Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

June 16th, 2021 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision:

a. Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf)

i. Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street

b. Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021 CPC Meeting  (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf)

c. 2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan  

(https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf)

d. Financials

e. Town Administrator Presentation to Town Council June 9, 2021  (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf)

5. Budget Stabilization Policy Discussion
6. Fletcher Fund Expenditures
7. FY21 Budget Update
8. Future Agenda Items
9. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-16-21_fincom_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021

Community Preservation Committee continues to learn, this time the learning was about Recreation

Quick Recap:

• Presentation and overview of the Recreation program, how it does, what it does, what are some of the future projects that could be funded from CPA funds when available
• Committee will need to determine the overall requirements and set up an application process for formal consideration before recommending choices to Town Council for approval. Still have housing and historical areas to complete the round of subject areas
  
• Funds will not be available until 4Q 2022.
  

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cpc0518

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cpc0519&src=recent_search_click  

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/vwT19i7LgxUavXFH8

 

• Community Preservation Committee Meeting coming up at 7; agenda has connection info https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_for_may_18_2021.pdf #cpc0518
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen opens with a quick update on the Maple Hill status. Town council has a special meeting Weds 5/19. After their executive session, an announcement and timeline for the right of first refusal will be shared #cpc0519
• Rec Director Ryan Jette provides an overview of the recreation programs. First youth field hockey program in MA started here. #cpc0518
• Community garden, disc golf; concerts on the common, movie nights, food trucks on tap for this summer #cpc0518 training for sports officials, CPR, etc... Playground monitoring done regularly, typical lifespan of 20 years.
• New playground at Beaver Pond getting wood chips on Weds should be open for the weekend, targeted for 5-12 year old kids Wish list for consideration #cpc0518
• Programs are used by young and old, it is a huge draw for the Town and well utilized by many of the residents. #cpc0518 participation of sign up usually around 6,000 and that doesn't count those where sign up is not required (pickel ball courts, hiking/walking trails)
• There will be competing demands for the CPA funds which really won't be available until 4Q 2022. #cpc0518 What will we spend on? What will we save for to have when a 'big' one comes along? All worthy discussion points for the CPC to understand and work towards a plan
• Demographics okay a role, yes. What will the post pandemic look like? Some speculation on which way it goes, should be positioned to handle what comes. Recall too that some of these changes won't be as dramatic (overnight) #cpc0518
• Committee will need to develop the balance of demands and funding. Consider diversity in fields too, i.e. a cricket field. Actually, plans underway at JFK for a cricket field this summer. #cpc0518 Application process will need to be developed ->
• Still need to hear from housing and historical to complete the round of info gathering, then you can start to look at what might be. Open applications, see what comes in and then prioritize for an eventual Town Council decision #cpc0518
• Motion to adjourn, second, meeting ends. That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #cpc0518

 

Rec Director Ryan Jette presenting to the CPC

Community Preservation Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 18, 2021

 Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 18, 2021 - 7:00 PM

 

Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes for

a. March 30, 2021 Minutes
b. April 6, 2021 Minutes

2. Recreation Presentation & Discussion

Exhibit References:

1. Open Space & Recreation Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf
2. April 6, 2021 Open Space presentation  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf

 

Agenda doc and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_for_may_18_2021.pdf

 

Community Preservation Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 18, 2021

"This is the third consecutive year that the CPA match has increased"

 From the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)

On Nov. 12, the Department of Revenue released the fiscal 2021 distribution from the Community Preservation Act Trust Fund for each participating community, with a minimum match rate of 28.6% for all municipalities.

Municipalities that adopted the CPA with a full 3% local property tax surcharge received a higher percentage.

The Division of Local Services has posted a full list of CPA distribution amounts by municipality.

The fiscal 2020 budget increased the recording fees at registries of deeds in order to provide additional revenue for the statewide CPA Trust Fund. The increase went into effect on Dec. 31, 2019, and was projected to double the amount of matching funds available to participating CPA communities. Advocates said the change would halt the trend of dropping match rates, which were headed toward a single-digit percentage.

