STATE LANDS: APRIL 7 - DEC seeks input on Brookfield plan

Thanks to the DAILY STAR for letting us know what is going on in our own town.... See further details at the DAILY STAR link below.

New campsites and other improvements to a local state forest are up for comment at an April 7 meeting in Sherburne, the state DEC recently announced. 

The public meeting will include presentation of a draft Unit Management Plan for the Brookfield Unit, which includes Charles E. Baker, Beaver Creek and Brookfield Railroad State Forests and covers about 14,000 acres of land in Madison and northern Chenango counties. According to a media release, the draft UMP has been developed to address management activities on these state properties. 

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium of the Sherburne-Earlville School at 15 School St. in Sherburne. 

Further details at:

http://www.thedailystar.com/news/local_news/dec-seeks-input-on-brookfield-plan/article_9ac41d05-686e-5beb-aec9-526306b217ef.html

NYS BUDGET: $15 Minimum Wage

The SYRACUSE POST STANDARD has a good, concise article on the NEW YORK STATE budget which is supposed to be passed by this Friday, April 1.... we'll see... in any event, here is one of the FIVE issues mentioned:  $15 Minimum Wage ....while it is a big chunk of change for employers, if approved, is likely to be a gradual increase over several years and provide for exceptions to farming and small business.

While some can complain about this minimum, and granted, it does have its regional issues (like farming and small businesses, and entry-level positions)...don't you think the Major Corporations want to keep it low in order to keep a lid on higher skilled/level workers' wages?

We all know skilled people, with dangerous jobs, that are earning peanuts because they are being compared to an unlivable minimum wage, and likely, they work for larger businesses and corporations that could and should pay more.  Look at the increasing disparity of income, as the living wage is being held down by corporations and lobbyists in Albany.

There needs to be a COMPROMISE, but no need to throw the whole idea out the window...the old tossing the baby out with the bath water!

 NYS BUDGET:  $15 Minimum Wage 

http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2016/03/5_ny_state_budget_questions_that_lawmakers_might_resolve_this_week.html#incart_river_home

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- For Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York State Legislature leaders, the pressure will mount Monday as they negotiate a state budget deal, and decide whether it will raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour.

Will the Senate agree to a $15 minimum wage?Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan gave indications last week that he's open to increasing the state's minimum wage from $9 to $15 an hour, like Cuomo and the Assembly want. But Flanagan wants exceptions to protect farmers and small businesses, and he's also talked of setting a different minimum wage in Upstate than in New York City.

Organizations representing the state's businesses are warning that a $15 an hour minimum wage will kill jobs, especially in Upstate New York. Labor unions, which have been Cuomo's strongest ally in his push to make New York's minimum wage the highest in the nation, are pushing back aggressively against the concept of a lower minimum wage in Upstate.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader John DeFrancisco has been among the most vocal critics of the $15 minimum wage. In January, the Republican from Syracuse predicted the Senate would not approve the $15 wage.This is a tough issue for Senate Republicans. Most New Yorkers support the $15 minimum wage, according to a Siena College poll.

The outcome of the minimum wage debate could cost the Republicans control of the Senate in November, when all 63 seats are up for election.

$15 minimum wage: What New York workers, business owners say (video)

3 Syracuse area business owners and 3 low-wage workers talk about how they'd be impacted by NY Gov. Cuomo's proposed increase in the state's minimum wage from $9 to $15 an hour.

JOB OPENINGS - Vernon Downs MARCH 30 & 31 "Job Fair"

Vernon >> Vernon Downs is looking to add to its food and beverage staff at its special “Recipe for Success” job fair this WED & THUR

The racino is hoping to fill a variety of full time, part time and seasonal positions through the event Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the hotel convention center.

Everyone who visits the job fair will have an opportunity to interview for a position with the chance of being hired on the spot.

Included among the open positions are bartender, sous chef and a variety of other kitchen functions. For a complete list of open positions in food and beverage and across the property, visitwww.vernondowns.com/careers. Those interested may also apply online to work at Vernon.

See articles and further details at ONEIDA DISPATCH:  http://www.oneidadispatch.com/business/20160326/recipe-for-success-job-fair-at-vernon-downs

MVA-PI 9316 SKANEATELES TPKE, BROOKFIELD

10:45AM

CNY Fire

14 mins · 

BRIA:1600091
03/29/2016 10:23am Dispatched
MVA-PI 9316 SKANEATELES TPKE, BROOKFIELD

Understand there are three cars involved... on corner near Rudy King's....

