Callaghan & McNeill joint statement made during Citizen Comment at the Town Council Mtg - Apr 10, 2024

Text of the Citizen Comment statement jointly made by Dave Callaghan, School Committee Chair, and Dave McNeill, School Committee Vice-chair at the Town Council meeting on Wednesday April 10, 2024.

Dear Chair Mercer, Vice Chair Dellorco and Members of the Franklin Town Council,

Thank you for your time and dedication to our wonderful community. As we collectively face the financial challenges ahead, it's imperative to recognize the stark reality: The Town of Franklin is grappling with a $10.1 million shortfall, and the School Department will need a $9.3 million increase in Fiscal Year 2025 - $7.3 million just to maintain current service levels and an additional $2.1 million to stabilize and partially restore from cuts that were made last year. 

In an effort to fund the school budget, there's been a reliance on temporary measures such as one-time investments, deferred projects, and depletion of reserve accounts. However, these strategies obscure the reality: the annual cost of educating students has risen far beyond what a 2.5% increase can accommodate.

On April 9th, 2024, the School Committee voted to approve the FY25 School Budget in the amount of $81,319,261. We are asking for the Town Council’s support to fully fund this budget that addresses the $9.3 million increase, up to and including initiating an operational override for the community to vote upon as a ballot question in time to fund the FY25 budget. 

We recognize the economic impact of this request for our community, and it is not a decision taken lightly; however, there are also consequences of inaction. Without intervention, we can anticipate a future of continued layoffs, overcrowded classrooms, rising user fees, a "pay-to-play" system for athletics, and a general decline in services across the board.

Fully funding the School Committee’s approved FY25 School Budget will stabilize our budget moving forward, allowing the school district to maintain appropriate class sizes, provide much-needed mental health support, keep up with rising cost drivers and obligations, and continue to provide the host of educational services this community has come to expect. Moreover, the School Department can transition from a reactive budgeting approach to one that enables them to proactively implement meaningful changes which would result in a sustainable budget, fostering agility and efficiency in delivering education for years to come.

Thank you once again for your dedicated service to the residents of Franklin and the betterment of our community. We look forward to our open dialogue and collaboration with you toward our common goal of making Franklin the most vibrant community it can be.

Sincerely,

Dave Callaghan                  Dave McNeill

 

School Committee joint statement made during Citizen Comment at the Town Council Mtg - Apr 10, 2024

Will the Town Council whiff again? or vote to encourage 40b development?

The Town Council gets a chance to lend their approval of a "friendly 40b" on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. They whiffed on their chance last year rejecting the 121 Grove St proposal by a 4-5 vote. (vote & meeting info below)

The chance this time is for the proposal to develop the Stobbart's property bringing 264 rental units, 66 of them would be "Affordable."

The proposal documentation is found here:

a. Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B

i. Town Administrator Memo, 40B Process Outline  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a_1_-_presentation_friendly_40b_stobbarts.pdf

ii. Project Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._2_central_st_residences_tc_presentation_041024_v17_pdf_final.pdf

iii. Current Project Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._3_csr_preliminary_plans_update_tc_040324.pdf

iv. Town Board/Committee and staff comment letters  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._4_letters.pdf

v. Related articles on the need for housing  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._articles.pdf

The full Council agenda (including remote participation info) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Meeting notes for March 15, 2023 covers the 121 Grove St "friendly 40b" proposal that was rejected by the Council -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/town-council-ratifies-master-plan.html  (includes links to the video, audio and my notes)

Will the Town Council whiff again? or vote to encourage 40b development?

