Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

FM #918 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 918 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Franklin Public Schools Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting held in hybrid format with folks at the FHS Media Center on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 as well as some members who participated remotely.   


Given this was a working session, the major whole group sections of the meeting audio is what is shared here. There is one break in the audio when 

  • The breakout discussion was held at each table


The break is indicated by about 4 seconds of music (replacing about 25 minutes of table discussion) then the group discussion resumes. I had anticipated a readout from each table (similar to what was done in previous meetings. That was not the case tonight.) The group discussion resumed with next steps, an additional meeting announced (some confusion around which date) but confirmation the slides, agenda, etc would be sent to the committee members with the survey form for their feedback.


Quick Recap

  • 4 scenarios were presented based upon the building blocks from prior session. A fifth was acknowledged as not an option, albeit disputed by at least one member of the committee (closing another school)

  • Additional scenarios were presented as the realizations occurred on what was happening in each of the scenarios. Those raising such scenarios were advised to write it up for the feedback, in the survey to be sent to the Committee 

  • The next session will cover these scenarios with demographic projections and the additional scenarios raised (2 middle schools, moving 5th grade to join 608 grades)

  • As there was no readout from each of the table discussions it was hard to tell what the sense of the scenarios was. Stay tuned for the next meeting; either Feb 2 or Feb 7 was mentioned, whichever it is will be confirmed


The edited meeting audio recording runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to whole group discussion position of Redistricting Advisory Committee Meeting


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-918-fps-redistricting-advisory-cmte-mtg-01-17-23



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Jan 17, 2023 agenda->

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/agenda_redistricting_advisory_meeting_1-17-23.pdf 


Redistricting Advisory Committee page ->

https://www.franklinps.net/school-committee/2023-redistricting-advisory-committee 


My notes in one Twitter threader document   

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a37aoQ-Uh9CvpFgXJA7kdkjB5hHt45-F/view?usp=share_link 


The photo album shared via Twitter of the pix taken of the meeting and presentation slides  https://photos.app.goo.gl/dz7Un9eCmvqokEYy6 


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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!

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


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


Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)
Redistricting Advisory Cmte reviews 4 scenarios, raises others, additional meeting added to timeline (audio)

"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

FM #917 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 917 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  


Topics for this session

Welcome to 2023

200 acres of open space


Town Council recap

Four committees authorized

Arts & Culture prep for Master Plan – complete Jun 2023

Master Plan – approx. 18 months

Davis Thayer reuse – complete Dec 2023

Police Station likely 3-4 years

Finance Committee recap

Compensation plan, multi year implementation

Capital budget for FY 2023 ( increase to debt stabilization account)

Hiring for backfills continues

Preview of Town Council


The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/2023---A-Year-of-Planning-for-Franklins-Future-e1tjutj/a-a96jv09



 


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Town Council meeting 1/04/23 recap (audio & video links) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-panthers-recognized-historic.html 


Finance Committee 1/11/23 recap (audio & video links) ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/finance-cmte-gets-briefed-on-1st.html 


Compensation & Classification Study

i. Draft Report, Results & Methodology   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_draft_final_report.pdf 

ii. Compensation & Classification Plan   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/class_and_comp_plan.pdf 


Town Council agenda for 1/18/23

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/franklin-ma-town-council-january-18.html 


Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator


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

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"



"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)
"Talk Franklin" gets the new year started; Jamie talks of committees authorized, compensation plan, capital budget, and more (audio)

Call for artists -"Please join us in the Artsy Box Project!!!"

We are excited to announce, Franklin Cultural District is joining in the movement of creating aesthetic utility box art to share with the Franklin community. 

Franklin is a vibrant supportive town with lots of historical value. We want to highlight some of its beauty by sharing your interpretation.

Franklin artists of all backgrounds, established or emerging are welcome to submit. 

We want to see your best uplifting works of color to fit the locations they will be featured in.

Selected artists would receive a stipend between $500-$1000 dependent on location to cover time, transportation, artistic development and labor. 

Artwork and assignments will be evaluated by the Franklin Cultural District committee and Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) for the Town of Franklin.

Below are the location of the six boxes that are available for painting
  •  Union Street & Beaver Streets 
  •  Main Street & Pleasant Streets
  •  Dean College, Main Street
  •  West Central Street & Union Street
  •  West Central Street & East Streets
  •  Main Street & Cottage Streets
If you are interested in being considered, please review the guides (document linked below) and submit your request along with a sketch of your proposed art work.  Please consider visiting the locations and ensure your proposal incorporates the surrounding area. 

Call for Artists Request Form
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!
Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 18, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
3rd Floor, Training Room, 355 East Central Street

Discussion:
1. FY23 Capital Plan
a. Introduction to the proposed Town Administrator FY23 Capital Plan.
i. Town Administrator FY23 Capital recommendations memo  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/fin_com_memo.pdf
ii. FY23 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_requests_5yr_plan_sheets.pdf
iii. Quotes (if available)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/capital_quotes_and_backup.pdf
b. Department Request Discussions
i. School Department
ii. Facilities Department
iii. Technology Department
iv. Town Administrator & Building Commissioner

Full agenda doc can be found online  (no remote participation set up for this meeting)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-01-18_capital_budget_subcommittee_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM
Franklin, MA: Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Making Sense of Climate: Ted & I start 2023 with a discussion on the recent news (audio)

FM #916 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 916 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, January 10, 2023.  

