Under the agreement, OCCA will pay 50 percenet of the cost of the study, with the final cost capped at $15,000.

In the course of deliberations between the town and OCCA, Town attorney Lynn Green drafted a contract which stated that the town would have control over selection of a hydrogeologist and complete oversight of the study.

At the meeting, OCCA executive director Erik Miller asked that a timeframe be included in the contract.

``We will need to talk to the experts to find out how long a study like this will take. I truly have no idea on a time frame, it can be as long as 18 months until completion,’’ Miller said.

Green agreed to modify the contract to include a time frame after consultation with hydrology experts.

The hydrological study will compile and organize information that can be used for decisions regarding the use of the water resources. It will address such factors as:á geology, aquifer potential and sustainability, surface water and water quality. It will also look at current water usage, conduct a well inventory, and create a contaminant database. When finished, the study will make recommendations about source protection and the potential need for a municipal water district.

Depending upon its findings, the report may also include maps of the study area, bedrock geology, surficial geology, and well location.

As a next step, town supervisor Mary Balcom and Lynn Green will meet with Miller to finalize a contract between OCCA and the town.

The town will also begin the selection process for a hydrogeologist.

``OCCA is excited about working with the town of Hartwick in a positive way,’’ Miller said. ``We hope this partnership will be the foundation for ever-increasing cooperation between Hartwick and OCCA.’’