Adirondack Town Of Franklin
Adirondack Town Of Franklin

Town of Franklin Board Meetings

Minutes Of The Public Hearing #2 On Hud Grant Application Public Hearing On Proposed Local Law No. 1 Of 2011
Special Town Board Meeting March 30, 2011 - 7:00 Pm

Board members present:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley (arrived at 6:50 PM)
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill

Others Present:

Scott Campbell, Friends of the North Country, Town Clerk Sandra Oliver, Doris Hamm, Ed Martin, Robert Weigold, Daniel Drake, Richard Jarvis

PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED HUD GRANT APPLICATION

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. Supv. Willman introduced Scott Campbell who was present to describe the proposed grant application for house repair and renovation.

2. SCOTT CAMPBELL, FRIENDS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY.

A. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED GRANT APPLICATION. Mr. Campbell announced this public hearing was the second on the proposed HUD grant application. The first public hearing announced the availability of funding from NYS Homes & Community Renewal. It is a block grant funded by the federal Dept. of Housing and Urban Renewal and administered by New York State. At the first public hearing a description of the types of grants and limits of funding was presented. Friends of the North Country ("FONC") assessment of needs from direct mailing asking about needs for housing rehabilitation. A decision has been made to apply for funds on behalf of the Town. This is a very short time frame, and not all interested homeowners have been contacted yet. If FONC determines it does not have an adequate number of interested homeowners, there are 3 options:

(a) Not make application for funding based on lack of need,

(b) Apply for half of the allowed amount ($200,000 rather than the full $400,000) for 14 to 19 households. NYS Home & Community Renewal requires a pool of homeowners using proposed grant funds in addition to a second list equal in number. In other words, the Town must have twice as many households in need of rehabilitation, that is, 2 lineups of at least 20. As of now, FONC have listed 26 contacts and have only made 6 site visits. Out of the 26 only 2 were deemed eligible, so, the Town might not reach the required number of households.

(c) The third option would be no to apply in 2011 and continue outreach and reapply for grant funding in 2012.

It is necessary to present excellent applications showing need. The deadline for submission of the grant application is May 27, 2011.

B. MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE TERM "APPLICATION". This part of the process should really be termed "pre-application" or "qualification". Before the grant application is submitted, householders are visited by FONC's construction specialist to determine repairs necessary and eligibility. If grant funds are awarded, then the official application is presented to homeowners to complete.

C. EXPLANATION OF PROCESS.

1) First, postcards announcing the proposed grant application are mailed out to property owners who have expressed interest in obtaining assistance for repair or upgrade.

2) Next, FONC telephones the homeowner to get an idea of what repairs are needed.

3) FONC's construction specialist travels to the site to review the proposed work.

4) The householder, if eligible, is placed on a list and FONC mails the homeowner a capital (or "official") application.

5) The grant application is submitted, and if awarded, the funds are awarded on a sliding scale based on the number of individuals in the household. Householder repairs/upgrades must be serious in nature and concern safety, health and affordability. Repairs include wells, septic, roofing, insulation, plumbing, etc. If the grant is awarded, the next step would be to mail out capital applications to the first 10 based on the date of contact. If 10 do not respond, FONC will send another letter to those of the first 10 who have not responded, and generally receive one completed household application back.

2. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Q/C: Coun. Smalley queried whether Mr. Campbell thought the lack of response to the postcards was a result of past years' failure to receive funding.

A: Mr. Campbell responded yes, and that generally FONC sees 40 contacts which is a good number. The reason responses are low is because of the short time frame and the construction specialist has not had time for site visits. If grant is awarded, then FONC would expect many telephone calls.

Q/C: Coun. Smalley asked whether, with a 2012 application, those who responded first in 2011 would get priority.

A: Mr. Campbell indicated yes, first come, first served. If the eligible householder received assistance in a previous program, they would go to the end of the list.

Q/C: Supv. Willman indicated residents had expressed concern about the lien placed on their houses. He then asked the length of time the lien is in effect.

A: Mr. Campbell replied the lien is demanded by the program as the money for repairs are public funds secured to the property so the investment cannot be "cashed out." However, even though the homeowner has a mortgage, the public funds restrictions do not apply to sale of the property or a loan for emergencies. There are restrictions on what public funds can be subordinate to in the event of a default. As for the amount of time the lien is on the property, Mr. Campbell explained most are a flat 5 years. The Town Board, however, can opt to shorten or lengthen the time. Once again, this would be a policy decision by the Town Board. The mortgage must be secured to the owner-occupied property.

