This Town Council "Quarterbacking" session condenses the 11/30/22 meeting to about 28 minutes (audio)

FM #891 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 891 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Nov 30, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Dec 1, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-891-town-council-quarterbacking-12-01-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Town Council accepts Elk Riders donation, sets tax rate, approves sale of South Meeting House and more (audio)

FM #890 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 890 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Pellegri) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.

Quick summary of meeting:

• Accepted donation from Elks Riders for the Veterans Services and Veterans Fund

• Held the Tax Classification Public Hearing prior to approving the single rate at 12.58%. Overall residential assessments rose approx 17% resulting in the drop of the rate from 14.05 to 12.58. There were a series of votes to complete the formal process to set the rate for this Fiscal Year 2023

• Approval to sell the Old South Meeting House to the Habitat for Humanity to convert to a single family affordable housing was granted by the Town Council to allow the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork and actions for the transaction

• Formal approval to purchase the new kiosks to be used in the town parking lots to implement the parking bylaw changes approved in the prior meetings was granted

• The Town Council approved as amended the calendar year 2023 meeting schedule. The one change was from Apr 9 to Apr 26. The document also included the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee proposed meeting schedules for reference. Those groups need to respectfully approve their own schedule

• The policy to formally call out the process and approvals required for naming any public property was approved. It had been referenced many times that such a policy existed but when it was looked for it could not be found, hence this is now in place.  

The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on November 30, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-890-town-council-mtg-11-30-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document (one correction, on the vote for the single tax rate my notes said the no vote was cast by Chandler when it was really Sheridan. Twitter doesn’t allow for editing tweets hence this note of acknowledgment.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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"

Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Franklin Town Council meeting of Nov 30, 2022 video replay available (YouTube)

The Town Council met on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022. One member was absent, one remote so all votes were via roll call. My full set of notes, along with the audio, will be shared in a day or so. 

In the meantime, here is the Franklin TV video replay via YouTube ->

https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Inclusionary zoning and tax rate hearing on tap for meetings Wednesday night

Two meetings on tap for Wednesday at the Municipal Building. First up at 5:45 PM the Economic Development "Plus" subcommittee, followed by the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. I plan on reporting on both meetings. Franklin TV will be broadcasting both via cable (Verizon or Comcast), live streaming, Zoom, and YouTube. So there are multiple ways to view and/or participate in the meetings.

1 - Economic Development Agenda

1. Discussion: Zoning

a. Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw

Agenda doc and remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_edc_agenda.pdf

The prior meeting started this discussion and as time ran out, the discussion resumes at this session. Catch up to the discussion before the meeting:

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/economic-development-subcmte-recommends.html

2 - Town Council Agenda

Full agenda and docs released ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Charts explaining the tax rate history can be found ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.html

the "Plus" Cmte gets into housing density proposal

Good news, the tax rate is going down; however, that doesn't mean our taxes are decreasing

The Town Council gets to formally approve the tax rate for Fiscal Year 2023 at the Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 30, 2022. This annual event formally closes the cycle on the Fiscal Year calendar as it approves the tax rate for the budget approved in June and adjusted in October. 

The tax rate hearing portion of the agenda doc can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._tax_hearing.pdf

The numbers in this doc allowed me to update (adding FY 2023 #s) to my spreadsheet to produce these charts.

As this chart shows, the tax rate does fluctuate from year to year. We have been as low as 8.86% in 2007, and as high as 14.84% in 2015.

the tax rate does fluctuate from year to year

The tax rate is going down from 14.05 to 12.58%. This is due to the increase in overall residential and commercial property valuations increasing. We have all seen what the housing market is doing. This chart shows the relationship between the total assessed valuations and the property tax rates. When the market drops in 1988 and 2008, the rates rise. As the market increases, as in the most recent 2 years, the rate declines.

the relationship between the total assessed valuations and the property tax rates

We do have a single tax rate and that is one question the Council will need to confirm. It is likely they will continue with a single rate. A dual rate doesn't raise any more money than the single, it only takes more from one party than the other. In this case, if we did have a split rate, taking a single dollar from the Residential rate would raise the Commercial/Industrial rate by $4 to raise the same revenue. What do you think might happen as businesses reacted to a $4 tax rate increase? 

