Franklin (MA) Matters

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Synopsis

This podcast provides information and view points on all that matters particularly focused on how to create a sustaining budget to maintain the quality of life and education in Franklin, MA given the restrains of Prop 2 1/2.

Episodes

  • FM #1360 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 01/23/25

    24/01/2025 Duration: 30min

    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, January 23, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:• ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionAPPOINTMENTS - 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 Eas

  • FM #1359 - School Cmte Budget Workshop - 01/22/25

    23/01/2025 Duration: 01h58min

    This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Workshop held on Wednesday, January 22, 2024. All 5 members participated in the 3rd floor Training Room (2 absent; O’Sullivan, Sompally). Quick recapSuperintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch shared in presenting the overview and answered detailed questions on the developing FY 2026 school budgetThis is a ‘zero based’ budget to the extent that to develop the budget the prior year format with 9 schools can’t be used this year. The redistricting is bringing 5 elementary into 4 schools (2 buildings), and 3 middle schools into 1 middle school (1 building)The redistricting does provide a significant savings to the community. If the redistricting was not in process for implementation in September 2025, the proposed budget would be asking for $6M moreThe “Tale of Two Budgets” presents a level service budget and a level service plus budget. Terminology is key to understanding

  • FM #1358 - Pour Richards Reopening - 01/20/25

    22/01/2025 Duration: 20min

    This session shares my conversation with Colleen Bunnewith on Monday, January 20, 2025 in the Pour Richard’s Wine store. The store interior is being renovated with new colors and layout. Colleen is co-owner with her husband Corey.We talk about How they got to opening Pour Richard’s under their ownership Plans for beer, wine, and provisions Plans for an expanded beer section Plans for bringing in cheese & prepared foods, charcuterie boards, etc. Events, “Pennywise” rebranded as “Bacchus Busters” Grand re-opening set for Feb 8The recording runs 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Web page (under revision as of 1/22/25) -> https://pourrichardswine.com/ On Facebook at -> https://www.facebook.com/pourrichardswine On instagram at -> https://www.instagram.com/pourrichardswinema/ -------------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 Fra

  • FM #1357 - Master Plan Update Cmte Mtg - 01/15/25

    21/01/2025 Duration: 01h54min

    This session shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The recording runs almost 1 hour and 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98wFbUo0ugEAgenda and supporting documents for this session ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-january_15_2025.pdf“Final” version of the Master Plan (at least as of 1/20/25) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_report-submitted_to_town-01-15-2025.pdf -------------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 li

  • FM #1356 - Chalkboard Chat - 01/15/25

    20/01/2025 Duration: 40min

    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 15, 2025. We recapped the School Committee meeting of January 14, 2025. We cover Cheerleader recognition, approval for trip to NationalsFHS update & program of studiesRedistricting updates mostly in Superintendent Update, action items did include approval of notification of the school names for interim usageApproval of the capital budgetFranklin TV presentation, issue of cable cutting and alternative revenue sourceState of the Schools, January 27 at 7 PM at the TV StudioThe recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   School Committee Meeting InfoFranklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWsDrfRwZuM Meeting agenda -&

  • FM #1355 - Franklin (MA) Finance Cmte Mtg - 01/15/25

    19/01/2025 Duration: 02h29min

    This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 7 members of the Committee were present in Council Chambers on the 2nf floor of the Town of Franklin municipal building for this session (2 absent). Many of the Town department leaders were present and participating as needed. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere participated as did Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch.Quick recap Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walking the committee thru the memo on the capital budget https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf Many clarification questions on what for when, as well as possible reallocation of the recommendation. Chart on free cash is for information purposesFirst resolution on use of free cash for the capital budget resulted in a discussion around amending the amount and creating a technology stabilization fund but ultimately that did not get amen

  • FM #1354 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 01/14/25

    17/01/2025 Duration: 03h24min

    This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 14, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).Quick recapFHS Cheerleaders recognized for winning multiple championships, approved for travel to the National ChampionshipSuperintendent's report included multiple updates on redistricting efforts underwayFHS school update provided insights in the school year thus farFHS Program of Studies update raised some clarification questions and at least one surprise that the community service hours added to the graduation requirements are not being monitored this year due to the budget cut that removed the individual who would have done that tracking. Community hours were being done by students, no one single person was tracking to ensure all the students were doing so this school yearFranklin TV provided an update on the programming provided to the community including the live broadcast of this meeting (across town, 2 school concerts were also broadc

  • FM #1353 - Santa Foundation Revitalized - 01/10/25

    14/01/2025 Duration: 34min

    This session of the radio show shares conversation with Pam and Joe Formosa, who are leading the revitalized Santa Foundation. We had our conversation in the new facility at 275 Washington St, Suite a6.We talked aboutThanking the community and all who helpedHow Pam & Joe ended up in this rolePlanning for the future underwayThe recording of our conversation runs about 34 minutes.   --------------Visit the Santa Foundation online at -> https://www.sfjoy.org/Or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SantaFoundation --------------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 something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on me

  • FM #1352 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 01/08/25

    12/01/2025 Duration: 02h05s

    This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All 9 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers. Quick recap:2 public hearings on the accessory dwelling unit bylaw changes were opened and closed after discussion. Later the legislation for action approved by 9-0 vote to move both measures to second reading2 public hearings on sign bylaw changes as proposed were opened and continued to the Jan 22 meeting without further discussion. Later in the legislation for action, those two measures were also rescheduled to the Jan 22 meeting by 9-0 votesPresentation on Franklin Ridge, a senior affordable housing project update was provided that with the recent funding made available on 2 front for Town work and for the private development of the 60 units, given the current schedule, ground could break in June 2025. Bryan Taberner, Director Planning & Community Development provided the update.Bryan continued with a second presentation on the sustainable housing inve

  • FM #1351 - Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - 01/08/25

    11/01/2025 Duration: 55min

    This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).Quick recapGoals update, discussion on setting what priorities there should beOpen Space plan not yet approved by State, comments sent back to Town and they will take time to adjust and incorporateRound among the subcommittee as they shared their priorities, except for ChandlerAfter the round, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - The Crossing and 40r would probably be best to start with. Home business, taking a reasonable step forward re: water and sewer. Current bylaws restrict auto and food prep from home use, as well as medical. At scale, it gets to be a problem for the infrastructure. Possible joint discussion with Board of Health, Health Dept, along with DPW to talk about the issues they see. Attempting to provide an overview to someone to answer "H

  • FM #1350 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 01/09/25

    10/01/2025 Duration: 33min

    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, January 9, 2024.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:• ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessiona. Franklin Ridge Senior Affordable Housing Project Update - Bryan Taberner, Director ofDepartment of Planning and CommunityConstruction to commence later this summer, after Town finishes its infrastructure workb. Residential Development & Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI, aka Chapter 40B) Update - Bryan Taberner, Director of Department of Planning and CommunityAt 10.86% (the guideline is more than 10%) A summary of what’s approved and or in the planning processOver 1,000 housing units, approx. 400 would be “Affordable”"A 1% increase in new supply; i) lowers average rents by 0.19%, ii) effectively red

  • FM #1349 - ToF Board Of Health Mtg - 01/08/25

    09/01/2025 Duration: 25min

    This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. 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 new oversight board and appointment of Director Liberty as representative. Motion made and approved 2-0Coat drive update: successful, collected over 600 new/used costs, distribution of 325 or so to families, some of the left over coats went to a church in Milford. Total among the distribution and collections, approx 1,000 coats, etc. delivered to families who wanted them.427 Oakland Park update, coordinated with Attny General; owners did start work with a contractor on the roof, letter/ notification of process is underway147 Pleasant St septic exemption requested, relatively minor recommended, so moved, passes 2-0Health

  • FM #1348 - Franklin Public Library - Jan 2025 Event Highlights - 12/23/24

    04/01/2025 Duration: 24min

    This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, December 23, 2024.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthOpen on Sundays Book sale weekend January 17 & 18Closed Monday, Jan 20 for Martin Luther King Jr Day Library events for December 2024Family eventsKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsThe show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library New event calendar -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/2025-january/ January newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/january-202

  • FM #1347 - Franklin Senior Ctr - Jan 2025 Highlights - 12/18/24

    03/01/2025 Duration: 43min

    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, December 18, 2024.We talk about Key special events throughout January, 2025Key statistics from the past 12 monthsAnd 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 42 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc January 2025  newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/january_2025_newsletter.pdfSubscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945January 2025 Calendar of Events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/2025-

