Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 5 - 5:30 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 5, 2021 = 5:30 PM 

 

Discussion:
1. FY20 Capital Budget Round 2

 

 

The agenda doc contains connection info:

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-5-2021_capital_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_1.pdf

 

Note: The agenda doc shows a 5:00 start, yet the calendar and prior meetings have started at 5:30 so 5:30 is what is shown here. If it changes, I'll update accordingly.  Agenda doc updated to show 5:30 PM Start time

 

 

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 5 - 5:30 PM

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

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.

Recap: Town Council meeting - Apr 7, 2021 - capital budget approved, streets accepted, DPW presentation, complete streets policy

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on street acceptances for four streets, two of which were in the 'normal' process timing and were approved. Two were part of the backlog, coming through on a revised process and not approved as they lacked Planning Board approval. The full process will be needed for these two so they'll come back for approval some time TBD
• Enlightening and fact filled presentation by DPW on their operations.
• Lengthy set of legislation for action. The capital budget (previously approved by FinComm and Capital Budget subcommittees) a set of separate actions all passed
• The stormwater bylaw technical adjustments were finally approved after once again being challenged as something nefarious to force the stormwater fee into operation (no, this item has nothing to do with the fee itself. That is scheduled for discussion during the budget hearings and likely will be a long and challenging discussion.)
• The food truck permit for private property was approved (yahoo!)

----
 

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.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/9A7nKejgy9p44DuUA

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0407
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0407&src=typeahead_click 

• Town Council meeting coming up, real time reporting for this about to begin. Follow along with the agenda here #tc0407  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-04-07_town_council_agenda.pdf  Connection info in doc
• Meeting opens, #tc0407 20+ on Zoom to open with.
• 2 councilors not present (Pellegri and Kelly), Hamblen remote via Zoom. #tc0407 citizen comments, none tonight Approval of minutes of Mar 17, second, passes 7-0 via roll call 
• A little early for public hearing to start. Subcommittee reports: capital budget did meet …
• Budget meeting april 12, 5:30 Joint budget Subcommittee EDC just met earlier tonight, talked about the ladybug trail, discussed the business guide as developed, #edc0407 Community planning grant and other items to be covered in next meeting

Public hearing

• Public hearing on street acceptance opens: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-03-24_web_street_acceptances_2_-_milford_daily_news_legal_notice.pdf… #tc0407 next set of non-accepted streets (over 100 to be done) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides overview
• Bissanti questioning why these 'newer' ones are coming in where others could be here and aren't. These are in the regular process and currently being done - others lack plans and/or data and require more work. #tc0407 general process assumes acceptance unless a special item
• #tc0407 street acceptance does chap 90 funding, pavement management plan, $40m backlog of those to bring up to quality. If we did not accept, legally we wouldn't need to clear snow etc. That is a safety issue and a systemic issue on overall funding and priority
• #tc0407 laws are written in favor of developers and also Municipal entities are not able to add fees for road acceptance to recover funds. Chap 90 is the only revenue we gain on roads. We have a legal obligation to accept (assuming I special items)
• Q on gas tax funding roads, it goes to the Commonwealth, the allotment we get is Chap 90. Hotel tax is a local option revenue collected through the State then to us, mostly appropriated to roads, this year due to pandemic and decline in hotel occupancy #tc0407
• Moving to Brandywine and Charles Drive for the acceptance process. #tc0407 Attny Cerel provides some background on the acceptance process for subdivisions which weren't covered in the original legislation. Planning Board didn't recommend to accept hence can't proceed tonight
• #tc0407 Brandywine et al had not been originally thru planning board so they did not want to recommend. Public hearing closes. Moving to DPW presentation, doc to be added later.

DPW presentation

• Slides on overview #tc0407
• 60 acres of playing fields to manage and take care of #tc0407 35 flags maintained; 102 trash, recycling barrel sets;
• 1813 signs in town, street line striping along with parking lots, 30 traffic lights, 328 crosswalks in Town; central motors for all town vehicles 167 road vehicles with registration #tc0407
• #tc0407 grew from 1200 customers to over 3,000 at the recycling center, Beaver St.
• #tc0407 with 23 lift stations, some refuse gets lifted 7 times before it gets to where it needs to, would have been nice to have a master plan for sewer; elevated tanks to provide water pressure dropped from 3.1 to 2.6 million gallons due to water conservation measures
• #tc0407 second water treatment plant (off Grove St) coming online later this year.
• #tc0407 it is cost efficient to do much of the vehicle maintenance inhouse some stuff does make sense to send out, however we are 1st responders and would need to get a truck or police car turned around quickly
• DPW "the work they do touches everyone in Town". They are short staffed and doing more with what they have. #tc0407 you give us the money, we get to spend it. Could add fencing to create a small dog zone at the dog park.
• Trash vs recycling mix is bad if over a 10% mix (bad in with the good), audit just done and we came in low at 7% #tc0407

Legislation for Action

• Moving to legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._web.pdf… capital appropriation for FY 2022.  #tc0407 motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent) to use $1.5m free cash. There is a large backlog of items for future.
• Next up, funding OPEB trust fund  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._town_council_resolution_21-14_free_cash_opeb_fy21.pdf … #tc0407 Motion and second, 10% of free cash per TC policy, update next week for the overall OPEB status and Q&A. Passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Field stabilization funding https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._town_council_resolution_21-15_free_cash_stabilization_transfers_fy21.pdf  … #tc0407 motion and second; annual transfer to save for future. Passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Water enterprise fund, to approve use of retained earnings per capital expense as authorized https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._town_council_resolution_21-16_fy21_water_retained_earnings_to_water_line_resolution.pdf  #tc0407 motion and second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Next up easement for approval https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._web_0.pdf … #tc0407 motion and second; passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Next up street acceptance, motion to waive reading, second, passes 7-0; motion and second on resolution, passes 7-0 (2 absent) #tc0407
• Complete streets policy #tc0407 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._complete_streets.pdf … motion and second; first step in process for a master plan for transportation via all modes, enables us to gain grants, admin policy likely to be adjusted overtime more easily than a bylaw, passes 7-0, (2 absent)
• Moving to next item special regulations https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10j._web.pdf … #tc0407 motion to move to a second reading, no change to stormwater fee, a technical clean up, needed to go to planning board, which approved 5-0; Bissanti is this the mechanism for the billing? No …
• ... need to be clear this is not a trojan horse. It has nothing to do with the billing. Technical clean up on verbiage of the permit. When will we get to the billing? During the budget hearing. #tc0407 passes via roll call 6-1 (Bissanti no, 2 absent).
• New permit fee for food truck on private property, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10k._web.pdf #tc0407 this is second reading, already passed before, this is second time around for adoption, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Sewer bylaw adjustments   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10l._web.pdf
• #tc0407 motion and second to move to second reading, this is a technical clean up re: Charles River Pollution control district, separate org - passes 7-0 (2 absent)

Town Administrator report

• That is the end of the Legislation for tonight, first aggregation report posted to Town page, we are saving money. #tc407 
• May 5th passport renewals will resume at municipal bldg.  Verizon is exercising option to remain in Franklin. $200k grant for affordable senior housing
• Continue the TA report: fire dept grant - $188k popup store grant for downtown for this summer partner with Wrentham, citizen discount one page guide posted to Town page (and shared) #tc0407  Town opening more likely after Memorial Day. Still under capacity limits ..
• Likely to look at some reservation system. #tc0407  Comments: Dean returned request to pay for vehicle as a "pilot" payment. Disappointed. Police reform had great conversation, girl up at high school also had good conversation. Scam attempt today. Stay vigilant.
• ... homeless feedback/info coming from Bissanti (from webinar he attended)
• #tc0407 thanks to Franklin fire for their burn session, quite informative. Thanks to the staff for the beginning of the capital program. A grueling task. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #tc0407

DPW overview presentation doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf

 

Town of Franklin: DPW Overview 04/07/21 from Franklin Matters

one page of the DPW overview on Central Motors

FM #504 -Town Council - Capital Budget SubComm - 03/31/21 (audio)

FM #504 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 504 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Subcommittee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; the public was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 78 minutes, so let’s listen to the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting.   Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4bfe56e1-5469-43da-a665-d573497a9237

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

Capital Budget agenda  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting-mar.html 

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

My FinComm capital budget meeting 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/finance-committee-meeting-recap-topics.html 

Audio recording of FinComm mtg (capital budget segment)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/fm-488-finance-committee-meeting-031021.html 

My notes captured during the meeting 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/recap-of-capital-budget-subcommittee.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 #504 -Town Council - Capital Budget SubComm - 03/31/21 (audio)

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Apr 7, 2021

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR  

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast

channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Identification of Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

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

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 17, 2021

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
a. Street Acceptances: Union Meadows Road, Laurinda Lane, Brandywine Drive, Charles Drive from Station 0+00 to Station 2+51.71

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Department of Public Works - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director and Staff

