh Mountain. $100,000 would be gifted to the town, but the town would need to agree to pay the remaining $85,000. There is a stipulation that a conservation easement for recreation (along the lines of hiking, biking, x-country skiing, hunting, etc.) would have to be set up for the land. The municipal parking lot that the town currently rents for $3,500 a year, along with Willow Kiln Park, would be owned by the town if the property is purchased. The proposal will be given to the Town Board at their March meeting. The easement can be reviewed by RCCE once it has been delivered to the Town Board, and we would be able to make comments/suggestions to the Board if we choose.
Discussion followed, and it was pointed out that the town currently pays more in rent than it receives in town taxes. Maintenance for the property could be an issue – forming a volunteer organization (like the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail Association) might be necessary so that all of the burden doesn’t fall on the town. Nava brought up the point that having an open space plan for the town would be helpful in making these kinds of decisions and should be the next step for the Town.
March meeting date
The next RCCE meeting was rescheduled from Thursday, March 16, to Thursday, March 24, so that Jen could be present at the next meeting.
Old Business:
March 8 Green Infrastructure//Stormwater Management workshop
Jen passed around a copy of the invitation that was sent out. For the invitation list, Tom Fiore supplied a list of architects and engineers who have done work for the Town and Sandy expanded the list. The event will be on Tuesday, March 8, from 7-9 pm at the Rec Center. Sandy will be responsible for the refreshments.
April 12 screening of “Dirt! The Movie”
Brook Farm will co-sponsor the event. We still need speakers. The date has been changed to 4/12. It would also be good to have a couple of tables in the lobby – possibly Ulster County Soil and Water, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Binnewater CSA, or others. Tanya will talk to the Binnewater CSA and see if they are interested in having a table at the event.
2011 Earthfest & Expo
The date of the event is Sat., May 21. Jen has sent out sponsor letters; NYSERDA has confirmed, Chronogram and Roll Magazine are media sponsors and have offered us half page ads. Julie Novak will be doing the graphic design for the event. Big Sky Ensemble is confirmed as entertainment. Falconer Bill Robbins is also confirmed. The Exposition part of the event is being organized by the Climate Task Force. The theme is “Bridge to a Sustainable Future” with the graphic incorporating the trestle bridge. The Climate Task Force would like to promote their work in the town at the event.
Planning Board
The discussion focused on the pre-application meeting for the Verizon project to update underground cables from Poughkeepsie to Albany. They already own the property, but they will be laying fiber optic cable. Verizon will be contracting out the work. They have submitted a proposal to Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The DEC still needs to decide if it’s a Type 2 Action, which would mean that there doesn’t have to be lead agency. A Type 1 Action would have a more involved environmental review. Tom Fiore was at the meeting and it was stated that there is nothing in the code about underground cable.
EMC
Tabled – Joe was not present.
SEQR
Jen received files from DEC from Hudson River Valley Resorts (HRVR) regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS). There were four topics that came up; 1. The lighting plan, 2. A full wetlands delineation report, 3. Visual impacts from the project, 4. The bat protocols. A letter from US Fish and Wildlife Service stated that the bat protocols only mentioned lighting and construction impacts and did not address indirect impacts from people in or near the caves, changes in hydrology, storm water runoff into caves, etc. Jen will send around the files. The Karst hydrogeologist sent in a more formal response.
Motion to adjourn by Jen. Minutes taken by Tanya Jurcic.
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Minutes from Thursday, January 20, 2011
Rosendale Environmental Commission
Attendance: Nava Tabak, Chair Jen Metzger, Jessica Barry, Tanya Jurcic, Joe Liuni, Sandy Peterson, F-stop Minissali (liaison)
Excused: Sarah Charlop-Powers, Deb Weltsch
Unexcused: Ilonka Lucas
Adoption of Minutes:
Nava made a motion to approve the December 16 minutes. Joe Liuni seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.
New Business:
- GIS training workshop – Nava will give a quick GIS tutorial to interested commission members. Sandy, Joe, and Tanya expressed interest. It was decided that the tutorial would be held before our next meeting on Thursday, February 17 at 6pm. Nava will send out an e-mail to confirm the session.
Old Business
- Film screening – We will be screening the movie Dirt on March 22 at 7pm at the Rosendale Theatre. Jen e-mailed Natasha Williams at the Marbletown EEC (Environmental Conservation Commission) regarding co-sponsoring the event. F-Stop mentioned trying to get other nearby towns such as Rochester, Esopus, or any other towns in the county involved as partners in the film series to help cover costs and increase attendance. Joe will talk about the event and the desire for more partners at the next EMC meeting. The cost for this showing of Dirt will be $300 ($200 for the theatre rental and $100 for film rights), to be split between Marbletown and Rosendale. Jen suggested that perhaps UC Soil and Water and/or Cornell Cooperative Extension could have an information table or a speaker at the event. F-Stop suggested blocking out some future dates (March, June, Sept., Dec) soon. Jessica suggested End of the Line (about oceans) – maybe for a September showing during Creek Week.
