The Dippikill Fiasco in a nutshell...
SA (a public body under the law) voted for Dippikill to remain non-operational for the 2025-2026 year but violated the Open Meetings Law during the Public Comments Section of last Wednesday's Meeting (among other violations) by not letting alumni and Dippikill staff to speak as confirmed by COOG.
They voted to defund salaries. Unless Dippikill Inc miraculously secures funding, staff terminations and evictions are next. Which, of course, has the appearance of retaliation against Dippikill staff for filing the overtime claim that resulted in the settlement.
It is unclear why with a $1m employment practices insurance policy, there would be an 18 month payment plan on the $500,000 and for SA Executives to lead the SA Senate to believe they have to absorb the settlement, other than to use the settlement as an excuse to have to defund salaries because "we're broke."
Of course, by keeping the camp closed it prevents cabin rental of $150,000 on average (which would likely be more this year due to 6 months of closure so far,) which would cover those staff salaries. So, this is clearly intentional sabotage by President Rose's Administration designed to let the property rot until every one decides it's finally time to sell.
Our legal maneuvering prevented them from selling this time around but that won't work forever. They have been unresponsive so far on the idea of setting up a foundation that would take the property off their hands through a no cash exchange deed transfer so this appears to be a cash grab plan so they can hold more concerts.
As for looting attempts, Justin and Heidi chased the trespassers away last light and I arranged with the state police for regular patrols for now due to the Times Union article declaring Dippikill will remain indefinitely closed, which is an invitation to loot.
I am hoping our legal demand letter to President Rodriguez backed by COOG helps fix this. Rumor is, Alumni Association and UAlbany are ready to pitch in funds to reopen. I don't know if that would mean 100% or this weekends only nonsense the SA Comptroller proposed last week designed to further limit cabin rental income as Plan C.
Shame on these students for what I believe is unethical and dishonorable shenanigans and violations of law and alumni rights.