Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024.  8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was remote. Quick recap:The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit FarmsIn the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meetingThe second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under and MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Ap

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in the Council Chambers. Three members of the subcommittee participated; 2 in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo). Chandler was absent.Quick recap:Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ...  Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates. Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State

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 14, 2023.  • ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionThe Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit FarmsIn the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meetingThe second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under an MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Res

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. All 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely (Gallagher)Quick recap:School committee voted to continue their leadership team. Griffin was nominated as well as Callaghan for Chair but Callaghan prevailed with a 5-2 (Griffin, Gallagher) vote. McNeill continues as Vice-Chair by a 7-0 vote. Both votes via roll callAnnouncement of MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah GorgasMiddle school presentation & update; If we had more money we could have more clubs and reach more students and their interests Hopeful with the single school next year to be able to do more for the whole population of middle schoolers, more flexibility and opportunitiesUpdate on the district reorganization From Colin & Lucas29 of the 54 possible students for the DT exemption committed to do so, Staff placement being worked, All dependent upon the budgetPond St facility (former Kennedy school) would be the site for an ex

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Vice-Chair Dave McNeill. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, November 7, 2024. We recapped the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of Oct 23, 2024. We cover The budget work continues with Joint Budget revelation of $3.7M shortfallReorganization provides minimal savings, mostly in Facilities on Town sideLevel service means no additions to current budget which was significantly cut and added fees due to the failed overrideUltimately the Subcommittee came together that there is a significant hole for FY 2026Town to add their wish list to go along with the Tier 2, 3, & 4 cuts as presented in JuneSchool to bring updated figures forward months earlier than normalSubcommittee to work through the wish list to get to the needs, review prioritiesTown Council committed to discuss an override question (yes or no) at a February 2025 meeting; assuming yes, the

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Event Coordinator. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. We talk about the Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning. We talk about how the race has evolved, sponsorship opportunities, the community event itself, free raffle prizes in addition to awards by race age category & more.Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I am happy to be a sponsor of this event, and that the recording is separately part of my overall public service effort for Franklin.News/Franklin Public Radio.The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin and Jen.--------------Turkey Trot webpage (register online through Tuesday, and in person Wednesday night (7 - 9 PM) or Thursday morning (from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM)) http://franklinturkeytrot.org/ Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.fran

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Finance Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. 7 of the 9 members were present in the Council Chambers and 2 members absent (Batchelor, Hamilton). Quick Recap:Committee voted to keep the same org structure as prior given status and new members, etc. Conley, Chair, Riley, Vice-Chair, Corbesierio, Clerk (passed 7-0-2; 2 absent)Committee approved the minutes for the 3 budget hearings in May (passed 7-0-2; 2 absent)Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recommendation on FY25 Budget Adjustments and the committee voted to recommend them as discussed to the Town Council  (passed 7-0-2; 2 absent)Jamie took time to outline the new Town and School Finance and Human Resources organization restructure, a work in progress for a number of years and finally operational, answered a number of clarification questions Jamie also presented the FY24 Preliminary Expense Recap & Local Receipts year-end report  and the Stabiliz

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 Monday, November 4, 2024. We recapped the School Committee meeting of Oct 22, 2024. We cover Approval of the Davis Thayer exemption for the Redistricting approved at the earlier October meeting The implementation work that now begins in earnestThe budget work continues with Joint Budget revelation of $3.7M shortfallThe recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   School Committee MeetingsAgenda for Oct 22, 2024 session ->   https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4941932/SCAGENDA_10-22-24.pdf Franklin TV video of session -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ff3Vn-2hi0g?si=0REBBEJdliJoXiyW&t=186 My notes for th

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the Board and Health Dept members apparently were present together. Quick Recap:Vote on IMA for the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant, discussion that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously used is being replaced State documentation (IMA) with an advisory board, C Liberty is asking board to approve, confident of it being good to go, Town Administrator and others have concurred in changes. So moved, pass 3-0 via rollBlood pressure kits being set up for Library of Things as part of American Heart Assoc program, coordinating support, including an Ask the Nurse evening monthly for folks to confirm the basics. First library in MA to do this, coordinate with Senior Ctr nurse alsoCommunity coat drive, homelessness advertorial for Nov. Milford has

This session shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) and Artistic/Executive Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.Our conversation covers 40th anniversary of Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)Franklin Performing Arts Company’s new seasonFundraising efforts (The Gala, Culinary Cabaret, Golf Tournament, etc.)The role of arts & culture in the Franklin economyThe recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) -> https://www.fspaonline.com/ Visit Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) online at -> https://fpaconline.com/ The audio recording mentions: 38 Years at 38 Main -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html Fun pathways with Raye Lynn & Susana Cordon -> https:/

This session shares my conversation with Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator, and Emily Dellorco, Administrative Assistant with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, October 31, 2024.We talk about Key special events throughout NovemberRibbon cutting for the New van - Nov 12Right after we recorded this, the date changed. We don’t have a new one yet so stay tuned for Senior Center updates on when it will beAnd 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 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc November newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/november_2024_newsletter.pdf Subscribe

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 Tuesday, November 5, 2023.  • ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionFire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics• Paul Schleicher Jr.• Michael Dumican• Corey Rafter• Steven Osorio• Shea HurleyThe Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello• Lieutenant Michael Colecchi • Sergeant Cody LandryRescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. Resolution 24-63: G

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024.  8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was absent. Quick recapAfter multiple citizen comments on a variety of topics the Council got to their agenda itemsFire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / ParamedicsPaul Schleicher Jr.Michael DumicanCorey RafterSteven OsorioShea HurleyFirst time to have 60 firefighters on staff, need to keep up with the growing needs of the community. All 60 are licensed paramedics The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy DanelloLieutenant Michael Colecchi Sergeant Cody LandryRescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. Jamie explains quick background on the recession as the "easy" way for the parties to resolve the issues they have, including allowing DaVita's to reapply for a renewal of the license Building code issues need t

This session shares my conversation with Scott Mason. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, October 28, 2024.Our conversation covers Train Town 1 & 2 reactions from communityTrain Town 3 - the Mill Store, Franklin PaintLikely ready early in 2025The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Recording for Train Town 1 - Franklin/Dean Station https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/talking-about-train-town-franklin-with.html Photos of Train Town 1  https://photos.app.goo.gl/63swENWgBkK4xMrh8 Train Town 2 - Thompson Print & railroad roundhouse  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/scott-mason-talks-about-train-town.html Photos of Train Town 2  https://photos.app.goo.gl/XmDcRiygct5kg6Vh7 -------------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 d

This session shares the audio of the Police Station Building Committee (PSBC) meeting on Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024. All 10 members were present. This is the start of the real work on the station. The Owner Project Manager (OPM), Joseph (Joe) Sullivan is in place and leading the effort per Mass General Law for projects of this size.Quick recap:Committee voted to approve minutes of 3 prior meetings (1 as amended to correct attendance status of one person)Joe provided an overview of the project steps7 architects submitted to the RFQ from which 3 firms were selected for interviews at the next meeting Nov 14 (a long session, 30min presentations, 15 Q&A, 15 mins briefing between sessions, and then after the scoring, it will take 2-3 weeks to settle the contract. Once contracted, then evaluation begins, what today's needs are, and then layer in flexibility for future requirementsSite selection will be a key component, usually requires 4-6 acres to allow for security and proper public access, includes traffic studi

This session shares my conversation with Franklin artist extraordinaire Amy Adams. She is also a member of the Franklin Cultural District Committee. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, October 28, 2024.Our conversation covers some of Amy’s work and approachArtsy Boxes“Finding the Light” coming the week of Thanksgiving“You are here” project in Natick Food Pantry storage project Wind phone plans Asking questions to start conversationsThe recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Painting Venus - Amy’s art portfolio page -> https://www.paintingvenus.art/ Artsy box artist recording #1 ( with Shilpa, Jeni, and Julia)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/shilpa-jeni-julia-talk-about-their-work.html Artsy box artist recording #2 (with Molly Dee) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/molly-dee-talks-about-her-work-on-artsy.html “You are here” in Natick -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XocjFL_HxZo Food Pant

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, October 24, 2024.  Jamie and I were joined in the roundtable discussion by (in order of appearance):Cory Shea, Town of Franklin Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative EconomyJohn Ristaino: Franklin Cultural Council ChairSue Cass: Franklin Cultural District Committee memberLauren Kloos & Roger Trahan: Franklin Farmers MarketRaye Lynn Mercer: Artistic & Executive Director at Franklin Performing Arts CompanyKayla Nisbet: Franklin Artist; graphic designer, muralist & new Franklin Cultural Council MemberThe recording runs about 62 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation on the new & exciting cultural happenings in Franklin.--------------Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ Cultural District page  https://www.franklinculture.org/ Cultural Council page  https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council&n

This session shares my conversation with David Butler (The Vibe) and Paul Guarino (Pauly G). We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Thursday, October 17, 2024.Our conversation covers David and Paul’s short storyThe background on the Turntable ShowAnd assorted topics around music and community radioThe 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 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------The Turntable show is broadcast on wfpr.fm  -> Thursday’s at 9:00 am, 12:00 noon, & 6:00 pm Find the archive of shows on Soundcloud -> https://soundcloud.com/wfpr/sets/the-turntable-show Find the show notes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/08/the-turntable-show-playlist-collection.html -------------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.&nbs

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, October 21, 2024.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthOpen on Sundays Closed Monday, Nov 11 for Veterans DayBook sale weekend November 15 & 16Closing early Wednesday, Nov 27 at 2:00 PMClosed Thursday, Nov 28 for Thanksgiving Day Library events for November 2024Kiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsFamily eventsThe 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 date for the Ken Gloss: Book Antiques and Collecting event was not mentioned during our discussion. It is Thursday November 14th @ 6:30 PM.The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net in Public Library page ->  https

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The recording runs about 77 minutes, so let’s listen in. --------------The Franklin TV broadcast is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSPm4wprsPE Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_october_23_2024_-_new_time_and_minutes.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 like something here, please let me knowAnd if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we doThrough this feedback