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

Monday, March 18, 2024

What's this about a possible override for Franklin?

The first pass of the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY 2025) budget as presented to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting last week shows the Town of Franklin facing a $10.1 million deficit. The numbers will continue to be worked. As discussed during the meeting, breaking news that afternoon showed a reduction in the projected cost increase for health care that had just been received. That will be adjusted for future budget discussions.


The timeline for the budget development is as follows:

  • School Committee budget public hearing - March 19

  • School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 2

  • Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12

  • Joint Budget Subcommittee - (TBD - possible Apr 17?)

  • Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)

  • Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)


If there were to be an override, the decision on “When?” is as critical as “How much”? Election requirements call for 35 days notification of a vote on a ballot question. Hence, a vote scheduled for June would have to be decided no later than early May


Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials


School budget page -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget


Recent meetings/documents (most recent on top, scroll down for prior)


Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - March 6


School Committee Superintendent’s budget - March 5


Visit One Franklin to find out more about the group and their efforts advocating for the override https://onefranklinma.com/

What's this about a possible override for Franklin?
What's this about a possible override for Franklin? 

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Hockomock Area YMCA shares Tyler's story to highlight the support they provide (video)

Hockomock Area YMCA shares video of the support they provide:

"VIDEO link ≈ https://t.co/TtpS9vNn05  
Watch the moving story of Tyler and his family. We're here to help individuals and families in need of an immediate safety net. 
None of this support is possible without the generosity of all who support our Campaign. #BeCauseY #YForAll #ReachOut"

To contribute to the cause -> https://www.hockymca.org/our-cause/give/



Thursday, March 14, 2024

Town Council approves Request for Expression of Interest to be issued for Davis Thayer, refers zoning change to Planning Board (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The agenda document can be found on the Town page -> 

Franklin TV recorded and live broadcast the session to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3tlPhSrWw

Quick recap:
  • Citizens comments were active, one person speaking against the potential reinstatement of the suspended DPW Director. The others speaking for. The matter might have been on the Executive Session agenda. We'll know for sure some time later
  • The minutes for the Feb 28, 2024 session were approved
  • The  Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 for Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street was moved to refer to the Planning Board by an 8-1 vote. Pellegri cast the one "No" vote
  • Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St was passed by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones recused himself from the discussion as his residence is an abutter to the property
    • The results of the Request for Expressions of Interest are non-binding. Input is due back May 31. At which time the Advisory Committee will spend time in June/July to review and bring back their recommendation to the Council for approval and possible further action
  •  Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48). "This donation is especially meaningful as it marks the final gift from the Franklin Library Association, which after 150 years of operation, has closed its doors"
  • The Council entered Executive Session to not return to public meeting with a 9-0 vote via roll call. 
My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_0S4RpGVb3mVuf_kutMg_uvXuW8zrvO/view?usp=drive_link


Saturday, March 9, 2024

Tri-County introduces podcast; first episodes feature 1 - Steve LaPlante & 2 - Dana Walsh (video)

Talkin' TC Episode 1: Steve LaPlante 

"Many in and around the TC community and wrestling world are well aware of the many accomplishments of Coach Steve LaPlante. His program is synonymous with success and excellence and for preparing student-athletes to win not only on the mat and classroom but in their lives long after the headgear is put away. In this episode, we will learn more about what makes Coach LaPlante tick and gain insight into his background and motivation."


Talkin' TC Episode 2: Dana Walsh

"We took the opportunity to sit down with first-year principal Ms. Dana Walsh to discuss her background, plans moving forward and general thoughts on leadership."




Joint Budget Subcommittee get the details on the current $10.1 million deficit to start the conversation & process (audio)

FM #1153 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1153 in the series. 


This session shares the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers with a huge crowd and multiple folks tapped in via Zoom. 


The Joint Budget Subcommittee is composed of the 4 members of the Town Council, 4 members of the Finance Committee and 3 members of the School Committee (to avoid a committee quorum for each of the respective bodies).


Chair - Tom Mercer, Brian Chandler, Cobi Frongillo, and Melanie Hamblen of the Town Council

George Conley, Natalie Riley, of the Finance Committee

David McNeill, Paul Griffith, and KP Sompally of the School Committee


Quick recap:

  • Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School superintendent Lucas Gigiuere jointly presented the story of the town and school budgets as they initially create a 10.1 million deficit to be resolved

  • Next steps outlined as this is the start of the discussion and fine tuning of the budget

The show notes contain a link to the agenda, the Franklin TV meeting video, and to my notes.


The recording runs about 3 hours and 30 minutes, so let’s listen to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of March 6, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1153-town-of-franklin-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-03-06-24



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


Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg   


Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf 


Presentation document link -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf


Photo album capturing the slides and meeting 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/b4HcchHohAs9vqrJA 


My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m42hRAFdfM-OX-brLa6epXiuEktOEeWU/view?usp=drive_link 


Additional info will be added to the FY 2025 budget page as the budget gets fined tuned over the next several weeks  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-25-budget-materials


Joint Budget Subcommittee page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee 



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

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"




Thursday, March 7, 2024

Joint Budget Subcommittee get the details on the current $10.1 million budget deficit

The Joint Budget Subcommittee heard from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere as they outlined the challenges leading to the current $10.1 Million budget deficit the Town of Franklin is facing for Fiscal Year 2025.

