Present: Feldman, Padula, Mercer, Kelly, Vallee, Pfeffer, Jones, Bisssanti, Williams
Absent: none
announcement from Town Council for special moment of silence for the Monroe family
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
November 13, 2013, November 20, 2013, December 4, 2013, and Executive Session Minutes of November 13, 2013
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
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
Appointment of Treasurer Collector
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
Citizens Committee Appointment
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
Finance Committee Appointment
motion to approve, seconded, approved 9-0
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Updated Presentation: Lessons Learned
The updated copy of the presentation document I will use Wednesday evening on my 'lessons learned' from sharing 'Franklin Matters' for 6 years.
In the News: ruled accidental, still in shock, invasive plants
The Norfolk District Attorney said that preliminary autopsy results show the deaths of two children trapped in a cedar chest were accidental.
The statement also confirms that the chest manufactured by the Lane Furniture Co. of Altavista, Va, on July 13, 1939 had been recalled because of an unsafe locking mechanism.
Read more: http://www.wickedlocal.com/franklin/newsnow/x1266956844/Fund-created-by-family-member-of-children-who-died-in-accident#ixzz2qSneXq16
Still in shock over the loss of her daughter’s best friend, Dawn Powers kept repeating how Lexi and Sean Munroe were the "best kids a parent could ask for."See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140115/NEWS/140119342#sthash.jrJ0IckQ.dpuf
Botanists with the New England Wild Flower Society have not found any trace of two of the more troublesome invasive plant species thought to have been present at the new DelCarte recreation park.See more at: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20140115/NEWS/140119339/1994/NEWS#sthash.902pTZmG.dpuf
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Update from Neighbor Brigade
From: Neighbor Brigade - FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
Subject: Monroe Family
Date: January 14, 2014 8:54:16 PM EST
Hello Volunteers:
Thank you all for your heartfelt eagerness to help the Monroe family! We met as leaders of the brigade today to pull together the outpouring of new volunteer applications as a result of this tragedy. We also received many emails and calls that required our immediate attention.
In the mix of all this, the friends and family of the Monroe's are well aware of Neighbor Brigade and our mission to be helping hands for this family.
We will stay in contact with them and await how we can assist them as a Brigade.
Supporting the family's privacy is the biggest request right now and respecting the time that is needed in their deep grief and loss is essential.
At this time, there are two funds that will support the long term needs of this family and their challenges that lie ahead.
Please feel free to share with others and support if you can:
The Lexi and Sean Munroe Memorial Fund
c/o Dean Bank
PO Box 307
Franklin, MA 02038
OR
http://www.gofundme.com/Prayers-for-the-Munroes
As a Brigade looking to serve our neighbors, the Monroe's, in their time of great loss, we encourage you to use this time as an opportunity to help others. Perhaps a friendly visit for someone who lives alone, some home made soup for someone with the flu, or any way to volunteer in assisting a neighbor in any kind of need.
We will continually update you as we receive our requests for help. Thank you for your care and attention to this crisis.
With thanks,
Linda Gagnon, Cheryl Ferri and Karen Anderson
Chapter Leaders
--
Linda Gagnon
FranklinMA@neighborbrigade.org
www.neighborbrigade.org
Like us on Facebook!neighbor brigade | p.o. box 248 | lexington, ma 02420 | 781.325.8580
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This email and the information it contains is intended for Neighbor Brigade volunteers only. Please do not forward this email. If you would like to encourage a friend to join, please direct them to www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA. Thank you!