- “Better Site Design” workshop - Barbara Kendal will give the workshop which will be free to attendants. The date has not been confirmed, but should be scheduled before the end of March so that it can be included in the town’s annual MS4 stormwater report. Jen will be asking Tom Fiori for a list of professionals who have worked in the town and would benefit from this workshop. Interested parties might be architects, engineers, and landscapers, etc. Sandy will help Jen compile the list and send out invitations. The event will be held at the Rec Center for a few hours in the evening, with 7pm as the start time. Jen will ask Heidi about Monday or Wednesday dates in February and early March.
- 2011 Earthfest & Expo – The event is scheduled for Sat., May 21st. There was discussion on whether or not we needed to have a new theme every year. Jessica suggested using recycled t-shirts and will look into that possibility. We still need a designer for a logo, and Jen volunteered to ask Julie Novak. We will just have one sponsorship rate of $250. The vendor fee will be changed to $125. Community organizations will be charged $50 or the fee can be waived if they can provide an educational activity. Tanya will talk to farmers about having starter plants for sale at the event. Tanya will go over Annie Mardinay’s old list and get a new list of farmers from her as soon as possible in order to decide which farmer’s to invite. The invitation to vendors needs to go out within the next few weeks. Entertainment needs to be finalized by the end of the month. More planning needs to be done for the energy savings competition.
- Commercial Energy Workshop report – The workshop was held Wed., January 19. There were about 15 people in attendance. Jessica was present and reported that there was a lot of good information about NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) programs and Central Hudson rebates (which the town has taken advantage of ). Bill Brooks spoke about his new energy efficient building on Main St. There was also a general solar presentation. Jen spoke about the town’s energy audits and lighting upgrades. Manna Jo gave a presentation on climate change. Nava wonders if there’s still some way to reach out to local businesses since it wasn’t well attended. Joe suggests promoting these events more at the EMC (Environmental Management Council) and getting people from other towns to come to these events. Iron Mountain was supposed to give a presentation but they weren’t able to make it. Bill Brooks suggested starting a business owners group that might be able to organize energy audits for local businesses.
- NRI - The Town Board adopted the NRI as a planning document to be used in all town planning.
- Planning Board – The Women’s Studio Workshop had a pre-planning meeting to discuss an addition. Joe expressed concern regarding the slope behind their property and where the location of the addition would be. Cellco was approved. There was nothing else major to report.
- EMC – There hasn’t been a meeting since the beginning of Dec. Joe has been working on the issue of DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) releasing turbid water from the reservoir into the Esopus Creek. The DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) continues to give them a permit to release the silty water even though there are negative effects on the water quality. The DEP is supposed to stop dumping in the middle of Feb. They are releasing 1/2 million gallons a day. The water also contains some form of aluminum which is used to control turbidity. They release the water every year generally from Oct. – Feb., but it is especially bad after flood years.
Motion to adjourn by Nava. Minutes taken by Tanya Jurcic.
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Environmental Commission minutes.
Scroll below for an archive of minutes.
Minutes from Thursday, December 16, 2010
Rosendale Commission for Conservation of the Environment
Attendance: Nava Tabak, Sarah Charlop-Powers, Chair Jen Metzger, Deb Weltsch, Tanya Jurcic, Joe Liuni, Sandy Peterson
Excused: Jessica Barry
Unexcused: Ilonka Lucas
Adoption of Minutes:
Sarah Charlop-Powers made a motion to approve the November 22nd minutes. Tanya Jurcic seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.
New Business:
o The date will be Saturday, May 21st
o The event will be co-hosted by the Environmental Commission and the Climate Task Force.
o There was some discussion regarding having a contest to see who could reduce their energy bills the most. Perhaps a contest between the municipal buildings as well as residential buildings.
o The event will still be free to the public, but the charge for the vendor space will now be $150.
o Division of Labor:
1. Entertainment: Sandy will ask the Felice Brothers if they will perform and Fre if she will drum or do a drum-making workshop (from re-usables). Jen will ask Big Sky Ensemble if they will perform and if Bill Robinson will do his raptor and reptile show.
2. Vendors: Sarah and Jessica will organize the vendors. Tanya will work on the farmers market vendors. Deb will be in charge of the non-profits. Sandy will organize the food vendors.
3. Activities: Jen and Sandy will work together to come up with the activities.
4. Set up and break down: Joe will be in charge.
o Sponsors: We need to work on getting more sponsors. Coming up with a theme soon is crucial in selling the event to sponsors. Sandy will be contacting Wiley Electronics, Jen will contact Central Hudson, and Sarah will contact NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority).
o Sandy suggested we send out a note to other local environmental commissions with the date of the event so they don’t schedule any similar events that may conflict with the Earthfest – Joe volunteered to mention it at the next EMC meeting.
o Theme of event to be decided by mid-January.
o Sarah reviewed their Tuesday, December 14th meeting.
o They want to collect data and create an inventory to calculate the total carbon footprint for the community and set a goal to work towards a decrease in energy use, perhaps by 5%.
o They joined ICLEI – and international not-for-profit organization that works with U.S. municipalities to do planning around climate change. The membership includes software, technical support, tools, and networking opportunities.
o The task force is working with fuel providers to get an idea of residential and business energy uses. They are starting with non-mobile sources (buildings).
o Because of the big success with the Gasland showing, F-Stop requested we look into getting Senator Bonacic to come to a second showing of the movie. The Commission decided that it would be better to screen a different educational filme, since Gasland will be shown at the Rochester Fire Department next month and was recently screened at SUNY New Paltz.
o The commission is considering showing Dirt! the Movie at the Rosendale Theatre. Jen is checking on dates for the screening, with February 8 or 15 being possibilities.
o The commission, together with its film series partner, the Marbletown EC, will line up speakers for a discussion after the film. Dan Gunther and/or Ron Khosla came up as possibilities.
- Educational/outreach workshops
o The forestry workshop for landowners with forested lands: Jen left a message with Michael Callen, a forester with the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation), to see if he would be a speaker.
o A possible workshop to educate local contractors on on-site stormwater management was discussed. Sandy suggested that the workshop be for architects since they are the ones making the main decisions in design.
- Storm water management assistance to the town
o Rosendale is an MS4 Community (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Community) and that designation comes with many requirements. The town needs to have a storm water plan which includes the following:
1. Public education
2. Annual report
3. Outfall inspection
4. Self-assessment
5. Storm water management plan
o The responsibilities are divided between the highway department (responsible for inspecting, clean out, and record keeping) and the building department (responsible for an annual report, management plan, record keeping, and making sure permits are in compliance with guidelines)
o The town has hired Barbara Kendall of Kendall Stormwater Associates to help with the storm water management responsibilities. She will set up a reporting system for the town, write the annual report, and help develop a plan and educational program (brochures for home owners and new home builders).
o Carl Hornbeck is going to try and organize a training session with Barbara in Rosendale for our highway department and other town highway departments.
o Jen discussed the need to move the road salt pile away from a water source on Binnewater Rd. and the possibility of building a salt shed. Finding a suitable site for the salt is a priority issue that needs to be addressed.
o Sandy commented on how the town of Fishkill was able to reduce the amount of road salt they used by changing over to a different, more efficient and less costly liquid-based process. Carl Hornbeck had commented on his interest in using this process. Jen will follow up.
o Old Business:
o The public hearing is still open. Jen, Nava, and Joe presented the NRI at the last Planning Board meeting. Overall, it went well. Two Planning Board members expressed their concern about asking applicants to make changes to their plans to accommodate site constraints that are not specifically addressed in the code. Jen responded that the Planning Board has discretion to do so and that this is regularly done as part of SEQR. Joe also emphasized that the maps were to be used as a “heads-up” in the process to inform planning. Jen asked for written comments and Billy said that that the Planning Board will get their comments to RCCE by their next meeting (1/6).
o The report of Dr. Ralph Ewers, who was contracted by the town to review HRVR’s hydrogeological work, identified a number of shortcomings in HRVR’s report, and concluded that, among other things, it was essential that a karst inventory of the site be undertaken by a professional with the appropriate credentials. Dr. Ewers also commented that he was not provided with sufficient funds to perform a complete review. The Environmental Commission will draft a letter to the DEC requesting that the agency ensure that a complete review of the hydrogeological work is undertaken, and that sufficient studies have been performed, prior to accepting the DEIS.
o Cellco: At the last meeting, Cellco submitted its National Environmental Policy Act Screening for the first time. Copies were given to the environmental commission. The public hearing is still open. A second balloon test was done from Woodland Drive. Residents requested it be done on a weekend and Cellco agreed, weather permitting. Unfortunately, the weather was not good on the weekend and Cellco ran the test on a Tuesday, but without notifying the residents of the particular date and time. The planning board requested a 3rd test.
o They are sending Joe the minutes. There was discussion about the brown water flowing through the Esopus. Reference was made to an article in the Daily Freeman in which it was stated that the reservoir was responsible.
Motion to adjourn by Sandy Peterson. Minutes taken by Tanya Jurcic.
Minutes from Monday, November 22, 2010
Rosendale Environmental Commission
Attendance: Nava Tabak, Sarah Charlop-Powers, Chair Jen Metzger, Deb Weltsch, Tanya Jurcic, Joe Liuni, Jessica Barry
Excused: Sandy Peterson
Unexcused: Ilonka Lucas
Adoption of Minutes:
Nava recommended the following corrections to the October 28 minutes:
- The Minutes should state that "Rosendale Highway Superintendent Carl Hornbeck asked Jen what the RCCE could do to help encourage people to remove old fliers hung around town. The RCCE will write a letter to the editor, together with Carl Hornbeck, to raise public awareness."
- Under "DEC HREP - UC Dept of Planning Biodiversity Roundtable Review," change 3rd paragraph to “RCCE needs to set up a system of incorporating natural resources into the review process. Having the NRI maps…”
Sarah made a motion to approve the October 28 minutes with Nava’s amendments. Nava seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.
