Finance Committee has gets a fiscal discussion but runs out of time to get into the Technology deep dive (audio)

FM #1555 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1555 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, October 22, 2025. The Committee opened with 3 new members getting sworn in. The Committee also formally organized itself with votes to select George Conley as Chair, Natalie Riley as Vice-Chair and Lauren Nagel as Clerk

Quick recap:

• The agenda could not be completed in the time allotted before the Town Council meeting at 7:00 PM. The planned 'deep dive' on Technology was the major item as it will be rescheduled to their Nov 5 meeting.

• During Citizen Comments, M Minnechelli spoke on the economics of development proposals, i.e. 444 E Central, and the need for some body, perhaps FinCom to weigh in to help clarify the numbers that are being mentioned which are conflicting and perhaps erroneous. 

• The Town Administrator advised not weighing in on the specifics of 444 East Central as the public hearing is underway. However an understanding of the overall economics of development would be a good topic for a future meeting

• Much of the discussion revolved around the fiscal issues currently being faced not just by Franklin but by most communities in the State. The "perfect storm" report by the MMA was referenced. The work underway at the State level to take a new look at local contributions for Chap 70 could affect our "hold harmless" situation. The Federal cuts will affect Mass revenues, and some of that will also affect our State funding.

The MMA "perfect storm" report -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/19iUBj6jDGQuWo8XDCfhwefqnK9WlALK1/view?usp=drive_link 

The Town Administrator memo of Aug 7 was refreshed as many appear to have not read it, or understood the implications -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UnddsW97syeHkkVjNOgRlOkKgHgOGiS0/view?usp=drive_link 

The recording runs just about 68 minutes, let’s listen

Audio link ->   https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1555-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-10-22-25/

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Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMhCNMRndj0 

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11PCj1OfVixPiPgZ8jrk5-HD7VjH3vuEu/view?usp=drive_link 

Explore the MMA’s new report,
"A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face
Historic Fiscal Pressures", to understand why

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

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"

Agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for Weds, Oct 22, at 5:30 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 2nd Floor Council Chambers

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Swearing in of the new Finance Committee members

3. Election of Officers - Finance Committee Chair, Vice Chair & Clerk

4. Public Comments 

- 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 Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

5. Approval of Minutes

a. August 11, 2025 

6. Resolution Recommendation

a. Electric Charging Station Expenditure Limit

7. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Account Report

b. Budget vs Actuals 9-30-2025

c. Fees Revenue by Department 9-30-2025

d. FY26 Budget Tracker as of 9-30-2025

8. Town Budget Updates

a. Town Administrator Fiscal Forecast

i. Town Administrator Memorandum

ii. Five Year Fiscal Forecast

iii. Five Year Department Forecast

iv. Budget Presentation

b. A Perfect Storm: Cities and Towns Face Historical Fiscal Pressures

9. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive Series”

a. Technology Capital Presentation - Tim Rapoza, Technology Director

10. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Date:

a. November 5, 2025

b. December 10, 2025

11. Finance Committee Member Comments

12. Adjourn

The agenda doc is rich with links to supporting materials

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10222025-1961

Agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting scheduled for Weds, Oct 22, at 5:30 PM

Finance Committee reschedules their deep dive on Technology until the fall (audio)

FM #1467 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1467 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Committee initially struggled to make a quorum needing 5 members. It had one, then 2, 3, and 4. Discussion on whether to hold the meeting as quorum appeared to be in jeopardy. 2 more arrived to make quorum. 

Given the nature of the topic, a deep dive on Technology, that 3 new members of the committee will be appointed in July and should participate, that 1 present wouldn’t be returning, it was decided to postpone the meeting and topic until the fall.

