Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Town of Franklin: Conservation Commission - Request for Determination of Applicability - Jan 26, 2023

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (The Wetlands Protection Act) Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, January 26, 2022 at 7:05 PM on a Request for Determination of Applicability filed by JNJuhl & Associates, LLC of Franklin, MA to develop a 6.5 acre portion of site into Affordable Senior Housing in the Buffer Zone of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW). This project is located on Veterans Memorial Drive.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting. 

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard. The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Patrick Gallagher
Chairman



senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place
Franklin Ridge senior housing expansion proposed for near Eaton Place (May 8, 2019)

Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change

Reminder: 

Monday, January 23, 2023 a new Franklin/Foxboro Line schedule will go into effect. This schedule adjustment will prevent train traffic between Readville & South Station after the opening of Pawtucket station (Prov Line) and offer improved on-time performance.

The new Franklin/Foxboro Line Winter schedule is now available online and in South Station or Back Bay.  


Last Updated: Jan 17 2023 07:26 AM

Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change
Reminder: Starting Monday: Franklin/Foxboro Line MBTA schedule change


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: NEW ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES RETAIL PACKAGE STORE LICENSE MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli, located at 353 Lincoln Street, Franklin, MA for a New All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License

This hearing will take place during the Town Council’s public meeting on February 1, 2023 beginning at 7:00 PM and will provide an opportunity for public input. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin, and also via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar for up to date meeting information on and after January 27, 2023. 

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information.


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: NEW ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES RETAIL PACKAGE STORE LICENSE MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: NEW ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES RETAIL PACKAGE STORE LICENSE MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’s Market and Deli

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: Transfer of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License From Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, located at 660 West Central Street, Franklin, MA for a transfer to it of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License presently held by Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to be exercised at the same location. 

This hearing will be held on February 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM and will
provide an open forum for discussion. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after January 27, 2023 for updated meeting information. 

For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.


NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: Transfer of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License From Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FRANKLIN, MA: Transfer of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License From Ouzo Corp d/b/a Franklin Mobil to 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Wednesday, Jan 18, 2023

  •  wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Wednesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio/FPS Voice – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events  (repeats Saturday at 9 AM)

10:00 AM 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM  The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone    All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

11:00 AM 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock
Franklin and its local government, services and events (repeats Saturday at 3 PM)

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = WEDNESDAY

7:30 am    It Takes A Village: Danny Lagarce
8:30 am    Veterans' Oral History Project: Dave Cargill
10:00 am    Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture
11:30 am    Comfort Food: Comfort Food
12:00 pm    Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad
12:30 pm    Sandya: Pasta
1:00 pm    Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Vaping Education
1:30 pm    Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta
2:00 pm    New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2
3:00 pm    Candlepin New Generation: Show 12
3:30 pm    Community Arts Advocacy Day: A Discussion
4:45 pm    Veterans' Call: VA Pension
6:00 pm    Second Sunday Speaker Series: Jeff Roy
9:00 pm    The Black Box: Wicked

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = WEDNESDAY

7:00 am    Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022
8:30 am    Franklin Rec Basketball: 3x3 Tournament Game 5
10:00 am    SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
11:00 am    FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022
12:30 pm    FHS Girls Varsity Basketball: v N. Attleboro 01-13-23
2:30 pm    FHS Girls Varsity Hockey: v Medway 01-13-23
5:00 pm    FHS Winter Chorus & Orchestra 2022
6:30 pm    FHS Boys Varsity Hockey: v Mansfield 01-14-23

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = WEDNESDAY

8:00 am    Town Council 01-04-23
11:30 am    Finance Committee: 01-11-23
2:00 pm    Town Council 01-04-23
7:00 pm    Town Council:  LIVE, Chambers 893 8814 1045


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

FM #918 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 918 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 as well as some members who participated remotely.   


Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when 

  • The breakout discussion was held at each table


The break is indicated by about 4 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes. I had anticipated a readout from each table (similar to what was done in previous meetings. That was not the case tonight.) The group discussion resumed with next steps, an additional meeting announced (some confusion around which date) but confirmation the slides, agenda, etc would be sent to the committee members with the survey form for their feedback.


