BROOKFIELD: 2008-09 Town Salaries

Thanks to the internet, more and more information is available
regarding our local and state government operations.
SeeThroughNY is a great reference for salaries, contracts and
school district salary information. Unfortunately, the information
is not always complete. Supervisor Salka provided info on some elected
offices. Check it out at www.seethroughny.net

YTD Salaries Paid 2008-09
Abrams, Donald $38,125
Brown, Gregory $35,833
Cross, Dana $37,529
Jones, David $37,263
Kabana, Sherry $12,389
Snow Jr, John $37,504
Weigand, Rhonda $14,004
Worden, Geoffrey $9,370
Zediker, Mark $39,088
Supervisor - Salka $ 5,649/yr
Town Board $ 2,100 each/yr
Judge $ 5,974 Each/Yr

GOV'T SCAMS: NYS Pension Retirement System

BEND OVER TAXPAYERS!

More NYS PENSION SYSTEM SCAMS .......
Interesting article in Syracuse Post Standard re: Onondaga County Sheriff's office manipulating the Overtime!

Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg. SPIKING OVERTIME is standard operating procedure for the NYS Public & Municipal Employees - Teachers, legislators, police, fire, etc.

Let's add the rest of the story. The NYS Pensions are:
NOT SUBJECT TO NYS INCOME TAXES!
They can RETIRE at 55....and
NYS RETIREMENT PENSIONS cost taxpayers 6 TIMES.. YES, SIX TIMES more than a pension received from a PRIVATE sector job!!!

NY Fiscal Watch compared 2 workers making the SAME pay of $100,000, working for the SAME number of years, and retiring at the SAME age. http://www.nyfiscalwatch.com/?p=1859

The PRIVATE Sector worker’s EMPLOYER-PROVIDED retirement benefits valued at the time of retirement will COST $427,500.

The NYS PUBLIC TAXPAYER-PROVIDED retirement benefits...$2,530,000. ... That's right....MMMM Milllion $$...... for a SINGLE EMPLOYEE !!!

A reader notes - this is common practice of teachers that in their last 3 years who become club advisors, coaches and chaperone school events, police officers, firefighters, and numerous individuals that have overtime available to them that are in our incredibly generous New York State pension program. The word is out and anyone that can get overtime uses it for this purpose.

WAKE UP NYS GOVERNMENT!!
Tax payers are getting INFORMED & VERY, VERY ANGRY!
STOP THE POLITICAL BS !!!!

ALBANY: Bribery in the COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE

Another amazing story of POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN ALBANY....Elliot Briody of an investment fund, Markstone Capital, plead guilty to bribing officials of the state Comptrollers Office -- yeah,...the department that is supposed to be guarding the State's Funds. According to Attorney General Cuomo's office, over $1 million in bribes were paid to four top officials who served under former state comptroller ALAN HEVESI. Apparently it was a good investment. For $1 million in bribes, Briody and his firm picked up $18 million in "fees". According to the story, the Comptroller's office steered $250 MILLION - one-quarter B-B-BILLION $$- of the NYS PENSION FUND to Markstone for investment. The criminal scheme " involved numerous individuals at the highest political and governmental levels under former Comptroller Alan Hevesi, in which the State pension fund was used as a piggy bank for the Comptroller’s chief political aide and a favor bank for political allies and other friends." And they said it was just a bad stock market that caused the State Pension Fund to shrivel up! Check out this interesting article and "comments" from "Capital Connection" section of the Albany Times Union...this story may have "legs"....http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/20578/cuomo-financier-pleads-guilty-in-another-pension-fund-corruption-case/#more-20578

BUSINESS: Agro Farma...moving to Norwich ???

"IF" all goes well with FEDERAL & STATE incentives, AGRO FARM may be moving to the 335,000 sq. ft. "Woods Corner" P&G facility just outside of Norwich. Agro Farma currently operates the former Dannon Yogurt facility in Columbus. If the deal goes through, the resulting project could create as many as 350 new jobs, help local dairy farmers and bolster the tax base, according to Senator Charles Schumer. Full article (Evening Sun http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2009-12-01/8454/Schumer-says-Agro-Farma-project-contingent-on-federal-state-incentives/

MADISON Co - Supervisor Raises SHOT DOWN !

Thanks to the Madison Co. Supervisors, including Salka & Goldstein, who voted against a salary raise, recommended by County Chairman, John Becker (R- Sullivan), that would have resulted in minimum salaries of $20,000 for each supervisor. ..for "Part time" Jobs!...Becker and two supervisors, Russell Hammond (R-Georgetown) and Ron Bono (R- Madison), cast the only votes in favor of the plan . Supervisors currently receive:
1) $12,600 salary from the COUNTY;
2) separate salary from each of their respective Towns;
3) free health and dental insurance benefits;
4) NYS Retirement system benefits (NYS Tax Free);
5) After 10 yrs service, health & dental benefits for LIFE.

Jim Goldstein (D-Lebanon) put up a resolution asking that Supervisors also contribute 10% to the health plan . (Unfortunately, no one had the political courage to second that one. Likely to be mugged by their colleagues! ) The health benefits run between $5,000 and $12,000 per year, depending on individual vs. family coverage. Although Becker’s proposal would have dropped all the health benefits in favor of the $7,400 across the board raises, that would have only added to the more costly benefits under the NYS retirement system. Short term savings would have been a larger, long term cost to the taxpayer.
Check out the POST STANDARD and comments…taxpayers are not happy campers! http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/madison_county_lawmakers_rejec.html

GOV'T: SeeThroughNY Website TOWN & SCHOOL

NEW WEBSITE: Town, County & School Payrolls
Check out the informative website SeeThroughNY….
The purpose of the site is to give New Yorkers a clearer view of how their state and local tax dollars are spent. The site is sponsored by the Empire Center for New York State Policy, part of the non-partisan and non-profit Manhattan Institute for Policy Research. The site is designed to become the hub of a statewide network through which taxpayers can share, analyze and compare data from counties, cities, towns, villages, school districts and public authorities throughout New York. The information in the website comes from official government sources. Here is an example of the TOWN PAYROLL. School salaries are also included. BROOKFIELD - Town Payroll - New York State Public Employee Payrolls on SeeThroughNY http://www.seethroughny.net
Last, First YTDPay
Abrams, Donald $38,125
Brown, Gregory $35,833
Cross, Dana $37,529
Jones, David $37,263
Kabana, Sherry $12,389
Snow Jr, John $37,504
Weigand, Rhonda $14,004
Worden, Geoffrey $9,370
Zediker, Mark $39,088

POLITICS: County Supervisors At it AGAIN!

SHELL GAMES IN WAMPSVILLE

On December 4, The Madison County Board of Supervisors is getting set to give themselves yet another raise…from $12,600 to $20,000….(don’t forget to add the additional salaries paid by the Town’s on top of this $5,000+) …oh, but they’re “giving back” their fully paid health benefits that cost the county up $12,000 each per year. They claim this will be a $45,000 per year savings…in the short term, but over the LONG TERM this modification will cost us taxpayers $100,000’s.

