Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label budget. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

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 ->

Download the PDF  handout of fee increases ->

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

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

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

2 Important School District Meetings Tuesday, April 30

  • Franklin Public Schools Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Event Date:  Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 6:00 PM
3rd floor training room (Rm 326)

We all heard the budget presentation last week. What is the agreement (if any) to share with the community on how the override funds (if approved and passed) get to be used in year 2? (Recording of this session is planned by Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

  • Franklin School Committee Meeting
Event Date:  Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - 7:00 PM
Council Chambers - 2nd Floor

As if budget isn't enough to deal with, a key element of that is the redistricting plan being formulated. The subcommittee heard the preview of that last Thursday, the full committee will hear about it Tuesday (as will the community). (Session scheduled for broadcast via cable to Comcast/Verizon customers, as well as to YouTube (Town Hall Channel)

2 Important School District Meetings Tuesday, April 30
2 Important School District Meetings Tuesday, April 30

Monday, April 29, 2024

State Rep Roy on the MA House Budget passing (video)

Via our State Representative Jeff Roy

"The House concluded budget deliberations on the FY25 budget last night (4/26/24).
I was proud to deliver local aid to Franklin and Medway that will assist the Franklin Food Pantry, the Medway Village Food Pantry, the Franklin Performing Arts Company, the SAFE Coalition, the Franklin Downtown Partnership, and the Medway Community Farm. I was also happy to file an amendment that added $500,000 to the Genocide Education Trust Fund.  
In the video below, I highlight all of the environmental and energy provisions in the budget. It was an amazing budget in challenging times and I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz for making it all happen. "

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 1, 2024 at 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 - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 
b. Police Department - Introduction
i. Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris
5. APPOINTMENTS
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-19 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

c. Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question

d. Resolution 24-22: Adoption of Fiscal Policies

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - Referral to the Planning Board  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-906_907_908_-_3_zoning_bylaws.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - Referral to the Planning Board
(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_24-908.pdf

h. Resolution 24-23: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin ($300,000)

i. Resolution 24-24: Acceptance of Gift of Trees - Town of Franklin

j. Resolution 24-25: Acceptance of Gift - Conservation Commission ($50)

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 Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session
Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session


Monday, March 4, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 


The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).


Quick recap:

  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

  • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 


Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 


Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9


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

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.


If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.


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"


Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge
Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting, Tuesday, Mar 5 at 7 PM

Franklin School Committee
March 5, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Building – Council Chambers


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.”
Call to Order Mr. Callaghan
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan
C. Payroll Mr. McNeill
D. FHS Student Representative Comments
E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. Superintendent’s Recommended FY25 Budget

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - First Reading
I recommend moving policy CA - Administrative Goals to a second reading as
detailed.

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. none

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports
B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your February 13, 2024 meeting as
detailed.
B. JF Kennedy Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two check totaling $1471.50 from the JFK PCC as
follows:
$125.00 for Field Trips
$1346.50 for Supplemental Supplies
C. Parmenter Gifts
I recommend acceptance of two checks totaling $1970.00 from the Parmenter
PCC for field trips as detailed.
D. FHS Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Thomas A. Wagner for a
FHS Scholarship as detailed.
E. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $93.01 from Ohiopyle Prints, Inc. for
supplemental supplies as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business
To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

The agenda doc contains remote participation info

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting, Tuesday, Mar 5 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting, Tuesday, Mar 5 at 7 PM

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Reminder: Town Council meeting February 28 at 7 PM

Among the key items for the Town Council meeting scheduled Wednesday, February 28 at 7:00 PM, are the following:


6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-901 (formerly 23-901): Zoning Map Changes from Single Family Residential III to Business an Area On or Near King Street, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map
i. Legislation for Action #9a.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
b. Resolution 24-03: FY24 Capital Improvement Plan
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-03 - Majority Vote)

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf


Thursday, February 22, 2024

Schools reduce capital budget request, Capital Budget Subcmte approves all votes (but one) by 4-0 (audio)

FM #1146 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 978 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, February 21, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, Superintendent Lucas Giguere, along with almost all of the Town Department leaders (at least those with capital budget requests).


This meeting covered the first round of capital budgeting. As noted during the session, there is about $1.5M remains of “Free Cash” to be allocated during round 2.


You can follow along with the agenda as each department section was covered and line item by line item, votes were conducted (with a few exceptions) on each line item. Only one vote did NOT finish 4-0. That being the vote to fund the town/school website upgrade which passed 3-1 (Cormier-Leger cast the “no” vote). 


As noted when I shared the agenda, while this proposal was reviewed by the Finance Committee on Feb 7, it has been modified since then. It was also adjusted further during the meeting with School Supt Lucas Giguere reducing their school capital request from $1.2 M to $900+K. The capital budget as adjusted now moves forward to the full Town Council for their meeting on February 28.


The recording runs about just over 2 hours minutes, so let’s listen to this capital budget discussion. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1146-town-council-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-02-21-24



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Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_-_feb_21_2024.pdf 


My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_3lpxnItRZ54gVEfc06Gu4F5FIGydByY/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video for the Finance Committee meeting of Feb 7 -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ULrmiu9zaew?si=tdKlf5BEx86wnl55


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

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"


Capital Budget Subcmte to adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM
Capital Budget Subcmte to review adjustment to what FinCom already approved - Feb 21 at 10:00 AM