- Request for a Proposal (RFP) for an Owner Project Manager (OPM)
- Select an OPM
- Work with the OPM to select an architect
- Site visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)
- Schematic design
- Design development
- Construction documents
- Bidding
- Construction
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 *
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Police Station Building Committee starts work at first meeting (video)
Saturday, July 8, 2023
Town of Franklin: Job Opportunities Open Now for Building & Inspections, DPW, and Facilities
Job Opportunities
To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.
Administrative Assistant - Building and Inspections Department
Motor Equipment Repair Person - Department of Public Works
Local Building Inspector - Building and Inspections Department
Heavy Motor Equipment Operators - Department of Public Works
Part Time and Substitute Custodians - Facilities Department
Updated 07/06/2023
If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities
Town of Franklin has multiple Job Opportunities - 1 could be for You! |
Friday, June 16, 2023
Tri-County building project update provided, some questions remain but the date to vote is set as Oct 24, 2023 (audio & video)
- The current school is 'broken', per the MSBA process the building did evaluate options to renovate, renovate & create an addition, or rebuild. The rebuild option was selected as the most viable.
- The cost today is shown as 284M. Franklin's portion will be calculated on the number of students attending Tri-County and currently estimated at about $2M (see handout PDF below)
- Oct 24, 2023 is scheduled date for approval of the Tri-County school replacement project approval assuming that MSBA decides on a final cost during August
- When MSBA does approve the final cost, they should also provide the reimbursement expected, hence the bottom line for the district to pay
- Additional details will be provided after MSBA makes their decision
- After the October vote to approve the project, additional details for the cost per community can be developed
- It is likely that the first payments wouldn’t be due until FY 2026 or FY 2027
- The October vote will be conducted across the 11 communities at the same time, from 12 PM to 8 PM. The vote will be counted in aggregate and a 50% +1 is required for passage
- The MSBA process is out of step on a couple of fronts: (1) it doesn't appropriately account for Voc tech schools as distinct from 'regular' schools (2) the vote by the district doesn't mention how each community will fund it. Many (at least some) communities may require a debt exclusion. Measures to address these issues have been filed with the MA House & Senate and are currently in the committee process, what will happen to them remains to be determined
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Town of Franklin, MA: Tri-County School Project Update - Community Meeting - June 15 at 6 PM
The public is invited to the 4th Community Meeting for the @TriCountyRVTSD School Building Project on Thursday, 6/15/23 at 6 PM in the Tri-County Library Media Center.
Learn more about the project here:
Tri-County School Project Update |
Franklin Food Pantry held Grand Opening Ceremony on June 12, 2023
"Congratulations to the @FranklinFoodPan on relocating to 341 W Central St. in Franklin. We hope this larger facility will assist your mission of addressing food insecurity.
Thank you for your efforts & to @MassDev Underutilized Properties grant funding for making this possible!"
Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1668347182804791297
The Food Pantry is opening for clients Tuesday, and continuing to train volunteers on operations in the new space. Tours for the public are planned for later this Fall.
Fund raising for the new building formally kicks off. Visit the campaign page for details -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/new-building/campaign/
L-R: State Rep Jeff Roy, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, MassDev grant representative Robert Jenkins, Executive Director Tina Powderly |
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Tri-County RVTHS schedules Community Meeting to provide a building project update - June 15 at 6 PM
Tri-County RVTHS schedules Community Meeting to provide a building project update - June 15 at 6 PM |
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Chair Tom Mercer and I condense the Feb 1, 2023 Town Council meeting to about 30 min (audio)
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 Feb 1, 2023:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
We cover the following key topics
APPOINTMENTS
a. New Employee: Fire Department - Kristin Krauss, Firefighter
b. Promotion: Fire Department - William Blanchard, EMS Battalion Chief
LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License and Approval of Scott Corvi as the Manager - MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’ s Market and Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln Street
b. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Vrushank Patel as the Manager - 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, Located at 660 West Central Street
PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent
LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading
b. Resolution 23-14: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept.
c. Resolution 23-15: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($315)
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.
