Showing posts with label ONE Franklin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ONE Franklin. Show all posts

Thursday, March 28, 2024

One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers" for their Literature Campaign

Via the One Franklin group:
"Are you a parent/grandparent/caregiver for a school aged child in Franklin? 
One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers"
One Franklin could use some "Lit volunteers" 
Do they take the bus? 

Do they play a sport, play in the jazz band? Are they in a club? Are you?

Do you want to help spread awareness about this budget deficit, but have no time to give? 

Our team is looking for those with no time to give for 'Lit(e)' work by creating a team of "Lit Volunteers" to drop off literature (see what we did there?) Their purpose will be to drop off information to fellow parents/caregivers, friends and neighbors. 
People who you probably already see at the bus stop, playground, soccer field, etc... or perhaps you could help by dropping some literature off to your child's classmates or neighborhood (no door knocking, just door hangers). We drop the printed materials right to your home when they're ready to go out. 
Many hands make light work, come be a part of the solution! Please fill out the form below if you want to help. "

Find out more about One Franklin at -> https://onefranklinma.com/

Monday, February 26, 2024

Will you sign the One Franklin petition to put an override request on the ballot?

via One Franklin: signatures looked for on the 
"one tool we have for getting this on the ballot this budget season, June 2024. 
We (One Franklin) will campaign hard in April and May. 
Otherwise, if we wait until November, the schools will suffer, and the problem will increase requiring an even larger number. "

More info about the One Franklin group can be found on their web page ->    https://onefranklinma.com/

Will you sign the One Franklin petition to put an override request on the ballot?
Will you sign the One Franklin petition to put an override request on the ballot?

Thursday, February 22, 2024

One Franklin: Community Coffee Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today

"Beginning Feb 22, then continuing every other Thursday 7-9 PM. One or more members of One Franklin will be at Franklin’s Birchwood Bakery to connect, discuss the latest developments around an override proposal and to just have good conversations at a great spot in town.

All are welcome to come by and say hi ultimately we are all working together for the same outcome… One Franklin, where everyone benefits from our united effort to nurture and value our community."


One Franklin: Community Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today
One Franklin: Community Coffee Conversations at Birchwood Bakery from 7 to 9 PM today


Monday, February 5, 2024

Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin

"Beginning Feb 22, then continuing every other Thursday 7 to 9 PM. One or more members of One Franklin will be at Franklin’s Birchwood Bakery to connect, discuss the latest developments around an override proposal and to just have good conversations at a great spot in town.

All are welcome to come by and say hi ultimately we are all working together for the same outcome… One Franklin, where everyone benefits from our united effort to nurture and value our community. "

Next conversation, Thursday Feb 22 

For more information about One Franklin -> https://onefranklinma.com/ 

Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin
Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin

Thursday, January 4, 2024

One Franklin "New Year's Resolution Event" scheduled for Jan 11, 2024 at 67 Degrees

Happy New Year One Franklin!!!

We have shared our New Year's Resolution Event on our Facebook Page, through Franklin Matters, and other channels, so hopefully most of you have saved the date!
One Franklin New Year's Resolution Public Event!
Thursday, January 11, 2024
67 Degrees Brewing, Franklin 

Help us fill that room One Franklin!! We invited the media, so please make it count.

All of our active volunteers will be there to launch our website & we will have lawn signs to take home too. Good drinks, good people and a New Year's Resolution worth fighting for... Franklin! This is a great chance to invite friends and neighbors to join!

We have invited elected leaders to answer questions. Many who have been supporting our efforts, working to educate residents that "the pot isn't big enough" and that it's up to the community to take action. 

We are pushing forward trying to get the override on the ballot just after budget hearings are finalized this May/June 2024. The public school number is a huge ask, and they must make sure they are responsibly addressing the call to close schools. Doing so will not solve the budget shortage, we saw little impact from closing Davis Thayer. Nevertheless, it's going to be a hot topic creating some pushback during override debates. 

