FM #1366 - Franklin (MA) School Cmte Mtg - 01/28/25 (FY 2026 Budget To End Of Mtg) Franklin Matters Radio podcast

43:23

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri and Katherine Kellett , both teachers at Franklin High School . We had our conversation at the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, March 3, 2025. Katherine Kellett, Teacher - English Leah Wahrhaftig-Jeri, Teacher - World Language We cover their road to Franklin and FHS We talk about the joy in teaching And the issues faced with continued budget cuts Only one language to be offered at the middle school Reduces the total of language classes High School graduates can carry forward to college Text book & curriculum cuts challenge the appropriate delivery of curriculum Loss of shared intellectual capital with colleagues cut due to budget Language lab is a resource heavily utilized and will no longer available (per budget) Struggle to attract and retain substitute teachers Ripple effects for curriculum coverage that is lost and how that affects students and the next year’s teachers for that subject The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Leah and Katherine on teaching in challenging budget times -------------- Franklin High School page -> https://www.franklinps.net/o/fhs Franklin School District budget page -> FY 2026 https://www.franklinps.net/documents/about-us/school-district-budget/fy2026-budget/728831 Joint budget listening sessions archive -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1400 - Joint Budget Subcmte Listening Session #5 - 03/08/25 2:07:24

hace un día2:07:24

2:07:24

This session shares the Joint Budget Listening Session held Saturday, March 8 , 2025 Council Chambers. 8 of the 10 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & School Supt Lucas Giguere. Brief statements by TA Hellen and Supt Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. More than 14 folks stepped up to comment or ask a question, some multiple questions. Felicia Oti, Library Director spoke to the work being done by the Library. Link to the Town page with the budget materials for both Town and School sides https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 The recording runs about 2 hours 7 minutes , so let’s listen in. -------------- Franklin TV video for viewing -> https://www.youtube.com/live/LlUDdpZqkNg?&t=13 My notes captured during the session https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wBaFVj9_9K0Rj1z23CGl2--vaO0QsoIn/view?usp=drive_link Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-PDF You can find the collection of video, audio, and transcripts for the prior sessions here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/joint-budget-listening-sessions-fy-2026.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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1399 - Town Council Mtg - FY 2026 Prelim Budget - 03/05/25 1:55:08

hace 3 días1:55:08

1:55:08

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 5, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers. The audio is in 2 sections: Part 1 - the beginning and the ending (1 hour 40 mins) Part 2 - the FY 2026 preliminary budget review & discussion (2 hours) Quick recap: Part 1 - non budget Police officer Steven Dejoie sworn in replacing Officer Lawrence who had retired a couple of months ago A string quartet of FHS students played a brief piece as part of a recognition of their music achievements which also resulted in a formal proclamation of their accomplishments. Many other students recognized were in the audience as well Dan Sherman provided the annual update on the town progress towards funding their OPEB liability. We are in good stead, better off than many other MA communities. We will do better once the Norfolk Retirement liability is paid off (2035ish) and that amount of funding can be shifted to the OPEB liability to advance the payoff schedule Approval for easement granted to DCR for access to SNETT extension, also a commitment from them for $1M to help prepare it when the trail does become ours (will take time with Federal process) From TA Report - another first in that the Town is first in using opioid funding for the Art Pharmacy program, more to come on this exciting opportunity for health with an economic development aspect for local arts/culture organizations Part 2 - FY 2026 Budget FY 2026 - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the preview of the budget, some updates had been previewed most recently on Tuesday at the Senior Center with the Joint BUdget Listening Session. More was expanded upon here. The documents will be posted to the Town budget page today. We are in a $3.8M deficit and coming up with that (or an amount close to it) is likely the only way to maintain "level service". What we have is what will stay, if we want increases or expansions to such services, we need to get by this one first before considering more. "we need a win" someone said in the course of the discussion Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours. -------------- Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHS9BRE4cA&t=100 The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608 The budget preview presentation -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4620/2025-03-05-Budget-Update---Town-Coucil-Version-PDF My notes captured during the session https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TELQ8ylitbI6RxGjNDCll4poFZsu2ONg/view?usp=drive_link ------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Mat…

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FM #1398 - Town Council Mtg - Non Budget sections 03/05/25 1:48:14

hace 3 días1:48:14

1:48:14

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, March 5, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers. The audio is in 2 sections: 1 - the beginning and the ending (1 hour 40 mins) 2 - the FY 2026 preliminary budget review & discussion (2 hours) Quick recap: Part 1 - non budget Police officer Steven Dejoie sworn in replacing Officer Lawrence who had retired a couple of months ago A string quartet of FHS students played a brief piece as part of a recognition of their music achievements which also resulted in a formal proclamation of their accomplishments. Many other students recognized were in the audience as well Dan Sherman provided the annual update on the town progress towards funding their OPEB liability. We are in good stead, better off than many other MA communities. We will do better once the Norfolk Retirement liability is paid off (2035ish) and that amount of funding can be shifted to the OPEB liability to advance the payoff schedule Approval for easement granted to DCR for access to SNETT extension, also a commitment from them for $1M to help prepare it when the trail does become ours (will take time with Federal process) From TA Report - another first in that the Town is first in using opioid funding for the Art Pharmacy program, more to come on this exciting opportunity for health with an economic development aspect for local arts/culture organizations Let’s listen to this section of the meeting recording which runs about 1 hours and 40 minutes. Audio link -> -------------- Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHS9BRE4cA&t=100 The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03052025-1608 The budget preview presentation -> https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4620/2025-03-05-Budget-Update---Town-Coucil-Version-PDF My notes captured during the session https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TELQ8ylitbI6RxGjNDCll4poFZsu2ONg/view?usp=drive_link ------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1397 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 03/06/25 33:19

hace 4 días33:19

33:19

This session of the radio show shares our “ Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Our conversation condenses the three recent meetings: Police Station Building Cmte Mtg - 02/25/25 Town Council meeting - 2/26/25 Town Council meeting - 3/05/25 We focus on two questions: • ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers? Topics for this session Police Station Building Committee 2/25/25 Team together and starting work; No site chosen, no design or estimates other than rough ballparks; Site visits planned to see others recently done; Open houses planned to enable the community to see inside; Video also planned to share views/walkthrough, website with info being built; Likely at east 2 years before some firm details, estimates, sometime after a decision on building vote or not Town Council meeting 2/26/25 ALS/BLS ambulance fee increase approved Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program Town Council last night - 3/05/25 Police swearing in, replacement for recent retiree, String quartet and proclamation OPEB update Good position, funding plan, AAA related impact FY 2026 budget update Listening session at Senior Center ¾ Council Chambers, 3/8 & FHS auditorium on 3/12 JBSC recommendation at end of 3/12 session Town Council to take up 3/19 $3.862 M shortage, no money to be found otherwise raise or cut Details on Town page, opportunities for discussion, questions as mentioned Easement for DCR, and commitment on $1M to help with rail trail extension when the federal acquisition process allows Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the three recent meetings -------------- Franklin TV video is ready for replay Police Stn 02/25/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWC6PbFTu0s Town Council 02/26/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y Town Council 03/05/25 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHS9BRE4cA&t=100 -------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1396 - Art Pharmacy Community Comversation - 03/05/25 38:23

hace 5 días38:23

38:23

This session of the radio show shares the Art Pharmacy Community Conversation held at THE BLACK BOX on March 5, 2025. Cory Shea , Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy opened the event with 3 panelists who made brief presentations and then participated in a Q&A session. Panelists: Michael Bobbitt, Mass Cultural Council Emily Devlin, Art Pharmacy Amy Friguiletti, Deputy Town Administrator The Q&A session of this is not shared, the audio quality was not sufficient. The presentation portion of the event runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen to overview of Art Pharmacy and how the Town of Franklin will be the first community to use their Opioid Settlement funds to use this -------------- ** Presentation by Michael Bobbitt -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_g76jrwROR3wWehzLD5mDxrWk3zhk8Uo/view?usp=drive_link Mass Cultural Council press release on Art Pharmacy -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/blog/introducing-the-first-statewide-social-prescribing-solution-in-the-u-s/ Mass Cultural Council -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/ Michael Bobbit -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/about/staff/michael-j-bobbitt-bio/ ** Presentation by Emily Devlin -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yFFjIH-x0lHx53F8MMwxatqg_JoDJ35F/view?usp=drive_link Art Pharmacy -> https://www.artpharmacy.co/ Emily Devlin -> https://www.artpharmacy.co/about ** Town of Franklin -> https://www.franklinma.gov/ Amy Friguilett -> https://www.franklinma.gov/159/Administrator Cory Shea -> https://www.franklinma.gov/916/Arts-Culture-and-the-Creative-Economy -------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1395 - MetacometEmergency Comms Center - 02/26/25 22:09

hace 6 días22:09

22:09

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Gary Premo, Executive Director of the Metacomet Emergency Communication Center (MECC). We had our conversation at the MECC on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Gary provides his background Operations at the MECC What to expect when you call 911 Growth and possible expansion The meeting runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Gary on emergency dispatch operations. -------------- Metacomet Emergency Communication Center home page https://www.meccdispatch.org/ Member communities -> https://www.meccdispatch.org/home/pages/visit-our-member-communities Facebook page -> https://www.facebook.com/meccdispatch -------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1394 - Franklin Senior Center - March 2025 Highlights - 02/28/25 26:06

hace 7 días26:06

26:06

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Director and Ariel Doggett, Programming & Volunteer Coordinator with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Friday, February 28, 2025. We talk about The Listening Session March 4 at 9:30 AM (free breakfast) The closure begins at 1:00 PM on March 4 Many (but not all programs) have an alternate site beginning March 5 Keep in touch via the newsletter, social media accounts, and if necessary, call the Center Key special events when the center reopens Fire Dept St Patrick’s lunch date to be determined Lunches available at Tri-County during the closure, need to call day before except for March 14, which will be a box lunch picked up at the Municipal Bldg (also need to call day before) The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 23 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- Franklin Senior Center page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging March 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4503/Franklin-Newsletter-March-2025?bidId= Alternate site schedule https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4551/March-newsletter-insert?bidId= Subscribe to the newsletter -> by calling 508-520-4945 ------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1393 - Joint Budget Listening Session #4 - 03/04/25 2:31:47

hace 7 días2:31:47

2:31:47

This session shares the Joint Budget Listening Session held Tuesday, March 4 , 2025 at the Franklin Senior Center. 8 of the 10 members participated along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen & School Supt Lucas Giguere. Brief statements by TA Hellen and Supt Giguere opened the session before going to the audience for questions and comments. More than 20 folks stepped up to comment or ask a question, some multiple questions. Both Police Chief Lynch and Fire Cheif McLaughlin spoke to their budget risks. Sarah Amaral, Senior Center Director spoke to the work being done by the center. Link to the Town page with the budget materials for both Town and School sides https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?ADID=500 As of today, $3.8M short, got a slight update with the preview of the preliminary budget being presented to the Town Council Wednesday, March 5. The recording runs about 2 hours 30 minutes , so let’s listen in. -------------- Franklin TV video for viewing -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCbOgOSGCAI My notes captured during the session https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bp9A9XVpTSr2w8OaBDJN9LJDL_vHR-Y2/view?usp=drive_link Updated FY 2026 budget document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4593/2025-03-05-Town-Council-Preliminary-Budget-Presentation-v2 Citizen discounts and exemptions -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4418/Local-and-State-Assistance-Programs-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 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1392 - Franklin (MA) Town Administrator Review - 02/27/25 1:56:49

hace 9 días1:56:49

1:56:49

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators Review . The meeting was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in the Council Chambers. Subcommittee Chair Ted Cormier-Leger opens the meeting. Councilors Melanie Hamblen and Glenn Jones participate. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and many Town department heads are also present and contribute to this session. Quick recap: Exemplary performance review; Area for improvement to be mindful of verbiage, tone, in public meetings, emails, etc. Be better able to step back and help us all be better In lieu of reading the draft review doc, they walked through some of the sections to pick out key points and allowed Jamie to elaborate on the development of the individual items touting what he (and the town staff) did to complete the item Many of the department managers were present and added comments for their review of Jamie The meeting runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Ad Hoc committee for the Town Administrators review meeting. -------------- Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjaqeHc6eII The agenda doc includes the draft review -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02272025-1604 My notes captured during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AssnKA3WLeBxDqbwfKc6owJY6MQ9d6pM/view?usp=drive_link -------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1391 - Franklin (MA) Town Council Mtg - 02/26/25 55:12

