Supervisors Demand DEP Keep Watershed Partnership Programs - Public Hearing on Youth Hunting Law Scheduled Oct 8

DELHI – Following a lengthy executive session on Sept. 24, Delaware County Supervisors unanimously voted on a resolution calling for Watershed Protection and Partnership Programs to be a requirement of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Water Withdrawal Permit. The new permit, which DEP applied for at the beginning of September, will take effect in 2028.The resolution states that such programs are in line with the 1997 Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). The MOA established a partnership to cooperate in the development and implementation of a Watershed Protection Program, aimed at enhancing and maintaining the quality of New York City's drinking water and promoting the economic vitality of watershed communities. Regulations for the new supply permit and watershed programs have been under negotiation for roughly three years.

Supervisors supported the resolution following DEP's decision to close negotiations with Watershed Stakeholders. Supervisors and Attorney Kevin Young suspect that the DEP has linked funding for watershed programs to the obligation imposed by the Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) issued by the Department of Health.

The resolution states that "DEP has expressed intent to downsize its funding obligations in West of Hudson Watershed in order, in part, to focus funding on new emergent threats to water quality." Supervisors require that the DEP agree to link the water supply permit to the MOA agreement in a similar manner. They further request that DEP obtain the consent of the Watershed communities regarding a 4th side agreement.

The resolution will be forwarded to Director of Region 2 of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Commissioner of DOH, Watershed Inspector General's Office of New York State Attorney General, and the DEP Commissioner.

Delhi Supervisor Maya Boukai, Andes Supervisor Wayland Gladstone, and Meredith Supervisor Jim Ellis were absent.

Catskill Watershed Cooperation (CWC) Director Jason Merwin and Planning Department Director Shelly Johnson-Bennett were asked to join the executive session. CWC manages DEP Watershed Protection and Partnership Programs.

The Catskill Watershed Corporation's Executive Directors passed a resolution, accompanied by a letter, regarding the cessation of negotiations. More information on their resolution can be found in the article titled CWT Call For Pause DEP Water Permit Application.

Youth Hunting

In another discussion, supervisors presented a local law permitting licensed youth hunters aged 12 and 13 to hunt with a firearm or crossbow during the appropriate season, provided they are accompanied by an adult licensed hunter. A public hearing on the proposed law is set for Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 1:05 p.m.

Stamford Supervisor John Kosier said the regulations were implemented in the County as a PILOT program in 2021, which has been successful. The PILOT was “met with great enthusiasm,” he said.

The legislation will permit the County to again participate in the program through December 2028. Licensed youth would be permitted to hunt with a rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow with supervision of a licensed hunter over 21 years old. The law reads, “The intent of this local law is to authorize Delaware County to permit 12 and 13 year-old individuals to continue to participate in the hunting opportunities in accordance with Environmental Conservation Law section 11-0935.”

The legislation can be reviewed online at delcony.us or requested at the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors' office at 111 Main Street.

In other business

Supervisor Ellis was re-appointed as Board of Supervisors Deputy Chairperson.

Real Property Tax Director Sherri Falcone was reappointed for a six-year term ending September 2031.

A $100,000 budget amendment was approved to pay professional attorney fees.

Supervisors purchased an additional three acres of land from the Dent Family for $21,000, adjacent to Camp Shankitunk. The property is slated to become part of the camp, in line with a previous purchase by the county for approximately 12 acres for $107,000.

The board acknowledged the week of September 14 through 20 as Sheriff’s Week, recognizing the office and the services it provides.

The board further recognized the week of October 5 through 11th as National 4-H Week. This year's national 4-H Week theme is "Beyond Ready." The theme “reminds us that 4-H is building a ready generation in a world of change and equips young people with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today,” the resolution states.

The Office of the Aging received a $148,184 grant from the State to provide nutrition information through the Seniors’ Health Improvement and Nutrition Education program.

Supervisors paid a $101,829 bill for psychiatric care provided to inmates deemed incapacitated to meaningfully participate in defense proceedings. The County is responsible for the care as regulated by State law. Walton Supervisor Joe Cetta said he was informed of the two inmates in such care for the last year; one has been released, and the second is set for release by the end of October. “The bill should at least be cut in half by next meeting,” he said.

The County agreed to assist the Town of Delhi and Delaware Academy Central School in tax collection proceedings with Saputo Cheese USA and Burdkidz, which owns the Price Chopper Plaza.

The Department of Economic Development was redesignated as the Tourism Promotion Agency for the county.

The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled directly preceding the public hearing on Oct. 8.