Adirondack Town Of Franklin
Adirondack Town Of Franklin

Town of Franklin Board Meetings

Regular Meeting January 10, 2018 5:50PM

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:

Supervisor Art Willman, Councilman Tom Bartiss, Councilman Don Hamm and, Councilman Cliff Smalley

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:

Councilman Pete Woodcock

OTHERS PRESENT:

Doris Hamm, Highway Superintendent Jacques DeMars and, Ed Martin, Dick Jarvis, Tim Santos, Karen Smalley and, Town Clerk Lauren LeFebvre

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Willman called the monthly meeting to order at 5:50pm.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Dick Jarvis suggested the board increase communications with the residents of the Town by keeping the website updated, increasing the newsletter (content/frequency), providing information as to who people can get involved, providing information on fundraising activities, asking for community input on possible uses of the new community building and ideas to off-set costs attributed to the upkeep and maintenance of the new building. He also suggested the board make a resolution supporting DEC's effort to increase Forest Rangers in the Adirondacks.

Supervisor Willman thanked Mr. Jarvis for his comments. The Supervisor discussed the rational behind the quarterly four page newsletter, how it is delivered and that every newsletter includes a variety of ways for people to get involved. Supervisor Willman added that the board made a resolution in support of DEC increasing Forest Rangers in our area in November 2017.

REVIEW/APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 13 AND 27, 2017 MEETING MINUTES Minutes approved as presented. (C.Smalley-T.Bartiss m/s/p) all aye

BUDGET AMENDMENT #1 HIGHWAY FUND Resolution #3

In order to close Fiscal Year 2017 BE IT RESOLVED that the following amounts be transferred in the Highway Fund:

From: To:
$6,328.00 DA 5112.1$6,328.00 DA 5130.1
$23,126.00 DA 5112.2$43,363.00 DA 5130.4
$20,237.00 DA 5130.2  

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Hamm
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Smalley

Those voting No: None

BUDGET AMENDMENT #1 GENERAL FUND

Resolution #4 In order to close Fiscal Year 201 BE IT RESOLVED that the following amounts be transferred in the General Fund:

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS The board audited and approved payment of the following:

From: To:
$18,995.00 A1990.4$11,243.00 A 1420.4
$2,628.00 A 7310.1$2,266.00 A 1670.4
$4,472.00 A 7310.4
$15.00 A 7510.4
$431.00 A 7550.4
$108.00 A 9010.8
$460.00 A 9060.8
$2,628.00 A 1620.1

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Hamm
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Smalley

Those voting No: None

APPROVAL OF CLAIMS The board audited and approved payment of the following:

General FundAbstract 1Claims 1-19$13,297.65
Highway FundAbstract 1Claims 1-12$33,698.58
Pre-Pay GeneralAbstract 1Claims 1-2 $1,625.90
Fire Protection Abstract 1 Claim 1-2 $70,099.00

(D.Hamm-T.Bartiss m/s/p) all aye

SUPERVISOR'S REPORT Balances on hand as of Dec. 31, 2017:

GENERAL FUNDChecking$32,864.18
Savings$14,206.01
Historian$3,038.97
Kate MT. SRF$44,224.85
Cemetery RF$3,202.56
CLASS$239,352.47
HIGHWAY FUNDChecking$20,702.32
 Savings$558.34
 Cap. Proj. Hwy.$47,065.32
 CLASS$393,433.12
LANDFILL CLOSURE CAP RESChecking$2,408.28
 CLASS$19.309.69
FIRE PROTECTIONChecking$7,921.46
 CLASS$20,826.02
CAP. PROJ. BLDGCLASS65,999.14

(Smalley-Hamm m/s/p) All Aye

HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Superintendent DeMars presented the following report:

  • Plow and sanded as needed.
  • Cut fallen trees as necessary.
  • Replaced sections of w rail on Cold Brook Rd.
  • 284 for general repairs
  • Year totals for gas and fuel usage were compiled and a copy of the figures were faxed to the town book keeper Dick Meager.
  • PESH yearly summery was done and a copy was given to Supervisor Art Willman.
  • Received our 2018 Beaver Permit.
  • Hazard Notification- There seems to be some confusion regarding hazard notification. At the last meeting a lot of emphasis was put on written notice being mandatory. This was initiated by our insurance company for liability reasons. My concerns are for our taxpayers and the traveling public. Please contact me regarding any hazard what so ever because the sooner I know then the sooner the hazard can be rectified.
  • Gas, fuel and maintenance logs given to Highway Committee

RESOLUTION #5 REQUEST FOR COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE On a motion by Councilman Bartiss, second by Councilman Hamm, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin Town Board does hereby authorize Supervisor Willman to sign the 2018 request for Franklin County Highway Department Assistance with the following specific equipment: Paver, Vacuum Truck, Dozer, Excavator, Surveyor and Road Widener. IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that this work is undertaken by the Town of Franklin Highway Department and it totally under the direction and supervision of the Town of Franklin Highway Department. The Town of Franklin is required to get necessary agency permits, obtain property owner(s) agreements and provide utility notification. As an inducement for such assistance the Town of Franklin will hold the County of Franklin harmless from property damages, claims brought by any third party as a result of this work and, if the County is held responsible for damages the Town of Franklin will indemnify Franklin County.

