Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 2019

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6:15 PM

Franklin Town Hall, 3rd Floor Training Room 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Departmental Capital Budget Presentation:

• a. Schools

3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. FY20 Town Administrator Capital Plan and Free Cash Overview
6. Departmental Capital Budget Presentations:

• a. Facilities
• b. Recreation
• c. Technology
• d. Administration
• e. Fire
• f. Police

7. Adjournment (Next meeting December 17, 2019 6:30@ Senior Center) 


Balance Update
• General Stabilization $6,137,866
• Recreation Fields $304,951
• Open Space Acquisition $1,121,867
• Budget Stabilization $396,332
• Free Cash $3,482,875
• OPEB $5,852,978
• Property Acquisition $269,781
• Fire Truck Stabilization $209,595

OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO): $68,554,870


The full agenda doc including supporting capital budget materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

King St and Washington Sts intersection before the snows covered the ground

Town Administrator's Statement on the old turf and water quality issue (audio)

FM #175

This internet radio show or podcast is number 175 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares Town Administrator Jamie Hellen’s statement on the ‘hot topic’ around the old turf carpet stored at the Beaver St field since the new turf was replaced in 2017.

This is one of the shorter podcasts I have shared recently but as Jamie mentions in his statement 

“as we've been advised by the town attorney, will not be making too many more public statements other than what I'm am able to say tonight” 

I thought it important to share his audio as extracted from the Town Council meeting Wednesday, Oct 16, 2019.  The statement runs approx 6 minutes.

The show notes summarize what we know and what we do not know as well as provide the link to the text document with the transcription of Jamie’s statement.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNppT7dX



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bags of the acrylic coated infill ready for install at FHS in August 2017

new turf carpet being installed at Beaver St field in August 2017

What we know:

• The prior conversations around the field replacements (completed in 2017) were centered around the crumb rubber infill. The Town spent more for an acrylic coated infill (which apparently was installed), the issue now is not with the infill but the with chemicals used to treat the carpet itself.
• A third party filed a complaint with DEP about the old turf stored at the Beaver St fields
• Article in TheIntercept about PFAS found in the turf itself  https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
• Article in the Boston Globe alleging potential issues with the water supply and shared via Franklin Matters  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/10/we-will-work-with-dep-to-resolve-matter.html
• The Franklin community on Facebook reacts in the conversation around the article and issue
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen makes statement at Town Council meeting 10/16/19 https://drive.google.com/open?id=14VSvuZvTifTbeHO4bWFtIy2YxVdjRF4O

What we don’t know:

• What happened to the Conservation Commission mitigation measures from when the field was first installed (in 2004?)?
• Where was the old carpet and bags of unused infill taken?
• While PFAS in the water supply was tested by Town of Franklin in 2018 and is not mandated by Fed/State for testing now, is PFAS still being tested by ToF now?
• What will the State and/or Federal agencies do with PFAS and the recent revelations (if anything)?

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

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!

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

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

Live reporting: Town Administrator's report to Closing of meeting

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
condolences to JP's family

article on Boston Globe
will not be making too many public statements upon advice of our attorney
water quality in particular, heavily regulated by EPA and DEP
will be following through with any remediation required
we follow regulations, we have excellent water quality
the report is posted annually and mailed 

the water supply is safe tested for PFAS study last fall
new water treatment plant contract is being designed to accommodate
have results, will publish at the right time

there are no PFAS in our water supply
our staff does an amazing job on our water supply
we test all the time, as mandated
there is no State or Federal requirement to test for PFAS
we had been ahead of it

once we get an item from DEP
we'll respond at that time

Tues Oct 22, visioning exercise for Franklin
funded by a grant

Beaver St will be closed at the Railroad tracks will be marked and detours posted


12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS


recognition of Casey on his 1st term and not returning next term

recognition of Padula for his 3 terms of service on the Town Council

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Hamblen - wishing parents a happy 69th anniversary
thank the Franklin community for serving

Dellorco - thanks for the explanation on the water
thanks to Casey and Padula for your service
thanks for letting me serve, and hopefully all be back

Earls - thanks to Chris White for his work at the recycling
thanks to Casey and Padula for your service
thanks for helping me, hopefully we'll be back

Pellegri - my condolences to the JP family, he will be missed
it has been a pleasure to serve on this committee
I hope that we'll have a chance to work together again

Padula - what a great group of people to work with
they care, they work hard, it is a really good group
one of the things I've learned is that our administration is second to none
it has been my privilege to represent the people for the last six years

Jones - thanks for all the years you put into this job (Padula), one of the most articulate and well spoken people I have met, I hope we get you back in some capacity
To Councilor Casey, thanks for stepping up and tackling this position
reminder, an election coming Nov 5, get out to vote

