Showing posts with label sewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sewer. Show all posts

Saturday, September 12, 2026

“Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello (audio)

FM #1818 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1818 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Friday, September 4, 2026. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of September 2, 2026. 


“Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Councilor Max Morrongiello (audio)

We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

  • Approval of Police Chief James West

  • Excess sewer capacity sold to Medway, Millis

  • Town properties, presentation by Kate Hinckley GIS, then discussion on the key decisions; siting the Police Station, then what to do with Davis Thayer, Parmenter, 275 Beaver St, etc.

  • Office hours at Library, more like this coming


The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in

Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1818-town-council-quarterbacking-09-04-26/


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Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57 


The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 


My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/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 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!

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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"


Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Four & half hour September 2, 2026 Town Council meeting in 3 parts for ease of listening (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. 7 members participated in Chambers, 2 remotely so all votes were via roll call.  

Four & half hour September 2, 2026 Town Council meeting in 3 parts for ease of listening (audio)

The meeting recording is divided into 3 parts


Part 1 - opening through to Police Chief appointment (approx. 90 minutes)

Part 1 - Audio link - 
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1814-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-p1-of-3-09-02-26/


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Part 2 - other appointments, excess sewer capacity discussion and Legislation for action (approx. 50 minutes)



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Part 3 - presentation on TOwn of Franklin properties by Kate Hinckley, GIS and discussion on the key decisions to be made; Police station site, then what dominos follow, Parmenter, Davis Thayer, 275 Beaver St, etc. (approx 2 hours)



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Quick Recap:

The recap and my notes can be found

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2026/09/town-council-approve-west-as-police.html 


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Franklin TV YouTube video

https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57 


Agenda doc for this session

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 


My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-5-_8ZH8wT7D-xz8WH0fdzhWQCW2jIg9/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 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"


Thursday, September 3, 2026

Town Council approve West as Police Chief, approves excess sewer capacity deal, & goes past 10 PM on Police Station and Town properties discussion (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday Sep 2 in Council Chambers. All 9 members participated, 7 in Chambers, 2 remotely so all votes were via roll call.

Franklin TV video is available for replay - https://www.youtube.com/live/uMeOjqTdAEw?si=qSIBaHW_AgOh6RCn&t=57

Town Council, Town Administrator pose with James  West, appointed Police Chief

The modified agenda for this session (modified to remove the Executive Session)

Quick recap
  • comments on Chestnut St buildings not completed, what can be done
  • multiple citizens comments on Flock cameras, being addressed by the Council
  • Results of the State Primary are now official as announced by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
  • Appointment of James West as Police Chief was approved
  • Excess sewer capacity deal with Millis and Medway approved
  • Presentation on Town of Franklin properties resulted in a long dicussion ultimately around site of the Police Station. While the Police Station Building Committee was also participating, they did not make a formal presentation, did answer multiple questions. Concensus among COuncil was to review the proposed building to reduce size of building to better fit on the Davis Thayer site. Parmenter would be retained as recreation and potential other Town use. RFP for 275 Beaver St possible
  • As the discussion on this Town property topic completed about 10:25 PM, the Council voted to adjourn, they did not need to vote to extend the meeting past their 10 PM self-imposed deadline. Had they attempted another topic, that would have been required
My full set of notes captured during the meeting in one PDF



Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Town Council to consider Medway & Millis Sewer Capacity Transfer Proposal - 09/02/26

On the Town Council agenda for the Wednesday, Sep 2 session is return of the excess sewer capacity item from earlier this year.

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August 28, 2026
Town Council to consider Medway & Millis Sewer Capacity Transfer Proposal - 09/02/26

To: Town Council
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
RE: Medway & Millis Sewer

After a meeting between representatives from Millis and Medway the Franklin Town Councilors Dellorco and LeBlanc, and Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, communities agree to the following proposed rate and number of gallons being transferred, as follows:

150,000 gallon transfer to each community;

At a rate of $10.50 per gallon;

All other language from the previous draft agreements remains unchanged (except some tweaks by the lawyers highlighted in yellow).

