At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.The Hockomock Area YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities they are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, December 17, 2024
Hockomock Area YMCA Announces free teen memberships for Franklin Residents
Friday, December 13, 2024
SAFE Coalition Delivers Housing-Support Services Through Town Of Franklin ARPA Funds
• One-on-one support planning with staff social worker. Housing insecure individuals receive guided assistance assessing needs, connecting with resources, wellness checks, and creating a 90-day plan to execute their goals• Welcomed the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) into parttime office space at SAFE HQ, connecting people with federal housing vouchers• Skill-supported pipeline for helping people apply for state-aided, subsidized housing system CHAMP, health insurance, SSI, SSDI• Transportation access to help people reach emergency housing and shelters• Rental assistance program for housing-precarious families
Sunday, December 24, 2023
"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)
FM #1117 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1117 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares a special year end episode combining "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti and “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Topics for this session
Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.
2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion
Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000
Police Dept - $559,000
Sewer projects - $500,000
Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000
SAFE Coalition - $100,000
YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000
ARPA Direct funds announced for
$1M to reconstruct Baron Road
$420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field
Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)
2023 year in review, January 3, hit the ground working on 2024
The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Tom on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1117-talk-franklin-special-year-end-episode-12-21-23
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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin
Town Council agenda for Dec 20, 2023 meeting ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf
Recap & video for Town Council session 12/20/23 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/town-council-closes-out-calendar-year.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 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"
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"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio) |
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (video)
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Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF proclamation to Ken Norman |
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Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy |
- Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.
- 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion
- Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000
- Police Dept - $559,000
- Sewer projects - $500,000
- Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000
- SAFE Coalition - $100,000
- YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000
- ARPA Direct funds announced for
- $1M to reconstruct Baron Road
- $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field
- Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
- Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)
- Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report -
- Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
- Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete
- Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you
- Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit
Sunday, December 17, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
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.
a. November 1, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._november_1_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdfb. November 15, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._november_15_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdfc. November 21, 2023https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._november_21_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
a. Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman
a. 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewalsi. See attached “2024 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals”https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._license_renewals_2024.pdf
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting
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.
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.
a. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380B, Located at 664 Union St.https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_-_7-eleven_legal_ad_application_redacted.pdfi. See 7: License Transactions (a) below
a. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdfb. Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market Licensehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf
a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Managerhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdfb. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Propertyhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. GATRA Advisory Board
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Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting |
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Franklin Housing Authority meeting recording available (30 mins) (audio)
FM #877 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 877 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Monday, November 14, 2022 in the Common Room at Central Park Terrace.
Participating were:
GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR
CHRIS FEELEY (a few minutes late to session)
PETER BRUNELLI
ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE
CHRISTOPHER LENNON
Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent
The recording of the meeting runs about 30 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-877-franklin-ma-housing-authority-mtg-11-14-22
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Meeting agenda doc ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/franklin_housing_authority_agenda.pdf
Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority
My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10LJDmQDEUDJFTUysGKhsIGSG-d2Ct8Wu/view?usp=share_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 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"
Friday, October 7, 2022
CommonWealth Magazine: ARPA funding for broadband expansion approved; is DPU proper agency for MBTA oversight; Sommerville's new municipal aggregation contract offers hope
ARPA funding approved by White House"
"MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN awarded $145 million in federal money to expand broadband internet access, the White House announced Thursday.Jacob Leibenluft, US Treasury Chief Recovery Officer, said in a conference call with reporters that an estimated 16,000 Massachusetts locations, homes and businesses, will be connected to high-speed internet through these initiatives. That represents 27 percent of those in Massachusetts who still lack high-speed internet.Sen. Ed Markey, a longtime leader in Congress on telecommunications, said it is a “national tragedy” that people still lack access to high-speed internet, given how important connectivity is to modern life. “Massachusetts has cutting edge technological innovations, but we can still see the holes in the Berkshires, which is rural,” Markey said. “Black, brown, and immigrant families, they are left behind.”The money was allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act, part of a $10 billion Capital Projects Fund. The fund was intended to pay for projects that provide digital connectivity for people to participate in remote work, education, and health care, with a focus on broadband. "
"TWO KEY Beacon Hill lawmakers on Thursday questioned whether the Department of Public Utilities is the right agency to hold the MBTA’s feet to the fire on safety issues.At a legislative oversight hearing, the chair of the DPU and the head of the agency’s transportation oversight division acknowledged the arm of the agency that oversees the MBTA’s safety efforts is understaffed and has been understaffed for years.The DPU, an agency known mostly for overseeing electric and gas utilities, is currently trying to double the size of the transportation division to roughly 14 people, and may need more employees. The Federal Transit Administration, in a recent safety inspection report, criticized the MBTA and the DPU’s transportation division.“The division seems stuck,” said Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington. “Safety seems to have been submerged, seriously, within the DPU.”
"SOMERVILLE THIS WEEK offered some hope to those worried about the high cost of electricity ever since National Grid said its basic service rate would be jumping to a record 33.9 cents per kilowatt hour on November 1.The city said it signed a contract starting November 1 with Direct Energy that will provide electricity to residents at a much lower price — 14.9 cents a kilowatt hour for basic service, 15.7 cents a kilowatt hour for power with 20 percent more renewable energy, and 18.6 cents a kilowatt hour for all-renewable electricity.Somerville’s contract will last two years, while National Grid’s rate will remain in place for only six months. A lot can happen over the next two years in energy markets, so locking a price in for that length of time carries some risk. But Somerville’s new rates suggest municipalities and individuals may be able to find some relief for soaring electricity prices by shopping around."
Franklin's Municipal aggregation information
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation
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Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program |