Framingham public meetings in 2023
29 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Framingham City Council will hold its annual reorganization meeting on January 1, 2024, following the inauguration. The council will elect a Chair and Vice Chair, adopt current rules for 60 days, and assign seats. It will also refer two mayoral requests to the Finance Subcommittee: a grade change for the City Accountant position and a funding request for a union salary agreement.
- Election of Chair and Vice Chair
- Adoption of Council Rules (10/17/23) for 60 days
- Seat assignments by drawing
- Order 2024-001: Refer grade change for City Accountant from S3 to DH1
- Order 2024-002: Refer funding for SEIU Local 888 salary agreement (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2026)
Composting Task Force
The task force will approve minutes, then share ideas for short-term goals and a timeline of actions. They will also discuss content for the Composting Task Force webpage. Supporting documents include a quote for a school composting pilot at Dunning Elementary and a Newton RFP for curbside organics collection as a model.
- Quote from Black Earth Compost for Dunning Elementary School pilot: $84/week for two 64-gallon bins, with a $30 setup fee
- Review of City of Newton's 2019 RFP for residential curbside organics collection service
- Discussion of short-term goals and timeline for the task force
- Content planning for the Composting Task Force webpage
- Proposed division of efforts by Michael Tarselli
The Composting Task Force discussed curbside composting services, educational outreach, and the Dunning pilot program. Members researched local vendors and proposed a multi-faceted approach including free bins and student involvement. The next meeting is scheduled for January 31.
- Eve Carey to contact Justin Sandler at BlackEarth Compost to establish a contract for preferred vendor status
- Eve Carey to create a graphic for promotional materials
- Lincoln Lynch to get metrics on food composted at Dunning
- Task force to research grants for free bin distribution
- Task force to create short and long-form videos
- Task force to involve students early and work with the curriculum department
- February 21 meeting replaced by January 31 meeting
- Dunning Pilot adoption rate reported at 90-95% in December audit
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will meet on December 19, 2023, to continue discussion on Order 2023-102, which concerns payment of an unpaid bill from a prior year. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from two previous meetings and public participation.
- Continued discussion of Order 2023-102: payment of an unpaid bill of a prior year
- Review of draft minutes from 11/20/23 and 11/28/23 meetings
City Council
The Framingham City Council will meet on December 19, 2023, to consider several financial and administrative actions, including funding for police body cameras, sewer system improvements, and a transfer of $49,000 for software licenses. The meeting also includes appointments to the School Building Committee and recognition of local traditions.
- Appoint Rebecca Nau as Tree Warden
- Approve $49,000 transfer for police body camera software licenses
- Appropriate $52,500 in recycling dividends for FY2024
- Authorize $300,000 for Saxonville Intersection Improvements, rescinding $300,000 for Potter Road Bridge
- Approve salary up to $125,000 for Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Management
Compost Task Force
The Compost Task Force is meeting to discuss and refine its goals for providing a food scrap collection plan recommendation to the Mayor for inclusion in the fiscal year 2024 budget. Members will review a detailed timeline of Framingham's composting efforts and a table comparing curbside composting options used by other municipalities. The task force will also plan next steps, including setting a meeting schedule and updating city website content.
- Review of goals for food scrap collection recommendation to Mayor for FY2024 budget
- Review of Framingham composting timeline from November 2023 to April 2022
- Discussion of curbside composting options: pilot, RFP, publicize, bins, city-wide with vendor or DPW
- Review of Massachusetts 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan
- Planning next steps including meeting schedule and city website content
The Compost Task Force appointed Eve Carey as Vice Chair and Diana Zimmerman-Porter as Clerk. Members discussed objectives for expanding food waste programs, including school pilots and drop-off locations. The group established a meeting schedule for the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
- Appointed Eve Carey as Vice Chair
- Appointed Diana Zimmerman-Porter as Clerk (Unanimous)
- Established meeting schedule: every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 6 p.m.
City Council
The Framingham City Council will vote on the FY2024 property tax classification and 5-year revaluation, along with several financial orders including grants, fund transfers, and a parking lot lease. The agenda also includes appointments to city boards, reports from committees, and updates on the budget and Blumer Room organization.
- Vote on FY2024 property tax classification and 5-year revaluation
- Accept two $50,000 Community Compact grants for technology and equity audits
- Transfer $70,235 plus $4,705.10 interest to Disability Commission FY24 account
- Lease parking spaces in Hollis Court Parking Lot to Greenville Real Estate Group
- Accept $23,426.27 charitable donation to Callahan Center
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and potentially vote on several financial items, including accepting two $50,000 community compact grants, paying prior-year bills, transferring funds to the Disability Commission, and appropriating funds for refrigeration units. They will also discuss financial reporting and a request to reserve Community Preservation Funds.
