Franklin Department Spotlight: Historical Museum

Find out more about the Franklin Historical museum and how to participate in their current archive project!

"Rebecca Finnigan is the Archivist at the Franklin Historical Museum. She started her position in Franklin in 2019. After studying both Classics and math at Holy Cross, Rebecca discovered a love of history! Her coursework introduced her to researching manuscripts, archaeology, and brought her into the archives world.

She took the next step in her education to study archives management at Simmons College. Rebecca worked in multiple facilities as an intern, such as the Baseball Hall of Fame and the Nantucket Historical Association. She is now the Archivist for the Town of Franklin and loves what she is doing here!

Rebecca views her role as not only educating the community today, but to preserve information, facts and historical pieces for the future. When she first stared, the catalog of items and information at the Historical Museum was very backlogged. It was managed by a very dedicated, volunteer staff only, all of whom had other jobs and commitments.

Franklin has a very large collection of books, maps, historical pieces, etc... the volunteers could only do so much. Adding the position of Archivist to the Town of Franklin ensured that the history of our town will be preserved and cataloged for visitors to enjoy!"

Read more about the Historical Museum:
https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net/franklin-historical-museum/home

Find all the Department Spotlights in one place:
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/department-spotlights

Franklin Department Spotlight: Historical Museum

VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - June 3

June 3rd VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social

Join Us via Zoom!
We had a nice turnout for our first VIRTUAL Coffee Social in May.
Please join us again via Zoom on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m.


Link to Join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85828103252
Call in #: 1-929-205-6099 Meeting ID: 858 2810 3252 #


We hope to "see" you June 3!

VIRTUAL Veterans Coffee Social - June 3

"everyone be patient and respect that we are all doing the best we can"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Many farmers markets across the MetroWest and Milford region are set to open in the coming weeks, but they will have a different look this year amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The state Department of Public Health in late April released guidelines for farmers markets to safely open and operate during the crisis, including limiting the number of customers allowed to enter the market at one time, implementing social distancing measures, having customers and vendors wear masks and gloves at all times and minimizing cash transactions, among other measures.

...
The situation is similar in Franklin, which will open its market June 5.

“The market is going to be very different this year as it has historically been a great gathering space on the town common” said Cynthia Garboski, Franklin Farmers Market manager. “This year, the message will be to come in, but local, support your farmers and continue on with your day elsewhere.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200531/area-farmers-markets-will-open-with-different-look-this-year-amid-ongoing-coronavirus-pandemic

"everyone be patient and respect that we are all doing the best we can"

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Remote Meeting - June 3, 2020

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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. April 22, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Franklin's State Legislative Delegation - Senate President Karen Spilka, Representative Jeff Roy, Senator Rebecca Rausch
b. Community Preservation Act (CPA)
c. Annual Financial Audit Presentation

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 20-29: Appropriation of Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per M.G.L Ch.44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-29 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
b. Resolution 20-30: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Fire Department (Motion to approve Resolution 20-30- Majority Roll Call Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. Coronavirus Update
b. FY21 Budget Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

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

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/06-03-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda page for June 3
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-3-2020-town-council-agenda-remote-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Remote Meeting - June 3, 2020

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #3 - DPW - 6/2/20

Town Of Franklin

Finance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at 6:30 PM

Link to access meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89499275801
Call in Number: 1-929-205-6099 enter Meeting ID: 894 9927 5801 then press #


To view or download the FY21 Budget Message, Budget Proposal and all materials, please visit the Town’s Budget Website
 https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials


AGENDA

1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. DPW Stormwater MS4 Permit Presentation
5. FY21 Budget Presentations: Dept. Tab

• DPW 422 Public Works
• Street Lights 424 Public Works
• Refuse Enterprise 434 Enterprise
• Sewer Enterprise 440 Enterprise
• Water Enterprise 450 Enterprise

