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Town of Franklin Board Meetings

Regular Board Meeting
October 15, 2008 - 7:00 pm

The Town of Franklin Town Board held its regular, monthly Town Board Meeting on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Franklin Town Hall in Vermontville, NY.

Board members Present:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilwoman Janet Ordway
Councilman Clifford Smalley
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Walt Kretser

Others Present:

Assessor Douglas Tichenor, Highway Superintendent Wade Sullivan, Town Clerk Sandra Oliver, Donald Goff, Jean Baltzly, Karen Smalley, Brad Merrill, James Keith, Jim Haubert, Frank & Barbara Karl, Albert Nassan, Carol Lavigne, Dave Whitson

CALL TO ORDER

Supervisor Keith called the meeting to order at 7:00pm; the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and the Town Clerk called the roll, stating the full board was present.

AUDIT OF CLAIMS

Supervisor Keith asked if any of the board members had concerns about any of the vouchers. Coun. Smalley asked about the $500 mileage charge on Highway Voucher #139 (Nortrax in total sum of $1,944.05). Hwy Supt. Sullivan explained he telephoned a number in Plattsburgh to request repair work and that Nortrax has an office in Albany and one in Maine. Apparently, Nortrax sent a service representative who traveled from Maine to replace the air compressor; Supt. Sullivan will, in future, ensure service requests to Nortrax are handled by someone local.

Coun. Smalley commented on Hwy Voucher #138 (Johnson's Auto Glass for $585.95) and inquired if the Town held insurance to cover windshield replacements. Supt. Sullivan replied that the windshields had to be replaced from time to time because salt and sand scratch the glass. Insurance premiums to cover windshield replacements are prohibitive.

In response to Coun. Smalley's question about the purchase of 48" culverts, Supt. Sullivan explained the items can be purchased in 20-foot lengths only.


The following claims were presented for payment on Abstract #10:
GeneralClaims 215 - 230$3,869.42
HighwayClaims 131 - 145$155,031.04
The following claims were presented for payment on Abstract #9:
Prepay GeneralClaims 44 - 49$1,361.74
The following claims were presented for payment on Abstract #3:
Capital Project BuildingClaim 4$14,716.75

Supervisor Keith noted that last month's claim for electrical work relocating power lines through a culvert (Abstract 9, Voucher 122 in sum of $245.00) was submitted to the homeowner and was paid.

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

MINUTES

Review of September 15 and 29, 2008 meeting minutes was tabled to the September 22 special meeting.

SUPERVISOR'S REPORT

In light of the recent economic situation, Supervisor Keith spoke with representatives of CLASS who sent a letter assuring the Town that its money is safe, although interest received will be lower.

Balances as of September 1, 2008

General FundCK$28,852.48
SV$15,333.23
CLASS$151,349.47
Historian Fund$2,734.73
Highway FundCK$10,019.37
SV$265.75
CLASS$366,349.23
Capital Proj. Hwy$45,354.22
LandfillCK$1,584.28
CLASS$58,706.15
FireCK$539.71
CLASS$683.38
Capital Project BuildingCLASS$84,481.95

Motion to accept Supervisor's Report (W.Kretser-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

2008 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #3

Motion for resolution (C.Smalley-J.Ordway m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 59 2008 GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #3

WHEREAS, in order to maintain a balanced 2008 Highway General Fund Budget, NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Budget Amendment is hereby adopted transferring the following amounts:

FROM ACCOUNTAMOUNTTO ACCOUNTAMOUNT
Acct. A1990.4 Contingency$3,300.00Acct. A3310.4 Traffic Signs$300.00
Acct. A9050.8 Unemployment$3,000.00

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

2008 HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #2

Motion for resolution (W.Kretser-J.Ordway m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 60: 2008 HIGHWAY FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT #2

WHEREAS, in order to maintain a balanced 2008 Highway Fund Budget, NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following Budget Amendment is hereby adopted transferring the following amounts:

FROM ACCOUNTAMOUNTTO ACCOUNTAMOUNT
: Acct. DA5110.1 Gen Repairs PS$25,000.00 Acct. DB5112.1 Improvements PS$25,000.00
: Acct. DA5148.4 Svcs to Other Govts$15,000.00Acct. DB5130.4 Machinery CE$15,000.00

