IMPEACHMENT - In a "Nut Shell".

IMPEACHMENT - In a "Nut Shell".....Fiona Hill's description of what the impeachment hearings are all about: President Donald Trump's pursuit of a "domestic political errand" that came at the expense of American foreign policy.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/21/politics/fiona-hill-gordon-sondland-impeachment-trump/index.html

The most explosive moments of the impeachment inquiry

The most explosive moments of the impeachment inquiry yet included Gordon Sondland, the U.S. ambassador to the European Union, saying yesterday that President Trump effectively directed him to broker a quid pro quo with Ukraine. Sondland testified that “everyone was in the loop,” a revelation that may mean Democrats will push for an appearance from high-profile witnesses like Secretary of State Michael Pompeo or Rudy Giuliani, who have so far refused to cooperate. Today the inquiry will hear from Fiona Hill, the former National Security Council director on Russia and Eastern Europe. [Bloomberg 11-21-19]

Ray Brothers BBQ best ribs in NY

Bouckville, N.Y. — Brothers Tucker and Colin Ray of Ray Brothers BBQ were left speechless when they were named best ribs in New York by the Food Network — and honestly thought it was a joke....One of the things displayed proudly near the entryway of Ray Brothers BBQ is a letter from a kindergartner dated 2016, declaring Ray Brothers BBQ best restaurant "in the world."  "It's pretty cool to see support from local people," Tucker said. "We try to make ourselves more than just a restaurant. We put ourselves into the community hosting events."  Great RIBS and GREAT PEOPLE!  See the Story behind their move to CNY!! at: Oneida Dispatch...great local paper online.

https://www.oneidadispatch.com/news/local-news/ray-brothers-bbq-best-ribs-in-ny/article_23a32df6-0a3d-11ea-9416-d387bc96bf97.html

Authorities name hunter killed in Frankfort shooting

11-16-19 FRANKFORT – Authorities have released the name of a man killed Sunday morning during a hunting accident, the New York State Police said in a statement.  Troopers said that Joshua R. Morgan, 20, of Newport, was part of a hunting party located in a wooded area north of State Route 5S in Frankfort when he was accidently shot by another member of the hunting party.

SEE UTICA OD For full article at
https://www.uticaod.com/news/20191117/authorities-name-hunter-killed-in-frankfort-shooting

STATE POLICE ARREST 2, SEIZE NEARLY $100K WORTH OF DRUGS IN CHENANGO COUNTY

11-18-19 Town of NORWICH.  State police arrested two people and seized thousands of dollars worth of drugs in Chenango County on Thursday. After executing search warrants at several locations on Nov. 14, the Chenango County Violent Gang and Narcotics Team, state troopers, K9 units and NYSP Special Operations Team found the following:

Approximately 1.5 pounds of crystal meth with a street value of $50,000
More than one ounce of pure Fentanyl with a street value of $36,000
Roughly 20 pounds of marijuana with a street value of $10,000
Four handguns, three of which were loaded
16 illegally possessed long guns
Scales
Packaging materials
Approximately $3,350 in cash

SEE WKTV - https://www.wktv.com/content/news/State-police-arrest-2-seize-nearly-100K-worth-of-drugs-in-Chenango-County-565107982.html

OCTOBER - Calendar TOWN, CO, BOE

OCTOBER - Calendar TOWN, CO, BOE
3-Oct	PLANNING - 1st Thursday/ 7 PM Town Hall
8-Oct	MADISON COUNTY - Board of Supervisors
9-Oct	BCS/BOE - 2nd Wed/ 7PM BCS
14-Oct	TOWN BOARD - 2nd Monday -
17-Oct	COMPREHENSIVE - 1st Thur AFTER Town / 7:30PM Town Hall
23-Oct	BCS/BOE - 4th nd Wed/ 7PM BCS

MADISON CO. - Property Transfers Nov 18 - Dec 7 2018

The ONEIDA DISPATCH has returned to posting Madison Co. property sales.  This link covers sales from Nov 18 to Dec 7, 2018  sales.  COPY & PASTE this link

https://www.oneidadispatch.com/news/local-news/property-transfers-in-madison-county/article_1069e448-e38a-11e9-ab58-6717ad1aa344.html

BCS - BOE What are they HIDING???

