Showing posts sorted by date for query override. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query override. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Town Council approves additional $1M for schools, starts process for override, turns down King St parcel zoning change (audio)

FM #1249 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1249 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  7 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Cormier-Leger), one was absent (Hamblen). For the time when Cormier-Leger participated all votes were recorded via roll call.


Quick summary

  • A number of citizens comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.

  • The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.

  • The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 

    • One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.

    • Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)

  • A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.

  • The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)

  • The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.


The recording runs about 3 hours, so let’s listen to Town Council meeting of June 17, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1249-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-07-17-24/



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


The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67 


Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf


My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUWE6iK-G1T7xnVsjgXiGj2-l2P9S9Kg/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


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 Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Saturday, July 20, 2024

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the July 17 meeting to about 30 minutes (audio)

FM #1242 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1242 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning to recap the 3 hour session. 


We look to focus on 

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Topics for this session:

  • A  number of citizens’ comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.

  • The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.

  • The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 

    • One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.

    • Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)

  • A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.

  • The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)

  • The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.

  • Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500)

The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.


Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1247-town-council-quarterbacking-07-18-24/


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


The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67 


Agenda document for this session: 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_july_17_2024.pdf 


My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rUWE6iK-G1T7xnVsjgXiGj2-l2P9S9Kg/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


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"




Thursday, July 18, 2024

Town Council approves additional $1M for schools, starts process for override, turns down King St parcel zoning change (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 17. 7 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Cormier-Leger), one was absent (Hamblen). For the time when Cormier-Leger participated all votes were recorded via roll call.

Quick summary
  • A number of citizens comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.
  • The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.
  • The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. 
    • One - consensus to begin with a Joint Budget series of meetings to work on determining the future (assuming yes, when?), and getting consensus among the 3 committees (Town Council, School Committee and Finance Committee) on an amount for an earlier spring vote.
    • Two - the Council did vote to take $1M from the debt stabilization account to provide for additional funding for the School budget. The School Committee will vote to accept the funding at their next scheduled August meeting (Aug 13). (After this vote Cormier-Leger left the session)
  • A set of 3 bylaws to change downtown commercial zoning to bring the Town into compliance with the MBTA regulations were approved and moved to second reading. The second reading will be a Council meeting in August.
  • The zoning change for the mill store property on Union St was approved and moved to second reading (also at a meeting in August)
  • The Council also voted to approve the land swap deal with the state. This work started approx. 11 years ago and finally getting to the changing of the deeds stage to complete. This will set up for future renovation & enhancements to the Beaver St recycling Center.
The Franklin TV video of the 3 hour session can be found ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/dvI5kTzZqP0?si=Od24AGR5njNiF99I&t=67

Agenda document for this session: 

My notes as captured during the session can be found in one PDF

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
July 17, 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
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
a. Override Discussion & FY25 Budget Adjustment #2   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_override_and_1_million.pdf
i. Legislation for Action # 9a
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 24-50: Budget Stabilization Account Transfer to the Franklin Public School’s FY25 Operating Budget (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-50 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-50.pdf
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._24-905.pdf
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906: Changes to §185-3.  Definitions, Mixed Use Development Definition - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-906 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-906_907_908.pdf
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907: Changes to §185-21 Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements, Elimination of Minimum Parking Requirements in Downtown Commercial Zoning District - First Reading
(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-907 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._bylaw_amendment_24-907.pdf
e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908: §185 Attachment 7. Part VI, Addition of Mixed Use Development to Use Regulation Schedule - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-908 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._24-908.pdf
f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-913: Zoning Map Changes from Business to Commercial I, an Area on Union Street Near Franklin Crossing - First Reading (Motion to move Bylaw Amendment 24-913 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._24-913_-_union_st._mill_store.pdf
g. Resolution 24-42: Authorization for Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018 Landfill Land Swap Legislation, so-called
h. Resolution 24-49: Acceptance of Gifts - Veterans’ Service Department ($700), Senior Center ($381), Franklin Public Library ($500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-49 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._24-49.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 - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda and docs released for this meeting can be found ->

Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM
Franklin, MA: Town Council -Agenda for Meeting July 17, 2024 at 7 PM

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Chip sealing in process

Via the DPW: 

