Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June.  Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..We look to focus on ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this session:Electric Youth high point of sessionVerizon cable contract renewalFarmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint MeaderyPublic Hearing on King St business zoning proposalMoved to second reading by 5-4 voteFinal approval requires 6 Yes votesFriendly 40b approved by 5-4 voteStill needs to work through the permit process, etc.Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board3 measures regarding MBTA complianceMixed use zoning definitionEDC recommendation changed on parking minimumsStill to come back to Council for discussion & voteTA Emergency shelter updateNo town funds spent for anythingSchools reimbursed fro

This session shares the Comprehensive School Facility Planning Subcommittee meeting of Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Subcommittee Chair Dave Callaghan, Al Charles (remote), Erin Gallagher, Supt Lucas Giguere, Asst Supt Dr Tina Rogers, Asst Supt Paula Marano, Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch, Food Service Director Colin Boisvert, and Facilities Director Mike D’Angelo participated.Review of the Phase I planning for June was provided. Progress on the timeline is being made with announcements coming before the end of this school year. Preliminary data shared to highlight the juggling being done to help determine the best alignment for equity in enrollment for the new schools, distribution of the students for demographic and other factors. The redistrict line remains to be determined and that proposal will likely be shared in advance of a school committee vote to approve that alignment in Sept/Oct.The administrative teams for the new schools (principals, assistant principals, etc.) will be announced in advance

This session of the radio show shares the Override Q&A session conducted at the Franklin Senior Center on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen was joined by School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and School Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch to provide an override and answer many questions. Town Clerk Nancy Danello provided an update that as of that afternoon, 3700 ballots had been cast for the early voting on the June 11 Special Election. She was also there to answer questions on the election process but none were raised.Many of the questions were asked by skeptics in the group. It seemed apparent that some myths were dispelled, yet despite the info, some seemingly were not changing their minds.  The conversation runs just less than 2 hours. Let’s listen to the Q&A session on June 5.--------------Override Info page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy25-override-information FY 2025 Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jon Mitchell, composer of the Chamber opera, Mary Anning, Fossil Hunter. Conductor Luis Viquez joined us for the discussion on the origin of this opera and its forthcoming World Premiere. Scheduled for June 9 at 3 PM at the First Universalist Society of Franklin (FUSF) at 262 Chestnut St, Franklin.We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Monday, May 20, 2024.  We talk about Origin storyCast of historical charactersChamber opera in 2 actsPreview by dinosaur specialist Dr. David FastovskyThe performance is free and partially supported by the Franklin Cultural District. Donations are accepted.The conversation runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jon and Luis--------------Jon Ceander Mitchell -> his UMass Boston profile page (although he is now retired) https://faculty.umb.edu/jon_mitchell/ Luis Viquez webpage -> https://www.luisviquezmusic.com/ David Mitchell’s

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We met to record via the Zoom conference bridge on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.  We continued making sense of climate by working our way from Memorial Day weekend, the start of summer, and the hurricane season which is possible to be one of the most active. The warmth of the Atlantic Ocean is a key contributor to hurricane development.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 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.--------------Note: The Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30. I think I said October 1, so I was off a few weeks.Hurricane forecast from NOAA -> ht

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday and Thursday (May 22 & May 23) to conduct their 2-night  Budget Hearing for the FY 2025 budget. Our schedules coordinated to talk on Tuesday after Memorial Day.We look to focus on ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this session:Town budget for FY 2025 & override June 11School redistrictingMaster Plan goals & objectives, review for Franklin’s futureSummer time eventsVote on or before June 11The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Council Chairperson Tom Mercer --------------The Franklin TV broadcast of budget hearing #1 - 05/22/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0UvopOrvAsThe Franklin TV broadcast of budget hearing #2 - 05/23/24  -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRc-8mCAPws Agenda and supporting documents for #1 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/s

This session shares the Franklin Master Plan UPdate Committee meeting held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format with most in the 3rd floor training room and a few participating remotely. Quick recap:Subcommittee Reports - They did get through the round of updates from the subcommittee chairs (with 1 exception). Most had not met since the prior meeting anticipating a new meeting to review the discussion from tonight (later in the agenda) Review Goals for each element - They started and deviated multiple times in the intersection around housing, economic development, transportation. (This is not unlike any other discussion in the general community around what it takes to make Franklin a better place.)Public Hearing prep - spent some time to reach consensus on the presentation for the public hearing scheduled for June 12. Sentiment to get the objectives that drive the goals out well in advance of the meeting didn't seem to reach consensus due to timing and to approac