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-13: Capital FY21 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-13 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._web.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-14: OPEB Trust Funds Transfer (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-14 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._town_council_resolution_21-14_free_cash_opeb_fy21.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-15: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-15 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._town_council_resolution_21-15_free_cash_stabilization_transfers_fy21.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-16: Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings to Water Line Project (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-16 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._town_council_resolution_21-14_free_cash_opeb_fy21.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-17: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Union Meadows Road and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Drainage Easement (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-17 - Two-thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._web_0.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-18: Order of Acceptance of Laurinda Lane as a Public Way and Related Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-18 - Two-thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._web.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-20: Order of Acceptance of Brandywine Road and Portion of Charles Drive as Public Ways and Related Drainage and Utility Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-20 - Two-thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._web2.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-21: Complete Streets Policy (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-21 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._web.pdf

10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-22: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with the Town of Foxborough for the Town of Foxborough to Provide Emergency Motor Vehicle Technician Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-22 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10i._web.pdf

10j. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-868 to a second Reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10j._web.pdf

10k. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-871: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees, Amended at Section 82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection A. Administration - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-871 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10k._web.pdf

10l. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-873: Chapter 139, Sewer Use Regulation Update - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 21-873 to a second Reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10l._web.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

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

Find all the documentation in one PDF   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-04-07_tc_agenda.pdf

or find the individual documents on the Town Council page

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/april-7-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA: Town Council  - Agenda - Apr 7, 2021

Recap of Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting - Mar 31, 2021

Quick Recap:

• A question on a technology item requested could not be answered as the Technology Director was not present. It was put aside with all the other school items until it could be. Later in the meeting the other school items were approved holding off on the one item in question.
• Dean College will be asked for a "pilot" payment in lie of taxes to purchase a vehicle for the Fire Dept. 
• Some items previously approved for borrowing (municipal building windows for example) are now being proposed to pay from 'free cash' as a may to further save money on financing
• Neighborhood meeting set for the Machintosh Road section where water main work is underway. The contractor has caused two water main breaks so far as there are limited marking for where the line is, and the line in concrete and can't be located via technology
• Capital budget items approved (aside from the one Tech item). There will be a follow up meeting on the remaining available free cash for capital requests.The listing of items not funded from each department is long. Concern about how to address this "unless the money gods come in"

----

 

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.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/wbbHDDkEgRGhrskS9

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #cbsc0331

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23cbsc0331&src=typed_query

• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting now starting #cbsc0331
• The agenda and docs released for the meeting can be found on the Town page https://franklinma.gov/capital-budget-subcommittee/agenda/capital-budget-subcommittee-agenda-2 #cbsc0331
• OPEB report in April at the Town Council meeting on Apr 14, what is the outstanding requirements will be answered at that time. #cbsc0331
• Town Administrator reviewing the memo outlining the current requests. An update that the school vans bid came in at $90K (vs $120k) in the doc #cbsc0331 Q on the technology items they are being held until Tech director can participate and explain
• Apparently the Tech director had missed the meeting last year hence the hold on the tech item. Q follow questions on the school vans and plans for overall replacement. #cbsc0331 M D'Angelo explaining the curtain for HMMS
• Moving to the facility dept section on the municipal bldg window replacements due to poor or non-existent flashing when building was installed. #cbsc0331
• The municipal bldg had been approved last year for financing and this year with costs lower determining to use capital and save additional $s. #cbsc0331 BTW, Chair Pellegri leads meeting, Dellorco, Chandler, and Kelly present in Chambers so no roll call votes needed
• Entire set of school items were put aside pending the Tech Director appearance. #cbsc0331 the building was approved by a 4-0 vote. Now to Fire Dept. Chandler asking if Dean would be willing to buy a vehicle as a 'pilot' payment in lieu of taxes.
• Motion on fire dept requests, second, passes 4-0. #cbsc0331 Moving to Police dept Top of page 6 in the doc shared earlier.
• #cbsc0331 surplus vehicles usually auctioned off with funds going to general fund. Vests are reimbursed after submitting purchase proof. State and Federal have grants for these, both haven't been available each year. Need to front the money first
• Police Station would be a timing issue as to when would we go to the community for a ballot question to replace it. Council would need to discuss further so everyone understands what the options are. A study would answer most questions or at least provide the #s for #cbsc0331
• Police replacement vehicles are all SUVs. Spare radios are reused when appropriate, i.e. within schools No body cameras in use, police reform commission will provide guidance. The storage for the cameras is really the cost, and then the system manager to view, etc. #cbsc0331
• Motion on the police dept capital request, second, passes 4-0 #cbsc0331 Going back to schools, TA realized they didn't vote, did vote to approve those School items except the tech items. Passes 4-0
• Moving to DPW section, beginning bottom of page 6 in doc shared earlier. #cbsc0331 T 5 truck just died and wont pass inspection, just happened last week. This had been prepared for FinComm meeting a couple of weeks ago. Could set up more stabilization accounts 4 a purpose
• Moving to water enterprise funds, from retained earnings within the fund all funded from the user based fees for water. #cbsc0331 Lincoln Street was done last year during the pandemic, early and under budget. To avoid using bonding to pay for some of these, using the cash
• Contractor hitting the water main as it is an old pipe, not well marked, can't be found with tech; neighborhood meeting scheduled for next week to help with Communications with the residents. #cbsc0331 did get all funds from Garelic due from the bankruptcy, except 4 penalties
• Motion on the water fund capital request, approved 4-0. Sewer line items up next, something of a catch up year. Includes a peer review of the Beaver St interceptor project. #cbsc0331 these funds do maintain the $1m balance within the funds
• Sewer fund request passes 4-0. Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 That's all for tonight catch you next time!