6. Enterprise Fund Capital Program Update
7. Adjournment


Trust Fund Balances Update as of 4/30/20
● General Stabilization $ 6,137,832
● Recreation Field 455,151
● Open Space Acquisition 2,349,513
● Budget Stabilization 6,583
● Free Cash 834,296
● Fire Truck Stabilization 309,733
● OPEB 5,833,461
● Property Acquisition 269,958 
OPEB Obligation as of 6/30/19 (PAYGO): 68,554,870


FinComm agenda for June 2
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-06-02_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

screen grab of virtual session for Budget Hearing #1

 

Re-opening Guidelines for Restaurants and Hotels/lodging

As announced on Friday, Gov Baker has released the guidelines for restaurants and hotels for their review in preparation for opening in Phase 2. Note: the date for Phase 2 has not yet been determined. It could be as early as June 8 but in my reading between the lines is not likely. The data from June 1 to June 6 has been acknowledged to determine the date.

As residents and users of these services, perhaps more frequently to the restaurants than lodging, it would be good to be aware so we'll know what to expect as we venture forth.
 
Links to the guidelines are provided below.

Audio file for the Friday, May 29 COVID-19 update by Gov Baker - https://youtu.be/SYu8dLOpe0c




Restaurant Standards
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants

Restaurant Summary
https://www.mass.gov/doc/restaurants-protocol-summary/download

Restaurant Checklist
https://www.mass.gov/doc/restaurants-checklist/download

Lodging Standards
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-operators-of-lodgings#downloads-

Lodging Summary
https://www.mass.gov/doc/operators-of-lodgings-protocol-summary/download

Lodging Checklist
https://www.mass.gov/doc/operators-of-lodgings-checklist/download

The Curbside Cafe at Franklin Senior Center - June 1

The Curbside Cafe at Franklin Senior Center

Starting Monday, June 1st, the Curbside Cafe will be providing freshly prepared meals for curbside pickup, Monday through Friday, at the Franklin Senior Center from 11 am -1 pm, for elders, 60 years and older and disabled residents.  This program is funded by a grant from the Metrowest Health Foundation and generous support from the Franklin Council on Aging. 

Find out more details on our website here: https://www.franklinma.gov/curb

The Curbside Cafe at Franklin Senior Center - June 1

Everyone has a role to play in doing that, especially as the weather gets better”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The dual public health and economic crises triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have consumed virtually all of Beacon Hill’s attention, shifting many of the Baker administration’s pre-pandemic priorities to the back burner or off the stove altogether, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said.

For more than two months, state officials have been focused almost exclusively on responding to the highly infectious virus that has killed nearly 6,500 Massachusetts residents and blunting the major economic fallout that has pushed unemployment to record levels.

During an interview with Boston Magazine Editor Chris Vogel for the “Power Talks” series, Polito said the greatest challenge she has experienced amid the disruption is the “relentless focus” on COVID-19 response.

“It is our 100% focus - there isn’t anything else,” the Shrewsbury resident said. “I have a pile on my desk of the things I was working on before this hit, and it’s just there, and it is so secondary to what we need to focus on. I think that that’s in a way important, but really, all the things that we dream and hope for for the commonwealth are just kind of on hold. And that’s hard.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200531/polito-puts-hopes-and-dreams-on-hold

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito spoke at FHS a year ago

 

"this is common ground that we found and we think the right way to go"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Every registered voter in Massachusetts would receive an application by mid-July to request a ballot to vote by mail in the 2020 elections under a plan released Friday by House and Senate Democrats intended to create more options for voters to safely participate in the electoral process during the coronavirus pandemic.

The proposal for expanded voting-by-mail would be coupled with in-person early voting before both the primary and general elections in September and November, and traditional voting at a local polling station during both elections.

With the bill, state lawmakers are inserting themselves directly into a fiery national debate over the integrity of mail-in voting, with President Donald Trump at the center of the conflagration. Trump has suggested that mailboxes would be robbed and ballots would be forged or fraudulently signed as states moved to vote-by-mail, despite five states already using this system without trouble before the pandemic.

