Meeting of Dec

Present: Eleanor and Giles Rae, Rose Zervas, Inge Otto, Violet Smith, Jack Ullman.

I. Minutes. Minutes of the preceding meeting had been taken by Rose Zervas. She distributed copies of them, which were read and approved with some minor additions which will be included in the final version on the website.

II. Treasurer’s report. Our November bank statement gives us $4290.40 with an additional $125 check to deposit. There is a small discrepancy between this amount and the amount in our records, which Inge Otto will investigate.

A. Tallapoosa site with DEC. Eleanor Rae reports no success in getting information from DEC about this. This is a landfill done in the 1960’s, which we located on a map. We will have to investigate it from land or a boat.

C. New stationery. Jack Ullman reports that we have 500 envelopes and letterhead stationery from Tremont Offset for $151. The cost would have been about $100 if we had not insisted on recycled paper, but the more expensive option was approved.

D. Report for NYCEF grant. Giles Rae has completed and submitted the required report for this grant, which financed much of our wildlife refuge cleanup. He included a media package with pictures, press releases and posters.

E. Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance Conference. Violet Smith and Eleanor Rae attended this day-long affair. About 400 people attended, many young and many from New Jersey. There were many different panels, on boating, ferries, and so on. Violet attended one on education and found that Baltimore has an active program of introducing school children to their waterfront, which might be emulated here. All the groups seemed to work well together in spite of sometimes competing interests. An Army Corps of Engineers presentation included a map that did not identify the Hutchinson River, which should be pointed out to them.

F. Water bottles with HRRP logo. According to a brochure of Eleanor’s stainless steel bottles with logo would cost $3.50 each and plastic would be much cheaper. We still preferred stainless, unless it was lined with plastic. Rose will look into BPA-free plastic.

G. Receptacles for fishing line. Eleanor spoke to a park ranger, Sheridan Roberts, at the Metropolitan Water Alliance meeting who said they installed them in Central Park. We will look into this further.

H. Boat for HRRP. Jack Ullman reports that he has looked up prices on the internet for equipment necessary to keep his boat at a slip and give it an electric motor with solar charging, and found it not too bad, under $500, which he would share with the organization.

IV. Fish and Wildlife Grant. We recently received a notice that we had been awarded this grant but with a proviso that we provide $6000 in matching funds. Jack Ullman reminds us that they accept volunteer hours at reasonable pay for this, and that our proposal included enough hours to cover this easily. They also require a copy of our Form 990 as provided to IRS. Giles will provide this.

VI. Bronx Park Speak-Up Event at Lehman College, February 26, 2011, 11:30 AM-5PM. As many of us as possible should attend. We will bring posters. We may need a new poster and two easels, which Giles will purchase.

VII. Date and time of next meeting: Wednesday, January 19, 7PM at 7 Leeward Lane, the Boatyard condominium, at the East end of Carroll St. on City Island.

The meeting, which started about 7:15 pm, began with some discussion of the words "celebratory luncheon" when reading the minutes of the last meeting and the minutes were accepted with this rewording. The report for the NYCEF grant was finalized - Total receipts $3,080 and the total grant was $3,100. Complete report and attachments to be mailed in by Eleanor. According to Eleanor, and waiting for Inga Otto to review, the total Treasury monies are about $4,505.28.

There was a discussion about the celebration party on October 30th, and it was deemed well worth the effort, as we received another grant on that day of $1,500 from Citizens Committee of NYC from CEO Peter Kostmayer. The photo taken made the"Island Current". It was also recorded that the Long Island South office of EPA gave HRRP a grant for next year's cleanup of $2,884.00.

Regarding "Vision 20/20" the Hutchinson River is now delineated in maps of the waterways of NYC - we're in reach 9 out of 22 reaches. Eleanor brought up the fact that she has been asked as a HRRP leader to comment on a NYS Dept of Health brochure, which means other organizations are taking HRRP seriously. Eleanor also mentioned the the MGP investigation for Con Ed in Eastchester Creek was not complete because Getty gas was not included in the data. She would talk to John Doyle of Sen. Jeff Klein's office to keep us informed of the water quality statistics there.

