Saturday, May 28, 2022

EDC decides 3-1 to recommend residential use case for RFP for Old South Meeting House to Town Council (audio)

FM #805 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 805 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting conducted on Thursday, May 26, 2022. All four members of the subcommittee were eventually present and participated in the vote. 


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen informed the subcommittee their objective in the meeting was not to pick a proposal but to determine a use case if we were to go forward with an RFP. After much discussion including input from representatives of the two expressions of interests actually received (some dozens of inquiries were also made), the recommendation was put forward to propose an RFP for residential housing, preferably affordable housing. The motion passed 3-1. The nay had attempted to amend the motion to include religious use but the amendment request was not seconded (hence it died).


The meeting runs about 65 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-805-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-26-22


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Agenda:

1. Expressions of Interest results for the Old South Church on Washington Street

a. Expressions of Interest submitted   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/expressions_of_interest.pdf

b. Expression of Interest solicitation document  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

c. 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

d. 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

e. Old South Church document website  

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-26_edc_agenda_.pdf

   


My notes via Twitter -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rMeilXyVIDewCp5grfWXsKm1RrV2KmKI/view?usp=sharing 



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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 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!

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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"


South Franklin Congregational Meeting House
South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Capital Budget Subcommittee approved Round 2 of capital requests to send to Town Council (audio)

FM #804 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 804 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. All four members of the subcommittee were present. 

This was the second round of capital budgeting. Three items were up for approval

  • Snow and Ice - $229,169
  • Roads, Infrastructure & Sidewalk maintenance & SNETT Trail - $510,237
  • Technology (Desktops, Docking Stations & Computers) - $90,000

After some clarifications on each item, they were each approved in turn by 4-0 votes to recommend to the Town Council. 

The recording runs about 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file =>  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-804-capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-05-25-22

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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-05-25_capital_round_2_memo.pdf 

My notes via Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mKplYJoURMvhhUa5XU8XzlsZk3f6Fmz6/view?usp=sharing 

Capital budget first pass -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/capital-budget-subcmte-mtg-completes.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"

The Grove St to Pleasant St section is the target of this SNETT capital request
The Grove St to Pleasant St section is the target of this SNETT capital request

FHS softball team prevails in 9 innings 9-8 at Foxboro

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Friday:
 
Softball = Franklin, 9 @ Foxboro, 8 – Final (9 Inn.) 
– A back-and-forth seesaw battle between Franklin and Foxboro saw the visitors prevail with a tight 9-8 win in innings of action. Franklin took the first lead of the game with a run in the top of the first, Foxboro answered with two runs in the second, Franklin jumped back ahead with five runs in the third, but the Warriors responded with four runs in the fifth and another in the sixth for a 7-6 lead. The Panthers plated a pair in the top of the seventh to go up once again but Foxboro sent the game to extra innings with an RBI double with two outs. After a scoreless eighth, Franklin’s Carly Pellegri smacked a one-out double to bring Katy Liberman in for the winning run. The Warriors got a runner in scoring position with two outs but Kiera Kotwicki got her third strikeout to end it. Pellegri finished 4-for-5 with three RBI and two runs with her two-run home run putting Franklin ahead 8-7 in the seventh. Reece Allen (RBI, run), Georgia Harvey (two runs), and Aislinn Lavery (two RBI, run) each added three hits for the Panthers. Freshman Ava Hill went 4-for-5, including an RBI double in the seventh that forced extra innings. Peyton Feldman added three hits, an RBI, and a run scored for the Warriors.

For other results around the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

COVID Updates: State quarantine guidelines change; FPS COVID dashboard

 "State drops quarantine for close COVID contacts in schools, childcare"

"IN A SIGN of the continually evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Public Health on Wednesday quietly updated its guidelines for educational settings to no longer require children to quarantine if they are asymptomatic but exposed to COVID, even if they are unvaccinated.  

The change in guidance will affect schools, camps, and daycares, but will have particular relevance for parents of children too young to be vaccinated, who have until now been subject to frequent quarantines."

