On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)

FM #878 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 878 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

• FinCom recap; Minor adjustments $542k on $128m is only .004

• Budget cycle

• SNETT work completed by MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation  

• Town Council teasers

The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/On-the-Horizon---Budget--SNETT-Upgrades-and-Town-Council-Teasers-e1qoo24/a-a8s5r8o

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Finance Committee notes and links ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/finance-committee-gets-update-on-fy.html 

Nov 16, 2022 agenda -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-16.html

Economic Development Subcommittee ->

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

121 Grove St info ->

• Application => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_application.pdf

• Site plan => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_schematic_plan_set.pdf 

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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

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"

On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)

Franklin, MA: Tax Rate Public Hearing scheduled for Nov 30, 2022

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. on the issue of allocating the local property tax levy among the 5 property classes for the Fiscal Year 2023. The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion of local property tax policy. Interested taxpayers may present oral or written information on their views.

Prior to the setting of the tax rate, the Town Council must adopt a Residential Factor following which the Council selects the percentage of the levy to be borne by Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property.

Citizens are welcome to attend public meetings in person. Additionally, citizens will be able to continue to participate remotely via phone OR Zoom. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Alecia Alleyne

Assistant to the Town Administrator

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-11-30_tax_rate_hearing_legal_ad_-_web.pdf

Franklin, MA: Tax Rate Public Hearing scheduled for Nov 30, 2022

Town Council meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts

FM #671-672 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 671-672 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hour into two (2) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, Tax Rate Hearing including approval of the several resolutions required to complete setting the rate for FY 2022 (~49 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6128980e-13cf-4dcd-9189-ed9d2716ea4a
• Second - covers the annual Snow presentation and discussion, Council Comments, and Council votes to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting. (~ 1 hour and 11minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/91a26556-85de-4148-aba1-0fb3070e4d48

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Dec 1, 2021

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Agenda document ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf

My notes from the meeting  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-sets-tax-rate-at.html 

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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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.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 meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts

Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/02/21 - What happened at the Town Council meeting? (audio)

FM #670 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 670 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 December 1, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Subcommittee assignments announced, meeting calendar approved

• Tax rate hearing

• Snow presentation

• TA Report – NationalGrid

The recording runs about 35 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Dec 2, 2021

** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/85b955b3-30b4-48da-8224-2a8adc484fe5

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Town Council Agenda document ->  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-sets-tax-rate-at.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"

Snow presentation

Recap: Town Council sets tax rate at 14.05; hears of snow removal plans and issues

Quick Recap:

• Council Chair Tom Mercer announced the subcommittee appointments also including a vice-chair for each committee to help with scheduling. An ad-hoc subcommittee to look at the Rules and Procedures was also announced. The calendar of Council meetings for the upcoming year was formally approved
• The Council heard the presentation from Kevin Doyle and Chris Feeley then voted to approve the single tax rate at 14.05 for FY 2022
• DPW Director Cantoreggi provided the annual update on the snow removal plans. Coordination with School Superintendent and Police Chief Lynch is an early morning discussion to decide school opening status. Snow plow contractors are still in short supply and the cost of salt has increased over last year
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update on NationalGrids work on their infrastructure to help mitigate the potential of and recovery from power outages.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting in the Council Chambers. 

 

The Twitter hashtag #TC1201 can be found online The thread begins with  

https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1466194849766559744

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Tz6ekHkG7iH7Nqhb9

• getting ready for live reporting on the Town Council meeting coming up at 7 PM - agenda and connection info -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf…  #tc1201
• Chair Mercer opens meeting, reads the standard message on access, etc. #tc1201
• Council subcommittees announced, details to be added later: vice-chairs added to the subcomms to enable better subcommittee operations #tc1201 Rules and Procedures subcomm added; Pellegri to serve as member of GATRA board (replacing Dellorco)
• no citizen comments either in person or remote; #tc1201 next up, 3 mins early for public hearing - to fill in skipping to cable fund transfers https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10g._peg_3rd_qrtr.pdf… motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• next resolution -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10h._memo_and_resolution_gifts.pdf…  on gift acceptances #tc1201 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 Municipal Veterans Assistance fund, folks have been generous, thanks to all contributing

