Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Live reporting - to Executive Session
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
nothing at this time
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
mostly nothing at this time
Dellorco - SAFE Coalition would like to bring an update
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
Chandler - lucky to be on the capital committee
longevity for car use
Q - is there a list of who takes cars out of town?
A - No one does, only two emergency vehicles leave
Hamblen - Farmers Market Sat, fund raiser Sunday
rain barrel program at DPW
Jones - back in top 5 of safest places to live
Dellorco - SAFE Coalition - opened new office in Dedham
meeting appropriately, grand opening Feb 13
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Collective Bargaining
I request a motion that the Board vote to convene in Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board.
motion to go to executive session, seconded, passed 9-0 via roll call)
will reconvene after executive session
(updated - before the meeting the Council chair had confirmed that we would go to Executive session but would be able to remain in the room as they would return to public meeting. The Town Administrator told some members of the audience to leave so we did, others (including the Fire Dept personnel gathered to await the vote) did not).
Live reporting: Legislation for action
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
first 'bite of the apple', goes to Planning Board for their public hearings (2) and then action before coming back to the Council for 2 readings and eventual vote
90% of the power at the Mt St Mary's solar farm provides the Town of Franklin
tax agreements are not as lucrative as previously stated
to remove large scale commercial solar farms sited in residential neighborhoods
other solar installations remain permitted
while removing the large from residential, it also adds a 75 foot buffer where large scale would abut
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-08_web.pdf
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-Law Amendment 20-849: Changes to Ground-Mounted Solar Energy System Use Regulations, And Use Regulations Schedule Updates-Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-849 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
first 'bite of the apple', goes to Planning Board for their public hearings (2) and then action before coming back to the Council for 2 readings and eventual vote
90% of the power at the Mt St Mary's solar farm provides the Town of Franklin
tax agreements are not as lucrative as previously stated
to remove large scale commercial solar farms sited in residential neighborhoods
other solar installations remain permitted
while removing the large from residential, it also adds a 75 foot buffer where large scale would abut
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-850: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Highland, Maple and Lincoln Streets- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-850 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning By-law Amendment 20-851: Zoning Map Changes On Or Near Oak Street and Dailey Drive- Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-851 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)
motion to waive the reading, seconded, passed 9-0
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-08: 2020 - 2021 Town Council Goals (Motion to approve Resolution 20-08 - Majority Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/20-08_web.pdf
motion to refer, seconded, passed 9-0
Live reporting: OPEB Update, etc.
6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation
Dan Sherman
The released doc is shown in the link here, what he talked to doesn't seem to match
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._opeb_presentation.pdf
add 2-pager doc later
top quartile in terms of peers for funded ratio
additional funding of 3.1M would be required /per year, to make up the funding required.
where are we now, how do we get to 3-4M per year?
when a community gets to full funding on Pension to send that money to OPEB
Franklin estimated to get to that point at about 2030
calculating with the assumption that Franklin would continue funding OPEB as we do today, and then roll the Pension funding to OPEB
The Federal Reserve has been keeping inflation in check for any number of years. The CPI is holding about 2.9/3.0 percent
you're ahead of most of your peers, a member of the majority funding something
Town does have a policy per operating budget to increase the amount 50,000/ also approve 10% of free cash; should take a look at it again, 2030 is a ways away
Kelly - arrives at 7:26 PM
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
we had a meeting last week
coming to the Council Feb 5
b. Budget Subcommittee
nothing to report at this time
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
nothing at this time
next meeting Feb 5
- None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) Presentation
Dan Sherman
The released doc is shown in the link here, what he talked to doesn't seem to match
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._opeb_presentation.pdf
add 2-pager doc later
top quartile in terms of peers for funded ratio
additional funding of 3.1M would be required /per year, to make up the funding required.
where are we now, how do we get to 3-4M per year?
when a community gets to full funding on Pension to send that money to OPEB
Franklin estimated to get to that point at about 2030
calculating with the assumption that Franklin would continue funding OPEB as we do today, and then roll the Pension funding to OPEB
The Federal Reserve has been keeping inflation in check for any number of years. The CPI is holding about 2.9/3.0 percent
you're ahead of most of your peers, a member of the majority funding something
Town does have a policy per operating budget to increase the amount 50,000/ also approve 10% of free cash; should take a look at it again, 2030 is a ways away
Kelly - arrives at 7:26 PM
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
we had a meeting last week
coming to the Council Feb 5
b. Budget Subcommittee
nothing to report at this time
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
nothing at this time
next meeting Feb 5
Live reporting: Town Council - Jan 22, 2020
Present: Chandler, Hamblen, Pellegri, Dellorco, Mercer, Jones, Kelly (arrived at 7:26 PM), Earls, Bissanti
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.
no citizen comments
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 18, 2019
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
b. January 8, 2020
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
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.
no citizen comments
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. December 18, 2019
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
b. January 8, 2020
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS
Franklin Cultural Council: Theodore D. Cormier-Leger
motion to approve, seconded, passed 8-0
A Franklin High School team (Sompally, Valiveti, Bhakta, and Gandham) is one of the DECA Idea Challenge global winners
There is a line about pulling yourself up by your bootstraps, these students have done that with shoelaces. Yes, shoelaces!
Video link https://youtu.be/rAR9CkTLyj0
Found via a tweet by Franklin DECA
https://twitter.com/FranklinMA_DECA/status/1219679810529697792?s=20 https://twitter.com/FranklinMA_DECA/status/1219679810529697792?s=20
"DECA Inc. is excited to announce this year’s DECA Idea Challenge global winners!
A premier event of Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW), the DECA Idea Challenge dared elementary through university students to generate a new use for shoelaces in merely a week! In addition to reinventing the item, teams were to create a video pitch of their new product.
With a significant amount of creativity, teamwork and determination, these teams were able to rise to the top.
Congratulations to the following DECA Idea Challenge global winning teams"
Congratulations to Shoumik Sompally, Saket Gandham, Rohit Valiveti, and Saahil Bhakta!High School
Hood Mask
Franklin High School | United States
Video link https://youtu.be/rAR9CkTLyj0
Found via a tweet by Franklin DECA
Proud to announce the team of Sompally, Valiveti, Bhakta, and Gandham have won DECA's 2019 GLOBAL Idea Challenge. Unbelievable! This year's material: shoelaces. Check out their video here: https://t.co/PfCYWiN3ZP@DECAInc @mass_DECA @FranklinHS @FHSPantherbook https://t.co/rNSzu6vc2S— Franklin DECA (@FranklinMA_DECA) January 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/FranklinMA_DECA/status/1219679810529697792?s=20 https://twitter.com/FranklinMA_DECA/status/1219679810529697792?s=20
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A Franklin High School team is one of the DECA Idea Challenge global winners |
Back Up - Just Do It
The fact that you are reading this is the result of a very bad thing – followed in short order by a very good thing. The bad thing? My computer died. It was sudden and final on Thursday. I wasn’t there to witness its passing. I expected a quiet evening, only to be confronted by the Microsoft Blue Screen of Death. If ever there was a Greek or Roman god of digital stuff, that all-digital deity had it in for me. (Sigh!)
The good thing? Backup! My digital stuff – every last bit of my digital life – lives in three places. I accessed my backup files – typing this very missive and program schedule with my backup computer. Yes, I have one.
Digitally, this is not my first cataclysmic crash, nor will it be the last. How often? It happens roughly every 3-5 years. It’s never pleasant, but it is survivable.
Our lives are increasingly digital. Our computers and smartphones rule our day, making our lives easier, better – until they fail.
Failure is not an option. Not today.
That’s because backing up all my digital stuff is not an option.
It’s essential.
And – as always – Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director
P.S. It’s not too late to start a New Year’s resolution – backing up all your stuff.
Buy a small external hard drive. Then organize and make a backup copy of any digital files you regard as precious. Update your backup often, if not daily. Your future self will thank you.
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Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Weekdays:
Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.
The good thing? Backup! My digital stuff – every last bit of my digital life – lives in three places. I accessed my backup files – typing this very missive and program schedule with my backup computer. Yes, I have one.
Digitally, this is not my first cataclysmic crash, nor will it be the last. How often? It happens roughly every 3-5 years. It’s never pleasant, but it is survivable.
![]() |
Back Up - Just Do It |
Our lives are increasingly digital. Our computers and smartphones rule our day, making our lives easier, better – until they fail.
Failure is not an option. Not today.
That’s because backing up all my digital stuff is not an option.
It’s essential.
And – as always – Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director
P.S. It’s not too late to start a New Year’s resolution – backing up all your stuff.
Buy a small external hard drive. Then organize and make a backup copy of any digital files you regard as precious. Update your backup often, if not daily. Your future self will thank you.
-----------------
Wednesday:
- 9:00a/12:00p /6:00p FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey, All about Franklin Public Schools
- 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone, All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points
- 11:00a/2:00p/8:00p Franklin Matters Radio – Steve Sherlock, Franklin and its local government, services and events
Thursday:
- 9:00a/12:00p/6:00p The Tabernacle Choir, from Salt Lake City
- 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey, Frank explores a range of music genres and artists
- 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick, Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Friday:
- 9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick, Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews
- 10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey, An hour of uplifting music for all
- 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group, Original short stories presented by the authors
Weekdays:
- 3:00p Music of the Swingin’ Big Band Era
- 4:00p Starlight Songs from the Great American Songbook
Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.
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Listen on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm |
Both FHS girls and boys basketball teams post wins vs. Foxboro
Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Tuesday
Boys Basketball = Franklin, 67 @ Foxboro, 61 – Final
– Franklin senior Brayden Sullivan converted a key traditional three-point play in the fourth quarter and the Panthers took care of business from the free throw line in the fourth quarter (7-for-10) to grab a close win on the road over Foxboro. It was a consistent night on offense for Franklin, scoring 17 points in three quarters while netting 16 points in the third quarter. Franklin led 17-12 after one, 34-31 at halftime, and took a 50-45 advantage into the final frame. Chris Edgehill scored a team-high 16 points while Sullivan finished with 15 points for the Panthers, who were held to just two three-pointers. Foxboro’s Donald Rogers scored a team-high 14 points, Kevin Gallagher added 11 points, and both Brandon Borde and Will Morrison chipped in with 10 points apiece.
Girls Basketball = Foxboro, 40 @ Franklin, 61 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
https://hockomocksports.com/strong-closing-kick-pushes-franklin-girls-basketball-past-foxboro/
For a Photo Gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Foxboro-Girls-Basketball-1-21-20/
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-21-20/
Boys Basketball = Franklin, 67 @ Foxboro, 61 – Final
– Franklin senior Brayden Sullivan converted a key traditional three-point play in the fourth quarter and the Panthers took care of business from the free throw line in the fourth quarter (7-for-10) to grab a close win on the road over Foxboro. It was a consistent night on offense for Franklin, scoring 17 points in three quarters while netting 16 points in the third quarter. Franklin led 17-12 after one, 34-31 at halftime, and took a 50-45 advantage into the final frame. Chris Edgehill scored a team-high 16 points while Sullivan finished with 15 points for the Panthers, who were held to just two three-pointers. Foxboro’s Donald Rogers scored a team-high 14 points, Kevin Gallagher added 11 points, and both Brandon Borde and Will Morrison chipped in with 10 points apiece.
Girls Basketball = Foxboro, 40 @ Franklin, 61 – Final
Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:
"It remained a two-possession game deep into the fourth quarter, but then Kelley-Rex division leader Franklin showed off another gear, putting together a run over the closing minutes that turned a close contest into another dominant victory.Continue reading the game recap
After a Shakirah Ketant basket cut Franklin’s lead to 44-38, the Panthers stepped on the gas, scoring 17 straight points to pull away and hand Foxboro a 61-40 loss. It was a lopsided final score that wasn’t indicative of the bulk of this showdown between division leaders.
“They have a strong desire to be good,” said Franklin coach John Leighton about his team. “Games aren’t won on Tuesdays and Fridays, they’re won in practice. We grind it out. If you play good ‘D’ and get stops, then our offense will take care of itself and I thought we did a good job of that. That confidence snowballs.”
Ali Brigham (game-high 19 points and 13 rebounds) got the run started with a basket and then snagged a missed free throw by Erin Quaile and put it back up and in to extend the lead to 11. Sophomore Olivia Quinn, fresh off a career-high against Oliver Ames, got behind the Foxboro defense for a bucket in transition and then knocked down a jumper. She scored nine of her 11 points in the final quarter."
https://hockomocksports.com/strong-closing-kick-pushes-franklin-girls-basketball-past-foxboro/
For a Photo Gallery from this game
https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2019-2020/Winter-2019-2020/Franklin-Foxboro-Girls-Basketball-1-21-20/
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/tuesdays-schedule-scoreboard-01-21-20/
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Ali Brigham (1) scored a game-high 19 points and the Panthers used a 17-0 run in the fourth quarter to turn a close game into a big win against Foxboro. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com |
GoFundMe: Dennis' Fight Against ALS
Via the GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/jd8zg-dennis039-fight-against-als
"In May of 2018 our good friend Dennis Ceruti received some of the worst news you can possibly imagine, he had been diagnosed with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. It affects nerves in your brain and spinal cord that control your muscles. As your muscles get weaker, it gets harder for you to walk, talk, eat, and breathe. Today medication and therapy can slow ALS and reduce discomfort, but there's no cure.