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Hamm
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Smalley

Those voting No: None

CODE OFFICER'S REPORT -4 Inspections were performed and one Building Permit was renewed.

NEW BUSINESS

A. RESOLUTION #6 BLOOMINGDALE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2018 OFFICERS - On a motion by Councilman Bartiss, second by Councilman Hamm, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin Town Board does hereby accept and acknowledge the following 2018

  • Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department Officers:
  • Timothy Woodruff, Chief
  • Kevin Woodruff, 1st Assistant Chief
  • John Houghton, 2nd Assistant Chief
  • Dustin Fuller, Captain
  • Brian Goetz, 1st Lieutenant/Treasurer
  • Jonathan Gorgas, 2nd Lieutenant
  • Zack Carpenter, Secretary
  • Bob O'Neill, Bill Latham and Nancy Swinyer, Trustees

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Hamm
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Smalley

Those voting No: None

B. RESOLUTION #7 ACCEPT JUSTICE COURT ACCOUNTING

WHEREAS, Town Justice Roger Symonds, in compliance with NYS Comptroller guidelines, requested an audit of his accounts; and WHEREAS, Town Supervisor Arthur P. Willman inspected said records on December 18, 2017, bank statements and accounts, inclusive, and found them to be in good order; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Franklin Town Board hereby accepts and approves of the accounting records maintained by Town Justice Roger Symonds.

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Smalley
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Hamm

Those voting No: None

C. RESOLUTION #8 REAPPOINT EDWARD MARTIN TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW On a motion by Councilman Smalley, second by Councilman Hamm, BE IT RESOLVED that Edward Martin has been reappointed to a five year term (October 1, 2017-September 30, 2022) as a member of the Board of Assessment Review.

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Hamm
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Smalley

Those voting No: None

D. AGENDA PROCEDURE - Supervisor Willman stated the agenda for regular meetings will be set one week prior to the board meeting. Board Members should bring topics they would like discussed by the board to his attention PRIOR to the agenda being set. In the event an important matter must be discussed after the agenda is set, all items on the agenda will be dealt with before other business will be entertained by the Supervisor.

E. SPECIAL MEETING - The board will meet with legal counsel on January 16, 2018 at 5pm. The meeting will convene in public session with a motion to move to Executive Session.

F. COMMUNITY BUILDING GENERAL CONTRACTOR - The board discussed Supervisor Willman acting as General contractor for the Community Building Project. The Town will continue its agreement with Tisdel Associates as voted on in October 2016. Tisdel will handle all bidding and contractor coordination as stated in their proposal.

G. RESOLUTION #9 284 AGREEMENT FOR THE EXPENDITURE OF HIGHWAY MONEYS - On a motion By Councilman Hamm, second by Councilman Bartiss, BE IT RESOLVED the Town of Franklin Town Board does hereby approve of the expenditure of up to $91,466 for primary work and general repairs upon 67.33 miles of town highways, including sluices, culverts and, bridges having a span of less than five feet and boardwalks or the renewals thereof.

Those Voting Aye:
    Supervisor Willman
    Councilman Hamm
    Councilman Bartiss
    Councilman Smalley

Those voting No: None

OLD BUSINESS

A. Charter Franchise Contract - Superior Willman requested a motion for approval to sign the fifteen year franchise agreement. Councilman Bartiss stated he would like to opportunity to review the Build Out Plan that has been provided to the board through a Confidentiality Agreement. Councilman Bartiss' opinion is that the Town may have leverage in increasing the Build Out Plan and that the Town will not be in this position again for fifteen years. The Franchise Contract was tabled until the February board meeting.

B. Solar Project Update - No update.

C. Tandem Bond Financing - The Estoppel Notice was printed on January 4. Closing on the bond will take place after January 24, 2018.

D. Local Law #1 2017 Update - The Town Clerk has filed all the necessary paperwork with the Department of State. Local Law #1 2017 Prior Written Notice of Highway Defects is now if effect. It should be noted that written notice is not required in order to inform the Highway Department of a particular concern/defect. Prior written notice is only required in the event an individual intends to take legal action regarding a concern/defect. Highway Superintendent DeMars stated the usual manner of reporting trees down, hazardous conditions, etc has always been and continues to be a simple phone call, text, stopping by the garage or a chance meeting somewhere. His department does not require written notification in order to address an individual's concern.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Cemetery Report - Councilman Smalley requested the updated Cemetery Policy be provided to Bernie Cushman as Bernie is now handling grave openings in our area.

Celebration - The Town Clerk reported 14 children attended the Town's Visit With Santa on December 16. She also thanked the volunteers that provided snacks and presents for the event.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, Supervisor Willman adjourned the meeting at 5:57pm.

Respectfully submitted, Lauren LeFebvre, Town Clerk

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