Sierra Club, Atlantic Chapter, Niagara Group
Minutes of March Meeting of the Executive Committee, March 23, 2004

Jane Jontz, Chair, presiding. Called to order approx. 7:15 pm

Location, United Methodist Church Community Room, Main Street, Williamsville

Attendees
Jane Jontz*
Steve Burns
James Hufnagel*
Paul Eisenburger
Gail Reino - Guest
Tom Duffy
Donn Scherer
Melanie Scherer
Mike Stroh*
Larry Beahan*
Paul Maine*
Genevieve Robins*
Liz Kaszubski
Art Klein*
Ginger Ursitti*
Mike Schade - Guest

*Member of Executive Committee
First meeting for Member

Business Reports

1. Treasurer Report - S. Burns:

$1181.45 cash on hand after payment of invoice for newsletter mailing services. Proceeds from raffle of Gen's painting at February meeting, $214.00 included in balance.

2. Membership Report - G. Robins:

Member Tally:

January 2,199

February 2,152

March 2,196

New member Welcome Cards sent out by Gen and Paul.

3. Introduction of New Members (see attendance list).

Issues

4. PVC

Guest Mike Schade of CEC announced showing of film Blue Vinyl as an educational event at UB on April 16th, 2004. Requested that Niagara Group co-sponser the event by endorsing it and publiczing it. Also requested financial contribution.

5. Zoar Valley:

Larry Beahan reported on Zoar Valley update. NYSDEC held a public meeting in the fall of 2003 attended by several of our members where suggestions were taken for a management plan for the Zoar Multiple Use Area. Our prime concern has been that the old growth forest in the gorge be protected and be provided with adequate buffer zones. We have good information that the plan NYSDEC is writing will answer our concern. Therefore, we have not joined Friends of the Ancient Forest in their demonstrations, and freedom of information campaign.

6. Farmersville Landfill:

Gail Reino requested Group support the Citizen's Coalition of Cattaraugus County in fight against permit application for new landfill on NY Route 98. Listed CCCC's concerns with the proposed project and discussion followed regarding merit of opposition to the landfill. Group unanimously passed resolution re-affirming Sierra Club resolution of 1992 against granting of permit. Gail also requested Sierra Club representation (or position letter to submit) at NYSDEC hearing March 30th and 31st, 2004. Ginger agreed to write letter for Niagara Group, if time allows and Gail emails information for talking points.

7. A Mother's Promise

Jim Hufnagel presented resolution celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Cairo Consensus endorsed this statement on the importance of controlling population growth world-wide. Jim made a motion to support the resolution, Ginger seconded, motion passed unanimously.

8. Hamburg Parkland:

Art reported update on private development proposal on Town of Hamburg parkland. Latest court ruling favors keeping land as park.

9. Election Endorsements:

Jane received letter from Sam Hoyt requesting early endorsement. Discussion followed. Paul concerned that the Political Committee be used, Larry concerned that we use questionnaires. Decided to table until next meeting.

10. List serve, website:

Mike Stroh led discussion on 1) submissions for Bio Pages and 2) concern for type of information posed on list serve, such as lobbying report requirements, that should go to committee members and officers only. Steve volunteered to compile a smaller email list of these members and distribute to each.

Meeting adjourned 9:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Ginger Ursitti 874-6769