Supers, Residents Divided on Proposed Cobleskill Bridge

Cobleskill residents remain divided on whether a new bridge is needed to connect Shady Tree Lane and Barnerville Road, with some urging the project forward to cut down on emergency response time while others disagreed with the county's intended use of eminent domain.

Informing residents that a final decision by the Board of Supervisors would have to be delayed until the April county board meeting, County Attorney Mike West explained that the continuance is because the necessary appraisals of disputed properties have not yet been completed.

That did not prevent homeowners or legislators from chiming in at Tuesday's public hearing, however. 

Broome Supervisor Bill Smith was having none of it. Stating that he is "not in favor of this project," Mr. Smith questioned the emergency response figures of some residents and further commented that the bridge is "a waste of the taxpayers money."

Questioning why "do we have to take so much from this person's land," Middleburgh Supervisor Jim Buzon expressed additional concerns on the safety of motorists exiting Shady Tree Lane by way of the busy Roue 7 intersection.

Barnerville Road resident Kari McKelvy disagreed wholeheartedly with Mr. Smith's assessment, recounting an emergency situation where her mother needed an ambulance and "time is of the essence."

Matt Mann, a resident of Shady Tree Lane opposed to the project, commented that it is a "Bad place to replace that bridge," but that maybe it could be moved to another location, "where you don't have to take someone's land."

Divided on either side of the creek, residents of Barnerville Road are in favor of the project to reduce emergency response time, while landowners on Shady Tree Lane are opposed to the use of eminent domain on their properties to construct the structure.

"They [residents of Barnerville Road] had been promised this bridge," said Cobleskill Supervisor Leo McAllister. The supervisor would argue that it is time to put the structure in place because, "This is the only alternative."

Wrestling with a bridge of convenience versus emergency services, Conesville Supervisor Bill Federice questioned whether only a one-lane bridge for emergency response could be constructed to cut down on cost and land infringement.

The answer was no. Stressing that the structure has to meet current federal standards, Department of Public Works Commissioner Dan Crandall said the project would not be eligible to receive grant monies otherwise.

A point of contention in the community since the existing structure was shuttered seven years ago, the proposed bridge is funded as part of a capital improvement project. If the county does not vote to move forward, it will have to pay back $400,000 in grant monies.

Awaiting the final appraisals, supervisors kept the hearing open to the public through the next regularly scheduled county board meeting set for Friday, April 17th at 9:00 a.m. 

Alicia Terry Sues County, Seeks Old Job

Alleging that she was improperly removed from her position atop the Schoharie County Planning Department for her political beliefs, former planning department head Alicia Terry has filed suit against the county in hopes of reclaiming her job and status. 

Filing a request for judicial intervention on Friday, March 20th to initiate Article 78 proceedings, Mrs. Terry listed Schoharie County, the Board of Supervisors, and Senior Planner Shane Nickel, who has been the de facto head of the planning department, as plaintiffs. 

Removed from her position as Director of Planning and Economic Development with the 2015 budget's passage in December, Mrs. Terry was demoted to the position of Senior Planner under her former subordinate and current Lead Supervisor, Mr. Nickel.

The budget, which was approved narrowly by supervisors, was crafted by Treasurer and Budget Officer Bill Cherry and resulted in the fracturing of planning and economic development into two separate entities, as well as the elimination of several positions, Terry's included.

Head of the Planning Department for almost twenty years, Mrs. Terry gained a mixed reputation with the rise and fall of the Schoharie County Conservative Party, which saw its fortunes peak in 2011 with Harold Vroman's chairmanship and the leading role of Cassandra Ethington.

In addition to her role as a department head, the long-time official briefly served as co-budget officer with Social Services Commissioner Paul Brady and at one point oversaw the AECOM stream bank project in conjunction with DPW head Dan Crandall.

Mrs. Terry's lawsuit contends that, "The County abolished Petitioner's position and laid her off as Director of Planning based upon her political party affiliation and beliefs, in bad faith, and as a subterfuge to avoid the statutory protection afford to her as a civil servant."

Along with seeking re-appointment as head of the planning department, Terry is seeking damages and lost salary associated with her demotion from the position. 

