This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the July 17 meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1242 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning to recap the 3 hour session. 

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• A  number of citizens’ comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.

• The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.

• The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 

• One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.

• Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)

• A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.

• The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)

• The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.

• Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500)

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1247-town-council-quarterbacking-07-18-24/

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

The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67 

Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf 

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUWE6iK-G1T7xnVsjgXiGj2-l2P9S9Kg/view?usp=drive_link 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 17, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

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

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. June 26, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._june_26_2024_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_-_google_docs.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Override Discussion & FY25 Budget Adjustment #2   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_override_and_1_million.pdf

i. Legislation for Action # 9a

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-50: Budget Stabilization Account Transfer to the Franklin Public School’s FY25 Operating Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-50 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-50.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._24-905.pdf

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3.  Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-906_907_908.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._24-908.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 24-913 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._24-913_-_union_st._mill_store.pdf

g. Resolution 24-42: Authorization for Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018 Landfill Land Swap Legislation, so-called

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-42 - ⅔ Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._24-42_-_landfill_land_swap.pdf

h. Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-49 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._24-49.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

School's Budget Subcmte gets preview of fees and impact of a failed override vote (audio)

FM #1219 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1219 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin School Committee Budget Subcommittee meeting of Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Subcommittee Chair Dave McNeill, Dr Paul Griffith, KP Sompally, Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch and current Asst Business Administrator Janaina Vasconcelos-Melotti participated.

My notes from this session:

• Overview of agenda from Supt Giguere, Dr Dutch provides update on scenarios being prepared, 35+ staff possible if the override fails, some of the estimates depending upon how the teacher contract handles the individuals and their status, licensure, tenure, etc.

• If fees go up, then some of the cuts could decrease. There is more coming in the SchCom meeting about use of the revolving funds, there is nothing more there to use, albeit some folks not quite accepting/understanding it

• The cuts, if the override does not pass, will increase class sizes, and course loads for teachers and other staff will also increase. They did look to provide class size equity across in consideration.

• By way of example, high school students in selecting their electives are helping to determine what is offered or not

• An overview of the revolving accounts. "The idea that revolving funds can contribute more than they have is not reality" Revolving funds accounts are also restricted to expenses of that nature, they can't be used indiscriminately elsewhere

• Special Ed would be an investment that can provide a return

• Review of the future budget forecast, after the $6.3, assuming the override passes, then the 60% would come, does it include the 'normal' 2.5% or not. Bottom line, the $4m would still be more than 'normal'

• Meeting adjourned, downstairs to full school committee meeting

The meeting recording runs about 46 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1219-fps-budget-subcmte-mtg-05-28-24

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

Agenda for this session ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/5-28-24_agenda-budgetsubcom_0.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bQxguiqvMylIi8_n0OOfzP6NJwDUsngX/view?usp=drive_link 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  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"

School's Budget Subcmte gets preview of fees and impact of a failed override vote (audio)

Franklin School Committee: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 28 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Budget Subcommittee

May 28, 2024 - 6:00 - 7:00 PM

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● FY25 Budget Update

● Revolving Accounts Update

● Future School Budget Projections

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/5-28-24_agenda-budgetsubcom_0.pdf

Franklin School Committee: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 28 at 6 PM

Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee votes to approve free cash allocations (exclusive audio)

FM #1208 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1208 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chairperson Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-Leger, and Brian Chandler. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

This short meeting was not set up for remote participation nor for Franklin TV broadcast. I did get there to make the audio recording available via Franklin Public Radio/Franklin Matters.

2 items on the agenda: one the approval for use of free cash for the operating budget. Not a usual occurrence but requires approval. The formal vote will also be part of the Town Council meeting Thursday as they close the budget hearing.

The second item was the creation of a stabilization account to set aside funds for the potential purchase of a building that wouldn’t be covered by the funds available from the Community Preservation Act. There was a brief discussion on this and then the vote to create and allocate the remaining $200,000 from free cash as the start point for funding the account.

The vote on both measures was 4-0. 

The recording runs about 12 minutes, so let’s listen to this capital budget subcommittee meeting of May 22.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1208-town-council-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-05-22-24

 

 

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

Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-may_22_2024.pdf

My notes via Twitter ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qs6pSNutdDmwhQUh7t5v7OR9Q3mInkq0/view?usp=drive_link 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ 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"

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 22, 2024 - 6:00 PM

Discussion:

1. FY24 Capital Plan “Round 2”

a. Town Administrator’s Recommended Actions with the remaining FY24 Free Cash = $1,707,000

i. Town Operating Budget Appropriation $1,507,000

ii. Creation of Real Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a_ii._24-33_town_council_creation_of_the_property_acquisition_stabilization_fund.docx_2.pdf

Agenda doc (also contains remote participation info)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-may_22_2024.pdf

 

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee - May 22 at 6 PM

School Budget Subcmte get preview of potential fee increases for buses, activities & sports (audio)

The School Committee Budget Subcommittee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at 6:00 PM. The started late, left just before 7 PM and hence the full Committee meeting started a little late.

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/franklin_public_schools_budget_sub_committee_meeting.pdf

Download the PDF  handout of fee increases ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-9L1xop0J7YXYmy9K0rcb0cuMehLj9gy/view?usp=drive_link

My notes captured during the meeting

• Chair David McNeill opens meeting at 6:09 PM, business meeting public invited with watch listen, to participate at discretion of the chair
• Recap of the 4/24 Joint Meeting by Supt Giguere. Coordinated with OCPF to get opinion on videos prepared, can host, can't send directly
• Once the TA FY 2025 budget was released, they could work toward how to cover the shortfall ($6.3m) if the override is not approved by the Town Council, or if approved but does not pass the community vote. Some fee increases, anticipating approx 30 FTE...
• Reduction of supplies within buildings across the board, stipends, mentor, etc. $4.7m reductions after the fee increases. 30 FTE is a significant reduction, negative impact to quality of education, class size, offerings, extra curricular activities, etc.
• The model was put forward, if any variation, that would require an adjustment somewhere else in the budget
• No decisions have been made on positions or roles specifically, they will continue to look at the numbers as the scenario develops/evolves (i.e. override yes and what the # might be)
• Potential use of retirement to help balance but that position is removed ... A loss to the district if the position is not filled
• Fee increases proposed were designed to self fund the program, not to generate additional revenue to be used overall (can't be done anyway). The natural area to look at is class size, then to the required programs looking at electives and AP classes, can't charge for an ...AP course, can only charge for the AP exam.
• Even with fee increases to meet the purpose, as astronomical as they appear, they don't help alleviate the other cuts. Largest expense for the district is staff, period. So reducing expenses means reducing staff
• Athletics first, total cost for each sport, then worked to get to a cost per student, divided into tier, largest cost tier 1
• All programs for athletics is about $1m; approx $400k from fees currently, $600k balance previously covered by budget ...
• Tier 1 fees approx $1k, tier 2 at about $600, tier 3 at about $350 Does include post season costs assuming teams were successful enough to gain that.
• Attrition could be seen at the JV and subJV levels affecting the varsity level at some point with talent feed/development
• Transportation currently at $600 could go to $1100/per to self funding this program. Even with an override, transportation fees may rise anyway to keep pace with cost
• 20% increase for ECDC anticipated, IEP students do not pay, building use rental increase of 5% projected tier level of support required
• Possible parking fee, $125/vehicle to manage overall parking process
• Model can be posted, didn't want to get ahead of the guidance of the subcmte
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0
  

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1185-fps-budget-subcmte-mtg-04-30-24

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

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

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  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"

School Budget Subcmte get preview of potential fee increases for buses, activities & sports (audio)