Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1472 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1472 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Friday, June 20, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 18, 2025.


We focus on two questions:

  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Discussion items: 

  • Fire Chief McLaughlin reads his statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. 

  • Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie

  • Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved

  • Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved

  • Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee

  • La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license

  • The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for

  • Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing

  • Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term



The conversation runs about 30 minutes

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1472-town-council-quarterbacking-06-18-25/



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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188 


Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788 


Community Survey results

Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report 


Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025


Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 18 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)
Tom & I recap the Town Council Mtg of June 1
8 in this "quarterbacking" session (audio)
Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation


All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey



My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/view?usp=drive_link


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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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


Friday, June 20, 2025

Town Council hears of Chief McLaughlin retirement, Electric Youth performance, and approves union contracts (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in the Council Chambers with 8 present initially and the 9 joined in progress.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188


Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number
Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number


Quick recap:
  • Fire Chief McLaughlin reads statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. He lists the accomplishments of his time here including that the Department has multiple qualified candidates to replace him. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen confirms later in the meeting that the position posting will be for internal candidates only.
  • Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
  • Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
  • Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
  • La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
  • The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for
  • Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee. Up to 13 members with some specific representation and some at large residents, Term thru June 30, 2029. Plan the year long celebration, engaging, calendar, programs, access, etc. The committee needs to be of people who are willing to do the work. Town staff as ex officio to assist the committee, the committee needs to do the work. Discussion on council membership in "at large role"
  • Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
  • Councilor Cormier-Leger arrives at 9:25 PM. Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term.
  • Meeting adjourned
My complete set of notes captured during the meeting


Saturday, June 14, 2025

Audio recording of the FHA Appreciation Event held Monday, June 9, 2025 (audio)

FM #1468 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1468 in the series. 


This session shares audio recording of the Appreciation Event celebrating the collaboration that returned a single family home to Franklin housing stock. State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025

 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1468-fha-appreciation-event-06-09-25/



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Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lXcfc3-nNbI



Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers
Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers


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


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"



Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Appreciation Event celebrates the collaboration that returned a single family home to franklin housing stock (video)

State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan,Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy. Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers
Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers



Event background:
The Franklin Housing Authority has acquired the ‘long-time vacant’ property located at 813 Summer Street, Franklin. The beautifully renovated three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and the property will remain in the Town’s affordable housing stock through perpetuity.   

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates.
 
Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT’s Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Speers, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT’s Trust Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.
Read full article: 

Watch "The Meaning of You - Scott Pelley | Wake Forest University Commencement Speech 2025" on YouTube

"Join veteran journalist Scott Pelley as he delivers the 2025 Wake Forest University Commencement address. In this inspiring speech, Pelley reflects on the power of truth, the importance of courage, and the role of education in shaping a better future. Drawing on stories from around the world, he urges graduates to seek understanding, include everyone, and stand up for their values. This address celebrates resilience, hope, and the enduring impact of service and integrity."

"In a moment like this, when our country is in peril. Don't ask the meaning of life. Life is asking 'What's the meaning of you?'"


Monday, June 9, 2025

Franklin Matters Weekly Outlook & Lookback (video)

The weekly outlook for Franklin, MA for June 9 through June 14, 2025

video link -> https://youtu.be/9VWKNZZTLPg


Looking back at the week that was June 2 through June 8, 2025

video link ->  https://youtu.be/0fhHfGIpPkU


You can subscribe to get the text version in one email Sunday morning ->    https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The meeting was delayed starting but all 9 councilors were present in Council Chambers with a full audience and at least another 50+ via Zoom.

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.




Quick recap:
  • After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.
  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A& B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked above)
  • Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override
  • Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year
  • The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.
  • The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:
    • 2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)
    • 2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)
      • This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)
    • 1 admin position for Town Administrators office
    • 1 from Planning & Community Development
    • 1 from Board of Assessors
    • the part-time nurse at the Senior Center
    • DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)
    • Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)
    • additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)
    • Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email)

  • The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM 
My full set of notes as written during the meeting

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B






Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Watch "US Federal Income Taxes: How the US Federal Government is Funded & How Your Share is Calculated" on YouTube

Via USA Facts: 

"The US federal government collected $4.9 trillion in revenue in 2024 -- 99% of it from taxes. 49% came from federal income tax and 35% came from payroll taxes (for social security and medicare). The US has a progressive tax system, which means that you pay more taxes on each income tier (in 2024 for single filers, 10% on your first $11,600, 12% on $11,604 to $47,150 and so on). And you can deduct some expenses (like mortgage interest) from your taxable income amount. More Americans are in the 12% tax bracket than any other. Learn more about how personal federal income taxes work, as well as corporate taxes, state and local taxes, and tax changes over time. "

For more info:



Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Unofficial Override Results: The NO's take it by 185 votes (video)

The unofficial results of the override election are in.  You can listen as Town Clerk Nancy Danello make the announcement in the FHS gymnasium about 8:30 PM June 3, 2025



2025 2024

Yes = 5093     5542

No = 5278     5778

Blank =     4         5

Total = 10.375 11,325


Margin = 185          236

Percent turnout    40%            45%



So the budget balancing adjustments will need to be made. The Town Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, June 4. They already continued their 2nd FY 2026 budget hearing to this night. They were hoping to close the hearing and then approve the budget as proposed BUT with the No vote prevailing, the proposed cuts will need to be applied.


The Town Council will determine the amount of the school funding, the School Committee and Central Office will need to determine within their budget how that will fall out.


Likely the sports and bus fees will remain as this year, and there will be additional personnel cuts (10-15 were mentioned previously). They are scheduled to meet on June 10.


There are some important events remaining this week.

  • The first Farmers market of the season opens Friday on the Town Common from 2 to 6 PM
  • Franklin High School graduates in Class of 2025 Friday evening
  • Little Women, the Musical opens at THE BLACK BOX for a run Friday, Sat and Sunday
  • Porchfest returns to Franklin on Saturday, with the rain date for Sunday. You can find the full schedule of 30 porches and over 50 performances at Franklin Porchfest Info


For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendars at Franklin.news  where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.