As you can imagine the diagnosis was shocking to Dennis, his family and friends. Since that day in May 2018, life has changed dramatically for Dennis, his wife Suzanne and their four amazing daughters. There are countless changes they have had to make in their daily lives, new additions to the home to make it more handicap accessible, a new vehicle, a lift to help him get to the main living area, new accessible furniture and countless other changes that have become part of their new normal."Continue reading Dennis' story and contribute online at GoFundMe
https://www.gofundme.com/f/jd8zg-dennis039-fight-against-als
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GoFundMe image: Dennis' Fight Against ALS |
Studio Two returns Feb 21 in Benefit Concert for HMEA - tickets on sale
Studio Two returns
in Benefit Concert for HMEA
in Benefit Concert for HMEA
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Studio Two returns Feb 21 in Benefit Concert for HMEA |
Friday, February 21, 2020
Tickets Now on Salehttps://www.hmea.org/events/studiotwo/
THE BLACK BOX
15 West Central Street, Franklin, MA
live music | dessert bar | dancing | raffle | door prize
New this year - get a reserved table up front
for 5 people with an extra $10.00 donation!
All proceeds benefit the programs at HMEA that serve
children and adults with developmental disabilities.
Generously sponsored by Lippolis Plumbing & Heating, Walpole, MA
MassBudget: Four stories to watch in the FY 2021 budget debate
A summary of our series
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"This video is a concern and similar to past viral videos that encourage unsafe behavior"
From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"The state fire marshal on Tuesday put all Massachusetts fire chiefs on alert that his office has already received reports of two instances in which teens trying to re-create a viral video have caused electrical system damage or fire.Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey said a video that’s gained attention on the TikTok app has encouraged teens to partially insert the plug part of a phone charger into a wall outlet and then slide a penny down the wall to make contact with the two exposed prongs.
“The result is sparks, electrical system damage, and in some cases fire,” the fire marshal said in a memo to fire officials around the state. “This video is a concern and similar to past viral videos that encourage unsafe behavior. You might reach out to local news outlets, school officials, and parent organizations. Alert them to this challenge, advise them to, not only look for signs of fire play like scorched outlets, but to have conversations about fire and electrical safety with tweens and teenagers.”
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200121/viral-video-prompts-fire-marshal-to-put-chiefs-on-alert
Editor's note:
Readers may recall that the Franklin School District dealt with a video also shared via TikTok recently. This app should not be on personal phones, especially those of our youth.
The app has been banned by the US Army, US Navy and other Defense Dept organizations are likely to follow suit. It is developed by a Chinese company and determined to have "potential security risks"Why ban the app?
"As of mid-December, the Army began advising soldiers to stop using TikToK on all government-owned phones, Ochoa said. The U.S. Navy recently put out similar guidance, prohibiting the use of TiKTok on government phones, according to reports by Gizmodo and other publications.https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/12/30/army-follows-pentagon-guidance-bans-chinese-owned-tiktok-app.html
The policy reversal on TikTok comes after the release of a Dec. 16 Defense Department Cyber Awareness Message identifying "TikTok as having potential security risks associated with its use," according to the message.
The guidance directs all Defense Department employees to "be wary of applications you download, monitor your phones for unusual and unsolicited texts etc., and delete them immediately and uninstall TikTok to circumvent any exposure of personal information."
Link to article on US Army ban of app
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50952473
NY Times article on this Defense Dept action to ban the app
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/04/us/tiktok-pentagon-military-ban.html
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
FSPA Continues Children’s Dance Programming
The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA), currently celebrating its 35th Anniversary Season, continues its thriving Children’s Dance Program. Dance training at FSPA begins with an Early Childhood Dance Program designed to promote creativity and fun through movement. This introduction to ballet and dance encourages self-control, discipline, and proper classroom etiquette.
Creative Dance, a class for 3- and 4-year-olds, is an introduction to dance that explores creative movement, levels, shapes, tempos, and rhythms and develops coordination and locomotor skills. Props and stories are used to engage young children and to create a fun and active learning environment. This class presents a studio performance in lieu of the school’s Spring Concert. Students must be able to participate in class without parental presence and should be cooperative in a group situation. Three-year-olds must be evaluated in a class prior to registration.
