FM #526 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - 04/27/21 (audio)

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

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

Let’s listen to this budget hearing on "General government"

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/d9c1b417-b587-4cee-a861-c5409f4085cf

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

• April 27 Agenda = Central government, Human Services, Culture and Recreation, Debt and Interest, Benefits

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf

• Town budget page for FY 2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

• My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/finance-committee-budget-hearing-1-of-4.html

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

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 www.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 #526 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #1 - 04/27/21 (audio)

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 of 4 -> 2nd pass at Capital approved, General Government budgets heard

Quick Recap:

• $765,547 approved in this second pass at the Capital Budget. Recall that the first pass was done earlier, waited until the snow/ice expenses were tallied before taking this second pass. Now goes to Town Council for approval
• Policy on setting aside stabilization amount from free cash deferred to  May meeting for a more full discussion on theory/principal and then amount or percent
• Review of the highlights in the budget narrative, then pretty much page by page through the General Government sections; questions asked and answered
• Part 2 scheduled for Weds to include Public Safety, Part 3 for Thursday to be all DPW (including storm water), Part 4 next Tuesday (May 4) for the School budget
  

Worthwhile tidbits of info

• There are 611 wireless access points throughout town and school buildings
• New growth calculated at the 10 year average (as opposed to an increase, this is really more conservative)
• While Norfolk County pension reqs will increase over the next several years, after 2028 (i think) those funds will have been covered (by law) and then the pension funding can then be diverted to cover the OPEB requirements. Hence OPEB is not as bad a problem as it was through to be
• Melanson and Heath coming to Town Council meeting May 5 to report on the FY 20 audit (interesting to see what if anything would be mentioned of the spear phishing incident as it was an FY 2021 item, not FY 2020 item - hence may not be 'in scope') 
• Passports processing left the Town Clerks office due to potential conflict of interest/span of control problem. A Town clerk controls birth and death notices, hence could create a person and grant a passport for someone 
• Passport processing resumes one day a week, after July a new part time position will be filled and add photos as part of this service
  
• MA general law requires a paper bill to be physically be mailed; you can receive a PDF electronically but Town would need State legislation to take action to go full paperless
• Senior Center runs on less than $250k per year, they can do so due to the grants and gifts from various organizations
• Debt financing currently below the target of 3.5%, slightly growing the space to be used in the next couple of years   

----

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  #fincom0427

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0427&src=typeahead_click

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/gxyCEPR6zYMoYEGj9

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf

 

The Town budget documents for FY 2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

• Finance committee meeting opens #fincom0427 minutes for 2 prior meetings approved, 7-0 vote not roll call as those are in Chambers. Who is missing remains TBD? Should have 9 so 2 missing.

Capital Budget

• First up, second pass on the capital budget. 611 wireless access points across town/school buildings. #fincom0427 1.3m sq ft and the bulk are school buildings, by using capital, saves money overall, and 2 saves ops budget in Schools
• The details on the 2nd pass for capital along with the remainder of tonight's agenda can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf  #fincom0427 Police building only one D'Angelo hasn't built or renovated
• Q on wireless access? Licensing for the wireless to work. Q on how much of the free cash is committed? Long answer but will need to tally to get total, some of it is fixed amount, some a percent of what is available. #fincom0427 $765,547 in addition to capital budget
• Passes by 7-0 vote; question on the policy of setting aside amounts for rainy day, fields, trucks, OPEB and ? Missing one, will update later #fincom0427

FY 2022 discussion

• Page 10 of the meeting packet shows the policy that was discussed and then tables until the May 19 session for further discussion, pros, cons, etc. #fincom0427
• CPC budget a separate budget item with nuances of the CPA funding as the process gets underway here in Franklin. Can use the $66k for some assessment estimates before getting the full funding in Oct 2022. Motion to approve, interrupted by question, then to vote passes 7-0
• Note: holding off on vote until all the budgets have been heard (will not be voting as they go dept by dept). #fincom0427 check the budget narrative for the highlights https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf
• New growth calculated at the 10 year average (as opposed to an increase, this is really more conservative). #fincom0427 and friendly reminder on those who want to see the SchComm change channel per info in image
• While pension reqs will increase over the next several years, after 2028 (i think) those funds will have covered the pension reqs and can then be diverted to cover the OPEB reqs #fincom0427 this was covered in prior Council and FinComm meetings
• Note, the website has current and accurate info, prior versions did contain some errors per TA go to appendix A1 to follow along #fincom0427 moving along literally line by line. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf
  
• Melanson and Heath coming to council meeting May 5 to report on the FY 20 audit. #fincom0427 legal expanse item tends to go up when collective bargaining is in, cable, solar and other special needs do bring in legal consulting
• Proposing $25k for a complete nonunion market study for staff salaries/benefits, needs to be done to be competitive. #fincom0427 HR reviewing and adjusting with concurrence the collective bargaining agreements, almost done
• Adding a resource, split between town and school budgets, other IT staff all in school side of budget although Town does pay it's share. #fincom0427 similar to facilities which resides on town side but supports both town/school.
• Additional resource for Town Clerk office as mail ballot and early voting are likely here to stay, Legislation pending to set the process. #fincom0427 passport processing one day a week, after July a new part time position will be filled and add photos as part of this
• Passports processing left the town clerks office due to potential conflict of interest. A clerk controls birth and death notices, hence could create a person and grant a passport for someone. #fincom0427 was in TA office and then moved again
• Anticipating buildings fully operational as of July 1, also includes minimum maintain of Davis Thayer building #fincom0427 Central services mostly postage for the mailings on town business
• MA general law requires paper bill you can receive a PDF electronically but would need legislation to take action to go full paperless #fincom0427 Health Dept increasing nursing service (by statue req'd) examine other scenarios (including a grant for regional approach)
• Senior center runs on less than $250k per year, can do so due to the grants and gifts from various orgs. #fincom0427 trying to invest in center org due to use of funds for people previously tied to revolving funds Page 102 outlines budget details  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf
• P 104 Veterans services, mostly reimbursement from state and federal funding. #fincom0427 Library some folks repurposed to help with elections during closure. Do not need to seek waiver with this funding. Recreation coming back with restoration of budget, will be busy
• With the gradual reopening in progress during summer and fall. #fincom0427 reference to the historical museum Instagram account - https://www.instagram.com/franklinhistoricalmuseum/
• Debt financing currently below the target of 3.5%, slightly growing the space to be used in the next couple of years #fincom0427 benefits only up $800k, could be worse. Some new hires are still on parent's health coverage (until 26).
• Q where is the OPEB expense? we are paying for the total liability, the current requirements are covered by today's contributions #fincom0427 68/32 spilt town and employee for benefits. Q would the study cover benefits? Salary or total compensation? Remote work, etc.
• Family leave, will likely be items of discussion for employee recruiting. #fincom0427 future agenda item for more discussion on the HR nuances of salary, benefits etc. Liability insurance for both property and casualty, not for workers comp, reward checks come later
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0 See you for part 2 of the 4 meeting series on Weds. #fincom0427 

 

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 of 4 -> 2nd pass at Capital approved, General Government budgets heard

FM #524 - Talk Franklin - 04/23/21 (audio)

FM #524 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 524 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 
Earth Day

• Not just Apr 22, and out about Apr 24 with clean up efforts
• Climate and repercussions

Budget hearings

• Apr 27 - Town (Administration, Clerk, Library, Senior Center, etc.)
• Apr 28 - Safety (Police, Fire, MECC)
• Apr 29 - DPW (also enterprise accounts for water, sewer, trash/recycle and stormwater fee proposal)
• May 4 - Schools

Re-opening 

• Mask, hygiene reminders
• Rabies clinic info coming May 1
• Pop up teaser

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/b56e5119-12cf-43e6-9ed8-c2bbd1e018af 

--------------
Town of Franklin COVID-19 page = https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/vaccination-and-covid-19-data 

Finance Committee meetings - https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/finance-committee-meetings 

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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

