Showing posts with label summary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summary. Show all posts

Monday, March 18, 2024

What's this about a possible override for Franklin?

The first pass of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget as presented to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting last week shows the Town of Franklin facing a $10.1 million deficit. The numbers will continue to be worked. As discussed during the meeting, breaking news that afternoon showed a reduction in the projected cost increase for health care that had just been received. That will be adjusted for future budget discussions.


The timeline for the budget development is as follows:

  • School Committee budget public hearing - March 19

  • School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 2

  • Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12

  • Joint Budget Subcommittee - (TBD - possible Apr 17?)

  • Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)

  • Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)


If there were to be an override, the decision on “When?” is as critical as “How much”? Election requirements call for 35 days notification of a vote on a ballot question. Hence, a vote scheduled for June would have to be decided no later than early May


Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials


School budget page -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget


Recent meetings/documents (most recent on top, scroll down for prior)


Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - March 6


School Committee Superintendent’s budget - March 5


Visit One Franklin to find out more about the group and their efforts advocating for the override https://onefranklinma.com/

What's this about a possible override for Franklin?
What's this about a possible override for Franklin? 

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Franklin (MA) News Summary as of June 2, 2023

The Franklin Town Council approved the FY 2024 budget with a unanimous 9-0 vote on May 25, 2023. The Town has a balanced budget with minor increases to Police, Fire, and Senior Center funding. However, the Franklin school budget remains short $2.3M from what they requested.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen has a plan to add about $700K to the school budget and that is up for Town Council vote on June 7, 2023. Assuming it passes, the schools still need to adjust their budget down by about $1.6M. The schools and Franklin are faced with hard choices.

It may seem like tough budget choices this year but according to the fiscal outlook it will get even tougher next year. Hence, now would be a good time to get involved and be part of the discussion to understand the cost drivers, and what can be done with what we have.

The one good item coming out of the Council and Finance Committee budget hearings seems to be a consensus on truly taking some action to resolve this systemic budget problem. The Joint Budget subcommittee will be tasked with that. The Subcommittee is composed of 4 Town Councilors, 3 from the School Committee and 3 from the Finance Committee. This group has its work cut out for themselves.

They don’t need to do it alone.

An informed resident can provide input to help this subcommittee make the best decision when it comes to advising the Town Council with our budget priorities for FY 2025 and beyond.

Also on the bright side, the 9th Annual Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for downtown Franklin Friday, June 9 from 4 to 9 PM (rain date June 10). Additional info on the event can be found on the Downtown Partnership page -> https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2023/06/many-activities-and-booths-set-for-june.html 

Subscribe to Franklin.news to get the info on all these discussions and links to the budget documents, the video, and audio replays of the meetings as they progress.

Find us at www.franklin.news/ and subscribe for one email per day.

Franklin News Summary as of June 2, 2023
Franklin News Summary as of June 2, 2023

This was originally shared via the United Regional Chamber of Commerce weekly newsletter. Businesses should consider becoming a member -> https://unitedregionalchamber.org/

Friday, May 12, 2023

Franklinites: Spend a few minutes with this "must listen" summary from Town Administrator Hellen on FY 2024 (audio)

FM #993 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 993 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the opening 35 minutes or so for the Finance Committee meeting (and first of three budget hearings for the FY 2024 budget year). The meeting was held on Monday, May 8, 2023. 


Quick recap:

  • The first 35 minutes or so are a “must listen” for any Franklinite to understand the scope of the revenue and cost drivers for the FY 2024 budget

  • Town administrator Jamie Hellen walks through the revenue and cost drivers for the budget effectively in 35 minutes or so 


The “must listen” recording runs 37 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provide the intro to the FY 2024 budget discussions at the Finance Committee meeting May 8, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-993-finance-cmte-must-listen-bh1-05-08-23


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Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_8_fin_com_agenda_0.pdf 


FY 2024 budget information -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 


My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Y71rUvK3Sdu79B7DnN5vIdC4tDa9zOXG/view?usp=share_link 


Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 


YouTube recording =>   https://www.youtube.com/live/WHWL2ods9d8?feature=share


Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/XpAFzF4Z97irFB6s5 


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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!

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


Spend a few minutes with this "must listen" summary from Town Administrator Hellen on FY 2024
Spend a few minutes with this "must listen" summary from Town Administrator Hellen on FY 2024

Saturday, May 6, 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the May 3, 2023 meeting & simplifies what it means (audio)

FM #990 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 990 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town 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 May 3, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Katrina Psikarakis as the Manager - Here Come Two Greeks, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street   

b. License Modification - Change of Manager: Rare Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steakhouse; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038   

c. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant, Located at 847 West Central Street   

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY22 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   

b. Presentation: Charles River Pollution Control District - Elizabeth Taglieri, Executive Director Charles River Pollution Control District  

c. An Introduction to PFAS Regulations – Water & Sewer Superintendent Doug Martin   

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-897: Sewer Rate Increase - First Reading

b. Resolution 23-30: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Sewer System Asset Management Plan (CWSRF 12541)

c. Resolution 23-31: Authority For Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application 