  • FM #1346 - Town Council Mtg - Logo & Branding Segment - 12/18/24

    24/12/2024 Duration: 46min

    This session shares the Logo and Branding segment of the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024.  8 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Jones). Special vote to appoint Frongillo as temporary clerk for the meeting to be authorized to sign the documents (approved 8-0-1). An overflow audience filled the Chambers to start and then filtered away as their recognition section was completed.Quick recap:The Town seal with the image of Benjamin Franklin remains (cleaned up for digital use) AND the logo is added to help with branding the Town of Franklin as “The First of Many”.Logo & branding presentation ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8c._tc_memo_for_branding_project.pdf The series of presentations as the work to incorporate the community feedback and develop the logo and branding continued -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations Town Seal and

  • FM #1345 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 12/18/24

    23/12/2024 Duration: 02h46min

    This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Dec 18, 2024.  8 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Jones). Special vote to appoint Frongillo as temporary clerk for the meeting to be authorized to sign the documents (approved 8-0-1). An overflow audience filled the Chambers to start and then filtered away as their recognition section was completed.Quick recap:PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS  a. Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/G8RxjgueNHCd5UcH8 b. Peter Brunellic. Steve Carlucci -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/GAaiWxXj6nxTAQTR6 5. APPOINTMENTS a. Agricultural Commission - Benjamin RousseauApproved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) Annual License Renewals = Approved by vote 8-0-1 (1 absent) PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONSa. National Citizen Survey (aka Citizen Satisfaction Survey) - Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._-_discussion_-

  • FM #1344 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/19/24

    22/12/2024 Duration: 40min

    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, December 19, 2024.  • ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionJoint Budget meeting• Health care, pension cost updates; deficit was 3.7ish, now more like 4.5• Communications planned with 5 or 6 listening sessions at different locations, end of Jan through March…Town Council meetingPROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS• Fourth and Sixth Grade Youth Football Teams• Peter Brunelli• Steve Carlucci5. APPOINTMENTS =  Agricultural Commission - Benjamin RousseauAnnual License RenewalsPRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONSNational Citizen Survey (aka Citizen Satisfaction Survey) - Kate Hinckley, Director of GIS   Biennial Town Council - Town Administrator Midterm Goals Review - Jamie Hellen, Town AdministratorTown Seal and Logo Presentation - Amy Frigulietti, Deputy To

  • FM #1343 - Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - 12/18/24

    21/12/2024 Duration: 56min

    This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).Quick recapThe Nu-Style project history is laid out in the presentation doc, progress is being made but complicated by the split of ownership of the properties involved. Especially as the building on the Town property that needs to come down is adjoining to the neighboring property building which has structural issues. Grant money is primarily being used for remediation work, additional grants are being sought to complete the work required.After all the zoning bylaw changes made for the Franklin For All project and specifically to meet the MBTA Community requirements,  we may finally be there. The last paperwork was submitted to the State and an answer is expected hopefully to confirm we do meet (actually exceed) the requirements. T

  • FM #1342 - Community Preservation Cmte Mtg - 12/18/24

    21/12/2024 Duration: 38min

    This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in the 3rd floor training room on Wednesday, December 18, 2024Quick Recap -> Town Administrator Jamie Hellen providing an update, introduces Evan Lacasse as Deputy Financial Officer and budget analyst who will be picking up the details of CPA as things go forwardUpdates on current CPA funded projects:Cupola out for bid, should start next year some timeFranklin Ridge about half financed at this point, starting infrastructure work in 2025Rod & Gun club didn't get funding, apparently did get their own fundingQ on Davis Thayer, (old high school), Police Station Building Cmte hired architect, open house planned for current station, architect hired. Middle of 2025 should get to site selection. There are some issues with Parmenter, and with DT, so it will an interesting decision. DT page has the reports and expression of interests proposal, zoning would also be needed for most other uses (https://www.franklinma.gov/da

  • FM #1341 - Chalkboard Chat - 12/11/24

    20/12/2024 Duration: 40min

    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, December 11, 2024. We recapped the School Committee meeting of Dec 10, 2024. We cover Level based update on redistricting from Elementary, Middle and Early Childhood Dev Ctr (ECDC)Lifelong Learning updateDiscussion action itemsTrips to Japan & Hawaii approvedPolicies approved after 2nd readingEnd of year, outlook to Joint Budget and to 2025The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   School Committee Meeting InfoFranklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0JNS07rsB4 The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5082504/SCAGENDA_12-10-24.docx.pdf Meeting pack

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