“there is no such thing as ... ‘flushable wipes’”

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"#nowipesinthepipes. Despite the seriousness of the problem, public works departments have an appreciation of the humor behind the underlying topic. A few have taken to social media to spread the message. With an appreciation for a good poop joke, the hashtags abound.

In the pitch dark of 3 a.m. Wednesday, Hopkinton Department of Public Works employees found themselves struggling against an unexpected side effect of the coronavirus pandemic.

Clogged pipes.

The culprit? Sanitary wipes labeled “flushable.”

“They’re not made to go through the sewer systems,” Hopkinton Water and Sewer Superintendent Eric Carty said. “They just bind all together, and just make a giant clog. It literally shuts the pump down.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200322/amidst-perceived-toilet-paper-shortage-due-to-coronavirus-dpw-officials-see-spike-in-wipes-clogging-sewer-systems

The Franklin DPW flyer on "What not to Flush!"
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GJrzqnr0t8Nuv-LzOBmHzucwKiGVAWSn/view?usp=sharing

from an April 2013 DPW presentation on pumps stuck with non-flushable swipes

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 18, 2020

Agenda Meeting Date - March 18, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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
February 12, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Agricultural Commission Associate Member: Charles J. Koshiva
b. Planning Board Associate Vacancy: Joint Meeting with the Planning Board
i. Town Administrator Memo & Candidates

6. HEARINGS 
- 7:10 PM - - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Animal Control Department
b. S.A.F.E Coalition Update
c. Purchasing Department Presentation on Procurement

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854: Changes to §185-40. Water Resource District - First Reading (Motion to move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-854 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-17: Acceptance of Conservation Restriction to Protect Well 3A (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-17 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-855 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-856: Chapter 82, Sewer Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-856 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-857: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 20-857 to a second reading - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled

ADJOURN


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

The meeting agenda and associated documents can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N3bRsizwge7IW-Ks_U-JGM503kYs4FRA/view?usp=sharing

https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges

I struggled with a short and quick way to state the obvious without going over the top to grab a headline. There are any number of fiscal challenges facing Franklin, and yes, I believe that this year IS different from the prior years. While I have heard any number of folks say every budget year is a challenge, in the dozen or so years I have been closely reporting on the Franklin budget, I have not seen as many issues come together as this year brings.

Exhibit one: the Town Council's proposed 'goals and objectives' doc fortunately captures most of these in the first Fiscal section:

Fiscal

● Approval of Annual Capital Improvement Plan -- FY20 and FY21
● Approval of a balanced Operating Budget -- FY21 and FY22

o Closely monitor expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22

● Establish Ad Hoc Subcommittee to evaluate storm water fee analysis

o Present analysis to the full Council

● Determine Water rate increase for FY20/FY21, notably for the water treatment plant and wells loan package
● Determine Sewer rate increase, if needed, for FY20/FY21
● Seek new borrowing capacity for municipal and school building capital improvements and sidewalks
● Discussion on the Community Preservation Act
● Discussion on Trash & Recycling account
● Continue to ask for OPEB solutions with state officials
● Explore new revenue options, generally

The Town always passes a 'balanced budget', by law it has to, so the real issue is how do you bring the revenue and expense sides to 'balance' especially with "expected budget shortfalls in both FY21 and FY22"?

There is a new storm water fee coming and we are already facing increases in the water/sewer and trash/recycling fees. That is a whole lot of money coming from Franklin residents in one year. So I rest my case that it will be a challenge and ask your participation in the resolution.

The adage goes: you can be part of the problem, or part of the solution! I recommend getting involved in the discussion (aside from Facebook!) to be part of the solution. 

Action:

• Get to a meeting. 
• Talk with our Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, School Administration (including Superintendent Sara Ahern) as well as Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
• Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues, together we can, and must, find a solution.

