Franklin Residents: 2022 Town Annual Report

2022 Town Annual Report

2022 Town Annual Report

The Town of Franklin has released the Annual Report for FY2022. 

You may access it here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_annual_report_0.pdf

Tri-County names Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2022

The Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School District is pleased to announce the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2022. Shriya Sivakumar, of Seekonk, has been named Valedictorian, and Emily Matheson, of Medway, has been named Salutatorian.

Tri-County’s Valedictorian, Shriya, is an Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing student and maintains the highest cumulative GPA of 4.545. Since her sophomore year, Shriya has served on the Student Council and is currently the President. She also joined Students in Action, National Honor Society, and became a Student Representative during her junior year.

Shriya Sivakumar

In addition to mastering rigorous academic classes, Shriya volunteers at the Miriam Hospital, helping in the transport of patients. You can find Shriya working at her cooperative position at S.W. Cole Engineering or at Barnes and Noble, working as a part-time bookseller when she is not volunteering.

Shriya is looking forward to pursuing a degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from a university in the Northeast and traveling after graduation.

Tri-County’s Salutatorian, Emily Matheson, maintains a cumulative 4.504 GPA as an Engineering Technology and Advanced Manufacturing student. While maintaining a demanding academic schedule, Emily has earned real-world experience at CSI Groups as a Parts Finishing and Quality Control Intern and currently as an intern at Allurion Technologies in Natick.

Emily Matheson

In addition to being a dedicated student, Emily enjoys giving back to her community. She serves as a CCD Volunteer at St. Joseph’s in Medway and as a Girl Scout where she helped make holiday boxes for the elderly and collected debris from public parks as part of an initiative to help educate the community about environmental issues.

Emily will pursue a degree in Biomedical Engineering and pursue a career in research.

Both Shriya and Emily called out the NASA HUNCH program as their favorite projects during their time at Tri-County. HUNCH is a collaboration between NASA and high schools nationwide. Working with a team and attempting to solve issues currently facing astronauts was challenging but rewarding.

“It is a pleasure to recognize Shriya and Emily as top scholars. Their hard work exemplifies our ‘Work Hard, Today Counts’ motto, and we know they will excel in their future endeavors. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for each of our graduates.” Karen Maguire, Superintendent.

As Valedictorian and Salutatorian, Shriya and Emily will lead the graduation procession and are scheduled to address their classmates at the Commencement Ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 5, 2022. 

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - March 3, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - March 3, 2022

The Capital Budget Subcommittee will meet on March 3rd, 2022 at 5:30pm.

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting posted here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/3-3-22_cap_budget_agenda.pdf

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting  - March 3, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)

FM #729 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 729 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 7 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. (1 member was absent to complete the accounting of the 9 member committee)

• Chair Bill Dowd opens the Finance Committee, 8 members participating (1 absent; 1 remote, hence roll call votes req'd)

• They heard the proposed revisions to fiscal policy doc, as marked up, minor change suggested to include the enterprise accounts specifically under the heading, rather than listed separately; approved to send to Town Council

• They heard the proposal for the FY 22 capital plan, clarification questions asked along the way before approving $2+M to send to Town Council

• Joint budget subcommittee scheduled to meet March 10, next meeting of FinCom scheduled for March 9, canceling the April meeting as they will be meeting over four nights in May for the budget hearings

The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Feb 9, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-729-finance-cmte-mtg-02-09-22

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Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee/agenda/fin-com-agenda-20 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

My notes for the meeting =>  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-finance-committee-gets-walk.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!

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

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

 

Finance Committee approves FY22 Capital Plan and revisions to ToF fiscal policy - 02/09/22 (audio)

Notice from the Board of Assessors: FY 2022 Real Estate or Personal Property Abatement Applications due Feb 1, 2022 by 4 PM

Notice from the Board of Assessors - January 31, 2021

FY 2022 Abatement Application

Notice from the Board of Assessors:

FY 2022 3rd Quarter Tax Bills contain new valuations based mainly on the Calendar Year 2020 real estate market. Assessments are as of Jan.1st, 2021 using each property's physical status as of June 30th, 2021. In order for the Board of Assessors to have the authority under Mass. General Law to act on an abatement request, the application must be received timely in our office. 

• FY 2022 Real Estate or Personal Property Abatement Applications for overvaluation or misclassification must be received in the Assessors Office before 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 1, 2022. 
• Exemption Applications for qualified blind, senior or veteran property owners must be received in the Assessors Office before 1:00 PM on Friday, April 1, 2022.

Please read the actual Mass. State Application Forms for further information or call us at (508) 520-4920.

You may access the abatement application form here:   https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2017/09/25/form128.pdf

Shared from the Town of  Franklin page ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-board-assessors-january-31st-2021

FY 2022 Real Estate or Personal Property Abatement Applications due Feb 1, 2022 by 4 PM

Snow day conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern - 01/07/22 (audio)

FM #694 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 694 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin Public Schools Superintendent Sara Ahern. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about 

• School mid-year status, on first snow day

• Her personal status

• Much to do

• Working with new School Committee

• FY 2022 Budget adjustment

• Administrative searches underway

• Capital budget being readied

• FY 2023 budget in preparation

• Davis Thayer surplus decision remains along with the master facility plan work ahead of them

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Sara

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-694-franklin-public-schools-supt-sara-ahern-01-07-22

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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 www.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"

 

FPS Superintendent Sara Ahern updates the School Committee at a meeting in Oct 2021

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

January 12, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Joint Budget Subcommittee Committee Charge and Role
4. FY23 Operating Budget Revenues Sheet Analysis & Discussion
5. Biennial review of the Town of Franklin Financial Policies
6. General business:

a. Approval of Minutes: 12/08/21

b. 2022 Budget Calendar & 2022 Finance Committee Schedule

c. Stabilization Account update

d. Future Agenda Items

7. Adjourn

Agenda doc with remote connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/1-12-22_finance_committe_agenda_packet.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - Jan 12, 2022

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Jan 11, 2022

Franklin School Committee

January 11, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers 

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Student Services Presentation – Paula Marano, Ellen White, Jennifer Graveline

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. ACCEPT Education Collaborative Revision of Capital Reserve Fund Maximum

Balance

I recommend approval of the ACCEPT Collaborative to increase the maximum

balance of the Capital Reserve Fund from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000 as detailed.

B. FY22 Capital Requests

I recommend approval of the FY22 Capital requests as discussed.

C. Revised FY22 Budget

I recommend approval of the revised FY22 Budget in the amount of $67,820,825

as discussed.

D. Unified Basketball Field trip

I recommend approval of the request of Lisa Burger to take 10 Unified Basketball

students to Orlando, Florida from June 4-12, 2022 to represent Massachusetts in

the USA Special Olympic Games 2022 as detailed.

E. Policy Elimination

I recommend elimination of Policy GDJ - Support Staff Assignments and Transfers

as discussed.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. COVID Status Update

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Supt. Evaluation, Budget,

Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, (SATF) Substance Abuse Task

Force, (SWAC) School Wellness Advisory Council, SEPAC, DEI Committee

(Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from the December 14, 2021 School

Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Parmenter Gifts

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $688.31 as detailed:

$613.31 DCU Adopt a Class Program – Supplemental Supplies/Curriculum

$75.00 Leuders Environmental, Inc. – Supplemental Supplies

C. Keller Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,553.67 from O’Connor Studios for

Supplemental Supplies as detailed.

D. Wagner Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 for the Wagner Scholarship as

detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills    Ms. Spencer

IX. Payroll     Ms. Stokes

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective

bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the Chair so declares.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the Chair so declares.

C. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining with nonunion personnel as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the Chair so declares.

D. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(2) to conduct collective bargaining with the FEA/RN unit as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the Chair so declares, and to return in Open Session.

XI. Adjournment

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-11-22.pdf

Meeting packet folder (all other documents released for this meeting) ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-11-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting - Jan 11, 2022

Town Council meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts

FM #671-672 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 671-672 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 1, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hour into two (2) logical segments:

• First - covers the opening, Tax Rate Hearing including approval of the several resolutions required to complete setting the rate for FY 2022 (~49 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6128980e-13cf-4dcd-9189-ed9d2716ea4a
• Second - covers the annual Snow presentation and discussion, Council Comments, and Council votes to enter Executive Session, not to return to open meeting. (~ 1 hour and 11minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/91a26556-85de-4148-aba1-0fb3070e4d48

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Dec 1, 2021

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Agenda document ->  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_dec_1_2021.pdf

My notes from the meeting  -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-sets-tax-rate-at.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 www.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"

 

Town Council meeting - Dec 1. 2021 - audio in two parts

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 11/22/21 (audio)

FM #664 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 664 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of November 17, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• Housing Authority presentation/discussion

• Elk riders donation

• FY 2022 budget adjustments

• Host community agreements

• Future items

o   Town council subcommittees

o   Tax rate hearing

o   Community Preservation Committee

The recording runs about 27 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. The link to my notes taken during the meeting is also provided.

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Nov 22, 2021

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e43cb65b-1e9d-4c68-a13a-4acf16a1d23d 

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Town Council Agenda document ->  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_nov_17_2021.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-town-council-hears-about-waiting.html

SAFE Coalition presentation as mentioned in the discussion (Town Council meeting of 9/15/21) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting.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"

 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 11/22/21 (audio)