Adirondack Town Of Franklin
Adirondack Town Of Franklin

Town of Franklin Board Meetings

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING - PROPOSED HOUSING GRANT APPLICATION (6:00 PM) and MONTHLY TOWN BOARD MEETING immediately following July 11, 2012

Board members present:

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr.
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Donald Hamm
Councilman Bradley Merrill
Councilman Clifford Smalley

Others Present:

Sue Picard, Friends of the North Country, Town Clerk Sandra Oliver, Mary Ellen Keith, Derrick Romeo, Dick Jarvis, Ed Martin, Bruce Young

PUBLIC HEARING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman called the public hearing to order at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, the Town Clerk called the roll, introduced guests, declared the full board was present and pointed out the rules of procedure for public hearings were posted on the wall.

2. PURPOSE OF SPECIAL MEETING:

Supv. Willman introduced Sue Picard, representing Friends of the North Country. Ms. Picard described the funding available to communities through the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, administered by the Office of Community Renewal: (1) Up to $400,000 for housing rehabilitation and (2) public infrastructure - for public water and sewer systems only. In 2011 the Town applied for funding through this source but was not awarded. Friends of the North Country, in the 2011 pre-application process, developed a list of 20 homeowners who expressed interest in obtaining assistance for home repair. The list of homeowners has now swelled to 40, and Ms. Picard indicated a longer list of individuals interested in assistance might improve the Town’s chances of obtaining an award of funding. The longer waiting list is due to the low income of 20 or more of the applicants. In addition, some interested people did not contact FONC until after the deadline. 40 households is a good number as some may not qualify for assistance based on finances. The applicants must be rechecked by FONC staff every 6 months.

She referenced Scott Campbell’s appearance before the Board on March 30, 2011 wherein he explained the entire process of pre-application interviews and site visits and formal application and finally the process by which the Town Board determines which projects will be worked on. At that time the Board determined it would fund projects based (1) on health and safety issues such as clean water, septic, furnace, mold issues, and then (2) other issues such as roofing, siding and handicapped accessibility. The Board would review project applications (without names or addresses) at its public meetings and would give preference to those households who had not received previous project awards. Ms. Picard reiterated Mr. Campbell’s comments that if the funds are awarded to the Town, they would be on a sliding scale based on the number of individuals in the household.

Ms. Picard indicated that the deadline for submission of the grant application is August 17, 2012, and noted the timeline this year is different, as approval by a one of the agencies is no longer necessary. The decision on funding will be made in October. FONC will have the bulk of the narrative of the grant application completed shortly.

Ms. Picard noted that the amount of funding requested would be a decision of the Town Board. In addition, she would appreciate members of the Town Board contacting any individual who may have expressed an interest in housing rehabilitation help. If the grant is awarded, the Town Board would also publish some kind of announcement.

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS:

MARY ELLEN KEITH. Mrs. Keith, former Town Supervisor, has had extensive experience with these grants and ensuing projects. Through her work administering St. Paul’s-Assumption Food Pantry, she knows individuals who are in desperate need of housing repair assistance; however, she felt they would be too embarrassed to apply for help or even to ask. She volunteered to speak with the householders as she knows them well. These individuals have serious problems, i.e, lead paint, black mold, etc. She preferred not to divulge names to the Board but will contact FONC on their behalf. She recalled that the first grant the Town received specified buildings to be worked on had to be in a central location which is why housing in Vermontville received funding. Also, if the Town were awarded the grant in 2012, contractors would not “drag their feet” in completing projects as they had done in the past. She also recalled that with respect to mobile home work, used trailers were put in place but were unacceptable; after that, new mobile homes were used. However, even the new mobile homes did not last more than 8-10 years, and there was some talk in years past about replacing all mobile homes with “stick-built” houses which would last 50 years or more with adequate maintenance. However, since the 2008 recession, there was no further word about replacing mobile homes with “stick built” houses.

