BCS - Board Of Education...NO MINUTES SINCE FEBRUARY

Despite repeated requests, according to Superintendent Plows, the Board Clerk has been too busy to prepare the BOARD MINUTES...they have not been prepared since FEBRUARY....another example of the lack of organization and follow up ....despite the great salaries and benefits. $152,000 Superintendent salary + BENEFITS... What else don't we have time for?...like the vandalism...once again, a round of applause for yet another OFFICIAL COVER UP BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND ADMINISTRATION...they know who did it. But, because they KNOW they will NOT PERSUE.

TODAY! Tuesday! PROPERTY TAXES TOO HIGH? Assessment Review Board Meets TODAY!

TODAY - TUESDAY MAY 24 the 

Brookfield BOARD OF ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW 

will be meeting at the 

TOWN HALL from 2 -4 PM and 6-8PM TONIGHT !!!

If you wish to contest your current property tax assessment, please bring a completed form RP 524 that can be found at the following link.  https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/current_forms/orpts/rp524_fill_in.pdf

TOWN BOARD: Summary - Special Meeting "284 Road Agreement"

All board members were present at the Special Meeting to review the "284 Road Agreement" which is essentially a plan for the CHIPS money: where it's going and how much.  This reflects a change in Deputy Highway Superintendent Mark Zediker's CHIPS Plan, from prior Highway Supt. Bob Piersma's plan. Here is a re-write of portions of Zediker's plan.  He is also going to try and do roads in close proximity to one another in order to keep rental costs of the grinder & roller which totaled, runs approximately $2,700 per day. The plan was unanimously approved by the Board. Looks like a busy summer for the guys and more road coverage for the dollar.

PREVIOUS PLAN  (Paving)
Miner Road            $171,270
Hollow Rd                 49,480
STONE & OIL   $220,750 

NEW CHIPS PLAN (Zediker)
NEW PLAN (Stone & Oil)
Miner Road **            $101,172
Hollow Rd                 13,733
STONE & OIL   $114,905

NEW PLAN (Sealing)
Chesebro                    $17,127
Wratten                    $17,881
Mill Hill (.25 mi)     $4,617
** Faulkner/Huey   $16,438
Waterman                   $15,105
SEALING:          $71,168  
** Must be done to guarantee paving done last yr.

NEW PLAN (Stone & Oil)
Page                         $ 16,915
Avery                  $ 16,600
STONE & OIL $33,515

NEW PLAN (Material - Patch)
PATCH 300 TON $14,984

NEW CHIPS PLAN: Stone, Oil & Seal $234,572 

MINER RD - To Be Added:

GUARDRAIL QUOTES (2):

BANK STABILIZATION (1)

Use "Pave NY" When Released

MINER ROAD

CHIPS Allocation

CHIPS                 $244,695

NEW PLAN         $(234,572)

Difference                   $10,123 Left Over from CHIPS

New  Pave NY Allocation $49,786 Not Yet allocated

BCS BUDGET - Passes with 62 Percent 155 - 96

Most of the budgets were approved by wide margins.

Budgets were approved throughout Central New York.

Brookfield, the only district which needed a 60 percent majority to pass its budget, secured a 62 percent majority with a vote of 155 to 96.

.Madison County school budgets

Brookfield
Yes: 155
No: 96

Updated -SPECIAL MEETING: WED MAY 18 - HIGHWAY AGREEMENT

SPECIAL MEETING....In case you missed this notice is tucked in the Assessor's notice on the Town website. APOLOGY TO SHERRY:  This was posted on the OFFICIAL SECTION of the WEBSITE as required and was not SNEAKY...Sorry, Sherry!

Sherry explained that the meeting was called so that Deputy Highway Superintenent could start the road work plans sooner rather than later.  According to research, the agreement is between the Highway Supt and the Board of Directors agreeing on where the CHIPS and other State Funded highway improvements will be spent and the approximate cost.

 SPECIAL TOWN BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, May 18, 2016
6:30 pm - Brookfield Town Hall

PURPOSE:  Adopt Proposed Highway 284 Agreement

BCS Budget Vote ! MAY 17 TUES - NOON to 9 PM

Don't forget to VOTE on TUESDAY - MAY 17 NOON - 9PM BCS ANNUAL BUDGET !!!

There is a 6% increase, even after $100,000 is being used from the School's "Fund Balance (Savings Account). 

