SPCMA
Minutes of Annual Meeting
July 17, 2016
Sandy Creek Town Hall
Meeting called to order 10AM
Roll call of Officers: 
President X Cathy Goodnough
President X Cathy Goodnough Vice Pres.__ Tom Crosby Secretary X Bonnie ReidTreasurer___ Bonnie Reid
Treasurer___ Bonnie ReidBoard Members X Dave Catania
X Dave Catania ______Roger Morrison X Margaret Kastler X Mike Brennan X Harold Golden X Pete BackusDo we have a Quorum? 5 YES
Our association was set to dredge June 8th due to low water levels in 2015. But we were unable to dredge due to the Piping Plover, which is an endangered bird that was spotted on our beach. We filed for extensions with the permitting agencies in Feb. 2016 with no written response.
In minutes taken from the March Dune Coalition Meeting. Gerry Smith stated “NYSPRHP and DEC should close beaches to public access: the beaches are too narrow for people/dogs and plovers to coexist. The wellbeing of the plovers should supersede other concerns (e.g. rec, economic).” There was also mentioned that permission is granted to shut down state beaches if necessary. With this being said, moving forward for a dredge process was rather difficult and there was so much interest in the channel back in March. We received notification that the plovers had been spotted, foraging, flying and possible heard, so all dredge progress was halted.
In an article from the Conservationist, it stated Piping plovers are the first of shorebirds to arrive on the breeding ground starting from early to mid March. Nests are usually placed well above the high-water mark on open, grassless sand beaches or dredged spoil areas. During May and June, one egg is laid every other day until the average clutch of four eggs is complete. This occurred out at the South spit this year. Unfortunately on July 8th it was reported that the four eggs were missing and they couldn’t find either adult piping plover. They found fox prints in the sand next to the nest. The US Fish and wildlife were called that following Monday to have our Association notified if they had found either the adults or the chicks.
6-15 we had a meeting at the channel with Mike Kaster present and he estimated we would need approximately 2 weeks with a excavator and loader. This would be low impact to the south side. We talked about a form letter which we are getting a few responses. We did not have a quorum to conduct business.
Our letter to the membership June 23rd and we started the process to notify all the agencies and the US Senator Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Will Barclay. Review all letters sent to them and the photos and information sent to agencies. We have received many letters from concerned people, which will be provided, to our Senators and Assemblyman to show the importance of having a channel open for our recreational season.
With many phone calls to the agencies that govern our dredging- there was a phone conference call 7/1 that Sandy Bonanno orchestrated with many agencies. Some of the agencies included: The Corps of Engineers, John Deholander from Soil and water, Kelly from Parks and Rec, Tom Hughes, Patricia Shulenburg Parks, Jeff Steadman, Janet, Jillian, Cathy,Tom Hart, Sandra Duran, Irene. After an 1 ½ hrs we are trying to work out a time frame that was favorable for everyone. This includes possibly 2 weeks in the spring after ice out and 2 weeks in the fall. (after 31 March and before Sept 1).
It was mentioned that fall dredging is not productive for the association. Because of the time frame our boating season is over and the cost of a dredge project at that time, to have the winter possibly change the whole channel, what not feasible for us. And if we needed to dredge in the spring, we would not have the funds. It was mentioned that possibly the Corps or U S Fish and wildlife may have funds available, but they do not. The agencies agree that dredging on the North side would not be feasible either. The channel naturally is moving that way. We talked about hydraulic dredging and the cost, time, and more disruptive to the shoreline then 2 weeks with mechanical equipment. It was also agreed that the best place for the spoils would be in the bird sanctuary.
They have released the fish spawning part of the permit, which would allow us to go out after ice is out and dredge before the season of the plover. We would still have to survey the barrier beach for the plover. If one is spotted we will not be able to dredge.
Sept 1-March 31st are the dates set to dredge right now
Inlet Channel Dredging Seasonal Considerations for Fall and Spring of 2017 Motion made by Dave Catania to dredge this year and 2nd by Margaret Kastler, all in favor. Motion passed.
