City Council and Mayor

City Council Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2025 Page 1 of 2 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Monday, March 24 2025 - 6:00 p.m. Franklin Lodge of Elks Council in attendance: Mayor Desiree McLaughlin, Councilor Leigh Webb, Councilor Thomas Boyce, Councilor Ed Prive, Councilor Delaney Carrier, Councilor Al Warner, Councilor Olivia Zink, Councilor Timothy Johnston, and Councilor Ted Starkweather Absent: Councilor Susan Hallett-Cook Others in attendance: Acting City Manager Scott Clarenbach, Fire Chief Michael Foss, MSD Director Justin Hanscom and members of the public. Mayor McLaughlin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the Salute to the Flag was led by Councilor Starkweather. Agenda Item I. Council to discuss the Updates on Soldier’s Hall Construction Project. Acting City Manager Clarenbach provided council an updated budget worksheet for discussion on cost associated with the construction project for Soldiers Hall. The worksheet can be found attached to the end of the minutes. Acting City Manager Clarenbach explained that the current problem with the approved bond for the project, which was approved by council on September 3, 2024, is that it currently only covers the cost of construction. It doesn’t cover the owners’ soft cost, which per Arcove are 20 to 30 percent of the construction budget. Further discussion was had about what the soft cost are that would be associated with the project and what role the opera house has in helping with these costs potentially. Council discussion included how to move forward with this project, getting people back into the building for use, understanding the needs of the building and its potential uses for the community. Motion: Councilor Zink moved that the Franklin City Council instruct the City Manager to work with Arcove to complete a total cost estimate of $6.8M to include all in on soft cost with the priority that addresses life safety, certificate of occupancy, mold issues and the roof. Motion seconded by Councilor Webb. Councilor Carrier opposed; motion PASSED. Agenda Item II. Council Discussed the City Manager Recruitment Process  City Council Meeting Minutes – March 24, 2025 Page 2 of 2 Acting City Manager Clarenbach discussed recruitment firms that have been used in the past, as well as other firms in the area that could be used to search for a City Manager, information on these firms can be found attached to the end of the minutes. Discussion was had about cost associated with using a firm, who would be involved in the hiring process search committee, and what the process looks like going forward. Council was encouraged to read through the information and if they requested further information it could be provided to them. Further discussion will continue at a later date on how to proceed. Agenda Item II. Other Business MSD Director Justin Hanscom updated council on the Sewer Project, he is asking council to amend agreement for the project date, it is set to expire on June 30, 2025, to extend until July 31, 2026. Discussion was had about clarification on what project it was, Sewer replacement project, which included Bow Street in the scope of work. Motion: Councilor Johnston moved that the Franklin City Council Motion to amend the length of terms for the American Rescue Plan Act fund grant agreement with New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services entered into agreement on March 8, 2023 from June 30, 2025 to July 31, 2026. Allowing Scott Clarenbach as acting City Manager to execute any and all documentation required by ARAP grant for the project. Motion seconded by Councilor Starkweather. All in Favor; Motion Passed Acting City Manager Clarenbach, discussed visioning for the City Council with Department Heads in the near future, a meeting was scheduled for Monday March 31, 2025 at 6pm at the Elks Lodge. Mayor McLaughlin discussed a walk through at the Easter Seals project on Holy Cross Road. A walk through was scheduled for City Council members. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Councilor Warner and seconded by Councilor Johnston. All in favor. Motion PASSED. The meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Nicole Havey Administrative Assistant