On a PER STUDENT BASIS, the cost to educate a BCS student will increase approximately $410 per student at a cost of $26,044 PER STUDENT for 2016-27 school year (240 Students).

UPDATE: 
 As an interesting "frame of reference", 
according to the 2010 CENSUS, 
the average income in the 
Town of Brookfield was 
$13,719 PER PERSON.

FROM THE POST STANDARD:

BROOKFIELD

2015-16 school budget: $6,152,195.

2016-17 proposed school budget: $6,250,660.

Proposed tax levy change: 6% increase.

Major cuts: Eliminates a social worker position that results in $46,000 in savings. These responsibilities will be assumed by other district personnel.

Fund balance used: $100,000.

Propositions: None.

School board elections: One five-year seat. Valerie Nolan.

When: Noon to 9 p.m. at Brookfield Central School District, 1910 Fairground Road.

TOWN BOARD MINUTES - March 14, 2016 Regular Meeting

Thanks to Town Clerk, Sherry Perretta, for providing copies of the Town Board Minutes which will be posted on RUMOR ...these minutes are as approved ...only colors and highlights added for ease or reading.  Thank again!

Regular MEETING, TOWN OF BROOKFIELD, March 14, 2016

 A Regular meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Brookfield, County of Madison, State of New York was held at the Town Hall, Brookfield, NY on March 14, 2016.

PRESENT: Supervisor John Salka

Councilman Clinton Abrams

Councilman Dewitt Head ABSENT

Councilman Joseph Walker

Councilman Jefferson Mayne

Town Clerk Sherry Perretta

Highway Supt. Robert Piersma ABSENT

Town Attorney Tina Weyland-Smith ABSENT

OTHERS PRESENT: approximately 10 guests

Supervisor Salka, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge to the Flag.

RESOLUTION 39-2016

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

On a motion by Walker, seconded by Abrams, the following resolution was

ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE

AYES (4) Abrams, Walker, Mayne, Salka

NAYS (0)

Resolved that the minutes of February 8, 2016, February 15, 2016 and March 8, 2016 be approved as presented.

REPORTS OF TOWN OFFICIALS

Planning

 Public hearing held on Knorr/Mackey subdivision. Approval granted.

 Chairperson McCoach reported that May meeting is rescheduled for Tuesday, May 3rd. Several members will be attending training on Thursday, May 5th.

 Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 7, 2016.

Town Clerk

 Town Clerk Perretta presented the Town Clerk monthly report for February with total disbursement of $567.50.

 Assessor’s report for March presented to Board.

 DCO quarterly report submitted to Board.

 Tax Collector report given. Balance of Supervisor’s Receipt remitted to Supervisor.

 Information shared on several upcoming training opportunities.

 Horned Dorset provided notification of liquor license application.

 DEC notification of closure of all snowmobile trails, seasonal access roads and associated gates by March 13, 2016 and will remain closed during the spring mud season.

Regular MEETING, TOWN OF BROOKFIELD, March 14, 2016

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 DEC notification that residential brush burning is prohibited from March 16, 2016 through May 14, 2016.

Supervisor

 Supervisor Salka reported that DEC has visited the Town Barn and the salt shed, fuel system and drainage system will need to be addressed. He has met with Matt Fuller of Barton & Laguidice regarding the salt shed.

 Highway Work Rules are being revised. Supervisor to have for Board to review at next meeting.

Highway Superintendent

 A proposal was presented for replacement of the fuel system from Yocum Full Service Inc. in the amount of $28,820. Councilman Abrams questioned the terms of the procurement policy and if additional proposals needed to be sought. After reviewing the procurement policy, the Board determined that a request for proposals should be written. Town Clerk to run notice for request for proposals with specifications to match the proposal received from Yocum. Proposals to be opened at next board meeting.

 Supervisor Salka presented a resolution to authorize the Supervisor to enter into a contract with Barton & LaGuidice for the salt shed project. A review of the procurement policy indicates that this would not require a request for additional proposals. Board to address the resolution later in the meeting.

 Sluice pipes are being replaced on Miner Road.

Town Attorney (Tina Weyland-Smith)

 No report.

Buildings/Insurance

 Town Hall is still in need of repairs. Town Clerk to run notice again for proposals to fix/replace entrance doors, replace window and repair/replace landing at court entrance.

Parks

 Councilman Mayne reported that practicing has started at the Academy Road Park. The bathrooms will be opened soon. Town Clerk to run notice for mowing/trimming/maintenance bids for all parks.

