Franklin Civics Forum: How Your Town Government Works - Sep 25

Join us on Wednesday, September 25, for a free, non-partisan “Franklin Civics Forum: How Your Town Government Works.”

Did you snooze through your Civics course in high school? Did you even get a Civics course in high school? It’s not too late. 

Six current members of Franklin’s town government will speak about their areas of expertise:

• Tom Mercer, chair of the Town Council, will provide an initial overview of the town government—its parts, their interrelationships, their purposes and personalities. He will also moderate the forum.
• Melanie Hamblin, a member of the Town Council, will speak from the point of view of Franklin’s legislature.
• Anne Bergen, chair of Franklin’s School Committee, and Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, will discuss education, the largest single part of the town budget.
• Joe Halligan sits on the Planning Board. He will speak on the Board's role in the town’s development, zoning, land use, and the like.
• Jamie Hellen is the Town Administrator. He will close the forum by explaining how his office oversees the day-to-day implementation of town government.

A question-and-answer period will follow. Refreshments will be served. 

Admission is free and open to all.

This is a non-partisan event sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee.

Space is limited. Registration is encouraged.

For more information, or to reserve a seat
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/franklin-civics-forum-tickets-67826513929

Franklin Civics Forum: How Your Town Government Works - Sep 25

Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019

Joint Budget Subcommittee

 

July 24, 2018 - 6:00 PM

3rd Floor Training Room
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street


Agenda
1. FY 2020 and Beyond Budget Overview

Who is the "Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting"? 
The committee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee supported by members of the Town and School Administration.

July 24 meeting agenda
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_7-24-19.pdf

June 19 meeting agenda and supporting materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_agenda_6-19-19.pdf

Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Agenda - July 24, 2019

FM #167 - Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 19, 2019 (audio)

FM #167

This internet radio show or podcast is number 167 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The joint budget subcommittee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee and supported by members of the Town Administration as well as the School District Central Office.

Plans have started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget. The specific amount and details remain to be finalized. The timing of the override vote also remains to be determined.

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/we-will-need-to-consider-override-on-fy.html

The one page handout with the projected deficits referred to
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/the-projected-budget-deficits-for.html

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-june.html

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 90 minutes).




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

Additional References:
The prior Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting was held in Sep 2018
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-sep.html


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?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

"We will need to consider an override on FY 21 to maintain level services"

In my rush to post the info for the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting Wednesday evening, I had not noticed the document contained an updated 5 year fiscal outlook. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen lays out the numbers as they are and shows the budget vs. revenue forecast is red for the next several years. 

As the letter (below), explains this is not a new issue. To the Town's credit, the fiscal planning that has been in place for the last several years has avoided this inevitable choice. There is a 5 year plan. There was savings put aside in the debt stabilization account. This amount was then used in the past two years to avoid further cuts. The School Budget has used their revolving fund balances for the past three years.

Plans have started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget. The specific amount and details remain to be finalized. The timing of the override vote also remains to be determined.

"Please find attached the five year fiscal forecast. I would like to remind everyone this is a "forecast". It uses information from the past and present to predict the future. Similar to a weather forecast, there are many factors that will affect what will actually happen. The forecast shows deficits in each year, but the Town is required by law to have a balanced budget, so decisions will be made along the way to ensure we comply with the requirement. 

The takeaway message from all reports is that Franklin will continue to struggle to maintain high quality school and municipal services given the fiscal constraints that we operate under. In the long run, it will come down to a decision by the voters of Franklin to pay higher taxes or reduce the current level of services. The forecast shows that if the town wants to maintain the same service level it will need about a $4 million override for FY 21. This amount could change based on many unknowns and assumptions at this time, however I can't see any scenario that would not require additional tax dollars. 

In short, the cost of doing business is exceeding our ability to raise the necessary revenue to pay for the services we enjoy. I cannot put it more succinctly than that. 

