Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 2, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 2, 2022 - 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 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask  the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 16, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/february_16_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

6. HEARINGS - 7:00pm

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_materials_-_opeb_report.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Resolution 22-15: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-15 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._interest_in_congregational_meeting_house_property.pdf
• b. Resolution 22-16: Authorization for Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute New Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. for PEG Programming and Access Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-16 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._agreement_with_fcca.pdf
• c. Resolution 22-17: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-17 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._peg_verizon_89815.32.pdf
• d. Resolution 22-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($350) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-18 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._gift_acceptance_-_vets.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda doc including remote connection info -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: OPEB Board of Trustees

The OPEB Trust was established to help meet the town’s obligation of funding current and future retiree’s health Insurance. The town provides health Insurance for both active and retired employees by generally paying 68 percent of the active and retiree health insurance plan while the employee pays 32 percent of the cost. There are a few employees and retirees that share the cost of a 50/50 split and some retired teachers that are “grandfathered” that the town pays 85 or 90 percent of the cost.

When a retiree reaches age 65 they enroll in Medicare and town provides a supplement plan at the same ratio as mentioned above.

Every two years we have an actuarial study to determine our unfunded obligation
As of 6/30/19 the unfunded liability was $68.55 million dollars. As of 6/30/19 the amount of funds set aside in the trust is $5,706,986. Currently the town appropriates approximately 10% of its annual Free Cash plus as an annual appropriation in the budget of $600,000. We have asked the Town Council to increase the annual appropriation by $50,000 per year.

These efforts are a good faith attempt to meet our obligations without compromising all the other services provided to the citizens of Franklin. Once our unfunded pension obligation is paid off in 2032 we should be able to commit several million dollars a year to meet our underfunded OPEB obligation.

Respectfully submitted, 

Jamie Hellen
Chair OPEB trust 

OPEB = Other Post Employment Benefits

For additional information on OPEB visit the Trustees page on the ToF web

https://www.franklinma.gov/opeb-board-trustees

For the full Annual Report for 2020

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020:  OPEB Board of Trustees

What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

As part of the continuing series to prepare for the Finance Committee budget hearings (which begin next week) and the Town Council budget hearings (in May), check out the link to the details on the history of the fixed costs year over year from FY 2004 to FY 2022.

• Appendix C3 - Historic Data: Fixed Cost

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_c_historic_data_fy22.xlsx_-_fixed_costs.pdf

The chart depicts the fixed costs of the budget year by year from FY 2004 to FY 2022.  

What are the fixed costs?

• Liability Insurance
• Employee Benefits:
• Pensions
• Health/Life Insurance/non school
• Retired Teacher Health Ins
• Non GIC - School Retirees
• Workers Compensation
• Unemployment Compensation
• OPEB
• Medicare

What are the fixed costs of the Town of Franklin budget?

Prior posts

Town of Franklin - budget growth and split between municipal and schools - FY 2012 to FY 2022

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/town-of-franklin-budget-growth-and.html

School budget, executive summary by School Superintendent Sara Ahern

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-public-schools-fy-2022-annual.html

Executive summary by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-public-schools-fy-2022-annual.html

Link to Town of Franklin budget proposal for FY 2022
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/fy-2022-town-of-franklin-budget-proposal.html

 

FM #518-519-520 - Town Council Mtg - 04/14/21 - 3 part audio

FM #518-519-520 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 518-519-520 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Apr 14, 2021. 

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

I’ve split the almost 3 hour minute meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening  Sheriff McDermott’s update and the OPEB update (~63 mins)
• Second - covers the GATRA discussion (~42 minutes)
• Third - covers the Downtown parking requirements discussion and the remainder of the meeting (~72 minutes)

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

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Apr 14, 2021

Audio file P1 =  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/04a7a0ac-fa31-4046-9393-621f2333bdcf

Audio file P2 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/91c1b768-60e8-4bf6-890f-fe59d6f55789

Audio file P3 = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d3146fb0-0336-46c2-97ee-ba2e1ea63f4b

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

Agenda document folder
https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

 
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-mtg-apr-14-2021.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"

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

FM #515 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 515 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 

• ok, what just happened? 
• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   Diane Daddario, MD
 
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS        

a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott  ~25 mins

b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman  ~15 mins

c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director ~32 mins

d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements  ~55 mins

 
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.
Our conversation runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/38c6835f-451c-4709-b5e8-23c6afcbdf1b

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-town-council-mtg-apr-14-2021.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"

FM #515 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 04/15/21 (audio)

Recap: Town Council Mtg- Apr 14, 2021 - Sheriff McDermott, OPEB update, GATRA, zoning for parking, etc.

