Town of Franklin Board Meeting
November 13, 2006 - 7:00 pm
The Town Board of the Town of Franklin held a duly noticed Special Board meeting on Monday, November 13, 2006 at 7:00 pm at the Vermontville Town Hall.
Board members present:
Other Officers present:
Others present:
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited; the Town Clerk called the roll, and announced the full board was present.
AUDIT OF BILLS
Motion to approve bills
(W.Kretser-J.Ordway m/s/p) ALL AYE
MINUTES
Supervisor Keith set forth the method of payment for the 2007 International vehicle to M.A.Jerry. The Town issued Bond Anticipation Notes (See Resolution No. 41) through Tupper Lake National Bank in the amount of $110,000. This amount was deposited into the Highway Fund CLASS account, transferred to Highway Savings and then further transferred to Capital Project Highway. At the same time, the Town received $85,000 from Franklin County in payment of snow and ice removal. This amount was also deposited into Capital Project Highway for a total of $245,000. $160,000 was then paid to M.A. Jerry in full payment for the new vehicle. Sale of the 1999 International vehicle plus anticipated $103,000 from CHPS in December will repay the Bond Anticipation Notes.
These minutes were accepted as amended
The minutes of the October 10, 16 and 23, 2006 special board meetings were accepted as presented.
(W.Kretser-T. Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
Supervisor Keith noted the $45,000 received as a result of the sale of the 1999 International will be transferred into Capital Project Highway.
Motion to accept Supervisor's Report
(T.Goff-J.Ordway m/s/p) ALL AYE
GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #5
Motion for resolution
(J.Ordway-G.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION 51: GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #5: WHEREAS, In order to maintain a balanced 2006 General Fund Budget, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Budget Amendment is hereby adopted:
Those voting aye:
Those Voting nay:
HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #4
Motion for resolution
(J.Ordway-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION 52: HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #4: WHEREAS, In order to maintain a balanced 2006 Highway Fund Budget, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Budget Amendment is hereby adopted:
Those voting aye:
Those Voting nay:
FUEL BIDS
Motion for resolution to contract with Griffith Energy for fuel
(W.Kretser-G. Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 53: AUTHORIZE SUPERVISOR TO CONTRACT WITH GRIFFITH ENERGY FOR FUEL: WHEREAS, the Town published request for bids for fuel; and WHEREAS, no responses to said published request were received, and WHEREAS, the Town has received good price and service from Griffith Energy; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Supervisor to continue purchase of fuel from Griffith Energy on the same terms and conditions.
Those voting aye:
Those Voting nay:
HIGHWAY REPORT
Highway Superintendent James Rascoe gave the following report on progress of the Highway Dept.:
2. Raking completed on Goldsmith and French Roads
3. Grading completed on Goldsmith Road
4. First Snow. Department worked until midnight and reported back early the next day.
Cost Increases: Supt. Rascoe noted the following increases in materials cost:
Personnel Changes
Supt. Rascoe hired Russ Garrow from Saranac Lake to fill the position vacated by Wade. He also announced that long-term MEO Hubert Tyler will be leaving the Department and going on disability. Supervisor Keith requested a motion for a resolution commending Mr. Tyler on 30 years of loyal service to the Town.
Motion for resolution
(M.Keith-T. Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 54: COMMENDATION FOR HUBERT TYLER FOR
THIRTY (30) YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE TO
THE TOWN HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT:
WHEREAS, Hubert Tyler began employment with the Town November 11, 1976, and WHEREAS, Hubert Tyler has chosen to change his employment and receive Disability, and WHEREAS, said Hubert Tyler has served the Town in various capacities for thirty years; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Franklin wishes to recognize Mr. Tyler's many contributions to the Town; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Hubert Tyler is hereby commended for his 30 years of loyal service to the Town of Franklin; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town of Franklin Town Board hereby expresses gratitude and appreciation for his competent and faithful service.
Those voting aye:
Those voting nay:
HIGHWAY COMMITTEE
2. Highway Dept. Infrastructure. Couns. W. Kretser and G. Goff commented on the poor condition of the garage building and the salt shed which must be repaired. The salt shed will be repaired Thanksgiving weekend. The Highway Dept. progresses very well with manpower management, but the infrastructure is in poor shape. Highway Supt. Rascoe noted that in addition to repairs, the garage should be enlarged. The garage is losing heat because of poor design and that is a waste of money. The outside lights around the garage have disintegrated and have been replaced. The Town is working with Yellow Wood Associates on environmentally friendly solutions to infrastructure problems. In that regard Supervisor Keith has been in communication with NYSERDA and is looking into grant money .
