Franklin (MA) Matters

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Bernstein).Quick recapUpdate from Superintendent Giguere on school opening, so far good, academic year has opened in heat which everyone worked through, over 800 faculty, over 4600 studentsSuccessfully hired all teachers, down to 11 ESPs needed, 2 open spots for interventionists, thanks to all who were part of the processMigrant housing update: refers to the press release, DESE also alerted District, families joining on a staggered basis, approx. 25 school age children with the families already housed, collaborating to enroll, register and get them welcomed to the schools, funding assistance to be provided, dollars remain unconfirmed. Updates to be provided as info is availableIntroductions of the new administrators from around the districtNext up, the district improvement plan (DIP), slides not yet posted to the meeting folder, so pix will be captured for an album to be shared as we

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Frongillo participated remotely, hence all votes were via roll call. Quick recap:APPOINTMENTSa. Design Review Commission - i. Andrew Prattb. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - i. Jayaprabha Vijayaraghavan Both appointments were approved via 9-0 votes c. Fire Department - New Employee - i. Jack Lennon: Firefighter/Paramedicd. Fire Department - Promotions• Thomas Konieczny: Battalion Chief• Paul Molla: Captain• Laurie Kaye: EMS Captain• Matthew Kelly: Lieutenant• Michael Berthiaume: Lieutenant• Jonathan Chalk: Lieutenant The Fire Dept had a bunch of promotions and one new hire to swear in and recognize. The promotions are competitive and occurred over time as other members left or retired creating a domino effect, hence they were batched to be all done at once. Photo album of the ceremony can be found -> &

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in the Council Chambers. The EDC talked about snow removal on a hot Wednesday in the Franklin Council Chambers for their regularly scheduled meeting.The proposed reintroduction of the sidewalk snow removal bylaw which was rescinded in 2017 was initially discussed at the August EDC meeting at which one member was absent. All four participated this time, 3 present in Chambers, one via remote connection.That the bylaw hadn't been present for 6 years apparently had wrought enough interest to make it to the Council's objectives, hence this discussion.The committee could have decided to do more research before forwarding to the Council, or done nothing (effectively continuing the status quo of the past 6 years). They did end up moving it forward without recommendation for a full Council discussion. Some additional research will be done by Town staff in prep for a future

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and Director of the Franklin School for Performing Arts, and special guest FSPA alum Susana Cordon. We recorded this in the Franklin Public Radio Studio on  Thursday, June 1, 2023.  Yes, this sat in the archives for a while due to unforeseen events that held up the publication. Aside from the future view, now in the past, the pathways talked of still apply.Susana tells her amazing story following her path through FSPA to Carnegie-Mellon and is looking forward to an exciting year with a performance in Violet (with FPAC), an alumni show with the Electric Youth European tour this summer, fall semester in Wales, followed by final semester and graduation in 2024. Definitely a commencement of whatever her future holds for her. We cover a lot of ground in about 34 minutes with Raye Lynn and Susana. --------------The FPAC Season has been announced -> https://www.fpaconline.com/events.phpSusana was quoted i

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of September 6, 2023: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsAPPOINTMENTSa. Design Review Commission - i. Andrew Prattb. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - i. Jayaprabha Vijayaraghavanc. Fire Department - New Employee - i. Jack Lennon: Firefighter/Paramedicd. Fire Department - Promotions• Thomas Konieczny: Battalion Chief• Paul Molla: Captain• Laurie Kaye: EMS Captain• Matthew Kelly: Lieutenant• Michael Berthiaume: Lieutenant• Jonathan Chalk: LieutenantDean College Update - Ken Elmore, President of Dean CollegeTri-County Regional Vocational School Building project and expected votes to (1) approv

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with April Rock, owner operator of Escape Into Fiction. We met in person at Escape on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.  (Yes, this may seem to have gotten ‘aged’ in the archives. However, the discussion was relatively green so it did age well. Fortunately, April is healthy now and approved of sharing this.)April shares her insights into operating a bookstore downtown Franklin, collaborating with Franklin Art Association, the Cultural District, Cultural Council, and other local groups. How research and listening are her two big pieces of advice for local businesses.Their inventory is small but they can order other books you want, as long as they are still in print. So if you don’t find something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask.This conversation runs about 16 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with April at Escape Into Fiction.--------------Escape Into Fiction webpage  -> https://escapeintofiction.com/ Located at 12 Min St, Franklin

This session of the radio show shares the Town Administrator’s Report segment from the Town Council Meeting of Sep 6, 2023. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides an update on the Migrant Housing status.  The recording runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, September 6, 2023--------------Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administratorTown Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_9.6.23.pdfNotification on migrant temporary housinghttps://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.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.  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,

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 67, 2023. Two board members participated; Harris, Cochrane (in person),  Chair Sweet (absent). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. Quick Recap:Vice Chair Tim Chochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of June, seconded, passes 2-0Public hearing opened for tobacco sales regulations. Brief update on the changes in this proposed revision. No public comments or questions. Hearing closed. The regulations will be brought for vote at the October meeting. (see agenda doc for copy of proposed regulations)Updates from the Regional Health Inspector, Nurse, & Epidemiologist. Copies of prior months reports in the meeting packet, although only the current month (August) was verbalized during the meeting. Shaw’s sushi situation is better. Planning is underway for a Restaurant Fair and a Health Fair both to be held at the librar

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Barbara Steele, Nancy Rappa and Terry Robbins, all with FISH of Franklin. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV Studio conference room on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The FISH of Franklin organization will be celebrating 50 years of community service this coming October 18 at Dean College. A “Save the Date” mailing was sent to the current list of volunteers and those they were able to find records for from prior years. However, they fear they may be missing some. Hence our conversation to get the word out so those who have volunteered in the past 50 years can get on the listing. Secondly, the FISH of Franklin are also looking for volunteers. We discussed their origin story, how the service they provide has evolved over the years, and that volunteering really is only a commitment for driving or handling the phone calls once a month. We talked of the three blessings for this volunteer effort. The recording runs about 35 minutes

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation via Zoom on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Our primary topic was a recap of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Aug 22. We touched on hiring status, competitive salaries negotiated with the teachers union, handbook approvals, use of artificial intelligence (AI), communication guidelines, please drive safely with schools in session, buses, bikes and walkers will be on the way to school.The recording runs about 35 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with Dave Callaghan.--------------School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget The agenda doc https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf The packet folder can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-20

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in person at Franklin High School on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. At a high level our topics were:School year prepOne year anniversary as SuperintendentState funded free lunchDistrict hiring statusBudget analysis per Joint Budget Cmte underwayFacility Long Term Planning about to begin processReminder on communications and when to escalateThe recording runs about 32 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation our school Superintendent Lucas Giguere--------------Superintendent’s page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent Free lunch notification ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-public-schools-letter-to.html Back to School Letter & checklist -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/backtoschool_family_letter_2023-24.pdf School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget&nbs

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 24, 2023.  Topics for this sessionNotification on State placement of migrants in Best Western HotelDavis Thayer Reuse; suggestions gathered, some interesting & newEconomic Development, Small zoning changePolice Station Building Cmte, Starting workSchool opens, drive safelyThe recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Thursday, August 24, 2023--------------Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administratorTalk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin Davis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf Notification on migrant temporary housinghttps://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/ma-notifies-franklin-of-plans-to-house.html----

This session of the radio show shares some Mass Property Tax Data Insights as analyzed by Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV studio on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  Max shares some insights from the linear regression analysis he performed with the available data from the US Census and Mass Dept of Revenue among other resources.For example, Franklin property tax bills are about 4% less than the linear regression analysis would predict them to be.The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Max on Thursday, August 10, 2023--------------Policy Brief on per pupil spendinghttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1LP5fI1Gm0NKkUuAYaWTKF2HSadjfinNY/view?usp=drive_link Are Franklin’s taxes low?https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LJHukt7tGB3-dTLWyX5NoIJE8J8jZib3/view?usp=drive_link Data files used for the analysisMicrosoft Excel format ->https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uQE3e2_4RSj3zZRQ-9p7biDI-3Kk6E6d/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700

This session of the radio show shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.The Master Plan Update Committee met in the 3rd floor Training Room/ RM 326Discussion on branding efforts complicated by heavy web presence of Franklin Tennessee and wanting to avoid confusion with themWill have booth at Harvest Festival, discussion on logo, branding desire to have something ready to handout or engagement with community at boothProceeding with "Form Franklin's Future"Recommendations from multiple members to obtain input in map based form, for multiple good reasons to help visualize and work with qualitatively, if not quantitativelyextended discussion on survey and use of an incentive to increase participation, action to run this by the Town Attny for 2 answers, one if the committee could do so (per meeting likely not); alternatively, might another non-town org (i.e. Dean College) run the survey (and include incentive) to enable the data to be used by the committee. Amy to get answ

This session of the radio show shares the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Brief recapFirst step getting sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello was quickly accomplished.Round of introductions by the members of the committee was conducted.Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief overview. Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo walked through the overall process they will get into.High level process (additional detail in memo)Request for a Proposal (RFP) for an Owner Project Manager (OPM)Select an OPMWork with the OPM to select an architectSite visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)Schematic designDesign developmentConstruction documentsBiddingConstructionThe site and site selection are important as is the funding and approval for such. While the actual building process was talk of being done in about 2 years, the entire process is more likely to run 3-5 years.The recording runs 59 minutes, so let’s listen to the Police Stat

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G JonesTown Administration: J Hellen, B TabernerBrief recapBrief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all ove

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Whitmore).Quick recapSeveral updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas GiguereIn the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policyPrincipal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they look

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, August 21, 2023.  In this episode we have another wide running conversation with a starting point on the headlines, and how to avoid doom scrolling.  Links to the articles we talk of are collected in one PDF linked to below.  This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  The conversation runs about 46 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as we help ‘make sense of climate.’--------------Links to articles referenced:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KdmIkPGFpCYIrbHXakDQZ0vJpcq6keY8/view?usp=drive_link ** See the page that collects all

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Jones was absent, Hamblen covered as clerk for the meeting.Quick recap:One appointment to the Agricultural Commission was approved. Daniel Morse moved from an associate role to a full seat. Likely a future appointment coming for a new associate.Two PUBLIC HEARINGS were conducted. These previously were reviewed by the Economic Development Subcommittee and forwarded with unanimous approval. Both measures passed by 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 absent)a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  Presentation: DPW Project Update

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of August 16, 2023: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsAPPOINTMENTS a. Agricultural Commission   i. Daniel Morse  PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Directori. Current Project Updat