Continue reading the article online

https://www.mma.org/increase-for-cpa-trust-fund-pays-off-with-higher-distributions-for-fy21/

Franklin is in the process of setting up the Community Preservation Committee. The first reading of the bylaw to create the group came to the Council it is being revised and will return for approval. Assuming the timeline continues, Franklin should receive its first funds in the distribution in Nov 2022.

Town Council Meeting Recap - Nov 18, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Corporate change at Shaw's requires approval of the change on the liquor license. There is no operational impact.
• NationalGRID representative explained process for tree trimming, efforts underway to improve service to the northern part of Franklin. Several residents complained of the impact and expressed desires for more action sooner than revealed.
• Adjustments to the FY 2021 budget (previously reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee) and by the Budget Subcommittee (held prior to the Council meeting) were discussed and approved. Budget stabilization fund restarted with addition of $850K
• The bylaw to create the Community Preservation Council per the passage of the CPA at the Nov 3 election (roughly 11K voted yes to 7K voting no) was misunderstood by some in the community as well as on the Council. 9 members will be appointed, 5 from existing board (as defined by the CPA state statue) and 4 at large (a slight change from the proposal of 3 with the fourth a representative of the Agriculture Commission). The second reading of the bylaw will come back at a December meeting.
• Two other items somewhat 'lost' in the meeting were 
• Franklin's COVID-19 case count had risen to 104 (and to 116 as of Thursday's community data released by MA DPH)
  
• Only 5% of the NationalGRID electric accounts opted out of municipal aggregation. (Given some of the threads on Facebook, one would have expected more to have opted out).

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/11-18-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

 

Agenda details with individual documents

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-18-town-council-agenda

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared in the Twitter thread can be found online https://photos.app.goo.gl/LmewJjpttTLP2jb98

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1118
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1118&src=typed_query

