Monday, May 30, 2022

Town Council approves FY 2023 budget; which restores 2 DPW positions and provides what Schools asked for (audio)

FM #808 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 808 in the series. 


This session of the radio show is the two part audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council FY 2023 Budget Hearing #2 conducted on Thursday, May 26, 2022. All nine members of the committee were present. 


The budget hearing closes after discussion around the Cultural Council budget resolving to not doing anything now. The budget does get trued up in November before the tax rating hearing in December 2022.


The farmers market license for LaCantina was approved.


The legislation for action covered the procedural votes for the budget. The vote on the Town Clerk salary (also a discussion item from Wednesday) was tabled until the June 8 meeting. The other budget items passed by 9-0 votes.


The Council then voted to enter the first of 2 executive sessions, not to return to public meeting. The first session was going to be chaired by Mercer. The second by Vice-Chair Dellorco as it was concerning the Schmidt property and Mercer has been recusing himself from those discussions.


The total approved operating budget for FY 2023 is $142,391,586 

  • adds back the two DPW positions cut during the FY 2022 budget

  • gives the Franklin schools the amount they asked for

The meeting runs 1 hour. 

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-808-town-council-fy2023-budget-hearing-2-05-26-22

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


a. FY23 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing

i. FY23 Voting Document   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/voting_document_fincom_level_fy23.pdf

ii. FY23 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-04-20_fy_2023_budget_message_narrative_working_document_5.pdf

iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter prevision 6-5-1 and 6-5-2)    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_a_town_of_franklin_budget_book_fy23_2.pdf

iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin School Committee Recommended FY22 Budget Executive Summary  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/02._fy23_executive_summary-revised_4-25-22.pdf

My notes via Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iCJomQ2HUrsvux_H-uYPURTyPE57ltB2/view?usp=sharing


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

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"

Town Council takes 4 hours to get their questions answered for the FY2023 Budget Hearing #1 (2 part audio)

FHS girls track take 8th in D1 meet; led by 1st place in Javelin (Hopkins) and 1st in 4x400 Relay (O Costa, Fenerty, Cuneo, Cliff)

The MIAA D1 track & field championships were completed on Sunday. Part of the meet was executed on Friday, the remainder was scheduled for Saturday and with the weather - rescheduled to Sunday.

FHS girls outdoor track team finished in 8th place with 44 points. The boys team finished tied for 29th place with 1 point.

"Great day 2 at the division 1 championship meet!
Medalists:
1st - Liz Hopkins (Javelin)
1st - 4x400 (O Costa, Fenerty, Cuneo, Cliff)
2nd - Sarah Dumas (100H)
6th - Sarah Dumas (HJ)
6th - Lily DeForge (SP)
8th - Liz Hopkins (SP)"

https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1531088485016281088 

At the MIAA Div 1 Divisional meet. Congrats to FHS throwers @lilydeforge11  for placing 6th and @elizabe82032317  for placing 8th in the girls shot put! @FHSSports @HockomockSports

https://twitter.com/fhs_throwers/status/1531017097152798721

Liz Hopkins won javelin!!! Her throw of 112’ 1” was the top throw by about five feet!!!

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1531042382409613313 

One last shout out to Connor Kucich, Clancy Golden, & Tyler Powderly who ran their last races as Franklin Panthers today. Powderly managed two PRs in the open 400 and 4x400 (51.6). Thanks for a great four years!

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSXC/status/1531084471042199553

Full meet results can be found online -> https://firsttimeout.anet.live/meets/16991


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

New wind screen at FHS

"Huge thanks to @franklin_recreation for installing this sick windscreen on our courts!"


Shared from Instagram -> 
https://www.instagram.com/p/CeEG9FgOcEn/

Good Deeds: No More On-Site Direct Report Registry Info Technology (IT) Staff

The residents of Norfolk County and Registry users are being informed that effective July 1, 2022 there will be no more on-site direct report Registry Information Technology staff.  This final decision dates back to a 2 to 1 vote NOT to appoint a Registry CIO to fill the position of a retiring Registry CIO made by Norfolk County Commissioners Peter Collins and Joe Shea nearly one year ago on June 30, 2021.  The vote on June 30, 2021 was a poor decision in a line of questionable decisions made by the Norfolk County Commissioners.