This is not a new message. Over the past many years, we have both reduced services and increased taxes in order to arrive at the level of service the citizens enjoy today. Both the School Department and the Municipal departments have all made significant reforms to their operations to keep our tax rate low. We will never stop this effort and will continue to work within what the citizens give us to work with. 

We do know that: 

• Our population has increased from about 30,000 in 2001 to over 35,000 in 2020 and it will continue to increase. Currently there are over 1,000 housing units recently constructed, under construction or in the "pipeline". 
• Health/pension/insurance care costs continue to be a concern. 
• Wage increases have been modest but they put a huge pressure on the budget. 
• Our unfunded retiree health insurance obligation is $74,000,000 (2018). 
• Our unfunded pension liability is $41,000,000 (2018). 
• We do not have the funds to provide "level services for the FY 20 School budgets and the Town services.
• We have no adequate funding source for roads/sidewalks. 
• The Town's capital needs will continue to grow and in a couple years, the capital needs of our schools, facilities and fields will me in the millions. 
• Water sewer rates will continue to rise due to long overdue infrastructure needs, mostly, for sewer and the Beaver Street Interceptor. 
• Open space is at a critical state where with little land left, the Town will need to invest in open space, as well. 

Franklin is in generally good financial shape today but we will continue to struggle to maintain high quality school and municipal services given the operating fiscal constraints that we operate under. 

We are unable to maintain level service budget in FY 20 even with the use of reserves. We will need to consider an override on FY 21 to maintain level services for the citizens of Franklin. 

We will continue to do are very best on behalf of all the citizens of Franklin to maintain a high quality of life while trying to control costs to the taxpayers."

Continue reading the 5 year forecast
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pw3aDNOdhuQPRZ3XUXYAYXu_F-p4ejdn/view?usp=sharing

"We will need to consider an override on FY 21 to maintain level services"

Town Council - Budget Hearings Recap - May 22-23, 2019

A disappointing performance by the Town Council in the two budget budget hearings. Why? They conducted a "public hearing" where they did not allow the public to speak on the first night. Is that really a public hearing? The first night was also marred by a series of questions by one councilor badgering a manager with whom he clearly has demonstrated a dislike. 

This was a budget hearing not a personnel performance discussion and totally inappropriate in the 'public forum'. That no one interceded to take it offline was also a disappointment.

The second night closed on a high note with the goodbyes and well wishes for the retiring Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. Jeff has been a professional and dedicated manager for the 12 plus years I have observed and reported on the town's business. I wish him well in his retirement.

Oh and yes, the budget as proposed was passed with two votes. The two votes were required to enable Councilor Glenn Jones to participate in almost all of the discussion and only recuse himself from the vote on the Tri-County portion of the budget. A sensible solution to a potential conflict of interest situation.

The schools will cut teachers, kindergarten aides, and high schoolers will pay for parking among the key take aways. Many of the critical needs prepared for by the schools in their initial budget will go unmet. It may be just this year but for the students, it is one year in school that they don't get to do over. 

The method of sharing the budget info is not one that works well. While the Council got their questions answered, they easily skipped over including the public in the discussion. Given the reality of tough budget decisions next year and more across the board than the road repair funds and schools, this should also be a consideration. How best to get the residents and voters involved with the budget details?

Links below provide the detailed notes reported during the meetings as well as links to the budget documents.


Wednesday, May 22

• Live Reporting: Legislation for Action to Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_22.html
• Live reporting: Town Council - May 22, 2019 - Budg...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/live-reporting-town-council-may-22-2019.html

Agenda for the first hearing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-22.html


Thursday, May 23

• Real time Reporting: Town Council - Budget Hearing...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/real-time-reporting-town-council-budget.html

Agenda for the second hearing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-may-23.html

Will be reporting remotely this evening for the Town Council meeting budget hearing #2 #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/0ExWrSvmOC

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

With budget hearing scheduled to open at 7:10 looks like Council meeting won't be starting until then (albeit published for a 7 start) #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/I0DWC91vh9

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

Kit Brady speaking for better funding for schools and our children. #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/DGORGq7KAP

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

Two votes to pass the one FY 2020 town budget #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/w5eT3TN4Ze

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

Town administrator Jeff Nutting makes his final report #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/TfTkY5YY90

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

New town administrator Jamie Hellen making his thanks for Jeff and getting ready for what comes #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/KyaiKlOE1v

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

Rep Jeff Roy presents a resolution from the MA House to recognize Jeff Nutting for his many years of service finishing in Franklin #tc0523 pic.twitter.com/BHYdpRIFvN

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) May 23, 2019

New Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes his remarks thanking
Jeff Nutting for his service and guidance 

"I ask the citizens to thank the employees for the work they do"

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

"As the Town Council wraps up the fiscal 2020 budget, a prominent town official is wrapping up his career. 

Town Administrator Jeff Nutting attended his last Town Council meeting on Thursday night. He is officially entering retirement after 18 years in Franklin. 

During a farewell speech, he gave some insight into himself and how much he loved his job. He also offered some advice for the future and reminded everyone he’s still just a phone call away. 

Over a 43-year career working for multiple municipalities in a variety of positions, he said he was guided by countless mentors."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190525/franklin-town-administrator-jeff-nutting-says-farewell

after stepping down from the Administrator's seat, Jeff sat in the front row to listen to the
accolades from the Town Council members

What is the Role of the Town Council?

1. A member of the Council, in relation to his/her community should:

• A. Realize that his/her basic function is to make policy, with administration delegated to the Administrator.
• B. Realize that he/she is one of a team and should abide by, and carry out, all Council decisions once they are made.
• C. Be well-informed concerning the duties of a Council member on both local and state levels.
• D. Remember that he/she represents the entire community at all times.
• E. Accept the office as a means of unselfish service, not benefit personally or politically from his/her Council activities.
• F. In all appointments, avoid political patronage by judging all candidates on merit, experience, and qualifications only.
• G. Abide by the ethics established by the State and not use the position to obtain inside information on matters which may benefit someone personally.

2. A member of the Council, in his/her relations with administrative officers of the Town, should:

• A. Endeavor to establish sound, clearly defined policies that will direct and support the administration for the benefit of the people of the community.
• B. Recognize and support the administrative chain of command and refuse to act on complaints as an individual outside the administration.
• C. Give the Administrator full responsibility for discharging the duties of his/her office.

3. A member of the Council, in his/her relations with fellow Council members, should:

• A. Recognize that action at official legal meetings is binding and that he/she alone cannot bind the Council outside of such meetings.
• B. Not make statements or promises of how he/she will vote on matters that will come before the Council until he/she has had an opportunity to hear the pros and cons of the issue during a Council meeting.
• C. Uphold the intent of executive session and respect the privileged communication that exists in executive session.
• D. Make decisions only after all facts on a question have been presented and discussed.
• E. Treat with respect the rights of all members of the Council despite differences of opinion.

Shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/role-town-council

How to contact your Town Council
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council

What is the Role of the Town Council?

FM #160 - FinCom Budget Hearing #1 - FY 2020 a must listen for Franklin residents!

FM #160

This internet radio show or podcast is number 160 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee Budget Hearing for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY 2020) held on Monday, March 18, 2019 in the Council Chambers.

Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen leads the presentation along with Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, Finance Director Christopher Sandini, and Treasurer Kerri Bertone. Each department head has an opportunity to add to the overview provided by Jamie as well as answer any questions from the Finance Committee.

My notes from the session can be found here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-finance-committee-march.html

This is the first of two budget hearings by the Finance Committee. Yes, for those paying close attention, at the Town Council meeting there was an announcement for 4 sessions spread over two weeks.

Since that time, however, the number of sessions was reduced to two. This session covers ALL the municipal departments. The School Department will be scheduled for a later date (sometime in April) and after their presentation, the FinCom will vote on the recommendation to send to the Town Council.

The Town Council has two budget hearings scheduled; currently scheduled for May 22 and May 23. Given the experience from recent years, the Council sessions will NOT be as informative as the FinCom sessions.

The Council has shown their tendency for a reading of the budget voting document, line by line, and as each department is announced, a Councilor can place a ‘hold’ on the item which then when the reading is complete, that Councilor will have an opportunity to ask a question for that department or line item.

This may be an expedient manner of getting through the budget but from an awareness point of view does very little to share the insights on what drives each budget. These insights currently are only available from the FinCom meetings. Maybe there will be a change (I hope so) but the past several years has shown otherwise.

With that much as the background, the budget process is formally underway. I heartily encourage my fellow residents to spend a couple of hours listening to the FinCom budget hearing recording. You will get more info in this one session than you could get over several meetings. It should be time well spent. If you find otherwise, please let me know.

The total meeting recording runs just about 2 and one half hours. Yes, this is a long one. Settle in comfortably, have my Franklin Matters live reported notes handy, and have the budget doc handy.

Budget Doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/proposed_fy20_operatingbudget.pdf

As the FinCom gets to each department/section the page numbers are announced so it should be easy to follow along.

And of course, if you have questions, feel free to ask me or any one of the FinCom members. And last but not least, let your Town Councilors know. They will go through this in May. What they will approve is how Franklin will operate beginning July 1, 2019.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording.





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

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?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind and willingness to learn and share.

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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

On this date: Feb 23, 2011 - Long Range Financial Planning Committee meeting

I did live reporting from the Long Range Planning Committee meeting on Feb 23, 2011:

Live reporting - Long Range Financial Planning Committee

Present: Doug Hardesty, Deb Bartlett, Craig DiMarzio, Graydon Smith, Sue Rohrbach, Steve Whalen,
Absent: Jeff Nutting, Orrin Bean, John Hogan,  Ken Harvey, Tina Powderly

Approval of minutes - postponed to next meeting
Action items - none

Discussion:
Metrics and benchmarking - Steve Whalen (Vice Chair, Town Council)

background, research analyst for an investment banking firm
drawn in by a comment made by J Nutting at a meeting sometime ago; "a town's budget is a reflection of their values"
started collecting data, started with a map and filled in data for the communities around us
The DOR site is a tremendous source of info, so much data is available
came up with 30 communities
walking through the info on his comparison worksheet
color coded communities by single versus split tax rate
we have a low tax rate compared to other communities with either a split or single tax rate
we are 21st in comparison on the average tax bill (of the 30)
we are 26th on relative tax burden which is a comparison of tax rate to community wealth
we rank 28th in percent of local property tax contributing to the total community revenue
we rank 1st in the percent of state aid contributing to the total community revenue

Continue reading about the meeting and the introduction of the community comparison

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/02/live-reporting-long-range-financial_23.html

The five year forecast the Committee put together and completed (in 2012) has been updated and re-issued each year as part of the budget cycle.

The initial 2012 report:

https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/files/financial-plan-committee-report-2012

The FY 2018-2022 version can be found here

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/five_year_fiscal_forecast_fy18_-_fy22.pdf

On this date: Feb 23, 2011 - Long Range Financial Planning Committee meeting

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Town Administrator

The Town Administration works with the Town Council together to improve the quality of life of our residents. We are diligent in balancing the budget and keeping an eye on the Town’s future needs and maintaining its assets.

Accomplishments in FY18 include:
The Town has created an Agricultural Commission. After many interviews seven great candidates were selected with five being full members and two associates.

In January 2018 Franklin was designated as a Green Community from the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources and was awarded a grant of $183,000 in June of 2018.

The Town went out to bid twice for municipal aggregation for bulk purchasing of electricity to lower rates for citizens however we did not get good rates and will continue to pursue.