The co-chairs of the Election Laws Committee, Rep. John Lawn, D-Watertown, and Sen. Barry Finegold, D-Andover, released a bill on Friday night, giving members of their committee 48 hours to review and vote on whether to recommend the bill to the full House and Senate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200530/lawmakers-offer-vast-expansion-of-voting-options

Quick summary:

• an application would be mailed to registered voters to choose ballot by mail
• early election time for both Sept primary and Nov election
• allow for only check in desk at poll to reduce poll worker staffing

voting booths and check in for Franklin voters at FHS

FPAC and THE BLACK BOX Update

Dear FPAC Community and patrons of THE BLACK BOX,

I hope you are well as we look forward to reopening and reconnecting. As many of you know and have experienced first-hand, the arts have the power to inspire us and to heal. To that end, FPAC is ready to welcome you as soon as it is safe to turn the lights back on at THE BLACK BOX, under the guidelines of the CDC and Mass.gov.

Below please find the status of shows from our 2019-2020 season; Ticket holders will be contacted separately by email:

• Legally Blonde The Musical - New Dates TBA!
• Electric Youth In Concert - Cancelled, See you next year!
• Broadway In Franklin Weekend - Cancelled, See you next year!
• Culinary Cabaret - Cancelled, See you next year!
• FPAC 5K Road Race and 1 Mile Fun Run - New date in September TBA!
• FPAC Golf Tournament - New date is October 5th!

Please consider donating your ticket purchase back to help support our company and venue. The outpouring of concern for FPAC and THE BLACK BOX has been heartening, and given the devastating financial impact on nonprofits like ours, we’ll be counting on you when it’s show time once again! Look for a schedule of outdoor concerts in July!

Please like Franklin Performing Arts Company on Facebook (if you haven’t already!), and turn in for the month of June, Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 pm for “Great Performances…At Home” featuring FPAC favorite performers and special guests on Facebook Live. 

Since March FPAC has provided nightly entertainment and fun for audiences at home awaiting the opportunity to get out of our living rooms and back on stage.  
As you shop from home, please consider using AmazonSmile at https://smile.amazon.com/ and make FPAC your nonprofit of choice, thereby donating a small percentage of your purchase to FPAC. 

 Kindly join us on social media - like, follow, comment, share! Expanding our reach on social media is something we can accomplish from home with your help.

We can't wait to see your smiling faces soon!

Best,

Raye Lynn

Raye Lynn Mercer, Executive Director
Franklin Performing Arts Company
THE BLACK BOX
15 West Central Street
Franklin, MA 02038-0048
Email: rlmercer@fpaconline.com
Websites: www.fpaconline.com www.theblackboxonline.com

FPAC and THE BLACK BOX Update

FM #280 Finance Committee Budget Hearing #2 - 5/28/20

FM #280 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 280 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Thursday, May 28, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

This is the second of four budget hearings for the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 21).

The Finance Committee Vice Chair Bill Dowd opens the meeting. Each person who speaks is announced. The show notes contain links to the meeting packet and to the individual documents referenced.

The Franklin Public School budget is the key item on the agenda. There is good discussion and Q&A to help understand the drivers of the school budget. The Finance Committee approves only the top level amount. All the details are the responsibility of the School Dept and School Committee.

The recording runs about one hour and twenty-four minutes (1:24) , so let’s listen to the Finance Committee budget hearing of May 28.

audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDY3Z2g7




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

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-28_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

Budget doc and Overview memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/files/fy21-town-administrator-budget-message

FY 2021 budget documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

School budget summary
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf

Schools FY 21 recommended budget
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf


School Budget page https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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/
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

FM #280 Finance Committee Budget Hearing #2 - 5/28/20

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast 5-29-2020

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy and connected!  Here are some fun and interesting things to help pass the time.  