Safety

 No report.

Comprehensive Planning Committee

 Compilation of survey results continues.

 Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 16, 2016 at the Town Hall at 7:00 pm.

Codes Enforcement (Chad Trudell)

 Town Clerk asked, at CEO’s request, where the Board wanted his office to be maintained. Supervisor Salka advised that the current office at the Town Barn or the old office at the Town Hall are both acceptable and at the preference of the CEO. Regular MEETING, TOWN OF BROOKFIELD, March 14, 2016

3

Historian

 The Historical Society meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month.

 The Pomeroy Foundation applications for markers for the Curtis residence and the Dote residence is in the final stages.

 David Craine was able to locate an original Craine silo in the area.

 Myrtilla Miner banner will be doing some traveling. She will be on loan to Kirkland and West Winfield Bicentennial celebration.

 Today is National Pi Day.

Dog Control Officer

 Quarterly report submitted to Board.

Finance

 Supervisor Salka gave a summary of the balance sheet.

RESOLUTION 40-2016

AUDIT OF CLAIMS

On a motion by Mayne, seconded by Abrams, the following resolution was

ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE

AYES (4) Abrams, Walker, Mayne, Salka

NAYS (0)

Resolved that the Supervisor’s bills be paid on Abstract #11 in the following amounts:

General Fund No. 34 - 46 $ 7,727.79

Highway Fund No. 38 - 61 $ 31,391.79

RESOLUTION 41-2016

AUTHORIZING THE TOWN SUPERVISOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BARTON & LAGUIDICE ENGINEERS

On a motion by Abrams, seconded by Mayne, the following resolution was

ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE

AYES (4) Abrams, Walker, Mayne, Salka

NAYS (0)

Resolved that the Town Board of the Town of Brookfield authorize the Town Supervisor to enter into an agreement with Barton & LaGuidice for the approximate sum of $23,500.00. A copy of said agreement is attached as ‘Exhibit A’. Regular MEETING, TOWN OF BROOKFIELD, March 14, 2016

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RESOLUTION 42-2016

INTRODUCE AND SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2016 – ‘A LOCAL LAW PROVIDING A FOUR (4) YEAR TERM FOR TOWN SUPERVISOR OF THE TOWN OF BROOKFIELD’

On a motion by Mayne, seconded by Walker, the following resolution was

ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE

AYES (4) Abrams, Walker, Mayne, Salka

NAYS (0)

The Town Board of the Town of Brookfield will hold a public hearing with respect to the adoption of proposed Local Law #1 of 2016 on April 11, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the North Brookfield Fire House, North Brookfield, NY.

RESOLUTION 43-2016

MODIFY THE 2016 BROOKFIELD TOWN BUDGET

On a motion by Abrams, seconded by Walker, the following resolution was

ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE

AYES (4) Abrams, Walker, Mayne, Salka

NAYS (0)

RESOLVED, that the 2016 adopted Town budget be modified as follows:

Budget Line & Description From: To:

DA2665 Sale of Equipment $ 500.00 $90,500.00

DA5130.2 Unallocated Insurance $ 8,000.00 $98,000.00

Difference: $ 7,500.00 $ 7,500.00

A5031 Interfunds Transfer . $ 0.00 $50,000.00

A5132.4 Garage Contractual $25,000.00 $75,000.00

Difference: $25,000.00 $25,000.00

With no further business to come before the Board, on a motion by Abrams and seconded by Mayne, the meeting was adjourned at 9

SUPERVISOR: Salary & Benefits for "PART TIME JOB"

Another reason for a four year term for the SUPERVISOR..job security...not bad for a "part time" job.... one portion comes from the COUNTY and some from the TOWN:

Salary Annual`    $15,300
Insurance               27,077
Retirement               2,555
County:            $  44,932  Salary & Benefits
Town                      7,750  Salary + ? Benefits
TOTAL:           $  52,682  Salary & Benefits

Highest paid is Chairman Becker who receives a total of $62,910 salary and benefits from the County.  Salka's salary and benefits is actually "typical" .... but this is still more than most people earn with a full time position.  Think about that next time you get a tax bill...

