August 19, 2009: Executive Committee Meeting in Town of Newcomb

At the Regular Meeting of the Executive Board of the Adirondack Association of Towns and Villages held at the Town of Newcomb at 3:00 p.m., there were

PRESENT:  Brian Towers, President; Executive Board Members: Bill Farber, Greg Wallace, Randy Douglas, Sterling Goodspeed, Mark Hall, George Canon, Dan Belden.

Ronda Thomas introduced as deputy or co-executive director.

RESOLUTIONS

Support of Long Lake Resolution-Opposing the Classification and Reclassification of State Lands and Waters.  Discussion indicated that it would be precedent setting if the APA were allowed to reclassify state lands and waters. 

On Motion of Greg Wallace, seconded by Dan Belden, the Board agreed to support the Resolution.  CARRIED 8 AYES 0 NAYS

Resolution in Support of the Sacandaga Protection Committee.  Discussion indicated that the effect on the tax base would be significant if the State were allowed to proceed.

On Motion of Bill Farber, seconded by George Canon, the Board agreed to support the Resolution.  CARRIED 8 AYES 0 NAYS

ADMINISTRATIVE

Incorporation Status - Tax Exempt Incorporation is now complete.

AOT Payroll Concerns - George Canon will contact AOT and discuss with Jeffrey Haber. 

Associate Membership Drive- Letters are out, more going out, will review pricing after seeing what response is received from current letters.

Website - Ronda needs access to website to review it.  APRAP is now on it.  Eventually the APRAP database will be on it.  Update Calendar on the site.

Deputy Director's Report - Reports and handouts on the Common Grounds meeting and the FPAC meeting attended.

Executive Director's Report - Working on getting APRAP database on the website.  Discussion on how many hard copies of the APRAP study are left.

STANDING COMMITTEES - MEETINGS

APRAP - Presentations, Report Inventory & Miscellaneous - Discussion on who is doing presentations and the need to make sure they are on point and coordinated through the AATV.  The AATV needs to get feedback on the study, to follow up with those who have received hard copies.  The AATV should be the clearinghouse for the study.  Promoting, marketing the study should include having hard copies available. Discussion on cost of printing, where to print additional copies, and an email blast to towns, etc. with a request for response on the report.

FPAC - Discussion on the FPAC meeting.  Greg Wallace brought up the DOT corridor issue and how the DOT, APA & DEC do not agree on the issue. 

Common Grounds - Economic Development Strategy - Bill Farber noted the AATV should lead the way on an economic development plan in the park by setting up a core management team.  A diverse, but manageable size group should be brought together.  It is a huge effort but the AATV needs to steer it.  An idea of using the members from the Grannis steering committee was discussed.  Team members should report back to their organization.  AATV's role will not to be to put money into the project, but AATV has much credence and it is the logical next step for them to steer this issue.  AATV needs to in on the ground level in planning initiative.  It was suggested to pull together all of the various economic plans that have been done to date and see what's been accomplished and what hasn't and why. Discussion on the need for immediate short-term responses while we are working on the plan.

On motion as amended, from Greg Wallace, with a second by Sterling Goodspeed, that the AATV should take a stand to be leader and part of an economic development plan with Bill Farber as lead agent from AATV.  CARRIED 8 AYES 0 NAYS

APA Legislative Bills - Discussion on Affordable Housing bills status.  Bill Farber, Brian Towers, Fred Monroe spoke with representatives in Albany.  A lot of discussion with them regarding the APA bills and that the State legislature should be involved.  Discussion of fees for permits by the State.

TNC Lands-Gooley Club - Discussion on a resolution from Town of Newcomb in opposition.

FINANCIAL REPORT

On motion from Mark Fine and a second from Dan Belden the abstract in the amount of $4804.72 was approved for payment.  CARRIED 8 AYES 0 NAYS

MISCELLANEOUS

It was agreed to do a letter of support to Clarkson University for the CBN Connect Broadband project. 

Roundtable Discussion followed with updates from each member present.  It was noted that 2 APA Commissioner terms were expiring and that the AATV should make recommendations for replacements

On motion of George Canon, seconded by Greg Wallace the meeting was adjourned at 5:16 p.m.  CARRIED 8 AYES 0 NAYS

Respectfully Submitted,

Ronda Thomas, Co-Executive Director