Framingham City Council Finance Subcommittee Meeting - September 9, 2025

The Finance Subcommittee of the Framingham City Council met on September 9, 2025, to consider several contracts, discuss Boston Marathon costs, and receive an update from the Parks and Recreation Department on capital planning.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the August 26, 2025 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke; no participants appeared in person or via Zoom during the public participation period.

Discussion Items

• DPW 1156 Union Contract (FY26-28): Ms. Pratt presented corrected financials for the three-year agreement covering 96 members. Year one total impact is $173,191, including a 2% COLA, $0.25/hour step increase, license/training stipends ($21,250), CDL trainer and backup stipends ($4,000), and a $50 increase to longevity payments ($750). Out-year impacts are lower as stipends are flat. The committee discussed a transfer of $80,000 from the MWRA line item and $83,200 from the general fund salary reserve to fund year one. Councilor Cannon clarified the MWRA savings came from a lower assessment. Motion to approve the contract and transfer passed unanimously.
• Police Superior Officers Association MOA (FY26-28): Ms. Pratt outlined the three-year contract covering 26 members. Year one impact is $192,806, year two originally listed as $163,877 but corrected to $171,550, and year three is $150,031. Components include 2% COLA, shift differential increases (from 6% to 7% in year one, to 8% in year two, with grandfathered members from 4% to 5% then to 6%), new POST stipend (Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training), new hazardous duty stipend (1% in year one, 2% in year two), and impacts on existing education and holiday stipends. Councilor King asked about POST and hazardous duty stipends; Chief explained POST is a state reform requiring standardized training and certification, hazardous duty pay applies only to patrol division street supervisors. Councilor King questioned if reduced weekly hours would require more FTEs; Chief said no, as the change improves shift command continuity. Motion to approve the contract and transfer of $200,000 from salary reserve passed unanimously.
• Boston Marathon Costs: Councilor King initiated discussion on the net cost of the marathon to the city, which is approximately $101,469 in overtime, fuel, etc., against $82,600 reimbursement from the Boston Athletic Association (BAA). King called the deficit “ridiculous” and suggested withholding the permit unless the BAA pays full costs. Chief noted increased security demands post-2013 bombing and that the BAA provided 45 blocking vehicles after negotiation. Councilor Steiner asked for comparative data from other communities. Councilor Cannon supported a collaborative approach with other marathon towns and noted the BAA’s substantial revenue. The committee agreed to invite the BAA to a future city council meeting for further discussion.
• Parks and Recreation Capital Planning: Director Jim Snyder, joined by Commission Chair Kathy Hawk and Deputy Director Alison Elliott, presented the department’s framework for prioritizing capital projects, emphasizing equity, safety, inclusivity, and sustainability. Criteria include ease of implementation, resource availability, cost savings, value, underserved areas, city and community priorities, multiple benefits, and urgency. Councilors Cannon and King expressed frustration over the lack of advance background material and questioned the process for selecting specific projects (e.g., Reardon Park, Temple Street). Cannon cited examples where community activism drove projects (Veterans Park, dog park) and raised concerns about transparency, website usability, and coordination with DPW (e.g., Simpson Park access). Snyder acknowledged shortcomings and promised to improve data sharing, invite councilors to monthly Parks Commission meetings, and update the CIP. Dave Godeco, a Parks and Rec Commission member, defended the department and called for teamwork.

Key Outcomes

• DPW 1156 contract and transfer approved unanimously.
• Police Superior Officers MOA and transfer approved unanimously, with a noted correction to year two totals ($171,550).
• The BAA will be invited to a future council meeting to discuss full cost reimbursement for the Boston Marathon.
• The next Finance Subcommittee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, due to Rosh Hashanah.
• Parks and Recreation will provide background materials, update the city website, and begin district-by-district meetings with councilors to refine capital priorities.