Saturday, August 26, 2023

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

Program has saved ratepayers an estimated $11.5 million over three years.

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program (also referred to as Municipal Aggregation) has successfully saved ratepayers an estimated 11.5 million dollars in electricity costs throughout the previous three-year contract. In an effort to continue to stabilize electricity costs and lower carbon emissions, Franklin has signed a new 24-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and renewable electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services to continue to manage and supply its electricity program for all residents in Franklin. 

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program
Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

The new fixed rate is 15 cents per kilowatt-hours (kWh); which is an increase of $.043 cents per kWh over the current rate of 10.7 cents per kWh and is slated to begin with the November 2023 meter reads and end with the November 2025 meter reads. The change will be reflected in ratepayers' December 2023 bill.

Consumers actively enrolled in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program will receive a postcard. It contains information regarding the new rate + term along with a notice regarding automatic enrollment. Check your mailbox for a postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power, which will be mailed (to existing participating Consumers only) late September 2023.

"In these challenging fiscal times, this new contract represents a continued commitment to help stabilize electricity bills for ratepayers during this period of high inflation for all residents and small businesses," said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. "Also, as a certified Green Community, I know many Franklin residents are concerned about our carbon footprint. This electricity program has allowed us to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and decrease our carbon emissions by securing a contract that relies on 100% wind renewable energy."

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program, is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, achieve more affordable pricing and deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service, reduce the community's carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. To date 10,260 meters are participating in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined $11.5 million through March 31, 2023. 

Franklin Community Choice Program customers currently enrolled in the program will not need to re-enroll or do anything to continue to participate. Residents and business owners are eligible to opt-in or opt-out of the program at will, and those currently not enrolled in the program will need to enroll if interested in participating. There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation, however, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply program, and anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching. 

Basic Service rates change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the Basic Service rate. The goal of the aggregation is to deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

As a Green Community since 2018, the Town of Franklin aims to help displace fossil fuel generation and consumption. The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program aligns well with the community's renewable energy program, which utilizes 100% National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

For questions regarding billing or enrollment status, residents and business owners must contact Dynegy Energy Services directly by calling (866) 220-5696 or by visiting colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.

Learn more about the Town of Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program at www.franklinma.gov/MunicipalAg.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-secures-stable-electricity-rate-through-renewal-utility-relief-program


Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (audio)

FM #1046 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1046 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 


Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner


Brief recap

  • Brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

  • A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

  • One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

  • The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).


The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1046-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-23-23



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You may access the agenda for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf 


Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI 


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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"


map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St
map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St

School Committee approves updates to school handbooks, sets new date for FHS graduation as May 31, 2024 (audio)

FM #1045 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1045 in the series. 


The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Whitmore).


Quick recap

  • Several updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas Giguere

  • In the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.

  • FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policy

  • Principal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they looked at the calendar and how the weeks and other school events (MCAS among them) fell, it made sense to change it. The Committee approved

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 22. 


The total meeting audio runs about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1045-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-08-22-23



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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 


The agenda doc 

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_8-22-23.pdf


The packet folder can be found ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-22-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet  (Note some docs are scheduled to be updated after the meeting)


YouTube link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/OKz4ioRKmxM


My notes can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VFNh0WlWJbVT4gRJwod5ULotPRs-nhbV/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


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

 

For additional information, please visit franklin.news/ or 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!

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


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


School Committee approves updates to school handbooks
School Committee approves updates to school handbooks

Franklin Downtown Partnership: New Murals, General Meeting, and Harvest Festival Registration


New Murals Added in Downtown Franklin


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is proud to present another mural project in downtown Franklin.


Thank you to these wonderful artists for donating their time and creative talent to make this beautification project a reality:

  • Amy Adams
  • Kelly Feeherry
  • Sue Sheridan


Special thanks to the Ferrara Family and the Franklin Cultural District Committee for helping to fund this project along withe the Franklin Downtown Partnership.


"This project has been in the works for many months and we are so excited for residents to have another fun reason to visit downtown Franklin," said FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana. "The murals are another addition to the Ladybug Trail that the FDP unveiled in 2022."

Save the Date


The next FDP General Meeting will be held on Thurs., Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m. Guest speakers will include Brad Chaffee from Camford Property Group who will present his new downtown project.

Harvest Festival Registration


If you want your businesses to have a presence at the Harvest Festival, register for a booth asap. We expect space to sell out!


Register Here 


If you have any questions, please contact our Vendor Relations Coordinators at fdpevent@gmail.com.

Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org
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Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

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Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Adults scheduled for Sept 2023

Author Talk: Emily Franklin “The Lioness of Boston”
September 14, 6:30 PM 
Registration Required
As our town read for 2023 you’ve enjoyed the life and times of Isabella Stewart Gardner. Join us for readings and conversation with Lioness of Boston Author Emily Franklin! As a special treat signed book plates will be available at the event for your copy of the book!

One Step to Safety Self Defense Seminar 
Thursday September 21st 6:00 PM
Registration Required
Lead by Martial Arts Master Elijah Swan. Join us in a prevention concept program that combines basic strikes, tactics, and techniques. Our focus is on verbal and physical self-defense movements, blocks, body positions, and awareness.
This program is open to teens and adults!

Wildlife Photography Workshop 
Saturday September 23rd 10:00 PM
Registration Required! Zoo admission is NOT included with this program. Discounted admission is available at the Circulation Desk!
Join Nature Photographer Steve McGrath on a Wildlife Photography Workshop where you will learn how to use your preferred digital camera like a pro and improve your wildlife photographic technique. Understand the settings of your camera and what you need to compose a professional looking photograph.

You'll have the opportunity to practice what you've learned out in the Southwick’s Zoo with Steve on hand to give you tips.  With so many great photographic opportunities and challenges at the Southwick’s Zoo, you'll have plenty of pictures and new skills to take home!

In this First Class there will be a short presentation were we will discuss tips and techniques for getting great zoo photographs that look like they were taken in the wild! Then off to the Zoo to Photograph for the day, make sure you bring the longest lens you have. There will also be opportunities to photograph at feeding times and special zoo keeper sessions were we will be able to photograph close up!
There will be a second class at the Library in October, where we will view our Images and Critique them for a show and tell! With an opportunity to show your best work!

Adult Paint Party! Saturday 
September 23rd @1:00PM
Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for adults! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own seasonal masterpiece!  REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! All attendees must be at least 18.

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Library Hours

The Library’s hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Library will be closed Monday September 4th for Labor Day. Sunday hours of 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM will resume after Labor Day.

Find the full September schedule of events on the Library page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library


Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Kids in September, 2023
Franklin Public Library: Special Events for Adults in September, 2023

Next Week, Event With Senator Warren 8/30/23 - Register Now


Logo

Next week!

Come meet and hear from the one and only Senator Warren.

Click here to register

Next Week, Event With Senator Warren 8/30/23 - Register Now
Next Week, Event With Senator Warren 8/30/23 - Register Now

Mass Cultural Council's Strategic Plan FY24-26 (video)

Via Michael J. Bobbitt (@mbobbitt)
"So excited to launch Mass Cultural Council's Strategic Plan FY24-26 Launch Video created by Wesley Verge and a number of artists in Massachusetts.  
Pay no attention to my terrible acting!  LOL.

https://t.co/Fj03nqjlo8"

For more information on the Strategic Plan for FY 24-26