New Business:
- Forestry Workshop for Forest Landowners date: tabled due to Energy Savers Workshop
- 2011 Earthfest date: the best available date is Saturday, May 21. The Commission discussed inviting farmers for a farmers market "preview".
- Deb suggested that the RCCE send a letter to the State Assembly urging the Assembly to adopt a moratorium on hydro-fracking. Deb will draft a letter and send to Commission members for review and editing.
Old Business:
- NRI: CT Male has looked the report and maps over and has submitted comments. Jen stated that comments on report seem fairly easy to address. Nava stated that the N.Y. Rural Water Association maps by Steven Winkley, such as the well data map, cannot be updated. New maps will need to be created by RCCE that can be regularly updated. Nava and Jen are presenting the NRI maps to the next Planning Board on Thursday, Dec. 2, between 6:30 and 7:30 pm. Sarah suggested that maybe Jen and Nava could do a quick tutorial with the board.
- The Public Hearing on the NRI is still open. The RCCE needs clarification from the Supervisor about how to proceed with CT Male's suggestions.
- ZRC: tabled due to workshop
- Planning Board: tabled due to workshop
- EMC: no meeting
Motion to adjourn by Nava.
7:00: Residential Energy Savers Workshop
Minutes taken by Tanya Jurcic
Draft Minutes from Thursday, October 28, 2010
Rosendale Environmental Commission
Attendance: Sandy Peterson, Sarah Charlop-Powers, Nava Tabak, Deb Weltsch, Joe Liuni, Jessica Barry
Excused: Tanya Jurcic, Chair Jennifer Metzger
Unexcused: Ilonka Lucas
Adoption of Minutes:
Nava noted corrections to the Sept minutes:
1)RCCE acronym should be changed to TREC.
2) The name of the consultant doing the map work is “Kristen Bell Travis” and not “Kristen Travis Bell.”
3) Under “HRVR SEQR,” the word “hydrological” should be replaced with “hydrogeological” and the clause, “and he found HRVR’s study lacking” should be added at the end of the same sentence. The second sentence should read, “The DEIS is being reviewed to see if it meets the requirements of the Final Scope.”
4) Under “Biodiversity Assessment,” the sentence should read “Nava reported that Kristen Bell Travis is digitally mapping the study area that Jen and Deb did preliminary mapping for.”
Sandy moved to approve the September minutes with Nava’s amendments. Sarah seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.
New Business:
- Logging Regs Review Subcommittee
No one feels like they have the time or interest. Discussion as to who could be recruited to volunteer, someone who would have time to be involved. Sarah said Ben Simpson might be interested. Nava said Jen has some ideas. Nava said it doesn’t sound like it makes sense to take on these regulations at this time.
- Rosendale Highway Superintendent Carl Hornbeck asked Jen what the REC can do. There was discussion and the group recommends the following:
- REC to write a letter to the editor
- Suggest Carl call the people on the fliers to ask them to take down the old fliers.
Old Business:
A screening will take place Nov 9, 7 pm, at the Rosendale Theatre with Assemblymember Kevin Cahill.
Bonacic would not commit to a date other than election day.
Hinchey is not confirmed for Nov 14.
Sandy says we need at least 3 REC members for ticket taker, concession, and box office.
Sandy and Jessica will be there on Nov 9
Deb would like to work on Nov 14
Nava possibly on Nov 14
Sarah can’t make it
Residential Energy Workshop
Confirmed for Nov 22 during the regular REC meeting, so we will probably meet early at 6:30pm. Speakers include Hudson Valley Clean Energy, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Central Hudson, NYSERDA, and Global Dwelling will present 2 local case studies.
Commercial Energy Workshop
Confirmed for January 19, 7pm at the Rec Center, during the Rosendale Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Speakers include NYSERDA, Central Hudson, and 2 local business case studies.
Postcards should be printed next week for a town wide mailing.
- DEC HREP – UC Dept of Planning Biodiversity Roundtable Review of the Workshop
Nava gave an overview: The main point that was stressed at the workshop was to look at natural resources early on and incorporate into planning review process very early on to make the process much easier. Focus was on the process and how to integrate it successfully into the planning process. Four people from the Rosendale Planning Board were in attendance.
General discussion about the how the Planning Board operates and some of the difficulties of cooperation between the two town bodies.
Nava: REC needs to set up our own system, having the NRI maps will make it much easier. It’s important to get people who have time to work on this.
Deb: We are not saying “don’t build anything,” but just look at where we are building and what impacts can be avoided.
Nava: Laura’s presentation showed sprawling development is happening much faster than population growth
Jessica: It’s an inefficient use of land.
Nava: It’s hanging up in the Rec Center. The report was provided to the Town Board and is on the town website. Public hearing on the NRI is Wed. Nov 3 at Town Board Meeting at Rec Center. We will have 20 minutes. Everyone from REC should try to be there. Also, that night will be a public hearing on the budget, so it will be a full night.
Nava reported that all the sections are finished, except for the subsection on karst. It is yet to be determined if the group needs to stay together to work on incorporating the protection of Karst areas into the proposed Zoning Code revisions. It was agreed it would be submitted separately at a later date.
