The text version of the minutes in this post was created with optical character recognition (OCR) software. While every attempt has been made to verify the text, accuracy is not guaranteed. Please refer to the PDF version of the minutes in the link below to see an exact version as received from the Town of Franklin.
Download PDF copy of Franklin NY Town Board Minutes – August 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Franklin Town Board was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Jeff Taggart, Susan Fairbairn, Arthur Swenson, Garret Sitts, Supervisor Don Smith, Highway Superintendent Mark Laing and Paul Warner. Also present were Jamie Archibald, Donald Hebbard, Pete Bevilacqua, William Young, Brian Brock and Patricia Tyrell.
The minutes from the July 2, 2013 meeting were read. A correction was made to the date of the June meeting. The meeting was held on the 4th. With that correction Jeff Taggart made a motion to accept the minutes. Arthur Swenson seconded the motion and all agreed.
Brian Brock suggested a road use ordinance be put in place before the possible construction of the gas pipeline. Mark Laing indicated that the County is in the process of establishing a permitting process to establish procedures for road preservation. Presently the towns of Franklin, Harpersville, Sidney, Davenport and Masonville are interested in the permitting process.
Elwood Weerheim, from Treadwell, indicated he was not in favor of constructing a building or renting a space for the Treadwell History Center. He would like the contents of the History Center moved to Franklin. The Board indicated that at this time there are no plans to construct a building for the History Center.
A brief discussion was had regarding renewal of the membership to the Coalition of Watershed Towns (CWT). The amount due for renewal of the membership is $500.00. Jeff Taggart made a motion to renew the membership to the CWT. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
Arthur Swenson reported for the Kellogg-Franklin Trust and the Treadwell Water District. The History Center has signed an agreement renting space in the former school on a month to month basis. Morgan Stanley will be handling the investment of the $900,000.00 in the Trust. Velten Lawn Care was awarded the bid for lawn mowing services. They bid $250.00 per mowing.
Tom Briggs and Deb Tuthill volunteered to serve on the Kellogg Education Fund Committee of the Delhi School District. Jeff Taggart made a motion to appoint both to serve on the Kellogg Education Fund Committee of the Delhi School District. Susan Fairbairn seconded the motion and all agreed.
The lead and copper tests have been taken for the Treadwell Water District and they are waiting for the results. Two bids were received for replacing the pipe in the brook. LaFever’s won the bid with a bid of $10,200.00. A discussion took place regarding the driveway to the reservoir. At this time no agreement has been reached.
Susan Fairbairn reported for the Recreation Committee. A second Water Safety Instructor was hired so separate classes were held for Franklin students and the Unadilla students. In the future the Committee would like to sponsor a prospective Water Safety Instructor in a class. The Committee would pay the expense of the class, approximately $350.00, and the prospective Instructor would agree to work at the pool. The baseball program is done for the season.
Jeff Taggart reported for the Planning Board. A subdivision request by Ron and Robert Pufahl on Fleming Road was denied and referred to the Zoning Board of Appeals. A request for a boundary line adjustment was made by Charles Reynolds for property on State Route 357. Patricia Taggart received approval of a simple subdivision of parcel #143.-1-22.1 on Merrickville Road.
Mark Laing reported for the Highway Department. LeFever Tree Experts provided an estimate of $300.00 per tree to take down a tree and additional $200.00/load to remove the logs. The Town would do the chipping of the branches. Their estimate to do everything including the chipping was $900.00/tree. The tree removal is at the cemetery by the school bus garage. The Town would do the chip work.
Regarding the damaged chipper the insurance company has increased the amount allowed to $18,000.00.
Black topping and chip sealing are being done. They would like to put a turn around on Pete Vogels’ property on Sanly Road.
Susan Fairbairn made a motion to go into executive session regarding personnel at 8:30 p.m. Jeff Taggart seconded the motion and all agreed. Susan Fairbairn made a motion to go out of executive session at 9:00 p.m. Jeff Taggart seconded the motion and all agreed.
Vouchers were submitted for audit and payment.
With no further business to come before the Board Arthur Swenson moved for adjournment at 9:00 p.m. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.