Bottom line: this switch will allow them to take even more out of the public coffers – through the INCREDIBLY GENEROUS New York State Retirement System: http://www.osc.state.ny.us

1 - they pay NO NYS TAXES on this Pension (and they complain about the Oneida Nation not paying their fair share of taxes!) ; 2-receive Cost of Living Increases (not in most private plans); 3- ability to “spike” final years’ earnings to increase their pension; 4- $20,000 of pensions from their other Private Retirement Plans are also not taxable in NYS; 4- ability to retire at 55; and 5- vest in 5 years (part timers included).

It is precisely these pension benefits that are literally driving this state into bankruptcy. Here is a link to a recent article and footnote, explaining how these public employee benefits are worth up to 6 TIMES that of the private sector jobs as result of the NYSR system perks and benefits. http://www.nyfiscalwatch.com

These are PART TIME JOBS …MOST of these Supervisors have full time jobs or spouses that have health care available. They take the county healthcare because it’s “Free” to them. Why is it that the Government “Ruling Class” is getting better benefits than us TAXPAYERS? Because “they” make the rules…. How many of us get to give ourselves a raise?

I urge our Supervisor, John Salka, to vote NO and take this message to the other Supervisors: this is no time for them to “feather their nests” while the rest of us make the sacrifices in this economy. These PART TIME jobs with SUPREME BENEFITS have got to stop. If they are there for the salary and benefits, then they are there for the wrong reasons. They need to do the RIGHT THING – forgo the $8,000 raise and pay for a fair portion of their health benefits.

GAS DRILLING: Documentary "Split Estate" - Dec. 1

The first Norwich showing of “Split Estate,” a documentary movie that premiered on the Discovery Channel in October, is scheduled to be shown on Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Chenango County Council of the Arts, Room 101, Norwich, 7 p.m. The film explores the impact of the new method of hydrofracking gas. in an area of Colorado that was the first to experience a gas drilling boom right after the oil and gas industry were exempted from federal protections like the Clean Water Act. Split Estate maps a tragedy in the making, as citizens in the path of the new drilling boom struggle against the growing environmental and social costs to an area. The film is a clarion call for accountability for an area now referred to as a “National Sacrifice Zone.” http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2009-11-27/8435/Gas-drilling-documentary-show-in-Norwich-next-week/

MADISON COUNTY: $24,256 "Part-Time" Job 27 hrs. per week

The Oneida Dispatch reports the Madison County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution to hire a crew leader who will supervise, train, and transport land fill help who are "volunteers" under the Dept of Social Service Program. A PART TIME JOB - 27 hours a week...for $24,256 with "some" benefits. Nice "Part Time" Job especially in a County whose average FULL TIME income is approximately $19,500 with NO BENEFITS.
UPDATE: The mobile work crew led by Madison County employee Lyle Malbouf. Not mentioned in the article but research indicates MALBOUF is also union CSEA Madison County "Blue Collar" Unit President. http://www.oneidadispatch.com/articles/2009/11/26/news/doc4b0f455721ee9651443806.txt

EDUCATION: Brookfield School District COSTS per STUDENT

A resident inquired on the Brookfieldny.com "Guestbook" about the salary costs for the local school district. For Brookfield School salaries, you can refer to the new website "See Through NY" at http://www.seethroughny.net/ The website includes salaries for Bookfield teachers and the superintendent. The Business Manager and Board promptly responded to a FOIL request (thank you!) and provided updated information on the Business Manager and the newly appointed Principal. The updated salary information on those positions for 2009-10: BUSINESS MANAGER ($89,730 salary ); SUPERINTENDENT ($85,000) and PRINCIPAL ($85,000) - for a total of $ 259,730 base salary or approximately $1,000 per student for these three positions. In addition to salary, all but the Business Manager, receive health, dental and retirement benefits. The Business Manager receives just dental and retirement coverage.

To put Brookfield school expenses in perspective, using the 2009-10 budget and state education resources; and a student population of approximately 260:
1. TOTAL Brookfield ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS ran approximately $488,000 or $1,877 per student ($ 488,000/260 students).
2. TOTAL Brookfield BUDGET 2009-10 Brookfield is approximately $5.3 MILLION or $20,385 per STUDENT ($5,300,000 / 260).
3. On average, each American state spent $9,666 a pupil in 2007-08.
3. New York State spends more on education than any other state - approximately $16,800 per student.
4. Thus, Brookfield's average cost per student of $20,385 is running approximately 20% over the state average of $16,800; and almost TWICE the national average.....leaving us with among the highest education costs in the country.

Let us know if anyone has any updates or additional information (or math corrections!) that can put these costs in a better perspective. FYI - "See Through NY" also offers searchable databases of complete employee payrolls for the state government, New York City, public school districts and public authorities; a breakdown of $148 million in legislative pork barrel projects; operations spending by the state Senate and Assembly; and a benchmarking tool to compare local government spending on a per-capita basis.

NYRI ....R.I.P. ???

In a letter to the Madison Courier, Legislator David Townsend reported that Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has denied NYRI's appeal to reconsider it's request to pass construction and operating costs on to ratepayers. Townsend declared that without the ratepayers footing the bill, it was believed there was little hope of financing the project. But is this really the last we'll see of them? Last time they waited a few years and came at us again. There is too much "fat$" in the investment banking and legal fees (plus a guaranteed rate of return on their investment) to believe these wolves won't be back at our door! This is definitely a group to keep your eye on!

GAS Drilling: DEC hears impassioned debate

Hearings continue throughout the region on the DEC's proposed gas drilling regulations. The public has until Dec. 30 to comment on the draft of the regulations, called the supplementary Generic Environmental Impact Statement. The 800-page regulatory draft, released Sept 30, has been the focal point of a caustic debate over the merits and dangers of natural gas production. On the extremes of the debate are those who believe the Marcellus Shale will become either the engine that will power the Southern Tier's economy into lasting prosperity, or an environmental disaster that will devalue land, degrade water and ruin the landscape. A study, commissioned by the Broome County Economic Development office concludes drilling could generate up to $15 billion in direct economic activity over 10 years with 4,000 Marcellus wells.

POLITICAL: Fort Drum District Taken Over By American Taliban

Taliban takes over Ft. Drum District.... yes, it's happened...boots on the ground up in this district. It appears the seat for the 23rd District has been captured by the religiously based National Conservative party and have run the local, secular Republican SCOZZAFAVA out of Town. Beginning to sound like Afghanistan. Voters in this district have been robbed of their voting rights by a Republican faction that has turned their political party into a RELIGIOUS LOBBY for fundamentalists beliefs. These national interests have used weapons of mass mis-information, designed by the "Conservative Cult" (Limbaugh, Beck, Coulter, Palin), who with their vicious tongues, turn normally rational humans into venomous , political zombies who put the Bible before the Constitution.