Regarding the "Tallapoosa Site" with the DEC, it was recommended after some explanation that we work with Lisa Geurreson/DEC and Susan Maresca (marine specialist) that HRRP find out what the project is and even go on the water to investigate the site (old Freedom land area?) Eleanor to get more information.

Regarding the stationery, those present liked it, but noticed a zip code error that would need fixing. We agreed that we would sponsor Violet Smith as "Friends of Pelham Bay Park" for $ 15, and look into a corporate membership for HRRP.

Eleanor reported she is on the steering committee for the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Plan; she is happy HRRP is included within the scope of their work. Bob Zervos will be our representative at that meeting. HRRP has also become an official member of the Metropolitan Water Alliance Conference. Violet and Eleanor will attend next meeting with over 400 orgs.

There was some discussion of the outreach HRRP next needs to provide to the community: getting a newsletter out electronically - through "Constantcontact.com" There was also a suggestion that we contact the environmental clubs of the local colleges regarding working with us.

Present: Eleanor Rae, Inge Otto, Helen Friedman, Toby Liederman, Violet Smith, Jack Ullman.

I. Minutes. Jack Ullman apologized for not yet producing the minutes of the last meeting. He will have them eventually.

II. Treasurer’s Report. Inge Otto reports no change in the amount of money in our account.

III. Election of Officers: It was unanimously voted that Eleanor Rae would remain as President, Jack Ullman as Secretary and Inge Otto as treasurer, and that Violet Smith would be our Vice-President, replacing Dorothea Poggi, who has left our organization.

IV. New board members. Dorothea Poggi and Lorraine Nicloetti have left the organization, and Toby Liederman has announced that she no longer wants to be on the board, though she will remain a member. To replace them, Bob and Rose Zervas have been asked to become board members and have accepted. It was also suggested that we ask Giles Rae and Pat Attis. Pat will be contacted by Toby Liederman.

V. Quorum. Toby Liederman has brought up the question as to whether we should require some quorum as a minimum number of persons who could make decisions for the group at a meeting. It was agreed that this could be necessary at some point but at present, with such a small organization and with a tradition of making decisions by general agreement, we seem to get along all right without that. The question was left for possible further discussion at a future time.

VI. Board or open meetings? There was some discussion of this. The consensus seems to be that we should continue to have regular board meetings, with other members and nonmembers not excluded but generally not invited. However, we could also have open meetings from time to time, well publicized and open to anyone, at which we might make presentations about our organization and about topics concerning the Hutchinson River. Such meetings would have to be held in some public space, and would be a help in recruiting new members.

VII. Membership, including Co-Op City and Westchester. It was agreed that we must extend our membership beyond City Island to other places along the Hutchinson River. Various means of doing that were suggested. Mel Rodriguez says interest has been expressed in Co-Op-City. Perhaps with his help we can set up a meeting for residents. Toby suggested calling people whose names we have from the cleanup and other sources. She volunteered to do some of this. It was agreed that we should all think about this and make more definite plans at the next meeting.

VIII. Evaluation for NYCEF due Nov. 30. Copies of their evaluation form have been given to all board members. We are all to consider proper answers to the questions and we will meet again about this particular topic only at 1 PM on Tuesday Nov. 9.

IX. $1500 grant from Citizens’ Committee –for our own boat? A Zodiac was suggested. It would practically be the best boat but would be very expensive. An inexpensive alternative was suggested by Jack Ullman. He owns an elegant, traditional wooden rowboat, a Whitehall skiff, built by a boatbuilder on City Island. He has recently been offered a summer slip for it for $500. He would be willing to equip the boat with a solar-charged electric outboard motor and make it available to the organization, naming it the Anne Hutchinson. It would serve us as a symbol, like the Clearwater for the Hudson

River cleanup, He would share the cost of maintenance and operation on a basis of how much time it was used for the organization or his personal use, and give it winter storage in his garage. He would also give organization use priority over personal use, so that we would have a boat available to go up the river whenever needed. The board found this to be worth considering.