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 #524 - Talk Franklin - 04/23/21 (audio)

Finance Committee - Budget Hearings - Apr 27, 28, 29 and May 4

Finance Committee Meetings

Please find the agendas and links for the upcoming Finance Committee Meetings Posted below: 

•  April 27 Agenda = Central government, Human Services, Culture and Recreation, Debt and Interest, Benefits

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf

• April 28 Agenda = Public Safety (Police, Fire, Regional Dispatch)

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-28_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

• April 29 Agenda  = Dept of Public Works 

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-29_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

• May 4 Agenda = Schools

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

Additional details on the FY 2022 budget can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

Finance Committee - Budget Hearings - Apr 27, 28, 29 and May 4

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

As part of the continuing series to prepare for the Finance Committee budget hearings (which begin next week) and the Town Council budget hearings (in May), check out the link to the details on the history of the budget year over year from FY 2012.

Appendix C1 - Historic Data: Budget Breakdown
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_c_historic_data_fy22.xlsx_-_budget_breakdown.pdf

The chart depicts the split between the municipal portion of the budget (police, fire, etc...) (orange color) and the school portion (both K-12 and others) (blue color) as well as showing the growth of the budget year by year.

municipal and school split over the FY 2012-FY2022 period

Prior posts

School budget, executive summary by School Superintendent Sara Ahern

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

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

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

 

FY 2022 - Town of Franklin budget proposal

The Town of Franklin FY22 Town Administrator's Proposed Budget materials are available on our website.  

Find all of the Proposed Budget information posted here 

https://franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials 

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1383109138587222016

FY 2022 - Town of Franklin budget

This will be the first of a series on the FY 22 budget. Each part of the series will focus on a part of the process or an aspect of the budget. All in preparation of the Finance Committee budget hearings Apr 27-28-29 and May 4; as well as the Town Council budget hearings May 26-27. The final vote on the budget is scheduled for the May 27 meeting.

FM #498 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio) - school budget public hearing

FM #498 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 498 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Mar 23, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members, Central Office personnel, and key guests were in the Council Chambers; the remainder, along with the public, were remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

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

• *** First - covers the school budget public hearing (approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes)
• Second - pick up the regular meeting and Jefferson presentation (approx. 43 mins)
• Third - from the discussion action items through to the end of the public meeting (approx. 39 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. The meeting packet folder will hold the other documents released for the meeting.
Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting of Mar 23, 2021

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/8df159da-8c56-414c-8be5-f5acfa2dba65

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

Agenda doc   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-3-23-21 

Budget presentation  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy22_public_budget_hearing_presentation_1.pdf 

Budget information   https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy2022-budget 

Jefferson presentation doc  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/jefferson_presentation_to_the_school_committee_3-23-21.pdf 

Meeting packet folder https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes from the meeting  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-school-committee-meeting-mar-23.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 #498 - School Committee Meeting - 03/23/21 - P1 of 3 (audio)

Franklin (MA) School Committee - FY 2022 - Budget Hearing - Mar 23, 2021

The document scheduled for presentation and discussion at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, March 23, 2021 for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget.

Franklin (MA) Public Schools - Budget Hearing - 03/23/21 from Franklin Matters

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found on the Schools page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/march-23-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

FY 2022 - Budget Hearing - Mar 23, 2021

Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview

Quick Recap:

• Quick overview of the ambulance rates and rationale behind them from Chief McLaughlin
  
• Overview of the recent truck purchase process and the life cycle of trucks on the front line, in reserve and eventual disposition as surplus
• Great overview of the debt and borrowing status for Franklin, heard previously at the Town Council meeting but great info on exclusions and non-excluded debt and how it is fiscally planned for and managed; the Town has a great credit rating which confirms the overall fiscal prudence shown by the Town
• Discussion on future topics including adding two sessions to the budget hearing cycle (now four meetings instead of two)
  

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/XN9xZuqRLw5vtcY88

 

