Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 18, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

3rd Floor, Training Room, 355 East Central Street

Discussion:

1. FY23 Capital Plan

a. Introduction to the proposed Town Administrator FY23 Capital Plan.

i. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fin_com_memo.pdf

ii. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf

iii. Quotes (if available)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf

b. Department Request Discussions

i. School Department

ii. Facilities Department

iii. Technology Department

iv. Town Administrator & Building Commissioner

Full agenda doc can be found online  (no remote participation set up for this meeting)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-01-18_capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Finance Cmte gets briefed on 1st compensation study performed for Franklin non-union personnel, approves 1st pass of FY 23 capital budget (audio)

FM #915 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 915 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023. 

Seven members of the Finance Committee participated (2 absent); 5 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and any Department leader with a capital budget item. 

Quick recap:

• First item presentation and discussion on the first comprehensive salary and compensation plan for the non-union personnel. Jointly presented by the consultant, HR Director Karen Bratt and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. New salary ranges developed, implementation will be gradual due to overall funding resources available. Prioritization of those instances in the high ranges and low ranges which need addressing is underway

• Second item was the first pass of the capital plan for FY 2023. $750K is set aside to cover for snow/ice and if not used will be available for a second round later this year (Apr/May). Brief presentation on each section of the requests, clarification questions on need and or rationale. Supply chain issues are relatively rampant: Grove St traffic light due March 2022 still not here, fire ambulances ordered last year still not here, same for police cruisers ordered last year… Committee moved to approve the full request as discussed to the Town Council for their approval

FY23 Capital Plan Proposal

The meeting recording runs 1 hour and 57 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 11, 2023.

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Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft of Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf 

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf   

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf 

 

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

 

Note: the doc used by the consultant for the compensation study is not yet available. 

 

Screenshots of the presentation were captured during the meeting and available in this photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WEoCSrZ2Kn3sBcxT6

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rTFyi7BjsfCuWEYm9yHPE9Sa7voXFtWE/view?usp=share_link 

YouTube recording =>   https://youtu.be/Q2Kbhwq1pdk

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

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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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

School Committee previews possible student trip to Greece, hears updates on Special Ed, & approves Capital budget request (audio)

FM #914 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 914 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 10, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with six members present (M Whitmore absent). 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

Key items on the agenda

• Possible Student Trip to Greece preview - presentation and Q&A as a preview of a possible trip being planned for spring of 2024. EF TOurs would be the tour company, used previously successfully. Concerns about cost and equitable access of the trip for students. Could come back in future for formal approval if it indeed will be planned for

• Special Education Presentation - an increase of 36 students in the program year over year while the overall population of students continues to decline. Key stat revealed that it costs approx 32K /student for in district special ed vs. approx 80K for out of district special ed placement. Hence a savings overall of 48K per student kept in the district.

• Capital Budget proposal - approval ultimately after much discussion about the ‘reduction’ in the allocation from the Town to allow for only $80K, $400K for capital and another $80K for school facility capital projects. It is a town issue and other departments are seeing their capital needs list grow due to lack of funding.

The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting. 

The recording runs about 3 hours and 15 minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Jan 10, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-914-fps-school-committee-mtg-01-10-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/YUW5pojSym4

 

The agenda doc contains info on remote participation

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-10-23.pdf

 

All the documents released for this meeting (some after the meeting) can be found in one folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-10-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

My Twitter notes are here in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Gyl1CsepTlIidRXDbeVU7GOf4M_lzqz/view?usp=share_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"

The Special Education portion of the meeting was lead by (L to R) Asst Supt Paula Marano, Jennifer Graveline, and Andrew Duquette

Finance Committee gets briefed on first compensation study performed for non-union personnel, approves FY 23 capital budget first pass (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee met on Wednesday for 2 hours. The major items on the agenda were the presentation on the first comprehensive salary & compensation study performed on the non-union positions. The second item was the review and ultimate approval of the proposed first pass at the FY 23 capital budget.

The Franklin TV recording is available via YouTube. Video link -> https://youtu.be/Q2Kbhwq1pdk

Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf 

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf   

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf 

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

Note: the doc used by the consultant for the compensation study is not yet available. Screenshots of the presentation were captured during the meeting and available in this photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WEoCSrZ2Kn3sBcxT6

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

 

The Franklin TV video recording of the School Committee meeting 1/10/23 is available (video)

The Franklin School Committee met on Tuesday for 3 hours & 15 minutes. The Franklin TV recording is available via YouTube. 