DAIRY FARMERS - Important Press Confernece TUES, March 29

See Notice we found in the Waterville area blog site "HUB of the HUDDLE 2016"....local history and current events ...great site!

Hub of the Huddle 2016

				Hub of the Huddle 2016 - WEATHER - We're not sure whether to tell you to pack your rain coat or parka... but pack something! ***** - IN THE MAIL - Click on picture to enlarge *** Daddy Do...
				View on hubofthehuddle.blogsp...	Preview by Yahoo

Attention Dairy Farmers, Supporting Businesses, and Consumers

Arden Tewksbury, manager of the Progressive Agriculture Organization, will be holding an important press conference on Tues March 29 at 1:00 pm, at the Northeast Auto Museum, 22 Rexford St (just off RT 12), Norwich, NY.

He will be discussing the devastatingly low milk prices that are 
being paid to dairy farmers.

All dairy farmers, supporting businesses, and consumers are encouraged to attend.

For more info contact Gretchen 861-5721

MVA - Bailey Lake Rd. Sangerfield...

Another EMS call in the area...3/24/16 .... No further Details...at CNY Fire.

WATF:1600076
03/24/2016 1:21pm Dispatched
MVA-PD 8125 BAILEY LAKE RD , SANGERFIELD, NY ( TUBBS RD/DRURY RD )
View on Map

BRIDGEWATER - Industrial Accident / NY Custom Processing

This report comes from the CNY Fire website TODAY 3/24/16  an 8:54AM... nothing further reported.

NYSP:2016:07225
03/24/2016 8:54am Enroute
ACCIDENT INDUSTRIAL 430 ROUTE 8 BRIDGEWATER, NY ( MAPLEDALE RD/SWAMP RD ) ; NY CUSTOM PROCESSING


A great site...
https://www.facebook.com/CNY-Fire-519023658188676/timeline/

TOWN: Notices NEW FUEL SYSTEM, PARKS, CEMETERIES; TOWN HALL REPAIRS & PLANNING BOARD Vacancy

This week's Waterville Times posts the following PUBLIC NOTICES on behalf of the Town of Brookfield.   The information is not on the Town Website, so you will have to contact Sherry Perretta at 899-3364 or stop at the Town Office during her regular hours.  Bids must be submitted before NOON, Sat., APRIL 9.

"Proposal for REPLACEMENT OF HIGHWAY GARAGE FUEL SYSTEMS" as more fully described in the Waterville Times pg. 12 ... wonder if the school will participate in the "cost sharing" since the Town provides their fuel storage...just sayin'

"REPAIR BID" - for Town Hall Building replacing 3 entrance doors, one window; repair/replace  landing to Town Court entrance;

"PARK BIDS" -  for mowing trimming and grounds maintenance of the parks: 2 Brookfield, 1 N Brookfield, 1 Leonardsville parks. See Sherry for details.

"CEMETERY BIDS" - for mowing trimming and grounds maintenance of the "Town Cemeteries" (you have to pick up the list of cemeteries at the Town Office as well);

PLANNING BOARD VACANCY - ALTERNATE - The Planning Board is looking for an alternate.  Please send a letter of interest to Sherry at the Town PO Box 83, Brookfield, NY 13314

Help wanted - Waterville Post Office-City Carrier Assistant $16.06 per Hour

Help wanted - Waterville Post Office-City Carrier Assistant6d ago

Maureen Wratten from Waterville

Duties:
To substitute for regular carrier on weekly day off, sick days and vacations. Must be available on an as needed basis.

$16.06 per hour. 

Call 315-841-8721 and speak to Maureen

CRIME: Multiple Trailers Reported Stolen throughout Central NY

The following article appeared in the Post Standard.  Apparently, there has been a rash of stolen dump trailers...these people are incredibly brazen. Since these thefts are happening all over, if you see anything suspicious, call 911.

Multiple trailers reported stolen throughout Central New York

				Multiple trailers reported stolen throughout Central New... We’ve heard of stolen cars, but stolen dump trailers?Small business owners have reported instances of trailers being stolen—sometimes right off their property in br...
				View on www.localsyr.com	Preview by Yahoo

TOWN: New Codes Officer CHAD TRUDELL

Checking out the Town Website it appears we have a new codes officer who will be replacing Bob Piersma.