Jen will send final copies around, but 2 sections (of 5) in particular – the process of reviewing subdivisions and the constrained land section – should be reviewed by REC members.
Nava: We will need a lot of public support for incorporating the right protections for wetlands into zoning regulations.
Sandy’s Report:
Used car lot of 3-5 cars.
Talked about ZRC
Talked about NRI. Main question was if it was done scientifically. Sandy said it contains all the citations. Joe wanted to know if it would be used for enforcement, and Sandy told them it is not for that purpose, that the NRI is an informational tool.
Nava: The recommended zoning code changes would require them to consult the NRI.
Deb: We can invoke SEQR.
Sandy: lawsuits can be filed if the Planning Board does not follow regulations, which might be the case with the cell tower.
Sarah: It could be useful for people to attend the PACE trainings for conflict resolution.
Deb: We should look in the town code as to what the REC role is, because it states that we are an advisory body.
- EMC (Ulster County Environmental Management Council)
Joe’s Report:
-Discussion on Emerald Ash Borer, trip to Ruby where it was found, pulled the bark back and saw the damage--the evidence showed the insects have been present 2 years. Treatments of “triage” only work on younger trees. Firewood regulations will be different than other places regarding quarantines.
-Rain barrel-making workshop--trying to get one in the area.
-Solar panels were put on the New Paltz salt shed.
-Watershed Muddy Lower Esopus. DEP did not dump a lot of water out this summer. Lot of rain in October. Turbidity in lower Esopus is high now.
-CEC regional conference will be at West Point Nov 19-21. Joe will forward the brochure.
-Mercury Public Affairs, lobby group for GE on dredging, trying to stop next round of dredging.
-Town of Gardiner is working on overlay draft plan.
-DEA has a national drop-off day for pharmaceutical waste.
-Restoration work to any schools and other buildings built before 1978 – windows, or anything bigger than 2ft2 – must have lead certification.
-NYC pilot program for PCBs in schools to detect PCB contamination.
Motion to adjourn by Sandy.
Minutes taken by Jessica Barry.
Draft Minutes from Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010.
Rosendale Commission for Conservation of the Environment
Attendance: Chair Jennifer Metzger, Sarah Charlop-Powers, Deb Weltsch, Tanya Jurcic, Sandy Peterson, Nava Tabak, F. Stop Minissali (Town Board Liaison), Jessica Barry
Excused: Joe Liuni
Unexcused: Ilonka Lukas
Jen made a motion to make a correction to the 7/22/10 minutes: Ilonka’s absence should be recorded as unexcused. Deb seconded the motion. The amended minutes were approved, with five in favor and two abstentions (Jessica and Sandy abstained due to being absent at the 7/22/10 meeting).
Sandy made a motion to approve the 8/26/10 minutes. Jen seconded. The minutes were unanimously approved.
Announcements
- DEC HREP Roundtable “Planning for Nature During Local Project Reviews,” (October)
o The DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Program is organizing its annual biodiversity round table, and this year is bringing together planning board members from different towns to exchange information with one another.
o Ulster County Planning Board is a sponsor of the event.
o The date has not yet been finalized.
- DEC HREP Community Forums on the Hudson River Estuary Action Agenda
o A series of community forums has been organized by the DEC HREP to launch the Action Agenda. At the first forum, Jen was asked to speak on how Rosendale has benefited from conservation training and assistance.
o Jen will be e-mailing info to RCCE members about upcoming forums.
Old Business
o There was great attendance for the film, FLOW, organized by the Rosendale and Marbletown Environmental Commissions for Ulster County Creek Week.
o Sandy would have liked to have a discussion session after the movie.
o Jen raised the idea of showing the documentary, Gasland. A number of people who attended FLOW asked if we could show this film. Commission members said they would like to invite State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill and State Senator John Bonacic to do a Q&A after the film. Cahill has already said that he would be interested in participating.
o Jen suggested that RCCE could be a sponsor, together with the Marbletown EC, but RCCE would not provide any funds for the event. The theatre could charge admission.
o Sandy suggested we make a proposal to the Rosendale Theatre Collective to show Gasland in early Nov.
o Another option, proposed by Tanya, would be to show the film at the Rec. Center.
o Jessica will work on promotion and will contact Bonacic’s office.
o F-Stop suggested creating an environmental film series– perhaps the 3rd Tuesday of every month – and find outside sponsorship to show films
o Jen noted that Kate McCoy, the Educational Director of Brook Farm, would like to organize a Sustainability film Series. The commission could consider co-sponsoring an educational series in 2011 on sustainability topics of local concern.
o
o Sarah reported that the Energy Workshop for local businesses will be held on Oct. 20 at the Rosendale Rec Center when the Chamber of Commerce meets.
o Central Hudson and NYSRDA programs will be highlighted
o Bill Brooks and Iron Mountain will speak on energy improvements to their businesses.
o The Residential Workshop will be held in Nov at the time of the regular RCCE meeting at 6:30 pm.
