Franklin Matters

Saturday, May 1, 2021

Library of Congress: Teaching with Primary Sources Grant Opportunity

Library Announces Grant Opportunity to Enhance Teaching with Primary Sources

The Library of Congress today announced fiscal year 2022 Teaching with Primary Sources grant opportunities. Applications are sought from organizations that aim to incorporate Library of Congress resources into educational programs and materials for learners representing diverse professions and communities. The application deadline is May 28, 2021.

Click here for more information: https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-019/library-announces-grant-opportunity-to-enhance-teaching-with-primary-sources/

Friday, April 30, 2021

Franklin's Event Outlook: Apr 30 - May 6, 2021

Spring time in Franklin and a small choice of in person events coming up: the Electric Youth perform under the tent at THE BLACK BOX, and two Story Walks remain available around town (downtown and DelCarte).

On Tuesday, you can help the FEF celebrate Horace Mann's birthday with their "Day of Giving"

Friday, April 30
Story Walk @DelCarte
Downtown Story Walk
12:00pm - Franklin & KP SADD: Virtual Walk of Tears (5k Run/Walk)
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm - Electric Youth 2021 Spring Show (In-Person and Livestreamed Event)

Saturday, May 1
Story Walk @DelCarte
Downtown Story Walk
First Day of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:30pm - Electric Youth 2021 Spring Show (In-Person and Livestreamed Event)

Sunday, May 2
Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Monday, May 3
Story Walk @DelCarte
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Tuesday, May 4
Story Walk @DelCarte
Day of Giving (https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/franklin-education-foundation-fef-may-4.html)
9:00am - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
12:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - wfpr.fm: Pamela Hines – Jazz Journey
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)

Wednesday, May 5
Story Walk @DelCarte
Cinco de Mayo
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/ Kim
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "The Wonderful World of Wine" – Mark/Kim
7:30pm - Let’s Laugh Today is Free on ZOOM!

Thursday, May 6
Story Walk @DelCarte
10:00am - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
11:00am - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
1:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
2:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin’ the Blues" – Jim/Todd
6:00pm - Broadway in Franklin (Video on Demand)
7:00pm - 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node
7:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Frank’s Music" – Frank Falvey
8:00pm - wfpr.fm: "Talkin' the Blues!" - Jim/Todd

Find the full calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

The School district meeting calendar is found https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Community Calendar

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Names Karen Maguire as Superintendent-Director

The Tri-County School Committee has unanimously appointed Karen Maguire of Carver as the Tri-County RVTHS Superintendent-Director as Stephen Dockray retires on June 30th. Dockray has worked for the Tri-County School District for 15 years, where he started as the Business Manager and transitioned to Superintendent-Director in 2011.

As business manager, Dockray was given the opportunity to work on projects that got me involved in the academic aspects of the school. “I was able to work on grants and see the curriculum through innovative programs such as the summer academy and academic support,” says Dockray. He attended the Massachusetts Vocational Leadership Academy, which covers leadership, building community, personnel, finance, law, health insurance, curriculum, and special education to prepare for the Superintendent-Director position.

One of the difficulties Dockray is facing is the COVID-19 pandemic. The ever-changing climate of the pandemic has made his final year as Superintendent challenging. Vocational programs were phased back in with alternating grades attending two days a week and have been in person four days a week since November 2020. The goal is to have students phase in back to in-person learning by the end of April.

As Superintendent, Dockray has completed several large projects and capital improvements, including installing a new HVAC system, replacing the roof, upgrading to LED lighting throughout the building, a complete renovation of the engineering and advanced manufacturing career program space, and adding new programs, Medical Assisting and Legal and Protective Services. “Our goal is to monitor labor statistics and to adapt to the current and future workforce climate. We want to offer opportunities for our students to be successful both in the workforce after high school or be able to pursue further education.”

Dockray has been working tirelessly for years to get the school renovation project in the pipeline with MSBA. Maguire will be tasked with getting approval from the sending towns to make the project a reality.

For his retirement plans, Dockray looks forward to traveling and getting out of the cold for the winter. “I’ve enjoyed my 15 years at Tri-County, but it is time for someone new to bring in new ideas and implement their thinking. Tri-County is a great school, and the knowledge and experience Karen will bring to the role will benefit the Tri-County School District. I wish her the best as she transitions into her new role this summer,” Stephen Dockray, Superintendent-Director

Maguire will join Tri-County from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School where she served as Vice Principal and most recently as Director of Career Pathways and Integrated Learning and Engagement. Prior to being Vice Principal Maguire was a teacher at both vocational and traditional high schools.

