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

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Franklin Town Council sets June 3 for date of Override vote on $3,862,672 to balance FY 2026 budget (audio)

FM #1411 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1411 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 Friday, March 21, 2025.  


Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of March 19, 2025. 


We focus on two questions:


ok, what just happened? 

What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Topics for this session

  • Discussion and vote to set an override before the community in the amount of $3,862,672 and on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. There were 2 separate votes, one on the ballot question text and the second on the date. Both passed with the same 8-0-1 (8 for, none against, 1 absent - Dellorco)

    • The School Committee had met earlier that evening and voted unanimously to support the override vote. Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill stood up to make that announcement during the discussion

  • Other legislation for action on the minimum item agenda for the evening; 2 items to extend the sewer and water lines to a new residence that had already been approved in the first vote both received the passing vote by the same 8-0-1 vote (1 absent) via roll call

  • A resolution accepting gifts to the Veterans services was approved and thanks extended

  • Town Administrator's Report

    • Jamie acknowledged receipt of a letter from Archbishop Henning commending the work of the Fire Dept on the St Mary's Church fire. He had just recently attended the re-opening masses. The letter will be posted to the Town pages

    • The lease for Town use of the Ferrara's parking lot was signed to extend the agreement for 5 years

    • The final approvals on the deed and associated documents for the Old South Church were completed and to be handed over to Habitat for Humanity so the docs can be filed with the Registrar of Deeds, and work can begin to renovate the building for a residence


Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1411-town-council-quarterbacking-03-21-25/


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Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI 


The agenda doc released for the meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03192025-1639 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting (in one PDF) -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TPEkxHcViPCNwOGHmiydPVt1rGW5Xy05/view?usp=drive_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

  • 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"


Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI
Franklin TV video for replay of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoNPkBHRLzI

Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024

Per Town Clerk Nancy Danello (and her entire team), here are the unofficial election results for Nov 5, 2024 (PDF) ->    https://drive.google.com/file/d/12CyG0npCxpd7wSgH3oM1q-aCO-WpjgHN/view?usp=drive_link

Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024
Town of Franklin, MA: Unofficial Election Results for Nov 5, 2024




Town Council approves Rescission of license transfer, accepts Bogan's Way, welcomes Fire Dept news hires & Police Dept promotions (audio)

FM #1305  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1305 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024.  8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was absent. 


Quick recap

  • After multiple citizen comments on a variety of topics the Council got to their agenda items

  • Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics

    • Paul Schleicher Jr.

    • Michael Dumican

    • Corey Rafter

    • Steven Osorio

    • Shea Hurley

  • First time to have 60 firefighters on staff, need to keep up with the growing needs of the community. All 60 are licensed paramedics 

  • The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

    • Lieutenant Michael Colecchi 

    • Sergeant Cody Landry

  • Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. Jamie explains quick background on the recession as the "easy" way for the parties to resolve the issues they have, including allowing DaVita's to reapply for a renewal of the license Building code issues need to be resolved to enable the transfer. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)

  • Public hearing on Bogan's way; Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Bogans Way and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Easements. Planning did approve acceptance, Continuing to chip away on all the public streets in town Public hearing closed with no comments. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)

  • License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. So moved, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. Presentation slides ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/4SqkayuitiSFjuzU8 

  • Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24- 63 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-64 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 ,1 absent)

  • Friendly 40B Policy Update introduced by Jamie in response to what has been heard from the community. After some discussion, when it wasn't really an item for discussion, it is not clear if it is in effect as proposed, or if it is being referred to a subcommittee and/or future agenda for further discussion. Editor's note: there should be a further review and potentially additional changes made to this. It is not a policy that is clearly understood and appreciated by either the Council or the community 

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs just short of 3 hours.  Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1305-town-council-mtg-10-30-24/




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


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


The agenda doc can be found here ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet_2.pdf 


My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zqgR9Lc2lYE9H3f8WOor2CoM-XPxaUG3/view?usp=drive_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

  • 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"


Fire Dept news hires pose with Town Council
Fire Dept news hires pose with Town Council

Police Dept promotions pose with Town Council
Police Dept promotions pose with Town Council

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024

Town of Franklin
Office of The Town Clerk
 

Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots from Envelopes and Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for The State Election 11-5-2024


