Highlights from Town Board Meetings
June 22nd meeting:
Absent: None
John Carr, Engineer, shared with the board his drawings and plans for options to repair the
town garage roof. The roof nearly collapsed last winter as a result of the heavy snow fall. The
current pitch of 3/12 would be replaced by a 5/12 pitch roof. Two options were shared with the
board. The first option carrying an approximate cost of $35,000 and the second a cost of
$80,000. The board decided to put both options up for bid. Bids will be opened on July 13th.
At the July 20th board meeting the town board will review and discuss the bids.
Highway Superintendent, Ned LeMieux, would like to use this year’s CHIPS money ($28,128)
making improvements to the Ayers Road and Studley Hill Road. He currently is securing
estimates for the paving.
July 20th meeting:
Absent: Carmella Teeple
John Carr, Engineer, addressed the board in regards to the roof construction project at the town
barn. The previous bids did not include new roofing. It was thought that the old roofing could
be reused and monies could be saved. After conversations with contractors he suggested doing
the bidding process over again with new metal roofing included. The new bids will be opened on
August 10th, with the board taking action at the August 17th board meeting.
August 17th meeting:
Absent: Michelle Asselin
Supervisor, Ned LeMieux, stated that work will begin on the 2012 budget. He expects it will be
very difficult to develop a budget under a 2% increase due to the increase in health insurance.
The board passed a resolution accepting the Franklin County Highway Department contract for
ice and snow removal.
John Carr addressed the board on the re-bidding of the roof repairs necessary for the town
garage.
He shared with the board the various bids as well as background information on the various
contractors. A brief discussion followed and a vote was taken. The vote indicated a two-two
tie. A meeting will be scheduled in the very near future in which all members will be able to
attend so the tie can be broken.
August 24th- Special Meeting Was Called
A special meeting of the Town Board was called to discuss the bids and vote to award the bid to
a contractor. The bid of $91,982 was approved by the board with the contract going to Tim
Leahy.
September 14th meeting:
Absent: Mark Young
Supervisor, Ned LeMieux Sr., announced a budget workshop will be planned for the week of
September 19th. He anticipates a final budget for 2012 will be adopted at the October board
meeting.
Highway Superintendent, Ned LeMieux Jr., informed the board that construction on the garage
roof started earlier in the day.
John Carr reported that construction materials for the roof repair would be delivered on Monday,
September 19th.
2011 February 16th:
Absent: Michelle Asselin and Mark Young
Supervisor shared with the board information concerning the “roof-top” Highway I-98.
The Town Board has previously agreed to support this project.
Supervisor advised the Board of damage to the roof of Town Garage due to the recent heavy
snow. Appraisals will be sought for roof repair/replacement.
Supervisor shared with the Board information on a proposed Deer River Micro-hydro
Project. The town is seeking State funding for a formal feasibility study through the “2010
Adirondack Park Community Smart Growth Grant Program”. If approved, the project will
include installation of a micro-turbine to generate electrical power which will be transmitted into
the regional power distribution grid.
March 16th:
John Carr from Blue Mountain Engineering addressed the board regarding the proposed Deer
River Hydro Dam Project. He requested permission from the board to apply for grant monies
to be used on a feasibility study. The board passed a resolution granting permission.
The Highway Superintendent provided an update on the roof damage to the town garage caused
by the recent heavy snowfall. Various options were discussed and tabled until next meeting.
The structure will be inspected by the code officer and an engineer.
Highway Superintendent informed the board that the town will be receiving the same amount of
CHIPS (Consolidated Highway Improvement Programs) funds as last year.
The board approved changing future meeting dates as follows:
June: June 22, 2011 September: September 14, 2011 October: October 12, 2011
April 20th:
Absent: Michelle Asselin and Carmella Teeple
Rita Gordon and Pete Biesemeyer spoke regarding StarBand’s Satellite Internet Service available
in the Town of Duane. Both are happy with their service.
Engineer John Carr spoke regarding repairs to the roof of the Town Garage. He has applied for
grant monies to be applied to repair expenses. He presented preliminary drawings to the board
for their review. Supervisor LeMieux made a motion for Mr. Carr to draw up a contract to be
presented to the board at the next meeting for consideration.
The board discussed Partridge Park activity. There appears to be construction taking place
without proper building permits. Town Assessor and Code Officer will be asked to look into
this issue.
The Highway Superintendent advised the board that the guidelines established for the use of
CHIPS monies may be more restrictive. These changes may impact how the town uses these
highway repair funds.
May 18th:
Absent: Ned LeMieux Sr.
The board passed Resolution Number 6 which allows the Duane Fire Company to participate in
the Franklin County Mutual Aid Plan.
Board member Michelle Asselin announced when her term expires at the end of this year she
will not seek re-election.
A Job Well Done…….Thanks!
2010 October 20th:
Absent: none
Public Speaking Time: Gary Cring expressed his concerns in regards to our
equlization rate and its effects on school and county property taxes. He would
like to see the assessor be more accountable to the board.
Regular Meeting: The 2011 Town of Duane Budget
was adopted.
The town received $5,000 from an Adirondack (ANCA) trail grant. Our trail behind
the church will benefit from this grant money.
NY State will no longer operate the dog licensing program as of January 2011. This
responsibility is being turned over to towns. Using our existing town dog control law
as a starting point, the board spent a great deal of time discussing fees, forms, tags
and other necessary changes.
November 17th:
Absent: Michelle Asselin
Town Assessor, Thomas Gallagher, attended meeting. He answered questions
pertaining to assessments and the equalization rate.
The board decided to amend the current Town Dog Control law to reflect necessary
changes. The state has turned the dog license program over to each town. Fees will
be adjusted and tags have been ordered.
A motion was passed allowing the town to enter an agreement with the county in
regards to mileage fees for snow plowing of county roads.
December 15th:
Absent: Mark Young
The board adopted Resolution #10 of 2010, the amended Town Dog Control Law. The
changes in the law, including newly established fees, will go into effect on January 1,
2011.
The board agreed to hold the annual organizational meeting on January 5, 2011.
2011 January 19th:
Absent: Michelle Asselin, Mark Young, and Carmella
Teeple (recovering from surgery)
As per NY State requirement, the Dog Control Amendment was unanimously
approved as Local Law #1 for 2011.
A resolution was passed authorizing the Town Highway Superintendent rights to
request the use of county highway equipment when necessary.
Dog Control Official, Lisa Coryea, has been busy working on dog enumeration for the
town.
June 16th:
Absent: Pete Biesemyer and Mark Young
New Business: Using a projector, Jim Lalonde presented the Town of Duane web site. He
demonstrated how easy it was to navigate to the various links on the home page. The web site
can be found at: www.duaneny.com. Annual cost to the town is $14.95.
The Town Supervisor, Ned, announced that Bob Crossman, Code Enforcement Official, will be
sending a letter to property owners concerning derelict structures. Ned also announced that
Verizon has obtained a building permit for the construction of a cell phone tower behind the fire
station.
The Highway Superintendent announced he has just received our share of highway improvement
funds from the state, $28,123. This money will be used to make improvements to the Moore
Road and the Tebeau Road.
July 28th:
Absent: Carmella Teeple and Patricia Connors
Supervisor presented to the board the following: Work logs from three town employees new to NYState Retirement System. Board accepted these work logs and approved them in the form of
Resolutions 4, 5 and 6 for 2010.
Code Enforcement Officer, Robert Crossman, has received positive responses from three
property owners he had sent letters to regarding derelict structures. One currently has been
removed.
August 18th:
Absent: Michelle Asselin
Pete Biesemyer attended a workshop on Invasive Species and gave a brief overview. The ash
borer could be a potential problem so residents with ash trees need to keep a close eye on them.
The town received notification that the equalization rate for 2011will be 85%. This is the same
equalization rate that is currently being used.
The church bell base is nearly finished. Ned LeMieux Sr. has been working on a base to display
the brass church bell. This bell will be located just to the right of the church.
The board approved the expenditure of $1,000 to St. Regis Falls for the continuation of
emergency services.
September 15th:
Absent: Michelle Asselin and Mark Young
Supervisor informed the board that the church bell base is finished and a short ceremony will
take place the week of September 20th.
Town Justice, James Lalonde, received approval to apply for a grant seeking monies for new
office furniture.
Grant monies will allow additional work to the town trail located behind the church. Work will
include: placing gravel in the parking area, identification signs along the trail and improvements to
the viewing platform.
Janet Collier shared with the board information concerning the State’s transfer of the dog
licensing program to local town clerks. Lisa Coryea shared here concerns as Dog Control
Officer for the town. After a lengthy discussion it was decided additional time would be needed
to consider what steps are necessary for the town to implement this new responsibility
The 2011 budget planning packets were issued to board members. The first budget workshop is planned for the week of September 20th.
February 17th
All board members were in attendance.
New Business:
Supervisor LeMieux shared with the board a letter from the Town of Waverly requesting feedback concerning the hiring of a Level II Technician for EMT. A recent incident has prompted Waverly to look at ways that several communities might join their resources in an attempt to provide better medical service in times of an emergency. The board felt they needed additional information before any action could be taken.
Town Highway Superintendent, Ned LeMieux, shared with the board his outline for the hiring process of a new employee. An ad outlining the qualifications is currently running in the Telegram.
The Board passed Resolution #3 of 2010. This resolution will allow “The Town of Duane to be Co-Applicants on County of Franklin Planning Grant Application to NYS Dept. of State Local Government Efficiency Program”.
March 17th
Absent: Mark Young
Old Business:
Supervisor informed Board that issue of Town Justice hiring Court Clerk can’t be done at this time for legal reasons.
Supervisor informed Board Verizon is continuing to work with APA for a higher cell tower.
New Business:
Annual Financial Report for Town of Duane has been completed and is now on file in the Town Clerk’s office.
Board received updated Employee Handbook. Updates reflect approved policies and mandated regulations.
It was announced Sean Tebeau was hired to fill a vacancy in the highway department.
April 21st
All board members were in attendance.
Public Speaking Time: Gil Paddock informed the board he has received a letter from Senator Little’s office approving the funding of $10,000 for a construction project to be used for community activities. He also is requesting a grant from Homeland Security.
Carmella Teeple spoke regarding the IDA (Industrial Development Agency). The IDA is
providing loans to those interested in starting a business. Additional information may be found on the community bulletin board.
New Business:
The Town Clerks office has been switched over to a new phone plan which should reduce the monthly bill.
The revised Town Employee Handbook was approved. As part of this new handbook all new
town employees will be required to pay 10% of their monthly health insurance premium.
Highway Superintendent expressed his desire to purchase a plow/sand truck in the future,
replacing use of grader as plow. Ned will provide additional information
at a later date.
May 19th
All board members were in attendance.
New Business:
The 2010 equalization rate for the Town of Duane will be 85%. This is the current 2009
equalization rate used to compute property taxes.
The board approved a motion to join the Adirondack Association.
Town Justice, James Lalonde, has developed an informational web site on the Duane Town.
(www.duanetowncourt.com) He has also volunteered to
develop a Town of Duane web site.