What is the Brookfield Board of Education Hiding?....they have refused to make the Board Minutes publicly available on the BOE website for OVER A YEAR ...despite repeated requests...the CLERK has other "priorities"?  Who the hell is running the school?  Certainly not the BOE!!!  After the damn taxes we pay it is the LEAST this Board of Education can do. THIS IS B/S!!!!

Farm "roundtable" held at Morrisville SUNY

Rachel May hosted farm "roundtable" at Morrisville SUNY

9-27-19  Senator Rachel May, with the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources, held a roundtable at SUNY Morrisville with leaders and stakeholders in New York’s agricultural industry.

The goal of the roundtable was to discuss a broader, more robust Farm to Institution program across New York State. Currently, Farm to Institution New York State empowers publicly funded institutions to purchase 25 percent of their food from New York State farms. Senator May and the LCRR are working with partners to increase the number of institutions participating, increase the percent of food from NYS farms, streamline the procurement and distribution systems and create production and storage facilities so that more farms can take advantage of the program.

The roundtable is the first of many conversations aimed at creating a reliable market for New York State farms, particularly small and mid-sized family farms. By creating centrally managed processing, storage, and distribution centers, more farms will be able to participate in the improved Farm to Institution program. Schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, and nursing homes which receive public funding would all be encouraged to participate in the program to provide high quality, local produce for their students, residents, and staff.  

See FULL article at ONEIDA DISPATCH... copy & Paste

https://www.oneidadispatch.com/news/local-news/senator-rachel-may-hosts-farm-roundtable/article_bf77eaf6-e0b6-11e9-89e4-438b41a223aa.html

Madison Co. Property Tax Transfers ... are back online!!!

Madison Co. Property Tax Transfers ... are back online!!!

9-26-19  The Oneida Daily Dispatch has not published property transfers in the past year and will start publishing them again.  Deeds recorded in the Madison County clerk’s office from November 12 through November 16, 2018 can be found at this link.  Good local paper.  Here is the OD link and has links to prior transfers:  Copy & Paste link       https://www.oneidadispatch.com/news/local-news/property-transfers-in-madison-county/article_d3982d70-dfa8-11e9-9c81-b3370164369c.html

Madison County youth survey: 35% have tried vaping

Madison County youth survey: 35% have tried vaping

9-26-19  The TAP Survey was administered in December 2018 to students attending nine of Madison County’s school districts: Canastota, Cazenovia, Chittenango, DeRuyter, Hamilton, Madison,
Morrisville-Eaton, Oneida and Stockbridge Valley, and programs at Madison-Oneida BOCES.

The survey ALSO showed an increase in students who said they felt constantly teased, threatened, or harassed by other youth. Those who reported feelings of loneliness, isolation, depression and suicidal thoughts also increased.

See the Rome Sentinel at this link...also a link to the full survey.

https://romesentinel.com/stories/madison-county-youth-survey-35-have-tried-vaping,83467

JULY 13 - Beaver Creek Paddle Trip

SALKA ...Leaving Brookfield?

RUMOR has it that the Salkas' home is for sale....!?

Chobani Turns to Fair-Trade Program to Help Struggling Dairy Industry

CHOBANI NEWS: From the NY Times

The yogurt maker Chobani is working with Fair Trade USA, a nonprofit group in Oakland, Calif., on creating a label that would signal that the milk in its products came from farms that treated their workers and cows humanely.

Chobani will pay a small premium for milk supplied by farms that agree to the Fair Trade USA vetting process, in which auditors periodically inspect the herd, interview workers and look at environmental issues like the containment of runoff.
SEE THE FULL ARTICLE AT:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/02/business/chobani-fair-trade-yogurt-dairy.html?action=click&module=Latest&pgtype=Homepage

MADISON & ONONDAGA CO. Consolidation of 911 Winbourne REPORT

911 CONSOLIDATION:  Madison & Onondaga Co.The Madison County Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and Chairman John M. Becker held a meeting this morning to address the concerns they heard from 911 communicators and First Responders at the Public Meeting held last night. This morning the Committee resolved to implement immediately Phases 1 and 2 of Winbourne Consulting’s recommendations.  Please see a link to the study here.

https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9602/Winbourne-Consulting-911-Study-Final-Report

SALKA Saves Street Light

https://www.oneidadispatch.com/news/local-news/canastota-to-keep-peterboro-street-light/article_49723970-9c1d-11e9-abfb-5fa4fd3e5efb.html

4th of JULY - HAMILTON Events & FIREWORKS

Thanks to Waterville blog, Hub of the Huddle, for posting this info RE:  HAMILTON Fourth of July events...FIREWORKS on Thu July 4....

