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[ minutes, continued ]

• 2029 conference will be hosted by Delaware Hudson; Stephen Dolson, the • Emily reported:
newest member of the conference committee, will serve as representative. ¶ She has spoken with Mark Chris, confirming that this is not an
• Brian Babcock requested that the committee consider Resorts World as a isolated issue and may constitute widespread illegal practice,
potential venue for the 2029 conference. Amber has met with Adam Jackson noting that enforcement challenges exist. Many entities are
from Resorts World to discuss specifications and if it would be a good fit and difficult to trace, often leading to dead ends.
proposals for other venues will be solicited. ¶ Increased enforcement would require significant additional state
• David Bardoun inquired whether early week scheduling will continue; it was funding, which legislators have been hesitant to approve.
confirmed that the early week scheduling will be maintained for the 2027 and ¶ Emily recently discussed the issue with Eric Greppo, who
2028 conferences. understands the profession and agreed to follow up on specific
Constitution & By-Laws websites she provided.
No Report • Alexander Alli asked whether these companies operate in New York
Education only or nationally; consensus was that they are national in scope.
Jeremy Thompson, Chair • Keith Burley noted a related issue involving platforms such as “Land
• Jeremy reported that the conference was successful overall. Several first-time id®,” where users can create property boundary lines by plotting
presenters received positive feedback. bearings and distances onto tax map parcels. This is increasingly
• He noted that any members interested in presenting at future conferences are problematic in Keith’s region, as it has misled users into believing
encouraged to reach out. these are accurate property boundaries.
• Next year’s conference will continue with the electronic evaluations, and we are going • Brian Babcock added that these practices are misleading to the
to move towards also having electronic continuing education (CE) certifications. public, especially in areas where zoning regulations limit when
• Offering the credit for the keynote speaker was well received. Committee is looking professionally prepared plans are required.
into Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a topic for next year’s keynote presentation.
• FS Exam Eligibility Discussion 2. Village of Catskill (Case 2026-002)
• This case involves procedures within the Village of Catskill:
¶ Jeremy explained that New York State currently requires a two-year associate Applicants must go through the Building Department and Planning
degree plus 2.5 years of qualifying work experience to sit for the FS exam, while ¶
surrounding states often require only the degree. Eric Greppo from the State Board for project approvals. Initial submissions may be informal
Board is reviewing the historical rationale and requested input from NYSAPLS. (e.g., hand-drawn sketches), after which applicants receive a list
of required items. The Planning Board includes a clause allowing
¶ A more in-depth discussion was held regarding the different neighboring them to waive certain requirements.
state requirements to be eligible to take the FS Exam. • Reports indicate that property owners may be modifying existing
¶ Glennon Watson noted that this could be a tool to help improve curriculum if surveys to reduce costs, rather than obtaining updated surveys from
participants are struggling. licensed professionals, raising ethical and legal concerns regarding
¶ Jeffery Moore inquired how many individuals sit for the LSIT exam. Jeremey noted compliance with professional standards.
that the LSIT is obtained after passing the FS exam. Jackie Dresser provided • Ethics Committee recommendation is that the Board should send
more clarification that the LSIT certification is not automatic, and candidates must a formal letter to the Village requiring them to adhere to their own
apply/register with the appropriate state after passing the FS exam. regulations. Noting that a similar matter had previously been sent to
¶ Directors were asked to gather regional feedback regarding the eligibly for the Village attorney.
the FS Exam and bring it back to next board meeting, where a potential vote • David Zigler made a motion to have Emily Whalen draft and
to draft a formal letter to the State Board will occur.
send a formal letter to the Village of Catskill. Rick Moravec
Ethical Practices seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Dave Zigler, Chair Government Relations
• Two cases were presented: Emily Whalen/Roy Garfinkel
1. Misleading Online Site Plan Providers • Emily announced progress on legislation to update datum references
• The committee reviewed an email from Delaware Hudson regarding in law.
companies offering professional drafting services online. These companies • Discussion on Suffolk County offering a certification of correction that
advertise a wide range of services (approximately 12 offerings) and promise
quick turnaround times (within 24 hours), often with free revisions. is kept on file with a filed map. Steve Willard suggested this should be
implemented statewide.
• Several websites (approximately four reviewed) include disclaimers stating • Roy Garfinkel providing updates from the GAC meeting including
that no licensed professional is reviewing the work. It is estimated that at least
eight companies are currently offering similar services. discussion on GIS and AI impacts.
• Mark Chris, attorney for the engineering profession, has been consulted as LS PAC
the issue has grown significantly. Engineers have expressed strong concern, Amber Carpenter
identifying this as a serious and widespread problem. • Committee met February 23rd, reviewed fundraising efforts, they are looking
• The committee discussed creating a public awareness effort, such as a at hosting a dinner on the Sunday night before the 2027 conference.
blog post or website banner, to inform the public that these services are not Membership
equivalent to professionally reviewed work. Nik Decker, Chair
• Steve Willard emphasized that this is a major issue and recommended further • Membership is down by approximately 30 members compared to last
engagement with Professional Engineers (PEs). year (see handouts).
24 EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 62 • NO 3 / 2026 • MAY/JUNE