Tips and information

Curbside Cafe begins on Monday June 1st!  Click here for information on how to order and menu items available.

https://www.franklinma.gov/curb

Guided meditation by Kerry Paulhus

https://youtu.be/swyvsOz51NE

World Health Organization - COVID-19 Myth busters

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

Music

Enjoy Franklin's own Jamie Barrett sing The Doobie Brothers

https://youtu.be/eSEq1eMRYO0

Smooth Jazz for easy listening

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQFQW1iciZ8

5 Hours of the best classical music!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VB1RvyfISM

Just for Fun

Build the perfect Squirrel proof bird feeder

https://youtu.be/hFZFjoX2cGg

Cat Vs. Dog

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4FZnAYzD8Y

Riding an ostrich - for those of you who were on the zoom call this morning. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu8JB3XX4OI

Humor

Jeanne Robertson - don't snap an elephant to a tree

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92lofCtx52k

Jeanne Robertson - Don't mess with broom people

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWCRZjUGVO4

CBS outtakes and bloopers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulfIZA3KBEk

Dumbest job fail awards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0ivqjbOL1k

Kindness Matters

People who restore your faith in humanity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omr6FzY-1sk

Random Trivia

The 100 folds in a chef's hat represent 100 ways to cook an egg.

Yes, that tall, pleated white hat that chefs wear — technically called a toque — has 100 folds for a reason! According to Reluctant Gourmet, the pleats used to signify a chef's level of experience, like the number of ways he or she knew how to prepare eggs.

You can hear a blue whale's heartbeat from more than 2 miles away.The world's largest animal's heart weighs about 400 pounds — approximately the size of a small piano.

Attached you will find:

• Donna's activity sheet with 2 coloring pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V9B-2N1jVfpq1QUPNcJAm_b1fQZn3uC4/view?usp=sharing

Love, virtual hugs and good health to you all!  We are still here for you!  Please feel free to email Donna or me with questions, concerns or just to check in!

Ariel & Donna

Please feel free to share this email with anyone you think might enjoy it.  If you want me to add someone to the email blast list just send me a message with their email in it. 

REMEMBER:

When searching for information about the Coronavirus, COVID-19 please use caution!  Unfortunately there are many false sites that contain viruses and malware that can threaten your computer.  Many look like real sites.  Your best bet is to go directly to the CDC, WHO or your local government page (links below).   

https://www.cdc.gov/ 

https://www.who.int/

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal-updates-here

MEMORY CAFE!

For those of you who attend our Memory Cafe events I invite you to learn more about attending a VIRTUAL Memory Cafe through Zoom!  There are many options to choose from.

https://www.memorycafedirectory.com/cafe-connect/

--

Ariel Doggett

Respite Coordinator

Support Day Coordinator

Franklin Senior Center

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small

Finance Committee Recap - Budget Hearing #2 - May 28, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0528&src=typeahead_click

Pre-Meeting Tweets

• Three options for watching Finance Committee budget hearing tonight 1/3 "This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29" #fincom0528
• Three options for watching Finance Committee budget hearing tonight 2/3 = Follow Zoom link in FinCom agenda doc  https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-28_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf…  #fincom0528
• Three options for watching Finance Committee budget hearing tonight 3/3 = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream #fincom0528

