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FROM THE SUPERVISOR The Town has begun work on the 2012 budget. New York State law limits the increase in the tax
levy to 2% over last year's levy. The Town still faces reductions in revenues, health insurance premiums may increase
7% and there will be the bill from the NYS Retirement System. Richford still needs to find ways to maintain its facilities.
Tioga County has always had a limited sales tax base and the economic recession has reduced the amount of sales tax collected.
The September floods closed many businesses, further reducing the sales tax collected. There will be a public hearing
on the budget on November 10, 6:30 p.m. Town Hall.
Richford has had two tire collection days each year. This has certainly reduced the number tires illegally
dumped along town roads and on State land. Tires that were collected were taken to the Barton transfer station.
Unfortunately the transfer station was closed indefinitely due to the devastating floods of September 8. Therefore,
there will no fall tire collection day. Residents are asked to be patient while Richford looks for another place to
take tires.
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ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 8
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.at the Richford Town Hall, Bowery Lane. Candidates and
offices they are campaigning for are: Town Of Richford Offices
- Supervisor:
Two-year term.
Martin
S. Wilcox (D) (unopposed)
- Town Clerk: Two-year term.
Judith A; Thurston (R) (unopposed)
- Councilman: Four-year
term, Vote for any two
Ricky L. Brown (D)
Cynthia J. Herrick (D)
Catherine Schoonover (R)
- Superintendent of Highways: Two-year term.
Michael L. Holt Sr. (R) (unopposed) County Officies:
- District Attorney:
Four-year term
Gerald A, Keene (R) (unopposed)
- Sheriff: Four year term, Vote for one.
Corey W. Relyea (D)
Gary
W. Howard (R)
- County Clerk: Four-year term.
Robert L, Woodburn Jr. (R) (unopposed)
- Coroner: Four-year
term, Vote for any two.
John S. Drake Sr. (D)
Charles W. Thayer (R)
Robert P Williams (R)
- County Legislator: Three year term, Vote for two.
William H. Standinger lll (R)
Eddie J. Hollenbeck Jr. (R)
Absentee Ballots can be obtained from the Board of Elections located in the County Office Building, 56 Main St., Owego,
NY. For more information, phone (607) 687-8261 or on line at www.elections.state.ny.us/VotingAbsentee.html . |
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Town Board Minutes
September
20, 2011 - A public hearing was held on the proposed Local Law #2 of 2011 Regulating Property
Identification Numbers. During the regular meeting, the Town Board unanimously adopted Local Law #2 of 2011. Two members
of the Berkshire Emergency Squad gave a presentation on a proposed Mitigation Plan for the Towns of Richford, Berkshire
and Newark Valley. There was discussion regarding the mitigation plan and more discussion will be heard at a later date.
The Supervisor's, Highway Superintendent’s and Town Clerk's reports for August 2011 were presented.
Highway Superintendent Holt informed the Board that the recent flooding resulted in relatively little damage at Rawley
Park or around town. The highway crew has been working on ditching and tree cutting. Work has also been done on vehicles and
the winter sand has been hauled in. A Code Enforcement report and a Justice Court report for August 2011 were presented.
The amount collected from the Justice Court for August 2011 was $2,220. There was no Dog Control report for August 2011.
A Town Planning Board report was not given, as the meeting on September 7, 2011, was cancelled due to the weather. There was
discussion regarding the scrap material policy of the Town of Richford. Supervisor Wilcox informed the Board that work will
soon begin on the 2012 Budget and that the State has asked the Board audit/review the Town Court records and to inform the
State when this has been completed. There was discussion regarding the need to prepay for the used oil to heat the town highway
garage. The topic will be further discussed at the October meeting. Supervisor Wilcox informed the Board that the NYS
Dept of Public Services has informed the town that a lifeline - telephone service for lower income citizens is available.
October
11, 2011 - The Town Clerk's and Supervisor's reports for September 2011 were presented.
The Highway Superintendent's report for September 2011 was given by Superintendent Holt, who stated that all the winter
sand is in and stoning is done. Equipment is being readied for winter use and repair work is being done on flood damage. All
FEMA papers have been sent in. The Code Enforcement, Justice Court, and Dog Control reports for September 2011 were
presented. The Justice Court collected $1,300 for September 2011. The Town Planning Board report was given by Charlie
Davis, who stated they are working on different methods of mailing the newsletter. Two positions on the Planning Board are
still open. The Barton landfill is closed indefinitely due to flooding so there will be no tire collection day until a new
site for disposing of tires is located. The Board agreed to prepay $4400 for 2000 gallons of spec/waste oil for the
Town Highway Garage.
