FM #186 - Finance Committee - Capital Budget FY 2020- session 1 of 2

FM #186

This internet radio show or podcast is number 186 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019.

This is the first of two sessions to review the Capital Plan for FY 2020. This session started with the Schools and covered all the departments except for the DPW and the enterprise Water and Sewer accounts. Those will be addressed in the second session scheduled for Tuesday, Dec 17 at the Senior Center beginning at 6:30 PM.

The documents for the meetings are available on the Town of Franklin page as well as Franklin Matters. The links are contained here so you can follow along.

The meeting runs about 90 minutes so without further ado here is the Finance Committee meeting of Dec 10.

FY 2020 Capital Budget document
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy20-capital-budget

FinCom Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

Meeting Recording  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hr1R4CkX





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Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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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sidewalks have been part of the plan but not this year

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Dec 10, 2019

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6:15 PM

Franklin Town Hall, 3rd Floor Training Room 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Departmental Capital Budget Presentation:

• a. Schools

3. Public Comments
4. Approval of Minutes
5. FY20 Town Administrator Capital Plan and Free Cash Overview
6. Departmental Capital Budget Presentations:

• a. Facilities
• b. Recreation
• c. Technology
• d. Administration
• e. Fire
• f. Police

7. Adjournment (Next meeting December 17, 2019 6:30@ Senior Center) 


Balance Update
• General Stabilization $6,137,866
• Recreation Fields $304,951
• Open Space Acquisition $1,121,867
• Budget Stabilization $396,332
• Free Cash $3,482,875
• OPEB $5,852,978
• Property Acquisition $269,781
• Fire Truck Stabilization $209,595

OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO): $68,554,870


The full agenda doc including supporting capital budget materials
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-12-10_finance_committee_agenda_fy20_capital_plan_1.pdf

King St and Washington Sts intersection before the snows covered the ground

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Fire, Police, DPW, Library, Facilities, and Assessors

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Appraiser - Assessor's Office 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/appraiser-jobposting-june52019.pdf

• Police Patrol Officer - looking for an Academy trained officer

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/academy-trained-patrol-officer-posting-may2019.pdf

• Part-Time Library Assistant 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/library-assistant-external-posting-april252019.pdf

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-march282019.pdf

• Summer Jobs - DPW positions have been filled, Facilities positions are still available

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-feb2019.pdf

• Part-Time Custodian

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.custodian-posting-october2018_0.pdf 

• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here  https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities with Fire, Police, Library, Facilities, and Assessors

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at Senior Center, Library, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Respite Coordinator - Senior Center 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/respite-coordinator-job-posting-may162019.pdf

• Part-Time Library Assistant 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/library-assistant-external-posting-april252019.pdf

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-march282019.pdf

• Summer Jobs - DPW positions have been filled, Facilities positions are still available 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/summer-jobs-posting-feb2019.pdf

• Summer Engineering Intern - DPW 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/engineeringintern-posting-feb2019.pdf

• Part-Time Custodian 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.custodian-posting-october2018_0.pdf

• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities at Senior Center, Library, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

Regional Dispatch operational this week

"The Franklin Fire Department communications dispatchers have moved to a regional dispatch center. They have moved to the Metacomet Emegency Communications Center located in Norfolk. This now combines police/fire dispatchers from Norfolk, Plainville, Wrentham, and Franklin.

When calling 911 the call will now be answered at the regional dispatch center in Norfolk. When calling our business line (508-528-2323) you will be routed through a phone tree. Please select the option that best fits.

When visiting either of our Station’s (40 West Central St. & 600 King St.) you will notice an intercom call box inside our main entrance. The call box will be answered at the regional dispatch center. Please note that personnel may be away from the station on a call.

For permits, plan review, and business matters you can stop by our Headquarters (40 West Central St.) during our normal business hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM and Friday 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. If you wish to speak with someone regarding a fire prevention related issue then please call our main number (508-528-2323)."