We created a Town Budget webpage with helpful resources such as how the budget process works, Operating and Capital budgets, and Fiscal forecasts. A balanced budget was submitted to the Town Council and was approved. We have received five year Capital plans from all departments including the Water And Sewer Enterprise fund. Having long term Capital plans prevents larger costs down the road.

LED Street light conversion contracts were executed and set the table for a fall 2018 install

As part of our expansion of customer service we have expanded our Viewpoint Online Permitting System and will continue adding new applications throughout the year to make for a more convenient process.

Subsidized Housing Inventory, is still over 10% with 11.89% of our housing stock considered affordable by State law.

We continue to update the Town’s website to make information easily accessible for the public. All Agendas and Minutes of all boards and committees are web-based and continuously updated. These can be found on the boards and committees’ pages on our website. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube for News and Announcement as well as visiting our website at www.franklinma.gov.

Personnel
The Town hired Finance Director/Comptroller, Christopher Sandini to replace retired Comptroller, Susan Gagner.

Other
The Town Administrator’s Office has moved the Passport Acceptance Office and the Affordable Housing Office from the third floor to the first floor to better convenience the applicant. You can apply for your passport by appointment on Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

We have reorganized The Board of Health, Planning, Building, Inspections, and Conservation Departments combining them into one office to better serve our customers.

The Towns Safety Committee worked with representatives from each department and MIIA representatives and earned $70,000 in insurance premium savings and was recognized by Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) as a leader in preventing risk in the workplace through employee training programs.

Franklin Bends the Trend by working with Insurance Advisory Committee to keep insurance rate increases for employees to a minimum, The Town has changed Health Insurance Carrier to Harvard Pilgrim and now also offers a Qualified High Deductible Health Care Plan.

The Town also received a $10,000 loss control grant for preventative maintenance. This grant will be used towards a program that will schedule routine maintenance tasks that will prevent larger, costly repairs in the future. In turn will save on costs and improve safety, reliability and conservation of assets.

Worked with the Recreation Director to secure $200,000 in grant money for King Street Memorial Park renovations. This grant will go towards new basketball courts, pickleball courts and a playground.

The Town received a grant from the State of $50,000 to expand the Veterans Memorial Walkway on the Town Common.

Our goal is to deliver high quality customer service while keeping costs under control. There will be difficult challenges to our budget in the coming year; but you can be assured that the Town Administration and Town Council will work together to solve budgetary issues.

It is my pleasure to submit the annual report of the Town Administrator for your review, and please feel free to write, email, or stop by with any questions, concerns, or comments.

Respectfully submitted,
Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator


You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Town Administrator

“He’ll do a great job over there”

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

"After 13 years as director of the Department of Public Works, Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi is moving on to become the town administrator in Norfolk. 

The announcement was made Wednesday during the Town Council meeting, where council members praised Cantoreggi’s work and wished him luck. As DPW director, the 53-year-old has been directly accountable to the town administrator and Town Council for issues regarding engineering, highways, grounds, solid waste, recycling, street lighting, and water and sewer. 

Cantoreggi, town officials said, has been the longest-tenured DPW director in town history."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190114/franklin-dpw-director-brutus-cantoreggi-to-take-town-administrator-job-in-norfolk

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi presenting at the Town Council meeting of Dec 20, 2017 along with Chris White and Scott Haynes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/live-reporting-dpw-presentation.html

DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi (far left) presenting
at the Town Council meeting of Dec 20, 2017