BCS WHAT IS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HIDING?

You really have to ask what is going on that the Brookfield School Board has failed to make public the MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS. They have not posted minutes since SEPTEMBER 2018... They don't even have a copy you can pick up at the office.  How do things get properly approved ?  I have been asking and writing for MONTHS only to be told by the Clerk that she and the Superintendent have other priorities.  WHAT ARE THE BOARD'S PRIORITIES.... ?  Certainly not the TAXPAYERS or the TRUTH about what REALLY GOES ON AT BROOKFIELD CENTRAL SCHOOL!   Check it out for yourself....where is the BOARD'S ACCOUNTABILITY???????  https://www.brookfieldcsd.org/site/default.aspx?PageType=14&DomainID=30&PageID=388&ModuleInstanceID=693&ViewID=1e008a8a-8e8a-4ca0-9472-a8f4a723a4a7&IsMoreExpandedView=True

TOWN CLERK's OFFICE CLOSED THIS WEEK

NOTICE:  TOWN CLERK's OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED June 27, 2019 through July 6, 2019.  Regular Office Hours will resume on Tuesday, July 9, 2019.

Notice on TOWN SITE:  http://www.brookfieldny.us/

KIDS - SUMMER IDEAS Waterville Public Library

For those of you looking for SUMMER IDEAS for the KIDS...check out the Waterville Library and the blob site "HUB OF THE HUDDLE"  which lists great "FREE" Kid Entertainment Ideas!!!

https://hubofthehuddle.blogspot.com/

NYS Capitol watch: Busy legislative session comes to close

The 935 measures that passed both the Senate and the Assembly included ones creating new rental protections for more than a million tenants in and around New York City, the further decriminalization of marijuana, safeguards for abortion rights, and aggressive new targets for reducing pollution that causes global warming.  The vast majority, however, are more modest in their scope, impacting only a specific industry, community or corner of the law.

What's responsible for the brisk pace? One-party rule. In recent years, when each party held a chamber, the Senate and Assembly would often pass their own partisan bills, which members knew had no chance in the opposite chamber. But with Democrats now in charge of both the Senate and Assembly, a bill's chances of passing both chambers is much higher.

https://www.syracuse.com/politics/2019/06/nys-capitol-watch-busy-legislative-session-comes-to-close.html

Madison County Residents Concerned About 911 Consolidation

Madison County is in the process of evaluating its emergency response. Earlier this month, a consulting firm recommended Madison County merge its 911 Center with Onondaga County. Thursday night, they presented their findings to the public.

A few dozen Madison County residents spoke up at the meeting — most work at the 911 dispatch center or are first responders. They say their emergency response time is exceptional, despite being understaffed. The Madison County residents are worried about added costs and being second fiddle to Onondaga County.

The consulting firm is recommending a three phase approach. Phase one, they say, should be implemented immediately and includes operational changes; including sharing data. It would make it more efficient for departments to work together, specifically if they are responding to an emergency near the counties' borders, the firm says.  

The heavily debated part is full consolidation of the 911 centers. Residents are worried about outsourcing their service and having slower response times. They say the county should invest in its own community if there isn't a cost savings. 

READ REST OF ARTICLE AT:

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2019/06/28/madison-county-911-consolidation-study-feedback

BROOKFIELD DEMOCRATS...Don't Forget to VOTE Tues JUN 25

BROOKFIELD DEMOCRATS!!! Don't forget PRIMARY VOTE - Tues Jun 25....NOON to 9PM ....Primary for TOWN BOARD...CANDIDATES: Kate Peerman, George Plows and Joe Walker - Vote for ONE. TOWN HALL from NOON to 9PM.

TOWN BOARD - Junk Yard & Codes MEETING

Following the May 22  public hearings, the Town Board approved:

#1  Amendments to the Town Building Codes Ordinance, updating requirements and fees; and
#2  Approval of Town Law #1-2019 - Covering "unregulated" and existing junk yards. 