Maguire is a graduate of South Shore Regional Vocational Technical High School and received a Bachelor of Science in Teacher Education from Johnson and Wales University and a Master in Education Leadership from Fitchburg State College.

Tri-County RVTHS

Pantherbook: "Franklin Panthers Won't Be Stopped: Cheer Wins Hockomock League Championship" (video)

"Franklin Panthers Won't Be Stopped: Cheer Wins Hockomock League Championship"

"Cheerleading competitions: massive gatherings of teams from all over, with crowds of parents and supporters packed into stands to watch the cheerleader’s routines. Of course, because of coronavirus restrictions, cheer competitions looked a lot different this year.

Although the cheer team typically competes in the Fall and Winter seasons, the MIAA changed the timeframe to be Fall II and Spring. In a regular season, the FHS team would compete in several invitational competitions before heading to Hockomocks (then, if all goes well, Regionals and States). This season, there was only one competition: Hockomocks.

After being denied a chance to compete for the Division I state championship when COVID struck last March, many members of the team were crushed, but they were eager to get back on the mat and prove themselves."

Continue reading the article online:

https://franklinpanthers.us/sports/2021/04/29/franklin-panthers-wont-be-stopped-cheer-wins-hockomock-league-championship/

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FHSPantherbook/status/1387838139557949440

Video link => https://youtu.be/5cSfDYNbKWU

Members of the FHS Varsity Cheerleading team strike a pose during their performance for the 2021 Fall II Hockomock League Championship (photo - Eric Bichao)

“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"

"When Garrett Wollman was considering his housing options in the greater Boston region back in 2001, the possibility of a carless commute beckoned. After all, the city has one of the best mass transit systems in the country, including an extensive regional rail network that ranges down to Providence, R.I., and up to beach towns like Gloucester and Manchester.

He picked a townhouse in downtown Framingham, a Boston suburb, a little over 20 miles from his job in Cambridge at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in part because it had a couple of Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) regional rail stations within two miles of his front door.

In theory, it would take Wollman almost the same amount of time to drive to his job at MIT as it would to take mass transit. According to Google Maps, the trip by public transportation is a mere 10 minutes less by highway, so why not skip the hassle of traffic sometimes and ride the rail from Framingham?"

Continue reading the article online

https://www.governing.com/now/taking-the-commuter-out-of-americas-rail-systems

Shared from Twitter:https://twitter.com/KeolisBoston/status/1387886641734471680

“Commuter rail is commuter rail. It’s not transit"

MIAA: No change in approved sports modifications "at this time"

#OneTeamOneMIAA
#maskupMIAA😷

@MSAA_33 @PVIAC @LeagueBoston @MarshfieldSuper @AthleticsMG @CTENewtonPS @RpearsonMIAA_MS @sbryantMIAA @Napa13 https://t.co/m0vHkcZv52

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MIAA033/status/1387785008891453442

MIAA: No change in approved sports modifications "at this time"

Massachusetts Senate Advances Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Bond Bill

On Thursday, April 29, 2021, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a bill authorizing $400 million in bonds for the design and construction of a new facility for the soldiers’ home in Holyoke. It also authorizes the issuance of $200 million in general obligation bonds to increase geographic equity and accessibility related to the continuum of long-term care services for Massachusetts veterans across the state, with an emphasis on those areas not primarily served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.

“The funding in this bill will ensure that we begin to rethink how we deliver care to veterans of every generation across Massachusetts,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Ensuring that our veterans are connected to their communities is an important factor in ensuring that their physical and mental health is taken care of, and so I am proud of the steps we have taken to ensure geographic equity and accessibility, especially for our women and LGBTQ veterans, as well as veterans of color. Our quick action in passing this legislation will help ensure we maximize federal funds in this important endeavor.”

“To meet the needs of the ever changing veteran population, the bill adopted today is a reflection of the strong advocacy of the members of this Senate to begin providing the long-term care services desperately needed for all veterans across the Commonwealth,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways & Means. "I want to thank Senate President Spilka for her leadership along with Senators Rush, Velis, Feeney and others for their contributions to improve the bill to address regional equity and increase accessibility to services for our veterans who are not served by the soldiers’ homes in Chelsea or Holyoke.”

