Franklin (MA) Matters

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

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:The recording runs about 4 hours and 7 minutes, so let’s listen to this FY 2025 budget hearing #1 of May 22. --------------Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/may_22_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdfMy notes via Twitter ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O69NgV1ANM3iJq5TFUm4ALkGmbTMc_sD/view?usp=drive_linkThe Franklin TV recording is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/C0UvopOrvAs?si=ezmittWmAMR1wLpk--------------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 th

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. All four members of the subcommittee were present: Chair Debbie Pellegri, Vice Chair Bob Dellorco, Ted Cormier-leger, and Brian Chandler. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti.This short meeting was not set up for remote participation nor for Franklin TV broadcast. I did get there to make the audio recording available.2 items on the agenda: one the approval for use of free cash for the operating budget. Not a usual occurrence but requires approval. The formal vote will also be part of the Town Council meeting Thursday as they close the budget hearing.The second item was the creation of a stabilization account to set aside funds for the potential purchase of a building that wouldn’t be covered by the funds available from the Community Preservation Act. There was a brief discussion on this and then the vote to create and alloc

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Marcella DiChiara, Franklin resident and cook. She was selected to participate in season 3 of the PBS show “The Great American Recipe.” We met to record this conversation virtually Friday, May 17, 2024.  We talk about How she got selectedLearning Sicilian cooking from her motherThe show experience (no spoilers)Queue for the first show June 17 at 9 PM EasternThe conversation runs about 24 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Marcella.--------------Follow Marcella on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/bostonhomecooking/ The Great American Recipe show page ->  https://www.pbs.org/show/great-american-recipe/ Press release shared on Franklin Matters -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/franklins-marcella-dichiara-was.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

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist. We met to record in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.  We continued making sense of climate by working our way from the trade restrictions on electronic vehicles (EVs) just announced to transportation issues, walking, biking and then briefly to zoning as a means to change our world for more sustainable living.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 39 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.--------------Trade restrictions on EV  https://www.theguardian.com/business/article/2024/may/14/joe-biden-tariff-chinese-made-electric-vehic

The Franklin (MA) Finance Committee conducted their 3rd and final budget hearing on the FY 2025 budget on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Seven of the nine members of the Committee participated, one remotely, so all the votes were via roll call.  Quick recap:Town Administrator Jamie Hellen briefly covered the Tri-County and Norfolk Aggie budget items. Their representatives were unable to participate this year.Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, Business Administrator Dr Dutch, and School Committee Vice-Chair Dave McNeill presented from the table. Asst Supt Paula Marano provided updates on special education programs and answered those questionsAs the budget has been presented a number of times, there was an attempt to provide the "readers digest" version, and they were mostly successful.Some changes noted:They did provide an update on the migrant funding from DESE, a check for $335K+ was just received and another to account for the 72 students currently in the system is expected in June. These funds ca

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. All seven members of the Committee were present in the Council Chambers. Quick recap:8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip highlights shared with video (the musical soundtrack accompanying the video was removed from broadcast to avoid copyright issues)8th Grade Grand Canyon Trip approved for next school year Comprehensive School Facilities Analysis recommendation reviewed with a presentation providing some updates to outstanding questions, and the timeline for which other questions would be answered. Committee approved by a 5-2 vote (Griffith, Sompally). Based upon their comments, the 2 no’s were more about the timing of the decision and not the proposal itselfAt the end of the discussion when it was clear, there wasn’t going to be public comment, one angry resident shouted and threatens committee and superintendent as he leaves not wanting to wait for citizens comment period at the end of the meeting agendaRecommend

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Police Station Building Committee meeting held on Monday, May 13, 2024. In this meeting, they conducted three interviews with firms to select the Owner Project Manager (OPM). There is a brief overview of the process, then the three firms (Vertex, Collier, and CHA) are interviewed. There are brief recesses between each interview. That recess audio section was removed and replaced with a brief bit of musical interlude. The three firms in order of appearance were Vertex, Collier, and CHA. CHA was the unanimous choice as the top firm. Vertex second, and Collier third.Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will commence negotiations on contract with CHA and assuming it is successful, the project will proceed. If not, the second vendor will begin negotiations.The recording runs about 2 hours & 45 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Building Committee page => https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee Agenda for this meeting -> https://w

A message from your Town Clerk's Office,There will be a Special Election held on June 11, 2024 at the Franklin High School from 6 AM to 8 PM. Absentee/Early Voting is being held now in the Town Clerk's Office during regular business hours. Call 508-520-4900 with any questions regarding the Special Election.