Showing posts with label town council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town council. 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? 

Thursday, March 14, 2024

Town Council approves Request for Expression of Interest to be issued for Davis Thayer, refers zoning change to Planning Board (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The agenda document can be found on the Town page -> 

Franklin TV recorded and live broadcast the session to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3tlPhSrWw

Quick recap:
  • Citizens comments were active, one person speaking against the potential reinstatement of the suspended DPW Director. The others speaking for. The matter might have been on the Executive Session agenda. We'll know for sure some time later
  • The minutes for the Feb 28, 2024 session were approved
  • The  Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 for Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street was moved to refer to the Planning Board by an 8-1 vote. Pellegri cast the one "No" vote
  • Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St was passed by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones recused himself from the discussion as his residence is an abutter to the property
    • The results of the Request for Expressions of Interest are non-binding. Input is due back May 31. At which time the Advisory Committee will spend time in June/July to review and bring back their recommendation to the Council for approval and possible further action
  •  Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48). "This donation is especially meaningful as it marks the final gift from the Franklin Library Association, which after 150 years of operation, has closed its doors"
  • The Council entered Executive Session to not return to public meeting with a 9-0 vote via roll call. 
My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_0S4RpGVb3mVuf_kutMg_uvXuW8zrvO/view?usp=drive_link


Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

 FM #1156 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1156 in the series. 

This session shares a recap of the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. This recap was recorded via Zoom on Thursday, March 7, 2024. 

The recap of this critical budgetary meeting was conducted with:
  • Council Chair Tom Mercer who also serves as the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee
  • George Conley, Chair of the Finance Committee
  • David McNeill, Vice-Chair of the School Committee as well as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee for the schools

Quick recap:
  • Role of the Joint Budget Committee
  • Reflections on the info shared in the meeting
  • Next steps including schedule of meetings to continue to work on refining the FY 2025 budget
The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to the recap of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1156-recap-of-the-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-03-07-24
 

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   



Photo album capturing the slides and meeting 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m42hRAFdfM-OX-brLa6epXiuEktOEeWU/view?usp=drive_link 

Additional info will be added to the FY 2025 budget page as the budget gets fined tuned over the next several weeks  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Joint Budget Subcommittee page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee 


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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"

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)
Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 13, 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
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street
(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 24-905 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/zoning_bylaw_amendment_24-905.pdf
b. Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St. (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-14 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/resolution_24-14.pdf
c. Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-15 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-15-_gift_acceptance_library_0.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
f. Police Station Building Committee
g. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exemption #1:To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or Individuals. 
b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police, Fire, Public Works, Facilities, Library) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.
15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting


Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

Monday, March 4, 2024

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

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Most of the first 2 hours 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 was 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 recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).


Quick recap:

  • 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


The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   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


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

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.


If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.


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"


Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge
Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together”

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting
(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)
March 6, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central Street - 2nd floor, Council Chambers

Agenda
1. Town Administrator’s Preliminary FY25 Budget Model
a. Town Administration Memo  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf
b. Committee Charge  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf
c. FY25 Revenue & Control Sheet  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_control_sheet_budget_model.pdf
d. February 13, 2024 School Committee Budget Discussion Slideshow  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/feb_2024_school_committee_budget_update_0.pdf


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen writes:

"The Perfect Storm has arrived. In anticipation of the March 6th meeting, we have prepared a preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget model based on the information we have to date. The deficit, established from initial assumptions in the budget model, is $10.095 million or just a hair under $10.1 million. 
FY25 Budget Process Update
We have met with every department and received preliminary assessments from outside entities (Animal Control, MECC, CRPC District, Retirement Board, etc.) that are reflected in the town's budget.
We have included Governor Healey’s H1 budget numbers into the model which represents a $76,782 decrease in local aid, however we do not expect any substantial increases in local aid by the end of July. Although the legislative session ends July 31st, we expect the FY25 state budget will last deep into the summer, thus we should not expect an avalanche of additional state aid to arrive to solve any of these financial pressures. Furthermore, the Chapter 70 formula and how it relates to Franklin has been well documented and discussed for many years. We need to keep this in mind as we continue budget discussions. 
In the coming weeks, line items will continue to be altered as new information becomes available through mid-April when our formal budget is released, tentatively scheduled for April 12, 2024. The Finance Committee budget hearings are May 6th (General Government, Culture & Recreation, Senior Center, Benefits, Debt/Interest, etc.), May 8th (Public Safety, Public Works, Inspections) and May 15th (Education). Town Council budget hearings are May 22nd and May 23rd. 
We will present a new five year fiscal forecast with the April 12th budget submission. 
Please visit the budget website for the process and archival budget materials"

The full agenda and supporting docs can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf

 

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together”
Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together”

Friday, March 1, 2024

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 


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


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