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/YUW5pojSym4

The agenda doc contains info on remote participation

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-10-23.pdf

All the documents released for this meeting (some after the meeting) can be found in one folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-10-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

My Twitter notes are here in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Gyl1CsepTlIidRXDbeVU7GOf4M_lzqz/view?usp=share_link

My recap and the meeting audio will be available in the next couple of days.

The Special Education portion of the meeting was lead by (L to R) Asst Supt Paula Marano, Jennifer Graveline, and Andrew Duquette

Town of Franklin: FY23 Capital Plan Proposal

January 6, 2023

To:    Finance Committee

From:  Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Re: FY23 Capital Plan Proposal

Please find the attached Capital Plan for FY23, as well as the five-year capital plan from each department as required by the Town Charter. Included with this memo is a sheet with the 20-year free cash history. The average is $3.26 million over the past ten years and $2.75 Million over the past 20 years. FY22 an unusually large year in excess, unspent revenue due to the continued adaptation around symptoms from the pandemic.

From the certified total, there are several policy commitments that eat into the total right off the bat, most notably contributions to stabilization accounts (per town policy) as well as the usual recommendation from staff to hold revenue for annual snow and ice removal. See narrative below for more specifics.

These recommendations are Round 1 of the FY23 Capital program. Once we know the final totals of the winter costs for snow removal, if there are remaining funds, staff will propose a “Round 2” Capital later in April. Traditionally we have used this excess to fund road and infrastructure projects.

The following is an overview of certified free cash status for FY23:

FY23 Capital Plan Proposal

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - January 11, 2023

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Approval of Minutes: None

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

5. FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf

6. 2023 Finance Committee Member Committee Assignments -    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_finance_committee_roster_fy_2022_website_0.pdf

7. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Funds -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/stabilization_fund_balances_11-30-2022.pdf

b. FY23 Year To Date -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/ytd_budget_report.pdf

c. MMA Letter to incoming Governor Healey  -   https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-letter-to-incoming-governor-outlines-key-municipal-priorities-for-fy24-local-aid-and-ch-90-funding/

8. Future Agenda Items

9. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting Jan 10, 2023

Franklin School Committee 

January 10, 2023- 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Greece Field Trip – Ms. Cullinan & Ms. Reilly

B. Special Education Presentation – Ms. Marano, Ms. Graveline & Mr. Duquette

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy First Readings

I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:

1. JLCD - Administering Medicines to Students

2. JLCD-1 - Anaphylaxis Procedure

3. EBCD - Emergency Closings

4. GBI - Political Activities of Staff

B. FY23 Capital Improvement Requests

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 the December 13, 2022 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Surplus Food Service Equipment

I recommend declaring the attached list of food service equipment as surplus.

C. Art Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $41.55 from the Square 1 Art Fundraiser for in-house enrichment and supplemental supplies at Oak St. as detailed.

D. District Wide Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $285.00 from BJ’s Wholesale Club for in-house enrichment.

E. General Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Thomas A. Wagner fo the Thomas A. Wagner Jr. Scholarship.

F. Overnight Travel- DECA State Competition

I recommend approval of the request of Frank Wood to take the FHS DECA Students to Boston, MA from 3/9/23 to 3/11/23 for the DECA State Competition as detailed.

G. Overnight Travel- DECA International Competition

I recommend approval of the request of Frank Wood to take FHS DECA Students to Orlando, FL from 4/21/23 to 4/25/23 for the DECA International Competition as detailed.

VII. Citizen’s Comments

VIII. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X.    Adjournment

The agenda doc contains info on remote participation

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-10-23.pdf

All the documents released for this meeting (some after the meeting) can be found in one folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-10-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Meeting Jan 10, 2023

Franklin Housing Authority meeting recording available (30 mins) (audio)

FM #877 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 877 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Monday, November 14, 2022 in the Common Room at Central Park Terrace. 

Participating were:

• GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR 

• CHRIS FEELEY (a few minutes late to session)

• PETER BRUNELLI

• ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE

• CHRISTOPHER LENNON

• Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent

The recording of the meeting runs about 30 minutes.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-877-franklin-ma-housing-authority-mtg-11-14-22

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Meeting agenda doc ->  

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/franklin_housing_authority_agenda.pdf

Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10LJDmQDEUDJFTUysGKhsIGSG-d2Ct8Wu/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin Observer posted their notes on the meeting (added 11/17/22)

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/131544/housing-authority-board-meets-updated-state-mandates-affordable-home

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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"

Franklin Housing Authority