12:00-1:00 Singer Evan Greer1:00-2:00 Open Mic2:00-4:00 Singer Krisanthi Pappas and Bass Player Steve Skop
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 *
Sunday, June 26, 2022
1st Franklin Pride Celebration - June 26 - Noon to 4 PM
Thursday, June 2, 2022
Board of Health hears about chicken coop encroachment issue; no new housing inspections, 1 COVID death in May (audio)
FM #811 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 811 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022. One board member was in the 3rd floor training room along with Health Dept staff. The other two members participated remotely. All votes were via roll call.
The meeting runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting June 1, 2022.
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Agenda document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/boh_agenda_06012022_3.pdf
My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yMfZYjMA6weyYUsAn_0ExswMcKcDhM19/view?usp=sharing
--------------
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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https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/webforms/covid-19-dashboard-portal |
Monday, May 30, 2022
Franklin Farmers Market opens Friday, June 3
- For more information on the vendor schedule please visit -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/vendors
- The event schedule can be found -> https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/events
- Follow the Farmers Market Instagram account for updates -> https://www.instagram.com/franklinfarmersmarketma/
Friday, May 20, 2022
Celebrate with PRIDE - June 26, 2022
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#FranklinCANCelebrateWithPRIDE - June 26, 2022 |
Donate here: https://givebutter.com/celebratewithpride
Wednesday, May 4, 2022
Franklin Cultural District Committee Meeting - Agenda - May 5 - 7 PM
- March 23, 2022 Cultural District Committee Meeting
- April 6, 2022 Cultural District Committee Meeting
- Review, discuss and vote FY23 Goals
- Review of current CDC membership.
- Update
- Members report
- Publishing schedule; sharing; outreach
- Opportunities to fund performances/events within the Cultural District
- Purchase of materials and supplies
- Rain Check Program
- Pat presentation
- Discussion of May 12, 2022 7:00 p.m. Meeting Agenda
- Discussion of Meeting Topics and Possible New Format
- Discussion and vote on dates
- FCD Partners Meeting: Thursday May 12, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
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Franklin Cultural District Committee Meeting - Agenda - May 5 - 7 PM |
Sunday, February 20, 2022
67 Degrees celebrates Second Anniversary - Feb 26, 2022
We have a day full of food with
67 Degrees celebrates Second Anniversary - Feb 26, 2022 |
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX
1:30 - Berkshire Valley Boys2:30 - The DayBreakers3:30 - The Inflatables4:30 - InTransition
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Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX |
Monday, September 13, 2021
Franklin Cultural Festival "Community Unity" - photo essay
- The crowd and lines were steady from the opening at noon through 3:30 or so. Some may have decided to check out the sports event on TV. For those that remained, salsa lessons and great music continued.
- The variety and number of food trucks. Could there have been more, yes, if the food truck owners had followed through. For those who ran out of food early, maybe they'll be better prepared next time. For those trucks that didn't participate, their missed opportunity. It is a great start.
- The Kid's corner and puppet shows were pleasing based upon the hoots and hollers from those watching the show.
- The line up of artisan crafters was multifaceted. Many of the booths reported good business from the great amount of traffic.
- The beer and wine garden was busy when I stopped by. Got my wrist band after getting my license checked. Then some liquid refreshment to go with my food truck tacos on the lawn in the shade. I was not alone. Dozens of others were under the tent at tables or spread around the lawn as well.
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two chicken tacos were delicious |
- Cultural diversity was achieved with one view of the salsa dance lessons. Participants spread among the ages from young to young at heart, mostly women (but a few men). A youngster with a Patriots jersey learning the salsa inline with a couple of young ladies wearing saris.
Franklin Matters is proud to be in good company in helping to sponsor this event |
Thursday, August 26, 2021
Franklin Cultural Festival updates for the Sep 12 event
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Franklin Cultural Festival updates for the Sep 12 event |
Monday, August 9, 2021
Ben & Jerry's Ice cream truck scheduled for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12
Friday, July 16, 2021
THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - July 18
5:00 PM – Kaye Kelly
6:00 PM – Racky Thomas
7:00 PM – Ken DoRosario
8:30 PM – Diane Blue
Tuesday, June 15, 2021
Franklin gearing up for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12, 2021
The festival is intended to bring community together to celebrate Franklin and celebrate arts and culture. Eight sweet and savory food trucks will allow sampling of various cuisines from seafood to Italian to frozen treats. Both La Cantina and 67 Brewery will be on hand to serve craft beer and wine.
For more information about the Franklin Cultural Festival, or to apply to be a vendor, please email franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com. The Craft Fair and live performances are all free to attend.
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Franklin gearing up for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12, 2021 |
Friday, May 28, 2021
THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30
THE BLACK BOX supports the return of live music and enthusiastically welcomes food trucks to Downtown Franklin!
When not attending this special event, please support our local restaurants!
Saturday, May 29th and and Sunday, May 30th from 5-10 PM, General Admission tickets are $20 per day.
Saturday, May 29
- 5:00 Racky Thomas
- 6:00 Kaye Kelly
- 7:00 Ken DoRosario
- 8:30 Diane Blue
Sunday, May 30
- 5:00 Britt Connors Duo
- 6:00 David Thorne Scott
- 7:00 Honest Mechanik
- 8:30 The Gravel Project
Food trucks include Caribbean Press, Pangea Cuisines and Larry Joes' New England Fire Pit
Tickets = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458
THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Recap: Town Council meeting - Apr 7, 2021 - capital budget approved, streets accepted, DPW presentation, complete streets policy
Quick Recap:
- Public hearing on street acceptances for four streets, two of which were in the 'normal' process timing and were approved. Two were part of the backlog, coming through on a revised process and not approved as they lacked Planning Board approval. The full process will be needed for these two so they'll come back for approval some time TBD
- Enlightening and fact filled presentation by DPW on their operations.
- Lengthy set of legislation for action. The capital budget (previously approved by FinComm and Capital Budget subcommittees) a set of separate actions all passed
- The stormwater bylaw technical adjustments were finally approved after once again being challenged as something nefarious to force the stormwater fee into operation (no, this item has nothing to do with the fee itself. That is scheduled for discussion during the budget hearings and likely will be a long and challenging discussion.)
- The food truck permit for private property was approved (yahoo!)
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Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9A7nKejgy9p44DuUA
The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0407
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0407&src=typeahead_click
- Town Council meeting coming up, real time reporting for this about to begin. Follow along with the agenda here #tc0407 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-04-07_town_council_agenda.pdf Connection info in doc
- Meeting opens, #tc0407 20+ on Zoom to open with.
- 2 councilors not present (Pellegri and Kelly), Hamblen remote via Zoom. #tc0407 citizen comments, none tonight Approval of minutes of Mar 17, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
- A little early for public hearing to start. Subcommittee reports: capital budget did meet …
- Budget meeting april 12, 5:30 Joint budget Subcommittee EDC just met earlier tonight, talked about the ladybug trail, discussed the business guide as developed, #edc0407 Community planning grant and other items to be covered in next meeting
- Public hearing on street acceptance opens: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-03-24_web_street_acceptances_2_-_milford_daily_news_legal_notice.pdf… #tc0407 next set of non-accepted streets (over 100 to be done) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides overview
- Bissanti questioning why these 'newer' ones are coming in where others could be here and aren't. These are in the regular process and currently being done - others lack plans and/or data and require more work. #tc0407 general process assumes acceptance unless a special item
- #tc0407 street acceptance does chap 90 funding, pavement management plan, $40m backlog of those to bring up to quality. If we did not accept, legally we wouldn't need to clear snow etc. That is a safety issue and a systemic issue on overall funding and priority
- #tc0407 laws are written in favor of developers and also Municipal entities are not able to add fees for road acceptance to recover funds. Chap 90 is the only revenue we gain on roads. We have a legal obligation to accept (assuming I special items)
- Q on gas tax funding roads, it goes to the Commonwealth, the allotment we get is Chap 90. Hotel tax is a local option revenue collected through the State then to us, mostly appropriated to roads, this year due to pandemic and decline in hotel occupancy #tc0407
- Moving to Brandywine and Charles Drive for the acceptance process. #tc0407 Attny Cerel provides some background on the acceptance process for subdivisions which weren't covered in the original legislation. Planning Board didn't recommend to accept hence can't proceed tonight
- #tc0407 Brandywine et al had not been originally thru planning board so they did not want to recommend. Public hearing closes. Moving to DPW presentation, doc to be added later.
