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 – May 2014
The regular monthly meeting of the Franklin Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Jeff Taggart. Present were Garret Sitts, David Grant, Don Smith, Lisa Huyck, Supervisor Jeff Taggart, Highway Superintendent Mark Laing and Paul Warner. Also present were Don Hebbard, Tom Collier, Ken Walter, William Young, Brian Brock, Elwood Weerheim, Linda Bevilacqua, Pete Bevilacqua, Mike Wallace, Jamie Archibald, Marleen Ostrander, Mike Hyzer, Mike German and Bill Mirabito.
Bill Mirabito and Mike German spoke about Leatherstocking Gas Company LLC, a joint venture between Corning Natural Gas Corportation and Mirabito Holdings Inc. Leatherstocking Gas Company plans to provide natural gas to industry and residents in Pennsylvania and New York State. They indicated that if a pipeline is built thru our area they might be able to provide natural gas to some areas of Franklin.
The minutes from the April 1, 2014 meeting were read. Garret Sitts made a motion to accept the minutes as read. Don Smith seconded the motion and all present agreed.
Ken Walter reported for the Kellogg-Franklin Trust Board. Jim Carey was appointed to complete Arthur Swenson’s term, who has resigned. Changes were made regarding check signing. At this time Ken Walter, Norma Walter, Dave Tuthill, Jim Carey, Jeff Taggart and Stella Sprague can sign checks. There is a water drainage problem with the fields which should be taken care of. The Kellogg-Franklin Trust Fund should pay for any work done. Also the foot bridge needs repair and it was suggested to contact Delaware Engineering for an estimate. Brian Brock asked if the Town of Franklin had anything to do with an eminent domain action initiated by the County for a property located in Franklin. Jeff indicated the action was being taken by the County and it involved the location of radio towers.
Garret Sitts reported for the Recreation Committee. There will be a fund raiser on May 10th, held at White’s Farm Supply. Life guards for the pool are still needed.
Jeff Taggart reported for the Planning Board. No action was taken on a boundary line adjustment for Arthur Boning and it might be addressed next month.
Jeff Taggart indicated that a tentative agreement had been reached for the highway employees contract. David Grant made a motion to accept the tentative agreement. Don Smith seconded the motion. David Grant, Don Smith and Jeff Taggart voted in favor of accepting the contract. Lisa Huyck and Garret Sitts abstained.
Mark Laing reported for the Highway Department. The screener sold for $9,500.00. An excavator was rented from Beisler as their price was better than Abele Equipment and Beisler would deliver the excavator.
Mark received two quotes for the grader rental. One quote was for $4,800.00/month including trucking. The other quote was for $4,200.00/month but did not include trucking. Garret Sitts made a motion to rent the grader for the $4,800.00/month including trucking. Lisa Huyck seconded the motion and all agreed.
A discussion was had about having gravel crushed and the amount needed, 5,000 cubic yards to 15,000 cubic yards. Don Smith made a motion to seek bids for the crushing of stone. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
The water truck is out of service and will be put out for auction. If more than $2,500.00 is received the excess will be split with the Treadwell Fire Department. Mark had three quotes for a water tank. The quotes were $7,000.00, $6,900.00 and a quote for $5,100.00. Don Smith made a motion to purchase a 3,250 gallon water tank and hoops for the price of $5,100.00. David Grant seconded the motion and all agreed.
Mark reported that Soil & Water recommended reducing and moving the berm in the area of East Handsome Brook Road and Durkee Road. Don Smith made a motion to proceed as long as Jane Couch agrees in writing to the work that needs to be done. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
A brief discussion was had regarding the Five Star Equipment buy back program for the John Deere loader and the Board wanted more time to consider the program.
Lisa Huyck made a motion to purchase a laptop computer for Paul using the state contract bid. Garret Sitts seconded the motion and all agreed.
Lisa Huyck made a motion to pay the bill from Cornell Cooperative Extension related to the grass pellet furnace in the amount of $797.76. Jeff Taggart seconded the motion and all agreed. Any antifreeze that was purchased regarding that bill will be returned and the refund will go to the Town.
Jeff Taggart made a motion to go into executive session regarding the Highway Contract at 10:00 p.m. Don Smith seconded the motion and all agreed. Don Smith made a motion to go out of executive session at 10:30 p.m. David Grant seconded the motion and all agreed.
Vouchers were submitted for audit and payment.
With no further business to come before the Board, Jeff Taggart moved for adjournment at 10:30 p.m. Don Smith seconded the motion and all agreed.