Franklin (MA) Matters

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, July 13, 2023.  In this episode we cover multiple topics as we caught up on what has happened since our prior recording. Links to the articles we talk of are located in a section below.  BrieflyClimate challenges are here, when will it be recognized that change is required?Solar, agrivoltaics, home wind turbines, nuclearISO grid intersections Energize Franklin, action is the antidote to despairThis 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 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as he helps me ‘make sense of

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in person at the Municipal Building on Thursday, July 13, 2023. New Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti joins us for the first time.Topics for this sessionIntroduce Amy Frigulietti, new Deputy Town AdministratorRecap of FY 23 close, FY 24 budgetJoint Budget Subcmte – Aug 2 the start of discussions around what is needed to be sustainable going forward. Head’s up, Aug 16 Council meeting will feature update on Open Meeting law requirements Town Council – July 19  Legislative delegation visits to provide update (Rep Roy, Senator Rausch) Accessory dwelling legislation up for second reading & voteFarmers Market & Concerts on the Common - Friday’s the Common is busy The recording runs about 43 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, July 13, 2023--------------Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/

This session of the radio show shares the conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and School Committee Chair Denise Spencer. We had our conversation at the Municipal Building on Tuesday June 27,2023. Tom Mercer joined via Zoom.  Now that the major FY 2024 budget decisions are behind us, how we will go forward becomes the topic. The next steps start with the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting scheduled for Aug 2. Over the next several months, lots of conversations, and discussions should result in a plan to go forward that the ad-hoc residents committee can then spread the word on for a potential override decision by the Town.The conversation runs about 54 minutes. Let’s listen to the recording of the way forward discussion on Tuesday, June 27, 2023--------------Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials School FY 2024 budget information -> https:/

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. 8All 9members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. Brief recap:The appointments to the Community Preservation Committee were approved. 6 were reappointed to a new term. One new member representing the Planning Board was made. Two existing members terms did not expire this year and will continueDowntown parking bylaw was adjusted for anew start time to account for a change in the MBTA schedule as well as the overnight parking restriction changed for Fri-Sat nights to allow for the late hours of Teddie Gallagher's. Modified bylaw moved to 2nd reading as amended3 resolutions closed out the accounting transactions for the FY 2023 fiscal year for this time. The MECC fund which was reallocated to be part of the school adjustment effectively regained what it 'lost' as there were excess funds that needed to accounted forA resolution to clean up some house keeping for the land swap

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, Town Administration: J Hellen, L Rivera, J Jacobson, B Taberner, A LoveThe branding and marketing plan as drafted by Julie Jacobson & Lily Rivera was previewed with the Subcommittee. Utilization of 2 grants to provide funding for consultant work to develop the brand is incorporated into this multi year effort.Implementation costs may be minimized for office stationary as the new letterheads, etc. can get integrated upon restocking. How the branding is implemented across the signs and vehicles remains to be determined and will have a cost factor.The recording runs 34 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on June 21, 2023.--------------Meeting agenda =>    https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/agenda/june-21-2023-edc-meeting-agendaMy notes -> https://drive.google.

This session of the radio show shares the third and final Public Hearing held to gather input on the Town of Franklin Open Space & Recreation Plan (OSRP).The hearing covered some of the details around the process: The draft has been issued for commentComments are open through July 12Additional detail on the survey results are being formatted to add to the draft. This won't change the goals or objectives, just provide the additional supporting evidence for such.The conversation runs about 70 minutes. Let’s listen to the OSRP Public Hearing #3--------------Conservation page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation The draft plan can be found online ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/system/files/uploads/2023_osrp_draft_for_comment_0.pdf Comments on the plan can be submitted ->https://forms.gle/SJZKH43xj6JkAVPX8 The summary of the plan -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/2023-open-space-recreation-plan-summary.html The goals & objectives -> https:/

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Amber Wilson, President of the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance. We talk about the Celebrate with Pride event scheduled for the Franklin Town Common on Sunday, June 25. We talk about the evolution of the committee and future plans for the group.Listen to the recording of our conversation (approx. 43 minutes) ->  --------------The event page on Facebook ->  https://www.facebook.com/events/724337825660145 Sign up for the Franklin LGBTQ Alliance emails on this Google Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnRB-LK3z7DKSe1Rl0ClaY7LQpAteHAhf3YpLLjejFi_A6gQ/viewform Send an email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com  if you questions or to express interest in helping with the group--------------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 of the radio show shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023.The Master Plan Update Committee met for the first time and 12 of the committee present were sworn in. One member was remote and will be sworn in laterDuring the meeting, it was revealed that the 13 member committee will split into 5 subcommittees each responsible for their own goals, workflows, and coordinating through the Planning Dept for supportWhile the subcommittees were announced, confirmation of the membership is schedule for the next sessionMuch of the meeting was laying the groundwork and ground rules for their future sessions. Much of the time was spent reading the agenda materials released before the meetingListen to the recording of the meeting (approx. 1 hour 50 minutes) -> --------------The agenda doc is rich with links to the prior master plan and associated materials     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_14_2023_mp_agenda_0.pdf&nbs

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, and Cobi Frongillo. We were joined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer for this discussion on new growth. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, June 5, 2023. Tom joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  The conversation centered on new growth and how the zoning decisions have a relationship with the budget. The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 1 hour 10 minutes. Let’s listen in.--------------The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.htmlThe