Public Hearing on Tax Classification

• next up - public hearing on tax classification -> documentation for the hearing, rate to drop to $14.05/thousand (dropping from 14.65 due to overall real estate valuations rising) https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6._tax_classification.pdf…  Kevin Doyle, Assessor; Chris Feeley, Chair of Board of Assessors
• in the documentation, both the memo, overview, as well as a slide set can be used to follow along  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6._tax_classification.pdf…  #tc1201
• note the median value of the single family home ($470800) is exactly that, in the listing of values, this is the middle number, not the average. #tc1201
• change in local valuation of some utility infrastructure used to be net book value, now at a higher valuation process - also being used across the state for the first time; a use value #tc1201
• a shift of a $1 from the residential rate would raise the commercial industrial personal property results in an increase of $4 #tc1201
• citizen question on appraisal vs. possible sale amount, trying to figure out how this work? #tc1201 Board would have someone visit to evaluate the individual household and property.
• the Board of assessors form for an property tax evaluation https://mass.gov/files/documents/2017/09/25/form128.pdf…  #tc1201
• Chandler speaks for the single tax rate given the 80/20 split we have currently - Dellorco, thanks for explaining the single tax rate, it is a question I get all the time -  Jones, always believed in the single rate, less discriminatory than split #tc1201
• Jones - continues on Prop 2.5 set in 1980, inflation rate since then is closer to 3%, we have not been able to keep up with expenses. #tc1201 Frongillo would have made the point on 2.5; adds that the downtown business pay the most for the resources received
• Pellegri adds that while we (residents) could see the decrease on the taxes but see the increase reflected in other costs as the services provided by the businesses would increase to cover for their increase #tc1201
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._21-74_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_factor.pdf…  #tc1201  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-75_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf… #tc1201 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10c._21-76_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_.pdf…  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10d._21-77_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_.pdf…  motion, seconded, citizen comment on reconsideration of this measure - passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10e._21-78_resolution_-_tax_classification_senior_means_tested_exemption_.pdf…  motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0 #tc1201
• Next up, last legislation item, calendar of meetings for Town Council https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10f._21-79_memo_w_backup_resolution_-_2022_tc_schedule_office_hours_fin_com_cpc_sched.pdf…  #tc1201 motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0

Annual Snow Removal Presentation

• next up the annual snow removal presentation  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_-_snow_brutus.pdf…  #tc1201 special night doing taxes and snow on same night Director "Brutus" Cantoreggi providing insights on the presentation doc (in link)
• goal to have road with some asphalt and less than inch of ice snow in four hours after the storm finishes #tc1201 58.5" inches last year, about $1M using 5200 tons of salt (est $100K more for salt alone this year)
• about 35 pieces of equipment on road for storm, approx. $1600/hour  plus contractors at about $10K per hour of storm; contractor shortage with multiple reasons driving it #tc1201
• check out slide in the presentation on effects of all the issues outlined #tc1201
• for schools, easier to delay opening, hardest to send home early (parents/guardians aren't ready) #tc1201 
• be aware of the winter storm parking ban called as needed (once upon a time, used to be all winter)
• fire hydrant clearing program   https://franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/adopt-hydrant…  #tc1201 volunteer to clear a hydrant in your neighborhood
• check out the top 10 complaints received during snow storms #tc1201 will use GIS records to determine where fences and irrigation systems are located, if on Town property, not allowed no compensation
• Question on doing all roads before all sidewalks? it would be another expense, more personnel and equipment would be required; consider that during the road clearing, where does the snow go? to the sidewalks, then you'd have to clear them 2 or 3 times #tc1201
• remote work actually has increased local traffic, not decreased it; DOT and other looking at the models to adjust accordingly; also did buy salt to finish out the funding last year and leave us this year with full stock to start #tc1201
• parts and breakage an issue; DPW has trucks on order from last capital that haven't arrived yet likely won't be available for this year #tc1201 CDL is a Federal license not State; hence marijuana testing is a key factor, ok local, but not Federal
• Chandler likes the change from all winter parking ban to the storm based one; also glad to hear that it is working well; Police coordination helps; usually an issue with first storm but not ones after; #tc1201
• TA Hellen, thanks to the DPW and staff or all the good work they do; thanks to the residents for your patience  #tc1201

Town Administrator's Report

• TA Report - pole position request recently handled to help NationalGrid for the infrastructure to help detect power outages, one key piece in final phase of their committed improvements; there are have been improvements recently, hopefully noticed #tc1201

Councilor Comments

• no future agenda items around; councilor comments - Cormier-Leger, could be saving with municipal aggregation check your bill, thanks to youth hockey and DPW for the common decorations; #tc1201 plug for the FANN directory - https://franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html
• Q on Red Brick School, evaluation to est/plan removal of lead paint as well as basic restorations, should be coming to CPC sometime for prioritization, may not fit some folks timelines but it is what it is #tc1201
• ability to get a contractor onsite is an issue; no matter how it is funded remains to be a problem with getting this kind of special contract services #tc1201
• Pellegri thanks to the Concerts on the Common for their work on Santa; ornaments available at Historical Museum; invite to seniors for GATRA feedback, at the Senior Center council hours 3rd Thursday at 8:30 AM  #tc1201
• Open Mic night - "Love Franklin" at THE BLACK BOX on 12/08/21 link shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/12/franklin-freedom-team-announces-events.html… sign up to read
• #thinkFranklinFirst gift cards still around (never left) https://franklingiftcard.com #tc1201
• Hamblen to represent Franklin at MMA training; winter farmer market this Saturday; #tc1201 condolences to the Michigan families of the high school shooting; 

Executive Session

• motion to enter executive session on property purchase and not to reconvene in open session passes 9-0 via roll

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

snow removal plans and issues