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

What Is the Point of Chamber Membership?

Listen, friends, when society starts throwing around blanket definitions of which roles are "essential," although we can understand the meaning in this context, I think everyone starts considering their value a little.

A Chamber of Commerce is a unique thing. Many people think we are a city, probably tax funded, entity. Not true. Many people think we are a marketing agency. Not true, although we do provide marketing services. Many people think we are Downtown event planners. Not in our job descriptions, although we do believe our community is enriched by having regular activities to enjoy.

At the United Regional Chamber, we heavily consider ourselves to be customer service professionals. We exist to serve our business members, school districts, individual members, non profit partners, and the residents and visitors of our communities.

We provide word of mouth referrals on a daily basis. We manage a social media presence with broad reach. We create networking connections and new partnerships. We help your granddad find the phone number he didn't find in the yellow pages. We help high school kids navigate the steps of their community service project. We mail visitor packets out of state to people who are interested in relocating here, and we encourage them to stay in our local hotels and order our favorite menu items from local restaurants.

We help newcomers settle in by giving them useful resources accompanied by a sincere warm welcome to the community. We are an information hub.

We work closely with city leaders, local merchants, State agencies, Small Business Development Centers and more to stay in the know of things that could benefit or damage our communities. We are in a constant state of event planning, and are regularly brainstorming new things for families to do– because the truth is, if nobody enjoys living in and visiting our communities, our businesses will not thrive the way we want to see them thrive.

If you ask us "what's the point of joining the Chamber" we can rattle off a list of things we will do for you/your business, and I will explain that in some ways, we are like a gym membership– the more ways you choose to use your membership, the more benefit you will see. No two people will use the exact same combination of equipment, because we recognize that different members are seeking different results. Overall, like a gym, a Chamber cultivates a healthier community.

A Chamber is many things. We are flexible and ever evolving, because that's what it takes to be forward thinking and relevant. We offer a mix of tangible benefits and intangible benefits to our members, but a vibrant Chamber is GOOD for a vibrant community.

Before you dismiss a Chamber of commerce as non-essential for your business, please consider that Chambers are essential for community. Supporting your chamber is doing something for yourself– helping to build the quality of life in the communities where you live, work and play. #URCC #Chamberstrong

Jack Lank, IOM
President & CEO
The United Regional Chamber of Commerce
310 South Street
Plainville, MA 02762
Phone: 508-316-0861
www.unitedregionalchamber.org
"People Do Business With People They Know"

United Regional Chamber of Commerce

Attention Franklin: We Are a Purple Heart Community

We Are a Purple Heart Community - Honoring Those Who Served and Sacrificed

The Town of Franklin was recently named a Purple Heart Community. Along with 90 other Massachusetts communities, Franklin recognizes and honors recipients of the Purple Heart medal which is presented to U.S. military members who have been wounded or killed by enemy forces. 

Please let the Veterans Services Office know if you or a family member (residing in Franklin) is a Purple Heart recipient.

• Proclamation on "Purple Heart" community being read to acknowledge new designation. #tc0520 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/4a._proclamation_-_purple_heart_community_2.pdf

Contact info for Dale Kurtz, the Veterans Service Officer
Dale Kurtz
Veterans Service Officer
Towns of Avon and Franklin
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-613-1315 (O)
508-520-4917 (F)


A recent (April 27, 2020) interview with Dale Kurtz
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-257-dale-kurtz-veterans-services.html

Franklin Municipal Building at night

In the News: "(the scammers) can do a lot of damage"

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

"Using information stolen in a previous data breach, scammers are using Massachusetts’ residents personal information to get unemployment benefits, something that could have far-reaching effects for victims. 

Police in Ashland, Bellingham, Franklin, Holliston, Natick and Sherborn have received multiple calls from residents saying they have received letters in the mail indicating that they have been approved for unemployment benefits. 

The problem is, those victims had never applied for the benefits. 

Although the victims of the identity fraud aren’t losing money, it could lead to problems."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200529/area-police-warn-of-unemployment-scam

St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31

Dear Parishioners and Friends of Saint Mary Parish,

This weekend, May 30-31, we will “re-open our Parish” to Saturday/Sunday Masses. 

We begin this reopening on a special, powerful and meaningful feast: The Feast of Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, also called the Birthday (Beginning) of the Church. 

After this long quarantine we are at a “new beginning” of our Parish and its spiritual life. The Holy Spirit, sent by the Lord Jesus, is with us as we start the “baby steps” to begin to walk and re-open our Parish. I invite you to read this letter closely because although everyone is invited, there are many, many of you who should remain at home for health and safety reasons. 

The Apostles at Pentecost: they were brave, they will filled with faith and hope, but they also had to stumble about, back up a few times, go forward a few steps and also stop to figure it out some more. Some were able to step right along, and many were unable to come forward until later. 

Remember the great and magnificent Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome took centuries to be built as it appears today and also was torn down, added to and changed inside and out at various times. We cannot gild the lily with gold, until we plant, water, care for and grow the lily first, a lots of steps which all take time. 

So we do not start with the highest and fancy best as we begin again, we start with the basic and solid elements of Mass. Also, what is true is that the early church is a good model for us about deciding about “returning to church”. We need to remember that this decision is not about lack of faith; instead it is about being prudent and sensible and also using common sense. 

No one will get a higher seat in heaven for coming this week or in the next period of time, we receive our seat by the grace of God and then by our actions of our entire lifetime. 

