Town of Franklin Board Meetings
Regular Monthly Town Board Meeting
September 9, 2015
5:30pm
Board members present:
Supervisor art Willman, Councilman Don Hamm, Councilman Tom Bartiss, Councilman Cliff Smalley and, Councilman Al Berg
Board Members Absent:
None
Others Present:
Jacques DeMars-Highway Superintendent, Brian Snickles, Father Paul Beyette, Doris Hamm, Ed Martin, Dick Jarvis, Cynthia Martino and Lauren LeFebvre-Town Clerk
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Willman called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the Town Clerk called the roll, noting the full board was present.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Dick Jarvis - Mr. Jarvis appreciated the work done on the town roads. He stated he felt that a plan for overall development is needed as the Town proceeds with raising funds for a community building.
Father Paul Beyette - Fr. Beyette stated he has heard there are plans to pave Mensink Road. He would also like to assist the Town in raising funds and procuring building plans for a community building, particularly if solar power is involved.
Ed Martin - Mr. Martin thanked the volunteers that are planning the upcoming Pumpkin Heaves and Autumn Leaves Festival. He added more volunteers are needed.
REVIEW/APPROVAL OF APRIL 8, 2015 MINUTES
The minutes of August 12, 2015 were approved as presented. (C.Smalley/T.Bartiss m/s/p) all aye
APPROVAL OF CLAIMS
The board audited and approved payment of the following claims
| General Fund | Abstract 9 | Claims 177-194 | $4,786.85 |
Highway Fund | Abstract 9 | Claims 134-149 | $146,871.85 |
Pre-Pay General | Abstract 9 | Claims 26-28 |
$1,068.32 |
Supervisor Willman noted he removed a claim for administrative costs from Friends of the North Country attributed to the CDBG 2013 Funding. Supervisor Willman has questions about the claim. Also removed was a claim for TradeCredit (Coakley High Peaks Ace Hardware) as this appears to be a billing error.
(T.Bartiss-D. Hamm m/s/p) all aye
SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.
Balances on hand as of March 31, 2015
General Fund |
Checking | $100,634.28 |
| Savings | $75,490.81 |
Historian | $3,038.27 |
Cemeteries Sp Reserve Fund | $2,200.98 |
Kate Mt Sp Reserve Fund | $16,138.98 |
CLASS | $87,386.06 |
Highway Fund |
Checking | $27,327.04 |
| Savings | $272,583.37 |
Cap. Proj. Hwy. | $46,553.32 |
CLASS | $46,560.02 |
Landfill Clo Cap. Res. |
Checking | $6,749.34 |
| CLASS | $24,082.05 |
Fire Protection |
Checking | $15,571.36 |
| CLASS | $685.30 |
Capital Project Building |
CLASS | $25,456.68 |
(C.Smalley-T.Bartiss m/s/p) all aye
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent DeMars submitted the following report:
Ongoing prep work for paving on Fletcher Farm Rd. and Alder Brook Rd.
Sent 5 men and trucks to Town of Harrietstown to assist in grinding.
Sent 4 men and trucks to Town of Saranac to assist in paving.
Sent one man and dump to assist Town of Saranac doing shoulders
Paved sections of Alder Brook Road and Fletcher Farm Road with the assistance of: Franklin County, Town of St. Armand, Town of Harrietstown, Town of Saranac, Town of Brighton, Town of Tupper Lake, Village of Tupper Lake and Town of Black Brook.
Sent 3 men and trucks to assist Harrietstown in paving.
Beaver Problems on Thatcherville Rd.
Ongoing mowing.
Tree cutting. Liability concerns regarding trees on telephone lines.
Resident Issues: please direct all concerns/questions regarding highway issues to me.
