Sierra Club, Niagara Group
Minutes of Monthly meeting - April 25, 2006

State University of New York at Buffalo, North Campus, Natural Science Building, Room 684, 7 PM

Jane Jontz, Chair, Presiding

Present: Jane Jontz*, Mike Stroh*, Bob Ciesielski*, Steve Burns*, Paul Maine*, Joe Gardella*, Charles Lamb*, Larry Beahan*, Ginger Ursitti*, Liz Kaszubski*, Marian Owczarczak, Jane Sheldon
(*Indicates member of Exec. Committee)

1) WETLAND MAPPING PROJECT- J. Gardella: The mapping of Niagara and Erie Counties with the overlay of federal wetland maps onto DEC designated wetlands has been completed. Inclusion of the federal map increases the wetlands in these two counties by approximately 90%.

Larry Beahan has contacted Amherst Town Councilman, Bill Kindel, to ask for review of maps by town. Bill Kindel and Dan Ward have contacted DEC concerning possible meeting. Larry will make presentation concerning map amendments, possible changes to local ordinances concerning wetlands, and town master plan. Larry will speak of benefits of wetlands. Larry is in process of requesting meeting with town and DEC officials.

Discussion of overlaying hydric soil maps onto new federal and DEC map. Discussion of having Amherst adopt new map boundaries as part of its master plan.

2) POLITICAL COMMITTEE- J. Gardella: Joe proposes addition of Carl DeVyver and Bob Ciesielski to political review committee.

Motion that minimal requirements for Group political endorsements include letter of request from candidate and completion of questionnaire. Motion approved unanimously.

Antoin Thompson has requested endorsement in special election to fill New York Senate seat vacated by Byron Brown. Thompson is running against Mark Coppola. Joe will contact Mark Coppola to see if he will also request endorsement.

3) MEMBERSHIP- S. Burns: Individual members stand at 2,349, household memberships stand at 2,299.

4) TREASURER REPORT- S. Burns: Niagara Group, balance of $2,074.01; Foundation account contains approximately $3,775.16. Expenditures included $280.17 for printing.

5) COOL BOOTH- S. Burns: Steve Burns will purchase a canopy for approximately $150.00 for group display booth. Steve has received some written handouts from National. Marian Owczarczak will take care of storing literature and helping with tabling.

6) ERIE COUNTY FORESTS- L. Beahan: Mike Stroh, Bob Ciesielski, and Larry Beahan toured Erie County Forest lots number #7 and #3. Many logs already cut and what appeared to be logging roads installed. Logging apparently accomplished after spring thaw and considerable rutting resulted. Number of large trees cut close to embankment and stream beds.

Larry Beahan has contacted Buffalo News which printed pictures and editorial. Committee to speak to Commissioner Sedita of Erie County Forestry Department asking to be informed about Phase II Logging Plan. Hope to negotiate Phase II with County.

7) PERRYSBURG- L. Beahan: R. Lippes has lost initial suit to prevent sale of property to developer. This will be appealed. Opponents to sale growing including Buffalo Council president David Franczyk, Habitat for Humanity which has donated $500.00 for legal fees, and Buffalo City Mission which helps to use facilities for children and/or senior homes. Donors willing to pay more than developer for parcel at this time.

8) GREENWAY- L. Beahan: Discussions about utilizing monies for Greenway Development only in coastal zone and not for inland community development.

9) CLIMATE CHANGE- Walter Simpson is organizing climate change group. Proposed Jamestown coal burning plant being opposed by group.

10) PEAK OIL- S. Burns: San Francisco is developing plan to deal with transportation issues in city should gas and oil become too expensive.

11) TRAILBLAZER- C. Lamb: June 1st deadline for submissions to newsletter.

12) CWM- C. Lamb: The Niagara County legislature is urging the State to enact new legislation banning persistent release of hazardous waste into waterways. CWM is a constant source of this hazardous waste water at rate of 25 million gallons per year.

Currently no new permits for expansion of CWM have been granted. CWM attempting to have town made responsible for treatment of its waste water. CWM attempting to fill in 1.55 acres of wetlands. In mitigation, they want to create one acre of new wetlands and give $30,000.00 to the Audubon Society.

Motion to request Audubon Society not to accept $30,000.00 from CWM. Nine in favor, Liz Kaszubski abstains. Letter will be sent to Audubon Society.

RRG, opposing CWM expansion, has fundraiser scheduled for May 6th, 2006.

13) HUNTING- C. Lamb: Discussion of essay contest opposing hunting. Currently approximately 20% of Sierra Club members are hunters.

14) ELIM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH- J. Gardella: Fellowship Church located in Central Park Plaza in Buffalo. Attempting to connect faith and environment, church is sponsoring "Connecting Spirituality and Sustainability" on April 28th, 2006. Motion by C. Lamb, seconded by Bob Ciesielski to pay $100.00 for tabling at April 28th event. Motion passed.

15) OUTINGS- M. Stroh, J. Jontz: Outing to Mt. Marcy in Adirondacks was successful.


Meeting adjourned at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert M. Ciesielski.