Showing posts with label town administrator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label town administrator. Show all posts

Sunday, March 9, 2025

5th Joint Budget Listening Session held with remote participation option on Saturday (video)

The 5th in the series of 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions was held in the Council Chambers on Saturday, March 8, 2025. This was the only one enabled for Zoom participation and about 10 folks took advantage of this.

The deficit at this point is $3.8M a light increase over the initial projection of $3.6M

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LlUDdpZqkNg?&t=13

The agenda doc contains the updated preliminary budget information released this week -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03082025-1557

The audio will be made available and the transcript in the next couple of days. You can find the collection of video, audio and transcripts for the prior sessions here ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.html

My notes captured during the listening session can be found in one PDF file




Monday, March 3, 2025

Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (audio)

FM #1392 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1392 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators Review. The meeting was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Council Chambers. 


Subcommittee Chair Ted Cormier-Leger opens the meeting. Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Glenn Jones participate. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and many Town department heads are also present and contribute to this session.


Quick recap:

  • Exemplary performance review; Area for improvement to be mindful of verbiage, tone, in public meetings, emails, etc. Be better able to step back and help us all be better

  • In lieu of reading the draft review doc, they walked through some of the sections to pick out key points and allowed Jamie to elaborate on the development of the individual items touting what he (and the town staff) did to complete the item

  • Many of the department managers were present and added comments for their review of Jamie


The meeting runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators review meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1392-franklin-ma-town-administrator-review-02-27-25/



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Franklin TV video available for replay  -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjaqeHc6eII 


The agenda doc includes the draft review ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1604 


My notes captured during the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AssnKA3WLeBxDqbwfKc6owJY6MQ9d6pM/view?usp=drive_link


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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

 

How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (audio)
Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (audio)

Sunday, March 2, 2025

Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (video)

The Ad-Hoc Sumbcommittee of the Town Council assigned to conduct the annual review for Town Administrator Jamie Hellen met on Thursday evening Feb 27, 2025 as scheduled. Subcommittee Chair Ted Cormier-Leger open the meeting with Councilors Hamblen and Jones present.

Franklin TV video available for replay  -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjaqeHc6eII

The agenda doc includes the draft review ->

Quick recap:
  • Exemplary review, Area for improvement to be mindful of verbiage, tone, in public meetings, emails, etc. Be better able to step back and help us all be better
  • In lieu of reading the draft review doc, they walked through some of the sections to pick out key points and allowed Jamie to elaborate on the development of the individual items touting what he (and the town staff) did to complete the item
  • Many of the department managers were present and added comments for their review of Jamie
My notes captured during the meeting -> 

Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (video)
Town Administrator Ad-hoc Review Meeting 2/27/26 (video)


Thursday, February 27, 2025

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, February 27, 2025 ???

Thursday, February 27

5pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium)


for additional details on Library events ->  https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=24&showPastEvents=false
for additional details on Library events ->  https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=24&showPastEvents=false


**  Town Meetings today   **


Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee


Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) - No meeting, next scheduled meeting March 13

https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1539



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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false


Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION AD HOC COMMITTEE
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 27, 2025 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street



1. CALL TO ORDER

2. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR EVALUATION DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATION
a. Chair Memo & Evaluation
b. Town Council/Town Administrator Goals list September 2024-25
c. Town Administrator Contract Language
d. Staff Input:
  • i. James McLaughlin, Fire Chief
  • ii. Ryan Jette, Recreation Director
  • iii. Felicia Oti, Library Director
  • iv. Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator
  • v. Kerri Bertone, Chief Financial Officer
  • vi. Other Department Heads

3. ADJOURN

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info -> 

Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025
Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Committee meeting scheduled for February 27, 2025

Friday, February 14, 2025

Jamie leads the group on 5 hot topics in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)

FM #1382 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1382 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.  


