Showing posts with label fiscal year. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fiscal year. Show all posts

Monday, October 19, 2026

Audio recording of the School Committee Policy Subcommittee meeting Oct 13, 2026 available (audio)

FM #1838 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1838 in the series. 

Audio recording of the School Committee Policy Subcommittee meeting Oct 13, 2026 available (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Dr Tina Rogers also participated.


Quick recap:

  • discussion on the school grounds, community access allowed but not during school hours; The safety of students and schools takes priority; had been in policy discussion before but unsure of what happened as it never made it to the full committee, cross refs confirmed; vote to move to full Cmte passes 3-0; discussion also on press release and map of where signs are or will be posted to inform the community of access and NOT during school hours

  • review of policy on field trips to create a more standard approach across the levels; links to other policies for extended and overnight field trips; recurring trips get approved by SchCmte also, some by special vote, some in Consent agenda; looking to tighten the language to make it clear; separate the exception clause to make it stand alone more appropriately and not confuse the sentence where it currently is; motion to bring to first read, second, passes 3-0

  • new business 

    • possible in spring a review of the documents required for enrollment confirmation of Franklin residency and have updates periodically, as needed (life changes) with the internal documents aligned with the procedures and process as well as confirming residency

    • auditing the READ act to see how policies align and if any changes are needed, confirming internal procedures also align with the existing or expected policy

  • next up, fiscal policy resource kit as part of review of the policies, helpful for passing along info to new members of the committee; setting expectations; discussion on review of these policies, the oldest not reviewed, minor wordsmithing required; will pick up DBD next time, motion to adjourn, passes 3-0

  • Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting


The recording runs about 53 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link -  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1838-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-10-13-26/


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


The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10132026-2558 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KQwwtCt2nwHOX2ny8ANnYDcVwCxGGsHZ/view?usp=drive_link 


School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 


School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 


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


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Sunday, October 18, 2026

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM

Finance Committee 
Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 
2nd Floor Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, October 21 at 6:00 PM

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments 
- Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes
a. September 23, 2026

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”
b. DPW Enterprise Funds
 
5. Standing Updates:
a. Stabilization Account Report
b. Budget vs Actuals 9-30-2026 Pls note this does not include September’s interest
c. Fees Revenue by Department 6-30-2026
d. FY2026 Expense Analysis by Department 6-30-2026
e. FY27 Budget Tracker as of 9-30-2026

6. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting date:
a. December 9, 2026 - Long Term Debt

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info

Friday, October 2, 2026

Finance Cmte votes new leadership, starts fiscal policy review (audio)

FM #1836 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1836 in the series. 


This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, September 23, 2026. The Committee meeting opened with 8 members present, 1 absent (LoPresti). 

Finance Cmte votes new leadership, starts fiscal policy review (audio)


Quick recap:

  • The meeting is Zoom only this evening

    • Network issues in the TV studio here as well as on Hutchinson St are preventing the cable and YouTube broadcasts. the recording will be processed after the meeting to be broadcast via cable and YouTube

    • Updated during the session, YouTube did get enabled

  • Votes to re-organize the leadership of the committee

    • Nominations for Chair, one received, Ryan, vote passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

    • 2 nominations for Vice-chair; Jen and Tom, vote via roll call, Jen wins

    • One nomination for clerk, Tom, the vote is 8-0-1

  • Michelle Monsegur is introduced as the Deputy TA, she will be taking the lead on the finances allowing Jamie to do other planning and development efforts

  • Discussion on the five year forecast, budget update first view to FinCom altho the Joint Budget did get to see this at their August meeting

  • Health care transition is doing well; there are still funds available for claims processing. claims still coming in but at a lesser amount per week, still may see claims in Feb 2027. Also mentions the 'stop loss' policy to cover claims above a certain amount. Can't really get out of the transition until the next fiscal year.

  • The anti-development message in Franklin has won, the Planning Board is canceling meetings as there is nothing in the pipeline, ZBA also canceling meetings due to lack of proposals

  • Next up, fiscal policies up for review. They should be voted on for an October meeting but this is a time for review, revision if needed. Some are guidelines and not really policies for the flexibility point of view. Add language such that it better defines when the policy can be deviated from

  • Jim Lane provides some of his Franklin story as he is the newest member and what he brings to the Committee

  • Future meetings: Oct 14, Oct 28, and Nov 4, Nov 18 on the tax rate workshops, i.e. split vs single tax rate

  • Joint Budget membership stays the same

  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0-1



The recording runs about 99 mins, let’s listen

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1836-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-09-23-26/


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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uWibaiJg9c 


Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232026-2522  


My Notes in one PDF - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ApqplmawvhJIaayvRjWK7VqY3Vjj_xd8/view?usp=drive_link


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Saturday, September 26, 2026

Finance Committee elects new leadership, starts review of fiscal policies (video)

The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Septemebr 23, 2026. 8 members were present in Council Chambers, 1 absent (LoPresti)


The Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yiQ8M1NPg8


Agenda doc - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09232026-2522  


Quick recap:

  • The meeting is Zoom only this evening

    • Network issues in the TV studio here as well as on Hutchinson St are preventing the cable and YouTube broadcasts. the recording will be processed after the meeting to be broadcast via cable and YouTube

    • Updated during the session, YouTube did get enabled

  • Votes to re-organize the leadership of the committee

    • Nominations for Chair, one received, Ryan, vote passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

    • 2 nominations for Vice-chair; Jen and Tom, vote via roll call, Jen wins

    • One nomination for clerk, Tom, the vote is 8-0-1

  • Michelle Monsegur is introduced as the Deputy TA, she will be taking the lead on the finances allowing Jamie to do other planning and development efforts

  • Discussion on the five year forecast, budget update first view to FinCom altho the Joint Budget did get to see this at their August meeting

  • Health care transition is doing well; there are still funds available for claims processing. claims still coming in but at a lesser amount per week, still may see claims in Feb 2027. Also mentions the 'stop loss' policy to cover claims above a certain amount. Can't really get out of the transition until the next fiscal year.

  • The anti-development message in Franklin has won, the Planning Board is canceling meetings as there is nothing in the pipeline, ZBA also canceling meetings due to lack of proposals

  • Next up, fiscal policies up for review. They should be voted on for an October meeting but this is a time for review, revision if needed. Some are guidelines and not really policies for the flexibility point of view. Add language such that it better defines when the policy can be deviated from

  • Jim Lane provides some of his Franklin story as he is the newest member and what he brings to the Committee

  • Future meetings to be aware of: Town Council sessions on Oct 14, Oct 28, and Nov 4, Nov 18 on the tax rate workshops, i.e. split vs single tax rate

  • Joint Budget membership stays the same

  • Motion to adjourn, second, passes 8-0-1


My Notes in one PDF - 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ApqplmawvhJIaayvRjWK7VqY3Vjj_xd8/view?usp=drive_link



Sunday, September 20, 2026

Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting Wednesday, Sep 23, 2026

Finance Committee Meeting 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 = 6 PM



1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments - Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Election of Officers - Chair, Vice Chair & Clerk

4. Approval of Minutes

5. Introduce Michelle Monsegur, Deputy Town Administrator - Press Release  https://franklinma.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/190
 
6. FY27 Budget Update, FY28 Budget Projection & Five Year Fiscal Forecast
c. FPS District Improvement Plan (2025-2026)   https://www.franklinps.net/page/improvement-plans
e. 2026 Capital Plan (not updated for 2027)  https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=44

7. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

8. Future Agenda Items/Next meeting date:
a. Upcoming Town Council Tax Rate Workshops
b. October 21, 2026 (Finance policies, DPW Enterprise Funds)
c. December 9, 2026

9. Finance Committee Member Comments

10. Adjourn

The agenda also contains remote participation info

Thursday, September 10, 2026

SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

FM #1817 - This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1817 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Policy Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. All 3 members (Dave Callaghan (Chair), Al Charles, Reis Hansen) participated in the session held in the 3rd floor training room. Superintendent Giguere, Dr Tina Rogers, and Dr Bob Dutch also participated.

