Page 33 - NYS_ESS_05-2025

Education Public Relations
Jeremy Thompson, Acting Chair Lemuel Morrison, Chair
• The spring virtual workshop will feature Gary Kent including two topics • Participated in Surveyors Week activity today on Wall Street in New York
each spread over two days. City which went very well.
• Will be working on Continuing Education offerings for the next • Recently attended the NYS Association of Towns & Villages Conference.
few months. • Running the photo contest for Surveyors week.
• Considering holding the Certified Floodplain Surveyor program at the Strategic Planning
upcoming conference.
Amber Carpenter
Ethical Practices • Reviewing the three year plan. Will be meeting with the Public Relations
David Zigler, Chair and Workforce Development Committees.
• Scott Gillis presented an in depth report to the committee regarding • The strategic retreat will be held in 2026 and every five years thereafter.
recent issues of unlicensed and unauthorized practice, particularly
on Long Island. Dave suggested a joint meeting with the NYS OPD to Workforce Development Committee
discuss these issues. Amber Carpenter
• Dave stated that having established standards would aid in enforcement • Drafting an outline for members to use when presenting to various groups.
of these issues. Young Professionals
Government Relations Keith Burley, Chair
Emily Whalen • The Young Professional and alumni reception at the conference was very
• The Statute of Repose bill is moving through the Senate. NYSAPLS has well received and attended.
supported this in the past. Unfortunately, this bill has been passed by the • The committee is working to be a resource for people new to the
Senate for several years but not by the Assembly. profession and those pursuing licensure.
• Emily reported on a proposed amendment to the Education law that • Keith attended the recent NYS specific exam review course and felt that
would provide for certain out of state non-profit corporations to engage people were not clearly aware that this is just a review course and they
in engineering for wetland conservation efforts. This is not currently for were not coming to the course sufficiently prepared.
passage as it also has not had progress in the Assembly for the past few • Keith plans to attend the NYS Future Farmers of America conference to
years. NYS Education Dept is opposed to this as it would potentially set assist at the Be a Surveyor booth.
a precedent. The consensus was that we are opposed to this but don’t VI. Unfinished Business
need to take any action now. Roy Garfinkel will be attending the NYS Association of County Clerk’s
• Roy Garfinkel reported on recent staff cuts at NGS and the impact conference to discuss our government relations initiative accessing
upon our surveying community. Dan Martin at NGS has received travel digital data.
restrictions and is concerned about the future of his position as NGS.
VII. New Business
LS PAC President Thompson “passed the gavel” and invited each attendee to report
Amber Carpenter on their regional activities, share news, report concerns, or just comment
• The fundraising reception held at the conference was successful with in general.
over $3700 raised. • Jason Peterson (Eastern) will be attending an event at Fort Drum on
Membership May 15.
Nikolas Decker, Chair • John Abruzzo (Long Island) still talking with Farmingdale College about
• The number of regular members continues to decline but other their bachelor’s degree in land surveying. That process is moving along
categories including associate and retired have increased. pretty well.
• Nik raised the concept of making At-large members their own regional. • Scott Allen (Northern) announced that their scholarship has been
After lengthy discussion it was determined that we need to know more renamed in honor of Barbara Marvin.
details about the in-state at-large members and, if possible, determine • Steve Willard (Westchester-Putnam) held their annual dinner in January.
why they don’t join a region. Contact information for in-state at-large • Jeremy Thompson (Black River Valley) met last night and hosted 13
members will be referred to the directors of the regional they live in for Ranger School students.
direct follow-up.
VIII. Upcoming Board Meetings
Minimum Technical Standards (ad hoc) Executive Board, Tuesday April 15, 9:00 am – Virtual Teams Meeting
Roy Garfinkel, Chair Executive Board, Friday May 30, 2:30 pm- Hilton Garden Inn, Albany
• Roy suggested having a joint meeting with the MTS committee, Ethical
Practice committee and the NYS OPD. Board of Directors, Friday May 30, 5:00 pm- Hilton Garden Inn, Albany
Executive Board, Tuesday June 10, 9:00 am – Virtual Teams Meeting
Nominations and Awards Board of Directors, Friday July 18, 2:00 pm – Virtual Teams Meeting
Amber Carpenter
• Reminder to all please consider making nominations to fulfill the Board of Directors, Friday September 19, 6:30 pm- Embassy Suites, Saratoga
upcoming open position on the Executive Board. Motion to adjourn at 4:28 p.m. was made by John Abruzzo, seconded by Scott Allen.
NSPS Respectfully submitted:
No report William R. Eggers, Secretary
EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 61 • NO 3 / 2025 • MAY/JUNE 31