Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - MAy 16, 2018

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 16, 2018

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/may_16_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
A. Approval of Minutes	A. Approval of Minutes
B. Announcements	B. Announcements - This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions	C. Proclamations/Recognitions
D. Citizen Comments	D. 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 theTown Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments	E. Appointments
F. Hearings	F. Hearings  - FY 2019 Budget Hearing - 7:10 PM
G. License Transactions	G. License Transactions - La Cantina Winery Company
H. Presentations/Discussions	H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin Farmer's Market
I. Subcommittee Reports	I. Subcommittee Reports 1. Capital 2. Budget 3. EDC
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 1. Resolution 18-21: Expenditure Limits for FY 2019 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in G. L. Chapter 44 Section 53E 1/2, as Amended (Motion to Move Resolution 18-21 - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 2. Resolution 18-22: Salary Schedule, Full Time Elected Official (Motion to Move Resolution 18-22 - Majority Vote (5))
J. Legislation for Action	J. Legislation for Action 3. Resolution 18-23: Compensation Plan, FY 2019 (Motion to Move Resolution 18-23 - Majorirty Vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report	K. Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session	N. Executive Session - None
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

Budget Collection - FY 2019

Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar for Historical Commissions/Boards

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Hosts Computer Seminar for Historical Commissions/Boards Continuing his efforts to promote the easily accessible and valuable information to those who have a strong interest in Norfolk County history, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell recently hosted a free informational computer seminar geared for members of historical commissions and boards. Register O'Donnell noted, "There's no doubt that Norfolk County has a rich and varied history. Our Registry holds more than 6,000,000 land related documents, spanning 225 years back to 1793 when George Washington was President of the United States. Additionally, four presidents of the United States were born in Norfolk County and that is why Norfolk County is known as the County of Presidents." Those who attended the seminar learned to perform online research via the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org and access documents such as deeds and other land related materials for historical research. One exercise showed participants how to access a deed from John Adams to John Quincy Adams. Register O'Donnell stated, "I was delighted to host the computer seminar for those with an interest in Norfolk County's history. The Registry of Deeds records' database is a valuable resource for those who are preforming historical and/or genealogical research. It is easier now more than ever to do research with our recently completed transcription project, which allows people to view documents from the 1793-1900 period in a clear readable text format. This transcription project has insured that the rich history of Norfolk County comes alive for those who are interested. Also, online research can now be done from the convenience and comfort of your home or from the public computers here at the historic Registry of Deeds building that dates back to 1903." Finally, the Register wanted to remind people that twice each year, in the spring and fall, free computer seminars will be held for the general public. The dates will be published in local newspapers as well as through the registry's social media sites. For further information, please contact Alicia Gardner at 781-461-6104 or at agardner@norfolkdeeds.org. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today Norfolk County Register of Deeds Franklin Office Hours - May 24

Tour the World to Fight Cancer! - May 19

"Please join us walking around Franklin center eating and drinking our way to a cure. Have you ever noticed that the center is like Epcot in Disney. 

You can get almost every type of food and drink imaginable in less than a mile. I am working with area restaurants to create small plates like they do in Epcot and a signature drink in each place. 

For a $10 donation we will give you a “passport” to travel around the world. Every person who buys a passport will be entered to win a gift card from every participating restaurant....and there will be tons! 

Matching outfits and groups are highly encouraged and there will be prizes for having fun with this. 

You do not have to be 21 to participate at the restaurants but must be 21 to end the night at the Uptown Pub. Get your passport at Jimmy D’s between 4-6 then travel to many restaurants."

Saturday, May 19 at 4 PM - 10 PM
Jimmy D's Bar and Grill
338 Union St, Franklin, Massachusetts 02038

Tour the World to Fight Cancer! - May 19

Follow the Facebook event
https://www.facebook.com/events/240895496459721/

Franklin School For The Performing Arts To Host Open House - May 24

Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will host an Open House on Thursday, May 24 from 9 AM to 9 PM at 38 Main Street in downtown Franklin. The community is invited to tour the facilities, speak with faculty and staff, and learn more about FSPA programs in music, dance and drama. An information session, led by FSPA Director Raye Lynn Mercer, will be held at 7:00 that evening and will highlight the school’s programming and performing opportunities.

Prospective students are also encouraged to schedule a complimentary trial class and to reserve a free All Access Pass ticket to an FSPA Spring Concert performance, presented on Saturday, May 19 at 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, May 20 at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. at the Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak Street. Featuring FSPA students of many ages and levels across numerous dance, voice, instrumental, and musical theater disciplines, Spring Concert is presented in an audience-friendly, 90-minute format.

Founded in 1985 by Raye Lynn Mercer, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. The school offers classes in all dance disciplines, acting, musical theater, voice, and instrumental instruction, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study. 

FSPA is also home to the Little Music School, an innovative program that teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano. An extensive calendar of year-round performing opportunities features musicals, plays, ballets, voice and instrumental recitals, opera scenes, musical theater and dance company showcases, and more. Many FSPA students are also cast, by audition, in the affiliated Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows. FSPA TALENT offers management services for young performers who elect to pursue professional opportunities.

FSPA is also proud to offer FSPA Academy, an academic alternative for students seeking a challenging curriculum in a supportive, flexible environment that encourages their creative goals. Provided Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in partnership with TEC Connections Academy Commonwealth Virtual School (TECCA), the program builds upon TECCA’s state-approved online curriculum offering Music Theory, math tutoring, field trips and more. 

Open House - May 24

In addition to the Academy, FSPA also offers FSPA AfterSchool, an enrichment program for students in grades K-5, providing supervised recreational experiences, including games, crafts, and other creative arts activities. The program begins at the close of the regular school day, with transportation available from Franklin and Medway schools.

Classes continue at FSPA through June 25 and the summer session runs from July 2 to August 24. Fall classes begin on September 10. Registration is ongoing. Call (508) 528-8668 to reserve a complimentary Spring Concert ticket or schedule a trail class. Call or visit www.FSPAonline.com for more information, including the FSPA catalog, summer brochure and fall class schedule.

Charles River Meadowlands Initiative Walk/Cleanup - Apr 28

Several people interested in the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative participated in a walk and cleanup on Saturday from noon to 1:30 in conjunction with Town ‘Earth Day’ cleanup on April 28. 

Tom Betts, site supervisor at the Montage condominium project under construction on Pond Street, kindly gave permission to the group to park and access the adjacent town lands. The Montage project will eventually include a public access component and parking for reaching town and federal land. 

During the Saturday walk, attendees filled two bags with trash, explored existing trails, and assessed federal and state signage on the property borders. 

The Meadowlands Initiative is meeting next week with the town administration and representatives of the Army Corps of Engineers, which is in charge of some 400 acres of land in Franklin, to explore ways to improve public access and improve conservation.

For more about the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative visit their page
charlesrivermeadowlands.org

L-R Paul Sager, Alan Earls, Juanita Urban

MBTA: Starting May 21 - Commuter Rail schedule change

Spring/Summer schedules go into effect on Monday, May 21, and are now available online.

Last updated: May 11 2018 12:52 PM

Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/schedules
or go directly to
https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/route_pdfs/2018-spring/2018-05-21-franklin.pdf

MBTA: Starting May 21 - Commuter Rail schedule change

American Legion 5M/5K Road Race - June 23

American Legion 5 M and 5K 

Scholarship Fund Road Race 

Saturday June 23, 2018 at 8 AM

Help support our effort to give scholarships to high school students looking at the high cost of secondary education. All profits from this event will go to the Scholarship Funds for Medway Post 367 and Franklin Post 75.

• Registration: 7:00 – 7:45 AM
• Start Time: 8:00 AM
• Start / Finish: Remington Middle School, Franklin, MA
• Run – 5 mile and 5K loop on paved roads
• Entry Fee: $30, $20 for H.S. Students and members of the military

Visit our Franklin Post Web Site: http://www.mapost75.com/

American Legion 5M/5K
Entry Fee: $30.00, $20.00 Students and members of the military

Register online
https://www.active.com/franklin-ma/running/distance-running-races/american-legion-5-miler-scholarship-fun-road-race-2018?int=RL

Or via the mail with this form
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczWEVtYTJybmZtaDBBVEFuTENBNm05aFZVMmFZ/view?usp=sharing

American Legion 5M/5K Road Race - June 23

School Committee recap - May 8, 2018

The School Committee meeting was not broadcast live this week due to technical difficulties. I was out of town on a business trip and wouldn't have been able to report in real-time even if my schedule allowed. Fortunately, Franklin TV had captured the video and did turn it around quickly for replay. I was able to view it to provide the report here.


