The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway Coalition held its quarterly meeting on January 15, 2015. In attendance were representatives from various municipalities along the Byway. The Treasurer's report showed $38,301.67 total funds. A conflict of interest policy was adopted. Plans were discussed for interpreting historic sites along the Byway and celebrating the centennial of the Flight of Locks in May 2015. Officers were nominated for the coming year. Future meetings were scheduled in April, July and October 2015 to continue the Coalition's work promoting the Byway.

1. MOHAWK TOWPATH SCENIC BYWAY COALITION, INC.
Minutes of Quarterly Meeting
January 15, 2015
Attendees: Larry Syzdek, Chairman, Clifton Park; Eric Hamilton, Director, Clifton Park;
Supervisor Chris Koetzle, Glenville; Kevin Franklin, Colonie; Ed Tremblay, Treasurer, Cohoes;
Will Seyse, Scotia; Rich Harris, Town of Halfmoon; John Sherer, Clifton Park; and Mark
Hopper, Capital Region Maritime Center, at large. We also have a proxy from Russ
VanDervoort, Village of Waterford.
With a quorum present, Larry Syzdek called the meeting to order at 9:35 AM. Will Seyse moved
that the minutes of the October 23 quarterly meeting be accepted, second by Kevin Franklin,
carried.
Treasurer's Report was provided by Ed Tremblay: $3,810.96 in checking and $34,490.80
savings for a total of 38,301.67. Revenue for 2014 totaled $14,578.12 and expenses totaled
$19,608.44. Ed added that the reason for the greater expenses is because of 2013 obligations
were not completed until 2014 and we spent $365 on the Summit exceeding budget anticipation.
Correspondence:
• Town of Clifton Park’s Summer Recreation Catalogue
• Exhibitor solicitation for Adirondack Sports and Fitness Summer Expo March 7 and 8
• Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission sponsorship request form
New Business
Conflict of Interest Policy - Eric Hamilton moved that we accept the Conflict of Interest Policy
as posted on line to be in compliance with N Y S Not-for-Profit Corporate Law, Ed Tremblay
second, motion carried unanimously. Those present signed the policy circulated by Larry
Syzdek.
Annual Report - Eric Hamilton circulated an early draft of the Annual Report and asked those
present to expand, revise or add to the accomplishments and successes. He would like to get the
document to the printer next month and ask them to suggest a design that is unique from
previous years. The document will be circulated for comment before printing and distribution.
Centennial of the Flight of Locks - The Town of Waterford is planning a centennial celebration of
the Flight of Locks the weekend of May 15 - 17, 2015. This will be combined with the Canal
Festival that has historically been held in Waterford in early May. If you have ideas to expand
the celebration west along the Byway corridor please contact Russ VanDervoort. John Sherer
mentioned that there will be a History Fair at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Library on May 16.
Eric Hamilton announced that this is the tenth anniversary of our becoming one of America’s
Byways. The Flight of Locks Centennial will be another in a series of events this summer.
Summit on History and Interpretation - Discussion followed on a summit later this year to focus
on history and interpretation. Eric Hamilton suggested that municipal historian work on details

2. for an event later in the year. He added that we have funds budgeted for a bus tour on the
Byway.
Nominating Committee - John Scherer recalled that he and Will Seyse were appointed to a
nominating committee. The chairman asked the presiding officers if they would accept
nomination and continue in office. It was also noted that the secretary requested not to be
nominated for another term. No other nominations were presented and a consensus was obtained
to continue existing officers for another term. A search for a new secretary was initiated.
Officers: Larry Syzdek, chairman; Kevin Franklin, vice chairman; Ed Tremblay, treasurer;
secretary unfilled.
Casino Proposal for Schenectady - Larry Syzdek commented that we should have greater
involvement during the planning stages of this project. The site proposed is right on the Byway
since it could become a prominent feature on the western end of the Byway. Ed Tremblay said
he would try to reach Dave Buicko.
Old Business
Cohoes Crescent Road - Ed Tremblay asked of the status of the project. Kevin Franklin will
reach out to Joe LaCivita and Bill Neeley.
Chairman’s Report - Larry sited increased use of the web site and suggested we maintain
content including links to municipal sites and our other partners. Increased use of social media is
encouraging.
Executive Director’s Report - The interpretive sign project is moving ahead. The Lock 7 Dam
Overlook kiosk is ready to go back to the design team, and the Old Military Crossing will be
ready shortly. The Aqueduct kiosk material needs to be expanded, and the Cohoes Lock 18
needs a site visit.
Events - We will be building a calendar of events for our tenth anniversary as one of America’s
Byways. There’s an Apple Blossom Festival on May 9 at Riverview Orchards. We need to
expand Waterford’s Flight of Lock Centennial Celebration to include other events along the
Byway. This event is the weekend of May 15 through 17.
Future Meetings - April 16, 2015 - Town of Colonie. Kevin Franklin will make arrangements.
July 16, 2015 - Rich Harris suggested the pavilion at the town park near Routes 236 and 146.
October 22, 2015 - Town of Clifton Park at Grooms Tavern.
Adjournment motion by Eric Hamilton and seconded by Larry Syzdek, carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric J. Hamilton
Secretary Pro Temp