Brookfield Town Board: SPECIAL MEETING – March 30, 2013

There was a good turnout for the meeting, considering a holiday weekend. Approximately 30 people attended the meeting, moderated by Supervisor John Salka. The only other Town Board member in attendance was Joel Walker.

Although several topics covered, the most important/controversial was whether or not the Town should put up a referendum whether or not to ban hydrofracking/fracking/gas development (not clear just “WHAT” type of activity would be banned). While it was a very informal show of hands, the “majority present” supported putting a referendum on the November ballot to decide whether gas drilling should be banned from the Town of Brookfield.

Clearly, much to be learned: what would the ban include/exclude; pros/cons of ban; ban vs existing moratorium; existing wells; procedural requirements; timing to put on Nov. ballot, etc. My perception of the vote: pro-Gas drilling participants generally opposed putting the issue on the November ballot; while pro-Environment participants favored a public vote on the issue (referendum).

The opposing political philosophies (democrat v. republican)...pro-Gas tended to support a “republican” decision (delegating the decision to our elected officials, i.e. the Town Board to make that decision) -- as opposed to “democratic” vote (referendum), fearing emotion would sway the general population, rather than making “educated/informed” vote which they assume would be made by elected (and assumed to be more informed, representatives --a quantum leap of faith!)....but a legitimate concern.

While there were arguments to support both sides, the bottom line is we need INFORMED decisions at ALL LEVELS. There is discussion re: getting representatives/interested parties, from both sides, together to work on referendum and “information/education”.

Also being considered for referendum on the November ballot is the proposed COMPREHENSIVE PLAN that is not expected to be completed before June. Public hearings must be held, to review the Plan before the Board can vote to accept/reject. Much hard work put in by the committee. There was discussion supporting the inclusion of the “draft” Plan on the Town’s new website, brookfieldny.us, when it becomes available.

Highway Superintendent Bob Piersma presented an update on the Truck Replacement program. Piersma is now looking at financing two, rather than three trucks. More details to be learned, but appears to be a good move toward upgrading the equipment while keeping control of expenses. Essentially, it is becoming too costly (and unpredictable) to continue repairing two of the current trucks vs the cost to finance newer trucks with warranties and guaranteed minimum buy-backs. A lot more information is to be learned, but looks like a step in the right direction. Much informative discussion and input from the audience.

Also discussed: an update on the “Road Use Agreement”. Considering joining a group of local towns to hire an engineering firm to provide road survey/inventory; agreements (template); and other advisory services. Looking at anywhere from $7,500 - $9,500 for Brookfield, depending on how many more Towns sign up with Delta Engineering, the advisory firm with extensive background and “good references” in this area.

The next regular Town Board Meeting:  MONDAY, April 8 at the North Brookfield Fire Hall.