In this episode we covered the following topics: 

Happy new year, catch up on happenings since we last talked

  • Healey, inauguration, Climate lead executive order

  • Rep Roy video from Museum of Science (wind turbine blade testing), Rep Roy & Senator Barrett on Codcast (wind troubles)

  • Fusion/ fission/ nuclear generated electrical power

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 48 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-916-making-sense-of-climate-21-01-10-23



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Links to articles referenced:

Climate lead via Executive Order from Governor Healey

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/healey-signs-executive-order-on-climate/ 


Rep Roy video on wind turbine blade testing visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/museum-of-science-visit-mass-clean.html  


CodCast episode with Rep Roy and Senator Barrett

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/the-codcast-lawmakers-walk-tightrope-on.html 


ISO New England grid capacity around Christmas 2022

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/2023/01/07/iso-new-england-electricity-power-plant-fines-december-failure-oil-natural-gas-christmas-storm/69785296007/


Wind farm in Maine, MA to take advantage of

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/03/business/offshore-wind-falters-mass-makes-its-move-boost-giant-wind-farm-maine/ 



Fun article: driving for donuts to test electric vehicle charging stations availability

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/01/10/science/we-drove-around-new-england-looking-ev-chargers-best-doughnuts-it-was-easier-than-we-expected/


Fusion announcement 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/22/science/after-years-doubts-hopes-grow-that-nuclear-fusion-is-finally-real-could-help-address-climate-change/ 


See the page that collects the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 


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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit 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"


Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wind turbines atop Saddleback Mountain in Maine. ROBERT F. BUKATY/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Boston Globe All Scholastic awards for FHS - Fall 2022

Catching up to the Boston Globe All Scholastics awards for the Fall 2022 season, we share the Franklin student representative selected for their sport. The full listing is found in the Boston Globe linked to below.

** Football ** 

Luke Davis - FRANKLIN | SENIOR 
The Hockomock Kelley-Rex MVP caught 62 balls for 1,071 yards and 16 touchdowns, and returned two of his three interceptions for touchdowns. A senior with plans to play lacrosse at Boston University, Davis recorded six interceptions as a junior.

Honorable Mention = Jase Lyons, senior, Franklin

** Field Hockey **

Kaitlyn Carney - FRANKLIN | SENIOR
The senior captain wrapped up her four-year varsity career having amassed 104 goals and 66 assists during that span. The 2019 and 2021 Hockomock League Player of the Year, she again led the Panthers to a league title.

Shaw Downing - FRANKLIN | SENIOR
A steady and strong Franklin team captain, Downing had 14 goals and 9 assists during the Panthers’ 18-2-1 season. The two-time Hockomock League All-Star is vice president of her class and will pursue Pre-Vet studies in college.

** Volleyball **

Taylor Lacerda - FRANKLIN | JUNIOR
The junior All-State outside hitter was an integral part of the Panthers’ 15-4 season, collecting 195 kills, 198 digs, and 43 aces. Lacerda was named to the honor roll twice and is a member of the Science National Honor Society.

For the complete listing for Fall 2022 ->

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent scheduled for Franklin Q&A on Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM -(hybrid event)

For the first time in 2023, your Franklin questions can get answered in this hybrid session. Either in person at the Senior Center or viz Zoom.

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?


With a whole lot scheduled to happen in the Town of Franklin this year, we have a special guest to kick off the session. Franklin Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander will join us to talk about the update to the Open Space and Recreation Plan just getting underway. 



Franklin Q&A scheduled for Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM - Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent
Franklin Q&A scheduled for Weds, Jan 18 at 11 AM - Special Guest Franklin Conservation Agent

Stormwater Utility Update scheduled for Town Council meeting Jan 18, 2023

Perhaps you noticed the green info sheet on the forth coming storm water fee being implemented in July 2023 in the quarterly real estate mailer. The Town Council has an info session on the long awaited credits for rain barrels, etc. that were discussed during the run up to the approval of the storm water fee.


From the Council agenda for Jan 18, 2023

b. Discussion: Stormwater Utility Update
i. Update Memo & Draft Stormwater Credit Manual   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._stormwater.pdf
ii. Stormwater property specific impervious surface website portal   
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

 

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From the Franklin Matters archive originally shared in April 2021:

One of the key items in all of the budget discussions is going to be the stormwater utility question. This has been a topic that has developed since 2007 when the initial storm water bylaw was passed. The EPA and Mass DEP have continued to add requirements to how storm water should be managed. The costs for such mitigations have grown over the years. The introduction of the storm water utility fee would allow the Town to better manage the impact on the Town budget.


Why must we manage storm water?

We are part of the area feeding into the Charles River and hence are under the provisions as outlined in the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) permit. We have an extensive outflow system to catch and manage storm water. Check out the map here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/outfall_map.pdf 


Did the Town of Franklin sue the EPA?

Yes, and while we ultimately ‘lost’ the case, we did gain concessions on the implementation timeline that benefit all under the MS4 permit requirements.


When did the storm water bylaw pass?

The Storm water bylaw originally passed in 2007. Check out the bylaw language here -> https://ecode360.com/10434264


What is the storm water utility fee?

Article IV - storm water utility was added in Jan 2020. Bylaw #19-846 approved 9-0 vote. Check out the language here -> https://ecode360.com/FR1096/laws/LF1135684.pdf 

What is the MS4? 

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems or by the shorter name MS4. The current storm water mitigation plan - updated in 2020 ->  Stormwater Management Plan (revised 2020)

Can I find out what my impervious coverage is?
Check out the impervious coverage map for your property -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

If you need more info on the background and information around the storm water fee follow this link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/04/the-stormwater-story-summary-for.html