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department/urgent-alerts/franklin-fire-department-communications-center-has-moved-regional

Confirmation via Twitter from the Police Dept

Effective at 10am this morning, 911 and dispatch operations for the Franklin Police and Franklin Fire department will switch to the MECC. While this is a monumental change, residents of the Community should not see tremendous impact.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

Residents will still call the same telephone numbers, and if they visit the Police Station during most hours will be greeted by a police officer.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

In the event the Station has to be left unattended, there is an intercom system in the lobby of the building that will connect directly to the MECC where a dispatcher will be able to talk to them, and help.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

As with any change, there may be bumps in the road. The Franklin Police Department is committed to continue to provide the highest level of service to the community. We appreciate your patience if you experience any disruption during the learning phase of this ambitious plan.

— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) May 9, 2019

This has been a long time coming and is finally here. How long? The archives can help.

• In 2012, the Town Council voted to approve the process to begin the regionalization efforts

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/06/save-town-money-and-improve-efficiency.html

• In 2013, legislation was passed to allow for the regional center to be organized

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/whats-happening-in-10th-norfolk-district.html

• In 2014, the regional dispatch center received a community challenge grant to help with the organization and planning process

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/02/regional-dispatch-center-receives.html

• In 2017, the ground was finally broken for the dispatch center building

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/06/this-is-long-overdue.html

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (Facebook photo)

Franklin Annual Report - 2018: Metacomet Emergency Communications Center (MECC)

Construction on the building continues. We anticipate dispatching our first call in early 2019. Once complete the MECC will operate state of the art systems and equipment to handle the dispatching of police, fire and EMS calls for service for the four communities; Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. We will serve a combined population of just under 66,000 residents (2015 census data) covering 76.7 square miles.

The State 911 Department will begin “text to 911” service of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system later this year. This will enable our call takers to assist with emergency calls with the deaf and hard of hearing population or those who cannot verbally communicate. Remember, “Call If You Can, Text If You Can’t”.

The MECC will staff highly skilled, trained, professional telecommunicators ready to assist, day or night. Rest assured we stand ready to help you in your time of need.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary M Premo
Executive Director



You can read the full Annual Report for 2018 online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2018_town_report.pdf

The archive of prior year annual reports
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports


In the Finance Committee meeting of Oct 16, 2018, we learned that Norfolk construction delays for regional dispatch center will affect Franklin and the budget for an additional three months. It was supposed to begin operation in Jan 2019, and is now scheduled for operation in March (Apr 1 for budgeting purposes). The discussion was to fund an $28K for Police and $70K for Fire to cover the delay.

The Franklin Matters notes from the FinCom meeting Oct 16
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/10/live-reporting-finance-committee-oct-16.html

Facebook photo for MECC  https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/?nr

Sign up for Franklin's Reverse 911 system

I had signed up previously but it appears that the system may have been updated and you need to reestablish your profile and account settings.

It was accomplished quickly and easily. I do recommend signing up for these alerts. They are not overdone and while it is good to have you find out from Franklin Matters, there will be times you need to hear directly.

Sign up online  franklintown.regroup.com

Sign up online  franklintown.regroup.com

Shared from the DPW Facebook posting
https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/photos/a.938433076241163/2069290956488697/?type=3&theater

Attention Franklin: Multiple Job Opportunities

Job Opportunities

• Town Administrator 
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works - preference will be given to applicants with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and/or hoisting licenses 
• Town Electrician 
• Police Patrol Officer - candidates must be graduates of the Full-time Basic Massachusetts Police Training Committee (MPTC) Academy or equivalent
• Part-Time Custodian 
• Substitute Library Assistants - we are looking for substitutes to work Sundays from 1:30 to 5:00 
• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system. 
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
http://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/files/application-employment-town-franklin

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities

“We’re always looking for great people"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"It’s rare for a town to have so many open positions at once, said Assistant Town Administrator Jaime Hellen, and an opportune time to get involved in the community. 