Meeting starts, Franklin Public Schools

screen grab at start of budget hearing #2

• Real-time reporting ready to get underway for the #2 budget hearing for the Finance Committee meeting covering the school budget #fincom0528
• Roll call of Committee (6 present) along with TA Hellen, Superintendent Ahern among others of town/schools. Approx 30 total to start meeting #fincom0528
• Bill Dowd acting as Chair tonight in absence of M Dufour. #fincom0528 no public comments at this time. Minutes of Dec 17, 2019 up for approval, moved, seconded approved 7-0 (7 for, 2 absent) via roll call
• First up on agenda is town side of technology, #fincom0528 mostly same as last year with a minor increase for license cost increases
• Next up is school budget, only a line item on town side, all the details are in the school budget docs. #fincom0528
• First doc for SchComm budget is https://franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/02._executive_summaryrevised.pdf #fincom0528 second doc https://franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/fy21_sc_approved_budget_overview.pdf
• Town Council meeting of June 3 will include updates from Rep Roy, Senator Spilka and senator Rausch to provide some insight from capital hill #fincom0528 agenda to be posted Friday.
• Grappling with how to close the gap, as mentioned in SchComm meeting 5/26 it could include reduction of 25 positions on one scenario and 50 positions on the second scenario #fincom0528 teacher avg salary is Below the State avg teacher salary
• Town contributes more than $8M towards net school spending as calculated by the State, from the town side of the budget (facility maint, custodians, etc) and reconciled annually per MOU between town and schools #fincom0528
• Q on enrollment drop can increases in budget, what is the readers digest answer? Population has dropped, but the students coming are requiring more services, K-8 teachers have dropped, councilors have increased #fincom0528
• Key slide on gaps to close given some of the projections on the downturn and revenue estimates #fincom0528
• Q how closely do we vette the SPED needs of the students? We do quite well there, a lot of data via testing and observation, a formal process to follow with reviews at minimum annually #fincom0528 some kids do get off plans, they don't always stay forever
• SPED is a special Ed term for delivery of education to those students with special needs, schools attempt to do as much in-house as possible to save on out of district placements #fincom0528
• June 15 for non-professional (less than 3 years) and per contract the others would also be notified by June 15. #fincom0528 contract does have recall provisions that could be used
• Question on per pupil expenditure calculated at State per their categories and requirements #fincom0528

Tri-County, Norfolk Ag line items

• Tri-County working on plans for a refurb of the building, that would require a debt exclusion. Otherwise the charge for Franklin is based upon a per pupil expense for enrollment #fincom0528 both for Norfolk Ag and Tri-County

• Meeting adjourned via roll call by 7-0, catch you next Tuesday for part three of the FY 21 budget hearings  #fincom0528

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting to focus on "Re-opening Businesses"

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will conduct a virtual general meeting on Zoom on Thursday, June 4 at 8:30 AM. This special "Re-opening Businesses" FDP General Meeting will feature updates from state and town leaders, including 

• Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
• Susan Nicholl from State Sen. Karen Spilka's office 
• State Sen. Becca Rausch
• State Rep. Jeff Roy 
• Franklin Health Director Cathy Liberty

The link to join the Zoom meeting is: https://zoom.us/j/96287098735
Meeting ID: 962 8709 8735
One tap mobile: +16465588656,,96287098735# US

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting to focus on "Re-opening Businesses"

Finance Committee Recap - Budget Hearing #1 - May 27, 2020

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincomm0527&src=recent_search_click

Pre-Meeting Tweets

• Three options for watching Finance Committee budget hearing tonight 1/3 "This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29" #fincom0527
• Three options for watching Finance Committee budget hearing tonight 2/3 = Follow Zoom link in FinCom agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-27_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf #fincomm0527
• Three options for watching Finance Committee budget hearing tonight 3/3 = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream #fincom0527

Budget Hearing #1 - May 27, 2020

Meeting Starts - Jamie Hellen budget message overview

Jamie Hellen budget message overview

• Ready for real time reporting for the first of 4 finance committee budget hearings #fincomm0527
• Attendance via roll call for the intro including Town Admin and staff #fincomm0527 8 present, 1 member absent to start
• Approx 30 participating to start #fincomm0527 chair outlines meeting protocol and process to enable discussion and quality recording
• For FY 20, approx 90% of anticipated revenues through April already in hand. Amount in free cash for Snow/ice set aside ready for reassign as winter was good to us. Chap 70 commitment from State for FY 20 will be met #fincomm0527
• FY 21 is a different issue. #fincomm0527 some COVID-19 expenses will be covered by federal funds, cares act etc. When to be received is open
• Some part time staff at senior center furloughed due to shut down and their funding via revolving funds that are not available due to shut down #fincomm0527 no full time affected

