Franklin (MA) Matters

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. Quick recap:Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completionResolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000Police Dept - $559,000Sewer projects - $500,000Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000SAFE Coalition - $100,000YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000ARPA Direct funds announced for$1M to reconstruct Baron Road$420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school fieldBylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend t

This session of the radio show shares a special year end episode combining "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti and “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, December 21, 2023.  Topics for this sessionProclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completionResolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000Police Dept - $559,000Sewer projects - $500,000Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000SAFE Coalition - $100,000YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000ARPA Direct funds announced for$1M to recons

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023. They met as scheduled to get an update on the State revenue forecast, take a “deep dive” into the Facilities budget, and get an update on grants for Town and School over the past 10 years.  6 Finance Committee members participated; 4 in Chambers (Chair Conley, Hamilton, Riley & Nagel), 2 participated remotely (Keophannga & Sansoucy)Quick recap:State revenue forecast for FY 2024 not meeting expectation, no cuts yet per Governor, does likely mean less revenue for next years budget although local aid is usually one of the last to get affected, something to stay tuned intoBudget hearings for May 2024 were confirmed as May 6 for General Government, May 8 for Public safety (Police, Fire, & Dispatch) and DPW (water, sewer, storm water) and Schools on May 15. Proposed meeting calendar to be updated with this decisionDeep dive into FacilitiesDiscussion on the list of facilities provided,

The audio is extracted from the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.  All seven newly elected members participated in Council Chambers.School Superintendent Lucas Giguere introduces the DPW team. Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provides an update on the annual snow program. He is joined by Carlos Rebelo, Highway & Grounds Superintendent and Tony Brunetta, Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent. The group engaged in an extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances of snow removal operations as possible.Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Dec 12,2023.  The total meeting audio runs about 45 minutes. --------------DPW Snow Presentation ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/snow School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee The agenda -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scage

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 as scheduled.  All seven newly elected members participated in Council Chambers.Quick recap:Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fishPatricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programsBrutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Monday, December 4, 2023. Two key topics for this conversation were recapping the MASC Workshop on Monday (11/27/23), and then the School Committee meeting on Tuesday (11/28/23). The recording runs about 28 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee MASC Presentation document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS3oQAk96xVk-SKYLo8iAgashzFASHvT/view?usp=drive_link Audio recording of the workshop ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/school-committee-participates-in-masc.html 11/28/23 meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/franklin-ma-scho

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 6, 2023. All three board members participated; Harris, Cochrane, Sweet. Health Dept staff present were in the 3rd floor Conference room (not training room). Quick Recap:Live reporting on the Board of Health meeting, follow along with the agenda #boh1206 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/boh_agenda_and_packet_12.6.23.pdf Motion to accept minutes of prior meeting, 2-0, 3rd member wasn't part at the time (although was at the meeting as a visitor). Minutes moved to be accepted as corrected adding a hyphen in Kim's name. Motion to nominate Bridget as chair, second, passes 3-0. Motion to nominate...Jeff as Vice-chair, second, passes 3-0New business, discussion on bylaw to amend code sewers. Town enforcing exterior grease traps, BoH will end up with more responsibility with this change. See agenda for doc detailsAddition of the health director as enforcement, to issue fines.

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 as scheduled.  All seven newly elected members participated, one remotely.Quick recap:Parameter update from Principal Chelman, and Asst Principal HarveyFHS Art Honor Society proposal for two museums in one tripDistrict Assessment presentation, Dr Rogers remote; Dr Frazier, Director of Curriculum for humanities; Eric Stark, Director of Curriculum for STEMAl Charles speaks to the point of success seen a couple of years after the SchCmte funded the curriculum investments made in MathIt is important to know that MCAS is just one data point and that it takes more than that for students to striveLet’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Nov 28. The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour & 40 minutes.--------------School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee The agenda -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-for_0289625050.html Meeting Packet

This session of the radio show shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.After an update from the subcommittees, they discussed issues with the Inventory Report, the Survey launched, subcommittee outreach efforts, & approved their Meeting schedule for 2024.The agenda:1. Meeting Minutes: September 13 & 27, 2023 & October 25, 20232. Subcommittee Updates3. Existing Conditions & Inventory Draft Report - Discussion4. Tabling and outreach for Survey5. 2024 Meeting DatesListen to the recording of the Master Plan Update Cmte meeting held on November 29, 2023. The meeting runs about 120 minutes.--------------The Master Plan update Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_29_2023_0.pdf Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnMfCfe-RnI My notes captured via Twitter in one PDF -&

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We met to record for the first time in person, in the Franklin Public Radio studio on Monday, November 27, 2023.  In this episode we cover two climate topics: National Climate Assessment 5 and COP 28. COP 28 refers to the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November until 12 December 2023. We get to these topics after talking about the role of media, podcasting, and art in raising serious questions for discussion. 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 53 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted as we help