Membership Status20032004 20052006 2007
20032004 20052006 2007 641407 217 43 171 2008 2009 20102011 2012 152 90 159 82 182
90 159 82 182 2013 2014 2015 2016157 69 102 49B 20 S 19 G 7 P 3
Membership in Attendance: Mr & Mrs. Grassman, Wayne Miller, John Wood, Norma Newman & Pat Ehle
Gary Lawrence has been in contact several times, he is interested in buying the dredge, but can’t get the other members of his group to commit. He wanted to lease the dredge, but in previous meetings, leasing was not a good option for us. Insurance and liability, plus who would pay for damages? Would we like to review this? And if we lease how much? Vote was taken NOT to lease dredge & equipment. Motion made by Mike Brennan and 2nd by Pete Backus, all in favor. Motion passed
Dredge for sale – We have $ 84,070.00 invested in the piping and dredge itself. We can list the dredge for sale in the Boats and Harbor newspaper. Vote to sell dredge for $70,000.00 or Best Offer, the new owners will be responsible for removing the piping at the beach and hauling all equipment away. Motion made by Dave Catania and 2nd by Tom Crosby. All in favor. Yes Motion passed. Need approval to advertise in Harbor Magazine, over $140.00
The Association now has $ 47,899.33 plus 825.00 to be processed
The Town of Sandy Creek has $40,000.00, set aside in the budget. We will need to use this money this year or lose it. We were not able to have the 40,000 rolled over into this year and add another 20,000. We tried for reimbursement last year for 3,000.00 but our bills were not reimbursable. Before we advertise, hold the sale of the dredge until Pat Ehle can get back to us, he is interested in purchasing the dredge.
Treasurers report: read by Cathy Goodnough, Motion made by Bonnie Reid, to accept report as read, seconded by Dave Catania. All in favor, motion passed.
2015 P & L Statements
YTD P & L Statements
Corporate taxes are here for your review: also corporate book and checkbook are open for any inspection.
Bills against Association this year:
1.Deluxe Endorsement stamp ordered 1.21 due
Deluxe Endorsement stamp ordered 1.21 due2.Postage for mailing large envelopes to Senator 2.30
Postage for mailing large envelopes to Senator 2.303.Greene Point Marina Website maintenance ½ of 479.99 for 15-16 year 240.00 Motion made by Harold Golden to reimburse Greene Point $ 240.00, 2nd by Pete Backus, all in favor. Motion passed
Greene Point Marina Website maintenance ½ of 479.99 for 15-16 year 240.00 Motion made by Harold Golden to reimburse Greene Point $ 240.00, 2nd by Pete Backus, all in favor. Motion passedEstimated Expenses for next year:
1. Mass Mail out
Mass Mail out2.Post Office box renewal
Post Office box renewal3.Liability Insurance, D & O, Physical Insurance
Liability Insurance, D & O, Physical InsuranceBoater Safety information new laws and class dates. Are now available on line
Any one born on or after May1, 1996 is required to have a boater’s safety course.
Permit Status:
Town of Sandy Creek Contract signed July 12,2016DEC Permits approved through May 21, 2023 with a minimal of 30 day advanced notice.
Corp of Engineers Status: 5 year permit _ July14, 2018 This permit needs to be fully submitted again when it expires.
DOS- Stipulations-GPS readings and tabular forms submitted to the DOS. We have not done GPS readings this year as the plover was here early spring.
NYS Parks- permit filed with location of sand placement
Election\ Re-election of Officers:
President: Cathleen Goodnough
Vice Pres: Tom Crosby
Secretary: Bonnie Reid
Treasurer: Bonnie Reid
Board of Directors:Margaret Kastler, Mike Brennan, Pete Backus, Bonnie Reid, Roger Morrison, Harold Golden and Dave Catania.
Margaret Kastler, Mike Brennan, Pete Backus, Bonnie Reid, Roger Morrison, Harold Golden and Dave Catania.Motion made by Harold Golden to re elect officers and board members as read. 2nd by Dave Catania, all in favor. Motion passed
Appoint Sergeant of Arms by President: New President to appoint. Tom Crosby is the preceding Sergeant of Arms
Appoint Parliamentarian: New President to appoint Parliamentarian. Tom Crosby is the preceding Parliamentarian
Thank you all for your interest in our channel.
President will entertain a motion to adjourn.
Motion made to adjourn meeting by Harold Golden, 2nd Dave Catania, all in favor. Motion passed
Meeting adjourned at 11AM
