Master Plan Update Committee discusses timeline, outreach, survey and more in 2 hour session (audio)

FM #1048 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1048 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

• The Master Plan Update Committee met in the 3rd floor Training Room/ RM 326

• Discussion on branding efforts complicated by heavy web presence of Franklin Tennessee and wanting to avoid confusion with them

• Will have booth at Harvest Festival, discussion on logo, branding desire to have something ready to handout or engagement with community at booth

• Proceeding with "Form Franklin's Future"

• Recommendations from multiple members to obtain input in map based form, for multiple good reasons to help visualize and work with qualitatively, if not quantitatively

• extended discussion on survey and use of an incentive to increase participation, action to run this by the Town Attny for 2 answers, one if the committee could do so (per meeting likely not); alternatively, might another non-town org (i.e. Dean College) run the survey (and include incentive) to enable the data to be used by the committee. Amy to get answers

• Amy to create spreadsheet for committee members to use to add orgs and other contact points for outreach effort

• The 2020 update to the Master Plan is the one to use for status of which of the prior plans objectives and actions items were completed or not. Ginelle has marked up the spreadsheet with color coding on completion status and will share to the drive from other members to work with

• Meeting adjourns

Listen to the recording of the Master Plan Update Cmte meeting held on August 23, 2023. The meeting runs about 2 hours.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1048-master-plan-update-cmte-mtg-08-23-23

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The agenda doc is rich with links to the prior master plan and associated materials     

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_august_23rd_2023_0.pdf  

The Master Plan update Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee 

My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aIOl7qtMIACVrUlp5-hYD6KkQRleMdo_/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting video is available for replay ->   

https://www.youtube.com/live/1sLTy6XZK48 

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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"

Master Plan Update Committee discusses timeline, outreach, survey and more in 2 hour session (audio)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Aug 28, 2023

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong hold a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

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

9:00 am     SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads

1:00 pm     Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream

1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2

3:30 pm     Veterans' Call: SHINE

4:30 pm     Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety

5:00 pm Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?

5:30 pm     Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2

8:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

9:00 pm 4th of July 2022: School of Rock

10:23 pm 4th of July 2022: Matt Zajac

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23

10:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v North Attleboro 09-22-22

11:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Leominster 11-10-22

2:00 pm Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19

3:30 pm     U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19

6:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

7:00 pm     FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v King Philip 09-12-22

9:30 pm     Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18

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

8:00 am Planning Board: 08-21-23

11:00 am Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory: 08-15-23

12:30 pm Police Station Building Committee: 08-23-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 08-21-23

5:00 pm Master Plan Update Cmte Meeting: 08-23-23

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

The Comcast Franklin TV Channels are Changing - Aug 29, 2023

A new P/E/G channel lineup for Comcast viewers.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/27/2023

On Tuesday August 29 Comcast will change our P/E/G channels lineup. Only Comcast customers are affected. Verizon and YouTube streams are not affected. This is a technical change that Comcast is making. They are moving our programs to TV channels that are being vacated by other services.

P/E/G is a shorthand acronym for our three local cable TV channels:

Our Public Access channel (on Comcast 6) offers full production support for local TV programs created by your Franklin friends and neighbors (or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel (on Comcast 8) covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel (on Comcast 9) covers Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

Comcast Franklin TV Channels

Again, our local P/E/G programming, normally on Comcast 8/96/11, will move to Comcast 6/8/9, on Tuesday, August 29th. Verizon channels 26/28/29 and our YouTube streams are not affected.

While there may be a bit of confusion through September, the channel reassignments place our local channels squarely within the Boston area TV station lineup. These changes will likely prove to be beneficial for Comcast customers (and for us) in the long run.

As we so often say on TV – Stay tuned. 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Police Station Building Committee starts work at first meeting (audio)

FM #1047 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1047 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 

Brief recap

First step getting sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello was quickly accomplished.

Round of introductions by the members of the committee was conducted.

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief overview. Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo walked through the overall process they will get into.

High level process (additional detail in memo)

• Request for a Proposal (RFP) for an Owner Project Manager (OPM)

• Select an OPM

• Work with the OPM to select an architect

• Site visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)

• Schematic design

• Design development

• Construction documents

• Bidding

• Construction

The site and site selection are important as is the funding and approval for such. While the actual building process was talk of being done in about 2 years, the entire process is more likely to run 3-5 years.

The recording runs 59 minutes, so let’s listen to the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting of August 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1047-police-station-building-cmte-mtg-08-23-23

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Meeting agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-23_police_station_building_committee.pdf 

Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee 

Franklin TV video replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/57woRz_bSKo 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DirbGHhnp78PdFxzbiXjEx_qDqszqMK8/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

Police Station Building Committee stands for swearing in

What is the ONE question would you ask of each candidate for the Town of Franklin 2023 Election?

The candidates are in their final days to gather signatures for the November 2023 Biennial Town of Franklin Election. The nomination papers are due to the Town Clerk by September 6. 

It is now time for us (together) to prepare the set of interview questions. 

• Which one question would you ask of a Town Council candidate? School Committee candidate? etc...

Submit one question per elected position via the form below. 

Your email is required to avoid nefarious folks from interfering with this process. Your email will only be used (1) to verify the question if not completely understood, and (2) to ensure you get a copy of the final set of questions. 

Note: the question set would likely be similar to prior years. We would have 3-4 questions that would generally apply to all candidates and at least 1 (maybe 2) for specific positions. I want the question set short so we (the candidates and interviewers) can proceed efficiently, and concise to provide answers so Franklin voters can make an informed choice for each elected position.