o Jen to provide Sarah with information on printing a postcard for the event. She suggested that Sarah speak with Leslie Truet, Planning Board Clerk, about the procedure for using the town bulk mail permit.
o Jen reported that she has finished the draft and Deb is proofreading it.
o The NRI will be presented to the Town Board on Oct. 13
o The maps will be hung at the Rec Center on Tues., Sept. 28. Jen is looking for a volunteer to help. Deb volunteered to assist.
o Nava reported that Kristen Travis Bell, who is creating the digital overlay version of the maps, could not create a single PDF for all the maps because of the number of maps and quantity of data. They are being grouped logically into three PDFs. (habitat composite, land resources, water resources).
o Jen noted that Ulster County is developing a Greenway Compact, and is at the information-gathering stage. She attended an initial fact finding meeting held by the Ulster County Planning Dept at the Rec Center.
o Jen reported that the hydrological review conducted by Professor Ralph Ewers, the consultant hired by the town, has been completed. The review was to determine whether the DEIS met the requirements of the Final Scope. We are awaiting the DEC’s letter of response to the DEIS.
o Sandy stated that we should work with the Planning Board on how to use the NRI maps in project reviews. She reported on the most recent Planning Board meeting:
o Cellco
o Discussion continued about the possibility of locating the cell tower on the town water tower
o It was stated at the meeting that he water tower site may be an unsuitable location because of steep slopes and access
o It was also stated that cell towers are not to be located in certain areas of the hamlet of Rosendale, but there was not a clear sense of what the boundaries were.
o Verizon did not attend the most recent Planning Board meeting
o Manna Jo wrote a letter to the Planning Board addressing issues regarding the proposed cell tower location
o Jen stated that as long as the public hearing is open, the town can comment at any time
o Used car lot – the applicant did not appear at the Planning Board meeting
o The countertop business at the intersection of Route 32 and Kallop Corners wants to use its garage bay to sell Zip Cars. The Planning Board referred the matter to the ZBA.
o Joe was not present to report
o Nava reported that Kristen Travis Bell is digitizing the habitat map of the study area that Jen and Deb did preliminary mapping for.
Motion to adjourn by Jen.
Minutes taken by Tanya Jurcic.
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Minutes
September 24, 2009
Rosendale Commission for Conservation of the Environment
Attendance: Chair Jennifer Metzger, Nava Tabak, Joan Maylie, Sandy Peterson, Tanya Jurcic, Deb Weltsch, Joe Liuni, Ilonka Lukas
Excused: Ed Maestro
Volunteer: Laura Murawski
Previous minutes of August 27, 2009 were read and discussed. Sandy motioned to approve and Joan seconded.
New Business
Jen introduced and welcomed Tanya Jurcic, our newest member, who is replacing Naja Kraus.
Energy Star standards for new building: Jen stated she would like the Commission to explore the possibility of applying energy star standards to new construction in Rosendale. Discussion followed. Jen suggested that this Commission do research into this, including looking at the regulations that have been adopted in the towns of Red Hook and New Paltz, talking to local builders and architects about the issue, and finding out the costs that would be added to building. Tanya offered to research available incentives. Sandy offered to call on architects.
Old Business
Second Energy Workshop: confirmed are Central Hudson and Community Action.
Planning Board: Joe reported that no new projects were presented.
EMC: Joe stated no meeting was held in August, next meeting will be on Sept 30.
Rec Center Solar: Jen is in contact with Clean Energy about additional solar panels for the pavilion.
SEQR: The letter was sent to the DEC re HRVR requesting a meeting. This letter was sent through the Supervisor's office and we are awaiting a response.
Motion to adjourn at 7:25pm by Deb W and seconded by Joan Maylie.
Home Energy Workshop at 7:30 pm
Scott Bey, Jr., from Hearth and Home Solutions
Christina Bagen from Hudson Valley Clean Energy
Al Bruno from Advanced Radiant Heating
Minutes March 26, 2009
Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment
Attendance: Chair Jennifer Metzger, Ed Maestro, Deb Weltsch, Nava Tabak, Naja Kraus, Sandy Petersen, Joe Liuni, Ilonka Lukas
Volunteers: Rick vanden Heuvel, Tanya Juric
Guest: Kathryn Roosa, Rondout Valley High School student
Special Guest and speaker: Amanda LaValle, Coordinator for the Ulster County Dept. of the Environment
Previous minutes of February 23, 2009 were reviewed. Two changes were made: Naja, not Nava suggested the last half hour of mtgs as a workshop as the need arises. Planning board changes are that the lite bulbs have been replaced by a contract co. not AT&T. No further info available. Sandy P motioned to approve minutes as corrected and Ed M. seconded, unanimously approved.
Amanda LaValle stated that her goal was to visit all environmental commissions/boards in Ulster Co as an observer and to talk to them about what the Department of the Environment is doing. She then gave an overview of the work of the Department. She stated that she would like all towns to send a representative to the monthly Environmental Committee meetings to share ideas and information. Amanda also mentioned a new law before the legislature requiring stores greater than 10,000 square feet to provide a bin to recycle plastic bags as well as other types of plastic wrap and packaging, which would otherwise take hundreds of years to decompose.
