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

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Town Council welcomed 2 new Police hires, moved zoning bylaws to 2nd reading, hears of solicitation process, and personnel updates (video)

The Franklin Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025. 7 of the Councilors were present in Chambers for this session (2 absent due to illness).

The discussion on the Crossing Neighborhood District causes Council Frongillo to recuse himself. His father's business operates in the proposed zoning change.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQsgBfKN8cY

The agenda and docs released for this session can be found


Quick recap:
  • Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on biennial election status
  • School Cmte Chair Dave Callaghan provides an update on school opening and traffic issues being worked
  • 2 new hires effectively back filling for positions authorized within the reduced Police Dept staffing were sworn in and pinned by family members
  • 2 public hearings were opened separately; one for the 2 commercial kitchen bylaws to enable the operation of a commercial kitchen within a residence if on septic (not on town sewer); and second, a set of 6 bylaws to create the Crossing Neighborhood zoning district. It would be similar to the Downtown zoning with a couple of exemptions. Councilor Frongillo recused himself from these discussions and votes as his father's business operates in the proposed zoning area
  • In legislation for action 
    • all 8 of the zoning changes moved to a second reading
    • The Council voted to formalize the early in person voting schedule for the November election as announced
    • A couple of water & sewer extensions were approved
    • A definition of a collection container was accepted and authorized to extend the current use by religious organizations to non-profits, in particular the American Legion and VFW
  • A presentation on Solicitation Permits by Police Chief Thomas Lynch and Deputy Police Chief James West was made to provide some info on the process in response to an incident earlier this year. 
  • In the Town Administrator's Report 2 key items were covered; 
    • one a series of personnel moves; B Taberner's replacement was announced, M Kinhart and M D'Angelo are retiring, Breeka Li Goodlander to return from pregnancy leave in mid-Oct; 
    • second, the Assessors revealed new growth will be about $271,000 shorter than projected earlier this year. This will need to be adjusted somehow before the tax rate hearing in Nov/Dec. It seems to be reflecting the slowdown in growth due to interest rates, uncertainty, and the 'nimby-factor', etc.
  • The Council entered into executive session not to return to public meeting


Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught
Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught

Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned
Jalen Samuels & Kyle Vaught getting pinned



Wednesday, September 17, 2025

MassDOT announces annual high school video contest entries due Oct 5, 2025

MassDOT announces annual high school video contest entries due Oct 5, 2025
MassDOT announces annual high school
video contest entries due Oct 5, 2025
The annual #Massdot @srts_ma  Safe Streets Smart Trips, High School Video contest is back!

Theme: Safe Walking, Biking, and Driving Behaviors
Deadline: Sunday, October 5, 2025 @ 11:00 PM ​

Create a 30–60 second PSA video on:​
  • Distracted driving​
  • Being a pedestrian/bike-friendly driver​
  • Safe walking, biking, or rolling behaviors​

Winning videos will be featured at the 2025 MassDOT “Moving Together” Conference this Fall!

Additional details available at MassDOT ->  https://www.mass.gov/roadway-safety-video




Thursday, September 4, 2025

Franklin ZBA makes 'first' vote on 28 Queen St to approve (video, audio, & transcript)

FM #1505 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1505 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Zoning Board of Appeals meeting conducted via Zoom Only on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 5 PM. All three members of the Board were present. The transcript provides additional details on the short meeting

 

Quick recap:

  • Mistake made with the vote to take the matter “under advisement”. The vote eas 2-1 which should have been successful. The Chair was looking for a 3-0, hence “it” failed. There was another vote in the prior meeting but that shouldn’t have occurred.

  • The first vote on the measure to grant the variance was tonight. Motion made. Friendly modification to round from 22.1 to 22. Accepted.

  • Vote passes 3-0, Meeting adjourns after some additional remarks by the Chair in light of comments he heard when he viewed the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, Sep 3.


The recording runs about 6 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1505-franklin-ma-zba-mtg-09-04-25/



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28 Queen St
28 Queen St



ZBA agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_09042025-1895 


Franklin TV YouTube for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ClJoJ3ue4w 


Transcript -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QEN2Q-hSSNyAo7KHEes-15wvuyEeWfVX/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 out. 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!

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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"


Sunday, August 31, 2025

Watch "US Department of Education Budget and Impact of Spending Cuts" on YouTube (video)

Steve Ballmer, USA Facts with another brief video on US Education funding



How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment (video)


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day — a day to commemorate those lost to a drug overdose, support their surviving families, and dedicate resources to end overdose. 
One way the FTC is working to help people and families dealing with substance use disorders is by cracking down on companies that try to manipulate or deceive people seeking treatment. 
If you search online to find help, know that dishonest businesses could use search result scams to steer you their way. Here are some things to know when searching online for drug treatment help.

Read more  ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-avoid-scams-when-looking-drug-treatment?utm_source=govdelivery


    
Video link -> 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjT1elh2lA



Wednesday, August 27, 2025

School Committee approves handbooks, gets updates on opening, approves Horace Mann Campus name (video)

The Franklin School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, August 26 in Council Chambers. All 7 members were participated in person.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/EWVb7O-b_ag?&t=67


Meeting packet folder (items released for the meeting, in some cases posted a day or two after the meeting) ->   https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2025---26-meeting-packets/august-26%2C-2025-sc-meeting-packet/846929

Quick recap
  • Excitement among the teachers and school personnel as they all make the final preparations for the redistricting to open with schools on Tuesday, Sep 2. Minor tweeks to some of the bus routes, stops will be notified shortly. 56 personnel hired this summer, 2 teacher openings, 13 ESP's openings remain and sone nonunion positions too, work is still underway attempting to fill the positions
  • Handbook significant changes, only a few were discussed. There is only one elementary handbook now for the 4 schools in the 2 buildings. All the handbooks were approved unanimously in separate votes (ECDC, elementary, middle and high school)
  • Voted to create a subcommittee to expand upon how to honor the legacy of Horace Mann, beyond the naming of the campus where ECDC, the Middle School and High School are now located on Oak St. The campus naming was a second vote as the two items were related and there was good discussion among the committee as to the scope and objectives of the proposed (now approved) committee. Member of the full SchCmte will notify the Chair of their interest. The Chair will confirm, the subcommittee will craft a scope and objectives doc for the full committee to approve. Members of the community including the Historical Commission and other such stakeholders will be involved.


