catching up to the Panther News for March 8, 2024 (video)

Catching up to share the Panther News for March 8, 2024. 

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-9pTgdMj7w

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."

YouTube Link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukzrW26K9LU

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."

YouTube Link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nFu2HwjY-A

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

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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 

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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

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"

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

Presentation doc found (3/08/24  pm) ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-03-06_fy25_budget_slides_jbsc.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D33RO5xYoUg

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m42hRAFdfM-OX-brLa6epXiuEktOEeWU/view?usp=drive_link

Town Administrator’s Preliminary FY25 Budget Model

a. Town Administration Memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf

b. Committee Charge  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf

c. FY25 Revenue & Control Sheet  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_control_sheet_budget_model.pdf 

d. February 13, 2024 School Committee Budget Discussion Slideshow  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/feb_2024_school_committee_budget_update_0.pdf

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

The agenda for the meeting ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-march_6_2024.pdf

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

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

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1763212378412290185

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)

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

The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.pdf

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

Norfolk County Deeds: "History Comes Alive" on the Franklin Public Library (video)

Friends of Franklin Library (@FriendsFranklin) posted Tue, Feb 27, 2024

Good Deeds: History Comes Alive, Franklin Public Library https://t.co/A98m9NOrFL via @YouTube  or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHCJUQDye2Y

Shared from -> https://t.co/eKCN8v8snC

a view of some of the books from Benjamin Franklin

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)

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 MIAA, MassLive, 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.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/lBbJxr0MHbQ?si=oZLtdyacoG6iYMym

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)

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 -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_31_2024.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wKLR_XbWaMMndP78VY91-cZESlBkl5WK/view?usp=drive_link

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)

Panther TV : News for Friday, Jan 26, 2024 (video)

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) posted on Thu, Jan 25, 2024:

On this week's show: FHS's Diversity Club and Girl Up team up for a big upcoming event… 

an FHS Senior wins Hockomock's Player of the Week… 

and the Jazz Band returns for their winter performance! 

@FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook @SteveSherlock
https://t.co/2h4KhOWq5L via @YouTube

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1750601539155026267

TED-Ed shares what happens when you swallow a painkiller? (video)

TED-Ed (@TED_ED) posted:

"Have you ever wondered what happens to a painkiller, like ibuprofen, after you swallow it?

Follow medicine's journey through your body: https://t.co/EKRP24WcXv"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/TED_ED/status/1750292439896658411

Direct video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOcpsXMJcJk&t=27s

Police Station Bldg Cmte agrees on RFP for the OPM, discusses timeline for selection (video)

The Police Station Building Committee met as scheduled Wednesday evening, Jan 24, 2024 to review and discuss the RFP for the Owner Project Manager to be issued.

Quick recap:

• Police Station Bldg Cmte meeting underway. M D'Angelo provides an overview of the Owner Project Manager (OPM). The request for proposal (RFP) for the OPM is the doc before the group to review and discuss tonight.
• The OPM really runs the project and is required by Mass Genl Law for projects of this size. The OPM responsibility list is more than a page of single spaced bullet items
• Submittals from the firms are usually interesting but the interview is key to determine who is most qualified to do the work. Example given of a firm that had done 1 specific project, another had done a few, the last one had more than 20. That experience can be key
• The initial response is a non price proposal, first you want qualifications, then you can work on a price. FHS OPM was the 3rd choice actually and did a good job ultimately.
• Chair Mercer reminds group to get to find out the team of individuals that the OPM form would bring to work on this. The firm maybe good but if they bring in a newbie to the firm it may not be so good.
• Meetings identified but with 3 public is it enough to cover the meetings with the committee? Change orders are key to keeping within the budget and there may be a few meetings involved to do that.
• Site visits? To consider prior work? Yes, as we get to the architect
• Setting some proprietary requirements (like common HVAC, locks, etc.) Helps with the overall maintenance and long term reduces cost of maintenance, folks already know of the component, minimum training required too
• Discussion on use of a 4 vs. 3 week period for firms to prepare. Discussion on the timing of notifications (central register), Feb 7 to March 7, interviews on Tuesday March 12. Feb 15 for a listening session, at the current station.
• Meeting adjourned with unanimous vote

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

Agenda:

1. Review of Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Request for Qualifications (RFQ)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/draft_rfq_for_police_opm.pdf

Agenda doc contains remote participation info    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-01-24_police_station_building_committee_agenda.pdf

Link to album of photos captured of meeting ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/EzVubXcdxmF3Bcxq9

Mike D'Angelo provides an overview of the Owner Project Manager (OPM)

School Committee gets update from Jefferson, on Facility Planning. approves DECA trip (video)

the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting was held as scheduled on Jan 23, 2024. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers. 

All 7 members of the Committee were present in Chambers. The meeting started slightly late as the Budget subcommittee meeting prior to this ran late holding up 3 members.

Quick recap:

• FHS student update, Panther Pride night Feb 12; Jan 29 jazz concert at FHS. Course selection underway by class. Tutoring for Spanish offered. Boys and girls playing basketball vs Mansfield; Boys indoor track take KellyRex champ for first time, Sarah Dumas player of week 

• Superintendent Report, thanks to students and families for patience and safety during this winter period, safety utmost. Inclement weather process shared previously, PR firm touting various aspects of the program to share the goodness. Also on schools web page

• Newcomers update, 69 students total; 14 high school, 15 middle, balance at elementary; Interfaith group helping with after school program, library helping with English as second language training

• Slides for the Jefferson update captured via photo album; Getting a sense of "return to normalcy". Good to have the families in the building more frequently (vs COVID period) Thank you all for what you are doing!

• Motion to take the agenda out of order, and get to the DECA trip proposal. About 200 competed and about 100 moved to districts in Boston, approx 50 anticipated to qualify for the CA nationals. Also coordinating with KP, Rehoboth and other MA communities to ensure a good … MA representation. April, week conference, also an opportunity to visit Disney as part of DECA organization; Fund raising to alleviate the cost of the trip.  A. DECA International Competition - Recurring Trip I recommend approval of the request of Emily Rosborough to take DECA Student to Anaheim, CA from 4/26/24-5/1/24 to participate in the DECA competition as detailed. Motion second, passes 7-0

• Comprehensive Facilities Planning Update; Lucas presenting, slides will be captured to an album

• Draft of school committee meeting schedule reviewed, could be on next meeting for vote Review of subcommittees, some met some haven't

• Consent agenda, motion to approve, second, passes 7-0

• New business, calendar vote, budget teaser, possible school calendar draft for review also

• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UrUZ9emung 

School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

Meeting Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_1-23-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder (some docs are posted after the meeting, supposed to be ready on Wednesday, this is not always the case) ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/january-23-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Jefferson Elementary highlights -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/tmGGuhBnB3z84jwc9 

Comprehensive School Facility Plan outline ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/aQCfP2MFdmxHyZ3c7 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KwqPUeKnJXhqYEzyiy-v7IZi-IfxzAfn/view?usp=drive_link 

screen grab Facility Planning