The Superintendent has been asked to create a 5-10 year "vision" which is a massive undertaking and this is why they did not redistrict last year. The School Committee voted to thoroughly research all moving parts of the district, with updated enrollment numbers, understand specific facilities conditions, and produce a road map for the next 5-10 years.

However, we will have a good number to work with before that vision is complete because even at 'level services' we are well above the 2.5% expected in the standard budget increase. Once the school committee is able to bring forward their defined needs, the other departments should be ready to go. One Franklin has met with the Fire Chief and Union, Superintendent and Union, Police Chief, and DPW Director and Union thus far. Our Town Admin will add on Fire, DPW, Police, etc. and that's ultimately the number we will be working with to get the Town Council to approve for a vote. 

Please reply if you can make it, and if you want to help with food or decor, please don't hesitate to let us know at onefranklinvolunteers@gmail.com. Many hands make light work.

Thank you!!!

One Franklin "New Year's Resolution Event" scheduled for Jan 11, 2024 at 67 Degrees
One Franklin "New Year's Resolution Event" scheduled for Jan 11, 2024 at 67 Degrees

Sunday, December 17, 2023

One Franklin’s New Years Resolution - Jan 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM

Join One Franklin for a New Years Resolution Public Event on January 11 from 6-9 PM at 67 Degrees Brewing

Meet our leadership team and talk directly with elected leaders about how we are working together to avoid cuts to Franklin's town services, most significantly to our public schools!

(One Franklin is a ballot question committee formed to pass an operational override in Franklin.)


One Franklin’s New Years Resolution - Jan 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM
One Franklin’s New Years Resolution - Jan 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 PM

Thursday, October 12, 2023

Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello walks us through voting process for the Oct 24 Tri-County Election, then for the Nov 7 Biennial Election (audio)

FM #1074 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1074 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Town Clerk Nancy Danello conducted in her office at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. 


We talk about 

  • The Tri-County election October 24

  • The biennial Town of Franklin election Nov 7, includes the debt exclusion to fund the Tri-County building 


The show notes include links to the Town Clerk page and to the Tri-County information.


The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1074-franklin-ma-town-clerk-nancy-danello-10-03-23



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


Town Clerk’s page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 


Tri-County new building page -> https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/ 


Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent (presentation to Town Council) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf


Building update meeting in June, 2023 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/06/tri-county-building-project-update.html 


Tri-County Election Announcement  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/important-news-tri-county-district-wide-election-10242023

Memo from Town Administrator - Tri-County Election if approved: Estimated Cost Per Household   ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/imce/u353/8b._1_-_memo_-_tri_county_school_financing.jpg

Tri-County Election Warrant  ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/news/tri-county-warrant

Tri-County Sample Ballot  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/tri-county_10-24_sample_ballot.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"


Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello
Franklin Town Clerk Nancy Danello


Thursday, October 5, 2023

One Franklin will be at the Farmers Market on Friday, Oct 6 from 2 to 6 PM

One Franklin will be featured at the Community booth during the Farmers Market this Friday 10/6 from 2-6. 

We will have some elected leaders also stop by from School Committee and Town Council to connect with voters and encourage engagement from the community in the override discussion.

One Franklin will be at the Farmers Market on Friday, Oct 6 from 2 to 6 PM
One Franklin will be at the Farmers Market on Friday, Oct 6 from 2 to 6 PM

Sunday, August 20, 2023

This Town Council Quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer covers the Aug 16, 2023 Council meeting (audio)

FM #1042 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1042 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 August 16, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS a. Agricultural Commission   i. Daniel Morse  


PUBLIC HEARINGS 

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  


Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director

i. Current Project Updates

ii. Pavement Management Program & Sidewalk Plan   

iii. Water Tank Master Plan


Discussion: Proposition 2 ½ Operating Override

i. Process - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator  

ii. Campaign & Political Finance and Ethics Laws - Mark Cerel, Town Attorney  


Near Future outlook

  • Police Station Building Committee meeting – 8/23 – 6 PM  (Council Chamber)

  • Master Plan Committee – 8/23 6:30 PM (3rd floor)

  • Dean College President Ken Elmore will provide an update at next session


Our conversation runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Aug 17, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1042-town-council-quarterbacking-08-17-23



