Showing posts with label capital. Show all posts
Showing posts with label capital. Show all posts

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

Friday, March 1, 2024

In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)

FM #1148 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1148 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, February 29, 2023.  


ok, what just happened? 

What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Topics for this session

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

  • Zoning change from residential to business, two hours, “No action”

    • Procedural move to refer back to the Planning Board for their ‘full’ assessment & recommendation

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

  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

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

  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. 

  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.1M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

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


The recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, February 29, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1148-town-council-quarterbacking-02-29-24



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Town Council agenda for Feb 28, 2024 meeting -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 


Town Council recap & video link -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/02/town-council-spends-2-hours-and-takes.html 


My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/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"


In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)
In this Town Council Quarterbacking session, we recap the meeting of Feb 28, 2024 (audio)


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


Sunday, February 25, 2024

Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 28, 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. January 31, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

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.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: OPEB Actuarial Report - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. 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 - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-901 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

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

c. Resolution 24-04: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-04 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-08: Town Council’s Support of Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act” (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-08 - Majority Vote) 

e. Resolution 24-09: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
(Motion to approve Resolution 24-09 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-10: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-10 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-11: Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-11 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-12: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-12 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-13: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-13 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report
b. Capital Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
d. Budget Subcommittee
e. Master Plan Committee
f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
g. Police Station Building Committee
h. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.

15. ADJOURN
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting


Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting
Franklin, MA: Agenda for February 28, 2024 Town Council Meeting


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

Monday, February 19, 2024

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

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 21, 2024 - 10:00 AM


Discussion:

1. FY24 Capital Plan “Round 1”
a. Town Administrator Memo
b. FY24 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans
c. Quotes
2. Next Meeting Date

Full agenda doc (note, no remote participation scheduled for this meeting)

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

Saturday, January 13, 2024

Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)

FM #1135 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1135 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. 


8 Finance Committee members participated; 

6 in Chambers (Chair Conley, Riley, Corbosiero, Nagel, Batchelor, Grace ), 

2 participated remotely (Keophannga & Hamilton) 

1 absent (Sansoucy)


Quick recap:

  • Discussion on the scope and intent of the deep dive series. Feb 7 next meeting, Mar 6 joint budget subcmte, then really into budget season for FY 2025 with hearings in May, June for Council.

  • This is the first capital budget without a holding of the 'free cash' for snow and ice removal. 4.5M is total free cash.

  • Consideration for a 'land acquisition fund' possibly to be established

  • Technology at the high school is now 10 years old, can't replace them all at once, chipping away at it to stagger the replacements over time.

  • Survey to address on quality of life issues, scientific generated survey randomly generated, whole variety of metrics. Often folks are happy but need to divide where there are some opportunities.

  • Chief Lynch providing insights on the Police requests, (forgot to add battalion chiefs for Fire had previewed the requests for Fire) Did get all their requests

  • DPW, Director Cantoreggi, Water/Sewer superintendent Martin Providing updates on the details of this year's request, equipment has improved over past years, folks like to use good tools, efficiency & safety

  • Funds for sewer, water, etc come from the enterprise funds

  • Facility did not get all asked for, the reasonable requests were met. We don't have any money for new sidewalks, maintenance yes but not new. $2M for a single mile of sidewalk.

  • Motion for approval for the capital improvements plan second, passes via roll call 8-0-1 (absent)

  • Motion for transfers per policy as part of the capital plan, second, via roll call 8-0-1 (absent)


The meeting recording runs about an hour & 20 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 10, 20234 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1135-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-01-10-24



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Agenda ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-01-10_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf 


Watch the Franklin TV video available for replay 

https://www.youtube.com/live/dGC2rKWkWB8 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting and found in 1 PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qqA7h0dGjT1Bw7f2muY7KTBc7N6OklZq/view?usp=drive_link 


Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 


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


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"


Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)
Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)