Minutes – December 8, 2025

The Village of Franklin held its regular board meeting on December 8, 2025, at the Village Hall office (141 Water Street) at 7:00PM. Present: Mayor VanDeusen, Trustee Martin, Trustee McLean, Deputy Clerk Martin, DPW Superintendent Jason Kingsbury and guests recorded on the sign-in register. The meeting was NOT streamed and recorded on the video platform Zoom due to a technical issue.

Minutes: Minutes of the November 2025 board meeting: Martin moved, and McLean seconded approval of the October 2025 board meeting minutes.  So passed.

Treasurer’s Report

Date: November 30, 2025

General Fund	$112,809.87
– Reserve/Maint Equip (Checking)	$16,817.54
– Sidewalks (Checking)	$18,828.12
– Trees (Checking)	$2,545.30
Water Fund	$23,287.59
– Water Project	$6.96
– Reserve-Water Tank	$1,509.37
Trust & Agency	$231.50
Grant Fund	$59.34
Recreation Commission	$25,579.43

Budget Transfer: GF – $2000 from 1990.4 to 1325.1, $636.25 from 5110.2 to 5110.4, $1850.48 from 5410.2 and 8560.4 to 5410.4; WF – $1,596.67 from 8310.4 and 8340.2 to 8320.4. McLean moved and Martin seconded approval of the budget transfers. So passed.  Martin moved and McLean seconded approval of Treasurer’s Report of November 30, 2025. So passed. 

Correspondence/Clerk’s Report: 1) Some board trustees and employees need to complete the New York State required online sexual harassment training. 2) 76 Water Street water bill refund of $150 for three quarters approved: McLean moved and Martin seconded: So passed 3) A neighbor’s cat is using Franklin Central School playground as a litter box. Mayor VanDeusen has asked Franklin Central School to document occurrences.  A letter will be sent to the cat’s owner. A discussion ensued regarding the possibility of replacing current animal control regulations and how to include cats in the regulations and enforcement by animal control officer. Discussion tabled to a future meeting.

Superintendent’s Report: 1) 76 Water Street refund request approved (see Correspondence/Clerk’s Report). 2) Homeowner John Alessi water meter issue: he has 3 meters and wanted only 2; issue is being addressed. 3) NYSEG smart meter installed at Village water tank. 4) Village water tank anode/sensor need replacing. Water tank inspections should be done yearly but inspector is behind 2 years. The anode/censor should last 5 years and our tank is only 2 years old. We have only one sensor and are hoping to obtain 3 to 5 sensors in the future. Sensors cost $500 each. Repair options: a) drain tank for 2 days to complete anode/sensor replacement; or b) Hire a scuba diver to conduct replacement. Draining for 2 days is not an option as there would be no water in the Village for the fire hydrants and serving residents. Superintendent of Public Works Kingsbury is obtaining quotes on all options and is seeking a solution for longevity with the goal of routine maintenance every 5 years.

Old Business

Tabled Items: Water meter grant; Main Street crosswalk

Restore NY Grant: SEQR/Project on hold as building owners continue to look for septic solution.

Water Street Repairs/Regrading: The Village has signed a contract with Byler Excavating LLC of Harpersville, NY, recommended by Delaware Engineering and the low bid among 4 bids received from different contractors. The Village has locked in a price of $153,115.00. The Village will be working to procure a short-term municipal loan from Wayne Bank to cover this cost and request reimbursement from CHIPS. Delaware Engineering advised that the Extreme Weather Fund is also a funding resource. Work is expected to begin in spring 2026. The Village will send certified letters to impacted Water Street property owners in January 2026, advising them of the upcoming work and requesting that they remove any belongings from the area by April 1, 2026. Notices will be posted on the Village’s social media pages, on the Village Hall bulletin board and in and outside the Franklin post office.  A building owner at the end of Water Street may be contacted by the mayor well in advance of the letter mailing as said resident uses Village property to park his construction vehicles.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Meeting with mayor, fire chief and Delaware County Sheriff in the new year.

Water Bill Waiver Policy Addendum: McLean moved and Martin seconded approval of the Addendum to Water Department Rules and Regulations (12/2025). So passed.

ReGroup Rollout: Social media posts will publicize the rollout and how to sign up.

New Business

11 Main Street Water Main:  There are 2 water mains on the property but owner only needs 1 main. 2nd main goes to greenhouses that are not currently in use. Superintendent Kingsbury will inspect and remove 2^nd meter. Village Clerk will deactivate 2nd account to greenhouses.

Back-up School Traffic Crossing Guard:  The Board agreed to advertise for a back-up crossing guard as for regular guard Georgetta Skovsende.

Reflective House Numbers for All Village Residents:  Mayor VanDeusen and EMS Head Joanna Banks will write a letter to Village residents explaining the need for blue and white reflective address numbers for all homes and apartments, to enable EMS vehicles and personnel to quickly identify and access the right locations when emergencies occur. Messages will be posted on Facebook and sent on ReGroup.

Around Town: Upcoming Franklin holiday festivities in December were discussed.

Citizen’s Comments: None.

Approval of Bills: McLean moved, and Martin seconded approval to pay bills. So passed.

Mayor VanDeusen adjourned the meeting at 8:17PM. 

Respectfully submitted,
Paula Niebanck
Clerk/Treasurer