Adirondack Town Of Franklin
Adirondack Town Of Franklin

Town of Franklin Board Meetings

Minutes of the Monthly Town Board Meeting
December 14, 2011 - 7:00 PM

Board members present:

Supv Arthur P. Willman
Coun. Allen Berg
Coun. Donald Hamm
Coun. Bradley Merrill
Coun. Clifford Smalley

Others Present:

Town Clerk Sandra Oliver Doris Hamm Brian Snickles Ed Martin John Peckham Scott Bordeau

1. CALL TO ORDER

Supv. Willman called the monthly Town Board meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the Clerk called the roll, stating the full board was present.

2. QUESTIONS & COMMENTS.

JOHN PECKHAM, recently hired as a Highway employee indicated he had heard rumors of layoffs and wanted to know whether they were true.

Supv. Willman replied they were rumors only and were started by an individual who got overly excited. No layoffs are planned; no one is going anywhere.

ED MARTIN thanked all the incumbents for getting a good job done. Jacques DeMars and the Highway crew have done a terrific job keeping up with all of last year's snowstorms and spring flooding. The Town is coming together under this administration. Thank you all.

Supv. Willman thanked Mr. Martin for his comments.

3. BUDGET AMENDMENT - Two budget amendments were introduced. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution for the General Fund. Motion (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 67: 2011 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 3 WHEREAS, in order to maintain a balanced budget, the following transfer of funds in sum of $6,557 is hereby approved:

FROM ACCOUNTTO ACCOUNT
A1990.4 Contingent$200 - A1420.4 Attorney CE
$5,000 - A1620.1 Buildings PS
$1,000 - A1620.4 Buildings CE
$357 - A9010.8 State Retirement

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution for the Highway Fund. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 68: 2011 HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 WHEREAS, in order to maintain a balanced budget, the following transfer of funds in sum of $5,607 is hereby approved:

FROM ACCOUNTTO ACCOUNT
DA 5112.1 Improvements PS $5,607DA 5110.1 General Repairs PS $5,607

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

4. AUDIT OF CLAIMS.

The following claims listed on Abstract 10 were approved for payment:
General FundVouchers 202 - 218 $7,404.99
Highway FundVouchers 183 - 196$85,647.82
Prepay GeneralVouchers 38 - 41$1,923.43
The following claims listed on Abstract 4 were approved for payment:
LandfillVouchers 6 - 7$2,202.59

Coun. Merrill stated the payment to Geomatics was only part of the contracted price. Supv. Willman explained the $835.00 payment on voucher 206 is for the Union Cemetery gridding in Vermontville, which might be accomplished this year, and the Merrillsville gridding payment will be made next spring.

Motion to approve claims (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

B. AUTHORIZE OFFICE SYSTEMS PAYMENT AS PREPAY. Because Office Systems' billing cycle differs from the Town's meeting schedule, this month the Town is making two payments for the new copier. He requested a motion for a resolution authorizing this payment, which is the same each month, as a prepay. Motion (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 69: AUTHORIZE OFFICE SYSTEMS MONTHLY PAYMENT AS PREPAY WHEREAS, the Town has incurred interest and late fees on the payment for the Biz Hub copier/fax/scanner/printer due to the vendor's automated billing system; and WHEREAS, the monthly payments for the item is the same each month; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the invoices from US Bancorp Equipment Financing are hereby authorized to be prepaid.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

5. MINUTES

The minutes of the November 9th board meeting were accepted as presented. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

6. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.

Balances as at November 1, 2011

General FundChecking $32,406.92
Savings27,088.13
CLASS107,302.96
Historian3,036.66
Highway FundChecking1,513.28
Savings194,692.45
CLASS188,269.80
Cap. Proj. Hwy.46,515.28
LandfillChecking3,322.41
CLASS44,053.59
Fire ProtectionChecking10,454.30
CLASS685.30
Capital Project Building5,437.85

Coun. Smalley asked if the Town should move its funds from CLASS to local savings accounts in order to garner higher interest, and Supv. Willman replied he was working on this matter. Coun. Hamm inquired how long the Town had to keep so much money in the Landfill Special Reserve Fund, Supv. Willman estimated 25 years from the date the landfill was closed. Motion accept Supervisor's Report (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

7. TOWN CLERK:

The September Clerk report:

8 dog licenses$99.50
4 permits$964.50
2 Foil (35 pages)$7.75
1 Vitals$30.00
--------
Total$1,101,75

Paid to Supervisor$1,076.75
Paid to NYS Ag&Mkts (dogs)$25.00
--------
Total$1,101,75

Motion accept Clerk report (B.Merrill-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

8. CODES REPORT.:

None. Coun. Berg indicated he would like a report submitted, and the Board concurred.

