Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Joint Budget Subcommittee Committee Charge and Role
4. FY23 Operating Budget Revenues Sheet Analysis & Discussion
5. Biennial review of the Town of Franklin Financial Policies
6. General business:

a. Approval of Minutes: 12/08/21

b. 2022 Budget Calendar & 2022 Finance Committee Schedule

c. Stabilization Account update

d. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-12-22_finance_committe_agenda_packet.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Recap: Franklin Housing Authority meeting - 01/10/22 (audio)

Started the new year with attendance and recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting at Central Park Terrace. Meetings are generally scheduled for the 2nd Monday of the month. 

Audio of the meeting came out well so you can listen in and follow along with my notes below. (Note: doc links provided are to my Google Drive copies of what is posted to the State page.) 

Meeting agenda doc -> (opens a Word doc)  https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority/agenda/fha-agenda-01-10-2022

Link to current annual report ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JqWUz-VIjMmU7TneXMqLVLLY9SbUMHHt/view?usp=sharing

Link to prior year PMR report ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JraJlxJGjpKSs1TKQ4vP2joW0MjtC7Mo/view?usp=sharing
 

• Reporting on the Franklin Housing Authority meeting today #fha0110 public hearing on annual plan first up on agenda (recording in process, so assuming tech gremlins kept aside can be shared later)
• Link to annual report to be added later, capital plan part of the report. Emergency work orders reqd to be processed within 24 hours, list of EWOs part of the report, preventive maintenance plan part of report. #fha0110
• Operation budget for year included in report. #fha0110 deficit of approx $82k for past year, looking forward to a slight plus for next year. Unable to collect income due to some units offline due to fire and recovery steps
• No findings in PMR which is part of the annual report #fha0110 DHCD does resident survey totally apart from the FHA survey results part of the report, good review overall.
• How does the tenant survey compare to prior year? DHCD survey results cover the period from 2016-2019. Q on meeting notification? Is it posted locally? How to let other residents know about the meeting? Meeting notices posted at the office #fha0110
• Capital plan meeting was well attended #fha0110 hard to send word to everyone re: contact protocols. Can post to the common areas. Typically the 2nd Monday of the month; aside from Jul/Aug
• Chair request for maintenance update once a quarter, minutes approved unanimously (3-0) Capital charges, motion to accept, passes unanimously (3-0) Commissioner training coming, if anyone wants let Lisa know #fha0110 training switched to remote, 9-noon Saturday
• Current waiting list over 8,000. #fha0110 congregate program removed from the 'champ' (sic) system EOEA will be working to pre approve applicants for this type of living, 3 deaths in Dec, hence openings. 11 units (4 fire) open and in process of turnover physical • • •
• No waiver for delay processing during COVID commented on the annual report to account motion to accept director report, approved 3-0 #fha0110 statements, look in line with other periods, motion to accept statements. Norfolk is 100% occupied.
• Norfolk brought from a $100k deficit to a $100k positive, primarily due to calculation of rent properly as well as timely collection of such, worked through timing issues of SSS benefits and rent payments #fha0110
• Building fire update, roof truss came in, insulation being added and inspected, wall board coming, coming along, possible in Feb; about 9 months to recovery #fha0110 
• not in position of DHCD approved contract, likely 30-50 agencies will not sign the contract from DHCD Dispute on contract in court, approval of audit report passes 3-0. #fha0110
• No old business, new business, FISH contract looking for extension due to supply delays, moved seconded passes 3-0; 2nd FISH contract, completion of fire alarm cert of completion, passes 3-0 
• Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 #fha0110

PDF of Twitter thread ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/19y55ky9CUtRrEZT7daSsgDMOt9XX1Fch/view?usp=sharing

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-695-franklin-housing-authority-meeting-01-10-22 

Franklin Housing Authority - Meeting - Jan 10, 2022

FHS girls indoor track team posts win vs. Attleboro

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS winter sports action on Monday:  

Indoor Track (@ Wheaton College)
Franklin, 43 @ Attleboro, 56 – Final

Franklin, 89 @ Attleboro, 11 – Final 

– Franklin swept all nine points (first three spots) in five events on its way to a big win over Attleboro. Jillian Fenerty won a pair of races, taking first in both the 55M dash and the 300M, the latter a complete sweep with Sophia Cuneo and Alexandrea Pond taking second and third, respectively. Franklin also swept the 1000M led by Allison Powderly’s first place finish, the 2 Mile highlighted by Colleen Golden’s win, the shot put with Darby Nicholson taking first, and the high jump with Ava Fraulo winning with a leap of 5-02.00. Attleboro’s Jahela Douglas took first in the long jump at 14-08.00.

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-10-22/

Results can be found online ->  https://live.harrierrace.com/meets/12217/events

FHS performance listing can be found in this PDF doc ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11J83so9Pve_FbpnvSzRRNgFTnIsSZb_C/view?usp=sharing

FHS Panthers

COVID Self Test Kits available for Franklin, MA residents

To answer the need of this pandemic period, Franklin resident KP Sompally is making volunteering his services to provide COVID SELF TEST KITS. He obtains the kits with the help of Telugu Association of North America (www.tana.org). 

KP will distribute the COVID SELF TEST KITS for the cost of $11 per test kit. 

Who is TANA and how are they involved?

• TANA is one of the oldest charitable organizations. They do selfless service for humanity. Providing these test kits is one service. The supply is obtained via TANA community network.

Is there any limit per request?

• yes either 1 or 2 test kits per request

Is there any delivery schedule?

• Since this is not a business just KP volunteer time, delivery would be after 5 PM and while supplies last. The delivery is restricted to Franklin, MA residential addresses.

How would I pay?

