Take part in a MRN Clinical Trial to build the repository & earn some compensation (audio)

FM #1073 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1073 in the series. 

This shares my interview and discussion with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis. Our discussion was conducted on site at the MRN facility in the Forge Park Industrial Park.

• What is MRN’s mission? The role of the MRN’s Clinical Research Division 

• About the clinical research studies that are currently available (Ageros, Leidos)

• Studies are handled by an experienced team of clinical coordinators who follow stringent protocols to ensure the safety of our donors and the integrity of our studies

• Donors will receive compensation for each study that they participate in

• Create the Biorepository for future studies

• How we can get involved in one or more of these clinical collections

• For more information on how you can take part, please contact us at (508) 384-0033 or email collections@mrndx.com

The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dr. Greg Chiklis. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1073-mrn-diagnostics-dr-greg-chiklis-10-05-23

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Home page for MRD -> https://www.mrndx.com/ 

Clinical Collections Flyer -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PYwt2IFAnf6TYSQKQLyAWQZZDWPw87GL/view?usp=drive_link

How to donate to one of the collections -> https://www.mrndx.com/donor-home 

Clinical Compensation summary -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBAv27U-0aGb7K5jAtnc2xchHBVHs8EU/view?usp=drive_link

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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 franklin.news/ or 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"

"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

FM #917 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 917 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.  

Topics for this session

Welcome to 2023

200 acres of open space

Town Council recap

Four committees authorized

• Arts & Culture prep for Master Plan – complete Jun 2023

• Master Plan – approx. 18 months

• Davis Thayer reuse – complete Dec 2023

• Police Station likely 3-4 years

Finance Committee recap

• Compensation plan, multi year implementation

• Capital budget for FY 2023 ( increase to debt stabilization account)

Hiring for backfills continues

Preview of Town Council

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/2023---A-Year-of-Planning-for-Franklins-Future-e1tjutj/a-a96jv09

 

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Town Council meeting 1/04/23 recap (audio & video links) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-panthers-recognized-historic.html 

Finance Committee 1/11/23 recap (audio & video links) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/finance-cmte-gets-briefed-on-1st.html 

Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft Report, Results & Methodology   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf 

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf 

Town Council agenda for 1/18/23

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-january-18.html 

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

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

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"

"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

Finance Cmte gets briefed on 1st compensation study performed for Franklin non-union personnel, approves 1st pass of FY 23 capital budget (audio)

FM #915 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 915 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 11, 2023. 

Seven members of the Finance Committee participated (2 absent); 5 present in the Council Chambers, 2 remote. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and any Department leader with a capital budget item. 

Quick recap:

• First item presentation and discussion on the first comprehensive salary and compensation plan for the non-union personnel. Jointly presented by the consultant, HR Director Karen Bratt and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. New salary ranges developed, implementation will be gradual due to overall funding resources available. Prioritization of those instances in the high ranges and low ranges which need addressing is underway

• Second item was the first pass of the capital plan for FY 2023. $750K is set aside to cover for snow/ice and if not used will be available for a second round later this year (Apr/May). Brief presentation on each section of the requests, clarification questions on need and or rationale. Supply chain issues are relatively rampant: Grove St traffic light due March 2022 still not here, fire ambulances ordered last year still not here, same for police cruisers ordered last year… Committee moved to approve the full request as discussed to the Town Council for their approval

FY23 Capital Plan Proposal

The meeting recording runs 1 hour and 57 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Jan 11, 2023.

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Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft of Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf 

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf   

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf 

 

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

 

Note: the doc used by the consultant for the compensation study is not yet available. 

 

Screenshots of the presentation were captured during the meeting and available in this photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WEoCSrZ2Kn3sBcxT6

My notes ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rTFyi7BjsfCuWEYm9yHPE9Sa7voXFtWE/view?usp=share_link 

YouTube recording =>   https://youtu.be/Q2Kbhwq1pdk

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

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

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 of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

Finance Committee gets briefed on first compensation study performed for non-union personnel, approves FY 23 capital budget first pass (video)

The Franklin Finance Committee met on Wednesday for 2 hours. The major items on the agenda were the presentation on the first comprehensive salary & compensation study performed on the non-union positions. The second item was the review and ultimate approval of the proposed first pass at the FY 23 capital budget.

The Franklin TV recording is available via YouTube. Video link -> https://youtu.be/Q2Kbhwq1pdk

Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf 

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf   

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf 

The agenda doc ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

Note: the doc used by the consultant for the compensation study is not yet available. Screenshots of the presentation were captured during the meeting and available in this photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/WEoCSrZ2Kn3sBcxT6

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

 

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Meeting Agenda - January 11, 2023

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Approval of Minutes: None

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Discussion: Compensation & Classification Study

i. Final Report, Results & Methodology -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf

5. FY23 Capital Plan

a. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_memo.pdf

b. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf

c. Quotes (if available)  -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf

6. 2023 Finance Committee Member Committee Assignments -    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_finance_committee_roster_fy_2022_website_0.pdf

7. Standing Updates:

a. Stabilization Funds -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/stabilization_fund_balances_11-30-2022.pdf

b. FY23 Year To Date -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/ytd_budget_report.pdf

c. MMA Letter to incoming Governor Healey  -   https://www.mma.org/advocacy/mma-letter-to-incoming-governor-outlines-key-municipal-priorities-for-fy24-local-aid-and-ch-90-funding/

8. Future Agenda Items

9. Adjourn

The agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_jan_11_2023.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee Meeting - January 11, 2023

This Talk Franklin episode includes insights on the forthcoming Compensation study & goodbye to Alecia (audio)

FM #906 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 906 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

Quick Recap

200 acres open space preserved with last 17 acres 

License renewals

Franklin Library Association ends it long service & donation run

Economic Development

Inclusionary zoning

MBTA, Franklin For All, etc.

Outlook

First pass at Capital budget, CPC, ARPA

Compensation study

Job opportunities across a variety of Dept/functions

Goodbye Alecia, best wishes

The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Alecia. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-906-talk-franklin-12-22-22

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Finance Committee (with School budget deep dive) 12/07/22 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html 

Town Council 12/14/22 (video, audio & recap) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/town-council-approves-open-space.html 

Note: The video portion with Library Director Felicia Oti talking about the Franklin Library Assoc begins at about 25 minutes

Open positions with Town of Franklin ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities 

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

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"

This Talk Franklin episode includes insights on the forthcoming Compensation study & goodbye to Alecia (audio)