Town Council and School Committee hear from residents for or against an override, for June, or for Nov (video)

The Joint Town Council and School Committee meeting took place last night with over 400 in attendance at Franklin High School and at least another 200 viewing via YouTube (over 800 views on YouTube as this went to press before midnight).

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/xMN27_nBPUU?si=aeSWZvxA-SMPJ6wo

My notes collected in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h_7qKlYxPivFDjatz9mjtDg8lU-WMY_q/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the slides shared (the slides will be posted sometime)

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

Town presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-04-24_fy25_budget_update_joint_sc_tc_meeting.pdf

School presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_super_budget_sc_tc_presentation_4_24_24.pdf

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented town side of the FY 2025 budget and financial outlook
• School Superintendent Lucas Giguere accompanied by Dr Dutch, Business Administrator, presented the school budget summary and cost drivers as well as potential cuts if the proposed override does not come to pass
• Town Council Chair Tom Mercer then opened the floor for resident comments. They lined up individually at one aisle or the other to raise a question or make their comment.
• The Town Council will take this information to their May 1 meeting and decide on IF, when, and What the $ amount would be. From that set of decisions, additional info can be prepared on both side as to what the override would bring us, and what failure to pass would mean
• The budget hearings by the Finance Committee (May 6, May 8 & May 15)  as well as the Town Council (May 22, & May 23) would still happen to work out the details of the budget.

TA Jamie Hellen, School Supt Lucas Giguere

Master Plan Update Committee - video replay available for 4/17/24 session

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 6:30 PM in the 3rd Floor Training Room.

The Franklin TV video replay is available for this session ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFC0QbZaX6I

The published agenda for this session can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-april_17_2024.pdf 

Master Plan Update Committee - video replay available for 4/17/24 session

School Committee votes to approve $81M budget, now has to work to get it funded all or in part, and deal with the results (video)

The Franklin Public School Committee conducted its scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. The Franklin TV broadcast of the session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8KxgjR7dhk

Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-9-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder (contains other doc for this meeting, some posted after the meeting) -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Photos of the presentation doc shared ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxKxwydbV64HKmFx9

Quick recap:

• Horace Mann Middle School provided an update on their school year , goals and objectives
• School Committee voted for their budget totaling $81,319,261.00. Now they need to work with the Town Council to fund it all or in part and deal with the results
• Joint meeting April 24 at FHS Auditorium with Town Council and School Committee
• School Committee voted unanimously not accept new School Choice students for the 2024-2025 School year. Not a change, likely to be possible in future depending upon school district long term planning results available later this year (i.e. redistricting)
• Voted unanimously to adopt policy JFABB – Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students

My notes captured via Twitter are available in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nL3N1QI_hV-xrY0VllU2iZyJw4HOREcK/view?usp=drive_link

one slide from the HMMS presentation on curriculum flow & delivery

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. Three members were in the chamber, one remote. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.pdf

Quick recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant
• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project
• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link

Talkin' TC Episode 5: Mental Health Awareness (video)

"On this episode, we shine the spotlight on the many support services offered here on campus. 

Our guest is Mrs. Freya Messias, L.R.C., M.A., one of three school adjustment counselors on staff. She discusses a multitude of topics as well as discussing her background and offering sound advice."

video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQRl2Hq4rC0

Talkin' TC Episode 4: Student Voices (video)

"On this episode we hear from a trio of students, all seniors, walking us through their TC Journey as their time on Pond Street is coming to a close."

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZl4cp65kjc 

From the Crazy Reading Ladies - Save the Date - May 4 for "Pen to Picture" with Jarrett Krosoczka

Spend #starwarsday celebrating #graphicnovels with

@StudioJJK

!  

Join us for Pen to Picture

@FrkPublicLib

May 4 at 1 PM.  

Thanks to a grant from

@masscultural

this event is free and open to the public!

From the Crazy Reading Ladies - Save the Date - May 4 for "Pen to Picture" with Jarrett Krosoczka

Jarrett Krosoczka, author, illustrator, and graphic novelist will be at the Franklin Library for an author talk, drawing demos, photo ops, and more 

Watch Jarrett's TED Talk ->   https://www.ted.com/talks/jarrett_j_krosoczka_how_a_boy_became_an_artist

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/allinreading/status/1775890568188498176

Video replay available for Arts & Culture Subcommittee Apr 3, 2024 (video)

The Arts & Culture Subcommittee of the Town Council as they released their final report on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.  The meeting was held at the Council Chambers and broadcast by Franklin TV via cable (Verizon & Comcast), as well as Zoom and live stream to YouTube.   

Chair Cobi Frongillo, members Melanie Hamblen and Ted Cormier-Leger.

Cory Shay, new Director of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy introduces what she is up to in her early days here.

The meeting runs about 45 minutes (brief tech difficulty in the opening minus with an echo was resolved).