Our conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 6, 2023 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-936-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-23
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The full agenda can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/-AQpq8GSvi4?feature=share
My recap, notes, and audio ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/town-council-approves-all-alcohol_5.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"
Friday, February 3, 2023
CommonWealth Magazine: "Advocates file federal civil rights complaint over vocational school admission policies"
"MORE THAN FIVE YEARS after sounding the alarm over admission policies at the state’s vocational high schools that they say are locking out students who would benefit most from hands-on education, advocates are taking their case to the US Department of Education, filing a federal civil rights complaint aimed at forcing the state to revamp the admissions system at the schools.In a filing Thursday with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, lawyers say the state is allowing the use of selective admission criteria to award seats at vocational schools that “disproportionately and unjustifiably exclude students from vulnerable populations” who are “protected from discrimination under federal law.” The complaint calls for the withholding of federal funds to Massachusetts vocational schools until they come into compliance with civil rights laws."
Students at New Bedford's high-performing regional vocational technical high school. (Photograph by Mark Ostow) |
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Tri-County RVTHS proposing to replace their existing building, topic for Franklin Town Council Mtg - 2/1/23
Tri-County RVTHS proposing to replace their existing building |
Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Franklin Food Pantry Purchases Building to Expand Programming
Edwin’s Building to be new site of the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry has purchased a new building to better serve its neighbors. The building, formerly known as Edwin’s, is located at 341 West Central Street and will undergo renovations to convert it into a functional, accessible and expanded Pantry.
In April of 2020, the Pantry purchased 138 East Central Street to serve as a new location for its operations. After almost 18 months of work, the Pantry concluded that while 138 East Central was a viable option for pre-pandemic operations, Covid-19 so drastically changed operations and programming that the property no longer fully met the Pantry’s neighbors’ needs. The Pantry sold 138 East Central Street in late 2021. Simultaneously, the Pantry identified Edwin’s as a new relocation opportunity. After detailed due diligence evaluating the feasibility of the property for its operations, the Franklin Food Pantry Board, on the recommendation of senior staff and the Pantry Building Committee, moved forward with the purchase of 341 West Central Street. The Pantry will use a variety of funding sources to purchase, renovate, and operate the building including grants, state funding, Board restricted funds and private donations specifically restricted for the new building.
“This new building gives us an opportunity to continue the innovative programs we created during the Pandemic to better serve our neighbors. We are thrilled to honor Jean and Edwin Aldrich by continuing their legacy of connecting with and enriching our community,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Through the generosity of our Board members and close friends, the hard work of our Building Committee and staff, and community members like Representative Jeff Roy who secured funding in the state budget for our new building, we will more fully meet our vision. The new building will have a larger and more accessible space that we will renovate to best fit our unique programs, especially those developed over the past two years.”
These unique programs increase access to healthy food and related services that support needs arising out of food insecurity:
- Three simultaneous distribution models (curbside, in-person, and home delivery) to maximize access and options for neighbors in various circumstances
- Onsite farmer’s market to provide access to healthy fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs
- Three holiday meal kits during the summer, at Thanksgiving, and during year-end holidays that neighbors can customize to their own family traditions
- In-person office hours to assist neighbors to access support for their everyday challenges
341 West Central Street will provide ample and accessible parking, warehouse, shopping and community spaces needed to continue these programs as well as launch additional services to meet the neighbors’ growing and changing needs. The new site will be designed with increased accessibility, confidentiality, safety and comfort and with flexibility to grow additional programs and expand community partnerships. Together, all of these pieces will better fulfill the Pantry’s vision of building a community in which everyone in need has an improved quality of life through nutritious food and supportive resources.
Renovations should begin later this year. In the meantime, The Pantry will continue to operate at its current location and appreciates the continued support of Rockland Trust.
About the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to almost 1,100 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners.
We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages.
The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
Edwin’s Building to be new site of the Franklin Food Pantry |
Monday, April 12, 2021
Franklin Food Pantry: New Building update page
"Recently, we have fielded many questions regarding the progress of our new building and we wanted to give the community an update. "
Franklin Food Pantry: Building Update page |
Monday, December 21, 2020
Planning Board - Agenda - Dec 21, 2020
The Franklin Food Pantry is on the agenda for the Planning Board meeting Monday to introduce the site plan for their new building on East Central St and begin the permit approval process.
Planning Board Agenda
7:00 PM - Commencement/General Business
7:05PM - PUBLIC HEARING - Continued
52 East Central St
Special Permit & Site Plan Modification
WITHDRAWN
7:10 PM - PUBLIC HEARING - Continued
515 West Central Street
Site Plan TO BE CONTINUED
7:15 PM PUBLIC HEARING - Initial
138 East Central Street (Franklin Food Pantry)
Site Plan https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_st_site_plan.pdf
Review docs https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/138_east_central_review.pdf
7:20 PM PUBLIC HEARING - Initial
Countryside Estates
Subdivision Modification
7:25 PM PUBLIC HEARING – Continued
186 Grove St
Site plan Modification
GENERAL BUSINESS:
A. Road Acceptance: Laurinda Lane
B. Bond Release: Sandy Knoll Estates
C. Decision: 72-94 East Central Street- Special Permit & Site Plan
D. Phasing Plan Approval: 160 Grove St
E. Endorsement: 164 Grove St
F. Endorsement: 162 Grove St
G. 81-P ANR: 15-17 Margaret’s Cove
H. 81-P ANR Rescind Vote: 55 Coutu Street
I. Meeting Minutes: November 2, 2020 & November 16, 2020
This agenda is subject to change. Last updated: December 15, 2020
The next meeting of the Planning Board is scheduled for January 11, 2021
Saturday, May 9, 2020
FM #265 Franklin Food Pantry New Building 5/04/20 (audio)
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry and Tina Powderly, Chair of the Board of Directors. We had our conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home to look forward to. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for over 10 years, their needs have outgrown the space.
Lynn talks about the current operations during this pandemic. Tina provides some background on the building search and closing. Work remains to be done before they move. There will be a capital campaign to help fund the mortgage and buildout.
Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I am committing to this capital campaign.
The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Lynn and Tina. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-265-franklin-food-pantry-new-bldg-plus-5-04-20
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Prior recording with Lynn Calling at the end of March 2020
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/03/fm-230-lynn-calling-franklin-food.html
The Franklin Food Pantry current needs
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-food/current-needs-list/
Donate to the Franklin Food Pantry
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/donate-funds/
--------------
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
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"
Lynn Calling, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry in front of the new building at 138 East Central St |
Thursday, March 21, 2019
In the News: Distillery proposal gets Planning Board approval; Franklin man charged with failing fiduciary duty; Worcester ball park build team gets completed
Distillery proposal gets Planning Board approval
"A proposal to open a distillery in the mill building formerly occupied by the Incontro restaurant took a step forward last week after a positive vote from the Planning Board.
Town Planner Amy Love reported that the meeting drew a small crowd, but that those who did attend were in favor of the distillery opening at 860 West Central St. (Rte. 140). A 20-day period to appeal the proposal began March 16, she said.
Love said many people have called her office trying to get in touch with the company seeking the distillery, Brookdale Mill Realty, LLC, whose principals are Franklin residents Patrick and Beth Downing.
Brookdale is seeking a special permit to distill spirits on-site. The Downings plan to distill many types of alcohol, including vodka, gin and whiskey, and offer a tasting room."Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190314/proposed-franklin-distillery-approved-by-planning-board
Franklin man charged with failing fiduciary duty
"A pair of local investment representatives are being charged with fraud after “gambling away” the investment funds of more than 250 clients in high-risk investments, according to a press release from Secretary of State William Galvin’s office.
James G. Daly, of Franklin, and Michael J. O’Keeffe, of Millis, both of Millis-based Oakdale Wealth Management, LLC, are charged with violating their fiduciary duties to their investors. According to the release, a majority of their victims are Massachusetts residents.
Galvin said he brought charges against the men and their firm for “gambling away” the investments of more than 250 client accounts. The charges pertained to “high risk” investments in energy such as oil and gas, according to the release."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190320/franklin-millis-men-charged-with-making-faulty-investments
Worcester Red Sox ball park build team gets completed
"The final piece of the construction/design team for the city’s ballpark project is now in place.
In a related matter, offers have begun to be made for the acquisition of properties in the areas of the proposed ballpark site, to be located in the Canal District/Kelley Square area.
The Worcester Redevelopment Authority board unanimously voted Wednesday to award the construction manager at risk contract for the ballpark project to Gilbane-Hunt, a joint venture.
The initial award is for $10.8 million and largely covers various “soft costs” and pre-construction services, according to Michael E. Traynor, the city’s chief development officer and chief executive officer of the WRA."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190320/worcester-ballpark-construction-manager-set-to-go-offers-made-for-land-acquisitions
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
The Last Tour of the old Franklin High School - 2014
or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157645999514842/
Friday, June 29, 2018
BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27
The Foundation hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony at the new site on the morning of June 27th. Special guests included Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy and Franklin Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting.