hace 10 días55:12

55:12

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 8 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 1 was absent (Dellorco). Quick recap: Going right to legislation for action Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading; Motion to waive reading, passes - Motion to approve, second, vote via roll call passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers Motion to approve, second - Discussion had been part of the capital budget review by FinCom and Capital budget subcmte but not yet set here for approval - Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Last parcel on the road to extend this to. Motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Related to the above Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Water to go along with the sewer as noted, motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 - Motion to waive reading, passes 8-0-1; Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Town Administrator's Report March 5 preliminary FY 2026 budget update coming Traditional slide show, and updates Mirchi withdrew the alcohol liquor license application Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program; Jamie still gets emails etc. and blame us for the town role which was not our choice, it was totally a state decision and effort, thanks to the residents and organizations for handling this under the circumstances Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting Motion, second, passes via roll 8-0-1 (1 Absent) Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Audio link -> -------------- My expanded notes -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yE_Dj5dIlYdzyYou4cZhh5AD4kJL0JZOGgg0BDuOfA/edit?usp=drive_link Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602 My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFS-kA1Xy3rCoN2v-1H8-wbGw6nlI21m/view?usp=drive_link ------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1390 - Economic Development Subcmte Mtg - 02/26/25 58:21

hace 11 días58:21

58:21

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler). Quick recap The meeting started and then restarted to get to the correct Zoom link so a few minutes were repeated for some on the video recording and net new for others on the proper Zoom link. This audio recording only includes from the restart The shared kitchen definition and addition to the use tables for commercial (not residential) zones was discussed, clarified, and then moved to bring to the Town Council by a 4-0 vote The naming of the Crossing Neighborhood District and the minor additions was agreed to in concept but after discussion determined that it is an opportunity to do more with than "just renaming". Especially with the Master Plan approved, some of those items can be considered for implementation here Motion to adjourn, passes 4-0 The recording of the meeting runs about 58 minutes. -------------- Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aC6kDo1DtM&t=408 The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/economic-development-to-review-proposed.html My full set of notes captured during the meeting https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CkUfWVxVbGsGOp9bj8Ew6yDP8BiZDsvy/view?usp=drive_link -------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/ If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1389 - Police Station Bldg Cmte - 02/25/25 1:12:12

hace 12 días1:12:12

1:12:12

This session shares the audio of the Police Station Building Committee (PSBC) meeting on Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025. This is the first meeting of 2025. The full project team, OPM, and architects provided an overview of the process and what next steps were starting. Quick recap: Discussion on how many 3 or 4 open houses for public to visit the station to see the existing conditions and need for new space Discussion on how many site visits to other new police facilities, likely 3 so at least the committee members could try and make at least 2 of the 3 Presentation on template of project webpage, still in draft, discussion around what to add to it Discussion around the video walk through to be coordinated by Steve Sherlock/Franklin TV. Would enable residents who can’t make the open houses to still see the situation. Discussion on 3 sites, one just rose along Grove St but won’t be considered further as it is too small. Davis Thayer and Parmenter remain currently under evaluation Town administrator Jamie Hellen made a clear statement on the deed for the Parmenter property that nothing in it prohibits another use. The requirement at the time was to build a school within 3 years, and that was completed. There were no penalties or clawbacks in the deed in case the conditions weren’t met Not likely to meet again as a committee until summer time. The OPM, architects, etc have work to do gathering info and developing the initial concepts before having something for the committee to review and weigh in on The recording run about an hour and 10 minutes -------------- Franklin TV video of the meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWC6PbFTu0s Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02252025-1601 ------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1388 - School Cmte Legislative Forum - 02/24/25 1:58:43

hace 12 días1:58:43

1:58:43

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Legislative Forum held on Monday, Feb 24, 2025 . The Forum was held in the FHS Lecture Hall and broadcast via cable, Zoom, and to YouTube by Franklin TV. The audio of that recording is available here as a podcast. School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan was host, welcomed Superintendent Lucas Giguere who provided a briefing on the school redistricting and school budget. Chair Callaghan turned to the legislative delegation, Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy for their opening remarks before getting into some prepared questions. After the prepared questions, the audience was allowed to ask questions or make comments. The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. -------------- The Franklin TV video is available for replay here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuUN6giRqc0 The agenda doc can be found -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02242025-1582 My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pX-uJFiDmOih9nE4vdq9QSr7qeGlQwQH/view?usp=drive_link Photos taken during the event -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/821vCMxw7Br6KakP8 ------------- 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, please tell your friends and neighbors If you don't like something here, please let me know And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening. For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley" . The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission. I hope you enjoy! ------------------ You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"…

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FM #1387 - Joint Budget Listening Session #3 - 02/19/25 2:12:53

hace 19 días2:12:53