ASSESSOR DOUGLAS TICHENOR
2. 2007 Assessment Update. Assessor Tichenor opined the Town would benefit from postponing the assessment update scheduled for 2007 for another year. The current cycle for assessment updates is every 5 to 6 years. His reasons included the large number of building permits which have been issued in 2006 for residences which are not yet complete. Once these structures have been completed, it will be easier to assess them. (He expressed appreciation for the excellent records maintained by Edward Lagree, the Codes Officer.) Mr. Tichenor also thought the residential sales market will have leveled off or flattened by 2008. At a recent meeting of local assessors discussions took place with County and State officials concerning changes in the assessment process, including the revision of data currently being used - this data was collected in the 1980's - which assessors must continually modernize to current levels. The 1980's data was mandated by the State then and is used by NYS to calculate equalization rates. Each time the assessor performs an assessment update, he mails requests for clarification/correction and the property owner is to complete them and mail back. Currently this is the only method local assessors have of gathering accurate data. The local assessors associations recommended that the State develop a program to reimburse municipalities for cost of gathering new assessment data so the assessment process can be streamlined. Current data is needed to obtain accurate values on property because assessments track the market. Mr. Tichenor considered the recent gubernatorial election would bring changes in the manner in which property taxes are assessed. In order to calculate equalization rates, the State looks at valid sales (arm's-length transactions) in the area. - ratio of overall value of town versus assessed value. The Town of Franklin's equalization rate now is at 77%. This ratio is used to translate into full value and so apportion taxes. Waterfront property in the Town is balanced with non-waterfront property. Assessor Tichenor also noted that the character of the Town is changing - new people are building here and with these new sales, especially waterfront, residents can expect a 12% increase per year. Local assessors associations have also questioned the necessity for all the exemptions currently in place. The STAR exemption has become an enormous administrative burden for local assessors as well as the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance which issues checks. In addition, assessors raised the problem of agricultural and forest land exemptions, which eventually the municipality ends up paying for. Mr. Tichenor opined that if the State wishes to grant these exemptions, the State should fund them.
Motion for resolution postponing assessment update
(G.Goff-M.Keith m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 55: POSTPONE ASSESSMENT UPDATE UNTIL 2008:
WHEREAS, in the opinion of the Town's Assessor, it would be wise to wait until calendar year 2008 to perform an assessment update for the real estate market to level off; and WHEREAS, no real damage will be done to taxpayers by the postponement; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Franklin Town Board hereby postpones the assessment update originally scheduled for 2007 until 2008.
Those voting aye:
Those voting nay:
APA APPROVAL OF STICKNEY POINT SUBDIVISION
Assessor Tichenor indicated that the development will impact taxes in the Town because the tax burden flows to value, and 20 homes of 5,000 sq ft will add $10 million to the value of the town. It may reduce the Town tax portion but will increase taxpayer share of county tax burden and school tax burden.
Mr. Tichenor noted he continues to receive telephone calls from out-of-state parties interested in purchasing waterfront property in the Town because of its low price and scenic beauty. This real estate market is drawing wealthy people, and the character of the Town will change.
Supervisor Keith thanked the Assessor for his report and recommendations, and Mr. Tichenor then left the meeting.
Hugh Law spoke in opposition to the development and recommended the Town create a planning board. Sylvia Hough asked that residents protect this area from further development. 2007 PRELIMINARY BUDGET
Coun. Gene Goff asked for a motion for a resolution concerning the Highway Supt. salary in which Board members would be polled.
(M.Keith-T. Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 56: 2007 SALARY OF HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT
WHEREAS, opinions of the members of the Town Board vary as to the amount of the Highway Superintendent's 2007 salary; and WHEREAS, determination of said salary is necessary in order to adopt the 2007 Budget; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the poll of the Board will indicate the amount of the Highway Superintendent's 2007 salary:
Those voting aye:
Those voting nay:
Supervisor Keith requested a motion for a resolution adopting the 2007 Budget
(G.Goff-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 57: ADOPT 2007 BUDGET
WHEREAS, following deliberation and a duly publicized Public Hearing, NOW, THEREFORE, the Town Board of the Town of Franklin hereby adopts its 2007 Preliminary Budget as its 2007 Budget.
Those voting aye:
Those voting nay:
ASPEN GROUP
IMPORTANT DATES
ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk
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