While reading the September 22nd 2010 issue of the paper. I was surprised to see how Fishkill officials downplayed the $4.9M deficit. What struck me, was the towns insistence to continue to borrow from other funds to balance the budget. The NYS Comptroller report on the deficit, on page 31. States that, "Accounting for these interfund loans as current (available) assets ignores the fact that they have not been repaid as of end of the subsequent fiscal year. For that reason, they cannot be considered available for spending. Because they are not available for current spending, accounting standards and guidance require that available (unreserved) fund balance be reduced (reserved) by the amount of such loans."
Fishkill officials then mentioned that the town is allowed to have $183 million in debt and that we are at $30 million in debt. In another effort to downplay the economic mess created by the Pagones Administration. Well, if we cannot afford $30 million in debt, what makes them think we can afford $183 million in debt? At the meeting, Officials compared the towns fiscal woes to that of Detroit and the State of Nebraska, in a further effort to deflect blame.
The reason that we are in this economic mess. Is due to the failed economic policies of Supervisor Pagones. For regular readers of this paper. You know I, and others called out the town many many times for not having a Reserve Fund. The response, well we do "Zero Based" budgeting. Now as part of the 5 year plan, there is a provision for a Reserve Fund! Besides not preparing for this housing crisis, Pagones also cost Fishkill $450,000 for the failed assessment program! But the most important part of the story, is the fact that it took the NYS Comptroller to issue this report. If it was not for him, we would have never have found out what is going on in Fishkill. This audit began in 2007, and no elected official had the courage to bring it to the attention to the public. This alone, should give you a great perspective as to how the towns financial vitality was run into the ground.
Ozzy Albra
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
9/27/2010 Fishkill 5-year Deficit plan meeting at Chelsea FD
Presentation was nearly identical to the meeting at Town Hall on 9/20/2010. The only addition was that the public was allowed to ask questions.
Earlier in the day, Supervisor Pagones was interviewed on Meet the Leaders, hosted by Mr. Michos.
Michos asked Pagones, where a $750,000 developer donation was placed for the Siscar Sewer District project. Pagones responded that money was in the Dutchess Park Sewer District account.
At the meeting, I asked Pagones the same question and got the same answer. I also asked where the developer donations of $700,000 was for the Magnolia project on Route 9D was placed, and where the $650,000 donation was for the Highland Valley Park money was placed in. Pagones responded that Magnolia and Highland Valley were "not" received as the projects were not completed.
I then asked the Comptroller to put up the screen, that showed the sewer accounts. The Comptroller did so and the following was found.
The Dutchess Park Sewer District showed a Expense of $1.484.292 and Revenue at $1.226.598. That is a "negative balance" of $257,694.
Thus, how can that $750,000 be in the Dutchess Park Sewer District, when that district is carrying a negative balance?
Supervisor Pagones and Deputy Supervisor Ferguson stated the money was in a Restricted Fund, when asked by Councilman LaColla. However, the Comptroller corrected him and said it was in the Dutchess Park Sewer District account.
BACKGROUND
A few years ago, Pagones granted Zoning Variances and a 85% tax cut to the Rocky Glen apartment complex on Route 52. In return, the developer donated $750,000 to the adjoining Siscar Development so they could hook into the Dutchess Park Sewer District. The project was to begin in May of 2010 and has since been delayed as Pagones has stated that Dutchess Health Department has the Engineered plan and is reviewing it. It is clear that this money is gone and that Pagones is delaying telling the residents of Siscar that the money is gone.
Earlier in the day, Supervisor Pagones was interviewed on Meet the Leaders, hosted by Mr. Michos.
Michos asked Pagones, where a $750,000 developer donation was placed for the Siscar Sewer District project. Pagones responded that money was in the Dutchess Park Sewer District account.
At the meeting, I asked Pagones the same question and got the same answer. I also asked where the developer donations of $700,000 was for the Magnolia project on Route 9D was placed, and where the $650,000 donation was for the Highland Valley Park money was placed in. Pagones responded that Magnolia and Highland Valley were "not" received as the projects were not completed.
I then asked the Comptroller to put up the screen, that showed the sewer accounts. The Comptroller did so and the following was found.
The Dutchess Park Sewer District showed a Expense of $1.484.292 and Revenue at $1.226.598. That is a "negative balance" of $257,694.
Thus, how can that $750,000 be in the Dutchess Park Sewer District, when that district is carrying a negative balance?
Supervisor Pagones and Deputy Supervisor Ferguson stated the money was in a Restricted Fund, when asked by Councilman LaColla. However, the Comptroller corrected him and said it was in the Dutchess Park Sewer District account.
