FM #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

FM #481 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 481 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?

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/72e1df51-f768-44c7-8b98-b768880320ad

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

Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda  

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-town-council-meeting-mar-3.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 #481 - Town Council "Quarterbacking" - 03/04/21 (audio)

Recap of Town Council meeting Mar 3, 2021 - train station discussed, appt to ConComm approved, ambulance fees approved

Quick Recap:

• appointment to Conservation Commission approved, all committees/board now with full compliment of appointments
• Erin Rogers of Senior Center talks about the tax work off programs available from the State and from Franklin
• discussion on the condition and future of the downtown MBTA train station and exercise in futility. parking an issue downtown, apparently due to zoning changes made that can be/should be reviewed again
• vaccine not available for local clinic per State, teachers were added to eligibility as of Mar 11, 2021

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gN3Z5Y2wUxdXqBNa6

----
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  #TC0303

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0303&src=recent_search_click 

• Real time reporting about to begin for Town Council meeting #tc0303 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-3-town-council-agenda 
• Meeting opens, Chair runs thru the standard protocol statement on meeting conduct #edc0303 a small group at opening.
• #edc0303 meeting is announced for phone callers  One (member) remote, other 8 in Chambers
• #tc0303 (yup, 2nd time tonight used prior meeting to tag a tweet, oops) no citizen comments
• Motion to approve Jan 3 minutes, second, Chandler announces that the minutes are in great order, compliments to Judy L for doing them. Passes 9-0 via roll call. Motion on Feb 17 minutes
• Second, passes via roll call 9-0, #edc0303 appointment to conservation commission, Bissanti recuses, motion and second, after tonight, all vacancies are now full. Passes 8-0-1 1 recused (Bissanti)
• No hearings, no license transactions; moving to presentations, Erin Rogers from Senior Center on the tax work off program, if taxes are more than 10% of income, if renter and taxes more than 25% of income. Need to file with state, meet income guidelines. #tc0303
• #tc0303 anything we can do to help residents with their taxes, talk to their accountants and to the senior center for the form. If people qualify for this, they should also apply for the DPW for a credit against the water, sewer, etc. Storm water if it comes, may would need to
• Suggestion for something on the webpage for assistance available. #tc0303 clarification, you can do both it is not double dipping. State program is one and there is also the Franklin program.
• Other than web page, send elsewhere (i.e. newsletter) as some seniors don't go to the website. #tc0303 legal ads we spend 40K annually with Milford Daily News, also appearing as PSA with Franklin TV. http://Ma.gov webpage takes you right to DOR page and info
• #TC0303 moving to downtown Franklin MBTA station and parking lot. Was on evaluation and goals, a paper trail was included in the meeting docs. Kudos to Frank Falvey who has been a persistent advocate for addressing this item see page 17 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/3-3-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 
• Maps of the station from package  #tc0303
• Continuing discussion on the station, a frustrating situation. This is a T issue and with pandemic they are in lots of trouble with revenue. #tc0303
• They are extending the line double track and going around the station. Also would need to take care of the bridge
• If you're in for a penny, you're in for more than a pound. #tc0303 we offered to but it from them, and they turned us down. Zoning changes recently increased parking requirements downtown and there is no space available. "This like beating a dead horse"
• #tc0303 lighting is brutal, and the bike racks are always full, can't they add some?
• Best opportunity may be the transit oriented development the Legislation that was recently passed called for.
• Let's think of the downtown and consider changing the zoning when the guidance Jamie mentions comes out. #tc0303 
• Budget meeting 3/17 at 6 PM, EDC just met tonight. Some things coming to council for consideration. Draft of business guide reviewed. Coming soon
• Moving to legislation for action, second reading https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._als_bls_web.pdf #tc0303 for ambulance service fee adjustments for this year.  Motion and second, vote via roll call (BLS basic life support, ALS advanced life support.) 9-0
• #tc0303 next up Quarterly PEG funds, the flow through of cable fees to Franklin TV per MGL, as an approved transaction  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._peg_-_web.pdf motion, second, passes via roll call 9-0 (Bissanti not going to yell at cable tonight)
• #tc0303 St Patrick's day serving dinner to seniors via the curbside cafe. Make reservations! Phase IV part 1 the library will be opening March 22, incredible innovation, popular curbside pickup; COVID school staff eligible as of Mar 11, schedule via portal
• No local clinic anytime soon, legislative delegates advocated but we're not getting supply. #tc0303 insufficient doses available in March to meet requirements. Per Gov Baker's press release. Happy to answer questions.
• Moving on. #tc0303 consensus on addressing downtown zoning now
• Kudos to the sports teams, great work! Great to hear of the town's work on a national podcast. Buses moved from former Kegan space to use King St until the Panther Way property is ready, helping the schools
• Yesterday was Franklin's birthday, and it wasn't noticed. 3/2 is the birthday. 243 years young. 
• Agendas and packets for CPC will be online #tc0303 excited that the library will be open. Don't let the guard down, we are almost there.
• Thanks to the community for doing what it takes, numbers are down, keep it that way. #tc0303 motion to adjourn, second, passes 9-0 
• That is all for tonight, thanks for following, catch you next time!