The definition of  "junk" is no longer limited to unregistered vehicles.  As a result there are several properties that will now fall within the "unregulated" definition and subject to regulation or clean up. 

Regulation of "existing (licensed)" junk yards were not changed.  The Town has only three licensed yards.

It was an informative Q&A session among the Board,  Public and Codes Officer Chad Trudell.  Clearly, a good deal of training, thought and effort were put into the new regs  and include an appeals process. Only a handful of residents attended the hearing.   

As a result of these actions, the Town Board and Codes Officer are now able to move ahead on a long standing  community problem. 

For copies of the new regulations, see the Town Website......
http://www.brookfieldny.us/special-noticesmeetings.html

RESULTS of BCS BUDGET Vote....no surprises

RESULTS ....just over 100 voters showed up...

Brookfield

Yes: 89

No: 21

TOWN BOARD Meeting - HIGHLIGHTS & Upcoming DATES

Much to cover from last night’s Town Board Meeting, but so little time this morning to cover it all!!

In the meantime, here are highlights and things are MOVING !!!

HIGHLIGHTS OF LAST NIGHT’s MEETING:

·        New CODES & ENFORCEMENT ( Public Hearing 5/22)

·        New DOG CATCHER (D. Baker “Professional”)

·        New WEBSITE (Sherri giving it a total make-over/in process)

·        New PARKING ( courtesy of Town v Bar)

·        New AGENDA (a real one!)

·        New APPEALS BOARD Member (F. Fudzinski)

·        New TAN (Welcome back Dewitt!)

·        New FREE BOOK BOX (Thanks, Hamilton Library & Colgate!!)

“HANGOVER” ISSUES – International Trucks

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES !

              

NEW DATES - This week (May 15 - 18 )
Historical Society MUSEUM - Open to Public	15-May	WED
JUNK DAY !!! -FRIDAY	17-May	FRI
JUNK DAY !! - SATURDAY	18-May	SAT
Historical Society MUSEUM - Open to Public	18-May	SAT
UPCOMING !
HEARING: New Building CODES	22-May	WED
Madison Co. COURTHOUSE Celebration	25-May	SAT
MEMORIAL DAY Parade	27-May	MON
NYS Senator MAY's MOBILE OFFICE	29-May	WED
Town Hall Committee	3-Jun	MON
DEMOCRATIC Primary (Town Board)	25-Jun	TUE

JUNK DAYS - Brookfield FRI/SAT May 17 & 18

JUNK DAYS - Brookfield FRI/SAT  May 17 & 18

​LEGAL NOTICE - Junk Days
 
Town of Brookfield Junk drop off days will be held on Friday, May 17 from 8 AM to 2 PM and Saturday, May 18 from 8 AM to 12 PM at the Town Highway Garage.

Items taken for NO CHARGE:  scrap metal, metal furniture, water tanks, electronics (TVs, computers), vacuum cleaners, chairs, sofas, mattresses (single, full, queen, king)

Fees will be charged for the following items:
Tires:   Car – No Charge; Light Truck (6, 8 or 10 ply; 16-20 in) – No Charge; Truck - $2.50 per tire; Tractor/Construction Equipment - $5 per tire
Propane Tanks - $3 each
Air Conditioners - $6 each
Dehumidifiers - $6 each

Brush may be brought to the Highway Garage – up to 6 in. diameter.

Items NOT accepted: building materials, garbage, household trash, toxic or hazardous waste of any kind, burn barrels, batteries, junk cars

This service is for Town of Brookfield residents ONLY.

Any questions, please call Town Highway Garage at 315-899-5878.
 
Paul T Owens
Brookfield Town Hwy Supt.
Dated:  May 2, 2019 – in papers May 8 & 15, 2019 (West Winfield STAR & Waterville Times)

BCS - Budget $26,300 per student

BCS School Budget Info from the OBSERVER DISPATCH:

While BCS did NOT provide a per student cost, if you divide the $6,572,577 Total Budget by 250 students, it cost taxpayers approximately $26,300 per student this coming year. 

