Showing posts with label fees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fees. Show all posts

Sunday, March 16, 2025

This Chalkboard Chat condenses the Mtg of March 11 & the Joint Budget Sessions (audio)

FM #1406 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1406 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually via Zoom on Thursday, March 13, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the Joint Budget Listening Sessions and the School Committee meeting of March 11, 2025. 

 

We cover 

  • Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State champions

  • The redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself was posted on Wednesday. It lays out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail.

  • The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some more students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of school in June to confirm the bus routing that would really be required.

  • The consideration of fees was a discussion only topic. This doc was posted on Wednesday. There was discussion of going to 4 tiers of sports fees (rather than 3). Hockey effectively moves to its own tier. Busing fees are being considered for reduction from $500 to $387 with a return of the family cap, and capping at $1000.

  • A summary of the Joint Budget recommendation for the override of $3.8M on June 3 will be taken up by the Town Council at their March 19 meeting.


The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1406-chalkboard-chat-03-13-25/


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


Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   


School Committee Meeting Info

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJsUiAaOw0 


The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.pdf 


Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110 


Transportation update -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408487/Franklin_Public_Schools_Reorganization_Transportation.pptx.pdf 


Facility projects update -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408488/Capital_Projects_and_Facilities_Improvements.pdf 


Fees analysis for discussion only ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408662/3_11_25__SC_Meeting_FY25_FEE_ANALYSIS___FY26_FEE_CONSIDERATION_-_FY26_Fee_Recommendations.pdf 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMCqlD8Uouxkf0bB0ZuwRY8uZoH-o576/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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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 Chalkboard Chat condenses the Mtg of March 11 & the Joint Budget Sessions  (audio)
This Chalkboard Chat condenses the Mtg of March 11 & the Joint Budget Sessions  (audio)

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Franklin School Committee get a transportation, facility, and fee consideration update (audio)

FM #1403 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1403 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. 6 members participated, 5 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Charles), 1 absent (Griffith). 


Quick recap

  • Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State champions

  • The redistricting facility update was talked about. The doc itself will be posted on Wednesday. It lies out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail. The pix captured of the doc shown on the screen during the time shown didn't allow for sufficient evaluation.

  • The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some ore students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and potential for 2 less buses remains. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of school in June to confirm the bus routing that would really be required.

  • The consideration of fees was a discussion only topic. This doc will also be posted on Wednesday. There was discussion of going to 4 tiers of sports fees (rather than 3). Hockey effectively moves to its own tier. Busing fees are being considered for reduction from $500 to $387 with a return of the family cap, and capping at $1000.


The recording runs about 2 hours & 20 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1403-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-11-25/



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


Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJsUiAaOw0 


The agenda doc -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5388334/SCAGENDA_3-11-25.pdf 


Meeting packet (other docs as they are released after the meeting will get posted here) -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/march-11%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/770110 


Transportation update -> https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408487/Franklin_Public_Schools_Reorganization_Transportation.pptx.pdf 


Facility projects update -> 

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408488/Capital_Projects_and_Facilities_Improvements.pdf


Fees analysis for discussion only ->

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5408662/3_11_25__SC_Meeting_FY25_FEE_ANALYSIS___FY26_FEE_CONSIDERATION_-_FY26_Fee_Recommendations.pdf 


My full set of notes taken during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IMCqlD8Uouxkf0bB0ZuwRY8uZoH-o576/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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


School Cmte poses with scouts who stayed for the whole meeting as part of their civics project
School Cmte poses with scouts who stayed for the whole meeting as part of their civics project

School Committee poses with the DECA award winners
School Committee poses with the DECA award winners

School Committee poses with the fine arts award winners
School Committee poses with the fine arts award winners

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Franklin School Committee get a transportation, facility, and fee consideration update (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. 6 members participated in the session, 5 in Council Chambers and 1 remotely (Charles) with 1 absent (Griffin).

Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJsUiAaOw0


Quick recap:
  • Recognition of multiple sets of students for accomplishments in (arts, writing, painting, ceramics), and for those in the DECA program who were State champions
  • The redistricting facility update was talked to. The doc itself wil be posted on Wednesday. It lies out the process in 3 phases of immediate, near term, and long term apparently in detail. The pix captured of the doc shown on the screen during the time shown didn't allow for sufficient evaluation
  • The Transportation update was good, ultimately while some more students are expected to ride the bus, with the redistricting, travel times should be improved, and there is potential for 2 less buses. Now, this is a model based upon current students in the district. The key will be the bus enrollment/payment process beginning in April, that closes at the end of schoool in June, to confirm the bus routing that would really be required
  • The consideration of fees was a discussion only topic. This doc will also be posted on Wednesday. There was discussion of going to 4 tiers of sports fees (rather than 3). Hockey effectively moving to its own tier. Busing fees are being considered for reduction from $500 to $387 with a return of the family cap, and capping at $1000.

My full notes captured during the meeting in one PDF ->







Sunday, March 2, 2025

Town Council effectively conducts business before going to Executive Session on Feb 26, 2025 (audio)

FM #1391  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1391 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 26, 2025. 8 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 1 was absent (Dellorco). 


Quick recap:

  • Going right to legislation for action

    • Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading; Motion to waive reading, passes - Motion to approve, second, vote via roll call passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

    • Resolution 25-05: Free Cash To Stabilization Accounts Transfers Motion to approve, second - Discussion had been part of the capital budget review by FinCom and Capital budget subcmte but not yet set here for approval - Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

    • Bylaw Amendment 25-925: Amendment to Sewer System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Last parcel on the road to extend this to. Motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Related to the above

    • Bylaw Amendment 25-926: Amendment to Water System Map (Raymond St.) - First Reading - Water to go along with the sewer as noted, motion to move to second reading, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

    • Resolution 25-11: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44 §53F3/4 -  Motion to waive reading, passes 8-0-1; Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)

  • Town Administrator's Report

    • March 5 preliminary FY 2026 budget update coming Traditional slide show, and updates

    • Mirchi withdrew the alcohol liquor license application

    • Did get confirmation from the Commonwealth, August 31, Best Western will be closed to the emergency shelter program; Jamie still gets emails etc. and blame us for the town role which was not our choice, it was totally a state decision and effort, thanks to the residents and organizations for handling this under the circumstances

  • Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting

  • Motion, second, passes via roll 8-0-1 (1 Absent)


Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1391-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-26-25/


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


My expanded notes -> https://docs.google.com/document/d/10yE_Dj5dIlYdzyYou4cZhh5AD4kJL0JZOGgg0BDuOfA/edit?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y 


The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02262025-1602 


My notes captured during the meeting in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFS-kA1Xy3rCoN2v-1H8-wbGw6nlI21m/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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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 TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y
Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cbkmz3G_q6Y