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, April 30, 2024
Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Saturday, October 28, 2023
Ribbon cutting at Schmidt's Farm recognizes CPA funding for purchase of 200 acres of open space (photos & audio)
The ribbon cutting Friday at Schmidt's Farm acknowledged the purchase of over 200 acres of open space with Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. A significant accomplishment for Franklin!
Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opened the brief ceremony with a few remarks. (Most were caught on the audio recording):
"Good morning. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful day to recognize the Town of Franklin’s recently acquired land at Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm for the purpose of preserving open space!
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize John Schmidt of Schmidt’s Farm, who worked with the Town during the acquisition of the approximately 115 acres we are standing on today.
I would also like to acknowledge Kathy Dalzell who is here representing the Dalzell family. The Dalzell family generously provided the Town with 15 acres of land connecting these two parcels - a gift we were extremely grateful for. Please express our gratitude to your family, Kathy.
We are very excited to celebrate this marked occasion of the purchase of over 200 acres of public natural resources through the recently adopted Community Preservation Act."
a view from partway into the large open field |
the ribbon cutting |
the barn has hopes of being restored with CPA funds |
(L-R) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Councilor Melanie Hamblen, Council Chair Tom Mercer, State Rep Jeff Roy (minding Rosie Melanie's dog) |
Town of Franklin recognizes the 3 ribbon cuttings this year: https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/171799700345026190
Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1090-schmidts-farm-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-10-27-23
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Brick School Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13, 2023 (photo essay)
the front view as newly renovated |
the original sign was restored by "Signs by Cam |
banner of the Alarm Robotics group renting the facility |
sign acknowledging the use of CPA funding |
Councilor Debbie Pellegri & Chair Tom Mercer share a laugh |
the ribbon cutting moment |
Sunday, June 18, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 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. May 24, 2023 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._may_24_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf
a. Community Preservation Committeehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._appointments_-_cpc.pdfi. Citizen At Large: Michael Giardinoii. Citizen At Large: Lisa Oxfordiii. Conservation Commission: Jeffrey Livingstoneiv. Historical Commission: Phyllis Malcolmv. Housing Authority: Christopher Feeleyvi. Planning Board: Jay Mellovii. Recreation Advisory Board: Wayne Simarrian
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Nason Street tot lot reopened after renovation with CPA funds
memorial marker for Henry "Ski" Faenza |
Town Clerk Nancy Danello, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen having some fun |
CPA sign at entrance to Nason St tot lot |
Recreation Director Ryan Jette |
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Community Preservation Committee March 7, 2023 meeting video available (video)
Monday, March 6, 2023
If it is Tuesday, it must be time for
- 5 PM to 7 PM ->
- 6 PM to 8 PM ->
- 7 PM ->
- 7 PM ->
If it is Tuesday, it must be time for |
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM
a. FY24 Budget Approvalb. FY24 Project slate
i. Open Space Appropriationsii. Fletcher Field Playground Improvements - $150,000iii. Nason Street site work preparation - $25,000iv. Beaver Street Challenge Course - $150,000
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Community engagement, everywhere you turn, there's an opportunity tops this Talk Franklin discussion (audio)
FM #943 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 943 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 on Thursday, February 8, 2023.
Topics for this session
Community Preservation Cmte – public hearing Tuesday
Finance Cmte (will be conducted after we record)
Community engagement opportunities
Master plan
Davis Thayer
Police Station
Town Council outlook for the Feb 15 meeting
inclusionary zoning
capital plan (first pass)
The conversation runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Police-Building--Davis-Thayer-Reuse--Master-Plan-Committee-opportunities-and-more-for-residents-e1v1ags/a-a9bepvf
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Town Council agenda for 2/15/23
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf
Community Preservation Committee meeting (video)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/community-preservation-cmte-public.html
Finance Committee meeting (video)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-tv-video-of-finance-committee.html
Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin
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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"
Thursday, February 9, 2023
Community Preservation Cmte public hearing gets ideas on ADA access for trails among other items (video)
The Community Preservation Committee held it public hearing on Tuesday Feb 7 at 7 PM. The hearing recording only runs 27 minutes.
Ideas were submitted in person and via email. As this is now our second year of operation, while the hearing is legally required to be posted and held once a year, the idea and proposal generation is effective open all the time and consideration will be provided when such are received.
Meeting agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_feb_7_2023.pdf
Video link -> https://youtu.be/xhTzBf8dZ-g
CPC public hearing gets ideas on ADA access for trails among other items |
Monday, February 6, 2023
How should the CPA funds be used? You have the chance to provide input!
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing - February 7, 2023
The Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7pm.
This informational hearing will involve a discussion of Franklin's needs, possibilities and resources regarding community preservation and the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these issues, as permitted by the CPA.
a. Anyone may suggest a Community Preservation Act project
b. To file a suggestion, idea or proposal, please visit our online permitting system, or attend in person and make a suggestion
c. All ideas are welcome via online, in person or a simple email to the Town Administrator at jhellen@franklinma.gov
5. Adjourn
You may access the agenda and links here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_feb_7_2023.pdf
Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing - February 7, 2023 |
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - Annual Hearing - Feb 7. 2023
Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - Annual Hearing - Feb 7. 2023 |
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Town Council approves open space purchase, Town Administrator contract, annual alcohol license renewals, and more (audio)
FM #900 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 900 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
APPOINTMENTS
a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission
b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission
c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission
d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures
LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals
PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA
b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works
Legislation for Action
d. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph
e. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B
f. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land
g. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County
i. Resolution 22-95: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($109,832.25)
Executive session, return approx. 35 mins later
b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk
a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome
i. Legislation for action: 1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract
The recording runs about 2 hours and 16 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on December 14, 2022. (Due to the Executive Session, approx. 35 minutes, the total time on Wednesday was longer. The recording excludes the Executive Session but does include the return to open meeting).
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-900-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-14-22
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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/dec_14_tc_mtg_agenda-revised.pdf
The Snow presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf
Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/qVbiUMlcbL8
My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT_f9Y9eVXExUtjlcCD2XKtSTjcwG582/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"