Showing posts with label presentations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label presentations. Show all posts

Friday, September 6, 2024

Town Council reopens hearing to approve the BJs-Pour Richard's transfer, hears of health care expense issue (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sep 4 with 8 members participating (1 absent).

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=DnXqGMfyZU1OEX7S&t=89

Quick recap
  • A few appointments to close out the annual round of appointments. As announced in the August 14 meeting with the primary set of appointments, a few were in the process of being finalized. This should complete the slate of appointments to renew and fill the open slots.
  • Public hearing voted to re-open to review the prior BJs & Pour Richard's license transfers. The vote at the June 26 meeting was 6-3 to deny the approval. The denial was not based upon the 2 areas that such a denial could be made, hence the return for a review. Long story short, enough councilors got the message on the legal options and the transfers passed 5-3-1 (Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Dellorco voted no; Pellegri absent).
  • Pete Fasciano, Executive Director of Franklin TV provided an update on the operations. 
  • Discussion on Right of Refusal for the Maplegate Country Club property. We can't afford it but will gain some revenue as the deal closes completely since they were "under taxed" and the owners will need to 'catch up'. The Council still needs to accept a resolution to formal pass on the purchase option
  • The Davis Thayer Reuse report was accepted by the Council. This will take time for the Council to work through the discussion to set up a possible RFP. 
  • Health care issue raised will be part of the budget discussions going forward, have seen increase in 6-8 percent range prior years, anticipated increase of about 13%

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

Maplegate Country Club
Maplegate Country Club


Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Franklin TV's video replay of the School Committee meeting Feb 14, 2023 is available (video)

The School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, February 14, heard several  presentations. As the documents were not available before the meeting, photos of the slides as shown in the Council Chambers can suffice until the agenda packet is updated with the copies.
Guests/Presentations
A. JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes - photos album -> 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/m8oxLk4HzAeURnMF7
B. Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley - photos album -> 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/FgVmgsGHmXAEA1xm9
C. Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals - photos album -> 
https://photos.app.goo.gl/piXbXCXcwF72JxyQ6
D. EduSpeak Update – Supt Giguere & Dr Rogers - (effectively will be a glossary document posted to the schools page with the acronyms used frequently)
Agenda doc with remote participation info -> 

Meeting packet folder -> 




slide from the proposed STEM trip during Feb 2024 vacation
slide from the proposed STEM trip during Feb 2024 vacation

Saturday, September 3, 2022

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - insights on the meeting of Aug 17, 2022 (audio)

FM #837 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 837 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, September 1, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, August 17. Our combined schedules delayed us getting together for this the only Town Council meeting in August.


·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following agenda items


5. APPOINTMENTS 

a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 

b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 

c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 

d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 

e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 

f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 

g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 

h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 

i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf

 

b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 


The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.


Audio file ->  
https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-837-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-09-01-22


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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/august_17_2022_agenda.pdf


YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430 


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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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Tuesday, July 26, 2022

What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced?

The interceptor is a critical part of the Town of Franklin sewer system that enables our sewerage to be sent to the Charles River Pollution Control facility in Medway to be treated.

The interceptor is over 100 year old, runs along the MBTA tracks parallel to RT 140, alongside Mine Brook, and behind Franklin Village Mall (Stop & Shop plaza), and under i495. A break at almost any of the key points along the way would be a rather expensive disaster for Franklin.

Multiple grants and state bond financing will help to pay for this, the largest single project the Town of Franklin has taken on (aside from a school building).


DPW presentations to the Town Council over the years as the replacement project is talked of and becomes a reality


November 2014 - Beaver St culvert

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/beaver_st_culvert_presentation_0.pdf


February 2015 - part of DPW update to Town Council

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/council_update_feb_14_2015.pdf


Oct 2021 - Town Council update (audio)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-372-town-council-mtg-102120-part-2.html 


Oct 2021 Presentation doc https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/dpw_beaver_street_interceptor_10_21_2020.pdf 


Oct 2021 “Talk Franklin” with Jamie Hellen part of this covers the Beaver St Interceptor

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-368-talk-franklin-102320-audio.html


Jan 2021 approval by Town Council of the Beaver St project, initial funding

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/01/fm-428-town-council-meeting-p1of2.html 


June 2022 authorized updated cost to fund the Beaver St project

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/town-council-hears-of-way-to-proceed.html


hydraulic flow diagram of the Beaver St interceptor covered in detail in Part 2 of the meeting audio
hydraulic flow diagram of the Beaver St interceptor 

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Reminder: School Committee meeting features a full agenda for Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Among the items on the School Committee meeting Tuesday evening are the following for Guests/Presentations:

A. Retiree Recognition 
B. District Improvement Plan Update 2021-2022   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf 
C. Superintendent’s Evaluation – Presentation of Evidence  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/superintendents_evaluation_evidence_2021-2022.pdf

 And longer list than recently seen of Discussion Action items

A. Superintendent’s Contract
The Chair recommends approval of a 3 year contract with Lucas Giguere as Superintendent of Schools - July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/dip_outcomes_to_sc_2021-2022.pdf
B. Policy - 2nd Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of policy ADF - Wellness Policy as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_2.pdf
C. Boys Basketball Trip
I recommend approval of the request of CJ Neely to take the Boys Basketball team to Orlando, Florida from December 26-30, 2022 to participate in the 2022 KSA Events Basketball Tournament as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_basketball_trip_-_orlando.pdf
D. Performing Arts Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Dianne Plouffe to take students to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida from April 15-19, 2023 to perform as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_d_-_performing_arts_trip.pdf
E. Spain Trip
I recommend approval of the request of Emily Chaisson & Laura Keenan to take students to Malaga & Granada, Spain from April 14-22, 2023 as detailed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_e_-_spain_trip.pdf
F. Proposed MASC Resolution Regarding Sanctuary Laws for Trans Students
I recommend the School Committee adopt the proposed MASC Resolution regarding sanctuary laws for trans students for formal consideration by the 2022 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Delegate Assembly in November as discussed.  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_f_-_resolution.pdf

Meeting packet folder with documents released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-24-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM
Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - May 24, 2022 - 7 PM

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Reminder: Physician Assisted Suicide presentation St Mary’s - May 11

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation St Mary’s Parish Hall in Franklin on Wednesday May 11th 7:00-8:00 PM.

Mr. Jim Driscoll, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference of the Archdiocese of Boston, will be presenting the Catholic perspective regarding physician assisted suicide. Jim will be accompanied by Ms. Tahni Morell. who will share a personal family story.  

Please join us and bring a friend to 1 Church Square, Franklin. If you can not make it, we are making this presentation available through Zoom link on the St Mary’s website (https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/).

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11
Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation St Mary’s Parish Hall in Franklin on Wednesday May 11th 7:00-8:00 PM.

Mr. Jim Driscoll, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Catholic Conference of the Archdiocese of Boston, will be presenting the Catholic perspective regarding physician assisted suicide. Jim will be accompanied by Ms. Tahni Morell. who will share a personal family story.  

Please join us and bring a friend to 1 Church Square, Franklin. If you can not make it, we are making this presentation available through Zoom link on the St Mary’s website (https://www.stmarysfranklin.org/).

Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11
Physician Assisted Suicide presentation at St Mary's - May 11

Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1

Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched

Survey closes Friday, April 1, 2022

On March 7th, 2022, the Town of Franklin held a public forum to formally introduce the Franklin for All project, answer questions and engage with the community.

To ensure every Franklin stakeholder has an opportunity to provide feedback, we have launched a visioning survey that will be open till April 1, 2022. The data collected in this survey will be used by our project consultants at the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) to create zoning recommendations that would serve our collective vision for our downtown. The survey is anonymous and all questions are optional. 

To learn more about Franklin For All, visit our project webpage: https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Access the survey here: https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/preview/SV_1SW9jOR99Rzvevk?Q_CHL=preview&Q_SurveyVersionID=current

The slideshow presented at the public forum on March 7, 2022 ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WHYDFaj-ZMlMF2ChexFaUy7qAfykLjvW/view?usp=sharing

There will be additional public engagement opportunities to comment on the draft zoning recommendations in the upcoming months. Want to stay informed on additional opportunities to provide feedback? Sign up for our email list and follow along with us on social media for all the latest Franklin For All updates!

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-all-visioning-survey-launched


Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1
Franklin For All - Visioning Survey Launched - Respond by April 1

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Outside the House: Presidential Libraries Tour

This newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full contents ->  https://mailchi.mp/0d9fc4ee6605/outside-the-house-presidential-libraries

Outside the House: Presidential Libraries

Hi Friends,

In 2005, I visited the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park, New York. I was amazed by how it captured the fascinating story of Franklin D. Roosevelt and our nation during tumultuous days. And learning the history of that library and museum, the first of its kind under the National Archives system, inspired me to see the others.

Since that first experience, it's been my goal to travel around the country and visit every single presidential library. At every stop along this journey, I've learned something new about our system of government and the civil servants that make it all possible. Presidential libraries and museums promote understanding of the presidency and the American experience. They preserve and provide access to historical materials, support research, and create interactive programs and exhibits that educate and inspire. As President Roosevelt said at the opening of his library on June 30, 1941:

"The dedication of a library is in itself an act of faith. To bring together the records of the past and to house them in buildings where they will be preserved for the use of men and women in the future, a Nation must believe in three things. It must believe in the past. It must believe in the future. It must, above all, believe in the capacity of its own people so to learn from the past that they can gain in judgment in creating their own future."

visited the FDR Presidential Library and Museum in Hyde Park

If you want to learn more about presidential libraries, I recently gave a talk about them entitled "Love Letters to Presidents". You can view the presentation here and listen to the audio here. Franklin TV also captured the video and will be replaying it on our local cable channels.

I'm also happy to inform you that on September 2, 2021, I reached my goal of visiting every presidential library with a trip to the Gerald Ford Museum, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the Gerald Ford Library in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I even received a crystal Presidential Seal upon completing my trip!

Gerald Ford Museum

I hope that you get to visit and enjoy these institutions of history as much as I have. And if you decide to take on this goal, I'd love to hear about it.

Sincerely,

Jeff


Wednesday, February 9, 2022

2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck

"BAKER ADMINISTRATION officials unveiled a slide deck on Tuesday that outlines in broad strokes how they intend to use updates to two existing state building codes and the development of a third more restrictive code to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions coming from newly constructed commercial and residential buildings.

The new building codes are scheduled to take effect next year after a public comment period and regulatory hearings. It’s expected new construction regulated by the building codes over the next 27 years will account for 27 percent of all building space by 2050, when state law requires Massachusetts to reach net zero emissions."

Continue reading the article online

View the slide deck on the proposed building codes here or embedded below



2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck
2022 DOER Proposed Building Code Updates - slide deck