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Thursday, January 9, 2020
MassBudget: Previewing the FY 2021 budget debate
Tracy Grammer with Jim Henry at OCC Coffeehouse Jan. 11
TRACY GRAMMER is one of contemporary folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her springwater-clear alto, perfectly intoned violin, and guitar playing that is by turns percussive and delicate, Grammer is also a gifted storyteller whose incantations add a rare mixture of vulnerability, intimacy, and hard-won insight to her performances. As one fan puts it, "With Tracy, it's never just about the music; it's a soul journey."
And what a journey it has been. Grammer rose to acclaim as half of the "postmodern, mythic American folk" duo, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. From 1998-2001, the duo released three internationally celebrated, chart-topping albums featuring Carter's mytho-poetic Americana songcraft and in 2002, toured with Joan Baez, both as featured artists and Baez's bandmates. Called "the new voice of modern folk music," the duo was clearly in its ascendancy when in July, 2002, Carter suffered a fatal heart attack mid-tour. He was 49; Grammer, 34.
Grammer is currently on tour celebrating the release of LOW TIDE, her first album of original songs. "I've been a writer all my life, but it was never my intention to be a songwriter," she says. "However, the road has curves we can't see at the outset of the journey. At some point along the path, writing songs became the most effective medicine for the pains and unresolved questions of my life. LOW TIDE is an album of revelations, confessions, and ultimately, healing. I am proud of the writing and utterly thrilled with the sounds. I took risks. I tried new approaches. I told the truth, and delivered my multitudes. My eleventh album is the first one that really sounds like me." Co-produced with long-time touring partner Jim Henry, LOW TIDE was released January 19, 2018 on Grammer's own label, Tracy Grammer Music, and is available through Fish Records in the U.K.
It's hard to know where to start when describing Jim Henry. He does a lot of things and he does them well. As a sideman, on a variety of electric or acoustic guitars, or on mandolin or dobro, Jim can render emotional sensitivity in one moment then tear into a rock or country solo with such fire it's hard to catch your breath. He is a master of adding whatever is needed at any musical moment. At center stage, whether as a solo artist or leading a band, Jim delivers his finely crafted original songs with a smooth, rich baritone voice and engaging storytelling and humor.
Tickets for the concert are $20, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at https://www.musicatocc.org/. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street.
For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.
And what a journey it has been. Grammer rose to acclaim as half of the "postmodern, mythic American folk" duo, Dave Carter & Tracy Grammer. From 1998-2001, the duo released three internationally celebrated, chart-topping albums featuring Carter's mytho-poetic Americana songcraft and in 2002, toured with Joan Baez, both as featured artists and Baez's bandmates. Called "the new voice of modern folk music," the duo was clearly in its ascendancy when in July, 2002, Carter suffered a fatal heart attack mid-tour. He was 49; Grammer, 34.
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| Tracy Grammer "Low Tide" album cover image |
Grammer is currently on tour celebrating the release of LOW TIDE, her first album of original songs. "I've been a writer all my life, but it was never my intention to be a songwriter," she says. "However, the road has curves we can't see at the outset of the journey. At some point along the path, writing songs became the most effective medicine for the pains and unresolved questions of my life. LOW TIDE is an album of revelations, confessions, and ultimately, healing. I am proud of the writing and utterly thrilled with the sounds. I took risks. I tried new approaches. I told the truth, and delivered my multitudes. My eleventh album is the first one that really sounds like me." Co-produced with long-time touring partner Jim Henry, LOW TIDE was released January 19, 2018 on Grammer's own label, Tracy Grammer Music, and is available through Fish Records in the U.K.
It's hard to know where to start when describing Jim Henry. He does a lot of things and he does them well. As a sideman, on a variety of electric or acoustic guitars, or on mandolin or dobro, Jim can render emotional sensitivity in one moment then tear into a rock or country solo with such fire it's hard to catch your breath. He is a master of adding whatever is needed at any musical moment. At center stage, whether as a solo artist or leading a band, Jim delivers his finely crafted original songs with a smooth, rich baritone voice and engaging storytelling and humor.
Tickets for the concert are $20, available at the church office, 508-384-3110, or at https://www.musicatocc.org/. The event will be in Fellowship Hall at the back of the church with entry from the parking lot behind the church. Parking is available behind the church and in the lot across the street.
For more information and to be added to the mailing list, visit the website or contact Ken Graves, 508-384-8084, occmusic99@gmail.com.
"We had to go and essentially combine the lots"
From the Wicked Local/Franklin, article of interest for Franklin:
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200107/franklin-planners-ok-downtown-brewery
"Three months after stalling on a negative vote of the Planning Board, a brewery and taproom proposed for downtown is back on track.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Town planners on Monday approved a special permit for As Built Brewery, doing an about-face on the proponents’ plans to transform the former landscaping property at 40 Alpine Row into a site for brewing and serving locally-made craft beer.
While they still need to secure some other approvals, “it’s a move forward,” said a pleased Jay Mello, who co-owns As Built Brewery with his friends Erik Trowbridge and Nick Erickson.
The Planning Board initially declined the special permit when voting in October. Mello said it turned out that “unbeknownst to us, the property was actually two parcels instead of one.”
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20200107/franklin-planners-ok-downtown-brewery
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| The future location on Aline Row for As Built Brewery |
Winter/Spring Kids' Corner Classes Start Next Week
What a great way to spend an afternoon and have some creative fun! Students will paint and take home their own piece of art.
Thursday, February 20
Cut, chop, stir, and mix your way to a delicious dish. Students develop their skills: cutting, chopping, stirring, mixing, and teamwork! Each child works in partnership with another student to create a delicious dish.
Kids' Cooking Classes - Grades 1-3 & 6-8
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| Kids' Corner |
6 Wednesdays, starting January 15
Times vary by grade (Grades 4-5 Full)
Students will explore drawing from observation, from memory, and from imagination in order to create unique artwork each week with a variety of drawing materials.
6 Thursdays, starting January 16
Lively songs and playful games in these one-hour classes will be used to teach useful everyday phrases. 6 weeks starting:
Tuesday, January 14, 4:30 pm—French
Wednesday, January 15, 6:00 pm—Spanish
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Live reporting: TA report to Closing
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
go back to the goals, objectives
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
nothing at this time
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Hamblen - happy new year
Pellegri - bottles of nips, Falmouth looking into a deposit, it is possible
thanks to Eamon and Brutus for representing the Town at the MMA
Rod Gun club breakfast Sunday
registration is automatic, it is not our problem, getting them out to vote is the problem
City of Boston city council position decided by 1 vote
Bissanti - chronic runaway dogs? what happens to the owner
Kelly -prayers for the Semergian family for their loss
Jones - FHS student got promoted to chief in sea cadet corp
we have many great youth in this community
Dellorco - condolences
Mercer - can we get word to FHS students on the plastic bag to come to meeting for when we vote it in?
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled
ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0
Note:
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-8-town-council-agenda
The full agenda and documents released can be found in one PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/1-8-20_tc_full_agenda_final_final.pdf
go back to the goals, objectives
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
nothing at this time
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Hamblen - happy new year
Pellegri - bottles of nips, Falmouth looking into a deposit, it is possible
thanks to Eamon and Brutus for representing the Town at the MMA
Rod Gun club breakfast Sunday
registration is automatic, it is not our problem, getting them out to vote is the problem
City of Boston city council position decided by 1 vote
Bissanti - chronic runaway dogs? what happens to the owner
Kelly -prayers for the Semergian family for their loss
Jones - FHS student got promoted to chief in sea cadet corp
we have many great youth in this community
Dellorco - condolences
Mercer - can we get word to FHS students on the plastic bag to come to meeting for when we vote it in?
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
- None Scheduled
ADJOURN
motion to adjourn, seconded, passed 9-0
Note:
- Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
- Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/january-8-town-council-agenda
The full agenda and documents released can be found in one PDF file
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/1-8-20_tc_full_agenda_final_final.pdf
Live reporting: License Transaction - Presentation
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - 7:10 PM
a. Franklin
Brewing Company, LLC d/b/a 67 Degrees, New Farmer Series Pouring Permit
for a Farmer-Brewery, located at 158 Grove Street
bylaws changed to encourage breweries, wineries, and distilleries
this is the fourth before us for approval
open, family friendly and have a good pint
purpose of the pouring permit, get a permit, or a flight of 4 oz samples
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
skipped to complete the legislation for action
then came back here to do the goals
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf
Jamie reads the listing section by section
*** Finances
loan package for water treatment plant approved
Beaver St interceptor analysis underway, will be back mid-year with results
contract year for trash/recycling
recycling industry in major transition mode, likely policy review for curbside recycling
OPEB discussion coming, liability has gone down
small amounts of new revenue coming during budget discussions
*** Economic development section
EDC doing some of the work already, more to be review
economic plan coming from MAPC
NuStyle project, new bold ideas coming to EDC
affordable housing plan, over due and needed
Franklin Crossing neighborhood district, an opportunity for discussion
commuter rail parking
marijuana overlap district needs to be reviewed for adjustments/corrections
MBTA downtown parking a low priority but on the listing
add Fisher St EPA site to listing
recycling center land swap?
it is in motion, nature of working with state agencies; easy to check off it it happens
current zoning bylaw review,
well survey, demolition delay bylaw
Spur by MBTA add to SNETT improvements
monitor the mixed development and property changes
*** Facilities
possible new police station for a debt exclusion, need to discuss before we fund the study
burn building for fire dept, 'cheap' amount and would be good for crossing and training and morale
possible building committee for Police, not quite there yet but when closer, yes
*** DPW
longer range for sidewalk master plan; need to look at say, every 5 years
did a parking lot management plan
vehicle equipment process
*** Rec Open Space
Franklin greenway network, how to connect with sidewalks or bikeways, etc.
Concerts on the Common, possibly coming to Recl incorporate more on
Prospect St tunnel, opening bid, Friday morning
adding affordable, accessible open space to EDC
lights at King St soccer field. was an issue with neighbors before
*** Community
fleet vehicles and maybe go electric
decommission old Spring st extension between 140 and Washington
State supports the road, instead provide access to trails
installation of 5G; protecting public property
implement electric aggregation, just not getting rates we should be getting
emergency plans for individual building/depts
review of Town's emergency plan (Fire Dept does this, already done...)
historical, architectural homes
a listing of the 1000 oldest homes provided by assessors a couple of years ago
anti bullying hate speech pledge for employees and elected official do?
*** Civic engagement
a new section, not done before
adding Board of Health items to e-permitting
*** Presentations/discussions
see listing for items and dates
affordable housing? a complicated issue, some of this is scheduled with some of the presentations but there will also be touch points in Master Plan and add something to Planning
could do outreach to Congressman Kennedy
bylaws changed to encourage breweries, wineries, and distilleries
this is the fourth before us for approval
open, family friendly and have a good pint
purpose of the pouring permit, get a permit, or a flight of 4 oz samples
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
skipped to complete the legislation for action
then came back here to do the goals
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town Council 2020-2021 Legislative Session Goals
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf
Jamie reads the listing section by section
*** Finances
loan package for water treatment plant approved
Beaver St interceptor analysis underway, will be back mid-year with results
contract year for trash/recycling
recycling industry in major transition mode, likely policy review for curbside recycling
OPEB discussion coming, liability has gone down
small amounts of new revenue coming during budget discussions
*** Economic development section
EDC doing some of the work already, more to be review
economic plan coming from MAPC
NuStyle project, new bold ideas coming to EDC
affordable housing plan, over due and needed
Franklin Crossing neighborhood district, an opportunity for discussion
commuter rail parking
marijuana overlap district needs to be reviewed for adjustments/corrections
MBTA downtown parking a low priority but on the listing
add Fisher St EPA site to listing
recycling center land swap?
it is in motion, nature of working with state agencies; easy to check off it it happens
current zoning bylaw review,
well survey, demolition delay bylaw
Spur by MBTA add to SNETT improvements
monitor the mixed development and property changes
*** Facilities
possible new police station for a debt exclusion, need to discuss before we fund the study
burn building for fire dept, 'cheap' amount and would be good for crossing and training and morale
possible building committee for Police, not quite there yet but when closer, yes
*** DPW
longer range for sidewalk master plan; need to look at say, every 5 years
did a parking lot management plan
vehicle equipment process
*** Rec Open Space
Franklin greenway network, how to connect with sidewalks or bikeways, etc.
Concerts on the Common, possibly coming to Recl incorporate more on
Prospect St tunnel, opening bid, Friday morning
adding affordable, accessible open space to EDC
lights at King St soccer field. was an issue with neighbors before
*** Community
fleet vehicles and maybe go electric
decommission old Spring st extension between 140 and Washington
State supports the road, instead provide access to trails
installation of 5G; protecting public property
implement electric aggregation, just not getting rates we should be getting
emergency plans for individual building/depts
review of Town's emergency plan (Fire Dept does this, already done...)
historical, architectural homes
a listing of the 1000 oldest homes provided by assessors a couple of years ago
anti bullying hate speech pledge for employees and elected official do?
*** Civic engagement
a new section, not done before
adding Board of Health items to e-permitting
*** Presentations/discussions
see listing for items and dates
affordable housing? a complicated issue, some of this is scheduled with some of the presentations but there will also be touch points in Master Plan and add something to Planning
could do outreach to Congressman Kennedy
Live reporting: Legislation for Action (updated)
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
meeting the 15th, 6:00 PM
capital plan, all departments including school in one meeting
b. Budget Subcommittee
not yet
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
met before this meeting
lot line changes coming
solar changes
coming to the meeting Jan 22, for referral to the Planning Board for hearings and then back to Town Council
next EDC meeting - Feb 5, 5:30 start time
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-847_plastic_bag_web.pdf
due to the prior discussion, this is the redrafted proposal
added definition on biodegradable bag
has been approved by Attorney General in other communities, effective date July 1, 2020
with extension possible
adjustment to language, approved for next version
adjustment to add a fee, disallowed as local authorities do not have the ability to do so
motion to amend wording, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-1 (Earls?)
had jumped to 10b to use time before the 7:10 scheduled start for the pouring license
when returning began with 10A then continued to 10C
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._snow_ice_web.pdf
return of snow removal to bylaw active status, had been changed in 2017 as 'unenforceable'
first violation, written warning, second a 450 fee, third a increase in fee to $200
more educational than revenue producing
could be a 20% relief from DPW doing the sidewalks
question on definition of business vs residential
Question on notification to businesses, i.e Downtown Partnership
was this vetted by EDC? no, it should be before coming back to Town Council
feedback on not explicit enough, business areas highlighted but need to be more explicit about who does what where
people walking to the train station were the ones who had called to complain about the sidewalks
DPW primary change for actual for letter and enforcement before ticketing
other agencies are there for assistance in enforcement
withdrawn motion, seconded
motion to send draft to EDC for further review/discussion
skipped back to License for pouring 67 Degrees (then returned to pick up Legislation for Action)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-20
establishes the stormwater bylaw
request to have ad-hoc committee review turned back
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $2,675 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-01 - Majority Vote)
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-02: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Council on Aging, $1,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-02 - Majority Vote)
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
meeting the 15th, 6:00 PM
capital plan, all departments including school in one meeting
b. Budget Subcommittee
not yet
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
met before this meeting
lot line changes coming
solar changes
coming to the meeting Jan 22, for referral to the Planning Board for hearings and then back to Town Council
next EDC meeting - Feb 5, 5:30 start time
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-847: New Chapter 130, Plastic Checkout Bag Prohibition, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10a._20-847_plastic_bag_web.pdf
due to the prior discussion, this is the redrafted proposal
added definition on biodegradable bag
has been approved by Attorney General in other communities, effective date July 1, 2020
with extension possible
adjustment to language, approved for next version
adjustment to add a fee, disallowed as local authorities do not have the ability to do so
motion to amend wording, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to move to second reading, seconded, passed 8-1 (Earls?)
had jumped to 10b to use time before the 7:10 scheduled start for the pouring license
when returning began with 10A then continued to 10C
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 20-848: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice Removal, to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/10b._snow_ice_web.pdf
return of snow removal to bylaw active status, had been changed in 2017 as 'unenforceable'
first violation, written warning, second a 450 fee, third a increase in fee to $200
more educational than revenue producing
could be a 20% relief from DPW doing the sidewalks
question on definition of business vs residential
Question on notification to businesses, i.e Downtown Partnership
was this vetted by EDC? no, it should be before coming back to Town Council
feedback on not explicit enough, business areas highlighted but need to be more explicit about who does what where
people walking to the train station were the ones who had called to complain about the sidewalks
DPW primary change for actual for letter and enforcement before ticketing
other agencies are there for assistance in enforcement
withdrawn motion, seconded
motion to send draft to EDC for further review/discussion
skipped back to License for pouring 67 Degrees (then returned to pick up Legislation for Action)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Bylaw 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-846: Chapter 153, Stormwater Management - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-20
establishes the stormwater bylaw
request to have ad-hoc committee review turned back
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0 via roll call
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-01: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $2,675 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-01 - Majority Vote)
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION Resolution 20-02: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Council on Aging, $1,500 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-02 - Majority Vote)
motion to approve, seconded, 9-0
Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 8, 2020
Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly, Earls, Bissanti
Absent: none
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
microphone
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 4, 2019 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3a._12-4-19_web.pdf
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
b. December 11, 2019 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3b._12-11-19_web.pdf
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled
6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled
Absent: none
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. 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.Colin Cass, Longhill
microphone
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 4, 2019 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3a._12-4-19_web.pdf
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
b. December 11, 2019 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/3b._12-11-19_web.pdf
motion to approve, seconded, passed 9-0
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
- None Scheduled
6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled
Franklin Issue on the 2020 'Watch List': Citizen Engagement
The four issues on the watch list recently posted really boil down to two general buckets of issues:
1 - the Town budget - facing a possible override along with increases in both water/sewer rates and trash/recycling along with intro of another fee for stormwater (with PFAS as a 'sleeper' cost to be addressed)
2 - the multiple school district issues covered in the two posts; the school budget, Davis Thayer, and the 'paused' school start time issue
The third issue I'll raise is also one of the possible solution areas.
The Town Administration and School District can proceed working with the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and other departments in the Franklin government on our behalf, as we elected them to do, or we, the residents and voters, can step away from Facebook, and truly get involved to do something.
As part of the Town Council goals and objectives, there are proposals for Civic Engagement efforts.
I also will not claim to have all the answers. I have learned and continue to learn more about Franklin and its government every day. How we can successfully reach the voters to get them to take action on their civic duties (i.e. vote for one, but that is only one duty) is an answer I am still looking for.
If you have ideas, I am open to listen. My contact info is available; reach out, let me know you want to talk, and I'll make time to do so.
In the Town Council goals and objective doc is a listing of key presentations scheduled or being scheduled for future Town Council meetings. If one or more of these topics interests you, put a mark on your calendar accordingly.
What can you do in the meantime?
Action
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf
Franklin Issues on the 2020 'Watch List'
1 - the Town budget - facing a possible override along with increases in both water/sewer rates and trash/recycling along with intro of another fee for stormwater (with PFAS as a 'sleeper' cost to be addressed)
2 - the multiple school district issues covered in the two posts; the school budget, Davis Thayer, and the 'paused' school start time issue
The third issue I'll raise is also one of the possible solution areas.
The Town Administration and School District can proceed working with the Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee and other departments in the Franklin government on our behalf, as we elected them to do, or we, the residents and voters, can step away from Facebook, and truly get involved to do something.
As part of the Town Council goals and objectives, there are proposals for Civic Engagement efforts.
Civic Engagement (NEW)
● Research the potential for a “Citizen’s Academy” course for citizensSome of these are more 'service' related than 'engagement' related and hence while this is good, I do not think it goes far enough. I also understand, and fully respect, that the Town as a government entity can only do so much. We, as residents and voters, need to step up to make this "government of the people, by the people, for the people" work for us.
● Research the ICMA Citizen Satisfaction Survey through the National Citizen Survey and National Research Council
● Continue to update and reinvent the Town website, social media accounts, consider implementing a TOF podcast (Soundcloud/ Anchor) and develop consistent best practices organization-wide
● Expand E-Permitting and online payment options
I also will not claim to have all the answers. I have learned and continue to learn more about Franklin and its government every day. How we can successfully reach the voters to get them to take action on their civic duties (i.e. vote for one, but that is only one duty) is an answer I am still looking for.
If you have ideas, I am open to listen. My contact info is available; reach out, let me know you want to talk, and I'll make time to do so.
In the Town Council goals and objective doc is a listing of key presentations scheduled or being scheduled for future Town Council meetings. If one or more of these topics interests you, put a mark on your calendar accordingly.
Presentations/Discussions (tentatively/confirmed scheduled dates)
● Community Preservation Act - February 5 (scheduled)
● Housing Authority w/ Lisa Audette - February 12th (confirmed)
● Transitional Assistance - February 12th (confirmed)
● Economic Profile Study -- March/April (pending delivery of final report)
● MECC Regional Dispatch -- May 6th 2020 (confirmed)
● Department Presentations: Land Use & Permitting Departments -- June 2020
● Master Plan midway Update -- June/July 2020
● Charter Review Discussion - Late 2020
What can you do in the meantime?
