Dec 6, 2022 - Community Preservation Committee meeting video available via YouTube

The Community Preservation Committee met Tuesday Dec 6, 2022 with 7 members participating (6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote).

The Franklin.TV recording is available for replay via YouTube

https://youtu.be/AwyxxvfEHYk

Quick Recap:

• Committee: Chair C Feeley, M Doyle, J Livingstone, P Malcolm,W Simarian, R Power (remote), L Oxford - [D McNeill, M Giardino absent]
• Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne,  

The committee approved the minutes of the prior meeting via roll call vote (7-0-2; 7 for, 0 against, 2 absent). 

Motion to accept the proposed meeting scheduled for 2023, seconded, passes via voice vote (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides project updates on work underway

• Red Brick School exterior renovation - doors and windows backordered

• Nason St Tot lot site prep work being done now in advance of renovation in the spring

• King St Memorial Field estimate and draft depiction of the field layout and work proposed. Timeline and funding remains TBD. Would be adding pickleball courts, would be including a paved path all around the park, would also be adding parking; questioned on if handicap access for the community garden is considered? I added that when the garden opened in 2010, it did have a stonedust entrance and among the first four beds on each side of the main gate. It was covered with mulch a few years ago. The base likely could be restored.

Jamie also provided a financial update, it had a minor error and would be further enhanced to better reflect what was approved vs allocated vs. spent, etc.

Committee entered executive session via roll call vote not to return to open meeting  (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)

depiction of proposed King St Memorial park improvements

Community Garden opening day, 2011 shows the stone dust (grey) around
 the first 8 garden beds at the entrance

 

Franklin Housing Authority meeting recording available (30 mins) (audio)

FM #877 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 877 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Monday, November 14, 2022 in the Common Room at Central Park Terrace. 

Participating were:

• GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR 

• CHRIS FEELEY (a few minutes late to session)

• PETER BRUNELLI

• ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE

• CHRISTOPHER LENNON

• Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent

The recording of the meeting runs about 30 minutes.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-877-franklin-ma-housing-authority-mtg-11-14-22

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Meeting agenda doc ->  

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/franklin_housing_authority_agenda.pdf

Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10LJDmQDEUDJFTUysGKhsIGSG-d2Ct8Wu/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin Observer posted their notes on the meeting (added 11/17/22)

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/131544/housing-authority-board-meets-updated-state-mandates-affordable-home

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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"

Franklin Housing Authority

Franklin School Committee - Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee

November 15, 2022 - 6:00 PM

Franklin High School Media Center

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

● Call to Order

● Introductions

● Project Goals and Objectives

● Timeline

● Project Approach/Workflow

● Guiding Principles

● Town Background

● District Background

● Questions/Discussion

● Adjourn

The agenda with remote connection info ->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/redistricting_advisory_subcom.pdf

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM

Community Preservation Committee recommends CPA funds for purchase of Schmidt's Farm (audio)

FM #860 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 860 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in Council Chambers on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. 

Chair: C Feeley, D McNeill, M Doyle, J Livingstone, P Malcolm, M Giardino, R Power, L Oxford [W Simarian, absent]

Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, K Bertone   

The meeting approved the minutes of the prior meeting via voice vote (8-0-1; 8 for, 0 against, 1 absent). 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the right of first refusal option on the Schmidt Farm property. After discussion and clarification questions, the Committee voted to recommend use of CPA funds for the purchase with an 8-0-1 vote (8 for, 0 against, 1 absent).

Jamie also provided some project updates on work underway (Red Brick School exterior renovation) and work being held (Nason St tot lot, Historical Msueum cupola).

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee discussion on Oct 4, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-860-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-10-04-22

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Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.04.22_cpc_agenda.pdf  

Schmidt Farm presentation doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/schmidt_farm_61a_presentation.pdf 

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aTK3-U4PeOUqI2qn-KDNUn49s72eh5jg/view?usp=sharing 

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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"

Community Preservation Committee recommends CPA funds for purchase of Schmidt's Farm (audio)

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project

I attended a public meeting of the Norfolk County Commissioners last night (Mon Aug 29, 2022).  The main topic was the solar panel project that the commissioners propose for the Norfolk Aggie campus, which would entail cutting down seven acres of forest.  

To an outsider like me, the arguments in support of the project were utterly demolished by an entire room full of impassioned and well informed citizens.  If the commissioners go ahead to approve this project in the face of such clear public opposition, the voters of Norfolk County are entitled to their cynicism.  

In that case, those voters should certainly remember to vote against Commissioner Collins for reelection this fall.

Colin Cass
Franklin, MA 02038 

Norfolk County Commissioners meeting agenda for the 8/29/22 meeting as mentioned -> https://cms5.revize.com/revize/norfolkcountyma/Norfolk_County-08-29-2022%20Walpole_Public_Hearing_Revised_Notice%20Final.pdf

To add your voice to the discussion, please follow the guidelines

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin: Colin Cass on the Norfolk Aggie solar project

Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division

The Town of Franklin has been approved for an award of $150,902 by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Green Communities Division. The funding will support the following projects proposed in the Town of Franklin’s Green Communities Competitive grant application.

• $15,000: Town — Electric vehicles (2)
• $49,514: Horace Mann School — Smart LED lighting
• $24,895: Horace Mann School — Transformer
• $12,194: Remington Jefferson School — Transformer
• $49,299: Keller Sullivan School — Transformer

All of these projects are currently underway and the Town hopes to have all projects completed by December of 2022. 

