Others present:

Jean Baltzly, resident
Robert Weigold, resident
Town Clerk Sandra Oliver

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Keith called the meeting to order at 7pm. The Pledge of Allegiance was said and the Town Clerk called the roll, stating all Board members present.

MINUTES

The minutes of the April 10, April 17 and April 24, board meetings were accepted as amended.
(W.Kretser-J.Ordway m/s/p) ALL AYE

PAYMENT OF BILLS

The following claims were presented and reviewed by the Board:

General	Warrant #5	Claims 70-98	$6,830.37
Highway	Warrant #5	Claims 47-65	$7,593.84
Prepay General	Warrant #5	Claims 37-38	$1,556.91

Motion to accept claims (J.Ordway-G.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE

SUPERVISOR'S REPORT

Balances as of April 30, 2006

General Fund	CK	$31,726.69
	SV	$34,302.38
	CLASS	$258,770.89
Highway Fund	CK	$39,915.20
	SV	$45,052.76
	CLASS	$371,281.61
	Cap Proj Hwy	56,495.52
Landfill	CK	$90.09
	CLASS	$69,998.26
Fire	CK	$833.89
	CLASS	$4,425.30
Cap. Building	CLASS	$118,110.23

In response to Jean Baltzly's query concerning funds received from the sale of surplus equipment, Supervisor Keith responded that half the funds were deposited in Highway to cover the purchase of the 2006 pickup and the other half in General Fund for the General Fund pickup. Motion to accept Supervisor's Report (J.Ordway-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE

HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1
Motion for resolution (T.Goff-G.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 29: HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 1 WHEREAS, in order to balance the 2006 budget for the Highway Fund, $915.00 is required to be transferred from DB5104.4 (Gen. Repairs) to DB5140.4 (Brush and Weeds); NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the sum of $915.00 is hereby approved to be transferred.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilman Gene Goff
Councilman Tim Goff
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilwoman Janet Ordway

Those Voting nay:

None

HIGHWAY REPORT

Highway Superintendent James Rascoe had asked to be excused from the meeting.

1. Section 284 Agreement for 2006. The Board reviewed the §284 Agreement and was in agreement with its provisions. Motion for resolution adopting 284 Agreement (W.Kretser-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 30: APPROVE 284 AGREEMENT FOR 2006 The Town Board of the Town of Franklin hereby approves the Section 284 Agreement for 2006, as follows:

TOWN OF FRANKLIN AGREEMENT TO SPEND HIGHWAY FUNDS PURSUANT TO SECTION 284 OF THE NEW YORK STATE HIGHWAY LAW

1. IN GENERAL: Pursuant to Sect. 284 of the Highway Law, the TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN and the SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS OF THE TOWN OF FRANKLIN agree that monies for the repair and improvement of the Town's highways that are

(1) levied and collected by the Town or transferred by resolution by the Town Board, or

(2) received from New York State, shall be set aside and expended for such repair and improvement at the places and in the manner provided in Sections 3, 4, and 5.

2. DEFINITIONS: For purposes of this Agreement:

(a) The term "highways" as used in Section 1 includes sluices, culverts and bridges having a span of less than five feet and boardwalks or renewals thereof.

(b) The term "repair" means the act of restoring a material thing or structure to a sound or unimpaired condition in the event of actual or possible decay or damage.

(c) The term "repair project" may include one or more repairs, but all reasonably foreseeable repairs of a similar nature undertaken in a specific geographic area shall be considered part of a specific project. For example, filling several potholes on a road would constitute a single "repair project", whereas filling each pothole would not constitute a single project.

(d) The term "improvement" means to advance or raise to a better quality or condition; to make better, increase in value.

(e) For purposes of this Sections 2 and 3, the amount of a repair project shall equal the sum of the materials used on the project, the hourly wages of all employees working on the project, and the reasonable rental value of all machinery and equipment used in the project.

3. REPAIR PROJECTS: The sum of $____________ shall be set aside and expended for repair projects not exceeding $3,000 per specific project.

4. MAJOR REPAIR PROJECTS. The following information shall be provided for all repair projects in excess of $3,000 per specific project:

(a) On the road commencing at _______________________________ and leading to ________________________________________________, a distance of __________________ miles, there shall be expended not more than the sum of $_______________ for type ______________ width of traveled surface ________________ thickness ______________ sub base ______________.

(b) On the road commencing at_______________________ and leading to ____________________________________________________________________, a distance of __________________ miles, there shall be expended not more than the sum of $_______________ for type ________________ width of traveled surface ________________ thickness ________________ subbase ________________. (Attach additional pages as necessary.)

5. IMPROVEMENTS. The following information shall be provided for each improvement:

(a) On the road commencing at LEO COLLINS RD. INTERSECTION CONNECTING WITH COUNTY RT 26 and leading to NORTHERN END OF LEO COLLINS RD ADJOINING CO. RT. 26, a distance of .45 miles, there shall be expended not more than the sum of $46,950 for type ASPHALT 18' width of traveled surface DENSE BINDER thickness 3" sub base FINE CRUSHER RUN.

(b) On the road commencing at PINE GROVE LANE RTE 3 INTERSECTION (VERMONTVILLE SIDE) and leading to PINE GROVE LANE CO. RT 26 INTERSECTION, a distance of .25 miles, there shall be expended not more than the sum of $17,251.45 for type ASPHALT 20' width of traveled surface REGULAR TOP thickness 2" sub base ASPHALT SHIM.

(c) On the road commencing at TYLER RD. AND SWINYER RD. INTERSECTION and leading to WHERE ASPHALT CURRENTLY ENDS, a distance of 1.1 miles, there shall be expended not more than the sum of $62,778.27 for type ASPHALT 20' width of traveled surface REGULAR TOP thickness 2" sub base CURRENT ASPHALT AND SHIM. (Attach additional pages as necessary.)

LEO COLLINS ROAD
750 TON DENSE BINDER 3" THICK @ $41.00/TON INCLUDING APRONS ON DRIVEWAYS	$30,750.00
200 TON MANUFACTURED SAND "DUST" - SHOULDERS @ $4.00/TON	$800.00
60' - 12" CULVERT (BLACK PLASTIC)	$225
60' - 12" CULVERT (BLACK PLASTIC)	$325
1,800 TON FINE CRUSHER RUN @ $8.25/TON	$14,850.00
	$46,950.00
PINE GROVE LANE
300 TON REGULAR TOP 2" THICK X 20 WIDE @ $43.77 TON INCLUDING APRONS ON DRIVE- WAYS	$13,131.00
100 TON MANUFACTURED SAND "DUST" SHOULDERS @ $4.00/TON	$400.00
85 TON REGULAR TOP FOR SHIM (PREPARE FOR PAVING)	$3,720.45
	$17,251.45
TYLER ROAD
1,266 TON REGULAR TOP 2" THICK X 20" WIDE @ $43.77/TON INCLUDING DRIVEWAY APRONS	$55,412.82
200 TON FINE CRUSHER RUN @ $8.25 TON FOR CULVERTS AND END OF DRIVEWAYS AS NEEDED	$1,650.00
5 - 20'-12" CULVERTS (BLACK PLASTIC) DRIVEWAYS	$375.00
405 TON MANUFACTURED SAND (DUST) SHOULDERS	$1,620.00
85 TON REGULAR TOP (SHIM) PREPARE FOR PAVING	$3,720.45
	$62,778.27

EXECUTION. Executed on MAY 8, 2006 .

Town Board Member: /s/ Mary Ellen Keith
Town Board Member: /s/ Janet Ordway
Town Board Member: /s/ Gene Goff
Town Board Member: /s/ Timothy Goff
Town Board Member: /s/ Walter Kretser
Superintendent of Highways: /s/ James Rascoe

6. FILING OF COPIES. A copy of this Agreement shall be filed in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Franklin and the office of the Superintendent of Highways of the County of Franklin. NOTE: New York State Law prohibits the Town Supervisor from making any payment for highway repairs and improvements that are not specified in this Agreement.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilman Gene Goff
Councilman Tim Goff
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilwoman Janet Ordway

Those Voting nay:

None

7. Tires for Front End Loader. Coun. W. Kretser inquired, and Coun. G. Goff responded, that prices for replacement tires for the loader had been locked in, but could not confirm whether the items had been ordered or for what price.

