Talk Franklin: Jamie and I go 'long' talking patience, process, and engagement results - 04/28/23 (audio)

FM #985 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 985 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation in person at the Senior Center. We had already been involved in back-to-back sessions and added our recording session to this slot on Friday, April 28, 2023.  

We usually watch the clock to keep the session shorter but we were having such a good discussion we went with the flow.

Topics for this session

Arts & Culture listening session (2nd of 3 scheduled)

Senior Center volunteer recognition event

Finance Committee budget hearings scheduled May 8, 10, & 11

Town Council hearings scheduled for May 24 & 25

The recording runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie on Friday, April 28, 2023

Audio file -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/State-of-Franklin---May-2023-e23gcru

 

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Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

Arts & Culture survey -> https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4AWODps2aVQd_tzHIGfcJBRwUdpvYB9jK3hgfxploSWc7zw/viewform?usp=sf_link

Town of Franklin calendar for May meetings & events -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar/month/2023-05 

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

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

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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"

Talk Franklin: Jamie and I go long talking patience, process, and engagement results - 04/28/23 (audio)

Permitting Reform: The key to Unlocking Massachusetts’ Energy Revolution -Thursday, April 6

Program with Massachusetts energy leaders, advocates, and key legislators exploring why permitting reform is critical to meeting clean energy goals

The path to achieving decarbonization goals and ultimately a net-zero Commonwealth faces a challenge: The arduous and lengthy process of upgrading the local and regional electric grid and permitting new energy infrastructure. The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law lay the financial incentives and support to expand ambitious infrastructure investments that can usher in a clean energy future. But projects typically encounter an uncertain fate on the ground, including a maze of litigation and unnecessary permitting delays that are making climate goals increasingly difficult to meet. The permitting reform challenge involves balancing critical review processes that ensure equitable stakeholder participation with the urgency to upgrade current infrastructure and install the next generation equipment. As Massachusetts considers reforms designed to streamline energy infrastructure regulation, join the MASSterList and the State House News Service for an important panel discussion on this critical policy issue with Massachusetts energy leaders, advocates, and key legislators. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dylan Rossiter: Dylan.Rossiter@StateHouseNews.com IN-PERSON EVENT [THURSDAY, APRIL 6] MCLE New England — 10 Winter Pl, Boston (Downtown Crossing), MA 02108 8 AM networking/light refreshments — 9 AM panel discussion TICKETS PANEL DISCUSSION: Rep. Jeffrey Roy: House Chair, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Lizzi Weyant: Deputy Executive Director for Public Affairs and Advocacy, Metropolitan Area Planning Council Elizabeth Turnbull Henry: President, Environmental League of Massachusetts Steve Woerner: President, National Grid New England Colin A. Young: Reporter, State House News Service (moderator)

Affiliated News Services, LLC | 568 Washington St, Wellesley, MA 02482 Sent by massterlist@massterlist.com

Franklin School Committee reviews FHS program of studies & approved Westboro for membership to the Accept Collaborative (audio)

FM #924 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 924 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with six members present and one member (M Whitmore) remote. Hence all votes were via roll call.

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

Key items on the agenda

• Update from Supt Giguere on the Inclement Weather Policy, now that we have had some weather to deal with, a reminder on the process, how it is coordinated with DPW, Police and Fire. Additional details posted on FPS page (see link below)

• FHS Program of Studies - Principal Josh Hanna presented an update on the program highlighting some changes to add courses, and answered questions from the School Committee. He acknowledged as he began that this was the results of a whole team of effort, many of whom were out and about tonight with student activities. The PDF of my notes captures screen presentation pages. The presentation doc should get posted soon to the meeting folder so you can find additional details

• Accept Collaborative presentation - E Stokes recused herself from this portion of the meeting to avoid a conflict of interest. The presentation provided an overview of the services and work among the collaborative to support the needs of the students in the district. This was all in advance of a discussion and vote by the Committee to approve the application of Westborough into the Collaborative (each member needs to do so, it was mentioned this is the first of a few). The Committee voted unanimously (6-0-1; 6 for, 0 no, 1 - recuse)

• Proposed school committee meeting calendar and Accept Collaborative report were among the items for discussion only

• The Committee did enter Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The show notes contain a link to the full agenda and to my notes & photos captured via Twitter during the meeting. 

The recording runs about 1 hour and 40 minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on January 24, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-924-town-of-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-01-24-23

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School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Inclement weather page -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/weather_2022_2.pdf 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/6f53S5iyXpU 

The agenda doc contains info on remote participation -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_1-24-23.pdf 

All the documents released for this meeting (some after the meeting) can be found in one folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/january-24-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

My Twitter notes are here in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWMoZmkmt2nkhBczlP0QYMBbBVPrew5d/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/

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"

FHS Principal Josh Hanna

The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"

"As the UK is estimated to draw more than 50% of its calorie intake from UPF, this is no passing health scare but an issue that goes to the very heart of our culinary lifestyle. But before looking deeper into the issue there is an obvious question: what is a UPF?

NOVA (not an acronym) is a widely used food classification system that separates foods into four categories based upon their level of processing. Almost all foods, aside from fresh fruit and raw vegetables, undergo some degree of process. Cooking is a process, and it usually involves added ingredients such as oil and salt.

In NOVA’s first category, Group 1 is unprocessed or minimally processed foods (fruit, vegetables, meat, eggs, milk). Group 2 is made up of processed culinary ingredients such as sugars, oils and butter. Group 3 is processed foods (canned vegetables and fish, bread, jam). Group 4 is ultra-high processed foods, which are mostly low in protein and fibre, and high in salt, sugar and fat, and have undergone industrial interventions such as extrusion, moulding and milling."

Continue reading The Guardian article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2022/oct/16/ultra-processed-food-unhealthier-harder-to-avoid-than-you-thought

The Guardian: "how ultra-processed meals are unhealthier than you think"

The Economist reads | The hunt for votes

Earlier this month (Sep 4, 2022), The Economist published an article on the 5 best books about Presidential elections. The choices were recommended by their former Washington correspondent. Oddly, the identity of the correspondent is not revealed. The author of the article is not identified. Aside from that matter, the listing of the books chosen is well explained.

The books are:

1. A Magnificent Catastrophe: The Tumultuous Election of 1800, America’s First Presidential Campaign. By Edward Larson
2. The Making of the President: 1960, by T.H. White
3. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail. By Hunter S. Thompson
4. What It Takes. By Richard Ben Cramer
5. Losers: The Road to Everyplace but the White House. By Michael Lewis

With the presidential election coming in 2024, this might be good preparation.

What book (or books) have you read on presidential elections, or elections in general, that you would recommend? Send me an email, or add your book via comment.

The Economist article can be found ->

https://www.economist.com/the-economist-reads/2022/09/04/what-to-read-to-understand-american-election-campaigns (subscription required, but it is free via email to the online version. You'll get notifications and offers to subscribe to the print version.)

What to read to understand American election campaigns

Town of Franklin voting machines pass processing test on Wednesday

"An election ritual in Franklin and other communities that use automated ballot tabulating machines, is bringing them "out of the closet" and testing them to make sure they process ballots properly.

That was the task in mind when Town Clerk Nancy Danello and a team of helpers set up the machines in the Council Chamber of the municipal building on Wednesday morning and commenced to run batches of Republican and Democrat primary ballots through them. The activity, open to the public, attracted a handful of spectators -- some with questions about the process and about voting security in general."

Continue reading the article at the Franklin Observer

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/118545/town-tabulators-tested

In advance of the State Primary, Sep 6, 2022 (early voting opens Aug 27, 2022), I had two conversations with Town Clerk Nancy Danello to talk about the preparations for the Primary as well as the overall election process

  (1) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/multiple-updates-discussed-with-town.html   (2) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/08/nancy-danello-franklin-town-clerk-talks.html

Town of Franklin voting machines pass processing test on Wednesday (Franklin Observer photo)

Inside the Town of Franklin Budget Cycle & Financial Terms (audio)

This shares my conversation with Town of Franklin Finance Director/Comptroller Chris Sandini and Treasurer/Collector Kerri Bertone. We had this conversation in the Franklin studio on Thursday, April 14, 2022.  

We cover the following key topics

A typical day for Finance Director/Comptroller

A typical day for Treasurer//Collector

The budget cycle, and fiscal year (July to June)

Three financial years; past, current, and future all in the mix

Our conversation runs about 62 minutes. Links to the documents referenced during this meeting are included in the show notes.  Let’s listen to this recording of my conversation with Kerri and Chris. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-780-town-of-franklin-budget-cycle-finance-terms-04-14-22

Note: the one change since we recorded this, the Town did achieve the AAA bond rating we talked of some day getting in this session. The Town was notified one month later.