Q/C: Coun. Hamm surmised the Town of Franklin could use a grant of more than $400,000. He reported he had contacted several individuals who had called FONC but hadn't received a call back. The public seems not to be receiving the news about the grant application, and in addition, many people remember receiving rejections in 2006 when the Town was not awarded funding.

A: Mr. Campbell replied because of the small window of time with this particular grant application, fitting in all the return telephone calls has not been possible. He emphasized FONC will definitely get back to those who are in need and are interested. As of today his list of applicants totals 26.

Q/C: Supv. Willman asked when the capital (official) application is mailed out.

A: Mr. Campbell responded that when householders call him, he speaks with them briefly to inventory their needs. Once FONC has established its 2 lists of households, then he mails out the capital application. FONC is starting to do this now, but if more than 6 months elapse before the householder receives assistance, FONC must recertify household income.

Q/C: Richard Jarvis asked if 26 people contacted FONC and only 6 site visits were made, if FONC had a schedule for site visits, and if so, would they be completed before mid-April.

A: Mr. Campbell answered yes, they would be. FONC uses a random sampling to get a sample as representative of the Town of Franklin. He noted, however, that he telephoned 13 households before anyone returned his call.

Q/C: Coun. Berg stated the Town's senior citizens might need help filling out applications.

A: Mr. Campbell indicated FONC would assist anyone with an application.

Q/C: Richard Jarvis asked the Board if community infrastructure needs would be addressed at this time or at a later date

A: Supv. Willman indicated they would be reviewed later. In order to achieve community project grant funding, a definite plan and cost estimates are required.

A: Mr. Campbell added that the Town should also present its commitment to an investment of money, time, labor, materials, etc.

Q/C: Coun. Hamm asked what FONC receives as a percentage of the grant funding.

A: Mr. Campbell replied the allowance is 18% (6% for administration and 12% goes to project delivery).

Q/C: Coun. Merrill inquired if someone had a dire need for repair or upgrade that involved health and safety, if that individual would be placed at the top of the first list of applicants.

A: Mr. Campbell responded the Town Board should set objective criteria.

A: Supv. Willman suggested the Board set up as first come-first served those individuals with health and safety issues and then pick up the remaining applicants.

A: Mr. Campbell indicated he would check with NYS Homes & Community to ensure that the Town's proposed list of priority projects is not discriminatory. He stated that after the grant funds are awarded, the prospective projects would be reviewed by the Town Board for monies to be expended and noted that the projects would be numbered - without household names or street addresses.

3. ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further discussion on the matter, at 7:37 PM, Supv. Willman requested a motion to adjourn the public hearing. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2011 - CHANGE GRIEVANCE DAY

1. CALL TO ORDER

The Pledge of Allegiance having been recited and the roll called, Supv. Willman called the public hearing to order.

2. NEW BUSINESS

A. PROPOSED HUD GRANT DOCUMENTS.

"TOWN OF FRANKLIN ABBREVIATED CONSOLIDATED PLAN

1. Assessment of Needs. Franklin is rural and the majority of its permanent population is located in the settlement areas of Vermontville, Onchiota and Loon Lake. According to 2000 Census, the residents of Franklin have a per capita income of $17,955, compared to New York's $23,389 and $21,857 nationally. The median household income of $40,598 is below New York's $43,393 and $41,994 nationally. 12.3% of the population has incomes below the poverty line, close to New York's 14.6% and 12.4% nationally.

The Town addressed community housing needs starting in 1992 1993, and 1995 making significant progress.

Once the concentrated areas of substandard housing were addressed, the Town turned its focus to substandard housing scattered throughout the rest of the community. A 2001 program funded by the Governor's Office for Small Cities was successfully completed. However, other households throughout the Town still are in need of assistance. Friends, on behalf of the Town, maintains an inquiry list of residents looking for assistance. These residents, in addition to outreach efforts, comprise a needs assessment for the Town of Franklin and are part of the basis for housing assistance programs. In addition, the Town has identified the need to upgrade living conditions for mobile home owners, particularly older, single-wide, substandard units.

2. Resources. Resources to meet the Town's housing rehabilitation/replacement needs are anticipated to the HUD Small Cities CDBG program administered by the Office of Housing and Community Renewal.

3. Planned Activities. The Town will provide housing assistance to as many eligible residents as possible depending on funding source requirements and the amount of funds available.

