I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
none
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
1. Resolution 13-05: Hoffmann Farms, A Private Definitive Subdivision Acceptance of Covenant with Owner
motion to approve, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 13-06: Appropriation: Town Clerk - Advertising
motion to approve, passed 8-0
3. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-695:Changes to § 185-31. Site Plan and Design Review – 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 8-0 via roll call
streamlining the site plan for the developers and the Town
4. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-696:Changes to § 185-20. H. Signs. Sign Approvals - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 7-1 via roll call (no - Vallee)
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 12-697:Changes to § 185-45. N. Administration and Enforcement. Design Review Commission - 2nd Reading
motion to approve, passed 7-1 via roll call (no - Pfeffer)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Live reporting: Audit for 2012
Melanson Heath & Co., 2012 Audit
up to Page 12, MD and A, management discussion and analysis
Page 13
summary of future view
Page 15
unassigned fund balance $4,289
modest improvement over prior year, about 4.2% of general fund, auditor look at that number
stabilization accounts, fund increases due to actions voted but not yet spent
$15M vs. a year ago of $11M, $3M of that was committed
Page 17 helps to understand why the increase in unassigned fund balance
change in fund balance seen here, majority of this is timing
there is a good deal of info in the footnotes
there is interest in OPEB, if you choose I could talk for hours on it
In the management letter, recommendations begin on Page 3
follow up to prior year, more formal risk process, formal = written
The Town has provided responses to the issues raised, we think what has begun is off to a good start
On Page 4 - issues 2 and 3 will be addressed collectively, billing collection and assessment of funds, no segregation of duties present
on Page 5
Policy on handling fund balances, deals with spending prioritization
there are different constraints on the source of funds, determine which buckets of money shold be used first, would help provide guidance on what to do, what to use
Page 6 - prepare for GASB 68
the handling of the Norfolk County unfunded liability would need to be added to the books
an informational comment, I can not anticipate what that number would be
it is likely to be a large number, liabilities will go up, assets will go down
Powderly - yes,I did notice the quicker turnaround
does this happen often?
Nutting - we didn't have staffing, one clerk was doing both, we can resolve that with staffing and the outsourcing being looked at.
Risk assessment,the small towns will consider and accept the risk
Gagner, the risk assessment will be a multi year process, we have looked at the Treasurer and Comptroller depts, and once we have ours down, we'll expand to others
Nutting - eventually every department will go through the process,
Many more appointed treasurers
up to Page 12, MD and A, management discussion and analysis
Page 13
summary of future view
Page 15
unassigned fund balance $4,289
modest improvement over prior year, about 4.2% of general fund, auditor look at that number
stabilization accounts, fund increases due to actions voted but not yet spent
$15M vs. a year ago of $11M, $3M of that was committed
Page 17 helps to understand why the increase in unassigned fund balance
change in fund balance seen here, majority of this is timing
there is a good deal of info in the footnotes
there is interest in OPEB, if you choose I could talk for hours on it
In the management letter, recommendations begin on Page 3
follow up to prior year, more formal risk process, formal = written
The Town has provided responses to the issues raised, we think what has begun is off to a good start
On Page 4 - issues 2 and 3 will be addressed collectively, billing collection and assessment of funds, no segregation of duties present
on Page 5
Policy on handling fund balances, deals with spending prioritization
there are different constraints on the source of funds, determine which buckets of money shold be used first, would help provide guidance on what to do, what to use
Page 6 - prepare for GASB 68
the handling of the Norfolk County unfunded liability would need to be added to the books
an informational comment, I can not anticipate what that number would be
it is likely to be a large number, liabilities will go up, assets will go down
Powderly - yes,I did notice the quicker turnaround
does this happen often?
Nutting - we didn't have staffing, one clerk was doing both, we can resolve that with staffing and the outsourcing being looked at.
Risk assessment,the small towns will consider and accept the risk
Gagner, the risk assessment will be a multi year process, we have looked at the Treasurer and Comptroller depts, and once we have ours down, we'll expand to others
Nutting - eventually every department will go through the process,
Many more appointed treasurers
Live reporting: Treasurer/Collector
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Jim Dacey, Treasurer-Collector
Discussion on current proposal as drafted to start the work to move the position to an elected one
Kelly - can we handle this as we do the school principal?
Nutting - that is the recruitment process, does the council start getting involved every time something comes up. When I recommended the promotion of the current chief, we did that local as we had a candidate
Nutting - when someone comes in from the outside it is a different story, as soon as you get a committee it becomes an open meeting
Powderly - this is changing in general terms, the fine details of the process remain to be defined. While it is an elected position in some communities, the size of the budget does become the determinant?
Dacey - yes, the size of the budget is a key factor
Mercer - you get to choose the candidate and bring it to us?
Nutting - yes, there is a check in balance, we need to keep politics out of it. That would be true of any appointment
Dacey - to get the best possible candidate then we need to have it appointed
Jones - I think we need to let the voters determine this. I don't think we should take a position from the public.
Bissanti - do you feel that on a day to day basis, that you need to be in the trenches?
Dacey - my role is very hands on, there are things I do that no one else in the office does. Tax taking, investment choices, it is very hands on. My assistant is buried right now with the work that she has to do. If she would be the one to support the new treasurer, she would be hard pressed
Powderly - while moving from elected to appoint, the residents don't loose their voice. The Councilors hear from folks all the time. That won't change. I will always favor a Franklin resident, if I have to choose between three Franklin resident and some one who is very well qualified, for the stability of town I would go outside. It is a hard choice. No one can tell us more accurately than you what is needed. That is the most convincing argument. It can be seen as taking power away from people but I don't see that.
Jones - I think the voters are smarter than we think
Dacey - the problem is when someone is in for a week and messes things up, you won't be able to recover from it. It was almost three years before I go the job down pat.
Live Reporting - Town Council - Feb 6, 2013
Present: Mercer, Dellorco, kelly, Powderly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bissanti,
Absent: Roy
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 28,2013, December 19, 2013, Executive Session
motion to approve, passed 8-0
B. 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 Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Absent: Roy
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 28,2013, December 19, 2013, Executive Session
motion to approve, passed 8-0
B. 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 Franklin Matters.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
none
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS
none
E. APPOINTMENTS
none
F. HEARINGS
none
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
none
Teens Set to Run 4th Annual Charity 3v3 Soccer Tournament
The 2013 Soccer for Smiles to be held during school vacation in February promises fun for all participants while supporting a terrific local charity, the Random Smile Project. The Soccer for Smiles team is looking for contributions from local businesses and individuals as well as players from ages 5 to high school. The tournament is round-robin style and will be held February 18th, 19th, and 20th at Carpe Diem Field on 34 Saxon Street in Franklin, MA.
 |
| Soccer for Smiles 3v3 Tournament |
Soccer for Smiles was formed in 2010 when four teenagers combined their love for soccer with their interest in contributing to the earthquake relief fund in Haiti. Colin Berg (16), Tim LaRowe (15), Alexa Frongillo (16), and Cobi Frongillo (15), coaches at the Franklin Soccer School, came together to plan and host their first charity soccer event. The teens were struck by the devastation faced by the people of Haiti after the earthquake. They realized also that many people in their local community were in need of support and felt that they could make an impact through a fun, athletic event with children. This led them to partner with the Random Smile Project whose mission is to provide a bridge of support to people going through difficult times.
With increasing participation of over 100 young players in each of three years the tournament has been great fun and very productive. Raising over $2,000 for Haiti, they recognized the power of soccer and charity. Over the last two years, the team focused on local charities and each year outpaced the previous year’s income. In 2011, the tournament raised over $4,000 for the Random Smile Project (www.randomsmile.org). In 2012 the group chose beneficiaries of RSP and Team Isabella, helping a local girl and her family; contributions exceeded $5,000.
This year, the organizers of Soccer for Smiles look to go even higher hoping to get more participants over three days. Working again with the Random Smile Project, they aim to raise over $7,500. For more information and registration forms, go to www.franklinsoccerschool.com or email them at tournament@franklinsoccerschool.com .
Franklin Library: Fun Club - Mardi Gras Party
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Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Live reporting - Finance Committee - 2/5/13
Present: Smith, Goldsmith, Dufur, Quinn, Roche, Dewsnap, Feldman, Aparo, Huempfner
Absent: none
Citizens Comments - none
Approval of minutes from Jan 8th, motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
Action item:
Town Clerk advertising $1,000
proposed to move from free cash
motion to approve from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
DPW Road Capital Plan
Mike Maglio, Asst Town Engineer
roadway inventory conducted and road ratings created
update the database yearly
determines the capital plan based upon the ratings
206 total miles, approx. 30 miles are unaccepted roadways
approx 23 miles are private roads, with another 18 miles that are State roads
avg rating for roads is currently 76, would like to get up to about 80. That number tends to be a good one for communities of our size
if we attempted to upgrade all the roads at once, it would cost about $48M
$1.2 M per year would keep us just holding steady
$2.0 M would get us gradually to an 80 rating by 2022
The town is doing a lot of planning that folks don't always see
The Long Range Planning Committee reported that roads were one of the major issues to be addressed.