BACKGROUND
A few years ago, Pagones granted Zoning Variances and a 85% tax cut to the Rocky Glen apartment complex on Route 52. In return, the developer donated $750,000 to the adjoining Siscar Development so they could hook into the Dutchess Park Sewer District. The project was to begin in May of 2010 and has since been delayed as Pagones has stated that Dutchess Health Department has the Engineered plan and is reviewing it. It is clear that this money is gone and that Pagones is delaying telling the residents of Siscar that the money is gone.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Fishkill Town Board Meeting 9/22/2010
Of interest:
Enviornmental Advisory board will pass findings in regard to the Montfort project at a future date.
Fishkill lowered tax assessments for the Hospitality Properties Trust from $16 m to $11 m.
The board recognized the African American Church-Burial Ground on Baxtertown.
Lot's of budget transfers.
The Fall Festival was also canceled due to lack of funds.
http://www.fishkill-ny.gov/pdfs/TownBoardAgendas/2010Agendas/09-22-2010%20%20Regular.pdf
Enviornmental Advisory board will pass findings in regard to the Montfort project at a future date.
Fishkill lowered tax assessments for the Hospitality Properties Trust from $16 m to $11 m.
The board recognized the African American Church-Burial Ground on Baxtertown.
Lot's of budget transfers.
The Fall Festival was also canceled due to lack of funds.
http://www.fishkill-ny.gov/pdfs/TownBoardAgendas/2010Agendas/09-22-2010%20%20Regular.pdf
Friday, September 10, 2010
Bulldozers Threaten Underground Railroad Church and Burial Ground in Fishkill
By Michael Boyajian
The sinister reputation of the Town of Fishkill is further enhanced when you arrive for a meeting at town hall and the walk to the building and the lobby are unlit. Town officials might say they are saving electricity but most observers would say they want to be uninviting.
Yesterday evening the planning board heard from the public about yet another controversial development, 305 Baxtertown Road. The board must have wondered why so many had turned out for the meeting and why most of those in attendance where African American. To say they were surprised by the turnout and what took place is an understatement.
The first to speak was an African American man who was the owner of the property next to the proposed development, 303 Baxtertown Road. He got up and began questioning the board about the significance of the property and about its role in the Underground Railroad. A man sitting at the board dais said that there was nothing of historical significance on this parcel though there might be some around it.
Mara Farrell founder of the Friends of the Fishkill Supply Depot spoke next asking that care be taken in the development of this property in the event that there are historic artifacts in the ground also mentioning that there may be an African American church and burial ground in the area.
Gwendolyn O. Davis of the Southern Dutchess NAACP read a letter into the record whereas her organization felt that the land was of historical importance and that her organization was opposed to development on the site.
Concerned citizen Ozzy Albra walked up to the development map and said he had studied the deeds from this land from 1840 forward and that he had discovered the location of the church pointing to a spot on the map and saying you could go to the site and see the remains of the church as clear as day.
The owner of the property, a man from New Hampshire, said yes but the spot is just off the development site but everyone in the room knew that churches from that era had burial grounds all around them leading many to believe that some graves were on the development site while recalling Mara Farrell’s early comment that "graves of African Americans in those days were not necessarily marked by tombstones but by a pile of rocks or a rock that only a trained archaeologist could identify."
The owner of the property next to the development rose and said yes that church is on my property and looking at the developer said you are my neighbor and you are more than welcome to come on over and talk.
Community leader Angela Valles Edwards read letters of descendents of the original residents of the area that was once known as Baxter Town a town populated by freed and runaway slaves. The letters indicated that there were artifacts there and that much of the history of African Americans was an oral history and there might not be any written records. She also said the letter said there were graves at the back of the church. She then said that a thorough investigation must be done prior to any approval. She also noted that some of this information was available in a book written by the town historian Willa Skinner. The board replied that they would probably have to talk to the historian to learn more.
Tracy Givens of the NAACP called for a citizens committee to be formed by the board to help investigate the history of the parcel. The board replied that they did not have the power to do that. Mara Farrell then said we should form a citizens group. The board seemed completely caught off guard by all of this and so adjourned the public meeting to a date uncertain. Was it because to the town history is what Farrell calls, an “inconvenient truth,” or because there was skullduggery about or because they were interested in learning more no one could say for sure but all knew more questions would be raised at the next meeting.
The people who wanted to develop part of the Fishkill Supply Depot, a nearby Revolutionary War site, were not stopped until a radar survey revealed the existence of hundreds of soldiers’ graves on that land in direct contradistinction to earlier historical and archaeological reports. Would these intrepid citizens stop this project? Maybe no maybe yes but at least they were trying making us all proud to be Americans.
