Adirondack Town Of Franklin
Adirondack Town Of Franklin

Town of Franklin Board Meetings

Minutes of the Monthly Town Board Meeting
February 13, 2013 – 7:00 PM

Board members present:

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

Others Present:

Town Clerk Sandra Oliver, Doris Hamm, Frances Oliver, Mary Ellen Keith, Lora Couture

1. CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the Town Clerk called the roll and introduced guests and declared the full board was present.

2. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

MARY ELLEN KEITH appeared on behalf of the 55+ Club distributed copies of a letter signed by the Interim President of the Club, Donna Buckley, expressing a desire for the members to hold their meetings during the day on Tuesdays from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The members of the Club have difficulty navigating the icy walks, steps and driveways and expressed indignation that the Tax Collector reserved the Town Hall during the day for tax collection due to the noise and difficulty hearing telephone callers during the Club’s meetings. After some discussion, the Town Clerk/Tax Collector indicated she would close her office on the Tuesdays the seniors meet.

Mrs. Keith also requested copies of all the abstracts, the 2013 Budget as well as the 7-page monthly budget updates distributed to the Board and indicated she would pay for the copies.

LORA COUTURE complained that her telephone carrier, Verizon, has not maintained its equipment on County Route 60, and the equipment is aging. Although the repair people have been more than generous with their time and talents, apparently Verizon no longer stocks parts for the necessary repairs, and the technicians have had to fabricate their own. She stated she is unable to get cell coverage, and when her line equipment is out, it can take several days to effect repairs. There are a number of individuals in her neighborhood ranging from infant to 80 years and without line service, they are unable to contact 911 in an emergency. She requested the Town Board to assist her. Supv. Willman stated he would make several telephone calls to Franklin County and State representatives and asked Ms. Couture to document her problems with a log of requests for service. Coun. Berg indicated he understood that Verizon wants to leave this area because there is “no money to be made.”

3. AUDIT OF CLAIMS

The following claims were submitted for approval and payment on Abstract 2 of 2013:
General Fund Vouchers 14 -44$44,081.31
Highway FundVouchers 11 - 25$51,297.25
Prepay GeneralVouchers 2 -4$1,757.53

Motion to pay claims (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE


4. MINUTES

The minutes of the January 9, 2013 meeting were accepted as presented. Motion (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

5. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.

Balances as of January 1, 2013

General FundChecking$155,152.35
Savings$ 7,012.71
CLASS$87,323.41
Historian$3,037.48
Kate Mt Sp Reserve Fund$ 1025.01
Cemeteries Sp Reserve Fund$200.00
Highway FundChecking$23,034.66
Savings$331,827.92
CLASS$538,347.50
Cap. Proj. Hwy.$46,524.44
LandfillChecking$8,445.44
CLASS$34,060.67
Fire ProtectionChecking$73,124.68
CLASS$685.30
Capital Project Building$25,438.70

Motion to accept Supervisor’s report (B.Merrill-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

6. TOWN CLERK'S REPORT

For the month of January 2013

Dog licenses: 2 1yr & 1 PB licenses$38.50
3 Building Permits$170.00
Vitals 1 transcr of Marr$71.00
--------
Total$265.00

Paid to Supervisor $236.00
Paid to NYS Ag&Mkts (dogs)$29.00
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Total$265.00

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

7. TAX COLLECTION REPORT:

As of February 7th collections are at 71%, with total receipts of $1,379,351.07. The Town has been fully funded, and the first payment to the County has been made. Motion (B.Merrill-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

8. CODES REPORT.

Codes Officer Drosdowich submitted a written report for January 2013 during which period 3 building permits were issued for $170, and one inspection was performed.

9. HIGHWAY REPORT

A. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. covering January 10 to February 13, 2013 period:

• Plowed and sanded when necessary
• High winds tree falls on several roads were taken care of promptly
• Minor flooding during the thaw on two areas of Fletcher Farm Rd. Snow and ice were removed from the ditchline to allow water to flow into the culvert.

B. HIGHWAY COMMITTEE.

1. FEMA Repairs. Supv. Willman stated the Town had received an extension of time from FEMA to effect repairs on storm-damaged roads. The highest priority is replacement of the Alderbrook Road culvert. Discussion was had concerning materials.

2. Section 284 Agreement for 2013. This matter is under discussion with the Highway Committee and Supt. DeMars.

3. New Pickup Truck for the Highway Dept. The 2006 Dodge is still in use by the Highway Dept., as is the General Fund 2006 Dodge. The underbodies of these vehicles are not in good shape, and the fuel systems are problematical. Ford has the NYS Contract, and Coun. Hamm recommended a “heavy half”, as a plow can be put on it. Further research will be done.

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS RE HIGHWAY No report

10. NEW BUSINESS

A. BIDS FOR DEFIBRILLATOR. No bids were received. Supv. Willman stated he placed calls to six vendors but had not received any prices in writing. There are two major manufacturers, Phillips and Zoll; a third, Cardiac Science, he discovered, does not have ready supplies. He spoke with a sales representative of Foremost Equipment, and looked online at the AED Superstore price of $1,814. Zoll takes 10 batteries, and CPR pad is $159. There is a responder kit with instructions, and signs, as well as a cabinet with an alarm. Coun. Hamm asked if the units would speak, and Supv. Willman replied in the affirmative. Coun. Hamm recommended joining with the Rescue Squad and get training. Tabled to March meeting.

B. WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR TOWN HALL. The Health Department has mandated that any public facility which is used by the public must have a water treatment system or boil any water before use. The Town has had the Town Hall water tested, and the results have been received, indicating the water is potable and fine for drinking. However, due to the number of benefit dinners held at the Town Hall, and in order to make it easier for organizations to use the Town Hall, Supv. Willman recommended a water treatment system, either chlorine gas or ultraviolet light. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution to publish an RFP. Motion (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 8: PUBLISH RFP FOR WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR TOWN HALL WHEREAS, the Department of Health mandates a water treatment system for all public facilities; and WHEREAS, the Franklin Town Hall is used by various organizations for fund-raising dinners; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, an RFP (request for prices) will be published asking for bids and pricing on a water treatment system, either ultraviolet light or chlorine gas.

Those voting aye:

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

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

C. APPOINT SUMMER PROGRAM DIRECTOR.

Mrs. Drake has again agreed to head the summer youth program at Kate Mountain Recreation Park. Mrs. Drake has received a 2% increase in salary, Supv. Willman reported, but if the minimum wage is raised before the program starts in July, she will only have two aides instead of three. Coun. Hamm asked if the Town receives funding from Franklin County, and Supv. Willman replied in the affirmative. Motion (A.Berg-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 9: APPOINT KATHERINE DRAKE SUMMER PROGRAM DIRECTOR WHEREAS, Katherine Drake has served as Director of the Summer Youth Program; and WHEREAS, she is willing to serve again in 2013; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Katherine Drake is hereby appointed as Summer Youth Program Director for the Town of Franklin.

Those voting aye:

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

Those Voting nay:

None

Those Abstaining:

None

11. OLD BUSINESS

A. FIRE ADVISORY BOARD. A MEETING OF THE Saranac Lake Area Fire Advisory Board will be held on the 21st. Supv. Willman and Coun. Berg will attend.

B. 55+ CLUB MEETINGS. These will be held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month from noon to 4PM from October through March. The Clerk will publish notice that her office will be closed on those dates.

C. ADDITIONAL STORAGE (POLE BARN) AT VERMONTVILLE GARAGE. Coun. Berg stated if a pole barn were to be constructed it should come off the side of the building. Supv. Willman indicated a shed roof 20-feet out from the base of the building. Coun. Hamm stated it would also have open doors to the north. Coun. Merrill suggested speaking to the Codes Officer and opined it would be best to have a stand-alone building. Supv. Willman said the site must be surveyed.

D. REPORT ON ATV MEETING. Supv. Willman attended a meeting of the Franklin County Trails Association, which is looking to secure a good number of easements through private properties in the County. No County roads are open to ATVs at this time, and Town roads are subject to the Vehicle & Traffic laws. Supv. Willman considered that some of the back roads such as Goldsmith, Thatcherville, Kushaqua and Mensink Roads would be good choices for ATV use, going to Inman on Co. Rt. 26 and Duane on Co. Rt. 27. Local Law No. 5 of 1995 indicates Goldsmith Road is already designated for ATV use. He is inquiring at the County level as to precisely what is available for ATV use. Coun. Smalley stated there would be restrictions on the Adirondack Park, and Supv. Willman indicated he was not certain whether this would involve a SEQR process. Coun. Merrill opined that Town could be have ATVs on the roads unless it connects with an already-existing trail. Supv. Willman stated he looked at the ATV map, and the Association of Towns indicated that a Town may designate a portion of a town road for ATV use …” County Highway Supt. Jon Hutchins is writing a grant application for recreational trail development. He noted that ATVs are not permitted to use snowmobile trails. Coun. Berg asked how ATVs would affect the tertiary roads in town, and Supv. DeMars indicated if people ride responsibly, there would be no effect; however, if ATVs tear up the roads, there would be a problem, and the Town would be responsible to repair any road damage. Coun. Merrill stated that APA and DEC look askance at ATV use, and noted there must be a trail – Point A to Point B. Supv. Willman will check with both agencies.

E. NEW FIELDS AT THE RECREATION PARK. Nothing to report.

F. LAND INVENTORY. No progress, no report.

G. OIL-WATER SEPARATOR. Coun. Hamm stated that Conroy & Conroy put one in for $6,500, and opined the Town of Brighton must have one in its new garage.

12. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. AUDIT. No report. The monthly audit of tax collection will take place the first week of February, 2013.

B. CELEBRATION.

1. The Kate Mountain Community Recreation Association will hold its Music Fest on Saturday June 15 at the Rec Park.

2. The Town will hold a Founders Day Celebration on Saturday, July 21.

C. CEMETERY. No report.

D. RECREATION. No report.

13. CORRESPONDENCE

The Clerk pointed out the letter to the Board of Elections that the following Town offices will be voted upon in the November General Election:

Supervisor: 2 year term
Council 2 seats: 4 year term
Highway Superintendent: 2 year term
Town Justice: 4 year term
Town Clerk/Tax Collector: 2 year term

14. ANNOUNCEMENTS None

1. A fundraiser Music Festival for all local food pantries will be held Saturday, February 23rd in Harrietstown.

2. The Food Pantry will be held Thursday Feb. 21 at 3:30 PM.

15. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS. Concerning the possibility of digging sand for road use at the closed landfill site, Coun. Hamm suggested having Geomatics survey the area.

16. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss or conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Motion (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk

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P.O. Box 209, Route 3, Vermontville, NY 12989  ·  Tel: 518-891-2189  ·  Fax: 518-891-6389  ·  info@townoffranklin.com
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