Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Did you miss the Governor's State of the Commonwealth on Wednesday? The video link shared previously is useful, or this has fast forwarded to the point where the Chaplain gives the convocation and the evening formally begins.
You can also skip further ahead to about 1:02:00 when Governor Healey makes her entrance or to 1:05:00 when Senate President Spilka gets to introduce Governor Healey and she finally gives her State of the Commonwealth address at about 1:06:00
Take a few minutes to listen to, or read, the "I have a dream" speech given by Martin Luther King in August of 1963.
"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. (My Lord, No, no, no, no) [applause] We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline."
The Town of Franklin’s Public Works Department searches for a better way to use salt in the winter. Yes, familiar folks in a great production summarizes road treatments for winter travel.
If you are curious about the squiggly lines on the roads before recent storms, you can get the backstory here.
"We’ve come to expect, during winter in New England, being able to get out and drive around, even in the middle of a snowstorm. Town and city DPW’s are using more and more road salt to keep us safe from ice and snow. But after a storm, that salt hasn’t disappeared. As the snow melts, the salt will be washed away and into our groundwater and soils. High levels of sodium chloride in the environment are dangerous to plants and animals, corrosive on our cars and infrastructure, and increase health risks to humans.
In this episode, Franklin, Massachusetts DPW director “Brutus” Cantoreggi describes how he has to manage both keeping the roads safe from ice and providing clean, salt-free drinking water to the residents. Highway Superintendent Carlos Rebelo describes the DPW’s efforts – technological, policy, and communal – to reduce how much salt they put down in the winter."
"Yesterday (1/09/24) Clinicians Kallie Montagano and Sonja Wagner joined Dr. Bergen for an interview on Franklin TV.
They discussed the new Franklin Police Co-Response Program, what it’s like working alongside police officers, how they assist us on calls, trends they're seeing in our community, and how they can close the gap on those who need services."
Once the video recording is available, the schedule for Comcast/Verizon subscribers will be shared.
Once posted to YouTube, that link will also be shared.
Discussion on the scope and intent of the deep dive series. Feb 7 next meeting, Mar 6 joint budget subcmte, then really into budget season for FY 2025 with hearings in May, June for Council.
This is the first capital budget without a holding of the 'free cash' for snow and ice removal. 4.5M is total free cash.
Consideration for a 'land acquisition fund' possibly to be established
Technology at the high school is now 10 years old, can't replace them all at once, chipping away at it to stagger the replacements over time.
Survey to address on quality of life issues, scientific generated survey randomly generated, whole variety of metrics. Often folks are happy but need to divide where there are some opportunities.
Chief Lynch providing insights on the Police requests, (forgot to add battalion chiefs for Fire had previewed the requests for Fire) Did get all their requests
DPW, Director Cantoreggi, Water/Sewer superintendent Martin Providing updates on the details of this year's request, equipment has improved over past years, folks like to use good tools, efficiency & safety
Funds for sewer, water, etc come from the enterprise funds
Facility did not get all asked for, the reasonable requests were met. We don't have any money for new sidewalks, maintenance yes but not new. $2M for a single mile of sidewalk.
Motion for approval for the capital improvements plan second, passes via roll call 8-0-1 (absent)
Motion for transfers per policy as part of the capital plan, second, via roll call 8-0-1 (absent)
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"
Finance Committee reviews and approves of Capital Budget for FY 2024 (video & audio)
Students and teachers face off in a head-to-head basketball game; FHS Theater is back with a one-act play you don't want to miss; and we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his message of nonviolence - on this week's Panther News!
The Town Council met as scheduled on Dec 20, 2023. This was their last meeting of the calendar year. Several key items of business were closed out, recognition was given to Ken Norman for his service on Board of Assessors and other committees, and many wishes for happy holidays, new year, etc. were extended.
The Council will begin work on January 3, 2024 with a session that includes setting goals and objectives for the next two years.
Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF proclamation to Ken Norman
Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy
Quick recap:
Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.
2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion
Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000
Police Dept - $559,000
Sewer projects - $500,000
Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000
SAFE Coalition - $100,000
YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000
ARPA Direct funds announced for
$1M to reconstruct Baron Road
$420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field
Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)
Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report -
Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete
Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you
Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit
The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 6:30 PM in the 3rd floor conference room. The meeting was broadcast via Franklin TV on the Pride or education channel (the Town Hall channel had the Finance Committee meeting).
The Franklin School Committee met for the last time in this calendar year on Tuesday, Dec 12. The meeting featured a variety of information updates and recognition of the FHS Cheerleaders who repeated as State Champions.
Quick Recap:
Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)
Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fish
Patricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programs
Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided and update on the annual snow program and engaged in a extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances as possible
By the end of the 19th century, nearly 40% of American cars were electric. But these vehicles had a few major problems — early car batteries were expensive and inefficient, and the vehicles were twice the price of a gas-powered car.
And so for the next several decades, gas-powered cars dominated the market.
Can electric cars reclaim their place on the road? Daniel Sperling and Gil Tal investigate."
FM #1110 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1110 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.
After an update from the subcommittees, they discussed issues with the Inventory Report, the Survey launched, subcommittee outreach efforts, & approved their Meeting schedule for 2024.
The agenda:
1. Meeting Minutes: September 13 & 27, 2023 & October 25, 2023
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"
Master Plan Update Cmte discusses, Inventory Report, Survey, Outreach efforts, & approves Meeting schedule for 2024 (audio)
