Franklin aldermen prioritize capital projects, add Creekside consideration; Robinson Lake dam bid and possible $48M bond issuance discussed

At the Jan. 28 meeting the Board of Mayor and Aldermen reviewed an updated 10-year capital investment plan and identified four projects for near-term prioritization while directing staff to add Creekside acquisition to the next round of prioritization. The board also discussed a contract award for the Robinson Lake dam project and a proposal to issue up to $48 million in general obligation bonds to fund several capital projects.

Eric, a city staff member, presented the updated financial capacity—about $134 million in borrowing capacity per staff materials—and listed four projects with consensus support: the Goose Creek Bypass and Crothers Parkway extension (approx. $40 million), Eddie Lane improvements (option costs vary), South Margin Street & Fifth Avenue intersection improvements (approx. $3.15 million) and design/upgrade work on Mallory Lane and Cool Springs Boulevard (approx. $430,000). The board signaled support for keeping those projects as top priorities and asked staff to include Creekside acquisition in the remaining prioritization exercise.

Public commenters urged action on key road projects. Rod Heller (manager, Preservation Partners) spoke in support of preserving the 62-acre Creekside property and said Preservation Partners expects to transfer Creekside to the city contingent on a related 13-acre sale. Dan Cladd, a resident, urged the board to prioritize the Goose Creek Bypass extension to relieve failing intersections and suggested immediate commitment to attract partner funding.

The board reviewed agenda item 11, which authorizes awarding the Robinson Lake dam construction contract to Heron Construction for $13,482,000. Staff described the project as more than dam repair: it includes dredging the pond, creating walking trails, new passive-park amenities and parking. Staff cautioned that wetlands and updated FEMA flood maps have changed project permitting requirements and that the bid represents the scope the board previously approved. The transcript does not record a final vote tally on the contract award on the record.

Christine (city finance) presented background on a proposed general obligation bond issuance of up to $48 million to fund multiple projects, including three fire apparatus ordered in earlier years, a three-season resurfacing program, Southeast Park construction ($30 million tranche), McEwen Phase 4 (with grant funding) and related needs. Staff noted the city has not issued general obligation debt for capital projects in about six years; current outstanding GO principal (as of June 30, 2024 audit) was about $99.5 million. Staff said the board will consider resolutions to authorize the bond sale and planned a competitive sale in March if the board proceeds; the transcript records the presentation but does not include a roll-call vote on the bond resolutions.

Aldermen discussed timing, partnership opportunities for large road projects and the need to avoid holding projects in limbo while awaiting private funding. Several aldermen asked staff to seek tighter partnership timelines where projects depend on public-private contributions and to return with more granular options and funding scenarios in the next prioritization round.

The board also heard that Southeast Park project costs had overrun earlier estimates and that Robinson Lake’s bid was produced under the scope the board approved; staff said they could return with scope-reduced alternatives if the board directed it.