For the record, the decision was formalized with the ‘official’ meeting opening and closing in less than one minute. 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1467-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-06-11-25/

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

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781

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

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. 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"

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting June 11, 2025 at 7 PM

Finance Committee 

Meeting Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Wednesday, June 11, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

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 Finance Committee cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Finance Committee may ask town staff to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the town staff from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. Approval of Minutes

a. April 28, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5904/2025-04-28-Finance-Committee-Meeting-Minutes

b. April 29, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5905/2025-04-29-Finance-Committee-Meeting-Minutes

c. May 1, 2025  

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5908/2025-05-01-Finance-Committee-Meeting-Minutes

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Technology Capital Presentation - Tim Rapoza, Technology Director

5. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Account Report   

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5900/Stabilization-Fund-Balances-4-30-2025docx

6. Future Agenda Items / Next meeting Date: September 10, 2025

7. Finance Committee Member Comments

8. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781

Franklin, MA: Agenda for the Finance Committee meeting June 11, 2025 at 7 PM

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 285 - Interview with Jim Spadaccini (audio)

Hosts Kim Simone and Mark Lenzi explore all things wine with you!

Immersive Wine Experiences: The Future of Tasting with Ideum

Episode Summary:

Join Kim and Mark on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) as they delve into the cutting edge of wine technology with Jim Spadaccini of Ideum. Discover how Ideum is revolutionizing the wine tasting experience with its innovative interactive tasting tables.

In this episode, Jim shares the story behind Ideum and its expertise in creating captivating museum exhibits. He then dives into the fascinating details of their wine tasting table technology, explaining how it enhances the user experience. Learn how the tables cater to both still and sparkling wines with their different modules, providing a unique and informative journey for wine enthusiasts.

Jim also discusses the accolades Ideum has received for its groundbreaking work and how their experience in museum interactives has contributed to the development of this exciting wine technology. Looking ahead, he offers insights into the future of wine experiences and how technology like Ideum's tasting tables will continue to shape the industry.

Episode 285 - Interview with Jim Spadaccini (audio)

About Ideum:

Ideum is a company specializing in the design and development of interactive experiences. Their wine tasting table technology is transforming the way people engage with wine, offering a blend of education and enjoyment.

Learn More:

Ideum: www.ideum.com

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): www.thewww.wine

Cheers!

Kim and Mark

🍷🍷🍷

http://www.thewww.wine

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #ideum #winetasting

https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-285-interview-with-jim-spadaccini?

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 285-Interview with Jim Spadaccini

Finance Committee approves recommended capital budget & gets the insights on the "hold harmless" liability the Town faces (video)

The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 7 of the 9 members were present in Council Chambers. 

Many of the Town department leaders were present and participating as needed. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere participated as did Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/yzii8AGsv7k?&t=234

The agenda doc also contains supporting information ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_meeting_agenda_-_january_15_2025.pdf

Quick recap 

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walking the committee thru the memo on the capital budget https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf
• Many clarification questions on what for when, as well as possible reallocation of the recommendation
• Chart on free cash is for information purposes
• First resolution on use of free cash for the capital budget resulted in a discussion around amending the amount and creating a technology stabilization fund but ultimately that did not get amended and it was approved as proposed by a 7-0-2 (7 for, 2 absent) vote
• Second resolution on funding from the enterprise accounts was approved as recommended with the same 7-0-2 vote
• Now to the Opioid settlement funds. Memo  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._opioid_settlement_funds.pdf  and the Resolution for approval https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._1_-_resolution_25-02_-_opioid_funding.pdf
• After explanation of the current funding and a look at future funds coming (approx. $1.2M) the vote to approve the resolution passed 7-0-2
• Now to the "hold harmless" topic for Chapter 70 school funding. State house news article references a commission to look at school funding https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b._with_new_term_dawning_spilka_eyes_k-12_funding_reform_primary_care_overhaul_senate_statehousenews.com_.pdf
• We are currently getting $12m over what the school funding formula calls for. We are the
• 2nd largest hold harmless (Boston #1) A change to the formula takes time. Jamie has been warning of this for some years. 
• Approximately 18-20m of town costs for school functions go to the net school spending. accounting to determine the per pupil spending calculation. ** $27m for FY 2024 fiscal year is actual. Confirmed that 24, 25 and 27 for last 3 years
• Long and complex discussion around the possible review of the formula
• Folks see the buildings going up but the population has been flat. Great quote from Jamie (to clip later) on the wealth growth and the hold harmless getting worse unless we choose to pay more

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ArVXe5jDOAsetxonq0voW2eKTSe_XWN3/view?usp=drive_link

Dr Dutch & Jena Melotti presenting on Chap 70 "hold harmless"

A Scientific Christmas Tale | NIST

"’Twas the night before Christmas; NIST staff had gone home.
Our director was left to reflect all alone.
She thought about NIST and the breadth of its work,
from AI to fire to even the quark. 

Our impact, she knew, was broad and widespread,
and triumphs of measurement danced in her head.
Examples abounded of great innovation
spurred by NIST work for the good of the nation.

When people pump gas or buy food at the store,
NIST helps to ensure they get what they paid for.
And when they’re online and making transactions, 
NIST-backed encryption means safer interactions. 

There are frameworks that help with cyber hygiene.
And something we call the million-pound deadweight machine.
What else to her adoring eyes should appear,
but a Lego watt balance and a weathering sphere. "

Continue reading this scientific version of a famous tale

https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/scientific-christmas-tale

A Scientific Christmas Tale | NIST

Middle school program on Technology/Social Media at Horace Mann, Mar 26 at 6 PM

Technology/Social Media

"For parents of middle schoolers at HMMS (and I’m sure they’re happy to have all middle school parents interested).

Technology/Social Media Info Night with Officer Ayer, Tuesday 3/26 at 6pm

Officer Ayer and Principal Motte will be hosting an evening event for HMMS parents/guardians to learn more about the impacts of technology and social media on the lives of the middle school student. We will provide some information on what we are seeing in our roles as Principal and School Resource Officer, and will provide resources for parents to stay informed. 

We hope this can be an opportunity to share our experiences, raise awareness, and identify ways we can work together to help our middle schoolers live healthy lives. This event will take place in the HMMS Library."

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/dnxX8qFYeLEVBi74/

Annual Report for the Franklin Technology Department: FY 2023 Report

The 2023 Annual Report for the Town of Franklin's Technology Department highlights a year of significant accomplishments and progress in advancing the technological infrastructure and services within the town and school district. Despite the challenges posed by the rapidly evolving technology landscape, the department has been able to maintain excellent customer support metrics and make progress on some key initiatives

Department Overview

The Technology Department oversees all technology related functions of the Town of Franklin and the Franklin Public School District. The Technology Department remains committed to empowering the town and school district with innovative solutions, efficient processes, and robust infrastructure. The department's dedicated team works collaboratively to support the town's operations, ensure data security, and drive digital transformation to increase productivity and create efficiencies wherever and whenever opportunities may arise.

Key Initiatives and Achievements

The fiscal year 2023 saw the successful implementation of several technology projects for both the school and town technology systems. We have upgraded hardware and software across various departments, leading to improved efficiency and productivity. Some of those initiatives are listed here 

• Upgrade to wifi at the police department

• DPW Autocad® computer upgrade.

• Installed new projection systems in all gymnasiums.

• Purchased a new large format scanner for the Health department.

• Replaced all non-functioning video displays at the Franklin High School.

• Upgraded the MediaCAST® video distribution system at the Franklin High School.

• Upgrades to 100 town and school desktop workstations.

 

Upgrades to the town's network infrastructure have enhanced connectivity, allowing for seamless communication and data sharing.

Infrastructure , Network, and Security

• Upgraded the school's internet access to 10GB fiber from Cogent Communications.

• Extended the town's fiber optic network to the new forge hill water department and transfer station.

The department invested in server upgrades to ensure optimal performance and reliability of critical systems.

• Replaced all Domain Controllers throughout town and school buildings.

• Upgraded all servers throughout town and school to Windows Server 2019.

Additional cybersecurity measures have been implemented to safeguard sensitive information and protect against cyber threats.

• Multi-Factor Authentication has been implemented for all town employee accounts and all non-union school accounts. The remaining accounts are in progress and will be completed first quarter FY 24.

