The Niagara Group of the Sierra Club
Minutes of the July 22, 2003 Meeting

The meeting was called to order by Chair Jane Jontz at 7:00 PM.

The following Niagara Group members were in attendance:

Jim Hufnagel, Ray Gang, Paul Maine, Richard Lippes, Charles Lamb, Larry Beahan, Ginger Ursitti, Genevieve Robins, Steve Burns, Liz Kaszubski and Jane Jontz.

Treasurer Steve Burns reported a balance of $1116.53. Charles reported that he had turned over the sum of $100, which can be reimbursed from the National office, from Niagara Group to RRG, but had yet to receive the matching grant of $300 from Atlantic Chapter. Steve said that he could get the $300 from the Foundation. Steve has the check for the 1st payment for Chapter dues. At the Sierra Club Treasurers' Conference in San Francisco, he learned that we can acquire additional money by taking in some of our dues as 'hard', or Foundation money. Charles will be leaving for vacation August 6, and would like to take care of it before then.

Steve said that National wants Foundation funds used for Chapter and Group purposes since they are far more plentiful. Jane asked if we could submit forms directly to the Foundation. Steve said yes, and that we need to start spending for educational purposes, utilizing C3 funds. Richard pointed out that dues are 'hard' and we can use them for anything, but it is best not to mix the two.

There following a detailed discussion of the formula Sierra Club is using for the alternative reimbursement schemes.

Richard noted that 80% of hard dues go to the Trailblazer, and we should not mix C3 and C4 in any given newsletter.

Steve proposed we send the past few Trailblazers to San Francisco where they can apprise us as to the percentage of C3 and C4.

Larry Beahan moved that Steve submit two Trailblazer newsletters to the Foundation to determine the C3/C4 content and obtain reimbursement before the check in hand becomes outdated. Then, according to the amount of the reimbursement, we will either cash the current check or exchange it for more money. Jane seconded, unanimous Ayes, motion passed.

Steve added that RRG sent us a Thank you card. He also met with Chapter Chair Ken Baer and Legislative Director John Stouffer at the Rochester meeting.

Gen has materials, two chairs and a table for the Buffalo Zoo Earth Day, as well as hats and t-shirts. Larry asked what the educational aspect was, Gen responded that there will be back issues of the Trailblazer. Jim suggested a Powerpoint display on a PC, Jane suggested a video, Richard said it may be too late but we may have something in time for the Erie County Fair.

Jane moved we order 25 more t-shirts and 5 bags. Richard pointed out that we don't want our table looking like a store. Liz has available some EPA Wetlands posters.

Charles amended the motion to 15 t-shirts and 5 bags. Jane seconded, All in favor.

Steve will stop at Larry's to pick up Sierra Club population tabling materials for the table. Jane brought the Sierra Club banner with her tonight.

Membership Chair Gen Robins reported 106 new members for a total of 2155. She expressed concerned that that number includes 149 'drops'. Jim said why not call some of them. Richard suggested sending them a postcard.

A discussion followed as to whether certain individuals should be restricted off the Niagara Group listserv. No action was taken at this time. Jane will distribute blue sheets so that members can contact each other 'off-line'.

Jim requested and moved that ExComm re-vote to update and confirm the Resolution of March 28, 2000, to remove the section of the Robert Moses Parkway from the City of Niagara Falls to the Power Project and restore the top of the Niagara Gorge to natural surroundings. Larry seconded, the vote to uphold this resolution was unanimous.

Jane moved to ask the Chapter to approach National regarding the Allegheny Wild alternative plan for managing the Allegheny National Forest according to established Forest guidelines for biodiversity. The competing plan is the Forest Service plan, which would continue to manage the Forest for resource extraction. Jim seconded, all ayes.

Liz reported the great news that she and others have talked to Sens. Schumer's and Clinton's organizations and convinced them to co-sponsor legislation that would reverse the grievous recent Supreme Court decision that removed federal protection from wetlands that are not connected to waterways, and other negative aspects of recent rulings. In other good news, it appears Congressman Tom Reynolds supports the recent Federal initiative to spend billions of dollars to save the Great Lakes. Jane asked Charles that he report this in the next Trailblazer.

Charles passed around Love Canal materials and talk about it, and the Porter Ave. radioactivity situation. Ray mentioned that his locality has three pickup days for toxic waste.

Richard told us that Dan Ward, candidate for Eric County Executive, wants our endorsement, but County Executive Joel Giambra has a very good environmental record as well.

Larry brought up the recent Zoar Valley article in the Buffalo News. Bruce Kershner has asked us to ask DEC to protect Zoar. Bruce suggested every concerned organization contact Gerry Mikol, DEC chief administrator, and ask him what the State policy was. Liz suggested we 'copy up the ladder' when doing so.

Larry moved that he be authorized to compose a letter on Niagara Group's behalf. Jane seconded. Jim requested that the letter be reviewed by the ExComm before sending. Jane will review it for the ExComm in the interests of time. All ayes.

Endorsements:

Larry listed the Erie County Executive, Town of Amherst Board and City of Buffalo Comptroller as being on the ballot this fall.

Ginger stated that the questionnaires are a very necessary part of our endorsement process. Jane added that Ken Baer is a big proponent of questionnaires. Jane also said that we have time to 'plug in' endorsements in reserved space in the October Trailblazer.

Ginger further reported on the recent Atlantic Chapter ExComm meeting in Rochester that she attended representing Niagara Group, along with Steve Burns. A portion of the meeting was spent on the continuing NYC office disposition discussion. Obtaining the resources of Sierra Club strategic planning was another topic. A number of resolutions were passed, and the Fall 2003 hike-a-thon was talked about.

Larry presented the issue of windmills on the Ridge above Ripley in Cattaraugus County. Audubon is opposed. Liz clarified that Audubon thinks they are great except for siting. Ginger will research this issue and give us her conclusions next month.

Charles moved that we adjourn, Jane seconded, all ayes. The meeting ended at 9:32 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

James Hufnagel
Substituting and Past Secretary
Niagara Group of the Sierra Club