[SCHOHARIE COUNTY'S BUSINESSES] Bargain City: A Small-Town Bin Store That Thrived by Serving its Community

By Son Tran

COBLESKILL — Bargain City on Main Street, Cobleskill stands as a shining example of innovation and entrepreneurial success. Founded just two years ago by David Millington and his wife, Jessica, this bin store quickly became a local favorite, offering unbeatable deals while remaining profitable. Their journey—from launching the store to scaling it efficiently and ultimately selling it—demonstrates smart entrepreneurship.

Unlike traditional retail shops, Bargain City sourced surplus and overstock items at deeply discounted prices, passing those savings on to customers. The ever-changing inventory created a treasure-hunt experience that kept shoppers coming back. David and Jessica managed their supply chain efficiently, ensuring steady cash flow while keeping costs low.

Beyond smart business tactics, what truly made Bargain City special was its impact on the community. David and Jessica weren’t just business owners; they built relationships with their customers. Their store became more than a place to shop—it was a local hub where people could find great deals and friendly conversations. They took the time to connect with shoppers, always greeting them with warm smiles. Their generosity extended beyond the store, as they regularly supported local causes and gave back to the community.

Knowing when to move on is a challenge many entrepreneurs face, but David and Jessica timed their exit perfectly. After years of successfully running Bargain City, they decided to sell the business while it was thriving. Their decision wasn’t just about financial gain; it was a strategic move reflecting sharp business instincts. By building something valuable and stepping away at the right time, they set an example for aspiring entrepreneurs.

As a newcomer to Cobleskill, I was fortunate to experience Bargain City firsthand. It quickly became one of my favorite places, not just for the great deals but for the welcoming atmosphere David and Jessica created—with their three little girls often happily wandering through the store, adding to its charm. I could feel the warmth of the customers, and through them, I saw the heart of this town. 

As I write this, David and Jessica are wrapping up the store with a 50% clearance sale before handing it over to a new owner. “Bargain City” will certainly be missed. It is more than a successful business—it’s a story of vision, hard work, and community spirit. David and Jessica have left an impact, proving that even in a small town, a well-run startup can achieve great success.

David kept himself busy on one of his last days at Bargain City—A happy business exit and a new beginning.

 

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Auto Racing News

By Tom Coughlin

Without a doubt there is plenty to keep you busy this weekend.

Locally we have the annual Fonda Speedway car show at the Via/ Port in Rotterdam. which officially begins today. Mall hours are listed as Monday through Saturday 11:00 am. until 7:00 pm. and Sunday 11:00 am. until 5:00 pm.

 This is always a great time to relax and enjoy wandering through the mall and take in the sights of all the cars up close and visit with your friends and racing family. Season passes for the grandstands and pits will be available along with wearables and merchandise from Fonda Speedway, the Friesen’s and One Zee Tees, Ronnie Johnson, and Melissa Shoemaker-Pigliavento will have items honoring her father Kenny “The Shoe” Shoemaker.

 Some very interesting news transpired last week. On Wednesday night Utica-Rome Speedway promoter Brett Deyo announced on his Facebook page that he was selling his share of ownership in regard to the Utica-Rome Speedway over to his former co-owner Jason Broedel. Deyo stated that he will continue to operate the Fonda Speedway, Brookfield Speedway, and the Short Track Super Series.

 I reached out to Jason Broedel about the status of Utica-Rome and his response was that with the 2025 schedule already being released. Plans are to keep everything the same as planned for 2025, with possible changes for the 2026 season. It is notable that at the awards banquet on Saturday, nothing was mentioned about a buyout and especially with opening night scheduled  less than a month away, when racers have already committed to planning their schedule and have stocked up on tires and fuel for specific race tracks, On top of that sponsors, fans, and family were expecting to see their favorite driver at a specific track on specific nights, Hopefully going forward the two speedways will continue to work together, thus providing a stable

environment for all involved.

Tomorrow, there is a Chicken Dinner fundraiser for the 6H modified team of J.R. Hurlbert at the Sixth Ward Athletic Club, 22 West Broadway in Oneonta, beginning at 1:00 pm.Tickets are $25 for dinner and refreshments and take out dinners are available for $15. 