Quick Recap

  • 4 scenarios were presented based upon the building blocks from prior session. A fifth was acknowledged as not an option, albeit disputed by at least one member of the committee (closing another school)

  • Additional scenarios were presented as the realizations occurred on what was happening in each of the scenarios. Those raising such scenarios were advised to write it up for the feedback, in the survey to be sent to the Committee 

  • The next session will cover these scenarios with demographic projections and the additional scenarios raised (2 middle schools, moving 5th grade to join 608 grades)

  • As there was no readout from each of the table discussions it was hard to tell what the sense of the scenarios was. Stay tuned for the next meeting; either Feb 2 or Feb 7 was mentioned, whichever it is will be confirmed


The edited meeting audio recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to whole group discussion position of Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-918-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-01-17-23



--------------


Jan 17, 2023 agenda->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_redistricting_advisory_meeting_1-17-23.pdf 


Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 


My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a37aoQ-Uh9CvpFgXJA7kdkjB5hHt45-F/view?usp=share_link 


The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dz7Un9eCmvqokEYy6 


--------------

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!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)
Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

FM #917 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 917 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  


Topics for this session

Welcome to 2023

200 acres of open space


Town Council recap

Four committees authorized

Arts & Culture prep for Master Plan – complete Jun 2023

Master Plan – approx. 18 months

Davis Thayer reuse – complete Dec 2023

Police Station likely 3-4 years

Finance Committee recap

Compensation plan, multi year implementation

Capital budget for FY 2023 ( increase to debt stabilization account)

Hiring for backfills continues

Preview of Town Council


The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/2023---A-Year-of-Planning-for-Franklins-Future-e1tjutj/a-a96jv09



 


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Town Council meeting 1/04/23 recap (audio & video links) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-panthers-recognized-historic.html 


Finance Committee 1/11/23 recap (audio & video links) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/finance-cmte-gets-briefed-on-1st.html 


Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft Report, Results & Methodology   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf 

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf 


Town Council agenda for 1/18/23

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-january-18.html 


Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator


--------------

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!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"



"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)
"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

Call for artists -"Please join us in the Artsy Box Project!!!"

We are excited to announce, Franklin Cultural District is joining in the movement of creating aesthetic utility box art to share with the Franklin community. 

Franklin is a vibrant supportive town with lots of historical value. We want to highlight some of its beauty by sharing your interpretation.

Franklin artists of all backgrounds, established or emerging are welcome to submit. 

We want to see your best uplifting works of color to fit the locations they will be featured in.

Selected artists would receive a stipend between $500-$1000 dependent on location to cover time, transportation, artistic development and labor. 

Artwork and assignments will be evaluated by the Franklin Cultural District committee and Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) for the Town of Franklin.

Below are the location of the six boxes that are available for painting
  •  Union Street & Beaver Streets 
  •  Main Street & Pleasant Streets
  •  Dean College, Main Street
  •  West Central Street & Union Street
  •  West Central Street & East Streets
  •  Main Street & Cottage Streets
If you are interested in being considered, please review the guides (document linked below) and submit your request along with a sketch of your proposed art work.  Please consider visiting the locations and ensure your proposal incorporates the surrounding area. 

Call for Artists Request Form
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 18, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
3rd Floor, Training Room, 355 East Central Street

Discussion:
1. FY23 Capital Plan
a. Introduction to the proposed Town Administrator FY23 Capital Plan.
i. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fin_com_memo.pdf
ii. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf
iii. Quotes (if available)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf
b. Department Request Discussions
i. School Department
ii. Facilities Department
iii. Technology Department
iv. Town Administrator & Building Commissioner

Full agenda doc can be found online  (no remote participation set up for this meeting)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-01-18_capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Making Sense of Climate: Ted & I start 2023 with a discussion on the recent news (audio)

FM #916 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 916 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, January 10, 2023.  

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

Happy new year, catch up on happenings since we last talked

  • Healey, inauguration, Climate lead executive order

  • Rep Roy video from Museum of Science (wind turbine blade testing), Rep Roy & Senator Barrett on Codcast (wind troubles)

  • Fusion/ fission/ nuclear generated electrical power

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-916-making-sense-of-climate-21-01-10-23



--------------

  

Links to articles referenced:

Climate lead via Executive Order from Governor Healey

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/healey-signs-executive-order-on-climate/ 


Rep Roy video on wind turbine blade testing visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/museum-of-science-visit-mass-clean.html  


CodCast episode with Rep Roy and Senator Barrett

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/the-codcast-lawmakers-walk-tightrope-on.html 


ISO New England grid capacity around Christmas 2022

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2023/01/07/iso-new-england-electricity-power-plant-fines-december-failure-oil-natural-gas-christmas-storm/69785296007/


Wind farm in Maine, MA to take advantage of

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/business/offshore-wind-falters-mass-makes-its-move-boost-giant-wind-farm-maine/ 



Fun article: driving for donuts to test electric vehicle charging stations availability

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/10/science/we-drove-around-new-england-looking-ev-chargers-best-doughnuts-it-was-easier-than-we-expected/


Fusion announcement 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/22/science/after-years-doubts-hopes-grow-that-nuclear-fusion-is-finally-real-could-help-address-climate-change/ 


See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 


--------------


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!

------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS