Sierra Club, Niagara Group
Minutes of Monthly meeting - July 26, 2005

United Methodist Church Community Room, Main Street, Williamsville, 7 PM

Jane Jontz, Chair, Presiding

Present: Jane Jontz*, Art Klein*, Steve Burns-Treasurer, Robert Ciesielski*, Richard Lippes*, Charles Lamb*, Paul Maine*, Mike Stroh*, Larry Beahan*, Virginia Ursitti*, Marilyn Reeves, Jane Sheldon, Carl deVyver, Virginia Snider
(*Indicates member of Exec. Committee)

1.) CWM- C. Lamb: State legislation requiring that NYS designate other toxic waste sites before the CWM site is granted further permits, signed into law by Governor Pataki. Niagara County legislature is opposing CWM expansion and has hired an attorney to represent them. CWM ran a tour of its site for EPA personnel. A number of activists spoke to EPA officials during the tour in opposition to CWM. The Niagara Gazette printed first page stories for four days mentioning environmental problems and possible solutions in Niagara County.

2.) ATLANTIC CHAPTER- L. Beahan: Ken Baer has scheduled Chapter telephone conference for July 31, 2005 concerning Chapter strategy as to NYS Transportation Bond Act. Larry asked to provide information about DOT projects in Western New York. The Susquehanna Group is opposing oil drilling in national forest in the Finger Lakes region. Motion to support Susquehanna Group and its opposition to oil drilling made by L. Beahan, and seconded by A. Klein. Unanimously approved.

3.) OUTINGS COMMITTEE- L. Beahan: Beahan led outing to old growth area in Alleghany Forest. Mike Stroh accepts Chairmanship of Outing Committee.

4.) NEWSLETTER- C. Lamb: R. Ciesielski asked to write article on Campaign Planning weekend scheduled August 26-28, 2005, Utica, NY for Trailblazer.

5.) WETLANDS- J. Jontz: Group reviewed campaign goals for wetlands issue which will be discussed at Campaign Planning weekend. Group might want to focus on the education of town officials on importance of preserving wetlands. The DEC has been adding areas in the State to wetlands maps. We might bring attention of potential wetlands to DEC for inclusion. Federal government is attempting to re-codify wetlands regulations to weaken controls, so that only lands near navigable waters or adjacent to navigable water are included. This makes DEC important player. L. Kaszubski's efforts in North Tonawanda could be used as a model for Group wetland efforts. Areas of focus may be Wheatfield, Amherst and/or North Tonawanda. A suggestion that we aid R. Lippes in Amherst where he is involved in litigation to oppose Muir Woods development. Ciminelli Corportation is currently in consultation with DEC to present a mitigation plan to permit the development of Muir Woods, a 330 acre site which is 100 percent flood plain and with 150 acres of wetland. Niagara Group could educate public, DEC and town officials to oppose the development. State regulations require avoidance or minimalization in development areas. These requirements were side-stepped by developer. L. Beahan states that it is important to educate the public as to why wetlands laws are in place. Publicity in the press can be used by the group to instill knowledge in the public as to the importance of wetlands. Group may also aid L. Kaszubski in opposition to North Tonawanda wetland subdivision. Jane Sheldon mentioned the possibility of having speakers at the Science Museum on wetlands. Larry Beahan mentioned the attempted development of a wetland area owned by Lipke adjacent to "The Pines" in Amherst. "The Pines" requires dikes at the street ends adjacent to the proposed Lipke development. The dikes protect "The Pines" from flooding water now overflowing from the Lipke property. A hydrologist could explain the possibility of basement and street flooding. Marilyn Reeves mentioned the importance of each of us developing knowledge of the area. 501 (c)(3) money may mainly be spent for educational purposes. Suggested that we contact several speakers on the topic including Mark Candel, wetlands biologist, who worked at DEC, and Chuck Rosenberg. Discussion interrupted for other matters.

6.) ENDORSEMENTS- R.Lippes: R. Lippes states that Deborah Bucki, candidate for Amherst Town Council, has asked for Sierra Club endorsement. Motion made by R. Ciesielski, seconded by M. Stroh to approve endorsement, unanimously approved. Chapter will be contacted to approve endorsement.

7.) TOWN OF EVANS and PERRYSBURG- L.Beahan: Temporary Restraining Order being sought to prevent development in the Town of Evans' Lakeshore old growth Hemlock forest. Potential purchaser of Perrysburg property has brought legal action to Quiet Title. R. Lippes is aiding City attorneys in opposing action. Mayor is pushing for sale of property to developer.

8.) WETLANDS, (cont'd)-J. Jontz: Need to show general public and politicians of eventual danger of building homes in wetlands. Suggested that Group attempt to ally itself with other groups such as Sierra Rochester and organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, the NRA, and the Audubon Society to oppose the development of wetlands in Amherst and other wetlands areas. Target groups would be adjacent neighborhoods to wetlands, especially those that have already had flooding or structural problems. Suggested that Group develop a local slogan concerning wetlands. Suggested that we locate some local environmental heroes and honor them or have them speak at functions. Also develop clear story for each wetlands area to be presented to public. Wetlands tie in with the problem of "peanut butter soil," which causes sinking homes. Development on certain sites can cost an additional 50 percent to stabilize buildings - especially important with large public buildings. An article on the Muir Woods wetlands can be written for the Trailblazer. Wetlands issue to be tied into urban sprawl. If actions are taken to publicize a wetland problem, make sure the Group is comfortable so that the action will be supported. Pinpoint costs and develop budget. The Chapter and National Sierra Club can make small amounts of these (c)(4) funds available for campaigns.

9.) TREASURER'S REPORT- Steve Burns: Current membership: 2,402; Current households: 2,354. Earth Day scheduled for August 15, 2005 at Buffalo Zoo. R. Ciesielski moved to approve spending of $150 from treasury to purchase items for sale at Earth Day, seconded by L. Beahan. Unanimously approved. There is $640.35 currently in treasury.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert M. Ciesielski