Live reporting: Finance Committee
Present: Dewsnap, Quinn, Dowd, Fleming, Smith, Dufour, Huempfner, as well as Nutting, Gagner, Dacey
Absent: (tbd)
Approval of minutes from Nov 3 meeting
Seconded, passed unanimously
Jeff introduces the proposal for the land purchase
map copy to be added later
the plot available will add 18.1 acres to two existing plots of 18.2 and 30.8 acres already in Town hands
no plans for development but could be used for a park or at least green space
appraised about $288K sale price negotiated at $326K
funds from the Open Space Trust Account targeted for allocation in this use
currently bylaws require land be kept as open space or recreation
discussion on other open space items, history recap of bylaws governing growth, mention of bylaw workshop coming up Jan 29th
motion to approve purchase as outlined, seconded, passed unanimously
discussion on minor item of $5K for Fire detail account
reconciliation of account revealed a small shortage to settle past due accounts and details
1st full reconcile of account in Susan Gagner's time here (about 12 years)
motion to approve transfer as outlined, seconded, passed unanimously
Capital budget still be worked in the final phases, all requests are in, need some follow up meetings with a couple of departments to clarify the requests
anticipate Library architect final report in a couple of weeks, recommends a walk through of the building
this is a follow up of the work done a few years ago when the outside was done, the inside was left alone
likely to include a small addition to resolve some space and ADA issues at the Library
would like to put the crossing lights similar to those at Parmenter up for the High School and other locations that could use it
examination of small accounts to see what is still needed and what may be re-purposed
for example, approx $70K left from the Downtown Project and another $100+ in the King St/Constitution St crossing due to the Franklin share of work done by MADOT
will need to bring forward the technical PC license dollars to cover the Windows XP licenses rather than wait for the full capital budget
will attached draft of 5 year fiscal forecast later
executive summary
it is draft as Jeff is looking for feedback from the FinCom and Town Council to see if something was left out before it becomes a final document
we get 60% of our funds from property taxes, we have less state aid than we got years ago, don't see that changing
the state budget was based upon the casino deal which has been slow moving
they will have some additional money due to the stock market increases but they have learned not to increase based upon the fluctuation
salary side for the next 5 years, contracts now for a couple of years out
changing mix of full-time vs part-time
turnover is also a consideration, if you turn someone every 8 months and it takes 2 years to learn the position, maybe it doesn't make much sense to do so without taking a hit on customer service
negotiated 2 phase contracts, new folks get different set of benefits than those who were already in
save countless dollars in health insurance through cooperation with the employees
maybe facing an issue with our rates being so low, other carriers won't want to bid for the business
the rates will need to go up
Franklin's health insurance is determined by collective bargaining
town pays 2/3 and employee pay 1/3, others communities pay more and will be looking to do likewise
teachers were in a pool unto themselves in the GIC system, manage to remove the teachers from that system and take them back to the Franklin plan; established a trust fund for that pool of teachers, it will fade away as that population declines
would like to move the retired teachers to the Franklin account out of the School budget someday to more fairly reflect this on both budgets
one of the possible moves would be to move some of the retires to a 50/50 split from the 60/40 split
pensions will go up and hurt until 2031
on the expense side, I don't see too much more dramatically different
50% of the increase will be in facilities and DPW, not much money to be saved elsewhere
our money is in personnel
do we not look elsewhere, we did the solar deal, that will save
we are going to LED lights to get both energy and maintenance savings
we are part of the state bid list to gain purchase power where ever possible
payback on solar systems for roofs is not always working
we don't get the tax advantages, we did put the unit at Parmenter with a grant
we have $1.3M in the budget reserve we can use when we need to
we need to maintain our reserves to keep our credit rating, etc.
how do we fix the roads? an override is probably the only way to solve it
it is a political decision left to the taxpayers and voters
it is so hard to get regional services, it is 300 years of history and tradition
currently spending $15K to put GPS units in the snow contractor units to monitor their whereabouts
on a $900K budget for snow, it is a small payout with potential for some savings
anything we can do to increase the opportunity for hotel and meal tax it is 'easy money'
Q - we funded 4 firemen with a grant, what is the prediction for next budget?
A - next page
if stormwater comes (someday) we will need to fund that we fees, there is no other way, the DPW will not be able to handle that otherwise
environmental folks looking at manganese and treating it to remove it from the water
would require a couple of buildings at two of our wells to help treat the water
hearing on use of the Emmons St building coming up on Jan 21
cost for the Lincoln St bridge is unknown
is Prop 2 1/2 likely to stay? Yes, don't see that going away anytime
when we designed this building, we did so to put the Schools and Town offices together
it has worked out so well
ultimately the Council is the legislative body that sets the budget, yet better than a true city form of government with an elected mayor
any ideas for feedback are welcomed...
