UPDATED 12/17/09
Town Supervisor-elect Republican Chris Koetzle presented two proposed committees for 2010 to the town board on Dec. 16 at the town meeting held at the town municipal center at 7 p.m.
The resolutions, which called for the creation to two new committees, would help promote transparency in the incoming government as well as improve Glenville resident involvement in their town government, according to Koetzle. We believe that we would like to incorporate more involvement with the town government, said Koetzle. `We think that it will be a great resource to our community to tap the experts in our own community.`
The two proposed committees include the creation of Engineering Services Advisory Committee and the Budget and Financial Advisory Committee. Both committees will have at least three members serving a two year term. Both committees will also have liaisons from the Town Board with Koetzle acting as liaison to the Budget and Financial Advisory Committee and the Engineering Services Advisory Committee being liaison to the town board by Republican Gina Wierzobowski.
`This is an attempt to make it [the town government] more open and transparent,` said Koetzle.
Democratic Town Supervisor Frank Quinn and Town Board member Val Digiandomenico stated that the two new proposed committees would perform the same tasks that town staff have been put in place to perform. Digiandomenico in particular pointed out former problems with committees in the past, who have brought significant issues to the board only to see them unanswered.
`I presently feel that we have a capable staff to take care of these decisions,` said Digiandomenico who went on to say that she is not in agreement with the creation of these committees.
Supervisor Quinn also pointed out that he did not see any reason to establish these committees and that his decision does not involve politics.
The two committees failed to pass, with the board split between those for the creation of the new committees and those who were against the creation of the new committees. Both Republican town board members Mark Quinn and Chris Koetzle voted for the committees while Quinn and Digiondomenico voted against the committees with Ed Rosenburg absent from the meeting.
`I’m disappointed but not surprised by the board in not making a smooth transition to the new board,` said Koetzle who will continue to promote transparency in his new government when he takes office in January.
Digiandomenico also stated that in her experience that its good to have committees as long as its not a waste of time for those involved in the committee, stating efforts by former boards who created committees that have later ignored or not acted upon the suggestions of the board.
The next meeting of the town board of Glenville will be on Jan. 6, 2010.“