In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be opening early voted ballots at the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street at the following sessions:

Monday, October 28th 9:00 AM
Tuesday, October 29th 9:00 AM
Wednesday, October 30th 9:00 AM
Thursday, October 31st 9:00 AM
Friday, November 1st         9:00 AM

In accordance with the Secretary of State Regulations 47.12 and under the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, the Town of Franklin will be depositing early voted ballots at the Franklin High School, 218 Oak Street at the following sessions:

Saturday, November 2nd    @9:00 AM
Sunday, November 3rd    @9:00 AM - IF NEEDED

We respectfully ask that observers register by emailing townclerk@franklinma.gov in advance of all early voted ballots sessions.

In accordance with the Regulations 47.12 and the provisions of section 7 (k) of Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, no results shall be determined or announced until after the time the polls close on November 5th. At that time the results from the advance processed ballots will be added to the election day results and posted in a public place.


Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024
Notice of Advanced Removal of Early Voted Ballots & Advanced Depositing of Early Voted Ballots for Nov 5, 2024


Sunday, October 27, 2024

1640 voters early ballots cast in the first week in Franklin, MA; tabulators tested on Wednesday

Via Town Clerk Nancy Danello:
"First full week of in person early voting complete!!  
Total of 1,640 voters! The flow was steady with NO lines!!  
Thank you to all of our voters!!"

tabulator testing
tabulator testing

** 
I was able to stop by briefly on Wednesday to observe the set up and some of the execution of the tabulator testing process. Per Dyan Fitzgerald, Deputy Town Clerk, the tabulator testing went well.

For more info on the tabulator testing process, it is basically unchanged since reported on here ->


** 
Additional information on the Town Clerk and election processing can be found on the Town page ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator


Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM

Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election

Tabulator Testing for the Presidential election will be held on October 23rd beginning at 9 AM in the Council Chambers.

Please register with Town Clerk's Office if you plan on attending.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/tabulator-testing-presidential-election

Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM
Tabulator Testing for Presidential Election - Weds, Oct 23 at 9 AM

Monday, October 7, 2024

Reminder: Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA

All the in person early voting leading up to the Election, November 5, 2024 will take place in the Town Clerk's office in the Municipal Building at 355 East Central St, Franklin.
  • Saturday, October 19 - 9 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday, October 20 – 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA
    Early voting schedule for Franklin, MA
    Monday, October 21 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Tuesday, October 22 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Wednesday, October 23 - 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Thursday, October 24 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Friday, October 25 -  8 AM - 1 PM
  • Saturday, October 26 - 9 AM - 1 PM
  • Sunday, October 27 - 9 AM – 1 PM
  • Monday, October 28 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Tuesday, October 29 - 8 AM - 4 PM
  • Wednesday, October 30 - 8 AM - 6 PM
  • Thursday, October 31 -  8 AM - 4 PM
  • Friday, November 1 - 8 AM - 1 PM
Note - there is no early voting on the Sat or Sun Nov 2 & 3. The in person voting will take place next at Franklin High School on Nov 5 from 6 AM to 8 PM.



Friday, October 4, 2024

Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"

"In September, local elections clerks received an email that purported to be from a reputable national organization that helps to ensure voting integrity. The message asked clerks to fill out a survey and include their personal cellphones and home addresses.

But the URL behind the sender was not for the cybersecurity group the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing & Analysis Center, or EI-ISAC. Instead, it led to a website, electioncrimebureau.com, with an image of a grinning Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO-turned-high-profile-election-denier who continues to believe former president Donald Trump won the 2020 election.

The faux email, say Massachusetts election clerks, is just the latest example of the deluge of threats, interference, misinformation, and burdensome requests coming at them as they approach what many fear will be one of the most daunting elections yet.