This shares my conversation with current Historical Commission member Scott Mason. Scott has a lifelong passion for model railroads. Scott is designing and building the second diorama of historical Franklin, circa 1932. This second part features a scale model of the Thompson Printing Mill and of the roundhouse located just east of the downtown train station. Our conversation explores some of his Franklin story and then gets into the development of this second of the series of dioramas. We talk about the research, interesting findings, decisions on scale, etc.Train Town #2 will be displayed along with Train Town #1. The exhibit is scheduled to open Dec 2, 2023 and run through the end of January 2024 at the Historical Museum. The museum is open on Saturdays (10 AM to 1 PM), and Sundays (1 PM to 4 PM) during winter.Our conversation runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Scott and his work on “Train Town #2” recorded November 30, 2023--------------Historical Museum notification on T

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 Tuesday, November 28, 2023.  Topics for this sessionBudget cycle starting new with tax rate hearing pinning FY 2024Tough decisions face in FY2025 and beyondMigrant housing status stabilizedThe recording runs about 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Tuesday, November 28, 2023--------------Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administratorTalk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin Agenda for Tax rate hearing Nov 21, 2023  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_21_2023_town_council_tax_hearing_agenda.pdf Budget cycle and financial terms audio with Chris Sandini & Kerry Bertone https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/the-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle.html--------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and F

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, November 22, 2023.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday timesLibrary events for December 2023 All ages Kiddos, or “littles” Teens AdultsExplains the need for volunteers for The English as Second Language tutoring program Assisting with simple tax preparation forms Training is provided for both of these programs for those who volunteerThe 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 28 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Event highlights we covered in this conversationhttps://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/december-2023-franklin-library-news-eventsFranklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fran

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee MASC Workshop held on Monday, Nov 27, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the 3rd floor training room. Chair Dave Callaghan opened the meeting. Six of the seven School Committee members were present along with Superintendent Lucas Giguere, School Business Manager Dr Bob Dutch, Asst Supt for Student Services Paula Marano, and Asst Supt for Teaching & Learning Dr. Tina Rogers.Chair Callaghan introduces Tracy Novick, the MASC Field Director responsible for Franklin.   The show notes contain a link to the presentation copy so you can follow along.The recording runs about 85 minutes, so let’s listen to the School Committee MASC Workshop of Nov 27, 2023--------------MASC Presentation document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iS3oQAk96xVk-SKYLo8iAgashzFASHvT/view?usp=drive_link School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee --------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Frankl

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with local author JM Celi. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, November 21, 2023. Our conversation lets you find out more about Jamie and his first independently published work “The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Conviction.” We find out about Kindle Vella, a Kindle product that delivers serialized written works. We talk about Jamie’s writing process from draft through multiple reviews and edits to publication.We find out that “Conviction” is the first part of a planned trilogy. The recording runs about 26 minutes so let’s listen to my author JM Celi.--------------JM Celi’s author web site -> https://www.jmceli.com/“The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Conviction” can be found in most bookstores, including Escape Into Fiction in downtown Franklin. --------------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.&n

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Monday, November 20, 2023. Our primary topic was a recap of the School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 14, 2023.  We covered The election, the School Committee reorganizationThe FHS update on what’s happening across their academic, club & sports activitiesThe recording runs about 25 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_11-14-23.pdf    Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/distr

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, November 13, 2023.  In this episode we cover multiple topics from the release of the Hopper Report, we run through a series of articles from around New England and then back to MA, covering what has been happening recently to close with some quotes from the Hopper Report.Links to the many articles we talk of are collected in one PDF doc 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 47 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted as we help ‘make sense of climate.’--------------Links to articles referenced f

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 November 15, 2023: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsElection/re-org1. SWEARING IN OF TOWN COUNCIL2. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Town Council Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk3. ADOPTION OF TOWN COUNCIL PROCEDURES MANUALa. Resolution 23-60: Adoption of the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-60 - Majority Vote)Resolution 23-65: Establishment by Town Council of Subcommittee for Review of Rules of Procedure of the Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-65 - Majority Vote)A total of 3,126 voters cast ballots in this election, only 12% of the 24,474 reg

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Major Gift Coordinator. We had our conversation in the new location of 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 25 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 race time)) http://franklinturkeytrot.org/ Food Pantry audio seriesJu

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.  Topics for this sessionRibbon cutting held for Schmidt’s Farm, ground breaking for Beaver St InterceptorFY 2024 budget adjustments, tax rate hearing, Tri-County debt exclusionElection turnout disappointingThanksgiving break, Turkey Trot, FHS Football at FenwayThe recording runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Amy on Tuesday, November 14, 2023--------------Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administratorTalk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin Schmidt’s Farm ribbon cutting (audio)https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/ribbon-cutting-at-schmidts-farm.html Beaver St Interceptor ribbon cuttinghttps://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/11/beaver-street-sewer-interceptor_0561651916.html B