Continue reading the CommonWealth Magazine article online

The weekly FPS COVID-19 Dashboard is now available to view here: buff.ly/3pQh91e

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinPSNews/status/1529940196778819605

FPS COVID dashboard
FPS COVID dashboard

“We are a nation of immigrants. We all benefit from increased public safety."

"One day after state legislators approved a bill to allow undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses in Massachusetts, Governor Charlie Baker vetoed the measure, saying it poses a risk to election security.

In a letter rejecting the legislation late Friday afternoon, Baker said the bill requires the Registry of Motor Vehicles “to issue state credentials to people without the ability to verify their identity” and “increases the risk that noncitizens will be registered to vote.”

He also expressed concern that the identification wouldn’t distinguish an undocumented person from a documented one."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

CommonWealth Magazine coverage

A Pass the Work and Family Mobility Act Rally was held on the steps of the Massachusetts State House on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Rose Lincoln)
A Pass the Work and Family Mobility Act Rally was held on the steps of the Massachusetts State House on July 29, 2021. (Photo by Rose Lincoln)

Summer Music at Lifelong Music Academy - register now!


Lifelong Music Academy - Summer 2022 Music Programs
Lifelong Music Academy - Summer 2022 Music Programs


Two-Week Music Program: July 25 - August 5, 2022, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm

40 hours of summer music fun includes ensemble rehearsals, recreational time, and a concert on the last day! Location varies based on program.   

  • CONCERT BAND – For students entering grades 5-6 with 1 or 2 years of experience.

  • SYMPHONIC BAND – For students entering grades 7-9 with 1 or more years of experience.

  • ROCK BAND JR. – For students entering grades 4-6, no experience is necessary.

  • CONCERT STRINGS – For students entering grades 4-5 with 1 or 2 years of experience.

  • SYMPHONIC STRINGS – For students entering grades 6-9 with 1 or more years of experience.

  • SUMMER ELEMENTARY GLEE – For students entering grades 3-5, no experience necessary.

  • SUMMER MIDDLE SCHOOL GLEE – For students entering grades 6-9, no experience necessary.

 

Six-Week Private Lesson Session: July 5 - August 10, 2022

One-on-one private lessons in your choice of baritone, cello, clarinet, euphonium, flute, French horn, saxophone, trombone, tuba, violin, viola, and voice. Children, teens, and adults can choose 4, 5, or 6 weeks. Tuesdays or Wednesdays, depending on the instrument.


CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

QUESTIONS?  Email MusicAcademy@franklinps.net.


FHS results from MIAA D1 Track & Field Championships: Dumas 2nd in 400 hurdles, Gillespie 8th in discus

The MIAA Division 1 Track & Field Championships are scheduled over two days, Friday and Sunday. The FHS results for Friday are as follows:


Girls 200 Dash - Prelims
Anna Cliff    26.86
Olivia Costa  27.03

Boys 200 Dash - Prelims
William Klawson  22.53

Girls 400 Hurdles
** Sarah Dumas  64.72
Ella Chandaria  71.87
Riley Fitzpatrick  74.48

Girls 800
Charlene Peng  02:27.6

Girls 2 Mile
Alexandra Batla  12:14.0

Girls Discus Throw
Darby Nicholson  92-01
Lily Deforge  FOUL

Boys Discus Throw
** Michael Gillespie  125-01

Girls Triple Jump 
Olivia Costa  33-01.00

Coach Bailey tweets:
"Sarah Dumas places 2nd in the 400m Hurdles with a time of 64.72 which oh by the way is also a new school record!"

"Congrats to Mike Gillespie for placing 8th overall in discus with a 125’ 1” toss"

Full meet results can be found online -> https://firsttimeout.anet.live/meets/16991

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Senator Rausch Secures $1.1 Million in Local Investments For the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District

On Thursday evening, following deliberation on 1178 amendments, the Massachusetts State Senate passed a $50 billion Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget. Over the course of this week’s budget deliberations, Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham) secured over $1.5 million in statewide funding and $1.1 million for local investments in the Norfolk, Bristol, and Middlesex District, including youth mental health supports, environmental protection initiatives, and municipal infrastructural upgrades. 
 
