What did I learn…or “misunderstand” from last night’s Town Board Meeting (Monday, Feb 13, 2012)?
Approximately 20 people attended the meeting. Jeff Mayne, Deputy Supervisor, presided in John Salka’s absence. All other Board members attended: Clint Abrams, Dewitt Head and Joel Walker; also in attendance: Sherry Kabana, Town Clerk; Bob Piersma – Highway Superintendent & Codes Officer.
Here is a brief overview:
New OPEN MEETINGS LAW – Clerk Kabana noted the new law (we have the right to request any documents being presented at the Town Board meetings – prior to the meetings – with adequate notice. As Information Officer for the Town, she will do her best to comply with these requests.
$892,000 IN TAXES COLLECTED SO FAR IN BROOKFIELD… Kabana reported that the Town has one of the best pay-up tax rates.
NORTH BROOKFIELD PARK – CHURCH PURCHASE – Head reported that a survey revealed large portions of the park were actually owned by the Catholic Church. Don McCoach stressed the importance of a survey. Head will have the remaining portion of the park surveyed. The Catholic Church is “selling” the property to the Town for $12…[perhaps we should change the ball teams’ name to the “SAINTS”???] Head to check with the Town Attorney to see if a public hearing will be necessary.
$18,500 GRANT TO NORTH BROOKFIELD PARK – Head also announced that Mid-York had is giving the No. Brookfield Park $18,500 for fencing.
CODES – Piersma updated the codes activity and problem properties and the Madison Co. Health Dept is now involved.
HIGHWAY – Piersma presented the Board with a lengthy Highway Report on the status of the Dept. He also moved his office back to the Highway Garage and admitted that it was not working out in the Town Offices. [How refreshing!.. admitting an idea didn’t work and being flexible enough to change! ] He also thanked the Brookfield Fire Dept for working out a deal with the Town to acquire their pumper for $1,000. As an intermunicipal transfer, no bidding required.
FUEL BIDS OPENED – Buehl Fuels won the bid package for heating fuel, gas, furnace contracts – besting Broedel & Paul Oil.
GRADEALL – The old gradeall is now “unsafe” for use and there is a party interested in buying it for parts. Piersma and M.Zedecker checked out a used one at a Syracuse dealership. The Board authorized Piersma to put the equipment specs up for bid. To discuss funding options with Salka [ someone suggested that the North Brookfield Park lend the money!]
TAX BREAK FOR LOW INCOME SENIORS – Head submitted a resolution to increase the income limits for low income seniors from $12,000 to $18,000 income per year. The limits would coincide with the County’s. This would allow more seniors to get up to a 50% tax break on TOWN taxes. There is a sliding scale. A public hearing is required and scheduled for: THURSDAY, February 23 – 7pm , BROOKFIELD TOWN HALL. Head will get the tax impact information requested by Clint Abrams.
WEST WINFIELD “STAR” – Abrams read J. Burch’s letter to the Board, asking them to reconsider and include the STAR as a paper of record for the Town, along with the Waterville Times and the Madison Courier. The issue was deferred. Several audience members also supported reinstating the Star.
Meeting was adjourned around 8:45 PM. Quiet one.
Benefits for Emily Salka & Family – a spaghetti dinner will be held at the Brookfield Baptist Church on February 26, 2012. Contributions by check, payable to “John Salka” may also be made c/o the Madison Courier. The family will be facing numerous expenses not covered by insurance; the Courier will print any information we receive regarding benefits planned on behalf of the Salkas. In the meantime, the Courier will collect donations for the family made payable to John or Erin Salka and mailed in care of the paper at c/o M3P Media, LLC, P.O. Box 3, Wampsville, N.Y. 13163.
