NEW BERLIN – A mere handful of people attended the Town of New Berlin Board meeting held Nov. 12 and business as usual was the tenor of the evening's proceedings.

Although the board members effortlessly worked though the bullet-point agenda, including a proposal to renew a largely contested contract with the Unadilla Valley Ambulance Corporation (UVAC), public reaction to the results of the meeting were cries of foul and frustration.

“We simply dealt with issues that have been on the table for some time. There were no surprises,” said Town of New Berlin Supervisor Ross Iannello.

Residents who attended the meeting were quiet and no one spoke during public comment for or against any items that were passed. Included in the evening's business was the resolution to adopt an 18 month contract with UVAC at a yearly cost of $50,000 – an increase to the town of 10,000 annually.

Bob Starr, Town of New Berlin supervisor elect, was a part of the small audience. He addressed the board as they were about to enter executive session. “I know when I was on the school board, we allowed future members to sit in on executive sessions for informational purposes which would allow an incoming member to know what they're dealing with. Are you going to allow that here?” asked Starr.