found mistake in FY 17 where the total for the Regional Dispatch ($47K) is missing)
Old business
no subcommittee meetings have been held due to the holidays, but they should be starting again soon
one vacancy scheduled to be filled with Council meeting on the 15th
appointment of Dacey also scheduled for the Council meeting
posted internally and followed the remainder of the interview process
all the senior management positions in Town are scheduled for retirement over the next 5 years
transition and documentation, succession planning is important and becoming more so
New Business
opportunity for a small increase in the FinCom budget for training and conferences
FinCom used to have a reserve fund to provide for some small transfers of funds to cover minor expenses within the overall Town budget
During February try to figure out the budget calendar
next meeting Feb 4th, joint budget subcommittee scheduled for 2/3/14 at 6:00 PM
motion to adjourn, approved
Absent: (tbd)
Approval of minutes from Nov 3 meeting
Seconded, passed unanimously
Jeff introduces the proposal for the land purchase
map copy to be added later
the plot available will add 18.1 acres to two existing plots of 18.2 and 30.8 acres already in Town hands
no plans for development but could be used for a park or at least green space
appraised about $288K sale price negotiated at $326K
funds from the Open Space Trust Account targeted for allocation in this use
currently bylaws require land be kept as open space or recreation
discussion on other open space items, history recap of bylaws governing growth, mention of bylaw workshop coming up Jan 29th
motion to approve purchase as outlined, seconded, passed unanimously
discussion on minor item of $5K for Fire detail account
reconciliation of account revealed a small shortage to settle past due accounts and details
1st full reconcile of account in Susan Gagner's time here (about 12 years)
motion to approve transfer as outlined, seconded, passed unanimously
Capital budget still be worked in the final phases, all requests are in, need some follow up meetings with a couple of departments to clarify the requests
anticipate Library architect final report in a couple of weeks, recommends a walk through of the building
this is a follow up of the work done a few years ago when the outside was done, the inside was left alone
likely to include a small addition to resolve some space and ADA issues at the Library
would like to put the crossing lights similar to those at Parmenter up for the High School and other locations that could use it
examination of small accounts to see what is still needed and what may be re-purposed
for example, approx $70K left from the Downtown Project and another $100+ in the King St/Constitution St crossing due to the Franklin share of work done by MADOT
will need to bring forward the technical PC license dollars to cover the Windows XP licenses rather than wait for the full capital budget
will attached draft of 5 year fiscal forecast later
executive summary
it is draft as Jeff is looking for feedback from the FinCom and Town Council to see if something was left out before it becomes a final document
we get 60% of our funds from property taxes, we have less state aid than we got years ago, don't see that changing
the state budget was based upon the casino deal which has been slow moving
they will have some additional money due to the stock market increases but they have learned not to increase based upon the fluctuation
salary side for the next 5 years, contracts now for a couple of years out
changing mix of full-time vs part-time
turnover is also a consideration, if you turn someone every 8 months and it takes 2 years to learn the position, maybe it doesn't make much sense to do so without taking a hit on customer service
negotiated 2 phase contracts, new folks get different set of benefits than those who were already in
save countless dollars in health insurance through cooperation with the employees
maybe facing an issue with our rates being so low, other carriers won't want to bid for the business
the rates will need to go up
Franklin's health insurance is determined by collective bargaining
town pays 2/3 and employee pay 1/3, others communities pay more and will be looking to do likewise
teachers were in a pool unto themselves in the GIC system, manage to remove the teachers from that system and take them back to the Franklin plan; established a trust fund for that pool of teachers, it will fade away as that population declines
would like to move the retired teachers to the Franklin account out of the School budget someday to more fairly reflect this on both budgets
one of the possible moves would be to move some of the retires to a 50/50 split from the 60/40 split
pensions will go up and hurt until 2031
on the expense side, I don't see too much more dramatically different
50% of the increase will be in facilities and DPW, not much money to be saved elsewhere
our money is in personnel
do we not look elsewhere, we did the solar deal, that will save
we are going to LED lights to get both energy and maintenance savings
we are part of the state bid list to gain purchase power where ever possible
payback on solar systems for roofs is not always working
we don't get the tax advantages, we did put the unit at Parmenter with a grant
we have $1.3M in the budget reserve we can use when we need to
we need to maintain our reserves to keep our credit rating, etc.
how do we fix the roads? an override is probably the only way to solve it
it is a political decision left to the taxpayers and voters
it is so hard to get regional services, it is 300 years of history and tradition
currently spending $15K to put GPS units in the snow contractor units to monitor their whereabouts
on a $900K budget for snow, it is a small payout with potential for some savings
anything we can do to increase the opportunity for hotel and meal tax it is 'easy money'
Q - we funded 4 firemen with a grant, what is the prediction for next budget?