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 10, 2024 at 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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. March 13, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/march_13_2024_tc_meeting_minutes.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._design_review_commission_-_priya_natarjan.pdf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7a.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_table_vine_change_of_officers_stock_interest_-_google_docs.pdf

b. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7b.   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._1_license_transaction_-_new_section_15_all_alcohol_license_-_daceys_-_google_docs.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers & Change of Stock Interest of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc. Located at 348 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

b. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Michael Gannon as the Manager - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey’s Market & Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B

i. Town Administrator Memo, 40B Process Outline  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a_1_-_presentation_friendly_40b_stobbarts.pdf

ii. Project Presentation  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._2_central_st_residences_tc_presentation_041024_v17_pdf_final.pdf

iii. Current Project Plans  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._3_csr_preliminary_plans_update_tc_040324.pdf

iv. Town Board/Committee and staff comment letters  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._4_letters.pdf

v. Related articles on the need for housing  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._articles.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-16: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 444 East Central Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): Friendly 40B (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-16 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._resolution_24-16_-_444_east_central_st._friendly_40b_-_google_docs.pdf

b. Resolution 24-17: Local Acceptance of GL Chapter 166 Section 32A (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-17 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b_0.pdf

c. Resolution 24-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,250), Senior Center ($1,500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-18 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._gift_acceptance_-_vets_dept._sr._ctr_historical_museum.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. To review and approve minutes from March 13, 2024 Town Council Executive Session

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for meeting Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Notice of Public Hearings - (1) Modification of a Section 15 License & (2) New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages License - April 10, 2024

• Notice of Public Hearing - Modification of a Section 15 Wine & Malt Beverages Package Store License - Table & Vine, Inc.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-04-10_-_big_y_table_vine_license_modification_-_legal_ad_-_website.pdf

• Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License - Shikshapatri Corporation d/b/a Dacey's Market & Deli

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-04-10_-_daceys_new_license_transfer_-_legal_ad_-_website.pdf

Notice of Public Hearings

What's this about a possible override for Franklin? (collection)

The first pass of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget as presented to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting last week shows the Town of Franklin facing a $10.1 million deficit. The numbers will continue to be worked. As discussed during the meeting, breaking news that afternoon showed a reduction in the projected cost increase for health care that had just been received. That will be adjusted for future budget discussions.

The timeline for the budget development is as follows:

• School Committee budget public hearing - March 19

• School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 9

• Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12

• Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg - Apr 24

• Town Council meeting May 1 (determine yes or no for override, if yes, sets date & amount)

• Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)

• Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)

• Override date - June 11 for $6.8M

If there were to be an override, the decision on “When?” is as critical as “How much”? Election requirements call for 35 days notification of a vote on a ballot question. Hence, a vote scheduled for June would have to be decided no later than early May

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

School budget page -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget

Recent meetings/documents (most recent on top, scroll down for prior)

05/15/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #3 -> recap, audio & video ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-committee-hears-updates-from_19.html

05/14/24 - School Committee meeting votes on redistricting -> recap, audio & video ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-committee-moves-forward-with_0490415739.html

05/11/24 - Schools Redistricting 'Master Plan' report published ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/fps-school-facilities-and-educational.html

05/08/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #2 ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-committee-reviews-public-safety_10.html

05/06/24 - Town Clerk shares Override Election schedule ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/franklin-town-clerk-provides-important.html

05/06/24 - Finance Committee budget hearing #1 ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/finance-cmte-approves-pledge-doc-and.html

05/04/24 - Redistricting info page created, FAQs published ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/redistricting-faqs-published-add-your.html

5/01/24 - Town Council meeting sets date & amount -> June 1 for $6.8 Million Audio, video links -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/town-council-after-much-discussion_4.html

4/30/24 - School Committee meeting on redistricting - recap with audio & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-committee-listens-to-lot-of-we.html

4/30/24 - School Committee Budget subcmte meeting - audio & recap ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/school-budget-subcmte-get-preview-of.html

4/25/24 - Comprehensive School Facility Plan Subcmte meeting (redistricting draft)  (recap & audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/comprehensive-school-facility-plng.html

4/24/24 - Joint Town Council & School Committee mtg - recap, audio (2 parts) and video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/town-council-and-school-committee-hear_01363014460.html

4/12/24 - Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget released. The budget was released as "balanced" by NOT including any Town 'wish list' items, nor projecting to incur any cuts. The School Shortfall was granted approx. $3M leaving the $9.3 million the Schools voted for $6.3M short, hence all the cuts would come to the schools. Something may change during the Finance Committee and Town Council hearings (with or without an override).

