Monday, October 11, 2010
BUSINESS: Former Welch's Auction Barn to Reopen
Good News Article in the ONEONTA Star....re: opening of the former WELCH's LIVESTOCK AUCTION house on Route 8....First auction scheduled for this Monday - 12:30 PM -October 18 and every Monday thereafter. They will be selling a registered Holstein milking herd from Willow Mill Stock Farm, as well as other Holsteins, bred heifers, calves, sheep, lambs, pigs, goats and horses. Tom and Brenda Hosking of Nichols will be reopening the auction barn. They have a farm in Nichols and operate an auction business in Athens, Pa. Hosking worked for Welch’s about 30 years ago while going to (SUNY) Cobleskill. Here is a link to the full article "THE CLATTER OF HOOVES"..... http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x935813380/Clatter-of-hooves-to-be-heard-again-at-auction-house
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
GAS DRILLING: CNY Coalition Planning Regional Meetings
GAS: CENTRAL NY LANDOWNERS COALITION - Six Regional Meetings Planned
Following is a short, but informative article from the NORWICH EVENING SUN. They do a good job of covering gas drilling developments in Chenango and neighboring counties. I will post meetings when information becomes available. VERY Interesting to see the prices and their strength due to "continguous" acreage:
NORWICH – Energy companies have been eyeing the 174,000-acre strong Central New York Landowners Coalition to lease its mineral rights, hints the group’s president, but no firm offers are on the table.The possible interest comes on the heels of a second offer made last week for 3,200 acres of Broome County land. Denver-based Inflection Energy LLC has reportedly proposed $2,250 to $2,750 an acre and 20 percent royalties to extract natural gas from the county’s Marcellus Shale reservoir. (An earlier deal was voted down by Broome’s legislators.) To relay details of the oil and gas industry’s inquiries, the Central New York Landowners Coalition, based in Chenango County, plans a series of six regional meetings this fall. The meetings are also designed to help fill in land blocks that would give the group greater negotiating power when the time comes, said Brian Conover, CNYLC president. “Our true coalition strength is flexed through contiguous acres. More than just land to drill, the industry also needs right-of-way to get the gas out, which is why contiguous acreage is what they are most interested in,” Conover said. Even non-members who may have already leased their land to a company are invited to attend. Participants will be able to see maps of leased and unleased acreage. In addition, both legal and scientific experts will be on hand to answer questions. http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2010-09-27/10546/Landowners-Coalition-plans-regional-meetings/
Following is a short, but informative article from the NORWICH EVENING SUN. They do a good job of covering gas drilling developments in Chenango and neighboring counties. I will post meetings when information becomes available. VERY Interesting to see the prices and their strength due to "continguous" acreage:
NORWICH – Energy companies have been eyeing the 174,000-acre strong Central New York Landowners Coalition to lease its mineral rights, hints the group’s president, but no firm offers are on the table.The possible interest comes on the heels of a second offer made last week for 3,200 acres of Broome County land. Denver-based Inflection Energy LLC has reportedly proposed $2,250 to $2,750 an acre and 20 percent royalties to extract natural gas from the county’s Marcellus Shale reservoir. (An earlier deal was voted down by Broome’s legislators.) To relay details of the oil and gas industry’s inquiries, the Central New York Landowners Coalition, based in Chenango County, plans a series of six regional meetings this fall. The meetings are also designed to help fill in land blocks that would give the group greater negotiating power when the time comes, said Brian Conover, CNYLC president. “Our true coalition strength is flexed through contiguous acres. More than just land to drill, the industry also needs right-of-way to get the gas out, which is why contiguous acreage is what they are most interested in,” Conover said. Even non-members who may have already leased their land to a company are invited to attend. Participants will be able to see maps of leased and unleased acreage. In addition, both legal and scientific experts will be on hand to answer questions. http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2010-09-27/10546/Landowners-Coalition-plans-regional-meetings/
GAS DRILLING EVENTS - Terrorist Activity List?