SchCmte Policy subcommittee tackles fiscal policies, promotes PROTECT Act item to full committee (exclusive audio)

Quick recap:

  • Discussion on the recent release of new model policies, procedures and guidance by the Healey-Driscoll Administration today to help K-12 schools and child care programs respond to civil immigration enforcement, protect confidential information and implement the PROTECT Act ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. The District already had internal procedures covering such circumstances, this release brings it to a policy level with minimal wording changes to agree with the standards. Recommendation to move policy as discussed (include track changes in the doc)for first reading to the Sch Cmte, motion to move second, passes 3-0 

  • Next up a series of fiscal policies and take the opportunity to build out a review of these, esp. since the budget timeline has changed. It will take time to roll through these and make modifications before bringing them to the full committee. They have the time to do so without rushing. The superintendent adds a comment to better clarify the transparency involved discussion around how the community is involved. "greatest educational return." Discussion on the fine line between advocating for school needs vs. recognition of town fiscal funding reality

  • Up for next time; policy on access to school grounds during the school day, encouraging use of the facility outside of school hours, and the freedom to read act is being reviewed to see what policies may be required for update

  • Meeting adjourns, folks move to Chambers for full School Committee meeting


The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1817-school-cmte-policy-subcmte-mtg-09-08-26/



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


The meeting agenda can be found -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09082026-2485 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IF18b3caQKDgzNkfSalZUMrtwHb2uCQ3/view?usp=drive_link 


Gov Healey’s press release on the guidance that drove the first discussion item

https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-releases-new-guidance-to-implement-protect-act-in-schools-and-child-care-programs


School Committee Policy manual - https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/policy-manual 


School Committee Subcommittee assignments

https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/subcommittees-and-liaisons 


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


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Finance Committee approves funding recommendation for fire truck replacement (audio)

FM #1679 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1679 in the series. 


This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, February 25, 2026. The Committee opened with 5 members in Chambers and 1 remote. 2 members absent and 1 had just resigned that morning (and hopefully to be replaced before April budget hearings). 


Quick recap:

  • Motion to approve the prior meeting notes, so moved, second, passes via roll call (1 remote) was 6-0-3 (2 absent, 1 resigned this AM)

  • Discussion on the need to replace a fire engine which has frame corrosion and was taken offline. 

    • Discussion on an undercarriage wash to help prolong the life of the trucks and rest of the fleet with other issues of corrosion

    • Consider other alternatives for prevention of corrosion, maybe look to a cost analysis on the sand vs. salt/brine solution. What are the pros, cons?

    • Multiple options available for financing, ultimately resolved to recommend authorization of a BAN (a short term borrowing instrument) for the full $935K. 

    • This keeps the stabilization account intact for now and can still be used to pay down the principal when the BAN is converted to a longer term finance deal

    • Vote passed 5-1 via roll call 

  • Q2 report 

    • Snow and ice was gradually increased to be fully funded from ops instead of free cash

    • Lack of FEMA money for 'disaster' events like the major storms

    • Local receipts are not at the level that Kerri would like

    • Library is only $25k over the State minimum

  • Discussion on adding to a May meeting reconsidering the OPEB contribution to relook at the recommendation before the Council votes in June

  • Discussion on the Council handling of the capital budget and suggestion of having FinCom representative at the Council meeting to support any recommendations. A great idea



The recording runs just about 90 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link -  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1679-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-02-25-26/


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


Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/sM7NUUmqKlw?&t=245 


The agenda and released doc can be found - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252026-2152  


My notes were captured via the Bluesky app, the top of the thread can be found here - https://bsky.app/profile/franklinmatters.bsky.social/post/3mfpsbpk6us2o



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

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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"