JUNK DAYS - Friday & Saturday - MAY 13 & 14 Town Barn

In case you missed the notice in the Waterville Times...JUNK DAY this FRIDAY and SATURDAY, May 13 & 14.  Contrary to the ad, the is NO CHARGE on the tires...decided at the Town Board meeting.  Hours:  FRIDAY 7AM - 2:30PM; SATURDAY 8AM - NOON;  Drop off at the Town Barn...any questions, call Mark Zediker 899-5878

SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING:  4 Year Supervisor Term

SALKA's FOUR YEAR TERM PROPOSAL -

 

You can't make this stuff up.  Here are several of the reasons 

SALKA thinks the Supervisor Term should be changed 

from 2 to 4 yrs.  Yet,  only THREE TOWNS in Madison Co. 

have a 4-yr Supervisor term:

  

1/ "It's a politician's NUMBER ONE JOB to be re-elected" 

... KID YOU NOT!!!  Salka explained that  it takes 18 months 

of a 24 month Supervisor term to campaign for re-election ;

 .....now that admission explains a lot.

 

2/ Sometimes you have to make "political" decisions 

which are unpopular. ...So the Supervisor needs more time 

for the voters to FORGET? 

 

3.  "All of the other [Brookfield] Town positions have four year terms"

.. he calls it "Continuity"......try  ACCOUNTABILITY ...that's what's needed. 

 

Not one of these "reasons" has ANYTHING to do with the Town's welfare. 

And frankly, what makes extending a supervisor's term to four year 

more important than so many other issues now facing this Town?  

 

Salka's Board unanimously approved the resolution

to put the change up for a public vote (referendum) in November. 

Dewitt and Walker forgot about the Special Meeting but 

eventually showed up but there was no posting on the website, 

nor was the agenda posted.  

According to Salka, he "doesn't have to use the website:

...."it is not a legal requirement"...WRONG, again.  

Maybe Mr. Salka should spend some time with the 

Town Attorney brushing up on the OPEN MEETINGS law!

NYS ALERT ! Sign Up... STATE LAND ...Fire Alerts & EMERGENCY Information

Here is the follow up received from Ted Halpin, Madison Co. Director

 of Emergency Management regarding preparedness in the event 
of a fire in the BROOKFIELD state lands.

Below is the response received.
Will forward on to TOWN Website for posting... thanks,
Ted Halpin Director MADCO Emergency Management
for the quick & informative follow up!

To receive emergency messages in Madison County,
enroll in NYAlert : https://users.nyalert.gov/


1) As to answer your question regarding evacuation:

-        If fire danger was high enough to have a need for that
level of response (evacuation of camping areas), camping
would not be allowed - the camping areas would be closed.
The forests would be closed by executive proclamation.

-        The area is regularly patrolled by DEC Rangers
                   and ENCON Police

-        We have 911 addresses for all full time residents 
         for evac and emergency notifications via NYAlert 
         to land lines and cell where available.   

       Please encourage people to enroll in NYAlert and
         follow us on Twitter for the latest emergency 
         information (see below for details).
       
       To receive emergency messages in Madison County, 
       enroll in NYAlert :  https://users.nyalert.gov/

2) As for the comparison to the fire in Alberta:

-        Fort McMurray is in the Boreal forest region and is in
          extended extreme drought conditions.

-        Brookfield is a different forest cover type (primarily
northeast hardwood cover types), and not in drought.
The blow down timber has been or is being salvaged
(at least on the state lands).  The salvage operations have
addressed approximately 90% of those affected areas.
 That reduces fuel loading and removes otherwise available
 heavy timber fuels (which are only available to wildfire
spread usually when under extended drought conditions).

-        Attached is the extended fire weather forecast from
our eastern coordination center.  We are forecast for some
warmer temps. this year (it's just part of normal global cyclical
weather patterns by the way), but precip. is looking to be average.

I hope this helps answer the questions you have.  
Feel free to contact us again.
V/R,
Ted

Theodore Halpin, Jr., MPA, CEM
Director of Emergency Management
Madison County (NY)
P.O. Box 577
138 North Court Street
Wampsville, New York  13163
315.366.2789
ted.halpin@madisoncounty.ny.gov

https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/em

To receive emergency messages in Madison County, enroll in NYAlert :
https://users.nyalert.gov/

REMINDER! TOWN BOARD - Special Meeting MONDAY, May 9 - 6:30 PM/ Town Hall

TOWN BOARD - Special  & REGULAR Meeting MONDAY, May 9 - 6:30 PM/ Town Hall

Don't forget MONDAY's TOWN BOARD Meeting starts at 6:30 PM with a "special" meeting where Supervisor Salka, once again, will push to increase his Supervisor's term from two to four years.... given the political "instability" in Town, hardly think this is a wise decision... but it certainly would secure John's position for four more years if he does NOT make it to ALBANY.  In any case: we're Damned one way or another! And really, do we need "four more years" of this political  chaos?...andwhy is it that there are ONLY three Towns in MADISON COUNTY (Sullivan, Cazenovia & Madison)  that have 4 year Supervisor Terms???.... Just another example of  politicians taking care of themselves instead of the COMMUNITY...

