Finance Committee - first of 3 budget hearings - May 8, 2023 at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Monday, May 8, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. December 7, 2022

b. December 7, 2022 - Executive Session

c. January 11, 2023

d. February 8, 2023

4. FY24 Town Administrator Operating Budget Hearing:

FY24 Town Administrator Budget Materials website  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials

a. General Government -

i. Departments: 111 Town Council, 123 Town Administrator, 131 Finance Committee, 135

Comptroller, 141 Assessors, 147 Treasurer-Collector, 151 Legal, 152 Human Resources,

155 Information Technology, 161 Town Clerk, 164 Elections & Registration, 176 Appeals Board (ZBA), 177 Planning & Growth Management, 184 Agricultural Commission, 192 Public Properties & Buildings, 196 Central Services.

b. Human Services -

i. Departments: 510 Board of Health, 541 Council on Aging, 543 Veterans Services.

c. Culture & Recreation -

i. Departments: 610 Library, 630 Recreation, 690 Historical Museum, 691 Historical Commission, 695 Cultural Council, 696 Cultural District Committee.

 

d. Debt & Interest -

i. Departments: 710 Debt Service - Principal, 750 Debt Service - Interest.

e. Employee Benefits:

i. Departments: 910 Retirement & Pension, 945 Risk Management (Liability Insurance).

f. Department of Public Works (DPW):

i. Departments: 422 Public Works

ii. Enterprise Funds:

1. 450 Water

2. 440 Sewer

3. 434 Solid Waste

4. 460 Stormwater

5. Future Agenda Items

6. Adjourn

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/events/417656

Finance Committee - first of 3 budget hearings - May 8, 2023 at 7 PM

Register now for the Lifelong Learning Summer Programs !!!

Looking for something FUN to do this summer?

 

Lifelong Learning is offering STEM, ART, and MUSIC programs for students entering grades 6-9 in the fall. Why not try a class in Forensic Science, Engineering, Technology, Finance, Digital Art, Video Production, or Middle School Glee!

Looking for something for elementary school students? Check out STAR that offers enrichment opportunities for students entering grades K-5.

Check out our website (https://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/) for more information and to register.

Register now for the Lifelong Learning Summer Programs !!!

Franklin TV: Writing – for Funsies

Our Senior Scribblers want YOU.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/07/2023

Our Franklin Senior Center Writers Group (The Scribblers) seeks new members.

Writing – for Funsies

You don’t have to pen the next Great American Novel.  

You don’t have to be the next Mark Twain or Papa Hemingway.

None of us would claim to be – yet. But we can aspire.

It could happen.

And if not? That’s okay.

We don’t write for literary fame – or even residuals. We write because we enjoy it. Simple stories? Original musings? Personal memoirs? Poems? An epic yarn?

It’s all good.

Consider joining our group. It’s always loads of fun. No judgements. Just a shared appreciation for the personal joy of creative self- expression and the written word.

The Senior Scribblers meet every week at the Franklin Senior Center. Once a month we head to the Franklin●TV studio to record our radio show/podcast.

Although we meet in person locally, we also use Zoom as our easy remote option. It’s always available for folks to participate in bad weather, or for writers who live elsewhere in the U.S. and want to join our group. We’re wide open to all.

Do you have some stories? We’d love to hear them. Discover your inner scribbler. Feel free to ‘sit in’ on a Wednesday meeting (1 PM); and just get to know the gang.

Franklin Senior Center 

10 Daniel McCahill Street 

Franklin, MA 02038

Call to be added to our Scribblers’ email list.  (508) 520-4945

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

FHS baseball tops Milford 4-1 on Saturday

Baseball = Franklin 4, Mansfield 1. 

WP-Cashin (2.1 inn, 3H, 0R, 0BB & 2Ks). S-Campbell (1inn, 2Ks). Offensively, Lyons (2-4, RBI) DiGiorgio (2-4) Yuknis (2R, BB) T. Bellan (1-2, BB) Cinelli (1-2, R) DePaolo (1-3, RBI) Sidwell (R, 2RBI). 

Next up: Mon. 5/8 Home vs Stoughton(Sr. Night) at 7pm!

https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1654976398283403271

FHS Panthers

Register for the free "Choose Love" event hosted by the Hockomock Y at Gillette Stadium - May 24

Join us at

@GilletteStadium

on Wed, May 24 at 6:30 pm to hear Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Choose Love Movement, share her journey & encourage us all to Choose Love as a response to adversity & challenges. Free event, open to all. Ages 15+.  

Register at https://www.hockymca.org/choose-love-event/

Register for the free "Choose Love" event hosted by the Hockomock Y at Gillette Stadium - May 24

The Choose Love Movement is a global nonprofit providing Character Social Emotional Development programs for communities, schools, homes, and the workplace. This event is sponsored by our YMCA at no cost to the community due to the philanthropic support of our partners and the Y’s commitment to mental well-being. Join us for this important community event. Questions about this event, please email Brynne Kirwan, LCSW at brynnek@hockymca.org. Learn about Scarlett’s journey and her mission to encourage everyone to Choose Love. 

Looking ahead to Franklin's 4th of July Celebration

The schedule for the 4th of July Celebration in Franklin, MA is ready. Mark your calendars! 

• When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1
• What bands are playing & when?  https://www.franklin4th.com/music
• What food booths are there?  https://www.franklin4th.com/food
• Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival

Check out all the details on the 4th of July Celebration page ->    https://www.franklin4th.com/

The volunteers organizing this event can use your help in person or with a financial contribution:

• Sign up here ->  https://www.franklin4th.com/about
• Donate to the cause here ->  https://franklin-july-4th-coalitin.secured.atpay.com/

When are the wrist band days?  https://www.franklin4th.com/schedule-1

Is the Blues Festival back? Yes -> https://www.franklin4th.com/blues-festival

Inclusionary zoning bylaw approved by Town Council in key action at meeting May 3 (audio)

FM #991 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 991 in the series.

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 for their regular meeting and covered a number of items. One of the major achievements was the passage of the inclusionary zoning bylaw. This was one of the action items from the Franklin For All project and a significant accomplishment.

Among the other news worthy items on the agenda were

• All alcohol license approved for Sierra's Brick Oven Pizza
• Corporate record license changes for both Longhorn Restaurant and the 99 Restaurant were approved
• Financial Audit report for FY 2022 reveals a clean report, no actions, no management letter, the Town maintains their AAA rating status
• Presentation from the Charles River Pollution Control District
• Update on the long awaited Beaver St interceptor, bids came in below expectations, sewer rates will rise and remain to pay for the 20 year borrowing costs of this major infrastructure project
• PFAS regulation increases proposed by EPA can cost us significantly. Well 7 is currently offline, more wells may be in jeopardy of shutdown due to increased monitoring. Yet, PFAS is still being made, is a forever chemical and is major concern for future water supply quality and cost thereof

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-991-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-05-03-23

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

The full agenda and documents associated with it can be found online ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html

Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/view?usp=share_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

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

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

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

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

I hope you enjoy!

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

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting

Reminder: Franklin Pride 2023 Vendor Sign Up Form

Thanks once again to all vendors who have already signed up to participate in Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance is still accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate!

Sign up today!

*

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance was created in 2022 to support, raise awareness of, and build connections within the greater Franklin LGBTQIA+ community.

In support of this mission, the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance will host Celebrate with Pride 2023 in Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

If you would like to participate as a vendor, please submit the following form by Sunday, May 28, 2023:

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance Celebrate with Pride 2023 Vendor Sign-Up Form

More information about Celebrate with Pride 2023 can be found at the top of this form.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Baidya at <robin.baidya@gmail.com>.

We hope to see you in June!

The Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

Franklin LGBTQ Alliance

SAVE-THE-DATES for MEMORIAL DAY 2023

Memorial Day Breakfast – Friday, May 26 - 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Will be held at the Franklin Senior Center. Reservations are required. Sign up at the Senior Center reception desk or call Mary at: (508) 520 – 4945 by May 12.

Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 29 - 10:30 AM 

Starts at Dean College, then proceeds to Union Street and St. Mary’s Cemeteries via School, West Central and Beaver Streets and concludes at the Town Common.

Memorial Day Ceremony – Monday, May 29 - Noon 

Will be held on the Town Common by the War Memorial after the parade. Franklin Veterans who have passed since last Memorial Day as well as Franklin’s 45 fallen heroes who died in our nation’s combats will be recognized.

Please note: If it rains on May 29, please check the Veterans’ Services web page at: https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services for cancellation notice.

Let us all remember…We are the land of the free because of the brave.

SAVE-THE-DATES for MEMORIAL DAY 2023

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the May 3, 2023 meeting & simplifies what it means (audio)

FM #990 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 990 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 

Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of May 3, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Katrina Psikarakis as the Manager - Here Come Two Greeks, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street   

b. License Modification - Change of Manager: Rare Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steakhouse; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038   

c. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: 99 Restaurants of Boston, LLC d/b/a 99 Restaurant, Located at 847 West Central Street   

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: FY22 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP   

b. Presentation: Charles River Pollution Control District - Elizabeth Taglieri, Executive Director Charles River Pollution Control District  

c. An Introduction to PFAS Regulations – Water & Sewer Superintendent Doug Martin   

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-897: Sewer Rate Increase - First Reading

b. Resolution 23-30: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Sewer System Asset Management Plan (CWSRF 12541)

c. Resolution 23-31: Authority For Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application 

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 7., Part VI, Use Regulation Schedule: Residential Uses - Second Reading 

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Section 51 - Second Reading

f. Resolution 23-32: Gift Acceptance - Town of Franklin for Red Brick School House (Donation of “Established” Sign) 

g. Resolution 23-29: FY23 Capital Round 2

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded May 4, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-990-town-council-quarterbacking-05-04-23

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

The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-for-may.html 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gWiBSq_Q8vMNIUKv32jeLQtMypvF8fTb/view?usp=share_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/mhRDmkdk7og?feature=share

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

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!

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

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

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for the May 3, 2023 Meeting

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda doc for Meeting May 9, 2023 - 7 PM

Franklin School Committee

May 9, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Keller Highlights -   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/keller_school_may_9_school_committee_presentation.pdf

B. DIP Update -  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/sc_5_9_23_strategic_objective_1_-1.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. BICO Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the BICO Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_bico_board_appointment_1.pdf

B. ACCEPT Board Appointment 23-24

I recommend approval of the appointment of Lucas Giguere as the ACCEPT Board

representative for Franklin Public Schools for the 2023-24 school year.  ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_accept_board_appointment_1.pdf

C. Redistricting Vote

I recommend approval of the redistricting recommendation as detailed in the

Redistricting Analysis Report.  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_redistricting_vote.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Interim School Business Administrator

Recommend an Interim School Business Administrator position for the

2023-2024 fiscal year and continuation of a comprehensive search process for a

permanent position during the 2023-2024 school year.

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the April 25, 2023 School Committee

Meeting as detailed.

B. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $395.43 from O’Connor Portraiture for

supplemental supplies at Keller Elementary School as detailed.

C. Overseas Account

I recommend approval of the Overseas Trip Fundraising Account within the

Student Activity Fund at Franklin High School.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Executive Session

a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective

bargaining with the ESP/LPN, unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the  bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -<  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-9-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-9-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda