Minutes – January 13, 2025

The Village of Franklin held its regular meeting on January 13, 2025 at the Village Hall Office at 141 Water Street at 7 pm. Present: Mayor VanDeusen, Trustee Wilson, Trustee Martin, Clerk/Treasurer Niebanck via Zoom, Deputy Clerk Martin, Superintendent Kingsbury, Franklin High School students and one guest, all recorded in the sign-in register. This meeting was streamed and recorded on the video platform ZOOM.

Minutes: Minutes of the December 9 meeting: Wilson moved and Martin seconded approval of the December 9 2024 board meeting. So passed. Minutes of the December 30, 2024 Special Meeting: Wilson moved and Martin seconded approval of the December 30 Special Meeting held in executive session, to discuss the increase in minimum wage and staff salaries. So passed.

Treasurers Report: Treasurer gave report via zoom.

Treasurer’s Report

Date: December 31, 2025

General Fund	$189,389.27
– Reserve/Maint Equip (Checking)	$1,371.82
– Sidewalks (Checking)	$15,672.11
– Trees (Checking)	$2,462.30
Water Fund	$42,201.00
Water Project	$6.96
Trust & Agency	$401.13
Grant Fund	$999.20
Recreation Commission	$39,347.07

Transfers: General Fund – transfer $47.36 to 1620.4 from 1410.4; transfer $3198.82 from 1990.4 and 5110.2 to 1910.4. Water Fund – transfer $1,141.69 from 8330.2 to 8320.4. Wilson moved and Martin seconded approval of the Treasurer’s Report and transfers of December 31, 2024. So moved and passed.

Correspondence/Clerk’s Report: Village in receipt of NYCOM 2025 Municipal Matters publication; Village in receipt of article on Rural Resources.

Superintendent’s Report: Superintendent reported on snow removal to date. Superintendent requested approval to purchase snow plow attachment. This would be an expenditure of approximately $500 from snow removal line item. So moved, Wilson seconded and Martin approved. The section of sidewalk fronting the park is to be cleared by the Village. Action/reminder letter needs to be taken regarding owners who consistently fail to clear sidewalks. Park curb stop has been repaired and entrance to park will have to be blacktopped come spring. Water has been shut off at 41 Maple Street following a fire. Village swimming pool meter reading indicates excessive use of water. Possible leaking from skimmers. Will have 20 Century Pools check this in spring. Fence at water tank will take place April-May; Trustee Martin will apply for grant.

Old Business

Main Street Crosswalk: Mayor and Superintendent will perform a site investigation as soon as weather permits.

Tabled: Short-term rental regulations. Revisit in spring.

Emergency Action Plan for Village: Mayor will email an initial draft to Village Board; collaborate with Fire Dept. Delaware County has a plan.

Water Street re-grading: Mayor will have conversation with Bill Brown at Delaware Engineering

Elections: Wilson moved and Martin seconded abolishing registration day in the Village of Franklin. So moved. Wilson moved and Martin seconded establishing the polling place as Village Hall 141 Water Street; voting will take place from 12:00PM to 9:00PM. So moved. Mayor VanDeusen appointed Carol Jensen and John (Jack) Siman as election inspectors.

New Business

41 Maple Street Fire: The blaze was extinguished by Franklin Fire Department. The property is currently unoccupied and owner is in temporary accommodation. The Village Board would like, in some formal manner, to thank and acknowledge the efforts of the Fire Department in this instance and to the community in general. A letter of Commendation?

Derelict Houses: Action needs to be taken with regard to two properties: 832 Main Street and 36 Hill Street.

Septic Issues for Main Street: : Ongoing. Does the Village want to own the septic system (when one is eventually installed) or lease it to the owners? Charge a service fee to users. If owned by the municipality $500K is the maximum amount eligible through a County Infrastructure Grant. Money would go to the County to be dispersed to the Village. Will obtain information about modular systems for property owners.

Shoveling Complaint: Several residents are repeat violators of the Village sidewalk clearing regulations. Letter will be sent to owners again. Consequences for failure to keep sidewalks clear and safe will be that the Village clears the sidewalk and unpaid bills will be added to the resident’s tax bill. This must be made clear to residents.

Rec Committee: The next meeting will take place in February. We need to appeal to the community for volunteers. Assessment of necessary pool repairs to be take place in the spring.

Citizen’s Comments: none

Approval of Bills: Wilson moved and Martin approved payment of bills. So passed.

Mayor VanDeusen adjourned the meeting at 8:15PM

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Niebanck
Clerk/Treasurer
(notes taken by John Wilson)