 

Note: according to my notes the Capital Budget meeting held in June 2020 had no departmental representation for the discussion. The Budget SubCommittee meeting in Sep 2020 was likely the one referred to as lacking the Technology/Schools representation. Oddly this time (Mar 31, 2021 -School Dept personnel were present to answer question on the school vans purchase request. The item left as an unanswered question was a technology piece covering both School and Town side of the network.)  The meeting archive has all the links for the meeting notes and audio where available  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/meeting-notes.html

Chair Pellegri opens meeting

Talk Franklin -> The Start of Spring 2021: News & Updates in Franklin! (audio)

 FM #503 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 503 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
• Vaccine local delivery for homebound?
• Library, what’s next?
• Senior Center st pats meal

• THE BLACK BOX has events in April
• Project Envoy continues (#ThinkFrankinFirst)

• Budget cycle
• Capital coming to Capital SubComm - Weds, Mar 31
• Joint Budget SubComm - TBD
• FinComm hearings in Apr (4/27-28-29, 5/4)
• Town Council hearings in May

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 41 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. 

*** Audio file = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-Start-of-Spring-2021-News--Updates-in-Franklin-etqjl7/a-a53fd35

 

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

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

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

#Project Envoy - March schedule = https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/project-envoy/ 
#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards = https://franklingiftcard.com/ 

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

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"

Talk Franklin -> The Start of Spring 2021: News & Updates in Franklin! (audio)

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Mar 31 - 5:00 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 31, 2021 = 5:00 PM 

Discussion:
1. Town Administration Free Cash Overview
2. Department Presentations

a. School Department, School Facilities and School Technology requests

b. Town Facilities

c. Public Safety- Fire & Police requests

d. Public Works- DPW, Highway & Grounds, Water, Sewer requests

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately noticed and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation.

Connection info and the full set of documents released for this meeting in the following  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/capital_budget_subcom_agenda_final_1.pdf

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Mar 31 - 5:00 PM

What gets funded is a question of priorities, but who sets them? “Let’s face it, we don’t have ribbon cuttings when we replace a pipe"

A good interactive article at Washington Post on how we miss the boat in funding the basics.

"In the shadow of its exceptionalism, America fails to invest in the basics. 

Stunning advances in medicine and technology have come

alongside systemic breakdowns in infrastructure and health.

.... 

America can put a rover on Mars, but it can’t keep the lights on and water running in the city that birthed the modern space program. It can develop vaccines, in record time, to combat a world-altering illness, but suffers one of the developed world’s highest death rates due to lack of prevention and care. It spins out endless entertainment to keep millions preoccupied during lockdown — and keep tech shares riding high on Wall Street — but leaves kids disconnected from the access they need to do their schoolwork. "

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/america-growing-disparities/

FM #488 - Finance Committee Meeting - 03/10/21 - P1 of 3 - capital budget (audio)

FM #488 = Welcome. This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 488 in the series. 

This session shares part 1 of the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 10, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Finance Committee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, 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 capital budget discussion and vote to approve (approx. 75 minutes)
• Second - covers the public safety presentations and discussion; the MECC, Fire Dept and Police Dept. (approx. 67 mins)
• Third - and last but not least a look at the estimate for revenues for the FY 2022 budget. More to come on this as the budget cycle begins in earnest now meeting (approx. 30 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to my notes. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Finance Committee meeting of Mar 10, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4e92b9c1-e766-4516-b458-c44837dd8c2d

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

Agenda doc   
https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/revised_fin_com_agenda_complete_1.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/finance-committee-meeting-recap-topics.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"

Franklin uses 'free cash' for its capital budget