Charlie Thayer addressed the Board on behalf of Ramage's concerning the problem
with littering on their property. Discussion followed and several suggestions were offered. John Schwartz of the Planning
Board gave each Town Board member an outline of the Planning Board's recommendations concerning how to protect the Town
from potential impacts of gas drilling and other industrial uses. Recommendations were made for protecting Town Roads
from damage, establishing Floodplain Boundaries shared with Neighboring Towns, Watershed and Aquifer protection, establishing
boundaries and protection for private water wells, and protecting watersheds and the local aquifer. John Schwartz expressed
concern that the dGEIS will not offer adequate protection. There was discussion regarding this recommendation.
There also was discussion regarding public transportation between Tompkins and Tioga Counties.
There will be a
special Board meeting and public hearing on Wednesday, Oct 19, at 6:30 pm to go over the tentative 2012 Town Budget. The next
Town Board meeting will be changed to November 15, 2011 from November 8,2011, Election Day.
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POTATO FEST NEWS
The 19th annual Richford Potato Festival was held on September 17, 2011. It was a cool, wet morning, but
by early afternoon there were lots of people at the graded school house and throughout town. New this year, the Historical
Society had 2 bounce houses for kids to enjoy. We also invited a vendor, Bopping Heads, who was a big hit with everyone
who got to make their very own CD – your head on a dancing body to your favorite song! Making his second appearance
at our festival, Cayuga Twister was there to make awesome balloon animals for everyone. Mike the Magician wowed us with
his magic tricks, and had quite a few of us really stumped as to how he did things. We also heard again from “And
2 Make 3” – great storytellers who were with us last year! We offered free face painting and a coloring
contest, along with bell ringing, and we sold raffle baskets at a silent auction. New this year, we had Potato Princess
and Mr. Tater Tot contests.! Congratulations to our winners!! The Berkshire Free Library held a book sale and we also
had other vendors in attendance. Professor Don Halseth came to talk about different varieties of potatoes, and offered
free samples for people to take home and try. Another new event this year was a mashed potato eating contest.
This was a little interesting, and has a few details to work out, but we will definitely try it again next year! We
also sold potato ice cream made by Jones Humdinger ice cream of Binghamton, and this year we offered a new flavor –
sweet potato ice cream – which was a big hit with everyone. Overall, it was a good turnout considering the events
of the prior week with tragic flooding in the Binghamton/Owego area and the cool start to the day. We are already gearing
up for next year’s festival. It will be our town’s 20th festival and will be cause for a huge celebration.
The Historical Society has meetings tentatively scheduled (at the town hall) on 11/14/2011 and then again 02/13/2012 at 7
p.m. We want to start early this year so that we can really have a great festival next year!! If you have ideas
or would like to help in any way, please come to the meeting. For details about the meetings and to confirm date/time/place,
please call Bill Sherwood, 539-6283 or Kellie Campbell, 539-6505, for more information.
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GAS DRILLING The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
has released the full draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (dGEIS) and a discussion of the proposed regulations (rGEIS)
that apply. The dGEIS is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/75370.html. It is very long. There is an executive summary and various sections can be downloaded individually. The rGEIS
is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/77353.html.
The public comment period ends December 12, 2011 at 5 PM. There are only two methods for comment; using
the form available at the DEC website, or by paper. Paper comments need to include the name, address, and affiliation (if
any) of the commenter. Paper submissions also will be accepted at the public hearings. There will be two public hearings in
Binghamton on Nov 17 at the Forum Theatre, 236 Washington Street, Binghamton, from 1-4 pm and again from 6-9pm.
Please provide your comments to the DEC. Paper comments must be mailed or delivered to:
Attn: dSGEIS
Comments,
New York State Department
of Environmental Conservation,
625 Broadway,
Albany, NY 12233-6510.