If you are looking for some actual racing to enjoy on March 21-22, the Kingdom of Speed  Bridgeport Speedway in Swedesboro, New Jersey hosts the Short Track Super Series modified division in the Doug Hoffman Memorial for 60-laps and $6,060 to win. Friday night will consist of sprint cars, street stocks, 4 cylinders, and time trials for the modified and sportsman divisions beginning with grandstands opening at 5:00 pm. Saturday grandstands will open at 1:30 pm. The modified division will compete for 60-laps, sportsman 44-laps, plus the wingless sprints and 4 cylinder divisions. 

The Syracuse Nationals will present the Cavalcade of Cars in Syracuse on March 22 & 23 at the New York State Fairgrounds in the Center of Progress Building. The two day show offers over 100 hot rods and custom cars. Saturday hours are 9:00 am. - 5:00 pm. and Sunday hours are 9:00 am. - 4:00 pm.

 Monster Trucks are also at Syracuse on the fairgrounds March 22 & 23. However they will be in the Toyota Coliseum. Two shows are scheduled for Saturday. Gates open at 10:00 am. The Kids Zone and pre-show meet & greet and pit party will be held from 10:30 am.-11:30 am. The matinee Monster Truck show will run from approximately 12:00 pm -1:30 pm. The evening show  will have gates open at 4:00 pm. with Kids Zone and pre show meet & greet from 4:30 pm.- 5:30 pm. and Monster Truck show from 6:00 pm. - 7:30 pm. Sunday gates open at 12:00 pm. Kids Zone and pre show meet & greet from 12:30 pm.-1:30 pm. matinee Monster Truck show from 2:00 pm.-3:30 pm. 

 For those interested in entering the Utica-Rome Speedway car show Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30 at the Sangertown Mall. Please Contact Travis Welch at 315-373-2797. 

The Vermont Motorsports Expo 2025 will take place on March 28,29 in White River Junction inside the Connecticut Valley Auto Auction building at 1567 Vermont Route 14 05001. Friday 4:00 pm. until 9:00pm. Saturday 9:00 am. until 5:00 pm.

 Coming up on Saturday, April 5 in the Fultonville/Glen area pro stock driver Ivan Joslin and Joslin Racing 49 will have their 4th Annual chicken barbecue and wine tasting fundraiser/party at the Hummingbird Hills Winery. Bartlett's chicken barbecue dinner is on the menu for

$15 and naturally plenty of raffles. 

 Results from Friday's practice show two of our area drivers suffering mechanical issues on Friday, Ivan Joslin and Jessica Friesen. Ivan ran approximately eight lapsin his pro stock during the morning practice, before his engine developed problems with Possibly a blown head gasket. Jessica attempted to qualify in her modified heat race, only to roll to a stop on lap 8  Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosted the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series on Friday night. Stewart Friesen qualified fifth for the Evosave 200 134-laps on the mile and half for the field of thirty one starters. Friesen finished stage one in fifth, then there was a rain delay. He moved up to third in stage two, Led 14-laps and finished sixth in the final stage and after three races he currently sits fifth in the point standings.

 Results from Port Royal on Saturday have Devon Camenga, scoring the 25-lap pro stock feature over Cousin Luke Horning, Andy Graves, Shane Playford, and Ivan Joslin. With other area drivers finishing in this order Bret Belden 7, Jason Morrison 8, Phillip DeFiglio 9, Kenny Gates 12.

In the 60-lap STSS modified feature Dillon Steuer scored the big win over Matt Sheppard and Mike Mahaney. Bobby Hackel IV finished 11, Jack Lehner 13 power steering pump , Stewart Friesen 21, Alex Yankowski 23, Peter Britten 24, Danny Varin 28 overheating, Anthony Perrego 29. 

 And in the 40-lap sportsman feature Stephen Kemery took the win ahead of Joe Toth and James Hill. Area drivers finished this way Brian Calabrese 7, Dylan Madsen 9, Michael Ballestero 26. 

Sadly, area racing lost another member last week as Jason Herrington, a weekly competitor in the 358 modified division at Lebanon Valley Speedway unfortunately passed away at age 52. Known as the Flyin' Farmer, Herrington was from Brunswick Center, N.Y.  