While normally respectful voters, people in our district have been stunned by the level of anger stirred by these talking "heads" (..actually, I think they have the wrong end..) and their conservative national sponsors. Face it, our former democratic system, has been was hijacked. Even the "teabaggers" got "bagged" on this one when the hand of their feared "BIG GOVERNMENT" swooped in to trump LOCAL rights.

We voters are now left with HOFFMAN an ill-informed, two-issue candidate (abortion and gays) who fits THE NATIONAL profile (only need to check two boxes to be a "qualified" National candidate.). Hoffman not only does NOT reside in our district, the local Watertown papers gave him a negative review, lacking an understanding of major LOCAL issues. Like Palin - another fine example of dressed up but don't put the puppet near a microphone.

We are at a dangerous crossroads for our Country. Now, when we need most to come together in compromise, our house is being divided. We don't need patronizing puppets of the National Conservative Taliban....we need representatives with common sense and backbone that will bring OUR country TOGETHER. Keep up the divisive work Anne, Rush, Glen & Sarah. Doctors murdered in cold blood; organized shout downs and intimidation -- like the Brown Shirts. Is history repeating itself..are we now sowing the seeds of our second civil (religious) war, fertilized with the manure of these talking heads? How far do we allow our Country to travel down this path before we reach the point of no return? Today we are a Democracy.... on Tuesday, we may have traded it all for a THEOCRACY... government run by God and divine intervention? I think even JESUS would have to vote for the Democrat, OWEN, on this one!

Our LOCAL Election STOLEN by NATIONAL CONSERVATIVE PARTY!

A very sad state of affairs for local voters!' Our LOCAL Congressional seat has been hijacked by the NATIONAL CONSERVATIVE party interests. This weekend our LOCALLY ENDORSED Republican candidate, DeDe Scazzofava was pushed out of the race for McHugh's seat, by NATIONAL CONSERVATIVE REPUBLICANS in favor of a right wing, third party candidate, Doug Hoffman. A number of NATIONAL Republicans, including Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty and Sarah Palin, had in recent weeks endorsed Mr. Hoffman, over Ms. Scozzafava, who had been selected by local party leaders. The Wall St. Journal reports that even LOCAL Republican party officials are stunned by the Conservative sabotage: "In upstate New York, the local party leaders are still feeling shaken. George Williams, the Oswego County Republican chairman, said the influx of conservative money and activism brought in a brand of politics not seen in the sleepy, sparsely populated district. "Up here, at least in Oswego County, negative is not the way you go out and present yourself. Our people are getting very, very tired of it," Mr. Williams said. "I'm seeing a part of the party I never knew existed." These are the same Conservative Republicans that complain about BIG GOVERNMENT.... and they reach from Washington into our district to steal our right to a fair LOCAL ELECTION? What hypocrisy...! A vote for HOFFMAN is a vote AGAINST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS!

ELECTION DAY: Referendum - Don't Miss....

Please DON'T MISS this REFERENDUM on the Nov. 3 Ballot… WAY DOWN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BALLOT. (Please see the link to the Ballot on Town Website at(Brookfieldny.com).

REFERENDUM: Shall the Town of Brookfield donate 54.42 acres of property to the Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club?

A "YES" vote means the club will be responsible for operating and caring for the property; and the will be used by the Club to host both public events and education. In the event the Club is discontinued, the property goes back to the Town of Brookfield. …. The membership and families that turned out in support of the Club were impressive and a good indication that the property will be well cared for and used for the benefit of the entire community.

A "NO" vote would keep it with the Town …. and would be a shame.

POLITICS: Two Propositions Not to Miss!!

When you go to vote next Tuesday you'll also be asked to vote on two constitutional amendments. Please don't miss them. They are located ...WAY DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BALLOT... . See WSYR (www.9wsyr.com) for details.

PROPOSITION #1 - Should the State Swap Certain Forest Lands with NATIONAL GRID (formerly NYSEG) ...?

A "YES" vote - would bring new power lines to an isolated Adirondack community – and even the agency that serves to protect the Adirondack Park is throwing its support behind the measure.“This is one of those rare opportunities where we can do some good for the environment, and help the park at the same time,” says Adirondack Council member John Sheehan.Sheehan is urging approval of Prop 1, which would pave the way for construction of a new power line over State Route 56 in St. Lawrence County to the community of Tupper Lake. “We believe that trading what amounts to a roadside ditch in exchange for river shoreline is a good one, and one that New York State residents should accept very quickly,” says Sheehan.

A "NO" vote would send the project on a lengthy detour through Old Growth Forest -- and the habitat of an endangered bird.

PROPOSITION #2 - Should the State Allow PRISONERS to Perform Work for Local Non-Profit Organizations ...?

A "YES" vote - would allow prisoners of State and Local correctional facilities to perform work for non-profit organizations (like churches, libraries, historical society, Fair grounds, etc.). It would certainly help defray the costs of maintaining these properties. Especially during these difficult economic times.

A "NO" vote would leave them lounging in their cell... sucking up the tax dollar.

POLITICS: Ballot Available on Town Web Site

Check out the great political coverage on BROOKFIELDNY.COM website .... Complete ballot and referendum information. Also....Be sure to check out the Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club REFERENDUM ... I recommend a YES. They've done a great job with the property; a lot of family participation; and impressed by the young adults that showed up and spoke at the public meeting. Also, Proposition 2 - YES - would allow prisoners to perform work for non-profit organizations -- like the TOWNS, CHURCHS, FAIRGROUNDS.... would certainly help stretch the TAX DOLLARS!!! .... also...check out the GUESTBOOK section of BROOKFIELDNY.COM a lot of back-and-forth regarding the upcoming election. Too bad, so bitter. Here's the link. http://www.brookfieldny.com/political_news.htm