4. Non-Housing Community Development Plan. See the "Priority Community Development Needs" table for further information.

5. Consultation Process. In gathering information on housing and community development needs, the Town of Franklin holds two public hearings to encourage comments. These public hearings are usually held in association with the preparation and submission of GOSC CDBG applications and/or other related grant or funding applications. This enables the Town to monitor on-going and emerging community needs.

6. Citizen Participation. Two public hearings are held in the Town of Franklin to solicit comments from the public regarding the Abbreviated Consolidated Plan and the submission of a Small Cities CDBG application or other related funding applications as required.

NEEDS
Priority Community Development NeedsPriority Need Level High, Medium, Low, No Such NeedEstimated Priority UnitsEstimated Dollars Needed to Address Priority
PUBLIC FACILITIES NEEDS   
Senior Centers   
Youth Centers   
Neighborhood Facilities   
Child Care Centers   
Parks and/or Recreational Facilities   
Health Facilities   
Parking Facilities    
Other Public Facilities    
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS   
Solid Waste Disposal Improvements   
Flood Drain Improvements   
Water Improvements   
Street Improvements   
Sidewalk Improvements   
Sewer Improvements   
Asbestos Removal   
Other Infrastructure Improvement Needs   
PUBLIC SERVICE NEEDS   
Senior Services Operations   
Handicapped Services   
Youth Services   
Transportation Services   
Substance Abuse Services   
Employment Training   
Crime Awareness    
Fair Housing Counseling   
Tenant/Landlord Counseling   
Child Care Services   
Health Services   
Other Public Services Needs   
ACCESSIBILITY NEEDS   
RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION NEEDS   
NON-RESIDENTIAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION    
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT    
   
Commercial- Industrial Rehabilitation   
Commercial- Industrial Infrastructure   
Other Commercial- Industrial Improvements   
Micro-Business   
Other Business   
Technical Assistance   
Other Economic Development Needs    
OTHER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS   
Energy Efficiency Improvements   
Lead Based Paint Hazards   
Code Enforcement   
Community Planning   
Total Estimated Dollars to Address Priority Needs"   

"TOWN OF FRANKLIN RESIDENTIAL ANTI-DISPLACEMENT AND RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PLAN

The Town of Franklin will replace all occupied and vacant occupiable low- and moderate-income dwelling units demolished or converted to a use other than as low- and moderate income housing as a direct result of activities assisted with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

All replacement housing will be provided within three years of the commencement of the demolition or rehabilitation relating to conversion. Before obligating or expending funds that will directly result in such demolition or conversion, the Town of Franklin will make public and submit to the NYS Homes and Community Renewal Office the following information in writing:

a. A description of the proposed assisted activity;

b. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwellings by size (number of bedrooms) that will be demolished or converted to a use other than as low-to moderate income dwelling units as a direct result of the assisted activity;

c. A time schedule for the commencement and completion of the demolition or conversion;

d. The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be provided as replacement dwelling units;

e. The source of funding and a time schedule for the provision of replacement dwelling units; and

f. The basis for concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will remain a low-and moderate-income dwelling unit for a specified period of time from the date of initial occupancy.

The Town of Franklin will provide relocation assistance, according to either the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (49CFR Part 24) OR 24 CFR 570.496a(c) to each low and low and to each low- and moderate-income family displaced by the demolition of housing or by the conversion of a low- and moderate-income dwelling to another use as a direct result of assisted activities.

Consistent with the goals and objectives of activities assisted under the CDBG program, the Town of Franklin will take the following steps to minimize the displacement of persons from their homes:

1. Maintain current data on the occupancy of houses targeted for CDBG assistance.

2. Review all activities prior to implementation to determine the effect, if any, on occupied residential properties.

3. Include consideration of alternate solutions when it appears an assisted project will cause displacement, if implemented.

4. Require private individuals and businesses to consider other alternatives to displacement causing activities, if they are requesting CDBG program assistance.

Arthur P. Willman __________________,         Date _____________

Supervisor, Town of Franklin"

"TOWN OF FRANKLIN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN AND PUBLIC HEARING NOTICES FOR

NYS HOMES AND COMMUNITY RENEWAL 2011 OPEN ROUND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

1. Public Notification

The Town of Franklin hereby notifies the public of its plan to provide citizens with opportunities to participate in the NYS Homes and Community Renewal Small Cities Block Grant (CDBG) program application. The Town of Franklin sets forth policies and procedures for citizen participation and certifies to New York State Community Development Block Grant Small Cities Program (NYS CDBG) that it is following these policies and procedures.