ANTI-DRILLING EVENTS - "Gasland" Showing" - Make TERRORIST ACTIVITY LIST! If it wasn't true, it would be laughable. According to this article from the Oneonta Daily Star (Tom Grace, reporter), events likely to be attended by gas drilling opponents, such as a showing of the movie "Gasland," were included in a bulletin about possible terrorist activities. The terrorist bulletin was created by the Israeli-based Institute of Terrorist Research and Response, who were hired by Pennsylvania's Office of Homeland Security. The institute had a one-year $125,000 contract with Pennsylvania's Office of Homeland Security to warn officials about possible terrorist activities. The bulletin also was sent to natural gas drilling companies. Makes you wonder whose side the government is really on! Fortunately, NYS has taken a more "liberal" view of these activities. According to a spokesman for NYS Division of Homeland Security, New York has no campaign to keep tabs on gas drilling opponents and doesn't view them as terrorists. Dated: 9-28-10 LINK: http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x74676077/N-Y-not-spying-on-drilling-opponents-official-says
Monday, August 23, 2010
Low Cost Insurance for PRE-EXISTING Conditions
The NY BRIDGE PLAN - Health coverage for pre-existing conditions. NEW PROGRAM...Sign up today - FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. If you're uninsured and have a preexisting condition, you know finding a health care plan at a reasonable price can be nearly impossible. A new state plan however promises to make health care affordable to many.As many as 15,000 New Yorkers who currently have no health insurance will qualify for the new program, called the NY Bridge plan. It is being offered by the nonprofit contractor, Group Health Incorporated - the only nonprofit company authorized to operate statewide in New York.
To qualify, you have to be:
1) a New York resident
2) with at least one pre-existing condition, and
3) has not had health care coverage for the last six months.
Customers will still have to pay but it will be significantly less expensive than if they were to shop for their own insurance.
An individual policy through NY Bridge costs $ 362 dollars a month in Central New York. Also, physician services are subject to a $ 20 co-pay but there are no deductibles.The plan is an exclusive provider program (EPO), meaning participants must use doctors and providers who are within the network, except in cases of emergency or when care is not available through a participating provider.The money for this state program was actually handed down by the federal government. Enrollment is first come, first served and applications are being accepted, starting Monday- AUGUST 23, 2010 Once the program is full, the state says a waiting list will be established.Additional information on the NY Bridge plan is available online or by phone at 1-877-444-9622.
http://www.9wsyr.com/content/news/real_deal/story/New-healthcare-plan-for-those-with-pre-existing/nQ-pK7PVkUu_xHYzmpHcdA.cspx
To qualify, you have to be:
1) a New York resident
2) with at least one pre-existing condition, and
3) has not had health care coverage for the last six months.
Customers will still have to pay but it will be significantly less expensive than if they were to shop for their own insurance.
An individual policy through NY Bridge costs $ 362 dollars a month in Central New York. Also, physician services are subject to a $ 20 co-pay but there are no deductibles.The plan is an exclusive provider program (EPO), meaning participants must use doctors and providers who are within the network, except in cases of emergency or when care is not available through a participating provider.The money for this state program was actually handed down by the federal government. Enrollment is first come, first served and applications are being accepted, starting Monday- AUGUST 23, 2010 Once the program is full, the state says a waiting list will be established.Additional information on the NY Bridge plan is available online or by phone at 1-877-444-9622.
http://www.9wsyr.com/content/news/real_deal/story/New-healthcare-plan-for-those-with-pre-existing/nQ-pK7PVkUu_xHYzmpHcdA.cspx
HEALTHY NY
For those of you looking for low-cost healthcare insurance, here is some information on HEALTH NY, a low cost program. I will also put up some information on the "BRIDGE PLAN" which is a brand new (today) program to cover pre-existing conditions.
HEALTHYNY
Low-Cost Healthcare for NY State Residents.For those of you who are looking to afford healthcare insurance, New York State offers such a program called: HEALTHY NY. Below Is a quick summary of the program and it's eligibility requirements. The information is clear and straightforward; NO checkups/NO lengthy waiting period. See the full booklet and information at:http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/stdapp/hny_gd_app_soleind.pdf
Healthy NY is reduced-cost health insurance. You can purchase Healthy NY from any of New York’s licensed health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Premiums differ depending on: benefits, county of residence and the HMO you chose, Below are APPROXIMATE premiums for the MADISON COUNTY HMO's who offer the HealthNY program.