The full goals and objectives doc can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf

 

Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Multiple Fiscal Challenges

Franklin Residents: Water Treatment Plant Update - Oct 10, 2019

via the Franklin DPW Facebook page:

"WATER TREATMENT PLANT UPDATE:

As you are aware, the Water & Sewer Department staff has been working to restore the Hayward Street Water Treatment Plant to full capacity since the fire on July 6, 2019. A full cleaning and damage assessment was performed to determine which equipment had to be replaced or repaired. Analysis was done to ensure all new components would meet or exceed new standards. New technology was evaluated and installed to improve control, lower operating costs and increase efficiency where allowed. All repairs were evaluated to determine which tasks would be best completed in house or outsourced to contractors in order to quickly repair the system and maximize cost savings. Much of this work has been completed on weekends by our dedicated staff.

Final replacement parts that were directly damaged by the fire, including the tank heater that caused the fire and had to be custom built, arrived last week. The crews worked quickly to install the parts so that the plant could be fully started up and “test run” for a complete evaluation. It was our hope to restore full operation by the end of last week. However, during this start up, it became apparent that the ultra-filtration filters, which were running intermittently since late July, had sustained damage and required additional repair. All start up procedures and testing has been under the direction of the filter manufacturer and the damage to the filters was not anticipated.

Our crews worked for five straight days in an attempt to repair the filters to a usable level. This is a very tedious process that requires placing a “pin” in each filter that is damaged. There are a total of 40 filter membrane cartridges, in some cartridges there were over 600 holes! Even with all the repairs, water quality was not acceptable, i.e. too much iron and manganese was making it through the filters. We immediately placed the order for all new filters.

Although the manufacturer has rush prioritized our order, these specialized filters require several weeks to manufacture. Therefore, we are currently expecting delivery of new filters in approximately three weeks. In the meantime, we have brought in our consulting engineering firm to see if they have any recommendations to make the old filters more effective until the new filters are installed.

We understand the difficulty the water ban has caused many residents and citizens. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding, and continued commitment to water conservation. Please understand, we do not recommend a water ban lightly. We need to ensure that there is enough water for drinking and sanitary needs as well as to maintain proper storage levels for fire suppression.

Once again, thank you for your support, feel free to contact us with any further questions."


This is available from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/hayward_street_water_treatment_plant_update_0.pdf

photo via Franklin DPW Facebook page

Consumer Confidence Report: 2018 (part 2 of 3)

This is part 2 of 3 featuring sections from the Consumer Confidence Report published annually by the Franklin, MA DPW - Water and Sewer Division.
https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division

"This report describes Franklin’s drinking water sources and treated water quality for the calendar year 2018, and programs that protect the high quality of our water supply. This publication is mandated by the federal public right-to-know regulation requiring community water suppliers to provide specific treated water quality information annually to their customers. This report includes additional information beyond the minimum federal requirements in order to respond to typical questions our customers ask about Franklin’s water system."

Lead Information

"Since the inception of Franklin’s corrosion control program in the early 1990s, lead and copper levels have remained well below the EPA Action Levels (AL). As shown in the table on page 2, the most recent round of testing found lead levels ranging from non-detect to 3 parts per billion (ppb) (AL=15 ppb) and copper levels ranging from 0.04 to 0.47 parts per million (ppm) (AL=1.3 ppm). If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. The Franklin Department of Public Works Water Division is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your drinking water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at epa.gov/safewater/lead



The full report can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2018_ccr_web.pdf

Franklin’s Drinking Water Treatment Process

Consumer Confidence Report: 2018 (part 1 of 3)

Consumer Confidence Report:  

This report describes Franklin’s drinking water sources and treated water quality for the calendar year 2018, and programs that protect the high quality of our water supply. This publication is mandated by the federal public right-to-know regulation requiring community water suppliers to provide specific treated water quality information annually to their customers. This report includes additional information beyond the minimum federal requirements in order to respond to typical questions our customers ask about Franklin’s water system.

Important Information About Drinking Water

All sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) including rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells, contain some naturally occurring contaminants or substances. Because water is the universal solvent, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pick up substances resulting from the presence of animal and human activity.

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

Removing all contaminants would be extremely expensive and in nearly all cases would not provide greater protection of health.  To ensure that your water is safe to drink, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the EPA regulates the allowable amount of certain contaminants in the water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water that must provide the same protection for public health. This report provides you with information about the contaminants found naturally in your drinking water, the levels at which they are found, and the likely source of each contaminant.

Read the full report online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/2018_ccr_web.pdf

Franklin’s Drinking Water Treatment Process

Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road

A heads up for downtown residents and commuters to the train - expect delays on Dean Ave and Hillside Rd starting next week (week of March 25 and following)

Construction Alert: Dean Ave, Hillside Road

Found for sharing via Twitter
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1108017057596166145

FM #156 - Finance Committee - Capital Budget Part 1 - Jan 8, 2019 (audio)

This internet radio show or podcast is number 156 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Finance Committee meeting held at the Senior Center on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.

The meeting is the first of two to review the Capital Budget by the Finance Committee. Today’s meeting will review the following agenda:

• Fire
• Police
• Public Works
• Sewer Enterprise
• Water Enterprise

The second meeting, scheduled for Jan 15 will cover the remainder of the capital budget:

• Schools
• Facilities
• Technology
• Recreation

After hearing all the presentations, the Finance Committee will vote to recommend some or all of these (with or without modifications) to be brought to the Town Council for their review and vote.

The complete agenda documents for the Jan 8 and 15 meetings can be found on the Town of Franklin pages as follows:

Jan 8
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-08_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Jan 15
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2019-01-15_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

The documents for the Capital Budget discussions can be found
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu_1JUPgKXNH8i9DhDZH7ZkfFk6tyFQp/view?usp=sharing

Note: the document is a single PDF file with 166 pages, so it will take some time to download/open.

The total meeting recording runs just about 2 hours. Without further ado, here is the audio recording.

My notes for the meeting can be found:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/01/finance-committee-capital-budget-part-1.html




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


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

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning or construction, I would like someone to follow the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive and open mind and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like this, 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/
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Finance Committee - Capital Budget Part 1 - Recap of Jan 8, 2019 meeting

Via Twitter I took notes of the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. This was held at the Senior Center and was recorded. The audio recording will be made available. It will be about 2 hours to cover the meeting completely.

This is the first of two sessions to review and determine the Capital Budget. The Finance Committee will vote to recommend all, part or some modification thereof at the meeting Tuesday, Jan 15 for the Town Council to then decide on.

The packet of documents is a large one, 166 pages in PDF format. The link is provided here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xu_1JUPgKXNH8i9DhDZH7ZkfFk6tyFQp/view?usp=sharing

You can also find the tweets by searching for the hashtag #fincom0108
https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=%23fincom0108 (Note: the search results don't provide the tweets in chronological order. I did that.)

Live reporting: Finance committee gets underway at Senior Center. #FINCOM0108 . Yes, I could have been at the School committee meeting but respectfully I want to "follow the money"

Live reporting: Finance committee gets underway at Senior Center. #FINCOM0108 . Yes, I could have been at the School committee meeting but respectfully I want to "follow the money"

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

#fincom0108 2 new deputy chiefs in attendance tonight for the fire dept as part of their learning process

#fincom0108 2 new deputy chiefs in attendance tonight for the fire dept as part of their learning process

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Overview of the free cash amount, almost the largest ever. Don't count on it repeating. Some amounts are set aside for snow/ice, etc we have $2+M left to work with for capital budget. Exact amounts to be provided later #fincom0108

Overview of the free cash amount, almost the largest ever. Don't count on it repeating. Some amounts are set aside for snow/ice, etc we have $2+M left to work with for capital budget. Exact amounts to be provided later #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Fincom scene at the Senior center for tonight's meeting #fincom0108

Fincom scene at the Senior center for tonight's meeting #fincom0108 pic.twitter.com/AfFvXWH64N

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Chief McCarragher bemoans fire dept planning coming in with smallest request in a year with the most free cash available #fincom0108 advocates for video technology to help the medics in servicing a patient, four total, one per vehicle

Chief McCarragher bemoans fire dept planning coming in with smallest request in a year with the most free cash available #fincom0108 advocates for video technology to help the medics in servicing a patient, four total, one per vehicle

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Uniform request also due to instances where servicing special situations and cleaning them before going to next call and possibly carrying the potential contamination with them. Regulation by OSHA coming for 1st time in MA #fincom0108

Uniform request also due to instances where servicing special situations and cleaning them before going to next call and possibly carrying the potential contamination with them. Regulation by OSHA coming for 1st time in MA #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

A combi tool, it cuts and spreads. Haven't been asking for similar as much of the equipment has come in with the new vehicle rotation. We need this before the next vehicle comes in 2023. #fincom0108

A combi tool, it cuts and spreads. Haven't been asking for similar as much of the equipment has come in with the new vehicle rotation. We need this before the next vehicle comes in 2023. #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Examination of how to best resolve the radio 'dead spot' out along Lincoln and Populatic Sts. Didnt matter too much to us with few calls, call volume there is increasing, hence the risk #fincom0108

Examination of how to best resolve the radio 'dead spot' out along Lincoln and Populatic Sts. Didnt matter too much to us with few calls, call volume there is increasing, hence the risk #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Fire fighters health needs to be addressed, they statistically get some cancers at significantly higher % than normal folks, some fire retardant materials contain cancer causing agents #fincom0108

Fire fighters health needs to be addressed, they statistically get some cancers at significantly higher % than normal folks, some fire retardant materials contain cancer causing agents #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Chief Lynch up next to explain his capital request, 3 cars and 1 motorcycle requested this year. Kevlar has 5 yr warranty so some of these are scheduled for replacement on 5 year plan, replacing some at a time #fincom0108

Chief Lynch up next to explain his capital request, 3 cars and 1 motorcycle requested this year. Kevlar has 5 yr warranty so some of these are scheduled for replacement on 5 year plan, replacing some at a time #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Radios to be purchased over 3 yr period replacing 1/3 at a time. Some of the older units would be redeploy ed to the schools for use in emergency situations. Radar sign boards wearing and heavily used, one to be purchased. #fincom0108

Radios to be purchased over 3 yr period replacing 1/3 at a time. Some of the older units would be redeploy ed to the schools for use in emergency situations. Radar sign boards wearing and heavily used, one to be purchased. #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

$50k for Town common, authorized several years ago, banners, etc would be taken from this fund. Street acceptances take time and money doing the research required to resolve street ownership issues #fincom0108

$50k for Town common, authorized several years ago, banners, etc would be taken from this fund. Street acceptances take time and money doing the research required to resolve street ownership issues #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Storm water management study at $85k needs to be ready when the regs are finally coming due. Franklin has been proactive in storm water management but the liability is likely over $60M. The study would develop some options on how to plan and pay for it #fincom0108

Storm water management study at $85k needs to be ready when the regs are finally coming due. Franklin has been proactive in storm water management but the liability is likely over $60M. The study would develop some options on how to plan and pay for it #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Equipment replacement needs, utility truck, etc. Mini escavator cost effective. #fincom0108 street sweeper life cycle? Not just years, but it is all about use. When it picks up the street sand it is corrosive and that eats the truck

Equipment replacement needs, utility truck, etc. Mini escavator cost effective. #fincom0108 street sweeper life cycle? Not just years, but it is all about use. When it picks up the street sand it is corrosive and that eats the truck

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Water enterprise fund, cash flow comes from rate payers. Policy of leaving $1M in fund for contingency. 90% of the meters have been replaced, will keep the balance will be replaced by in house staff rather than contractor. #fincom0108

Water enterprise fund, cash flow comes from rate payers. Policy of leaving $1M in fund for contingency. 90% of the meters have been replaced, will keep the balance will be replaced by in house staff rather than contractor. #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Backhoe needs to be replaced, originally from 1989. Mini escavator not good for water line work, reach is too short, wouldn't hold walls enough. #fincom0108 5 year plan of water line replacement and road rebuilds, pavement management plan part of process.

