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 *
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Riffin' on Main St: James Johnston (video)
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (video)
- 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!)
School Committee gets the details on the multiple budget scenarios facing them for a vote in April (video) |
Monday, March 18, 2024
What's this about a possible override for Franklin? (collection)
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 19School Committee votes on school budget recommendation - April 9Town of Franklin FY 2025 budget scheduled for release - April 12Joint Town Council & School Committee Mtg - Apr 24Town Council meeting May 1 (determine yes or no for override, if yes, sets date & amount)
Finance Committee budget hearings - May 6, May 8, May 15 (vote)
Town Council budget hearings - May 22, May 23 (vote)
Possible override date ??
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)
- 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
3/06/24 - Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting
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
3/05/24 - School Committee Superintendent’s budget
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
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Hockomock Area YMCA shares Tyler's story to highlight the support they provide (video)
"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"
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)
- 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.
Monday, March 11, 2024
catching up to the Panther News for March 8, 2024 (video)
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
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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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Thursday, March 7, 2024
Joint Budget Subcommittee get the details on the current $10.1 million budget deficit
a. Town Administration Memohttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf
b. Committee Chargehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf
c. FY25 Revenue & Control Sheethttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_control_sheet_budget_model.pdf
d. February 13, 2024 School Committee Budget Discussion Slideshowhttps://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)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Norfolk Deeds wishes the Town of Franklin a Happy Birthday! (video)
"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)
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
Mental Health: State Rep Jeff Roy (video) |
Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)
- 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
Norfolk County Deeds: "History Comes Alive" on the Franklin Public Library (video)
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