Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Chair Tom Mercer and I condense the Feb 1, 2023 Town Council meeting to about 30 min (audio)

FM #936 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 936 in the series.

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Feb 1, 2023:

ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - Kristin Krauss, Firefighter

b. Promotion: Fire Department - William Blanchard, EMS Battalion Chief

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Retail Package Store License and Approval of Scott Corvi as the Manager - MADD Deli, Inc. d/b/a Dacey’ s Market and Deli, Located at 353 Lincoln Street

b. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Vrushank Patel as the Manager - 660 Central, LLC d/b/a Mobil, Located at 660 West Central Street

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Tri County School Building Project - Karen Maguire, Tri County Superintendent

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-892: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

b. Resolution 23-14: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Purchasing an Aerial Ladder Truck for Fire Dept.

c. Resolution 23-15: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($315)

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.

Our conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Feb 6, 2023 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-936-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-23

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The full agenda can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_1_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/-AQpq8GSvi4?feature=share

My recap, notes, and audio ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/town-council-approves-all-alcohol_5.html

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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
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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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Tri-county Regional Voc Tec representatives (l-r) Peter Wiernicki, Karen McGuire, Dan Haynes

World’s biggest investment fund warns directors to tackle climate crisis or face sack | Sovereign wealth funds | The Guardian

"Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s single largest investor, has warned company directors it will vote against their re-election to the board if they do not up their game on tackling the climate crisis, human rights abuses and boardroom diversity.

Carine Smith Ihenacho, the chief governance and compliance officer of Norges Bank Investment Management, which manages more than 13tn Norwegian kroner (£1tn) on behalf of the Norwegian people, said the fund was preparing to vote against the re-election of at least 80 company boards for failing to set or hit environmental or social targets.

Established in the 1990s to invest surplus profits from Norway’s huge oil and gas reserves, it is the world’s largest sovereign fund, controlling an average of 1.3% of 9,338 companies across 70 countries. Large holdings include Apple, Nestlé, Microsoft and Samsung.

“We all know, we live in a world with a climate crisis, and we have a role to play and then companies have a role to play,” Smith Ihenacho said. “So we have stepped up our expectations towards the companies when it comes to setting targets to get to that net zero [emissions] by 2050 target. And we will push the companies more in setting targets and understanding how they’re going to get there.”

Continue reading the article online(subscription may be required)

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/feb/03/worlds-biggest-investment-fund-warns-directors-to-tackle-climate-crisis-or-face-sack

Melting glaciers and ice sheets around the world are causing concern over the changing climate. Photograph: Hollandse Hoogte/Rex/Shutterstock

FSPA schedules student performances of "The Addams Family"

FSPA will present The Addams Family February 10 and 11 at THE BLACK BOX as an all-student production!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Tickets -> https://cts.vresp.com/c/?FranklinSchoolforthe/53b071269f/ccd65b1937/f285bbc917

FSPA schedules student performances of "The Addams Family"

FSPA's younger musical theater students will present a musical revue entitled "Family Reunion" for 2 performances on February 11 at THE BLACK BOX!

Tickets -> https://cts.vresp.com/c/?FranklinSchoolforthe/53b071269f/ccd65b1937/17ef460de4/id=1654

FSPA presents Family Reunion

Town of Franklin: E-Newsletter for February 2023

Subscribe for News

February 2023 Edition

Impervious What? Stormwater Simplified

Stormwater Utility Fee

Due to a unfunded stormwater mandate implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency, property owners in Franklin will be subject to a Stormwater Utility fee (SU) beginning on or after July 1, 2023. A utility fee is the most equitable way to distribute the cost, as the fee is based on impervious area per parcel (surface area that contributes to stormwater runoff because it does not allow water to absorb into the ground). You can calculate your stormwater fee by inputting your address using the Impervious Area tool created by DPW. Follow along with this quick how-to video.

You can learn more via our Stormwater Utility Packet, or by visiting the Franklin Stormwater website. Have questions? Call the Franklin DPW at 508-553-5500.

Rock Your Rain Barrel

The Spring Residential Rain Barrel Program is currently open! Residents can order directly from The Great American Rain Barrel Company. The deadline to order is May 7 and pick up will be at the DPW Admin office (257 Fisher St) on May 17 from 4-6pm.

Order your rain barrel today!

Beware Phantom Flushes

Is your toilet constantly running water? Do you have ghost flushes? Have you seen a recent increase in your water bill? You probably have a leak — and the culprit may be a faulty toilet flapper. Replace your leaky toilet flapper in 6 easy steps with this instructional video.

Franklin Public Library

Event Highlights!

February 15 – Navigating College Admissions in 2023

Join Ron Feuchs and Jackie Tepper, from Stand Out For College, LLC. for a virtual seminar at 7pm. Attendees will understand how the lingering effects from the pandemic have changed the college admissions landscape and learn how students can develop a compelling narrative to increase their chances for college admission. Contact Bree for the zoom link.

February 23 – Snowflake Sing-Along

Come enjoy a winter fairy tale party! Dress up in your favorite fancy clothes and meet a special Winter Queen you may be familiar with at 10:30am!

February 23 – Community Conversations

Folks of all ages are welcome to join us at 6pm as we unpack, discuss, and engage with topics relevant both within our community and beyond. Come with an open mind, leave with plenty of food for thought! This month's topic: Black History is American History.

February 25 – Winter Beach Party

Bring a little summer warmth to this cold month! Join us at 10am as we turn our big program room into an indoor summer oasis! Grab a cold drink and hit the play sand, enjoy beach balls, sand castles, snacks, and groovy tunes!

Library Hours

The Library's hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am-8pm., Friday and Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday 1:30pm - 5pm. The library will be closed Monday, February 20 for Presidents Day.

Library Calendar of Events - February 2023

Veterans' Services

Veterans' Services

February 8 – Greater Franklin Virtual Career Fair with MassHire – Veterans have early access to this online career and resource fair beginning at 3:30pm. Learn more and register here.

February 16 – Veterans' Council Meeting – Interested in veterans' activities and events? Join the meeting at 7pm at the Senior Center.

February 19 – Coast Guard Reserve's 84rd Birthday

Veterans Memorial Walkway

The next engraved brick installation on the Veterans Memorial Walkway is scheduled to coincide with Memorial Day. An engraved brick makes a great birthday or Mother's or Father's Day gift for your special veteran or current military service member. Brick order forms are available in the Town Hall and Senior Center lobbies as well as on the Town website.

The Tune It Out guitar lessons program for veterans meets on Tuesdays at 5:30pm at the Senior Center. There is no charge for lessons and no guitar experience is required!

Contact Veterans' Services at 508-613-1315 or access their webpage to learn more.

Senior Center

Stay in the know!

Questions? Visit the Senior Center website here or call us at 508-520-4945.

More Senior Center Happenings

The Senior Center will be closed the week of February 6, 2023 to repair damages caused by a leak in the sprinkler system on February 4, 2023.

Senior Players – Interested in acting or backstage work? Join our extraordinary acting group every Tuesday at 10am.

Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) – Chat with Franklin's Conservation Agent about how to get involved in the OSRP on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11am.

Pizza and Movie Night – Get your ticket to watch "The Butler" starring Forest Whitaker, in honor of African American Month & President's Day on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4:30pm. Must call to sign up by Wednesday, Feb. 15, $3/person (pizza and a movie).

Hands On CPR – CPR Training held by our public health nurse and fire department Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 1pm.

Town Clerk's Office

Who let the dogs out? Hopefully not anyone without a dog license!

2023 dog licenses are now available from the Town Clerk's Office. Current dog licenses expired on December 31, 2022. Be sure to register your dog prior to the deadline of April 1 to avoid late fees. Dog licenses are $20 for a spayed/neutered dog or $30 for an intact dog. Renew or register online, via mail or in person.

ONLINE: Dog owners can renew the dog licenses online via viewpoint here. Please update all information and upload a new rabies certificate if needed.

MAIL: Submit a completed request form including all dogs in the household, along with a copy of current Rabies certificate(s), proof of spay/neuter, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Make checks payable to the Town of Franklin.

IN-PERSON: Dog owners can renew the dog licenses at the Town Clerk's Office.

Please inform the Town Clerk's office if you no longer own a dog so records can remain updated. Kennel licenses are required for owners of four or more dogs.

If you have any questions, please call 508-520-4900 or email, townclerk@franklinma.gov.

2023 Annual Town Census

The 2023 Annual Town Census arrived in resident mailboxes the week of January 23, 2023. Please return your Annual Census to the Town Clerk's Office via standard mail, by hand delivering to the Town Clerk's office, via email or by faxing the information to (508) 520-4913

More news you can use!

Visit Franklin's Passport Office

If your spring or summer plans include international travel, schedule a passport appointment with Franklin's Passport Office today! Current processing times:

Routine: 6-9 weeks

Expedited Service: 3-5 weeks (an additional $60)

We offer new passports, passports for a minor and onsite passport photos (all by appointment only).

For acceptance hours and more information visit our passport webpage.

Click here for Adult passport renewal visits.

Play Hard this Spring!

Registration for Spring programs at the Recreation department is now open! Register online and secure your spot here.

Open Space and Recreation

The Town of Franklin has begun the process for the 2024-2031 update of the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Franklin's Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander, and Recreation Director Ryan Jette met at Schmidt's Farm, one of the newly acquired open spaces in town to discuss how residents can get involved in planning for the future of open and recreational spaces. Watch the full launch video here.