Finance Committee - last of 3 budget hearings - May 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Monday, May 11, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. FY24 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing continued...

FY24 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

a. Public Safety:

i. 210 Police Department

ii. 220 Fire Department

iii. 225 Regional Dispatch

iv. 240 Inspection Department

v. 292 Animal Control

4. FY24 Town Administrator Operating & Enterprise Budget Final Recommendation.

5. Future Agenda Items

6. Adjourn

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/may_11th_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Finance Committee - last of 3 budget hearings - May 11, 2023 at 7 PM

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring

via Franklin Fire Dept twitter:

Our Regional Dispatch Center is hiring!

Check out the posting below:

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring

The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) is hiring 

For more about the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) https://www.franklinma.gov/metacomet-emergency-communications-center-mecc

And an overview presentation to the Town Council in May 20202

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

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2 - Public Safety & Public Works (video)

The Finance Committee meeting was broadcast, live steamed, and available via either of the cable channels (Comcast & Verizon), as well as broadcast to YouTube. The YouTube recording is now available for replay.  

YouTube link -> https://youtu.be/zqiyIdFy8ik

My recap will be ready in a day or so. In the meantime, my Twitter notes can be found (in one PDF doc) ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SERBrhfi0U1eOLfFR6GWHkcl07UiazpH/view?usp=sharing

Finance Committee: Budget Hearing #2 - Public Safety & Public Works - May 11, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #2

May 11, 2022 - 6:30 PM 

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

 
Agenda
1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

4. FY23 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing Continued...
FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-23-budget-materials

a. Public Safety:

i. 210 Police Department

ii. 220 Fire Department

iii. 225 Regional Dispatch

iv. 240 Inspection Department

v. 292 Animal Control

b. Department of Public Works (DPW):

i. 422 Public Works

ii. 424 Street Lighting

iii. Enterprise Funds:

1. 450 Water

2. 440 Sewer

3. 434 Solid Waste

5. Future Agenda Items

6. Adjourn

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2022-05-11_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

FY23 Town Administrator Budget Materials website

FM #527 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/28/21 (audio)

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this budget hearing on "Public Safety"

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf3786c3-b901-4478-8bba-2808a097615f

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• April 28 Agenda = Public Safety (Police, Fire, Regional Dispatch)
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-28_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

• Town budget page for FY 2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

• My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-fincomm-budget-hearing-2-042821.html

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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 www.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"

FM #527 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/28/21 (audio)

Recap - FinComm Budget Hearing #2 - 04/28/21 - Public safety

Quick Recap:

• Public safety up for review this evening; Police, Fire, Inspection, and Regional Dispatch
• Police still understaffed vs. FBI stats but at larger staff than in recent years. Takes a newbie a year to get trained and on the street. One reason transfers are preferred if available
• Fire awaiting grant status possible award in Jun/Jul. If awarded, those individuals would be in addition to staff. Only hire paramedic qualified individuals.
• MECC expanding by two more communities (Millis, Mendon) with room for one more (maybe after that).

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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  #fincom0428

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0428&src=typed_query

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/6sggWUkqV9YYLy578

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-28_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf 

• Part 2 of the 4 part Budget Hearing by the Finance Committee about to begin at 6:30 PM. Connection info and agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-28_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf   #fincom0428
• Full budget doc to follow along on Police budget -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/budget_book_ta_level_fy22_with_page_numbers_v3.pdf  #fincom0428

Police

• P 52 and following covers the Police budget currently at 53 FTE would like to get more to be aligned with similar Community size #fincom0427 1 sargent aligned with 15 patrol personnel; span of control and additional administration would be desirable. Facing retirements
• Possible 2 this year, 4 in mid 2022, senior patrol person always badge #1; incentive to get 9 months notice of retirement, to avoid gap of hiring, training and actually getting to the streets to work #fincom0428 Q on jail diversion program covered by grant joint with Medway
• FBI stats say 1.9 patrol per 1000/population, would run out to about 70. Don't need to be that high just that 53 is light and with increase in population and buildings, the call volume is going up. #fincom0427 It takes a person about a year to get training to hit the streets
• The training and salary package has been an incentive to get transfers in which allows them to get to the streets quicker #fincom0428 chief advocated for parity in the salary package and it has worked well. Cost of body cameras and particularly the storage of the video
• He would prefer to have the body first, also with police reform there are 16 Committees looking at this so why start something now and have to change it out later. #fincom0428 we are not in civil service and happy not to be, able to recruit without it.
• #fincom0428 we are an attractive Community to work for, recent hires are good examples of what we can do. A job posting generates more applications than needed to fulfill a spot. A test is done every 3 years. I love self sponsors. That shows initiative for a job.
• Self sponsors wait for seats, dept sponsors get priority. #fincom0428 

Fire

• Now onto the Fire Dept, refer to pages 57-61. Ambulance billing rates now looked at annually, grant group being very productive. 180 days notice and 90 days actual date notice req'd for retirement
• Refresh the listing of hierarchy every two years, training and reorganization attractive to new hires. We do hire paramedics and prefer to not drop to EMT level #fincom0428 results of SAFER grant due around Jun/Jul. Likely would be additional staff, would have some time
• To start building a budget to support the hires after the grant ran out. The sun, moon and stars may align on this. #fincom0428 looking to stock the 3rd ambulance to be ready if needed. We are ready to go back for a look at ISO 1, not so much a staffing thing, equipment key
• All fee revenue goes into the general fund except for that supporting the enterprise funds #fincom0428 applied again for grant, setting aside approx $600k in case grant doesn't renew. Assume it does, the these funds go to the MECC stabilization fund. There is still room for 1

MECC

• Community to add to the regional dispatch, Millville and Medway Mendon coming on as planned this summer Moving to inspection, pages 64-65  #fincom0428 
• Moving to animal control, a regional agreement with Bellingham, we provide space, they run the program without complaints
• Motion to adjourn, seconded,  passes 9-0
• Back again Thursday for DPW and stormwater among other items! #fincom0428

 

Recap - FinComm Budget Hearing #2 - 04/28/21 - Public safety

FM #489 - Finance Committee Meeting - 03/10/21 - P2 of 3 - public safety (audio)

FM #489 = Welcome. This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 489 in the series. 

This session shares part 2 of the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 10, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Finance Committee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just almost three hour meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the capital budget discussion and vote to approve (approx. 75 minutes)
• *** Second *** covers the public safety presentations and discussion; the MECC, Fire Dept. and Police Dept. (approx. 67 mins)
• Third - and last but not least a look at the estimate for revenues for the FY 2022 budget. More to come on this as the budget cycle begins in earnest now meeting (approx. 30 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Finance Committee meeting of Mar 10, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ebddf331-f1ea-432d-864b-601e72d320a4

 

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Agenda doc   
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/revised_fin_com_agenda_complete_1.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/finance-committee-meeting-recap-topics.html 
 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

Chief Lynch answers a question during this segment of the meeting

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - March 10, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 10, 2021 = 6:30 PM

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. FY21 Capital Program Recommendations
5. Public Safety & MECC Discussion

a. Gary Premo - MECC Director

b. Chief TJ Lynch - Franklin Police Chief

c. Chief Jim McLaughlin - Franklin Fire Department

6. FY22 Revenue Projections
7. Future Agenda Items
8. Adjourn

Full agenda doc and meeting packet (with connection info)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_for_march_10_2021.pdf

The Finance Committee Agenda includes an update from the MECC

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Re-opening

• Election

• Recap/set up

• Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting; 

• #thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23

• EDC/ MAPC 

• Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled

• MECC grant

• Senior center office hours 8/20

• Councilor Earls leaves for law school

The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h

 

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

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/

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"

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

State to call for water ban due to drought conditions

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 #tc0624
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0624?src=hashtag_click