Meeting  recording on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPz7IPBOqAc 

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/1._arts_culture_20240130_170221_0000.pdf 

Panther News: April 5, 2024 (video)

Panther News: April 5, 2024

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

Riffin' on Main Street: Thomas J. Lynch (video)

Kenneth "Ken" Elmore, the President of Dean College, has a series of video interviews called "Riffin' on Main St." In this episode, he has a conversation with Franklin Police Chief Thomas J Lynch. 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/feW2-z1U63o?si=J1bMdcaA6sUG9LO-

Senior Connection: Spaghetti Bolognese (video)

Nan Rafter, Danielle Hopkins and Chef Ann of the Franklin Senior Center prepare Spaghetti Bolognese in this episode

Video link -> https://youtu.be/V5-qrx-9GHQ

Riffin' on Main Street: James McLaughlin (video)

Kenneth "Ken" Elmore, the President of Dean College, has a series of video interviews called "Riffin' on Main St."  In this episode, he has a conversation with Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin. 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/VV4k8dR-A2w?si=Bn9WHcFF6wgz8L3u

Senior Connection: Nan interviews Danielle (video)

Nan Rafter and Danielle Hopkins turn the tables as co-hosts and interview each other to share what is going on at the Franklin Senior Center. 

Video link -> https://youtu.be/Ywjd4JquEbM

Riffin' on Main Street: Fatima Wojohat (video)

Kenneth "Ken" Elmore, the President of Dean College, has a series of video interviews called "Riffin' on Main St."  In this episode, he has a wonderful conversation with Dean College student, Afghanistan native and artist Fatima Wojohat 

video link -> https://youtu.be/WtyOacpvSnM?si=n6AdTJucmiWmPiwO

Watch "The Anxious Generation Art Project" on YouTube (video)

"Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt believes childhood itself has gone missing. And he and artist Dave Cicirelli are teaming up to tell that story at the scenes of the crime.

Haidt argues that for a little over a decade, we’ve been raising children in an environment hostile to human development. Kids are spending upwards of eight to nine hours a day on their phones and very little time playing in the real world with other kids. Their mental health has suffered and their real-world childhood has been taken away from them.

Based on the essential findings of Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation, we're blanketing the centers of media, government, and tech in provocative images and installations that remove the filters from the phone-based coming of age.  

This guerilla art takeover is anchored by a ten-foot-tall “Missing Childhood” milk cartons in prominent public spaces. These cartons will not just tell the tragic story of youth’s mental health decline but also be a forum for passerbyers to share their personal experiences with this dramatic shift in childhood."

Video link -> https://youtu.be/Ztm8Hna4SBU

The Boston Globe has a Q&A with Jonathan Haidt on the Anxious Generation ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/24/opinion/jonathan-haidt-the-anxious-generation/

Riffin' on Main St: James Johnston (video)

Dean College President Ken Elmore has a podcast or interview series called Riffin' on Main St. In this episode he talks with Franklin historian James Johnston.

video link -> https://youtu.be/4UF2HXPMLXM?si=ks2aEpE6RvlgtQ2b

School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (video)

The School Committee met as scheduled for their regular session on Tuesday, March 19 which extended to just after 10 PM as they dwelt on their FY 2025 budget proposal which included a public hearing.

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Business Manager Dr Bob Dutch presented their overview assisted by Asst Superintendents Dr Tina Rogers and Paula Marano.

The Franklin TV video recording is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk

Quick recap: 

FY25 Budget Open Hearing 

(presentation doc not posted but the full budget book is available ->    https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf)

2 quick points from School Committee member Paul Griffith during the Q&A for the presentation, I paraphrased here but go listen to what he said:

• Great clarification questions from Cmte member Griffith Go back and listen (via the YouTube link) for his points on the class size as well as the support services (i.e. personnel titles) some legally required if not morally to provide the proper education for each student

• If we are looking at the bare minimum of level services across the Town and schools, given the Town expected revenue, it is not whether there should be an override, it really should be a discussion on how much of an override we can afford (great point!)

Discussion/Action Items

A. Student Opportunity Act Plan Approval

B. Policy First Reading

C. Policy Second Reading/Adoption

D. ACCEPT Collaborative Agreement

all these items passed by a 7-0 vote

My notes captured via Twitter were collected in a single PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-1dD9wIUOeE_0ZS76jJsRgnKgtkScxAE/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the slides shown can be found in one album ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/raH5wfZR6pU7yths6

School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (video)

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 9

• 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)

** School Committee meeting - March 19

• FY25 Budget Open Hearing  ->   (budget book) https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/fy25_complete_budget_book.pdf
• Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1161-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-03-19-24
• Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YXw4dnXUqk 

** Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - March 6

• Joint Budget audio recap with Mercer, Conley & McNeill -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/tom-george-david-recap-joint-budget.html

• 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

** School Committee Superintendent’s budget - March 5

• Chalkboard chat audio session recapping SchCmte meeting & Joint Budget meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/03/this-chalkboard-chat-recaps.html

• Franklin TV's video recording of the meeting is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sEe-JcCn_k

• The agenda doc can be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_3-5-24.pdf

• The packet folder containing other documents released for the meeting can also be found online ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/march-5-2024-school-committee-meeting
  

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? 

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"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1768624505310629937

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

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 -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-03-13_town_council_agenda_0.pdf

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