Schools budget up for review at the Finance Committee budget hearing May 4

The 4th and final of the budget hearings for FY 2022 held by the Finance Committee is scheduled for May 4.

• May 4 Agenda = Schools (Franklin K-12, Tri-County, Norfolk Aggie)
  

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-04_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

 

Additional details on the FY 2022 budget can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

 

Additional details on the Franklin School district budget can be found

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget

 

The Franklin School Committee fact sheet for FY 2020  https://drive.google.com/file/d/154tNXBolLLkq4kPlMwr4mjfp4XgNnUvq/view?usp=sharing 

 

Franklin Farmers Market set to open season June 4

We are excited to be kicking off the 2021 season in 1 month. The first Market will be on June 4, new hours this year are 2-6 PM. We have a lot of exciting vendors and events to offer. We will be posting vendor highlights on social media over the next month. Be sure to follow us daily using our new hashtag  #buyfrankfresh

Shared from Facebook: https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4181562898570329&id=533086900084632

Franklin Farmers Market set to open season June 4

Franklin Downtown Partnership: "Ladybug Trail Springing to Life"

The Franklin Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with other local organizations and businesses, is launching an exciting new project to create a sculpture trail connecting historical and cultural sites in downtown Franklin. 

 

The Ladybug Trail will use ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 sites together. Visitors will walk along the trail using a digital map and view signage detailing the history of Franklin and the names of the artists who painted the ladybugs. 

 

The purpose of the Ladybug Trail will be to promote economic development in downtown Franklin by encouraging residents and visitors to enjoy all that Franklin center has to offer by visiting, dining, and shopping at downtown businesses while they walk the trail of sculptures.

 

There are currently several outdoor ladybugs sculptures in the downtown area, including those at the FDP, Dean Bank, and Keefe Insurance. By the end of summer, the FDP hopes to place more than 15 ladybugs downtown Franklin tying the trail together. A recent grant to the FDP from the Franklin Cultural District and the Massachusetts Cultural Council will help fund a portion of the ladybug installations.

 

The history of the ladybug in the town of Franklin is a storied one. In 1974, Franklin’s John F. Kennedy School second grade students and their teacher, Palma Johnson, petitioned the bill to name the ladybug the state insect and subsequently witnessed it signed into law.

 

“The elementary school, JFK, rallied the state to make the ladybug the state bug,” said Beth Simon who along with Claire Griffin were members of the Franklin Cultural Council in 2014 that initiated the ladybug public art project. “It’s a wonderful idea to have a Ladybug Trail to highlight how this was accomplished. It will be a great addition to Franklin.

 

”The Ladybug Trail Committee represents key organizations in the Franklin community, including the FDP, Franklin Cultural District, and Historical Commission. Members are: Lisa Piana, Beth Simon, Roberta Trahan, Pandora Carlucci, Mary Olsson, Melanie Hamblen, Eileen Mason, and Jane Curran.

 

“We are so excited to bring together several organizations in Franklin to make this project a reality,” said Lisa Piana, Executive Director of the FDP and chair of the Ladybug Trail Committee. “Our vision is to have visitors and residents alike enjoy the opportunity to walk the downtown trail and visit the unique businesses along the way, as well as view the historical and cultural sites.

 

”Additionally, the FDP is coordinating a number of public art projects that will be included on the trail.  “It has been a fun experience working with five talented artists from the Franklin Art Association to paint murals in what will be known as 'Flower Alley’ on East Central Street,” Piana said. “This will be just one of the 25 stops along the way.” 

 

Shared from the Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/04/ladybug-trail-springing-to-life.html

 

The Ladybugs were introduced in August 2014. A collection of the photos as they were displayed on the Town Common can be found here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/albums/72157645935226828

Franklin Downtown Partnership: "Ladybug Trail Springing to Life"

 

Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House: Special Announcement

Special Announcement

 

The improved economic outlook is great news for everyone. Restaurants that have been closed are re-opening, therefore these restaurants will quickly need to come up to speed. I personally noticed hiring signage at almost every other restaurant in the area. It is my belief that the food and beverage industry is now suffering a labor shortage. Experienced chefs that have worked through the pandemic are now in extremely high demand. As a result, restaurants have enticed resilient chefs and experienced kitchen help away from their current jobs. 

 

Regrettably, Rhapsody’s is losing both our chefs and will be forced to close the kitchen for the time being, starting Thursday May 13th. However, Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House will remain open for coffee, tea, croissants, danishes, and muffins until we reconstitute another stellar team. This is anticipated to take some time as they have been phenomenal! We wish them both the best on their next endeavors. 