9. HIGHWAY REPORT

A. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. Highway Supt. Jacques DeMars submitted the following report on progress of the Department from November 9 to December 13:

• Completed winter sand hauling.
• Plowed and sanded as necessary
• Repaired section by dam on Franklin Falls hill washed out by Hurricane Irene
• Ditched section of Rock St. and added material to road edge - Hurricane Irene
• Repaired hole on dirt section of Mensink Rd.
• Placed clay/stone barrier on opposite side of road from Gerald Swinyer residence
• Installed new culvert on French Road for Mr. & Mrs. Gall per culvert policy
• Repaired small section of ditch line near Litty residence on Paye Rd.
• Added crusher dust near edge of road near Yando residence on Swinyer Rd.
• Replaced several road signs
• Met with FEMA several times.

Coun. Smalley asked if the flooding problem at Gerald Swinyer's property had been addressed, and Supv. Willman replied more will be known if the area experiences the heavy rains as in 2011. Coun. Hamm noted that additional work will be performed at the site next year.

B. PLANK ROAD REPAIRS (FEMA REIMBURSED).

Supv. Willman reported that the Town received $33,000 from FEMA s far, and the Highway Dept. has until December 2012 to complete the work. He met with FEMA this morning and repairs to the Plank Road is estimated to cost $56,000. The Town may have to advertise for bids for the grouting, and requires estimates for engineering. He requested resolutions authorizing publication of RFP for engineering and a separate RFP for grouting. Motion for engineering RFP (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 70: PUBLISH RFP FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES RE PLANK ROAD (FEMA REPAIRS) WHEREAS, repairs to sections of Plank Road drainage culvert are necessary due to 2011 Hurricane Irene damage; and WHEREAS, a percentage of the cost will be reimbursed by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Clerk is authorized to publish RFP for engineering services for same.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

RESOLUTION NO. 71: PUBLISH RFP FOR GROUT SERVICES RE PLANK ROAD (FEMA REPAIRS) WHEREAS, repairs to section of Plank Road drainage culvert are necessary due to 2011 Hurricane Irene damage; and WHEREAS, a percentage of the cost will be reimbursed by FEMA; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Clerk is authorized to publish request for bids for grout service for same.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

C. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS ON HIGHWAY MATTERS.

Coun. Berg noted that Highway Supt. DeMars used his personal bucket truck to string wiring and lights at the Garage. Supv. Willman commented that the lighting at the garage should be reviewed. The crew moved work stations around, and the lighting will be more than $1,000. In addition, he requested residents to notify National Grid if a streetlight is out.

10. NEW BUSINESS

A. AWARD BID FOR COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL INSURANCE. Supv. Willman studied quotes received from current agent Curtis Latremore and former agent LaBarge. He noted unanswered questions from Latremore. The Latremore quote never addressed replacement value, omitted one of the Highway vehicles and seemingly did not include the pollution liability coverage. The LaBarge Agency submitted quotes from Trident and NYMIR and included all vehicles and the pollution liability coverage as well as replacement value. An extensive discussion of the merits of the bids ensued; Couns. Hamm and Berg opining the Town should accept the lowest quote. Coun. Smalley was concerned about total coverage and thought the LaBarge quote from Trident the safest, and Coun. Merrill recommended accepting the LaBarge quote from NYMIR. Supv. Willman concurred, stating that the Towns of Brighton and Harrietstown were with NYMIR, and in fact Brighton received a dividend after 5 years. Coun. Merrill indicated NYMIR coverage would be the least expensive in the long run. Coun. Smalley stated if weather disasters are increasing, as in the past few years, he had concerns that NYMIR would collapse because it is a shared cooperative; Coun. Merrill and Supv. Willman stated NYMIR utilizes the services of reinsurers in order to spread any losses out. Coun. Hamm commented that LaBarge had overbilled the Town for years and did not encourage accepting its quote. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution accepting the LaBarge NYMIR quote. Motion (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p - AYE Willman, Berg, Merrill, Smalley; NAY

RESOLUTION NO. 72: AWARD BID FOR COMPREHENSIVE MUNICIPAL INSURANCE TO LABARGE AGENCY - NY MUNICIPAL INSURANCE RECIPROCAL WHEREAS, request for bids for comprehensive municipal insurance were advertised; and WHEREAS, bids were received from Latremore Agency (Plattsburgh) and two bids from LaBarge Agency (Trident and NYMIR); and WHEREAS, the Board reviewed the quotes submitted carefully and debated the merits of each; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the bid for comprehensive municipal insurance is hereby awarded to LaBarge Agency, Ellenberg Depot, NY for coverage through New York Municipal Insurance Reciprocal.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