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Second Reading 

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - Second Reading

f. Resolution 23-32: Gift Acceptance - Town of Franklin for Red Brick School House (Donation of “Established” Sign) 

g. Resolution 23-29: FY23 Capital Round 2



Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 


Our conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded May 4, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-990-town-council-quarterbacking-05-04-23



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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html 


My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/view?usp=share_link


Franklin TV meeting video ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share


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


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"


Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Recap: Franklin Housing Authority meeting 2/07/22

Quick recap:
  • The Franklin Housing Authority met on Monday, Feb 7 at 4:30 PM in the community room at Central Park terrace
  • Key item - waiting list has over 8 thousand individuals, only 300 odd are from Franklin. It is good t have Franklin a desirable community but we need more housing
  • The four units out of service from the fire in 2021 may be back online in March. Currently empty units being filled as applicants are vetted and arrangements confirmed
  • Revenue up over this time last year, attributed to better management of rental payments coordinating with residents on the timing of the Social Security funds, etc.
  • Director contract extended for 5 year term using current contract language. The DHCD template is in court being challenged on some of the provisions  and the resolution is not anticipated any time soon. Hence, the renewal of the current contract terms
 
Twitter thread of notes taken during meeting listed below
Audio of the meeting to be available in couple of days

  • Franklin Housing Authority meeting underway, recording in process, assuming gremlins are kept at bay, recording will be available in day or so #fha0207
  • Meeting agenda here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/fha_2-7-22.pdf #fha0207
  • Over 8K on waiting list for housing, 315 local residents on listing. #fha0207 revenue up about $11k year to date with 11 vacancies, 4 related to fire, a couple of units coming to use this week.
  • A TV unit is on in the background for resident use, hopefully won't mess with the recording too much. #fha0207
  • Motion to accept director report, second, next meeting March 7 (keeping it to Weds) motion as amended passes unanimously. #fha0207 motion to accept operation statement, seconded, auditor doing ok, passes unanimously.
  • No CPC update, anything under old business? No. Checking on other listings per agenda. Furnace replacement. Amount of bids exceed DHCD award to date but trying to adjust to fit within or increase accordingly #fha0207 board approval pending DHCD funding for 9 units - passes
  • Winter St emergency boiler replacement project #fha0207 may need to add a temporary unit to keep things going while replacement underway, expecting bids this week, have expedite approval motion approved unanimously
  • Tenant board member to fill the next vacant seat, working with Town Clerk and tenants to communicate and prepare accordingly, tenants would file application, be reviewed by Town Administrator, and ultimately approved by Town Council #fha0207
  • Ethics and DHCD training mandatory but board member is optional for tenant members #fha0207
  • Mgt agreement with Norfolk, value of contract increases, approval for $66k, Norfolk Board also to approve, passes unanimously, Board can approve allowance of 30% for executive for mgt of contract, approved unanimously; prior salary based upon 39.5 hours, #fha0207 5% increase on base per DHCD, first since 2017, motion to approve as allowed by DHCD, unanimously
  • Litigation regarding the DHCD template, looking to extend current agreement for Lisa for 5 years, rather than use the new template; no resolution likely to DHCD template anytime soon; best option to extend for now #fha0207 specific motion to be read in
  • Motion read, moved, second, passes unanimously; motion to adjourn, passes unanimously #fha0207 That's all for tonight catch you next time!
The Twitter thread can also be found in one PDF

Franklin Housing Authority
Franklin Housing Authority

Thursday, January 27, 2022

Recap: Charles River Meadowlands Initiative - 01/24/22 (audio)

 FM #710 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 710 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Alan Earls, Franklin resident, local historian, and open space advocate as we recap the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, Jan 24, 2022. 


Links in the show notes include the BETA Report on the Meadowlands Initiative as well as many of the links for the reporting shared by Franklin Matters since 2016 as the initiative made progress.


The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to this recap of the Charles River Meadowland Initiative audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-710-charles-river-meadowlands-recap-01-24-22



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Home page for the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative -> https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/


BETA Report finally received early 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/in-news-charles-river-meadowlands-study.html


Conservation Commission Annual Report for 2019 references

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-annual-report-2019.html


Info session series in 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html


Forum schedule for April 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html 


BETA surveyed in 2018

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/the-goal-is-basically-to-create-few.html


ToF announces kickoff of study with $25K grant

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/town-of-franklin-kicks-of-study-of.html


Clean up & walk in 2018

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html


Review of 2017 activities published in Dec 2017

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/review-of-meadowlands-initiative-in.html


Oct 2017 hike with 20+ folks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/charles-river-meadowlands-hike-recap.html


Charles River Meadowlands meeting scheduled for 2017

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/charles-river-meadowlands-meeting.html 


Library info session and children’s reading for Ground Hog day in 2017

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html


Charles River Meadowlands and #Giving Tuesday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/charles-river-meadowlands-givingtuesday.html 


Meeting announcement mid-2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/next-meeting-of-charles-river.html 


Charles River walk Jan 2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/exploring-charles-river-meadowlands.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 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"



Recap: Charles River Meadowlands Initiative - 01/24/22 (audio)
Recap: Charles River Meadowlands Initiative - 01/24/22 (audio)