A - next page
if stormwater comes (someday) we will need to fund that we fees, there is no other way, the DPW will not be able to handle that otherwise
environmental folks looking at manganese and treating it to remove it from the water
would require a couple of buildings at two of our wells to help treat the water
hearing on use of the Emmons St building coming up on Jan 21
cost for the Lincoln St bridge is unknown
is Prop 2 1/2 likely to stay? Yes, don't see that going away anytime
when we designed this building, we did so to put the Schools and Town offices together
it has worked out so well
ultimately the Council is the legislative body that sets the budget, yet better than a true city form of government with an elected mayor
any ideas for feedback are welcomed...
found mistake in FY 17 where the total for the Regional Dispatch ($47K) is missing)
Old business
no subcommittee meetings have been held due to the holidays, but they should be starting again soon
one vacancy scheduled to be filled with Council meeting on the 15th
appointment of Dacey also scheduled for the Council meeting
posted internally and followed the remainder of the interview process
all the senior management positions in Town are scheduled for retirement over the next 5 years
transition and documentation, succession planning is important and becoming more so
New Business
opportunity for a small increase in the FinCom budget for training and conferences
FinCom used to have a reserve fund to provide for some small transfers of funds to cover minor expenses within the overall Town budget
During February try to figure out the budget calendar
next meeting Feb 4th, joint budget subcommittee scheduled for 2/3/14 at 6:00 PM
motion to adjourn, approved
Franklin School District: Schools Update
A message from FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Hello
Thank you again for all of your well wishes.
Respectfully, Maureen Sabolinski
Our counseling and administrative team collaborated today to provide meaningful counseling and support to the faculty, staff and students at Davis Thayer. The Open Circle conversations went well and students transitioned quickly into the daily routines of learning. We are appreciative for the assistance and support of our colleagues from the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School and Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School. Both schools sent counselors to help us during this difficult time. Their support and expertise made a difference to our staff and most especially our students.
We also want to extend our thanks to the community members who have reached out to support our school staff and students. Many in the community are asking what they can do to help during this tragic time family. At this time we are trying to respect the privacy of the family but we understand that many in the community want to help. We encourage anyone wanting to offer assistance do so by donating to the memorial fund established at Dean Bank. Donations may be sent to the Lexi and Sean Munroe Memorial Fund, c/o Dean Bank PO Box 307, Franklin, MA 02038.
Thank you again for all of your well wishes.
Respectfully, Maureen Sabolinski
This e-mail has been sent to you by FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e-mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform FRANKLIN PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT either IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at 508-613-1777.
Come Together to support the Munroe Family
For a few years, Neighbor Brigade (a non-profit) has quietly been assisting our people/families in our Franklin Community who have had medical/emergency or other types of crisis in their world. The local chapter is run by Linda Gagnon who has received many phone calls/text/emails about ways to help the Munroe family. She will be meeting with her co-leaders to gather more information but if you would like to help, please head to the website www.neighborbrigade.org and find the Franklin chapter. This organization uses their website to coordinate the needs. It truly streamlines the process and the Brigade members get right to work.
Here is some info from the Neighbor Brigade website:
Neighbor Brigade establishes and mobilizes community-based networks of volunteers to provide immediate and free assistance to neighbors experiencing sudden crises such as cancer treatment, illness, accident, or other tragedy. Neighbor Brigade transforms local communities into networks of support through which neighbors quickly mobilize to help other residents in emergency situations. It is a simple idea with tremendous impact in providing relief to those in crisis while strengthening the fabric of a community.
Neighbor Brigade's volunteers provide critical support services such as home delivered meals, transportation to and from medical appointments, and home maintenance help. The organization is comprised of town-specific chapters, each managed by screened and trained volunteer Chapter Leaders who recruit and coordinate volunteers within their town. Chapter Leaders utilize online management tools to alert their volunteer base of recipients' needs and schedule their volunteers to meet these needs. There are no eligibility requirements for recipients and all help is delivered quickly, with care, and completely free of charge. Recipients may be self-referred or referred by others, either via phone or an online referral through Neighbor Brigade's website.
http://www.neighborbrigade.org/chapters/FranklinMA/
This was also posted on Facebook:
If you would like to help, donations can be made to:
The Lexi and Sean Munroe Memorial Fund
c/o Dean Bank
PO Box 307
Franklin, MA 02038
Submitted by Lisa Buccella
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