Showing posts with label tower. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tower. Show all posts

Thursday, February 16, 2023

With time to reflect, Chief McLaughlin acknowledges so many accomplishments and is proud of this dept (audio)

FM #944 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 944 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s Fire Chief James McLaughlin. We met in person to record this at the Franklin studio on February 9, 2023.  We opened our conversation joking about not jinxing us since we had last recorded just before the COVID shutdown occurred in 2020 


Chief McLaughlin shares the highlights of the last three years and the changes he had started making in his first nine months and the accomplishments of the department overall since then.


This conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Chief McLaughlin. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-944-town-of-franklin-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin-02-09-23


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Fire department page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/fire-department 

 

Fire Dept Twitter ->  https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire 

Fire Dept Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinMAFire/?fref=ts 


Chief McLaughlin’s recording from March 2020 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-233-fire-chief-james-mclaughlin.html 


Fire Dept promotion ceremony in July 2020 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/fm-316-franklin-ma-fire-department.html 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 


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"


A good example of the quality of work by the Dept is their proposal to replace Tower 1
A good example of the quality of work by the Dept is their proposal to replace Tower 1

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Chair Tom Mercer and I condense the Feb 1, 2023 Town Council meeting to about 30 min (audio)

 FM #936 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 936 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 Feb 1, 2023


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - Kristin Krauss, Firefighter

b. Promotion: Fire Department - William Blanchard, EMS Battalion Chief


LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License and Approval of Scott Corvi as the Manager - MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’ s Market and Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln Street  

b. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Vrushank Patel as the Manager - 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, Located at 660 West Central Street  


PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent  


LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,  Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading 

b. Resolution 23-14: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept.

c. Resolution 23-15: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($315)



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


Our conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 6, 2023 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-936-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-23


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The full agenda can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf   


The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/-AQpq8GSvi4?feature=share 


My recap, notes, and audio -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/town-council-approves-all-alcohol_5.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes
Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes 

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Town Council approves all alcohol license, hears of Tri-County building plans, ok's purchase of Tower truck, & more (audio)

 FM #934 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 934 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 1, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.


Quick recap:

  • New firefighter/paramedic Kristin Krauss was sworn in. William Blanchard, was sworn in for his promotion to EMS Battalion Chief

  • The 'plus one' all alcohol license request approved in October to send to the Legislature did get the home rule petition passed and came back for Council approval. Confusion around a public hearing and several objections from neighbors and nearby business swayed only one Councilor as the measure passed 8-1

  • Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives told the community of the plans underway to build a new school which will require an override vote likely in October. Numbers are still being worked to get to a potential MSBA approval in August and then the vote in October. Stay tuned - from the MSBA decision date, Tri-County has 120 days to get a vote by the regional communities.

  • The Council authorized the purchase of a new Tower truck for the Fire Dept. The loan won't start until the truck arrives which could be 2-3 years from now. Due to that timing, it was urgent to get the order in now to avoid further costs, and to ensure we have support for the existing unit, which is a critical piece of equipment for the Departments emergency response

The recording runs 2 and 38 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on February 1, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-934-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-01-23



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The full agenda can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf 


The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/-AQpq8GSvi4?feature=share 


My notes taken during the meeting can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MLzZ-p3wLBMFVmnHUHuxzl3xdT0jWQO6/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/ 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"


Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes
Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes 

Monday, January 30, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - February 1, 2023

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
February 1, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 


1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. New Employee: Fire Department - Kristin Krauss, Firefighter
b. Promotion: Fire Department - William Blanchard, EMS Battalion Chief

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License and Approval of Scott Corvi as the Manager - MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’ s Market and Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln Street  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._daceys.pdf
b. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Vrushank Patel as the Manager - 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, Located at 660 West Central Street  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._mobil.pdf
 
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._tri_county_presentation.pdf
i. Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School Building Project Website  https://www.tri-countybuilding.com/
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,  Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading
(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-892 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._comstar_new_rates.pdf
b. Resolution 23-14: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept.
(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-14 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._ladder_fire_truck.pdf
c. Resolution 23-15: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($315)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-15 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._23-15_-_gift_acceptance_-_pd.pdf
d. Resolution 23-16: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-16 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._1_-_memo_23-16_-_peg_comcast_36k.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Town Administrator Evaluation Ad Hoc Subcommittee Report
b. Capital Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
d. Budget Subcommittee
e. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept
Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept

Friday, October 7, 2022

Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach

When wfpr.fm began broadcasting in 2017, the radio station needed a location for its broadcast tower.  Franklin provided a small patch of land atop Forge Hill, and wfpr provided a home, building, electricity and tower space for the Town's Police and Fire Radio Systems.  

This week Franklin Public Radio and the Town of Franklin extended this infrastructure partnership - literally - to improve the Town's Public Safety Communications.  The tower and antennas are going up - extending another 40 feet.  The additional antenna height increases the reach of the radio signals.  

laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set
laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set

The crew began laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set.  

assembly instructions
assembly instructions
The assembly instructions are similar to the sheet that comes with Ikea furniture - only there are many more sheets.  

assembled 40-foot section
assembled 40-foot section

The assembled 40-foot section with antenna side-mounts in place. 

Standing upright next to the tower
Standing upright next to the tower
Standing upright next to the tower - a last inspection - ready for hoisting to the top.

ready to bolt the new section securely in place
ready to bolt the new section securely in place
The crew up top, ready to bolt the new section securely in place.  

After a day and a half of careful assembly, the hoist to the top is quick - a short elevator ride.  At 160 feet, the crane makes it all look like child's play.  Another hour of aligning and bolting the section in place and we're ready to add the antennas up top.  The Town is also adding a new antenna for the DPW's water department - more digital radio control infrastructure for managing its water systems.  

This project was first planned last year as part of a multi-phase infrastructure plan to improve town-wide public safety communications over the next two years.  

For more about Franklin Public Radio, visit their home page at wfpr.fm 

Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach
Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach

Monday, May 26, 2008

Franklin Fire Dept. new Tower Truck

The new $860,000 Tower 1 truck is at home in the new fire station in downtown Franklin, MA.

The truck will be paid for over five years, the first payment this year at $160,000, followed by four yearly payments of $175,000 each.

With a little luck it will be used for training and parades. If it does get called out to be used in a fire, the safety features it contains will hopefully enable a safe operation and rescue, if necessary.


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From the Town Council meeting authorizing payment (audio and text)

From the Finance Committee meeting authorizing payment (audio)