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 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Franklin Town Board was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Supervisor Jeff Taggart. Present were Don Smith, Lisa Huyck, Garret Sitts, David Grant, Supervisor Jeff Taggart, Highway Superintendent Mark Laing and Paul Warner. Also present were William Young, Ken Walter, David Tuthill, Susan Fairbairn, Brian Brock, Jamie Archibald, Cindy Beach, Elizabeth Serrao, Elwood Weerheim, Richard Grant, Don Hebbard, Dwight Bruno, Andrew Zuk, Mike Howland, Kitty Worden, Wayne Reynolds, NYS DOT representatives Richard Schell and Danielle Bess, and reporter Tom Coddington.
Representatives from the NYS Department of Transportation provided information regarding their proposals for possible changes to be made at the intersection of NYS route 28 and NYS Route 357. They have been tracking accidents at this location since 2003 and have determined it to be a dangerous intersection. They presented 2 possible construction projects, one being a construction of a roundabout and the other project would be to construct a T intersection. The other option would be to put up additional signs and would not involve construction. Of the construction projects the least expensive with the best projected safety benefits is the roundabout. Construction would begin in 2016 if the project is to be done.
The minutes from the July 2, 2014 meeting were read. Don Smith made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
Ken Walter and David Tuthill reported for the Kellogg-Franklin Trust Board. Allen Greene provided a quote of $2,514.00 to put in a drain for the athletic field. Garret Sitts made a motion to accept the quote. David Grant seconded the motion and all agreed.
Five bids were made for the repair work of the foot bridge in Treadwell. Stevens Excavating bid $33,650.00, LaFever Excavating bid $33,809.00, Delaware Bulldozing bid $31,715.00, Tweedie Construction bid $29,217.00 and G & H bid $48,600.00. Lisa Huyck made motion to not accept any of the bids for the repair work. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed. David Tuthill investigated the cost of a custom built bridge. He obtained a quote of $9,000.00 for a 4′ wide by 30′ long bridge that would be delivered and set up in a location close to the current location of the closed bridge. Don Smith made a motion to remove the current bridge and to replace the bridge with the custom built bridge if it is engineered to acceptable specifications. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
Cindy Beach asked if the Town of Franklin Board will be passing a law to ban gas drilling by fracking. Jeff indicated that he does not want to restrict landowners regarding this issue. Cindy also asked if drilling does occur, does our zoning law need to be changed. Jeff indicated they would check with Kent Manuel from the County Planning Board, as he advices our Town Planning Board.
Mark Laing reported for the Highway Department. The DEC permit and Army Corp of Engineers permit have been issued for the work to be done in the area of East Handsome Brook Road and Durkee Road. FEMA has declared funds are available for road repairs due to storm damage occurring on May 13th – May 22nd of this year. The roads that qualify for the funds are Ed Klug, Franklin Depot, Bowers Road, Case Hill, Palmer Hill and Westcott Road.
– A new dump box is needed for one of the trucks. Oneida County had a bid from Henderson Truck Equipment for a dump box with an auger setup for $38,535.00. To get the tool box with the box it would cost an additional $1,120.00. Garret Sitts made a motion to purchase the dump box with the tool box for approximately $39,655.00. David Grant seconded the motion and all agreed.
It was indicated that it would be alright to have Bruce Archibald to work part time, under 20 hours per week, to do mowing and brush cutting.
Vouchers were submitted for audit and payment.
With no further business to come before the Board, Garret Sitts moved for adjournment at 10:00 p.m. David Grant seconded the motion and all agreed.