First night, multiple questions; Second night, multiple votes approved FY 2025 budget, sets fee increases for water, curbside, & stormwater to 2nd reading (audio)

FM #1211 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1211 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council FY 2025 Budget Hearing #1 conducted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. All nine members of the Council were present.

Adoption of FY 2025 budget Moved, second, passes 9-0 

Resolution 24-29: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY25 - Moved, second, passes 9-0

Resolution 24-30: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Moved, second, passes 9-0

Resolution 24-31: Expenditure Limits for FY2025 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended, Moved, second, passes 9-0

Resolution 24-32: Creation of Snow & Ice Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto. 2/3 required, Moved, second, passes 9-0

Resolution 24-33: Creation of Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto - Moved, second, passes 9-0

 

Resolution 24-26: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservations  - Moved, second, passes 9-0; Admin account as an example could be used for appraisal if needed

Resolution 24-27: FY25 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds-Capital - Discussion around the use of the CPA funds for the historical preservation for the Old South Church, some not so convinced of it ... Also discussion around the Pleasant St affordable housing … It is deed restricted, Moved, second, passes 9-0

Resolution 24-34: Rescission of Unissued Balances of Authorizations to Borrow Moved, second, discussion. Mostly a house cleaning resolution, to clear the books before reissuing new borrowing. Estimates are currently severely out of date and will be redone as needed. This is no "money" it is unexecuted borrowing authorizations, we did have an approval to do so but either grants covered or as estimates were outdated can't be done now - Moved, second, Passes 9-0

Resolution 24-35: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Various Renovations to Remington/Jefferson and Horace Mann Schools - Moved, second, discussion, Related to one of the earlier items, this is a current and more accurate funding request. Amendment to make modifications as discussed to add Middle School throughout, and change improve to approve in #2 moved, second, passes 9-0 for amendment, Moved, second as amended passes 9-0

By-Law Amendment 24-910: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Water Usage Rates - First Reading - Moved, second, discussion - Water rate increases needed for PFAS mitigations per EPA requirements at a 1.5% loan rate Moving to second reading, passes 9-0

By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - First Reading - Moved, second, discussion History of the curbside fees

"it is cheaper to burn trash than to recycle" tipping costs are likely to continue to increase, in negotiation for new contracts so there may be future increases Moving to second reading, Passes 9-0

By-Law Amendment 24-912: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Stormwater Service Charge - First Reading Moved, second, discussion - Moving to second reading, passes 9-0

Town Administrator report

• Shannon Nisbett certified by the state as a veteran services officers Award for safety training

• More artsy boxes being painted around town Carlos Rebelo awarded manager of the year

• Podcast talks about mental health with Kallie and Lt Riley

The recording runs about 4 hours and 7 minutes, so let’s listen to this FY 2025 budget hearing #1 of May 22.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1211-franklin-ma-town-council-fy2025-budget-hearing-2-05-23-24

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Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_22_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

My notes via Twitter ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HVhORTXoOdWGOgZryo8tmzYdLkXDTBy1/view?usp=drive_link 

The Franklin TV recording is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc-8mCAPws

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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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First night, multiple questions; Second night, multiple votes approved FY 2025 budget, sets fee increases for water, curbside, & stormwater to 2nd reading (audio)