Override summary in 3 parts per Al Charles

School Committee member Al Charles has 3 short slide sets to provide a summary of the Prop 2 1/2 override scheduled for June 11, 2024.

View the summary here -> https://www.alcharlesfsc.com/prop-2-12-information?

Override summary in 3 parts per Al Charles

Franklin Town Clerk provides Important Information for Special Election, June 11, 2024

May 3, 2024

From the Office of the Town Clerk, Nancy Danello, CMC

Re: Important information regarding the Special Election, June 11, 2024

With the formal approval of our Town Council members by Resolution 24- 21 for the purpose of a Special Election to be held on June 11, 2024 at the Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM.

The question reads:

Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional 6.8 million dollars in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the operating budget for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024?

"The above question will be the only question on the ballot, it is a Yes or No question."

Immediately after receiving ballots, the Town Clerk's Office will be hosting in-person early voting during normal business hours which are Mon., Tues., Thurs. from 8 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday, 8 AM to 6 PM and Friday from 8 AM to 1 PM. 

There will also be one (1) weekend day which is scheduled for Saturday, June 1st from 9 AM to 4 PM in the Clerk's Office Only.

For Voters who have requested a vote by mail ballot for the State Election (11/5) by completing the card sent by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, you will also be receiving a ballot for this Special Election. We have a total of 5,000 requests so far. 

If you are unsure that your request was received please contact my office at 508-520-4900 or townclerk@franklinma.gov and we will be happy to assist you. If you would like to receive a Vote-by-Mail application please contact my office or click on the following link: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/languages/vote-by-maiI-applications.htm

Dates of Importance:

• Early Voting will commence as soon as the ballots arrive (I will notify the Voters once they are received) 
• Tabulator Testing: May 29th at 10:00 AM in Council Chambers
• Last Day to Register to vote: June 1 from 9 AM to 5 PM at the Town Clerk's Office or online at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/
• Special Election June 11, 2024 from 6 AM to 8 PM @ FHS -  All mail in ballots must be received in the Clerk's Office by 8:00 PM in order to be counted.

Download a PDF of this info as reference or to share ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hHY6WNYveV8CwmiFsUBNqoV5UrWWDHJ6/view?usp=drive_link

For the record, the ballot question for the roads dedicated override in 2014 was worded as:

"Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $1,500,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of funding a stabilization fund as provided in GL Chapter 40 Section 5 B, said funds to be expended solely for roadway, and related drainage work for the fiscal year beginning July first, two thousand and sixteen?"

The only successful override to date was on May 2007 and the wording was as follows: 

"Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $2,700,000.00 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of the operating budget which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, two thousand and seven?"

The text of all the override or debt exclusion votes can be found in one spreadsheet thanks to the info provided by our Town Clerk

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AkwjbnXDBhczdDVWaFU0N2ZsTEE2TUVuWHk5NURvQWc#gid=0

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee Meeting - FY 2025 Budget Hearing - Part 1 of 3 - May 6 at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Monday, May 6, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. April 17, 2024

4. “A Citizens Pledge to the Residents of Franklin”

a. Pledge document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/override_memorandum_of_understanding_final.pdf

b. Town Administrator/Superintendent of Schools Slideshow  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-05-01_override_pledge_presentation.pdf

5. FY25 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing:

FY25 Town Administrator Budget Materials website  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

a. General Government -

i. Departments: 111 Town Council, 123 Town Administrator, 131 Finance Committee, 135 Comptroller, 141 Assessors, 147 Treasurer-Collector, 151 Legal, 152 Human Resources, 155 Information Technology, 161 Town Clerk, 164 Elections & Registration, 171 Conservation Commission, 176 Appeals Board (ZBA), 177 Planning & Growth Management, 184 Agricultural Commission, 192 Public Properties & Buildings, 196   Purchasing & Central Services.

b. Human Services -

i. Departments: 510 Board of Health, 535 Disability Commission, 541 Council on Aging, 543 Veterans Services, 535 Disability Commission.

c. Culture & Recreation -

i. Departments: 610 Library, 630 Recreation, 690 Historical Museum, 691 Historical Commission, 693 Arts & Culture, 695 Cultural Council, 696 Cultural District Committee.

d. Debt & Interest -

i. Departments: 710 Debt Service - Principal, 750 Debt Service - Interest.

e. Employee Benefits:

i. Departments: 910 Retirement & Pension, 945 Risk Management (Liability Insurance).

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Remote participation info included in Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_may_6.pdf

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts) Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1190-91 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1190-91 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in 2 parts. 

All 9 councilors took part in Chambers.

Part 1  (~2 hours)

Covers the first hour of the meeting

• Citizen Comments

• Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

• Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 

• Police Department - Introduction of Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris

• Appointment to Conservation Commission - Nicole Chiaramonte

• Presentation: FY23 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP

And then skips past the Override presentation to jump to the citizens comments on the override and then the closing of the meeting

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1190-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-01-24-part-1-of-2

Part 2 (~ 2 and a quarter hours)

Includes the entire section of the joint presentation by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere including the Council question and answers

Many department heads also spoke for the pledge

Legislation for Action

• Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin

• Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

• Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1191-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-01-24-part-2-of-2

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

The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour plus session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf 

Joint presentation doc-> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4b._2024-05-01_override_pledge_presentation.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fv18ylsYtYhbaSiLXkEDkZLQkm8C-2Q1/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78 

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

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 Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (audio in 2 parts)

School Committee listens to a lot of "we need more time" comments (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1188-89 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1188-89 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting of Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in 2 parts. All 7 school committee members took part in Council Chambers. They broke briefly at 5 minutes for an Executive Session and returned about 10 minutes later. That portion of the audience audio was excluded to simplify the recording.

Part 1 

Covers the first two and one half hours of the meeting

• Student pledge

• FHS Student updates

• Executive Session & return

• Presentation on Comprehensive School Facilities Plan (redistricting)

• Questions and discussion from the School Committee

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1188-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-04-30-24-part-1-of-2

Part 2

Covers the remaining 2 hours of the meeting

• Entire citizen comments and question period

• 5 minute break to allow crowd to leave before resuming meeting agenda

• Interim Business Administrator Appointment (voted to approve appointment)

• Override Memorandum of Understanding (discussed but not acted upon as it needs collaborative work)

• Discussion Only Items - ACCEPT 3rd Quarter Report

• Information Matters

• A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

• B. School Committee Liaison Reports

• Consent Agenda (passed unanimously)

• New Business & closure of session 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1189-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-04-30-24-part-2-of-2

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

The Franklin TV broadcast of the almost 5 hour session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWz6ewelhGo 

Presentation doc for April 30 meeting -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/comp_school_facilities_recommendation_presentation-_april_30_2024.pdf 

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder - the location of all docs released for this meeting (note some posted after the session) ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-30-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1buTL7pQsslK3bG2emGvAR3tHvoVsQ4vV/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZogkwQrk91uVQxNm9 

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

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"

Supt Giguere, Dr Fran Locker, Ms Kate Jessup

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on May 1, 2024 in Council Chamber. All 9 Councilors were present along with a packed room. Participants were also on Zoom and YouTube.

Brief recap:

• Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV
• Introduction of new mental health clinician Caroline Ferris 
• Approved appointment of Nicole Chiaramonte
• Presentation on the FY 2023 Financial Audit by Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP. Another clean audit result, all processes are good no issues identified, no management letter or actions.
• presentation on the possible override and pledge statement results in passage of three resolutions
1. vote of acceptance by Council of pledge (9-0)
2. sets date for override of June 11 (8-1, Pellegri no)
3. sets amount of override for $6.8 million (9-0)

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA

Agenda and supporting documents ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf

Photo album of the presentation screen grab along with screens from the meeting

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78

Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 1, 2024 at 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. 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 - None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Chris Stearns, Franklin TV 

b. Police Department - Introduction

i. Mental Health Clinician Caroline Ferris

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Conservation Commission - Nicole Chiaramonte   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/con_com_appointment_-_nicole_chiaramonte_v2.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY23 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_audit_for_presentation_-_franklin_ma_fs23_-_draft_v2.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-19: Override Pledge to the Citizens of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-19 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-20: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-20 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._resolution_24-20_-_override_ballot_date.pdf

c. Resolution 24-21: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-21 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._resolution_24-21_-_override_ballot_question.pdf

d. Resolution 24-22: Adoption of Fiscal Policies

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-22 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-22_-_adoption_of_fiscal_policies_v4.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3. Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - Referral to the Planning Board  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-906_907_908_-_3_zoning_bylaws.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._bylaw_amendment_24-908.pdf

h. Resolution 24-23: Acceptance of Gift - Town of Franklin ($300,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-23 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-23_-_gift_acceptance_-_king_st._playground_0.pdf

i. Resolution 24-24: Acceptance of Gift of Trees - Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-24 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-24_-_gift_acceptance_-_trees_trugreen_donation.pdf

j. Resolution 24-25: Acceptance of Gift - Conservation Commission ($50)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-25 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-25_-_gift_acceptance_-_conservation_commission_0.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR 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 contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_may_1_2024_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Meeting Agenda for May 1, 2024 session