Several folks joined in this roundtable discussion on a variety of hot topics around development. Joining the discussion 

  • Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director

  • Cathleen Liberty, Health Director

  • Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning & Community Development

  • Joel D’Errico, Franklin resident & developer

  • Joe Halligan, Franklin resident & developer

  • Brad Chaffee, Franklin resident & developer for Camford Property Group  

  • Gus Brown, Building Commissioner


Key topics

  • Main development issue, change

  • Then 5 things that are top complaints

    • Traffic

    • Density

    • Environmental concerns

    • Too many school children

    • Character of the Town


The recording runs about 1 Hour & 40 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation on Franklin’s development hot topics. Audio link -> https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin---A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office-e2f34do/a-aatdjc7



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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 


Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 


Master Plan (as approved by Planning Board & Town Council)

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report 


Jimmy McMillen, founder of the “Rent is too Damn High Party”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rent_Is_Too_Damn_High_Party


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


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"


Jamie leads the group on 5 hot topics in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)
Jamie leads the group on 5 hot topics in this "Talk Franklin" episode (audio)

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Franklin, MA Town Administrator Jamie Hellen Voted as MMA President

Franklin Town Administrator voted by statewide municipal colleagues to serve as President

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce that our Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen, has been voted by his colleagues throughout Massachusetts as the 2025 President of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Board of Directors. The MMA Board of Directors are made up of municipal leaders, including Town Managers, Mayors, City Councillors, Select Board and Finance Committee members from throughout Massachusetts.

“I am deeply honored that my colleagues throughout Massachusetts chose and voted to have me serve as MMA President this year”, said Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. “Make no mistake, this appointment is less about me personally, but more so recognizes the deep respect that municipal officials across the entire state have for the Town of Franklin. This is a reflection of the creativity, innovation and leadership every single member of our town and school staff have across Massachusetts. This is a team win; the entire town and school staff and Franklin Town Council should be exceptionally proud of their continuous work to distinguish Franklin.”
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (left) will serve as president of the MMA and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove (right) will serve as vice president.
Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen (left)
will serve as president of the MMA
and Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove
(right) will serve as vice president. (MMA Photo)


Mr. Hellen was appointed at a Board of Directors meeting last weekend at the Connect 351 annual conference of municipal leaders in Boston. Over a dozen officials from Franklin attended the conference, including Massachusett Municipal Councillors Association (MMCA) member and Franklin Town Councillor, Melanie Hamblen.

“I am really proud that Franklin has a leadership role in the MMA and a seat at the table with respect to state policy impacting local government” said Town Councilor, Melanie Hamblen, who serves as a member of the MMCA and on many committees, including the Nominating Selection Committee for City Councillors to the MMA Board of Directors. “It is clear many communities across Massachusetts view Franklin as a role model given the leadership the Town has demonstrated over the years. Few people have as much passion, dedication and commitment to public service as Jamie. I am personally very happy for him and our community to be recognized in this way.”

As President of MMA, Mr. Hellen will serve a one year term through next year's annual conference in 2026. The main responsibility of the President is to Chair the monthly Board of
 
Directors meetings, as well as facilitating the Local Government Advisory Council (LGAC) with Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. Each LGAC meeting features top state officials, such as state cabinet secretaries to collaborate on policy decisions at the state level that affect cities and towns.

Mr. Hellen will serve as the 49th President in MMA history. Many longtime residents may also recall that Mr. Hellen’s predecessor, Jeff Nutting, also served as the 33rd MMA President in 2009. The President role rotates between Municipal Mayors, Managers, City Councillors and Select Board members annually. Mr. Hellen will serve as the 15th Town Manager/Administrator in history. 

A list of Past MMA Presidents is here:  https://www.mma.org/about-mma/leadership/mma-past-presidents/

“I’ve been fortunate to serve this community for over four decades on both the Town Council, School Committee and many other town boards. It is never lost on me how fortunate this town has been with respect to leadership and management in our town administration, department heads and school administration” said Tom Mercer, Chair of the Franklin Town Council. “Jamie stepped in for Jeff right away, even before Day 1, and this recognition shows how respected the Town of Franklin is across Massachusetts. The entire community should be really proud of the dedication and success we have had from both Jeff and Jamie over the past 25 years.”


Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Town of Franklin Seeks Input from Residents in Community-Wide Survey

The Town of Franklin will launch The National Community Survey (NCS) on January 8, 2025 to gather resident input for strategic planning initiatives and to align goals around the community’s top priorities.
The Town of Franklin announced they will be launching a community survey to gather resident feedback on a wide array of topics, including economy, mobility, community design, utilities, safety, natural environment, inclusivity, engagement, and other elements of Franklin's overall livability. The survey results will provide the Town with valuable data to incorporate into future policy discussions and strategic planning.

Town of Franklin Seeks Input from Residents in Community-Wide Survey
National Community Survey (NCS)
The National Community Survey (The NCS) was developed by National Research Center at Polco. The results will show Franklin’s strengths, areas in need of improvement, and what matters most to residents. The Town will also be able to see how its performance compares to other communities across the country.

“The National Community Survey provides a fantastic opportunity for residents of Franklin to impact and enhance the quality of life in the Town of Franklin. The feedback received from the survey will give Town staff and officials critical insight into how residents feel about life in Franklin today, and what can be done to make it an even better community in the future. We encourage all residents to complete the survey and help to shape the future of Franklin”, stated Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen.

Five-thousand randomly selected households will receive mailed survey invitations over the next few weeks. Households that receive an invitation are asked to follow the enclosed instructions and complete the survey. Residents who are not included in the random selection will be able to complete the community-wide version of the survey when it is released in early February 2025. To receive notification when this survey is released and to register for a Polco profile, follow this link: polco.us/n/res/signup. The random selection survey and community-wide survey will both close on February 19, 2025.

For more information or questions regarding the survey, contact the Project Manager, Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS at (508) 553-5534 or visit our website at https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/webforms/national-community-survey

About Polco: 
Polco brings people and data together to help build stronger, healthier communities. With award-winning community engagement tools and services, Polco allows leaders to engage residents around their most important topics, align goals, and strengthen public trust. Polco is committed to a strict privacy policy, designed to keep participants’ responses confidential and protect personal data.
Learn more at info.polco.us.

Friday, January 3, 2025

National Community Survey to launch in January to a random sample of Franklin households

Hello neighbors! 
National Community Survey to launch in January
National Community Survey to launch in January

In just a few days, Franklin will launch The National Community Survey. Randomly selected households will receive mailed survey invitations over the next few weeks. If you receive an invite, please follow the instructions and share your input! Your feedback will help us make important plans for our future. 

If you aren't selected for this initial survey effort, we'll also share a community-wide survey soon. To become a member of Franklin's digital sounding board and get notified when this community-wide survey is available, follow this link and register for a Polco profile: polco.us/n/res/signup

For additional information, follow this link: https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/webforms/national-community-survey

Thank you for helping to create a better community for all!

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/national-community-survey

Monday, December 16, 2024

Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7 PM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting
(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)
December 17, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street - 2nd floor, Council Chambers


Agenda
1. Approval of minutes
a. March 8, 2023 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2023-03-08_joint_budget_subcommitte_meeting_minutes_-_google_docs.pdf
b. August 2, 2023 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1b._2023-08-02_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes_-_google_docs.pdf
c. October 11, 2023 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-10-11_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes.pdf
d. March 6, 2024 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes.pdf
e. October 23, 2024 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-10-23_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes.pdf
2. Updated Town Administrator Five-Year Forecast Sketch
a. Administrator Memo - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2a._2024-12-17_jbsc_memo.pdf
b. Updated Five Year Forecast Document - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2b._fy25_5_year_budget_forecast_with_override_-_revenue_summary.pdf
c. Norfolk County Retirement Board Letter & Documents - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2c_0_norfolk_county_retirement_board_letter_11.1.24.pdf
d. State House News Service State Budget Update articles  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2d_1_articles.pdf


4. Adjournment



Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7 PM
Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7 PM