Live reporting: from Town Administrators Report to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT congratulate the council for making the best decision since Jan 2001 strong integrity and ethics thanks to all the town employees for the jobs they do day in and day out, with less dollars and less people, thanks thanks to the Council, people don't appreciate the work and job you do, it is great form of government, you worry about the policy happy holiday we have the best staff of all time, the amount of compliments we get all the time happy holiday and happy new year
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Hamblen - rethinking community preservation act? maybe we could re-open the discussion Casey - Planning Board - broad discussion on what is on the project line up? overall approach of Planning Board Earls - look at the antiques license and effort to create capacity; reuse of materials DPW talk about the water issues, with all the development, why we still have the water ban, pumping etc. Nutting - already scheduled for a water infrastructure discussion in early Jan Hellen - outreach to State House delegation to work out a date
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS Earls - merry christmas and happy new year Pellegri - ditto Padula - happy safe and healthy new year casey - ditto Dellorco - ditto Jones - proud of the students at Tri-County who dressed in blue today in recognition for the teacher who just passed on Sunday Kelly - ditto Mercer - thank all the employees and look forward to the same going forward to 2019 motion to adjourn, passed 9-0
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

Live reporting: return to open meeting

The Executive session is about to complete and the Town Council is about to return to open meeting.

9:12 PM, returns to public session

to vote a resolution, clerk to read
18-74 current offer of new Town Administrator agreement for Jamie Hellen

3 year contract
motion refers to terms in contract attached

Chair Tom Mercer apologies for not having the broadcast available for last meeting
have meet and about to offer an agreement to make this offer

vote via roll call, 9-0

Hellen
it is a privilege and honor to be here, Franklin has been a whole new family since the days before I started here
I have forged positive relationships and life long friendships
don't take it for granted


Mercer signs the document, and passes it along for signature

motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

FM #153 - Town Council Meeting - Nov 28, 2018 (audio)

FM #153

This internet radio show or podcast is number 153 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording is the only one available for the Town Council meeting held Wednesday, Nov 28, 2018. Due to technical difficulties, Franklin TV was not able to record or broadcast the meeting.

You can follow along with the agenda that can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/november-28-town-council-agenda

Or you can use my notes taken live during the meeting that can also be found online:

• Opening - citizens comments and two new fire chiefs sworn in

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-town-council-november-28.html

• Tax rate hearing and approval for rate set at 14.66 an increase of .01 from the 14.65 rate set for FY 2018

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-tax-classification.html

• The Snow Report provided by the DPW. They highlighted that a shortage of contractors may affect the timeliness of snow clearing operations this winter.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-snow-report.html

• Legislation for action including the approval of offer for Town Administrator to the current Deputy, Jamie Hellen

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-legislation-for-action_28.html

• From the Town Administrators report to closing of the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/live-reporting-administrators-report-to_28.html

The total meeting recording runs just about 2 hours. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.




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


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

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.

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 and Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!


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In the News: Hellen proposed to replace Nutting; Bob's Store in Franklin to close

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

"The Town Council will discuss on Wednesday the possibility of Deputy Town Administrator Jaime Hellen taking over for Town Administrator Jeff Nutting once Nutting retires next year. 

A letter sent to town officials in September indicated that Nutting would be retiring no later than June 30. Nutting’s suggestion is to bring Hellen into the captain’s chair. 

A search committee was organized earlier this year to decide how the town would go about choosing a new town administrator, but the group decided it would best for Hellen to take over the top job. 

“After some discussion, they (the search committee) openly decided that he should be the next TA (town administrator),” Nutting said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181127/franklin-town-council-to-discuss-promoting-hellen-to-replace-retiring-administrator-nutting

The Search Committee meeting at which the discussion and recommendation was made, was recorded and is available for replay
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/11/town-administrator-search-subcommittee.html

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"The Bob’s Stores location at the Horace Mann Plaza will soon be closing, although it’s not clear exactly when. 

A large red banner reading “Store Closing - This Location Only” appeared on the Bob’s Stores facade at 303 East Central St., shortly before Black Friday. Store employees referred requests for comment to Bob’s corporate offices in Meriden, Connecticut, but calls placed there by The Daily News were not returned. 

Town officials from Franklin did not have information as to why the store is closing."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181128/bobs-store-in-franklin-to-close