Those HMO's in MADISON COUNTY are: Excellus BC/BS, MVP Health, United Healthcare & Capital District. Monthly Premium RANGE - Depends on package & HMO selected. Here is the MONTHLY PREMIUM Range:
Individual $ 161 - $ 328
2- Adult $ 322 - $ 682
1- Parent & Child(ren) $ 254 - $ 624
Family $ 434 - $ 919
Healthy NY’s standardized benefit package includes preventive and primary care, emergency room services, and much more. You can also choose an optional prescription drug benefit or high deductible health plan. Healthy NY offers four benefit packages:
• Healthy NY
• Healthy NY with a prescription drug benefit
• Healthy NY high deductible health plan
• Healthy NY high deductible health plan with a prescription drug benefit
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. You must be a resident of New York State and must not be eligible for Medicare.
2. You or your spouse must have worked at some time in the past 12 months.
3. You must not be eligible for health insurance provided by your employer.
4. You must meet income guidelines (see below)
5. You must be uninsured for the 12 months prior to applying for Healthy NY or have lost coverage due to a specific event.
INCOME GUIDELINES
For purposes of calculating your household size, count yourself, your spouse if your spouse lives with you, and dependent children, whether they live with you or not. Count all of these people, even if you are not going to include them on your Healthy NY policy. Do not count parents, roommates, or those not dependent on you for support.
# Persons Gross Per MONTH
1 Up to $2,257
2 Up to $3,036
3 Up to $3,815
4 Up to $4,594
5 Up to $5,373
6 Up to $6,153
To Apply
Mail your completed application and documentation directly to the HMO you have chosen by the 20th of the month, your coverage should start by the 1st of the next month. If you have questions about the status of your application, please contact the HMO that you selected. You can enroll in Healthy NY year-round.
HEALTHYNY Booklet & Application - Summary of standard program. This provides a good overview of the application procedures and insurance coverage offered
http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/stdapp/hny_gd_app_soleind.pdf
Pre-existing conditions? NY has JUST started a new program on a first-come/first-serve basis. See " NY BRIDGE PLAN " my next posting.
HEALTHYNY
Low-Cost Healthcare for NY State Residents.For those of you who are looking to afford healthcare insurance, New York State offers such a program called: HEALTHY NY. Below Is a quick summary of the program and it's eligibility requirements. The information is clear and straightforward; NO checkups/NO lengthy waiting period. See the full booklet and information at:http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/stdapp/hny_gd_app_soleind.pdf
Healthy NY is reduced-cost health insurance. You can purchase Healthy NY from any of New York’s licensed health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Premiums differ depending on: benefits, county of residence and the HMO you chose, Below are APPROXIMATE premiums for the MADISON COUNTY HMO's who offer the HealthNY program.
Those HMO's in MADISON COUNTY are: Excellus BC/BS, MVP Health, United Healthcare & Capital District. Monthly Premium RANGE - Depends on package & HMO selected. Here is the MONTHLY PREMIUM Range:
Individual $ 161 - $ 328
2- Adult $ 322 - $ 682
1- Parent & Child(ren) $ 254 - $ 624
Family $ 434 - $ 919
Healthy NY’s standardized benefit package includes preventive and primary care, emergency room services, and much more. You can also choose an optional prescription drug benefit or high deductible health plan. Healthy NY offers four benefit packages:
• Healthy NY
• Healthy NY with a prescription drug benefit
• Healthy NY high deductible health plan
• Healthy NY high deductible health plan with a prescription drug benefit
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
1. You must be a resident of New York State and must not be eligible for Medicare.
2. You or your spouse must have worked at some time in the past 12 months.
3. You must not be eligible for health insurance provided by your employer.
4. You must meet income guidelines (see below)
5. You must be uninsured for the 12 months prior to applying for Healthy NY or have lost coverage due to a specific event.
INCOME GUIDELINES
For purposes of calculating your household size, count yourself, your spouse if your spouse lives with you, and dependent children, whether they live with you or not. Count all of these people, even if you are not going to include them on your Healthy NY policy. Do not count parents, roommates, or those not dependent on you for support.
# Persons Gross Per MONTH
1 Up to $2,257
2 Up to $3,036
3 Up to $3,815
4 Up to $4,594
5 Up to $5,373
6 Up to $6,153
To Apply
Mail your completed application and documentation directly to the HMO you have chosen by the 20th of the month, your coverage should start by the 1st of the next month. If you have questions about the status of your application, please contact the HMO that you selected. You can enroll in Healthy NY year-round.
HEALTHYNY Booklet & Application - Summary of standard program. This provides a good overview of the application procedures and insurance coverage offered
http://www.ins.state.ny.us/website2/hny/stdapp/hny_gd_app_soleind.pdf
Pre-existing conditions? NY has JUST started a new program on a first-come/first-serve basis. See " NY BRIDGE PLAN " my next posting.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
BROOKIELD: Open Farm Day - SAT - July 24 (10 am to 4 pm)
OPEN FARM DAY - Visit Our BROOKFIELD Farms!
This SATURDAY, July 24th (10am – 4PM) is OPEN FARM DAY in Madison County. This is a “FREE” OPEN HOUSE of 37 Madison County farms which will be open to the public. No charge. This is a great weekend idea for the family….! BEST OF ALL…OUR TOWN has FOUR BROOKFIELD farms participating. Here is a chance to check out:
ENDLESS TRAILS (Pam & Dave Williams -Larkin Rd. Hubbardsville) – B&B/ grass fed beef; free samples and a wagon ride….
TRIPLE CREEK FARM (Mary Lou Thall - Davis Rd., off Rt. 8) – Connemera horses; miniature ponies;
THE OLDE FARM HOMESTEAD (DJ & Mindy Laymon – Hollow Road, Brookfield) Miniature Teddy Bear Sheep – sheep to pet, chickens to feed, crafts;
WILD WEST ELK RANCH (Cody, Cindy & Jerrad Mikalunas- Button Rd., Brookfield) will be selling elk and buffalo meat at their gift shop! Give it a try and check out the animals!
Here is the chance to learn about the different agricultural farms in Madison County from miniature donkeys to bee keeping, organic farms, horse farms… great day of family entertainment and education. ..and it’s FREE !!!
A do-it-yourself tour, map and farm details on all 37 are available at the links provided below. Also, maps and information will be dropped off at the Town Hall and Beaver Den later this week. Maps will also be available at each farm…..or just do it NOW and download your PASSPORT, MAPS & BROCHURE at this link.
http://madisoncountyagriculture.com/buylocalweek/2010passport.pdf
This SATURDAY, July 24th (10am – 4PM) is OPEN FARM DAY in Madison County. This is a “FREE” OPEN HOUSE of 37 Madison County farms which will be open to the public. No charge. This is a great weekend idea for the family….! BEST OF ALL…OUR TOWN has FOUR BROOKFIELD farms participating. Here is a chance to check out:
ENDLESS TRAILS (Pam & Dave Williams -Larkin Rd. Hubbardsville) – B&B/ grass fed beef; free samples and a wagon ride….
TRIPLE CREEK FARM (Mary Lou Thall - Davis Rd., off Rt. 8) – Connemera horses; miniature ponies;
THE OLDE FARM HOMESTEAD (DJ & Mindy Laymon – Hollow Road, Brookfield) Miniature Teddy Bear Sheep – sheep to pet, chickens to feed, crafts;
WILD WEST ELK RANCH (Cody, Cindy & Jerrad Mikalunas- Button Rd., Brookfield) will be selling elk and buffalo meat at their gift shop! Give it a try and check out the animals!
Here is the chance to learn about the different agricultural farms in Madison County from miniature donkeys to bee keeping, organic farms, horse farms… great day of family entertainment and education. ..and it’s FREE !!!
A do-it-yourself tour, map and farm details on all 37 are available at the links provided below. Also, maps and information will be dropped off at the Town Hall and Beaver Den later this week. Maps will also be available at each farm…..or just do it NOW and download your PASSPORT, MAPS & BROCHURE at this link.
http://madisoncountyagriculture.com/buylocalweek/2010passport.pdf
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
BROOKFIELD: July 12 Town Board Meeting
BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD – July Regular Meeting
Monday, July 12, 2010 – 7pm – Brookfield Town Hall
Following is a summary of what I believe were the “highlights” of the Regular Town Board Meeting. I am not purporting to cover every detail. Everyone is urged to attend these meeting whenever possible. Interesting & entertaining. Meetings rotate among North Brookfield, Brookfield and Leonardsville. Check the Town website for locations.
