Finance Committee gets to a better understanding of the school budget (video)

The Finance Committee got almost all they asked for at their meeting Wednesday. This was the scheduled deep dive into the school budget and while most questions were covered in detail, some were put aside for follow up.

From an observer's perspective, while this was the deepest dive by this committee, many of the topics and questions were covered during School Committee meetings, so it would seem to make sense to have more meetings like this to enhance that communication flow rather than waiting for the budget hearings or this type of 'deep dive'.

Given the focus on the hard question for why the School Committee deviated from the plan for COLA with the bargaining units that the rest of the units settled for, teacher contracts received 4/4/4% vs. town contracts of 2.5/2.5/2.5%. More communication could avoid the surprise and better understand the rationale rather than waiting.

Franklin TV video replay ->  https://youtu.be/o4vY1ekbk10

The agenda and released documents for this meeting can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-07-2022_finance_committee_agenda.pdf

My recap and full set of notes will be shared in a day or so

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee meeting

Community Preservation Cmte gets updates on projects, approves schedule for 2023 and more (audio)

FM #893 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 893 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting held in Council Chambers on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. 

Chair C Feeley, M Doyle, J Livingstone, P Malcolm,W Simarian, R Power (remote), L Oxford  [D McNeill, M Giardino absent]

Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne,  

The meeting approved the minutes of the prior meeting via roll call vote (7-0-2; 7 for, 0 against, 2 absent). 

Motion to accept the proposed meeting scheduled for 2023, seconded, passes via voice vote (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides project updates on work underway

• Red Brick School exterior renovation - doors and windows backordered

• Nason St Tot lot site prep work being done now in advance of renovation in the spring

• King St Memorial Field estimate and draft depiction of the field layout and work proposed. Timeline and funding remains TBD. Would be adding pickleball courts, would be including a paved path all around the park, would also be adding parking; questioned on if handicap access for the community garden is considered? I added that when the garden opened in 2010, it did have stonedust entrance and among the first four beds on each side of the main gate. It was covered with mulch a few years ago. The base likely could be restored.

Jamie also provided a financial update, it had a minor error and would be further enhanced to better reflect what was approved vs allocated vs. spent, etc.

Committee entered executive session via roll call vote not to return to open meeting  (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)

The recording runs about 22 minutes, so let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee discussion on Dec 6, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-893-community-preservation-cmte-mtg-12-06-22

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Meeting agenda =>   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-12-06_cpa_agenda_packet.pdf 

My notes -> (note my vote tallies were off, there were 3 chairs empty but 1 member was remote so it should have been 7-0-2 [not 6-0-3[)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uBAa-GVCyoWXbh_svh0EwKscfrE326yO/view?usp=share_link 

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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!

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

Community Preservation Cmte gets updates on projects, approves schedule for 2023 and more (audio)

Franklin Police gym makeover helps with fitness efforts

"The year was 1991. The Franklin Police Department was dedicated and with it came a state-of-the-art gym. As the years passed many components of the gym were frozen in time. More time passed and we realized that the gym equipment was probably older than most of our newer officers.

This fall the FPD started making a push in addressing a major factor in officer wellness, physical fitness. As they say, out with the old and in with the new. The gym was given a facelift and outfitted with new modern gym equipment that allows officers to have a great workout in a short time if needed. 

We replaced old equipment with box jumps, new flooring, kettlebells, an assault bike, a rower, new bumper plates, and bars, with more equipment to come. In addition to the equipment, we’ve also implemented a new officer fitness policy and a new officer-run workout
program for the entire department. 

A big thank you to Chief Lynch, Sgt. Bob MacQuarrie, Officer Eric Cusson, Officer Andressa Rosa, and everyone"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl3uJNnLPSl/

Franklin Police gym makeover helps with fitness efforts

Middle School Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Concert - Dec 7 - video via YouTube

If you were not able to get to the Horace Mann Auditorium (it was packed, standing room only), you can view the Franklin TV live stream recording of the concert in the comfort of your home or on your device anywhere.

YouTube link ->  https://youtu.be/lqzCDH3RBkw

Follow along with the program and listing of performers

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15l1iYMDipgjyuSooHWpqPDaRoR-KbkTF/view?usp=share_link