Present: Feeley, Linden, Douglas, Scofield, Bergen, Schultz, Zub
Absent: none

Student reports
Prom no issues
AP exams, this week, MCAS prep
Musical awards Friday, NHS induction next week
Spring sports underway

Superintendent report
MCAS in active season, working on Math in elementary
Publicly acknowledge teacher contributions
Appreciation from parent group, some students involved too
Admin to participate in an upcoming conf with multiple great topics, including students from Marjory Stoneham Douglas

• The full text of the Superintendent's Report can be found online

http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/n5-8-18%20SC%20Packet/Superintendent's%20Report%20to%20School%20Committee%20May%208,%202018.pdf

Presentation
a. Transition Program (Students age 18-22) – Pam Myette, Amanda Notz, Carol
Merchant

Special Education Transition Program Presentation from Franklin Matters

"Thanks to the businesses that have and continue to work with us"

Pam Myette, Amanda Notz, Carol
Merchant

Student intern program being developed for help with the building use at the high school. Mostly in tech setup, also update on fee schedule to cover the custodial expenses.

Building Use Fee Schedule and Policy Updates

PROPOSED--KF-E2 FHS Building Use	Wed, May 2, 2018 9:46 AM
PROPOSED--KF-E3 Facility Rental Fee Schedule	Fri, May 4, 2018 8:05 AM
PROPOSED--KF-E4 - Facility Rental Fee Schedule FHS	Wed, May 2, 2018 9:46 AM

Corrections to cost estimates which erroneously were using the old costs to calculate the new fees are needed. 

Asst Superintendent Peter Light speaks on the policy changes

Dr Linden provided update on a recent conference on personalized learning, accuracy of history presented in a culturally responsible manner

Dr Linden provided update on a recent conference

Session on family engagement, shared a rubric on how to measure this

Information matters
School budget to Town Council May 16-17

Coffee at Senior Center
May 19 at Franklin TV to record

Three meetings scheduled for policy committee to get some stuff done before Peter Light leaves in June

Public school advocacy at impass with congressman Kennedy

Joint PCC meeting past Monday, substance abuse task force pulling together demo of "hidden in plain sight"
Looking to get to late elementary and middle school parents with this
Looking to work with Panther TV to develop video of the bedroom scene

Targeting Tuesday Aug 7 for school committee summer workshop

Superintendent Ahern talking of future agenda items

Recognition of retirees at next meeting
Possible superintendent evaluation
Not likely to have policies ready for that meeting

Motion to adjourn to go into executive session, not to return to public meeting

• motion to go to Executive session, seconded, unanimous vote via roll call

The full video replay can be found on the Town of Franklin page
http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=550

For reference the agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found
http://franklinschool.vt-s.net/pages/FranklinCom_Packets/n5-8-18%20SC%20Packet/

“I’ve definitely seen the cultural life of the town increasing”

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

"If Franklin was a cathedral of the arts, it would look something like Barcelona’s Basilica Sagrada Familia - a construction begun many years ago, with details added on over time to create a soaring temple of many facets, as yet unfinished. 

Among its cornerstones would be the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) and its production company, the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC); Franklin LiveArts, the Dean College School of the Arts, the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center (PEDC), the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse and the Franklin Art Association - each a juggernaut of the arts on its own. And among its buttresses would be Encore Music Academy and Recording Studios, the Lifelong Learning Institute, The Drummers’ Studio and Franklin Public Schools.
Together, they are making Franklin into a hub of arts and culture in the region. 

Besides turning out new generations of rising artists and performers, they are drawing renowned artists to the town’s venues: FPAC’s BLACK BOX, Dean’s Main Stage Theater and Guidrey Center, and the Circle of Friends Coffeehouse at the Universalist Church of Franklin among them. 

“There does seem to have been kind of a steady rise in interest in the arts here,” said Stacey David, chairman of the Franklin Cultural Council."

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180511/franklin-evolving-into-regional-center-for-art-culture

There is a Cultural Council
http://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council

There is the newly formed Cultural District Committee
http://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-district-committee

The Community Calendar has been operational for a couple of years
http://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

“I’ve definitely seen the cultural life of the town increasing”

FHS boys and girls tennis drop matches with North Attleboro

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Friday, May 11, 2018.

Boys Tennis = North Attleboro, 4 @ Franklin, 1 – Final
– North Attleboro capped its memorable week with an impressive win over a good Franklin team. Richard Bermudez won 6-1, 6-1 at first singles, Christian Bermudez won 6-1, 6-3 at second singles, and freshman Jonah Manso lost just one game in a 6-1, 6-0 win at third singles. The team of Alex Rinaldi and Sam Gallagher earned a 6-4, 7-5 win at second doubles for North. Franklin’s Derek Wu and Tyler DiPalma won 6-3, 5-7, 10-8 at first doubles.

