Town of Franklin Monthly Board Meeting
January 9, 2006
The Town of Franklin Town Board held an Organizational Board Meeting on Monday, January 9, 2006 at 7:00 pm at the Franklin Town Hall in Vermontville, NY.
Board members present:
Others present:
CALL TO ORDER
Supervisor Keith called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited; the Town Clerk called the roll and stated the full board was present.
PAYMENT OF BILLS
The bills were found to be in good order, and Supervisor Keith noted for the record that the General Fund Custodian received the same hourly increase for 2006 ($.39/hr) as the Highway Dept. employees.
Coun. Gene Goff clarified Resolution No. 8 (cell phones for Highway Superintendent and Deputy) in the January 2, 2006 meeting minutes. Last summer the Board stripped the former Highway Supt. of cell phone privilege because of misuse. Highway Supt. Rascoe arranged for reasonable rates on cell phone service from Verizon ($30/month each). Coun. Gene Goff also noted only the Highway Superintendent and his Deputy would be allowed to use the cell phones.
Motion to pay approved bills
(W.Kretser-G.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE MINUTES
Motion for 2-week extension for preparation of minutes of meetings held in December and January
(M.Keith-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 9: 2-WEEK EXTENSION OF TIME FOR PREPARATION OF DECEMBER AND JANUARY MEETING MINUTES WHEREAS, the duties of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector become more time-consuming during the months of January and December of each year; and WHEREAS, tax collection results in income for the Town and thus is important; and WHEREAS, the Town Clerk/Tax Collector has requested an extension of two (2) weeks within which to prepare meeting minutes for each meeting held in December and January of each year if needed; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that an extension of time of two (2) weeks is granted for the preparation and dissemination of December and January meeting minutes, if needed; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk will provide draft copies of minutes to any requesting individual.
Those voting aye:
Those Voting no:
SUPERVISOR'S REPORT
Motion to accept Supervisor's Report
(T.Goff-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE
BUDGET AMENDMENTS
Motion for resolution for 2005 General Fund Budget Amendment No. 4
(J.Ordway-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 10: 2005 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #4
WHEREAS, transfers of funds are required to balance the 2005 General Fund Budget, the Board hereby authorizes the following Budget Amendment:
Those voting aye:
Those Voting no:
Motion for resolution for 2005 General Fund Budget Amendment No. 5
(J.Ordway-G.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 11: 2005 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #5 WHEREAS, transfers of funds are required to balance the 2005 General Fund Budget, the Board hereby authorizes the following Budget Amendment:
Those voting aye:
Those Voting no:
Motion for resolution for 2005 Highway Fund Budget Amendment No. 1
(T.Goff-J.Ordway m/s/p) ALL AYE
RESOLUTION NO. 12: 2005 HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #1
WHEREAS, transfers of funds are required to balance the 2005 Highway Fund Budget, the Board hereby authorizes the following Budget Amendment:
FROM ACCOUNT AMOUNT TO ACCOUNT AMOUNT
DA5110.4 Gen Repairs CE $6,154.00 DA5130.4 Machin CE $6,154.00
Those voting aye:
Those Voting no:
FRIENDS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY
Mr. Campbell responded:
Supervisor Keith inquired if New York State will contribute matching funds, and Mr. Campbell replied in the affirmative. Mr. Campbell then explained a new component for funding currently in place in Clinton County: replacement of mobile homes (average life span is 8-10 years) with "stick-built" homes, in a 38x42 "affordable Cape" style for approximately $50,000. This was accomplished by FONC doing a most of the planning, requesting funds and obtaining donation of professional services. Recipient householders must also attend "home maintenance counseling sessions" and have adequate water, septic, drainage and enough acreage for the existing mobile home to be a residence during the construction phase. The affordable Cape is built on a crawlspace. In order for FONC to proceed with the grant application, the Town Board must adopt a resolution and hold two (2) public hearings on the matter. The completed grant application is due April 3, 2006, and FONC's fee will be $2,000 plus expenses, and Supervisor Keith noted the 2006 Budget set aside $2,500 for the grant application fee.
