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 – July 2013
The regular monthly meeting of the Franklin Town Board was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Supervisor Don Smith. Present were Jeff Taggart, Susan Fairbairn, Arthur Swenson, Garret Sitts, Supervisor Don Smith, and Deputy Highway Superintendent Jamie Archibald. Also present were Ken Walter, Brian Brock, William Young, Dwight Bruno, Donald Hebbard, Patricia Tyrell, and Jim Basile. Absent were Highway Superintendent Mark Laing and Paul Warner.
The minutes from the June 14, 2013 meeting were read. Susan Fairbairn made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Arthur Swenson seconded the motion and all agreed.
Ken Walter, representing the Kellogg-Franklin Trust Board, gave an update regarding the Kellogg Project. A new lease proposal was made regarding the History Center. The new arrangement is for a month to month basis with a 90 day termination notice. At this time the History Center will not have to move out of it’s present location in the former school. Bids will be opened on July 3rd for lawn mowing services. The Trust Board has received proposals regarding investing of the funds from several firms and the Trust Board will decide which firm they will use.
A discussion was had regarding the investment portfolio principal of $900,000.00. Jeff Taggart made a motion stating that any withdrawls from the principal would first require the Franklin Town Board passing a resolution to allow the withdrawl and that resolution would both stipulate the withdrawl amount and the purpose for the withdrawl. Arthur Swenson seconded the motion and all agreed.
Brian Brock informed the Board that if the Town wanted to file as in intervener regarding the Constitution Pipeline they needed to do so by July 17, 2013. Sue and Garret would look into filing. Brian also asked the Board to contact Mirabito Enterprises to invite them to discuss the Leatherstocking Distribution Line.
Jim Basile, our assessor, informed the Board that taxpayers will have to apply for the Basic Star exemption in order to qualify for the 2014 year. (Editor’s note: residents can apply online at the NYS Tax website http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/property/star/index.htm.) Also he advised the Board that he had contacted Mr. Beebe, an attorney, to receive legal advice for assessment review.
Jamie Archibald reported for the Highway Department. The crushing of stone is completed. We have not yet received the permit from DEC to work on Bennett Hollow Road. They would like to rent an excavator for one week at a cost of $1,300.00 from Oneonta Equipment Rental & Sales. Jeff Taggart made a motion to rent an excavator at a cost of $1,300.00. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
The chipper was damaged and the insurance company has totaled it for approximately $11,000.00. Trees need to be taken down at the cemetery by the school and an estimate is needed.
Don Smith indicated that our assessor Jim Basile needed to be reappointed. Jeff Taggart made a motion to reappoint Jim Basile for a six year term. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
Susan Fairbairn reported for the recreation committee. Swimming lessons have started and one instructor is teaching both the Franklin and Unadilla students. Also the baseball program is underway.
Arthur Swenson reported for the Treadwell Water District. At their annual meeting they approved replacement of a 4″ cast iron pipe that is in the brook. Also if enough funds are available they will have a satellite map done of the village that will show where the water lines are located.
The Uniform Notice of Claims Certificate was reviewed. The Town could require that any notice of claim against the Town be filed with the Secretary of State as an agent for the Town. The Town Board declined to name the Secretary of State as an agent for the Town regarding notice of claims.
The free rabies clinic will be held on August 7, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Franklin fire hall.
Vouchers were submitted for audit and payment.
With no further business to come before the Board, Don Smith moved for adjournment at 9:45 p.m. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.