This session of the radio show shares the Tri-County RVTHS Community Update #4 held on Thursday, June 15, 2023.Tri-County Superintendent Karen Maguire opens the session and introduces each of the speakers. My brief recap is as follows:The current school is 'broken', per the MSBA process the building did evaluate options to renovate, renovate & create an addition, or rebuild. The rebuild option was selected as the most viable The cost today is shown as 284MOct 24, 2023 is scheduled date for approval of the Tri-County school replacement project approval assuming that MSBA decides on a final cost during AugustWhen MSBA does approve the final cost, they should also provide the reimbursement expected, hence the bottom line for the district to payAdditional details will be provided after MSBA makes their decisionAfter the October vote to approve the project, additional details for the cost per community can be developedIt is likely that the first payments wouldn’t be due until FY 2026 or FY 2027The October

This session of the radio show shares part of the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: all of the School Committee members, school district personnel along with some of the public were in the Council Chambers. Some members of the public participated via conference bridge.Brief recap:Moment of silence to recognize the tragic passing of an FHS graduating seniorDuring the Superintendent's Report, 2 highlights were shared. (1) a quick overview of the Spanish trip during Spring break. (2) recognition of three FHS outdoor track athletes for their accomplishments at the Meet of ChampionsRecognition of Michelle Kingsland Smith retiring for the 2nd time this year with 50 years of education experience. Recognition of Miriam Goodman's retirement as Business AdministratorMiddle school civics program provided an update on the process across the three schools and a student presentation from Horace Mann.The Oak St Elementary team provided and inte

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Franklin Food Pantry Grand Opening Ceremony held outside the new facility at 341 West Central Street. The familiar Edwin’s has been renovated to house the Food Pantry operations. Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Food Pantry, was ‘master of ceremony’ and introduced the other three speakers: Town Council Chair Tom Mercer MassDev representative Robert JenkinsState Representative Jeffrey RoyThe ceremony kept within the 30 minutes allotted. —------------Photos of the building tour for the media can be found in one album along with photos from the event -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/QWaRtvycHT7qqDmG7Franklin Food Pantry page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/New Building Capital Campaign -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/campaign/--------------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

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via Zoom on Thursday, June 8, 2023.  Topics for this sessionBudgetEngagementGood things happening, room to improve Nason St, Sculpture Park, Memorial DayThe recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Thursday, June 8, 2023--------------Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administratorTalk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin Town Council agenda for 06/07/23 meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.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 servic

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.Quick recap:RecognitionElectric Youth 2023 were recognized with a proclamation and provided  song for the Council (and audience). They have a pair of 'Bob Voyage' concerts June 16 & 17 at THE BLACK BOX and then leave on their European tour the week afterAppointmentsThe Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees was approved, there are a few positions still open, some are in process of being filled, some are still looking for candidatesDavis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee recommendations by year endPublic hearingsLicense corporate formalitiesZoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling unitsThe set of zoning bylaws was moved to a second reading with modification to one of the three measures in the set of three. There are three as one covers the bylaw language, one covers the definition, and one covers the use table. T

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town 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 June 7, 2023: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsPROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS Recognition: Electric YouthAPPOINTMENTS Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees - a few positions still open Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee - recommendations by year endPublic hearings License corporate formalities Zoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling unitsFY 2024 Budget - Additional $736K for school budget Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustment  Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24&nb

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 in the Council Chambers with all 4 members participating in the Council Chambers.Quick recap:Nu-Style property now has $600K from two sources; $100K from ARPA funds, and a new grant received for $500K. Thanks to Brian Taberner who has continued to write for grants for this brownfield project and persisted in that effortGeneral residential zoning changes initially proposed to increase the impervious coverage for the property and for the property plus parking would be increased as well as reducing the setbacks required for multi-family Discussion around what percent the amounts should be, was currently, initially proposed to increase to 35, 45. Amendment to change to 50, 60, second; after discussion amendment revised to be 45,55, seconded, passes 3-1 (Jones no)Recommendations as amended to move to the Council, passes unanimous 4-0Cannabis overlay district; this is literall

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris & Cochrane (in person), Chair Sweet (remote). Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor training room. Quick Recap:Vice Chair Tim Cochrane opens meeting with roll call of participants all in person; motion to approve minutes of May, second, passes 3-0Shaw’s/ AFC sushi issue addressed first; during regular inspection on Monday, it was revealed that testing of the rice was not being done, the individual couldn’t find the meter to perform the testing; operations were shut down. One Shaw’s rep, and one AFC rep participated in meeting; discussed steps taken to address issue, meter was on site apparently individual in question wasn’t aware of the location; 2 individuals to be staffed going forward, more oversight from Shaw’s to ensure AFC compliance with testing; assuming this is in place, the Board ok’s approval to re-open ThursdayPicked up

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.  The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam. The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen in.Note: the twice monthly Design Review meetings are usually

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Monday, June 5, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Remote participation was enabled for this session.  A few residents logged in to the meeting.Chair Dave McNeill opened the meeting. School Committee members Dave Callaghan and Denise Spencer were present. Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Manager Miriam Goodman also participated.Quick recapSuperintendent Lucas Giguere started with a recap to set the stage for where the group was coming into the discussion tonight. He outlined the Superintendent's proposed budget, increased by the School Committee, Town allocation revealed a $2.3M shortfall ($3.4M vs. 1.1M allocation). The Town Administrator has a plan to add $700K to the schools budget which is up for approval at the Council meeting Wednesday, June 7Business Manager Miriam Goodman provided additional details updating from the prior working session where they had five categories o

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in person in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Our primary topic was the school budget for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 2024). The Finance Committee meetings are done, the Town Council held their budget hearings and approved the budget. Coming up at the June 7 are a couple of resolutions to add another approx. $700K to the schools budget. This still leaves the School budget short of what they were asking for and hard choices remain.One bright spot coming out of the hearing is that there appears to be agreement on trying to do something to address the systemic issues in the school and town budget.The recording runs about 40 minutes so let’s listen to my conversation with Dave Callaghan.--------------School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget Town A