Study: Schoharie County has Mixed Overall Health

Schoharie County is one of the healthiest counties in the Mohawk Valley, according to a new health survey published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute. 

Calculating the overall health of counties nationwide, the County Health Rankings & Roadmap program looks at a variety of factors in determining their rankings for Health Outcomes and Health Factors, which Schoharie County receives mixed grades on.

Ranking number one for Health Outcomes in the Mohawk Valley and 14th overall statewide, Schoharie County receives good marks for both the longevity and quality of its citizens lives. Dominant factors include overall mental and physical health.

The same can not be said for Health Factors, which measures each county's health behavior, clinical care, social and economic factors, and physical environment. Schoharie County dropped down to 33rd statewide, but only second overall in the Mohawk Valley.

Data for the study's findings were compiled using a variety of federal and state resources. The purpose of the rankings is to encourage a proactive approach to health related issues by county governments nationwide. 

For more information please visit the 2015 County Health Rankings for New York.

Residents Split on New Bridge in Cobleskill

On Friday morning the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors considered the potential use of eminent domain to build a new bridge in the Town of Cobleskill, with both proponents and opponents of the measure addressing the county board. 

Slated to be built on Shady Tree Lane, which is located in the Cobleskill hamlet of Barnerville, the bridge is being proposed to replace an older structure that has been closed for seven years and has been a point of contention in the community. 

Explaining that any use of eminent domain must meet a two-fold requirement of being both in the public good and having no alternate location, County Attorney Michael West warned that because it is a capital improvement project, "If we do not move forward it will cost us $400,000."

Ironically enough, the Board of Supervisors had voted to oppose the use of eminent domain by natural gas companies against the will of county residents just four weeks before Friday's hearing.

At the crux of the dispute is the proposed bridge's path through two parcels of land, which affected property owners had decided against signing on to the project because it would cut into their front yards. One resident commented that he did not want to see "the bridge on my street."

Cobleskill resident Michelle Stacy stated her opposition by quipping that she was, "really against eminent domain in any way, shape, or form. Drawing a comparison to authoritarianism, Stacy would later comment, "We don't live in [the] Chinese mainland." 

Not everyone was opposed to the proposal, however. 

Arguing that "There is a public need for the replacement of this bridge," resident John Sagendorf hoped a compromise could be negotiated between the county and homeowners, but that if not, "eminent domain would have to be used," because of the project's critical nature. 

Neal Stanton, a lifelong resident of Barnerville, concurred with Sagendorf on the need for a bridge by pointing to several instances of emergency services taking upwards to twenty minutes to respond to calls because the old bridge is no longer is service. 

Awaiting the arrival of final assessments to come in, the county board kept the public hearing on the eminent domain proposal open through a special board meeting set for Tuesday, March 31st at 5:00 p.m. 

Seward Greets Future Leaders of Schoharie County at Capitol

ALBANY, 03/24/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) and Assemblyman Pete Lopez (R/C/I-Schoharie) today welcomed students with the Schoharie County 4-H legislative intern program to Albany.

“Touring the state Capitol and meeting with legislators provides students with a real working knowledge of how state government operates,” said Senator Seward.  “As a past member of 4-H, I am proud to see the program’s traditions continuing with today’s students through this unique program.”

Senator Seward (left) met with students from the Schoharie County
4-H legislative intern program on the “Million Dollar” Staircase.

High school seniors from Cobleskill-Richmondville, Gilboa-Conesville, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Sharon Springs toured the state Capitol learning about state history and observing the inner workings of state government.

Students in the legislative intern program meet monthly to learn about county and state government through hands-on experiences like the Albany tour.  Several alumni of the program have gone on to successful careers in the public sector.

“Public service is vital to the future growth and success of our local communities.  I look forward to seeing these students go on to serve in the public arena as elected officials, volunteers, or in other public posts,” Seward concluded.

NYC Announces Schoharie Reservoir Release to Offset Winter Snowpack

New York City Department of Environmental Protection officials laid out a new path for handling and preventing excessive reservoir levels at the Gilboa Dam before the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors on Friday morning.

A path that was praised by local officials.