Details available on the budget page in particular the budget narrative doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy_25_budget_message_narrative_updated_links_2.pdf

and the voting doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_ta_budget_book_v2.pdf

4/09/24 - School Committee approves FY 2025 budget - Recap, audio & video links ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/school-committee-votes-to-approve-81m_0566458301.html

3/19/24 - School Committee meeting

• FY25 Budget Open Hearing  ->   (budget book) https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf
• Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1161-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-19-24
• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk 

3/06/24 - Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting

• Joint Budget audio recap with Mercer, Conley & McNeill -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/tom-george-david-recap-joint-budget.html

• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   

• Meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 

• Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

3/05/24 - School Committee Superintendent’s budget

• Chalkboard chat audio session recapping SchCmte meeting & Joint Budget meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps.html

• Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sEe-JcCn_k

• The agenda doc can be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-5-24.pdf

• The packet folder containing other documents released for the meeting can also be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-5-2024-school-committee-meeting
  

1/23/24 - School Committee budget subcommittee received preview of 4 scenarios for school FY 2025 budget -> (recap & audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/school-budget-subcommittee-gets-preview.html

Visit Vote No Franklin for the opposition view -> https://www.votenofranklin.com/

Visit One Franklin to find out more about the group and their efforts advocating for the override https://onefranklinma.com/

What's this about a possible override for Franklin? 

Town Council approves Request for Expression of Interest to be issued for Davis Thayer, refers zoning change to Planning Board (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The agenda document can be found on the Town page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-03-13_town_council_agenda_0.pdf

Franklin TV recorded and live broadcast the session to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3tlPhSrWw

Quick recap:

• Citizens comments were active, one person speaking against the potential reinstatement of the suspended DPW Director. The others speaking for. The matter might have been on the Executive Session agenda. We'll know for sure some time later
• The minutes for the Feb 28, 2024 session were approved
• The  Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 for Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street was moved to refer to the Planning Board by an 8-1 vote. Pellegri cast the one "No" vote
• Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St was passed by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones recused himself from the discussion as his residence is an abutter to the property
• The results of the Request for Expressions of Interest are non-binding. Input is due back May 31. At which time the Advisory Committee will spend time in June/July to review and bring back their recommendation to the Council for approval and possible further action
•  Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48). "This donation is especially meaningful as it marks the final gift from the Franklin Library Association, which after 150 years of operation, has closed its doors"
• The Council entered Executive Session to not return to public meeting with a 9-0 vote via roll call. 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_0S4RpGVb3mVuf_kutMg_uvXuW8zrvO/view?usp=drive_link

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

 FM #1156 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1156 in the series. 

This session shares a recap of the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. This recap was recorded via Zoom on Thursday, March 7, 2024. 

The recap of this critical budgetary meeting was conducted with:

• Council Chair Tom Mercer who also serves as the Chair of the Joint Budget Committee
• George Conley, Chair of the Finance Committee
• David McNeill, Vice-Chair of the School Committee as well as Chair of the Budget Subcommittee for the schools

Quick recap:

• Role of the Joint Budget Committee
• Reflections on the info shared in the meeting
• Next steps including schedule of meetings to continue to work on refining the FY 2025 budget

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen to the recap of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1156-recap-of-the-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-03-07-24

 

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   

Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 

Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

Photo album capturing the slides and meeting 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/b4HcchHohAs9vqrJA 

My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m42hRAFdfM-OX-brLa6epXiuEktOEeWU/view?usp=drive_link 

Additional info will be added to the FY 2025 budget page as the budget gets fined tuned over the next several weeks  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

Joint Budget Subcommittee page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee 

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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!

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

Tom, George, & David recap the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024 (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 13, 2024 - 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. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. February 28, 2024   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/february_28_2024_tc_meeting_minutes.pdf

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. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street

(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 24-905 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/zoning_bylaw_amendment_24-905.pdf

b. Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St. (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-14 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/resolution_24-14.pdf

c. Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-15 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-15-_gift_acceptance_library_0.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. FY25 Budget Update  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #1:To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or Individuals. 

b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police, Fire, Public Works, Facilities, Library) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-03-13_town_council_agenda_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 

Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

Quick recap:

• Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

• The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

• The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

• FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

• associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

• The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

• The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

• Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

• Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

• Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

• Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

• Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 

Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

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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.

If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.

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!

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

Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge