DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT

Comments must be submitted by October 31

View this email in your browser Department of Conservation & Recreation is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.   The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the properties targeted for improvements. Copies of the plan for the SNETT are available on the Blackstone RMPs web page. A meeting was conducted on October 8 where DCR presented an initial draft of the RMPs for the Blackstone Complex.  A recording of the meeting and the slideshow from the meeting are available online.  DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of October 31st, 2024. Comments may be submitted via the DCR public comment portal.  Please be sure to select "Blackstone RMPs" from the "Topic Selection" drop down so that your comments are included with the correct project.  Please note that the content of comments you submit to DCR, along with your name, town, and zip code, will be posted on DCR's website. Additional contact information required when commenting, notably email address, will only be used for outreach on future updates on the subject project or property. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

The resource management plan can be found directly -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/snet-rmp-september-2024/download

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Police Station Building Committee starts work at first meeting (audio)

FM #1047 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1047 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 

Brief recap

First step getting sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello was quickly accomplished.

Round of introductions by the members of the committee was conducted.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief overview. Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo walked through the overall process they will get into.

High level process (additional detail in memo)

• 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

The site and site selection are important as is the funding and approval for such. While the actual building process was talk of being done in about 2 years, the entire process is more likely to run 3-5 years.

The recording runs 59 minutes, so let’s listen to the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting of August 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1047-police-station-building-cmte-mtg-08-23-23

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Meeting agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-23_police_station_building_committee.pdf 

Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee 

Franklin TV video replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/57woRz_bSKo 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DirbGHhnp78PdFxzbiXjEx_qDqszqMK8/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 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"

Police Station Building Committee stands for swearing in

Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere is proud to announce that on May 18th, 2023 during the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO) Annual Institute conference, Franklin Public Schools School Business Administrator Miriam Goodman was bestowed a 2023 Friends of MASBO award. 

The Friends of MASBO award is given in recognition of individuals who have met one or more of the following criteria:

1. Have made a significant contribution (including but not limited to pro-active involvement in the legislative process, the creation of a model program/procedure, the establishment of an exemplary standard or practice) that facilitated a process by which school business officials contribute to educating students in their districts;
2. Have consistently, and on a long-term basis, provided significant assistance to MASBO in the implementation of its various functions and responsibilities; and/or
3. Have provided assistance to MASBO in a way that exceeds expectations.

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and former Franklin Public School Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern co-endorsed Goodman for the award, stating that "Miriam's expertise and collaborative approach has led the district into a new era of enhanced transparency of the Franklin School Budget with the development of an extensive, engaging (student-centered) budget book while developing the story of school funding in Franklin, so that stakeholders can better understand past trends and future needs in a clear and compelling way."

Notable moments in Goodman's tenure have included her support in transitioning school business operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic; including setting up grab and go meals in collaboration with our Food Services department, appropriately applying COVID-19 relief funds in an impactful way, as well as managing transportation services, providing insight during a redistricting analysis process. 

After 15 years of dedicated service to the district and longstanding involvement with MASBO, the timing of this acknowledgment coincidentally concludes Goodman's career, as she is set to retire at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. Upon reflection, Franklin School Committee Chair Denise Spencer notes how "Miriam has truly blessed our district with her dedication, knowledge, work ethic, business finance savvy, friendship and sense of humor. She has always looked out for the best interest of Franklin Public School students and staff. We are grateful for the positive impact she has had in our district, and we will miss her." 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/franklin-public-schools-business-administrator-miriam-goodman-awarded-2023-friends

Franklin Public Schools Business Administrator Miriam Goodman Awarded a 2023 Friends of MASBO Award.

DLS Seeking Project Manager

DLS Financial Management Resource Bureau Seeks Project Manager   DLS is seeking qualified candidates for a Project Manager position within our Financial Management Resources Bureau. The Project Manager promotes best practices in municipal finance by providing consulting services to cities and towns across Massachusetts. To encourage efficient and effective municipal financial management, this individual works collaboratively with team members; conducts in-depth interviews with local officials and employees; analyzes complex data and information; prepares guidance on municipal finance policies and procedures; writes comprehensive reports; and provides technical assistance and training. In addition to being familiar with the workings of local government, the successful candidate will be a strong writer, analyst, and public speaker with excellent attention to detail. Experience in a municipal finance role is highly desirable. This is a telework position with periodic travel.   To review a complete job description and apply for the position, please click here.

Boston Globe: "Legislature drops deference to Baker as it more stridently questions vaccine rollout"

 

"The Massachusetts Legislature, which has seemed content to allow the executive branch to lead the state’s fight against the coronavirus, is poised to assert itself this week, summoning Governor Charlie Baker and his top aides before a new oversight committee to demand answers about the state’s coronavirus vaccine rollout.