6th Grade Concert Band

7th/8th Grade Symphony Band

MBTA Community Webinar Series videos and materials available

All the session recordings and accompanying material can be found in one page

https://www.housingtoolbox.org/recorded-workshops-and-trainings/mbta-community-webinar-series

event recaps, materials, and more

Thank you for joining MHP's MBTA Community Webinar Series More Than Compliance: Multifamily Districts That Work in Your Community If you missed the webinar series or wanted to rewatch any of the sessions, recordings and all supporting materials are now available online. The series was held on 10 Wednesdays between Sept. 21 and Nov. 30. The focus was MBTA zoning and how communities can design districts that meet their unique needs. Topics covered include: Making the Case for Complete Neighborhoods Water and Wastewater Basics Complete Streets and Neighborhoods Encouraging Family-Friendly Housing Getting Started for MBTA Communities Exploring Housing at Different Densities Making the Case for Affordable Housing Siting Your District and Site Plan Review Including Affordability in Your MBTA District All Webinar Series Materials The series is part of MHP's Complete Neighborhoods Initiative, which supports the state's efforts to build more multifamily housing near transit, downtowns, jobs and services. Additional resources and trainings for MBTA communities will be rolled out regularly throughout the law's two-year compliance period. Don't forget to self-report CM credits! For interested AICP members, we have created a tip-sheet for this webinar series which provides information and guidance on the self-reporting process. More information about AICP's CM program can be found at www.planning.org/cm. Technical assistance will be provided in collaboration with Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Barr Foundation.

Massachusetts Housing Partnership | 160 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110 Sent by emcgurren@mhp.net powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Teen CPR & First Aid Course scheduled for Dec 29, register now

Hockomock Area YMCA (@HockomockYMCA) tweeted Wed, Dec 07, 2022:

"Join us for a Teen CPR & First Aid Course! 

https://t.co/sZso48QvRO"

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/HockomockYMCA/status/1600445309536157697

Teen CPR & First Aid Course scheduled for Dec 29, register now

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Fun for the whole family this Sunday Noon - 5!

• Irish Step Dancers at 1 PM
• Pix with Santa from 2-4 PM

• Ice cream soda station for the kids
• Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa’s for the adults

 

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl168lLvbO8/

Teddy Gallagher's: Kids Christmas Party - Dec 11

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Thursday, Dec 8, 2022

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents 

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

7:30 am The Only Cure Is Education

8:00 am Veterans' Call: Steve Crouteau

9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2022

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins

11:30 am Comfort Food: Comfort Food

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Banana Bread

12:30 pm Sandhya: Cupcakes

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Straight Talk on Pain Medication

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 7

3:00 pm Once Upon A Town: Morse Block

4:30 pm Frank Presents: Caron Grupposo

5:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History: Pt. 3

7:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

8:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021

8:30 am FHS PCC: Vaping Forum

12:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium

2:00 pm Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019

3:30 pm Battleship Cove: Inside The History: Pt. 3

4:00 pm Arts Advocacy Day: Marketing

5:00 pm Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

6:30 pm FHS Varsity Football: v King Philip 11-24-22

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission: 12-01-22

2:00 pm Conservation Commission: 12-01-22

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 Cultural District: school concerts, wine & chocolate, book/bag sale, women's barbershop chorus and more

School concerts, wine & charcuterie or wine & chocolate... Library book sale, then bag sale. Polar Express, toy drive & photos with Santa. Dance showcase at Dean or comedy at THE BLACK BOX. Women's barbershop singing before Mrs Claus visits. 'Tis the season for #artshappenhere in Franklin.

Wednesday, December 7

6:00pm -  HMMS Concert (Horace Mann Middle School)

7:00pm -  Franklin Art Association (monthly meeting) (Franklin Senior Center)

Thursday, December 8

4:00pm - Jack Frost Jubilee (family fund raising event for SAFE Coalition) (Proctor Manor) 

6:00pm - Dave Penza (live music) (La Cantina Winery)

7:00pm -  Wine Barre 02038 (Intermission)

7:00pm -  An Evening with Mystery Writers: Sulari Gentill, Hank Phillippi Ryan, and Eva Jurczyk! (virtual) (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm -  Pour Richard's Wine and Wrights Old School Chocolate Pairing (Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits)

8:00pm -  FHS Band Concert (Franklin High School)

 

Friday, December 9

12:00pm -  Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm -  Joey D's Wingz & Thingz (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm -  Heath Nisbett (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

5:30pm - Polar Express Movie Night (family fun, ticketed event) (Franklin Senior Center)

7:30pm - Dean Faculty Dance Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College, Main Stage) 

Saturday, December 10

9:00am -  Library Book Sale ($1/book) (Franklin Public Library)

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm - Papalias (food truck) (67 Degrees Brewery)

1:00pm -  Library Bag Sale (books by the bag)  (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm -  Mike Malone  (live music)  (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Faculty Dance Showcase (ticketed event) (Dean College, Main Stage)

7:30pm - The Rescignos: Franklincense (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)  

Sunday, December 11

10:00am - Toy Drive & Photos with Santa (Franklin Police Dept) 

12:00pm - Kid's Christmas Party (family fun) (Teddy Gallagher's) 

1:00pm -  Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1’:15pm - NoteAble Blend (women’s barbershop quartet) (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm - Mrs Claus (reads & poses for photos) (Franklin Historical Museum)

3;00pm - 8th Annual Festival of Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas (St Mary's Parish) 

Tuesday, December 13

7:00pm -  FBRTC Meeting (monthly meeting) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:00pm -  Yankee Quilters (monthly meeting) (Emma’s Quilt Cupboard)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!