Girls Tennis = Franklin, 0 @ North Attleboro, 5 – Final
– It was a clean sweep for the Rocketeers, taking all five matches in straight sets to defend home court. Jordan Willis didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at first singles, Emily Chiasson earned a 6-0, 6-1 win at second singles, and Katie Ovoian emerged from third singles with a 6-1, 7-6 (10) decision. Azka Siddiq and Leah Marceau won 6-0, 6-0 at first doubles and the team of Monica Nakhla and Haley Strom won 6-3, 6-0 at second doubles.

For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-05-11-18/

FHS Panthers

MBTA: Reminder - Through May 27 - Franklin Line shuttle weekends

Weekend train service on the Franklin Line will be replaced by ADA accessible shuttle buses, making all regularly scheduled stops, between Forge Park/495 and Readville stations from April 7th through May 27th during the installation of PTC.

The MBTA will install federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) systems along the Franklin Line to improve safety by reducing train collisions and derailments. This work will require weekend shutdowns on the line between Forge Park/495 and Readville, where passengers will connect to train service.

Shuttle buses will be free and passengers will pay for train service from Readville to Boston.

Last updated: May 11 2018 03:10 PM

MBTA: Reminder - Through May 27 - Franklin Line shuttle weekends

Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair - June 2

Attention bargain hunters! Save the date for a Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair on Saturday, June 2 starting at 8 AM on the school fields at the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School located at 201 Main Street in Franklin.

You can shop the sales including great items such as youth bikes, golf clubs, DVD’s, kitchen items, small furniture, jewelry, toys, camping gear, patio furniture and more! (Stay tuned for a complete list of vendors as we get closer to the event date, or visit this link for a preview of what’s being added!)

We will also be joined by a variety of local vendors including:

• LIL’ LUV BUGS CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE
• Avon
• Miss Puddles Designs- handmade cards and crafts
• doTerra Essential Oils
• Lularoe Thea Charles – women and kids clothing
• Handmade Crafts and Furniture by Robbie Afonso
• Young Living Essential Oils
• LipSense
• Color Street

Since Yard Sales start early, you can stop by the Bake Sale to grab a cup of coffee and a snack or drop by the Cub Scout’s booth for a bottle of water!

Want to reserve a booth to clean out your garage or basement? Have a local business and want to join us as a vendor? For $30 you can reserve a 10x10 space and then keep the proceeds of your sales for the day. Learn more and reserve space in this post.

Community Yard Sale and Vendor Fair - June 2

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI 5/11/18 - THU 5/17/18

FRIDAY 5/11/18
9-11am   Franklin School Committee Community Coffee @ Franklin Senior Center
9:30am   Mommy Real Talk @ Franklin Public Library
10am-12pm   Knitting Group @ Franklin Public Library
2pm   Tech Help with HMMS Students @ Franklin Senior Center
5:30pm   Heart with Hope Restorative Yoga (for parents and loved ones of those suffering from addiction) @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk
6:30pm   FHS Music Awards Night @ FHS
7pm   50th Anniversary Comedy Night - Franklin Youth Soccer @ The Black Box
7pm   Yoga for Recovery @ Sacred Tree Yoga, Norfolk

SATURDAY 5/12/18
All Day   Franklin MBTA Line: shuttle buses during weekend Forge Park - Readville
All Day   Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - please leave non-perishable items near your mailbox for your letter carrier to pick up - benefits Franklin Food Pantry
8-11am   Town Common Garden Spring Clean Up @  Franklin Town Common
9am-3pm   Opening Day Plant Sale @ Grateful Farm (49 Prospect St)
10am-1pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
10:30am   Mother’s Day Celebration @ Franklin Public Library
2-4pm   Happiness Walk hosted by FHS 40% Club @ HMMS Track
7pm   The 70s - A Musical Tribute @ The Black Box
8pm   Circle of Friends CoffeeHouse: Ante Dovecot @ FUSF
8:45pm   The 70s - A Musical Tribute @ The Black Box

SUNDAY 5/13/18
All Day   Franklin MBTA Line: shuttle buses during weekend Forge Park - Readville
12pm   The Gershwin-Porter Songbook featuring Cindy Jones @ The Black Box
1-4pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
1:15pm   James Johnston: The Oliver Pond House in Context @ Franklin Historical Museum

