Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Budget Hearing #1 - March 18

Note the start time for this meeting is 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers

AGENDA

1.    Call to Order 2.    Public Comments 3.    Approval of Minutes
4. FY20 Budget Presentations:	Dept.	Classification
Police	210	Public Safety
Fire	220	Public Safety
Dispatch	225	Public Safety
Inspections	240	Public Safety
Animal Control	292	Public Safety
Tri-County	390	Education
Norfolk Aggie	395	Education
Street Lights	424	Public Works
DPW	440	Public Works
Enterprise	450	Enterprise
Health	510/525	Human Services
Council on Aging	541	Human Services
Veterans	543	Human Services
Library	610	Culture and Recreation
Recreation	630	Culture and Recreation
Historical Museum	690	Culture and Recreation
Historical Commission	691	Culture and Recreation
Memorial Day	692	Culture and Recreation
Cultural Council	695	Culture and Recreation
Town Council	111	General Government
Town Administration	123	General Government
Finance Committee	131	General Government
Comptroller	135	General Government
Assessors	141	General Government
Treasurer/Collector	147	General Government
Legal	151	General Government
Human Resources	152	General Government
Town Clerk	161	General Government
Elections	164	General Government
ZBA	176	General Government
Planning/Conservation	177	General Government

Facilities	192	General Government
Central Services	196	General Government
Debt Service	710/750	Debt Service
Employee Benefits	910	Benefits
Liability Insurance 5. Adjournment Trust Fund Balances Update	945	Insurance
General Stabilization		$ 6,033,178
Recreation Fields		300,453
Open Space Acquisition		1,113,432
Budget Stabilization		390,527
Free Cash		744,091
Fire Truck Stabilization		206,506
OPEB		4,689,433
Property Acquisition		265,696
OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/18 (PAYGO):		74,059,736

The agenda document can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/3-18-2019_finance_committee_agenda_0.pdf

The details for the FY 2020 budget being reviewed can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/proposed_fy20_operatingbudget.pdf

time to reflect as we find puddles around us: What do we want Franklin to be like?

Town Council - Summary and notes - March 13, 2019 "need more than a bandaid"

The Town Council meeting Wednesday was a roller coaster ride. Opening with elation and joy on the new police officers sworn in, one promotion also recognized and the canine member introduced - Ben Franklin.

five new police officers introduced

five new police officers sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

five new police officers pinned by family members

The newest canine member Ben Franklin is as cute in person as he is in photos

The meeting took its gloomy turn as the fiscal budget situation was reviewed with challenges all around and not enough funding to do what is needed. How it will be resolved remains to be seen. There was mention of the 'override' word but more in context of a necessity for FY 2021 than for this budget cycle. Which would mean that unless it becomes a reality, the school budget which was just approved by the School Committee on Tuesday, March 12 will need to be reduced by about $2.6M to meet the funding available. 

Oh in case you didn't catch it previously: the school budget is meant to be level funded and the additions were prioritized to meet 'critical' needs (not all of which we added to this budget). So while it was proposed to be a compromise on critical needs, those will need to be further compromised to meet the current funding.

L - R: Mark Cerel, Jamie Hellen, Jeff Nutting

As the meeting got into the Legislation for Action the discussion around a potential bylaw change to be referred to the Planning Board started tip toeing in legal waters. The Council was cautioned by Attorney Mark Cerel to be careful in their comments and replies to Joel D'Errico as he has a current suit against the Planning Board for a proposal that would potentially be affected by this measure.

There is more in this matter than was revealed in the meeting. The zoning bylaw had been before the Council a couple of years ago to change from R4 to R5. Now it is back again, to be changed back to R5. Why was not fully explained, or if it was, I missed it. I will need to go to the video replay for this as soon as it is available from Franklin TV.


The official "Actions Taken" as published by the Town can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_march_13_2019.pdf

• Live reporting - Closing
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-closing.html
• Live reporting: Legislation for Action
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html
• Live reporting: FY 2020 Budget Fiscal Forecast
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-fy-2020-budget-fiscal.html
• Live reporting: Appointments
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-appointments.html
• Live Reporting: Town Council - Mar 13, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-town-council-mar-13-2019.html
• 
  

FHS Goes to Europe: Mattress Fundraiser - March 24

Via Pantherbook, we share the news of the mattress fund raiser at FHS next Sunday, March 24.

"On Sunday, March 24, the group of FHS students participating in the trip to Europe will be participating in a mattress fundraiser from 10 AM - 4 PM.

What is a Mattress Fundraiser? 

On the day of the fundraiser (March 24) the FHS gym will turn into a showroom filled with all different types of mattresses, including name brands such as Simons Beauty Rest. People who come in on this day will be able to purchase a mattress, pillow, sheets, etc to benefit these FHS students. The mattresses are discounted up to 50% as well, and there are options for delivery. A portion of each individual mattress’s sale will go straight towards the FHS trip."

Continue reading about the mattress fund raiser
https://franklinpanthers.us/student-life/2019/03/11/fhs-goes-to-europe-mattress-fundraiser/

FHS Goes to Europe: Mattress Fundraiser (Pantherbook photo)

School Committee Recap: School Budget proposal approved, yet funding insufficient

The School Committee meeting was a long one as the ECDC, and elementary schools walked through updates on their School Improvement Plans (SIP). The District Improvement Plan goals 2 and 3 also received an update from the Central office. Lots of progress and accomplishments under challenging circumstances.

Then the Discussion / Action Item section rolled along and the committee voted to approve the expense budget and salary budget in separate votes for FY 2020. Only a few changes from what had been reviewed and had evolved over the several weeks leading up to Tuesday.

Then Superintendent Ahern revealed that the budget as approved was likely about $2.6M over what the Town can fund. The Town Council meeting the following night (Wednesday, March 13) would begin the overall Town budget discussion and how to address the shortfall.

Stay tuned for the on going budget discussion. What we want for our children and the Town of Franklin depends upon what info is forthcoming and how it is received. 

Participate in the Budget hearings or at least tune into the meetings. Worse case, follow the updates here and don't be shy in asking good questions.



The Superintendent's Report:

Superintendent's Report to School Committee - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Kelly Kelty, Principal of ECDC presented a mid-year update on the School Improvement Plan (SIP)

2018-19 ECDC SIP Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

Principals/Vice-principals presented a joint update on the Elementary SIP

Elementary SIP Mid-year Update - March 12, 2019 from Franklin Matters

The Central Office (Superintendent Sara Ahern, Asst Supt Lucas Giguere, Dr Joyce Edwards, and Paula Marano) presented the joint update on the District Improvement Plan (DIP)

DIP - Goals 2 and 3 - School Committee 3/12/19 from Franklin Matters

My notes are reported live during the meeting can be found in the links below

• Live reporting: Information Matters to Closing (Ex...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-information-matters-to.html
• Live reporting: Discussion/Action Items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-discussionaction-items.html
• Live reporting: District Improvement Plan Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-district-improvement.html
• Live reporting: School Committee - March 12, 2019
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/live-reporting-school-committee-march.html

School committee meeting March 12, 2019

Newcomers and Friends Club: April Meeting Update

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club monthly Meeting. Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30.

The Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club is a non-profit social and service organization. Our purpose is to extend a welcoming hand to both newcomers and existing residents. Our goal is to promote good fellowship within the community through social and charitable activities. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet new friends, develop lasting friendships and give back to the community where we live.

No need to RSVP, just join us! We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages and abilities with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie. As a member driven organization . . . your ideas count and we want to implement them!

Newcomers and Friends Club

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers organization, are welcome to join us the 2nd Wednesday of the month (occasionally we switch Wednesdays to accommodate holidays or speakers). 

We run our meetings September through May. We meet at "3" Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room. Complimentary hot appetizers and beverages are provided and a cash bar is available.

Additionally, we hold many fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Look for us on our website www.franklinnewcomers.com, or on our Facebook page or on Meetup.com, Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club

Town Council - Summary - Video Link - Feb 13, 2019

The Town Council met on Feb 13, 2019. I was able to participate remotely for a bit as I had a work conference call scheduled for 8 PM.

The video replay of the meeting is available
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?PGD=franknma&eID=618

The official actions taken document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/town_council_actions_taken_for_february_13_2019.pdf

The agenda and docs released for the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-feb-13.html

Dept of planning/community development Director Bryan Taberner does overview of
proposed mixed business innovation zone

Returned to session; public hearings opening for the mixed business innovation zoning change, Planning Board recommends approval as proposed #tc0213 Dept of planning/community development Director Bryan Taberner does overview pic.twitter.com/WEkkeGiJNZ

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 14, 2019

Pandora back up to speak for the Franklin Downtown Partnership in favor of the MBI zoning proposal #tc0213 pic.twitter.com/lI0FvklkMR

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 14, 2019

Breaking away for work meeting, tune into the live stream on the Franklin website or via cable to see the Franklin TV broadcast #tc0213

— Steve Sherlock (@FranklinMatters) February 14, 2019

School Committee - Recap - Feb 19, 2019

The documents released for this meeting can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-12-2019-school-committee-packet-documents

screen capture of the homework presentation

• Live reporting: Consent agenda to closing (executi...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Only Items - Informatio...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-discussion-only-items.html
• Live reporting: Discussion Action items
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-discussion-action-item.html
• Live reporting: Homework Update
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-homework-update.html
• Live reporting: Dementia Friendly Franklin
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-dementia-friendly.html
• Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - Feb 19,...
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/02/live-reporting-school-committee-meeting.html

Electronics recycling event at St Mary's Church on Sat - March 23

Electronics recycling event at St Mary's Church on Saturday, March 23, 9 AM - 2 PM

Accepting:

Any and all electronics and appliances, including TV’s, monitors, computers, printers, microwaves, AC’s, washers, dryers, lawn mowers and any item that has a plug.

Our Costs:

● $5 each — Computers, DVD players, Laptops, Misc. Electronics, etc.
● $10 each — Microwaves & Small Appliances, Exercise Equipment,
Grills, Lawn Mowers & Snow Blowers (gas removed)
● $15 each — Computer Monitors, AC’s, Dehumidifiers, TV’s under 19"
● $20 each — Washing machines, Dryers, Stoves, Large appliances,
TV’s between 19” and 26"
● $25 each — TV’s between 27” and 32”, Large Refrigerators
● $30 each — TV’s between 32" and 35”
● $35 each — TV’s over 36”
● $40 each — Projection TV’s
● NO CHARGE: Cell Phones, Bikes, Car or Truck Batteries

RAIN OR SHINE, CASH OR CHECK, ZERO LANDFILL Questions? Contact Jim Wood = J.wood36@yahoo.com



Download your copy as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczVXh4YTcxS1RfU3VFMmtRWFZ1Tk1mekxIQ1hF/view?usp=sharing

Electronics recycling event at St Mary's Church on Sat - March 23