Quick Recap:

Four presentations and resulting discussions dominated the meeting

• Sheriff McDermott highlighted services his organization provides
• The OPEB funding status was updated; the actuarial funding requirements are required every 2 years, this is the 'off year'
• The new Executive Director of GATRA appeared to provide updates on changes and answer questions on the service problems seen by the community
• Downtown parking zoning requirements were reviewed, a revision to the current bylaw is expected to come through the Economic Development Subcommittee in the future

----
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  #tc0414
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0414&src=typed_query 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/uRFDiy1NawmyttBw9

Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days

• Last meeting tonight, real time reporting for the Town Council meeting about to begin #tc0414
• Agenda doc with connection info https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda #tc0414
• Meeting opens late 7:04 PM #tc0414
• Chair Mercer reads the standard protocol message and phone call number for those who need it #tc0414
• Dale Kurtz speaks to the VA vaccine clinic at the Senior Center on Saturday from 10 to 1. https://franklinmatters.org/2021/04/covid-19-vaccine-clinic-in-franklin-for.html?m=1 #tc0414
• Jane Tripp speaks against the storm water fees. #tc0414 wants a paper trail showing the demand for this. Shouldn't be raised at this time during the pandemic.
• Victoria raising questions on paperwork provided with the vaccine, what is it isn't provided. Is it being provided to Franklin? https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-information #tc0414

Proclamation

• Minutes, none - Proclamation for Dr. Diane D'addario Cathy Liberty, Director of Public Health, along with Chief McLaughlin to recognize her for the support processing the vaccine clinics. #tc0414 Councilor Frongillo reads proclamation

License transaction

• License transaction, Shaw's change of Manager for wine/malt license. #tc0414 motion and second, simple paperwork to acknowledge, Attny and manager present via Zoom; experienced but not previously manager of record. ServeSafe certified. Vote via roll call, 9-0

Sheriff McDermott 

• Sheriff Mcdermott https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda #tc0414 Role of sheriff has evolved over the years https://norfolksheriff.com/about/sheriff-pmcdermott chief public safety officer for the county of Norfolk
• "Yellow dot" program indicates the file for life, can save lives. #tc0414 https://norfolksheriff.com/divisions/senior/yellow-dot-program "Are you ok" program? https://norfolksheriff.com/divisions/senior/areyouok all free programs, need to get information out
• #tc0414 youth leadership program to be piloted at Dean College this summer. Dan Manning, Dir of internal affairs, leading outreach Q women's programs for incarceration? We are working on it, complicated but working to meet needs within budget
• Reentry programs a priority, when they get out, they come back into the community and need to fit in #tc0414 use email to reach out and then we'll allocate the proper person or group to respond. Will be hiring correction officers in the fall. https://norfolksheriff.com/employment

OPEB update

• Next up, the OPEB update. #tc0414 Dan Sherman provides the details
• A great spot at about 10% funded level for OPEB #tc0414
• Were at 7.7 last year not at 8.5% funded, a good position. #tc0414
• We are chipping away at this, and being in the top 10% top 25% and that is good. Only one Community funded, Wellesley but they funded via prop 2.5 so they are still paying it off so he doesn't count that. #tc0414 OPEB board page for ToF https://www.franklinma.gov/opeb-board-trustees 
• There is no law requiring funding by a date, once Norfolk pension is funded then those funding amount can be shifted to OPEB and make greater inroads. #tc0414

GATRA

• Next item, GATRA leadership team. Mark Souza started Feb 2020 so his first year is likely a story. #tc0414 Mark has an issue with the audio connection, retrying.
• Mark connected via the "old fashioned way" via phone #tc0414
• Micro-transit; call on demand via an app like Uber or Lyft. Senior dispatch can still call the same number. Transportation opened up. Started in Dec with 489, reached 2000 in March. #tc0414 pilot allows to build the data to expand the program.
• Not at full service; phone numbers haven't changed so they can still call. #tc0414 could go from Franklin to Gillette and then to Mansfield with two trips. Micro transit is on demand via an app, picking up one or two COVID, each ride is $2. It is public transportation
• Oh, and there was mention of a radio show with Franklin Matters. No, not me. Did share the press release they made in Dec but that was about it. #tc0414 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/gatra-launches-innovative-on-demand.html 
• COVID money revamped office operations, added barriers for drivers and passengers on buses, upgraded ventilation on buses, etc. #tc0414 there were federal guidelines for how used, and they stuck to it. We have the inventory to handle those trips.
• #tc0414 Rep Roy asked about the other questions from the office hour meeting that hadn't been addressed yet in this session. Advisory board, there is a member they have been notified, email to member, posting to Town Clerk. Standard process for all 28 towns we represent
• Some times before COVID we couldn't get a quorum for a board meeting, since COVID attendance has improved remarkably #tc0414 let me know of any issues, I will address them. We will figure that out to get rides to the senior center and advertise that.

Downtown zoning for parking

• Next discussion item: downtown commercial zoning C1 parking #tc0414 there had been no parking requirements previously, a bit ago it was changed and may have gone too far. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8d._web_downtown.pdf
• Restrictions on sidelines and parking will hurt developers, would like to see the old C1 come back to the downtown to help. Per Bissanti #tc0414 is there something can explain what zoning is? Zoning is complicated, one of the most important decisions this body deals with
• It is ok to spend time on these issues. Parking is in the driver's seat. If you can't find one, you need it. If you find one, you don't need more. We haven't nailed it yet, it will require work. Parking will always be an issue anywhere. It has to be a balance. #tc0414
• Parking is one area where the Planning Board can waive it down as opposed to other areas. There does need to be some parking downtown. Transit oriented development is good but there will still be need for parking #tc0414
• Zoning also available on the website, perhaps the Clerk can provide a copy of the zoning book (with a map) #tc0414 there was no zoning parking requirement and it was changed 3 years ago. We did have meters downtown not too long ago.
• There is limited parking downtown. We are the only commuter rail stop on the Franklin line that doesn't have housing associated with it. There is room to expand parking, we need to be the Council to do so. #tc0414 we don't have an affordable housing stock
• The only thing we can do is manage it to the best if our ability. A developer will only put in the parking that is feasible to make it work. They won't rely on the gratitude of the planning board. #tc0414 we're trying to make sure there is business downtown
• Request to consider revision to parking bylaw, and take to EDC before coming back to the Council. The downtown parking is available after hours. Attny Cerel is using the whole hand to raise his notice. If there is a 0 requirement, the Planning Board would not be able …

Subcommittee updates

• Joint budget Subcommittee did meet on Monday, spoke about the Davis Thayer building, Supt not ready to declare surplus at this time will be done during the transition plan to Keller. Next meeting to be posted soon. #tc0414 EDC did meet before this meeting, discussed ...
• The Community grant program, and NuStyle. Possibly meeting twice in May to begin housing plan #tc0414 

Legislation for action

•  (09:47PM)  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._web_foxborough_ima.pdf motion and second, "where the sun, moon and stars align once in a while"; passes via roll call 9-0

Town Administrators Report through to closing

• Side discussion on how we could do this service internally? Foxboro has firefighters who are certified to service the engine equipment. Drive through window closed two days for the window work and their floor soon to follow. Contact the Board of Health if question on vaccines
• It is clear there is misinformation on stormwater fee out there. I offer to meet with you to discuss further $1.9m state grants only, four and half years $10m; that is a lot! Small amounts and large amounts add up #tc0414
• #tc0414 Bissanti heard about opportunity zoning, a fictional example of carrying forward a capital gain (my assessment) Could the Police chief show something in the use of force training?
• Story walk downtown Main Street, enjoyed work by Councilor Frongillo Senior coffee hour Thursday AM, rail trail race virtually this year. #tc0414 school vacation week next please be careful. Light needed at the crosswalk where Dean students cross
• #tc0414 water conservation measures coming with level 2 drought announcement. Apologies for a late meeting, good discussion tonight. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 via roll call That's all for tonight (finally), catch you next time!

 

zoning map of downtown for parking discussion

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

 
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Diane Daddario, MD

5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s, Change of Manager, 255 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermott
b. Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Actuarial Update - Dan Sherman
c. GATRA - Mark Sousa, Executive Director
d. Downtown Commercial Zoning District & Commercial Zoning District 1 Parking requirements

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
 - None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The meeting packet for the Council meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-14-town-council-agenda

The one PDF with all released docs and connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/4-14-2021_town_council_agenda_-_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 14, 2021

Fire Dept removed from Civil Service, OPEB funding reviewed, large solar installations to be denied

The Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Jan 22, 2020 was significant in three major topic arenas.

One: the Fire Dept which historically (at least during my time reporting) has had trouble reaching a contract settlement with the Town has settled a three year contract (2019 to 2022) and agreed to be exempt from civil service. This should enable the Fire Dept and the Town to move forward to meet the challenges of rising call volume and appropriate staffing by removing some of the complications of civil service. The measure, though approved, does need State House legislation action to get a 'home rule' approved to make this effective.

Two: while the OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) account is still underfunded, the Town has taken measures to move to the 'top quartile' of its peers in funding percentage. The light can be seen at the end of the tunnel when in about 2030, the Pension funding dollars can be shifted to the OPEB account to help begin to make up the deficit towards fully funding the OPEB liability. So while OPEB is still underfunded, it is not the big heavy weight that is hanging over Franklin (1) as long as the Town continues to increase its funding (as it has) and (2) shifts the Pension money when it can (approx. 2030).

Three: two more of the zoning bylaw changes to clean up the plot lines were referred to the Planning Board. Separately, a change to the solar bylaw to remove the large commercial installations from the bylaw as permitted was also referred to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will hold public hearings on these measures, make any adjustments (if necessary) and then return them to the Town Council. The Council will also hold two public readings before voting on the 'final' language.

Additional details on these items can be found in my notes reported live during the meeting. 

The Actions Taken document has not yet been published by the Town. A link to that will be added when it is. 

The video will be available for replay by Franklin TV.

• Live reporting: Return from Exec Session to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-return-from-exec-session.html

• Live reporting - to Executive Session

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-to-executive-session.html

• Live reporting: Legislation for action

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_22.html

• Live reporting: OPEB Update, etc.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-opeb-update-etc.html

• Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 22, 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/01/live-reporting-town-council-jan-22-2020.html

Fire Dept removed from Civil Service, OPEB funding reviewed, large solar installations to be denied

Live reporting: OPEB Update, etc.

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation

Dan Sherman
The released doc is shown in the link here, what he talked to doesn't seem to match
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._opeb_presentation.pdf

add 2-pager doc later
top quartile in terms of peers for funded ratio

additional funding of 3.1M would be required /per year, to make up the funding required.

where are we now, how do we get to 3-4M per year?

when a community gets to full funding on Pension to send that money to OPEB
Franklin estimated to get to that point at about 2030

calculating with the assumption that Franklin would continue funding OPEB as we do today, and then roll the Pension funding to OPEB

The Federal Reserve has been keeping inflation in check for any number of years. The CPI is holding about 2.9/3.0 percent

you're ahead of most of your peers, a member of the majority funding something

Town does have a policy per operating budget to increase the amount 50,000/ also approve 10% of free cash; should take a look at it again, 2030 is a ways away

Kelly - arrives at 7:26 PM


9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
we had a meeting last week
coming to the Council Feb 5

b. Budget Subcommittee
nothing to report at this time

c. Economic Development Subcommittee
nothing at this time
next meeting Feb 5

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020

Agenda

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 18, 2019
b. January 8, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining

I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
15.RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION: LEGISLATION FOR ACTION, CONTINUED
15a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-06: Request for Legislation- Exempting all Positions in the Fire Department from Civil Service Laws (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-06 - Majority Vote)

15b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Bylaw Amendment 20-852: Chapter 82 Municipal Service Fees- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-852 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

15c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Continued
Resolution 20-07: Ratification of the Franklin Permanent Firefighter Association Local 2637 Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-07 - Majority Vote)

ADJOURN

Note:
Two - Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The full agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-22-town-council-agenda

The documents released for this meeting can be found in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-01-22_agenda_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Jan 22, 2020

FM #188 - Finance Committee - Capital Plan for FY 2020 (audio)

FM #188

This internet radio show or podcast is number 188 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019 at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

This is the second of two sessions to review the Capital Plan for FY 2020. This session covers the DPW and the enterprise Water and Sewer accounts.

The documents for the meetings are available on the Town of Franklin page as well as Franklin Matters. The links are contained here so you can follow along.

Agenda doc - 12/17/19
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/fincom_agenda_12-17-19.pdf

The Finance Committee approved the three recommendations that the Town Council will take up at a January/February 2020 meeting

• 20-01 Recommends Capital FY 2020 of $1,640,579 (as detailed on page 20 of the agenda document)
• 20-02 Recommends transfer of $348,000 for the OPEB Trust Fund (page 22)
• 20-03 Recommends transfer of $570,000 from Free Cash to the appropriate stabilization accounts (as detailed on page 24 of the agenda document)

The meeting runs about 50 minutes so without further ado here is the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 17.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HN2yBvXX



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Audio File - 12/10/19 meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

FY 2020 Capital Budget document
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy20-capital-budget

FinCom Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

sidewalks have been part of the plan but not this year