• cash OR Venmo

If any Franklin Resident need a COVID SELF TEST KIT call or text KP Sompally @ 724 726 1166 with your address.

COVID test kit image:

COVID test kit

KP’s Venmo account info 

KP’s Venmo account info

Updated: Andrew M Bissanti - Obituary link

Updated: to add obituary details/link

"Andrew Mario Bissanti, 64, of Franklin died peacefully January 7 at Milford Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Christina M. (Lombardi) Bissanti.

Direct link to Ginley Funeral Homes page -> https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/262044?fbclid=IwAR1Cn8MLtbkxV9UCrhw8yN03_nZX9XNAs9457-MQRXtoyqzxyl_qnbYR9zQ

PDF Copy -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11B5oansKbKq8mBZmEz-S3bQ1howYeuGV/view?usp=sharing

former Town Councilor Andy Bissanti at an EDC meeting in Feb 2021

Shared from the Franklin Observer -> https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/59450/andrew-mario-bissanti-64

FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022

The document released for the scheduled School Committee update on Franklin Public Schools (FPS) Student Services Tuesday, Jan 11, 2022.

Shared from the FPS page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/school_committee_presentation_january_11_2022.pdf

Or via the embedded doc below or located ->    https://www.slideshare.net/shersteve/school-committee-presentation-on-fps-student-services-011122

Meeting packet folder for the Jan 11, 2022 meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee Presentation on FPS Student Services 01/11/22 from Franklin Matters

FPS Student Services presentation - Jan 11, 2022

Senator Rausch to host Virtual Town Hall - Jan 24, 2022 - Register now to participate!

SENATOR RAUSCH TO HOST VIRTUAL TOWN HALL 

Senator Rausch will give a Beacon Hill update and field questions from  

constituents during the virtual forum. 

 

Boston, MA – Senator Becca Rausch will host a Virtual Town Hall reserved exclusively for constituents of the Bristol, Norfolk, and Middlesex District and the newly drawn Norfolk, Worcester, and Middlesex District on Monday, January 24, 2022 from 7 - 8 PM on Zoom.  

Senator Rausch will give a brief update about her second term in office and invite constituents to participate in a question-and-answer session to share their questions and opinions on state issues.  To comply with public health precautions during the pandemic, the virtual conversation will take place over Zoom.  

"This pandemic has been a difficult time for every single one of our community members," said Senator Rausch. "Now more than ever, it is critical that constituents have direct access to their elected officials so we can advance the policies to best support the families, schools, small businesses, and municipal governments we represent."

This event is open exclusively to the community members of Attleboro, Bellingham, Dover, Franklin, Medfield, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. 

To register for the event, go to https://www.beccarauschma.com/town-hall, email alana.westwater@masenate.gov, or call 617-722-1555. 

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight. 

Senator Rausch to host Virtual Town Hall - Jan 24, 2022 - Register now to participate!

Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Community Relations Sub Committee

Wednesday January 12, 2022 = 6:00 P.M.

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to Order

● Review Community Relations Subcommittee mission: to unify the Franklin community through an ongoing dialogue that broadens the community’s knowledge of FPS, increases engagement, and enhances our understanding of the community’s needs

● Legislative Forum - Date, Questions

● How do we maximize the reach and impact of our communications? Which activities should we continue, stop, start? What are the more effective communication channels?

● Confirm schedule for upcoming meetings

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/community_relations_sub_comm_agenda_1-12-22.pdf

Community Relations Subcommittee - Jan 12, 2022 - 6 PM

Medicare.gov: 3 things you can do to protect yourself from Omicron (vax, boost, mask!)

Help stop the Omicron COVID-19 variant by using all the tools to protect yourself and others.

Protect yourself from Omicron The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19. Here are 3 things you can do to help protect yourself and others: Get the COVID-19 vaccine, if you haven't already. Vaccines are the best tool to protect us from COVID-19. They slow the transmission of the virus, and provide strong protection against severe illness and hospitalization. Get the booster when you're fully eligible. Everyone 18 years and older should get a booster shot 2 months after their Johnson & Johnson vaccine, or 5 months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. Adolescents and teens ages 12 to 17 should also get a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech 5 months after their primary series. Continue wearing a mask in indoor public places in areas of high or substantial community transmission. Use the COVID-19 County Check Tool to find your county's level of community transmission. Learn More Remember: Medicare covers the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot at no cost to you. Visit Vaccines.gov to find COVID-19 vaccines and boosters near you. Sincerely, The Medicare Team This message is paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It was created and distributed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You're receiving this message because you signed up for email updates from the Medicare Team.

Add this to the worry list: IRS "warns of ‘enormous challenges’ this tax-filing season"

"Treasury Department officials on Monday said that the Internal Revenue Service will face “enormous challenges” during this year’s tax filing season, warning of delays to refunds and other taxpayer services.

In a phone call with reporters, Treasury officials predicted a “frustrating season” for taxpayers and tax preparers as a result of delays caused by the pandemic, years of budget cuts to the IRS and the federal stimulus measures that have added to the tax agency’s workload.

Typically, IRS officials enter filing season with an unaddressed backlog of roughly 1 million returns. This year, however, the IRS will enter the filing season facing “several times” that, Treasury officials said, although they declined to give a more precise estimate. The IRS website says that as of Dec. 23, 2021, it still had 6 million unprocessed individual returns, and as of the start of this month it still had more than 2 million unprocessed amended tax returns, a separate category."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2022/01/10/treasury-irs-filing-season/

FYI - For 2020, I filed in February and didn't get a return status until July.  I had a very minor miscalculation in my return that held it up.  Only thing to do is file early, and file accurately.

IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig appears before a House panel last year. (Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post)