Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)

FM #946 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 946 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Feb 15, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lane

Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan

• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers

• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board

4 podcasts in housing/zoning Franklin For All ‘series’ provide additional details

Senior Center update, café priority for opening

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 16, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-946-town-council-quarterbacking-02-16-23

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The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share 

My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the meantime, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer to condense the meeting of 2/15/23 (audio)

Franklin Food Pantry provides new building updates and a friendly reminder that you too can contribute!

Quite a bit is happening with construction of the new Franklin Food Pantry at 341 West Central Street! 

"A lot of progress has been made and preparations for the big move are in motion! Here’s what we’ve been up to: 

Interior framing, electrical, and low voltage wiring for phones and computers are in process.

• Windows, doors, walk-in coolers and freezers are in process.
• A sliding shelf system that increases storage capacity for dried goods is being ordered. 
• The exterior loading dock is in process and will create a level surface for safely unloading our refrigerated truck directly into the warehouse.
• Weather protection over the loading dock is in process and will protect food and volunteers from the elements which will also support food safety.

We are so thankful for all those who have donated time and product."

Please reach out to Marsha Tait, Director of Fund Development (via email at mtait@franklinfoodpantry.org) if you are interested in making a donation of any kind, or make a contribution to the campaign online ->   https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=32. 

Additional photos of construction progress can be found ->

https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building-updates/

Franklin Food Pantry provides new building updates

Franklin TV: Town Council approves capital budget, refers inclusionary zoning bylaw to Planning Board for review (video)

The Franklin Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb 15, 2023 efficiently addressed the items on its agenda. The meeting last 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Three key items regarding money were all approved by 8-0-1 votes (8 for, none against, 1 absent (Pellegri))

• Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers
• Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05

The two referrals to the Planning Board on Inclusionary Zoning were also moved forward after some clarification questions by the Councilors were answered by TA Jamie Hellen or Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board 
• Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board 

The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/TxINM8EMueg?feature=share 

My notes and the audio of the meeting will be ready in a couple of days. In the mean time, the PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e3mWHu8EEyeIooV0ryedEmH-aY3hdmGY/view?usp=share_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council February 15, 2023 Agenda

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 15, 2023 - 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 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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. February 1, 2023

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Street Acceptances: Maple Tree Lane & Oak Tree Lane

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 23-17: Order of Acceptance of Maple Tree Lane and Oak Tree Lane as Public Ways and Related Utility and Drainage Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-17 - Two-thirds Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 23-18: FY23 Capital Improvement Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-18 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 23-19: Free Cash to Stabilization Accounts Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-19 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 23-20: Water Retained Earnings Transfer to Water Main Capital Project R19-05 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-20 - Majority Vote)

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 5 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

g. Bylaw Amendment 23-893: Amendment to Sewer System Map - First Reading

(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-893 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 23-21: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-21 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL 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 includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf

Franklin Fire Dept - Tower 1 unit at the downtown fire station

Capital Budget Subcommittee takes time reviewing details, ultimately approves what's requested (audio)

FM #933 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 933 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.

Present:

All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, Brian Chandler.  Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Comptroller Chris Sandinni, Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone, and Finance Committee Chair George Conley were also present in the 3rd Floor Training Room.

Recap: 

This was the second meeting on the first round of capital budgeting. The first meeting was not recorded or reported on. This second meeting was well attended by members of the Fire Dept, Police Dept, and DPW whose budget items were up for discussion.

Beginning on Page 4, item #12, each line item in the meeting agenda was reviewed, some questions and discussions were more detailed and involved than others. After some clarifications on each item, they were each approved in turn by 4-0 voice votes to recommend to the Town Council. 

It was acknowledged at the beginning of the session that there was a philosophical question (raised last meeting) and continuing this meeting on some items currently on the “capital” budget that at least a couple of members of the subcommittee believe should be in the operational budget. Jamie indicated a couple of times during this session that for the regular budget discussions coming later this year, those items would be included in the operational budget to clearly show the impact.

The recording runs an hour and xx minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio file ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-933-tof-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-02-01-23

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Agenda document ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-02-01_capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda_1.pdf 

My notes via Twitter ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13O3jj_Kjqgus8lQnu3FUAHlQfRw_K2Wy/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"

Capital Budget Subcommittee takes time reviewing details, ultimately approves what's requested (audio)

"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

FM #917 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 917 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

Welcome to 2023

200 acres of open space

Town Council recap

Four committees authorized

• Arts & Culture prep for Master Plan – complete Jun 2023

• Master Plan – approx. 18 months

• Davis Thayer reuse – complete Dec 2023

• Police Station likely 3-4 years

Finance Committee recap

• Compensation plan, multi year implementation

• Capital budget for FY 2023 ( increase to debt stabilization account)

Hiring for backfills continues

Preview of Town Council

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/2023---A-Year-of-Planning-for-Franklins-Future-e1tjutj/a-a96jv09

 

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Town Council meeting 1/04/23 recap (audio & video links) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-panthers-recognized-historic.html 

Finance Committee 1/11/23 recap (audio & video links) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/finance-cmte-gets-briefed-on-1st.html 

Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft 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 

Town Council agenda for 1/18/23

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-january-18.html 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

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

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"

"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

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 

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

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"

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