Watch "Open Space and Recreation Update Launch Video" on YouTube

"The Town of Franklin is launching the process for updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). There will be a variety of opportunities for residents to provide their input and feedback on the plan. Resident engagement will help ensure that resident priorities are reflected in the OSRP. 

Questions? Contact Breeka-Li Goodlander via email at bgoodlander@franklinma.gov or via phone by calling (508) 520-4929.

To learn more about the Open Space and Recreation Plan process, you may visit the project webpage here: https://www.franklinma.gov/OSRPUpdate'

Video link -> https://youtu.be/D4Xxuw3k4Z8

Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan

Intro to the Town of Franklin Conservation Agent: Breeka Li Goodlander (audio)

FM #920 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 920 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my introductory conversation with the Town of Franklin Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander, CWS, PWS. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

• Background on Breeka Li’s road to Franklin

• Role of a Conservation Agent; protection of wetlands, etc.

• Beaver institute training underway

• Liaison for community on potential issues with management of open space & wetlands, invasive species, 100-200 foot guidelines

• Typical day of an agent: office work, field work & lots of liaison work

The conversation runs about 13 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Breeka Li

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-920-town-of-franklin-intro-to-our-conservation-agent-01-12-23

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Conservation page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation 

Contact info ->  Conservation Agent/Natural Resource Protection Manager

(508) 520-4847

Open Space & Recreation plan update  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/pages/2023-open-space-and-recreation-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!

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

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 Conservation Agent: Breeka Li Goodlander (LinkedIn profile photo)

Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP)

Explore Open Space and Recreation, meet our new OSRP friends!

The Town of Franklin has begun the process of updating the Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) for the 2024 - 2031 update. An OSRP allows the town to strategize how to optimize, expand and improve open space and recreational facilities/ offerings by creating annual goals throughout a duration of 7 years.

To ensure the goals in the OSRP are reflective of resident priorities, we will facilitate a Comment and Feedback period through June 2023.

Residents are encouraged to explore our open space and recreation areas and be on the lookout for our friends Connor the Conservation Beaver and Ryan the Recreation Racoon! They'll be featured at select open space and recreational locations and they will be asking for your feedback to help us create the vision for Franklin's recreation and ecocentric spaces! This is one of the many ways the Town is supplementing the OSRP comment and feedback period which will run through 2023. Primary engagement is outlined below…

Public Engagement Opportunities	Timeline
OSRP Resident Survey: Residents participation in the survey will allow town staff to craft a vision for the OSRP that is reflective of resident priorities. The survey will be available digitally and physically at the 1st and 2nd public hearings.	February 2023 - April 2023
Public Hearing 1: Attendees will learn more about the Open Space and Recreation Plan, review the progress from the previous 2016 OSRP as well as review and provide feedback on the OSRP priorities drafted by town staff for the 2024 - 2031 OSRP.	February 2023
Public Hearing 2: Town staff will present the 2024 - 2031 OSRP goals and objectives based off of resident input from the first public hearing and other outreach mechanisms.	April 2023
Public Hearing 3: Town Staff will present a draft of the 2024 - 2031 OSRP that has been informed by additional resident input following the conclusion of the public hearing and other outreach mechanisms.	June 2023

For project updates and other Conservation related news and information, you may subscribe for Conservation updates.

To submit a comment or idea for the OSRP please fill out this Google Form. You may also send an email to bgoodlander@franklinma.gov.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-begins-planning-2024-2031-open-space-and-recreation-plan

Town of Franklin begins planning to update the Open Space and Recreation Plan

"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)

Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent scheduled for Franklin Q&A on Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM -(hybrid event)

For the first time in 2023, your Franklin questions can get answered in this hybrid session. Either in person at the Senior Center or viz Zoom.

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

With a whole lot scheduled to happen in the Town of Franklin this year, we have a special guest to kick off the session. Franklin Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander will join us to talk about the update to the Open Space and Recreation Plan just getting underway. 

• If you want the Zoom link, please use this form or check with the Senior Center front desk:      https://forms.gle/kferg18KxVKGBAk56  
• Download this flyer as a reminder -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XE8-F_whVzmrihqsVvZ-sDJ7V8woWrYZ/view?usp=share_link

Franklin Q&A scheduled for Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM - Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent

2023 Open Space & Recreation Plan: timeline for meetings and forums

The Conservation Commission held the first of a series of Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) focus group meetings on Thursday, Jan 12, 2023. 

Following each focus group meeting, you are invited to attend OSRP Office Hours each Friday between 10 and 11 AM in the third floor training room at Town Hall. 

Bring your ideas and see you there!

In addition to the focus group meetings scheduled, there will be other opportunities to provide input and feedback on the plan being developed.

The full schedule of focus group meetings and forums can be found in this graphic:

2023 Open Space & Recreation Plan: timeline for meetings and forums

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/case-you-missed-it-2023-osrp-first-focus-group-meeting-sports-and-rec-programming

Franklin Panthers recognized, Historic Districts info shared, goals update provided and 4 committees authorized (audio)

FM #913 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 913 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Franklin Panthers 4th grade football team recognized for winning the State Championship

• Video and info shared on the 2 National Register Historic Districts in Franklin that was prepared by Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library

• Town Council Goals Update in the middle of this two year term was provided by Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

• Renewal of Municipal agreement with Tri-County for school resource officer

• Ratification of 3 contract adjustments with Police (2) and Fire (1)

• Authorize formation of four committees

• Arts & Culture

• Master Plan

• Police Station

• Davis Thayer reuse

The recording runs just over 2 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on January 4, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-913-town-council-mtg-01-04-23

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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

The National Register Historic Districts presentation ->   https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/N-WomocGBlc

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIH7JAlnlgN69HDkUYIS-3U44pUSUW15/view?usp=share_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

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"

Historic Districts info shared

Town Council Quarterbacking gets inside the meeting of Jan 4, the recognition, legislation, and creation of 4 committees (audio)

FM #912 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 912 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Jan 4, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Franklin Panthers 4th Grade Football Team

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

National Register Historic Districts in Franklin - Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E 

Town Council Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._goals.pdf 

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

Renewal of Municipal agreement with Tri-County for school resource officer

Ratification of 3 contract adjustments with Police (2) and Fire (1)

Authorize formation of four committees

• Arts & Culture

• Master Plan

• Police Station

• Davis Thayer reuse

Our conversation runs about 41 minutes

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Jan 5, 2023

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-912-town-council-quarterbacking-01-05-23

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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

The National Register Historic Districts presentation ->   https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/N-WomocGBlc

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iIH7JAlnlgN69HDkUYIS-3U44pUSUW15/view?usp=share_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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Councilor Cormier-Leger reading the proclamation for the Panthers 4th grade team