Jenn M introduced guest Kathryn Roosa, a Rondout Valley High School junior, who will participate as a student volunteer for the environmental commission as part of a new county program called the Youth Leadership Development Institute.
New Business
Climate Smart Communities Pledge-Jenn previously asked members to read the pledge and DEC guidelines and consider Rosendale's participation. Sandy contacted other towns involved in the program. It was difficult to find anyone with specific knowledge on the resources to implement the program. She stated it appears the most demanding aspect of the Climate Smart project will be the personel needed for planning and monitoring the program. Discussion followed. Nava suggested doing public outreach on climate smart communities at the Earthfest, with a sign-up sheet for residents interested in working on this issue. Sandy offered to staff this Earthfest table. The issue will be taken up again by the Environmental Commission at the May meeting following the Earthfest.
Rondout Valley Schools Sustainability Initiative. Jenn presented information about the intiative to the commission. The purpose is to encourage a coordinated district-wide approach to environmental stewardship and responsibility. Rosendale Elementary PTA has signed on and is seeking endorsement from other PTAs as well as from the towns within the district. Sandy made a motion to endorse this RV Green Schools Initiative. Contact Jenn for a complete listing.
Old Business
ZRC-The committee is finalizing a contract for a consultant.
Planning Board-Joe L attended on March 5 and reported that the county planning board is seeking more information re the Ballincurry project. Pape, owner of a Main street building, is requesting a change to include 3 apartments. .
EMC-Joe reported that Steve Noble has been selected to chair the EMC. Flyers were handed out for the household hazardous waste and electronic collection event, which will be held April 18, 2009, at the UC Resource Recovery Agency on Flatbush Rd. The UCRRA is also selling compost bins for $50.00.
OWB-Jenn reported that this regulation was adopted at the last town board mtg and is now local law#2 of 2009. Info can be obtained at town hall.
Biodiversity assessment update-Jenn presented the completed text of the first study area with maps. These materials will be exhibited at the Earthfest.
Motion to adjourn by Deb W and seconded by Joe L.
Respectfully Submitted,
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Minutes February 23, 2009
Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment
Attendance: Chair Jennifer Metzger, Ed Maestro, Deb Weltsch, Nava Tabak, Naja Kraus, Sandy Petersen, Joe Liuni, Ilonka Lukas, Rick Vanden Heuvel
Guest: Tanya Jurcic
Previous minutes of January 22 were reviewed. Changes were in old business: "Ditolli" should read "Natoli" and "requesting" should read "possibly requesting."
Naja K montioned to approve minutes as corrected and Jen M seconded, unanimously approved.
Old Business
DEC draft final scope: Meeting attended by Jen M at DEC on draft final scope and reported that the DEC will intergrate more local environmental priorities into the final document
ZRC: Jen reported that she and Nava have exchanged positions on this committee. Nava reported that a contract has not been signed for a planner to work with the commission. She also suggested this commission utilize the last half hour of their meetings to work on ZRC issues as the need arises.
Planning Board: Naja reported the the Ballincurry project has been approved for duplex housing by the planning board. A new rule for 2009 is that the county planning board must also approve all projects; at this time the county is awaiting all pertinent information relating to this project before giving final approval. AT&T has fixed the non-working lightbulbs on the cell tower. CT Male states that the structure needs more bracing.
EMC: Joe stated he did not attend the last meeting.
OWBs: Jen reported that the public hearing will be on March 4 and that the town board will be voting on the proposed regulation on March 11, 2009. When approved it will be local law #2 of 2009.
New Business
Second alternate: Jen introduced Tanya Jurcic as an alternate to attend meetings on behalf of RCCE when an assigned member is not available.
Climate Smart Communities Pledge: Jen emailed pledge to members but no copy available at this meeting. Jen stated that there is no state money specifically for this initiative but that the DEC has prepared guidelines to assist towns in implementing the pledge. Jen asks this commission to consider presenting to the town board for consideration. Sandy P suggests researching adoption in other towns and Joe L will ask at the EMC. They will report back on this at the next RCCE meeting. Jen asked everyone to read both the pledge and the attached guidelines.
Wetlands update: Jen reported that our town supervisor received a letter from the DEC dated Jan 15, 2009. Excerpts read that the DEC will be making field visits to wetlands to identify critical habitats and advising of changes to the county wetland maps. Jenn would like to send to the DEC maps made by Deb of wetlands on the rt. 32 corridor. Discussion followed.
Motion to adjourn by Joe L and seconded by Naja K.
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Minutes January 22, 2009
Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment
Attendance; Ed Maestro-Acting Chair, Sandy Petersen, Nava Tabak, Naja Kraus, Deb Weltsch, Rick VandenHeuvel, Joe Liuni, Ilonka Lukas
Excused-Jenn Metzger
Board Liaison; Ken Cluen
Previous minutes of November 19,2008 were reviewed and stand as reported.
Sandy P motioned to approve the minutes and Naja K seconded, unanimously approved.