X .Celebration on Oct. 30. It will be held in the Captain’s House at the end of the pier at the Boatyard Condominium, where Eleanor and Giles live. Violet Smith and Rose Zervas will make arrangements for food, Violet and Giles Rae will prepare a show of pictures taken at the cleanup. Eleanor, Giles, Inge, Helen, Toby and Violet tried to contact as many as possible of the people who were at the cleanup to invite them, but it was noted by Toby and others that some people who were there were missed. Toby contacted John Collazzi of the Bronx Times who should send a photographer. It was suggested that a picture with caption should be sent to the Island Current. Peter Kostmayer, CEO and Thelma Leemans, Executive Assistant of the Citizens Committee of NYC will be there be present HRRP with a Grant for future work for the Hutchinson River. A membership table with brochures and other information will be set up at the celebration.

XI. Date and time of next meeting. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 7 PM at the usual place, 7 Leeward Lane in the Boatyard Condominium.

Meeting October 12, 2010

Present: Eleanor Rae, Giles Rae, Rose Zervas, Inge Otto, Helen Friedman Violet Smith, Toby Liederman

Treasurer's Report: We have $4,113.22 as of Sept. 30,2010.

Helen Friedman gave her drafts of general letters of thanks for cleanup participation to Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Councilman James Vacca, Jessica Noon of Borough President Reuben Diaz’s office, American Rivers, and NYS Senator Jeff Klein. There was some discussion of what the letters should say and to whom they should be addressed. Rose Zervas will help Helen Friedman write the letters, to be ready for the next board meeting.

Eleanor spoke regarding the Citizens' Committee grant check for $1,500. The Committee's CEO, Kostmeyer, would like to deliver it to us personally.

There is about $900 left from the cleanup funding that was not spent. Eleanor Rae showed us figures for expenses on web maintenance, graphics, bottled water, and other purchases. After covering all items on the agenda, use of this money will be decided on.

Eleanor Rae stated that we were officially exempt from New York State taxes but all purchases must be made with a check from HRRP and a tax form needs to be filled out for each purchase.

Thanks were given to Helen Friedman for the large first aid kit donated. It was noted that we are seeking reimbursement for the five small first aid kits used on the cleanup day.

Patty Grondahl is researching the cost of receptacles for fishing line to be left in areas where fisherman use the shoreline. The Board agreed to give her support on this. Eleanor will follow up.

Eleanor handed out data on re-usable water bottles and invited members of the board to look into this as a good PR marketing item.

Eleanor suggested that we make a donation to American Rivers, but in her dealings with them found that they don't take donations from organizations such as ours, only from individuals or large corporations. This subject was then tabled, to be pursued later with the availability of future monies.

Violet Smith proposed using the $900 NYCEF money left over from the cleanup to host a thank-you event for volunteers to discuss future plans and get members for HRRP. It could be held at the Captain's House, located on the grounds of Eleanor and Giles' condo, on the waterfront. Yvette Chandel was mentioned for catering, as well as our local IGA. Cost to rent the room is $200. A pen and basket of brochures to be filled out on the spot could be provided. After the meeting, Eleanor took the members out to the Captain's House and it was deemed appropriate, provided people were warned to dress warmly since it is on the water. Toby Leiderman volunteered to call the caterer.

Present: Eleanor Rae, Giles Rae, Toby Liederman, Helen Friedman, Patty Grondahl, Inge Otto, Violet Smith

A. Giles made a new map of the cleanup plan which aided Eleanor, Giles and Jack in their meeting on Wednesday, August 18 with Marianne Anderson, Administrator of Pelham Bay Park (PBP). The outcome of that meeting is as follows:

2. Dave Kunstler, Wildlife Manager for Pelham Bay Park, will participate in the project.

3. HRRP workers will meet at the corner of City Island Road and Shore Road which is at the top of the path to the PBP canoe launch.

4. Marianne Anderson will provide gloves, bags, pick up tools and table and chairs.

a. Car parking at horse stable, maintenance facility and/or miniature golf course.