The DPW does work with the gas company to coordinate road work
There is a bylaw passed a few years ago that once a road was re-built, it is not to be touched (unless an emergency) for five years.
Trying to narrow the width of the roads to reduce the storm water handling
What has been the average road budget?
Not sure, let me check and get back to you. I have been here year and a half and just gettign into the budget business
Can you explain the accepted road process?
Has to do with the final as-built reports and acceptance by the Town Council
Working to get some of those identified and accepted into the process
We would be plowing and doing that kind of maintenance but not physical road repair work
Most of the paving is through contracts
we'll do some of the smaller tasks but the larger roads are better done by contractors
Q - how did the sidewalks account for so much/
A - can't repair them, mostly replace. Hadn't done this particular slide so not sure exactly what the calculation was
Tabling the OPEB valuation discussion (J Nutting not here)
Susan Gagner - not much to add just yet, the Governor's budget is out and we are scheduled for more local aid, if that holds it is very open to discussion
Intending to get budget at end of March
Per Jeff Roy, there will not be a local aid cut for this fiscal year.
Tri-County assessment is up, we have more kids enrolled there
Special election cost
There will be a primary and election, whether the state picks up the cost is open
Jim Dacey
we may come back to you for an increase in the processing of the parking tickets
have written only $20K of tickets, had budgeted only $3K for the processing
will be looking to see what it will be before year end and may come back in Apr/May with a number that should be good
Excise tax bills will be going out next Monday
Annual report will be reviewed at the Town Council meeting
Management letter to be addressed regarding action items
esp. a policy for fund balances
May be a requirement to put the unfunded pension liability on the balance sheet
The county has not presented that number to us
it will be interesting to see, all net assets will go down when it is added
Clarification on the asset versus liability and the balance sheet
we are funding the liability but not booking it (pension)
we are not funding the liability (OPEB) but booking
motion to adjourn
Absent: none
Citizens Comments - none
Approval of minutes from Jan 8th, motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
Action item:
Town Clerk advertising $1,000
proposed to move from free cash
motion to approve from free cash, seconded, passed 9-0
DPW Road Capital Plan
Mike Maglio, Asst Town Engineer
roadway inventory conducted and road ratings created
update the database yearly
determines the capital plan based upon the ratings
206 total miles, approx. 30 miles are unaccepted roadways
approx 23 miles are private roads, with another 18 miles that are State roads
avg rating for roads is currently 76, would like to get up to about 80. That number tends to be a good one for communities of our size
if we attempted to upgrade all the roads at once, it would cost about $48M
$1.2 M per year would keep us just holding steady
$2.0 M would get us gradually to an 80 rating by 2022
The town is doing a lot of planning that folks don't always see
The Long Range Planning Committee reported that roads were one of the major issues to be addressed.
The DPW does work with the gas company to coordinate road work
There is a bylaw passed a few years ago that once a road was re-built, it is not to be touched (unless an emergency) for five years.
Trying to narrow the width of the roads to reduce the storm water handling
What has been the average road budget?
Not sure, let me check and get back to you. I have been here year and a half and just gettign into the budget business
Can you explain the accepted road process?
Has to do with the final as-built reports and acceptance by the Town Council
Working to get some of those identified and accepted into the process
We would be plowing and doing that kind of maintenance but not physical road repair work
Most of the paving is through contracts
we'll do some of the smaller tasks but the larger roads are better done by contractors
Q - how did the sidewalks account for so much/
A - can't repair them, mostly replace. Hadn't done this particular slide so not sure exactly what the calculation was
Tabling the OPEB valuation discussion (J Nutting not here)
Susan Gagner - not much to add just yet, the Governor's budget is out and we are scheduled for more local aid, if that holds it is very open to discussion
Intending to get budget at end of March
Per Jeff Roy, there will not be a local aid cut for this fiscal year.
Tri-County assessment is up, we have more kids enrolled there
Special election cost
There will be a primary and election, whether the state picks up the cost is open
Jim Dacey
we may come back to you for an increase in the processing of the parking tickets
have written only $20K of tickets, had budgeted only $3K for the processing
will be looking to see what it will be before year end and may come back in Apr/May with a number that should be good
Excise tax bills will be going out next Monday
Annual report will be reviewed at the Town Council meeting
Management letter to be addressed regarding action items
esp. a policy for fund balances
May be a requirement to put the unfunded pension liability on the balance sheet
The county has not presented that number to us
it will be interesting to see, all net assets will go down when it is added
Clarification on the asset versus liability and the balance sheet
we are funding the liability but not booking it (pension)
we are not funding the liability (OPEB) but booking
motion to adjourn
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