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 28, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. Quick recap:Multiple Parmenter students led the pledge of allegianceFHS "Seal of Biliteracy" students were recognizedSchool retirees were recognized for their years of serviceThe Franklin Education Foundation is going to close out as an organization and turn over their remaining funds to a new "revolving account" for the School District to continue the grant program. Details remain to be worked out on the final amount of the contribution and within the District on how the grant process will workDistrict Improvement Plan updated Superintendent evaluation data provided to the Committee in preparation for their formal review scheduled for June 18Discussion and vote on the override pledge document. Questions remain on exactly how much the schools will get in years 2 and beyond as the pledge doc is inconsistent in providing the info. As the

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday timesSwitching to summer hours, meaning they are closed on Sundays (until Sept)Closed on Wednesday, June 19 for JuneteenthBook sale weekend June 14 & June 15Community read The Humans by Matt Haig  http://www.matthaig.com/books/thehumans/ Library events for June 2024Special eventsKiddos, or “littles”FamilyAdultsThe 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 30 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library Library Calendar of Events ->  http://www.eventke

This session of the radio show shares the conversation with my Franklin TV & Radio colleague Frank Falvey. We are joined by Franklin’s Recreation Director Ryan Jette who wears 2 more hats for this discussion. Ryan plays as a member of the South Street 6 band scheduled for Franklin’s PorchFest, June 1. Ryan is also on the PorchFest Committee.Our conversation starts with South Street 6, gets into PorchFest, meanders along to other cultural events in Franklin during the summer, and then comes back to finish with PorchFest. We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.  PorchFest is a free event supported by the Franklin Cultural District. The conversation runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Frank and Ryan. --------------Franklin PorchFest is scheduled for June 1 from noon to 6 PM (rain date Sunday, June 2)PorchFest schedule and information -> https://franklin.porchfest.info/map/#schedule South Stree

This session shares the Franklin School Committee Budget Subcommittee meeting of Tuesday, May 28, 2024. Subcommittee Chair Dave McNeill, Dr Paul Griffith, KP Sompally, Supt Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch and current Asst Business Administrator Janaina Vasconcelos-Melotti participated.My notes from this session:Overview of agenda from Supt Giguere, Dr Dutch provides update on scenarios being prepared, 35+ staff possible if the override fails, some of the estimates depending upon how the teacher contract handles the individuals and their status, licensure, tenure, etc.If fees go up, then some of the cuts could decrease. There is more coming in the SchCom meeting about use of the revolving funds, there is nothing more there to use, albeit some folks not quite accepting/understanding itThe cuts, if the override does not pass, will increase class sizes, and course loads for teachers and other staff will also increase. They did look to provide class size equity across in consideration.By way of

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Police Lt Jason Reilley, and Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.    We get a very brief recap of current events (it’s all about the budget) and then get into the evolution of the “jail diversion” program to the “co-response” program now managed by Kallie with 2 other clinicians (Sonja and Caroline). There is no typical day.We close out with discussion and laughter around the Top 20 songs of Hope. (playlist below)Our conversation runs about 45 minutes.    --------------Contact info: for Jamie & Amy -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator Police Department page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-departmentContact info for Lt Reilly -> jreilly@franklinma.gov Contact info for Kallie -> kmontagano@franklinma.gov Co-Response Program page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/p

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jay Horrigan, Franklin resident, Franklin TV & Radio talent and fellow Board of Directors member for the Franklin Community Cable Access organization. We met to record this conversation in the studio on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  We spent enough time in the studio discussing current events that our wives were sending out queries as to where we were. The conversation is split into 3 sections to better enable sharing via the radio time slot (less than an hour).Part 3 of this conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jay.The possibility of an underride and what it would doConcern of getting the message out amidst the Presidential campaign adsSchool planning needed for redistricting, 2 summers neededDisruption for school year in November if the underride succeedsAssuming override passes, when would taxpayers see the increase?How does the new apartment revenues flow to the Town (about 10 minutes in P3)Tax incremen

