Trustees told state review requires archaeological survey for Mill Pond/Everkale path; consultant quoted for 50–60 test pits

Village staff told trustees that the planned multi-use path through Mill Pond Park and Everkale Memorial Park must complete a Section 106 review and tribal consultation before construction can proceed.

Speaker 3 described the process: the tribal nation referenced in the record (identified as Stockbridge and located upstate) has the right to review projects and has requested an archaeological survey. The consultant work would include a Schedule 1A research report and a Schedule 1B phase of physical test pits; Speaker 3 said the quote called for roughly 50–60 test pits along the disturbance corridor where the path will be installed. He told the board he had asked the archaeologist whether fewer pits could be used if the research report showed major prior disturbance; the state's cultural resource coordinator responded that if archaeologically valuable items were found the tribal nation would be contacted to perform appropriate ceremonies and that physical remains would require police involvement and the established processes for handling remains.

Speaker 3 indicated an $11,000 fee for the work and said Michael had confirmed available budget authority to cover the cost. "There is apparently these maps that exist that indicate where there could be important archaeological value," Speaker 3 said, describing the state's map resources and the resulting delay. The transcript records frustration with the process but no substantive change in the project scope at this meeting.

The transcript does not include a final authorization to award the survey contract, only discussion of the requirement, the approximate number of test pits, and the potential $11,000 fee.