Staff have attached 3 tables of data that were requested:

Table 1 - Projected sewer flow versus usage.

Table 2 - Outstanding development in the pipeline (Title V projected capacity versus expected). Please note, with all permitted or pipelined development, the Town expects 100,339 Gallons Per Day (GPD) of sewer flow, which represents nearly
800-1,000 units of housing and more commercial development.

Table 3 - Historic flows for the past 20 years.

If approved, some of the benefits to Franklin include:

$3,150,000 million in combined revenue to stabilize sewer rates and provide for capital investments into the system to make it better;
 
Reduces the sewer operating budget by about $98,000 in Franklin’s annual capital assessment from the Charles River Pollution Control District (CRPCD), further stabilizing the need for a rate increase due for the operating budget;

Over time, as Millis and Medway use their capacity, we expect Franklin’s Annual O&M assessment from CRPCD to decrease by more than $225,000. This will be a long term, gradual change.

Enables the town to further control development, while still having a surplus amount for decades to come.


11.        PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -

a.                Update on the Sewer Capacity Transfer to Medway & Millis

i. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers

     Data Request: Table 1 - Current Residential & Commercial Flows

     Data Request: Table 2 - Ongoing, Approved, Anticipated Development

     Data Request: Table 3 - 20-year historic sewer flows

     See Legislation for Action #12a. (Millis)

     See Legislation for action #12b. (Medway)

     See Legislation for action #12c. (District Amendment)

You can find the full agenda - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Agenda for the Franklin Town Council meeting Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 2, 2026, 6:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building: 
Council Chambers 355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor

Agenda for the Franklin Town Council meeting Wednesday, Sep 2, 2026 at 6 PM


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 Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)
b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: September 17 @ 6pm)
c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting: TBD)
d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)
e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: TBD)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
a. Deputy Town Administrator and Administrative Assistant Introductions

6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
 
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

8. APPOINTMENTS
a. Chief of Police - James West

b. New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members
i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 6:00 PM - None Scheduled
10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -
a. Update on the Sewer Capacity Transfer to Medway & Millis
i. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers
Data Request: Table 1 - Current Residential & Commercial Flows
Data Request: Table 2 - Ongoing, Approved, Anticipated Development
Data Request: Table 3 - 20-year historic sewer flows
See Legislation for Action #12a. (Millis)
See Legislation for action #12b. (Medway)
See Legislation for action #12c. (District Amendment)

b. Discussion/Presentation: Town Owned Properties & siting of a new Police Station
i. Town Administrator Memorandum
ii. Town Owned Properties - Director of GIS, Kate Hinckley
1. Director memorandum
2. GIS presentation
iii. Director of Public Facilities Memorandum re: Parmenter
iv. Police Station Building Committee website
v. Director of Planning & Community Development Memorandum
vi. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for Davis-Thayer property
vii. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for 275 Beaver Street (sell)
viii. Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for 275 Beaver Street (lease)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 26-50: Authorization for the Town of Franklin to Enter into Intermunicipal Agreement Between the Town of Walpole and Various Municipalities for Joint Legal Services for Solid Waste Contract Negotiations
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-50 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 26-51: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Grillo Estates)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-51 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 26-49: Gift Acceptances - Veterans Services, Senior Center, Franklin Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-49 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION -
a. Exemption #6: Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body:
i. “Other Property” potentially available for Town purchase/acquisition
b. Exemption: To review and approve minutes from Town Council Executive Sessions.

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/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09022026-2482 

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

The Excess Sewer Capacity segment of the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting (audio)

The Excess Sewer Capacity segment of the July 22, 2026 Town Council meeting (audio)

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. The Council held this session as scheduled beginning at 6 PM. All 9 members participated in Chambers. The Council voted to extend the meeting 1 hour and fortunately finished before that time.


The full meeting can be viewed on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mliO20lR8Cc 


The three key sections of presentation & discussion are shared via audio here:


1786 - The FY 25 Audit report presentation and discussion. The recording runs about 25 minutes.


