Mount Utsayantha Project Meetings

December 23, 2003

We had a good meeting last night – thanks to everyone that came out so close to the holidays to update one another on progress made on the Utsayantha project since last month.

We started the meeting with a brief recap of progress made by the Construction Committee. Waylen Bray reported that he and Jim Kopp had made a recent visit to the top of the mountain to inspect the observation building again. Jim used his estimating software to come up with some more concrete cost estimates for the necessary repairs on the building. He figures that jacking up the building and repairing/replacing the structural elements, as well as putting in new windows, replacing siding as needed an other repairs would run $20,000 to $30,000 including materials and labor. This doesn’t factor in the roof repairs, or any interior finishing work, plumbing or electric.

Moving on to the fire tower, Kevin Prior reported that He and Marty Podskotch had also recently visited the mountain to inspect the fire tower personally with the goal of determining the scope of work to restore the structure. Being a very windy day, the climb was treacherous, but revealed some good news. Only about 20 or so of the wooden steps will need to be replaced, and the landings appear to be in good shape. The metal window frames appear to be in good shape as well and it was once again recommended that the glass not be replaced, but rather the windows left open so that the tower cab can remain unlocked and accessible by the public at all times. Kevin did express some concern about the height of the hand rails, in that they appeared to be somewhat low and that concerned him, and also noted that some of the safety fencing was missing and would have to be replaced. Other than that, a good solid coat of paint and the tower should be good to go. A July 2004 anticipated date for reopening the fire tower was discussed. Waylen Bray informed everyone that since the last meeting, the Village Board adopted a resolution requesting that the DEC convey the tower to the Village. As Paul Trotta reported in his last e-mail, that has kick-started the process of “surplussing” the tower with the DEC’s Office of Real Property.

With regard to the Fundraising Committee, Helen Budrock read a letter from Jack Harmon apologizing for not being able to make the meeting due to a bout with the flu. Jack reported that he and Sean have been working on some ideas for fund raisers which they hope to start after the New Year. Jack Harmon also indicated that Dick Hinman of the Stamford Historical Society regretfully informed him that the society is not in a position to handle any funds raised for the Utsayantha project at this time. Sean is going to contact Doug Murphy who is Chairman of the Stamford Area Trust for their help and support in this regard. Dick Hinman, who was in attendance at the meeting, clarified the letter by saying that the Historical Society is solidly behind the project, but because they are a small organization, they didn’t feel able to handle the extra time and paperwork involved in processing donations, and were also concerned that the additional funding might raise their reporting threshold to the IRS. Waylen Bray also reported that the Village Treasurer has already set up an Utsayantha account, which can be used to deposit donations/grants and pay for expenses related to the project. Dave Turan, who volunteered to serve on this committee, indicated he would follow up with Jack to see when their next meeting date will be, so they can work on developing some fundraising ideas. Helen Budrock also reported that she and Waylen are putting the finishing touches on a grant application to the Robinson-Broadhurst foundation, which has expressed an interest in funding the project – primarily restoration of the observation building. At the same time, Helen has been in communication with Don Bishop of the O’Connor Foundation, who was amenable to entertaining an “under $5,000” request for a “challenge grant” that would match any donations raised locally dollar for dollar. Helen and Waylen will prepare a request to be submitted in January.

Finally, the Interpretation and Outreach Committee report was given by Don Dales and Dick Hinman, who indicated they had initial discussions about the planned interpretive signage for the site. After some discussion, it was decided that they would take a phased approach to developing ideas for the signage, focusing on the “transitional” signage first. For example, signs announcing the project under development, a welcome sign where the access road meets Tower Mountain Road, etc. The group would then develop an outline for interpretive signs at the lookout points, as well as a plan for exhibits inside the observation building. Helen Budrock mentioned that grants might be available to hire a professional exhibit designer to assist with this task. Don Dales also mentioned that at the last meeting, someone suggested the development of a Power Point presentation on the project that could be shown to local groups, civic organizations and the school to raise awareness and excitement about the project. Helen Budrock offered to develop such a presentation for the next meeting in February, and that people should bring a list of community groups and the dates when they meet for the next meeting as well.

The next Utsayantha project meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday, February 23, 2003 at 7:00 PM. Please try to get in contact with your fellow committee members and get together to discuss next steps before this meeting.

Have a wonderful holiday, and I will see you in February!

Cheers, Helen Budrock
The Catskill Center for Conservation & Development

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Any who are interested in helping should contact the mayor by calling his home at 607.652.7978 or Village Hall 607.652.6671.

Mail can be addressed to:
Village of Stamford
Mountaintop
P.O. Box 68
Stamford, NY 12167

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