Recap: Charles River Meadowlands Initiative - 01/24/22 (audio)

 FM #710 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 710 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Alan Earls, Franklin resident, local historian, and open space advocate as we recap the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative. We recorded this via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, Jan 24, 2022. 

Links in the show notes include the BETA Report on the Meadowlands Initiative as well as many of the links for the reporting shared by Franklin Matters since 2016 as the initiative made progress.

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to this recap of the Charles River Meadowland Initiative audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-710-charles-river-meadowlands-recap-01-24-22

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Home page for the Charles River Meadowlands Initiative -> https://www.charlesrivermeadowlands.org/

BETA Report finally received early 2020

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/in-news-charles-river-meadowlands-study.html

Conservation Commission Annual Report for 2019 references

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-annual-report-2019.html

Info session series in 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/05/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html

Forum schedule for April 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/03/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html 

BETA surveyed in 2018

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/the-goal-is-basically-to-create-few.html

ToF announces kickoff of study with $25K grant

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/08/town-of-franklin-kicks-of-study-of.html

Clean up & walk in 2018

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/05/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html

Review of 2017 activities published in Dec 2017

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/review-of-meadowlands-initiative-in.html

Oct 2017 hike with 20+ folks

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/charles-river-meadowlands-hike-recap.html

Charles River Meadowlands meeting scheduled for 2017

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/01/charles-river-meadowlands-meeting.html 

Library info session and children’s reading for Ground Hog day in 2017

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/12/charles-river-meadowlands-initiative.html

Charles River Meadowlands and #Giving Tuesday

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/11/charles-river-meadowlands-givingtuesday.html 

Meeting announcement mid-2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/07/next-meeting-of-charles-river.html 

Charles River walk Jan 2016

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/02/exploring-charles-river-meadowlands.html

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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"

Recap: Charles River Meadowlands Initiative - 01/24/22 (audio)

Town Council Quarterbacking - with Chair Tom Mercer - 01/20/22 (audio)

FM #703 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 703 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 January 19, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Moment of silence for former Councilor Andy Bissanti

Proclamation/Recognition: Police Department

Retirement - Sgt. Brian Johnson

Retirement - Patrol Officer Rick Grover

Moving On - Kallie Montagano, Clinical Social Worker

FY23 Department of Public Works Budget & Enterprise Fund Preview 

Brutus Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

Legislation

Resolution 22-04: Adoption of 2021-2022 Town Council Goals 

Resolution 22-05: FY22 Transfer of MECC Appropriation 

Resolution 22-06: Gift Acceptance - Senior Center 

LGBTQ+ Discrimination Project (Franklin High School) (video)  

The recording runs about 38 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Jan 20, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-703-town-council-quarterbacking-01-20-22

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Town Council Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/tc_agenda_jan_19_2022.pdf 

My notes for the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-town-council-gets-whole-lot-of.html 

Direct link to video if you have not seen it -> https://youtu.be/q8bXTNxtTiw

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

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"

Town Council Quarterbacking - with Chair Tom Mercer - 01/20/22 (audio)

Recap: Town Council gets a whole lot of info on DPW operations and budget issues

Quick recap:

• Moment of silence in recognition of former Councilor Andy Bissanti
• Recognition of two Police Department retirements (Sgt B Johnson, patrol Officer R Grover) and Clinical Social Worker (K Montagano) moving non to another role within Advocates. 
• DPW overview of budget and operations, multiple issues raised, not all can be resolved with resources, or money
• Approval of Council goals with citizen support for the net zero goal added per Councilor Frongillo
• Introduction of new Senior Center Director and Deputy Director
• Request for School Committee/School Dept appearance to address bullying at FHS and how the Council can help as it is a community and student safety issue

My Town Council meeting notes taken via Twitter and captured along with the photos shared from the meeting in one PDF document

The audio recording will be available in a day or so.