Burnout and frustration after the 2020 election and the subsequent storm of misinformation sparked massive turnover within the ranks of local elections officials. Those who stayed faced cybersecurity threats and emails sent by bad actors. The threats come on top of new state laws that boosted access to mail ballots and expanded early voting."
Shared from -> (subscription maybe required) 
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/10/03/metro/election-clerks-2024-threats-massachusetts/

We talked with our Town Clerk Nancy Danello in advance of the September primary and have not scheduled additional time due to the other demands for her attention during this period. Listen to out conversation, much of which still pertains to the November election. The dates for early voting, etc. have changed but available here and on the Town Clerk page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrator


Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"
Boston Globe: "Threats, requests, and expanded voting: Mass. clerks are gearing up for a daunting election"

Friday, September 27, 2024

MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers

SUMMARY
As required by law, summaries are written by the State Attorney General.
This proposed law would gradually increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker, over the course of five years, on the following schedule:
To 64% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2025;
To 73% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2026;
To 82% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2027;
To 91% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2028; and
To 100% of the state minimum wage on January 1, 2029.

The proposed law would require employers to continue to pay tipped workers the difference Under the proposed law, if an employer pays its workers an hourly wage that is at least the state minimum wage, the employer would be permitted to administer a “tip pool” that combines all the tips given by customers to tipped workers and distributes them among all the workers, including non-tipped workers.
STATEMENT OF FISCAL CONSEQUENCES
As required by law, statements of fiscal consequences are written by the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.
There are no direct fiscal consequences on the Commonwealth or municipalities because they generally do not employ tipped employees. Nevertheless, this measure will affect proposed state and municipal revenues and expenditures due to impacts on employee and business income and earnings. While those impacts are difficult to project due to the lack of reliable data, increasing the minimum hourly wage of tipped employees will likely increase state income tax collections because employees will earn more in hourly wages from which state income tax is withheld. The impacts on gratuity earnings and gratuity tax reporting are unknown
WHAT YOUR VOTE WILL DO
As required by law, the statements describing the effect of a “yes” or “no” vote are written jointly by the State Attorney General and the Secretary of the Commonwealth
A YES VOTE would increase the minimum hourly wage an employer must pay a tipped worker to the full state minimum wage implemented over five years, at which point employers could pool all tips and distribute them to all non- management workers.

A NO VOTE would make no change in the law governing tip pooling or the minimum wage for tipped workers
IN FAVOR: 
Vote Yes for FAIRNESS - 

It’s fair for Workers:
Instead of being paid the current tipped worker wage of just $6.75 an hour, Massachusetts tipped workers deserve the full minimum wage with tips on top. Workers in 7 other states earn a full wage plus tips, and they enjoy
robust tips and growing restaurants where menu prices are comparable to Massachusetts. This law would create greater financial stability and predictability, acknowledging workers’ skills and professionalism.

It’s fair for Employers:
Many Massachusetts small businesses are already paying the full minimum wage plus tips. Big restaurant corporations should do the
same. This would reduce employee turnover and improve service quality.

It’s fair for Consumers:
Big restaurant corporations are not paying their fair share and are forcing consumers to cover their employees’ wages through tips. Tips should be a reward for good service, not a subsidy for low wages paid by large corporations.

Estefania Galvis One Fair Wage 
11 Converse Ave
Malden, MA 02148
813-898-9136

AGAINST: 
This question is funded by a radical group from California.

Tipped employees have made it abundantly clear the way they earn money does not need to be changed. State and Federal law guarantee them the $15 hourly minimum wage with many earning over $40/hr and 90% reporting at least $20/hr. A recent survey also showed that 88% oppose ‘tip pools’ where tips are shared with non-service employees and 90% believe that if tipped wages are eliminated, they will earn less.

Other attempts to implement this have seen catastrophic results. In Washington, D.C., nearly 10% of tipped employees have lost or left their jobs. This follows increases in menu prices, the implementation of 20% ‘service fees’ and a wave of closures.

This would reduce overall wages for servers, increase costs for restaurants and skyrocket the cost of eating out. It will be disastrous with many neighborhood restaurants being forced to close.

Doug Bacon
Former Server and Bartender, Current Restaurant Owner
Committee to Protect Tips 
160 E Main St # 2
Westborough, MA 01581 

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For this information on Ballot Question 5 in one PDF -> 

Full PDF of the Secretary of the Commonwealth's Information for Voters "red book" -> https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/download/research-and-statistics/IFV_2024.pdf


Additional voting info for the State can be found -> 

https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/elections/elections-and-voting.htm


Specific info for Franklin, MA voters can be found on the Town Clerk page ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerkelection-administrato


MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers
MA Ballot QUESTION 5: Minimum Wage for Tipped Workers