MONDAY 5/14/18
10:30am   Move Along @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
3pm   Monday Crafternoons @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Elementary String and Choir Concert @ HMMS
6pm   Introduction to Drawing @ Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 5/15/18
10am   Franklin Senior Center: Historic Tour of Dean College @ Dean College
10:30am   Get Ready for Kindergarten @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Todler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
6pm   Elementary Band and Chorus Concert @ HMMS

WEDNESDAY 5/16/18
10:30am   Terrific Toddlers @ Franklin Public Library
11am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
4pm   Construction Junction @ Franklin Public Library
5pm   Book Bites @ Franklin Public Library
7pm   Town Council Meeting @ Franklin Municipal Building

THURSDAY 5/17/18
9:30am   Baby Tummy Time @ Franklin Public Library
10:30am   Story and Craft @ Franklin Public Library
11:15am   Toddler Playgroup @ Franklin Public Library
1pm   Introduction to Drawing @ Franklin Senior Center
5-8pm   Franklin Historical Museum Open
7pm   Franklin SEPAC Workshop: Coping with Bullying @ Franklin Municipal Building
7pm   Healing Hearts Community Support Group @ Franklin YMCA

For the Town of Franklin Public Calendar click HERE.

For all other events and Franklin happenings click HERE.

*To submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this FORM

Town Administrator's FY19 Budget Narrative (A summary & Narrative about the budget)

"While fiscal challenges remain, our resolve to overcome them is relentless.

The FY 19 proposed budget will be balanced with use of approximately $1,500,000 from our Budget Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day account). While this will work for one year the FY 20 budget will require policy decisions on how to handle the budget shortfall.

We continue to face challenges in properly funding the annual operating budget, Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) and roads. We should continue to maintain the capital plan and debt capacity in the annual operating budget to fund capital improvements.

The Town’s property tax revenue (not including debt exclusions) will increase by 2½ % plus new growth, or about $2.65 million. Local receipts, which include the excise tax and permit and license fees, etc., will increase $300,000, mostly due to increased motor vehicle commitments. Net State Aid (based on the Governor’s budget) will increase by $206,000. The FY 19 “net” revenue increase is estimated at $3.2 million.

Proposed FY 19 Highlights

Treasurer Collector – The budget partially funds a Deputy Treasurer Collector in preparation of the retirement of the current Deputy Treasurer Collector in 2019.

Police – We are reviewing the options to staff the police department when the Dispatch center moves in the middle of the fiscal year.

Regional Dispatch – The target date to open the new center is January 2019. The building is currently under construction.

Franklin Schools – We have provided the largest year over year increase ($3,000,000) in school funding in a decade. This will help relief much of the pressure of the school use of revolving funds but will not resolve the long term funding issues the Town/school face.

The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School – The school is relocating to its new location on Washington Street in 2019. This may increase busing costs for the schools when they open.

DPW – We increased the snow and ice Budget by $50,000 for a total of $1,003,500. This is still below the five year rolling average.

Board of Health – The Health office is merging with the Inspectional services
This will eliminate a part time clerk while providing full office coverage for the Health Department. Further we will be contracting for percolation tests and septic inspections.

Library – The opening of the renovated/addition to the library requires additional staffing. Further we are trying to close the gap between our current funding and the Minimum Appropriation Requirement (MAR) of the State Library Board. If the budget is approved we will close the gap from .85% to 90% of the minimum. We would need an additional
$100,000 to meet the requirement. The last time we were in compliance was FY 09.

Employee Wages/Benefits –Wages are generally increasing 3%, Pension costs increased by about 10% or about $450,000, OPEB is funded at $550,000 and health insurance continues to be a challenge. Thanks once again to the employees for working together to constrain health insurance increases. This is critical to maintaining staffing levels.

Budget Overview
In compliance with Article Six, Sections 6-3-1 through 6-5-2 of the Franklin Town Charter, I am submitting the proposed FY 19 budget to the Town Council and Finance Committee.

Process
Each department is required to submit a proposed budget to the Town Administrator. The Town Administrator, the Comptroller, and the individual Department Heads review their budget request.

The Town Administrator also reviews the highlights of the Town’s fiscal plan with the budget subcommittee of the Town Council. Based on input and the meetings with the Department Head, the Town Administrator makes a budget recommendation to the Town Council and the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee reviews the Town Administrator’s proposed budget and forwards their recommendations to the Town Council. The Town Council holds two public hearings prior to adopting the budget.