2. Public Hearings to Encourage Citizen Participation

The public is advised that two public hearings will be held for the purposes of obtaining citizens' views and formulating or responding to proposals and questions. Together, the two hearings will address community development and housing needs, development of proposed activities and review of program performance. Notice of the two public hearings will be published in the official newspaper of the Town of Franklin, according to the notice requirements under New York State law for proper "notice". In addition, the Town Clerk will post a notice at the Town Hall. The Town Board will set the time and place for the hearings at a Board meeting. The locations chosen by the Town Board, i.e., the Town Halls, will be accessible locations convenient to potential or actual beneficiaries, with reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.

These public hearings will be conducted at different stages of the CDBG program. The Town hopes, by these actions, to encourage citizen participation by low and moderate income persons who reside in the Town in areas which CDBG funds are proposed to be used.

In order to afford affected citizens an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the proposed program and to make comments accordingly, public hearing notices will be published in the Town's official newspaper and a summary of community development objectives and activities will be provided. Information is available to citizens about the contents of the proposed application, on a request basis, so that comments can be made. Citizens may also provide comments on the performance of the Town. A summary of the application will also be available at the Town Hall. The proposed and final applications may be inspected at the office of the Friends of the North Country, Inc.

3. Scope of Program

The Town intends to submit a single purpose grant application to the New York State Homes and Community Renewal for a Community Development Block Grant Small Cities (CDBG) Program in an amount not to exceed $400,000 on or about May 27, 2011. These funds will be used for scattered site, single family, owner occupied, existing housing rehabilitation and replacement activities throughout the town. All project funds will be used to benefit low/moderate income households or for removal of slums and blight. Program income is not expected to be available for the proposed program. The Town expects to make grants available to households to repair or replace substandard housing.

The Town will consider citizen comments in the preparation of the final application. A copy of the final application shall be made available to the public.

4. Displacement

No activities are proposed which are likely to result in displacement of households. If temporary displacement occurs in the course of rehabilitation or replacement activities, the Town will follow its adopted Anti-Displacement Plan to guide its actions.

5. Design to Benefit Low and Moderate Income Households

To ensure that the proposed application is designed to benefit low and moderate income households, the Town has collaborated with a not-for-profit Rural Preservation Company, Friends of the North Country, Inc. (Friends). Friends, as representatives for the interests of low and moderate income households, will assist the Town to prepare an application responsive to the needs of low and moderate income residents of the Town. Friends may provide, on behalf of the Town, technical assistance to groups representative of persons of low and moderate income to develop specific proposals, consistent with the Towns' community development goals.

6. Documents Available for Public Inspection

Most documents related to existing or proposed grant applications to NYS Homes and Community Renewal Small Cities Programs are available for public review by contacting the Town Supervisor or Friends of the North Country Inc. Certain documents are not available to the public because they are subject to Privacy Act restrictions. Anyone interested in viewing documents related to the program are encouraged to make contact with the Supervisor or Friends.

7. Procedures for Citizen Complaints and Grievances

With regard to citizen complaints and grievances, the following procedures should be used. A citizen with a complaint or grievance should first contact the Program Administrator, in writing, to identify the complaint or grievance. The Program Administrator for the Town of Franklin is Scott Campbell, Executive Director, Friends of the North Country, Inc., P.O. Box 446, 1 Mill Street, Keeseville, NY 12944 (toll-free number 1-800-355-3662). The Program Administrator will respond to a written complaint or grievance within 15 working days of the receipt of the complaint, where practicable.

If a citizen is disadvantaged as a result of a disability, illness or age infirmity, the Program Administrator will make reasonable efforts to record their complaint so that it may be responded to in writing by, or on behalf of, the Town."

B. RESOLUTIONS RE PROPOSED HUD GRANT APPLICATION.

1. Accept Agreement with Friends of the North Country and Authorize Execution

On February 23, 2011 by Resolution No. 10, the Board having determined to proceed with a grant application for housing rehabilitation through HUD, adopted the following resolution to accept the agreement with Friends of the North Country. Motion (A.Berg-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 19: ACCEPT AGREEMENT WITH FRIENDS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY RE PROPOSED GRANT APPLICATION FOR HOUSING REPAIR ANDREHABILITATION. WHEREAS, residents and homeowners in the Town of Franklin have expressed need and interest in a building improvement grant; and WHEREAS, Friends of the North Country ("FONC"), Keeseville, NY, will apply for and administer the grant application from U.S. Dept. of Housing and Renewal administered by the NYS Homes and Community Renewal; and WHEREAS, FONC has presented an agreement to administer the grant application and possible grant funding and rehabilitation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board hereby accepts the agreement with FONC and authorizes the Supervisor to execute 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