GOVERNMENT: Highlights of the Regular Town Board Meeting

Leonardsville / Monday, Oct. 12: Great turnout – approx. 30 people. Always a good turnout for Leonardsville – good food and coffee!! And the meetings are always good entertainment and educational! Seriously! Some informative “audience” input (especially on equipment matters!...and Perk Stalter on the local cemetery project) and good humor (intentional or otherwise)! …and some drama with tense moments! ...better than most TV! One of the highlights of this meeting was seeing Dave Maine up, around and smiling! Other highlights: Of the $16,000 in fees collected last month…the Town got to keep $600 of it and the rest was shipped off to Albany for their piece of the ever-growing pie!!...Christmas & Associates public meeting re: the Snow subdivision was discussed. Impression that C&A is working with the Town and will make some requested adjustments. Interesting fact (?) from C&A that only 14% of their lots are ever developed…..so does that must mean that 85% of the developed properties are going to land “speculators” from down State and out of State????? …… Mt.Markham is “playing ball” with Jim Gould and the Leonardsville Baseball/Park Committee – they have a backstop now! …Bob Piersma, Jr., formerly of Brookfield, has been named the new Codes Officer. The interim CO, Morrie Sturdevant of Deansboro, received many thanks and praise for his expertise and cooperation; with especially high marks for his helpful approach in working with the public. …Concern over the Town’s cost and obligation to rebuild abandoned roads for property development like Jones Rd. … the $400,000 HUD grant has been approved for North Brookfield. Sign up and informational meeting at month end. Upstate Construx, the sole bidder was granted the $72,000 contract (comes out of the HUD grant). The Company may be taken over by the couple that currently runs the lead abatement portion of the program. Sorry to see "The HUD Dude"(Mark Taub) retire!...he is headed south, to Panama!!! He’s been working with the Town on HUD programs for over a decade, logging in $ Millions of local housing improvements for the Town. We will miss not only his expertise, but his good humor and understanding. …Property tax revaluation being completed. Public informational meetings will be arranged when results available….Meet the Candidates Night has been rescheduled. Jim Gould noted a Legion Dinner and Hunting Season conflict as originally scheduled. Now rescheduled to FRIDAY, October 23 – 7:30 PM Former Leonardsville School Auditorium… Salka read his Open Letter to the Public, in response to criticisms and comments by his opponent, Loren Corbin….Next Regular meeting is MONDAY – November 9 (North Brookfield Fire House) 7:00 PM.

POLITICS: It's Getting Very Nasty.....

… even by Brookfield standards the campaign for Town Supervisor has been particularly nasty and Jim Plows’ rambling letter in this week’s WATERVILLE TIMES has only turned it up a notch and displayed the nasty under belly of our local political scene. This election is boiling down to those who want an Open and Public form of Town Government or a return to the days of the secret meetings, closed door sessions and private deals that benefit a specific clique. BETTER RESERVE A COPY NOW…. Rumor Has It: There are several letters on their way to the Waterville Times in response to JP’s rant.

POLITICS: Saturday OCT 24th - 6:30 PM MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT (Leonardsville School)

CANDIDATE NIGHT ON Despite Debate Disappointment! The new on-line paper MADISON COURIER, announced that Loren Corbin has declined Supervisor John Salka's invitation to a debate at the SATURDAY Oct 24 "MEET THE CANDIDATES" night. Corbin declined due to work commitments, according to the Courier article. The CANDIDATES NIGHT REMAINS scheduled for 6:30 PM at the Leonardsville School. Great opportunity to meet the candidates and discuss the issues. See full article at the MADISON COURIER -- check it out...they even have a Brookfield,Leonardsville section.( http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/ )

GOV'T: Unadilla Forks Fire Dept Gets $20,000 Grant

State Senator Jim Seward (R-Oneonta) announced that the Unadilla Forks Fire Dept is to receive a $20,000 state grant to provide essential emergency communication upgrades and equipment improvements for local first responders. The senate funding will help replace emergency vehicle radios, portable radios and pagers. The goal is to enhance communication before and during an emergency situation, improving response time and ensuring maximum communication on the scene.

GAS DRILLING: NY DEC Drilling Regulations Released

BACKGROUND: State officials have completed new environmental regulations for natural gas drilling that will clear the way for well permits in New York’s part of the MARCELLUS SHALE gas field that covers parts of four states. The new rules, released for public review Wednesday, are in addition to statewide oil and gas regulations released in 1992. The new regulations, contained in a 500-plus page document, address the potential effects of horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing, known as “hydrofracking.” There will be a public comment period until Nov. 30. More than a year ago, Gov. Paterson effectively halted drilling so the DEC could provide additional regulations to address a number of conerns. Environmentalists and residents worry about chemicals used to fracture rock and release the gas, the huge amounts of water required, and possible threats to New York City’s water supply. On the other hand, some see this as an econmic boom for the area. Brad Gill, executive director of the Independent Oil and Gas Association of New York, said “A lot of them [energy companies] are just waiting for the green light to drill” under the new rules. When the regulations get final approval, expected around the first of the year, “I think we will see drilling in New York and the economic boom associated with it.” STATE REGULATIONS: The new regulations include measures companies must take to protect the environment and nearby communities. Before drilling, energy companies must: Disclose what chemicals are in the “fracking” fluid; Test private water wells within 1,000 feet of drilling sites before projects begin to provide baseline information; Fill out checklists and certification forms to ensure technical compliance; and prepare plans for reducing greenhouse gas, visual and noise impacts, and submit a road-use plan covering trucking. State inspectors also must be on site during well construction. Handling and disposal of wastewater that comes back up from wells after fracturing must be stored in steel tanks on the site or piped to a central storage pit using a double-liner system similar to those required at landfills. Well operators must disclose plans for disposal, and a new tracking process similar to that used for medical waste will be used to monitor disposal. The new regulations require extra protections for the New York City watershed and other sensitive areas, including a buffer zone around water bodies, city approval for wells within 1,000 feet of water tunnels or aqueducts and stricter wastewater handling requirements. The regulations are available on the DEC Web site. On the Web: www.dec.ny.gov/energy/47554.html See full article at -- they provide good coverage on gas drilling issues (See oneidadispatch.com)PENDING FEDERAL REGULATIONS: Democratic Reps. Diana DeGette of Colorado and Maurice Hinchey of New York are sponsoring a bill that would place hydraulic fracturing under oversight of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. Amazingly!!... gas drilling activities are "exempt"/excluded from regulation under the Federal Clean Water Act.

GOV'T: Salka Challenges Corbin to Debate

John Salka, Republican, Independence & Conservative endorsed candidate for Brookfield Town Supervisor has announced that he is challenging his opponent, Loren Corbin, to a debate. The respective committee chairs for the Democratic and Republican parties for the town have begun preliminary talks on the possibility of a debate, and a moderator is being chosen. There are plans for a “meet the candidates night”, but Mr Salka has stated that he “wants to go toe to toe” with his opponent to discuss issues that are important to the town, and to create a positive discussion of what each candidate’s record is. Basically the format will be one of an introduction speech, short questions submitted by the public and an opportunity for each candidate to respond, and a closing presentation. Anyone who would like to submit questions can contact the respective party chairs. A tentative date has been set for October 16th, and will be held at the Fairgrounds.

GOVERNMENT: SeeThroughNY.net posts Madison County School Contracts

Website Includes Updated Teacher and Superintendent Contracts . Updated school labor contracts for eight teacher unions and four school superintendents in Central New York were posted today on http://www.seethroughny.net/, the Empire Center’s government transparency web site.The updated records include teacher contracts from the Chittenango and Hamilton districts and the new superintendent contracts for Morrisville. The newest contacts (most have a July 1, 2009, effective date) are part of the most comprehensive public collection of school district labor contracts in New York....SeeThroughNY also offers searchable databases of complete employee payrolls for the state government, New York City, public school districts and 19 public authorities; a breakdown of $148 million in legislative pork barrel projects; operations spending by the state Senate and Assembly; and a benchmarking tool to compare local government spending on a per-capita basis........Just wondering why Brookfield's Business Manager's salary was not included. The Superintendent's salary was included along with a copy of the contract. The Business Manager's contract was there, but no salary amount even listed in the contract. One would think that would be an important thing to include.

