Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting June 4, 2025 - FY 2026 Budget Vote

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 4, 2025 - 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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. May 7, 2025

b. May 21, 2025

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY26 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing - Continued from May 22, 2025

i. FY26 Voting Document

ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)

iii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)

iv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Book

FY 2026 Budget Vote

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-20 Adoption of the FY2026 Budget Appropriations - Budget Vote (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-20 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-21: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official (Town Clerk)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-21 - Majority Vote)

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-936 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

d. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations)

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-937 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 25-23: Snow and Ice Transfer of Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-23 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 25-35: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved to Road Repairs (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-35 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 25-25: Community Preservation Fund: FY26 Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-25 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 25-26: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-26 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 25-24: Transfer of Funds from Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-24 Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 25-34: Appropriation of Funds from Receipts Reserved for PFAS Remediation (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-34 Majority Vote)

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 - ⅔ Roll Call Majority Vote)

l. Resolution 25-32: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-32 - Majority Vote)

m. Resolution 25-33: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,510)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-33 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Community Preservation Committee recommends multiple project for approval with FY 2026 CPA funds (audio)

FM #1442 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1442 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the Council Chambers on Monday, May 5, 2025. All nine members of the committee were present in Council Chambers.

 

Quick Recap -> 

• No live broadcast of the Community Preservation committee meeting tonight. The meeting was recorded and will be set for broadcast later

• Minutes approved for August 20, 2024 and December 18, 2024 (approved as amended, some minor updates on who the members were at the time)

• Citizen comment; request for pickleball courts, already planned for the King St Park renovation, lights on the fields are out for bid, and courts are possible for phase 2, likely coming before the CPC in the fall to approve funding for additional pickleball courts

• 5 year anniversary of CPA in Franklin coming in the fall. Yes, really. Time flies  Committee will need to discuss how to utilize the discretionary funding, potentially use more by category or continue to save for future use 

• Motion to approve the funding resolution - FY26 Budget Approval - Resolution 25-25 Moved, second, passes 9-0 

• Jamie talks to the current projects proposals

FY26 Project Slate - Resolution 25-26 

i. Schmidt Farm Debt/Interest - $323,750

ii. Maple Hill Debt/Interest - $252,818

iii. School Playgrounds (Redistricting) - $181,623

iv. Open Space & Recreation Plan Supplement - $14,600

v. Sports Fields Wall Padding Replacement - $40,000

vi. Repair 1949 Fire Engine - $20,000

vii. Library Historic Hall Repairs - $80,000

Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0

• FY26 Project - Resolution 25-27 - Franklin United Methodist Church - $105,245

• Rev Jacob here to talk to the details with Tricia Prewitt

• CPA funding has been used for historical renovations of church facilities Discussion on the "anti aid" amendment

• Three tests generally; iconic?, no use of funds for 'maintenance', substance of uniqueness?

• Would require a preservation restriction. Town did this for the Old South Meeting House/Habitat for Humanity project recently, it was 'easy' compared to this potential project

5 minutes break per chair, Ready to resume Meeting opens

• Franklin United Methodist Church discussion resumes

• Previously presented May 2024

• Additional research completed since that time, identification of the role that the church has placed. Thanks to Rowan and Vicki for their research assistance

• CPA flow chart on determining use of funds for historic preservation https://www.communitypreservation.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4646/f/uploads/cpa_historic_flowchart_2025.pdf 

• Adjustments to proposal by removing the cross restoration from the scope and total reducing cost request, Funds will only be used for preservation of the exterior of the building 

• Interesting that the community participation is more in the church building than the congregation does (respectfully)

• Motion to approve proposal as revised, Vote via roll call passes 9-0

• Next to set a date; Oct 21 an off school committee mtg 

• Chair requests Town to look into Housing Authority for use of preservation funds

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0

The recording runs about 75 minutes, so let’s listen in.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1442-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-05-05-25/

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Franklin United Methodist Church discussion

Community Preservation Cmte page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/501/Community-Preservation-Committee 

Agenda doc and released materials https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1717 

 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WdsqZK2kBSiWBcNqQPl_XM2UW4roPZEX/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video not yet available 

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

GOOD DEEDS: Spring is here – The Community Preservation Act

Dear Friends of the Registry, Registry Stakeholders, and Norfolk County Residents, Spring is here, and as many of us take this opportunity to enjoy the wonderful public spaces that the communities in Norfolk County have to offer, I wanted to take a moment and share with you some history and information about the Community Preservation Act that I think you might find interesting.

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) is the result of more than two decades of work to create legislation that would provide all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns with a tool to preserve their most unique natural, community, and physical infrastructures in the face of rapid expansion and development.
 

The CPA allows cities and towns to establish a Community Preservation Fund to preserve open space, historic preservation, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation. Additionally, the CPA establishes a statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, which the Department of Revenue (DOR) oversees and which contributes annually to municipalities that have ratified the CPA.