- Slides on overview #tc0407
- 60 acres of playing fields to manage and take care of #tc0407 35 flags maintained; 102 trash, recycling barrel sets;
- 1813 signs in town, street line striping along with parking lots, 30 traffic lights, 328 crosswalks in Town; central motors for all town vehicles 167 road vehicles with registration #tc0407
- #tc0407 grew from 1200 customers to over 3,000 at the recycling center, Beaver St.
- #tc0407 with 23 lift stations, some refuse gets lifted 7 times before it gets to where it needs to, would have been nice to have a master plan for sewer; elevated tanks to provide water pressure dropped from 3.1 to 2.6 million gallons due to water conservation measures
- #tc0407 second water treatment plant (off Grove St) coming online later this year.
- #tc0407 it is cost efficient to do much of the vehicle maintenance inhouse some stuff does make sense to send out, however we are 1st responders and would need to get a truck or police car turned around quickly
- DPW "the work they do touches everyone in Town". They are short staffed and doing more with what they have. #tc0407 you give us the money, we get to spend it. Could add fencing to create a small dog zone at the dog park.
- Trash vs recycling mix is bad if over a 10% mix (bad in with the good), audit just done and we came in low at 7% #tc0407
- Moving to legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._web.pdf… capital appropriation for FY 2022. #tc0407 motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent) to use $1.5m free cash. There is a large backlog of items for future.
- Next up, funding OPEB trust fund https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._town_council_resolution_21-14_free_cash_opeb_fy21.pdf … #tc0407 Motion and second, 10% of free cash per TC policy, update next week for the overall OPEB status and Q&A. Passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- Field stabilization funding https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._town_council_resolution_21-15_free_cash_stabilization_transfers_fy21.pdf … #tc0407 motion and second; annual transfer to save for future. Passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- Water enterprise fund, to approve use of retained earnings per capital expense as authorized https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._town_council_resolution_21-16_fy21_water_retained_earnings_to_water_line_resolution.pdf #tc0407 motion and second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- Next up easement for approval https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._web_0.pdf … #tc0407 motion and second; passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- Next up street acceptance, motion to waive reading, second, passes 7-0; motion and second on resolution, passes 7-0 (2 absent) #tc0407
- Complete streets policy #tc0407 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._complete_streets.pdf … motion and second; first step in process for a master plan for transportation via all modes, enables us to gain grants, admin policy likely to be adjusted overtime more easily than a bylaw, passes 7-0, (2 absent)
- Moving to next item special regulations https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10j._web.pdf … #tc0407 motion to move to a second reading, no change to stormwater fee, a technical clean up, needed to go to planning board, which approved 5-0; Bissanti is this the mechanism for the billing? No …
- ... need to be clear this is not a trojan horse. It has nothing to do with the billing. Technical clean up on verbiage of the permit. When will we get to the billing? During the budget hearing. #tc0407 passes via roll call 6-1 (Bissanti no, 2 absent).
- New permit fee for food truck on private property, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10k._web.pdf #tc0407 this is second reading, already passed before, this is second time around for adoption, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- Sewer bylaw adjustments https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10l._web.pdf
- #tc0407 motion and second to move to second reading, this is a technical clean up re: Charles River Pollution control district, separate org - passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- That is the end of the Legislation for tonight, first aggregation report posted to Town page, we are saving money. #tc407
- May 5th passport renewals will resume at municipal bldg. Verizon is exercising option to remain in Franklin. $200k grant for affordable senior housing
- Continue the TA report: fire dept grant - $188k popup store grant for downtown for this summer partner with Wrentham, citizen discount one page guide posted to Town page (and shared) #tc0407 Town opening more likely after Memorial Day. Still under capacity limits ..
- Likely to look at some reservation system. #tc0407 Comments: Dean returned request to pay for vehicle as a "pilot" payment. Disappointed. Police reform had great conversation, girl up at high school also had good conversation. Scam attempt today. Stay vigilant.