View the notes via the embedded document or via this link ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KqWltxSjPxUMDEH4K7YHZw8Ykb8lDSaN/view?usp=sharing

Photos captured during the meetings (sone shared via Twitter, some not shared) can be found in one album ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/p3VauHAymbHFxvBZ7

 

Recap: Town Council gets a whole lot of info on DPW operations and budget issues

Recap: School Committee hears about (1) special education program, (2) daily challenges of pandemic, and approves trip to US Special Olympics

Quick Recap:

• The major portion of the meeting was spent on special education and student services in support of the 17% of the district students needing such services. Always a cost factor for the budget, the costs are rising but the number of students receiving such services is holding steady.
• Great background info for this new Committee (and for the public) on how services are provided, how the in district programs help to reduce costs. Specific details on exactly how much were not available at this session but will be for the up coming budget cycle.
• The update on the COVID-19 pandemic and the struggle it is continuing to provide the schools and their operations was staggering.
• The capital budget was approved and it now moves forward to a discussion with Finance Committee before going to the Town Council for approval.
• The budget adjustment to the current year budget was approved.
• FHS Unified basketball team trip to US Special Olympics was approved. This is the first MA team to represent the state at this event. No cost to district, supporters group prepared to cover any incidental expenses for the individuals if needed.
• Entered Executive Session to address three items and (fortunately) while the agenda posted initially said they would return to open session, they did announce they wouldn't.

Audio recording to be available in a couple of days.

View the full Twitter thread in the embedded PDF file below or download to read from here ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/11L35-x8AUhH3qbg3VYwNCy6pTsv4iSmP/view?usp=sharing

Note this Threadreader service makes it easier to share the Tweets including the photos within the 'stream.' For meetings where the thread has less photos, I'll copy the text but where there are photos, this is so much easier to keep it all together.

Recap: School Committee hears about (1) special education program, (2) daily challenges of pandemic, and approves trip to US Special Olympics

Recap: School Committee meeting - 8/24/21

Quick Recap:

• The School Committee voted to adjust the agenda removing the mask policy from discussion for now as the DESE decision on masks was made earlier during the day and takes precedence. Comment time was provided and extended to accommodate the antivaccine folks
• In regular business, the handbooks modified for this school year were approved unanimously. Health and Safety was split into a separate section to acknowledge the COVID-19 protocols, With the approval, the handbooks will be distributed to the families in advance of school opening this year.
• Chair Bergen took a couple of minutes to thank those who have taken out papers to run for School Committee, letting them know this is an apolitical position, separate from the Town in many ways, there is an 8 hour course required to provide insights on how to operate successfully and legally within the guidelines. A good thing to make folks aware of. At least one successful candidate last time was even aware of the two meeting a month commitment until after they were elected. It is better to be prepared.

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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0824 

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0824&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/sc-agenda-8-24-21