Would be nice if the Town BOARD took the opportunity to INTRODUCE Chad Trudell  to the PUBLIC rather than creating the same PR problems they caused with the Dog Warden...when a complete "stranger" turns up at your door.... who is he? where does he live? what are his qualifications?... Give us a little background and have the COMMON COURTESY of introducing this gentleman to the PUBLIC !!!!! Why make an already difficult job impossible!

Given the growing piles of filth in this community and no Board support, he has a tough job ahead. Look around Town...garbage thrown out back doors and onto the lawns...under porches...reported and never taken care of .....North Brookfield fallen down homes... the years long Sutton Farm Rt. 8  filthy JUNKYARD ... but in the words of the Town Supervisor "there's nothing the Town can do!"... This comes from a guy who thinks he can handle an Assembly seat.... !


Town Codes Enforcement Officer:  Chad Trudell     
                     Phone:  315-899-5878/315-404-0080
                     e-mail  
                     Hours:  To be determined

FARMERS: Magee introduces measures to cut taxes for farmers

Magee announced he has introduced legislation that will lighten the tax burden on the small and moderate-sized farms at the heart of our state’s economy.

“Family-owned and modestly sized farms are essential to New York agriculture,” Magee said. “As chair of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, I am focused on making sure we do everything we can to support the hardworking men and women who put food on our tables.”

Magee introduces measures to cut taxes for farmers

Magee announced he has introduced legislation that will lighten the tax burden on the small and moderate-sized farms at the heart of our state’s economy.

“Family-owned and modestly sized farms are essential to New York agriculture,” Magee said. “As chair of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, I am focused on making sure we do everything we can to support the hardworking men and women who put food on our tables.”

Magee’s (Chairman - Assemby Agriculture Committe) introduced measures would:

1  speed up tax reforms that were made in 2014 to eliminate the estate tax and help make sure that as family farms are passed down, each new generation is positioned for success (A.9471). 

2.  Another bill increases the personal income tax exemption from 5 percent to 20 percent and 

3.  raises the farm income eligibility threshold to provide more relief to small farm business owners (A.9466). The legislation has already passed the Senate.

About nine out of 10 New York State farms are considered to be small, and more than 89 percent are owned by families or family-held corporations.. These initiatives will help protect our small businesses and keep family farms operating for generations to come, Magee noted.

See full article at ONEIDA DISPATCH AT:

http://madisoncountycourier.com/?p=66325

BRIDGEWATER ACCIDENT TODAY

BRIDGEWATER ACCIDENT TODAY...as reported by Observer Dispatch

Posted Mar. 18, 2016 at 6:20 PM 

BRIDGEWATER

One person was sent to the hospital Friday following a motor vehicle accident, Oneida County sheriff's deputies said.At 1 p.m., emergency crews were called to a two-car accident at the intersection of Routes 8 and 20, where a vehicle driven by Donna Cushman, 36, of Davenport, was rear-ended while stopped at a red light, deputies said.

The second vehicle was driven by Lindsey Jones, 18, of New Hartford, deputies said.

A passenger in the Cushman vehicle -- Shawn Cushman, 38, of Davenport -- was treated for minor injuries at the scene before being taken by Bridgewater Ambulance to St. Luke's Campus of Mohawk Valley Healthcare, deputies reported.

Jones was issued a traffic ticket for following too closely, officials said.

BCS - Minutes...notice something MISSING ???

Now that the BCS Board of Education Meeting Minutes are posted on line, please NOTICE: NOT ONCE does the administration or Board follow up or even ask about the investigation of the $250,000 worth of vandalism to the school.  I guess, when you earn $144,000 per year, it's no big deal...and given the embarrassment that children of school employees may have been involved... really ... what is the incentive?  It's not like anybody in the community is complaining or even cares... pretty damn sad.  Another local "incident" swept under the rug...and it's a pretty lumpy one here in Brookfield.

Madison County Sheriff's Office is adding 10 deputies

WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Madison County Sheriff's Office is adding 10 deputies over the next three years in order to fight the growing heroin problem - ...Helping these inmates is a costly service for the county. The ones who are going through withdrawals require constant supervision and often transportation to the hospital, where they also require supervision. - 

See more at: http://www.wktv.com/news/Madison_County_to_add_deputies_helping_to_combat_the_growing_drug_problem.html#sthash.wsAHlecp.dpuf

BCS: Board Of Education Meeting Minutes - NOW ONLINE !

Nice to see the Brookfield Central Board of Education Meeting Minutes are now being posted on the School website.   

Now available.... minutes for December, January & February.  

....and can be found on the BCS website under:  

"About Us...Board of Education...BOE Minutes": 

Or use this link:

http://www.brookfieldcsd.org/Page/388

TOWN BOARD MEETING - MONDAY - March 14 7PM Town Hall

Interesting to note the following resolutions and New Business.  

The 2015 ANNUAL  "Financial Report" (CORRECTION: ... it is not an AUDIT) for the fiscal year ended 12/31/15 is also online along with the agenda and updated financial information for Monday's meeting.

1) First Reading of Revised Highway Rules - (What is changing?)

2) Resolution Authorizing the Supervisor to Enter into an Agreement with B&L (For the Salt Shed??)

3) Resolution to Hold a Public Hearing for the Purpose of Presenting Proposed Local Law # 3-A 4 Year Term for Town Supervisor

LINK TO TOWN WEBSITE:
http://www.brookfieldny.us/calendar.html

MADISON CO SUPERVISORS - Meeting Recap FEBRUARY

The Oneida Dispatch does a good job of covering Wampsville.  Below is a link to the March 9 online article covering the Madison Co. Board of Supervisors February meeting,.

Interesting items:  plans for $5.5 million expansion to the landfill and a resolution pending for a $35,000 mural wall painting for the Supervisors' Chambers......

SEE    .http://www.oneidadispatch.com/general-news/20160309/madison-county-supervisors-working-on-landfill-upgrade

TOWN BOARD: Last Night's Special Meeting Results

A Special Meeting of the Brookfield Town Board  was held last night for the purpose of reinstating Highway Supt. Bob Piersma and Councilman Joe Walker.

Piersma and Walker had forgotten to file their Oath of Office Cards required under NYS law even though they were re-elected to the same positions. While this sounds like a small technicality it has had severe consequences for other elected officials who failed to sign the cards including loss of their job, salary and required to run for re-election this November.

Fortunately, Walker and Piersma had better fates:  both were reinstated; and they were to be reimbursed for forfeited wages (under state law - approximately a month's worth of salary would have been lost); BUT...they do have to run for their offices again this November.  Well...2 out of three ain't bad!

The meeting was lightly attended --approx 10 public (all the cars out front were for Court Night)....Dewitt was absent but a quorum was present.  

There had been some controversy over whether Salka was required to file in both the COUNTY and TOWN Clerks....not so, according to legal research by our Town Attorney who also provided the court decision.  While she was not present, legal research provided.  

Lastly, as a point of controversy....contrary to the Supervisor's March 4 letter,  the Town Clerk is NOT the only one able to administer the oath of office.  The Supervisor and councilmen are also authorized under state law.

Meeting was over by about 8PM... At the "Big Table": Salka, Mayne, Walker, Abrams, Kabana/Perretti & Piersma. Audience:  +/- 10.....

OPEN LETTER TO SALKA Re: Tonight's Reinstatement Meeting

Following is an open letter to the Supervisor....hopefully, answers to these questions and rumors will put the "OATH ISSUE" to rest.

 

March 7, 2016

 

Mr. John Salka

Supervisor

Town of Brookfield

 

SUBJ:  March 8 Special Meeting - Re: Oath of Office & Reinstatements

 

Dear John:

 

No doubt you have heard some of the questions regarding the reinstatement of the positions as well as the authority to hold the meeting. 

Since you have been in touch with the Town Attorney, Tina Wayland-Smith, I am cc'ing her some of the questions that may come up in tomorrow evening's meeting.  Below is a summary and hope to put the rumors to bed...  Honna Whelley-Bowen

 

Supervisor's Authority to call the March 8 Meeting? 

Although the Supervisor filed his oath in Wampsville,

does he "technically" need to file with the TOWN CLERK

... as it appears to require in the Town Law book. 

Please clarify because the issue has also raised the following:  

 

If not, with respect to the Special Meeting:

     (a) Does the Supervisor have the authority to call the meeting; and 

     (b) Will the Supervisor be eligible to count toward a meeting quorum?

March 8 Meeting - Town Attorney? Questions?

The notice of the Special March 8 Meeting does not include an agenda, so, we ask: 

     Is this a simple swearing in? 

     Will the Supervisor answer questions at the meeting?

     Will the Town Attorney,  be in attendance to answer questions?

 

Positions on the NOVEMBER Ballot?

Elected officials in the other Towns, Counties were required to run for re-election the following November.  

Will the Highway Supt position and Joe Walker's council seat be up for election this November?

Reinstatement - Financial Consequences?

What can be done to compensate for loss of salary and benefits?  

It does not sound fair that compensation and benefits should be lost.  

If you SIGN the oath and intentionally BREAK the oath, you get retirement pension and benefits--- EXAMPLE: Silver, Bruno, Libous, Skelos.....but "forget" to sign and you're screwed, despite faithfully and honestly fulfilling their duties?  What is being done to address this situation?

 

Following are links to several articles on the CONSEQUENCES to other Town & County Officials which have raised these questions.

TOWN: Notice re: Piersma and Walker reintstatements

Finally...in case you missed it... highlights were NOT included. This is Salka's from Town website:

March 4, 2016

  

As many in the community have heard by now there has been an issue regarding certain town elected officials who were re-elected this past fall not taking the oath of office in the required time according to state election law. The two officials are Joseph Walker, Town Board member, and Robert Piersma, Town Highway Superintendent. What this means is that the office of Town Board member and Highway Superintendent are vacated as of January 30, 2016. The accepted practice in the past has been that the Town Clerk, who is the only Town official that has the authority to administer the oath of office, was not contacted by either of the officials with a request to complete the oath. This is being treated as a simple oversight, nothing more, nothing less. As a County supervisor I take the oath administered by the County Clerk, of which there is a record of in the County Clerk’s office.

Upon being informed of the situation by our Highway Superintendent I immediately contacted our Town attorney for guidance. In multiple conversations with her we have been informed that these positions may be reinstated by the board providing there is a quorum of which we will have for the upcoming March meeting. There have been some questions regarding whether or not these officials can be paid during this period of vacancy and it is the attorney’s opinion that they cannot.

We will be reinstating these officials at a special board meeting on the 8^th. To prevent a similar situation we will be adding the oath of office to our organization meeting that we hold in January of every new year. I can assure the public that never were any services to the town’s people compromised, and Town government was never interrupted.

Thank you,

John Salka

Brookfield Town Supervisor

OBIT: Dave Crandall

Crandall, David Trainer, 61, of Brookfield, died February 29, 2016. Arrangements by Paul Funeral Home, Brookfield.  
OBITUARY:  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/uticaod/obituary.aspx?n=david-trainer-crandall&pid=177953130

SPECIAL "REINSTATEMENT" MEETING ! Tuesday, March 8

Apparently this is the "information" the Supervisor announced on his Facebook page: .....

......the following notice of  the Special Town Board meeting:

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD

​Tuesday, March 8, 2016

7:00 PM

Town Hall, Brookfield, NY

PURPOSE:  REINSTATEMENT OF ELECTED OFFICIALS

Here is a link to the website under "Special Notices/Meetings" for your reference.  http://www.brookfieldny.us/special-noticesmeetings.html

TOWN BOARD- Supervisor Update? ,,,,

We are still waiting to hear from the Town Supervisor....his personal FACEBOOK page indicates he will be responding to the oath "issues"....on the TOWN Website...

ETHICS REFORM IN ALBANY: What Would SALKA Say?

Syracuse.com asked 14 state legislators from Central New York where they stand on two of the reform proposals: 

1.  capping the outside income lawmakers can earn capping the outside income state lawmakers can earn at 15% (or another $ 12,000)  on top of their $79,500 base state salary  and 

2.  creating a system of public financing of political campaigns.

MAGEE supported reform......would be "informative" to know where his opposition, Salka, stands on these issues....he could respond on this FACEBOOK page....

Do you support capping the outside income state lawmakers can earn at 15% of their $79,500 base state salary ?  

Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson: Yes

John Salka????

Do you support public financing of political campaigns, as Governor Andrew Cuomo proposed?

Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson: Yes

John Salka???

See the full article at:
http://www.syracuse.com/state/index.ssf/2016/03/ethics_reform_where_ny_state_legislators_from_cny_stand.html