TOWN BOARD MINUTES: March 8 "Special Meeting" Reappointing Piersma and Walker

Thanks to Sherry for sending the Minutes for prior TOWN BOARD MEETINGS.  The most recent Minutes ares for the MARCH 8, 2016 "Special Meeting" below.

BROOKFIELD TOWN BOARD – SPECIAL MEETING  

March 8, 2016

Reappointing Piersma & Walker w/ Back Benefits Due to

FAILURE TO RENEW THEIR OATHES OF OFFICE

A SPECIAL meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Brookfield, County of Madison, State of New York was held at the Town Hall, Brookfield, NY on March 8, 2016.

PRESENT: Supervisor John Salka

 Councilman Clinton Abrams

 Councilman Dewitt Head ABSENT

 Councilman Joseph Walker

 Councilman Jefferson Mayne

 Town Clerk Sherry Perretta

 Highway Supt. Robert Piersma

 Town Attorney Tina Weyland-Smith ABSENT

OTHERS PRESENT: approximately 10 guests

Supervisor Salka called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the Pledge to the Flag.

RESOLUTION 38-2016

APPOINTMENT OF TOWN COUNCILMAN AND TOWN HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

 On a motion by Mayne, seconded by Abrams, the following resolution was

ADOPTED by ROLL CALL VOTE: AYES (3) Abrams, Mayne, Salka NAYS (0)

WHEREAS, a Town Highway Superintendent and a Town Councilman were elected in November 2015 in the Town of Brookfield to serve the terms commencing January 1, 2016; and

WHEREAS, said Town Highway Superintendent and Town Councilman failed to take their oath of office pursuant to Public Officers’ Law section 30; and

WHEREAS, Robert J. Piersma and Joseph Walker continued to work as Town Highway Superintendent and Town Councilman respectively and continue to do so; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has the power pursuant to Town Law section 64(5) to appoint qualified persons to fill the vacancy;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Robert J. Piersma be appointed Town Highway Superintendent and Joseph Walker be appointed Town Councilman and shall be paid for the work that they did during the vacancy of the office.

Town Clerk, Sherry Perretta administered the oaths of office to Robert J. Piersma, Town Highway Superintendent and Joseph Walker, Town Councilman. Oaths will be filed in the Clerk’s office.

Supervisor Salka reported that both of these appointments are through 12/31/2016. Both positions will go on the ballot on November 8, 2016 for the balance of the terms ending 12/31/2019.

Supervisor Salka presented findings from the Town Attorney regarding the validity of his oath of office filed with the County Clerk’s office. The findings indicate that the filing is valid. Reference was made to case Entwhistle vs. Murtaugh.

Councilman Abrams reported that this issue is not just here. Reports indicate that approximately 250 positions across the state are in the same situation.

Supervisor Salka would like to incorporate the oath taking into the Organizational meeting so that this doesn’t happen again.

Town Highway Superintendent Piersma apologized for his lack of responsibility in this matter.

With no further business to come before the Board, on a motion by Abrams and seconded by Walker, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 pm. Carried unanimously.

POLITICAL "BS"

SALKA for Assembly

14 hrs · 

It seems like it is almost every day that we are hearing reports of another shady deal going on in our state's capitol. I for one am sick of hearing it and am willing to fight with all my heart and energy to try and change this culture of corruption and greed. Vote Salka for Assembly!

MR SALKA:  Start with your OWN BACK YARD -- literally!.. 

RIP Patricia McNamara - So sorry to hear

So very sorry to hear...