- ... homeless feedback/info coming from Bissanti (from webinar he attended)
- #tc0407 thanks to Franklin fire for their burn session, quite informative. Thanks to the staff for the beginning of the capital program. A grueling task. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
- That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #tc0407
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf
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one page of the DPW overview on Central Motors |
Saturday, March 20, 2021
FM #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio)
This session shares part 2 of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
I’ve split the almost two hour minute meeting into two logical segments:
- First - covers the opening through the retirement recognitions and new hire swearing in ceremonies (56 minutes)
- *** Second *** - covers the committee reports, the two items for legislation and the remainder of the meeting up to entering Executive Session, not to return to public meeting (42 minutes)
Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Mar 17, 2021
Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/55f99c80-cd8f-4cc7-a41b-26df44d75643
Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-17.html
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-town-council-meeting-mar-17-2021.html
--------------
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
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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FM #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio) |
Friday, March 19, 2021
Recap -Town Council meeting Mar 17, 2021 - opens with moment of silence remembering 42 lost to COVID-19
- opens with moment of silence remembering 42 lost to COVID-19
- Citizens Comment: reminder on bricks for the Veterans Walkway purchased by April 1 will be installed for Memorial Day; announcement of a Franklin Area Non-profit Network beginning March 29
- Recognition of retirees from DPW and Police along with the swearing in of new Police and Fire personnel
- First passage of fee for food trucks for private parties
- Bylaw proposal referred to Planning Board on removal of restrictions for space for tasting room
- Getting ready for the town Council meeting #tc0317 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-17-town-council-agenda Agenda doc has the connection info to view via cable, live stream or Zoom.
- Reminder on bricks for sale for the Veterans Walkway available for purchase by Apr 1, the cut off would be for brick to be installed this Memorial Day. #tc0317 I announced the kick off meeting for the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network on Mar 29 at 7 PM more info to come
- Citizen commenting against the stormwater fee but confusing it with the water and sewer enterprise funding process #tc0317 valid comments on any increase needs to be considered.
- Ciccone question and confusion around the stormwater, also confusing about what is where on the budget. Also confusing the capital vs operational budget spending. #tc0317 Motion on minutes from prior meeting, passes 9-0 via roll call
- Recognition of - David Allard - Retirement Recognition, Franklin DPW #tc0317
- Recognition of - Kevin Ryan - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317 served 44 years, under 5 chiefs Resolutions from House and Senate presented by Rep Roy
- Brief break to allow for movement of folks within the chambers Recognition of Detective John Maloney - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317
- Recognition of Kristopher Smith - Achievement Recognition, graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy #tc0317
- Swearing in of new officers for Police - (1) Rob Burchill - New Patrol Officer Ceremonial Swearing In & Badge Pinning, Police Department (2) Derek Tetrault - New Patrol Officer Ceremonial Swearing In & Badge Pinning, Police Department #tc0317 sworn in by town clerk N Danello
- Brian Armstrong - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Jeffrey Ward - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Kent Parsons - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Benjamin Angelo - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept #tc0317
- The four firefighter/paramedics are starting Monday, being sworn in tonight. #tc0317 and pinned by family members
- Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermot was rescheduled for a future meeting Subcommittee meetings for capital and budget being confirmed #tc0317
- Moving to legislation for action, temporary food truck event fee, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._food_trucks.pdf #tc0317 only vote needed for a new fee to help expand food trucks in Franklin, private property owners. Fact sheet in agenda doc motion to 2nd reading, second, passes 9-0 via roll call
- Motion to refer to Planning Board, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/21-872_tasting_room.pdf #tc0317 Change in requirements for tasting room for new establishments, does not apply to existing unless they come back to Planning Board. Passes 9-0 via roll call
- Town Admin report congratulations to cultural District for first state grant, housing grant received for affordable housing, chapter 90 allotment just under $1M, thanks to legislative delegation for keeping local aid coming, Gov Baker apparently to move to Phase 4 #tc0317
- #tc0317 Sr coffee hour at 8:30 AM, police reform discussion coming 3/24 at 7 PM, need to recognize and note hate crimes Homeless forum on 3/25 Congrats to retirees and new hires Lost 42 Franklinites to COVID Recognition of access to police hiring, not full pool of candidates
- #tc0317 #talkfranklinfirst gift cards sold over $42k so far, money to stay here. Thanks to Anne Marie for her efforts on the gift cards Historical Museum open, looking for volunteers. Sundays 1-4pm. thanks to the library for their efficiency during the closed period
- #tc0317 stay safe, be careful. We're not done yet, SAFE is very busy, help someone, reach out. Condolences to those who lost any one to this pandemic. Don't forget to do what we need to do, masks, social distance... Happy st patrick's
- Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting 9-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time #tc0317
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Chief Lynch checking the inscription on the plaque |