8. Insurance Endorsement re Trailer Towing. Currently only 2 Department employees (R.Snickles and V.Catlin) have insurance endorsement on their CDL licenses to tow the trailer hauling the backhoe. The Board authorized the Supervisor to obtain two additional endorsements. Motion for two additional insurance endorsements (G.Goff-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE.

HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

1. General Conditions. Coun. G. Goff stated the Board was very happy with the state of the Highway Department in general, and in particular the Town Garage. Coun. W. Kretser noted he is pleased with what is being done by the Department especially vehicle maintenance and that the employees are working hard. The Highway Superintendent is responding quickly to problems, and mention was made of a washout near the steel bridge on Fletcher Farm Road which was corrected as soon as it was reported. There had been a problem with the fax machine at the Garage, but it had been cleared up by reprogramming the machine.

2. 2004 Road Reclamation Project by N.J.Brunell. No progress has been made on this matter, but after Alder Brook Road has been swept, Coun. G. Goff will take photos and will present to the Board for further action.

3. Town-wide Speed Limits. Coun. G. Goff stated he and Coun. Kretser had received information about an individual driving at 59 mph in a 35 mph zone on Cold Brook Road. That individual had been stopped and ticketed by the State Police. He suggested the Town Board address its concerns about posting town-wide speed limits to the County Highway Superintendent, especially with regard to some of the county roads.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Town Clean-Up Day. Supervisor Keith suggested Friday and Saturday May 20 and 21, 2006 and will make arrangements with the Highway Supt. for loan of a truck to be parked at the Town Hall. The Board concurred.

2. Yellow Wood Associates, Inc. Supervisor Keith and Coun. Kretser met with Ann Holland and Jeff Forward today and spent time at the Garage, the Vermontville Town Hall and the Merrillsville Town Hall. Mr. Forward inspected all insulation closely and he declared the Garage was a building worth saving. He took note of the heat source and suggested reconfiguring the Garage so that the bays are on the side. He also looked at the drainage. Ms. Holland and Mr. Forward asked numerous questions of Supv. Keith and the Town Clerk and will be in touch with the General Fund Custodian.

3. Proposed DEC/Nature Conservancy Easement. On May 3, 2006, Supv. Keith and Coun. Kretser met again with representatives of DEC, Nature Conservancy and Lyme Timber and took a motor tour of the proposed easement lands. Supv. Keith and Coun. Kretser stated they were pleased with the progress of the talks and were optimistic about the benefits of the easement. Coun. Kretser stated it will be possible to drive all the way through Standish Road.

(a) ATV trails - They asked for two trails - ATV and handicapped access - DEC indicated it would try a test case for ATV use
(b) Proposed Trails - for hiking, horse riding, biking, wildlife viewing areas, parking areas, canoe access and egress, camping areas, picnic areas
(c) Interested Parties - DEC is addressing the concerns of municipalities involved and special interest groups
(d) Maintenance - DEC representatives opined different environmental groups or civic organizations could be called upon to maintain trails and campsites
(e) Law Enforcement - DEC representatives asserted law enforcement would be included in the proposed easement budget.
(f) Town Suggestions - Coun. Kretser proposed to DEC representatives that kiosks be erected in the above areas to post information of interest to those using the areas which could be changed seasonally. They were receptive.
(g) May 17th Public Information Meeting - DEC will hold a public information meeting at the Town Hall on Wednesday May 17 at 7pm.
(h) Future Public Events - Supv. Keith reported DEC would like to have an "open house" event in the area sometime this summer.
(i) Town Press Release - The Town Board authorized a press release concerning progress made thus far. The Town Clerk will draft same.
(j) Improvements to Current DEC Holdings - Coun. Ordway noted that the Buck Pond area had been improved as a result of the Town's talks with DEC.