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

HIGHWAY REPORT

1. DEPARTMENT PROGRESS Sept 8 to Oct 14 2008.

a. Finished paving and shouldering Keith Road

b. Finished mowing roadsides

c. Draft of road specifications policy submitted

d. All salt has been delivered; sand expected soon

e. Met with Budget Officer Meagher to review 2009 budget

f. Hired three new employees

g. Numerous attempts to contact CHIPS application rep Nancy Catalina in Watertown

h. Updated inventory for insurance company

  • i. Waste oil policy has been implemented, as follows:
  • i. All waste oil is now stored in 55-gallon drums
  • ii. When a drum is full, the waste oil is measured in inches, converted to gallons and recorded. The drum is then sealed, numbered and labeled.
  • iii. Upon transfer of waste oil, the recipient delivers empty 55-gallon drums and signs an agreement holding the Town harmless from any liability.

Coun. Berg asked how much waste oil the department generates, and Supt. Sullivan responded seven 55-gallon barrels have been filled thus far this year. Coun. Berg acknowledged the amount was not enough to heat the garage, but could be used to subsidize heat source.

j. Roads checked after wind storms

k. Mowed entire closed landfill in Onchiota as well as section of Vermontville cemetery

l. Compiled list of files at Highway Garage for Town Clerk

m. Patched section of Fletcher Farm Road

n. Removed mower and installed broom

o. Griffith Energy replaced full gauges on fuel and gas tanks

p. Sweepster and Ford tractor removed to Merrillsville for winter storage

q. Continued maintenance of monthly reports

r. New form created to track department tools and equipment when they are outdated. The form documents the need for replacement or removal from inventory.

s. Trucks are being prepared for winter and sent to M.A. Jerry for repair. Unit 7 was down, Unit 2 down and needs rods; Unit 3 will need new hydraulic lines.

t. 2000 International was sold for $22,700 last week to Village Truck Sales, Lanesboro, MA. Supv. Keith noted that the $22,700 received from the sale of the 2000 International will be deposited in the equipment fund and used as a partial down payment for the new vehicle.

u. DEC investigation continues with respect to illegal dump site on Norman Ridge Road.

  • i. DEC Officer Malone visited the Garage last week. He informed us that former Highway Superintendent James Perry had been served with a violation during the summer. He was attempting to ascertain Mr. Perry's present location prior to an appearance before DEC.
  • ii. Officer Malone also informed us that the site at Norman Ridge is chained off until the investigation concludes, and the Highway Dept. is not to enter the area.

2. UPCOMING EVENTS

a. New Truck. Supt. Sullivan reported he will be traveling to Harrisville to Viking in the morning. The new vehicle was not ordered with screens for the sander. Viking's usual price for the screens is $3,140.30; it cannot sell to the Town but can sell the screens for $1,888.99 to M.A. Jerry who will in turn sell same to the Town for the same price.

Motion for resolution to purchase sander screens (W.Kretser-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 61: AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE SANDER SCREENS FOR 2009 INTERNATIONAL 2600i

WHEREAS, the 2009 International 2600i was ordered without sander screens; and

WHEREAS, sander screens are necessary for the proper operation of the vehicle; and

WHEREAS, M.A. Jerry, with its supplier, Viking, has agreed to sell the sander screens to the Town for $1,888.99; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Highway Superintendent is authorized to order Viking sander screens through M.A. Jerry in sum of $1,888.99.

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

Coun. Ordway asked about the status of the new truck. Supt. Sullivan replied that he was traveling to Harrisville to Viking to make arrangements for the sander screens but that he had no definite delivery date for the new vehicle as yet.

b. Loader Repair/Refurbishment. The loader has 9,000 hours on it, and repairs are needed. The bucket should be replaced, and if purchased from Nortrax in Maine, the price will be $6,500, if purchased new, the price will be $8,500. The pins holding the current bucket on need to be line-bored, either in Plattsburgh or Clifton Park. The pins and bushings were replaced within the last 18 months, but were not line-bored.

c. Replacement Blades for Snowplows. All the snowplow trucks need new blades. Supt. Sullivan submitted four quotations for new blades (including delivery), as follows:

Rt. 11 Truck Sales$15,087.00
Adirondack Highway15,225.00
Viking15,764.00
Cook18,351.98

Supt. Sullivan indicated these new blades would get the Department through the winter.