Donald Tappin, President of the Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation greeted attendees to the ceremony stating “We are very excited for the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School, after almost a quarter century as one of the best performing schools in the state, to finally have a home of its own. We look forward to having the capacity to bring our academic success and most importantly, the culture of character development and community service to even more students and their families. This project of ours has been a long-time in the making and would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment of many individuals.”
Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Roy presented the school with a special citation on behalf of the House of Representatives in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts offering the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School a sincere congratulations in recognition of the next chapter in the school’s educational journey.
Head of School Heather Zolnowski closed the ceremony sharing “I am honored to be able to speak on behalf of the students, faculty, staff and parents of BFCCPS to thank everyone who worked so hard over the past 6 years to make this dream a reality. This is an exciting time in the history of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School. The new facility and grounds will provide the administration and faculty with the opportunity to enhance an already very successful academic program, provide a comfortable and safe environment for students, faculty and staff and secure the schools future for decades to come. Our expanded school facility will allow us to address our historically long waiting list for enrollment and welcome more students into our school community than ever before. These opportunities would not be possible without the collaboration, hard work and dedication of the people standing before us today.”
Following the ”turning of the soil” invited guests received a tour to highlight progress at the site. The building’s foundation has been poured, and steel delivery for the building’s frame has commenced. The new 72,000 square foot facility will open for the 2019-2020 school year. Event photography and aerial photography of the site are available here.
The Benjamin Franklin Educational Foundation secured funding for the new school primarily through a $24,550,000 tax-exempt bond issued by MassDevelopment and purchased by Citizens Bank with participation by HarborOne Bank, Websterfive Bank and Radius Bank. The bond financing was supplemented with a $2,000,000 loan provided by The Property and Casualty Initiative.
The Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School opened in 1995 and is one of the original 13 Charter Schools in the state of Massachusetts. Priority in the schools annual enrollment lottery is given first to siblings of current students, then to residents of Bellingham, Blackstone, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Milville, Norfolk, Plainville, Upton, Walpole, and Wrentham.
The educational program at BFCCPS offers a strategic partnership with parents, rigorous academic program, foreign language instruction, commitment to arts education, character education, and community service activities.
For the 2019-2020 academic year, BFCCPS will increase enrollment from 50 students to 92 students per grade in Grades Kindergarten through Grade Five resulting in a total of 290 new spaces. Applications for the 2019-2020 school year will go live on November 1, 2018.
Over the next ten years, enrollment will expand from the current cap of 450 students to a total of 900 students. Families that are interested in enrollment at BFCCPS can learn more at www.bfccps.org/about/enrollment and candidates for employment are encouraged to follow http://bfccps.org/about/employment for ongoing information.
BFCCPS hold Groundbreaking Ceremony - June 27 |
Thursday, June 28, 2018
In the News: Charter School breaks ground; active shooter drill for Franklin Police
"From the day the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School moved into the Archdiocese of Boston-owned St. Mary’s building on 201 Main St. in 1995, they did not expect to stay in that building forever.
“We are very tied to how many students we can have in that building,” said Heather Zolnowski, current head of school at BFCCPS. Zolnowski will be executive director of the school for the upcoming academic year.
Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony at 500 Financial Park Drive signifies many years of hard work to expand the regional charter school in hopes that it can become a more flexible learning space that can accommodate more students."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180627/benjamin-franklin-classical-charter-breaks-ground
screen capture of Charter School webpage |
“Active shooter, Tri-County High School! White male, green jacket!” the voice boomed over the police radio on Wednesday morning.
Adrenaline spiked.
Franklin Police Officer Jack Flynn grabbed a rifle mounted between two seats, while I ran to the back of the cruiser and slipped on my body armor. We quickly advanced toward the building with weapons drawn, using the cruisers and a dumpster for cover.
While one officer advanced, the other kept an eye out for the active shooter."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180627/active-shooter-reporter-gets-inside-look-at-franklin-police-drill
Via the Twitterverse
— Franklin Police (@franklinpolice) June 28, 2018
.@franklinpolice active shooter training today at @TriCountyRVTSD see more photos and video read @ScottCaz first person account in @milforddaily @metrowestdaily pic.twitter.com/0jCOSj6Fkk— Art Illman (@illmanMWphoto) June 27, 2018