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Town of Franklin budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Budget process flow chart -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/new_budget_process.pdf 

MA Division of Local Services (DLS) Municipal Finance Glossary -> https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/qc/dlsmfgl.pdf 

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Town of Franklin budget cycle

Recap: Community Preservation Committee opens first hearing how CPA funds should be used (audio)

Quick Recap:

• First of two public hearings opened Tuesday, Jan 4, 2022. Residents made several suggestions for use of the CPA money to be available later this year. The second hearing is scheduled for Jan 18.
• This is the first time the Town of Franklin is doing this process but it seems will be great opportunity for residents to get into the discussion on prioritization of what money goes where for which items; open space (i.e. Maple Hill - done), recreation (more pickleball courts were top item at hearing), preservation (Museum or Red Brick School previously mentioned as possible), or housing (needs for more housing and more affordable previously raised).
• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautioned that the projects will need to layout to allow for Town personnel to handle them, they all can't be done at once. Part of the prioritization will be which project to be set, in which area of Town, and for which need to ensure some equitable distribution. An example, don't add more pickleball courts to King St as that would be the only location, spread them out around Town.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I attended the meeting via the Zoom conference bridge. 
 
The Twitter hashtag #cpc0104 can be found online. The thread begins with  
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1478513721886777347 

• Getting ready for the first of two public hearings to start development of the Community Preservation Committee project list, some of which could be funded when the CPA funds become available in 4Q 2022. #cpc0104 agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-01-04_cpc_agenda_-_hearing_1.pdf
• First hearing begins at 7 PM tonight, second same time on Jan 18. #cpc0104 audio recording of overview of committee work with three members here https://franklinmatters.org/2021/12/conversation-on-community-preservation.html?m=0
• Meeting broadcast available in multiple ways; 1- cable via local Comcast or Verizon govt channel, 2- Zoom (info in agenda doc) or 3- live stream via Franklin TV https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream… #cpc0104
• Chair Feeley opens meeting; TA Hellen provides overview of meeting tonight, format and background on process as this is the first time through the CPA timeline. #cpc0104
• M Ryan resident proposing additional three pickleball courts, with lights, potentially at King St where others are already today. #cpc0104 allows for play across all age levels, all you need it court, ball and paddle. Fastest growing sport in America. 16 communities used …
• CPA funds for courts thus far. Can't always get a spot in Franklin, waiting list for clinics and leagues here, lights enable expansion of playing hours. Randolph spent $51K in 2019 for three courts, may be a worthy estimate. #cpc0104
• B Kelso, resident wants to support pickleball court idea. A Earls advocating for the federal lands along Mine Brook, between Pond St and i495; also abuts Maplegate. R Trahan, regarding the SNETT trail and improvements needed on Franklin side.#cpc0104
• TA Hellen adds that lighting at King St is possible. Question would be where at King St. #cpc0104 Rec Director R Jette adds a reservation system is available. Costs have gone up, since this was done, other things are on the capital plan.
• A caution on not all can be done at once, projects would need to be laid out so the staff could do them without contention, next meeting Jan 18; motion to adjourn, seconded, passes via aye vote (not roll call with 2 members on remote - oops) #cpc0104 

Listen to the meeting recording ->

https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-689-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-01-04-22

Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Jan 4, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting - Agenda - Dec 8, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting on December 8, 2021

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes:

a. October 13, 2021

b. November 10, 2021

4. 2022 Finance Committee Calendar
5. Community Preservation Act

a. Sample CPA Plans

b. Sample CPA Applications

6. Open Meeting Law discussion
7. Future Agenda Items
8. Adjourn

Please find the agenda and links for the upcoming Finance Committee meeting posted here: https://www.franklinma.gov/node/51/agenda/2021

Agenda doc (PDF) (including remote connection info) ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_12.8.21.pdf

Finance Committee Meeting - Agenda - Dec 8, 2021

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda - Oct 5, 2021

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 5, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes for 9/21/21, 9/29/21 and 10/1/21.
2. Discussion on the following topics:

a. Schedule required public hearings

b. Development of the required Community Preservation Act Plan

c. Discussion on process, timeline and forms to solicit public input. 

Agenda doc also contains remote connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-10-05_cpc_agenda_1.pdf

 

cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum, a possible future project for CPC funds