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/august-24-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Live reporting underway the School Committee meeting tonight. #schcom0824
• Agenda item on masking for students taken off agenda given DESE action earlier today. #schcom0824
• Citizen comment on the poor audio internal in the Chambers last week for the Policy subcommittee meeting was held #schcom0824
• Superintendent's report, doc shared the day after the meeting; new faculty orientation this week, approx. 35 participating. Q prior on surplus text where to go? Places/orgs defined. #schcom0824
• Thanks to the custodial and facility staff for their work to prep for opening, DPW for work on the grounds, Technology for their work preparing equipment for this year Motion and second to remove the policy items from agenda, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Accept collaborative update, superintendent represents the district req to create a fund for capital accounts, students go out of district, about 10 students participate in accept training; Pfeffer has a host of questions; Q's answered motion passes 6-0-1 (stokes recuses)
• Handbook updates provided by Giguere in coordination with the school vice principals (and legal review), health and safety in a separate section of handbooks, free lunch for all students this year. #schcom0824
• Health and safety section: https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-info-memo. And presentation doc https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/health-pres  #schcom0824
• Highlights in the presentation cover changes from last year to this #schcom0824 Info from DESE expected on masks and social distancing - no minimum standard to go for this year. Lunch will be hard, K-8 easier than FHS
• Testing options proposed #schcom0824 sub coverage for staff is a potential worry (as it was last year)
• Visitors will be allowed this year and monitored carefully #schcom0824 clarification on a few points around the presentation and discussion Chair Bergen provides insights on background before the comment section (20 mins)
• Parent comment on dissatisfaction with #schcom0824; parent of student with IEP and issues with mask and speech; parent says there is no room for mandate; parent upset with mask as incentive for vaccine and 80% as the requirement; parent (via zoom) (with poor connection)
• #schcom0824 parent wants to get the info out on the testing are they authorized tests? Or emergency authorized?; Parent commending SchComm for their work; parent respectfully disagrees with other speakers who claimed they included her; difference between tests/ timing of exposure
• Bridget Sweet, Board of Health Chair, acknowledges working with the School district to work with the guidelines from DESE. Asking to take heart that the BoH is doing what is best for everyone #schcom0824
• Parent asking for school work for those who are out under quarantine; #schcom0824 parent says no evidence for folks with masks and learning effects, need real metrics for when it will end; Superintendent responds on 3 points, goal the same, measures may differ ...
• 1 things are fluid, there will be updates, 2 binex now (?) is an antigen test and a nasal swab. The committee vote on the handbook as discussed, moved and second, passes 7-0 #schcom0824
• Back to school report https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/status-update-8-20-21 #schcom0824 Hockomock League still working on the sports protocol Still active in hiring, job fair had 15 candidates appeared last night, getting close to closing in on staff for this year
• Info matters - Jumped back to new hiring list, clarification how and why, can they be supported by the budget! Yes, they are backfills for existing roles Policy to set meeting, with DESE guidance to be reviewed #schcom0824 thanks to those setting up to run for SchComm
• 8 hour course required for SchComm, apolitical role, separate from town, #schcom0824 Next meeting, district improvement plan, etc. Motion on 8/10 minutes, second, passes 6-0-1 (Jen abstains) Consent agenda, motion to accept, seconded, passes 7-0
• Motion to adjourn , passes 7-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #schcom0824

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Superintendent Ahern updating the SchComm without her mask at the request of one member who couldn't hear her with the mask

Recap: Town Council - on Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase

Quick Summary:

• Three options were outlined for the Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' Franklin has 120 days to make. The first option to use the proceeds from the Pond St sale (former sewer treatment plant) ($1.6M) and to use the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to finance the remaining $3M.
• No decision was made at the Town Council meeting. The Town Council does have final approval but they can not make the unilateral decision. There are two more public hearings; the Finance Committee (6/16) and the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) (6/17). The CPC needs to make the formal recommendation to use the CPA funds for the Town Council to approve. Assuming the CPC does make the recommendation, the measure would come back to the Town Council likely at their July meeting for approval.
  

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0309

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0309&src=typed_query

 

Photos captured during the meeting, shared via Twitter can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Lc4s1NpLdbEvjLG6A