RESOLUTION NO. 13: AUTHORIZATION TO WORK WITH FRIENDS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY IN PREPARATION OF APPLICATION FOR HOUSING REHABILITATION FUNDS
WHEREAS, some residents of the Town of Franklin are in need of housing rehabilitation, and WHEREAS, Friends of the North Country is willing to assist the Town of Franklin in obtaining funding for such rehabilitation; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Supervisor of the Town of Franklin is authorized to enter into an agreement with Friends of the North Country for a grant application seeking such funds.
Those voting aye:
Those Voting no:
The first public hearing will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, January 25, and the second, on February 13, 2006 at 6:00 pm. FONC will advertise the hearings.
HIGHWAY REPORT
1. Sander. The sander is ready for installation on the truck, and he estimates the work will take one or two days. He is waiting for a break in the weather.
2. New Employee. Started last week and is doing well. All his paperwork is done, and he received his computerized time card.
3. Truck Repair. Supt. Rascoe will be negotiating with M.A. Jerry for reduction of the bill for repairs to the 2000 International.
4. Garage Reorganization. Supt. Rascoe and Deputy Supt. Merrill are in process of reorganizing the Highway Department:
b. Only the Superintendent and Deputy will be authorized to order supplies and necessary items
c. The kitchen area has been cleaned
d. Tools have been reorganized and straightened out
e. The Superintendent's office has been cleaned, painted and is in process of reorganization. COMMITTEE REPORTS
b. New Pickup Truck. A replacement for the Highway 2000 Chevy pickup, a 2006 red Dodge Ram 2500, 1/4 ton, 4x4 with plow and options, has been ordered from Albany Dodge and will be delivered within the month. Coun. G. Goff noted that procurement procedures had been followed and the truck was purchased through NYS OGS at $22,645, although the sticker price is $36,495. The truck will be well maintained and will be sold in 3 years when the warranty expires. The Town will advertise the 2000 Chevy pickup, and whatever price is obtained will be returned to the Highway Capital Projects Fund.
c. 2004 Highway Supt. pickup. Although this vehicle is only 18 months old, it has not been maintained. Supt. Rascoe replaced the tires on the truck and had the wheels aligned.
d. Sale of Equipment. In addition to advertising the 2000 Chevrolet pickup for sale, the old backhoe must also be sold. Coun. W. Kretser will research the value of the vehicle and then it will be advertised for sale.
e. Highway Computer. Coun. Kretser will arrange to have the Highway Dept. computer monitored and then erased so that the Garage computer system will be in compliance with the Town's computer/internet policy. Supt. Rascoe endorsed the idea, stating he wanted to start his term with a "clean slate." 2. BUILDING COMMITTEE. An attorney specializing in municipal finance will be present at the special board meeting on Wednesday, January 25, 2006.
3. RECREATION COMMITTEE. The Town Custodian is attempting to create a skating rink at the Rec Park, although recent warm weather and rains are frustrating his efforts.
4. CEMETERY COMMITTEE. Supv. Keith indicated she had some good ideas and is anxious to begin work with Coun. T. Goff on these.
5. LANDFILL COMMITTEE. Coun. Ordway noticed snowmobile tracks on the landfill, even though signs have been posted. Supv. Keith indicated she would contact the State Police, and Coun. Ordway said she had seen State Park Police patrolling the area. OLD BUSINESS
CORRESPONDENCE
2. Bloomingdale Fire Dept. Supv. Keith received a tally of all calls for the Town. COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS
2. Lower Real Property Assessments. Frank Karl announced the area's association will be holding a meeting with Sen. Betty Little at the High School Auditorium on January 10th. He stated Sen. Little has five bills pending, one of which proposes the State prohibit annual assessment updates. He noted one county petitioned Albany and was able to obtain a 6-year reassessment cycle and maintains a 100% equalization rate until the revaluation. He urged all present to contact their State representatives and complain about the high cost of taxes. Supervisor Keith asked Mr. Karl to develop a fact sheet and circulate it with a petition, and Mr. Karl agreed.
3. Recreational Facilities. Elizabeth McGuiork asked about the placement of proposed new public assembly structure to be erected on the existing Rec Park skating rink. If the structure is to be built on the rink, where will the skating rink be found? Coun. Ordway replied the Town would make sure the skating rink would be relocated to an appropriate spot. ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Deputy Town Clerk
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