- Order 2023-104-001: Accept two $50,000 community compact grants for technology and equity audits
- Order 2023-102: Continued discussion on payment of prior-year bills
- Order 2023-096-001: Transfer $70,235.00 plus $4,705.10 interest to Disability Commission FY24 account
- Order 2023-045: Appropriation for refrigeration units for Health Department
- Order 2023-107: Request to reserve FY2024 Community Preservation Funds
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will review property tax classifications for FY2024, including a 5-year revaluation presentation, and discuss a $20,000 reserve fund transfer for the Charter Review Committee. The group will also consider accepting two $50,000 community compact grants for technology and equity audits, and a $74,940.10 transfer to the Disability Commission. Additional discussions include the FY2025–2029 Capital Improvement Plan, city financial reporting, councilor technology needs, and the City Council Auditor position.
- Property tax classification review for FY2024 with 5-year revaluation presentation
- Acceptance of two $50,000 community compact grants (technology and equity audits)
- Transfer of $20,000 from Reserve Fund to Charter Review Committee
- Transfer of $74,940.10 to Disability Commission for FY23 funds
- Discussion of FY2025–2029 Capital Improvement Plan
City Council Finance Subcommittee CANCELLED
The City Council Finance Subcommittee meeting scheduled for November 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Blumer Room, 150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA, has been cancelled. No decisions or discussions will occur at this meeting.
City Council
The Framingham City Council will hold a discussion on drafting a joint proclamation denouncing terrorism and supporting peace in the Middle East, and will vote on the appointment of Alycia DeAngelis to the Board of Licensing Commissioners. The council will also consider a referral on property tax classification for FY2024, a second reading of a Welcoming Ordinance, proposed amendments to Council Rules, a possible fertilizer ban ordinance, and a $20,000 budget for the Charter Review Committee.
- Discussion on joint proclamation denouncing terrorism and supporting peace in the Middle East
- Appointment of Alycia DeAngelis to Board of Licensing Commissioners through June 2026
- Referral to Finance Subcommittee on property tax classification for FY2024 and 5-year revaluation presentation
- Second reading of Welcoming Ordinance
- Proposed amendments to Council Rules and possible fertilizer ban ordinance
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will hold a meeting on October 10, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The agenda includes a discussion with the Department of Public Works on roadway projects and processes, along with approval of draft minutes from the September 26 meeting. No votes or specific dollar amounts are listed.
- Discussion with Department of Public Works on roadway projects and processes
- Approval of draft minutes from September 26, 2023 meeting
City Council
The Framingham City Council is meeting to vote on several postponed items, including a $200,000 borrowing authorization for police body cameras, a 5-year taser contract, and a second reading of accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning amendments. They will also consider a FEMA grant for a fire department air compressor, an opioid settlement fund transfer, and a welcoming ordinance. Several appointments to boards and commissions are also on the agenda.
- Order 2023-092: Rescind $232,396 in borrowing authorizations and approve up to $200,000 for police body cameras with 5-year contracts
- Order 2023-088-001: Approve 5-year contract for police tasers
- Order 2023-085: Accept $126,000 FEMA grant and appropriate $27,000 for a mobile air compressor
- Order 2023-080-001: Transfer $100,000 from Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund for opioid grant funding
- Order 2023-077-002: Second reading of amendments to zoning for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
City Council
The Framingham City Council is meeting to vote on several financial and policy items, including a $200,000 borrowing authorization for police body cameras, a 5-year taser contract, and a public hearing on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning amendments. They will also consider property acquisitions on Walnut Street and Bethany Road, a supplemental appropriation for Arlington Park, and a welcoming ordinance. The agenda includes multiple appointments and reappointments to city boards and commissions.
- Order 2023-092: Rescind $232,396 in borrowing authorizations and request up to $200,000 for police body cameras, plus 5-year contracts
- Order 2023-088-001: Approve 5-year contract for police tasers
- Order 2023-077-001: Public hearing on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning amendments (first reading)
- Order 2023-072-001: Acquisition of 84 Walnut Street (second reading)
- Order 2023-081-001: Supplemental appropriation for Arlington Park project (second reading)
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Finance Subcommittee will discuss and potentially vote on several police-related funding items, including a $200,000 borrowing authorization for body cameras, a 5-year taser contract, and acceptance of a $29,919 federal grant for community policing. The agenda also includes rescinding prior borrowing authorizations totaling $232,396 and approving draft minutes from previous meetings.
- Order 2023-092: Rescind $232,396 in prior borrowing authorizations (Library Literacy Unlimited and Police Building Boilers); request $200,000 for Police Body Cameras and 5-year contracts
- Order 2023-088: Continued discussion on 5-year taser contract for Police Department (tabled 9/12/23)
- Order 2023-093: Accept $29,919 US DOJ Byrne grant for community policing
- Draft minutes from 8/22/23 and 9/12/23 meetings for approval
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee is meeting to discuss two items referred by the Mayor: an appropriation for an audit of the Technology Services Department and approval of a 5-year contract for tasers for the Police Department. The subcommittee will also consider draft minutes from previous meetings. No votes are listed, only discussion and possible action.
- Order 2023-087: appropriation for Technology Services Department audit
- Order 2023-088: 5-year taser contract for Police Department
- Draft minutes from 09/05/23 meeting
City Council Joint Meeting With School Committee
The Framingham City Council meets jointly with the School Committee to appoint a member to fill the District 1 vacancy, with four applicants under consideration. The Council will also hold public hearings and take votes on several items, including accepting a FEMA grant for a fire department air compressor, using ARPA funds for a recreational center, and property acquisitions on Walnut Street and Bethany Road. Other actions include second readings on flag-raising policy and Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Trails Committee changes, plus referrals for a fertilizer ban ordinance and a taser contract for police.
- Joint vote to appoint District 1 School Committee member from applicants Michael Conley, Rich Robles, Jillian Kaplan, Camilla Wilson
- Public hearing: accept $126,000 FEMA grant plus $27,000 appropriation for mobile air compressor
- Discussion: use of ARPA funds for purchase of property (Marian High School) to construct recreational center
- First reading: Order of Taking and appropriation for Bethany Road parcel for municipal building
- Referral: 5-year contract for tasers for Police Department
City Council Finance Subcommittee
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee is meeting to continue discussions on two property acquisitions: using ARPA funds to buy property for a recreational center and an Order of Taking for a parcel on Bethany Road for municipal building construction. Both items were continued from the 8/22/23 meeting, and the subcommittee may vote on recommendations.
- Order 2023-086: ARPA funds for recreational center property purchase
- Order 2022-034-002: Order of Taking and appropriation for Bethany Road parcel
- Draft motions and orders provided for both acquisitions
City Council
The Framingham City Council will decide on multiple reappointments to local boards and commissions, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and Board of Health. They will also vote on accepting a Lead Services Grant, a collective bargaining agreement for firefighters, and several fund transfers and reappropriations. Discussions will cover marijuana business revenue, a new police unit for quality-of-life issues, and a pole relocation request by Verizon.
- Reappointment of D.G. Gudejko to Park and Recreation Commission
- Acceptance of $40,000 fund transfer from Accounting Salary to Accounting Expenses
- Second reading of Firefighters' collective bargaining agreement (FY2024-2026)
- Grant of Verizon pole relocation request on Gina Circle
- Acceptance of Lead Services Grant
Planning & Zoning
The Planning & Zoning Subcommittee will discuss a possible expansion of the marijuana overlay district and an ordinance to limit the number of residential units built per year. The meeting includes public participation and a vote on the minutes from June 12.
- Discussion on expanding the marijuana overlay district (Order 2018-063-002)
- Order 2023-047: ordinance to clarify annual residential unit cap
- Public participation period
- Approval of June 12, 2023 minutes
Finance
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will continue its discussion of the FY24 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) under Order 2023-043. The agenda includes public participation, approval of draft minutes from several prior meetings, and a vote on the CIP. Materials for Parks and Recreation, Information Technology, and Sustainability are attached.
- Continued discussion of FY24 Capital Improvement Plan (Order 2023-043)
- Review of draft minutes from 5/4, 5/9, 5/11, 5/15, and 5/24 meetings
- Additional materials: FY2024 Parks and Rec CIP, Information Technology CIP, Sustainability CIP
- Capital Budget Vote Sheets from 06.14.2023 and 04.13.2023
Finance
The Finance Subcommittee will meet to review and vote on the FY24 Capital Improvement Plan, discuss funding for a new collective bargaining agreement for police dispatchers, and consider year-end budget transfers. No zoning or tax decisions are scheduled.