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

The complete agenda doc  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_aug_16_2023.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/vlYIlCbc4hs 

The PDF with my Twitter thread of notes is available here https://drive.google.com/file/d/17mCqfZ5ZEaL6jBcpFEFFOrqh8NrW6noP/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 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"


This Town Council Quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer covers the Aug 16, 2023 Council meeting (audio)
This Town Council Quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer covers the Aug 16, 2023 Council meeting (audio)

Saturday, August 19, 2023

State Ethics Commission Feedback Shared by One Franklin

Hello One Franklin!!! 

I wanted to forward the email below to you all regarding the question that came up at last nights TC meeting. I sent the email to Nancy Danello, Town Clerk and copied Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Tom Mercer, Town Council Chair, and Denise Spencer, School Committee Chair. 

Thank you everyone, have a great weekend!

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ruthann OSullivan 
Date: Fri, Aug 18, 2023 at 3:45 PM
Subject: State Ethics Commission Feedback
To: Nancy Danello 
Cc: Jamie Hellen, Tom Mercer, Denise Spencer, 
Kenneth Ojukwi

Hello Nancy (and friends)!!

I wanted to let you know that I spoke to the State Ethics Commission, Attorney John Macdonald specifically. I told him about the One Franklin Ballot Question Committee, as well as the fact that I am running for School Committee.

He verified what the OCPF had said, which is that I can run for School Committee without it being a conflict. Once elected, I will have the same restrictions as other members. However, I plan to contact his office once again if elected and get specific clarity as to my limitations working with One Franklin, which appear to be around fundraising and using municipal resources as expected. 

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions for me. Have a great weekend!!!

Ruthann O'Sullivan 
508-397-7785

 

State Ethics Commission Feedback Shared by One Franklin
State Ethics Commission Feedback Shared by One Franklin

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

One Franklin Outreach to All

Dear Franklin Resident,


I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits. I am reaching out to you on behalf of the One Franklin Ballot Question Committee to seek your support for our upcoming campaign to pass an operational override.


As a valued member of our community, we believe that you share our vision of creating a better future for the residents of Franklin. By supporting our fundraising efforts, you can play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our campaign and securing the necessary resources to make a positive impact.


Your generous donations will directly contribute to funding several essential aspects of our campaign, including:


1. Signs: Clear and impactful signage is key to spreading our message far and wide. .


2. Educational Mailers: To ensure that every resident understands the implications of the ballot question, we intend to distribute educational mailers. These informative materials will break down complex information into easily understandable language, empowering voters to make informed decisions.


3. Printing: The production of flyers, pamphlets, and informational materials requires significant financial resources. Your contributions will enable us to print these materials and disseminate them throughout the community, amplifying our message and improving voter awareness.


4. Postage: Mailing these materials to every household in Franklin is a crucial part of our outreach strategy. Your support will help cover the postage costs, allowing us to reach as many residents as possible and encourage their active participation in the vote.


5. Promotional Merchandise: Showcasing our cause through promotional merchandise not only helps raise awareness but also serves as a long-lasting reminder of the campaign. 


6. Educational Events: We are planning to host educational events to provide in-depth information regarding the operational override. These events will offer opportunities for residents to ask questions, engage in meaningful discussions, and gain a deeper understanding of the benefits the override will bring to our community. Your contributions will help us organize and execute these events successfully.


By supporting our fundraising efforts, you will be directly contributing to the betterment of our community. Together, we will ensure that Franklin will not be forced to make cuts to meet the needs of our residents but instead, thrive. By providing the necessary resources to sustain our schools, police, fire, and DPW, as well as enhance other services in town, we can foster a vibrant and prosperous future for all.


To make a donation, please visit our secure online donation portal HERE  (you may also copy this link to paste into your browser to make an online donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RENS4TS6YW7BY)  


OR


Send a check payable to "One Franklin" to 175 Oak Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Every contribution counts, no matter the amount. Your support will be acknowledged and deeply appreciated.


Investing in our community's future is an investment worth making. We encourage you to share this email with your friends, family, and colleagues who may also be interested in supporting our cause.


Thank you for your time, consideration, and dedication to making a positive difference in Franklin.


If you have any questions or would like further information about our campaign, please do not hesitate to contact us at OneFranklinVolunteers@gmail.com or reach out via the numbers below. 


Together, let's create a brighter future!!


Warm regards,


Ruthann O'Sullivan

Chair

(508)397-7785

Kenneth Ojukwi

Treasurer

(917)783-2891

One Franklin Outreach to All
One Franklin Outreach to All

Saturday, August 5, 2023

OneFranklin: Recap of Wednesday's Joint Budget Subcmte Meeting - 08/02/23

Thank you One Franklin for attending last night's budget meeting! We were just about 200 strong (half in person and half zooming in) and our engagement was recognized and commended by our elected leaders. There is a link to the YouTube recording of the meeting at the bottom of this post.
We want to thank Tom Mercer, Chair of the Town Council, for bringing this group together to solve this financial crisis, and for his many years of leadership in Franklin. Councilor Mercer praised the One Franklin Committee's efforts to engage the community and went on to validate our initiative during his opening remarks.
"We are thrilled to see a dedicated group of folks that are ready to dig into the details of overrides and ballot questions…most in the community still have a lot to learn about the town's financial situation. Personally, I believe an override is needed just to continue the level of services provided to the community."
The meeting continued with our Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen's budget forecast, which is bleak. There is simply not enough revenue to support the services we have in town, and the deficit will increase over the next five years forcing cuts to all departments. The only debate was whether the forecast was too conservative and the outlook worse than anticipated as inflation (forecast at 2.5%)has shot up at rates of 7% in 2021 and 6.5% in 2022. In addition, Administrator Hellen identified several other potentially significant risks that are not accounted for in his budget (reduced state funding, increased IT expenses, etc.).
Department directors were asked about some of the most significant cost drivers in their expense budgets. DPW discussed how our lack of funding has caused our road ratings to go down. Police talked about how items required are not funded in their expense budget and instead must rely on the capital budget, which Franklin has in place for improvement projects (for example the new van for the senior center). Many will recall the staffing shortages that are affecting our police department as well, most recently losing two officers due to mandatory overtime obligations.
These were high level discussions, and more granular details will come as departments present to the full Town Council in the coming months. However, this session of the Joint Budget Subcommittee highlighted that it's not only our schools that are being forced to go without. Across the board our elected leaders continue to stress that the 'pot is not big enough'.
This is the starting point. Here is what we can expect, and what we all can do to support progress.
Our expectation is that the School Committee and the Superintendent will meet and begin to formulate the amount of money (above what was presented) they believe is required for an adequate school budget. They will bring this back to the Joint Budget Subcommittee. Concurrently, the Town Administrator will meet and gather information from the other municipal departments and do the same. For the sake of transparency, these amounts will specifically outline what the revenue will fund. The Joint Budget Subcommittee will facilitate this effort in order to bring all departments together and present an override amount to the entire Town Council.
This is not going to be an easy endeavor. It's crucial that we determine the correct number to bring forward for a vote, meaning we present the community with a number that is high enough to accomplish our goals, and low enough to be accepted. There are some that will find no number acceptable, and this is always the case. However, we believe that through education and transparency, our residents will show up unified in support of those providing our most essential services here in Franklin.
As discussed in last night's meeting, we want to ask the community to do their part in allowing this difficult and tedious process to be completed as quickly as possible. That said, our Superintendent and Town Administrator are expected to have little bandwidth for projects above and beyond this undertaking plus their standard professional obligations. One Franklin wants to support their effort every way we can.
Stay tuned for emails from OneFranklinVolunteers@gmail.com and spread the word! There will be upcoming events, activities and opportunities to contribute to the success of our goal.
We are One Franklin!!!
OneFranklin: Recap of Wednesday's Joint Budget Subcmte Meeting - 08/02/23
OneFranklin: Recap of Wednesday's Joint Budget Subcmte Meeting - 08/02/23