"More preventive/improvement road surface work! This process is called “chip sealing”.  
Hot emulsion (liquid asphalt) is applied to the roadway surface and then aggregate stone is added and rolled in. Once the emulsion cools and hardens, it holds the stones in place.  
Excess stone is swept up during the process and the days after. This process is a very cost-effective way to extend the life expectancy of the roadway surface. It not only seals the roadway to prevent potholes, it also adds traction to the surface.  
This process can only be done during a certain time of the roadways life cycle, i.e. it cannot be done if the roadway has deteriorated too much.  
Many times we will crack seal or repair sub-surface problems before chip sealing."
See more photos of the chip sealing process -> ttps://www.facebook.com/share/4hfw3eGcuHSiPZZF/


Note that the report shows the priority of the road conditions, it does not provide a timeline for repairs. That is budget dependent. The Town voted down a dedicated override to fund road repair in 2014. 


Chip sealing in process
Chip sealing in process

Saturday, June 22, 2024

"The Town Council will consider a proposed FY25 Budget adjustment"

June 21, 2024

To: Town Council
From:     Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
            Amy Frigulietti, Deputy Town Administrator

Re: FY25 Budget Adjustment

The Town Council will consider a proposed FY25 Budget adjustment to cut from municipal services in an effort to restore some of the School cuts that have been proposed due to the failed townwide override vote on June 11, 2024.

We are proposing municipal budget adjustments before the Council for consideration this evening due to the overwhelming amount of public feedback from school parents, educators and stakeholders in the wake of the failed override vote. While we do not take these cuts lightly, we feel they are necessary to try and preserve some of the School cuts. With that said, we want to be clear that this is not a request that has been made by the Superintendent or School Committee. The decision to further trim from the municipal budget was examined, in response to public feedback, with the intention of presenting the next level of discussion and engagement on the town budget prior to the fiscal year beginning.

At the meeting on Wednesday, June 26th, we will present a brief slideshow outlining proposed cuts line item by line item and will have handouts. We are still working with our finance team on the slideshow, lists of cuts, communicating them, and revising the voting document for the Town Council to consider. Once finalized, we will publish these materials and will have all the information to the Town Council and the Community as soon as possible.

As we have mentioned many times before, the amount of work requested of our staff far exceeds the actual staff capacity. We all have so much going on right now, general administration of these types of items is very challenging to do.

The first round of proposed cuts focuses on areas that generate little to no revenue. When the town considers cuts, we also have to be cognizant of the offsetting revenues various departments bring in and potential cost increases associated with cuts, such as overtime, that may accompany a final decision.

Please let us know if you have any questions and more materials will be made available next week.



The FY 25 Budget update memo -> 

"The Town Council will consider a proposed FY25 Budget adjustment"
"The Town Council will consider a proposed FY25 Budget adjustment"

School Committee with a light agenda list has heavy discussions (audio)

FM #1238 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1238 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. Five members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. Vice Chair Dave McNeill led the session as Chair D Callaghan and E Gallagher were absent.


Quick recap:

  • Elementary Report Card Update, modifications made since last meeting, approved later in session

  • EFD - Meal Charge Policy & EFD-R - Meal Charge Policy and Procedures both approved

  • Fee Increase Vote, due to failed override, a number of fees were approved for an increase

  • Superintendent’s Evaluation Report, discussed and approved with a rating of “Proficient”

  • FY 2025 Budget Update, was available on the website, at least as of Friday. With failure of the override program and staff cuts to live within the original amount provided by the Town $75M, hence 37 positions cut, 33 were educators. Difference between "reduction" vs "eliminated" explained

  • Multiple citizen comments, mostly passionate advocating for restoration of music and art programs



The recording runs about 3 hours minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1238-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-06-18-24



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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcxG4nP96wQ   


FY 2025 Budget update -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_to_sc_6_18_24.pdf 


Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_6-18-24.pdf     


Meeting packet folder -> (other docs released for this meeting, some of them available after the meeting)  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-18-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 


My notes in one PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bPdSl_iiJ_lSDyK8hAT9Rt262UZpM8dI/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


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"


School Committee with a light agenda list has heavy discussions (audio)
School Committee with a light agenda list has heavy discussions (audio)