Thursday’s live-streamed hearing — billed as the first of many — presents both an opportunity and a test for state lawmakers to press top Baker administration figures, including the governor himself, on what they’ve so far criticized in tweets and public statements as a shoddy and unpredictable distribution process.

It’s also a rare flex of legislative authority, and one of several signals that Democratic leaders are stepping beyond the role of the deferential partner to Baker in the state’s response to the pandemic."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/02/23/metro/legislature-drops-deference-baker-it-more-stridently-questions-vaccine-rollout/

The link to the planned session doesn't appear to be available yet. It should be posted to this page eventually.  https://malegislature.gov/Events

Changes at the Franklin Food Pantry

Greetings!

We hope this email finds you well and you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. Life at The Pantry remains as busy as ever as we continue to provide our neighbors with fresh fruit and vegetables, proteins, and shelf-stable items. We are so grateful for your continued support over the past year, we could not continue to do the good work we do without you. While things may look a little different at The Pantry right now, our community is still such an important part of our organization and we wanted to share some internal changes with you.

We are pleased to announce that the Chair of the Board of Directors, Tina Powderly, will become our Executive Director and that Lynn Calling will move to the newly created position of Director of Development and Community Engagement. 

Tina Powderly

In her new role, Lynn will be spending her time on the new building Capital Campaign as well as work more closely with the individuals, groups and corporations who contribute to our mission. Tina will be responsible for the day-to-day Pantry operations and long-term strategic goals. Besides Tina’s move, our Board will remain the same with our current Treasurer, Jim Roche serving as the Interim Chair. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2021.

While this past year has been a challenge, we are proud of how we have continued to serve our neighbors. We surprised our neighbors with restaurant and supermarket gift cards, fresh flowers, special treats, and a choice table. We instituted weekly kids bags for families during the pandemic and still were able to do our annual Thanksgiving and winter holiday distribution. We continued a twice weekly drive-up distribution service so that even during the darkest days of the pandemic, our neighbors did not go hungry.

If you have any questions about The Pantry or just want to say hello, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at either: Tina Powderly or Lynn Calling. We look forward to a bright future and a reimagined Pantry!

Regards,

Tina Powderly and Lynn Calling 
Franklin Food Pantry

• Tina's email => tpowderly@franklinfoodpantry.org
• Lynn's email => lcalling@franklinfoodpantry.org

Changes at the Franklin Food Pantry

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - February 1, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town COuncil meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 1, 2017

(Note where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES	January 18, 2017
B. ANNOUNCEMENTS	This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	(Swearing in of unnamed police officers)
D. CITIZEN COMMENTS	Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comments on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. APPOINTMENTS
F. HEARINGS
G. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM	JOE'S AMERICAN BAR and; GRILL - CHANGE OF MANAGER
H. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
I. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	(To be provided during the meeting)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	1. RESOLUTION 17-04: ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT OF UTILITY (DRAINAGE) EASEMENTS (MAJORITY VOTE (5))
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	2. RESOLUTION 17-05: REQUEST FOR SPECIAL LEGISLATION, RE: AUTHORIZATION FOR STATE TO CONVEY ARTICLE 97 LAND TO TOWN (MAJORITY VOTE (5))
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	3. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-779: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS - 1ST READING ( MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-779 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	4. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-780: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 4 DISTRICTS ENUMERATED - 1ST READING (mOTION FOR MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-780 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	5. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-781: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 5 ZONING MAP - 1ST READING (MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-781 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	6. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-782: CHANGES TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 7 COMPLIANCE REQUIRED - 1ST READING (MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-782 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	7. ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-783: AMENDMENT TO CHAPTER 185 SECTION 49 MARIJUANA USE OVERLAY DISTRICT - 1ST READING (MOTION TO MOVE ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-782 TO A 2ND READING - MAJORITY VOTE)
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	8. BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-784: REPEAL SIGN RESTRICTIONS BYLAW - 2ND READING ( MOTION TO MOVE BYLAW AMENDMENT 17-784 - MAJORITY ROLL CALL VOTE (5))
J. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	9. BYLAW AMENDMENT 170785: REPEAL OF SIDEWALK SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL BYLAW - 2ND READING (MOTION TO MOVE BYLAW AMENDMENT 170785 - MAJORITY ROLL CALL VOTE (5))
K. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT	(To be provided during the meeting)
L. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS	(To be provided during the meeting)
M. COUNCIL COMMENTS	(To be provided during the meeting)
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION	(If necessary but not indicated for this meeting)
O. ADJOURN

Joe's American Bar and Grill

You can find the interactive version on the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/town-council-meeting-agenda-1

or the PDF version on the Town of Franklin webpage

http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/february_1_agenda.pdf

The change of manager at Joe's American Bar and Grill is likely to cause some conversation as under the previous manager there was an underage sale violation as part of the annual police sting operation.

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/09/recap-of-town-council-meeting-sep-7-2016.html