New Business
We discussed RCCE priorities, planning and proposed spending in 2009.
Discussion of priorities: One priority discussed was finding space--our computer is still available but not always accessible. A lap top could be used (no money involved) and a printer, possible donation for our record keeping.
Discussion on planning: Search and apply for grants; offer a grant writer a commission from the grant. The goal is to complete the open space plan, vital for the future development of Rosendale.
Discussion of budget: Priority items are to complete the NRI, creating maps and completing text. Completing the BAT of the whole town from our previous grants.
The RCCE would like all Town Boards to have a copy to use as a resource and townspeople to research items of interest.
Old Business
Planning Board: Sandy reported on the January mtg.-Ballincurry public hearing for special use permit has been closed. Concerns were that the cell tower lights need to be replaced; Sunoco station was storing old oil tanks on its property. Ditolli storage business was requesting permits for extra storage units.
OWB update: Ken reported that the moratorium has been extended and a public hearing will be held in February with the Town Board voting in March. Jenn M has been diligently focusing on this new law.
County EMC: Joe reported that info may be available for some of our projects. Joe will ask Amanda LaValle of the Ulster County Department of the Environment to attend a future meeting for clarification.
Due to a conflict, our next RCCE mtg will be February 23,2009 Monday. Please make note of this change.
The RCCE continued with a discussion on the Williams Lake development. Due to a possible conflict Ilonka Lukas, clerk, recused myself. Comments on the draft final scope will be submitted to the DEC.
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Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment
Attendance: Chair Nick Mercurio, Joan Maylie, Paul Lendvay,Jennifer Metzger, Joe Liuni, Deb Weltsch,Rick VandenHeavel, Ilonka Lukas
Excused: Ed Maestro
Town Board Liaison: Ken Cluen
Guest; Manna Jo Greene
Corrections to previous minutes were, in the BAT paragraph Karen Schneller McDonald will write the new study and is contacting the Nature Conservancy for the possibility of integrating the existing Biodiversity maps.. NRI change is that Nick will contact Bard. Expo entertainment is Arm of the Sea. The motion was made by Paul L and seconded by Joan M to approve minutes as corrected, unanimously approved.
Old Business
Terms-Previous town board workshop meeting, this commission was asked by Ken Hassett to come to a cohesive conclusion as to term limits. These changes are to be presented at the next town board workshop meeting for considerations. Chairman Nick M presented at RCCE meeting the written proposal as follows "terms of appointment of the members of the Commission shall be as follows;the nine members of the commission as of the adoption date of this Local Law will be reappointed as follows; three members shall be appointed for a term of five years, three members shall be appointed for a term of four years , and three members shall be appointed for a term of three years. If a vacancy exists at this time, the position will be assigned to one of the three groups, These groups will be determined by the Chairperson of the Commission. After these initial terms of appointment, members will be appointed to five year terms. If a vacancy shall occur other than by expiration of a term, it shall be filled by the Town Board by appointment for the duration of the unexpired term." This motion was seconded by Joe L. A request was made to poll this commission and is as follows: Paul L voting yes, Joan M voting yes, Rick V voting yes, Jenn M voting no, Deb W voting no, Joe L voting yes, Ilonka L voting yes, Nick M voting yes.
Groundwater Protection Plan-Nick M reported that the large maps on CD done by Steven Winkley has been given to the supervisor. This was made possible by the hard work done by Deb W. These maps etc are in draft form, still usable information , until the finalization is done and then can be integrated into the towns GIS system. Nick proposes that this info on maps can be made available to the planning boards, zoning board, assessors office, and library for easy public access. At this time Joan M reported that there is a possibility that the county would provide this info, otherwise the approximate cost to this commission would be $1900.00. Discussion followed with no resolution.
Solar-Chairman Nick M had to meet(twice) with the state auditors regarding the installation of the solar project. This project was accomplished by a NY State grant given to the town and the Expo fundraising by the RCCE to attain all the project costs. The audit was to find where all the monies was sent within this project. Nick feels confident that this audit will meet all the state criteria.
Nick reread the contract and the responsibility of data collection for 8quarters to be sent to NYSERDA. Once this is accomplished, the release of the final payment will be sent to the town. With the solar account open this commission would like to add more solar panels and do updating. This will be no cost to the town, using fundraising efforts by this commission.
BAT-Jenn reported that supplies need to be ordered for the new study.
Expo--the date will be May 3. Jenn reported that all entertainment is confirmed. RCCE will be starting to meet in January 2008, all volunteers welcome and save the date.
UC EMC-tabled
Planning Board-tabled
Wetlands Training-RCCE would like to have a March date, with field work and updates with the new changes enacted this year.
New Business
Commission Records-Nick would like volunteers to go thru the boxes at town hall for transfer to our library file cabinet.
Committee Preferences-Nick M would like members to accept projects of their interest to work on as subcommittees or any new subjects. He would like to see old projects completed within the new year.
Motion to adjourn by Paul L and seconded by Joe L
Submitted by Ilonka Lukas ,clerk
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