Special episode on the MA Climate Leader Community program with Ted McIntyre & Cobi Frongillo (audio)

FM #1122 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1122 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the output of The Climate Minute podcast episode hosted by Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist, where he and I talked with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo. We met to record via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, December 28, 2023.  

The key topic for this session is Cobi’s advocacy for Franklin to be part of the Climate  Leader Community program established by the State of MA. 

Our conversation covers the six criteria for this program:

• Be a Green Community in good standing 

• Have a local body (sustainability committee, energy committee, etc.) that advises the municipality on clean energy/climate initiatives 

• Commit to eliminate on-site fossil fuel use by 2050 (municipal buildings/operations) 

• Create a municipal decarbonization roadmap 

• Adopt a Zero-Emission Vehicle first policy 

• Adopt the Specialized Opt-In building code

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 and Cobi. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1122-making-sense-of-climate-37-12-28-23

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Link to the MA page on Climate Leader Communities -> https://www.mass.gov/info-details/climate-leader-communities 

The Town Council agenda doc for the Jan 3, 2024 meeting contains supporting documentation as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Links to other places you can find The Climate Minute

https://massclimateaction.podbean.com/e/what-does-it-take-to-become-a-climateleader-community/ 

 

You can listen to the #ClimateMinute on Apple Podcasts

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-climate-minute/id589025783 

 

You can listen to the #ClimateMinute on Podbean

https://massclimateaction.podbean.com/ 

 

You can listen to the #ClimateMinute on Spotify

https://open.spotify.com/show/3UIZfLRoUQVLXUY2jMAsCk 

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Special episode on the MA Climate Leader Community program with Ted McIntyre & Cobi Frongillo (audio)

Dehumidifier Turn-In Event successfully recycled 81 units on May 20, 2023

The Dehumidifier Turn-In Event hosted by the Sponsors of Mass Save last on Saturday, May 20, 2023 in Franklin was a success! 81 units were recycled and there were 73 applications.

L to R: Bill Stack - Eversource, Cobi Frongillo - Aide from Rep Roy’s Office, Fred Cullen - Green Team, Taylor Bennett – National Grid

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - insights on the meeting of Aug 17, 2022 (audio)

FM #837 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 837 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, September 1, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, August 17. Our combined schedules delayed us getting together for this the only Town Council meeting in August.

·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following agenda items

5. APPOINTMENTS 

a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 

b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 

c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 

d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 

e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 

f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 

g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 

h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 

i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf

 

b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-837-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-09-01-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/august_17_2022_agenda.pdf

YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430 

--------------

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

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"

YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430

Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)

FM #836 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 836 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

• EDC prioritized their ‘short list’ at Aug 10 meeting

• Green community & Cultural Council presentations at August 17 Town Council meeting

• Dean College President/Chancellor scheduled for the Sep 7 Council meeting

• 5 year fiscal outlook published 

• #1 complaint to the Town - speeding

The conversation runs about 33 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Franklins-Forecast-e1n7023

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Franklin for All webpage https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Cultural Council presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf 

Green Community presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

Green Community story map https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community 

5 year fiscal outlook ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-08-15_fy23_to_fy27_town_administartor_fiscal_forecast_1.pdf 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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

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"

Talk Franklin: Jamie Hellen and I talk the 5 year fiscal forecast and #1 complaint to the Town (speeding) (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

August 17, 2022 - 7 PM

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR 

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others. 

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely. 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS 

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled. 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS 

5. APPOINTMENTS 

a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 

b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 

c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 

d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 

e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 

f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 

g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 

h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 

i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled. 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council 

b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 

d. Resolution 22-56: Gift Acceptance - Police Department (Equipment Donation, 3 Drones and Related Equipment) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-56 - Majority Vote) 

e. 22-57: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($800), Fire Dept. ($100), Police Dept. ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-57 - Majority Vote) 

f. Resolution 22-58: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-58 - Majority Vote) 

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT 

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS 

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee 

b. Budget Subcommittee 

c. Economic Development Subcommittee 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

15. ADJOURN 

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes 

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Documents released for this agenda can be found online ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_aug_17_2022_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Aug 17, 2022

From the heat to the proposed 'friendly 40b' process, to the 5 year fiscal outlook, we cover these and more in this Talk Franklin episode - 07/26/22

FM #832 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 832 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing & Communications Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation at the Municipal Building in Jamie’s office. 

Topics for this session

• This heat wave broke, the drought is continuing 

• Weekly Farmers Market, Concert on the Common, food trucks, movie nights

• Hydrant painting contest by DPW, applications due Aug 12, winner announcement in October

• Friendly 40b

• EDC to do their ‘short list’ for the MAPC recommendations at Aug 10 meeting

• Green community presentation at August Town Council meeting

• 5 year fiscal outlook (not published yet but highlights covered)

• Old South Meeting House

• Davis Thayer deed processing underway, discussion in Fall on how best to use it

The conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-End-of-the-Heat-Wave--Hydrant-Painting--and-the-New-Friendly-40b-Process-e1lrjsg/a-a8ak6mi

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Hydrant painting contest  https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/hydrant-painting-starts-today

40b collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/what-is-40b-why-is-town-of-franklin.html

Beaver St collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/what-is-beaver-st-interceptor-why-does.html

Franklin for All webpage 

https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Green Community story map https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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

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"

From the heat to the proposed 'friendly 40b' process, to the 5 year fiscal outlook, we cover these and more in this Talk Franklin episode - 07/26/22