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 6/24/20 #tc0624
• Roll call and protocol of meeting by Chair Tom Mercer run through #tc0624
• 32 folks present to start. #tc0624 citizen comments - for items not on agenda. None stepped up to do so. Next up, appointments, some had not responded as of last time. 2 for this time; motion to approve, second, vote via roll call 9-0
• Next up expenditure limits https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._20-33_revolving_funds.pdf #tc0624 for revolving funds, this caps the max amount for the fund to hold/spend. Generally based upon nature of account (i.e. volume) vote via roll call passed 9-0
• Next up new revolving fund for treasurer for tax title, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._20-38_tax_title_revolving_fund.pdf #tc0624 to handle tax title collections effect July 1. Passed via roll call 9-0 also removes $32K from ops budget eventually
• Next up MECC stabilization fund, sets aside money for several years in lieu of the assessment currently not needed but will be in the future.https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._20-39_mecc_stabilization_fund.pdf #tc0624 was discussed during FinCom and TC budget hearings on detail
• MECC stabilization fund discussion, some ops money moved to this and will be out aside for the future use when free assessment expires in FY 25 and FY 26 #tc0624 also for use of fire and police capital costs passed 9-0 via roll call
• Next up first of two readings for water fee increase https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf #tc0624 assuming pass tonight, gets a second reading to take effect 9/01/20, an increase of 10% motion to move to second reading, passes 9-0
• Mostly for $13M water treatment plant underway some grants and low costs loans helping to pay for this to bring wells 3 and 6 back online (currently offline due to high iron and manganese counts) Q are we looking at a water ban re: drought status? #tc0624
• Drought coming due to lack of rain, #tc0624 slides to be added later, these are screen captures from the meeting
• Discussion and clarification around water ban, which we don't have annually (except for prior drought and well fire last year), we have supply but our permit restricts pumping volume. #tc0624 3 and 6 solve volume issues next year when complete
• If you water your lawn you are paying water and sewer fees (but nothing actually goes to the sewer) #tc0624 could you separate a meter for lawn watering? Garelick is also an open item as it is a large user and not completely out of bankruptcy yet
• Private wells can use water under drought as we don't regulate them, they do come from the same aquifer. Should have sign to indicate #tc0624 Q on quarterly increase? Approx $10/q or $40/year. Wells 1, 2, 4 are the biggest producer. There will be a water conservation plan!
• Ball fields will be reduced to once per week watering, #tc0624 if we stopped completely it would cost so much to restore, town buildings are turned off. Coffees to be set up to answer questions on water and supply, vs. permit especially with drought level 2 happening
• What about the pandemic effective of water? Slide shows some volume increase, hand watering is still available, #tc0624 personal well use still uses town aquifer water there is a Community assistance program with income guidelines, call DPW
• Could increase awareness of the program given 4.4% of low income folks in Franklin per some stats as only about 70 folks take advantage of program #tc0624 finally vote to move to 2nd reading, passed 9-0
• Next up salary schedule for Town Clerk, only elected official who earns a salary from the Town. All TC, SchCom, and other board committee members are volunteer. #tc0624 motion to approve, passes 9-0
• Next up police assoc contract for approval https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5f._20-41_police_association_contract.pdf #tc0624 final collective bargaining agreement on municipal side to reach deal. Motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call
• Next up capital plan round 2; recall round 1 done in Jan, rest set aside until after winter and snow/ice confirmed. This these amounts can be used for one time purchases (not operations) #tc0624 FinCom and capital subcomm both approved, vote via roll call, passed 9-0
• Next up, fiscal year transfers, balance accounts within the budget, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5h._20-32_fy20_appropriation_transfers.pdf #tc0624 good news overall, given pandemic and revenue lost, this is living within the FY20 budget, passes via roll call 9-0
• Next up, town administrator temp authorization for outdoor dining, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5i._20-34_authoroze_ta_to_grant_temp._expansion_licenses.pdf #tc0624 discussed in prior meeting this formalizes the process underway. Passed 9-0 via roll call
• Thanks to Chrissy for her work on the licenses, 3 active cases, 1 increase in week. Good work by all to do this! Keep at it! #tc0624 future items, nothing at this time all around. Comments: thanks for turning out for the budget hearings. Have a great 4th!
• Thanks for folks signing in tonight, thanks to Mike dangelo, Pete fasciano and Franklin TV crew for their work. Motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 via roll call, real time reporting ending now, catch you all next time! #tc0624

screen capture of TC meeting water update #1

screen capture of TC meeting water update #2

screen capture of TC meeting water update #3

screen capture of TC meeting water update #4

screen capture of TC meeting water update #5

screen capture of TC meeting water update #6

screen capture of TC meeting water update #7

DPW update doc on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/water_use_update_june_2020.pdf

Franklin, MA: Water Use Update - June 2020 from Franklin Matters

Town Council - Recap of 5/20/20 meeting (and recording)

My notes were captured via Twitter and tagged #tc0520

• Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 5/20/20 #tc0520 Dellorco absent, other 8 Councilors present
• Motion to approve Apr 15 meeting minutes, passed via roll call. 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent) #tc0520
• Memorial Day parade and breakfast cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Film being edited for broadcast on Franklin TV. #tc0520
• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf
• Proclamation on American Legion Post Edward L Grant #75 #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4b._proclamation_-_american_legion.pdf
• Proclamation to recognize Larry Bedarian #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4c._proclamation_-_larry_bedarian.pdf

Animal Control

• Presentation by Tracey Taddeo on the Animal Control Dept, a quiet group that does good work. #tc0520
• Patrick Kelleher leads the Franklin side in the joint effort with Bellingham that Tracey covers

Franklin Food Pantry

• Next up, Franklin Food Pantry, Lynn Calling and Tina Powderly talking about the new building and updates due to the pandemic requirements #tc0520 intro by TA Jamie Hellen
• Presentation copy per agenda from Franklin Food Pantry https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._franklin_food_pantry.pdf. #tc0520 in a normal BCE before coronavirus era there were about 9 new folks, last month 80. Changed from shopping experience to drive through pickup during this time
• Lynn Calling says seeing a familiar face (albeit masked) is important to the pantry clients, approx 60-80 per day drive through to get 5000 lbs/week. Hopefully to be in new building by summer of 2021 #tc0520 a capital campaign to be launched soon to help fund the building
• Empty Bowls would have celebrated the dinner May 7, they will go virtual during a week in June, approx 200 bowls made by students for this fund raising effort. #tc0520 listen to the students talk about empty bowls https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html
• The father daughter group mentioned during the meeting building garden beds, VFJ renovations was interviewed recently and you can listen to their story https://franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-261-vfj-renovations-empowering.html?m=1. #tc0520
• The Food Pantry current needs list can be found online at https://franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/. #tc0520
• Tina Powderly takes time to recognize Amy Cataldo as one of the 3 keys to the operation (Lynn, and Sue Kilcoyne) #tc0520

SAFE Coalition

• Next up, SAFE Coalition with Jen Levine and Jim Derick to present, copy of deck to be shared later #tc0520
• SAFE is busy, one contact leads to approx 8 others ( to confirm details, explore options, etc.) #tc0520
• 40 people/week reach out for support from SAFE Coalition, while they cover 9 communities, it is still a need that is rather large and being met #tc0520
• SAFE currently funded by grants and donations #tc0520

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

• Next up, the Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC) the regional dispatch center #tc0520 last week was first anniversary of operations so timely albeit delayed due to COVID-19
• Mendon/Millville regional dispatch will actually merge with the MECC final planning underway
• Collaboration with depts beyond Fire/Police in Franklin help to make the work that much easier; DPW, technology, Assessors, GIS, facilities, etc. #tc0520
• Regionalization of dispatch is a success and could be a guide for others to follow. MA had 300plus dispatch centers, CA has 4. With the MECC online and expanding (Millville , Mendon) a source of pride and savings #tc0520

Legislation for Action

• Moving to Legislation for action, first up https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-27_cell_tower_easement.pdf. #tc0520 more of a house cleaning item, "this is an exercise for lawyers" moved, seconded, passed 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)
• Next legislation, 2nd reading on plot line changes for Pleasant, Chestnut, Brook Sts. #tc0520 https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._20-853_cestnut_pleasnt_brooke_streets.pdf moved, 2nd, passed 7-0-2 (7 for, 1 absent, 1 recused (Bissanti))
• Next legislation, Water resource district adjustment. Up for 2nd and final approval, https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10c._20-854_water_resource_district.pdf #tc0520 map needed to be updated, moved, 2nd, approved 8-0-1 (8 for, 1 absent)

Town Administrator Update

• Senior Center coffee hour on Thursday at 8:30 AM with virtual meeting #tc0520 bring your coffee! Announcement of curbside cafe coming at the meeting but due to start June 1
• FY2021 budget coming out Thursday, Finance Committee meetings over the next two weeks spread over 4 nights, agendas to show which dept which night, etc. #tc0520 . Need Community engaged as these discussions will be challenging
• Parks and parking lots to open on Monday, playgrounds will remain closed, masks and social distance requirements still in place #tc0520
• Board of Health special session on 5/21/20 at 5 PM details on Town of Franklin page effectively #tc0520

Closing

• Council comments wrapped up, motion to adjourn, passed 8-0-1 via roll call. Real time reporting ends for this meeting with this tweet. #tc0520

The Twitter treads can be found online  https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0520?src=hashtag_click

FM #273 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 273 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The Chair, Tom Mercer opens the meetings, all votes are via roll call, each person speaking is acknowledged by the Chair before speaking. Aside from an occasional bit of background from someone not muted properly, the meeting runs well.

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 20, 2020.


https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hc9XZ1P7

screen capture during the SAFE Coalition presentation