ENVIRONMENT: Burning Ban Takes Effect Oct. 14

Burning waste in barrels and backyard firepits will be illegal throughout NYS beginning Oct. 14. The rule will be published in the State Register on Sept. 30. The ban on burning already applies to municipalities with more than 20,000 people and will be extended to the countryside. The new regulation, posted on the Internet at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/54477.html, specifies exceptions to the ban. For example, barbecues, some ceremonial fires, and burning tree limbs and branches less than six inches across and eight feet long, will still be legal. But burning leaves, trash and plastic bale wrap, among many items, will be prohibited, punishable by fines of between $375 and $15,000 for a first offense. DEC officers, state police, county deputies, local police and fire and codes officials will be empowered to enforce the law. Full Story (thedailystar.com).

GAS DRILLING: Big Week Ahead!

On Wednesday, the DEC will relase its regulations for hydrofraking into shale.......Gov Paterson is to address the NYS Business Council this week and give an update on the Marcellus Shale’s economic potential for boosting the state’s economy. .... Also, this week, Gastem USA, a Canadian company,hopes to reach it a depth of 5,000 feet to test the gas potential of the Utica Shale. This first well is one of three vertical wells that were permitted by the New York State authorities prior to the state’s ban on drilling into shale. See Full article www.evesun.com

AGRI: US Senate Votes to Prevent COW TAX !

One worry for area farmers was laid to rest last week with the passage of the US Senate's Interior Appropriations bill. It included a proposal, introduced by Sen. Charles Schumer and others, to prevent a COW TAX. The proposal came in response to a HAIR-BRAINED idea floated by EPA to require dairy farmers to purchase expensive permits for beef and dairy cows because they emit methane, a greenhouse gas. According to the same article, farmers were paid about $12.45 for one hundred pounds of milk in August. This was more than $7 less than a year ago. (www.thedailystar.com)

GOVERNMENT: Open Meetings Law Presentation NOV 4

Madison County’s new and first exclusively online newspaper www.MadisonCountyCourier.com will host Freedom of Information Law and Open Government Guru Robert Freeman of the NYS Committee on Open Government on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. at a location to be determined. It is for anyone who wants to learn their rights about Freedom of Information, how meetings are to be conducted, what records have to be kept and the legal foundations for a public body to enter an executive session. Those interested in participating in their local government have a great opportunity here to learn the tools they have at their disposal to do so.The presentation is free and open to the public, but those interested in attending are encouraged to contact Martha Conway so arrangements for a suitably sized space may be made. She can be reached at martha@m3ppublications.com or by calling 315.813.0124. Full details see madisoncountycourier.com ...a great site! .....would be nice to see a few Board members attend..might be a real eye-opener for them!

GAS DRILLING: Wow! Landowner Coalitions Making the Difference?

You have to wonder after reading about the prices some landowners are getting versus rates I've heard quoted locally . Last week, a land owner coaliton that includes parts of Binghamton-Broome Co., signed a mineral rights lease with Fortuna Energy, Inc. for $5,500 per acre with 20 percent royalties. The amount compares to a deal signed in June with Hess Corporation and Seneca Resources Corporation that offered $3,500 per acre and 20 percent royalties to a coalition that included 700 property owners in the Binghamton area. The Friendsville Group, is a coalition comprised of more than 35,000 acres in Bradford (Pa.), Susquehanna (Pa.), and Broome counties. There are more than 900 members in the group with more than 1400 total parcels. See www.evesun.com

Pennsylvania shuts down GAS WELL OPERATOR

Citing three recent chemical spills at one well site, Pennsylvania regulators ordered Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. to halt its use of a drilling technique that uses liquids to fracture rock and release natural gas. The state order applies to eight of Cabot’s drilling sites, all in Susquehanna County in northeastern Pennsylvania. The order the toughest action the department has ever taken against a company drilling into the potentially lucrative Marcellus Shale formation. Cabot is one of dozens of oil and gas exploration companies flocking to Pennsylvania and New York in pursuit of Marcellus Shale gas. Earlier this year, state officials blamed Cabot’s drilling operations for causing methane to seep into some nearby residential water wells in Susquehanna County, leaving the water unsafe to drink and the wells a potential danger to explode.
......The lubricant used in "fracing" the gas well is called LGC-35 CBM and is supplied by Houston-based Halliburton Co., which initially provided an information sheet saying that chemicals in the product are potential carcinogens. Halliburton now claims called it “relatively innocuous,” although it may cause eye, skin and breathing irritations.
..... Marcellus Shale - The massive shale-rock formation lies 5,000 to 8,000 feet underground in an area covering more than 50,000 square miles — about the size of Greece — and stretching across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, including southern Madison County. The industry has long known about the gas in the Marcellus shale — but it wasn’t until gas prices rose in recent years and a new shale-drilling technology was proven in Texas over the past decade that companies decided it was profitable to pursue. If the Marcellus shale ends up producing even a small fraction of the recoverable gas that is projected to be there, it will be the largest gas field ever in the United States. (www.oneidadispatch.com)

Open Burning Ban - To Take Effect this Fall!

According to the 9-15-09 ONEONTA DAILY NEWS, trash burning in rural areas of New York State will be banned this fall. New York already prohibits many types of open burning in municipalities with more than 20,000 people. The new regulations will extend the ban to less densely populated, rural areas. According to a draft of the regulation, it can be enforced by DEC officers, as well as state police, county deputies, local police and fire and codes officials. The exceptions to the burning ban are:
* Tree limbs and branches less than 6 inches in diameter and 8 feet long.
* BBQ grills, maple-sugar arches and similar outdoor cooking.
* On-site burning of agricultural wastes as part of a valid farm operation.
* Liquid-petroleum smudge pots to prevent frost damage to crops.
* Celebratory bonfires where natural wood or products are used.
* Small fires to dispose of a flag or in connection with a religious ceremony.
* Emergency burning of dangerous or illegal materials by public safety authority.
* Fire training, including firefighting, rescue and arson investigation.
* Fires in response to an outbreak of a plant or animal disease.

BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD MEETING: September 14, 2009

There was a good turn out at the September 14 (Monday) Regular Monthly Meeting of the Brookfield Town Board, with 20-25 residents in attendance. Much calmer and shorter than last month’s meeting at North Brookfield, but nonetheless interesting. Here are some of the HIGHLIGHTS in the order presented and some of my comments. I urge you to attend these meetings (second Monday of the Month). Informative and an opportunity to meet your neighbors --

$400,000 HUD Program – approved for North Brookfield, but sadly, Mark Taub (aka "The HUD Dude") who has worked on the Brookfield projects for over a decade will be retiring at year end. The couple who currently handles the HUD Lead program is considering taking over Mark’s business. In any event, the HUD consulting position will be up for competitive bid. Sorry to see him leave!

