"Attention MA college students! #MassDOT is hosting its 2nd work zone safety billboard design contest.
Winning designs will receive a scholarship and be featured on billboards statewide during the 2024 construction season!"
Enter at: https://mass.gov/work-zone-billboard-contest-2024
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| MA College Students: Do you want to try your hand at the Digital billboard contest? |
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| Amie Hazel Interiors invites builders and contractors to breakfast, Sep 26 |
FM #1005 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1005 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the housing and zoning discussion with Brad Chafee, Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, and Sam Williams. Most of us were in the Franklin TV Studio on Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Cobi joined us via the Zoom conference bridge.
Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus meetings that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.
We were joined by Sam Williams for this session to include his insights as the Vice-Chair of the Design Review Commission.
The conversation centered on design aspects of the ongoing Franklin For All discussion. Design Review had come up in a couple of the prior sessions so we decided to spend some time on it here with Sam.
The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 58 minutes. Let’s listen in. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1005-franklin-for-all-7-talks-about-design-review-05-30-23
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The collection of Franklin For All zoning discussions can be found here ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-for-all-housing-zoning-podcast.html
Design Review page https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission
Design Review Guidelines (established in 2005) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/guidelines.pdf
Design Review Best Practices (as updated in 2016) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/best_development_guidebook_sept_2016_1.pdf
Sign guidelines mentioned but more likely to be part of a future discussion
https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission/pages/sign-guidelines
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| The Franklin For All series continues with a discussion on Design Review - 05/30/23 (audio) |
FM #941 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 941 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. We met in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio to talk about the opportunity to help develop the “Master Plan” for Franklin.
The Committee was recently established by the Town Council (01/04/23 meeting). Glenn has just been appointed as Chair. Councilor Cobi Frongillo will be Vice-Chair and Councilor Melanie Hamblen will be Clerk of the committee.
Applications for the 6 resident members of the committee are open and due by March 3, 2023.
The audio recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and all that it will involve. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-941-master-plan-opportunity-with-glenn-jones-02-06-23
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Applications for the Master Plan committee and other volunteer opportunities as discussed https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities
Master Plan charter (Town Council resolution creating committee) ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._23-07_master_plan_update_comm.pdf
Master Plan from 2013 (full 200+ pages) ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/master-pan-2013
Master Plan from 2013 (abridged version) ->
Master Plan update as of 2020 ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/2020-master-plan-update
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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!
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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| The current Master Plan was completed in 2013 and due for an update |
FM #939 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 939 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023.
Five members of the Finance Committee participated (4 absent); present in the Council Chambers were M Hamilton, N Corbosiero, Chair G Conley, N Riley, T Hansen.
The Finance Committee continued their 'deep dive' series to hear about the permit organizations within the Town of Franklin and their first view of the stormwater credit manual currently in draft.
These departments account for the "local receipts" portion of the Town revenue stream. The departments in order of presentation were Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development (including Conservation) and Health.
Interesting to note that while MA general law does not require us to have a police or fire department, it does mandate these other departments.
The meeting recording runs 1 hour and 56 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Feb 8, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-939-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-02-08-23
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Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_-_feb_8_2023.pdf
Draft stormwater credit manual -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf
Franklin TV Video link ->
https://www.youtube.com/live/cWmkflTkiMs?feature=share
My notes in one PDF (including screen grabs of the presentations)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-PEcRqSbqUS-9YEEv4tAgGBb32ksUOo/view?usp=share_link
Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee
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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"
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| multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water |
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| multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water |
Have you ever desired to volunteer for a town board or committee to enhance the great quality of life in Franklin? Below is a list of open vacancies on town boards and committees, including three new committees that have recently been established on major community-defining projects in town.
| Board/ Committee | # of Vacancies |
|---|---|
The Davis-Thayer Citizens committee will explore options for reuse of the former school. | 5 |
Applicants should expect a 12-18 month process to develop a ten-year vision for the community, including town facilities, arts and cultural development, housing, infrastructure, open space and economic development and much more. Read the current town-wide Master Plan. | 6 |
Applicants must have a background in engineering or in construction management. The committee will evaluate and plan a Police Station. | 2 |
The Committee promotes arts and cultural development in the district as part of the Town's certification with the Commonwealth. | 3 |
| 1 (Associate) | |
The Cultural Council awards grants to local arts organizations every year and assists in sponsoring major events like the Cultural Festival And Annual Arts Symposium. | 2 |
To apply, submit a Volunteer Application Form. Deadline to apply is March 3, 2023.
Paper copy forms and prospective applicants may also visit in person or call the Town Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949 and speak with Executive Assistant, Julie McCann. The staff are willing to assist anyone submitting an application by not using the online application portal.
Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities
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| Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you! |
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| Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021 |
The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA. The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden. The program is open to the public at no charge.
Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants. The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.
Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI
In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.
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| Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022 |
The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA. The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden. The program is open to the public at no charge.
Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants. The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.
Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI
In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.
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| Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022 |
FM #610 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 610 in the series.
This shares the Complete Streets Public Discussion meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; Town Administration and DPW staff along with some public participants were present in the Council Chambers. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge.
Yes, I do participate in this session to ask about the documentation shared to those in the room and not yet available for those remote. I also raise a few points on safe walking issues around town.
Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about twenty-six minutes (~:26) . Let’s listen to the Complete Streets Public Discussion for Sep 22
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Town of Franklin Complete Streets page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streetsMeeting agenda (including connection info) ->
My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/franklins-complete-streets-feedback.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/
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"
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| What's with Complete Streets? |