The presentation is supposed to be posted to the Town page Thursday. In the meantime, screen grabs of most of the slides shared are available in the photo album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/b4HcchHohAs9vqrJA


The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

My notes captured via Twitter and found in one PDF ->



slide from school part of the presentation
slide from school part of the presentation

Master Plan Update Committee meeting March 6, video recording available (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met on Wednesday, March 6 at 6:30 upstairs in the 3rd floor training room. 2 of the members left the meeting early to participate in the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting downstair in the Council Chambers at 7 PM.

The Franklin TV meeting video -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5QYsjiIi9s



Sunday, March 3, 2024

Norfolk Deeds wishes the Town of Franklin a Happy Birthday! (video)

Norfolk Deeds (@NorfolkDeeds) posted Sat, Mar 02, 2024:

"Happy Birthday to the Town of Franklin, Incorporated, March 2, 1778. The Town of Franklin was named after United States Founding Father Benjamin Franklin.

Follow the link to watch Good Deeds: History Comes Alive, Franklin Public Library. https://t.co/a5bmZ4TkA3  or ->
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHCJUQDye2Y

@TOFranklinMA


Shared from -> https://t.co/FUgmoDqyWp


Friday, March 1, 2024

Panther TV: Panther News for March 1, 2024 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) posted  Thu, Feb 29, 2024:
On this week's Panther News: FHS students will travel abroad next year-find out how to join them. 
And if you're struggling in Spanish class-Spanish Honors Society students want to help! @FHSPantherbook @FranklinHS 
 
https://t.co/5gUMPiGnDl via @YouTube



Thursday, February 29, 2024

Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video)

"Welcome to Mental Health, the crisis of our time. 
My name is Ann Bergen. I am the host of this series of programs brought to you by Franklin TV whose mission is really to bring important topics relevant to the community out so we can inform the residents aware of issues that are very very important. 
The issue we have to address is mental health."

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgP4W-N2SRA

State Representative Jeff Roy - state page ->   https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1

Personal page -> https://jeffreyroy.com/



Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video)
Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video)

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, February 28, 2024. the first 2 hours covered the earlier portions of the meeting and most of the time was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?) the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer  the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommended was with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

The Franklin TV recording is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ


My notes captured during the session via Twitter can be read in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

Aside from the zoning discussion:
  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge
  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved
  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously
  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved
    • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved
  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”
  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved
  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks
  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)
  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas
  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase
  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Mental Health: Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner (video)

"Welcome to Mental Health, the crisis of our time. 
My name is Ann Bergen. I am the host of this series of programs brought to you by Franklin TV whose mission is really to bring important topics relevant to the community out so we can inform the residents aware of issues that are very very important. 
The issue we have to address is mental health."

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gXvUrzkRMo

Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager
Sonja Wagner, Co-Response Clinician

For more about the Co-Response Program visit the Police Dept page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/co-response-program



Mental Health: Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner (video)
Mental Health: Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner (video)

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center (video)

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center is a collaboration of the MIAAMassLive, and broadcast by Franklin TV.

The YouTube recording of the live broadcast conducted on Saturday with the release of the high school Basketball brackets. There is a separate show covering the hockey brackets.


MA D1 boys bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7008

MA D1 girls bracket (including Franklin) -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=7019

Full set of MIAA brackets ->  here

Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center (video)
Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to Tsongas Center  (video)


Thursday, February 1, 2024

Franklin Town Council approves flying Pride flag during June, Planning Board associate & elections workers (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council took action Wednesday:

a. Joint Town Council and Planning Board Vote To Fill Associate Planning Board Vacancy    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._pb_appointment_mark_mucciarone.pdf

Jointly voting with the Planning Board to unanimously approve Mark Mucciarone for the role of associate


b. 2024 Election Workers
i. See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._election_workers_appointment.pdf

Vote via roll call 9-0 to approve of appointments

a. Street Acceptance: Portion of Farrington Street
i. Legislation for Action Item 9a  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._farrington_st._acceptance.pdf

Vote via roll call 9-0 to approve of street acceptance


b. Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-904 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

Vote via roll call 9-0 to approve of ambulance fee increase


c. Resolution 24-07: Town of Franklin Flag Policy for Display of Flags at Franklin Municipal Building (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-07 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._flag_policy.pdf

Much of the meeting was consumed by the discussion and passionate arguments on both sides. The vote was 6-3 to approve. Chandler, Pellegri and Dellorco voted no.



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

Agenda doc holds the remote participation info -> 

My notes captured during the meeting ->


Photo album of key points in the meeting -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/swdbzNRRWe5b7Rky6


Franklin Town Council approves flying Pride flag during June, Planning Board associate & elections workers (video)
Franklin Town Council approves flying Pride flag during June, Planning Board associate & elections workers (video)