CODES OFFICER – Action on the Codes position. Four to five good applications have been received. A committee of Dewitt Head and Rachael Owens were interview the applicants and then meet with the Board.

NORTH BROOKFIELD SUBDIVISION Pending: Snow/Christmas Associates. Don McCoach (Planning Board) announced that Christmas & Associates was going to be filing for a subdivision of between 17-18 parcels with minimum size 3 ¾ acres. No new roads but possibility of “reconstructing” existing Ritz ? Rd. This is the second large subdivision in 2009; the first being Cheseboro Rd. The property is owned by Snows and located in the North Brookfield. The Planning Board has not yet received the filing. The next Planning Board meeting is Oct 1 at the Brookfield Town Hall.

HIGHWAY – New Box for ’99 Truck Needed. A new box will be needed at a cost of approximately $ 27,000 (installed; w/Town parts ). If the ’99 truck expires before the replacement box, it could be reused on another truck (depending on make/model).

LEAN BUDGET - Salka reported that Madison County Sales Tax Receipts were down over 20% so far this year. He warned that the municipalities will be tightening their belts; less dependency on the State for any kind of help.

LEONARDSVILLE – Ball Park. Leonardsville resident, Jim Gould, reported on his discussions with Mt. Markham’s superintendent are moving ahead. Dave O’Brien, a North Brookfield resident who has started grant writing, offered to help Gould write a grant for the park. (Nice offer! Al Smith’s generosity at last month’s meeting seems to be catching on! Al offered to pay for the materials needed to stain the park picnic tables.) Nice cooperative community efffort!

ACCOUNTING FIRM & STATE AUDIT. The Board is FINALLY going to change accounting firms! It was very obvious at the last month’s meeting, that the firm’s representative lacked accounting expertise. She was neither a CPA nor had an accounting degree. (NOTE: For the previous years a CPA had handled the Town’s account, but this last year a more junior and much less qualified person at the firm was assigned to the Town’s account – for $1,000 / month!) The State Auditor who has been doing a “routine” review of the Town’s accounting procedures, also noted that the firm lacked an understanding of MUNICIPAL accounting. The Board is withholding the past two months’ payment to Fiducial until a resolution is reached.

A special meeting of the Board is scheduled for this Saturday to (hopefully) remove FIDUCIAL/RECOR and approve TACKABERRY of Hamilton as the new accountant. Tackaberry has agreed to the $12,000 per year…as with the past firm.
NOTE: While Ed Bennett’s recent letter to the Waterville Times editor blames this on Salka, Bennett has been receiving “accounting” help from Salka’s opponent, Loren Corbin, whose primary charge against Salka has been the poor state of the Town’s books. It is apparent that this firm is ill equipped and staffed to handle the Brookfield account. Items that were asked to be changed early in the year were still not made as of this Sept. meeting…even after the firm’s big “show & tell” at North Brookfield of how capable and responsible. These problems are their fault. Personally, I like Bennett and believe he’s done a good job and received a lot of support at the last meeting where he discussed his resignation as a result of the “accounting” issues. But honestly, is that the real reason? Over a line item?..Granted, this is a thankless job, and he handled it well in an organized manner, just wondering if there is not more to the story.

DAIRY CRISIS - FARMING RESOLUTION - Approved. The Board approved a resolution submitted by Chuck Blood, to be sent to Obama and Congressional Reps as well as the Dept of Agriculture; with additions recommended by Dewitt Head. The dairy farmers are being killed by imports of additives that increase the yield of cheese per gallon of milk. And their milk products are being established in a market run by the food processors who seek to cut the milk costs. Real shocker: these additives are being imported as “INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS” in order to avoid tariff restrictions – as a result of being INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS there are NO HEALTH INSPECTIONS for FOOD USE! Think of that next time you bite into that cheese! It is currently costing farmers $17.23 per hwt and they are receiving $11.03… as a result the farm bureaus estimate OVER 50% of our dairy farms will be GONE BY YEAR END.

BEAVER VALLEY ROD & GUN – REFERENDUM – NOVEMBER BALLOT!
The transfer of property from the Town to the Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club will be on the NOVEMBER BALLOT. The referendum includes a provision whereby the land will revert back to the Town in the event the Club dissolves. The Club has worked hard on the archery shoot and has had a number of well-received events for all ages – and even some out of state visitors who complimented their range as being one of the best. I admit I was originally skeptical and concerned about the transfer of public property to a private organization, but have been impressed by the show of support and the hard work by the club – and in particular, the young adults who participate in the club. Their appearance and thoughtful comments at the Public Meeting spoke well for the Club. Sounds like a good outcome for the property, the Town and the Club!!!

TOWN REVALUATION – Update Request.
Waterville Times Editor, Pat Louise, asked that Salka give an update at next month’s (October 12 ) meeting on the status of the Town’s property tax revaluation.

NEXT REGULAR MEETING. The meeting ended around 9! Early one even with a full house. Next REGULAR meeting is October 12 – 7PM (Leonardsville Fire House?- to confirm). Hope so – they have coffee and great cookies! They know how to host a meeting!

SCARY FACTS regarding the COST of our Current, Expensive and Dysfunctional HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

If you don't think we need to have HEALTHCARE INSURANCE REFORM, read the following SCARY FACTS regarding the cost our current, expensive and dysfunctional HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. The following information appeared in the 9-1-09 issue of The Clarion-Ledger

* Over 47 million Americans do not have insurance. It's just too expensive.
* Only 63 percent of U.S. employers offer health coverage for their employees.
* Health care spending ran $2.4 TRILLION ($ 2,400,000,000,000) in 2008 and will likely exceed $3.1 trillion by 2012, ...MORE THAN 4X what we spend on NATIONAL DEFENSE!!!!
* The US spends more than other industrialized nation on HEALTHCARE-- MORE THAN those that provide health insurance for their citizens !
* Communities bear the financial medical costs of the uninsured, through higher taxes and stress on local health services.
* Out-of-pocket expenses such as deductibles, co-payments increased 115 percent (between 1999- 2006).

NYRI - New state law will help communities fight power line projects

A new state law will set aside $450,000 in state revenue to be used by municipalities and citizen groups for costs associated with fighting NYRI type projects. The funds can be used to cover consultants, expert witnesses and legal fees. The law, approved in August and co-sponsored by state Sen. Dave Valesky, D-Oneida , will ensure that communities and residents have a strong voice in the process. "It levels the playing field by helping defray the costs of fighting such a project," In the fight against the NYRI line, the developer's deep pocketbook created a rivalry akin to David and Goliath, with grassroots citizens groups organizing bake sales and soliciting private donations to pay research and consulting fees. (Post Standard 8-28-09 info source).

RUMOR AROUND TOWN….the Democrats nominated Loren Corbin for Supervisor; Rod Jennison – Highway Supt.; George Cowen – Councilman; Don Brown – Town Justice; Sherri Kabana – Town Clerk. Have not yet seen the official results posted…???

RUMOR AROUND TOWN …. Special meeting of the Town Board on Saturday…voted down Salka’s recommendation to replace the current accountants ..??? Curious given all the recent problems with the bookkeeping, the assignment of the account to a very junior person who is not an accountant and has no accounting degree, and the recent charge of embezzlement pending against former accountant Larry Recor. ..so why would they want to keep this firm?

BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD
REGULAR MEETING… Monday/August 10, 2009

This month’s meeting was held in North Brookfield…approximately 25-30 residents in attendance… was a long, but productive meeting, finally ending about 11PM…

FINANCE – Fiducial/Recor Accounting reps showed up to refute allegations of lousy bookkeeping and errors in the Town’s financial statements due to misunderstandings, lack of information, etc. The firm’s reps provided a detailed presentation, but in the end it boiled down to a “he said/she said”. … Ended up being a case where the new person handling the Town’s financials was a novice, with no CPA, no accounting degree. It became obvious the Town wasn’t getting the advice/service it had paid for in the past. Looks like we will be looking to a new accountant – Tackberry out of Hamilton has been recommended. He handles Madison’s books. The Board has yet to appoint Tackberry…RUMOR IS: Special Saturday Board meeting to do so…..The Fiducial/Recor reps also stated that they did not believe there was any problem with Brookfield financials related to Larry Recor’s recent arrest for alleged embezzlement of $280,000 from the Boonville Library. Recor owned Recor Associates, who had kept the Town’s books for the last ten years. Salka is looking into an audit or review of the Town’s books to be sure.

HIGHWAY – The Board voted to purchase a used GRADALL “as is” from Jefferson Co. for $19,999. The odd amount, recommended by Loren Corbin, is to avoid the “emergency purchase” paperwork (attorney’s fees) involved in purchasing without competitive bids. Highway Superintendent Ed Bennett did his homework; had alternative prices; provided pros/cons of this purchase, had the crew check it out… bottom line -- it made sense: good price given condition; critical need rather than rent at $2,000 week! …and parts would be interchangeable with current Gradall. A member of the audience also pointed out that the future trade-in values for the two would partially offset the expense. Supervisor Salka was concerned over the replacement parts history of the machine, but agreed this was the best alternative available. Bennett had his people up to check it out and looks like a good deal.

ROAD WORK – Jones Rd. Bennett estimated it would take approximately $80,000 to upgrade Jones Rd. for a single trailer on this seasonal road. Bennett has been working with the owner but overall reluctance to put that much into a road where the status of the property and codes are under question. Decision was postponed until more information could be obtained.

CODES OFFICER – Temporary officer Morrie Sturdyvent attended the meeting and provided perspective on some of the codes-related questions that came up. Morrie and the Town are anxious to find his replacement. … looks to be a good working relationship with Morrie and the Town. Morrie has a bus driving position that starts in Sept and would prefer to have someone in place before then. The Town received several applications and interviews to be scheduled. Anyone interested should contact the Town Hall/Sherri Kabana or John Salka. Councilman Head is to get together with Morrie for an annual junk yard inspection. .

TOWN MEETINGS – PUBLIC NOTICE POSTING. A resident provided the Board with state law information regarding the posting of Town and Town Committee meetings in a public location. Not only the Town Board, but any official board committees need to comply with rules to notify the public of its meeting times & places. She is also going to provide the Town Clerk with information on Clerk’s responsibilities relating to the Town Planning Board and notices.

PARK COMMITTEES – According to Councilman DeWitt Head, the North Brookfield park celebration had a good turnout and they are planning another community event…. Bonnie Button’s resignation from the “Academy St.” park committee was accepted. No reason given…. Al Smith offered to pay the tab for the stain to be used on the picnic tables at the Town Park(s?). A group of teens has offered to do the work if the Town obtained the materials.

BEAVER CREEK ROD & GUN CLUB – Resolution Pending The referendum to put the 55-acre gift of land, from the Town to the Club, needs to be approved by the Board no later than the September regular meeting in order for it to make it to the November ballot….otherwise, the transfer would require a separate vote, which would cost more. Earlier in the week, there was a good turnout at the Special Public Meeting to discuss the gift from Brookfield to the private, Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club. Impressed with the turnout and passion; particularly the number of teenagers and young adults that showed up and spoke up in a respectable manner – it was loud, but civil!! …. it appears there is an agreement in principle that the land goes back to the Town if the Club disbands; that the Gorton Lake runoff would be transferred to the Club; timber rights seem to settle at any financial gain going back to the club to first cover their operating expenses and surplus monies would go back to support the Town. Gas and other mineral rights which could have a economic benefit in the future, would stay with the Town. BUT …not finalized and subject to change. The Club needs to finish up some paperwork and hopes to have a resolution before the Board in September.

HUD PROJECT – The Board voted unanimously to terminate one of the projects based on recommendations from the HUD representative. All, including the HUD “Dude”, regretted having to pull the plug, but the cost of the rehab vs. market value guidelines eliminated the project. On a positive note, two senior citizen projects could be picked up. The costs of lead clean up and materials have limited the number of projects that can be handled under their budget vs previous projects.

HEALTHCARE DEBATES - Gone NAZI????
....aren't these the same tactic Nazi's used? Anti-health reform groups are organizing SHOUT DOWNS and DISRUPTING informational meetings on health care. The bitter divisions over an overhaul of the health care system have exploded at town-hall-style meetings over the last few days as members of Congress have been shouted down, hanged in effigy and taunted by crowds. In several cities, noisy demonstrations have led to fistfights, arrests and hospitalizations. In Mehlville, Mo.,police arrested six people on Thursday evening, some on assault charges. NO LONGER RUMOR.....Many of those opponents have been encouraged to attend by conservative commentators and Web sites.“Become a part of the mob!” ......(Web site of the talk show host Sean Hannity) “Attend an Obama Care Townhall near you!” ..... some urge opponents to be disruptive. “Pack the hall,” .... Web site Tea Party Patriots that instructed, “Yell out and challenge the Rep’s statements early.”.... “Stand up and shout and sit right back down.” A founder of the conservative Web site Right Principles, confirmed to The New York Times that the memo was legitimate. .....sounds like the NAZI crowd tactics that Hitler used to rise to power in Germany....getting pretty scary out there! The best defense of DEMOCRACY is an informed citizen....GET INFORMED....! Get the FACTS!

DON'T FORGET !.....

DON'T FORGET !.....
SPECIAL - Brookfield Town Board Meeting - AUG 6 - 7PM
There will be a SPECIAL - BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD MEETING - August 6 - Thursday - Town Hall to discuss and possibly vote on the Town gifting 50+ acres of public land near Gorton Lake to the private member Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club. Rumor has it....there will be a lot of questions.