- Vote on FY24 Capital Improvement Plan
- Review FY2023 funding for Framingham Police Dispatchers CBA
- Consider FY2023 year-end budget transfer requests
- Establish revolving fund for Framingham Farmers Market
Planning & Zoning
The Framingham City Council Planning & Zoning Subcommittee will meet remotely on June 12, 2023, to discuss possible Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), a possible expansion of the marijuana overlay district, and an ordinance to clarify the annual limit on residential units. The meeting includes public participation and approval of draft minutes from March 13, 2023.
- Discussion on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) with draft ordinance and comments
- Discussion on possible expansion of the marijuana overlay district (Order 2018-063-002)
- Order 2023-047: referral for ordinance clarifying annual residential unit cap (Apartment Circuit Breaker ordinance)
- Approval of draft minutes from 3/13/23
Finance
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will meet to discuss and possibly vote on the Mayor's referral of the FY24 budget, along with orders authorizing easements for the Edgell Road and Central Street reconstruction project and collective bargaining agreements for Parks and Recreation employees.
- Order 2023-048: Authorization for easements for Edgell Road and Central Street Roadway Reconstruction and Intersection Improvements, MassDOT Project 608889
- Order 2023-042: Continued discussion and possible vote on FY24 Budget referral
- Order 2023-023: LIUNA 1116 Collective Bargaining for Park and Recreation (FY23-FY25)
- Order 2023-050: LIUNA 1156 Collective Bargaining for Parks and Recreation (FY23-FY25)
Finance
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will hold a public hearing and continue discussion on the Mayor's referral of the FY24 budget, with a possible vote. The agenda includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and public participation.
- Order 2023-042: Continued discussion and possible vote on FY24 budget referral
- Public hearing on FY24 budget
- Review of FY2024 budget documents and presentations
- Approval of minutes from 5/4/23, 5/6/23, and 5/9/23 meetings
Finance
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee is meeting to discuss the referral of the FY24 budget, with scheduled reviews of Parks & Recreation, Framingham Public Schools, Department of Public Works, and the Police Department. The agenda includes public participation and approval of minutes from a prior meeting.
- Review of FY24 budget for Parks & Recreation at 9:00 AM
- Review of FY24 budget for Framingham Public Schools at 9:45 AM
- Review of FY24 budget for Department of Public Works at 10:30 AM
- Review of FY24 budget for Framingham Police Department at 11:00 AM
- Discussion of Order 2023-042, referral of FY24 budget to subcommittee
Finance
The Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee will vote on two five-year Technology Department contracts needed for the FY2023 Capital Improvement Plan, and will discuss the referral of the FY24 budget for review. The meeting includes public participation and approval of prior minutes.
- Vote on Contract #7893 for BCPI cloud email protection and archiving
- Vote on Contract #7892 for backup solution from ePlus
- Discussion of FY24 budget referral from the Mayor
- Review of FY2024 departmental budget documents
Planning & Zoning
The Framingham City Council Planning & Zoning Subcommittee is meeting to discuss and potentially vote on several zoning matters, including the Nobscot Plaza project, a new overlay district, and changes to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) calculations. They will also discuss Accessory Dwelling Units, village zoning near McGrath Square, and receive a status update on the Waverly Street rezoning.
- Discussion of Nobscot Plaza project
- Creation of a new Overlay District in the regional Center
- Amendments to FAR computation in Regional Center and Highway Corridor districts, including exclusions for hotels, multi-family, and athletic facilities
- Informal discussion on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Status update on Waverly Street rezoning
Planning & Zoning
The Framingham City Council Planning and Zoning Subcommittee will hold an informal discussion on the status of affordable housing and multifamily units with the Community, Economic Development Director. They will also discuss the Waverly Street rezoning, wayfinding signs in Nobscot, and a proposed reorganization of the Planning, Community Development and Conservation Division. The meeting is remote via Zoom.
- Discussion of affordable housing/multifamily units status with Community, Economic Development Director
- Waverly Street rezoning discussion
- Wayfinding signs in Nobscot discussion
- Informal discussion on reorganization of Planning, Community Development and Conservation Division
Planning & Zoning
The Framingham City Council Planning and Zoning Subcommittee will discuss and vote on two zoning amendments: one revising parking regulations in the Central Business District and dimensional rules, and another updating affordable housing regulations. The meeting is remote and open to public participation.
- Zoning amendment to Section II (Use Regulations) and Section IV (Dimensional Regulations) for Central Business District parking
- Zoning amendment to Section V and Section I.E. regarding affordable housing regulations
- Votes on both amendments
- Public participation period
- Approval of draft minutes from November 7, 2022