Unfortunately, I lost my father on Tuesday night. He served over twenty years in the United States Coast Guard, was a Vietnam war Veteran, also was a  former member of the Perth Volunteer Fire Department, Cub Scout leader and more. Love you Dad.

 

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Seniors Learn About AED Device

Alison Myers and Rose Chase, both EMTs with the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad, shared information about the AED base unit and electrode pads at the 3/14 Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club meeting.

By Alexis Pencar

SHARON SPRINGS — Thirty-one seniors at the March 14th Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club luncheon meeting got the low-down about the automated external defibrillator (AED) recently installed at the Sharon Springs Firehouse. An AED machine is a portable medical device used to analyze an individual’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

Alison Myers and Rose Chase, both EMTs from the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad, provided an informative show and tell presentation about the user-friendly AED device. They fielded questions from seniors and emphasized that the AED is designed for use by the general public. Its use can significantly increase survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest. The AED emits clear audio prompts and walks the operator through the rescue procedure.

This is another successful and informative presentation by the Sharon Silver & Gold Senior Club that continues to be an integral resource for the surrounding communities. Any area seniors interested in more information about the club should contact Anne Lennebacker, president, at (607) 547-9055.

Sharon Sr. Congregate Meal Site

Local residents are invited to enjoy good company and a noon-time meal year round (except holidays) at the Schoharie County OFA’s “Spa Ritz” Sr. Congregate Meal Site at the Firehouse (137 Beechwood Road) M-W-F. 8 oz of 1% milk is served with each meal. Orders for meals must be called into the OFA office at (518) 295-2001 before 2:00 PM. for the following day. Effective January 1st the suggested donation for those 60 years old and older is $5.00 per meal. Under age 60? You’re welcome to participate for a fee of $7.50 per meal.

 

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A Great Fundraiser for a Great Cause

While Madilin sits quietly with her binkie, mom (Katlyn Junco) checks out all the baked goods lining the table. Photos by Robert Duso.

 

Julie Jones checking out the jewelry. Lot's of tables and wall racks with everything the well  dressed woman would want to wear, and the proceeds going to The Schoharie County Animal Shelter. 

Table lined with jewelry.

 

Overview of one of the many areas set-up with jewelry.

 

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A Great Time at the Stone House Farm

SHARON SPRINGS — The kitchen staff at the Stone House Farm on Lynk Road in Sharon Springs was busy Sunday morning at cooking up pancakes, waffles, and sausages. All were served with pure maple syrup. The breakfasts continue through April 19. Photo by David Avitabile.

 

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Local Business Focus - THE PEPPERCORN TAVERN

By Tori Edwards 

CHARLOTTEVILLE — The Peppercorn Tavern is a rustic hometown bar with charisma and charm like no other. Its deep roots in the town is a rare gem! The address is 102 Bindery Lane, Charlotteville. 

The owner Dawn and her husband came up with the name from the original owner, George White. In their search for a place, they ended up bringing the beloved Peppercorn sign back to its place of origin. Just after 4 decades of its rest! They opened for business in 2024 and hold events every weekend with daily specials. 

Come indulge in some fierce drops as they hold Game nights on Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wing Wednesdays, “You Play We Pay” for Thirsty Thursdays, Karaoke Friday nights! Some events coming up are Bombshell’s Pop-Up Sushi Bar on Saturday March 22nd with their 1st open Mic night on Saturday March 29th at 7pm. April 5th they will be having Live Music with FNTR. April 13th there will be breakfast with the Easter Bunny. April 19th  families can engage in an Easter Egg hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. April 26th there is going to be live music with the Backyard Saints! 

This place is always full of jam-packed entertainment for all! Bands and live music every weekend that you don’t want to miss! They are open 7 days a week! Monday-Thursday 4pm to 9pm, Fridays- Saturdays 12pm-11pm, and Sundays 12-8pm. Reach out by phone at (607) 376-2119. 

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at The Peppercorn Tavern. “Unwind, Unplug, and Let the Unforgettable Nights Brew On!” Stop up and hang with the ladies! “At the Peppercorn you’re bound to have a good time, and sips happen!”

