Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcmte meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 17, 2024. 10 members participated, all in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Corbisiero) Quick recap:First item approval of prior meeting minutesMar 8, 2023; Aug 2, 2023; Oct 11, 2023; Mar 6, 2024; Oct 23, 2024All minutes were moved separately for a vote, all votes unanimously approved. 10 members participating in ChambersTown Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on minimal changes to the developing FY 2026 budget; Norfolk County pension #s now firm  Health care costs are increasing approx. 18%, company is losing money on Franklin our claims are exceeding what we pay in premium $s, by about 12 cents more than we pay Insurance Advisory Cmte (IAC) has been working well, less competition available in the market$4.5M is a large number, we are still far away from the final numbers, dept budget are due soon, collective bargaining underway, Gov budget coming out in Jan 2025; local receipts likely will get bumped

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.  Our discussion was essentially a review of the 2024 calendar year. While the failed override was significant, Jamie & Amy wanted to highlight some of the other key accomplishments.Key topicsFranklin Crisis Action Team (FCAT)Community surveyCommunity engagement & civil discourseMany of the accomplishments are also listed in the mid year summary doc in the Council agenda for 12/18/24The recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation closing out 2024--------------Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar Mid-year review (adoption of 2025 goals) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._resolution_24-78_tc_goals.pdf Homeless resources page -> https://sit

This session shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Chief Financial Officer Kerri Bertone and Interim School Business Administrator, Jana Melotti. We had our discussion in person in the Finance offices at the Town of Franklin municipal building on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Kerri, Chris Sandini (now retired) and I had recorded a session on the budget cycle and finance terminology in April 2022. Aside from the Triple AAA bond rating, which we had not achieved at the time of the recording, it did happen in May 2022, nothing significant had changed in the cycle and recording material.The Town and School sides did see a reorganization of the Finance functions this year and we review those details in this session.We cover The new Finance team org chart for Town and SchoolsSeparation of duties and cross trainingMaintenance of the AAA bond rating is keyDiscussion on similarity of enterprise funds (Town) and revolving accounts (Schools)Free cash and capital fundingReimbursement of the emergency shel

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (5 in Chambers, 1 remote, 1 absent).This episode contains ONLY the Redistricting update of the meeting. The links to the full meeting video & audio are included in the show notesQuick recap: Reorganization Level-Based Presentation - find the photo album of the slides presented ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xR1omYuPvXTHSciP6 Presentation document -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5103159/12-10_Reorg_Update.pdf The recording runs about 1 hours & 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------FULL Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0JNS07rsB4 FULL Meeting audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1335-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-12-10-24/The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploade

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).Quick recap:After last session, follow up discussion on the branding with one member along with a check on how much of the seal can be “changed”  within the cleanup currently authorizedMemo outlines the walk through of how we got hereVisual presentation of the logo/brand with clarification on terms to be used, discussion on revision; rescission of prior recommendation and vote to accept the revision by 4-0Visual presentation on the seal and proposed changes, addition of the glasses likely too much of a change, rescission of prior recommendation and vote to accept the revision by 4-0Both updates scheduled for Town Council agenda Dec 18Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 The recording of the meeting runs about 40 minutes.  &n

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (5 in Chambers, 1 remote, 1 absent).Quick recap: Lifelong Learning Presentation - find the photo album of the slides presented ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/omNCc8A4rfPxAHtt9 Reorganization Level-Based Presentation - find the photo album of the slides presented ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/xR1omYuPvXTHSciP6 Japan 2026 Field Trip Request & Hawaii 2026 Field Trip Request - a combined presentation and the slides captured in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/HZw9TKfELZPPLRRS9   Both trips were approved by the same 6-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll callPolicy – Second Reading/Adoption ACA – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex ACA-R – Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex under Title IX Including Sex-Based Harassment  approved by 6-0-1 (1 absent) vote via roll callCommittee voted to enter Executive Session, not to return to

This session shares my conversation with Bethany Hart Gerry,  owner/operator of Destined 2 Evolve Wellness. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.We talked about Bethany short story on how we got to the studioHer Olympic journey and lessonsHer work focusing on wellness for momsThe audio recording runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen in-------------Bethany’s contact info -> bethany@destined2evolvewellness.com Destined 2 Evolve Wellness web page ->  www.destined2evolvewellness.com Instagram -> @destined2evolvewellness -------------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,

This session shares the Franklin (MA) MasterPlan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, December  4, 2024. Quick recap:The 'final' draft is to be updated with comments and potential feedback, subcommittees need to review and coordinate where there are some potential conflictsPlanning Board is the ultimate approval at Town level (they should actually be preparing the report) although Town Council does have approval before submittal to StateDiscussion on the nature of changes, some are potential, not all need to be considered, respectfully; i.e. if a Planning Board chair makes a suggestion how is it handled? It depends...Discussion on adding a subcommittee meeting to the schedule to review/process the changes, use of spreadsheet rather than updating the livedoc directly. The full committee will decide on the individual changes before they are made. For example, the pedestrian, walk ability changes even if the doc doesn't have the exact wording, when the work required gets is actually getting done

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. 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 (1 absent, Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. Quick Recap:The meeting audio quality improves considerably after the first minuteMeeting schedule for 2025, motion to approve, second, passes 2-0-1 (1 absent)Oakland Pkwy condemnation discussion, unsanitary conditions, hole in roof, no working bathrooms, etc. House was placarded, owner/occupants refused to leave, multiple agencies worked with them to get them elsewhere. Fire occurred on 2nd floor, insurance provided a trailer. One permit was pulled but work has not yet been started or completed. Been over a year without movement by owner, visit being scheduled, could take track with the Attorney General's office to get movement to get a resolution. Will provide ad

Why Franklin.news?Timely and accurate information is so important these days. Major shifts in the media landscape have challenged our normal news outlets so they stop printing, cut back coverage, or simply go out of business.Franklin TV, Franklin Public Radio, and Franklin Matters are the three public service community oriented valid sources of information that come together under the Franklin.news umbrella.The Franklin.news portal will deliver the 3 Public Education, and Government (PEG) TV stations, 3 corresponding YouTube channels, the low band FM radio broadcast, audio podcasts, and the news reporting on town and school meetings, and events.You can sign up for the daily digital newsletter in a simple 2 step process, add your email address, respond when the confirmation email comes in, and you'll get the newsletter in your Inbox once a day. It leads off with the calendar of events and town meetings and closes with the combined TV and radio schedule for that dayIn between are all the important items for tha

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 6 members participated in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Griffin)Quick recap:3 coaches recognized as MIAA coaches of the year, (basketball, unified track, & swim coach); Ice hockey players down across states, approved for 8th grade waiver for varsity program, For the girls, to be clear, not boys, 13 skaters and 2 goalies currentlyReview of free/reduced application with a Franklin threshold, folks could apply, especially for winter sports if they have not participated in fall sportsOn guest presentations, theater program at FHS - Virginia Bernstein speaking to the student program (Outsiders, first show); Yellow Boat, a competition show, part of the annual program. 13 teachers volunteered to help out, Not just about putting on a play, grit plus. "Theater is not a luxury it is a vital part of the educational program" Thanks around from Cmte members and to the volunteer teachers! "This is a portrait of a graduate! She i

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion in person at the Franklin TV & Radio studio on Thursday, November 21, 2024.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthOpen on Sundays Book sale weekend November 15 & 16Closing early Tuesday, Dec 24 at 2:00 PMClosed Wednesday, Dec 25 for Christmas Day Closing early Tuesday, Dec 31 at 12 noonClosed Wednesday, Jan 1, 2025 for New Year’s DayLibrary 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 21 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 -> ht