For more information on our Green Communities status and previous grant awards, please view our green communities page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community

Town of Franklin Awarded 150k by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) 

Town Council proclaims support for Pride; hears Electric Youth perform; approved initial CPA funding for projects (audio)

FM #820 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 820 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in hybrid format on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. 

• Chair: T Mercer, M Hamblen, C Frongillo, G Jones, P Sheridan, D Pellegri, R Dellorco, T Cormier-Leger, B Chandler

• Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne, M Cerel, et al

The recording runs about ninety minutes (excluding the brief breaks for photos), so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 22, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-820-town-council-meeting-06-22-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_june_22_2022.pdf

My notes taken via Twitter are captured in this PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfMfgMowj-Vh04MroSUgrEwK1qzVTLWm/view?usp=sharing

My photos taken during the meeting are in one album   https://photos.app.goo.gl/h52SdtFSfb6gxofZA 

YouTube video of meeting ->  https://youtu.be/J0rn18f6aiM

Keep up with events in Franklin via the Community Calendar

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html 

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

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"

Electric Youth posed with Town Council after performance

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 15, 2022

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - 6:30 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comments

3. Approval of Minutes

a. May 9, 2022

b. May 11, 2022

c. May 12, 2022

4. Community Preservation Act:

a. CPA Master Plan Version 2

i. Resolution 22-36: FY23 CPA Reservations (Budget)

ii. Resolution 22-37: FY23 CPC Appropriation of Capital Funds (Project Recommendations)

iii. Resolution 22-38: CPC Appropriation of Funds - Debt Service Maple Hill Land

5. Stabilization Fund Balances - 3 Year Comparison

6. Future Agenda Items

7. Reorganization for July 1st, 2022

8. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains remote connection information

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/06-15-2022_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

Town of Franklin: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 15, 2022

FHS Students - Project Rain Check deadline extended to May 16

"FHS! We have extended the submission deadline for Project Rain Check to Monday, May 16 at 4 PM!  

Learn more and make your submission here: http://bit.ly/3MsCVBD"

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinHS/status/1524040482875133955 

FHS Students - Project Rain Check deadline extended to May 16

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality -> Franklin slated for $681K in ARPA grants

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality Executive Office for Administration and Finance Last week, Governor Baker filed House bill 4720, An Act investing in Future Opportunities for Resiliency, Workforce, and Revitalized Downtowns (FORWARD). The legislation includes $2.3 billion in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and over $1.256 billion in capital bond authorizations to strengthen state infrastructure, create jobs, and invest in municipalities across the Commonwealth.   The FORWARD bill will make investments in all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. Please click here to find a detailed list of the statewide and local projects included in the FORWARD legislation, organized by municipality.   It includes hundreds of projects identified by communities or stakeholders, usually through existing popular programs like MassWorks, that are deliverable within the tight timeframe required by federal ARPA regulations. ARPA funding must be authorized by 2024 and fully expended by 2026.    NOTE: If your community has a project listed from the last round of the Community One Stop for Growth and that project remains a priority for your city or town, please proceed with submitting a One Stop application for this project in the current FY23 One Stop round. Until the legislation is passed, funding for these projects is not guaranteed and submitting a One Stop application would ensure that the project is reviewed and considered for funding through the normal, competitive application process.                For a detailed overview of all the programmatic authorizations in the bill, please click here.

You are receiving this message through the Massachusetts Department of Revenue's Division of Local Services DLS Alerts system. These periodic notices include our City & Town e-newsletter, IGRs, Bulletins, Cherry Sheets and other municipal finance-related information. To unsubscribe to DLS Alerts and the City & Town e-newsletter, please email dls_alerts@dor.state.ma.us.

The Franklin section as an image is shown below as copied from https://www.mass.gov/doc/arpa-investments-by-community-v20/download 

The $220K MassWorks grant was confirmed previously. I don't recall hearing the other two grants as confirmed.

Franklin slated for $681K in ARPA grants

FORWARD Bill - Projects by Municipality

DLS Seeking Project Manager

DLS Financial Management Resource Bureau Seeks Project Manager   DLS is seeking qualified candidates for a Project Manager position within our Financial Management Resources Bureau. The Project Manager promotes best practices in municipal finance by providing consulting services to cities and towns across Massachusetts. To encourage efficient and effective municipal financial management, this individual works collaboratively with team members; conducts in-depth interviews with local officials and employees; analyzes complex data and information; prepares guidance on municipal finance policies and procedures; writes comprehensive reports; and provides technical assistance and training. In addition to being familiar with the workings of local government, the successful candidate will be a strong writer, analyst, and public speaker with excellent attention to detail. Experience in a municipal finance role is highly desirable. This is a telework position with periodic travel.   To review a complete job description and apply for the position, please click here.

Veterans History Project Hosts Panel on Post-Traumatic Stress and Music

Veterans History Project Hosts Panel on Post-Traumatic Stress and Healing Power of Music The Library of Congress Veterans History Project (VHP) will observe Post-Traumatic Stress Awareness Month with a panel discussion on Wednesday, June 23, as part of a virtual program titled "Post Traumatic Stress & Music: The Healing Power of Song." The discussion will debut at 8 PM ET through the Veterans History Project Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/vetshistoryproject) where panelists and a moderator will be available to answer questions and address remarks in the comments section. Click here for more information. (https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-031/veterans-history-project-hosts-june-panel-on-post-traumatic-stress-and-the-healing-power-of-song/2021-06-16/)