The Community Preservation Act was signed into law on September 14, 2000. Today, with the addition of Sheffield, Swampscott, Townsend and Winchester, MA in 2024 there are 200 Massachusetts communities that have adopted this act. Of the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County, 19 communities have adopted the law since it was signed back in 2000. As of December 31, 2019, fees collected for the Community Preservation Act were increased to $50.00 for most land documents recorded and $25.00 for municipal lien certificates. The Registry of Deeds, at no additional cost to the Commonwealth or local communities, collects these revenues once a land document is recorded and forwards the monies to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue on a monthly basis. The funds forwarded to the Commonwealth are then redistributed back to the communities that have adopted the Community Preservation Act.

The fees for the CPA are set by the State Legislature on land documents recorded here at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The following chart provides an illustration of the funds generated by the CPA in your community based on recorded real estate filings for that community during the 2024 calendar year. 

GOOD DEEDS: Spring is here – The Community Preservation Act

I hope you find this data informative and helpful in understanding the impact the Community Preservation Act has in allowing cities and towns to ensure that their unique characteristics and assets are preserved for years to come.  In the meantime, if I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me at 781-461-6116 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

To all enjoy your Spring.

 

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk County Register of Deeds

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - May 5

LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
FRANKLIN, MA
Community Preservation Committee (CPC)

 

The Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 7:00 PM. This annual public hearing is required by statute, and will involve a discussion of Franklin’s needs, possibilities and resources regarding community preservation and the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these issues, as permitted by the CPA, and will provide an opportunity for public input.

This hearing will be held in person in the Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council
Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after April 30, 2025 for updated information. Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information or to make arrangements for translation services.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Julie McCann

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05052025-1680

 

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - May 5

Community Preservation Cmte gets update on project status, funding status, sets next meeting for Feb 5 (audio)

FM #1342 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1342 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the 3rd floor training room on Wednesday, December 18, 2024

 

Quick Recap -> 

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen providing an update, introduces Evan Lacasse as Deputy Financial Officer and budget analyst who will be picking up the details of CPA as things go forward

• Updates on current CPA funded projects:

• Cupola out for bid, should start next year some time

• Franklin Ridge about half financed at this point, starting infrastructure work in 2025

• Rod & Gun club didn't get funding, apparently did get their own funding

• Q on Davis Thayer, (old high school), Police Station Building Cmte hired architect, open house planned for current station, architect hired. Middle of 2025 should get to site selection. There are some issues with Parmenter, and with DT, so it will an interesting decision. DT page has the reports and expression of interests proposal, zoning would also be needed for most other uses (https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee). W Batchelor not liking the police station at Parmenter (not yet a decision). "no one can convince me otherwise"

• CPA funds could be used for historical preservation of Davis Thayer

• Review of the CPA fund status provided in the agenda doc

• Walking thru the 2nd page which shows the balances by category, expenses, encumbered amounts, etc. So we have at least $2M available

• Discussion on next meeting, Feb 5, 5 PM target for public hearing

• Money is one thing but town bandwidth is an issue

• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0

The recording runs about 38 minutes, so let’s listen in.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1342-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-12-18-24/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMyHAV9qzy8 

Agenda doc and CPA fund report status for FY 2025 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1__-03pwdXow-qWVpqpwiXBBCKncQNmeD/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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM

Community Preservation Cmte gets update on project status, funding status, sets next meeting for Feb 5 (video)

The Community Preservation Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec 18 at 5:00 PM in the 3rd floor training room.

All members of the committee present for this session. Franklin tv broadcasting to Comcast and Verizon subscribers as well as to Zoom and YouTube

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMyHAV9qzy8

Agenda doc and CPA fund report status for FY 2025 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_dec_18_2024.pdf

Quick Recap -> 

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen providing an update, introduces Evan Lacasse as Deputy Financial Officer and budget analyst who will be picking up the details of CPA as things go forward
• Updates on current CPA funded projects:
• Cupola out for bid, should start next year some time
• Franklin Ridge about half financed at this point, starting infrastructure work in 2025
• Rod & Gun club didn't get funding, apparently did get their own funding
• Q on Davis Thayer, (old high school), Police Station Building Cmte hired architect, open house planned for current station, architect hired. Middle of 2025 should get to site selection. There are some issues with Parmenter, and with DT, so it will an interesting decision. DT page has the reports and expression of interests proposal, zoning would also be needed for most other uses (https://www.franklinma.gov/davis-thayer-building-reuse-advisory-committee). W Batchelor not liking the police station at Parmenter (not yet a decision). "no one can convince me otherwise"
• CPA funds could be used for historical preservation of Davis Thayer
• Review of the CPA fund status provided in the agenda doc
• Walking thru the 2nd page which shows the balances by category, expenses, encumbered amounts, etc. So we have at least $2M available
• Discussion on next meeting, Feb 5, 5 PM target for public hearing
• Money is one thing but town bandwidth is an issue
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM