Town Council doesn't like the snow removal bylaw wording, hears migrant housing status update, and Joint Budget Subcmte update (audio)

FM #1079 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1079 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  - the proposal failed to get moved to a second reading (by a 4-5 vote - 4 for, 5 against), it will go back for further work by Administration and come back for another first reading

Migrant update – nothing major is new

Joint Budget Subcmte Mtg

• Brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD

• Schools updated some of their numbers, planning for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)

• Next Joint session in Jan 2024

The recording runs 1 hour and 46 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Oct 11, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1079-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-11-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk

Town Administrator's Report: Migrant Status from the Town Council Mtg Oct 11, 2023 (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-administrators-report-migrant.html

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZ4uXFaq0j33jI4XaFIjXCcU7S_f6b3S/view?usp=drive_link

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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, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Joint Budget Subcmte hears of shortfall in new growth, hears update on School Budget, plans next session (audio)

FM #1078 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1078 in the series. 

This session shares the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. Remote participation was enabled for the public for this session. 

The Joint Budget Subcommittee is composed of the 4 members of the Town Council, 4 members of the Finance Committee and 3 members of the School Committee (to avoid a committee quorum for each of the respective bodies).

Chair - Tom Mercer, Brian Chandler, Cobi Frongillo, and Melanie Hamblen of the Town Council

George Conley, Nataly Riley, Nicole Corbosiero, and Lauren Nagel of the Finance Committee

David McNeill, David Callaghan, and Denise Spencer of the School Committee

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD

• Schools updated some of their numbers, starting to plan for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)

• Finance Committee meeting Nov 8, Town Council meeting Nov 15, Tax rate hearing set for Tuesday, Nov 21 (Yes, note it is a Tuesday!)

• Next Joint Budget Subcmte session in Jan 2024 (TBD)

The show notes contain a link to the agenda, the Franklin TV meeting video, and to my notes.

The recording runs 75 minutes, so let’s listen to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of October 11, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1078-franklin-ma-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-10-11-23

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video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3sqZhpIT9Q 

Meeting agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommitee_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf 

Photo album capturing some of the School presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/v1qW8nmPYUQTcLgm8 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHP7KFAXd6DDwtAKGLIUwnEFOX_qFte7/view?usp=drive_link 

Joint Budget Subcommittee page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee 

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

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"

one of the FPS slides used for the budget update

Joint Budget Subcmte hears of shortfall in new growth, hears update on School Budget, plans next session (video)

The Joint Budget Subcommittee met on Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 as scheduled. The first ten minutes of the meeting were shared via Zoom, then there was an approx. 10 minute break and the meeting resumed also being broadcast via cable and live streamed to YouTube. 

The 'missing' video was recorded via Zoom and likely will be available later. The audio was captured by Franklin Matters includes the complete meeting and will be shared in a day or so.

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD
• Schools updated some of their numbers, starting to plan for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)
• Finance Committee meeting Nov 8, Town Council meeting Nov 15, Tax rate hearing set for Tuesday, Nov 21 (Yes, note it is a Tuesday!)
• Next Joint Budget Subcmte session in Jan 2024 (TBD)

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3sqZhpIT9Q

Meeting agenda -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommitee_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Photo album capturing some of the School presentation

https://photos.app.goo.gl/v1qW8nmPYUQTcLgm8

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHP7KFAXd6DDwtAKGLIUwnEFOX_qFte7/view?usp=drive_link

one of the FPS slides used for the budget update

Franklin, MA: Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Oct 11 at 5:30 PM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)

October 11, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Agenda

1. FY24 Budget Update - Town Administrator and Superintendent of Schools

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommitee_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Note: FY24 is the current budget we are operating under. FY25 would be next years budget. The Budget year is fiscal, beginning July 1 and running through Jun 30. The year when June 30 occurs is the "fiscal year" for the budget. Hence, next June 30 is 2024 and the budget year is FY24.

The FY24 budget materials can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

Shared from the Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

Finance Committee Agenda for the September 13, 2023 Meeting at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Introduction of new members

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Five Year Fiscal Forecast Budget Model  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4a._5_year_fiscal_forecast.pdf

b. MassBenchMarks September 2023 Economic Outlook  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4b._massbenchmarks_-_notes_from_the_board_september_2023.pdf

5. Appoint four (4) Joint Budget Subcommittee members

6. Future Agenda Items & schedule for the year

7. Recurring Business:

a. Approval of Minutes

i. May 8, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a_i._-_fincom_05.08.23.pdf

ii. May 10, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a_ii._-_fincom_05.10.23.pdf

iii. May 11, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a_iii._-_fincom_05.11.23.pdf

b. Stabilization Account Balance  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._stabilization_fund_balances_6-30-2023.pdf

8. Adjourn

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_9.13.23.pdf

Finance Committee Agenda for the September 13, 2023 Meeting at 7 PM

Talk Franklin with Jamie & Amy recaps the Joint Budget Mtg and other topics (audio)

FM #1038 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1038 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Joint Budget Subcommittee recap, OneFranklin

Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting

Town Council meeting, override do’s & don’ts

Municipal Aggregation contract renewal at $.15/kwh

The recording runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Audio file -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Budget-Engagement--Community-Savings-e285vq5

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

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

Davis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf 

Town Council agenda for 08/16/23 meeting ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf  

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

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

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 with Jamie & Amy recaps the Joint Budget Mtg and other topics (audio)

This Chalkboard Chat with Dave Callaghan recaps the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting (audio)

FM #1034 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1034 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in person in the Franklin TV Studio on Friday, August 4, 2023. 

Our primary topic was a recap of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held earlier on Wednesday, Aug 2. We also spent time on the forthcoming Aug 16 Town Council meeting which will provide a historical update on Franklin’s override results. Importantly, there will also be a presentation and discussion on the do’s/don’t for town employees, and others on conducting a  campaign abiding by the rules and regulations of campaign finance.

The recording runs about 35 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with Dave Callaghan. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1034-chalkboard-chat-01-dave-callaghan-08-04-23

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

School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget 

Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting August 2, 2023

Recap & video ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/joint-budget-subcommittee-starts.html 

Recap & audio ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/joint-budget-subcommittee-starts_0936025256.html 

Town Council budget hearings (video & audio links)

• May 24 & 25 (budget hearings) - recap & audio links ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/audio-recordings-for-1st-of-2-budget.html       https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-council-approves-fy-24-budget_01384873643.html 

• recap & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/town-council-approves-fy-24-budget.html 

Finance Committee budget hearings (video & audio links)

• May 11 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) public safety (police, fire, dispatch) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/finance-cmte-completes-fy-2024-budget.html 

• May 10 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) schools (FPS, Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie) recap, audio & video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/finance-committee-budget-hearing-2-gets.html 

• May 8 - (FY 2024 budget hearing) general government and DPW (enterprise accounts (sewer, water, solid waste & stormwater) - recap, audio & video links ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/fincom-gets-fy-2024-summary-from-town.html

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

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"

This Chalkboard Chat with Dave Callaghan recaps the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting (audio)