The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM agenda doc has connection information https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf #tc0609
• In person meeting participation opens June 15, Zoom will be available as well as the live stream and cable broadcasts #tc0609
• Justin Bates speaks to PFAS report from recent water quality report. While # within guidelines, it is concerning and should be investigated for further mitigation. #tc0609
• Electric Youth in the Chambers for their 'almost' annual performance before heading off to Europe for their 2 week tour. #tc0609 (almost as the pandemic cut the trip last year)
• Performing a capella #tc0609
• Motion to approve minutes for Apr 7, passes 9-0; motion on mins for Apr 14, passes 9-0; for May 5, passes 9-0; motion for May 19, passes 9-0 #tc0609
• Proclamation in recognition of FHS donation for veterans walkway bricks along with the pedestals for each of the 45 #tc0609 Proclamation in recognition of Mr Wright for his action during the fire at Franklin Crossing
• Shifting order of action items to address license transactions before the public hearing. #tc0609 La Cantina proposal to combine their licenses. Really just a paperwork item per ABCC motion to approve, seconded, passes 9-0
• La Cantina second transaction for the 19h, (first was 19c). Motion to approve, passes 9-0. #tc0609 Table & Vine change of Manager, etc. Motion to approve, seconded passes 9-0
• Chapter 61 right of first refusal public hearing opens. First of 3 hearings on this matter, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf #tc9609
• Presentation copy to be shared Thursday on town website. Meeting of the 3 hearings https://franklinma.gov/home/news/chapter-61-maple-hill-public-hearings #tc0609
• Town land in green Metacomet in yellow on this map #tc0609
• Purchase proposal options #tc0609
• Additional details on the finances #tc0609
• Debt exclusion could be an option (like a school building) #tc0609
• If right is refused, the project would continue with development of housing overtime per schedule shown #tc0609
• Final slide on recommendation #tc0609 councilors asking clarification questions before getting to the public side of questions/comments. With this proposal CPC recommendation would be required to get TC approval
• Interested in finding the $1.5m from Pond St sale where it was in the financial reports? May not have been in report due to whatever accounting may have applied. #tc0609 councilors generally speaking for the proposal option 1
• Attny Doherty speaking first as he had registered to do so; for the proposal, good planning and good timing to do so. #tc0609
• Negative comment about the Planning Board reflects a misunderstanding of their role in the process. They are restricted to address a proposal to fit within the bylaws. The Council is in a good position as they have some money to say yes. Hasn't always been the case #tc0609
• Unfortunately the Council seems to be passing the buck to the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) which is by process; they (CPC) do need to make a recommendation for this proposal. The CPC is a new group but in my read of them are likely to recommend #tc0609
• Residents all speaking for this proposal thus far; vernal pools a treasure, the open space has trails which has been used #tc0609 Public hearing closes EDC meets next week
• Moving to legislation for action, capital plan second round https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._web_capital_plan_2.pdf #tc0609 FinCom voted to recommend, motion to approve, seconded, discussion on clarification of police station site analysis; passes 9-0
• #tc0609 inter-municipal agreement to provide water supply for a single residence from Bellingham https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._web_bellingham_ima.pdf Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
• Gift for veterans services, for walkway bricks as noted by proclamation done earlier in meeting, motion, veterans officer D Kurtz provides details second, passes 9-0
• PEG funds transfer from ToF to Franklin TV, as per quarterly procedure; motion to approve, second passes 9-0 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._web_peg.pdf Pellegri still wants lower rates for consumers (can't be done by local authorities)
• Sewer bylaw for second reading https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._web_sewers.pdf #tc0609 motion to approve, second, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Zoning bylaw definitions update for tasting room, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._web_tasting_room.pdf motion to move to second reading, second, planning board recommends by a 4-1 vote; had been 25% per manufacturing alignment, passes 9-0
• Saturday, 9-12 open house at water treatment plant, also will be a smaller version of a Touch the Truck expo at the same time. Tests for PFAS are mandated quarterly, does do required testing, not found an excess of levels. #tc0609
• Req for SchComm to come and define the Davis Thayer timeline for town control per Pellegri. #tc0609 Kudos for farmers Market and new layout. EDC business listening sessions were good, thanks to Melanie for that. Exit #s now 41 and 43. EDC meeting 6/17 ArtWALK this weekend
• Pellegri also adds historical museum is hosting musical performances on Saturday as well as part of ArtWALK. #tc0609 Jones will need to replace Anne Marie Tracey, DT hosting a gathering for the closing for families. Remember to block Church st for Memorial Day service
• Motion to adjourn, passes 9-0 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

Audio file to be available in couple of days 

Maple Hill 'right of first refusal' recommendation is to purchase

 

FM #536 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 05/06/21 (audio)

FM #536 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 536 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: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS  

Brutus Cantoreggi, Public Works Director - American Public Works Association, Public Works Director of the Year Award

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS     

La Cantina Winery/La Cantina Brewery, Change of Category on their Farmer Series Pouring Permit from Wines to Wine and Malt Beverages, 355 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038

 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS        

a. Melanson & Heath - FY20 Audit

b. Franklin TV - Pete Fasciano

c. Anne Marie Tracey - Town Communications and Civic Engagement Update

 

Maple hill – 120 days to react

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e02e2c0d-4cc6-4aae-901b-f1c71a9c6b84

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda

My notes from the Town Council meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-town-council-meeting-050521.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"

 

FM #536 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 05/06/21 (audio)