Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting, Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 19, 2025 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 26, 2025   

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4743/3a-February-26-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. March 5, 2025  

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4747/3b-March-5-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-15: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-15 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4746/9a--25-15-and-25-16---Override-Date-and-Question

b. Resolution 25-16: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-16 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4745/9b-1---RESOLUTION-25-16---Override-Ballot-Date

c. Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-925 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4730/9c-25-925-and-25-926---Raymond-St-Sewer-Extension-2

d. Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-926 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4731/9d-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-926---Water-System-Map---Raymond-St

 

e. Resolution 25-17: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Services Department ($635) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-17 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4742/9e-25-17---Gift-Acceptance---Vets-Dept

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Police Station Building Committee

e. 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 

Agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639

Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting, Wednesday, MArch 19, 2025 at 7 PM

Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget

March 14, 2025

To: Town Council

From:  Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 25-15: Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question Resolution 25-16: Setting Date of Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot

Before the Council this evening are two resolutions relative to an override. The first resolution establishes the date of a special override election. The second establishes the exact question that will be on the ballot.

Beginning in January, the Joint Budget Subcommittee (JBSC), consisting of four members of Town Council, three members of the School Committee, and four members of the Finance Committee, along with the Town Administrator and Superintendent, held a series of six public listening sessions in various locations across town. The objective of these sessions was to give residents multiple opportunities to share opinions, ask questions and gain a better understanding of how the Town’s budget deficit will impact Town services, School services and resident taxes in FY26 and beyond, both with and without an override. The response to these sessions was overwhelmingly positive with many new and familiar faces in attendance and a tremendous amount of valuable information shared. We truly appreciate the questions and feedback and hope this community engagement continues to grow!

At the final JBSC listening session on March 12th, the Committee voted, 9-1 (with one member absent) to recommend the following:

1) That the Town Council vote to put forth a $3,862,672 override ballot question to the registered voters of the Town of Franklin with the following ballot question language - "Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to assess an additional $3,862,672 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of the municipal and school operating budgets for which monies from this assessment will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025". 

2) That the Town Council vote to place the proposed override ballot question before the residents for a vote at a Special Town Election on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

For more information please visit the FY26 Budget page on our website. Assuming the Town Council approves a ballot question and date for the special election, the Town will upload a dedicated override website with legally allowable information.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4746/9a--25-15-and-25-16---Override-Date-and-Question

Proposition 2 ½ Override Ballot Question for FY 2026 Town & School budget

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3 (audio)

FM #1404 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1404 in the series. 

This session shares the last of the 6 Joint Budget Listening Sessions held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at the FHS Auditorium. 10 of the 11 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & School Supt Lucas Giguere.

Quick recap:

• Brief statements by TA Hellen and Supt Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. 

• Approx 100 folks in the audience this evening, a mix of town staff, school dept and teachers, and residents

• 10 members of the Joint Budget Subcmte present on the stage along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere

• A dozen folks asked questions, some more than 1; some got long answers, some got short answers

• the Subcommittee gets their say one at a time (beginning approx 9:15 PM), then after hearing the majority for the 3.8 number with some for a pyramid (also adding a higher #, 4.9 possibly)

• Motion for the $3863,672, seconded and then after discussion it passes by a 9-1 vote (1 voting no, O'Sullivan)

• Motion for Tuesday, June 3, 2025 as the date, second, passes 10-0

• motion to adjourn, passes 10-0

The recording runs about 3 hours 20 minutes , so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1404-joint-budget-listening-session-6-03-12-25/

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

Franklin TV video for viewing -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3yEVAe0NHU 

Meeting agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03122025-1620

My notes captured during the session  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Afr2hGWcMvzGJX1zd_VojMpjkl9WMTU-/view?usp=drive_link 

Link to the Town page with the budget materials for both Town and School sides

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

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 

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

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"

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3 (video)

The 6th and final Joint Budget Listening Session shifted from listening to the audience to listening to each other at about 9:15 PM and began the discussion on the potential override. The ultimate recommendation was for the amount of $3,862,672 and for Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

The Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3yEVAe0NHU

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/Joint-Budget-Subcommittee-6/?#_03122025-1620

Quick recap

• Approx 100 folks in the audience this evening, a mix of town staff, school dept and tachers, and residents
• 10 members of the Joint Budget Subcmte present on the stage along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere
• A dozen folks asked questions, some more than 1; some got long answers, some got short answers
• the Subcommittee gets their say one at a time (beginning approx 9:15 PM), then after hearing the majority for the 3.8 number with some for a pyramid (also adding a higher #, 4.9 possibly)
• Motion for the $3863,672, seconded and then after discussion it passes by a 9-1 vote (1 voting no, O'Sullivan)
• Motion for Tuesday, June 3, 2025 as the date, second, passes 10-0
• motion to adjourn, passes 10-0

My notes taken during the session in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Afr2hGWcMvzGJX1zd_VojMpjkl9WMTU-/view?usp=drive_link

Joint Budget Subcommittee recommends to the Town Council a $3.862 M override for Tuesday, June 3 (video)

Watch, Listen, Read: The 5th Joint Budget Listening Session - Saturday, March 8

This combines the video, audio, and transcript for the 5th of the 6 listenting sessions in advance of the possible override decision/discussion for the FY 2026 budget.