Motion to accept bid of Rt 11 Truck Sales (J.Ordway-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 62: ACCEPT BID OF RT. 11 TRUCK SALES & SERVICE FOR NEW SNOWPLOW BLADES

WHEREAS, all Town of Franklin snow removal vehicles require replacement of snowplow blades; and

WHEREAS, Rt. 11 Truck Sales & Service, 6085 US Hwy 11, Canton, NY has submitted a quote for carbide blades for each vehicle in total sum of $15, 087.00, including delivery; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town of Franklin hereby authorizes the Highway Superintendent to order said carbide blades for said sum.

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

d. Contract with Franklin County for Snow Removal from County Roads

Supt. Sullivan expressed his concern that the higher Town reimbursements of newly-negotiated contract with Franklin County for snow removal and sanding of county roads in southern towns may have a negative impact on cooperation from the County. In his Sept. 18, 2008 letter to Town Highway Superintendents, Gary Lewis, the County Highway Superintendent, warned that in future (a) the County could open bidding on winter maintenance to private firms, (b) future loans of County equipment and personnel might garner a charge or (c) the County could convey the roads to the Towns. The Town of Harrietstown pushed for an increase in the reimbursement rate, not Franklin and all towns in the southern end of Franklin County are now upgraded to A+ status. In order to increase town reimbursement the County is investigating whether to designate the southern end of the County as a "snowbelt". The amount of reimbursement was increased from $119,000 to $137,208.

(1) County Bulldozer. Supt. Sullivan commented that in the past the County has been generous with its equipment and personnel. However, when Supt. Sullivan requested the use of one of the County's two bulldozers, both were unavailable and he had to rent one from Tracy Road Equipment in Watertown. The unavailability of a County dozer may have been coincidental, but Supt. Sullivan is wary of executing the revised agreement. Coun. Kretser suggested contacting Caterpillar in Syracuse next time.

Supt. Sullivan suggested the Town sign the old agreement, not the new one. Coun. Kretser asked if all southern Franklin County towns are signing the revised agreement, and Supt. Sullivan said they were. Coun. Kretser indicated the Town needed the money, and if the Highway Supt. maintains accurate and detailed records this year, the Town would be in a better position to determine the exact cost of county road plowing and sanding. If the data reveals the exact cost to the Town, then it will be in a better position to lower the County reimbursement rate. Supv. Keith commented that when the Town plowed State roads, a voucher had to be submitted each month to NYS Dept. of Transportation before reimbursement was issued. She suggested a similar system be employed with the County. Coun. Kretser summarized if other towns are receiving the higher reimbursement rate, the Town of Franklin should go forward with the revised contract.

Motion for resolution to authorize execution of revised Contract with Franklin County for snow removal and sanding (C.Smalley-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 63: AUTHORIZE HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT TO SIGN REVISED AGREEMENT WITH COUNTY OF FRANKLIN FOR SNOW REMOVAL AND SANDING OF COUNTY ROADS IN THE TOWN

WHEREAS, a revised contract for snow removal from County roads in the Town of Franklin was negotiated between the County and the Town; and

WHEREAS, County roads located in the Town were raised to A+ designation; and

WHEREAS, the amount of monetary reimbursement to the Town was increased from $119,000 to $137,208; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Highways is authorized to execute said revised agreement with the County of Franklin.

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

e. Employee Title Change. . Under the current contract with the Teamsters Union a new position was created, MEO-Mechanic. This position has not been filled since James Perry's resignation, and the need for a mechanic is beginning to show. Using third-party mechanics is expensive and time-consuming. Supt. Sullivan suggested that Derek McLaughlin, a new employee currently on probation, be given this position and probation period waived. He stated Mr. McLaughlin is very capable and is willing to obtain certification in air brake repair. Supt. Sullivan has spoken with his previous employers and they had very good things to say about Mr. McLaughlin. If Coun. Kretser recommended patience with regard to new employees, and Coun. Ordway reminded Supt. Sullivan that the Town had negative experiences waiving the probationary period of 6 months. Coun. Kretser advised waiting through the November election and the entire 6 months of probation, although it was a good idea and could result in savings to the Town. Supv. Keith noted Mr. McLaughlin could obtain certification on his own. Coun. Kretser also suggested contacting Bob Besaw, who is also air-brake qualified.

3. HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

Couns. Kretser, Ordway and Berg commended Supt. Sullivan on an excellent and informative report.

4. QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Why not use Bobby Besaw like other towns?

Supt. Sullivan replied he had contacted Mr. Besaw twice, but he was unavailable. Fully intend to contact him in the future.

Suggest you remove MEO-Mechanic position the next round of Union negotiations.

Why question the reason the County bulldozer was unavailable? Were there any problems?

Supt. Sullivan responded he was not accusing the County of anything; the incident just seemed strange.

When was the MEO/Mechanic position added to the contract? Look at payroll versus having repairs provided on an incidental basis. Aren't the MEO's responsible for keeping up their own equipment?

Use a single driver in the future. It will save money.

Supt. Sullivan indicated he was considering all options for cutting his budget. Salt and sand can't be cut; but we'll trim the budget as much as possible.

How much oil does the Town purchase each year? If you can figure that out, you'll be able to figure out how much waste oil is discarded. How long did it take to accumulate the four barrels of waste oil you have now?

About three barrels since last year.

You've contacted Heath and he received 3 barrels from you last year; Roger Symonds of R&L hasn't received any waste oil from you in three years. Where did that waste oil go? Norman Ridge? Sand from that site is moving down the hill toward private property, toward wells.

Coun. Smalley stated the Norman Ridge Road site matter is still being investigated by DEC, and the Town not only can't comment on the investigation, the Town is not allowed on the site. Efforts are being made to calculate the amount of oil purchased and oil disposed. No one is ignoring the issue. However, for updates in the matter, DEC is the party to contact.

Coun. Kretser noted that NYS Dept. of Health will sample well water at no charge.

Regarding the new truck, is that being set up a driver and a wing man?

Supt. Sullivan responded the controls are on a pivot so the truck is for either.

If you slow down a bit, you won't have to replace so many windshields.

Is the old Route 3 on Sinkhole Road a town road? It's in terrible shape.

Supt. Sullivan opined the Sinkhole Rd should be closed by J. Euber and A. Berg.

Coun. Berg added that there is no turnaround for school buses or emergency vehicles.

Thank you for the great work your department did on the Keith Road.

NEW BUSINESS

1. DRY HYDRANTS Supv. Keith reported on her conversation with Jason Cogan, Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Dept. BVFD wants raised platforms, not dry hydrants. Two platforms are estimated to cost $2,000. This matter will be addressed during the budget workshops.

2. ETHICS COMMITTEE. David Litty one of the original members of the Town's Ethics Committee has completed his term and does not wish to serve again. A replacement was suggested, however, Town Board members recommended the matter be tabled to the October 22nd meeting.

3. REAPPOINT JEAN BALTZLY TO BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW. Jean Baltzly has for many years served on the Town's Board of Assessment Review and has graciously consented to serve another term (October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2013).

Motion to reappoint Jean Baltzly to BAR (M.Keith-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 64: REAPPOINT JEAN BALTZLY TO BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW

WHEREAS, Jean Baltzly has served with distinction on the Town's Board of Assessment Review; and

WHEREAS, her term expired on September 30, 2008; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board has offered and Mrs. Baltzly has consented to serve another 5-year term (October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2013); NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that Jean Baltzly is hereby reappointed to the Board of Assessment Review for five (5) years, term to expire September 30, 2013.