In passing the $400 million bond authorization for a new soldiers’ home in Holyoke, Massachusetts is eligible to receive up to 65 per cent in federal reimbursement through the Veterans Affairs State Home Construction Grant Program. The existing soldiers’ home in Holyoke was built in 1952 with many triple and quadruple-bed rooms. The bill passed by the Senate will advance the construction of a modern facility with a “small house” concept to meet the needs of future generations of veterans.

The Senate adopted an amendment on the floor to ensure that construction of the project utilizes a diverse workforce and provides for well-paying, middle class jobs. The amendment inserts Project Labor Agreement language that mandates a pre-bid, pre-hire labor agreement for the construction of the new facility in Holyoke, which will ensure that the workforce is local, diverse, inclusive, well-trained, safe and skilled.

Historically, such agreements on large taxpayer funded projects result in the completion of construction on-time and on or under budget. Additionally, this amendment mandates bold action to establish, recruit, and assist women, minority, and veteran owned businesses who may participate in the design and construction of the facility. The bill establishes the Access, Inclusion, and Diversity Committee to help set and monitor progress of diversity and inclusion goals and recommend solutions and programs to meet them, throughout the design and construction of the facility.

“The new Holyoke Soldier's Home should be a safe, comfortable and welcoming facility worthy of its residents and their service to this country,” stated Senator Paul Feeney (D-Foxborough), the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. “Our veterans deserve the very best in care and treatment. The passage of this bond authorization will ensure that their needs are met for generations to come. I am proud that the Senate added additional language during our debate that strengthens the bill to reflect our Commonwealth’s collective values. It is critical that significant taxpayer funded projects of this scope be completed on-time and on-budget with a diverse, local, safe, well-trained and highly skilled workforce. Additionally, we should be working diligently to assist women, minority, and veteran owned businesses in creating jobs and opportunities now and in the future. The bill we passed today accomplishes these goals by authorizing funding for a modern facility for our Commonwealth's veterans while expanding opportunities for many local working-class people in the construction trades."

“Massachusetts has always been a leader for veteran services, and this bill reflects the Senate’s deep commitment to those who have served our nation,” stated Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “While our veteran population and their medical needs are changing, the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home’s mission remains the same: to provide care with honor and dignity. This bond bill will ensure that the next generation of residents at the Home receive the care with honor and dignity that they have earned in service to our country.”

As part of the Senate’s commitment to increase geographic equity and accessibility for all veterans, the bill requires the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), in consultation with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Veterans

Affairs (DVA), to hold hearings across the state to better understand the regional long-term care needs of veterans throughout the Commonwealth. Based on these hearings, communities will be better positioned to advocate for the $200 million authorized in new capital spending for long-term care services for veterans across the continuum of care, including potentially new “small home” satellite veterans’ homes, or new or expanded capital supports for community or home-based care.

One of many amendments adopted on the floor also requires the Department of Veteran's Services to consider the needs of veterans in designing facilities to ensure new facilities meet the needs of a changing veteran population, while another requires plans for new long-term care facilities to prioritize equitable access, regardless of race, religion, sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

The bill must now be reconciled with the version recently passed by the House of Representatives.

DPW loses two positions in FY 2022 budget due to Town Council inaction on Stormwater utility proposal

Why Town Council inaction?

You should ask them individually. I have been reporting on their meetings and while there is a lack of understanding around the reality of stormwater for some of the members, and how to best fund it, I had been lead to believe that this discussion was coming in the budget discussions.

I found out during the Finance Committee hearing Thursday evening, that adjustments were made to 'get by' in anticipation that the Town Council would not approve the utility fee. So the DPW gets cuts now. There is still time for the stormwater discussion to happen. The Council has their budget hearings May 27-28 at which they will approve the budget for FY 2022.

The stormwater story summarizes the development since the stormwater bylaw was passed in 2007.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html

The stormwater utility fee was established as a mechanism to fund stormwater by a Unanimous vote in Jan 2020. It was created then to provide time for the MUNIS system to be adjusted to actually enable the billing. The software work required seems to be done as the billing does show stormwater utility with $0

All that is required now is for the Council to (1) actually create the fee so (2) the other detailed items can help establish it (credit items, credit process, etc.) and potentially restore the two positions to the DPW for FY 2022.

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

From the DPW section of the Town of Franklin FY 2022 budget narrative:

(bold text indicates my change for emphasis to show where the cuts were 'buried' in the text.)

FY22 Budget Modifications, Increases & Reductions

It is important to note the shifting funding amounts and location of costs in the DPW Budget. The issue of stormwater affects the FY22 budget for DPW and will continue in future fiscal years.

Going forward, the DPW will see significant budgetary changes that will affect the services they perform. The effects of the pandemic and economy will only expedite the process. The most notable impact being the implementation of EPA’s federally required stormwater permit and how to pay for it. The new mandated requirements of this permit are unfunded (yes, an“unfunded mandate”). In order to implement these legal requirements, staff have to propose shifting funds from other areas of DPW to a new stormwater division. The amount of funds required in FY22 are only the beginning,over the next two years cost increases due to theMS4 are anticipated to be at least another $200,000annually. Over time, this will “eat up” operating capacity in the budget which, in turn, will reduce other services and improvements we provide.

In order to continue to meet the needs of our residents,address changes in regulatory requirements, and staffing concerns next year, the following list outlines the major changes in the Franklin Public Works Budget.While there are nominal increases in some areas, the majority of changes are just shifting funds from specific lines to areas that are of a higher priority.

Once again, the most pressing issue is funding the new MS4 permit requirements that are mandated by the recent settlement with the EPA, but have not been appropriately funded in the past.

In order to accurately reflect the cost of the ongoing required stormwater efforts, we have to create a Stormwater Division within the DPW General Fund with a budget of $867,545. Specifically, $265,545 in personnel salaries and $602,000 in expenses.

The salary costs of $265k are a reallocation of current staff from other DPW divisions to reflect their current efforts in stormwater the town has been doing for years. In other words, these monies have not changed, they have just moved from one division in the DPW to another.

Therefore, the additional funding needed to meet the requirements in FY22 is $602,000 over what the Town already does for stormwater work. To make up for the deficit caused by these additional costs, many cuts and reallocations of funds were made in other DPW Divisions. The most pressing concerns include cutting two labor positions, one from our highway and one from our grounds crews, which will affect our response to daily duties but more importantly to emergency situations like snow and ice operations. Expense line items were cut across the board as deemed the most appropriate.In addition to these cuts, requests for increases in various service areas were forgone, most notably in road construction and tree maintenance.

Overall the DPW General Fund budget did go up $338,000. This includes a cut of ($22,000) on the salary side and an overall increase of $360,000 of expense items.

The majority of the salary change includes, cutting two positions from our crew, adding a GIS position to accommodate town wide needs, adding staff hours to meet increased demand at the Recycling Center, and required payroll increases due to the collective bargaining agreement, COLA costs for non-union employees and the minimum wage increase in Massachusetts. Many of the salary and personnel decisions revolve around current and future stormwater requirements. We have also reallocated a portion of the salaries of our Stormwater Manager, Management Staff, Administrative staff, and two DPW Crew Members to the new Stormwater Division.

With the retirement of our Deputy Director of Operations in FY21, we made a change to our management structure by eliminating the position and hiring an Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent and an Assistant Water & Sewer Superintendent instead. Due to the growing needs of our department, this transition has been very successful and we plan to continue this setup in FY22. The Town did not fill the Deputy Director of Operations position.

You can find this section beginning page 64

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf

You can also find the DPW section (extracted from the full doc here) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WqhlP0LsIHcAY3HKTngU1gSRGQgSVnFo/view?usp=sharing

DPW loses two positions in FY 2022 budget due to Town Council inaction on Stormwater utility proposal

Check out the impervious coverage map for your property -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

Thursday, April 29, 2021

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 of 4 -> 2nd pass at Capital approved, General Government budgets heard

Quick Recap:

$765,547 approved in this second pass at the Capital Budget. Recall that the first pass was done earlier, waited until the snow/ice expenses were tallied before taking this second pass. Now goes to Town Council for approval
Policy on setting aside stabilization amount from free cash deferred to May meeting for a more full discussion on theory/principal and then amount or percent
Review of the highlights in the budget narrative, then pretty much page by page through the General Government sections; questions asked and answered
Part 2 scheduled for Weds to include Public Safety, Part 3 for Thursday to be all DPW (including storm water), Part 4 next Tuesday (May 4) for the School budget

Worthwhile tidbits of info

There are 611 wireless access points throughout town and school buildings
New growth calculated at the 10 year average (as opposed to an increase, this is really more conservative)
While Norfolk County pension reqs will increase over the next several years, after 2028 (i think) those funds will have been covered (by law) and then the pension funding can then be diverted to cover the OPEB requirements. Hence OPEB is not as bad a problem as it was through to be
Melanson and Heath coming to Town Council meeting May 5 to report on the FY 20 audit (interesting to see what if anything would be mentioned of the spear phishing incident as it was an FY 2021 item, not FY 2020 item - hence may not be 'in scope')
Passports processing left the Town Clerks office due to potential conflict of interest/span of control problem. A Town clerk controls birth and death notices, hence could create a person and grant a passport for someone
Passport processing resumes one day a week, after July a new part time position will be filled and add photos as part of this service
MA general law requires a paper bill to be physically be mailed; you can receive a PDF electronically but Town would need State legislation to take action to go full paperless
Senior Center runs on less than $250k per year, they can do so due to the grants and gifts from various organizations
Debt financing currently below the target of 3.5%, slightly growing the space to be used in the next couple of years

----

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 #fincom0427

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0427&src=typeahead_click

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/gxyCEPR6zYMoYEGj9

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf

The Town budget documents for FY 2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

Finance committee meeting opens #fincom0427 minutes for 2 prior meetings approved, 7-0 vote not roll call as those are in Chambers. Who is missing remains TBD? Should have 9 so 2 missing.

Capital Budget

First up, second pass on the capital budget. 611 wireless access points across town/school buildings. #fincom0427 1.3m sq ft and the bulk are school buildings, by using capital, saves money overall, and 2 saves ops budget in Schools
The details on the 2nd pass for capital along with the remainder of tonight's agenda can be found https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/4.27.21_fin_com_agenda.pdf #fincom0427 Police building only one D'Angelo hasn't built or renovated
Q on wireless access? Licensing for the wireless to work. Q on how much of the free cash is committed? Long answer but will need to tally to get total, some of it is fixed amount, some a percent of what is available. #fincom0427 $765,547 in addition to capital budget
Passes by 7-0 vote; question on the policy of setting aside amounts for rainy day, fields, trucks, OPEB and ? Missing one, will update later #fincom0427

