- Families A-K at 6:15 PM (last names beginning with A-K)
- Families L-Z at 7:15 PM (last names beginning with L-Z)
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 *
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Hey 8th Graders, got plans for Jan 30? No. Good, that is Panther Pride Night at FHS. Be there!
Friday, September 6, 2024
Town Council reopens hearing to approve the BJs-Pour Richard's transfer, hears of health care expense issue (video)
Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=DnXqGMfyZU1OEX7S&t=89
- 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.
- The presentation deck can be found -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/10cRsmUL5lpDkpXoeZdsivJ0M2U-FDK98/view?usp=drive_link
- The wfpr.fm Advertising copy -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/10gbRqBrGymDvD7gFwFN6vqhZZCbGmUYB/view?usp=drive_link
- 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%
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Maplegate Country Club |
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Franklin TV's video replay of the School Committee meeting Feb 14, 2023 is available (video)
Guests/PresentationsA. JFK Highlights – Dr. Connolly, Mr. Haynes - photos album ->https://photos.app.goo.gl/m8oxLk4HzAeURnMF7B. Belize Presentation – Ms. Balliro & Ms. Quigley - photos album ->https://photos.app.goo.gl/FgVmgsGHmXAEA1xm9C. Advisory Update – MS Advisors & Principals - photos album ->https://photos.app.goo.gl/piXbXCXcwF72JxyQ6D. EduSpeak Update – Supt Giguere & Dr Rogers - (effectively will be a glossary document posted to the schools page with the acronyms used frequently)
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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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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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YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430 |
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
What is the Beaver St Interceptor? Why does it need to be replaced?
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 |
Saturday, May 28, 2022
Missed the 2nd Franklin For All Forum? Catch up on the info with these links
Links to recording and materials from May 16 forum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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
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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/).
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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/).
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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 |
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Outside the House: Presidential Libraries Tour
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