Rosendale Commission for the Conservation of the Environment

Attendance:Chair Joan Maylie, Ed Maestro, Nick Mercurio, Deb Horowitz, Paul Lendvay, Ilonka Metsger-Lukas
Excused;Rick VandenHeavel
Town Board Liaison:Ken Cluen
Guests, Volunteers; Jennifer Metzger, Joe Liuni, Manna Jo Greene

Meeting began at 7:14.  Previous minutes were reviewed, discussed and corrections made.  A motion was made by Paul L and seconded by Ed M. and unanimously approved.

Joan M introduced our new board liaison, Ken Cluen

Old Business-Progress reports for
Open Space-Joan M has received the backup disks from the EMC.  These files needs to be converted into files compatible for geomatica. We also have thirty three maps which we need to collate into a book form, getting it into the comp plan and finally printing them.  Ken C added that the engineering firm who did this building is on contract for a year and will include grant writing for the town.

Biodiversity Assessment-Jennifer M. reported that Gretchen at Hudsonia will be reviewing the text in the upcoming weeks.  Jennifer had helped Manna Jo in completing this text.
Joan M reported that Karen Schneller-MacDonald has completed Hardenburgh Park and will present this study at our next meeting.

Solar Data Transmission-Nick M reported  that our computer had been off various times in the last weeks, probally due to electric outages. Data is lost during those down times .  Nick reported that he previously sent files on a disk to generate a report for the state.--Joan asked Paul L to check on a battery backup for continuous electric service for this computer.

Planning Board:-Nick M reported Wild Rose development of 80 acres off of Rt 213 subdivision of 23 building lots. Concerns are the Indiana Bat and Eagles and an old cemetery on this property.  The application for Cappys has been revised, wetlands were noted on this property by previous engineering firm. Discussion followed.

Expo 07-confirmed for April 21, next meeting on Jan 31, 2007

New Business

Open Space--Mapping needs to be finalized this year for cultural and historical resources.  Field work verification needs to be done for final completions.  Text needs to be written for our 33 maps. Joan would like to see this completed for inclusion to the comprehensive plan.
Planning board liaison is a huge undertaking in reviewing applications and making comprehensive assessments. More help is needed
 Continuing a good relationship with the town elected officials.
Recycling of the green disk program did not materialize.Previously reported partnership with HVME is awaiting grant approval for a 2008 implementation. 
We will continue to offer educational programs app. every other month when feasible.

Joan M asked members to check into speakers and educational subjects  of interest for the upcoming year.
Rondout Valley School District-Manna Jo reported attending this school board meeting to suggest the use of green building applications.  This should be a concern to all taxpayers in this district.
Joan M has reported two openings in membership.  Joyce H has resigned and Michael M had not renewed.  Joan also asked this commission to re-evaluate our attendance policy. A motion to adhere to 5 absences per year was tabled until next meeting.
Joe L reported on a new disease in certain fish. DEC is forbidding using the same bait in various waters. Bait will now have to be certified.  There is not enough data for specifics, Joe will keep us posted.
Manna Jo informed this commission that the town board designates the chairman . 

Motion to adjourn by Paul L and seconded by Ed M