Showing posts with label negotiation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label negotiation. Show all posts

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1472 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, June 20, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2025.


We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Discussion items: 

  • Fire Chief McLaughlin reads his statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. 

  • Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie

  • Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved

  • Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved

  • Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee

  • La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license

  • The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for

  • Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing

  • Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term



The conversation runs about 30 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1472-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-25/



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188 


Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788 


Community Survey results

Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report 


Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025


Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)
Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 1
8 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)
Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation


All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey



My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/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

  • 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!

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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"


Sunday, June 15, 2025

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, June 18, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 18, 2025 - 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 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation & Performance: Electric Youth
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Council on Aging - Elizabeth Sawyer  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5912/5a-Appointments---Elizabeth-Sawyer
b. Disability Commission - Cheryl Fisher  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5913/5b-APPOINTMENT---Disability-Commission---Cheryl-Fisher
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - La Cantina Winery   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5943/7a-LICENSE-TRANSACTION---La-Cantina

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS
a. Presentation: Polco National Community Survey Results - Sonya Wytinck, Executive 
Polco National Community Survey Results
Polco National Community Survey Results
Vice-President of Data & Insights with Polco/National Research Center with Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS and Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator   
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report


9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 25-38: Establishment of Franklin’s 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-38 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5957/9a-25-38---250th-Anniversary-Celebration-Committee
b. Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers
c. Resolution 25-40: Increased Expenditure Limits For FY2026 on Certain Departmental Revolving Funds Established By Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, As Provided in MGL Chapter 44, Section 53 1/2, As Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-40 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5942/9c-25-40---Increased-Expenditure-Limits-FY26
d. Resolution 25-41: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($95)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-41 - Majority Vote)  
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5935/9d-1---25-41---Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Joint Budget Subcommittee
d. Police Station Building Committee
e. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
a. Resolution 25-42: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Library Union - Franklin Public Library Staff Association, Massachusetts Library Staff Association (MLSA), Local 4298, American Federation of Teachers (AFT), AFT Massachusetts (AFL-CIO)
(Motion to approve Resolution 25-42 - Majority Vote)
b. Resolution 25-43: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the DPW Union - AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 1298, Department of Public Works (Motion to approve Resolution 25-43 - Majority Vote)
c. Resolution 25-44: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Custodians Union - AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 1298, Custodians (Motion to approve Resolution 25-44 - Majority Vote)
d. Resolution 25-45: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Public Facilities Union - AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Local 1298, Public Facilities Employees
(Motion to approve Resolution 25-45 - Majority Vote)
e. Resolution 25-46: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Professional Firefighters of Franklin - International Association of Firefighters, Local 2637
(Motion to approve Resolution 25-46 - Majority Vote)
f. Resolution 25-47: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Association
(Motion to approve Resolution 25-47 - Majority Vote)
g. Resolution 25-48: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Police Sergeants Union
(Motion to approve Resolution 25-48 - Majority Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note: 
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting


Agenda doc also includes remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 ???

Tuesday, March 18

* Dine out at Hot Table on March 18 to help the Music Boosters
Senior Center Closed today, no events other than bus service
* "Look Up" Gallery (Franklin Public Library during open hours)


9:00am Fallen Hero: Elton E Ekstrom (Veterans Walkway, Franklin Town Common)
11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)
6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)
7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)

For additional details on Library events ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false
For additional details on Library events ->    


** Town Meetings today   **


Franklin School Committee - Negotiations - Executive Session

Tuesday, March 18th  Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/School-Committee-35/?#_03182025-1585


Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee Meeting (virtual only) = Tuesday, March 18th Time: 5:30 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182025-1610



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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Tuesday, February 4, 2025 ???

Tuesday, February 4
11:00am Community Closet (Franklin United Methodist Church)
6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)
6:30pm Franklin Garden Club - monthly meeting (Franklin Senior Center)
7:00pm Musical Bingo (Raillery Public House)
7:00pm Friends of Franklin Public Library Book Club (Franklin Public Library)


**   Town Meetings today   **


Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations (executive session)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02042025-1537



Franklin School Committee Meeting - Budget Hearing FY 2026 (Council Chambers & broadcast)

February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf


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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Saturday, February 1, 2025

2 School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to

Franklin Public Schools Contractual Negotiations (executive session)
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - 4:00 PM


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

Franklin School Committee
February 4, 2025 - 7:00 P.M.

Municipal Building – Council Chambers



Call to Order                                             Mr. Callaghan
Pledge of Allegiance
Moment of Silence

FY26 Budget Open Hearing

Adjournment


Franklin School Committee Meeting (Budget hearing - Council Cambers)
February 4, 2025, 7:00 PM
https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247243/SCAGENDA_2-4-25_Budget_Open_Hearing.pdf

The budget book was mentioned as being available for the budget hearing. It is not yet posted (as of late Friday, Jan 31) to the FY 2026 budget page.

2 School Committee meetings scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to
2 School Cmte meetings scheduled for Tues, Feb 4; the budget hearing (at 7 PM) is the one to pay attention to


Saturday, January 18, 2025

Friday, April 14, 2023

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations
April 24, 2023 - 3:30 - 5:30PM

ESP/LPN 

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

The meeting opens and enters executive session for negotiations

Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023
Franklin School Committee: ESP/LPN Negotiations - April 24, 2023

Thursday, April 6, 2023

School Committee schedules Contractual Negotiations with ESP/LPN - April 13

Franklin Public Schools
Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations ESP/LPN 
April 13, 2023 - 3:30 - 5:30PM



FSchool Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session
School Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session

Tuesday, January 24, 2023

School Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session

 
Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations
January 26, 2023 - 10:30 - 12PM
  • Van Drivers 

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations
January 27, 2023  - 3:15-4:45PM 
  • ESP/LPN 

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations
February 7, 2023 - 2-3:30PM
  • Cafeteria 


Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Contractual Negotiations
February 7, 2023 - 3:30-5PM
  • Secretaries 

FSchool Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session
School Committee contract negotiation sessions scheduled for Executive session