Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025. All 7 members participated in Council Chambers. The public section of the meeting was comparatively short. They did enter Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations and did not return to the public meeting.Quick recapThe Keller Student Council stepped forward to lead the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meetingDuring the Superintendent's report, there was recognition of 4 FHS musicians who were selected to the All-State Music Festival; Emma Anderson (French horn), Ace Eagerman (string bass), Alex Fioavanti (?) and Emily Lou, (violin) During the discussion prior to the vote on the budget, a number of teachers from elementary, middle, and high school stepped up to comment on the decline of funding over the years, the impact on the students and their educational development effects on college prep with a limit on foreign language options less than optimal and not talked of impacts to the new schedule a

This session of the radio show shares my Cultural Conversation with Cory Shea and John Ristaino in the Franklin TV & Franklin Public Radio Studio on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.  Cory Shea, is the Town of Franklin Director of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy. Yes, a big title. John Ristaino, is the Chair of the Franklin Cultural Council.We talk about the relationship between the Cultural Council and the Cultural District and Cory's role in helping with the collaboration between these two groups and with the cultural entities in Franklin.We talk about the 6 priorities of the Council Council that guided their grant process. The applicants should have addressed these priorities in their application and in many cases worked with the Council to clarify what was being asked for and what would be done with the grant.The recording runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to this Cultural Conversation with Cory & John.--------------Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ Cultural

This session shares my conversation with Felicia Oti, Director of the Franklin Public Library. We were joined by many of her staff, see the names below. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.I opened the conversation with my recitation of “Hail, hail, the gang's all here… what the heck do we care now?”  We all care about the Franklin Library which is why we are here now, and are about to find out some of the breadth of services they cover.Felicia Oti, Library DirectorAllison Smith, Deputy DirectorKara Naff, Circulation SupervisorVicki Earls, Head of Reference Mitzi Gousie, Public Services LibrarianCaleigh Keating, Youth Services LibrarianAmong the many services the Library offer are:Digitization of Franklin HistoryUS Citizenship test prepSubscription to Khan AcademyVolunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) both a opportunity that provides training for those that volunteer , as well as a service for those with income less than 65K to file their taxesDecodable books for beginning

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director and Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.We talk about Key special events throughout FebruaryA short month but not short in activitiesAnd many other aspects of the very busy and fun place that the Senior Center is for the whole community, not just seniors!The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging February 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4307/February-2025-Newsletter?bidId= Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945-------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Frank

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 5, 2025. 7 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Chandler & Hamblen). Quick recap: Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward PUBLIC HEARINGS     a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements     b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye Legislation for action (all votes passed with the same via roll call or voice vote 7-0-2 (2 absent)     Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A an

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night (Feb 5) with a focus on two questions:• ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionFire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey WardPUBLIC HEARINGSa. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easementsb. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian CuisinePRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie KayeLegislation for actionResolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Septem

This session shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, February 5, 2025. They met for the final time. The key item on the agenda was to approve some minutes from prior meetings.The recording runs about 7 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/eCmkY0Hl6ow?&t=559 The agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1544 My notes for this short meeting can be found in one PDF ->https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jrQGcK9JolOVsljUYPob_1yxkLDisy-g/view?usp=drive_link “Final” version of the Master Plan (at least as of 1/20/25) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always

This session shares my conversation with State Representative Jeff Roy. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, February 3, 2025. We cover The recent Legislative session #193 of the General CourtLegislation filed for #194Entertainment fee to offset cable cord cutting for local PEG channels Transparency and the Globe articles Changes at the Federal level can have impact to usThe recording runs about 49 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Jeff’s Representative profile page at MA Legislature =  https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1  Jeff Roy’s Twitter =  https://twitter.com/jeffroy  Representative Roy’s Facebook page =  https://www.facebook.com/RepJeffRoy/  Subscribe to Jeff’s newsletter -> https://jeffreyroy.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=a03272e278ec395d5f164106a&id=43d5611856 -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, February 5, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. Quick Recap:Discussion on designation of Mass Health Office Association (MHOA) as the tobacco control agent for the town. Motion approved by 2-0 vote via roll callDiscussion on the newMEtacomet Advisory Board oversight board and need to appoint an alternate contact in addition to Director Liberty. Motion made to appoint Kerry McKay as advisory board alternate board member and approved 2-0Healthy brains program for 2025. Kick off with a podcast to be scheduled. Increase awareness, provide resources, in advance of the onset of dementia and other brain afflictions. Focus initially at the Senior Center, Housing Authority, & Library. SAFE Coalition is close to getting their ‘mega brain’ display whi

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with the founders of the Children’s Museum of Franklin; Meg Hagen and Erin Gallagher. Meg and Erin fill us in on their Franklin story, the idea for the museum, started as a mobile museum to help build interest and prove the concept would work. They are getting closer to opening their physical space on Cottage St (former Agway building). You hear the excitement mounting as the building nears completion. Fundraising is still important, there are many ways to provide financial support. There is a free mobile museum scheduled for Patriot Place on Feb 23 from 10 AM to 5 PM.Opportunities to volunteer will open in a few weeks.The show notes contain links to their web page where you can view the architectural renderings of what the museum will look like as well as to contribute.The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Meg and Erin--------------Franklin Children’s Museum -> https://www.childrensmuseumfranklin.