• Supv. Willman expressed appreciation for Mrs. Keith’s assistance and assured all Mrs. Keith’s assistance was very welcome.

RICHARD JARVIS. Mr. Jarvis asked whether the public infrastructure funding could be used to improve the Kate Mountain Recreation Park, and Ms. Picard indicated the funding was specifically earmarked for municipal water and sewer systems. However, there are other sources of funding for parks, but, like everything else, funding has been cut.

• Supv. Willman asked if any other town in Franklin County was applying for the grant, and Ms. Picard indicated the Town of Bellmont was applying. Chateaugay applied last year.

• Coun. Hamm inquired whether the Town would receive any “credit” for past unfunded applications, and Ms. Picard indicated there was no such provision.

• Coun. Berg requested clarification as to which entity makes the decision to fund which projects, and Ms. Picard indicated it would be the Town Board’s decision.

• Supv. Willman suggested following Scott Campbell’s recommendation that the Town should request less than the maximum $400,000 grant award and proposed the Town request $250,000. In that way, with 40 people on the waiting list, the grant application reviewers could make the grant dollars stretch.

• Ms. Picard suggested that as Scott Campbell had indicated, perhaps the Town might be awarded a further grant in 2013, especially as many of the applicants would not be able to rehabilitate or repair their dwellings with the current proposed grant.

• Coun. Hamm recommended asking for the $400,000 in the hope that the Town would be awarded a part of the $400,000.

• Ms. Picard and Supv. Willman replied that the grant awards are not administered that way; the grant request is awarded in whatever amount the Town Board requests or not at all.

4. ADJOURNMENT.

6:59 PM. Motion (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

MONTHLY TOWN BOARD MEETING

1. CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Arthur P. Willman, Jr. called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM, the Pledge of Allegiance having been recited and roll called previously.

2. BUDGET AMENDMENTS None

3. AUDIT OF CLAIMS

The following claims were submitted for approval and payment on Abstract 7 of 2012:
General FundVouchers 114 - 131$ 3,602.42
Highway FundVouchers 60 - 76$11,032.72
Prepay GeneralVouchers 22 -$1,295.43

Motion to pay claims (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE


4. MINUTES

Coun. Merrill stated he disagreed with the wording of Resolution 41 in the June 27 special meeting minutes; he did not understand how the Board could provisionally accept a bid. The Clerk replied that the Board has adopted resolutions with provisos in them; in the instant matter, discussion immediately following adoption of Resolution 41 concerned whether the small dump truck could pull a 15-ton trailer. Supv. Willman indicated the Highway Superintendent had determined the Kaufman trailer was too light for the Town’s needs and that resolution will be rescinded. The minutes of the June 13 and 27, 2012 meetings were accepted as presented. Motion (A.Berg-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

5. SUPERVISOR'S REPORT.

Balances as of June 1, 2012

General FundChecking$87,731.54
Savings107,092.84
CLASS107,308.59
Historian3,037.30
Highway FundChecking58,689.08
Savings777,635.61
CLASS188,279.49
Cap. Proj. Hwy. 46,517.78
LandfillChecking482.03
CLASS 44,055.75
Fire ProtectionChecking16,683.08
CLASS685.30
Capital Project Building5,438.02

Supv. Willman reported he transferred half of the General Fund checking amount into the General Fund savings account. Motion to accept Supervisor’s Report (B.Merrill-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

6. TOWN CLERK:

or the month of June 2012

12 dog licenses$144.00
65 Building Permits$668.25
2 Culverts$659.76
Vitals -7 cps Death ctfs$61.00
Donation for Rec, Pk$25.00
--------
Total$1,558.51

K.Peck dog lic overpay refund$3.50
Paid to Supervisor$1,516.01
Paid to NYS Ag&Mkts (dogs)$39.00
--------
Total$1,558.51

Motion accept Clerk’s report (B.Merrill-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE.

7. CODES REPORT.:

Codes Enforcement Officer Robert Drosdowich was unable to attend the meeting; however, his written report indicated he had issued 5 building permits in June for $668.25, and had made 11 inspections or site visits.

8. HIGHWAY REPORT

A. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT. Highway Superintendent Jacques DeMars submitted the following written report for the period covering June 11 - July 11, 2012:


• More ditching on Fletcher Farm Road
• Cut and chipped trees on Plank, Cold Brook, Fletcher Farm, and Goldsmith Roads. Currently working on Blue Spruce Drive.
• Broomed Gerald Abbot, and Plank Roads and Roseman Lane
• Grader sent to Bigelow Road
• Attended a demonstration of a road grinding machine called “the Zipper” on Cold Brook Road; other towns in attendance were Brighton, St.Armand, Harrietstown and North Elba.
• In response to a Board question, the backhoe has 2,429.4 hrs. on it.

Motion accept Highway Report (C.Smalley-D.Hamm m/s/p) ALL AYE

B. HIGHWAY COMMITTEE.

1. Zipper Pavement Grinder. Supv. Willman suggested the Board might wish to consider purchasing a Zipper pavement grinder for a total price of $130,000 as a shared purchase with two other towns. If so, Franklin’s share would be a little over $43,300, and the Town should purchase its own “teeth”. Coun. Hamm opined a wider machine might save time, and Supv. Willman concurred. Coun. Smalley asked how the grinder is transported, and Coun. Hamm replied a front end loader picks the unit up, a man walks along side it and controls the depth, while the loader operator controls the speed. The machine was manufactured to grind up aggregate. Coun. Merrill commented that most of the older Town roads are bedded on cobblestones, and Coun. Hamm indicated the unit was not supposed to grind cobblestones. Supv. Willman stated that if the unit is purchased, before using it, holes would be drilled to determine the depth of the grind.

2. Backhoe. Coun. Smalley asked when the backhoe would return to service, and Coun. Hamm indicated the maintenance and repairs to the unit were almost complete, and if they had not been done at this time, would need to be performed sooner rather than later.

3. Trailer for Pavement Roller. Highway Superintendent DeMars and the Highway Committee had determined that a 15-ton trailer was not heavy enough for the Town’s needs. Further discussion of the merits of the bids received on June 13 ensued. Coun. Berg inquired as to the future needs of the Highway Dept. in transporting various pieces of equipment other than the pavement roller, including the excavator. Coun. Hamm noted that a Grade-All is self-propelled, unlike the excavator, and the Town Board will review the proposed shared purchase of the “Zipper” pavement grinder, that a larger trailer will be necessary. Therefore, Supv. Willman requested a motion for a resolution rescinding Resolution 41. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 47: RESCIND RESOLUTION 41 ACCEPTING 15 TON TRAILER BID; REPUBLISH RFP FOR HEAVIER TRAILER WHEREAS, requests for prices for a 15-ton trailer to transport the pavement roller were published and bids received; and WHEREAS, Resolution No. 41 adopted on June 27, 2012 at a special meeting of the Town Board accepted the bid of Kaufman Trailers; and WHEREAS, the Highway Superintendent and Highway Committee have determined the trailer is insufficient for the Town’s needs; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, Resolution 41 is hereby rescinded, and the Supervisor will correspond with the bidder; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town hereby authorizes publication of RFP (request for price) for heavier trailers.

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

9. NEW BUSINESS

A. ADOPT GRANT APPLICATION RESOLUTIONS AND ACCEPT PLANS. Supv. Willman requested a motion regarding the amount of funding to request in the grant application and suggested $250,000. Motion (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p) AYE: Willman/Smalley/Merrill; NAY: Berg/Hamm. Supv. Willman then requested a motion for a resolution adopting the Plans in contemplation of the grant application. Motion (A.Berg-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 46: ADOPT ABBREVIATED CONSOLIDATED PLAN, CITIZEN 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 for the purposes of Community Development within the Town’s jurisdiction, 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

The Clerk immediately certified the resolution, handed it to Ms. Picard and Ms. Picard left the meeting, along with Mary Ellen Keith. The Board thanked both Ms. Picard and Mrs. Keith.

B. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING. In order to open, review and possibly award the bid for the Vermontville Town Garage soffit, fascia, etc. repair, Supv. Willman suggested the Board hold a special meeting for that purpose at 6:30 PM on Wednesday July 18, 2012.

C. COMPUTER SECURITY. Supv. Willman had distributed copies of internet safety methods, one employing "cloud" technology whereby Town computer records would be archived electronically and stored offsite and another via a hardware device. He indicated he was not certain the “cloud” method would be secure enough for the Town. The Town Clerk computer generates most of the records in the Town, and Ms. Oliver stated her preference for a hardware device to safeguard Town records against intrusion and viruses. Supv. Willman will investigate this matter further.

D. DEFIBRILLATOR FOR TOWN HALL. Supv. Willman recommended the purchase of a defibrillator for the Town Hall as it hosts many public and private events and is the designated emergency shelter for the Town. Defibrillators are now easier for non-medical individuals to use and can be seen in many public buildings. Coun. Hamm recommended a direct-to-station fire alarm for the Vermontville Town Garage and cautioned the Board about “good Samaritan” liability regarding defibrillators.

E. DANGEROUS PROPERTIES IN TOWN. Codes Officer Robert Drosdowich sent a certified letter to the property owner on Oak Lane whose house and grounds are garbage-filled. The letter was returned as undeliverable. Per Local Law # 1 of 2007, it is now up to the Board to determine how to proceed. The Town can pay for the cleanup and add it onto the individual’s 2013 property tax bill. Coun. Merrill asked if the taxes on the property had been paid, and the Clerk replied they had not been paid in several years. Coun. Hamm stated a trailer on Swinyer Road is also a problem and should be condemned. As to the Swinyer Road property, Supv. Willman will request Codes Officer Drosdowich to send a certified letter demanding cleanup. As to the Oak Lane property, further investigation will be done to find and personally serve the property owner with the Town’s demands. If the property owners do not respond, the Town will act.

F. PROPERTY FOR SALE. Coun. Hamm reported the Shumway property on Cold Brook Road is for sale by Coldwell Banker for $44,000. He opined the property abuts the Town Garage and perhaps could be used for vehicle storage. This will be researched and reviewed further.

10. OLD BUSINESS

A. TOWN HALL GENERATOR UPDATE. The generator, reported Supv. Willman, has been delivered and is ready to be hooked up. He distributed copies of the quote from HomEnergy for installing the propane line. HomEnergy will install a new line to the kitchen stove and also remove the Hyde and Griffith propane tanks for $1,240. The Board reviewed the estimate, and determined it was fair. Motion for resolution (A.Berg-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 48: ACCEPT HOMENERGY INSTALLATION AGREEMENT WHEREAS, the Town has purchased a propane generator; and WHEREAS, HomEnergy Services, Saranac Lake, is the Town’s contracted supplier of propane; and WHEREAS, HomEnergy has estimated the cost for such installation at $1,240 and has proffered an Installation Agreement for same; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Town Board accepts the Installation Agreement; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized 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

B. MERRILLSVILLE GARAGE REPAIR UPDATE The bid for this repair (labor only) was awarded to Doug Snickles, Vermontville. Supv. Willman distributed copies of estimates for materials from Curtis Lumber of Ray Brook ($2,859.47), Windover’s Home Center of Saranac ($2,772.87) and Haselton Lumber of Wilmington ($2,930.25). The Board reviewed the materials list and prices and determined Curtis Lumber had submitted the best materials and prices. Motion (C.Smalley-B.Merrill m/s/p) ALL AYE.