train station discussed

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Mar 3, 2021 - Agenda

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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

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. February 17, 2021
b. February 3, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Conservation Commission - Andrew Mazzuchelli

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Senior Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit - Erin Rogers, Senior Center Director
b. Downtown Franklin MBTA Parking Lot

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-869: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Section 82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection F. Fire - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-869 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53 F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-12 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. COVID-19 Updates

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

Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/3-3-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting - Mar 3, 2021 - Agenda

Town Council Meeting recap - 02/03/21 - town finances in great shape, storm water fee discussed, ambulance fee gets 1st approval

Quick Recap:

• Scout leader Bill Murphy recognized for 30+ years of service for Troop 126
• Valuable information in the presentation/discussion on Finance and borrowing. Town at great credit rate, recognition of fiscal management over the years
  
• Difference between excluded borrowing and non-excluded borrowing explained. "Excluded" are those school building debt exclusions approved by voters. Over next several years only the new FHS will be left to pay for. Meanwhile, the "non-excluded" borrowing has paid for the Senior Center, fire stations, Library, etc. There is capacity for funding projects within the current operational budget for non-excluded projects over the next several years
  
• Long impassioned discussion on the proposed storm water utility fee, not the last time for this discussion. For some councilors they appeared to have missed all the opportunities to participate in informational sessions as the proposal developed last year. Planning Board Chair took offence at not being included last year either
• Ambulance fee increase approved for second reading. (Oh and one councilor who complained about 'death of thousand cuts' on the storm water fee approved this without raising a question)
• Town ready to distribute vaccine to approved order of individuals but needs supply. Still supply/demand issue. Hope on horizon with possible increases in supply coming. Patience for now
  

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/v5HhoVwmEofmqE1X9

 

----

 

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  #tc0203

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0203&src=typed_query

• Swivel seat to real time reporting for the Town Council meeting at 7, agenda doc here https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2-3-2021_town_council_meeting_agenda_0.pdf With connection info and details on topics. #tc0203
• Moving to approval of minutes, Dec 16, seconded, via roll call passes 8-0-1 (Pellegri absent) Motion to approve, second, via roll call same 8-0-1 (Pellegri absent) #tc0203
• Phone number available to join #tc0203
• Moving to approval of minutes, Dec 16, seconded, via roll call passes 8-0-1 (Pellegri absent) Motion to approve, second, via roll call same 8-0-1 (Pellegri absent) #tc0203
• Proclamation for Bill Murphy, Troop 126 leader over 30+ years. Proclamation read by Councilor Bissanti. #tc0203

Finance and borrowing presentation/discussion

• Moving along to presentation on finance and borrowing https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/tc_borrowing_debt_presentation.pdf #tc0203
• Slide captures, #tc0203
• Non-excluded vs excluded (prop 2 1/2 like FHS) #tc0203
• Opportunity to leverage the debt funds to pay for the long term expenses i.e do the sewer interceptor without any additional funding. #tc0203 we are at AA+ only one step down from highest rating (AAA).
• Note an addition to the Council chambers to the right of councilor Jones, one of the new air filter units. #tc0203 floor mount, black cover white sided...
• Non-excluded debt competes for interest expense in the ops budget, not so much an issue with number of projects, relates to the dollars associated with the projects and then with the interest for the bonds per project #tc0203
• #tc0203 Bissanti not getting the dollar flow for the bonding, "rainbows and puppy dog tails", things change and they don't always change for the best. Stay within the budget so we can get the funding and maintain the rating.
• Excluded debt comes from the prop 2 1/2 question and ballot choice, i.e. FHS the school required $100m of which the state reimbursed approx 60% so we bonded the 40% and that rolls off when done #tc0203 the rating is high due to the behavior of the Town Council in fiscal mgt
• Kelly refuting the Bissanti comment, the town Council report card is AA+ hence we have been doing great. Are we about to change? I have no doubt future Council will do similar for our fiscal future. #tc0203

Storm water discussion

• Chair Mercer summarizes similar comments, Bissanti still not getting it. #tc0203 Moving to the storm water topic, utility fee, etc. Presentation copy here, we did sue the EPA and got concessions on timing and effort https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._storm_water_presentation.pdf discussion only tonight
• Pros/cons on the utility fee proposal #tc0203
• We have the infrastructure that needs 2 be paid for, we either do it with the fee or taxes. #tc0203 Bissanti confused; the EPA and MA DEP, are government agencies not a private entity, Secretary level agency at the Governor's office. He's glad 2 hear that, was hearing otherwise
• #tc0203 the utility fee provides for leeway (via exemption and credits) not available from property tax funding. Also the non-profits and state agencies pay the fee where they are exempt from the property taxes. How will credits work? List to be our together
• Sidewalk and roads are part of town responsibility. The per 1000 SQ foot makes it easier to manage and calculate. Gravel road today is impervious. Could we change it? A choice to make. Where did the up to 50% come from? Why not a higher max? Majority of Communities do #tc0203
• The end of the day, it goes back to the money raised for us to do the work. If x doesn't pay, someone else would. #tc0203 options to provide credits, etc. don't exist if property tax revenue is to be used. An ongoing discussion, not to be solved tonight.
• Churches, non-profits are exempt from property taxes due to legislative decision. Attny Cerel chimes in on Q if legislative body could exempt them on this, apples to oranges; other municipality have enacted these, in MA also. Kelly argues that it is tax on commercial #tc0203
• #tc0203 the utility is proposed because it is the most equitable way. The infrastructure here was put in over time and needs to be managed (paid for) we either do it this way equitably or via taxes, ultimate decision. The older building still needs to be covered with this code
• #tc0203 from a Council side, I know we need the money, from a resident side they are going to be upset. We have a rebate program on rain barrel today. Can we get feedback on the MS4 permit? We need to push to get someone from the EPA to talk with us.
• Kelly can go for a flat fee but not for an escalation fee. (Actually counter to what he said on the fiscal responsibility he talked of before) #tc0203 admits he is on soap box. Chair Mercer interjects that this only a discussion, moves on to another.
• Not just about storm water, there are other things in the MS4 permit coming down the road, we are only talking about the implementation for the first phase. #tc0203 Padula disappointed if any Council member would vote for this. Planning Board was not asked to be part ...
• Planning Board is the storm water manager per prior decision. #tc0203 this is the just the beginning. Putting salt into our water, and not cleaning catch basins so we are saving money. Now trying to generate more with this? Reconsider this
• Chandler what happens if we don't do this? EPA thinks this is a palatable thing. There is not a lot of support for this, I get that. The requirements will increase year to year. If we don't do this fee, it will come from the tax revenue. And compete with other expenses #tc0203
• Do we sacrifice other services? Or wait for the EPA to force and fine you. When, not sure but it will come. #tc0203 like OPEB, it needs to be funded, how are we going to do this. This will be on future agendas, it is a lengthy discussion.
• The permit requires more than what we are already doing. So what we have been doing is in the budget. The question is where will the future come from. Tax or utility fee. #tc0203 the interest rate varies but one bonded remains the same. Future discussion, not any more tonight

 Subcommittee reports

• Subcommittee reports: Budget, no meeting. Capital, not yet. EDC met just before this meeting, another listening session on food truck, craft brew bylaw. Report to be sent out on TA review prior to next subcommittee meeting. #tc0203

 Legislation for action

• Next up, legislation for action. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._21-869_als_bls_rate_changes_0.pdf Ambulance fee schedule changes. Adjusting rate to maintain level in comparison with other Communities #tc0203 adjusting yearly to avoid major changes
• Motion to move to 2nd reading, majority required, via roll call 8-0-1 (1 absent) Town Administrator report, vaccine now, call BoH or Senior Center. We don't have doses available. #tc0203 we are preparing to deliver 100 to seniors over 75, supply/demand issue

Town Administrator report

• FHS is an approved site, we are ready to go, we just need supply. #tc0203 the vaccine rollout is our #1 Economic Development effort, we are ready to go. It is frustrating not getting supply. Over 75, call senior center to get on list. https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-information be patient
• #tc0203 we prepared to answer questions. If on listing, still working on the oldest and working back. 90+ for first round, only getting 100 doses. Looking at how many we can get? It is not just Franklin, everyone across the state has same issue
• #tc0203 are you prepared for second lists to use all the doses? Yes, already covered. Even if it is one dose, we don't want to loose it. Budget calendar. Neutral for Town at this point with governor's release, probably early March for first view and hearings re: memorial day
• Request for trail info. Tech review meeting possible item for Depot plaza, garage, etc. Conversation on density zoning with planning board. Look at study of bylaws re: equity (based on roundtable discussion) #tc0203
• Frongillo touting video on roundtable on race in Franklin recorded in November available now https://franklinmatters.org/2021/01/watch-roundtable-discussion-of-racism.html Alert on spam email as if from Chair Mercer, cautioned, checked with him before opening #tc0203
• #tc0203 heart wrenching story from Jones who can't attend wake for pastor he had worked with in Haiti missions, a great loss for so much that he had done. For veterans, if you call Bedford VA can call to get one. Wishes for Pellegri
• Speedy recovery to Ronni Pellegri, motion to adjourn, seconded, via roll call 8-0-1 ( 1 absent) #tc0203

 

Town Council Meeting recap - 02/03/21