Rhythm and Movement, a class for 4- and 5-year-olds, offers pre-dance instruction including exercises in balance, movement, rhythm, coordination, and creativity. Children begin to develop locomotor skills, such as skipping and galloping, and learn the structure of a dance class. Stories and props are used to engage young children. Listening skills are encouraged. Students must be 4 years old or have completed a year of Creative Dance.
Pre-Ballet is a primary course which allows 5-7 year-olds the opportunity to progress into any form of dance. Rudimentary ballet positions, as well as basic ballet vocabulary, are taught along with floor exercises, simple steps, and correct posture. A greater emphasis on musicality and rhythm is encouraged. Five-year-olds must have studied one year of Rhythm & Movement at FSPA or be evaluated and recommended for Pre-Ballet by an FSPA instructor.
Introduction to Ballet is for students ages 6-8 and begins a wider study of ballet vocabulary with a greater focus on correct posture and placement. The importance of concentration, self-control, and discipline are emphasized and necessary for the progression to Ballet I. Basic steps are performed in the center, across the floor, and in simple pathways. Students must have completed Rhythm & Movement and Pre-Ballet programs at FSPA or be evaluated for Introduction to Ballet by an FSPA instructor.
For more information on Children’s Dance at FSPA, call 508-528-8668 or stop by the school located at 38 Main St. in Franklin, MA.
Creative Dance, a class for 3- and 4-year-olds, is an introduction to dance that explores creative movement, levels, shapes, tempos, and rhythms and develops coordination and locomotor skills. Props and stories are used to engage young children and to create a fun and active learning environment. This class presents a studio performance in lieu of the school’s Spring Concert. Students must be able to participate in class without parental presence and should be cooperative in a group situation. Three-year-olds must be evaluated in a class prior to registration.
Rhythm and Movement, a class for 4- and 5-year-olds, offers pre-dance instruction including exercises in balance, movement, rhythm, coordination, and creativity. Children begin to develop locomotor skills, such as skipping and galloping, and learn the structure of a dance class. Stories and props are used to engage young children. Listening skills are encouraged. Students must be 4 years old or have completed a year of Creative Dance.
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Children’s Dance |
Pre-Ballet is a primary course which allows 5-7 year-olds the opportunity to progress into any form of dance. Rudimentary ballet positions, as well as basic ballet vocabulary, are taught along with floor exercises, simple steps, and correct posture. A greater emphasis on musicality and rhythm is encouraged. Five-year-olds must have studied one year of Rhythm & Movement at FSPA or be evaluated and recommended for Pre-Ballet by an FSPA instructor.
Introduction to Ballet is for students ages 6-8 and begins a wider study of ballet vocabulary with a greater focus on correct posture and placement. The importance of concentration, self-control, and discipline are emphasized and necessary for the progression to Ballet I. Basic steps are performed in the center, across the floor, and in simple pathways. Students must have completed Rhythm & Movement and Pre-Ballet programs at FSPA or be evaluated for Introduction to Ballet by an FSPA instructor.
For more information on Children’s Dance at FSPA, call 508-528-8668 or stop by the school located at 38 Main St. in Franklin, MA.
FM #194 - Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting of 1/15/20 (audio)
This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 194 in the series, now collaborating with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).
This recording shares the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting of Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020. It was held in the Municipal Building, 3rd floor training room.
The four members of the Town Council that make up this committee chaired by Debbie Pellegri were all present. Matt Kelly, Brian Chandler, and Robert Dellorco you’ll hear as they take their turn asking questions of the department leads on the individual capital requests.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen begins with an explanation of the free cash for FY 2020 which is the starting point. To help follow along with the math, the starting point of ‘free cash’ is $3.482M. The set aside amount is $1.718M which leaves $1.764M for the capital budget.
The Finance Committee met twice in December to review and approve the recommendations. The Subcommittee now has their chance to review and approve of the $1.539M amount recommended to bring to the full Town Council for their discussion and approval. Yes, there is $124K left aside for the ‘second pass’ after the winter and the snow/ice budget expenses are fully known.
Ultimately, the subcommittee did approve all the requests so the full Town Council will get their turn at a future meeting. There was one condition on the School Committee amount approved; the numbers, as proposed, didn’t add up properly on the document and were not able to be explained fully in the meeting. The numbers will get sorted out (and corrected, if necessary) for the Town Council discussion.