We do need to grow our overall revenue base and more commercial/industrial growth would be better than more residential growth. We have shifted slightly through the years, but generally in and around an 80-20 split. Follow the bar, or the line. The bar and the line add up to 100%.

commercial/industrial valuation split vs. residential

So bottom line, while we do need more commercial/industrial growth, whether the tax rate goes up or down (as it does this year), the one other constant in the mix is that the tax bills do increase. This last chart shows that relationship.

whether the tax rate goes up or down the tax bills do increase

A PDF version of the four charts can be found here

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MgiCr2-wD5VE5nfSmOR9wn6e5F4jir0j/view?usp=share_link

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for Nov 30, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 30, 2022 - 7:00 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

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.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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 - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Items: 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._elks_riders_presentation.pdf 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-76: Gift Acceptance - Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-76- Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-76_gift_acceptance_vets.pdf

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-77 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-77_tax_classification_residential_factor.pdf

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-78 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-78_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-79 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-79_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption.pdf

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-80 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-80_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption.pdf

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-81 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-81_-_tax_classification_senior_means_tested_exemption.pdf

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin

Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-82 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._22-82_old_south_church_w_proposal_redacted.pdf

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-83 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._22-83_parking_kiosks.pdf

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-84 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9i._22-84_tc_schedule.pdf

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-887: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Lincoln Street and

Lincolnwood Drive (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw 22-887 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-887_bylaw_amendment_zoning_changes_0.pdf

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-85 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9k._22-85_naming_policy.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Town Council recognizes Carloni, appoints Wallace, approves license for La Cantina, hears from the Recreation Dept, and more at their Wednesday meeting (audio)

FM #883 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 883 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 16, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Frongillo) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.

Quick summary of meeting:

• The meeting opened with recognition of Becki Carloni of the Franklin Fire Department for her off duty life saving effort at a sporting event.

• The appointment of Alison Wallace to the Library Board of Directors was approved.

• The Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market by La Cantina Winery Company was approved. The first market is this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

• Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation provided an update on the operation of the Recreation Department including near term plans and future plans.

• There was also a discussion on the approach to determine the reuse of Davis Thayer. Consensus was to set up a Reuse Committee of town folks interested in this building and location to make a proposal to the Council for approval. Details on the volunteer application process will be forthcoming and the process will kick off sometime in 2023.

• Legislation to approve of an increase to the minimum wage for both the senior citizen and veterans tax work off programs was approved.

• Legislation to adjust the budget with some transfers and final numbers of state aid, etc. was approved. This had been previewed by the Finance Committee in their meeting last week and unanimously recommended. This adjustment step was needed before the tax rate is set. The hearing for the tax rate is scheduled for the Nov 30 Town Council meeting.

• The Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Kickoff Process has begun. The Conservation Commission will lead this effort to update the plan.

The recording runs just about 2 hours and 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on October 16, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-883-town-council-mtg-11-16-22

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

The agenda and documents released for this session can be found  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_16_town_council_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video replay of the meeting is available on YouTube https://youtu.be/v_88xT1K7mU

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kcsiah2iONeLXjpPRlc9dOSEKNKpx8AQ/view?usp=share_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

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"

firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation

Town Council recognizes Carloni, appoints Wallace, approves license for La Cantina, hears from the Recreation Dept, and more at their Wednesday meeting (video)

The Town Council held their session Wednesday in Council Chambers beginning at 7 PM. One member (Frongillo was remote) so all votes were via roll call. One member absent (Dellorco).

• The meeting opened with recognition of Becki Carloni of the Franklin Fire Department for her off duty life saving effort at a sporting event.
• The appointment of Alison Wallace to the Library Board of Directors was approved.
• The Special License to allow sale of wine at 2022-2023 Franklin Winter Farmers’ Market by La Cantina Winery Company was approved. The first market is this Saturday from 10 AM to 2 PM.
• Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation provided an update on the operation of the Recreation Department including near term plans and future plans.
• There was also a discussion on the approach to determine the reuse of Davis Thayer. Consensus was to set up a Reuse Committee of town folks interested in this building and location to make a proposal to the Council for approval. Details on the volunteer application process will be forthcoming and the process will kick off sometime in 2023.
• Legislation to approve of an increase to the minimum wage for both the senior citizen and veterans tax work off programs was approved.
• Legislation to adjust the budget with some transfers and final numbers of state aid, etc. was approved. This had been previewed by the Finance Committee in their meeting last week and unanimously recommended. This adjustment step was needed before the tax rate is set. The hearing for the tax rate is scheduled for the Nov 30 Town Council meeting.
• The Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Kickoff Process has begun. The Conservation Commission will lead this effort to update the plan.

The agenda and documents released for this session can be found

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_16_town_council_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video replay of the meeting is available on YouTube

https://youtu.be/v_88xT1K7mU

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF document ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Kcsiah2iONeLXjpPRlc9dOSEKNKpx8AQ/view?usp=share_link

firefighter/paramedic Becki Carloni Listens to Councilor Pellegri read the proclamation