Visit Mike's news site at.
http://www.r8ny.com/blog/judgeboyajian/bulldozers_threaten_underground_railroad_church_and_burial_ground.html
The sinister reputation of the Town of Fishkill is further enhanced when you arrive for a meeting at town hall and the walk to the building and the lobby are unlit. Town officials might say they are saving electricity but most observers would say they want to be uninviting.
Yesterday evening the planning board heard from the public about yet another controversial development, 305 Baxtertown Road. The board must have wondered why so many had turned out for the meeting and why most of those in attendance where African American. To say they were surprised by the turnout and what took place is an understatement.
The first to speak was an African American man who was the owner of the property next to the proposed development, 303 Baxtertown Road. He got up and began questioning the board about the significance of the property and about its role in the Underground Railroad. A man sitting at the board dais said that there was nothing of historical significance on this parcel though there might be some around it.
Mara Farrell founder of the Friends of the Fishkill Supply Depot spoke next asking that care be taken in the development of this property in the event that there are historic artifacts in the ground also mentioning that there may be an African American church and burial ground in the area.
Gwendolyn O. Davis of the Southern Dutchess NAACP read a letter into the record whereas her organization felt that the land was of historical importance and that her organization was opposed to development on the site.
Concerned citizen Ozzy Albra walked up to the development map and said he had studied the deeds from this land from 1840 forward and that he had discovered the location of the church pointing to a spot on the map and saying you could go to the site and see the remains of the church as clear as day.
The owner of the property, a man from New Hampshire, said yes but the spot is just off the development site but everyone in the room knew that churches from that era had burial grounds all around them leading many to believe that some graves were on the development site while recalling Mara Farrell’s early comment that "graves of African Americans in those days were not necessarily marked by tombstones but by a pile of rocks or a rock that only a trained archaeologist could identify."
The owner of the property next to the development rose and said yes that church is on my property and looking at the developer said you are my neighbor and you are more than welcome to come on over and talk.
Community leader Angela Valles Edwards read letters of descendents of the original residents of the area that was once known as Baxter Town a town populated by freed and runaway slaves. The letters indicated that there were artifacts there and that much of the history of African Americans was an oral history and there might not be any written records. She also said the letter said there were graves at the back of the church. She then said that a thorough investigation must be done prior to any approval. She also noted that some of this information was available in a book written by the town historian Willa Skinner. The board replied that they would probably have to talk to the historian to learn more.
Tracy Givens of the NAACP called for a citizens committee to be formed by the board to help investigate the history of the parcel. The board replied that they did not have the power to do that. Mara Farrell then said we should form a citizens group. The board seemed completely caught off guard by all of this and so adjourned the public meeting to a date uncertain. Was it because to the town history is what Farrell calls, an “inconvenient truth,” or because there was skullduggery about or because they were interested in learning more no one could say for sure but all knew more questions would be raised at the next meeting.
The people who wanted to develop part of the Fishkill Supply Depot, a nearby Revolutionary War site, were not stopped until a radar survey revealed the existence of hundreds of soldiers’ graves on that land in direct contradistinction to earlier historical and archaeological reports. Would these intrepid citizens stop this project? Maybe no maybe yes but at least they were trying making us all proud to be Americans.
Visit Mike's news site at.
http://www.r8ny.com/blog/judgeboyajian/bulldozers_threaten_underground_railroad_church_and_burial_ground.html
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Democrats, local Tea Party members air concerns about deficit in Town of Fishkill
By Kristine Coulter, staff writer Southern Dutchess News. 84 East Main Street , Wappinger NY 297-6810 For more, buy this weeks issue.
Fishkill- Organizers of the Fishkill Tea Party movement and some members of the Fishkill Democratic Committee joined forces at a meeting recently held at the Fishkill Recreation Center to air their concerns about the Town of Fishkill deficit.
“We didn’t feel we could continue with protests against the federal deficit when we knew there was a deficit problem in the Town of Fishkill,” said Todd Harvey, organizer of the Fishkill Tea Party that was held at Dutchess Stadium in April of 2009.
“The Republican Party needs to stand up and demand more action,” said Todd Harvey a resident of Florida. His family owns a business in Fishkill.
Todd Harvey’s cousin, Lex Harvey, who is a member of the Fishkill Republican Committee, said he was repeatedly assured that the town’s financial position was on a good footing. He said he did not ask to see enough proof that the town’s financial condition was in good condition without raising taxes.
“We have to have a board that works together.” remarked Lex Harvey
Fishkill Councilman Brian Callahan, who attended the meeting, as did Councilman Bob LaColla, said “I think that everybody in town should get involved…we all have a big stake in this town.” Callahan and LaColla are both Republicans.
LaColla said there needs to be openness, honesty and people dealing in good faith. He added that as far as the budget is concerned, “real numbers” are needed.
