Town Council Meeting 5/07/25 Audio in 2 parts (1) full meeting, (2) audit & AAA rating only

FM #1447-1448  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1447-1448 in the series. 

This session (1447) shares the FUll Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers.  

This session (1448) shares the FY 2024 Fiscal Audit presentation and discussion from the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This includes the announcement of the AAA bond rating renewal. 

Meeting recap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-hears-of-clean-audit-and.html 

The Full meeting recording runs about 2 hours and 37 minutes  

#1447 - Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1447-town-council-mtg-full-session-05-07-25/

The Audit Segment runs about 56 minutes

#1448 - Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1448-town-council-mtg-audit-segment-05-07-25/

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

The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389 

The agenda and released documents for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719 

My full set of notes captured during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link 

FY 2024 Audit report ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/539 

Other audit reports can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=36 

S&P Bond Rating letter dated May 6, 2025

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5614/SP-Rating-Report---Franklin---2025 

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

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"

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5614/SP-Rating-Report---Franklin---2025

Fiscal Audit Report for FY 2024 on Agenda for Town Council Meeting - May 7

Among the key items on the Town Council agenda for Wednesday, May 7, 2025 is the annual audit report. 

 

You can preview the doc and then follow along as the auditor provides the highlights. As I read it, it is a clean audit with no management letter.

 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5518/Town-of-Franklin-MA---Issued-06302024-Financial-Statements---FINAL-1

Fiscal Audit Report for FY 2024 on Agenda for Town Council Meeting - May 7

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, May 7 Time: 7:00 PM

 

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719

FHS Senior Lola R. Richardson Selected as Finalist, 13 Commended by National Merit Scholarship Program

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Joshua Hanna are pleased to announce that senior Lola R. Richardson has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, with an additional 13 seniors named Commended Students. 

As a finalist, Richardson will receive a Certificate of Merit attesting to her distinguished performance in the competition. Approximately 7,140 of the over 15,000 finalists will earn scholarships between March and June.

Lola R. Richardson

Richardson is described as a remarkable student whose teachers recognize her as an essential member of their classrooms. She has taken many Advanced Placement courses and is heavily involved in activities and programs at school. Richardson is a member of the 40% Club, works as a mentor and counselor at Franklin Summer Music Camp, plays the accordion, flute and piano, and holds a first degree black belt in Taekwondo.

"I am excited to be a finalist because I have worked very hard and put in consistent effort towards my studies throughout my life," said Richardson. "Being selected as a finalist feels like all of that hard work is being recognized, which is a rewarding feeling, regardless of whether or not I win a scholarship."

Richardson says that her most meaningful high school experience was her participation in the All-State music festival during the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. Outside of school, she works as a pianist at the Franklin United Methodist Church.

Richardson was accepted into Berklee College of Music and received a full tuition scholarship. She has not finalized her decision, but is likely to attend Berklee next year. 

The 13 Commended Students are recognized for their exceptional academic promise demonstrated by scoring among the 50,000 highest scorers nationwide on the 2022 Preliminary/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. They will receive letters of commendation from the district, and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program.

Commended Students

The Commended Students include: Aayush Srinivas, Adithya Balagurumoorthy, Aditya Sharma, Andrew Van Marter, Anna David, Anton Sackley, Arnav Deshpande, Ava Reijmers, Brady Flynn, Charles Call, Christopher Bartlett, Jennifer Soohoo and Liana Warnakulasooriya.

"We are incredibly proud of Lola for becoming a finalist for the scholarship, as well as each of the Commended Students for this prestigious achievement," Superintendent Giguere said. "All of these students have worked incredibly hard to accomplish this, and they are very deserving of the recognition."

About National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC)

Since its founding, NMSC has recognized over 3.4 million students and provided some 451,000 scholarships worth over $1.8 billion. The honors awarded by NMSC to exceptionally able students are viewed as definitive marks of excellence. Recipients of Merit Scholarship® awards, Achievement Scholarship® awards, and corporate-sponsored Special Scholarships have increased the nation's respect for intellectual accomplishments and have contributed significantly to its talent pool of future leaders.

Reminder: Town Council meeting February 28 at 7 PM

Among the key items for the Town Council meeting scheduled Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 PM, are the following:

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map
i. Legislation for Action #9a.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

Capital Budget Subcmte to review adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 21, 2024 - 10:00 AM

Discussion:

1. FY24 Capital Plan “Round 1”

a. Town Administrator Memo

b. FY24 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans

c. Quotes

2. Next Meeting Date

Full agenda doc (note, no remote participation scheduled for this meeting)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-_feb_21_2024.pdf

Capital Budget Subcmte to review adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM

This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)

FM #1107 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1107 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  

Topics for this session

• Budget cycle starting new with tax rate hearing pinning FY 2024

• Tough decisions face in FY2025 and beyond

• Migrant housing situation stabilized

The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1107-talk-franklin-11-28-23

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Agenda for Tax rate hearing Nov 21, 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf 

Budget cycle and financial terms audio with Chris Sandini & Kerry Bertone

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/the-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle.html

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

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"

This Talk Franklin covers the FY 2025 budget cycle starting with the tax rate for FY 2024 getting set (audio)

In this Talk Franklin we cover ribbon cuttings, FY 24 budget adjustments, and looking forward to Thanksgiving (audio)

FM #1099 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1099 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  

Topics for this session

• Ribbon cutting held for Schmidt’s Farm, ground breaking for Beaver St Interceptor

• FY 2024 budget adjustments, tax rate hearing, Tri-County debt exclusion

• Election turnout disappointing

• Thanksgiving break, Turkey Trot, FHS Football at Fenway

The recording runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Amy on Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1099-talk-franklin-11-14-23

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Schmidt’s Farm ribbon cutting (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/ribbon-cutting-at-schmidts-farm.html 

Beaver St Interceptor ribbon cutting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/beaver-street-sewer-interceptor_0561651916.html 

Beaver St Interceptor page  https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor

Agenda for Tax rate hearing Nov 21, 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf 

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

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 Talk Franklin we cover ribbon cuttings, FY 24 budget adjustments, and looking forward to Thanksgiving (audio)

Finance Committee hears about adjustments to the FY 2024 budget and gives approval (audio)

FM #1095 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1095 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. 

They met as scheduled to review the adjustments to the FY 2024 budget. 

These adjustments are a checkpoint in the full budget process. Some assumptions made early in the process (i.e. for State funds) can now be adjusted to be more real as the State budget, still in development at the time Franklin's was developed, is now finalized. Well, almost but that is another item for another day.

These adjustments are made each year before the Town Council tax classification hearing sets the rate later this month (Tues, Nov 21). 

The Town Administrator's memo outlined the adjustments to reduce new growth, local receipts, and among other items add $1,000 to the Disability Commission to enable the funding for the annual Disability Expo. For some unknown reason, they previously did not have a budget at all ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/fiscal-year-2024-fy24-budget-adjustment.html

One of the adjustments made was the removal of the communications position jointly funded between Town and School budgets. At a time when the Town (overall) could really use a central point to handle communications (the past several years have shown the benefits of that position)), they currently are operating without one. What wasn't mentioned in the meeting is that there are plans to hire an outside firm to provide such services at a savings vs. the current position. Stay tuned to this topic.

The meeting recording runs about 46 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Nov 8, 2023.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1095-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-11-08-23

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

Agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_8_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin TV video available for replay (less than 50 minutes) -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWsbriG2ngw (meeting begins approx. 2 minutes into the video)

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

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

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"

Finance Committee get to review the FY 24 budget changes on Wednesday, Nov 8 at 7 PM