Announcing the city's intention to reduce reservoir levels annually down to 90% of available capacity from October 15 to March 15, DEP officials explained that the release would serve as a flood mitigation measure against accumulated snowpack in the winter.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez, thanking the city's representatives, commented that his office "found the City of New York listening to us," in what he described as intelligent and thoughtful exchanges between Upstate and New York City representatives.

The plan, not set to take place until construction of the permanent release chamber at the reservoir is complete in 2020, also calls for a daily minimum conservation release of 10-15 million gallons to improve habitat conditions in the Schoharie Creek.

"This is wonderful news," stated Howard Bartholomew of Dam Concerned Citizens, a not-for-profit advocacy group for the Gilboa Dam and Schoharie Reservoir. He would later say that the DEP was "killing two birds with one stone" in their initiative

The Schoharie Reservoir is the northernmost reservoir in the city's water supply system and has been a source of controversy and discontent between Schoharie County and the city with respects to the potential for flooding caused by the Gilboa Dam.

Blenheim Supervisor Shawn Smith praised the agreement by stating, "This is a great step toward a cooperative agreement which will protect the people of Blenheim from future flooding events, which is of the utmost importance to our town." 

American Pickers Eyeing Schoharie County?

History in Schoharie County has a chance to have the blanket pulled back to reveal some hidden treasures. 

The show American Pickers from The History Channel is scouring the state for leads to film their show in the coming months and they have shown initial interest in Schoharie County, said Bobbi Ryan, Director of the Dr. Best House & Medical Exhibit after speaking with a representative from the show.  

“Our County is so rich in history and to be as close as Watkins Glen or Utica would be an utter shame if they didn't drop in for a spell,” Mrs. Ryan explained. “I have been emailing groups like this for over a year trying to entice them to see how absolutely stunning Schoharie County is.  Now we have a shot at proving it!” 

 American Pickers' dynamic hosts are particularly interested in "untouched collections" and search for a wide variety of items.  Those items include vintage radios, motorcycles and bicycles, movie memorabilia, advertising including signage, military artifacts, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, turn of the century toys, and vintage clothing among other things.

The idea will be to visit several properties on their trek through the area.  The show has asked that more properties be identified in the area so they can make an entire trip of it.  The properties need to have a large collection or if someone would like to refer an individual email the property owner's name, phone number, physical address and description of the property with some photos.  

Although this is in the early stages of planning and there is no confirmation of stops or sites in New York State, this could be a great source of visibility for the area. 

Serious leads should be directed to the show's email at pickerinfo2015@gmail.com.

Second Annual Life in Schoharie Photo Contest Submissions

Ladies and gentlemen, we have nineteen beautiful photographs submitted from all over Schoharie County to consider in the Second Annual Life in Schoharie Photo Contest. The winner and runner-up will be decided by the number of votes cast by our readers in our poll located on the right-hand sidebar. 

Readers have until Friday at noon to make their decision. The winner will be awarded a $20 gift certificate to Wal-Mart, with the runner-up receiving a $10 gift certificate to The Olde Corner Store. 

Goodluck to all of our submissions and goodluck!

"Beauty in the Hills"

Oorah/The Zone, Jefferson

"The Guarded Fort"

Christy Quinn, Cobleskill

"We'll Never Forget"

Mackenzie D. Hall, Cobleskill

"Beauty in Contrasts"

Aimee Lauterbach, Schoharie

"America's Breadbasket"

Sandy Cornell, Esperance

"A Nose Eye View"

Christian McCance, Cobleskill

"Barn in the Moonlight"

Shelly Bishop, Richmondville

"Valley Serenity"

Ron Forstell, Schoharie

"Winter's End"

Bobbie Borucki, Central Bridge

"Pasture Scenes"

Brianna Guckemus, Howes Cave

"Fall Delight"

Deb Roberts, Altamont

"Where Seasons Collide"

Michael Fahey, Howes Cave

"The First Snow"

Jeannie Jo Balogh, Lawyersville

"Mush, Onward!"

Vic DiSanto, Middleburgh

"Backyard View"

Kesha Haskin, Breakabeen

"Stunning Delight"

Lillian Johnson, Sharon Springs

"Summer's Flourish"

Joan Radliff, Richmondville

"An Evening Dip"

Joe Redmond, Cobleskill

"Staying Classy"

Dr. Best House, Middleburgh

County Board to Meet Tonight in Special Session

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors are holding their second special board meeting in five days this evening. According to sources on the board, the meeting is being held to discuss the stream bank project.

Supervisors are scheduled to meet at 5:00 p.m. on the third floor of the Schoharie County office complex.

Although nothing is specifically spelled out in the official agenda, the flood committee - which oversees the financially troubled stream rehabilitation effort - is slated to address an issue with the whole board.

Stay tuned for updates.

Tennessee Gas Announces Public Houses to Address Second Pipeline

Laying the groundwork for a second natural gas pipeline to come through Schoharie County, Kinder-Morgan's North East Direct (owned by Tennessee Gas) has announced a series of public houses to address the public's concerns on their project. 

Slated to follow a similar path of that of Constitution Pipeline, which has received the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's blessing, Tennessee Gas has begun the process of plotting their own gas transportation route to reach new energy hungry markets.

Two public houses are scheduled to be held in Schoharie County: April 6th in Schoharie at the Days Inn & Suites and April 14th in Richmondville at the Radez Elementary School. Neither date has an announced time as of publication.

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities representative Bob Neid told The Schoharie News in an email exchange on Wednesday that, "I believe this is not just an environmental issue it is an economic and class issue as well. "

He would further comment that he thought, "Low income rural communities with little political clout are being exploited and abused."

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors has taken a series of stands against the incursion of additional pipelines in recent months, with one resolution being passed just last month signaling their opposition to the use of eminent domain against county residents.

Supervisors to Convene Special Meeting Tonight

The Schoharie County Board of Supervisors are convening a special county board meeting tonight to discuss an issue related to The Special County Administrator Exploratory Committee, according to the official agenda.

Supervisors are scheduled to meet at 4:00 p.m. on the third flood of the Schoharie County office complex. 

Although nothing has been publicly confirmed or disclosed, rumors are floating that the recently created Administrator position is facing both external and internal push-back, perhaps the cause of tonight's session.

County Democrats Hold Slight Cash on Hand Advantage

Schoharie County's Democratic Party is in good shape financially to pose a solid challenge to local Republicans this fall, although it wont do them much good with no publicly declared countywide candidates in the mix yet. 

According to the most recent data available from the New York State Board of Elections, county Democrats maintain a $1,600 on hand cash advantage over their GOP counterparts with eight months until the off-year elections.

However, county Republicans maintain the overall advantage heading into the campaign season. An advantage that is due in no small part to the recent announcements that County Clerk Indica Jaycox and Treasurer Bill Cherry are seeking re-election.

With two countywide offices and all sixteen supervisor seats on the ballot in November, both parties are expected to intensify their fundraising efforts in preparation for the election season to come.

Although not as significant, the true wildcard could be in how much of a role the Schoharie County Conservative Party takes in fielding its own candidates and cross-endorsing potential allies in the major parties.

Running their own candidates for Sheriff and Town Supervisor in 2013, the Conservatives have established a small but potent following among the county's ideologically similar electorate, particularly in the southern portions of the county.

As of publication, there are no publicly declared Democrat or Conservative candidates for county office, and no announced contenders for any of the sixteen open supervisor positions.

Preventing E-cigarette Poisoning in Children

Editor's Note: Our friends at the The Child Fatality Review Team, which is a committee in Schoharie County comprised of members from community agencies dedicated to child safety, requested that we post the following article on the necessity of preventing E-cigarette poisoning on children.

Poisoning is the leading cause of death from injuries in the U.S. and 9 out of 10 deaths are caused by drugs. Between the years 2010 and 2014, e-cigarette exposure calls to Poison Control totaled over 3,000. Exposure to carcinogens for children under 5 has increased from 7 in 2010 to over 2,000 in 2014.

An E-cigarette (otherwise known as e-cig, personal vaporizer) is a lithium battery-powered vaporizer which resembles cigarettes and simulates smoking. It delivers a vaporized propylene glycol/nicotine mixture into the user’s respiratory system as a vapor (instead of smoke). Vapor is created from heating the liquid nicotine mixture that is contained in the cartridge.

Vaping means to inhale and exhale the vapor produced by an e-cig. While vaping does not produce second hand smoke, it has been shown that e-cigs are a source of secondhand exposure to nicotine. While safer than cigarettes, there is still exposure to some carcinogens.

The liquid (e-juice) is what is most poisonous. It contains a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine and flavorings. The liquid comes in bright colors, candy and fruit flavors that appeal to children. Currently, there are no requirements to make the containers childproof. It only takes a few drops absorbed through the skin or swallowed to result in an emergency room visit and only 1/3 ounce can be fatal to a child.

If you use e-cigarettes or know someone who does, please take precautions and treat it like any other poison in your home. Lock it up and place it out of the reach of children. Keep the National Poison Help Line number by your phone or stored in your cell phone 1-800-222-1222.

For additional information on general child safety topics, contact the Schoharie County Child Fatality Review Committee Coordinator at 295-2016. We are dedicated to keeping children safe and alive.

Seward Meets With Schoharie County Students

ALBANY, 02/26/15 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) met this week with high school students from Reality Check – Schoharie County.

“Reality Check is an effective program that educates both on the dangers of smoking to individuals and the high health cost incurred by all,” said Seward.  “It is especially encouraging to meet with young people who are engaged and working toward a cause they feel passionate about.”

Senator Seward welcomes Reality Check students to Albany.  From left, front row – Ashley Fancher, Sheridan Smith, Madi Yung, Senator Seward.  Middle row- Emily Skowfoe, Taylor Marshall, Kathleen Hannamann, Ethan Keidong.  Back row – Gabby DeRocher, Emily Tuck-Fydenkevez, Middleburgh Reality Check Program Coordinator C.J. Smith.

The students discussed recent field studies they have conducted to gauge the use of tobacco advertising at retail locations.  They also detailed the health and financial benefits of smoking cessation and tobacco control programs conducted by the New York State Department of Health.

New York State Department of Health statistics show:

• Among high school students, smoking prevalence has dropped significantly between 2000 and 2014 from 27.1 percent to 7.3 percent, a 73.1 percent decrease;
• Among middle school students, smoking prevalence has dropped significantly between 2000 and 2014 from 10.2 percent to 1.2 percent, an 88.2 percent decrease;
• Every year, tobacco-related health care costs New Yorkers $10.4 billion, of which Medicaid covers $3.3 billion;
• Lost productivity from smoking costs New York State more than $6 billion annually.

Reality Check is an anti-smoking movement sponsored by the New York State Department of Health which alerts teens to tobacco company marketing strategies and promotes teens as decision makers in their own lives, as well as role models in their communities.

Letter to the Editor: County Government is Broken

Thank You Supervisor William Smith for writing and clarifying your flip-flop on a county administrator. In your letter you also implored the public to attend the supervisors meeting this past Friday. You cried out, Please speak up! You must be heard! Yet yourself and Ms. Bleau missed work that day. I'm wondering do we still pay the supervisors when they're absent? It now looks like the county will be hiring a full time babysitter for the 16 toddlers. So the same group that just chose a chairman by voting right down party lines will now be entrusted to hire an administrator. We're supposed to believe they now will have the integrity and intellect to pick the best person for the job. This would all be laughable but we're paying for this long running mess. It's becoming more obvious with each passing meeting they cannot do the job they were elected to do. Gene Milone who initiated this future waste of taxpayers money has stated many times, we're just floundering. Shawn Smith Blenheim Supervisor says, It seems like we just drift from one disaster to another, not very assuring words for taxpayers to hear. Now because of the boards incompetence and the inability to work together the taxpayers will have to pay the price. Who knows what the final tally will be? This form of county government, the system in place is not working it hasn't for years. Failure after failure, mistake after mistake and the taxpayers foot the bill. We cannot do it anymore.The time is now for a County Executive elected by the people with this form of government every vote counts. As of now with this system my vote is useless. We have a 16 member board. I get to vote for one for one member to sit on the board that of course is who I vote for as my Town Supervisor to represent and serve my town at the county level.  This is one of my problems with this system.You see my Supervisor gets a free ride as he seems to run against someone always named unopposed That leaves us with no choice and makes it quite difficult to make a change.For someone to step up to challenge one of incumbents you would have to be a member of one of the major parties, even then you would have to get the approval of one of the 2 kings. It truly is a Good O'l Boys club.

Regards,
Jerry Fiore 
Summit

Lape Elected New Chair, Bradt Vice Chair

Richmondville Supervisor Richard Lape has just been elected the new Chairman of the Schoharie Board of Supervisors at today's organizational meeting. Larry Bradt of Carlisle was voted Vice Chair. We will report more as more comes out of the meeting

VanGlad Retiring as County Board Chair

County Board Chair Tony VanGlad has held the position for a little less than a year. Now, with the word that he is stepping down the County may have its fifth Board Chairman in recent years. The announcement came after VanGlad's personal commitments were weighed.

The County Board will hold a meeting next Monday, January 5th to decide who will become the Chair and Vice Chair. Potential front runners have been keeping cards close to their chest, but it appears that former Board Chairs will not be selected, according to sources.

County Receives $37,500 to Study Broadband Expansion

Schoharie County may have been one of the first Upstate counties with local internet service through the Middleburgh Telephone Company. Today, most of the County has some broadband service, but large portions are relegated to just dial up. New York State announced last week that it will be funding a study on how to expand these services to a broader swath of consumers. Funded through Empire State Development, this should allow the County to create a plan for such expansion over the coming years. The $37,500 project is one of several local projects being funded this year.

Proposed Budget Bombshell: Terry Axed, Planning Overhauled

The proposed Schoharie County Budget for 2015 had many ups and downs, but one firm note of savings. After years of chronic issues stemming out of the County Planning and Development Office headed by Alicia Terry, County Treasurer Bill Cherry is proposing a major restructuring of the entire department.

According to the proposed document, the County Planning and Development Office will be split into two pieces, neither of which would be department levels. Senior staffing of the current department will fill the vacuum. The position of Director, currently filled by Alicia Terry, will be eliminated, saving taxpayers $73,393. The Office Manager position, currently unfilled, will be eliminated at a savings of over $40,000.

A Planner position will be placed back into the budget after it was eliminated by Cassandra Ethington, which will offset the savings of the Office Manager's salary. The Marketing Specialist position will also be removed and replaced with two Economic Development Specialist I positions-- one full time and one part time at approximately the current cost. The proposed budget states that this change will "enable us to expand our scope of activity in reaching out to businesses in order to encourage them to relocate to Schoharie County and bring much-needed jobs to the area."

 All told, the salary savings at the Planning Department this year alone will total almost $70,000 even counting for other employees' raises.

Terry has been seen as the last remaining former Ethington ally remaining in the County Departments.

Opinion: Yes to Administrator

The recommendations are clear: the County government is a mess.

It's not necessarily a mess because of the individuals on the County Board of Supervisors, but rather due to the antiquated system that it runs under. While an overall overhaul may be a better option in the long haul, the chances of it coming into being through the current government system is unlikely.

The committee's report is chock full of relevant research and parallel experiences of similar counties. Chair Bill Frederice has put together a compelling argument that the current system is unsustainable.

After all, it is the current system, with a weak executive in the County Board Chair that allowed the Cassandra Ethington mess to unfold. Even further, there is great instability in such a system-- look at the four different Board Chairs over the last several years.

The Administrator position is non-partisan and independent. It would require some money for salary and at least one assistant, but realistically, it is far more efficient than the current arrangement. For those concerned about the amount of money that would be spent, the Board could propose the exact amount spent to be cut from next year's budget.

The Administrator would allow for the different Departments' efforts to be arranged, instead of allowing for an accumulation of power as Ethington engineered or a mismanaged fiefdom, like Alicia Terry's handling of the Planning Department. Allowing for these Departments to work on similar goals, such as economic growth or streamlining costs is something that has not been done to its fullest.

We always get emails and calls asking for an investigation into x or y department in County government. Wouldn't someone that is responsible for overseeing each one prevent waste and abuse? After all, the current Board Chairman's position is only part time with limited authority.

The Board can make some changes to the recommendations, but they appear to be solid. Tie the threads of County government together in competent hands and help heal the many issues confronting Schoharie County.