Financial Policy Summary

While the budget process identifies issues and concerns that the Town will address on an annual basis, it also must do so based in a framework of sound financial management. The Town Council has adopted fiscal policies in the past and should continue to update and review them on a regular basis. Below is a summary of current policies:

Balanced Budget
 Annual costs funded from current revenues.
 Do not defer current costs to future years.

Current status 
– Whenever possible we refrain from using one time funds to balance the budget. FY19 is an exception due to extra challenges we face. We have not addressed our GASB 45 obligation (post-retirement health insurance) although this year we have budgeted $550,000 to continue to fund the obligation of about $70 million (2017 actuarial study).

Compensation and benefits
 Budget with current revenues
 Compensate at market rates

Current status 
– We have nine municipal unions. All unions have collective bargaining agreements through June 30, 2019.

Revenues
 Estimate annual revenues in detail and project for the following three years.
 Maintain full and fair market value of property assessments.
 Ensure fees charged cover costs incurred.

Current status 
– Future revenue projections are included in the budget. New growth and local receipts have been adjusted to reflect the trends in actual collections. Included in the projection are the enterprise funds direct and indirect charges that pay back the general fund for costs attributable to those funds. Again this year we are charging the water and sewer enterprise accounts for their OPEB obligation.

Financial Reserves
 Adequately fund and maintain reserves (Stabilization, Free Cash, Overlay Surplus)
 Maintain Stabilization account at $5 million or 5% of recurring general fund revenue (less debt exclusions and SBA reimbursement).
 Short-term revenue surpluses shall fund non-recurring projects.
 Free Cash will be used to fund the capital budget and for unforeseen expenses.
 Overlay surplus will be used for capital budgets and non-recurring expenses.

Current status 
- the General Stabilization fund balance is just about $5.1 million dollars which is slightly under the Town’s policy of 5% of general fund revenue.

Long-Term Debt - Proposed
 Reserved for large capital projects.
 Net general fund debt service (not including debt exclusions) shall be targeted at not more than 3.5% of recurring general fund revenue. We are currently well below that number.

Current Status 
- The FY 19 budget calls for a general fund debt service of$6,843,101. According to the independent bond rating agency Standard and Poor’s, our debt level is moderate and manageable. Our debt plan will help to obtain our goal of improving the infrastructure of the Town without the need for debt exclusions (except schools) while maintaining a reasonable debt level. We were recently upgraded to AA+ one grade below the highest rating of AAA."


This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/2018-05-16_town_council_narrative_fy19_final_version_2.pdf

And can also be found here
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1srWLWOHO81af4aQq8cNWIJcLAtImjRJG

Town Administrator's FY19 Budget Narrative (A summary & Narrative about the budget)

FHS baseball tops Catholic Memorial 5-1

Via HockomockSports we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Thursday, May 10, 2018.


Baseball = Franklin, 5 vs. Catholic Memorial, 1 – Final
– Franklin senior Colby Fitzgibbons went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate and classmate Bryan Woelfel tossed a complete game with just one run allowed to lead the Panthers to a win over CM. Woelfel scattered nine hits while walking just one, striking out one. Fitzgibbons added an RBI and a run scored while Jake Macchi (two RBI, double), Steve Luttazi (double, run), and Jack Nally (double, run) all finished with two hits for the Panthers. Jake Noviello and Alex Haba each added a hit and a run scored.


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/thursdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-10-18/

FHS Panthers

"95 percent of adults who smoke started smoking before the age of 21"

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

"House lawmakers voted Wednesday raise the statewide age for purchasing tobacco and e-cigarettes to 21 and to ban vaping from workplaces. 

The bill (H 4479), which passed 146-4, next heads to the Senate, which passed similar legislation last session. 

Pharmacies would also be barred from selling tobacco products under the bill, which received strong bipartisan support. Many pharmacies have already removed cigarettes from their shelves, and 175 cities and towns have raised their tobacco purchase age up from 18 – the minimum age statewide, according to the Cancer Action Network. 

Cigarettes and other addictive and harmful tobacco products have long posed public health quandaries, and electronic cigarettes – which deliver to the user a heated vapor that often includes nicotine – have become popular more recently, especially among young people."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180509/increase-of-tobacco-purchasing-age-to-age-21-easily-clears-house

FHS students with Rep Jeff Roy at the State House (Facebook photo via Catherine Moran)
earlier this year when the students were lobbying for this bill