Franklin grease trap policy proposed to be formalized in Town bylaw (audio & video)

FM #1193 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1193 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Economic Development Subcmte Meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  The meeting was held at the Municipal Bldg and conducted in a hybrid manner. Chair Melanie Hamblen, Councilors Brian Chandler & Cobi Frongillo were in the Council Chambers. Councilor Sheridan was absent.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 5:45 and actually started at 5:55 (not 6:55 as is announced by Chair Hamblen). There was technical difficulty with the Zoom video but not with the YouTube video or any channel audio. Turned out to be a setting in the meeting set up that turned the video off for this session. (Duly noted for future sessions).  

Quick summary

• Current policy across Health Dept, Building Inspection and DPW calls out the requirements for grease traps for commercial use. Those policies would be combined into one Town bylaw to formalize and remove possible confusion or contention as to which one takes precedence.

• The draft bylaw was recommended to be moved to the Town Council for their review and approval. This one would not need to include the Planning Board for review.

The meeting runs about 26 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1193-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-01-24

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Economic Development Subcmte page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee 

Meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-05-01_edc_agenda_packet.pdf 

Franklin TV video on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/live/YKganfWutTA?si=EJQ77tsztrptv4Mi&t=100

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Franklin grease trap policy proposed to be formalized in Town bylaw (audio & video)

Panther News for May 3, 2024 (video)

On this week's Panther News: 

A video showcasing the Classics Club, we celebrate students receiving National Latin Exam Awards, and Juniors share their excitement about prom! https://t.co/4dU6gqlTKB via @YouTube 

@FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @FranklinMatters

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1786076290925154325

Town Council after much discussion votes to set June 11 as date for a $6.8M Prop 2 1/2 override (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on May 1, 2024 in Council Chamber. All 9 Councilors were present along with a packed room. Participants were also on Zoom and YouTube.

Brief recap:

• Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV
• Introduction of new mental health clinician Caroline Ferris 
• Approved appointment of Nicole Chiaramonte
• Presentation on the FY 2023 Financial Audit by Scott McIntire, Partner, Marcum LLP. Another clean audit result, all processes are good no issues identified, no management letter or actions.
• presentation on the possible override and pledge statement results in passage of three resolutions
1. vote of acceptance by Council of pledge (9-0)
2. sets date for override of June 11 (8-1, Pellegri no)
3. sets amount of override for $6.8 million (9-0)

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9nkmKHkrxA

Agenda and supporting documents ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/fixed_tc_agenda_v4.pdf

Photo album of the presentation screen grab along with screens from the meeting

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dDxgDMFrcXDaNqR78

Recognition of Chris Stearns for 20 years with Franklin TV

School Committee listens to a lot of "we need more time" comments (video)

The Franklin, MA School Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. The Council Chambers were overflowing, more than 200 were reported on Zoom, with another 200 via YouTube.

Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWz6ewelhGo

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/sc_special_mtg._agenda_-_4_25_24.pdf

Meeting packet folder - location of all docs released for this meeting (note some posted after the session) ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-30-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

My notes captured via Twitter in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1buTL7pQsslK3bG2emGvAR3tHvoVsQ4vV/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of  the slide presentation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZogkwQrk91uVQxNm9

Supt Giguere, Dr Fran Locker, Ms Kate Jessup

Frank Presents: Jay Elias, Part 1 & Part 2 on end of life planning (video)

Jay Elias, General Counsel with the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home in North Attleboro spends time with Frank Falvey over two episodes talking about end of life planning, health care proxies, etc.

Part 1 ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kMdb5yuvA8

Part 2 ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6aET8hG-YU

Frank Presents: Jay Elias, Part 1 & Part 2 on end of life planning (video)

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/