This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the Sep 6 meeting including the migrant status update (audio)

FM #1057 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1057 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 September 6, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. Design Review Commission - i. Andrew Pratt

b. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - i. Jayaprabha Vijayaraghavan

c. Fire Department - New Employee - i. Jack Lennon: Firefighter/Paramedic

d. Fire Department - Promotions

• Thomas Konieczny: Battalion Chief

• Paul Molla: Captain

• Laurie Kaye: EMS Captain

• Matthew Kelly: Lieutenant

• Michael Berthiaume: Lieutenant

• Jonathan Chalk: Lieutenant

Dean College Update - Ken Elmore, President of Dean College

Tri-County Regional Vocational School Building project and expected votes to (1) approve and (2) approve of the financing for it

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Second Reading 

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Second Reading 

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-901: A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-901 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote) 

d. Resolution 23-49: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Plymouth for County of Plymouth to Provide Parking Ticket Computerization and Processing Services to Franklin 

e. Resolution 23-50: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant with Owner-Developer of Prospect Hills Estates with Access Road Off Prospect Street 

f. Resolution 23-51: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,525) 

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT -  Migrant Housing Update

Our conversation runs about 49 minutes. Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Sep 7, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1057-town-council-quarterbacking-09-07-23

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/lUOJJj5hec8?si=IUzMbo_9nNGYa59y&t=194 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeitng are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Go0RhESjzP4F3KWutGqZ-kxO3-Fdn0l/view?usp=drive_link 

Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_9.6.23.pdf 

The Town Administrator Report audio segment of the meeting was shared separately. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the Sep 6 meeting including the migrant status update (audio)

Finance Committee Agenda for the September 13, 2023 Meeting at 7 PM

Finance Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM

Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Public Comment

3. Introduction of new members

4. The Bill Dowd “Deep Dive” Series

a. Five Year Fiscal Forecast Budget Model  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4a._5_year_fiscal_forecast.pdf

b. MassBenchMarks September 2023 Economic Outlook  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/4b._massbenchmarks_-_notes_from_the_board_september_2023.pdf

5. Appoint four (4) Joint Budget Subcommittee members

6. Future Agenda Items & schedule for the year

7. Recurring Business:

a. Approval of Minutes

i. May 8, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a_i._-_fincom_05.08.23.pdf

ii. May 10, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a_ii._-_fincom_05.10.23.pdf

iii. May 11, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a_iii._-_fincom_05.11.23.pdf

b. Stabilization Account Balance  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7b._stabilization_fund_balances_6-30-2023.pdf

8. Adjourn

Agenda doc includes remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/finance_committee_agenda_9.13.23.pdf

Finance Committee Agenda for the September 13, 2023 Meeting at 7 PM

Franklin TV: collaborating with Dean College TV

Virtual Sets for their Studio

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 09/10/2023

Exactly 8 years ago we installed 5 large digital TV screens in our small studio. This was our early foray into virtual sets – artful backgrounds created in Photoshop. For us, it was a game-changer. Later, we installed even larger displays in our larger studio. Now we are extending virtual sets to Dean College’s TV studio. Dean’s Peter Leger and Gregg Seibert moved a pair of large 75” DTV screens from our place to theirs.

Franklin TV collaborating with Dean College TV

Recently, we’ve enjoyed having Dean’s President Ken Elmore at our studio to record his insightful interview TV series, ‘Riffin’ on Main St.’. It made sense to extend our studio capabilities so we could include Dean students more readily in producing and recording President Elmore’s programs. No doubt, more opportunities for program collaboration with Dean and its TV curriculum will evolve as well.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

PROGRAMMING NOTE:

Our assigned Comcast channels have changed. Verizon is not affected.

Our All-Access channel has moved from 8 to 6. 

Our School channel has moved from 96 to 8.

Our Government channel has moved from 11 to 9.

Comcast channels have changed assignment

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

Copyright, 2023, FCCA, Inc. & the author. All rights reserved.

FHS girls soccer top Oliver Ames 3-0 on Saturday

Via subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Sep 9, 2023. 

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ Oliver Ames, 0 – Final 

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

Franklin comes into the season with high expectations. A deep squad coming off three straight league titles, including two seasons again under then interim head coach Jodi Klein, the Panthers were put to the test right away with Saturday morning’s trip to Muscato Satdium and a matchup with defending Davenport champs Oliver Ames.

It was a test that the experienced Panthers passed with flying colors.

Scoring two goals in two minutes midway through the first half, absorbing OA’s pressure coming out of halftime, and then tacking on a third goal midway through the second, Franklin showed the value of experience in a comfortable 3-0 win.

“We’ve been working very, very hard on keeping possession of the ball,” Klein explained. “We have a lot of returning talent, we also have a lot of talented sophomores who played JV for me last year. We have a lot of talent off the bench. If someone gets tired, we can bring someone in and they’re playing at almost the same level. It’s a very good problem to have.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription required) ->

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-girls-soccer-starts-quick-shuts-out-oa-in-opener/

For a photo gallery from this game

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2023-2024/Fall-2023/Oliver-Ames-Franklin-Girls-Soccer-09-09-23/

-----------

Reminder that HockomockSports.com changed to a subscription model in July. I have a subscription to view and share the FHS results that they provide. If you want to view all the worth Hockomock League reporting they do, subscribing is a good thing. It is quite reasonable. The subscription link is provided below.

To subscribe to HockomockSports.com ->

https://hockomocksports.com/sign-up/#utm_source=HockomockSports&utm_medium=HomepageDesktop&utm_campaign=20232024

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

April Rock and I talk about local business and her lessons to share from Escape Into Fiction (audio)

FM #1056 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1056 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with April Rock, owner operator of Escape Into Fiction. We met in person at Escape on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.  (Yes, this may seem to have gotten ‘aged’ in the archives. However, the discussion was relatively green so it did age well. Fortunately, April is healthy now and approved of sharing this.)

April shares her insights into operating a bookstore downtown Franklin, collaborating with Franklin Art Association, the Cultural District, Cultural Council, and other local groups. How research and listening are her two big pieces of advice for local businesses.

Their inventory is small but they can order other books you want, as long as they are still in print. So if you don’t find something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask.

This conversation runs about 16 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with April at Escape Into Fiction. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1056-escape-into-fiction-with-april-rock-02-14-23

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

Escape Into Fiction webpage  -> https://escapeintofiction.com/ 

Located at 12 Min St, Franklin contact and hours -> https://escapeintofiction.com/contact-hours 

—------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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"

April Rock and I talk about local business and her lessons to share from Escape Into Fiction (audio)

SAFE Coalition coordinates "essential needs drive" Sep 15

The SAFE Coalition is coordinating an "ESSENTIAL NEEDS DRIVE" at their new location on 31 Hayward St, Unit 2C, here in Franklin, MA.  

Drive in & Drop off hours from 12-5 PM on Friday, September 15. Items being looked for can be found in the image.

SAFE Coalition coordinates "essential needs drive" Sep 15

"An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity"  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Shared from -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0fFbt4Y7Yqk5Cuz8sJsF4MAJJZgvF9idAgqsbyW5ZrxFoqimk3L3Tkvmq2awNFAvwl&id=100064793556083&mibextid=Nif5oz

Visit the SAFE Coalition online at https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

DPW shares a crack sealing video - one step in a road maintenance process

"Yeah black squiggly lines!

This is called “crack sealing!” It is the most cost-effective way to extend the life of a roadway if done at the right time.

Everybody knows about potholes, and how they form; you get a crack in the road water gets in there, freezes, and next thing you know, the asphalt breaks apart. This simple procedure sprays a liquid emulsion asphalt into the crack so pothole does not form in the winter months.

Have an excellent Public Works day!"

Watch the 14 second video of the crack sealing operation -> https://fb.watch/mUZemVl_zx/

In 2014, kids in the neighborhood (I assume whether big or little, or both) made a mosaic of the crack seal painted on Blueberry Lane. Additional photos ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/06/give-us-crack-seal-well-make-mosaic.html

crack seal on Blueberry Lane - 3

“In terms of a moral imperative, it’s despicable to think we can’t do better”

"Nearing 70 years old, Mary McPeak had long had a stable home in Greater Boston. But after a breakup four years ago, she suddenly found herself unmoored, couch-surfing at friends’ homes or renting a room while she faced years-long wait lists for affordable senior housing.

Then a break: McPeak “won the lottery,” figuratively and quite literally, when she was selected in 2020 by lottery for a new senior housing complex, the Brown Family House in Brookline run by 2Life Communities.

“It was sheer, blind, ridiculous luck,” said McPeak, now 73. The retired secretary has lived in her subsidized one-bedroom apartment for nearly three years now. “It was so lucky, it was enough to believe in God.”

Such is the state of affordable housing for seniors in Massachusetts, where it seemingly takes divine intervention to find a home. In an inventory-starved market, the graying population faces some of the steepest hurdles in the country to secure an affordable place. So dire is the situation, some argue, seniors should be prioritized in the state’s response to the wider-ranging housing crisis."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/06/metro/massachusetts-needs-more-senior-housing/

“It was sheer, blind, ridiculous luck,” said Mary McPeak, 73, of her subsidized apartment. SUZANNE KREITER/GLOBE STAFF

Space Apps Challenge is one month away

"The @SpaceApps Challenge is only a month away! You don't need to be a programmer or a scientist to join this #OpenScience hackathon. 

Apply now to create solutions to challenges we face on Earth and in space: https://t.co/uHhXyyKF7k  or https://www.spaceappschallenge.org/2023/register/"

Shared from ->  https://t.co/dFX3eKOWTe

Space Apps Challenge is one month away

Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT - Saturday, Sep 23 at 10 AM

Join us on September 23rd, 2023, at 10:00 AM when we'll be holding the The "Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT

View this email in your browser Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT - Saturday, Sep 23 at 10 AM

Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT On September 23, 2023, at 10:00 AM we'll be holding the The "Honoring Stephen Green: Memorial Walk on the SNETT" will take place on, commencing from the Grove St Franklin trailhead. Stephen Green, a fervent advocate for the preservation and enhancement of the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail, passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of passion, commitment, and community spirit. The memorial walk aims to celebrate his contributions while also raising support for a cause that was close to his heart - the Franklin Food Pantry. Donations will be solicited during the memorial walk, with all proceeds directed towards the Franklin Food Pantry in honor of Stephen Green's commitment to helping those in need. Join us in paying homage to Stephen Green's dedication to creating a better community through his tireless efforts on the Franklin Bellingham Rail Trail Committee. Lace up your sneakers, gather your family and friends, and come together for a morning of remembrance, gratitude, and giving back. Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Copyright © 2023 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Free car seat check at SAFE Coalition - Sep 14

FREE CAR SEAT AND CAR SEAT CHECKS! 

Why are we doing this? As we work with families, we recognized the growing need for car seat education and support. We are so thankful for the partnership with Millis Fire and Toyota to become certified car seat techs! 

This program also provides NEW car seats at NO cost!

Shared from  -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cw5y2WAROum/

Free car seat check at SAFE Coalition - Sep 14

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

Franklin School Committee

September 12, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Ms. Spencer

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. McNeill

C. Payroll Ms. Spencer

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Introduce new Administrators

B. District Improvement Plan

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand Trip - Chris Penza

I recommend approval of the request of Chris Penza to take FHS students to

Vietnam/Cambodia/Thailand in April, 2025 as detailed.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NGGLzLL4kKSD0n6Z2DgyzT9ZAXb7feFs/view?usp=drive_link

B. 23-24 District Improvement Plan

I recommend approval of the 23-24 District Improvement Plan as presented.

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. none

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 22, 2023 meeting as

detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Meeting packet folder -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet

Agenda doc & remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-12-23.pdf

Franklin, MA: School Committee Agenda for Sep 12, 2023 Meeting

FHS boys soccer post win over Xaverian 3-0 on Friday

Via subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Sep 8, 2023. 

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 3 @ Xaverian, 0 – Final 

– A trio of second half goals elevated Franklin over Xaverian, handing the Panthers their first win of the 2023 campaign. After a scoreless first half, Franklin senior Noah Cain opened his account on the season to put the visitors up by a goal. Garrett Scagliarini (from Andrew O’Neill) and Matt Honekamp (on a free kick) scored within a five-minute span to put the game away. Jack Perlman had the shutout in net for Franklin.

For other results around the league on Friday  (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-08-23/

-----------

Reminder that HockomockSports.com changed to a subscription model in July. I have a subscription to view and share the FHS results that they provide. If you want to view all the worth Hockomock League reporting they do, subscribing is a good thing. It is quite reasonable. The subscription link is provided below.

To subscribe to HockomockSports.com ->

https://hockomocksports.com/sign-up/#utm_source=HockomockSports&utm_medium=HomepageDesktop&utm_campaign=20232024

FHS Panther sports results shared via subscription to HockomockSports.com

Panther TV: Panther News for Sep 8, 2023 (video)

"Panther News is back for the 2022-23 school year!! 

Check out our first show!! @FHSPantherbook  https://t.co/tO3aRHRFCr"

Video link -> https://youtu.be/97lD5EiJm5I

Shared from -> https://x.com/fhspanthertv/status/1700117263876022516