I greatly appreciate the voices and efforts of so many attorneys, real estate brokers, assessors, trade organizations and just regular citizens who were concerned about the title to their homes in trying to keep the Registry IT Department as it has been for over 35 years.  You have to accept decisions although I and my Registry senior staff are still trying to envision a plan that will not negatively impact Registry operations and services due to the elimination of on site direct report in the Registry budget Registry IT staff.

The decision NOT to keep the Registry IT staff as is has been made.  Many feel there has not been a compelling reason given for the decision.  I along with the Registry senior staff were prepared to and are prepared to accept the decision and as is so often said “to move on.”  However, it was not enough to eliminate the Registry direct report IT Department.  No sooner was the County IT consolidation decision made did the Norfolk County Commissioners have a deposition notice served upon me as Register of Deeds one week later.

I certainly have no issues with answering questions at a deposition about actions taken to advocate for homeowners whose legal title to their home are authenticated by the documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds.  I would not have been doing my job under the laws of Massachusetts or fulfilling my fiduciary duties to the Registry stakeholders and the public if I did not “fight the fight” to shed light on the decision of Commissioners Collins and Shea especially with hackers, cybersecurity risks and ransomware present in today’s world.

I can assure the taxpayers of Norfolk County that I will not spend months in legal time as well as legal expenses trying to prevent questions being asked of me as the County Commissioners did for their hired consultant Mark Abrahams who first recommended “IT Consolidation” without speaking to senior Registry staff nor visiting the Norfolk Registry of Deeds.  Imagine a paid consultant who was hired by the Norfolk County Commissioners to do a “study” with taxpayers money being protected from answering questions about that “study”.  Why would the Norfolk County Commissioners do that?  When that consultant Mark Abrahams who was ordered to answer questions then states that there was no cost savings from the County IT consolidation proposal and that the County IT consolidation will not lead to greater efficiency and effectiveness the voters should be asking the County Commissioner up for election this year - Peter Collins – the why all of this.

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds IT matter is not the only controversy the Norfolk County Commissioners has found themselves in.  The Norfolk County Commissioners have been involved in a number of lawsuits and open meetings law violations brought by citizens and those opposed to acres of forest being cut down to put solar panels up on county school grounds.  It has been the Registry’s turn in the proverbial Norfolk County Commissioners tumbler.  Good government process that is transparent should also be a part of government decisions that have impacts on individuals.  Apparently, the Norfolk County Commissioners want to continue their battles and their litigation. In the meantime the Norfolk Registry of Deeds staff will try to do the best it can given the circumstances and poor decisions that have come down on Registry operations and services.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for your interest in this matter.

By William P. O’Donnell, Norfolk Register of Deeds


Good Deeds: No More On-Site Direct Report Registry Info Technology (IT) Staff
Good Deeds: No More On-Site Direct Report Registry Info Technology (IT) Staff

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, May 30, 2022

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Todd Monjur
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – with Dr. Michael Walker-Jones,
Representative Jeff Roy and Dr. Natalia Linos

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

8:00 am SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
9:00 am FHS: Senior Awards Night 2022
12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones
12:30 pm Sandya: Pasta
1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Fish
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 2
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 8
4:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 3
5:30 pm Senior Connection: Sleep
7:30 pm Frank Presents: Danielle Hopkins
8:30 pm FPAC: Broadway in Franklin 2022

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Music Pt. 3 06-04-18
8:30 am FHS Varsity Softball: v King Philip 05-23-22
10:30 am Public School Concert: FHS Concert Night 2019
1:30 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 3
2:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Danny Lagarce
5:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Moses Brown 05-04-22
8:30 pm FHS: Senior Awards Night 2022

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

8:00 am Planning Board 05-23-22
12:00 pm Economic Development: 05-26-22
2:00 pm Planning Board 05-23-22

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)

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Disc Golf Tournament - fund raiser for Scout Troops 126 & 29 - June 12, 2022

Disc Golf Tournament - fund raiser for Scout Troops 126 & 29 

Help Scouts Attend a Leadership Training & Backpacking Trip this August at the famous Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico

WHEN 
Sunday June 12 = Flex Start - Anytime between 12 - 4 PM (you fit with your schedule)  
        Takes ~1:15 for round
New group every 10 minutes

WHERE
Dacey Field Disc Golf Course (700 Lincoln St, Franklin, MA)

WHO FOR?
* Anyone & Everyone Welcome!
Curious about disc golf?  For you!
Dacey Course veteran?  For you!
‘Scramble’ Format lets you play your team’s best throw each time

* Two tournament classes:
‘Family’ (with age <12 player(s))
‘Open’ (Age 12+, Adult players) 

* Discs supplied (or bring your own)

COST
$20 per player gets:
  • Tournament entry, Snack & Drink, 1st ‘side game’ try
$2 
  • raffle 
  • snack
  • additional side game tries
REGISTER
Secure your team’s tee time in advance:  
Walk-ins also welcome

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share ->

Disc Golf Tournament - fund raiser for Scout Troops 126 & 29 - June 12, 2022
Disc Golf Tournament - fund raiser for Scout Troops 126 & 29 - June 12, 2022

Reminder: Memorial Day - Parade starts at 10:30, ceremony at Town Common at noon

Join us for the annual Memorial Day Parade to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.

A ceremony will follow on the Town Common at Noon. All are welcome!

Parade route map:

Parade route map
Parade route map

 
Memorial Day - Parade starts at 10:30, ceremony at Town Common at noon
Memorial Day - Parade starts at 10:30, ceremony at Town Common at noon
Shared from the Town of Franklin pages

Town Council takes 4 hours to get their questions answered for the FY2023 Budget Hearing #1 (2 part audio)

FM #806 & 807 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 806 & 807 in the series. 


These sessions of the radio show are the two part audio recording of the Franklin, MA Town Council FY 2023 Budget Hearing #1 conducted on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. All nine members of the committee were present. 


The full 4 hour plus meeting is split into two approximately equal segments. In budget line item order, the Schools start the second section. Use the voting document as the guide to the department line item order.


* The first segment of the meeting runs 1 hour 57 minutes -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-806-town-council-fy2023-budget-hearing-1-p1-of-2-05-25-22


* The second segment of the meeting runs 2 hours and 10 minutes -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-807-town-council-fy2023-budget-hearing-1-p2-of-2-05-25-22



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


a. FY23 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing

i. FY23 Voting Document   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/voting_document_fincom_level_fy23.pdf

ii. FY23 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022-04-20_fy_2023_budget_message_narrative_working_document_5.pdf

iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter prevision 6-5-1 and 6-5-2)    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/appendix_a_town_of_franklin_budget_book_fy23_2.pdf

iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin School Committee Recommended FY22 Budget Executive

Summary  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/02._fy23_executive_summary-revised_4-25-22.pdf


My notes via Twitter -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iO1kizDh3Wy_Kz6TuC0VBrDyENJVwsN_/view?usp=sharing 



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

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"

Town Council takes 4 hours to get their questions answered for the FY2023 Budget Hearing #1 (2 part audio)
Town Council takes 4 hours to get their questions answered for the FY2023 Budget Hearing #1 (2 part audio)

FHS tops Hopkinton 2-1 in 9 innings to take Pedroli Championship

Via HockomockSports.com, Twitter (@MetroWestSports), and the Boston Globe, we share the results of the FHS spring sports action on Saturday:

Baseball = Franklin, 2 vs. Hopkinton, 1 – Final (9 Inn.) for the Pedroli Championship

** Pedroli Tourney Champs ** Franklin 2, Hopkinton 1 (9inn). WP-Kuczmiec (2.2inn, H, 0R, & 2Ks). Mucciarone great in the no decision (6.1inn, 3H, 0ER & 4Ks). Offensively, Goode (1-3, 2B & RBI), Raider (2-4), Gerety (1-3, 2B & BB), Chin (1-3, GW-R & BB) & Marino (1-2, 2BB) https://twitter.com/FHSCoachZBrown/status/1530637545310195713
Franklin junior scores the game-winning run in extra innings to hand the 14th annual Rich Pedroli Memorial Daily News Classic. The Panthers are back-to-back champs . https://twitter.com/tommycassell44/status/1530635372186705923

"Eisig Chin remembers May 5, 2018, like it was yesterday. 
He was in Plainville with his GBG 13U team, suited up for a doubleheader against Nakona. 
Two innings later, his life changed. 
Chin was starting in right field. A Nakona hitter scorched a ball into the right-center gap and Chin raced after it. So did the center fielder. No one called for it. The ensuing collision was ugly, and Chin suffered the brunt of it"
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (Subscription may be required)

 

9th inn drama unfolded in a torrential downpour today at Pedroli Classic. @FHSSports   Eisig Chin here receiving MVP plaque for scoring game-winner vs. Hopkinton
9th inn drama unfolded in a torrential downpour today at Pedroli Classic. @FHSSports Eisig Chin here receiving MVP plaque for scoring game-winner vs. Hopkinton

Franklin, TV: Uvalde, TX! - A new name to add to the list.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/29/2022

For anyone interested in The List, it looks like this.