Gas drilling will affect our Town. Two issues of importance to Richford residents are the location of floodplain
boundaries and the Principle Aquifer boundaries in the East and West Branches of Owego Creek valleys. At present the DEC is
redrawing the floodplain boundary following the floods of 2006 and 2011. The location of these boundaries is important as
gas drilling will not be permitted within the floodplain. In order to protect water quality, the Town needs to know
the exact location of the Principle Aquifer boundaries, which currently are not well defined. Richford residents, and
the adjacent towns of Berkshire and Newark Valley, rely on the underlying aquifers for clean water. We encourage residents
to write comments to the DEC (see above) asking for protection of our aquifer.
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Berkshire Free Library News The Berkshire Free Library has sent $96 to the Southern Tier Chapter
of the American Red Cross. The trustees thank all who donated at the library’s annual ice cream booth during Heritage
Day, September 11.
The recent fall book sales at Berkshire Heritage
Day and the Richford Potato Festival raised the year’s total to $673 toward the library’s operating funds.
The library trustees appreciate all the volunteer help with these events.
The
library also has received a generous donation of $2,000 from the Berkshire History Buffs. This money will be put into
a separate Reserve fund toward renovation and maintenance of the library building.
The annual fundraising appeal began in September. Since this represents approximately one quarter of the library’s
operating funds, these donations from the community are vital and gratefully accepted. So far 45 area residents have
donated $1,960 toward the $4,000 goal. With the community’s help the library will continue to serve area residents
for another 90 years.
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FOOD BASKET SIGNUPS
Residents of Richford, Berkshire
and Speedsville can sign up for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets from Helping Hands Food Pantry by calling 657-2501
or 657-8158 by Nov 4. Pickup dates are November 19 for the Thanksgiving basket and December 17 for the Christmas basket.
Information can also be obtained about the Senior Pantry, for persons age 60 and over. The Pantry is located at the Congregational
Church, Route 38, Berkshire. The Pantry is open twice a week: on Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursday from
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are appreciated.
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TIOGA CO RURAL MINISTRY SIGNUPS
Tioga County residents can sign-up for gifts of clothing for any children up to age
18; please sign up by October 28 at TCRM, 143 North Avenue, Owego; 687-3021. Anyone interested in adopting a family (for
holiday gifts and foods) should notify TCRM by October 28.
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Senior Scoop A bi-monthly newsletter published by the Tioga Opportunities,
Inc., Department of Aging and volunteer senior citizens for all Tioga County senior citizens. Seniors can receive the
newsletter, free of charge, by writing Dept. of Aging, 9 Sheldon Guile Boulevard Owego, NY 13827. Phone 687-4120 or
toll free 1-866-352-3680.
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______________________________________________
The Richford Newsletter is compiled, and published quarterly by the Richford Town
Planning Board. The newsletter is mailed to all Richford *Residents*. If you are a Richford *Resident* and do not currently
receive our newsletter or have have any questions regarding the newsletter, please contact any of the Planning Board members
or contact us by e-mail at newsletter@richfordny.com or submit via the comment box at the bottom of the home page.
*Resident* Any household with a valid US mail address within the geographic boundaries of Richford, NY.
__________________________________________
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Community Auxiliary News Activities planned by the Community Auxiliary for the next months
include a Halloween party open to everyone, on October 30, 3 - 6 p.m., at the Town Hall. Children age 0 to 16 can come
in costume; games and other activities including pumpkin painting, refreshments available.
On November
19, an all-you-can-eat Hunter's Buffet Breakfast will be held from 7-11 am at the Town Hall, for $6. Also
on sale will be tickets for an 8' x 10' storage shed. Tickets can be purchased from Auxiliary members for $5;
the shed will be delivered and assembled by Jack Holcomb. Winning ticket will be drawn at the breakfast.
On
December 17 there will be a Christmas party with Santa at the Town Hall, 2-4 pm, for Richford children up to 16 years only.
Persons interested in becoming a member of the Auxiliary should contact Chris Craft, President, at 844-8969.