2. Adoption of Plans

The proposed grant application requires the Board to adopt (1) the Abbreviated Consolidated Plan (2) the Citizen Participation Plan and (3) the Anti-Displacement Plan. Supv. Willman read the resolution into the record and requested a motion for a resolution. Motion (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 20: ADOPT ABBREVIATED CONSOLIDATED PLAN, CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN AND ANTI-DISPLACEMENT PLAN WHEREAS, this Town Board authorized the Town's participation in the CDBG community Development Block Grant, administered by the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Office; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Friends of the North Country, Inc., a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, is hereby authorized to prepare and submit an application to New York State Homes and Community Renewal Office; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Town Board does hereby adopt the Abbreviated Consolidated Plan, the Citizen Participation Plan and the Anti-Displacement Plan; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this Abbreviated Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan and Anti-Displacement Plan be sent by the Town Clerk of the Town of Franklin to the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Office; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to sign and execute associated documentation for the aforementioned NYS Homes and Community Renewal CDBG Application.

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. ADOPT LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF 2011 - CHANGING DATE OF GRIEVANCE DAY.

Supv. Willman read into the record the text of the proposed local law (contained in the resolution) and requested a motion for a resolution adopting it. Motion (A.Berg-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 21: ADOPT LOCAL LAW NO. 1 OF 2011 - CHANGING DATE OF GRIEVANCE DAY NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that in order to conform with Real Property Tax Law section 512, the Town Board of the Town of Franklin hereby changes the date of Grievance Day, the date upon which grievance hearings on assessments are heard, and adopts Local Law No. 1 of 2011, as follows:

"Town of Franklin (Franklin County)
Local Law No. 1 of 2011
CHANGING THE DATE OF GRIEVANCE DAY

4) Pursuant to Real Property Tax Law section 512, the date on which the Board of Assessment Review of the Town of Franklin, Franklin County, New York, shall meet to hear complaints on real property assessments is hereby changed to the first Tuesday following the fourth Tuesday in May.
5) Local Law #2 of 2002 is hereby repealed in its entirety
6) This local law shall take effect upon filing with the Secretary of State of the State of New York, the New York Board of Real Property Services and the Town Clerk of the Town of Franklin (Franklin County)."

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

D. SUPPORT FOR TOWN OF TUPPER LAKE AND ADIRONDACK CLUB & RESORT

The Board consensus was that a resolution in supporting the Town of Tupper Lake in its support for the proposed Adirondack Club and Resort Project would be beneficial. Motion for resolution (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 22: SUPPORT FOR TOWN OF TUPPER LAKE IN ITS SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED ADIRONDACK CLUB AND RESORT PROJECT WHEREAS, the Town of Tupper Lake has adopted a resolution in support of the proposed development known as Adirondack Club and Resort; and WHEREAS, numerous organizations have opposed the proposed project; and WHEREAS, the Town of Franklin Town Board considers the Adirondack Club and Resort development would benefit the economy not only of Tupper Lake but also the entire southern end of Franklin County; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board of the Town of Franklin hereby endorses and supports the Adirondack Club and Resort project and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Board encourages the Adirondack Park Agency to approve the proposed project.

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. ACCEPT 2011 POLLING SITE AGREEMENT WITH FRANKLIN COUNTY

Since counties have assumed responsibility for all elections, each year the Franklin County Board of Elections submits an agreement with the Town of Franklin to use the Franklin Town Hall as the polling site. The agreement sets forth certain conditions and specifies certain individuals as contacts. Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution accepting the agreement. Motion (B.Merrill-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 23: ACCEPT 2011 POLLING SITE AGREEMENT WITH FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS WHEREAS, the Board of Elections of Franklin County has submitted an agreement to use the Franklin Town Hall as a polling site for the 2011 Elections; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board accepts such agreement and authorizes the Supervisor to execute 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