Gas, fuel and maintenance logs given to Highway Committee
Superintendent DeMars added he has spoken with the Town's insurance agent, Andre LaBarge, regarding the Town's coverage with regard to trees leaning on, almost leaning on, downed and laying on utility lines. Superintendent DeMars has been advised removal of those trees by the Town of Franklin is not allow. The utility companies affected must take action not the Town. Superintendent DeMars will make a detailed list of trees he believes to be in danger of falling onto utility lines. This list will be submitted to DEC.
Superintendent DeMars is also working with the US Postal Service to relocate the bank of mailboxes on Blue Spruce Drive.
Highway Questions and Comments
Cynthia Martino - Ms. Martino inquired as to how and when is future highway work prioritized for upcoming budget years. Superintendent DeMars stated that time, funds available, amount of traffic on a particular road and road conditions dictate future work.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Lawn Mower Race Track - Supervisor Willman reported he had been approached in the late spring by resident Gerry Swinyer regarding the possibility of creating a law mower race track at Kate Mountain Park. It was explained to Supervisor Willman this can be a financially beneficial venture for the Town in raising money for a community building. The Town Clerk reported that Mr. Swinyer was aware that the topic was on the agenda for this meeting and he was encouraged to attend. The topic was tabled as Mr. Swinyer was not in attendance. (A.Berg.C.Smalley m/s/p) all aye
B. Excavator - Superintendent DeMars is investigating of replacing the current small excavator with a new Kabota KX-80 model, which is one step larger. Discussion was held regarding the need to upgrade/replace the current excavator. No decision was made.
C. Sign Fee - The new digital sign has been installed. Landscaping will be done in the spring. The Town Clerk requested the Town Board set a fee for posting announcements on the sign.
RESOLUTION #27
On a motion by Councilman Berg, second by Councilman Smalley, BE IT RESOLVED the Town of Franklin Town Board does hereby set a fee of $5 per day for personal messages and $5 per event for fund-raising efforts. The Town Board does further RESOLVE that St. Paul's Food Pantry and the Town of Franklin 55+ Club are exempt from such fees.
Those Voting Aye: All Aye
OLD BUSINESS
A. CDBG/HUD Update - no new projects
B. Bottle Returns - Supervisor Willman has arranged for Dave Siscavitch to begin picking up returnables weekly on September 14.
C. Band Shell - Co. Berg reported he obtained a quote to construct a band shell according to the plans provided by Jeff LeFebvre. The quote was $50,000-$60,000. It was agreed the amount is too costly for the Town. Keith Gorgas has expressed interest in this project. Councilman Berg suggested Keith and Jeff confer.
D. Pole Barn Status - Co. Smalley reported the site prep should be completed by the beginning of next week.
RESOLUTION #28
On a motion by Councilman Smalley, second by Councilman Bartiss, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin Town Board does hereby approved Supervisor Willman to enter into a contract with Northern Pioneer, Inc. for the construction of the Pole Barn as Northern Pioneer Inc. was the low bidder on the project. The Town of Franklin Town Board does further approve Supervisor Willman to remit up to 50% of the bid amount as a down-payment.
Those Voting Aye: All Aye
E. Dry Hydrants - Co. Berg stated we have received APA approval to have the Highway Department remove the mud from the dry hydrant on Muzzy Road. He will discuss dry hydrant repairs with Bloomingdale Fire Cheif John Houghton.
F. 2016 Budget Workshop - To accommodate all board member's schedules, there will be one budget workshop to discuss Fire Protection, General Fund and Highway Fund on October 20 at 5:30pm. The Town Clerk will arrange for dinner to be provided.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Cemetery - no report
Veteran's - no report
Celebration - Volunteers needed for Pumpkin Heaves Festival
Building - The committee discussed building orientation and size when they met on August 13.
SET SPECIAL MEETING
A special board meeting will be held on September 23, 2015 at 5:30pm to determine the need to purchase a new excavator and paving.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the board, Supervisor Willman adjourned the meeting at 7:25pm.
Respectfully submitted, Lauren LeFebvre, Town Clerk