Action
- Get to a meeting, or watch via Comcast/Verizon, or the streaming feed via Franklin TV
- Talk with our Town Council, School Committee, Finance Committee, School Superintendent Sara Ahern, and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen
- Have a civil conversation about one or more of these issues; together we can, and must, find a solution that works for us
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8b._town_council_2020-2021_goals_memo.pdf
Franklin Issues on the 2020 'Watch List'
- School District Issues
- Multiple Fiscal Challenges
- School Start Time
- New PFAS Regulations Proposed
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| the future of Franklin remains with the Franklin voters who can become active or remain passive |
THE BLACK BOX Tribute Series: No Static - Jan 11
No Static, one of the few Steely Dan tribute bands in the country, is made up of 10 musicians from around the Boston area. They specialize in expertly performing the music of Steely Dan.
Re-creating that bluesy jazz-rock sound that sprung from the fertile imaginations of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker is no small feat. As Dan-Fans know, the tunes are convoluted and complex, spanning many genres; very precise, with time changes and key changes popping up where sometimes least expected.
Vocally and musically challenging, this is not an easy band to pay tribute to. No Static has been doing it for over 10 years now and their sold-out shows tell the tale. They work at it and they get it right.
Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. The venue features a full bar.
Re-creating that bluesy jazz-rock sound that sprung from the fertile imaginations of Donald Fagen and Walter Becker is no small feat. As Dan-Fans know, the tunes are convoluted and complex, spanning many genres; very precise, with time changes and key changes popping up where sometimes least expected.
Vocally and musically challenging, this is not an easy band to pay tribute to. No Static has been doing it for over 10 years now and their sold-out shows tell the tale. They work at it and they get it right.
Tickets are available at www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com, by calling the box office at 508-528-3370, or at the door. The venue features a full bar.
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| THE BLACK BOX Tribute Series: No Static - Jan 11 |
Tri-County Preschool Registration and Open House - Jan 30-31
Registration and Open House for the Tri-County Children’s Center preschool program for 2020– 2021 will be held on Thursday, January 30, from 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM and Friday, January 31, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at the Tri-County Regional High School in Franklin at 147 Pond Street. Parents will be able to view the laboratory preschool while children engage in developmentally appropriate activities. For more information, please visit https://www.tri-county.us/tri-county-childrens-center/
Placement is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. Admission is decided through a lottery system. Registration will be made open to other towns if spaces are not filled by residents within the district.
The random drawing to determine which of the children registered will be enrolled will take place on Friday, March 6, 2020. The number of children registered has traditionally far exceeded the number of spaces available so the random drawing was established. Those names not selected in the drawing are placed on a waiting list.
Birth certificates for children being registered must accompany all registration forms. Registration is limited to those children who are at least age 3 years by September 15, 2020 for the three-day program. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration time. Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible.
Preschool sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. for the three-day program. Tuition is $36.00* per week. Class size is limited to 30 children.
Three teachers in the Tri-County Early Education Program supervise the programs, and are assisted by students in the Early Education Major.
*Subject to change
Download a copy of this info as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSDFZMlV5N0Q4Z3dEQzl6ZFFxZ2doaTdXVEFn/view?usp=sharing
Placement is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County District, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham. Admission is decided through a lottery system. Registration will be made open to other towns if spaces are not filled by residents within the district.
The random drawing to determine which of the children registered will be enrolled will take place on Friday, March 6, 2020. The number of children registered has traditionally far exceeded the number of spaces available so the random drawing was established. Those names not selected in the drawing are placed on a waiting list.
Birth certificates for children being registered must accompany all registration forms. Registration is limited to those children who are at least age 3 years by September 15, 2020 for the three-day program. A $25.00 non-refundable registration fee is due at registration time. Enrollment is limited to two years or part of two years for the preschool program, as long as the child is age eligible.
Preschool sessions are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8:50 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. for the three-day program. Tuition is $36.00* per week. Class size is limited to 30 children.
Three teachers in the Tri-County Early Education Program supervise the programs, and are assisted by students in the Early Education Major.
*Subject to change
Download a copy of this info as a reminder:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczSDFZMlV5N0Q4Z3dEQzl6ZFFxZ2doaTdXVEFn/view?usp=sharing
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| Tri-County Preschool Registration and Open House - Jan 30-31 |
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