With five paid openings available, it’s important to fill those gaps in to ensure the best quality of service possible, according to Hellen. The town is seeking residents, or even considering out-of-towners for open positions in the library, DPW, municipal office and fire station. 

The town is also always looking for part-time summer workers in the DPW and Facilities departments, he said, and the willingness of residents to lend a helping hand has always been a plus. 

Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said he’s looking at a few potential retirements before the end of this year and is starting to recruit as seen fit. Not sure how many people might retire, he said it’s important to prepare. For now, only one position is open in his department."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180520/multiple-franklin-town-positions-open

The updated posted containing info on all the positions currently being hired
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/town-of-franklin-job-opportunities_16.html

Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities (updated)

Andrew Cody's Lemonade Stand

Catching up to sharing this message from Stephen Cody and the lemonade stand his son Andrew had on Saturday.

"Thought you would like this image of my son, Andrew, giving free lemonade to police, fire, EMS and veterans today. This was all his idea 4 months ago and he has been talking about it since. 

Once the Franklin PD heard about it they came right over in droves. Franklin fire was too busy with medical calls to make it, but we are opening again with the same business model in a couple weeks."

Andrew Cody's Lemonade Stand (submitted photo)

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - FY 2019 Budget Hearing #2 - April 18, 2018

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 

at 7:00 PM 

Franklin Town Hall

2^nd Floor Council Chambers

	AGENDA
1.    Call to Order 2.    Public Comments 3.    Approval of Minutes 4.    FY2019 Budget Presentations:	Dept.	Tab
Recreation	630	Culture and Recreation
Library	610	Culture and Recreation
Town Clerk	161	General Government
Elections	164	General Government
Fire	220	Public Safety
Police	210	Public Safety
Dispatch	225	Public Safety

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_4-18-18_revised.pdf

The Town of Franklin Budget page  http://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - FY 2019 Budget Hearing #2 - April 18, 2018

"It has come a long way since 50 years ago”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Fifty years ago today, the first 9-1-1 call was made, and the emergency system became the foundation for first-responders. 

Since that first call made on Feb. 16, 1968 in Haleyville, Alabama, the 9-1-1 system has evolved and has become much more than just a centralized number for emergency calls. 

“Telecommunicators, 9-1-1 dispatchers, are essentially the first first-responders,” said Chris Campbell, president of the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association and director of communications in Seekonk. 

“They handle the calls from the inception until first responders arrive, and in some instances they stay on the line throughout the whole incident,” he said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180216/who-do-you-call-9-1-1-emergency-number-turns-50


The Metacomet Emergency Communications Center is the regional dispatch operations serving the towns of Franklin, Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham. They will dispatch police, fire and EMS. Construction is underway with plans to be operational in the Fall of 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch/

Metacomet Emergency Communications Center

“This is long overdue”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"With shovels in hand, representatives from Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham and Plainville officially broke ground on the Metacomet Regional Dispatch Center Tuesday morning in Norfolk, the host community. 

“This regional center means politics were put aside and this was done because it’s what’s best for our communities,” said Norfolk Selectmen Vice Chairman Jim Lehan. “It was recognizing it’s the right thing to do ... we’re all going to be in a better position for it.” 

The state is contributing nearly $5 million in grant money to establish the dispatch operation, which will combine services for the four towns out of the new building, said Town Administrator Jeff Nutting. 

“We’re excited,” Nutting said. “It’s in a great location and will offer better services to the citizens and better response times for the safety folks.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170627/ground-broken-on-metacomet-regional-dispatch-center

Franklin SEPAC hosts Touch-a-Truck - June 4

Join Franklin SEPAC, Franklin Police and Fire for a Touch-a-Truck event

Sunday, June 4th, 10-noon on the field behind ECDC

Kids can interact with our community heroes or jump on the moon bounce while parents can learn a little more about programs that can help keep their children with disabilities safe. Come on out for this final event of the school year.

the Franklin Fire Dpet Tower truck ladder at a previous open house event

Hardy spirits rose to run the St Pat's 5K in Franklin (photo essay and video of race start)

Timed my Sunday walk to catch some photos and a video of the start of the Franklin Police and Fire St Patrick's 5K race/walk. 

the start and finish was on Constitution Blvd

Town Council Chair Matt Kelly with a word of thanks to the police and fire first responders
and encouragement for the runners/walkers

the moment of silence and National Anthem before the race start

'Old Glory" billowing on the cold Sunday  winter morning

Results of the race/walk can be found here
http://www.coolrunning.com/results/17/ma/Mar19_Frankl_set1.shtml

Franklin Police and Fire Local's St Patrick's Day 5K - March 19

A 5k road race bringing the Franklin community and its local heroes together.

Register online here
http://www.lightboxreg.com/fpf5k

Franklin Police and Fire Local's St. Patrick's Day 5K - March 19

For additional information check Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Police-Fire-Locals-St-Patricks-Day-5K-197638170575144/

Franklin Police & Fire Local's St. Patrick's Day 5K - March 19

A 5k road race bringing the Franklin community and its local heroes together.

Register online here
http://www.lightboxreg.com/fpf5k?func&mobile=1

Franklin Police & Fire Local's St. Patrick's Day 5K - March 19

For additional information check Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/Franklin-Police-Fire-Locals-St-Patricks-Day-5K-197638170575144/

In the News: catching up to recent links of interest

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

• A man died Sunday after being hit by a car while walking across Route 495 South, state police said.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160703/franklin-man-dies-in-highway-pedestrian-crash

• Beginning next spring, Massachusetts students will take a revamped version of the state’s standardized exams, which are being designed to be given online.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160704/schools-readying-for-new-mcas

• The school district has hired a new food service director as it works to create an in-house food program for the 2016-2017 school year.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160704/franklin-schools-hire-food-service-director-to-bring-meals-in-house

• A man was taken to the hospital via LifeFlight helicopter Sunday afternoon after falling out of a tree.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160705/franklin-man-flown-to-hospital-after-falling-from-tree

• The town devoted an additional $200,000 to fund post-employment benefits for its employees as it continues to set aside money for the expense.

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160705/franklin-increases-fy16-contribution-for-opeb

"We'll get a report of the results"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Officials still don't know the exact cause of a blast that killed two Tuscany Drive residents eight months ago. 

Nancy and Richard Brown, both 66, perished when their condominium unit at The Villages at Oak Hill exploded in October 2015. 

Jennifer Mieth, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Fire Marshal's office, said that, while some basic facts are known, there is still much to be determined. 

"We know there was a propane explosion, and we know it was accidental," she said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160627/franklin-investigation-into-blast-continues

Reminder: Franklin Police and Fire - St Patrick's 5K

The Franklin Police Patrolman Association and The Franklin Permanent Firefighters Association Local 2637 are teaming up to bring a 5K road race to Franklin. 

The race is scheduled for the Saturday after St Patrick's Day, March 19, 2016. It is a fundraising event for the two Associations with proceeds going back in to the Community. 

In the past we have donated to charities such as, Franklin Youth Sports, the Random Smiles Project, Special Olympics and many other great organizations. 

Please show your IRISH on race day!

Event details and schedule

Parking at the EMC parking lots Constitution Blvd, Franklin

• Elite runners check in will be 9:00am
• Elite runners start time - 10:00am

• Non Elite check in 9:30
• Non Elite runners- 10:30am

There will be a 50/50 Raffle.

Come join us post race with friends and family at Coles Tavern. They have generously donated the downstairs function hall. We will draw the 50/50 raffle here. There will be a cash bar and chips and salsa will also be provided.

Franklin Fire and Police - St Patrick's 5K - March 19

Register online

http://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/franklin-police-and-fire-st-patrick-s-day-5k-2016

Facebook event page

https://www.facebook.com/events/977580025634012/