Violet is still waiting for return calls from both Assemblyman Benedetto's office and Senator Klein's. Toby has heard no more from Councilman Vacca's office, other than what was stated in last month’s meeting with him and his staff.

1. Larry Culleton has volunteered and can drive a power boat. Con Grondahl will also drive a power boat. Bob Zervas will serve as coordinator manning a fifth boat. Patty will get red caps for the team captains. Patty will look for pins online.

2. Giles will send e-mails to people who have volunteered spelling out their involvement.

4. Giles will meet with Coast Guard Auxiliary to ascertain their assistance in the cleanup.

5. Inge, Patty and Eleanor will bring digital cameras and we will buy a few disposable cameras for each captain.

Violet will talk to Skip about our location and will also talk to Brenda about getting a table for the fair. She will also make calls to get people to man the tables at the fair.

V. Date and time of next meeting-The next meeting will be held on September 1, 2010 at the Rae's, 7 Leeward Lane in the Boatyard at the East end of Carroll St. on City Island.

I. Jorge Santiago’s letter from Bronx Council for Environmental Quality to Attorney General Cuomo, December 2007: This letter, which came to Toby’s attention when a copy was forwarded to her recently by Bill Twomey. It described very well the situation of the Hutchinson River. She was concerned that no copy was sent to our organization. She volunteered to write a letter to him about this, praising his letter but requesting that in the future we should be sent copies of such letters.

(1) Marianne Anderson is on vacation until August 11, and there are very important things we must discuss with her. Among those brought up by members were:

1. Liability issues. Is the waiver form we have OK with them, or do they have something different for such operations?

4. Park Rangers and canoes: have arrangements been made for them, and how many Rangers will be involved? Will they provide life jackets?

(2) Giles Rae showed us some of the items which had been purchased, including latex gloves in two weights and cloth work gloves. There was some discussion of the possibility that some people would be allergic to latex, and that the cloth gloves would not be waterproof. He also showed us examples of the plastic overboots purchased, which were generally regarded as satisfactory.

(3) Eleanor Rae and Jack Ullman tried to get to the area on foot we want to clean up at the north end of the refuge from the land, going under the bridge that carries the New England Thruway over the Hutchinson River. They found all trails so clogged with vegetation as to be impassable without much effort to clear them.

Toby Liederman had a very productive meeting with Councilman Jim Vacca on August 3. She came back with six pages of detailed notes, which can be only briefly summarized here. Councilman Vacca said he would contact News 12 and all Bronx papers, send an email alert from his office about our operation, send a press release to Facebook, send information about it in his newsletter, and put information on it on his website. His assistants will work on this. Amjad Amujaahid, present at the meeting, whom we have met, and whose present relation to Vacca’s office is not clear, said he has connections with salvage outfits that might help with such things as tire removal, either as a donation or for pay.

They had many suggestions for us. A brief sampling of them is: develop a public relations strategy, develop a presence on FACEBOOK, IDEALIST.ORG and NONPROFIT TIMES, contact all City Island organizations such as the Kayak Club, Civic Association and marinas and shops, call all volunteers or email them. Many other subjects came up not directly related to this operation, like access to the Sound from the end of City Island streets. These will have to be looked into later.

We already have names, email addresses and/or telephone numbers for many volunteers. We must try our best to contact them. This requires a lot of work. Eleanor and Giles volunteered to try to do this by email, with help from Jack. We need to find people who can run the outboard motorboats. That will require contacting experienced volunteers. Patty Grondahl has volunteered to be in charge of the arrival of debris to be divided into recycle and trash

We are going to have a presence at the Sept. 12 City Island Fair. We will try to get volunteers then, and are preparing material to attract them.

III. Date and time of next meeting: We will have an extra meeting this month because of the imminence of our wildlife refuge cleanup. The date was set for Thursday August 19 at 7:00, at the Rae’s, 7 Leeward Lane in the Boatyard at the East end of Carroll St. on City Island.

II. Treasurer’s report: Inge Otto reports that Giles Rae has submitted bills for $307.97 for maintenance of our website, to keep the domain name for five years and the website for three.

A. Article for Bronx Times: The situation is unchanged since last month: the article has been submitted but has not appeared.