Coun. Donald Hamm

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

B. ACCEPT FINANCING AGREEMENT FOR SMALL DUMP TRUCK Tabled to February 2012.

C. STREETLIGHTS ELIMINATION NOTICES. Supv. Willman stated the Town could save a few hundred dollars per month by eliminating unnecessary streetlights. Lights at intersections would, of course, remain. Notices to all property owners would need to be mailed, and the Tax Collector Oliver suggested placing an advisory note in with the 2012 Town & County tax bills. Supv. Willman spoke with Franklin County Treasurer Bryon Varin, who confirmed such notice would be acceptable. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution to insert notices in the tax bills. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 73: AUTHORIZE INSERTION OF STREETLIGHT ELIMINATION NOTICES INTO TAX BILLS WHEREAS, in order to conserve funds the Town Board intends to eliminate all unnecessary streetlights except those at intersections; and WHEREAS, a separate mailing would be an expense to the Town; and WHEREAS, the 2012 Town & County tax bills will be mailed by December 30, 2011; and WHEREAS, the County Treasurer has approved such notice to be included in the tax bills; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Tax Collector is hereby authorized to insert a 3x5” notice in each tax envelope advising property owners of the possible elimination of streetlights.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Absent:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

D. FIRE PLATFORM CONSTRUCTION. An estimate was received from Brendan Hoyer for construction of a fire platform on Black Spruce in Loon Lake in sum of $2,000. Because the amount exceeds $1,000, per the Town's procurement policy, requests for bids will have to be advertised. Coun. Berg indicated the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Dept. had selected the site, and Coun. Hamm opined the roadway is very narrow and the lake is very low near the current site which also contains a small dock. Coun. Merrill advised the Town should seek permission from the owner of the property, Loon Gulf, before proceeding. Coun. Hamm suggested the Fire Dept. seek another, more easily accessible area. Tabled to 12/28/2011 special meeting.

E. SCHEDULE YEAR-END MEETING. A special board meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM.

F. OATH-TAKING CEREMONY. Oath-taking for re-elected officers will be held on Sunday, January 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Town Hall.

G. GARAGE ELECTRICAL WORK. The estimate for electrical work at the Garage is $494.41.

H. DISCUSSION REGARDING SENIORITY OF EMPLOYEE. Tabled from the November meeting, Supv. Willman indicated this matter has been resolved by the Teamsters Union, and in fact, it is set out in the current agreement. The Teamsters Union representative will hold a meeting of members on Tuesday, December 19th at the Garage and will explain to employees. In addition, a shop steward will be appointed.

10. OLD BUSINESS

A. FIRE/RESCUE UPDATE. The rescue contract has been settled; the contract with the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department will remain the same, and the fire platform construction will be discussed at the December 28th special meeting.

B. INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE. Concerning the oil-water separator at the Garage, no progress has been made. Coun. Berg asked if the Highway Dept. planned to go forward with the truck washing, and Supv. Willman indicated they will. Coun. Hamm advised placing a check valve at the well for this.

C. HUD GRANT APPLICATION UPDATE. Supv. Willman reported the Town was denied the grant. He has requested a scoring from the Governor's Office. Friends of the North Country will reapply for the grant at no additional charge.

11. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. AUDIT. No report

B. CEMETERY. The contract with Geomatics has been signed and the payment for gridding of the Vermontville cemetery might be started this year.

C. RECREATION. Supv. Willman reported that Allan worked the County's machine this past week, removing rocks in order to clear the fields. The Town hopes to attract rugby tournaments. The Grounds maintenance employee will utilize his personal snowmobile to groom trails for hiking this winter. During a meeting with Kris Seymour, a suggestion was made to hold a kids paintball biathlon.

12. CORRESPONDENCE. A $100 donation was received from the Adirondack North Country Dog Training Club, and the Board expressed its gratitude to the Club for its generosity.

13. ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The clothing drive is a success, and any items not taken by residents will be removed by Friday, December 16th and donated to the Tupper Lake apartment fire victims, the Brighton Food Pantry and the Salvation Army in Plattsburgh. Thank you to all who donated.

14. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS.

SCOTT BORDEAU asked why the Town is extending the fields at the Rec Park, as the number of children is greatly reduced. Supv. Willman responded the Town Board wishes to attract visitors to the Town. The paintball biathlon is one idea, and the extension of the fields will, hopefully, be used both by paying rugby and soccer tournaments. Visitors will visit the Birch Bark Deli and other local businesses. Eventually, enough funds will be generated to construct a community center at the Park.

16. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss or conduct, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 PM. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk

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