FY 2022 discussion

Page 10 of the meeting packet shows the policy that was discussed and then tables until the May 19 session for further discussion, pros, cons, etc. #fincom0427
CPC budget a separate budget item with nuances of the CPA funding as the process gets underway here in Franklin. Can use the $66k for some assessment estimates before getting the full funding in Oct 2022. Motion to approve, interrupted by question, then to vote passes 7-0
Note: holding off on vote until all the budgets have been heard (will not be voting as they go dept by dept). #fincom0427 check the budget narrative for the highlights https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf
New growth calculated at the 10 year average (as opposed to an increase, this is really more conservative). #fincom0427 and friendly reminder on those who want to see the SchComm change channel per info in image
While pension reqs will increase over the next several years, after 2028 (i think) those funds will have covered the pension reqs and can then be diverted to cover the OPEB reqs #fincom0427 this was covered in prior Council and FinComm meetings
Note, the website has current and accurate info, prior versions did contain some errors per TA go to appendix A1 to follow along #fincom0427 moving along literally line by line. https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf
Melanson and Heath coming to council meeting May 5 to report on the FY 20 audit. #fincom0427 legal expanse item tends to go up when collective bargaining is in, cable, solar and other special needs do bring in legal consulting
Proposing $25k for a complete nonunion market study for staff salaries/benefits, needs to be done to be competitive. #fincom0427 HR reviewing and adjusting with concurrence the collective bargaining agreements, almost done
Adding a resource, split between town and school budgets, other IT staff all in school side of budget although Town does pay it's share. #fincom0427 similar to facilities which resides on town side but supports both town/school.
Additional resource for Town Clerk office as mail ballot and early voting are likely here to stay, Legislation pending to set the process. #fincom0427 passport processing one day a week, after July a new part time position will be filled and add photos as part of this
Passports processing left the town clerks office due to potential conflict of interest. A clerk controls birth and death notices, hence could create a person and grant a passport for someone. #fincom0427 was in TA office and then moved again
Anticipating buildings fully operational as of July 1, also includes minimum maintain of Davis Thayer building #fincom0427 Central services mostly postage for the mailings on town business
MA general law requires paper bill you can receive a PDF electronically but would need legislation to take action to go full paperless #fincom0427 Health Dept increasing nursing service (by statue req'd) examine other scenarios (including a grant for regional approach)
Senior center runs on less than $250k per year, can do so due to the grants and gifts from various orgs. #fincom0427 trying to invest in center org due to use of funds for people previously tied to revolving funds Page 102 outlines budget details https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021-04-16_fy_2022_budget_message_narrative_working_document_1.pdf
P 104 Veterans services, mostly reimbursement from state and federal funding. #fincom0427 Library some folks repurposed to help with elections during closure. Do not need to seek waiver with this funding. Recreation coming back with restoration of budget, will be busy
With the gradual reopening in progress during summer and fall. #fincom0427 reference to the historical museum Instagram account - https://www.instagram.com/franklinhistoricalmuseum/
Debt financing currently below the target of 3.5%, slightly growing the space to be used in the next couple of years #fincom0427 benefits only up $800k, could be worse. Some new hires are still on parent's health coverage (until 26).
Q where is the OPEB expense? we are paying for the total liability, the current requirements are covered by today's contributions #fincom0427 68/32 spilt town and employee for benefits. Q would the study cover benefits? Salary or total compensation? Remote work, etc.
Family leave, will likely be items of discussion for employee recruiting. #fincom0427 future agenda item for more discussion on the HR nuances of salary, benefits etc. Liability insurance for both property and casualty, not for workers comp, reward checks come later
Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0 See you for part 2 of the 4 meeting series on Weds. #fincom0427

Finance Committee - Budget Hearing #1 of 4 -> 2nd pass at Capital approved, General Government budgets heard

MetroWest Visitors Bureau Awards $70k in Mini-Grants

The MetroWest Visitors Bureau announced today (4/28/21) the recipients of its spring cycle of mini-grants. The awards, totaling $70k, are funded through the Bureau and the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism to promote MetroWest events, attractions, businesses, services, cultural and recreational opportunities.

“Through these grant projects we are able to highlight our region and stimulate economic recovery,” says Erin Lynch, Executive Director of the Bureau. “We are attracting visitors while generating local enthusiasm and support for MetroWest community businesses.”

One of sixteen Regional Tourism Councils in Massachusetts, the MetroWest Visitors Bureau participates in the state’s MyLocalMA campaign encouraging Massachusetts residents to eat, shop and stay local, and the Bureau’s mini-grant program aligns with that mission. “As travel begins to open up again,” Lynch says, “it remains critical to include MetroWest in your plans. Our local hotels and attractions have been very hard hit and still need help to survive.”

Throughout the spring and summer, the Bureau will be releasing updates on the funded projects.

Grant recipients are as follows:

Amazing Things Art Center (Framingham)
Arts Wayland Foundation (Wayland)
Franklin Performing Arts Company (Franklin)
Halloween New England (Southborough)
Hopkinton Center for the Arts (Hopkinton)
Jack's Abby MayFest (Framingham)
Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (Marlborough)
MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Framingham)
Natick Center Cultural District (Natick)
The VERVE Hotel (Natick)
Town of Franklin - Visitors Center (Franklin)
XUA Inc. - Brazilian Food and Entertainment Compendium (Framingham)

About the MetroWest Visitors Bureau — As the only regional organization with the mission of stimulating the MetroWest economy by marketing the region's assets, the MetroWest Visitors Bureau has served hundreds of businesses, nonprofit agencies, and municipalities since its founding. This independent nonprofit organization markets the region’s cultural and recreational venues, retailers, restaurants, accommodations, and educational and other services to visitors and residents alike. These marketing efforts also serve to brand the region, to build collaborations across sectors and towns, to support jobs-producing enterprises, and to celebrate the diverse and vibrant MetroWest community. Learn more about the MWVB by visiting www.metrowestvisitors.org or by following on social media @visitmetrowest. #visitmetrowest #visitma #mylocalma

MetroWest Visitors Bureau Awards $70k in Mini-Grants

The stormwater story summary for Franklin

One of the key items in all of the budget discussions is going to be the stormwater utility question. This has been a topic that has developed since 2007 when the initial storm water bylaw was passed. The EPA and Mass DEP have continued to add requirements to how storm water should be managed. The costs for such mitigations have grown over the years. The introduction of the storm water utility fee would allow the Town to better manage the impact on the Town budget.