Brookfield

Total budget: $6,572,577

Change from 2018-19: 3.44%

Tax levy change: 3%

Exceeds tax cap: No

Enrollment: 250

Spending per student: N/A

Foundation Aid: $2,861,000

Change in Foundation Aid: 3.77%

Building Aid: $345,000

Change in building aid: -38.39%

Other state aid: $1,035,000

Change in other state aid: -2.36%

Major additions/cuts over 2018-19: None

THIS WEEK: May 13 to SAT May 18

TOWN BOARD	13-May	MON	7:00 PM
MADISON COUNTY BOARD	14-May	TUES	Wampsville
TOWN CLERK	14-May	TUES	5:30 - 7:30 PM
TOWN COURT	14-May	TUES	7:00 PM
TOWN CLERK	15-May	WED	5:30 - 7:30 PM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN	16-May	THU	7:30 PM
TOWN CLERK	17-May	FRI	5:30 - 7:30 PM
TOWN CLERK	18-May	SAT	5:30 - 7:30 PM

THIS WEEK.....

BCS Budget HEARING	7-May	TUE	7:00 PM
TOWN CLERK	7-May	TUES	5:30 - 7:30 PM
DA NIGHT	7-May	TUES	3:00 PM
TOWN CLERK	8-May	WED	5:30 - 7:30 PM
TOWN CLERK	10-May	FRI	5:30 - 7:30 PM
BCS Student PROM	11-May	SAT
TOWN CLERK	11-May	SAT	5:30 - 7:30 PM
HOLIDAY - Mothers Day	12-May	SUN

BROOKFIELD Events May 1 to Sun May 5

Going to take a shot at posting WEEKLY CALENDAR of local/Brookfield events and Town Boards.

THIS WEEK - Wednesday, MAY 1   to Saturday, MAY 4
TOWN CLERK	1-May	WED	5:30 - 7:30 PM
Town Hall
BROADBAND Meeting	2-May	THU	7:00 PM
Hamilton High School / 47 W Kendrick
PLANNING BOARD	2-May	THU	7:00 PM
Town Hall
TOWN CLERK	3-May	FRI	5:30 - 7:30 PM
TOWN CLERK	4-May	SAT	8:00 to NOON
OPTIMIST 1st annual craft show	4-May	SAT	10a.m – 3p.m
Brookfield Central School

Deborah Kniffen Acker - Sad to hear

Very sorry to report the passing of Deb Acker (Kniffen)...you may recall she was the Manager of Fleet bank in Waterville.  Our condolences.  Here is her obituary:

Obituary
PRINT
Our Mom, Deborah K. Acker, 60, of Waterville, passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare surrounded by her loving family. Mom was born July 4, 1958 in New Hartford, the daughter of the late Robert B. and Betty P. Kniffin and was a graduate of New Hartford High School. On June 12, 1976, she married Gary F. Acker. Many knew her from her days as branch manager of the bank in Waterville. For the last 10 years she was employed by Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) in Rome. She was a member of Waterville Rotary and was an avid member of the First Presbyterian Church in Waterville, where she shared her voice in the choir for many years.
Our mom was a talented seamstress, who loved sewing clothing for her grandchildren- especially their much-loved Christmas pajamas. She loved a good cup of tea. Gardening, working outside on her lawn, traveling, camping, and spending time with her family were especially important to her.
Mom is survived by her loving, faithful companion- our father, Gary Acker of Waterville; her children, Jason (Courtney) Acker of Waterville; Daniel (Debra) Acker of New Hartford; Ryan (Jane) Acker of Nassau, NY; Erin (Timothy) Graham of Brighton, CO; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sharon Wormwood of Clifton Park; Pam (Bruce) Youmans of Brookfield; Robin (Brian) Kruse of Taunton, MA; her beloved grandchildren, Garent, Jude, Ava, Aidan, Kairi, Colin, Barrett, and Lillie; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family offers their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff on the 6th floor and ICU unit of Faxton- St. Lukes Healthcare for their kindness and compassion.
Funeral services will be held at Noon on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the Three Steeples Church, Paris Hill, NY.
Interment will be at a later date in St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Waterville.
Friends are invited to call at the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 210 E. Main St., Waterville on Saturday from 4-6pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the National Brain Tumor Society, to benefit Glioblastoma, 55 Chapel St., Suite 200, Newton, MA 02458

GENERAL DOLLAR "PLUS" - to replace GREAT A in West Winfield

West Winfield residents won't be without a food store for long as the new Dollar General Plus will be opening this summer to replace the 'Great American' that closed. While Family Dollar and Dollar Tree are closing a large number of stores, Dollar General is still expanding into communities like West Winfield. It's good to hear that Dollar General 'Plus' is officially opening in West Winfield at the end of June or beginning of July. The community has been scrambling since the Great American closed for good in February.   Dollar General Plus locations are larger than traditional Dollar General stores that have more coolers/freezers to keep more perishable items in stock. We're told they will carry fresh produce, meat, milk, bread, snacks and more.

See full article at:  https://961theeagle.com/dollar-general-plus-opening-in-west-winfield/

GEORGE PLOWS - Democratic Candidate for TOWN BOARD

It's true!  ...George Plows is out getting signatures for his Democratic petition to run for the Town Board.  Not sure how many seats will be available this year, in addition to the Supervisor position nor if there have been official endorsements of any positions.... GEORGE - good man, good heart and good family....!!!

SALKA 's Letter to the Editor

If you had a chance to read John Salka's LETTER TO THE EDITOR in this week's Waterville Times....you know how lucky we are that he's now in Albany....in his element:  denying, lying & excusing himself while taking credit for the work of others.   I just hope his arm recovers from that long stretch to pat himself on the back....he certainly is his biggest admirer!

TOWN BOARD - Corbin Letter In Waterville Times

For the full "State of the Town" report has been printed in this week's WATERVILLE TIMES...Feb 20 issue.... be sure to check it out!  Information...not excuses.

DOLLAR GENERAL - Taking Over Great American Location

Check out the West Winfield Star....this week's Feb  20 issue includes a run down of local town and school board meetings along with an update that DOLLAR GENERAL is moving into the Great American  location -- completion anticipated in 4 months....in the meantime, the  Village of West Winfield has arranged bus transportation for Seniors...first run ...MONDAY Feb 25..... check out this great local blog for details:  West Winfield Happenings!  ...

https://www.facebook.com/groups/826700944177624/?multi_permalinks=1158247464356302&notif_id=1550598948083568&notif_t=group_highlights

PLANNING BOARD - March 7 - Visentin - McIntyre Rd.

Notice of Public Hearing

The Planning Board of the Town of Brookfield will hold a public hearing upon the application of James Visentin for the review and discussion of subdivision of Tax Map # 218.-1-21.  Said property is located at 573 McIntyre Rd in the Town of Brookfield. 

Said hearing will be held on March 7, 2019 at the Brookfield Town Hall at 7:00 PM.  At this time, all persons will be given the opportunity to be heard.

BCS - Financial AUDIT BY NYS - Results

Here is a link to the March 2018 Audit of BCS' financials....why are they hiding it?.... their billing procedure is as lax as their communications ....when was the last time we saw minutes or ANY useful information posted for TAXPAYERS ....not JUST PARENTS!!! But, this falls on the BOARDS' deaf ears....

https://www.osc.state.ny.us/localgov/audits/schools/2018/brookfield.pdf

CORBIN - "State of the Town" GOOD START!

Sorry to have missed the FEBRUARY Town Board meeting but was able to obtain a copy of Supervisor Corbin’s monthly report.  WOW….what a difference!...INFORMATION…! There was more information in the Corbin report than we got out of Salka in the past 4 years while he prepped for the Assembly seat the Town’s business withered on the vine!  

[I never thought I would be saying this!!]  Got to give Corbin the credit.   Here is a summary:

1.      Corbin obtained a verbal commitment to include $25,000 in the 2019 budget for the Madison County Fair. 

2.      Town vs Kabana – court date set for March 8, but trying to move up to Feb.

3.      Richter v Town – attorneys to meet in March [this must be the “mystery” lawsuit we never heard about];

4.      Working with Town Justice on funding for various security issues [NOTE: we need a SHERIFF in attendance on DA NIGHT!!!]

5.      The last four years 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018 of CAP [property tax levy] reports had not been filed.  Corbin worked with the Town Accountant to complete these and the 2019 report.

6.      Budget line items were corrected for recording property tax penalties and interest.

7.      Annual Audit of the Town Clerk and Town Justice to be conducted on  February 18^th.  These annual audits are required and performed by the Town Board’s “Finance” Committee.

8.      The Governor’s 2019 budget was a “hit” to Highway budget revenues:  $17,744 (2% of Town Budget) AIM program  cancelled; no CHIPS increases and no “Extreme Winter Recovery” funding.

