6pm @ Station 15.  Click here to view my packet.  Click here to see this month’s vehicle maintenance report.  Down to 3-4 squads as one unit is off site being remounted.  Agenda includes accepting resignation of one employee. -JF

As I move about in our town, that’s one of the most common subjects of discussion.  If you’re not familiar with what I’m talking about, it’s the recent allegations of pornographic material discovered on a City of Carlisle owned computer that was used in the Mayor’s office, apparently by the current and previous Mayor.

I think we’ve all become a little de-sensitized to scandal occuring at the state and federal level because we’re so accustomed to it.  But, when scandal hits home, it hurts.  It hurts because, often, the truth is obscured by rumor and inuendo.  People will do and say things they wouldn’t normally.  And, if I’ve learned anything from being involved in politics for over six years now, it’s that the perception of the truth often becomes reality, regardless of what the truth actually is.

No city or elected body is exempt from the possibility of scandal, it can happen to anyone.  In my estimation, it no longer matters who, if anyone, did anything wrong, the damage has been done.  Sadly, these events have fractured a community of 5,800 people and in the end, it’s the public that loses.

I will not pass judgement on anyone relative to this case, as I am not informed on all the facts, nor is it my place to.  However, for the residents of Carlisle, it all boils down to ethics and morals.  They have to decide IF anyone representing them used poor ethical standards or unacceptable moral judgement to the extent that disciplinary action is necessary.  If such is found, the individual(s) involved should be dealt with accordingly, as quickly and efficiently as possible.  Otherwise, for everyone’s benefit, the City needs to move forward.

From my perspective, that’s the only way these scandals can be survived so that a community can heal.  The facts need to be presented, examination performed and corrective action taken as soon as possible, so that the recovery may begin.  I know there’s a lot of folks over there trying to do the right thing, as such, I wish them well in their endeavors to get through this. -JF

6pm @ the City Building.  Only a few legislative agenda items.  Public portion of the meeting shouldn’t be very long.  Click here to see a copy of my packet.  As always, you’re welcome to come out and join us! -JF

6pm @  Station 15.  Click here to see a copy of my board packet.  -JF

Franklin’s City Manager, Jim Lukas, sent Council Members the following notice. Citizens beware. -JF

Some City of Franklin residents have recently received solicitations titled, “Five facts about Water Line Service Coverage.” The advertisement implies that homeowners need water line service coverage and requests payment of $59.88 by credit card, E-Z pay checking, check or money order. By design, the flyer appears to be endorsed by the State of Ohio and the City of Franklin. Attorney General Richard Cordray recently stressed that this solicitation is a scam and residents should not send in payments. The City of Franklin does not endorse these solicitations and has no affiliation with companies that offer these types of services. Residents who have given payments or information should contact the Attorney General’s office as soon as possible at 800-282-0515.

6pm @ the City Building.  We’ve got a plethora of items on the agenda, Monday.  Council will be considering legislation that accepts property from the Lion’s Club, paying bills with a bond renewal, appointing a member to the Planning Commission, entering into a contract with the auditor of state and purchasing some police cruisers.  Feel free to join us.  Click here to see part #1 of the packet and here for part #2. -JF

The Board members this year are Ron Ruppert, representing Franklin Townahip, Scott Boschert representing Carlisle, and myself, representing Franklin.  I was nominated as the Chairman this year while Mr. Ruppert will serve as Vice-Chairman.  The first meeting of the year always includes a review of the previous year’s finances.  JEMS’ carryover balance is approximately $362,000 this year. 

The carryover balance is at least $100K more than we anticipated, a surprise, as revenue was down a bit from the previous year and the organization continues to be plagued by a plethora of vehicle maintenance issues.  It’s also worth noting that JEMS spent approximately $35,000 more than it took in for the 2009 calendar year.

I continue to be concerned about unstable revenue and increasing vehicle costs.  The Board did approve an $82K loan for the purchase of a new ambulance chassis with a re-mounted box.  A brand new unit is ideal at $150,000, but isnt financially feasible at this time.  Further, recent vehicle breakdowns suggest the need to purchase additional squads, but again not feasible at this time.

Annual protocol testing of all EMTs and Paramedics will take place during the next 30 days. -JF

At our first meeting of the year, Council elects a Mayor and Vice-Mayor in accordance with the City Charter. In 2009, the Mayor was Denny Centers with Carl Bray serving as Vice-Mayor. For 2010, Franklin’s Mayor is Carl Bray and yours truly is Vice-Mayor. Thanks for the opportunity, gentlemen.

One major discussion item that I wanted to share was concerning a potential income tax levy in the near future. Council needed to decide whether it wanted to proceed with a levy on the May or November ballot. The consensus was to wait for the November ballot to place a .5% increase before the voters. Franklin has been collecting 1.5% income tax, with full reciprocity, since 1975. Many cities around us have increased their tax rates to 1.75% or 2% in recent years.

While no one wants to increase taxes, especially in tough economic times, Council and City Staff are in agreement that there’s nothing left to cut, short of city services and personnel.  Council has been very frugal during the last couple of years, taking advantage of many one-time opportunities to reduce costs.  The city has passed up several opportunities to receive State money for road projects, just so Franklin wouldn’t have to come up with the 50% local share to finance the project.  Not a good place to be.   I will have more on this subject as the months progress, but would definitely like to hear feedback from residents. -JF

First Board meeting of the year.  Delayed by one week to allow Carlisle to name its new representative.  Click here to see my board packet.  Clickhere to see the vehicle maintenance report.  Click here to see a summary of the 2009 budget, 2010 budget and miscellaneous documents. -JF

The first Council meeting of the year.  6pm @ the City Building.  Click here to see a copy of my Council packet.  -JF