REFERENDUM: 4-YR TERMS FOR SUPERVISOR & HWY SUPERINTENDENT At next month’s August Board Meeting, a resolution will be submitted by John Salka, requesting a public referendum to extend the terms for SUPERVISOR & HWY SUPERINTENDENT to 4 yrs from two. If approved, the new terms would not take effect until 2013. The next 2011 election winners would serve 2 yr terms. The new 4- yr terms would begin with the 2013 election. Salka pointed out that other Towns already have 4 yr terms for these positions and encourages continuity, as opposed to changing direction every 2 yrs. Expected to be controversial.
CAP PROGRAM – Revisited. George Cowen & Jackie Mineo reported their findings on the CAP withdrawal – options & alternatives. In order to meet the CAP Agreement deadlines, the Board would have had to pass a resolution to withdraw from the CAP, at this evening’s meeting. The Town could later rescind if they decide to stay in the CAP. The Board decided against passing such a resolution. There was discussion about the Assessor’s salary and contractual obligations. The regular annual salary is $14,317 . Due to the revaluation this year, the salary paid by the Town of Brookfield was approx. $25,000. According to Salka, each one of the four towns in the CAP decides SEPARATELY how much they are going to pay the Assessor. There is no formal agreement and no job description or hours. No one on the Board was clear as to where the annual budget figure for the position comes from each year. Other than the Board Resolution, agreeing to join the CAP, there is no other contractual agreement.
TOWN PARK ALCOHOL POLICY – is under discussion. According to Craine insurance, the Town is covered for alcohol as long as the TOWN is not selling or serving it. Board decided that that alcohol should be permitted as long as a homeowner’s certificate of insurance is presented to the respective Park Committees, by the host. However, lone, individuals are prohibited from consuming alcohol. The Board’s decision on a formal policy is pending. The Park Committees representatives, Head & Mayne, agreed to post their policies and rules on the TOWN WEBSITE.
DOG LICENSING: Town or County Responsibility in 2011 ? While Clerk Sherry Kabana credited with being on top of this issue – now that the State is going to start dumping all dog licensing responsibilities on the local Towns (from setting up and maintaining a database down to actually ordering the tags). Salka is to bring up at this month’s County Supervisor’s meeting to see if the County or other Town Supervisors will be addressing the issue. The Towns will have the right to set the licensing fees. More paperwork and time. How much is it going to end up costing to license a dog in this town??? Ought to prove interesting.
ROAD BONDS.. and Other OPTIONS: According to Highway Supt. Jennison $30,000 doesn’t even fix ½ mile of road, so bonds should be asking for coverage of around $500,000 to cover the damage from heavy trucks. Other methods of protecting the Town roads were discussed including the Town of Lebanon’s which has a special agreement with the drilling companies involving the Town Highway Dept. and video tape of road conditions. Jennison emphasized the need for the Town Board to take action on the damage caused by these heavy trucks, he cited the example of McIntyre Rd. where, due to heavy trucks from some private building construction, repairs included over 240 hrs labor, 7 pieces Of equipment and 15 loads of gravel…. ! Giles Rd. will cost approximately $325,000 to repair and gravel 5.3 miles…. particularly with the prospect of gas drilling rigs running through the Town without regulation. A heavy vehicle permit was also mentioned as an option.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Surveys and community input being researched. Rumor is….a petition is being circulated to stop the Comprehensive Plan. [hwb COMMENT: While I support a plan, I do think we all need to understand the LEGAL ramifications of these plans. We were already burned by the CAP Agreement by not understanding the restrictions it created on our Town’s ability to handle our own assessment. Comprehensive Plans are a new, developing area of the law and while the predominant reason for SUPPORTING this plan is to protect us from “unwanted, outside development”…. Please note….the law states that LOCAL RESIDENTS will be “required” to comply with the plan… while OUTSIDE AGENCIES need only “consider” these Plans. Thus, the Plans end up placing a greater restriction on local residents than outsiders. This makes NO SENSE. And…the law is unclear as to who is responsible for making these “compliance” decisions….the planning board? …town board?... The Committee needs to address these issues. Again, while I support a plan and the concept, we need clarification on these points. ]
SIGNS: A warning -- STOP sign ahead --was requested for the intersection of Giles/Vidler/Skaneatlas Tpk, site of a recent auto accident. Martha Conway, reporter for the Madison Courier, outlined pending legislation which would require extensive record keeping and signage re-design. Incredible paperwork!