Based upon feedback obtained after the last election, every effort will be made to provide interviews in all three formats (video, audio, and text transcript). The video interview would be recorded, audio extracted, and audio transcribed. This will require the coordination and willingness of the candidates to be available for this interview to be scheduled in time to turn it all around.

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The current listing of candidates as of Thursday, August 24 can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/news/nom_in_out_november_7_2023_11.pdf

The question set used for the candidates in 2021 -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkFh21gYukaMheQL-P4C0T_EEaItvcAu/view

Franklin Election Collection - 2023

Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters looking for volunteer to serve as secretary

Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters (@FranklinXCTrack)

"We are still looking for a volunteer for our open secretary position for the upcoming year. Without this position filled, it will be very difficult for us to continue to provide the services we do for the program and for the athletes and their families.

It requires uploading/maintenance of email lists on MailChimp, sending periodic email updates, creating signup genius for volunteers, monitoring/responding to boosters email, and voting on board decisions for the boosters. 1 to 2 hrs/wk with addl 1 to 2 hrs to start each season"

Shared from -> https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1694747638640308608

Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters looking for volunteer to serve as secretary

More Perfect Union - wfpr.fm: 87 - The Headlines Coming from Florida and Texas, Rudy Giuliani and Lying (audio)

In this episode, the group sits down to discuss Florida and Texas, the backwards policy changes taking place, the stacking of the courts by both parties, the increased polarization in the country, Rudy Giuliani lying and much more.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/4bbf61c2-0d0e-4dd9-9825-ee9d2c526cdb

wfpr.fm: A More Perfect Union (audio)

More Perfect Union - WFPR

Discussing American Politics and Current Events

Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic

Via the National Hurricane Center -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?start#contents   as of 5 AM, Sunday, August 27, 2023

Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic

Wind Speed Probabilities for Hurricane Franklin

NASA shares images from space to monitor North American air quality

via NASA

TEMPO, the first space-based instrument to continuously monitor North American air quality with the resolution of a few square miles, released its first maps: https://t.co/qJoWiM128F

TEMPO studies the effects of traffic, fertilizer, and fire to the neighborhood level.

Shared from -> https://t.co/97qUjHccUg

NASA shares images from space to monitor North American air quality

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

Program has saved ratepayers an estimated $11.5 million over three years.

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program (also referred to as Municipal Aggregation) has successfully saved ratepayers an estimated 11.5 million dollars in electricity costs throughout the previous three-year contract. In an effort to continue to stabilize electricity costs and lower carbon emissions, Franklin has signed a new 24-month contract with energy consultant Colonial Power Group and renewable electricity supplier Dynegy Energy Services to continue to manage and supply its electricity program for all residents in Franklin. 

Franklin Secures Stable Electricity Rate Through Renewal of Utility Relief Program

The new fixed rate is 15 cents per kilowatt-hours (kWh); which is an increase of $.043 cents per kWh over the current rate of 10.7 cents per kWh and is slated to begin with the November 2023 meter reads and end with the November 2025 meter reads. The change will be reflected in ratepayers' December 2023 bill.

Consumers actively enrolled in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program will receive a postcard. It contains information regarding the new rate + term along with a notice regarding automatic enrollment. Check your mailbox for a postcard from the Town of Franklin c/o Colonial Power, which will be mailed (to existing participating Consumers only) late September 2023.

"In these challenging fiscal times, this new contract represents a continued commitment to help stabilize electricity bills for ratepayers during this period of high inflation for all residents and small businesses," said Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. "Also, as a certified Green Community, I know many Franklin residents are concerned about our carbon footprint. This electricity program has allowed us to reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sources and decrease our carbon emissions by securing a contract that relies on 100% wind renewable energy."

The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program, is an electricity aggregation program that allows a municipality to purchase electricity in bulk on behalf of its residential and small business customers. The goal of municipal aggregation is to stabilize energy costs, achieve more affordable pricing and deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service, reduce the community's carbon footprint, and enhance local control in its energy purchasing. To date 10,260 meters are participating in the program and Franklin ratepayers have saved a combined $11.5 million through March 31, 2023. 

Franklin Community Choice Program customers currently enrolled in the program will not need to re-enroll or do anything to continue to participate. Residents and business owners are eligible to opt-in or opt-out of the program at will, and those currently not enrolled in the program will need to enroll if interested in participating. There are no fees for enrollment or cancellation, however, residents and business owners with a supplier block on their account must contact National Grid to request that the block be removed to participate in Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply program, and anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching. 

Basic Service rates change twice a year or more, depending on rate class. As a result, the aggregation rate may not always be lower than the Basic Service rate. The goal of the aggregation is to deliver savings over the life of the program against National Grid Basic Service. However, such savings and future savings cannot be guaranteed.

As a Green Community since 2018, the Town of Franklin aims to help displace fossil fuel generation and consumption. The Franklin Community Choice Power Supply Program aligns well with the community's renewable energy program, which utilizes 100% National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

For questions regarding billing or enrollment status, residents and business owners must contact Dynegy Energy Services directly by calling (866) 220-5696 or by visiting colonialpowergroup.com/franklin.

Learn more about the Town of Franklin's Community Choice Power Supply Program at www.franklinma.gov/MunicipalAg.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-secures-stable-electricity-rate-through-renewal-utility-relief-program

Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (audio)

FM #1046 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1046 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 

Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner

Brief recap

• Brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

• A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

• One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

• The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).

The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1046-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-23-23

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You may access the agenda for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf 

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link 

Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI 

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

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"

map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St