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TCAT BUS SERVICE
In January of 2012, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit
(TCAT), plans on discontinuing bus service into Tioga County. Termination of this service into Tioga County will leave
many looking for alternatives for their transportation needs into Tompkins County for work, shopping, appointments and other
daily business. At a meeting held on October 11 at the Berkshire Town Hall, many local riders expressed their concerns at
the ending of this serviceTCAT buses have provided local residents reliable transportation to Cornell and all of the Ithaca, Tompkins County
area for many years. TCAT is currently working with Tioga Rides/Tioga Transit to develop connecting or overlapping routes
to help continue service for our residents into Tompkins County. TCAT is also offering information on other alternatives such
a van pooling. If you wish to make a comment or get more information, contact Patty Poist TCAT, Communications and Marketing
Manager, 737 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY 14850, Fax (607) 277-9551, Office (607) 277-9388 ext. 560, Cell (607) 351-0839 e-mail
pp1@tcatmail.com and/or Russ Barber Operations Manager for Ride Tioga/Tioga Transit; 607-687-RIDE
(7433) or e-mail ttopsman@stny.rr.com. You should also forward your comments to your county representatives, Ronald N. McEwen, 28 Ballou Hill
Rd. Berkshire NY. 13736 607-657-2531 and Ed Hollenbeck, 11 Cook St. Newark Valley NY 13811 607-642-3201 Up -Date: At this time Tcat intends
to continue bus service to the Caroline turnaround at the Tompkins, Toga county line on State Rt. 79. The problem is,
there is no parking at the turnaround from November to April every year. Tcat contacted Carl F. Ford of Region 3 of
the New York State Department of Transportation in regard to keeping the Caroline turnaround open year round. and he suggested
that Tcat send a letter asking to change the parking policy at the Caroline turnaround, however, given the state’s reasoning
for the no parking policy at the turnaround yearly from November to April (plows, salt trucks etc.) Tcat is not overly
optimistic this will happen. If you wish to write him as well (the more the better), here is his address:
Carl F. Ford
NYSDOT Region 3 Director
333 East Washington St.
Syracuse,
NY, 13202
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TIOGA CO.HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM
The damage caused by the recent flooding due to Tropical Storm Lee was substantial. A great portion of our collections,
research center, offices, and supplies were affected. We are working hard with a professional recovery team to salvage and
restore as many materials as possible. The museum will remain closed until further notice. However, we will hold our
annual O’ Tannenbaum fundraiser as planned.
We need all the support the community can offer, and encourage
you to contribute to our disaster recovery fund. We especially need chairs, desks, and file cabinets. Please contact us at museum@tiogahistory.org if
you have any questions, concerns or donations. Thank you for your ongoing support.
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FIRE COMMISSIONERS
Election
of Fire Commissioners for the Richford Fire Department will be held on December 13 from 6-9 p.m. One five-year position,
currently held by Roberta Holcomb, is up for election this year. If anyone is interested in running for this position, contact
April Andersen at 607-657-2575 for nomination details and deadlines. Elections are open to all Richford residents who are
registered voters.
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FROM THE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
While we can hope that winter will arrive late, it will come. Here are a few reminders that will help our highway
crew do a more effective job. Keep vehicles and other obstructions off of the road side. For your safety and the
safety of others, please do not plow snow from your driveway or walkway into or across the road, as this can cause buildup
and ridging.
Also remember, your mailbox is just that, your mailbox, the town is not responsible for repair or
replacement of mailboxes. Placement and installation of your mailbox and its stand can make a big difference in the
effect that plowing has on it. Check out your neighbor’s mailbox - if it seems to withstand the stress of winter
better than yours, copy their setup. Every winter offers its own unique challenge. Be as prepared as you
can for these challenges, and drive safely for the conditions.
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ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER
Would
you prefer to receive the Richford Quarterly via e-mail? The volunteers of the Planning Board who compile and send out
the newsletter can send the newsletter to either a postal address or an e-mail address. Using e-mail saves money for
the Town, and time for the volunteers of the Planning Board who address, seal and stamp all of the newsletters for mailing.
You will also receive the Newsletter 3-5 days earlier than the mailed copies, due to the time it takes to do printing and
prep for mailing, plus think of all of the trees that we will save.
To switch to e-mail, simply send an e-mail
from the e-mail address that you want the newsletter sent to, to newsletter@richfordny.com . Make sure that you include the street address that we are currently sending the newsletter to so we can match them
up - no name required,. The e-mails will be sent Bcc to protect your e-mail address: we protect all address information.,
and do not sell or lend this information. Non residents can also receive the newsletter by e-mail by simply
sending us a request for it via e-mail; no street address is required for non residents.