PINE TREES – STANBRO & LOWER BEAVER CREEK RD. – Property owners at the intersection are contesting the Town & County’s right to cut down the pine trees which have become a visual obstruction to drivers entering the intersection.
CHPPS HIGHWAY FUNDS – Confirmation received - $171,000 in State Highway CHPPS money will be coming in next year.
BOYS & GIRLS LITTLE LEAGUE – At Dewitt Head’s request, $400 will be budgeted out of Town Park funds and will be given to the Boys & Girls Little Leagues to cover costs of championship jackets as a reward for their “unprecedented” championships with undefeated records of 16-0 for the season. Congratulations to both teams and their coaches who were undefeated Champions this year! Thanks were also given to Jim Gould for his work on the Leonardsville ball park which will become a reality next year.
NORTH BROOKFIELD TOWN PARK – DeWitt Head reported a $7,000 grant was given to the North Brookfield Town Park and will be used for fencing and leveling parts of the field. He also requested the Town Highway Dept.’s help to dig out the backfield. “OPEN PARK DAY” scheduled for 7-24.
JUNKYARD INSPECTION TOURS – Were scheduled for 7-17, but may have to be rescheduled due to a schedule conflict for Head.
BROOKFIELD NAVY?...... The County wants to “give away” a weed harvester used to clean lake overgrowth. While Gorton Lake Assoc. indicated an interest in harboring the harvester, it can only be given to a municipality, such as the Town. Jennison noted the insurance runs $6,000 a yr. plus maintenance and operation. Salka to persue possibility of forming a “Lake Consortium” to accept/finance.
100th ANNIVERSARY – BROOKFIELD FIRE DEPT!....To be celebrated at the Fairgrounds.
Monday, July 12, 2010 – 7pm – Brookfield Town Hall
Following is a summary of what I believe were the “highlights” of the Regular Town Board Meeting. I am not purporting to cover every detail. Everyone is urged to attend these meeting whenever possible. Interesting & entertaining. Meetings rotate among North Brookfield, Brookfield and Leonardsville. Check the Town website for locations.
REFERENDUM: 4-YR TERMS FOR SUPERVISOR & HWY SUPERINTENDENT At next month’s August Board Meeting, a resolution will be submitted by John Salka, requesting a public referendum to extend the terms for SUPERVISOR & HWY SUPERINTENDENT to 4 yrs from two. If approved, the new terms would not take effect until 2013. The next 2011 election winners would serve 2 yr terms. The new 4- yr terms would begin with the 2013 election. Salka pointed out that other Towns already have 4 yr terms for these positions and encourages continuity, as opposed to changing direction every 2 yrs. Expected to be controversial.
CAP PROGRAM – Revisited. George Cowen & Jackie Mineo reported their findings on the CAP withdrawal – options & alternatives. In order to meet the CAP Agreement deadlines, the Board would have had to pass a resolution to withdraw from the CAP, at this evening’s meeting. The Town could later rescind if they decide to stay in the CAP. The Board decided against passing such a resolution. There was discussion about the Assessor’s salary and contractual obligations. The regular annual salary is $14,317 . Due to the revaluation this year, the salary paid by the Town of Brookfield was approx. $25,000. According to Salka, each one of the four towns in the CAP decides SEPARATELY how much they are going to pay the Assessor. There is no formal agreement and no job description or hours. No one on the Board was clear as to where the annual budget figure for the position comes from each year. Other than the Board Resolution, agreeing to join the CAP, there is no other contractual agreement.
TOWN PARK ALCOHOL POLICY – is under discussion. According to Craine insurance, the Town is covered for alcohol as long as the TOWN is not selling or serving it. Board decided that that alcohol should be permitted as long as a homeowner’s certificate of insurance is presented to the respective Park Committees, by the host. However, lone, individuals are prohibited from consuming alcohol. The Board’s decision on a formal policy is pending. The Park Committees representatives, Head & Mayne, agreed to post their policies and rules on the TOWN WEBSITE.