9.      This APRIL, Colgate University professor plans to start a free “Library BOX” exchange.  Location ideas needed.

ON a go-forward basis, the Supervisor’s goals for the upcoming year include:

LAW SUITS:  Kabana and now Richter – resolution. [FINALLY].

SALT SHED.  Several issues to address – “notorious” bookkeeping; limited capacity and style issues.

CODES ENFORCEMENT:  Long overdue.  “non-existent for the past 11 years” […AGREE!] A new house was built in 2017 – without a permit! And just take a ride around!

DOG ENUMERATION:  to start again and complete this time.

POINT OF INTEREST – The food stamp program is now called SNAP.  Corbin’s report also noted that Madison County paid – One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) to cover 4,000 households for ONE MONTH. [NOTE: while it sounds like a lot, according to my calculator that is only $250 per family per month.]

In summary, sounds like things are moving ahead and information is being shared with the community….it is now worth going to a Town Board Meeting.  We can learn something other than EXCUSES….! 

A long overdue update….taxes and winter doldrums!

Catching up on the past Waterville Times article re: first Town Board meeting under Supervisor Loren Corbin….what a difference …and who thought???....an overall positive in terms of information flow and a turnaround compliment from a public speaker and applaud her character for apologizing!

The meeting included an update on the Town budget and litigation…oh so much left hidden by Mr. Salka; and also heard that final/approved Board minutes would be put  ONLINE ….on the TOWN’s WEBSITE…within two weeks of meeting?!! Be still my beating heart!!!  ... is this a harbinger of OPEN GOVERNMENT?! MUCH NEEDED to rebuild trust!

On another note, sad to hear that the WEST WINFIELD Great American is scheduled to close Feb 28.  Here is a link to the new West Winfield website with updates and local news…a neat site! WEST WINFIELD LOCAL HAPPENINGS at 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/826700944177624/?multi_permalinks=1148730078641374&notif_id=1549484278155157&notif_t=group_highlights

And the new TOWN SUPERVISOR IS.....

Loren Corbin - former Town Supervisor..by unanimous vote of the Town Board: Abrams, Walker, Head, and Mayne (who dropped out of the race so he could stay a Board member....).

It was a full house with 20+...the meeting started with a brief introduction by each of the candidates.  The Board then went into an executive session (in Salka's office)...after about 40 minutes they returned with DeWitt nominating Loren Corbin and approved by the full board....Despite Salka's attempts to put Chuck Blood in the position.    No public comment was allowed.   The position will be held until the next general election in NOVEMBER.

Granted, there was dissent as stated by Rachel Owens (former Board member), however the sentiment of the Board as well as several citizens is:  NOW maybe we can get things done.   Salka left a high level of frustration - a catalog of loose ends....unending litigation...and a whole host of Salka's "I'll look into that". (the black hole of follow up!)...he can now continue to play his old game in the Assembly...and help his friends...like the IDA Courthouse deal. See Nov 3 post.

UPDATE - STRANGE BEDFELLOWS Tonight's Meeting

UPDATE - STRANGE BEDFELLOWS IN BROOKFIELD SUPERVISOR "Contest"....John Salka and George Cowen are calling around to the Board and others to SUPPORT Chuck Blood!!!...Now I hear Blood "might" retire from farming. Bring your popcorn for tonight!!!
TONIGHT - JAN 2 - 7PM - TOWN BOARD MEETING! PUBLIC NOTICE..SUPERVISOR APPOINTMENT....SPREAD THE WORD The Town Board of the Town of Brookfield will hold a SPECIAL MEETING on January 2, 2019 at 7:00 pm at the Brookfield Town Hall for the purpose of appointing a Town Supervisor for a term of 1 year effective retroactive to January 1, 2019 and expiring December 31, 2019 and filling any vacancies that may occur from that appointment. Letters of interest will be accepted at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular office hours, by email to Town Clerk at skbn66@frontiernet.net or by mail to Brookfield Town Clerk, PO Box 83, Brookfield, NY 13314. Letters/emails will be accepted through December 31, 2018. Any questions, please call the Town Hall at 315-899-3364 during regular Town Clerk hours.

Sherry Perretta

Town Clerk

Dated: 12/19/2018 and/or 12/26/2018 in papers

Posted 12/15/2018 on door and website