 

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Town Council responds to budget adjustment by adding back 3rd ambulance, (video)

The Franklin, MA Town Council met at 6 PM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 as scheduled. All 9 Councilors participated in Council Chambers. The public meeting ran just over 3 hours. The Council entered Executive Session to review another 5 topics. Once into Executive Session they did not return to open meeting.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E1pOkLizKc


My full set of notes in one PDF -> 

Quick recap:
  • In the first of 2 long updates, discussions, the Council ultimately approved the restoration of the 3rd ambulance by adjusting the expense budget by $114K, authorizing the hiring of 2 firefighter/paramedics, and including half of the anticipated ambulance revenue in the budget to balance for the $231,152 shortfall in State funding that came after the State finalized their budget in July
  • In the 2nd, key decision, the Council voted 7-2 to NOT accept a private donation to provide funding for the health & wellness nurse at the Senior Center. There are 2 actions out of this: one for the Town Administrator to find another  way to fund and restore the position, and 2 - to draft a policy for the Town on donations and acceptable uses. As noted during the discussion, the School District has such a policy, the Town does not
  • Per legal advice, the Town Council can not rescind the 40b approval vote for the 444 East Central development. Residents are encouraged to continue to participate in both the Zoning Board of Appeals and Conservation Commission meeting as the project moves through the process. There is no short cut to this long process.
  • Franklin Ridge project is likely to put shovel in the ground before year end (a delay from what was announced earlier this year). In another year, the operator will begin outreach and info session for the resident application process. Federal income guidelines will be followed but 70% of the units to be prioritized for Franklin residents
Additional items will be added to the recap with the publication of the meeting audio and also covered in the Town Council Quarterbacking session when shared in a couple of days.



Sunday, August 10, 2025

More Perfect Union: D. E. I. (video)

In this episode, the group and guest Dr. Bell, as well as the audience from the Senior Center discuss DEI, or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, and how it as a concept has been around, and it's important to provide opportunities and fairness to all people.

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGe7POQRUmQ


More Perfect Union - WFPR
Discussing American Politics and Current Events
Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.
Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Police Station Building Committee tours the current station built in 1991 on School District property (brief photo essay)

Chief TJ Lynch lead a small group of the Police Station Building Cmte and a few residents on a tour of the existing facility. Additional tours are being scheduled for September/October. Work is also underway to provide a video tour with Chief Lynch's narration for those who might be able to make the tours.

A brief recap of some of the existing conditions. And yes, the building is built on School property.

In the holding area, Chief Lynch describes the parole process.
In the holding area, Chief Lynch describes the parole process

The only significant change within the building was the addition of this evidence storage mechanism. It will likely move to a new facility if that is the ultimate decision of the committee and community
The only significant change within the building was the addition of this evidence storage mechanism. It will likely move to a new facility if that is the ultimate decision of the committee and community

Chair Tom Mercer and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen listen as Chief Lynch describes the space for our detectives where 7 are operating in a room that should be for 3-4
Chair Tom Mercer and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen listen as Chief Lynch describes the space for our detectives where 7 are operating in a room that should be for 3-4

The sally port where folks under custody should be safely and securely transferred from a police vehicle to the station. It is also used as storage for multiple items that should be stored elsewhere if there was sufficient space.
The sally port where folks under custody should be safely and securely transferred from a police vehicle to the station. It is also used as storage for multiple items that should be stored elsewhere if there was sufficient space.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Julia Dhar: How to have constructive conversations | TED (video)

"We need to figure out how we go into conversations not looking for the victory, but the progress," says world debate champion Julia Dhar.

In this practical talk, she shares three essential features of productive disagreements grounded in curiosity and purpose.

The end result? Constructive conversations that sharpen your argument and strengthen your relationships."


The three takeaways
  • Choose curiosity over clash
  • expect development of your ideas through discussion
  • anchor in common purpose

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Phantom Gourmet visited La Cantina Winery in Franklin, MA (video)

If you missed the chance to catch La Cantina Winery on Phantom Gourmet, here’s your opportunity! We’d love to see you soon and thank you for all your support!




Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)

Jim Derick, SAFE Coalition, welcomes Chad Hollister and Premo to the Studio for live performances along with a conversation.

Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)
Chad Hollister & Premo perform in the Franklin TV Studio (video)




For more about Chad Hollister and his band visit -> https://chadmusic.com/



Stacey Abrams and the 10 steps to autocracy (video)

In a recent visit to the Jimmy Kimmel show, Stacey Abrams succinctly laid out the ten steps to autocracy. How close to the path are we?

In a ten minute video, she begins about 2 minutes and it runs about 2 and a half minutes, then shifts to other topics. She is on a book tour and made an appearance at The Unlikely Bookstore Tuesday evening which a family member attended.

video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M16NVCtfXk

An NPR Interview also covers the same topic along with others in the conversation with Stacey -> https://www.npr.org/2025/07/15/nx-s1-5464737/stacey-abrams-coded-justice


Friday, July 11, 2025