DOG LICENSING: Town or County Responsibility in 2011 ? While Clerk Sherry Kabana credited with being on top of this issue – now that the State is going to start dumping all dog licensing responsibilities on the local Towns (from setting up and maintaining a database down to actually ordering the tags). Salka is to bring up at this month’s County Supervisor’s meeting to see if the County or other Town Supervisors will be addressing the issue. The Towns will have the right to set the licensing fees. More paperwork and time. How much is it going to end up costing to license a dog in this town??? Ought to prove interesting.
ROAD BONDS.. and Other OPTIONS: According to Highway Supt. Jennison $30,000 doesn’t even fix ½ mile of road, so bonds should be asking for coverage of around $500,000 to cover the damage from heavy trucks. Other methods of protecting the Town roads were discussed including the Town of Lebanon’s which has a special agreement with the drilling companies involving the Town Highway Dept. and video tape of road conditions. Jennison emphasized the need for the Town Board to take action on the damage caused by these heavy trucks, he cited the example of McIntyre Rd. where, due to heavy trucks from some private building construction, repairs included over 240 hrs labor, 7 pieces Of equipment and 15 loads of gravel…. ! Giles Rd. will cost approximately $325,000 to repair and gravel 5.3 miles…. particularly with the prospect of gas drilling rigs running through the Town without regulation. A heavy vehicle permit was also mentioned as an option.
COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING COMMITTEE: Surveys and community input being researched. Rumor is….a petition is being circulated to stop the Comprehensive Plan. [hwb COMMENT: While I support a plan, I do think we all need to understand the LEGAL ramifications of these plans. We were already burned by the CAP Agreement by not understanding the restrictions it created on our Town’s ability to handle our own assessment. Comprehensive Plans are a new, developing area of the law and while the predominant reason for SUPPORTING this plan is to protect us from “unwanted, outside development”…. Please note….the law states that LOCAL RESIDENTS will be “required” to comply with the plan… while OUTSIDE AGENCIES need only “consider” these Plans. Thus, the Plans end up placing a greater restriction on local residents than outsiders. This makes NO SENSE. And…the law is unclear as to who is responsible for making these “compliance” decisions….the planning board? …town board?... The Committee needs to address these issues. Again, while I support a plan and the concept, we need clarification on these points. ]
SIGNS: A warning -- STOP sign ahead --was requested for the intersection of Giles/Vidler/Skaneatlas Tpk, site of a recent auto accident. Martha Conway, reporter for the Madison Courier, outlined pending legislation which would require extensive record keeping and signage re-design. Incredible paperwork!
PINE TREES – STANBRO & LOWER BEAVER CREEK RD. – Property owners at the intersection are contesting the Town & County’s right to cut down the pine trees which have become a visual obstruction to drivers entering the intersection.
CHPPS HIGHWAY FUNDS – Confirmation received - $171,000 in State Highway CHPPS money will be coming in next year.
BOYS & GIRLS LITTLE LEAGUE – At Dewitt Head’s request, $400 will be budgeted out of Town Park funds and will be given to the Boys & Girls Little Leagues to cover costs of championship jackets as a reward for their “unprecedented” championships with undefeated records of 16-0 for the season. Congratulations to both teams and their coaches who were undefeated Champions this year! Thanks were also given to Jim Gould for his work on the Leonardsville ball park which will become a reality next year.
NORTH BROOKFIELD TOWN PARK – DeWitt Head reported a $7,000 grant was given to the North Brookfield Town Park and will be used for fencing and leveling parts of the field. He also requested the Town Highway Dept.’s help to dig out the backfield. “OPEN PARK DAY” scheduled for 7-24.
JUNKYARD INSPECTION TOURS – Were scheduled for 7-17, but may have to be rescheduled due to a schedule conflict for Head.
BROOKFIELD NAVY?...... The County wants to “give away” a weed harvester used to clean lake overgrowth. While Gorton Lake Assoc. indicated an interest in harboring the harvester, it can only be given to a municipality, such as the Town. Jennison noted the insurance runs $6,000 a yr. plus maintenance and operation. Salka to persue possibility of forming a “Lake Consortium” to accept/finance.
100th ANNIVERSARY – BROOKFIELD FIRE DEPT!....To be celebrated at the Fairgrounds.
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