Road Bond Money Miss-appropriated
Council lied to residents, the only safety improvements discussed were relocating boulders placed in the right of way.
- Sidewalks were NEVER discussed or considered
- Lighting was NEVER discussed or considered
This is a disingenuous attempt by our council majority to justify an unethical misuse of taxpayer funds. It is unfortunate because now we all need to vote no when there are undefined terms used in ballot proposals.
Lies From Council
Village council told residents that they were able to save over two million dollars by through good management!
…but what is the TRUTH?
- 4/17/17 8.5 Million Bond approved by council
- 3/26/18 11.8 Million Estimate to complete
- 4/09/18 6 Million Bond approved by council, 14.5 vs estimated 11.8!
Why did they lie about a cost savings, when in fact it is clear the 3/26/18 estimate is slightly higher than the original?
“Working Around The Law”
Lies “Residential Area”
In 2016 a charter amendment was proposed which would have shifted the approval of sidewalks from residents to Franklin Village Council.
PROPOSED CHARTER AMENDMENT NO. 7 CHAPTER XI, Section 5
Proposed Charter Language (changes highlighted)
Section 5. The Council shall not have the power to construct any new sidewalks in residential areas. Construction of new sidewalks and pathways shall be allowed only along routes identified as arterial, major or collector roads in the Village’s Master Plan.
Council illegally approved the “streetscape plan” acting as if this law had passed.
This was not a case that Council thought they were in the right, it is a case where Pam Hansen and Michael Seltzer pressured the village attorney for years to get him to change is opinion.
April 5, 2016
The village attorney supported the need to change the charter if council wanted to be able to construct sidewalks with the amendment above.
He stated this issue was lawful and enforceable as written, used clear consistent language, and was more substantive requiring an amendment.
February 10, 2020
Village attorney supported sidewalks along franklin road and downtown by a simple majority vote of Council, ignoring resident’s voice.
Play on words started where his opinion was now “right of ways” abutting residential areas was not residential.
Result of Lies and Trying to Wordsmith Around the Law
Judge ruled against the Village with an embarrassing ruling advising them they should have looked up undefined terms like residential area in the dictionary.
- 3 years of delays
- Cost increase of $1,001,196 a 234% increase
- Accepted blindly without re-bidding!!!
- Lawyers Fees
- Destroyed reputation
Franklin Villagers 