Town Council Quarterbacking - with Chair Tom Mercer - 01/20/22 (audio)

FM #703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 703 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 January 19, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Moment of silence for former Councilor Andy Bissanti

Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department

Retirement - Sgt. Brian Johnson

Retirement - Patrol Officer Rick Grover

Moving On - Kallie Montagano, Clinical Social Worker

FY23 Department of Public Works Budget & Enterprise Fund Preview 

Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

Legislation

Resolution 22-04: Adoption of 2021-2022 Town Council Goals 

Resolution 22-05: FY22 Transfer of MECC Appropriation 

Resolution 22-06: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center 

LGBTQ+ Discrimination Project (Franklin High School) (video)  

The recording runs about 38 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Jan 20, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-703-town-council-quarterbacking-01-20-22

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Town Council Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf 

My notes for the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-town-council-gets-whole-lot-of.html 

Direct link to video if you have not seen it -> https://youtu.be/q8bXTNxtTiw

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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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town Council Quarterbacking - with Chair Tom Mercer - 01/20/22 (audio)

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio)

FM #681 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 681 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 December 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Appointments

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons

Community Preservation Committee: Richard (Rick) Power

 

2022 Annual Alcohol License Renewals

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf

 

Presentation - Human Resources: Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director

The recording runs about 27 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Dec 16, 2021

** Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-681-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-12-15-21

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Town Council Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-hears-update-on.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 - 12/16/21 (audio) 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

"On the second day before leaving Facebook 
My true love sent to me
Two Talk Franklin sessions a month"

The two "Talk Franklin" session can be considered a bonus that you receive by subscribing (for free). These sessions with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen get you insights on what's going on that are not available elsewhere.

And because you acted promptly, we’ll include the Town Council Quarterbacking sessions with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. In about 20-30 minutes we provide a condensed view of what happened at the recent Town Council meeting.

These interviews are among those regularly scheduled and available to Franklin Matters subscribers. The audio session to celebrate the anniversary of Franklin Matters can be found here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/happy-anniversary-franklin-matters.html 

On the second day before leaving Facebook My true love sent to me

 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/21/21 (audio)

FM #644 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 644 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 October 20, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

• APPOINTMENTS - David Ogilvie: Fire Department, New Hire

• PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

• American Rescue Plan Act: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

• 2020 Federal Census & Reprecincting Update: Nancy Danello, Acting Town Clerk and Kate Sjoberg, GIS Coordinator -  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf   and  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._reprecincting_maps.pdf

• 10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Resolution 21-60: Further Amending the Senior Citizen Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-60 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_21-60_senior_tax.pdf

• 10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - Resolution 21-61: Further Amending the Veterans’ Property Tax Work-off Abatement Program (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-61 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_21-61_vets.pdf

• 10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -  Resolution 21-62: Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 59, Section 5C ½ and Increase in Certain Property Tax Exemptions Pursuant Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-62 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_21-62_property_tax_exemption_vets_0.pdf

 

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/a92a0c07-06e6-419f-8329-308d8b2576f3

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Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

ARPA Funding Status ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_arpa_overview_fin_com_town_council.pdf 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_21-59_reprecincting.pdf

Town budget info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

School budget info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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

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"

 

Census 2020 and Reprecincting presentation

FM #612 - Town Council Candidate Tom Mercer - 09/22/21 (audio)

FM #612 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 612 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with candidate for Town Council Tom Mercer. 

This is one of a series of conversations with candidates for the Franklin Election on Nov 2, 2021. I do this to provide Franklin, MA voters with accurate and timely information that they can use to cast an informed vote.  Publication of the answers or interview responses does not constitute an endorsement of this or any candidate.

We cover the candidate questions as previously developed with the community and shared with the candidates. Five of the questions are ‘general’ in nature, the sixth is specific to the role of the candidate. In this case, for the Town Council.

Our conversation runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my interview with Tom Mercer.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f91cda47-c24b-459a-8433-e1fb7f6efb8c

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Candidate questions -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/election-2021-candidate-interview.html 

Contact info:

• Phone -> 508 528-9084

• Email address -> tmercer@franklinma.gov 

Election Collection 2021 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-election-collection-2021.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 Candidate Tom Mercer

FM #597 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/01/21 (audio)

FM #597 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 597 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 September 1, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a. Police Department:

i. Nick Palmieri, Promotion to Sergeant

ii. Jack Flynn, Promotion to Detective

iii. Victoria McVicar, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in

iv. Patrick MacDonald, New Hire Introduction & Ceremonial Swearing in

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Richard Johnson, Conservation Commission  

 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to Ch.185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements proposed change to minimum parking requirements in Downtown Commercial and Commercial I zoning districts.

 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a. Karen Maguire - Superintendent of Schools, Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School

 

Executive Session

Chap 61A for 215 Prospect St

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/151db49e-563c-4706-82f1-8e3bebd8ee08

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Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/9-1-21_town_council_agenda.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"

 

FM #597 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/01/21 (audio)