Showing posts with label open space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label open space. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

"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


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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"



"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)
"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. 



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

Monday, January 16, 2023

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

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> 

Sunday, January 1, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda for Jan 4, 2023

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 4, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building - 2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment 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.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. November 30, 2022
b. December 14, 2022
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Franklin Chargers 4th Grade Football Team
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.
6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. National Register Historic Districts in Franklin - Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library https://youtu.be/KdGHozDRa1E
b. Town Council Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-888 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-888_stop_signs_0.pdf
b. Resolution 23-01: Authorization for Inter-Municipal Agreement with Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School for Franklin to provide it with a School Resource Officer (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-01 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._23-01_tri_county_sro.pdf
c. Resolution 23-02: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Franklin Police Association employees and the Town of Franklin (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-02 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._23-02_police_association.pdf
d. Resolution 23-03: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Franklin Police Sergeants Union employees and the Town of Franklin  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-03 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._23-03_police_sergeants_contract.pdf
e. Resolution 23-04: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Professional Firefighters of Franklin and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 23-04 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._23-04_firefighters_contract.pdf
f. Resolution 23-05: Police Station Building Committee Charge (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-05 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._23-05_police_station_building_committee.pdf
g. Resolution 23-06: Subcommittee for Arts and Cultural Initiatives (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-06 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._23-06_subcommittee_for_cultural_initiatives.pdf
h. Resolution 23-07: Master Plan Update Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-07 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._23-07_master_plan_update_comm.pdf
i. Resolution 23-08: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-08 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9i._23-08_davis_thayer_reuse_comm.pdf
j. Resolution 23-09: Town Administrator Evaluation Subcommittee
k. Resolution 23-10: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,050), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,600)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-10- Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9k._23-10_gifts.pdf 
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains the remote participation information


Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda for Jan 4, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda for Jan 4, 2023

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

This Talk Franklin episode includes insights on the forthcoming Compensation study & goodbye to Alecia (audio)

FM #906 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 906 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  


Topics for this session

Quick Recap

200 acres open space preserved with last 17 acres 

License renewals

Franklin Library Association ends it long service & donation run


Economic Development

Inclusionary zoning

MBTA, Franklin For All, etc.

Outlook

First pass at Capital budget, CPC, ARPA

Compensation study

Job opportunities across a variety of Dept/functions

Goodbye Alecia, best wishes


The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Alecia. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-906-talk-franklin-12-22-22


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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator


Finance Committee (with School budget deep dive) 12/07/22 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/finance-committee-gets-some-financial.html 


Town Council 12/14/22 (video, audio & recap) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/town-council-approves-open-space.html 

Note: The video portion with Library Director Felicia Oti talking about the Franklin Library Assoc begins at about 25 minutes


Open positions with Town of Franklin ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/human-resources/pages/job-opportunities 


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

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"


This Talk Franklin episode includes insights on the forthcoming Compensation study & goodbye to Alecia (audio)
This Talk Franklin episode includes insights on the forthcoming Compensation study & goodbye to Alecia (audio)

Sunday, December 18, 2022

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 3 hour plus meeting to about 38 minutes 12/14/22 (audio)

FM #901 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 901 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 Dec 14, 2022


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures


LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals


PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works


Legislation for Action

d. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

e. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B


f. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land 


g. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County 


i. Resolution 22-95: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($109,832.25)


Executive session, return approx. 35 mins later


b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk 

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action: 1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract


Our conversation runs about 38 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 Dec 15, 2022 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-901-town-council-quarterbacking-12-14-22



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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/dec_14_tc_mtg_agenda-revised.pdf 


The Snow presentation ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf 


Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/qVbiUMlcbL8 


My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT_f9Y9eVXExUtjlcCD2XKtSTjcwG582/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"


a slide from the annual update on snow removal
a slide from the annual update on snow removal