1787 - The 300 Fisher St presentation by the EPA and resulting discussion. The recording runs about 54 minutes

1788 - Excess Sewer Capacity presentation from Charles River, including Medway & Millis representatives as well as the extended discussion to be continued Sept 2. The recording runs about 97 minutes.


c. Charles River Pollution Control District

i. Charles River Pollution Control District Overview Presentation  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10236/11c-i---PRESENTATION-SLIDES---PDF--CRPCD-Town-Council-Meeting-July-22-2026pdf  & Website  https://www.charlesriverpcd.org/

ii. Town Administrator Memo on Sewer Transfers  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10237/11c-ii---MEMO---Millis-Sewer-Transfer

See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)

See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)

See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)


Audio link -
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1788-excess-sewer-capcity-segment-at-the-town-council-mtg-07-22-26/


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The full agenda and documents released for this session - https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07222026-2421 



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


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, July 19, 2026

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, July 22 at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 22, 2026 = 6:00 PM

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.
Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting - Weds, July 22 at 6 PM


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 Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

4. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Joint Budget Subcommittee (next meeting: August 13 @ 6pm)
b. Economic Development Subcommittee (next meeting: July 23rd @ 6pm)
c. Communications Subcommittee (next meeting TBD)
d. Town Charter Ad Hoc Committee (next meeting: September 3rd @ 6pm)
e. Police Station Building Committee (next meeting: September 2nd)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
 
6. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Fire Department
i. Swearing in of new Firefighter / Paramedic - William Santa Fe

7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. June 10, 2026
b. June 17, 2026

8. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members
i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for list of names
b. Election Workers - September 1, 2026 State Primary Election
i. See “Appointments - Election Workers” in packet for list of names

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM -
a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1
i. See Legislation for Action #12a.
b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038
i. See License Transaction #10a.
c. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038
i. See License Transaction #10b.
d. Modification of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA
i. See License Transaction # 10c.

10. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS -
a. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Franklin Georgios LLC d/b/a Georgio’s Liquors, Located at 60 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038
b. Transfer, Pledge of License, Pledge of Inventory and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Contractors Family Market Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market, Located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA 02038
c. Multiple Modifications of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers & Change of Stock Interest - Contractor & Sons Inc. d/b/a Lincoln Street Market, Located at 465 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA

11. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION -
a. Presentation: FY25 Audit - Ben Wilkinson, Senior Manager, CBIZ   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10230/11a-FY25-Audit

b. 300 Fisher Street
i. Environmental Protection Agency Overview Presentation   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/10232/EPA-Presentation
iv. 300 Fisher Street property card  
 
c. Charles River Pollution Control District
See Legislation for Action #12b. (Millis)
See Legislation for action #12c. (Medway)
See Legislation for action #12d. (District Amendment)

12. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 26-38: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of J. Victor Lane and Drainage Lot Parcel 1 (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-38 -2/3 Majority Vote)
b. Resolution 26-39: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Millis (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-39 - Majority Vote)
c. Resolution 26-40: Authorization to Transfer (Sell) a Portion of Franklin’s Excess Sewer Capacity at Charles River Treatment Plant to Town of Medway (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-40 - Majority Vote)
d. Resolution 26-41: Authorization to Execute Third Amendment to Agreement Between Charles River Pollution Control District and Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-41 - Majority Vote)
e. Bylaw Amendment 26-953: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 170, Article X: Winter Storm Overnight Parking Ban - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 26-- Majority Roll Call Vote)
f. Resolution 26-42: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-42 - Majority Vote)
g. Resolution 26-43: Adoption of Social Media Engagement Guidelines for Elected and Appointed Officials (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-43 - Majority Vote)
h. Resolution 26-44: Adoption of Town Council Email Guidelines (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-44 - Majority Vote)
i. Resolution 26-45: Approval of A.B. Fletcher Trust Fund Expense (Motion to Approve Resolution 26-45 - Majority Vote)
j. Resolution 26-46: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center, Franklin FD, Franklin PD
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-46 - Majority Vote)
k. Resolution 26-47: Appropriation of Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming Per MGL Chapter 44, Section 53F3/4
(Motion to Approve Resolution 26-47 - Majority Vote)

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

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

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info