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Subcmte Meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 2 members participated (McNeill, O’Sullivan), 1 not present (Griffin).Quick recap:Capital budget preview, also up for discussion at the full School Committee meeting immediately following this session2 vans requested for replacement, after this intention to get back on the regular van replacement schedule. Recall one had been denied previously then failed and the Town scrambled to get a replacement into service. These 2 have seen their useful life expire and are likely not to pass inspection next timeTraffic design funding requested. Anticipated that the study (to be completed in Jan 2025) will require some rework of the traffic flows around the remaining buildings. This would fund the design of the work to enable the purchasing and bid process.Traffic improvements themselves would fund the actual work, likely to be phased in over a period (TBD)Playground expansion at the existing North South complexes

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, November 20, 2024.We talk about Key special events throughout DecemberAnd 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 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc December newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/connection-monthly-newsletter  (Not yet posted here)Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945November 2024 Calendar of Events ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/upcoming -------------We are now pr

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Workshop held on Tuesday, Nov 26, 2024. 5 members participated, 4 in the Training Room (Callaghan, Charles, O’Sullivan & McNeill), and 1 remotely (Gallagher). 2 not present (Sompally, Griffin).Quick recap:Supt Giguere opens with the budget development process, likely to have another workshop after the holidaysBusiness administrator Jana Melotti takes over to walk through the slides, Dr Dutch adds commentary as well. He is continuing work on a consultant basisClarification on the starting point, some recall Jamie's # differently from what is shown on the slide. They will confirm and update the Cmte via email Also a capital budget preview, more to be covered in the budget subcmte meeting after this sessionThe recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------School Committee Budget Workshop agenda -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5041656/11-26-24_AGENDA-Budget_Workshop

This session shares my conversation with MC Alexander, Owner & Head Coach at Timeless Crossfit Franklin and Pete, one of her longtime fitness customers. We had our discussion in person at the Timeless Crossfit facility on Friday, November 22, 2024.We talk about MC’s approach with Crossfit, training for lifePete’s story of success from physical challengesThe show notes include links to the Timeless website with hours, contact info, etc. Feel free to reach out to MC to schedule and try a class or session.The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Timeless Crossfit Franklin -> https://www.timelesscrossfit.com/ Location -> 90 Hayward St, Franklin, MA 02038MC’s email -> MC@TIMELESSCROSSFIT.COM -------------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

This session shares my conversation with Meredith Robinson. Meredith is a videographer and video editor for Franklin TV. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Thursday, May 23, 2024.We talk about Her short story how she got to this roleMeredith likes storytelling and community eventsIf you are interested in doing a project in video or audio, contact the studio with your idea. Info@Franklin.tv or info@wfpr.fm The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Meredith.--------------Franklin TV webpage -> https://franklin.tv/ Meredith did the recording and editing for the Senior Center Writer’s Group Book Release https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDFSNn55kYg-------------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

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, November 21, 2023.  • ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionThe Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosityThe tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modifiedTown Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of sta

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024.  9 members were present in Council Chambers. Quick recap:The Elks Riders presented a check for $2000 to the Town and were recognized for their generosityThe tax rate public hearing was held and after a brief presentation, followed by clarification questions from Councilors and community members, the Council vote to accept the rate at 11.62, down from 11.79 (due to the increased assessed valuation of the residential, commercial. and industrial properties in Town)Several zoning bylaw modifications were referred to the Planning Board. Once they review and respond, the measure will come back to the Council for public hearing and two readings before official vote to implement as proposed or modifiedTown Administrator Jamie Hellen outlined the alignment of stars to enable the start of the purchase of the unused rail bed from CSX to extend the SNETT rail trail to the Crossing and access to downtown Franklin. The process

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Development Associate. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. We talk about the Pantry Elves campaign which happens during December. Middle, high school. and college students will conduct a digital campaign within their circles. We talk about how the Pantry Elves have evolved, from the initial 12 Days of Giving, primarily a food drive to more recently focusing on fundraising and this year going digital with the fund raising. Ah, but there is also a purple envelope tie in.Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I was previously on the Board and currently volunteering on a couple of committees to help the Food Pantry mission. The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tina and Jen.--------------Pantry Elves campaign -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/