Links for the capital budget memo and supporting documents are included. I include my Excel spreadsheet so you can see those totals and subtotals.
Agenda:
1. Free Cash Overview
2. Department Presentations
Capital Budget agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/capital_budget_agenda_1-15-2020.pdf
Capital budget supplemental information
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/fy20_capital_plan_2_supplemental_materials_1.pdf
The Finance Committee reviewed and approved the capital budget over two sessions and the recordings for each session are available here
Finance Committee - Dec 10, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-188-finance-committee-capital-plan.html
Finance Committee - Dec 17, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html
The meeting itself runs approx 1 hour and 40 minutes, so without further ado here is Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting of Jan 15, 2020.
Audio link --> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsdMJLTX
or use the embedded widget here
-------------
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.
How can you help?
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"
This recording shares the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting of Wednesday, Jan 15, 2020. It was held in the Municipal Building, 3rd floor training room.
The four members of the Town Council that make up this committee chaired by Debbie Pellegri were all present. Matt Kelly, Brian Chandler, and Robert Dellorco you’ll hear as they take their turn asking questions of the department leads on the individual capital requests.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen begins with an explanation of the free cash for FY 2020 which is the starting point. To help follow along with the math, the starting point of ‘free cash’ is $3.482M. The set aside amount is $1.718M which leaves $1.764M for the capital budget.
The Finance Committee met twice in December to review and approve the recommendations. The Subcommittee now has their chance to review and approve of the $1.539M amount recommended to bring to the full Town Council for their discussion and approval. Yes, there is $124K left aside for the ‘second pass’ after the winter and the snow/ice budget expenses are fully known.
Ultimately, the subcommittee did approve all the requests so the full Town Council will get their turn at a future meeting. There was one condition on the School Committee amount approved; the numbers, as proposed, didn’t add up properly on the document and were not able to be explained fully in the meeting. The numbers will get sorted out (and corrected, if necessary) for the Town Council discussion.
Links for the capital budget memo and supporting documents are included. I include my Excel spreadsheet so you can see those totals and subtotals.
Agenda:
1. Free Cash Overview
2. Department Presentations
- a. School Department
- b. Facilities Department
- C. Recreation Department
- d. Technology Department
- e. Administration Department
- f. Fire Department
- g. Police Department
- h. Public Works Department
Capital Budget agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/capital_budget_agenda_1-15-2020.pdf
Capital budget supplemental information
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/fy20_capital_plan_2_supplemental_materials_1.pdf
"This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately noticed and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation."
The Finance Committee reviewed and approved the capital budget over two sessions and the recordings for each session are available here
Finance Committee - Dec 10, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-188-finance-committee-capital-plan.html
Finance Committee - Dec 17, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html
The meeting itself runs approx 1 hour and 40 minutes, so without further ado here is Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting of Jan 15, 2020.
Audio link --> https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsdMJLTX
or use the embedded widget here
-------------
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I 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 this, please let me know.
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"
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Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020 |
FBRTC: 2019 - The Year in Review
"As we look back, 2019 was a great year for the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee (FBRTC) and the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT). Please click below to read or download our “2019 – Year In Review” newsletter to learn more!
As we look forward, there are many more exciting things to come, especially the long awaited Prospect Street tunnel in Franklin. We thank you for your support and are looking forward to another successful year ahead!"
2019 - Year in Review:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhJEP-G5c-SCuA0Mc17cKT3XRvQr3T4D/view?usp=sharing
For more about the Rail Trail Committee https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
As we look forward, there are many more exciting things to come, especially the long awaited Prospect Street tunnel in Franklin. We thank you for your support and are looking forward to another successful year ahead!"
2019 - Year in Review:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YhJEP-G5c-SCuA0Mc17cKT3XRvQr3T4D/view?usp=sharing
For more about the Rail Trail Committee https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/
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the long awaited Prospect Street tunnel has been funded. This is a design rendition |
FHS gymnastics team posts a win at Attleboro
Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Monday.
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Austin Prep, 3 – Final
Girls Gymnastics = Franklin, 133.60 @ Attleboro, 124.50 – Final
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-20-20/
Girls Hockey = Franklin, 1 @ Austin Prep, 3 – Final
Girls Gymnastics = Franklin, 133.60 @ Attleboro, 124.50 – Final
For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-20-20/
![]() |
FHS gymnastics team posts a win at Attleboro |
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