• DUO® Multi-factor authentication for high risk. users' Windows® accounts and VPN users.

• Sophos® Managed Detection and Response service monitoring has been implemented throughout the town and school network and computer systems. This system greatly reduces our risk exposure and the potential for a costly ransomware attack.

• DOS Arrest® service has also been purchased and implemented to guard against Denial of Service attacks against the school district which would be catastrophic if such attacks occurred during MCAS online testing.

Remote Work Solutions

The Technology Department plays a pivotal role in enabling remote work capabilities, ensuring business continuity during challenging times.

Challenges

Despite the achievements listed above the Technology Department continues to work through the following persistent challenges.

• Budget constraints to replace aging hardware and infrastructure within a reasonable technology life-cycle timeframe

• Cybersecurity is a moving target and is a constant concern

• Employee recruitment and retention is always challenging due to limited budgets and competition with the private sector salaries

Mitigation strategies have been employed to attempt to address these challenges and we strive to ensure the smooth functioning of technology initiatives.

Budget Allocation and Expenditure

As can be seen in the town budget documents available online, the lion's share of the technology budget (95%) is licensing fees for the myriad software we utilize throughout the town. Similarly 96% of the non-salary school budget is also licensing and support fees. Very little is left over for discretionary spending such as hardware repair and maintenance.

Future Roadmap

Technology goals for the upcoming year include the following:

• Replacement of 400 Student Chromebooks and consideration of a possible leasing model to create a sustainable funding source for these replacements over the next 4 years.

• Replacement of 300 Teacher Laptops.

• Plan for replacing 130 10-year-old ceiling mounted projectors at the Franklin High School with TouchView® interactive panels (as we have these already throughout all K-8 classrooms)

• Continuous improvements in technology security (wherever that road may lead) including restoration of a Technology Security Specialist full time position.

• Implement an employee tracking system for Human Resources Department.

• Implement an electronic file storage system and onboarding software for the Human Resources Department.

• Work with the Facilities Department to replace the 10-year-old security camera system at the Franklin High School.

Of course this is not a definitive list as the Technology Department is often called on to provide creative solutions to time-sensitive day-to-day challenges that arise within the organization.

Acknowledgments

The Technology Department could never be as successful as we have been without the dedication and commitment to excellence of the amazing team of professional staff that we are so fortunate to employ. Just as I am aware of the lucrative financial draw of the technology private sector, so are the rest of the team, yet, they (and I) choose to work in Franklin. Why?

Because Franklin is a great place to work! The friendly, respectful environment that permeates throughout all departments promotes a sense of purpose and duty that is rare in the workplace today.

I conclude with a gesture of gratitude to all Franklin employees, committee members, partners, vendors and stakeholders that have contributed to the Technology Department's success and Franklin's success!

For more information, please visit the Technology Department website located at: 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/technology-services 

Thank you.

Sincerely, 

Timothy Rapoza

Director of Technology Services

Town of Franklin, Franklin Public Schools

The Technology Dept report can also be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1txb4pMfsgADJyJihQbObpH-Z57Uo1IiL/view?usp=drive_link

The full Town of Franklin FY 2023 Annual Report can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/annual_report_2023_0.pdf

Attention Seniors in Franklin: Please complete this Technology Survey!

The Franklin Senior Center was awarded a grant for $34,800 to enhance digital literacy for older adults. This grant will help replace outdated equipment, purchase additional equipment, and develop and offer a full technology curriculum specific to seniors. 

Can you help complete the technology survey? This will help the Senior Center create the curriculum based on the input from you! The seniors who use or could use the Center.  

There are also paper surveys available at the Senior Center and available at the library. 

Respond to the Online Survey:  https://forms.gle/LwHSHK2GymoeatTf8

Download a copy of the flyer as a reminder or to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p0fVksx6deYv_H1vA3vHDpCpO7J5vA3o/view?usp=drive_link

Attention Seniors in Franklin: Please complete this Technology Survey