School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, hears of food services, Lifelong Learning, and snow preparations (audio)

FM #1114 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1114 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 as scheduled.  All seven newly elected members participated in Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)

• Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fish

• Patricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programs

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided and update on the annual snow program and engaged in a extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances as possible

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Dec 12.  The total meeting audio runs about 2 hours & 8 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1114-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-12-12-23

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

The agenda -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf 

Meeting Packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVm3PER71UQ 

My notes collected via PDF (captured during meeting via Twitter)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmyqSv0kI2UiuIAplhRBkjz4kiPJ4whc/view?usp=drive_link 

Food Service Update presentation ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/food-svc

Lifelong Learning Update ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/lll

DPW Snow Presentation ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/snow 

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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 franklin.news/ or 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 Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions

School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, hears of food services, Lifelong Learning, and snow preparations (video)

The Franklin School Committee met for the last time in this calendar year on Tuesday, Dec 12. The meeting featured a variety of information updates and recognition of the FHS Cheerleaders who repeated as State Champions.

Quick Recap:

• Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)
• Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fish
• Patricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programs
• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided and update on the annual snow program and engaged in a extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances as possible

The agenda for the meeting can be found ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVm3PER71UQ

My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmyqSv0kI2UiuIAplhRBkjz4kiPJ4whc/view?usp=drive_link

While the presentation docs were (mostly) not available before the meeting, my photo captures can share them. The presentations are usually posted a day or so after the meeting.  Meeting packet folder ->    https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Food service  https://photos.app.goo.gl/NNJGoqSyGjjzE9iy8

Lifelong Learning  https://photos.app.goo.gl/owfR3mJXq716u5NR8

DPW Snow update - (from 2021 but generally the same with minor updates) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/snow_pres_for_dpw_council_dec_21.pdf

FHS Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for Meeting Dec 12, 2023

Franklin School Committee

December 12, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order       Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. FHS Cheerleaders – State Champions!

B. Food Services Highlights

C. Lifelong Learning Presentation

D. Snow Presentation

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. none

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your November 28, 2023 School

Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Oak St. Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $4,300.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field

trips as detailed.

C. 40% Club - Student Activity Account

I recommend creating a student Activity Account for the 40% Club at FHS.

D. Recurring Vet’s Auditorium Field Trip - Parmenter/JFK

I recommend approval of the request of Mary MacMurray to take music students

to the Veteran’s Auditorium, Providence, RI, on May 23 (Parmenter) and May 24

(JFK), 2024 to see a concert and perform with the musicians as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc (also contains remote participation info)

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for Meeting Dec 12, 2023

Bylaw Amendments 23-902 and 23-903 - Second Reading & Final Vote - Dec 20, 2023

The Franklin Town Council will hold a second reading and final vote on the adoption of two Town Code Bylaw Amendments as follows:

• 23-902: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Adds a new bylaw which imposes requirements upon abutting property owners to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks as indicated in the proposed map titled “Sidewalk Snow Removal Required By Property Owner” 
• 23-903: Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, § 82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection L. Public Works - Revises the fee schedule to increase the cost to recycle a mattress and/or box spring from $10 to $65 

The second reading and final votes on adoption of each of these bylaw amendments will take place during the Town Council Public Meeting beginning at 7:00 PM on December 20, 2023; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. 

Location: Municipal Building, 2nd Floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin, and also via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda including full text of proposed bylaw amendments, including the proposed map, and for up to date meeting information, on and after December 15, 2023.

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2023-12-20_-_bylaw_amendments_23-902_snow_and_ice_removal_and_23-903_mattress_fee_increase_-_web_legal_ad.pdf

Bylaw Amendments 23-902 and 23-903 - Second Reading & Final Vote - Dec 20, 2023

Town Council doesn't like the snow removal bylaw wording, hears migrant housing status update, and Joint Budget Subcmte update (audio)

FM #1079 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1079 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  - the proposal failed to get moved to a second reading (by a 4-5 vote - 4 for, 5 against), it will go back for further work by Administration and come back for another first reading

Migrant update – nothing major is new

Joint Budget Subcmte Mtg

• Brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD

• Schools updated some of their numbers, planning for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)

• Next Joint session in Jan 2024

The recording runs 1 hour and 46 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Oct 11, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1079-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-11-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk

Town Administrator's Report: Migrant Status from the Town Council Mtg Oct 11, 2023 (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-administrators-report-migrant.html

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZ4uXFaq0j33jI4XaFIjXCcU7S_f6b3S/view?usp=drive_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 iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Town Council discusses and does not move to second reading the snow removal bylaw (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 in the Council Chambers, all 9 members participated (2 remotely - Dellorco & Frongillo)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk  

Quick recap

Key item for discussion was the first reading of the snow removal bylaw coming up from the Economic Development Subcommittee which advanced it for discussion by a 3-1 vote. It failed to move to a second reading by a 4-5 vote (4 for, 5 against). The language will be reworked in discussion with the "no" votes to address their concerns.

a. Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_discussion_memo_-_bylaw_amendment_23-902_-_snow_removal_.pdf

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a.  

• Town Administrator's Report: Migrant Status from the Town Council Mtg Oct 11, 2023 (audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-administrators-report-migrant.html

• The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Town of Franklin DPW offering a signing bonus in search for snow plow drivers

Franklin DPW is currently seeking contractors with vehicles and equipment to perform snow removal operations during the 2023/2024 season seeking 10-wheelers, 6-wheelers, backhoes, loaders, 1-tons and skidsteers. All equipment must have plows. 

Competitive Rates 

Any questions or to pick up an information packet from the DPW Admin Office, please contact Roseanne at 508-553-5500 or  Roseannes@franklinma.gov.  Limited positions available. 

The Town of Franklin is offering a sign-on-bonus per contractor — contract must be fully executed on or before Nov. 15 of the contract year (if documents are received after Nov. 15, the sign on bonus-will be reduced), plus an end-of-season additional payment per piece

of equipment available for entire snow season. Please see contract for full details and more info.

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100064487150311/posts/pfbid036iUAH8n4aAcnLnBRRJtYv1mNNExYAmVSRQ91tVFZ73HLJafWtzVSJVv28ne5tegUl/?mibextid=2JQ9oc

Town of Franklin DPW offering a signing bonus in search for snow plow drivers

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the Council Meeting of Oct 11 to about 25 minutes (audio)

 FM #1077 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1077 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 October 11, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  

Migrant update – nothing major is new

Joint Budget Subcmte Mtg

• Brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD

• Schools updated some of their numbers, planning for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)

• Next Joint session in Jan 2024

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Oct 12, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1077-town-council-quarterbacking-10-12-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SZ4uXFaq0j33jI4XaFIjXCcU7S_f6b3S/view?usp=drive_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"

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer condenses the Council Meeting of Oct 11 to about 25 minutes (audio)