 

- Mike

 

Shared from Facebook:https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1196596740770673&id=263757654054591

Rhapsody’s Victorian Coffee House:  Special Announcement

Franklin TV: Grand Opening! Life! - Coming Soon to a TV Studio Near You.

 by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/02/2021

March,2020 – we closed up shop. Our building, shuttered. Our routine, shattered. Things taken for granted were taken away. A sad and uncertain time.

As dark months crept by, the building lost its vibrance. Hibernating.

“ Is this really necessary?  Seems extreme.”  Or, so some part of me thought at the time. We all knew little then. It’s not over just yet, but we know more now, We know what to do; what not to do, and we have vaccines and protocols.

Armed with that knowledge, we are currently planning to reopen the studio in the weeks ahead. We will do so safely, with limited staff on premises. But, we will be open nonetheless.  I consider reopening (however cautiously) as an act of defiance. It’s a step toward some normality in a post-pandemic world.

May is a naturally optimistic month. Classically primavera, it brings us flowers and a warm hug. It encourages us to ‘do something – anything’. So, indeed we shall.

There won’t be any fanfare. No ribbon cutting, balloons, streamers or flag banners. Just unlocking the front door and turning the lights back on will be enough. We will have one or two of our staffers present during normal business hours, and our doors will be open to visitors on a limited basis. Step-by-step.

Life, albeit limited, will return to our studio. That’s the ‘grand’ part.

And – in this most enthusiastic month, we will remember. Memorial Day is an oddly appropriate way to wrap up May’s natural optimism. We take pause to remember that there were front-line heroes in all this.

For those among them who are no longer with us, we welcome May.
Thanks to them, we get to reopen. 

And – as always – 

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r6JLQmHNjssK2yYusQXCiIoPsjwIthkT/view?usp=sharing

 

Franklin TV: Grand Opening! Life! - Coming Soon to a TV Studio Near You.

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 5, 2021

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 5, 2021

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street
7:00 PM 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.  This meeting may be recorded by others. 
b. Chair to identify Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
Brutus Cantoreggi, Public Works Director - American Public Works Association, Public Works Director of the Year Award

5. APPOINTMENTS
None Scheduled

6. HEARINGS - 7:10 PM
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
La Cantina Winery/La Cantina Brewery, Change of Category on their Farmer Series Pouring Permit from Wines to Wine and Malt Beverages, 355 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Melanson & Heath - FY20 Audit 
b. Franklin TV - Pete Fasciano 
c. Anne Marie Tracey - Town Communications and Civic Engagement Update

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 21-868: Chapter 185, Zoning Article V, Special Regulations - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-868 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-24: Gift Acceptance - DPW Highway & Grounds Division, Sand Sweeper (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-24 - Majority Vote)

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-25: Ambulance Refund Acceptance - Fire Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-25 - Majority Vote)

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-26: Gift Acceptance - Historical Commission, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-26 - Majority Vote)

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-27: Gift Acceptance - Police Department, $300 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-27 - Majority Vote) 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
a. COVID-19
b. FY22 Budget Update - FY22 Town Administrator Budget Materials

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled

ADJOURN

Note:  Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Meeting agenda (PDF version)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/5-5-21_town_council_agenda_packet.pdf

Town Council agenda web page with links to all docs

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - May 5, 2021

FM #527 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/28/21 (audio)

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Finance Committee, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this budget hearing on "Public Safety"

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/bf3786c3-b901-4478-8bba-2808a097615f

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

• April 28 Agenda = Public Safety (Police, Fire, Regional Dispatch)
 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-28_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf

• Town budget page for FY 2022

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials

• My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-fincomm-budget-hearing-2-042821.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 www.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"

FM #527 - Finance Cmte Budget Hearing #2 - 04/28/21 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center: CONNECTION NEWSLETTER for May 2021

CONNECTION NEWSLETTER

Your Monthly Franklin Senior Center Newsletter

To Receive This Newsletter Monthly or Other Town Notifications, Please Click Here  

or here  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe

Franklin Senior Center: CONNECTION NEWSLETTER for May 2021

Tri-County RVTHS Carpentry Students Renovating Wrentham Common Gazebo

Students have been able to gain some real-world experience as they renovate the gazebo in the center of Wrentham. The junior and senior students and their instructor, Jeremy Barstow, have been working on replacing all of the trim and roofing and repairing structural framing. They hope to have the roof finished by the end of this year.  Barstow comments, “The roof is a traditional cedar shingle system which is a labor-intensive process. It is an excellent opportunity for the students to work with one of the classic roofing materials.” 

Chad Lovett, Director of Facilities for the Town of Wrentham, reached out to Tri-County for the renovation.  The students have been working on the renovation for a few months now. “This is a great project for our students with a lot of unique detailed work. It will certainly push our students to grow as carpenters while having a lot of fun. The students are learning skills they can apply after graduation and are proud to be part of a build project that will be enjoyed by the community for many years to come,” says Jeremy Barstow, Carpentry Instructor.

For more about Tri-County visit them online -> https://www.tri-county.us/

Tri-County RVTHS Carpentry Students Renovating Wrentham Common Gazebo

 

Recap - FinComm - Budget Hearing #3 - All DPW, and we find they they lose 2 positions in FY 2022

Quick Recap:

• Interesting twist instead of the formal line by line budget discussion of prior nights, DPW taking 2 people out of budget to bring in a balanced line as the stormwater fee apparently is NOT being considered for next year
• 3rd party peer review for Beaver St interceptor being funded to make sure costs and plans are good
• State target for per capita water usage 65 gals per person per day, we're at 42 and doing well
• Even with new pump station coming online, the DEP permit will still require water conservation measures. And that is not considering the drought status

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #fincom0429

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23fincom0429&src=typed_query 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album https://photos.app.goo.gl/b2kW9RphygWgWoxZ6

The agenda for this meeting can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-29_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf 

• Finance Committee meeting coming up at 6:30 - Part 3 of 4 - Time for all things  Dept of Public Works; Highway, Grounds, Central Motors, Solid Waste and Stormwater!  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-04-29_finance_committee_agenda_.pdf   #fincom0429
• To follow along, page 75 of Appendix A1 for DPW and all it does! #fincom0429 
• Finding out that the DPW is cutting personnel in their budget - that wasn't clear in anything heard previously!
• Interesting twist instead of the formal line by line budget discussion of prior nights, a few eye openers #fincom0429 DPW taking 2 people out of budget to bring in a balance line as the stormwater fee apparently is NOT being considered for next year
• #fincom0429 instead of making it about big bad phosphorus, or the Charles (isn't that in Boston). Street sweeping, catch basin cleaning, lots of really glamorous work is required to handle the stormwater and better ground water as we are a ground water aquifer user
• This is infrastructure, we need it, don't we really have bigger 'fish to fry?' #fincom0429 current nonprofit entities (Dean College) don't pay anything, government (Post office) don't pay, both would pay their "fair" share under the utility fee (sometime)
• Long discussion, can't reasonably do justice via this format. #fincom0429  George calculated $14/q and Franklin Village would be roughly $4,000/q... Will go back to the Jan 2020 meeting recording to help remind folks of what they said then.
• Stormwater conversation ends (finally) #fincom0429 now going to the DPW line by line street lights, p 86; solid waste p 87 (actually the recycling center) the remainder of solid waste is an enterprise fund
• Recycling needs to be looked at, it may be cheaper to burn as opposed to years a go recycling would earn us money #fincom0429 3rd party peer review for Beaver St interceptor being funded to make sure costs and plans are good. Per capita 65 gals per person per day, we're at 42
• Request for additional percentage amounts Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0   That's all for tonight, catch you next Tue, May 4 for the schools budget #fincom0429
• Oops forgot to add #fincom0429

 

FinCom member Susan Dewsnap

Franklin Veterans - May 2021 - Coffee Social (in person at Senior Center)

May 2021 Coffee Social

In-Person Social at the Senior Center - All Vets Are Welcome!

Hello Veterans!
May has sneaked up on us! This means it's time for us to meet next week for another in-person Coffee Social. Our Zoom socials were fine over the last year, but seeing everyone in-person last month was so much better!

PLEASE JOIN US!

• When: Wednesday, May 5, 10:00 hours
• Where: Franklin Senior Center Multi-Purpose Room
• Details: Face masks that cover the nose and mouth will be required and we will observe social distancing at the gathering.

Once again, we ask that you pre-register for the Social by emailing me to say you plan to attend. This will help us calculate how much space we'll need and how many tables to set up.

As always, we'll mention upcoming veterans' events and refreshments will be provided by our wonderful friends at Starbucks!

Feel free to pass the word along or bring other veterans with you whose contact info we don't have.

Hope to see you next week!

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/news/may-2021-coffee-social

Franklin Veterans - May 2021 - Coffee Social (in person at Senior Center)

10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021 May 22 - May 31

Hello all!

The month of May is here which means our virtual 5k is just around the corner! Attached in this email is all the information you need to register for the event. Follow the link to sign up and get your free neck gaiter. 

Also please forward this to all your friends and family to sign up as well! You can walk or run from anywhere! We will mail the neck gaiter to anyone outside the area so forward it to Aunt Sally in Florida or Uncle George in California! We have a limited number of gaiters so don't be left out! 

Help us to make this a successful fundraiser for the SNETT!

Thanks so much for your support!

Sue Rheaume 
FBRTC Race committee 

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

10th Annual FBRTC Virtual Race – 5K run or walk 2021 May 22 - May 31

Greetings!!

Registration is now open for the 10th Annual FBRTC 5K Run or Walk.  

Participants can run (or walk) ANY 5k course they choose (trail or road). But there will be some directions on the SNETT trail from the Grove St trailhead as to start/turn-around/finish locations for those that want to run this on the SNETT trail  (which is the beneficiary of the race) during the time period when the race is "open" (May 22-31).

Here are the details: 

• Entry Fee:  Runners $20, Walkers $15
• There will be a WALKER division (no timed results or awards)
• Race divisions will be Male Open (49 and under), Female Open (49 and under),
• Male Senior (50+) and Female Senior (50+)
• Each Male and Female division winner will receive a gift certificate from 67 Degrees Brewing (158 Grove St, Franklin)
• Race give-aways (guaranteed for participants who register by April 30, and to all others as availability allows) will be neck gaiter/buff which will be distributed from 67 Degrees during the race "open" period (May 22-31) during their regular hours. See the web site: www.67degreesbrewing.com
• Additional Info Available at www.tri-valleyfrontrunners.com

More Info: 

This will be a VIRTUAL 5k Race. The "date" of the race will be Memorial Day, Monday, May 31, 2021, but participants can submit results of runs from anytime between Saturday, May 22 until the end of the day on May 31 (when registration will also close)

We look forward to you joining us at 67 Degrees Brewing and on the Roads or Trails!  

Thank you,

Mark Capparella 

FBRTC 5K Race Director

mark_capparella@waters.com

Gov Baker revised mask order

Charlie Baker (@MassGovernor) tweeted Fri, Apr 30, 2021:

Our revised mask order is effective today: Masks are no longer required outdoors when social distancing is possible.

Masks remain required at indoor public places and at events except when eating or drinking.

😷 Learn more: https://t.co/Ltq8hSlzaG https://t.co/d9LqlnVVNd

Shared from Twitter:  https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1388147440411365380

Boston Globe coverage  (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/30/nation/take-breath-fresh-air-outdoor-mask-requirement-mass-is-looser-today/

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/04/30/business/call-it-enforcement-fatigue-restaurant-workers-are-tired-fighting-unruly-customers/

Reminder: - May 4 - Day of Giving

The Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) invites the community to join in a day of giving on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, as Franklin celebrates the birthday of public-school advocate, Horace Mann, and the amazing work of our local educators. 

Since 1997, FEF has funded hundreds of educational grants totaling well over $300,000, to inspire innovative and sustainable programs, and to further support excellence in education within Franklin Public Schools. The educational grants support engaging, diverse and sustainable preK-12 learning opportunities and resources including a Franklin Family Resource Guide, Box City, Family Astronomy Night, Franklin High School Empty Bowls Project which are just a few of the many amazing projects that have benefitted students, families, educators and the community-at-large over the decades.

 However, none of these innovative programs and resources would be possible without the financial support of area businesses, organizations, families and individuals. The Franklin Education Foundation is entirely dependent on the generosity of sponsorships, financial donations, and in-kind donations. We welcome contributions all year long and hope you will consider participation in our day of giving to the Franklin Education Foundation to support innovative programs that truly enhance student learning in Franklin Public Schools. 

Contributions can be made directly to the Franklin Education Foundation website under the donate tab https://www.franklined.org/get-involved/donate, or by mailing a check to Franklin Education Foundation at P.O. Box 531, Franklin, MA 02038. 

You can learn more about the Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) on their website at https://www.franklined.org/. For more information about FEF please contact FEF co-chair, Pandora Carlucci at pandora.carlucci@gmail.com. 

The Franklin Education Foundation thanks you for your continued support.

Franklin Education Foundation (FEF) - May 4 - Day of Giving

 

The Rise of Dolley Madison - May 11

The Rise of Dolley Madison

Tuesday, May 11, 7:00 PM

Why First Lady Dolley Madison spells her name with an "e" is up to speculation. However, Mrs. Madison's legacy goes far beyond the unconventional spelling of her name. Join us for a virtual performance to learn about the twists and turns of Mrs. Madison's storied life as well as her largely unknown contributions to the evolution of our country. 

The Rise of Dolley Madison - May 11

You will learn about this "fashionista'  First Lady's  life as a Quaker child, the tragedies and serendipities she faced in Philadelphia, her unlikely marriage to James Madison, determining role in her husband's presidential-election victory 1809, transformation of the barren White House into a national treasure, strategies that united a fractured, contentious Congress and personal regrets as a mother.

Janet Parnes, founder of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, Millis will portray Mrs. Madison.

To register, please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIvcemhrzkjG9BPCjuFRpMMAy0GlhE... .

Shared from the Library page https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/events/315837