NEW BUSINESS

1. 2006 Election. As Franklin County Board of Elections assumed responsibility for elections in January 2006, it has requested a resolution authorizing it to use the Town's polling places. Motion for resolution (M.Keith-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 29: AUTHORIZATION FOR FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS TO USE TOWN'S POLLING PLACES WHEREAS, Franklin County Board of Elections (BOE) assumed ownership of all voting machines in January 2006; and WHEREAS, BOE has requested the Town to store the voting machines currently used by the Town; and WHEREAS, BOE must have access to the polling sites in the Town; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Franklin County Board of Elections be and hereby is authorized access to the Town of Franklin handicapped accessible polling sites at the Vermontville Town Hall, 7 Cold Brook Road, Vermontville and the Merrillsville Town Hall, 55 Black Spruce Lane, Loon Lake, New York; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town will furnish tables, chairs and the United States flag on Election Day; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Franklin County Board of elections will access the buildings through the Town clerk or the Town Voting Machine Custodians or his assistant.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilman Gene Goff
Councilman Tim Goff
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilwoman Janet Ordway

Those Voting nay:

None

2. Town Clerk Conference Report. The Town Clerk distributed copies of her written report on the April 23-26, 2006 Town Clerk Conference in Saratoga Springs.

3. Printer. The Town Clerk/Tax Collector printer purchased in 2004 for $200 is defunct. She requested permission from the Board to upgrade with a multifunction machine. The Board agreed and requested she use OGS. Results will be presented at the June Board meeting.

4. Summer Work. Supv. Keith requested Board approval to employ this program again. The young person hired will assist the General Fund Custodian and will learn good work habits.

5. Town Hall Plantings. Supv. Keith has donated a window box of flowers for the Town Hall. She requested Board approval to spend $100 on plantings for the front of the Hall. Motion to approve expenditure on plantings (J.Ordway-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE

6. Trailer Purchase for General Fund Vehicle - Coun. G. Goff reported the Highway Department had assumed ownership of the trailer formerly used by the General Fund vehicle. In order to transport the lawnmower from site to site, a new trailer would have to be purchased for the General Fund. Coun. Goff obtained quotes as follows:

Lowe's	Regular trailer w/12" wheels	$780.00
Tedford	Heavy duty trailer w/15" wheels	$1,250.00
Plattsburgh Spring	Heavy duty trailer w/13" wheels	$1,480.00

Coun. Kretser stated Tedford supplied very good equipment and was a reliable source with excellent service. After some discussion the Board concurred the best value would be obtained from Tedford. Motion to purchase trailer for general fund (G.Goff-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 30: AUTHORIZE PURCHASE OF HEAVY DUTY FOR GENERAL FUND VEHICLE WHEREAS, the General Fund Custodian is responsible for lawn maintenance at several locations in the town; and WHEREAS, the General Fund has only one lawnmower for same and said mower must be transported from site to site; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the Town's Procurement Policy three (3) quotes for a trailer have been obtained; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town will purchase a trailer from Tedford's in Saranac, NY for $1,250.00 for use in transporting the lawn mower.

Those voting aye:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilman Gene Goff
Councilman Tim Goff
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilwoman Janet Ordway

Those Voting nay:

None

COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Recreation and Cemeteries Committees - New Lawn Mower. Coun. T. Goff reported he had obtained several prices from several different suppliers for a new lawn mower. He will consult CONSUMER REPORTS and report results to the Board at the June meeting.

2. Unusable Telephone at Rec Park. Supv. Keith will contact Verizon and request that it remove the telephone at the Rec Park which has not worked for several years.

3. Summer Program at Rec Park. Kathy Drake is putting her staff together for this coming summer. The Summer Program will once again be 6 weeks and will commence the Monday following July 4th weekend.

CORRESPONDENCE

1. NYS Dept. of Transportation
(a) In response to extending 45 mph speed limit on Rt 3 near Rec Park, NYS DOT sent Supv. Keith confirmation that signs would be posted.

(b) In response to the Board's letter concerning the rough conditions of Rt 3 this winter, Carey Babyak responded on April 7, 2006.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm (J.Ordway-T.Goff m/s/p) ALL AYE