This is the fifth of 6 listening sessions scheduled through March 12, 2025 in advance of a decision on an override (yes, or no), when? and for what amount. The decision discussion is committed to be on the agenda for the March 19 Town Council meeting.

** Watch

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LlUDdpZqkNg?t=13s

** Listen

audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1400-joint-budget-subcmte-listening-session-5-03-08-25/

** Read 

Transcript prepared by Otter.ai and edited for speaker name accuracy. As the audio time stamp is also included you can synch the transcript to either the video or audio to catch the full spoken word.  PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z1SxqeiATwyuoUB8oiIn2dXPei-z_JlW/view?usp=drive_link

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

The agenda doc ->  https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122025-1560

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

Watch, Listen, Read: The 5th Joint Budget Listening Session - Saturday, March 8

5th Joint Budget Listening Session held with remote participation option on Saturday, March 8 (audio)

FM #1400 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1400 in the series. 

This session shares the Joint Budget Listening Session held Saturday, March 8, 2025 Council Chambers. 8 of the 10 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & School Supt Lucas Giguere.

Brief statements by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Superintendent Lucas Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. More than 14 folks stepped up to comment or ask a question, some multiple questions. Felicia Oti, Library Director spoke to the work being done by the Library.

Link to the Town page with the budget materials for both Town and School sides

https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 

As of today, $3.8M short, got a slight update with the preview of the preliminary budget being presented to the Town Council Wednesday, March 5.

The recording runs about 2 hours 7 minutes , so let’s listen in. Audio link ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1400-joint-budget-subcmte-listening-session-5-03-08-25/

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

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

My notes captured during the session

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wBaFVj9_9K0Rj1z23CGl2--vaO0QsoIn/view?usp=drive_link 

Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 

Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF 

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 

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

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"

5th Joint Budget Listening Session held with remote participation option on Saturday, March 8 (audio)

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wBaFVj9_9K0Rj1z23CGl2--vaO0QsoIn/view?usp=drive_link

Professional Firefighters Of Franklin Local statement on Town of Franklin FY 2026 Budget

Professional Firefighters Of Franklin

IAFF Local 2637

P.O. Box 161

Franklin, Ma 02038

508-528-2323x1962

Professional Firefighters Of Franklin Local

Brian Hamann, President

Joshua Impey. Vice President

David Ogilvie, Treasurer

Michael Mcconaghy. Secretary

To the Residents of Franklin:

On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, a Town Council meeting was held where Town Administrator Hellen outlined the proposed FY 2026 budget for the Town of Franklin. This budget model reflects a S3.8 million structural budget deficit. In this proposed budget, a S250,000.00 cut was highlighted for the Franklin Fire Department. These budget cuts will directly result in a reduction of staffing for the Franklin Fire Department. 

Over the past 6 years, the Town Administrator, Town Council, and the residents of Franklin have made great strides to improve and invest in the Fire Department so that we are able to respond to the increased demand for service in our community. These budget cuts would be detrimental to our organization and to all of the residents, businesses, and visitors to our town. These cuts mean that the Yd ambulance is no longer staffed and therefore unable to respond to emergencies in the community. These cuts could result in a delay in service and decrease the availability of the Tower Ladder to respond to incidents. 

We cannot afford to go backwards. The Town's population is growing, our call volume is increasing, and the demand for Fire Department services is higher than ever. These cuts would undo years of progress and take our department back to a time where our resources were  stretched far too thin. The fire department has been responsible and transparent with its budget. 

We have never asked for more than what is needed to keep the community safe.

If an override does not happen and cuts move forward, public safety will suffer.

This is your town. 

Your tax dollars. 

Your Safety:

Professional Firefighters of Franklin

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DG3sIc9SAzN/

For additional information on the FY 2026 Town budget visit the Town page ->  https://franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500

3 meetings, approx 5 hours distilled to a 30 minute summary in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1397 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1397 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, March 6, 2025.  

Our conversation condenses the three recent meetings:

• Police Station Building Cmte Mtg - 02/25/25

• Town Council meeting - 2/26/25

• Town Council meeting - 3/05/25 

We focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• Police Station Building Committee 2/25/25

Team together and starting work; No site chosen, no design or estimates other than rough ballparks; Site visits planned to see others recently done; Open houses planned to enable the community to see inside; Video also planned to share views/walkthrough, website with info being built; Likely at east 2 years before some firm details, estimates, sometime after a decision on building vote or not

• Town Council meeting 2/26/25

ALS/BLS ambulance fee increase approved

Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program

• Town Council last night - 3/05/25

Police swearing in, replacement for recent retiree, 

String quartet and proclamation

OPEB update

Good position, funding plan, AAA related impact

FY 2026 budget update

Listening session at Senior Center ¾

Council Chambers, 3/8 & FHS auditorium on 3/12

JBSC recommendation at end of 3/12 session

Town Council to take up 3/19

$3.862 M shortage, no money to be found otherwise raise or cut

Details on Town page, opportunities for discussion, questions as mentioned

Easement for DCR, and commitment on $1M to help with rail trail extension when the federal acquisition process allows

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the three recent meetings

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1397-town-council-quarterbacking-03-06-25/

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

Franklin TV video is ready for replay

• Police Stn 02/25/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWC6PbFTu0s 

• Town Council 02/26/25  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y 

• Town Council 03/05/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHS9BRE4cA&t=100 

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

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"

3 meetings, approx 5 hours distilled to a 30 minute summary in this Quarterbacking session (audio)