Why must we manage storm water?

We are part of the area feeding into the Charles River and hence are under the provisions as outlined in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit. We have an extensive outflow system to catch and manage storm water. Check out the map here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/outfall_map.pdf

Did the Town of Franklin sue the EPA?

Yes, and while we ultimately ‘lost’ the case, we did gain concessions on the implementation timeline that benefit all under the MS4 permit requirements.

When did the storm water bylaw pass?

The Storm water bylaw originally passed in 2007. Check out the bylaw language here -> https://ecode360.com/10434264

What is the storm water utility fee?

Article IV - storm water utility was added in Jan 2020. Bylaw #19-846 approved 9-0 vote. Check out the language here -> https://ecode360.com/FR1096/laws/LF1135684.pdf

What is the MS4?

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems or by the shorter name MS4. The current storm water mitigation plan - updated in 2020 -> Stormwater Management Plan (revised 2020)

Can I find out what my impervious coverage is?

Check out the impervious coverage map for your property -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

Finance Committee budget hearing scheduled to continue this discussion

April 29 Agenda = Dept of Public Works

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-29_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

How did we get here?

Soak it up Franklin site introduced in 2014 https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/soak-it-up-franklin.html

Find the “Soak it up Franklin” page here -> https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/

Storm water mitigated by rain gardens https://www.soakitupfranklinma.org/residential-rain-garden-project.html

The storm water utility was mentioned in the EPA response in 2015

“Full compliance with the 2014 Draft MS4 Permit is an additional significant effort that cannot be currently supported with the Town' s existing resources and funding within the next permit cycle, as specified in the draft permit. The Town wishes to continue improving stormwater management and water quality, but this effort needs to take into consideration the progress made to date and be balanced with future infrastructure demands town-wide and economic conditions. Additionally, the town feels that the most cost-effective approach for stormwater improvements is integration with redevelopment and capital projects as infrastructure needs to be upgraded and/or replaced.

Similar to many other communities, Franklin has considered creating a stormwater utility to meet the current and proposed additional costs associated with the updated MS4 permit. Attached are working budget sheets that are based on current costs to meet the existing MS4 permit compared to estimated short-term EPA proposed MS4 stonn water activities. These worksheets clearly show that the additional tasks proposed by the new MS4 permit would go up over l00%!

Presently the Public Work's General Fund Operational Budget (GFOB) is $3,996,424.00. It is estimated that 14% or $559,499.00 of the GFOB is used for only stormwater tasks. lf the new MS4 permit becomes effective as proposed, it is estimated that the stormwater program effort in Franklin would require an increase to 26% or $1,039,070.00 of the GFOB”

Find the full doc with this quote here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2014_draft_massachusetts_small_ms4_general_permit.pdf

Storm water info mailer in 2018

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11hl1hOGir3MwAoFwmFBTprKXC2lBL25C/view?usp=drivesdk

The bylaw was discussed in Nov 2019 TC meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-presentations-open.html

Received first reading and approval to second reading

Actions taken Dec 4 move to 2nd reading

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/tc-actions-taken-12-4-19

Dec 2019 TC meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/live-reporting-legislation-for-action.html

Stormwater Utility fee structure was approved by 9-0 in Jan 2020

Actions taken Jan 8 2020 - approval to set the process for the MUNIS adjustments required to bill for an actual fee (to be determined later). https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/files/1-8-2020-tc-actions-taken

Info session doc 3/11/20

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1I2WQBG4XgPRjak-b4athnfqal6h1xMR-/view?usp=drivesdk

Town council goals midterm

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/franklin-residents-town-council-goals.html

You ask, we answer

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/you-ask-we-answer-tax-our-driveways.html

MS4 info session summary

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/the-ms4-permit-is-important-step-to.html

Finance Committee meeting in June 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_6.html

Town Council Budget hearing June 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/town-council-budget-hearing-2-recap.html