Mass shootings happen frequently. The List from just the past decade includes supermarkets in Buffalo and in Boulder, CO.; a rail yard in San Jose, CA.; a birthday party in Colorado Springs; a convenience store in Springfield, MO.; a synagogue in Pittsburgh; churches in Sutherland Springs, TX, and in Charleston, SC; a Walmart in El Paso; a FedEx warehouse in Indianapolis; a music festival in Las Vegas; massage parlors in Atlanta; a Waffle House in Nashville; a gay nightclub in Orlando; and a movie theater in Aurora, CO.

Even school shootings happen often enough that we know some of the names: Sandy Hook Elementary School, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, Oxford High School, Santa Fe High School, Columbine High School. Robb Elementary School in Uvalde has joined this horrific list.

I note the locus of these events. The frequency of extreme gun violence is proximal to the gun culture and permissive laws of a given state. There’s a message here. Massachusetts has stronger gun regulations. However, responsible citizens can still reasonably obtain and use guns. The 2nd amendment is working in MA. Perfectly? No. But, we do have a balance of rights and responsibility.

The U.S. population in 1970, 200Million. Today, we are 330 million.
U.S. vehicular death in 1970, 53,000. Today, it’s around 36,000.
More people, but fewer deaths. A 60% reduction through reasonable regulation. The point? 2nd amendment rights can continue – through reasonable regulation.

Altogether, guns killed about 45,000 Americans last year. Can we ever get to zero? No. But, we can make progress. Many 2A defenders say, “ It’s ‘mental health’ issue.” But, they don’t support comprehensive background checks or red flag regulations that address that very issue. It’s time for reason. It’s time for Congress to act.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” – The Sword of Damocles Guns can give us power, but we need to exercise responsibility.
Congress has the ultimate power – and the great responsibility.
It’s time, lest that sword fall upon Washington come the next election. 

It’s time.
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   


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

Community alert: be aware of "individual seeking to disable cars being operated by young females"

Via Holliston Police

"Over the past week there have been local reports of an individual seeking to disable cars being operated by young females. In these situations, the individual may let air from a tire or add a gas tank contaminant, then approach the female to offer help in the form of a battery pack, air compressor or a ride.
As in all situations, be aware that individuals offering help may have in fact been involved in orchestrating the situation. If your car becomes disabled, wait in a safe place for a friend, family member, or AAA to respond
If you feel your vehicle has been tampered with, call your local police department. Investigations are ongoing. "

Via Franklin Police

"The individual currently being investigated into this matter was spotted in town yesterday afternoon. If your vehicle is tampered with or breaks down shortly after starting, give us a call."

Shared from Franklin Police ->   https://www.facebook.com/franklinmapolice/posts/pfbid0521U2j34SBpMAG154rvWnU9eAEmSFNT4EwU65ZmiES9mWWFwp4QuZqXKFFj96vcpl

Community alert: be aware of "individual seeking to disable cars being operated by young females"
Community alert: be aware of "individual seeking to disable cars being operated by young females"

"It is not the Commission’s role to choose one resource type over another"

In a classic 'bury the headline' move in front of a long weekend, the Chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) allowed ISO-New England to further delay moves to reduce dependence upon fossil fuels. The news was released at "10:17 PM · May 27, 2022·via Twitter Web App".

"Tonight, @FERC  voted to permanently end the use of the #MOPR as a tool to stymie state policies in @ISONewEngland .  
While I would have preferred this happen immediately, I voted to approve the filing with the 2 year transition.  
Full statement here:"

https://www.ferc.gov/news-events/news/chairman-glick-concurrence-regarding-iso-new-england-inc-tariff-revisions 

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/RichGlickFERC/status/1530372578929529185 


CommonWealth Magazine also provides coverage of this decision


This has been a recurring topic on our "Making Sense of Climate" series. You can find all the episodes (currently 10) here https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/in-this-making-sense-of-climate-episode.html

https://www.ferc.gov/
https://www.ferc.gov/