Kelly - thanks for the explanation on the turf, where did it go? we can't talk too much about it, but would like to know
Harvest Festival, record numbers, it was amazing
Casey congratulations on wedding and future
Padula happy birthday, yesterday, he had my back when I wanted to be Chair
wish all my fellow councilors the best of luck
the reality of it is that is our job, we are representing all the people
we are making sure folks get the best for the buck

Mercer - condolences to JP's family
Harvest Festival, tremendous success, thanks to the Downtown Partnership and all involved in getting it together, couldn't have been better weather, it felt great to see so many enjoying what we have worked to put in, like closing off downtown so we could enjoy it

Casey, thanks, I agree with Kelly on your best dressed award
Padula, really appreciated your professionalism
wish all you luck in the coming election, hopefully we'll be back to take the steps for Franklin's future

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 
- None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0

FM #172 - How Your Town Government Works (audio)

FM #172

This internet radio show or podcast is number 172 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the “How Your Town Government Works” event. This was a non-partisan event sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee at THE BLACK BOX. It was held on Wednesday, September 25, 2019.

Current members of Franklin’s town government spoke about their areas of expertise:

• Tom Mercer, chair of the Town Council, provided an overview of the town government — its parts, their interrelationships, their purposes and personalities. He also moderated the forum.
• Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator, explained how his office oversees the day-to-day implementation of town government and works together with the School Dept on matters of mutual interest
• 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 and Tony Padula, sit on the Planning Board. They spoke on the Board's role in the town's development and administering the zoning bylaws.
• Melanie Hamblen, a member of the Town Council, spoke from her point of view completing her first two year term. She shared stories highlighting citizen initiatives that brought changes to Franklin.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording including the Q&A session following the presentations (approx 1hour and 45 minutes).

Note: there was no presentation document used. Several members of the panel did highlight sections of the Town of Franklin web pages which was shown on the large screen and viewed by the audience. Questions were repeated to ensure all could hear. The event was recorded via microphones but the microphones did not serve as PA’s for the session. You shouldn’t have trouble hearing the recording.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-172-how-your-town-government-works/

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


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!

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

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

The full " How Your Town Government Works" panel being introduced

Post announcing the event 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/09/reminder-how-your-town-government-works.html

Reminder: How Your Town Government Works - Sep 25

How timely!

• Who determines the school start times being reviewed for a possible change?
• How do we address the systemic budget issues?
• Who makes the decision on a study to evaluate closing Davis Thayer?
• How do we maintain our roads?
• How do we control growth? 

With the local election coming in November, get some insights into the process on all these questions and more ...

Contact the Organizer

Reservations for the town government forum are recommended.
Sign up at https://FranklinGovt.eventbrite.com

"we are encouraged to think that we will have identified a real interest"

From Wicked Local Franklin, an article of interest:

With a big town election looming, local civically minded residents are gearing up to host a program aimed at giving people an insider’s look at town government.

The “How Your Town Government Works” program is set for Wednesday, Sept. 25, 7-8:30 p.m., at THE BLACK BOX, 15. W. Central St., Franklin.

While sponsored by the Franklin Democratic Town Committee (FDTC), the organizers are quick to point out the program is completely non-partisan and non-political; rather, they describe it as a public service program.

Members of the committee include Chairman Karen Landers, Herb and Paula Gross, and Colin and Sue Cass.

“We were one of several subcommittees set up by the FDTC to plan activities for the year. The idea for this forum came from Paula, who has lived in Franklin for a few years and realized that she knew very little about Franklin’s government,” said committee member Sue Cass. “We agreed that this lack of information was probably shared by many residents and, since this is an election year, we thought an educational forum about the government would be timely.”

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190911/franklin-forum-to-explore-how-town-government-works


Reservations for the town government forum are recommended.
Sign up at https://FranklinGovt.eventbrite.com

 

“How Your Town Government Works” program is set for Weds, Sep. 25

Live reporting: Town Administrator's Report through to Closing

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT	a. Town Council Bi-annual Goals Update
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	- None Scheduled
ADJOURN

Only a few meetings left before election
Always really cool to look back at the goals accomplished
20 months of work

EEE - phones are ringing off the hook
Spilka and Roy have sent updates
Homepage has updates, only a "moderate" risk level
No mosquitoes found in town boundaries hence moderate
State Dept of Public Health tells us, we can be safe for now
Are taking proactive measures, no substitute for common sense
Wear repellent, drain standing water, long clothing
Norfolk County Regional County
Spray scheduled for Beaver St Sep 9

Future items
Nothing around

Council comments
Hamblen Oct 1 Chapt 61 application deadline
Farmers market zucchini race

Casey all set

Damon's -  Water likely coming off at end of month assuming parts ordered arrive as scheduled

Sign boards for election alerts

Pellegri seats still open, or call clerks office
Best wishes for Councilor Casey

Kelly wishes to bissanti happy birthday

Mercer married 52 years, two words to remember, yes dear

Motion to adjourn

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.





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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!

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