Philip Soskin

The board meeting involved the authorization of five change orders (numbered 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) for the renovation of the Rockland Green Administrative Headquarters, totaling an increase of $190,507.50 due to unforeseen conditions such as relocated utility lines, structural pier encounters during ramp construction, and asbestos pipe replacement. Additionally, seven change orders (numbered 7, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22) were presented for the build-out of the new animal shelter, resulting in an overall contract increase of $264,419.67. These increases were largely driven by required upgrades to electrical gear due to EPA refrigerant regulations (R32 conversion), utility provider mandates regarding power service connections, and necessary design modifications for isolation rooms. The board also authorized an award of a service contract for solid waste collection, transportation, and disposal for the Village of Sloatsburg. Future operational items included updates on upcoming TNVR clinics, Household Hazardous Waste collection events, and paper shredding events. The Executive Director also noted that over 507,000 tons of material were processed at the facilities in 2025.

The meeting included welcoming a new Commissioner, the adoption of the mission statement, and the appointment of Commissioners to various standing committees for the year 2026, specifically the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Governance Committee. Resolutions were passed authorizing engagements with West Group Law on a flat-fee retainer basis, and authorizing agreements with RRT Design & Constructions, Sterling Environmental Engineering, P.C., and Environmental Design & Research for various engineering and environmental consulting services. The Board also authorized the execution of an engineering consulting services agreement with D&B Engineers and Architects, P.C. Furthermore, change orders were approved for the build-out of a new animal shelter in Haverstraw, and a contract was awarded for a new fabricated steel pedestrian bridge and deflector plate improvements at the Clarkstown Transfer Station. Authorization was also granted for Rockland Green to support Keep Rockland Beautiful. New business included updates on an upcoming TNVR event and scheduling a future tour of the new animal shelter.

The agenda for the Rockland Green Board Meeting includes several resolutions. Key items involve the appointment of Commissioners to various committees for the year 2026, including the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Governance Committee. Resolutions also cover the adoption of Rockland Green's Mission Statement, authorizing engagements with legal counsel (West Law Group), and retaining engineering consulting services from several firms including RRT Design & Construction, Sterling Environmental Engineering, P.C., Environmental Design & Research, and D&B Engineers and Architects, P.C. Further resolutions pertain to approving change orders for a new Animal Shelter build-out in Haverstraw, awarding a contract for pedestrian bridge improvements at the Clarkstown Transfer Station, and authorizing support for Keep Rockland Beautiful.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call confirming quorum. Key agenda items included the authorization of an extension to the intra-agency agreement for animal shelter services with multiple towns. Approvals were granted for change orders related to the renovation of the Rockland Green Administrative Headquarters, involving credits for substituting doors and not replacing a hot water heater, resulting in an amended contract total. Under new business, approval was sought for two change orders concerning the buildout of the new animal shelter, related to mechanical attic reconfiguration and electrical scope adjustments, leading to an increased contract amount. Authorization was also granted for the chairman to send a letter memorializing the understanding of an amended lease agreement for 65 Fireman's Memorial Drive on a month-to-month basis after December 31st. Updates were provided on the annual leaf composting program statistics and the significant progress of the animal management TNVR initiative, sterilizing over 1,799 feral cats since August 2023. Public commentary focused on praising the animal shelter progress while comparing the local shelter's value proposition against a newly built, larger facility in the Bronx, and addressing concerns regarding pet dealers at street fairs and the status of restricted donations intended for the previous High organization's facility rebuild. The Director of Finance reported securing grants for recycle bins and capital equipment for the leaf composting site. The meeting concluded after authorizing the chairman to send a letter regarding the lease agreement and adjourning.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including updates to the MRF to enhance efficiencies, such as repairs to conveyors and the introduction of a vacuum system. Audits were planned to ensure the quality of recyclables delivered to the MRF. The board also discussed the impact of declining crude oil costs on the plastics market and provided an update on the construction progress at the Bio Solids Facility. Additionally, there was a discussion about formalizing a debris management plan in coordination with the County to align with FEMA's reimbursement methodology. The board also considered supporting the Keep Rockland Beautiful \"Great American Clean Up\" and authorized the disposal of surplus equipment. An agreement with Cornell Cooperative Extension was discussed to promote backyard composting initiatives, and the board approved the extension of an agreement with the Community Outreach Center to improve recycling in Rockland.