E. RE-AWARD CONTRACT FOR TOWN HALL DOOR INSTALLATION.

Supv. Willman reported that the winning bidder of the Town Hall door installation (Jim Sayles) recently had surgery and would be unable to start the work. He checked with the State Comptroller's Office to ascertain whether an RFP would need to be republished, and was informed that since the bid award was less than $1,000 per the Town's procurement policy, it would not have to be republished. The next lowest bidder was Peck's from Wilmington at $950. Supv. Willman contacted Douglas Snickles, who was awarded the Town Hall window installation bid, and he agreed to install the doors at the same price as Sayles ($808.50). Coun. Merrill stated that as Mr. Snickles has contracted to install the new windows and agreed to install the doors at the same price as Mr. Sayles, it makes sense to award the work to Mr. Snickles. The Board concurred that re-awarding the bid to Douglas Snickles would be in the best interests of the Town. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 24: CHANGE BID AWARD FOR INSTALLATION OF TOWN HALL DOORS WHEREAS, on December 29, 2010 by Resolution no. 108, the Town Board awarded the bid for installation of Town Hall doors to James Sayles of Saranac Lake; and WHEREAS, Mr. Sayles is unable to perform said agreed-upon work; and WHEREAS, upon consultation with the Office of State Comptroller and following the Town's Procurement Policy, the contract amount is less than $1,000, and the request for prices will not be required to be republished; and WHEREAS, Douglas Snickles has agreed to perform the work for the same price as Mr. Sayles ($808.50); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the bid for installation of Town Hall doors is hereby awarded to Douglas Snickles.

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

F. ACQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES LEGISLATION.

The Town of Brighton recently adopted a local law prohibiting the spread of aquatic invasive species which is administered by its Codes Officer. Although the Brighton Supervisor acknowledged the law is not enforceable, the general consensus among water-bordered municipalities is that if local laws are adopted, perhaps the State of New York, through the Dept. of Environmental Conservation might eventually adopt similar legislation, thereby transferring on the responsibility of enforcing same to DEC. Coun. Berg noted that Kushaqua has a hose for incoming boaters to wash their crafts with. Lake Placid has also adopted such a law . Supv. Willman requested the Board members review the text of the Brighton law and perhaps expand it. The matter will be raised again at the April 13, 2011 meeting.

F. ACQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES LEGISLATION.

Each time a dinner using the kitchen is held at the Town Hall a special permit must be obtained from the NYS Dept. of Health. Supv. Willman asked NYS DOH what the kitchen would require in order to qualify under its regulations. NYS DOH indicated the walls should be painted white so as to show dirt, the roof leak repaired, the 2-sink setup should be replaced with a 3-sink arrangement and the stove vented. Last week the kitchen ceiling was painted, and before the General Fund employee becomes involved in grass cutting, he will have time to paint the kitchen walls. The Board concurred it a good use of time and resources. Motion (C.Smalley-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 25: AUTHORIZE PAINTING OF TOWN HALL KITCHEN WHEREAS, the kitchen of the Franklin Town Hall is used by the community for fundraising dinners open to the public; and WHEREAS, because of the condition of the kitchen, each time an organization holds a dinner open to the public a certificate must be obtained from the NYS Dept. of Health; and WHEREAS, the Town Board wishes to bring the Town Hall kitchen condition up to Dept. of Health standards so a special certificate is not necessary; and WHEREAS, one of the recommendations of the Dept. of Health is that the walls be painted a light color; and WHEREAS, the General Fund employee has time to perform the painting work; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the purchase of paint in a light color is hereby authorized and the General Fund employee is authorized to expend his work time in painting the kitchen.

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

3. OLD BUSINESS

A. TOWN HALL ELECTRIC REPAIR. Coun. Hamm inquired about the progress of the electrical repair to the Town Hall, and Supv. Willman reported the bid had been awarded to Accord of Schuyler Falls. Accord had sent him a contract which he signed, and he is waiting to hear back from them.

B. TOWN HALL ROOF. Supv. Willman indicated the Board should investigate replacing that part of the roof over the microwave oven in the kitchen. The roof leaks each winter, and the water is leaking into the cabinets and around electrical outlets.

4. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Q/C: Thanks to the Board for pursuing this HUD grant application however I think the Citizen Participation Plan should be expanded. The Abbreviated Plan has merits but the Board should facilitate the public process to improve the Town and it should be reviewed in greater depth. The Board should provide an outline for follow-up steps.

A: Supv. Willman replied the Board should develop a comprehensive consolidated plan and opt for priorities.

Q/C: Regarding the proposed invasive species law, it should apply to all waterways in the Town. Perhaps it could be expanded to include hip-waders used by fisherman.

Q/C: Would the blanket certification of NYS Dept. of Health be applicable to all groups using the Town Hall kitchen facility and before this certification is accomplished, are all events on hold?

A: Supv. Willman replied that the blanket certification of NYS DOH would cover all events using the Town Hall kitchen and that no hold has been placed on planned events.

5. ADJOURNMENT.

There being no further business to discuss or conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:16 PM. Motion (B.Merrill-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk

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