Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Kerri & Jana share the Finance Town & School reorganization details, how the process works (audio)

FM #1338 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1338 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Chief Financial Officer Kerri Bertone and Interim School Business Administrator, Jana Melotti. We had our discussion in person in the Finance offices at the Town of Franklin municipal building on Thursday, December 12, 2024. 


Kerri, Chris Sandini (now retired) and I had recorded a session on the budget cycle and finance terminology in April 2022. Aside from the Triple AAA bond rating, which we had not achieved at the time of the recording, it did happen in May 2022, nothing significant had changed in the cycle and recording material.


The Town and School sides did see a reorganization of the Finance functions this year and we review those details in this session.

 

We cover 

  • The new Finance team org chart for Town and Schools

  • Separation of duties and cross training

  • Maintenance of the AAA bond rating is key

  • Discussion on similarity of enterprise funds (Town) and revolving accounts (Schools)

  • Free cash and capital funding

  • Reimbursement of the emergency shelter school kids by DESE

  • Audit of FY 2024 closing out, free cash being certified, budget cycle in process


The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1338-franklin-ma-finance-reorg-updates-12-1224/



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Finance organization chart (part of Nov 6, 2024 Finance Cmte meeting)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6._a_-_finance_org_chart_-_10-31-24.pdf 


April 2022 recording with Kerri & Chris Sandini

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/the-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle.html 


3 part series on Water

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-doug-martin-jake-standley


3 part series on Sewer

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug 


Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 


School budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/school-district-budget 


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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

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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!

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FHS boys basketball open season with win vs. Oliver Ames (video)

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Winter sports competition for Franklin High School on Monday, December 16, 2024 

Boys Basketball = Oliver Ames, 52 @ Franklin, 64 – Final 

Franklin TV video of game available for replay (no subscription required) -> https://www.youtube.com/live/mb0oHY2ZxG8?si=N9_h0AwPTAZEQyAl&t=1240



Ryan Lanigan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of HockomockSports.com, provides the game write up:
Franklin head coach CJ Neely always wants his offense to play with pace, but there has to be a purpose with it. 

The Panthers came out flying to start the second half and flipped a five-point halftime deficit into a six-point advantage going into the fourth. From there, Franklin never trailed and secured a hard-fought win, 64-52, over Oliver Ames in the season opener for both teams.

It marked the 250th career win for Neely, who had a previous stop at Foxboro for seven seasons. The milestone victory also came against Neely’s alma mater; he played for OA and graduated in 1999.


Girls Basketball = Franklin, 53 @ Oliver Ames, 60 – Final 
– Junior Avery Gamble opened the season in style, scoring 16 of her game-high 26 points in the second half to lead the Tigers past Franklin in the opener for both teams. Gamble had 10 points going into halftime but the Panthers had a 26-20 lead on the road. OA scored 20 points in the third to grab a two-point lead heading to the fourth. Gamble scored six in the frame and got help from classmate Maeve Horsman, who added eight of her 13 points in the third, and freshman Ellla O’Keefe added six of her eight points (including 4-of-4 at the line) to put the Tigers up 40-38. Gamble, who went 9-for-9 at the line in the game, finished strong, scoring 10 points in the fourth to help OA keep in front. Hannah Dupill went 4-of-6 at the line in the fourth and finished with eight points to hold Franklin at bay. The Panthers had a pair of players finish with 13 points. Chloe Fales scored eight of her 13 after halftime and Lena Malymina hit three shots from beyond the arc (two in the fourth). Ava Bonney chipped in with seven for the Panthers. Franklin made eight threes as a team in the loss.

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com
FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Hockomock Area YMCA Announces free teen memberships for Franklin Residents

The Hockomock Area YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin has received a grant from the Town of Franklin to provide a free 6-month membership to Franklin residents ages 13-17. These memberships will be available beginning in January 2025.    

Teens who fit this criteria are encouraged to visit the Y’s website at hockymca.org/teens-join-now for all the details. You may also visit the YMCA located at 45 Forge Hill Road in Franklin or call 508-528-8708 to learn more. 

“We are grateful for our strong partnership with the Town of Franklin and this incredible grant focused on the teen population,” says Jim Downs, CEO of the Hockomock Area YMCA.  “Together, with a shared purpose of enriching the quality of life in our communities, this grant will provide all Franklin teens access to our YMCA with a wide range of opportunities including physical fitness, social connections, service learning, leadership and so much more.” 

(L-R) Amy Frigulietti, Scott Martin and Jamie Hellen
(L-R) Amy Frigulietti, Scott Martin and Jamie Hellen

This free 6-month membership will allow Franklin teen residents the opportunity to use the Bernon Family Branch to its fullest with access to the full-service facility including the health & wellness center for cardio and strength training, the gymnasium, the indoor pool & aquatics center, the indoor track and access to all group exercise classes. Teens are encouraged to get connected and join the YMCA community today.

“We are proud to partner with the YMCA as a local leader focused on youth development,” says Jamie Hellen, CEO/Town Administrator of the Town of Franklin. “We are so grateful that the town of Franklin can partner with the Y to provide this grant funding so that more young people can become YMCA members and be part of a nurturing and safe community focused on active, healthy and connected lifestyles and habits.”

In addition to these facility features and member benefits, the Y offers many ways for teens to explore unique talents and interests and foster connections with friends through lifelong learning programs. “We have something for everyone at the Y. Teens are encouraged take an active role in strengthening community through joining our Teen Leaders Club. This is a free member benefit program focused on community service and youth empowerment.  We also offer Lift Club, a dynamic co-ed program that introduces teens to weight training and fitness. We will also be creating social opportunities at our YMCA including Saturday night events exclusively for teens,” adds Scott Martin, Senior Executive Director of the Y’s Bernon Family Branch. 

Teens enjoy the wellness center of the YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin
Teens enjoy the wellness center of the YMCA’s Bernon Family Branch in Franklin

Please contact Kristin Torraco, Membership Director by phone at 508-528-8708 or email: kristint@hockymca.org. 

About the Hockomock Area YMCA:
At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 
 
The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Pour Richard's sale sale get remaining spirits at 25% off - Tuesday, Dec 17

Pour Richard's sale sale get remaining spirits at 25% off - Tuesday, Dec 17
Pour Richard's sale sale at 25% off - Tuesday, Dec 17

via Ann at Pour Richard's 

"And … that’s (nearly) a wrap! 
New owners taking over-we think-Wednesday. 
Meanwhile, help us dispose of our remaining spirits inventory with 25% off (30% if paying cash) through end of Tuesday. 
Cheers!"


Should the Town Council fiscal policy attempt to go this far ???

Did you happen to catch the proposed revision to the Town of Franklin Town Council fiscal policies?

This is scheduled for discussion/action on the Council agenda on Wednesday, Dec 18. 
Budget Stabilization Fund –
i. Used to overcome short term operating budget shortfalls.
ii. Where legal, School revolving fund surpluses should be used for school budget shorfalls prior to authorization of a Budget Stabilization fund transfer to ensure the Town maintains a AAA Bond Rating. The School Department should maintain a minimum target of at least $1 million in surpluses for unforeseen emergencies.
Find the full "track changes" proposal ->

Why? 

Just starting with "Where legal" acknowledges they are going off track. There is no need to include the item, period.

Should the Town Council fiscal policy attempt to go this far  ???
Should the Town Council fiscal policy attempt to go this far  ???

Charcuterie workshop scheduled for Saturday, Dec 21 at Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen

"Join us this Saturday at 5 PM here at the bakery to create your own charcuterie board with JG Charcuterie. 
Tickets are available on @jg_charcuterie bio"

Boston Globe continues story on Rep Roy

"Representative Jeff Roy, who last year disclosed his relationship with a top lobbyist, said it had started only recently, after the two Bates College graduates met through the school’s alumni council. But a divorce filing, originally submitted by his wife a day after he disclosed the relationship in a letter quietly filed to the state House clerk, now suggests the romance may have been going on far longer.

In that filing, Maureen Roy wrote that she believed her husband and lobbyist Jennifer Crawford had been together since 2019, and that the Franklin Democrat had been showering her with vacations, expensive meals, and lavish gifts for years. Roy and his wife formally separated in November 2022, documents reveal, but their divorce proceedings — which began in July 2023 — are still ongoing.

