TOWN OF ESOPUS WATERFRONT ADVISORY BOARD
Minutes of the May 23, 2006 Meeting
 
 Present:   Julie Melancon, Don Cole, Marion Zimmer, Frank O’Donnell, William Benson, Rosemarie Kristofy, John McMichael, Chet Allen
 
Excused: Kathy Weitze
 
Board Liaison: Deborah Silvestro
 
Chairman Zimmer called the joint meeting of the Environmental Committee and Waterfront Advisory Board to order at 7:05pm.
 
PRESENTATION
 
Chris Bowser of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation gave a slide presentation on the wetlands along the Rondout Creek and Town of Esopus area.  He began by stating that the Rondout Creek was one of the Hudson River’s longest tidal tributaries.  He reviewed several unique areas including Guomere island and Sleightburg sites.  (There was a question and answer session after the presentation.)  Mr. Bowser said that maps of the area could be seen at www.nysgis.org or he could be reached via e-mail at cbowser@clarku.edu.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Chairman Zimmer called the WAB meeting to order at 8:00pm.  She announced that the Johnson letter had been sent to the Planning Board and it was requested that more information be included in the application.
 
The Chairman thanked everyone who helped on the April 29th Clean River sweep.  Twenty volunteers participated.  She informed the Board that the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency had provided an open top box for garbage at $26, and the tires went to the Town dump.  Silvestro suggested that there is tighter procedures for volunteers signing in and out.  Chairman Zimmer remarked that the trails on the island needed more maintenance.  There was discussion on advertising the event next year to reach more of the public.
 
 MOTION to approve the minutes of the March 28, 2006 was made by Rosemary Kristofy and seconded by Bill Benson.  All in favor. None opposed.
MOTION to approve the minutes of the April 25, 2006 was made by Don Cole and seconded by Frank O’Donnell.  All in favor.  None opposed.
 
MOTION to accept the secretary’s submission for payroll for 2.75 hours was made by Bill Benson and seconded by Frank O’Donnell.  All in favor.  None opposed.
 
OTHER BUSINESS
 
Chairman Zimmer reported that the water chestnut harvester be put in the water by June 2nd.  The canvas roof is broken on it.  Will Thomas takes about two weeks to complete the harvest once the warm weather starts and the chestnuts are in bloom.  Chet Allen said he will check with Hidden Harbor to see if they will allow the Town to dock the harvester there again this year.
 
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE – Julie Melancon reported that a meeting of County Environmental Committees was held which was attended by Gardiner, New Paltz, New Paltz open space, Shawangunk, etc.  She said a copy of the minutes is available for WAB review, and a flyer for a seminar at Highmount on water quality development projects.
 
PLANNING BOARD – John McMichael
 
John McMichael said that the Planning Board intends to refer the Johnson property revised site plan to the WAB as soon as it is scheduled for public hearing.
 
There were two other proposed plans: 1) behind the Sorbello property were Aaron Properties proposes developing on the old Miron property behind Hildebrandt Lane. 2) Roger and Peggy Mabie/Laura and Michael Spaey properties were a driveway encroaches on the Mabie property.  (This may just be a lot line adjustment.)
 
ZONING BOARD – Don Cole said that variances for the Johnson property were approved.  Adjustments had been made to the original request.
 
Chairman Zimmer said that the WAB would need to meet next month to discuss the Johnson property.
 
MOTION to adjourn the May 2006 WAB meeting was made by Chet Allen and seconded by Don Cole.  All in favor. None opposed.
 
                                                ADJOURNED  8:40pm