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 4, 2024. The meeting had been added to the schedule given the revised budget timeline which enabled this 2 months earlier than previous years. 6 of the 7 members participated (4 in Chambers, 2 remotely, and 1 absent - O’Sullivan).Quick recapThe meeting did start late due to some timing and technical issues that were resolved to get the meeting goingThe redistricting efforts provide significant savings. If the redistricting was not done (to be effective this Sept 2025) the "level service" budget as proposed would be approx $6M more than requested. That said, this budget still assumes (1) the Town Council approves of an override of at $3 to 5M (number still to be determined) (2) and it is successful, or there would be cuts to this budgetLots of questions to clarify line items not so much the amount but what it covered in terms of education services, etc.No vote tonight, that comes next week at their Feb 11 scheduled meeting

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. We recapped the School Committee meeting of January 28, 2025. We cover Middle School Math Curriculum updateFY 2026 Superintendent’s Recommended budget & discussionRedistricting is intertwined with both of the above topicsEncourage to participate in the Listening SessionsThe recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   School Committee Meeting InfoFranklin TV video available for replay ->  (full meeting)https://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=31   Jump to the Start of Middle School Math Curriculum presentation & discussionhttps://www.youtube.com/live/HYxJEgzxVww?&t=599 Jump to the Start of FY 2026 Superi

This session shares the Joint Budget Listening Session held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at the Elks Lodge on Pond St. All 9 of the 10 members participated along with TA Jamie Hellen and School Supt Lucas Giguere. At least 11 folks stepped up to comment or ask a question, some multiple questions.Resources referenced during the listening sessionThe FY 2026 budget page has the docs and they will be updated as the budget discussion progresses through the cycle. The Governor's budget just came out to set out local aid baseline https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 The Franklin For All podcast series as touted by Jamie can be found. A series of 8 episodes on housing, development, new growth, etc. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html FY 2026 school budget was presented at the SchCmte meeting Tuesday, Jan 28. The budget hearing is scheduled for Tues, Feb 4. The School Committee is scheduled to vote on the budget at their Feb 11 meeting. Tuesday'

This session shares the Capital Budget Subcmte Meeting held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in the Council Chambers. All four members participated. 1. FY25 Capital Plan & Subcommittee recommendations a. Town Administrator Memo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4098/2025-01-29-CBSC-Agenda---1a-FY25-Capital b. FY25 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4117/1b---Capital---Dept-Requests-and-5-Year-Plans c. Quotes  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4116/1c-Quotes The votes to approve all recommendations were 4-0The agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01292025-1526The recording runs about 3 hours , so let’s listen in.--------------My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GNNvCsoWOmoEZ8ReL0iqH6B9MO9Moj96/view?usp=drive_link -------------We are now producing this in collabora

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math** 1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the endQuick recapThe middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested,

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file*** 1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the endQuick recapThe middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the endQuick recapThe middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.

This session shares the “State of the Schools” event presented by School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill. The event was held with about a dozen folks at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, January 27, 2025. The presentation slide deck is included in the show notes. They cover the presentation with some Q&A along the way and more at the end of the slides.  There are more of these events being planned, as the dates are available, they will be shared.The recording runs about 95 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Presentation deck -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EB4kyIdNW4btBpqGJCAG5jIpVfL7TUxm/view?usp=drive_link  Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   Contact info for Dave McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee  -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers. Quick recap:APPOINTMENTS - Police Station Building Committee - Andrew WoodwardPUBLIC HEARING - rescheduled to Feb 5; New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian CuisinePRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION on Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Signs, first reading and approved to move to second reading2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for their second reading, and receiving unanimous final approvalGrant of Underground Gas Distribution System Easement for work by Eversource at the Pump Station near the Recreation Dept.Approval of a donation for the Senior CenterTOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORTEmergency housing potentially ended by year end (if not sooner)New website, agenda issue for Jamie,

This session shares my conversation with Stephenie Heath, Ph.D., MSW who works as a Community Outreach Counselor for the SAFE Coalition. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.We talk about Stephanies’s path to SAFE The housing program funded through the ARPA grant  Postpartum support sessions with the YMCA Suspension diversion program with area high schoolsThe recording runs 25 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------SAFE Coalition web page -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ Support programs offered -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.How can you help?If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighborsIf you don't like some