• Balance budget presented, it is fluid. This is round one, there are reductions proposed. Additional may come as State aid reduction develops. Citizens need to be engaged in this discussion. #fincomm0527 FY 22 and 23 will provide additional challenges
• Legislative delegation anticipated to be at the June 3 Town Council meeting to provide insights (Rausch, Roy, and Spilka) #fincomm0527 no rainy day fund, no revenue anticipated to help cover this
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides the overview found in the budget memo shared earlier (I also recorded it) #fincomm0527 any cuts to local aid is a cut to the first line and dangerous. Will be critical to find new ways to do business in this new world
• Question raised on override in 2007, link to override collection shared with group. #fincomm0527 http://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/04/franklin-override-collection.html (Yes, the 2007 override was BEFORE franklinmatters.org came on line in Nov 2007)

• Motion to hold off on individual budget votes, will do the vote after all the department details are reviewed : motion passed 8-0 via roll call #fincomm0527
• One of the pluses with the virtual meeting is the screen share, all can be on the same page for the discussion of this or that number #fincomm0527
• 2% cost of living increase part of each department budget lines for personnel, contracts negotiated for some. #fincomm0527 2% is about $400k for the municipal side. Did put this forward until such time as we need to relook at it.
• Request for a sheet with FTE head count by department; would be helpful for schools also, Jamie will take it back to Superintendent Ahern #fincomm0527 shift of spot retiring to get an additional Assessor, they are the real ones who generate the property tax revenue
• Cost of handling online bill payments needs to be incentivized. Handling the checks and dollars is so expensive in comparison #fincomm0527 legal funds reduced as collective bargaining is complete for this cycle
• Town clerk budget not reduced due to multiple elections coming this year, one part time clerk moved to full time so only three full time in group, will need election workers for Sep 1 and Nov 3; #fincomm0527 esp as many of the workers were seniors and would be at risk
• Absentee ballots and how they are expanded (or not) remains to be resolved. #fincomm0527
• Facility line item reduction does assume Davis Thayer building would close for FY 21 year (decision to be made by schools - and not likely timewise for short term by my analysis) only accounts for the expense of the building #fincomm0527
• Line item for iPads to help with mobile inspections. #fincomm0527 thanks to Tri-County for some work their students did (one pavilion at DelCarte - I was scheduled to meet with them to report on their work and school shutdown interrupted that)
• Mitigation steps, cleaning and PPE, can be reimbursed via the cares act up to an amount. First 10 weeks cost approx 42k #fincomm0527

Police Chief TJ Lynch

• Moving to Public Safety section, Chief Lynch up. New shift schedule in process, something other depts need to look at to see if something like that is possible. Police at full staff currently (good health!) #fincomm0527
• Fire chief McLaughlin here almost a year now, #fincomm0527 the coordination and cooperation among the depts for the pandemic has been great. Anticipate adding 4 paramedics in Jan 2021 (mid year) awaiting civil service removal approval by State House
• Clear line of succession from paramedic through to chief, started new ambulance billing review effective April, each of the 4 battalion chiefs have additional duties #fincomm0527
• Some nuances of fire head count due to the transition from civil service and the legal requirements before and after. Fire has 52 today, in Jan will be 56 per proposal aligned with battalion chiefs etc. #fincomm0527
• Q on call volume, can get 5 years ? Check page 54 of the budget memo, it is there with some tables and pie charts #fincomm0527 had been on pace for 4800 runs/year pre covid, down slightly since (15%)
• Comment on contract when approved by Town Council, had not heard the dept applaud a deal before. (When the fire contract was approved) Karen Bratt catches kudos twice tonight for her work on negotiations #fincomm0527
• Moving to MECC dispatch operations, one year anniversary already, another merger coming as Mendon and Millville to join in Jan 2021, now eligible for additional grant opportunity, #fincomm0527 for 1 year of assessment getting 3 years of service
• New stabilization fund coming for MECC full assessment in FY 25 #fincomm0527 the report gives thanks to multiple individuals for helping the MECC over the year
• Open for final questions, motion to adjourn, vote via roll call passed 8-0. That's all for tonight! Catch you again Thursday for the school budget discussion.

One of the pluses with the virtual meeting is the screen share, all can be on the same page for the discussion of this or that number