In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)

FM #1148 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1148 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, February 29, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of their work on the Democracy badge

• Zoning change from residential to business, two hours, “No action”

• Procedural move to refer back to the Planning Board for their ‘full’ assessment & recommendation

• The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

• FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

• Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

• Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. 

• Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.1M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

• Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1148-town-council-quarterbacking-02-29-24

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Town Council agenda for Feb 28, 2024 meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 

Town Council recap & video link -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/02/town-council-spends-2-hours-and-takes.html 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, February 28, 2024. the first 2 hours covered the earlier portions of the meeting and most of the time was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?) the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer  the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommended was with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

The Franklin TV recording is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ

The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

My notes captured during the session via Twitter can be read in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

Aside from the zoning discussion:

• Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge
• The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved
• The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously
• FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved
• associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved
• The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”
• The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved
• Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks
• Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)
• Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas
• Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase
• Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

Reminder: Town Council meeting February 28 at 7 PM

Among the key items for the Town Council meeting scheduled Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 PM, are the following:

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map
i. Legislation for Action #9a.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 28, 2024 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask

the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 31, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map

i. Legislation for Action #9a.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-901 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-04: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-04 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-08: Town Council’s Support of Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act” (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-08 - Majority Vote) 

e. Resolution 24-09: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to approve Resolution 24-09 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-10: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-10 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-11: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-11 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-12 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-13: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-13 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report

b. Capital Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

d. Budget Subcommittee

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

g. Police Station Building Committee

h. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

The Town of Franklin Budget Cycle & Financial Terms - 04/14/22 (audio)

FM #780 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 780 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  

We cover the following key topics

A typical day for Finance Director/Comptroller

A typical day for Treasurer//Collector

The budget cycle, and fiscal year (July to June)

Three financial years; past, current, and future all in the mix

Our conversation runs about 62 minutes. Links to the documents referenced during this meeting are included in the show notes.  Let’s listen to this recording of my conversation with Kerri and Chris. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22

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Town of Franklin budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Budget process low chart -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/new_budget_process.pdf 

MA Division of Local Services (DLS) Municipal Finance Glossary -> https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qc/dlsmfgl.pdf 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters" 

Town of Franklin budget cycle

FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)

 FM #745 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 745 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about one hour and thirty minutes (1:30 )

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of March 2, 2022 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-745-town-council-meeting-03-02-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf  

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V68RACg-cfE7DL80uaXkOSwQhTPWL2yC/view?usp=sharing 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom.html

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 03/03/22 (audio)

FM #744 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 744 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of March 3, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-15: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-15 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-16: Authorization for Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute New Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. for PEG Programming and Access Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-16 - Majority Vote)

 

Subcommittee Reports

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee – Mar 3, then to full Council likely March 16

b. Budget Subcommittee – Joint meeting – Mar 10 (Finance Cmte meeting - March 9)

c. Economic Development Subcommittee – met Weds before Council meeting, Franklin For All forum Mar 7

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.  The recording runs about 25 minutes.

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Mar 3, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-744-town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom-mercer-03-03-22

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Town Council Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf 

My notes for the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V68RACg-cfE7DL80uaXkOSwQhTPWL2yC/view?usp=sharing 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

OPEB consultant Dan Sherman participated remotely