![]() |
The reconstruction is underway at the Nason St tot lot, a project of CPA funding |
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 *
Sunday, April 9, 2023
The reconstruction is underway at the Nason St tot lot, a project of CPA funding
Monday, February 6, 2023
How should the CPA funds be used? You have the chance to provide input!
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)
FM #878 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 878 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
FinCom recap; Minor adjustments $542k on $128m is only .004
Budget cycle
SNETT work completed by MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation
Town Council teasers
The conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie
Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/On-the-Horizon---Budget--SNETT-Upgrades-and-Town-Council-Teasers-e1qoo24/a-a8s5r8o
--------------
Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Finance Committee notes and links ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/finance-committee-gets-update-on-fy.html
Nov 16, 2022 agenda ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-16.html
Economic Development Subcommittee ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/economic-development-subcommittee.html
121 Grove St info ->
Application => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_application.pdf
Site plan => https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_09_21_121_grove_street_schematic_plan_set.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
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"
Thursday, October 20, 2022
Town Council authorizes purchase of Schmidt's Farm, witness 2 firefighter swear in's, and visit with State delegation (video)
Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic |
Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic |
Both photos courtesy of the Franklin Fire Dept Twitter account:
Sunday, October 16, 2022
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for Oct 19, 2022 7 PM
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.c. Municipal Aggregation
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. Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Departmentb. Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Budget Subcommitteec. Economic Development Subcommittee
![]() |
exterior renovation of the Red Brick School is in process |
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Town Council holds hearing on purchase of Schmidt Farm using CPA funds, moves parking bylaws to 2nd reading; hears from Norfolk County, and more in 3 hour plus session (video)
The Town Council meeting went over 3 hours long on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022 in the process of reviewing multiple topics.
Norfolk County Commissioners provided some updates on what they do and how they do it. Some councilors appear stuck on the Federal decision to award the ARPA funds to the county and not directly to the Town but that is neither in control of the Town nor the County. The 3% management fee the County collects they are working for in managing the funds and they clearly stated the case during the evening.
The best Council move was to approve The Town Council held a pubic hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding. There was no vote on the purchase. Several Councilors acknowledged they approved but the vote will come at a future meeting. A number of residents in person and via Zoom spoke in favor of this move as it is perfectly was the CPA funds were meant to be used for. The presentation doc (shared at the CPC meeting on Tuesday is now on the Town page) (updated 10/13/22) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/schmidt_farm_61a_presentation.pdf
A passionate discussion raised issues that are mostly still to be resolved on parking. The set of 4 bylaws did all move forward to a second reading; one only by a 5-4 vote, the others by 9-0. Open question on should the Council allow the Town Administrator to set the rate. On what the rate should be? (It should be at least equal to the MBTA parking rate, otherwise the MBTA commuters albeit less of them, will park in these spaces and save money - which won't provide the spaces for what they were provided for - to enable shoppers downtown).
A 6-3 vote approved a request to obtain the 'authority' to issue an all liquor license to replace a beer/wine license already held which would put two all liquor license establishments within .3 mile of each other and near the Keller Sullivan schools. The legislation if approved by the State would still require a formal hearing and vote by the Council to actually approve the license. Tonight is only a step in the process.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html
![]() |
The best Council move was to approve the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding |
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video)
![]() |
Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video) |
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Franklin TV: Finance Committee meeting available for replay - 09/28/22 (video)
![]() |
Franklin TV: Finance Committee meeting available for replay - 09/28/22 (video) |
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Town Council Quarterbacking - with Tom Mercer; the insights and brief recap of the Town Council meeting June 22 (audio)
FM #821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 821 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, June 23, 2022. The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, June 22.
· ok, what just happened?
· What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation and Performance: Electric Youth
b. Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Recognition
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Richard Salve - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
b. Timothy Sweeney - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
c. Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c_appointments.pdf
d. Tri-County School Committee Appointment – Jennifer D’Angelo
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5d.pdf
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Budget & Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-36 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a.pdf
b. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-37 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b.pdf
c. Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-38 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c.pdf
d. Resolution 22-40: Appropriation Transfers FY22 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-40 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d.pdf
e. Resolution 22-41: Authority for Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-41 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e.pdf
f. Resolution 22-42: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,960) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-42 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f.pdf
The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-821-town-council-quarterbacking-06-23-22--------------
Meeting agenda =>
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_june_22_2022.pdf
My notes taken via Twitter are captured in this PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfMfgMowj-Vh04MroSUgrEwK1qzVTLWm/view?usp=sharing
My photos taken during the meeting are in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/h52SdtFSfb6gxofZA
YouTube video of meeting -> https://youtu.be/J0rn18f6aiM
Keep up with events in Franklin vai the Community 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"
Friday, June 24, 2022
Town Council proclaims support for Pride; hears Electric Youth perform; approved initial CPA funding for projects (audio)
FM #820 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 820 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, June 22, 2022.
Chair: T Mercer, M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, D Pellegri, R Dellorco, T Cormier-Leger, B Chandler
Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, M Cerel, et al
The recording runs about ninety minutes (excluding the brief breaks for photos), so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 22, 2022.
--------------
Meeting agenda =>
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_june_22_2022.pdf
My notes taken via Twitter are captured in this PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfMfgMowj-Vh04MroSUgrEwK1qzVTLWm/view?usp=sharing
My photos taken during the meeting are in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/h52SdtFSfb6gxofZA
YouTube video of meeting -> https://youtu.be/J0rn18f6aiM
Keep up with events in Franklin via the Community 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"