This quarterly
newsletter is compiled by volunteers from the Town of Richford Planning Board. If you have any questions, comments or
input, please call Emilie Stuhlmiller at 657-2680 or Charlie Davis at 657-8248. You can also e-mail us at newsletter@richfordny.com
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Berkshire History Buffs Donation
The Berkshire History Buffs, a group of area residents, has been involved
in preserving Berkshire's heritage and keeping future· generations aware of our local history. Past. projects
for the group include restoring the George M. Smith Memorial Field sign and restoring and preserving old photos of the town.
The History .Buffs are also responsible for publishing two recent books about Berkshire: History and Life Around The Town
of Berkshire, New York More History and Life Around The Town of Berkshire, New York
This year the Berkshire History Buffs would like to thank the community tor their 25 years of support of the
Berkshire's Heritage Day by donating $2000 each to the Helping Hands Pantry and to the Berkshire Free Library. These donations were made possible from Heritage Day raffle tickets sales (thanks
to all the local business' and individuals who donate to this raffle) and the book sales.
The Helping Hands Pantry located at the Berkshire Congregational Church at the corner
of Route 38 and Glen Rd. is a voluntarily run food pantry serving residents of Berkshire, Richford and Speedsville.
The pantry supplies emergency food needs as well as holiday food boxes to local residents. Due to recent flooding, the
pantry lost over seventy (70) cases of food and supplies, as well as several pieces of storage equipment.
The Berkshire Free Library has served Northern Tioga residents for 90 years.
It is located in an historic building which also houses the Berkshire History Museum and the Town Historian's office.
The funds will go toward a capital building reserve fund to help cover costs of renovations and upkeep for the library building
located at the corner of Route 38 and Jewett. Hill Rd.
If Berkshire
Heritage Day is going to continue the History Buffs need your help. Most of the members are over 70 years and' they note:
it is getting difficult to get everything done. If you are interested in joining this community minded group, contact Ray
Hunt at 657-4416 or rayhunt@frontiernet.net or Maurice Stoughton at. 642-5422 or amstoughton@frontiemet.net.
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Contact Info update Richard
Hanna: Cortland office, hours of operation Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. 18 Tompkins St. Cortland, NY 13045.
Phone:607-756-2470 Fax: 607-756-2472 Website: http://hanna.house.gov/ Tom Libous: Binghamton Office, 44 Hawley St. Rm. 1607
Binghamton, NY 13901 Voice:
(877) 854-2687 District Fax: (607) 773-3688 Albany Fax: (518) 455-2065 Email: Senator@senatorlibous.com Website: http://www.tomlibous.govoffice.com/ Gary D. Finch: Owego office, 16 Court St. Owego, NY.
13827. Phone: (607)-687-8272 E-mail: gary@garyfinch.com Web Site: http://www.garyfinch.com/
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Calendar of Events - Oct 28 Deadline for signing up for TCRM clothing gifts and adopt a family.
- Oct 30 Halloween Party, 3 - 6 p.m., Town Hall, sponsored by Community
Auxiliary.
- Nov 3 Food giveaway, Richford
Congregational Church, Route 38, 12:30 p.m. – till, bring containers
- Nov
4 Deadline for signing up for holiday baskets, Helping Hands Pantry, Berkshire.
- Nov 8 Election Day, Town Hall, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Nov 10 Public hearing on the Preliminary Town Budget, 6:30 pm, Town
Hall 7 Bowery Lane Richford, NY.
- Nov 14
Richford Historical Society meeting, 7 p.m., Call 539-6283 to confirm location.
- Nov 15 Rescheduled monthly Town Board meeting, 7 p.m., 7 Bowery Ln.
- Nov 16 NTNN Advisory Board meeting, 7 p.m., Hubbard Center, Bowery
Lane Richford NY.
- Nov 19 Hunter's Buffet,
7-11 am, Town Hall, $6.
- Nov 19 Pickup
Thanksgiving holiday basket, Helping Hands Pantry, 10 - 12 noon.
- Dec
1 Food giveaway, Richford Congregational Church.
- Dec
13 Fire Commissioner Election, Richford Fire Station Meeting Room, 6-9 p.m.
- Dec 17 Pickup Christmas holiday basket, Helping Hands Pantry, 10 -
12 noon.
- Dec 17 Christmas party, Richford
youth infant to 16 years, 2 – 4 pm, Town Hall, sponsored by Community Auxiliary.
- Dec 21 NTNN Advisory Board meeting, 7 pm Hubbard Center.
- Jan 5, 2012 Food giveaway, Richford Congregational Church.
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