• Agenda doc for Town Council meeting available https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/11-18-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf #tc1118
• To watch or listen Town Council 11/18/20 : Via Comcast (Channel 11) or Verizon (Channel 29) Call-In Phone Number:Call 1-929-205-6099 & enter Meeting ID # ​829 5161 9518 -Then press # Via live stream https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream
• For active participation Town Council 11/18/20: Via Zoom: ​ #tc1118
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting #tc1118 Chair Tom Mercer reads the protocol and connection announcements.
• Town clerk Nancy Danello printing error found on initial mail ballots, replacements being sent, either way the error will not affect the election for candidates or anyone involved. Candidates night scheduled for 11/23 #tc1118
• Open for citizen comments, citizen speaking on power outages, it is on the agenda. She can speak at that time. She also wants to speak on the CPA question also on the agenda. #tc1118 suggestion to have the access info on the bottom of the cable screen
• Motion to approve minutes for Oct 7, Oct 21, Nov 4, each separately moved, seconded, passed assuming 8-0 (will verify with head count later) #tc1118
• Motion to approve appointment of Janet Jewett for Council on Aging made, second, passed 8-0 #tc1118
• Administrative changes to license of record for Shaw's #tc1118 also change to management ownership, no operational changes to store, hours etc. Primary reason for administrative changes to keep current instead of private ownership now public ownership
• Motion to approve license transaction for Shaw's https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/7a._shaws_license_0.pdf second, passed 8-0 #tc1118
• Next license transaction https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/7b._la_cantina_winter_farmers_market.pdf for sales only at farmers markets #tc1118 for Winters Farmers Market on the 3rd Sat of the month at Fairmont fruit farm (no samples due to covid-19) passed 8-0
• Representative from National Grid starts to explain circuit routing, one at Beaver Pond, one at Peck st and one at Union st; problems mostly with one of the circuits serves from Beaver Pond. #tc1118 main thing during storm are tree falls interrupting the lines, also squirrels
• Work on trees trimming done every 5 years, spent over $500k doing trimming this year alone, maintain a 6' and 10' clearance per contract did also make notes on trees or large limbs to take down, need to take with tree warden (Brutus) or residents as needed #tc1118
• Look at equipment itself and replacement where necessary, spacer cables or tree wires, looking to do quick fixes. Also do a grid modernization program with DPU. If tree touches wire and does it three times, the line shuts. Looking to working isolation #tc1118
• Project on isolation to start in April 2021. #tc1118 nationalGrid doesn't serve Medway so the north section is at the end of the line. Can out a lot of load as it is all residential, other lines have less as company or industrial accounts take more
• 16 hour shift during storm duty, can't go to truck when wind is over 40 mph, roads and trees need to be cleared before lines are restored. #tc1118 how long will the April project take once started? Hopefully by end of year if weather cooperates
• #tc1118 process is to address the larger issues first, work way through the process, things have improved, but it still takes time. Frequency of storms and complexity of the system contribute to issue. Storms without warning are a big issue
• #tc1118 where are we on the priority list? They look at the poor performing feeders to manage those, there are none currently in Franklin. We are looking at the northern section per your request. So the line will be looked at more closely? Yes.
• It is possible that a resident could be keeping a tree that is creating a problem for others. Would need to address through the Town tree warden. #tc1118 Brutus sends hundreds of letters to residents to address the tree issues.
• Clarification on modernization, two pieces of equipment to be changed to help isolation, starting with this. #tc1118 "saying you are going to start in April, what are we going to do during the winter? This isn't acceptable. Needs to be rectified sooner than later"
• Replacement of some wires closer to Beaver St and other short term fixes should help. Improvements should be helping improve the service. #tc1118 if you know the issue and aren't going to be taking action on a reasonable, then that may be negligent
• Concern with the amount of time to restore the outage, 2 days here, another 2 here, maybe make a commitment to do more sooner #tc1118 there will be other work being done before April, she will let DPW and Fire know of work being done
• #tc1118 important to provide updates on improvements being made, as they go. Without power, no water, no data so the web pages Jamie mentioned don't work. It is a safety issue when you can't flush. Thanks for the text message program, 40 hours total outages this year
• Without power can't use the stove to cook for her child. #tc1118 Moving on to subcommittee reports. Budget met earlier this evening, items coming upon agenda. Listening session postponed, to be combined with Dec 9th
• Legislation for action first up https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-65_sup_app.pdf #tc1118 the additional 150k for rec and town clerk accounts per subcommittee meeting earlier. FinCom approved 7-0; thanks for working with a tight budget and avoiding an override.
• State money is less than last year, can not continue to fulfill unfunded mandates, our #1 problem. #tc1118 some of the Cares act funds couldn't be used for the personnel costs for the election, could and did get used for the plexiglass and other items
• The State lost $3b, and our delegation kept us pretty well whole. Motion, seconded passes 8-0 #tc1118
• Motion to add to the budget stabilization fund, $853k; currently nothing in it, had been drained over last years. #tc1118 new growth had been forecast at $600k, now coming in at $1.6m hence the savings opportunity; second, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._gift_fd_dcu_5000.pdf recognition of gift to fire dept #tc1118 motion seconded, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-861_oak_street.pdf first of a couple of lot line changes for first reading, motion to second reading. Prior approval by council, approved by planning board, seconded, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-862_zba_longhill_and_pleasant.pdf Moved quickly by waiving reading of the motion by the clerk; motion to second reading, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-864_cpc.pdf motion to create chapter 16 for a Community Preservation Committee, an outcome of the passage of the CPA in the Nov election, requires two readings, then open process for application and appointment sometime next year #tc1118 reading of the bylaw
• Update by Jamie, a good tool for the community, bylaw sets terms for the committee. How to do this is already in MA gen'l law, there is also training by Community coalition, this is a long process. Then appointment of committee, tax collection doesn't start until 7/21 #tc1118
• In transparency, any changes to what was voted on. The ballot question was authorization to raise the taxes, this is the process to do the due diligence for the process, no bait and switch. #tc1118 5 of the seats are all mandatory, the statue requires a bylaw to admin the CPA
• The CPC is the gate keeper of the projects and funding. Boards get letter vote for a member, the nominations come to Town Administrator for review and town Council approval/ratification. Anyone who would like to serve has an opportunity to do so #tc1118
• #tc1118 concerned about adding AgComm to this similar to Conservation Committee, would rather have more citizens at large, need an attorney, a CPA to under stand the funding, a builder, an inspector. Would prefer to have town Council to do the interview and appointment
• The statue specific is already set in legislation. The town Council already accepted the statue with the town Council vote to put before the voters. The statue is well defined (20 years in work) Town clerk can enter in the tables. The bylaw is before them now #tc1118
• Pellegri not agreeing with the statue and bylaw as described. Bissanti joins in AgComm and ConComm duplicates. Jones agreeing with an additional at large person. AgComm is optional, ConComm is required. Max per statue is 9. AgComm is different on role from ConComm #tc1118
• Would need to reorder the appointment terms of going with 4. AgComm is open space advocate for Franklin as we are structured #tc1118 they will all be Franklin residents, period. To change wording now is not bait and switch, the act approved the funding...
• This bylaw creates the Committee, folks got 'confused' between the ballot question and operational discussion on the bylaw, 5 are defined by State, 9 is also max per State, only decision is which the four are. #tc1118
• Remove AgComm, and change terms due to four at large, #tc1118 those changes to be made when it comes back vote to move to second reading as amended to second reading 8-0
• 104 cases some clusters out there, we need to be careful, we are not in the next category and need to stay away from that. COVID-19 Report on municipal aggregation, only 5% opted out. 1.5 cents less on bill effective Nov 1. Shout-out for Franklin fire dept #tc1118
• Fire dept grant Committee a great success #tc1118 explore potential of a citizens Committee, could help keep public informed... Comments: executive session will cover the spear phishing issue. Farmers market Nov 21 first one, help decorate downtown also Nov 21.
• Hopefully after the executive session we'll be able to say something. What about the former councilor and an issue with bill of sales on some plows. Statement on the issue will be made at the next session. Happy Thanksgiving to all, stay safe. #tc1118
• Move to executive session, on the spear phishing issue, motion seconded passes 8-0 #tc1118 via roll call 

 

From the archives: Wed, Dec 20, 2017

Representative Jeff Roy announced that the Agricultural Commission had been formally signed by Governor Baker. He presented a copy of the official parchment along with the pen used to sign the legislation to Councilor Melanie Hamblen who was instrumental in getting the Agricultural Commission started.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/town-council-recap-agricultural.html

Representative Jeff Roy and Councilor Melanie Hamblen

Franklin, MA "Unofficial" results - Nov 3, 2020

The unofficial election results for Franklin, MA as released Tuesday, NOv 3, 2020 by the Town Clerk Nancy Danello

To download your copy

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_sI-rdLmfxzXXdADdH5LGfdA66S9a4r8/view?usp=sharing

 

"Unofficial"	Topic	Yes	No	Blanks	Total
Ballot Question 1	Right to repair	14018	5260	519	19797
Ballot Question 2	Ranked Choice Voting	7529	11631	637	19797
Ballot Question 3	Community Preservation Act	11565	7370	862	19797

 

 

Franklin, MA "Unofficial" results - Nov 3, 2020

 

Did you know? The Community Preservation Act (CPA) webinar gets into the nitty gritty today

Did you know... there will be a dive deep into the nitty gritty of how the Community Preservation Act (CPA) works in the webinar Thursday night (October 15, 2020 - 7:00 PM)? 

There are three points to remember:

1. Every residential property is given a deduction for the first $100,000 of value before the CPA surcharge is calculated.

2. Moderate income seniors can apply for an exemption from the CPA surcharge

3. Low income families can apply for an exemption from the CPA surcharge

These three exemptions were chosen by the Town Council to minimize the impact on residents while gaining the benefits of CPA for the Franklin community.

But for that promised deep dive, please connect to the Zoom webinar Thursday night via your computer, tablet or phone. Details for connecting are posted in the Facebook Event https://www.facebook.com/events/348059139868931

• Download your copy of the flyer for the webinar 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S1JxkMMh8x7iMzRYd4H71vYzBJex5dB9/view?usp=sharing 

 

Did you know? The CPA deep dive is tonight? Oct 15, 2020

 

Hold the date (Oct 15) for webinar on the Community Preservation Act (CPA)

What is the Community Preservation Act (CPA) 

and How Could CPA Help Franklin?

 

CPA for Franklin, a citizens committee supporting Ballot Question 3 to adopt the Community Preservation Act, will present a live webinar about the ballot question on Thursday, October 15, at 7:00 PM. 

Stuart Saginor, Executive Director of the statewide Community Preservation Coalition, and members of the local ballot campaign group will describe how the local option would raise funds for Historic Preservation, Open Space and Recreation, and Affordable Housing. 

Time for questions will be provided. Details about the Franklin Ballot Question 3 are posted at www.cpaforfranklin.org. 

For more information and to connect to the online event, please email cpa4franklin@gmail.com or text (774)571-0878. 

 

The CPA For Franklin group has prepared a flyer with information. Get your copy here  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTBRSlvC_HpcNpBg22mKyLDYhtpkF-S6/view?usp=sharing

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/

350 Mass Endorses The Community Preservation Act (CPA) For Franklin

Members of the Franklin Node of the statewide organization 350 Mass voted to endorse The Community Preservation Act (CPA) in Franklin. 350 Mass is a movement of volunteer members who carry out both municipal-level and statewide campaigns intended to broadly and systemically confront the climate crisis, hold our politicians accountable and undermine the destructive influence of the fossil fuel industry.

Carolyn Barthel, coordinator of the Franklin Node, said that the local node encourages Franklin residents to vote yes on question 3 on the November ballot because the CPA is in alignment with our goals of resource preservation and affordable housing. With the Community Preservation Act, Franklin will have the resources to purchase land for open spaces, maintain and improve parks and recreation areas, restore historical sites, and provide more affordable housing.

Raymond Milici, Franklin resident and a member of 350 Mass, points out that several surrounding towns, including Norfolk and Wrentham, already enjoy the benefits of CPA, and Franklin should do the same. In addition to revenues raised, via a small surcharge on property taxes (details in link below) the state will also contribute funds to help support town projects covered under the Community Preservation Act. We would get a lot for a little. A win-win for Franklin. For open spaces and more, please vote yes on 3.

For more information on what CPA is and how it works go to

• CPA for Franklin flyer = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTBRSlvC_HpcNpBg22mKyLDYhtpkF-S6/view
• Official Town of Franklin one page Fact Sheet =http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cpa_fact_sheet_4.pdf

 

350 Mass Endorses CPA For Franklin

What can the Community Preservation Act (CPA) do for Franklin?

This month, the CPA For Franklin group  will be answering questions about the Community Preservation Act. 

The Community Preservation Act is Ballot Question 3 for Franklin. Ballot Questions 1 and 2 for the November election are state wide  questions.

For the first Q and A in a series, head over to the CPA web page for a list of what nearby towns have used their CPA funds to do for their community. https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/2020/10/what-can-community-preservation-act.html

If you have a question about how CPA works, please email CPA4Franklin@gmail.com and they will answer in a future post.  

The CPA For Franklin group has prepared a flyer with information. Get your copy here  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WTBRSlvC_HpcNpBg22mKyLDYhtpkF-S6/view?usp=sharing

https://www.cpaforfranklin.org/

“When you go to a town with CPA, the difference is amazing”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With over $2.35 billion having been raised for community preservation funding in the past 20 years, some municipalities that have lost out by not having adopted the Community Preservation Act now want a piece of the pie.

Community Preservation Act, signed into law in 2000 by the late Gov. Paul Cellucci, provides state matching money to communities that have levied property tax surcharges up to 3% for funding of open space protection and outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing. Over 12,000 projects have been approved locally.

To date, 177 cities and towns in the state have adopted CPA. Only about a dozen are in Worcester County, a much larger number is in Middlesex County. Nine municipalities have CPA on the Nov. 3 ballot, including Shrewsbury, Hopedale, Lancaster, Franklin, and Framingham.

Chase Mack, communications director for the Community Preservation Coalition, said, with the pandemic, it’s been a tough year for campaigning to get communities to adopt CPA.

“I’m still impressed that nine communities still prioritized it with everything going on,” Mack said. “Everyone who has adopted CPA doesn’t want to give it up. It’s been very successful.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200921/residents-in-local-communities-will-decide-whether-to-support-new-local-tax-on-nov-3-voters-are-being-asked-to-support-community-preservation-act?rssfeed=true

 

Town of Franklin fact sheet on the CPA ballot question

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cpa_fact_sheet_4.pdf

 

 

The Old South Meeting House is one historic property that would benefit from CPA funds

9 Communities Will Vote on CPA Adoption in November 2020 Election

"Wow! CPA advocates in the town of Lee pull off the incredible task of collecting enough signatures to add #CommunityPreservationAct adoption to their November ballot.

This means a grand total of 9 communities will vote on CPA adoption later this year."

Communities voting on CPA this November: https://t.co/jrAPw5kQ4N 

 

Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter:  https://t.co/Gujzvu8NEt

 

Ballot Question #3 on the Franklin ballot will be to decide on the Community Preservation Act. This was voted on in the November 2007 election and failed at that time (Yes - 1528; No - 2174) . Additional info on how the Community Preservation Act can help Franklin will be available as the election approaches.

 

Upcoming CPA Elections for Nov 2020

 

Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA!

"Happy 20th Birthday to CPA!

This week marks the 20th anniversary of Gov. Cellucci signing the #CommunityPreservationAct into law. 

 

Since then, over half the state has adopted the program, raising over $2.35 billion for open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing."

 

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is on the Franklin ballot (Question #3) for the voters to decide this November.  You can find out more about the act and what it provides online  https://www.communitypreservation.org/

 

 

Community Preservation Coalition - Happy birthday CPA!

Picked up by the Franklin radar via Twitter https://t.co/EyUgKHnMAM

Town Council Budget Hearing #2 - Recap - June 18, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tcbh0618
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tcbh0618&src=typed_query

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight 1/2 = use your web browser to listen to http://wfpr.fm or tune to the radio dial at 102.9 in the Franklin area #tcbh0618 https://buff.ly/3hEjgQP

• Getting ready for real time reporting for the Town Council meeting tonight. Out on the FHS football field again, broadcasting live on the radio http://wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the Franklin area dial #tcbh0618
• Sound check underway, should be online soon #tcbh0618
• Another gorgeous evening here at FHS on the football field, Pisini Stadium. Less then a dozen folks in audience this evening (approx 75-80 last night) aside from Council and town management #tcbh0618

• Q on some items in DPW budget items, their budget is complex as they also support the enterprise funds, and trying to take care of storm water along the way. #tcbh0618 Q how many folks would you need? More than we have, we're about 2/3 of comparable Community
• Q on town bylaw to not touch a road after it has been rebuilt? Still in effect, does only cover the full rebuild, could modify the bylaw to include other types of repairs. #tcbh0618
• Cerel interjects to clarify unfunded mandate restriction of use to state imposition but not to the Federal government. #tcbh0618 Mercer asks Brutus for a brief primer for storm water. There have been info sessions on this, there will be a utility fee to assist
• We have to do the Storm water maintenance, the question is how we pay for it we could use the utility fee, or we just keep it in the budget. #tcbh0618 find much of the info here https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
• Q if we needed to cut more where would you cut in the DPW? It could be in any number of areas but would also affect the looks and quality of life. #tcbh0618 the storm water utility could gradually get the items moved from operations to the utility
• Q on speculation of a farmer suit that could toss the regs and hence we would have lost the money? It is speculation, so no further answer required #tcbh0618 recognition for Cathy Liberty and Health Dept for the work on the pandemic
• Next up, Senior Center - Karen Alves current Director, and retiring; Erin Rogers, new Director, no questions, just recognition #tcbh0618
• Next up, Recreation - COVID-19 has been tough to deal with, lots of credits issued for programs we couldn't run, are getting ready to do some in July, mostly fee based programs #tcbh0618 court at Fletcher underway, nets for safety at the high school ball fields
• Approx $600K in grants over last five years for various projects for recreation. #tcbh0618 concerts in the common, socially distanced on then common for 4-5 weeks
• Q on debt/interest as percent of ops budget. Deep in the report are details showing the position where we are, some bonds will be paid off freeing up room for capital funding. There is a separate item on the agenda for a funding list. #tcbh0618 have good rating credit rating
• Another glorious evening out on the field tonight. #tcbh0618 update on the CARES Act for COVID expense, highly restricted for response only, not operations used for PPE, some technical items but not ops
• Recieved $1M in the first allocation, most of this was used for 1,000 Chromebooks for schools in prep for a possible hybrid model in September #tcbh0618 that completes the first run through of the budget line items
• Next up vote on the budget https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._resolution_20-31_adoption_of_fy21_budget.pdf. Passed 9-0, no roll call required this evening
• Next up Community Preservation Act  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._resolution_20-36_cpa_ballot_vote.pdf a surcharge of 2% proposed to be out on the ballot for the Nov election, passed 9-0, no roll call required
• Capital appropriation with draft set of projects https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._resolution_20-37_borrowing_authorization.pdf  Motion to approve, passed 9-0, again no roll call required
• So what do those three votes mean? After the discussions, no one steps up to call for additional revenue for schools although a year ago the Joint Budget Subcommittee called for it. What happened? The CPA is approved for voters to have their say #tcbh0618
• The third vote for capital is a reasonable and required appropriation. It definitely shows fiscal planning. However the fiscal planning on that is missing on the operational budget. #tcbh0618
• Councilor comments. #tcbh0618 by the way, the audience grew from when I first took a count, was about 2 dozen folks tonight.
• June 19, 2019 the joint budget subcommittee meeting notes https://franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html refers to an override required for this year but not discussed tonight, maybe as this budget round continues #tcbh0618
• Chair Mercer closing meeting with this budget as a work in progress #tcbh0618 . This completes the reporting for tonight catch you all next time!

ready for the three votes to close out the procedings

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explains; Assistant Chrissy Whelton listens

Commuity Preservation Act update

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) still in the planning for a decision later this year by the Town Council to either put it on the ballot for the voters in November, or not. This article from the Mass Municipal Association (MMA) reveals "preliminary guidance" on the state distribution amount.

"While the COVID emergency’s impact on the Community Preservation Act Trust Fund is difficult to predict, the Division of Local Services on May 1 issued preliminary guidance, projecting an 11.2% first-round distribution to CPA communities in November.

“While current events have made estimating the state match a challenge, we have calculated a conservative estimate for use in municipal budget discussions,” the DLS stated.

Revenue for the trust fund comes from filing fees collected at the state’s registries of deeds (for home sales and mortgage filings, for example), but it’s unclear how COVID will impact the real estate market in the coming months.

A change to fees collected by the registries of deeds went into effect on January 1, 2020. This change was implemented to boost the CPA trust fund balance to provide for a greater state match."

Continue reading the article online
https://www.mma.org/dls-issues-preliminary-estimate-of-11-2-for-fall-cpa-trust-fund-distribution/

The recent CPA materials used for the Town Council discussions

• Feb 5, 2020 meeting recap

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/town-council-recap-of-feb-5-2020.html

• The audio segment of the Feb 5, 2020 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/fm-203-community-preservation-act-feb-5.html

• CPA presentation materials

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/community-preservation-act-cpa.html

It was a sense of deja vu for Jamie as he realized that he had come to Franklin on November 7, 2001

Town Council denies Dean College liquor license; approved trash/recycling fee increase

Briefly:

• The Council denied Dean College a liquor license to replace the daily/event based one they request up to 30 times a year. No issues ever over the years of this process, yet fears of future problems prevailed for Council vote. With one member absent, the vote was 4-4 hence failing
• The water resource map was updated as a formality and necessary to correct technical errors, this was approved as the last legislative item for action
• The coronavirus update by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen still seems inadequate for at least one Councilor. The plan was released for the phased re-opening of Town operations but it seems to have been not enough
• The trash recycling fee increase was approved 8-0-1 (1 absent, 8 for)
• Action on the Community Preservation Act was punted to a future (June?) meeting primarily for tworeasons, Pellegri's absence and concern over the 3% proposal, although the Council still seems to want to put it on the November ballot. And they have time to do so by voting to approve before October

My real-time notes for the Town Council meeting of May 6, a lengthy session on Wednesday night.