Patricia McNamara 
Family and Friends Meant the World to Her
SILVER SPRINGS, FLORIDA - Patricia M. McNamara, of Silver Springs, FL, passed away on Tuesday, April 19th, 2016, in Ocala, FL, following a brief illness.
She was born in Utica, NY, the daughter of the late Edward and Geraldine McNamara of Brookfield, NY.
She leaves behind her sisters, Jodi (Jerry) Tanney, Christine Kupiec (Bernie) and Susan (Scott) Williams; brother, Richard (Jodi) McNamara; also many nieces and nephews; special friends, John, Bobby, Lydia, Sandy, Bill, Linda and Janet; and all her friends in Silver Springs and the Brookfield area.
In lieu of flowers, it was Pat's wishes that you take a flower to your favorite person and spend time with them.
There will be a Celebration of Life on May 14 at the Brookfield Legion from 2-6.
Published in The Observer-Dispatch on May 6, 2016
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/uticaod/obituary.aspx?n=patricia-mcnamara&pid=179900086#sthash.1SOPAdIz.dpuf

BCS BUDGET 2016-17 Is Now On Line at School WEBSITE!

Thanks to BCS Administration!
...the 2016-17 BUDGET has been posted on the School's website and can be found at the following link:  http://www.brookfieldcsd.org/Page/225

You may have to cut/paste the link, and be sure and CLICK on the "Budget Document 2016-17" ..disregard the "preview not available".

TOWN BOARD - Special Meeting MONDAY, May 9 - 6:30 PM/ Town Hall

Don't forget MONDAY's TOWN BOARD Meeting starts at 6:30 PM with a "special" meeting where Supervisor Salka, once again, will push to increase his Supervisor's term from two to four years.... given the political "instability" in Town, hardly think this is a wise decision... but it certainly would secure John's position for four more years if he does NOT make it to ALBANY.  In any case: we're Damned one way or another! And really, do we need "four more years" of this political  chaos?...and why is it that there are ONLY three Towns in MADISON COUNTY (Sullivan, Cazenovia & Madison)  that have 4 year Supervisor Terms???.... Just another example of  politicians taking care of themselves instead of the COMMUNITY...

McMurray Forest Fires....Brookfield Preparedness?

After seeing the forest  fires in Canada, it makes you wonder if the Town is prepared for similar threats....do the DEC, Fire Depts, and Town have an evacuation plan in such an event?  a way to contact residents and campers; farmers and livestock owners?  Not hard to imagine given the dry conditions especially around Ouleout and Beaver Creek ...perhaps the TOWN BOARD could put on their agenda.

ASSESSOR IN TOWN - SATURDAY - MAY 7

Not much notice to TAXPAYERS,...see the MAY 1 "notice" that

....  the ASSESSOR will be in Town this SATURDAY - MAY 7 from  10AM - 2 PM..

http://www.brookfieldny.us/special-noticesmeetings.html

BROOKFIELD 4/20 Special Meeting WATERVILLE TIMES - To the Editor

NOTE: I was advised that this letter went to the wrong email address so missed last week's edition... resubmitted for next week...hwb

April 29, 2016

WATERVILLE TIMES - To the Editor - BROOKFIELD Special Meeting

SENT TO:  LETTER TO THE EDITOR:   Waterville Times - Editor, Patty Louise

The April 20 Brookfield Special Board Meeting, appointing a replacement for Highway Superintendent Bob Piersma,  was an opportunity for the Editor  to see first-hand the growing frustration and anger over this issue specifically and the handling of Town affairs in general: from the highways to the garbage filled lawns.

While the Editor urged us to attend and ask questions; unfortunately, Town Supervisor Salka and his Board passed RULES OF DECORUM which prohibit questioning at Board meetings.    Although the rules allow public comments at special meetings such as this, they decided to eliminate that portion of the Special Meeting.   

 Only the Times was given an opportunity to ask questions ….AFTER the meeting.  Furthermore, it was NOT surprising to see Salka & Piersma's "explanations" regarding their contractor/customer relationship when, on April 11, a week earlier, Salka stated in an email to Rumor Around Town that:  "Bob gave us a fair quote and will be getting the job."  So why wouldn't they just come out and admit it rather than all the "double-speak" they gave the reporter?  Just another example of the root of this Town's problems.

Yes, the April 20 meeting would have been an opportune time to clear the air, unfortunately Salka and his Board only made it more confusing and left more questions.

As for taking these issues to social media:  when Town officials consistently turn a deaf ear to local problems; refuse to answer questions regarding their ethics;   blame others; fail to communicate and treat us as the "enemy" -- don't expect the Town's people to remain silent.  The people and taxpayers of this community deserve RESPECT not contempt.  This one they can't blame on ALBANY!! 

Very truly yours,

Honna Whelley-Bowen [Rumor...]