To the Editor:

We, the Berne Town Board, would like to address some misperceptions and misunderstandings stated by a Knox resident in a letter to the editor of Sept. 25, 2014.

First, the town board that chose the vacated St. Bernadette’s Church for the library is not the same board that now sits in those seats, and Kevin Crosier was not Berne’s supervisor at the time that determination was made. 

Second, the decision to refurbish the town hall rather than renovating the old grange hall was made by the current town board, through an official vote, not by any one individual.  It was based on economics and saved the taxpayers money.  The new internal configuration of our town hall has served the town employees and the public well.   It was a good decision.

Another concern voiced in the letter involved the proposed senior meal program. That program is the result of a partnership with the Albany County Department for Aging, the Hilltown Seniors, and other volunteers.

A board of community members, Helderberg Senior Services, is being created now and will oversee the program; the community members who form this board will be the heart of the program, and the town of Berne will support their efforts.  Working together will insure that the program is ready to open and operate.

The town of Berne has taken the lead supporting the Hilltown Seniors.  We’ve arranged transportation for them, provided the Senior Center as a meeting area, paid utilities and heating for it, and support the meal program; we are the only town in the Hilltowns that lends this type of support. 

Third, a policy (referred to in the letter) outlines expectations for use of the facility. Buildings used by many different individuals or groups typically have a use policy in place. Our library has a use policy, as does the pavilion in the town park. The Senior Center is no exception. Call them “rules” if you like, but the policy helps insure that expectations are understood and met. That is a result on which we can all agree.

Finally, the issue of the Game Farm Road property is an important one. Thus, we are inviting all Berne residents to attend a public informational meeting at 10 a.m. on Oct.18 in the lodge on the property.   Accurate information about its purchase and its uses will be presented then.  

Please consider attending our regular board meetings held at 8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.  There is a public comment period when anyone is welcome to ask questions or share their thoughts. We would welcome your presence.

The Berne Town Board,

Kevin Crosier, supervisor

Wayne Emory, councilman

Joe Golden, councilman

Dawn G. Jordan, councilwoman

Karen Schimmer, councilwoman