Sunday, August 30, 2009
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).
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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?
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?
Friday, August 14, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
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!
....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!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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.
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
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
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