RUMOR*AROUND*TOWN
August 3, 2009


Bad Books in Boonville: Man charged with embezzling from library out on bail. BOONVILLE, N.Y. (7-31-09 WKTV) Lawrence Recor, a Boonville accountant, arrested last week for allegedly embezzling $280,000 from the Boonville Library …..The DA.'s office says no money has been recovered yet, so if he is found guilty, the library may be out of luck. Recor waived his right to a felony hearing, meaning this case will quickly go to a grand jury. He faces 5 to 15 years in prison if he is convicted, with restitution on top of that. Rumor has it…..that, Lawrence Recor, was affiliated with Recor Associates -- the Town of BROOKFIELD’s accounting firm until early this year. Stay tuned, more may come up at the next regular board meeting: Monday/ August 10.

No more babies and 10 Less Nurses at Community Memorial - HAMILTON 8-3-09 (Oneida Dispatch) — Community Memorial Hospital will no longer be providing birthing services for women in the area. Because of a lack of obstetricians in Hamilton, as of Aug. 31, pregnant women seeking health care services will have to go elsewhere. “The reason for the decision is the lack of qualified physicians and an obstetrical practice that is not financially sustainable,” said CEO David W. Felton in a statement released Monday.....“To keep the department open would require a substantial financial subsidy of $300,000 to $500,000 per year, which Community does not have the extra resources to provide,” said Felton. With the closing, 10 nurses will be out of jobs at the hospital....three years ago Bassett Healthcare assumed the Hamilton obstetric practice employing doctors John Bowen and Paul Kruger. After Bowen resigned in May, the hospital began “an intensive recruitment effort” and, finding it difficult to attract two qualified physicians, gave up the search and the department.

Looks like not everyone's happy with gas drilling ... Evening Sun (8-23-09) PRESTON – An unhappy, alien-eyed face and the word “Yuk” written underneath in capital letters – all painted in green – appeared sometime last week on county Road 19 before the gated entrance to a landowner’s gas well in Preston. ...There is a growing consortium of environmental protection groups as well as politicians in Pennsylvania and New York who believe that, unlike traditional gas drilling in porous rocks, the gas sought in the abundant Marcellus Shale formation is trapped too tightly within various types of stone layers to be extracted safely. The Marcellus spans the Appalachian River Basin from the town in upstate New York down through Pennsylvania and west to West Virginia and Ohio. Last week, neighboring Broome County learned via a researchers’ report that the natural gas reserves lying beneath the ground could create 16,000 good-paying jobs, $793 million in wages, and $15.3 billion in total economic output. The report, compiled by researchers from the University of North Texas, who had previously studied the Barnett Shale, came on the heels of a Penn State study also released last week that found for every Marcellus Shale well developed in the Pennsylvania, $6.2 million in economic impact could be realized.


Bridgewater parolee charged with sex abuse - Utica, NY - The Observer-Dispatch (8-3-09) A Bridgewater man is facing several charges for allegedly sexually abusing a child in the village of Ilion, according to police. Everett H. Leavitt was charged Thursday with forcible touching, second-degree sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanor offenses, Ilion police said. Leavitt had just been released from state prison for unrelated charges one week prior to the incident, police said.

BLOOD Family & ROCKY TOP FARM Host GRAZING SERIES (Post Standard 8-3-09) Hubbardsville, NY -- Want to learn more about grazing for your livestock? Then attend the next Conversations in Grazing Series event from 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 13 at Rocky Top Acres, home of the Charles Blood Family at 1659 Quaker Hill Road, Hubbardsville. The Bloods have been rotational grazing their dairy herd since the beginning of 1983 and transitioned to organic production in June 1997. Charles has been a leading advocate for organic farming systems and has held several leadership posts informing farmers, legislators and consumers about the benefits of this local production model. The pasture walk event will include a discussion of keyline water plan design and mineral supplementation on pastures.

BROOKFIELD - Organizing a LABOR DAY Block Party – (8-3-09)
Anyone interested in helping organize a town block party Labor Day please contact Town Supervisor, John Salka. They are looking for folks to help organize: entertainment, food, a flea market, and just some good old fun for the community. Join Brookfield to celebrate (regretfully) the end of summer and enjoy food, music, and partying with your neighbors. (Town WEBSITE: http://brookfieldny.com)

BROOKFIELD - Town of Brookfield is accepting letters of interest for a Codes Enforcement Officer. (8-03-09) State certification is desired but not absolutely required and the Town will provide training and support. This is a challenging position which requires both technical knowledge and people skills. Please contact Town Supervisor @ 861-2793 or e-mail: john@brookfieldny.com

RUMOR*AROUND*TOWN
7-30-09 THURSDAY

It’s Official! According to this week’s issue of the WATERVILLE TIMES, the Brookfield Town Board will be holding a SPECIAL MEETING to “discuss the possible transfer of property located on West Lake Road to the BEAVER VALLEY ROD & GUN CLUB. The public meeting is to be held at 7PM THURSDAY –AUGUST 6 in the TOWN HALL-Brookfield. The Town is wants to transfer 55 acres of public land to the private club.

Several good articles in the TIMES regarding TOWN BOARD matters:
…it was reported that the Town is having some issues with their accounting firm regarding mistakes and reporting delays….Planning Board wants to increase road frontage for new homes to 150 feet…$2,100 authorized to rent a Gradall for one week having already put $25,000 into repairs on the old one… confusion over lack of notice to residents of Chesebro Rd. over the new subdivision…a traffic “study” was approved regarding speed limit on Church St. (wonder how much that one cost???).

The TIMES also reported that BROOKFIELD SCHOOL now wants to hire a full time principal. Currently, the Superintendent, Sherri Morris, splits her duties between Superintendent & Principal. The Board was concerned that no one is in charge in the building when Morris and the full-time business manager, Jim Plows, are out at the same time.

And last but not least…The BROOKFIELD REPUBLICANS have put up the following candidates for office: John Salka (Supervisor); Dewitt Head & Chuck Blood (Councilmen); Dan O’Brien (Highway Superintendent); Margaret O’Brien (Town Clerk); and Bonnie Button (Town Justice).

BENEFIT FOR LEVI JENNISION – Monday – Aug. 10th 4-7PM First Baptist Church , Brookfield. Spaghetti & Silent Auction. Take outs. Call 899-6249 to Donate auction items. Levi is working hard on his recovery at Sunnyview Rehab Center, 1270 Belmont Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308.

DAVE MAINE is also recovering from injuries received a tractor roll over. According to Evelyn Whitford’s column, his wife, Sharon, has also been in the nursing home.

SPECIAL - Brookfield Town Board Meeting - AUG 6

RUMOR AROUND TOWN.......there will be a SPECIAL - BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD MEETING - August 6 - Thursday - Town Hall to discuss and possibly vote on the Town gifting 50+ acres near Gorton Lake to the Beaver Valley Rod & Gun Club. The meeting notice is supposed to be posted in the newspaper (Waterville Times & WWF Star) and the Town Website at brookfieldny.com



Posted: 7-27-09 10:03 PM