----

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  #fincom0224

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0224&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Finance Committee meeting #fincom0224 agenda doc linked here has the connection info https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/fincom_agenda_02-24-21_updated.pdf
• Fire Chief McLaughlin talks to the proposed ambulance rate increases up for second approval at Town Council meeting next week #fincom0224
• Majority of transportation is ALS1, second BLS and least used is ALS2. Have talked with a company about their frequency of usage. Trying to avoid overuse and making sure it is an appropriate use. 87-88% is about norm for collection rates #fincom0224
• BLS is basic life support, ALS1 medication, cardiac monitor; ALS2 is a more critical level of service... #fincom0224 billing and allowable rates set outside via Medicare etc. We stay within allowable.
• The two trucks are from Greenwood in N Attleboro, to offset the service costs of two trucks in reserve to get them inspected. These new ones are coming at a great deal for us, great discount and good value. #fincom0224 the trucks will also enable ISO 1 level rating ...
• If you recall, they had reached level 2 last year. 15 in frontline and 5-7 years in reserve is a good ballpark lifecycle. Q is the rusted rail unique to Pierce. They rectified that in 2018 but that doesn't help this one. #fincom0224 ISO 1 will enable to save business ...
• Could be up to 3.5% savings going up the to level 1 for the businesses insurance rates. #fincom0224 moving to the debt and borrowing presentation (also in the doc link shared earlier)
• Kerri Bertone presenting #fincom0224
• Most recent interest rate 1.33% a good sign of our high rating and great fiscal management #fincom0224 non-excluded debt (like the Library, Senior Center, etc. ) Vs. excluded debt mostly school buildings (FHS)
• Some of the 15M authorization will not ever be used. Example, the windows for the Municipal bldg was est at 1.3m and bid came in at about 500k, so we'll use free cash rather than borrow. Chrome books were also part of above but those were covered via the COVID funds #fincom0224
• Would use lease purchase if a benefit but there is a middle man and we don't always get the best price via going directly to the finance. We are set up to borrow for our benefit. #fincom0224 worthy discussion on the current 2.2% vs policy of 3.5% and thought behind it
• Police station is likely to be a debt exclusion. Will use bans to out together some of the projects to bond as a package. Saves us the issuance cost and with good rates gets us the lowest cost benefit #fincom0224 what will it take to get to AAA?
• A regular discussion with the bonders, it is less but a factor of the marker place. #fincom0224 interesting story on Hudson and net interest and DOR changed rules because of it. Refunding is the resident equivalent of refinancing a mortgage, our rates are so low we won't...
• see that for some time, interest if at 6% would make sense to reduced to 1 or 2 ... If we are already at 1 or 2 but how low can you go. #fincom0224 Stabilization funds update - 10 year history of new growth coming in the next meeting
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen updating a review of the comparable stabilization funds #fincom0224 currently $8m in OPEB fund. Some Communities do stick out from the others. Natick has a plan for a fund to cover for a 3 yr downturn based upon a % of their state aid
• Would be a good discussion point for an overall planning point. Ultimately how were we able to manage? We did put something aside when it was good, key priorities. #fincom0224 need to be fiscally prudent.
• Discussion on budget hearings to be spread over four nights, worked well last time; #fincom0224 capital plan? had held off due to other items in the mix, less free cash overall, snow/ice eating into free cash with weather this year. General operations metrics, etc.
• #fincom0224 April 4 nights would be budget hearings, OPEB report in April, stormwater coming in budget, facility coming, UGVI at FHS is the only public school with that service; Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Finance Committee meeting recap - Feb 24, 2021 - ambulance rates, fire truck life cycle; debt overview

In the News: Finance Committee has open position

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

"There’s an opening on the Franklin Finance Committee after its chairman resigned from his role last week.

“I stepped down after 10 years on the committee to pursue other interests,” Michael Dufour told the Daily News after an opening on the committee was posted on the town’s homepage and Facebook page on Thursday. His term wasn’t set to expire for at least another year.

Dufour was first appointed to the committee as a member back in 2010, and later assumed the role of chairman, he said. He didn’t elaborate on the interests he would be pursing after leaving his role, but said he worked alongside dedicated and collaborative Finance Committee members in his time on the committee, and enjoyed working with former Town Administrator Jeff Nutting and current Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

“I was very fortunate to work with members of the committee and town administration who put the town before themselves,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200714/franklin-finance-committee-chairman-resigns

The announcement of the open volunteer position was made last week and share here:

The Franklin Finance Committee is now accepting applications for a new member. The position is for a 3-year term.

Finance Committee meetings are typically held on the 1st Tuesday of every month. As a committee member, you will be involved in the finances and financial procedures of the Town of Franklin and make recommendations as a committee to the Town Council on all financial matters.

For more information on the Finance Committee visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee

To apply visit: http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php

Note: I would add this position provides great insights into the entire operations of the Town of Franklin and could be considered a 'must' as preparation for any further elected role (especially Town Council or School Committee) that one might consider.

 

In the News: Finance Committee has open position

Town Council Budget Hearing videos available

The video for both of the budget hearing sessions held by the Town Council on the FHS football field are available for replay.

June 17  = http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=764

June 18  = http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=765

Town Council Budget Hearing videos available

FM #305 Town Council Budget Hearing 02 6/18/20 (audio)

FM #305 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 305 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the second of two Franklin (MA) Town Council budget hearings. Both budget hearings were held outdoor at the FHS football field (Pisini Stadium). Both hearings were broadcast live via WFPR.FM radio (102.9 on the local dial). The outdoor meetings were conducted to observe all the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the agenda and document packet for this hearing. They also contain my notes captured during the meeting.

The recording runs approx 2 hours and 15 minutes, so let’s list to the second budget hearing for FY 2021 held June 18

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HBPJG917



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

FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Agenda for budget hearing #2
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing_17.html

Notes from the budget hearing #2
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/town-council-budget-hearing-2-recap.html

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

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/
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 #305 Town Council Budget Hearing 02 6/18/20

FM #304 Town Council Budget Hearing 01 6/17/20 (audio)

FM #304 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 304 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the first of two Franklin (MA) Town Council budget hearings. Both budget hearings were held outdoor at the FHS football field (Pisini Stadium). Both hearings were broadcast live via WFPR.FM radio (102.9 on the local dial). The outdoor meetings were conducted to observe all the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the agenda and document packet for this hearing. They also contain my notes captured during the meeting.

The recording runs approx 3 hours and 15 minutes, so let’s list to the first budget hearing for FY 2021 held June 17

Audio link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWlgqYM7



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

FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Agenda for budget hearing #1
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-town-council-budget-hearing.html

Notes from the budget hearing #1
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/real-time-reporting-town-council-budget.html

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

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/
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 #304 Town Council Budget Hearing 01 6/17/20

FM #303 Talk Franklin - 6/19/20 (audio)

FM #303 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 303 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about

Re-opening

• Part 2, Phase 2 just announced
• BoH numbers for Franklin, only 4 active cases

FY 2021 Budget recap, Town Council meeting next week (6/24)

Spotlight on Technology

• Internet on FHS field?

Cultural closing

• NPR streaming of 9:30 Club concerts

The recording runs about 53 minutes. Listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie

https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-latest-on-Franklin-budget--reopening-and-current-events-efmd3o




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

FY 2021 budget info
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

9:30 Club Concert queue on NPR
https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2020/05/29/864470936/stream-over-100-shows-from-the-9-30-club

Background info on 9:30 club
https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2020/05/29/863722379/the-9-30-club-is-40-years-old-its-closed-it-matters-more-than-ever

Jamie and Steve live on the ‘pre-game’ for the Budget hearing on Wednesday, June 17
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/fm-301-talk-franklin-pregame-live-61720.html

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

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/
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"

Jamie Hellen on the FHS field during the budget hearing Thursday, June 18

Town Council Budget Hearing #2 - Recap - June 18, 2020

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 #tcbh0618
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tcbh0618&src=typed_query

• Two options for listening/participating in the Town Council budget hearing tonight 1/2 = use your web browser to listen to http://wfpr.fm or tune to the radio dial at 102.9 in the Franklin area #tcbh0618 https://buff.ly/3hEjgQP

• Getting ready for real time reporting for the Town Council meeting tonight. Out on the FHS football field again, broadcasting live on the radio http://wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the Franklin area dial #tcbh0618
• Sound check underway, should be online soon #tcbh0618
• Another gorgeous evening here at FHS on the football field, Pisini Stadium. Less then a dozen folks in audience this evening (approx 75-80 last night) aside from Council and town management #tcbh0618

• Q on some items in DPW budget items, their budget is complex as they also support the enterprise funds, and trying to take care of storm water along the way. #tcbh0618 Q how many folks would you need? More than we have, we're about 2/3 of comparable Community
• Q on town bylaw to not touch a road after it has been rebuilt? Still in effect, does only cover the full rebuild, could modify the bylaw to include other types of repairs. #tcbh0618
• Cerel interjects to clarify unfunded mandate restriction of use to state imposition but not to the Federal government. #tcbh0618 Mercer asks Brutus for a brief primer for storm water. There have been info sessions on this, there will be a utility fee to assist
• We have to do the Storm water maintenance, the question is how we pay for it we could use the utility fee, or we just keep it in the budget. #tcbh0618 find much of the info here https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division
• Q if we needed to cut more where would you cut in the DPW? It could be in any number of areas but would also affect the looks and quality of life. #tcbh0618 the storm water utility could gradually get the items moved from operations to the utility
• Q on speculation of a farmer suit that could toss the regs and hence we would have lost the money? It is speculation, so no further answer required #tcbh0618 recognition for Cathy Liberty and Health Dept for the work on the pandemic
• Next up, Senior Center - Karen Alves current Director, and retiring; Erin Rogers, new Director, no questions, just recognition #tcbh0618
• Next up, Recreation - COVID-19 has been tough to deal with, lots of credits issued for programs we couldn't run, are getting ready to do some in July, mostly fee based programs #tcbh0618 court at Fletcher underway, nets for safety at the high school ball fields
• Approx $600K in grants over last five years for various projects for recreation. #tcbh0618 concerts in the common, socially distanced on then common for 4-5 weeks
• Q on debt/interest as percent of ops budget. Deep in the report are details showing the position where we are, some bonds will be paid off freeing up room for capital funding. There is a separate item on the agenda for a funding list. #tcbh0618 have good rating credit rating
• Another glorious evening out on the field tonight. #tcbh0618 update on the CARES Act for COVID expense, highly restricted for response only, not operations used for PPE, some technical items but not ops
• Recieved $1M in the first allocation, most of this was used for 1,000 Chromebooks for schools in prep for a possible hybrid model in September #tcbh0618 that completes the first run through of the budget line items
• Next up vote on the budget https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._resolution_20-31_adoption_of_fy21_budget.pdf. Passed 9-0, no roll call required this evening
• Next up Community Preservation Act  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._resolution_20-36_cpa_ballot_vote.pdf a surcharge of 2% proposed to be out on the ballot for the Nov election, passed 9-0, no roll call required
• Capital appropriation with draft set of projects https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._resolution_20-37_borrowing_authorization.pdf  Motion to approve, passed 9-0, again no roll call required
• So what do those three votes mean? After the discussions, no one steps up to call for additional revenue for schools although a year ago the Joint Budget Subcommittee called for it. What happened? The CPA is approved for voters to have their say #tcbh0618
• The third vote for capital is a reasonable and required appropriation. It definitely shows fiscal planning. However the fiscal planning on that is missing on the operational budget. #tcbh0618
• Councilor comments. #tcbh0618 by the way, the audience grew from when I first took a count, was about 2 dozen folks tonight.
• June 19, 2019 the joint budget subcommittee meeting notes https://franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html refers to an override required for this year but not discussed tonight, maybe as this budget round continues #tcbh0618
• Chair Mercer closing meeting with this budget as a work in progress #tcbh0618 . This completes the reporting for tonight catch you all next time!

ready for the three votes to close out the procedings

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen explains; Assistant Chrissy Whelton listens