Backhoe needs to be replaced, originally from 1989. Mini escavator not good for water line work, reach is too short, wouldn't hold walls enough. #fincom0108 5 year plan of water line replacement and road rebuilds, pavement management plan part of process.

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Vacuum truck up for replacement. Used to clean sewer lines, essential to every day operations. Recently was out of service and needed to call in a contractor with a vehicle #fincom0108

Vacuum truck up for replacement. Used to clean sewer lines, essential to every day operations. Recently was out of service and needed to call in a contractor with a vehicle #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Town has more pump stations than most communities as when the growth occurred there was no master plan, some of the existing stations could have been avoided. #fincom0108 pump station design needs to include optimal pumping rather than leaking

Town has more pump stations than most communities as when the growth occurred there was no master plan, some of the existing stations could have been avoided. #fincom0108 pump station design needs to include optimal pumping rather than leaking

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Already costed to save interest of approx $4M over 20 term due to low interest rate low secured. Only other major items seen is the Beaver St connector. Over 108 yrs old, carries 90% over our flow to the plant, don't want to calculate what it would cost to replace #fincom0108

Already costed to save interest of approx $4M over 20 term due to low interest rate low secured. Only other major items seen is the Beaver St connector. Over 108 yrs old, carries 90% over our flow to the plant, don't want to calculate what it would cost to replace #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Water presentation includes the map displayed by Jeff Nutting with commentary by Brutus Cantoreggi

Water presentation includes the map displayed by Jeff Nutting with commentary by Brutus Cantoreggi #fincom0108 pic.twitter.com/QqXrXc7iA1

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

former Thompson Press site a good example of public private cooperation on the storm water solution, developer wrote $700k check for town, grant from state to help run off from Dean Ave through the property #fincom0108

former Thompson Press site a good example of public private cooperation on the storm water solution, developer wrote $700k check for town, grant from state to help run off from Dean Ave through the property #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Health care 2nd largest piece of the town budget after schools, 8 to 10 % of 116M #fincom0108

Health care 2nd largest piece of the town budget after schools, 8 to 10 % of 116M #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

OPEB estimated at $74M liability, detailed report going to Town Council Weds evening (in meeting agenda packet) #fincom0108 the system needs to be changed, it can't stay this way.

OPEB estimated at $74M liability, detailed report going to Town Council Weds evening (in meeting agenda packet) #fincom0108 the system needs to be changed, it can't stay this way.

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Overview of risk assessment presented to Town Council in December, in good shape, mostly documentation needed to be written, another update due to Council in a couple of months #fincom0108

Overview of risk assessment presented to Town Council in December, in good shape, mostly documentation needed to be written, another update due to Council in a couple of months #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Overview of fiscal policies, potential suggested changes some are technical changes, some additional discussion points for example, open space fund can't provide enough to buy land, let's grow the amount to give us more to use #fincom0108

Overview of fiscal policies, potential suggested changes some are technical changes, some additional discussion points for example, open space fund can't provide enough to buy land, let's grow the amount to give us more to use #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

Consideration for implementation of excise tax on Marijuana. Council has authorized up to 3% #fincom0108 roads and infrastructure additional funds needed for maintenance of the 200 plus miles of roads, sidewalks and parking lots

Consideration for implementation of excise tax on Marijuana. Council has authorized up to 3% #fincom0108 roads and infrastructure additional funds needed for maintenance of the 200 plus miles of roads, sidewalks and parking lots

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

These are policy not bylaws we can use them as necessary. Bottom line citizens will decide the level of government they want. #fincom0108

These are policy not bylaws we can use them as necessary. Bottom line citizens will decide the level of government they want. #fincom0108

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) January 9, 2019

The Finance Committee

The presenter table with Chief McCarragher ready to go

Jeff Nutting holds the map while Brutus Cantoreggi makes his points