The first order of business was the annual organization process. Someone nominates a candidate for the Chair, with a second and possible discussion, it is then voted on. Someone nominates a candidate for the Vice-Chair, with a second and possible discussion, it is then voted on. Someone nominates a candidate for the Clerk of the Town Council (Not to be confused with the Town Clerk, a separate and distinct position), with a second and possible discussion, it is then voted on.
In most recent councils, there has only been one candidate for each position, no discussion and a unanimous vote. Which is all well and good.
*** Proclamation
to recognize Franklin Sheet Metal, among other things is noted for as the maker of the machine that makes Fritos.
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| gentleman representing Franklin Sheet Metal, Judy Pfeffer and Matt Kelly |
Especially with the new website, it would be really nice to have an archive available for the proclamations given. They are not included in the Council package, they are read outloud, and the meeting moves on. Why not keep a record of what was given to whom, why, and when?
*** Citizens Comment
Jane Curran, Jane's Frames
one of the founding member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership provided a reminder and information of the 15th anniversary gala coming up Nov 12. This event at THE BLACK BOX is planned as a "celebration of all that has been done to make downtown beautiful."
Teresa Burr, Town Clerk
Acknowledged receiving recognition of Franklin by the Secretary of the Commonwealth for creating the early voting opportunities. As of Tuesday, there were 4392 voters who cast their ballots early, almost 20%.
On November 8, the polls open at 6:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM.
Early voting happens through Friday, Nov 4 at 1:00 PM.
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With Senator Karen Spilka expected to be late for the scheduled start of the Legislative Update, the Town Council moved on to other business. The Council did dispatch these generally with ease.
- Approved appointment of Ron Higginbottom to the Council on Aging.
- Tabled the resolution to remove the firefighter positions from Civil Service. Apparently, the negotiations are close to final and should be ready for the rescheduled to the meeting of Dec 7, 2016.
- Approved the acceptance of land off Lincoln St by an 8-1 vote. Bissanti who is still expressing displeasure over this move was the one dissenting vote.
The legislate update was insightful to see how much was accomplished this past year and for the outlook on the budget cycle about to begin for FY 2018. You can read the full details in the link below.
Municipal aggregation is ready but the pricing is not expected to produce sufficient savings to execute it right now. The Town is ready to do so, all the approvals have been received.They will continue to watch the market pricing to see when to make the move.
The Actions Taken as published can be found here (note the official meeting minutes are drafted and circulated for approval at the next council meeting before they are made public).
For additional details, please refer to my notes taken live during the meeting:
- Live reporting: Closing
- Live reporting: State legislators update
- Live reporting: Legislation
- Live reporting: Town Council - November 2, 2016
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