Minutes, July 21, 2003

Dutchess County/Putnam County AT Management Committee
New York-New Jersey Trail Conference
Minutes of 179th Meeting
Monday, July 21, 2003 7:00 PM RPH Shelter, East Fishkill

NOTE: Since this meeting was attached to our potluck supper and picnic, we dispensed with most of the correspondence, communications, and reports. Other items have been deferred to our next meeting, Monday, September 15th , 2003.

Attendance: Ellen Kelly, Kerry Borchardt, Ron Rosen, Frank Dogil, Jane Daniels, Bill Beehler, Thura Sperry (Mid-Atlantic ATC Vice Chair), Dick Martin, Greg Heneka, Lori Heneka, Diane Bamford, Mike Arthur, Tom McCarthy, Tim Messerich, Olllie Simpson, Michael Musick, Larry Wheelock (NY-NJ TC staff), Ralph Ferrusi, Alan King, James Shearwood, Mark Hudson, Rich Forman, George Muller, Cara Gentry, Amanda Long (Dutchess Land Conservancy / Americorps–water testing person), Jane Geisler, Diane Bamford, Walt Daniels, Jim Haggett, Salley Decker, Becky Newman. (Americorps member, helps Amanda), (30).

The meeting was called to order at approximately 7:20PM by Chair Ron Rosen.

Each person present briefly introduced himself or herself.

The following items were circulated in the “For Your Action” (FYA) packet:
* New NYNJTC maintainer appointment form addendum for Volunteer Accident Insurance Waiver [review for comments]
* ATC Chain-Saw Certification & Training Position Paper
* ATC Regional Meeting pre-announcement (October 18, 2003)
* Email regarding attempt to find hiker Brian Doble (grandmother died today)

The following items were circulated in the “For Your Information” (FYI) packet:
* ATC Strategic Planning Summit progress report.
* Poughkeepsie Journal article(s) from Last Thursday and Bob Proudman’s comments
* Scenic Hudson Events for July-October
* Greetings from former Member Sanne Larsen
* Water test results from June 30 [Messerschmitt > 110 Coliform, >400 non-coliform, neg. for E. Coli; Wiley 2 Coliform, neg. for E. Coli]

1. Volunteer recognition: Ron explained the new National Park Service recognition program, which involves recognition items for increasing amounts of cumulative service. The program is retroactive, so Ron figured hours back to 1980 based on all reports and materials available to him. Those volunteers who were present received recognition items, others will be awarded theirs later. Essentially everyone present received an “AT Volunteer” pin for more than 8 hours of service. Thirty-seven volunteers have performed at least 100 hours of service, and received an “AT Volunteer” patch. Fourteen volunteers have provided at least 500 hours of service and received an “AT Volunteer” cap. The following people have over 1,500 hours of service recorded [each] and received an “AT Volunteer” fleece vest [made by EMS]: Fred Gerty, Jim Haggett, Jane Daniels, Mike Arthur, George Muller, Joe Hrouda, Walt Daniels, Bob Woodin, and Ron Rosen. Ron thanked all of the volunteers, and noted that the total hours performed by these volunteers [not counting those who have left the area, resigned their position, or died] exceeds 55,000 hours!

2. Urgent business, short updates, etc.:

A1. Acquisitons and survey issues: Ron noted that we have received notification that the Geller [Colt Estate] exchange has been completed; the exchange involved the Gellers obtaining and passing to the NPS a quarter interest in parcel 270-22 on Depot Hill. Ron is not certain which parcel that is [on Depot Hill].

A2. In advance of this meeting, Gerry Richardson had been made aware by the Town of Beekman of a parcel on Depot Hill going up for tax auction this fall. About $6,000 is owed in back taxes, and the Town has the option of acquiring the property in advance of the auction by paying the back taxes. Mike Arthur concluded this parcel is likely one that had been offerred to the AT a few years ago, and at that time we concluded that it was not worth acquiring by fee purchase. However, the option exists to let the parcel go to auction and we could then put in a small bid (e.g., ATC Land Trust or NY-NJ Trail Conference); apparently, the high bidder does NOT have to pay the back taxes! Ron asked if anyone is interested in being involved as a bidder, but didn’t get any commitments.

B. I84 Cell Tower - Jim Haggett explained that T-Mobile has responded to David Reus’s (ATC) letter with a counter proposal. The key points: the tower would be built at the same location (I84 Eastbound rest area), but to a height of only 100' (instead of 150' or 180'), and additional companies could put antennas on the tower below the 100' foot level without additional consultation with ATC. At this height, they would not worry about the specific design of the antennas (they would use “regular” designs), and the tower would still be a monopole. The tower design would allow for a taller addition at a later date, but T-Mobile would promise consultation with ATC before extending the Tower’s height. If no one objects, this proposal will proceed to construction shortly. To date, no one has objected to the proposal, although some have suggested specific wording in T-Mobile’s formal response letter (this wording may not end up in the letter....).

C. Amanda Long reviewed the current plans for water testing at Wiley and Messerschmitt wells. Both tests failed quantitative Total Coliform testing, Wiley with a figure of 2 and Messerschmitt 100 Coliform, greater than 400 total. Sometime in the next couple of weeks, she will perform a dye test on the Wiley Well that will attempt to determine if contamination is coming from surface sources. She will also work with George Muller on performing a shock chlorination of the Messerschmitt well.

3. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:25 PM.

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