“This year’s budget prioritized bringing sorely needed relief to Bay Staters,” said Senator Becca Rausch. “We leveraged Massachusetts’ record surplus revenues to make major investments in schools, childcare, workforce development, and housing all while boosting state aid to our cities and towns. The effects these investments will have on our communities will be game-changing, and I am proud to have delivered for the people who sent me to Beacon Hill for a second term.” 

 

The final Senate budget invests heavily in the Commonwealth, including $1.23 billion in state aid to cities and towns; $6 billion in Chapter 70 state funding for public schools, in line with the landmark Student Opportunity Act; bringing Massachusetts’ “rainy day” fund to $6.74 billion; $250 million for pandemic-related grants to support early education and childcare providers; and a policy measure providing legal protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care providers in Massachusetts. This policy was passed to shield Massachusetts care providers from potential lawsuits over providing abortions and other services to out-of-state residents, a measure necessary if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. 

 

Senator Rausch secured $1,100,000 for local initiatives and municipal projects within her district, including: 

  • $127,000 to fund and implement full-day kindergarten in Wrentham  

  • $600,000 for urgent structural repairs at the Elm Bank Reservation  

  • $5,000 to fund anti-bias curriculum in Franklin Public Schools after an increase in local acts of racism, antisemitism, and homophobia 

  • $10,000 for the annual Franklin Cultural Festival 

  • $8,000 for safety upgrades to the Franklin State Forest  

  • $45,000 for facility upgrades for the Milford Senior Center  

  • $25,000 for backup power generators to ensure the resilience and reliability of the Millis Public Safety Radio system 

  • $30,000 to replace the lighting management system at the Millis Public Library 

  • $50,000 for a feasibility study to improve transportation options in Needham 

  • $25,000 for technological upgrades to study water pollution mitigation in Norfolk 

  • $25,000 to repair and expand the Norfolk Council on Aging parking lot 

  • $25,000 for the operations of North Attleboro’s WWII Memorial Pool 

  • $50,000 towards a new water pumping and treatment station in Plainville 

  • $50,000 to study and improve the water quality of Sherborn's Farm Pond watershed 

  • $25,000 to upgrade lighting in the Wayland High School Fieldhouse 

Senator Rausch also secured 5 statewide amendments, including $1 million to fully fund Hey Sam, a youth mental health support line run by Samaritans, Inc; $200,000 for a statewide pilot car seat recycling program to reduce landfill waste and support Massachusetts families; $92,000 to conduct survey research on COVID vaccinations for children in Massachusetts to determine barriers to access and strategy to close vaccination gaps; and $300,000 for the MA Women's Suffrage Celebration Coalition of Massachusetts to continue their educational programming about women's rights and women’s suffrage.  

 

“It is the biggest honor of my life to serve the towns and cities I represent,” said Senator Rausch. “I am grateful for the partnership of our local community members and municipalities to elevate their needs do a statewide level. When we work together, we succeed.” 

  

The Senate FY ‘23 budget now heads to conference committee to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate versions. Once complete, the final budget bill will advance to the governor's desk to be signed into law. 

Senator Becca Rausch represents the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District, comprised of Attleboro, Franklin, Millis, Natick, Needham, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Sherborn, Wayland, Wellesley, and Wrentham. Senator Rausch serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture and the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.  

Senator Rausch Secures $1.1 Million in Local Investments For the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District
Senator Rausch Secures $1.1 Million in Local Investments For the Norfolk, Bristol and Middlesex District

Panther News: Friday, May 27, 2022 (video)

The winners of Project Raincheck, World of Difference organizes a Walk Against Hate, and sports highlights of the week! @FHSPantherbook  @FHSSports  @FranklinHS  @FranklinPSNews   

Panther News: Friday, May 27, 2022 youtu.be/xwXU9urSZp0 via @YouTube

Missed the 2nd Franklin For All Forum? Catch up on the info with these links


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