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

4. SENIOR CITIZENS.

a. Liaison with County. Supv. Keith received correspondence from Gerry Gillmette concerning the Town's 55+ Club liaison with the County. Ruth Lapier served in this position until her death earlier this year. Mr. Gillmette asked Supv. Keith to contact Frank Karl, which she did; however, Mr. Karl did not respond to her, having contacted Mr. Gillmette to decline the offer. Mr. Gillmette then approached Gene Goff to serve in this capacity, Mr. Goff consented, and Supv. Keith appointed Gene Goff as Senior Citizens Liaison.

b. Membership of 55+ Club. Due to relocation, illness, etc., membership in the Club has declined. Each year the Town budgets a sum for the cultural benefit of its senior citizens. Last month the Club enjoyed a boat ride around Lake Placid and then met for dinner at Howard Johnson's. Supervisor Keith encouraged all Town residents to join the members of the 55+ Club in its excursions and to consider joining the organization.

5. SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW.The text of the proposed local law expanding residency of the appointed deputy highway superintendent having been reviewed by the Board, a public hearing on same was scheduled for Monday, November 10, 2008 at 6:30pm.

Motion for public hearing (J.Ordway-W.Kretser m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 65: PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED LOCAL LAW CHANGING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPUTY HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT

WHEREAS, Town of Franklin Town Board has proposed a local law changing the residency requirement for the appointed deputy highway superintendent as follows: A person appointed as deputy superintendent of highways for the Town of Franklin may reside in either the Town of Franklin, Town of Brighton or Town of Harrietstown, County of Franklin and State of New York. Section 23(1) of the Town Law of the State of New York, as amended to date, and Section 3(1) of the Public Officers Law of the State of New York, as amended to date, are hereby amended accordingly; and

WHEREAS, a public hearing must be held; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that the public hearing on the proposed local law will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM; and BE IT

FURTHER RESOLVED, the Town Clerk shall publish notice of same.

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

6. SCHEDULE PUBLIC HEARING ON BUDGET

Motion for resolution (M.Keith-C.Smalley m/s/p) ALL AYE

RESOLUTION NO. 66: PUBLIC HEARING ON 2009 PRELIMINARY BUDGET

WHEREAS, the Town Board has received copies of the 2009 Tentative Budget and has scheduled and will conduct budget workshops to review same and fully anticipates budget review will be completed by October 27, 2008; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED, that a public hearing on the 2009 Preliminary Budget will be held at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 for the purpose of hearing those persons in favor or against any item(s) in said budget; and BE IT

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall publish notice of same, as follows: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Preliminary Budget of the Town of Franklin for fiscal year beginning January 1, 2009 has been completed and filed in the Town Clerk's office, Town Hall, Vermontville, NY, where it is available for inspection by any interested parties, Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm. FURTHER NOTICE is given that the Town of Franklin Town Board will hold a Public Hearing thereon at the Vermontville Town Hall at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 and that at such hearing any person may be heard in favor of or against any item(s) contained therein. A Fire Protection Hearing will also be included at this time. Pursuant to Section 108 of the Town law, the proposed salaries of the Town's elected officers are hereby specified:

Supervisor $
Councilpersons (4) $
Highway Superintendent $
Town Clerk/Tax Collector $
Town Justice $

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD; Sandra J. Oliver, Town Clerk; Dated: October __, 2008. Published: _____________________

THOSE VOTING AYE:

Supervisor Mary Ellen Keith
Councilperson Janet Ordway
Councilman Walter Kretser
Councilman Allen Berg
Councilman Clifford Smalley

THOSE VOTING NAY:

none

OLD BUSINESS

1. SUBDIVISION UPDATE: Coun. Smalley reported the committee met on Mon., Oct 6th and only reviewed eight paragraphs of their draft. He indicated the process would take a very long time to complete. The next meeting is Monday, Nov. 3, 2008 at 7pm, and all are welcome.

2. INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE The Building Committee met with engineer, architect and Highway Supt. Sullivan to determine Highway Department needs. It was determined that the Garage repair and renovation will not include the hydraulic lift which, according to Building Committee member Jean Baltzly, will save $150,000 including the lift, labor and installation. Coun. Berg asked if there were any specs on the new boiler for the Garage. Supv. Keith replied that Engineer Doug Ferris will attend the next special meeting on October 22nd and will address the Town Board following the budget workshop. Supv. Keith also spoke with Marc Chauvin who informed her that because of the economic situation, the grant received for the new furnace will not be sufficient; therefore, Supv. Keith will communicate with Senator Betty Little for a co-grant. Highway Supt. Wade Sullivan expressed concern regarding the bare wall at the Garage. This summer, the remainder of the insulating earthen berm was removed to determine the condition of the wall and in contemplation of construction work this autumn. As no work will be started on the Garage this winter; therefore, Engineer Doug Ferris had suggested using wallboard and hay or sand; Coun. Berg noted straw would be best. Supt. Sullivan is concerned about the footings and about the use of sand. He is also uneasy about heating the building without insulation on the wall. Coun. Kretser affirmed the situation will be discussed with Mr. Ferris at the October 22nd meeting.