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jay Horrigan, Franklin resident, Franklin TV & Radio talent and fellow Board of Directors member for the Franklin Community Cable Access organization. We met to record this conversation in the studio on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  We spent enough time in the studio discussing current events that our wives were sending out queries as to where we were. The conversation is split into 3 sections to better enable sharing via the radio time slot (less than an hour).Part 2 of this conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jay.In this second episode we answer more questionsHow does the override provide funds for school teachers’ pay?Teacher union president Donna Grady interview provides insights to teacher issuesTeacher retention issue, is it related to the ‘massive new schools’?Better expectation for future funding of the Schools post overrideDifference in level of planning for redistricting, the ‘plan’ vs the implem

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Jay Horrigan, Franklin resident, Franklin TV & Radio talent and fellow Board of Directors member for the Franklin Community Cable Access organization. We met to record this conversation in the studio on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  We spent enough time in the studio discussing current events that our wives were sending out queries as to where we were. The conversation is split into 3 sections to better enable sharing via the radio time slot (less than an hour).We talk about Jay’s story and what he keeps busy withSpend time to answer current issue questions June 11 override voteHow the $6.8M was determinedWhat is an override vs a debt exclusionDevelopment of the ‘fiscal cliff’ post COVIDState vs Commonwealth (no real difference in operation)Fund allocation from the override in FY 2025 and followingCoordination of Town and SchoolExplanation of the bigger ‘pie’, budget, etc.Franklin TV video archives of Town, School, and other committ

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 27, 2024. The day was overcast and threatening precipitation, with a gentle breeze. Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program. Welcome = Shannon Nisbett, Director of Veterans' ServicesRaising of the Colors = Joe Collins, Marine Corps VeteranPledge of Allegiance = Pat Doyle, Marine Corps VeteranNational Anthem = Franklin High School BandInvocation = The Rev Kathy McAdams, St. John's Episcopal ChurchSpeaker = Jeffrey Roy, State RepresentativeSpeaker = Rose Turco, Veterans' Advocate and Franklin Educator, 2024 Parade MarshalProclamation = John Milot, Commander, American Legion Post 75 Remarks = Shannon Nisbett, Director of Veterans' ServicesPlacing of Wreaths = Franklin Girl Scouts and VFW Post 3402Reading the Honor Roll = John Milot, Commander, Amer

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan in this edition of Chalkboard Chat. We met to record this conversation virtually on Thursday, May 23, 2024.  We talk about Redistricting approachMore efficient, more stable fiscal approachCommunity opportunity to help with the detailed implementation planningPossible day care program as an employee benefit and revenue sourcesFee schedules on agenda for May 28 meeting contingent upon a failed overrideReminder to cast an informed vote on or before June 11The conversation runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Dave--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan   callaghand@franklinps.net School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee Redistricting Community Involvement Form -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHqujWsxAsp_dtTa3lT5grGR2Jk4eFAqG0Lebi523fw4NxsQ/viewform School Budget page -> https://www.franklinp

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Alan Mercer, Operations Director of THE BLACK BOX, and Arielle Hardy, Director of Development for FPAC. We met to record this conversation in the Franklin TV Studios on Thursday, May 16, 2024.  We talk about FPAC golf event June 10Importance of fundraising to augment incomeExpansion of FPAC from a regional theater to include equity performers The conversation runs about 20 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Arielle and Alan.--------------FPAC Golf outing June 10 -> https://www.fpaconline.com/events.php?id=1747 FPAC support options -> https://www.fpaconline.com/pages.php?pname=fpac_support_us THE BLACK BOX page  ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.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.

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council FY 2025 Budget Hearing #1 conducted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. All nine members of the Council were present.Adoption of FY 2025 budget Moved, second, passes 9-0 Resolution 24-29: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY25 - Moved, second, passes 9-0Resolution 24-30: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Moved, second, passes 9-0Resolution 24-31: Expenditure Limits for FY2025 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended, Moved, second, passes 9-0Resolution 24-32: Creation of Snow & Ice Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto. 2/3 required, Moved, second, passes 9-0Resolution 24-33: Creation of Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto - Moved, second, passes 9-0Resolution 24-2

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Finance Committee Chairperson George Conley, and School Committee Vice-Chairperson Dave McNeill in this special edition of Chalkboard Chat. We met to record this conversation virtually on Monday, May 20, 2024.  We talk about School budget updates for the Finance Committee budget hearingImpact if the override failsRedistricting approach convinced George to go for the override Reminder to cast a vote on or before June 11The conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Dave and George.--------------Contact info for George Conley  geconley47@gmail.com Finance Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee Contact info for Dave McNeill   mcneilld@franklinps.net School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee School Budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget Town FY 202