RESOLUTION NO. 49: PURCHASE MATERIALS FROM CURTIS LUMBER FOR MERRILLSVILLE GARAGE REPAIR WHEREAS, an RFP was published for repair of the Merrillsville Garage (labor only); and WHEREAS, the bid was warded to Doug Snickles of Vermontville; and WHEREAS, materials are required for completion of the repair; and WHEREAS, estimates for materials were received from three area suppliers; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, materials for the repair of the Merrillsville Garage will be purchased from Curtis Lumber, Ray Brook, NY for approximately $2,859.47; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Supervisor is authorized 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

C. JAWS OF LIFE UPDATE. Supv. Willman reported he had spoken to Fire Chief Woodruff, and the Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department membership had approved the transaction for purchase of the Jaws of Life equipment. The Town of Franklin will pay $16,000 immediately and the balance owing on the equipment will be added to its 2013 contract with the Department. The Town of St. Armand will aid the Department in

retrofitting one of its trucks.

D. LAND INVENTORY. No progress.

E. OIL-WATER SEPARATOR. No progress

11. COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. AUDIT. No audits, no reports.

B. BOARD OF ETHICS. A meeting of the Town’s Board of Ethics was convened on Thursday, June 14th at 6:00 PM to review the Assessor’s personal financial statement. The Board reviewed the statement and found no violations. The meeting adjourned at 6:07 PM. Thomas Bartiss’ term expires on September 30, 2012. Supv. Willman will contact Mr. Bartiss to determine if he wishes to serve another 3-year term.

C. CEMETERIES. Couns. Merrill and Smalley reported they are amending the rules and regulations for the Town cemeteries by including the price for plots for non-residents ($200). Coun. Hamm commented that the area of the Vermontville cemetery near Route 3 was not in good shape and reiterated the need for a sign specifying the rules. Supv. Willman will obtain price estimates from several area companies. The Clerk stated in her 8 years no money had been received for a cemetery plot and recommended that if funds are received they should be directed to the Clerk’s office. The Board agreed.

D. RECREATION. Derrick Romeo, President, Kate Mountain Community Recreation Association distributed copies of a letter from KMCRA concerning the August 18, 2012 Music Festival. KMCRA requested use of the Town Hall and the Rec Park for this event as well as use of tables and chairs and volunteers to help set up, serve and tear down. KMCRA did not wish “Town Picnic” to be included in any notices advertising the August 18th event. They agreed to permit the Town Historian to display historic photographs and materials. KMCRA requested copies of the DEC Notice of Intent and Franklin County Soil & Water recommendations. The letter also expressed dissatisfaction with the Board’s decision not to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with it and requested a written long term plan for the park to identify residents’ recreational preferences and expressed concern at the development of four rugby fields and suggested the new fields be multi-functional.

Supervisor Willman replied that the Town has obtained DEC permits and said permit is on display at the Park; in addition, there will an area of 450’ x 450’ created this year for 2 new fields, which will be multi-functional. The Town is creating new fields to raise revenue for the park as soccer, rugby and other tournaments can be held at the site. Most of the work at the new fields is being done with volunteer equipment and labor at no additional expense to the Town.

12. CORRESPONDENCE. Information on bed bugs is available on the public information table, and copies of flyers concerning training in municipal fiscal affairs were distributed to the Board.

13. ANNOUNCEMENTS.

THANK YOU. To Zoe McCulley for her hard work on the Town Hall front garden. Mrs. McCulley has improved the soil, cut down on weeds and has contributed many of her own flowers and stops at the Town Hall to maintain the garden. Her hard work is very much appreciated, and the garden looks lush and healthy.

Appointment openings:

• Board of Assessment Review for a term starting October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2015.
• A 55+ Club representative to the Franklin County Senior Citizens organization is necessary to be appointed.

IMPORTANT DATES
• The Food Pantry is scheduled to be held on Thursday July 19th.
• Saturday July 21st - work day at new fields at Rec Park
• August 3rd will be the next date the mobile dental clinic is in Vermontville.
• August 18th - Music Festival

14. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss or conduct, the meeting adjourned at 8:46 PM. Motion (B.Merrill-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk

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