1. FIRE/RESCUE:

a. Village of Saranac Lake - Ambulance/Rescue. There is nothing new to report. Supv. Keith spoke with Paul Ellis at the Village of Saranac Lake, but there is no word. She understands that the paper separation of the Fire Department and the Rescue Squad is nearly complete. She has also reminded the Village of their obligation to hire a full-time EMT, as well using the 2008 contract funds from the Town of Franklin, which should have been set aside for that position. Coun. Berg reported that a friend of his in Onchiota experienced chest pains last weekend, and it took an hour for the ambulance to reach him. (His friend was then transported by helicopter to Fletcher-Allen in Burlington, VT, had surgery and is recovering nicely).

b. Bloomingdale Volunteer Fire Department. In a conversation with Jason Cogan, Supv. Keith learned that BVFD want a one-year contract, due to the uncertainties of the economy, and that the proposed contract will include a slight increase.

COMMITTEES

1. RECREATION. Coun. Berg reported that the Recreation Committee would like to try another skating rink this year, but it should be located further from the pavilion on a lower slope; in that way, the water would not be lost during a warm weather trend. Supv. Keith said she'd like to see some sort of scheduled activity at the Rec Park once a month.

2. CELEBRATION. Supv. Keith indicated the Nazarene Church will be organizing some sort of Halloween Jaunt for the children, and the Town Hall will probably be a stop.

3. CEMETERIES. Historian Brad Merrill reported that Mr. Gladd has done a very good job maintaining the Franklin Falls Cemetery. The Town considers the cemetery to be private and will no longer pursue taking title to it.

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS:

What about the fuel bids?

The fuel bids, at the suggestion of the NYS Comptroller auditor, were readvertised and will be opened at the October 22nd special meeting.

What about a monthly newsletter to keep residents informed? Catherine Moore at the Adirondack Daily Enterprise quoted $25 per month for inserts into papers for the Town of Franklin.

If members of the Board wish to contribute articles for the newsletter, please submit them to Supv. Keith, and her secretary will input and format them.

Are the lights behind the Garage necessary all night?

We could turn them off, although there is a security issue. We could switch the bulbs from mercury to high pressure sodium to save money.

Barbara Karl read aloud and submitted the following for inclusion in the minutes:

"10-15-2008

From: Barbara Karl,
47 Yemasee Lodge Road,
Onchiota, NY 12989
518-891-5478

TO: Supervisor and Franklin Town Board Members

Since the Country, the State, and many Town residents are in such desperate financial crises, I wish to propose that the project for renovations and enlargements on the highway garage be changed, shelve the existing renovating plans and the board and residents of the Town consider the investment of taxpayers money to be better served in working on plans to build a NEW highway garage at the present location, using modern building materials, a modest but adequate building and a more reasonable price tag. The present garage is then kept available for use while the building project progresses.

A "lift" is nice on the wish list but absolutely not essential in these dire economic times, which may continue for some time. We need to concentrate on essential items to see that the trucks are able to be properly maintained and the safety of workers assured.

Surrounding towns seem to have adequate highway garages and facilities but not at the breaking of the financial backs of their residents. Maybe its possible to find out how this was accomplished and acquire plans already established?

I want to see this suggestion/proposal reflected in the minutes and copies given to each Board member.

Thank you. Barbara Karl."

STREETLIGHTS:

Residents are reminded to telephone the Town Hall and report any non-working streetlights to Supervisor Keith.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to conduct the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. (J.Ordway-A.Berg m/s/p) ALL AYE

Respectfully submitted, Sandra J. Oliver 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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