We will begin with Masses at 4 PM this Saturday May 30, 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM on May 31 this Sunday. Bear in mind we need to clean and sanitize the church between each Mass.

The Mass in church for the foreseeable future will feel very different and perhaps strange to you. Further along in the letter I will explain some of the steps which we must take. Bear in mind that Cardinal Sean has continued the Dispensation for everyone about not attending Mass for any reason. This means any age. 

First I wish to address straight on a serious matter of who should consider coming to Mass and the folks who simply should not come. We are at present in Phase One in our State which means “stay safer at home.” 

This means there are categories of people who should choose not to attend Mass: People who are over the age of 70, with health issues the ages of 65-70, those who are receiving medical care, especially cancer and cardiac patients, people with emphysema, asthma or COPD, a history of pneumonia, those who use oxygen, or any respiratory complication etc. - basically any significant health reason whether physical or psychological. Good Catholics will observe this and all good Catholics will understand.

Coming to Church for Mass means cooperating with the new mandated rules and procedures, whether you like them or not. None of us will prefer them, but you, me and everyone else must care for the safety of others first. 

You may find a video of this as an example on our website (stmarysfranklin.org) or our Facebook Page 


Archdiocese of Boston: Returning to Mass from Archdiocese of Boston on Vimeo.

• All of us must observe the rules. 
• Please place your mask on while at the sidewalk. 
• Entrance is only by the front middle door or the elevator side entrance. 
• Everyone must come in and go down the main aisle to the front and circulate to side by going up to the front, across and then up the side. 
• Benches are closed off by tape. Do not break the tape. 
• The benches without tape on the aisle are for sitting. 
• Tape is placed on the bench seat to show where you may sit in that bench so that six feet will be observed. 
• If you are a household of 2 or more, you may sit as a group. 
• The next single near your group must stay 6 feet away. 
• There are only about 180 seats available in the church. 
• When capacity is reached, by law we must not admit anyone else.

Sadly, you will be unable to attend Mass in the church. There will be volunteer “Ambassadors” who will remind folks, help direct traffic flow and answer questions. 

• There will be no missalettes or singing. 
• At Communion, the Ambassadors will direct this bench by bench. 
• You must come down the main aisle. 
• The sides must go to the back, come across and come down the main aisle. 
• You must stay 6 feet apart. 
• Only Communion in the hand is allowed. “By tongue” is expressly forbidden because it is so very, very most dangerous in spreading infection, now or at any time. 
• Please put out one hand palm up. 
• Then step over about 6 feet to the taped box on the rug, remove your mask, receive Communion and then re-mask. 
• After receiving, please go down the side aisle and leave immediately by the front side door. You must leave by the two side doors in the lobby area. “Middle in, side out!” 
• If you are coming, please realize it will take extra time and come starting a half hour before hand. 

The side stairwell and wooden door on the Rectory side will be unavailable for use for the foreseeable future. Entrance to the lower level, will be by the side glass doors towards the front. 

The Prayer Wall in our Church is available electronically via our Facebook Page and also in church. If you use in church, you must come early and put your prayer up before Mass. Because of health reasons, you must provide your own pen for church. 

Terry Kerr, our Music Director and Organist, will provide music and singing at allowed times. 

Also, please know that Private/Family Only Funeral Masses are now being held. Weekday Mass will be a few more weeks away. We are following the priorities as directed by the Archdiocese.

Please know the very spiritual and holy Masses and Services on Catholic TV (catholictv.org) are available for everyone who should be staying at home. I have received many, many emails from folks about how this great spiritual treasure of our Archdiocese has kept their faith vibrant and strong. Parishes that stream their amateur efforts just cannot compete with Bishop Reed offers on the Catholic TV Channel. 

Our Saint Vincent de Paul acknowledges your generosity to them for their caring for the needy and frail. To bring donations of food and supplies from now on, please bring them up the sidewalk between the Rectory and church building and place them inside the glass doors on the side of the church at ground level. Many have also mailed in financial donations to the Rectory. 

I admire greatly the constant and faithful generosity of all who have thoughtfully sent financial support to our Parish via on-line giving (found at stmarysfranklin.org) or mailed in or dropped through the Rectory mail slot. Your continued generosity will help us as we go slowly through the many stages over the long time of re-opening.

Our Blessed Mother Mary is our Patroness and we honor her especially in this month of May. Saint Rocco, our special Patron, intercedes for us in heaven. We are blessed to be able to begin. We have the Holy Spirit who has been sent as an Advocate and Helper to us. The Spirit empowers us as we begin and re-open. 

May the Lord bless us as we continue His command to announce “the Good News of Salvation”.

Father Brian

PS: “Dear God, please get Father Brian to write shorter letters!”

St Mary's to hold Mass May 30-31

FM #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20

FM #279 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 279 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, May 27, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

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

The Finance Committee Chair Micheal Dufour 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 recording runs about two hour and twenty-five minutes (2:25) , so let’s listen to the Finance Committee budget hearing of May 27.

Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HB7R38g7



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

Agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-27_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

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

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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 #279 Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 - 5/27/20

FM #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)

FM #278 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 278 in the series.

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 26, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The School Committee Chairperson Anne Bergen 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 recording runs about one hour and fifty minutes (1:50) , so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of May 26.

Audio link = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HW257rH7



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


Agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_5-26-20.pdf

Meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/may-26-2020-school-committee-packet

My notes reported in real-time during the meeting via Twitter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/school-committee-meeting-recap-budget.html

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 #278 School Committee Meeting - 5/26/20 (audio)