 

 

 

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Carli Pinner Announces Candidacy for Delaware County Treasurer

DELHI — Carli Pinner has officially announced her candidacy for Delaware County Treasurer, bringing extensive experience and proven expertise in government accounting, finance, and technology systems.

Pinner has dedicated the past seven years to serving Delaware County, with the last two years working directly alongside the County Treasurer. Her responsibilities have included budgeting and financial statements, managing accounts receivable/payable, state and federal reporting, banking and investment management, payroll processing, and tax account reconciliation.

“I’m committed to fiscal responsibility and enhancing financial transparency in Delaware County,” said Pinner. “My hands-on experience has equipped me with the skills needed to effectively manage our county’s resources and lead our financial operations with integrity.”

In her tenure, Carli Pinner has demonstrated leadership in facilitating teams by emphasizing collaboration, planning, development, and monitoring productivity and quality. She is proficient with key technology platforms utilized by the county, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google productivity tools, and specialized Delaware County software systems such as PDS Payroll and USL Financials. Additionally, she is certified in Microsoft Excel.

“I am passionate about continuing to improve our financial systems and processes, ensuring they work efficiently for everyone in our community,” Pinner continued.

Carli Pinner seeks to leverage her deep understanding of Delaware County’s fiscal operations to serve residents effectively as the next County Treasurer.

For more information or to support Carli Pinner’s campaign, she will have a meet and greet March 22, 2025 4pm at the Hancock House, Hancock.

 

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Hamden Bicentennial Committee Announces Parade, 5k Run and Vendor Call for Great Hamden Town Hall Market

HAMDEN — The Hamden Bicentennial Committee is excited to announce three major events that will highlight the town’s 200th anniversary celebration this July 12 and 13 that are looking for participants.

To kick off the July weekend of fun for all ages, Hamden will host a Bicentennial Parade of decorative floats, tractors, and agricultural implements, as a tribute to the settlers of this fertile valley at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12. Line-up will be at 10:30 a.m. at Delaware Opportunities. The unloading of heavy machinery can be parked at the Hamden Town Highway Department off Covert Hollow.

The theme of the parade is 200 Years of Hamden.

The parade will begin near the corner of state Route 10 and Launt Hollow Road and go through the hamlet of Hamden along Route 10 to the corner of Basin Clove Road.

The parade committee invites all musical and marching groups, fire and emergency departments and community groups to join the parade with their floats, horses, carriages, vintage vehicles, tractors and trucks. The use of UTVs are not allowed per the Delaware County Sheriff's Office.

People interested in participating should contact Bill and Patsy Moody at bmood5@msn.com.

Following the parade, the Great Hamden Town Hall Market will be open from 1pm to 6pm in the Hamden Town Hall Park. This event will feature local vendors, artisans, and food vendors showcasing their products, making it the perfect opportunity to shop, dine, and celebrate. The Committee is now accepting applications for vendors who wish to be part of this exciting event. Whether you're selling handmade crafts, local produce, or delicious treats, the Hamden Town Hall Market is the place to be. Vendors can sign up here: qrco.de/bfjAjm

Vendor spaces for the Town Hall Market are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring people together to celebrate Hamden's rich history,” said Wayne Marshfield, Hamden Town Supervisor and spokesperson for the Hamden Bicentennial Committee. “The support from our community and the incredible variety of activities planned make this a special event that you won’t want to miss.”

Join us for a fun-filled day of running, shopping, and celebrating the past 200 years of Hamden! We can’t wait to see you there!

We’re happy to announce the Hamden Bicentennial 5k Run, which will kick off a day of festivities on day two of the Celebration. Whether you're an avid runner or just looking to join in the fun, this event will bring the community together for an exciting and active start to the day. The 5k Run will take place on Sunday, July 13th, and is open to participants of all ages and skill levels. Registration Fees are $30 through June 1st and then $35 through July 1st. Entries are $40 after July 1st.  Children 17 years old and under are always $15. All registrations are made online only.  Register here: bit.ly/Hamden5K No paper or cash accepted.

