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Annual Conference Government Relations
Ken Stigner, Chair Jim Thew, Chair and Emily Whalen, Esq.
• The 2025 conference will be the last of currently contracted events at • Jim reports that during their latest meeting with NYS D.O.T. they expressed
Turning Stone. concerns over the significant problems getting any mapping data from
• The next 3 conferences are being contracted to be held in Saratoga Springs Region 8. Data was requested for Dutchess County and has been provided
(2026-2028). to the committee. This data will be incorporated into the pilot GIS database.
• Ken has compared the cost of conference with other states and finds New In the meantime, any members looking for mapping for Dutchess County
York to be very competitive with the NJ and PA fees, particularly with our can contact the committee or Jim.
early bird discount. • Collaboration with the NYS GIS Association continues and there will be
• Have decided upon the giveaway and Thursday evening entertainment for a GIS Roundtable at the NYS GIS Summit in September and again at the
the 2025 conference. NYSAPLS Annual Conference in January.
• Roy asked if there was any consideration to scheduling conference at a • Roy Garfinkel has been working with some county clerks to gather their
date not so close to that of the Pennsylvania conference for those who feedback and support for the pilot GIS project.
would like to attend both. Ken noted that there is not much room to move • President Thompson will be meeting with Eric Greppo, Secretary of
things as the conference is held during winter months and some speakers the SBELSG along with the LS Committee chair Brian Holbritter for an
attend both conferences consecutively. We also work with Pennsylvania to introductory meeting to discuss how SBELSG will review and provide
ensure that our conferences are not the same date. feedback on the draft MTS document.
• Emily reports that the NYS Education Department will be posting an
Constitution & By-Laws advisory notice and guidance materials related to a law that was enacted
Steve Willard in 2022 that increased the potential ownership of ESOPS for design
• Committee is discussing adjustments to the Member categories in Article professional companies.
2, Section 2 classes of membership regarding member status of Retired
and Life. LS PAC
• Proposing changes in Article 3 to accommodate electronic ballots for Amber Carpenter for Steve Boddecker, Chair
officer election. Will send out the draft changes for amendments to the • Up to date on making required financial filings with the state.
board for their review. Planning to discuss proposed amendments at the • The account is about $9700.
board meeting in September and then if the board is good to go, will work • Donations of at least $40 still receive an insulated mug.
on getting everything out to membership to get the bylaws ballots out • Planning to hold the LSPAC reception at conference immediately after the
because it is a Membership vote. GIS Roundtable.
• The committee continues to work on the Regional by-laws template and
best practices guidelines. Membership
Heather Schultz and Don Stedge
Education • Membership reports are in the handouts.
Dan Marvin • Paid dues are on par with last year at this time.
• Contracts are being sent out to conference education presenters.
• First Friday webinars are scheduled for August with Dan Martin on Datums Minimum Technical Standards (ad hoc)
and October with Tom Cerchiara on Augmented Reality. Still working on Jason Larson, Chair
topic for September with second showing. • Committee will be meeting with SBELSG in a few weeks. This is just an
• Continuing to discuss the potential for running the Certified Flood Plain introductory meeting, but it is progress.
Surveyor program. • Steve Willard noted that Matt Noviello (board member) insists that their
board is not referred to as “SBELSG”, but State Board.
Ethical Practices
David Zigler, Chair Nominations and Awards
• Dave reported on the cases that the committee is working on, three of Kaleb Winters, Chair
which are very active. • The committee will be meeting in August and reporting to the board
• There are two cases where members need to legalize the name of in September.
their firm. There are some issues with getting timely approvals from the NSPS
education dept. Patti Brooks, Chair
• Other cases include a complaint regarding a surveyor trespassing on private • Next meeting will be held in Albuquerque, NM in October.
property and one with a conflict between two surveyors over an easement. Public Relations
• Of particular interest for the board is a case where there is a conflict Lem Morrison, Chair
over finances between a land surveyor and a client. The committee has • The recent final point ceremony for Robert Prescott was picked up by the
considered this case at length and due to the circumstances would like local TV news.
to require that the surveyor watch the NYSAPLS online Ethical Practice • Regionals should report any items of interest to Amber.
course within 60 days and report back with evidence that it was completed.
The committee is looking for guidance from the board as to whether it is • Please send news of summer interns to the PR committee.
acceptable for the board to take this action. After discussion, a motion was • Working to align their strategic charge with Workforce Development
made by Tim Coyer and seconded by John Abruzzo for the committee to Committee and meet with that committee.
proceed with this course of action, all in favor, motion carried.
continued on page 30
EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 60 • NO 5 2024 • SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 29