Fishkill Democratic Committee chair Ozzy Albra, who worked with organizers of the meeting, said it was the “botched” economic policies of Supervisor Joan Pagones, Republican, that got the town into it’s current financial conditions.
Pagones recently said anyone who wishes may go back and look at the budgets since she has been supervisor, and previously when she was a councilwoman, and look at her record.
“I don’t think that we can wait for a year and a half (until the next election for town officials). I don’t think I’m overstating that,” said Lex Harvey. “You have to take an interest in your community because it’s ours.”
Andrew Fodorgahrd, Fishkill resident, said he attended the meeting “just to find out what they’re talking about. I know there’s a deficit. I want to see what they have to say.” Fodorgahrd said he was a Democrat.
Carol Jempty and her husband, Fishkill residents, attended the meeting. I thought it was very informative. We heard a lot of good things. A lot of bad things about what’s happening.” said Carol Jempty.
Robert Jempty said he thought the meeting was very good.
Fishkill resident Jonathan Dallar said he expected to see more than the approximately 50 people that attended the meeting. “I was interested in finding out between the facts and the rumors. Honestly, my concern is we’re still involving party politics.” said Dallar.
“ I certainly admire the Tea Party movement in this country as a whole. I don’t think it applies here.” said Pagones
She thinks the recent meeting was an opportunity for people who have been disgruntled for a while to come together.
“We know we have certain disgruntled individuals. We have not received one phone call from residents to say” What is going on with this?,” said the supervisor.
“I did accept responsibility,” said Pagones about the financial condition of the town. “Even though the economy led to what happened in the town.”
A five-year plan for the town’s financial conditions will be discussed in October meetings, said Pagones. Right now town officials are trying to schedule times for the meetings with two fire departments. The meetings will be held at the firehouses, said Pagones.
Fishkill- Organizers of the Fishkill Tea Party movement and some members of the Fishkill Democratic Committee joined forces at a meeting recently held at the Fishkill Recreation Center to air their concerns about the Town of Fishkill deficit.
“We didn’t feel we could continue with protests against the federal deficit when we knew there was a deficit problem in the Town of Fishkill,” said Todd Harvey, organizer of the Fishkill Tea Party that was held at Dutchess Stadium in April of 2009.
“The Republican Party needs to stand up and demand more action,” said Todd Harvey a resident of Florida. His family owns a business in Fishkill.
Todd Harvey’s cousin, Lex Harvey, who is a member of the Fishkill Republican Committee, said he was repeatedly assured that the town’s financial position was on a good footing. He said he did not ask to see enough proof that the town’s financial condition was in good condition without raising taxes.
“We have to have a board that works together.” remarked Lex Harvey
Fishkill Councilman Brian Callahan, who attended the meeting, as did Councilman Bob LaColla, said “I think that everybody in town should get involved…we all have a big stake in this town.” Callahan and LaColla are both Republicans.
LaColla said there needs to be openness, honesty and people dealing in good faith. He added that as far as the budget is concerned, “real numbers” are needed.
Fishkill Democratic Committee chair Ozzy Albra, who worked with organizers of the meeting, said it was the “botched” economic policies of Supervisor Joan Pagones, Republican, that got the town into it’s current financial conditions.
Pagones recently said anyone who wishes may go back and look at the budgets since she has been supervisor, and previously when she was a councilwoman, and look at her record.
“I don’t think that we can wait for a year and a half (until the next election for town officials). I don’t think I’m overstating that,” said Lex Harvey. “You have to take an interest in your community because it’s ours.”
Andrew Fodorgahrd, Fishkill resident, said he attended the meeting “just to find out what they’re talking about. I know there’s a deficit. I want to see what they have to say.” Fodorgahrd said he was a Democrat.
Carol Jempty and her husband, Fishkill residents, attended the meeting. I thought it was very informative. We heard a lot of good things. A lot of bad things about what’s happening.” said Carol Jempty.
Robert Jempty said he thought the meeting was very good.
Fishkill resident Jonathan Dallar said he expected to see more than the approximately 50 people that attended the meeting. “I was interested in finding out between the facts and the rumors. Honestly, my concern is we’re still involving party politics.” said Dallar.
“ I certainly admire the Tea Party movement in this country as a whole. I don’t think it applies here.” said Pagones
She thinks the recent meeting was an opportunity for people who have been disgruntled for a while to come together.
“We know we have certain disgruntled individuals. We have not received one phone call from residents to say” What is going on with this?,” said the supervisor.
“I did accept responsibility,” said Pagones about the financial condition of the town. “Even though the economy led to what happened in the town.”
A five-year plan for the town’s financial conditions will be discussed in October meetings, said Pagones. Right now town officials are trying to schedule times for the meetings with two fire departments. The meetings will be held at the firehouses, said Pagones.
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