The Other Side of Dissolution - March 2009

A monthly newsletter written by Johnson City residents opposed to dissolving the Village of Johnson City.   Our goal is to help Johnson City residents make a better-informed choice, when the Dissolution Plan goes to vote.

Dissolution Study Committee Meetings: Article #11

Mums the Word

Written by Julie Deemie

The Johnson City Dissolution Committee met for its monthly public meeting on March 23, 2009.  The agenda was an exact duplicate of the February agenda, which never came to fruition.  Those in attendance had expected a long drawn out meeting due to the fact that the meeting agenda was to include sub-committee status reports for Department of Public Works/Public Services, Police, Fire, and Administrative. This meeting lasted roughly one hour.  One would have thought that by this stage of the study that these status reports would be well developed and articulate.  In actuality, very little was reported.

Fred Shaheen reiterated previous DPW information such as the fact that the water department and water personnel would move intact into “New Town”, very minimal job loss, diff. in pay scales, etc.

Bob Carr reported that his police sub-committee had met with both Chief Potts, Sherriff Harder, and “others”.  Carr also reported that there had been “good dialog” and that his sub-committee is trying to do what is best and affordable without sacrificing public safety. He also reported that they are working toward providing what they feel is “suitable for the people”.

Dissolution Chairman Bill Klish reported for fire sub-committee chair Steve Andrew, who was absent, that there are some options for a fire plan although he did not elaborate.  He stated that the sub-committee has concluded that there are enough experts here and that a consultant would not be needed.  He also stated that if there were a need for review the consultant Charlie Zetteck “knows a couple of people”.  Mr. Zetteck was hired to develop a plan to dissolve the village.  Should we entrust his recommended referrals to review what is best for us?

Jerry Putnam was not present to report on the Administrative/Judicial sub-committee, again Klish reported that they have requested data and Charlie, the consultant will be “in town” next week to discuss data.

That’s about it folks-not very much new info.  It sure seemed like a whole lot of nothing being reported.

Chairman Klish went to great lengths to try to dispel reports that certain bias may be present amongst committee members.  He affirmed that the committee is to remain neutral and present a factual plan. He also stated that their job is not to sell the dissolution plan.  Klish acknowledged that both Paul Cirba and John Sullivan are in no way associated with the committee, nor privy to the member’s information.  This was in response to a recent TV broadcast featuring both Cirba and Sullivan.

Klish presented a better defined Dissolution Plan Process Flowchart:

1. June 1  -Report of new models complete
2. June ?  -Community forums
3. July 8  - Draft plan completed by committee and posted on web.
4. (Klish expects to have the web site up and running in another 2-4 weeks).
5. July 29-Public hearing on draft plan
6. Aug.12-Plan to Village Board
7. Sept. 2-Village to publish plan and advertise hearing(s)
8. Sept.16-Public hearing
9. Nov. 3 -Referendum vote

It was reported that the DPW plan is 95% complete, Admin/Judicial 75%, Code 85%,
Courts 60-70%, and Police and Fire 60%.  I wonder how the Admin./Judicial is 75% complete if the data was only requested and the consultant has not discussed the data yet?

Chairman Klish announced that the committee has given presentations to groups outside of the Johnson City taxpayer base.  These groups include Barbara Fiala, Darci Fauci, Broome Chamber of Commerce, Endicott Rotary, and the Citizens for a Better Broome (Westover real estate agent Paul Cirba/John Sullivan team).  It seems that everyone in Broome County is interested in what will happen in Johnson City.  I find it kind of interesting that the committee isn’t doing much presenting at home.

Perhaps some will say I am cynical, but those whose heart is in Johnson City feel we have a lot to loose.  I will continue to question and monitor the actions of this committee, the consultant, Mr. Cirba and John Sullivan, and Broome County government because in the end I want my fellow residents to know the TRUTH.  If those involved have nothing to hide and are above board all the way, then please accept my apologies but also try to understand that I will not let the residents be misled.  If you object to me reporting the facts, perhaps there is a greater plan at work. 

                                   
This month’s quote:
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
       Theodore Roosevelt

It is important to remember that there are no “guarantees” with dissolution plans.  Resident voters and taxpayers have no recourse once the vote is complete.  According to the way the law is written - no village officials or committee members may be held liable if the plan should fail….. in any way.

Public Dissolution Committee meetings are now being held only once monthly. This is a public forum and I would encourage all interested taxpayers, regardless of your residency location, to attend.  The next meeting has been scheduled for April 20th at 7pm in the Village of Johnson City Justice Bldg, 2nd floor.