Chairman William Wise began the meeting at 2:10 p.m. and reviewed the agenda. He then recognized two individuals who have recently stepped down from the Council after serving for many years, Joseph McBride and David Relyea.  Mr. McBride served on the Council for 12 years.  He represented the "for hire" industry (charter and party boats) and served on many Council subcommittees.  Mr. Wise thanked him for his many contributions to the Council.  Mr. Relyea had been a member of the Council since its inception, almost 20 years, representing the aquaculture industry.  Chairman Wise thanked him for his service, which was always given with effectiveness and great civility.  He noted that, in his long tenure with the Council, Mr. Relyea compiled a stellar attendance record.  Chairman Wise and the Council thanked Mr. McBride and Mr. Relyea for their efforts and wished both men the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Mr. Relyea made a statement expressing his appreciation and regard for the Council and DEC staff.  He introduced his replacement as the Council member representing New York's aquaculture industry, Karen Rivara.  Ms. Rivara owns Aeros Cultured Oyster Company in Southold and is President of the East End Marine farmers Association.  She is on the Board of Directors of the East Coast Shellfish Growers Association and the Long Island Farm Bureau. 
Mr. Wise welcomed Ms. Rivara to the Council.  He noted that Mr. McBride's replacement, Mr. James House, had previously informed him that he would be late arriving at the meeting but he was expected shortly.  Capt... House is a Past-President of the North Fork Captains Association, runs Coyote Sportfishing Charters at Orient Point and is a well-known figure in New York's marine recreational fishing circles.  Capt. House did subsequently arrive at the meeting and briefly introduced himself.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council did not have a quorum of members present.  Approval of the minutes of the Council's 19 September 2006 were deferred to the January 2007 meeting.

 

Page last modified Friday, December 29, 2006 by George E. Carroll