New Berlin Town Board discusses water, building codes
NEW BERLIN – Among other things discussed at the January New Berlin Town Board meeting, talk surrounded the South New Berlin Water District improvement project and changes to the town permit rates.
On Monday night, Jan. 12, 2015, the New Berlin Town Board convened in the New Berlin Town Hall to discuss town business. Despite the horrid traveling conditions and freezing temperatures, there were a handful community members in attendance.
The main order of business for the board was to begin finalization of the multi million dollar South New Berlin Water District improvement project. The engineering stages of this project began back in 2010. Construction for the project was started in early 2014 and is just being finished.
Among the improvements made to the water system, which services 140 residences in and around the hamlet of South New Berlin, there was an additional well drilled, a water filtration plant was installed, there was 1800 feet of pipe installed for service to more residences, and there were new, remote read, water meters installed. These water meters would allow the meter reader to drive down the street and read meters on both sides of the street without having to leave the vehicle.
One of the orders of business last night was to determine what to do with the 20 or so extra water meters that the town has in surplus upon completion of the project. The meters could be sent back to the distributor from where they were bought for credit; but, since the town has already paid for the meters, they decided to keep them as spares. This will allow the town to replace faulty meters and add new customers to the water system in the future without having to purchase additional meters.
The Town of New Berlin also slightly raised the rates of building permits and the penalties associated with them to match Chenango County rates. This was done because New Berlin plans on eradicating its codes office and to begin utilizing Chenango County's code enforcement office beginning in 2016, and they want to prepare residents for the new rates. Since New Berlin residents are already paying for county code enforcement in their county taxes, the board sees no reason to double tax town residents to fund a town code enforcement office.
Town Highway Department Superintendent, Dan Neilsen, also reported to the board. Neilsen reported that the town will no longer be providing electronics recycling to its residents, and the building where this used to be done is no longer there. This was done to save money for the town as the Chenango County Landfill in North Norwich began charging for the lead and glass in electronic waste. He did point out, however, that individuals can still take up to two electronic items a day to the landfill at no charge.
Neilsen also noted that the Highway Department recently purchased a generator worth approximately $30,000 for a mere $1,000. Neilsen said that this generator was being thrown away by the federal government.
The board also reappointed four positions, appointed two, and accepted three resignations. The board reappointed David Merzig as Town Attorney, William King Sr. as BAR, all five Loan Committee members, and Bruce Beckert for the Water Board. New appointments went to Theresa Anson as Millbrook Director and David Smith to the Planning Board.
The board accepted resignations from Ed Hoag in Codes; Lori Hoag, Court Clerk; and Judge Brillinger. The board thanked these people for their service to New Berlin. Roy Stockwell, Town Council Member, said “they were diligent and thorough.” Town Council Member, Wendy Rifanburg said, “they did a great job.” Board Supervisor, Robert Starr said, “they served us very well and we are sorry to see them go.”
The board also asked for help in filling these recently vacated positions. Starr said, “anybody who has any names for any of these positions, please let me know.” They would like to begin interviewing for replacements as soon as possible.
During the public comment portion of the meeting Judy Smith and Earl Callahan, members of the Citizens Shale Gas Exploration Committee, reported on the efforts of a group of folks in Oxford that are pushing to “solarize” Chenango – bring the use of more solar power into our community. The Citizens Shale Gas Exploration Committee is tasked by the New Berlin Town Board to give reports – both pro and con – of shale gas exploration in the county.
The New Berlin Town Board meets the second Monday of every month. These meetings are open to the public and all community members are invited to attend.
On Monday night, Jan. 12, 2015, the New Berlin Town Board convened in the New Berlin Town Hall to discuss town business. Despite the horrid traveling conditions and freezing temperatures, there were a handful community members in attendance.
The main order of business for the board was to begin finalization of the multi million dollar South New Berlin Water District improvement project. The engineering stages of this project began back in 2010. Construction for the project was started in early 2014 and is just being finished.
Among the improvements made to the water system, which services 140 residences in and around the hamlet of South New Berlin, there was an additional well drilled, a water filtration plant was installed, there was 1800 feet of pipe installed for service to more residences, and there were new, remote read, water meters installed. These water meters would allow the meter reader to drive down the street and read meters on both sides of the street without having to leave the vehicle.
One of the orders of business last night was to determine what to do with the 20 or so extra water meters that the town has in surplus upon completion of the project. The meters could be sent back to the distributor from where they were bought for credit; but, since the town has already paid for the meters, they decided to keep them as spares. This will allow the town to replace faulty meters and add new customers to the water system in the future without having to purchase additional meters.
The Town of New Berlin also slightly raised the rates of building permits and the penalties associated with them to match Chenango County rates. This was done because New Berlin plans on eradicating its codes office and to begin utilizing Chenango County's code enforcement office beginning in 2016, and they want to prepare residents for the new rates. Since New Berlin residents are already paying for county code enforcement in their county taxes, the board sees no reason to double tax town residents to fund a town code enforcement office.
Town Highway Department Superintendent, Dan Neilsen, also reported to the board. Neilsen reported that the town will no longer be providing electronics recycling to its residents, and the building where this used to be done is no longer there. This was done to save money for the town as the Chenango County Landfill in North Norwich began charging for the lead and glass in electronic waste. He did point out, however, that individuals can still take up to two electronic items a day to the landfill at no charge.
Neilsen also noted that the Highway Department recently purchased a generator worth approximately $30,000 for a mere $1,000. Neilsen said that this generator was being thrown away by the federal government.
The board also reappointed four positions, appointed two, and accepted three resignations. The board reappointed David Merzig as Town Attorney, William King Sr. as BAR, all five Loan Committee members, and Bruce Beckert for the Water Board. New appointments went to Theresa Anson as Millbrook Director and David Smith to the Planning Board.
The board accepted resignations from Ed Hoag in Codes; Lori Hoag, Court Clerk; and Judge Brillinger. The board thanked these people for their service to New Berlin. Roy Stockwell, Town Council Member, said “they were diligent and thorough.” Town Council Member, Wendy Rifanburg said, “they did a great job.” Board Supervisor, Robert Starr said, “they served us very well and we are sorry to see them go.”
The board also asked for help in filling these recently vacated positions. Starr said, “anybody who has any names for any of these positions, please let me know.” They would like to begin interviewing for replacements as soon as possible.
During the public comment portion of the meeting Judy Smith and Earl Callahan, members of the Citizens Shale Gas Exploration Committee, reported on the efforts of a group of folks in Oxford that are pushing to “solarize” Chenango – bring the use of more solar power into our community. The Citizens Shale Gas Exploration Committee is tasked by the New Berlin Town Board to give reports – both pro and con – of shale gas exploration in the county.
The New Berlin Town Board meets the second Monday of every month. These meetings are open to the public and all community members are invited to attend.
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