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting tonight, #tc0506
• 8 of the 9 Council in attendance tonight (Pellegri absent) approx 26 total participating at start of meeting #tc0506
• Motion to approve minutes of March 22; seconded passed 8-0-1 via roll call (1 absent) #tc0506
• Jackie Maciel lives on Elm St regarding COVID-19 data as published, raising problem with the #s as reported; towns being held hostage by the cities. Makes reference to AG Barr. #tc0506
• Next item water resource map update for hearing, had been discussed in time BCE (before coronavirus era) required per state DEP, really a house cleaning item. #tc0506 TA Jamie Hellen provides update, No cost to it. Up to 29 participating now
• Need to update map due to zoning requirements for the water resource protection, a developer had a proposal stopped to an inaccurate map #tc0506
• Dean college license application for liquor as discussed in last meeting back up for discussion, and revised since last time per discussion. Modifications to address items raised last time. New license would replace the daily ones they had been using #tc0506
• Discussion continues, side issues of future, and safety, and would this license then lead to a brewery desire? No, not desired by Dean, trying to simplify the license process for the Town and Dean #tc0506
• Annual license actually provides more oversight and protection (than the 30 x daily licenses) which is what some Councilors are asking for but appear to be getting confused by the side issues they raise #tc0506
• TA Hellen provides summary and updates to various points raised during the discussion. #tc0506
• Roll call vote on the amendment to add the restrictions to the motion, passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote on measure itself: Bissanti no, Chandler no, Dellorco no, Kelly no, motion does not carry as it finishes with a 4-4-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Moving on to coronavirus update, up to 98 cases, approx 20/week. Plan on return dept by dept shared last week including Library contactless pickup/take out #tc0506 all Beaver St services open next week, only brush this week
• Councilor Jones asking for the plan when the TA already said that is further away. There is NO public access under the first wave of the plan released. Not ready to make those decisions, discussion still underway #tc0506
• Moving on to Community Preservation act, recap of what's been done to get here. Did include 3% surcharge along with the common exemptions, if to out on ballot for Nov, need to decide by October. #tc0506
• Concern on the 3% item, maybe go lower initially. Get it passed, and perhaps after we have had success raise it later. Bissanti asking for delay to allow Pellegri to participate. #tc0506 most community went with 3 for the additional match/round of funding available
• Can getting kicked down the road on this item, seeming for and mostly for 3% but deferring to Pellegri for her to weigh in at a meeting in June #tc0506
• 1- Budget subcomm update on discussion 5/4 with follow up meeting on 5/11 at 5:30pm #tc0506 2- EDC meeting on inclusionary zoning held, another to be scheduled meeting notes and audio posted
• Legislation up now, Bruins Grant of $75K for Fletcher field of basketball street hockey court under construction #tc0506
• Acceptance of gift passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Recycling/trash fee increase up for 2nd approval; chart of fees over the years shared previously, still below what we had been paying before we started single stream, vote 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Next 5 items all up for approval are for the resulting agreements with various negotiation groups. First passed 8-0-1 (1 absent) these were discussed in executive session last week. All should pass by same vote hearing that. Second does
• Third passes, same vote; fourth passes, same vote and fifth passes by same vote - see agenda doc for details vote via roll call 8-0-1 (1 absent) #tc0506
• Zoning bylaw amendment 20-854 passed by 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Wouldn't due justice to the council comments with this method of notes, listen to the replay for details. #tc0506 thanks to residents for patience and compliance during this. Thanks to the first responders for their work helping us all!
• Motion to adjourn, seconded, passed via roll call 8-0-1(1 absent)

The agenda and associated documents can be found online
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-6.html

screengrab of virtual Town Council meeting 5/6/20