1. Citizens’ Committee Grant, due March 14. Giles has completed and submitted this proposal. We should hear about its success early in May.

2. NYC Environmental Fund. Giles and Eleanor are working on this. There is only a limited number of proposals and we have been invited to submit one. Amount is $3000-5000. It is due April 16.

4. Long Island Sound Futures Fund. Inge and Jack will work on this one. It is due May 7.

C. Brochure in Publisher. We have not gotten it from Dotti. Giles has scanned the present one in. We will have to look it over and decide what changes to make. Besides general editing, we agree that the list of items and costs of them should go.

D. Report from Sen. Klein’s office on cleanup of Con Edison site on Hutchinson River. Eleanor Rae reports that sediment probing was done in October-November; they were analyzed in February, but the final report is not due until next October! Eleanor expressed some dismay at this long delay, but Jack Ullman was not surprised that coming to a conclusion and writing a report might take that long.

E. Bronx Week, May 15-23. Will we participate? The deadline for applying is past.

F. Bronx River Alliance request. They asked if we wanted to be a part of their flotilla on May 1, but they want $500 from us to do so! This does not seem to be for us.

A. Bronx Park Speak Up, April 10: To be held at Lehman College. Violet, Inge and Jack expect to attend. We will hand out brochures,

B. EarthFest in Pelham Bay Park, Sunday, April 18: There will be a shoreline cleanup in the morning, and we will have a table.

C. Spring test in preparation for Fall 2010 cleanup: Jack expects to inspect the shore of the wildlife refuge in a canoe with Dave Kuntsler, the Park’s wildlife expert, early in May.

D. Clean up of floatables in Thomas Pell Wildlife refuge, September 26, 2010: We hope planning in detail can take place at our next meeting.

V. Date and time of next meeting: Wednesday May 5, at 7 PM , 7 Leeward Lane, at the East end of Carroll St. on City Island.

Present: Eleanor Rae, Giles Rae, Inge Otto, Helen Friedman, Toby Liederman, Jack Ullman.

1. The minutes of the preceding meeting were approved, with two minor additions from Toby Liederman.

II. Treasurer’s Report: Inge Otto reports that our checking account balance is still $1939.59. Violet smith has paid for the reproduction of our brochure with her own money, as a $60 donation to the Project. Dorothea Poggi has not yet provided invoices for reimbursement of her own expenses in producing the brochure.

A. Article for Bronx Times: The article by Helen Friedman and Violet Smith was submitted long ago and has not yet appeared. Violet will call and inquire as to whether it will be published.

1. Citizens’ Committee Grant. Giles has written a proposal. It is due March 14. Jack has agreed to edit it.

D. Revision of the brochure. Dotti was supposed to send us the version she has in Publisher, but this has not happened. Giles says he can scan it in and work on it that way, to add Toby’s revisions.

E. Westchester Land Trust meeting, March 4. This was attended by Jack Ullman and Violet Smith. This was an open meeting on a comprehensive plan to develop Mount Vernon. It was of interest to us because one thing discussed was a plan to make a greenway along the Hutchinson River down to the Bronx line extending a path that exists north of Mount Vernon. Violet and Jack have walked along this stretch of river and found remains of an old path, now strewn with garbage. David de Lucia of the Westchester County Parks Department was interested in this and gave us his email address, DJD2@westchestergov.com. The state apparently owns the right of way along the Hutchison River Parkway but the county has been responsible for maintaining it.

F. American Rivers Organization and Army Corps of Engineers: The American Rivers Organization has expressed concern about some activities of the Corps of Engineers and asked us to write to President Obama about this. Toby has written a letter.

G. South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp: Eleanor received a call from Shira Giddings of that organization, inviting her to join their Board of Directors. They also wanted a letter from us in support of a proposal for an EPA grant.

H. EarthFest in Pelham Bay Park, Sunday, April 18: Marianne Anderson of Pelham Bay Park has asked us to take part, with a table, brochures, and so on.

I. Federal Tax Statement, due Feb. 15: Eleanor reports that she and Giles have submitted it.