The revelations about Maureen Roy’s allegations come after Globe reporting disclosed that Roy, who is chairperson of the House energy committee, and Crawford, who represents several clients regulated by that panel, were in a romantic relationship. Even under Roy’s stated timeline, their relationship coincided with his committee working on a sweeping climate bill that was sprinkled with priorities for some of Crawford’s clients."
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) -> 

The initial article and Rep Jeff Roy's response can be found ->

Boston Globe continues story on Rep Roy
Boston Globe continues story on Rep Roy

Watch "A Controversial Play — and What It Taught Me About the Psychology of Climate | David Finnigan | TED" on YouTube

via TED2024

"When playwright David Finnigan launched a new play in 2014, controversially titled "Kill Climate Deniers," he was not prepared for the blowback.  
But the conversations with climate skeptics of all stripes ultimately taught him a fascinating lesson about how many of us think about — and act upon — the climate crisis. (Recorded at TED2024 on April 17, 2024)



Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines

2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era


11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 


  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:30 am Joe Landry: Industry
9:00 am Mental Health: Susan Dunshee & Allison Tambolleo
10:00 am Frank Presents: Daniela Masters Pt 1
11:30 am Greenwich Bay Brass Band
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Party Chicken
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Deep Dish
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 5
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 6
3:30 pm Riffing on Main Street: Steve Sherlock
4:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
5:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime
6:00 pm Fallen Heroes Pt 8
6:30 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley
9:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Boston Floating Hospital

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

9:00 am Middle School Winter Music 2024

10:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

11:30 am FHS Varsity Swimming v King Philip 01-25-24

2:00 pm Mental Health: Susan Dunshee & Allison Tambolleo

3:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Catholic Memorial 03-12-24

5:30 pm FHS Winter Music: Chorus and Orchestra 2024

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Bishop Feehan 02-07-24

9:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Cinderella


  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee 12-10-24

12:00 pm Master Plan Committee 12-04-24

2:00 pm School Committee 12-10-24

7:00 pm Joint Budget Subcommittee  CHAMBERS  828 6581 8882


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


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Monday, December 16, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, December 16, 2024 ???

Monday, December 16
  • Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
  • Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)
4:00pm Doggie tales (Franklin Public Library)
4:00pm Dungeons & Dragons for Kids & Teens (Franklin Public Library)
6:30pm Franklin Q&A (Franklin Public Library)


**  Town Meetings today   **


Planning Board Meeting
Event Date:  Monday, December 16, 2024 - 7:00pm


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming


Franklin Food Pantry distributing December Holiday Meals

via The Franklin Food Pantry 

Just as we did with Thanksgiving, Pantry clients will not preregister or sign up for a meal to celebrate a winter holiday!

Now through December 20, 2024, fully registered clients will be provided with a grocery store gift card and extra bag to choose traditional holiday and culturally relevant offerings to celebrate in ways that are meaningful to them.

If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-help, or contact The Pantry at 508-528-3115.




Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7 PM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting
(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)
December 17, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Franklin Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street - 2nd floor, Council Chambers


Agenda
1. Approval of minutes
a. March 8, 2023 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1a._2023-03-08_joint_budget_subcommitte_meeting_minutes_-_google_docs.pdf
b. August 2, 2023 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1b._2023-08-02_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes_-_google_docs.pdf
c. October 11, 2023 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2023-10-11_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes.pdf
d. March 6, 2024 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes.pdf
e. October 23, 2024 - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-10-23_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_minutes.pdf
2. Updated Town Administrator Five-Year Forecast Sketch
a. Administrator Memo - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2a._2024-12-17_jbsc_memo.pdf
b. Updated Five Year Forecast Document - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2b._fy25_5_year_budget_forecast_with_override_-_revenue_summary.pdf
c. Norfolk County Retirement Board Letter & Documents - 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2c_0_norfolk_county_retirement_board_letter_11.1.24.pdf
d. State House News Service State Budget Update articles  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2d_1_articles.pdf


4. Adjournment



Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7 PM
Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 17 at 7 PM



Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Dec 18 at 5:45 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
December 18, 2024 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building 
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor 
355 East Central Street 


Agenda: 
1. MBTA Communities Update  
2. Nu-Style Project Update



Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Dec 18 at 5:45 PM
Economic Development Subcommittee - agenda for meeting Dec 18 at 5:45 PM

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 18, 2024 = 5:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
Training Room, 3rd Floor
355 East Central Street


Agenda:

1. Call the Meeting to order

2. Finance Update
3. Member Comments

4. Adjourn



Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM
Community Preservation Committee: Agenda for Meeting Weds Dec 18 at 5 PM