According to Hamden Bicentennial Committee President Kevin Wilbur, the course will allow runners the chance to run through the historic Hamden Covered Bridge at the end of the race. The route will take runners along Basin Clove Road to Back River Road to County Route 2 in DeLancey, to state Route 10 and back to the covered bridge. "It is exactly a 5K route," he said.

About the Hamden Bicentennial Committee

The Hamden Bicentennial Committee is a group of dedicated community members working to celebrate Hamden’s 200 years of history through various events and activities. The Committee is committed to fostering community engagement and honoring the town’s rich heritage.

 

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Town Supports First Responders

By Liz Page

HARPERSFIELD  –   A contingent of first responders attended last Wednesday's Harpersfield Town Board meeting in reaction to discussion a month earlier that suggested the town would not support the plowing or sanding of private roadways or driveways in the event of an emergency.

Supervisor Lisa Driscoll said she invited their input to the town board. 

Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten said, " I appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation. I have been in the Stamford Fire Department for 20 years and chief for many of them. We cover four towns and the village of Stamford. There has never been a problem, anytime there was a need. I have talked to the other towns and I do have their continuing support. It has never been abused to my knowledge. When we request the town it is an emergency."

He went on to indicate that it's a two-way street. The fire department responds to remove downed trees and power lines, direct traffic, evacuate people or close roads when they flood and other emergencies. He referred to the most recent incident where a Headwaters ambulance was unable to access a slippery private driveway. "It has been a very difficult winter with snow and freezing conditions. We reached out to 911 with a request and the highway superintendent was called. The town is protected by insurance for an emergency."

He presented each board member with a copy of an opinion issued by the Office of the State Comptroller regarding removal of snow and ice from a private road. In the event of an emergency, such as a serious illness or fire, it is within the scope of a town's police powers in the interest of public health, safety and welfare, to plow a private road or driveway if necessary to render private property immediately accessible. 

"We have had a long-standing relationship of cooperation with the town of Harpersfield Highway Department and it would like to see that continue," said VanEtten.

Highway Superintendent Russell Hatch said he had already spoken to Dusty King, a captain with the department and pledged his continued cooperation. He said he wanted the town board to know that he had responded to the private driveway. He said some other towns in the county have had problem with "frequent flyers" abusing it. "Because it was such an icy night I wanted the town board to be aware that we don't always know the conditions of a private driveway," said Hatch

Councilman Patrick Funk said he is still worried about doing damage to the town's equipment. Supervisor Driscoll said the town's equipment is covered. 

In the end, it will be up to Hatch to make the call in an emergency.

Councilman Eric Reeves wondered if some second home owners might abuse it as a way of getting their road plowed. It is believed the emergency response will not be abused.

VanEtten said calling town highway is a last resort, and in many cases members of the fire department can handle the situation themselves. In this recent case, they didn't have the capability to sand or access with other equipment. 

Funk questioned if the town could pass some legislation to create a way for residents to say they won't hold the town liable.

In conclusion, Hatch said, "I am always going to help these guys (fire department). Superintendent Driscoll said she was in full support of helping, if something is abused, they will know about it.

In other business, the town will pay the difference above the JCAP grant to install a panic button and cameras at the town hall. Driscoll said the solar company would be making a payment soon that would likely cover the shortfall. 

In reviewing the Shared Services agreements, it was discovered a couple needed to be updated and a motion was made to accept them.

Driscoll reported that she is looking at software that will aid code enforcement and will be accessible to the town assessor. The information will benefit the assessor and in the end, all of the information regarding codes would be stored electronically. She will return to the board next month and planned to review another software program the next day. It would cost $3,700 annually with a one time cost of $625.

An application for a Watershed Agriculture Conservation easement was presented for town board members to review. It is a 700-plus acre farm and the form has been turned over to Shelly Johnson-Bennet, county planning director, for her review.

The meeting ended with an executive session to discuss personnel. Driscoll said there had been an incident at the transfer station that resulted in the state police being called.

 

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Residents Say SK School Board Was Not Transparent About Sharing Superintendent

By Liz Page

SOUTH KORTRIGHT – The South Kortright Central School community was invited to meet their newly hired interim school superintendent on Monday, followed by the regular board of education meeting. The 30-plus people present for the meeting let the board members know they didn't believe they were transparent enough in the hiring process.

Terri Chichester, president of the SKCS Board of Education, said she would not go back and forth with the audience. She said the hiring was a personnel issue and the board didn't need anyone's permission and that the board was now trying to explain the process. "We don't have to explain at all," she said.

A letter to the community on the school's website states it is not a merger, but a way to have an experienced superintendent who understands what it takes to be part of a rural school. The letter further stated that it will provide stability as they determine if the model of a shared superintendent is something that works for the district. It is a pilot model that ends in 15 months and is providing significant cost savings to both districts.

Dr. Tarkan Ceng, superintendent at Jefferson Central School, will now split his time between SKCS and JCS, as a shared superintendent. He said he is excited about his new position and said he understands the frustration about the process that is an agreement between the two school districts. He replaces Dr. Doug Wyant, who resigned effective Jan. 1, before his contract was due to expire.

Chichester  said there was a great deal of concern at the board's December  meeting because there were rumors going around that the two schools were merging, however, they had not yet hired Dr. Ceng at that point and therefore couldn't share any information. 

Ceng indicated the process involved personnel issues and negotiations which are confidential until the agreement is made.

Ceng started his career in education as a Kindergarten and elementary school teacher. He has taught middle school and has been involved with technical school courses and robotics. He continued his education and entered administration because he believed he could have greater influence. "The board did not hire me permanently. I was very excited when I was approached to work as an interim superintendent at SKCS.  This has not been fully vetted and it is a pilot program. I hope it works for everyone," said Ceng.

Janet Beken-Smith, a former member of the board of education, made a comment on behalf of the school community. Although the board could not share the specifics of its personnel discussion they could have been more transparent regarding the options they were exploring in regard to a replacement for the superintendent. "It would have shown some good will. Not knowing who your boss is going to be tomorrow is very stressful," she said, referring to the rumors going around the staff and personnel. "Having an open conversation would have helped that tremendously."

She explained her comments were not targeted at Dr. Ceng, but at the way the school board handled it. She said it was kept in such a block box and closed door process that it generated fear and concern. "A little bit of openness would go a long way."

She said Margaretville Central had done the same thing a few years ago. "You could have done better. You could have done much better," she concluded.

Ceng took his oath of office and said he was looking forward to working with everyone, the faculty and staff and reaching out to the community. Later on he explained he was confronted with a power outage in his first hours on the job. He commended the school staff and said they worked like a well-oiled machine. At 4:30 in the morning they were trying to make the decision whether to close school due to the power outage, when the lights came back on. The transportation and food staff jumped into action and the buses got out on time. 

Delaware County Sheriff Craig DuMond was present to provide information regarding a school resource officer. He said it is a very positive thing. He said he favors a uniformed officer over a private individual. Unfortunately, he said, school incidents are a fact of life now. He has attended enough conferences at this point to know that it is not a matter of if an incident is going  to happen, but when is it going to happen.

The School Resource Officer program provides a lot of services. They become a vetted member of the school community. He said many times things can be handled at the school level, but there is that one time they are there that can make a difference. "It has been in place for a number of years and it is a successful program. It has thwarted thousands of potential problems and each school district is different. Some have full time resource officers and others use them for special circumstances.

The cost has been broken down into a flat hourly rate that includes salary, equipment, fringe benefits and insurance. The Delaware County Sheriff's Office is the only accredited law enforcement agency in the county. They are part of the New York Sheriffs Association school officers program and a program built around resource officers. The officers are accredited and receive the appropriate level of training and certification and are available 24/7 to reach out. The cost is $58.57 per hour and includes everything. They can be hired as much or as little as the district wants. Currently they are serving the Stamford Central and Sidney Central school districts full time. They are also at DCMO BOCES and Walton.

In answer to a question, he said the person assigned is consistent to build relationships with the students.

Barb Hanselman asked the board where they were in the budget process. The district treasurer has been working with the budget. One of the issues is adding a bus reserve back into the budget to cover the cost of purchasing buses on schedule in the future..

Chichester told the audience that there would be a budget hearing during a special board of education meeting on March 31 at 6 p.m.. She said this is the time for the public to show up and ask any questions about the budget.

Other important dates include: 

SCO Easter Egg Hunt 6-7:30 on April 4; Spring Band Concert, grades 5-14 at 7 p.m. on April 8; Clothing Swap in Harbaugh Hall by the Environmental Club on April 11;Spring Recess, April 14-17; SCO meeting at 6 p.m. and BOE meeting at 7 p.m. on April 21; Spirit Week April 21-25 and Honor Society Inductions 6 p.m. on April 25 and Color Night 7 p.m. on April 25.

 

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Stamford To Offer Referendum for Appointed Highway Super

By Liz Page

HOBART – Stamford Town Board members again debated  the issue of an appointed highway superintendent versus an elected one, during their meeting on March 12. In the end, they passed a motion to offer a referendum for town residents to decide the issue.

Council members have been discussing the issue for six years and the recent passing of Jon Ballard, the town's highway superintendent, brought the issue back to the forefront.  Supervisor John Kosier listed the options for council members last Wednesday.

Those options included appointing Kevin Rinehart, the deputy superintendent, to fill out the year and fill the seat with the elections in November or they could appoint him to serve out the remaining two-plus years of the term.  There was uncertainty about putting the issue on the ballot next fall and also having an election for the seat on the same ballot.

There was discussion of checking with the county Board of Elections to see what putting it on the ballot in November entails, with filings for the ballot due shortly. They were also going to check on adopting a local law that would allow persons living outside the town to run for office.

Currently, the town requires the highway superintendent must live in the town of Stamford in order to serve. Rinehart could be appointed, but could not  run for the position as he does not live in the town.

If they move to an appointed position, they could change it to allow someone outside the town to serve in the appointed slot.

If he were appointed, Rinehart would no longer be a member of the union.

Brent Trimbell, who has expressed interest in the position and is a former council member, resigning his seat last June, said Rinehart is doing a great job but because he has no authority over the crew, it isn't operating efficiently.

Council member Dave Post said he would like to put it to the public to decide. He favors the move because he believes a decision by five people is better than one person having all the authority. With an elected position, the town board's only control is through the budget.

The town has already received a letter for someone interested in filling out the term and others are believed interested in running for the position.

Board members entered an executive session to discuss the options.

When they returned from the session, Trimbell reminded them of why they were talking about appointing a superintendent last year, while he was still seated on the board. He said the problem was that the highway crew had no leader, due to Ballard's frequent absence due to ill health.  Post said the board could set a job description for an appointed official.

A motion was made to leave it up to the voters by working with the town lawyers to put it as a referendum to decide if the position of highway superintendent should be elected or appointed.  Supervisor John Kosier was checking on the process the town will need to take and was waiting for an answer from the Board of Elections.

The meeting opened with a presentation by Molly Oliver, policy director for the Friends of the Upper Delaware River, based in Hancock. She outlined how the organization can benefit the watershed. While they have been working with communities in the lower end of the county, such as Deposit, and more recently in Sullivan County, she said part of their work plan this year is to work with watershed municipalities. She was present to see if there is anything FUDR can do for the town of Stamford. 

They find out what is needed and provide help, whether it is grant writing or to help manage projects related to recreation, water quality, flooding or habitat.

She asked if there are any small projects that are not getting attention. Kevin Rinehard said there are culverts to be replaced.

She said information can be found on the website FUDR.otg or she is available by email at Molly@FUDR.org.

They can help to find matching funds for projects and provide expertise to combine funding sources for projects. "We are not here to force ourselves, but to let you know we can help," said Oliver. She was asked what the lead time is for applying and receiving a grant. She said it depends on the funding source. "We are trying to see where we can fit in on this end of the county and to address problems in a creative way."

Board members also heard a report on services and grants provided by the Western Catskills Community Revitalization Council (WCCRC) and there was discussion of those running for office next fall. 

Members of the Stamford Fire Department used their aerial ladder truck to untangle the American flag at the Stamford Town Hall in Hobart last Thursday night. Ken Goppel, a town resident, had asked the town board last year if he could work on repainting the sign for the town hall. He also enlisted the help of Brad Tripp to rewire the lights for the sign. He also noticed the tangled flag and called Stamford Fire Chief Don VanEtten to see if the department could lend a hand. 

 

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