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Monday, October 16, 2023
Senator Rausch: Southern Region Town Hall on October 16 at the Franklin Senior Center
Joint Budget Subcmte hears of shortfall in new growth, hears update on School Budget, plans next session (audio)
FM #1078 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1078 in the series.
This session shares the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget SubCommittee meeting held on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. Remote participation was enabled for the public for this session.
The Joint Budget Subcommittee is composed of the 4 members of the Town Council, 4 members of the Finance Committee and 3 members of the School Committee (to avoid a committee quorum for each of the respective bodies).
Chair - Tom Mercer, Brian Chandler, Cobi Frongillo, and Melanie Hamblen of the Town Council
George Conley, Nataly Riley, Nicole Corbosiero, and Lauren Nagel of the Finance Committee
David McNeill, David Callaghan, and Denise Spencer of the School Committee
Quick recap:
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD
Schools updated some of their numbers, starting to plan for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)
Finance Committee meeting Nov 8, Town Council meeting Nov 15, Tax rate hearing set for Tuesday, Nov 21 (Yes, note it is a Tuesday!)
Next Joint Budget Subcmte session in Jan 2024 (TBD)
The show notes contain a link to the agenda, the Franklin TV meeting video, and to my notes.
The recording runs 75 minutes, so let’s listen to the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of October 11, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1078-franklin-ma-joint-budget-subcmte-mtg-10-11-23
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video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3sqZhpIT9Q
Meeting agenda ->
Photo album capturing some of the School presentation
https://photos.app.goo.gl/v1qW8nmPYUQTcLgm8
My notes captured via Twitter and collected in one PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YHP7KFAXd6DDwtAKGLIUwnEFOX_qFte7/view?usp=drive_link
Joint Budget Subcommittee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee
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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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
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| one of the FPS slides used for the budget update |
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 248 - Talking Biodynamics With Kathy Clancy Of The Natural Wine School (audio)
Understanding Biodynamics- a brief introduction to biodynamics, explaining its roots in the agricultural philosophy of Rudolf Steiner.- Kathy Clancy shares her knowledge and experience in the field, giving listeners a comprehensive overview of the biodynamic principles.Biodynamics in Viticulture- The hosts and Kathy delve into the application of biodynamics in viticulture, discussing how it differs from conventional and organic farming methods.- We explore the benefits of biodiversity, cover crops, and the integration of animals in vineyards to enhance soil health and vine vitality.- Kathy shares examples of wineries successfully implementing biodynamic practices, highlighting their commitment to sustainability and the resulting high-quality wines.Biodynamics and Wine Quality- Mark, Kim, and Kathy discuss the impact of biodynamics on wine quality, taste, and expression of terroir.- Kathy shares her experiences with winemakers who have noted improvements in wine quality after transitioning to biodynamic practices.Dispelling Myths and Addressing Challenges- common misconceptions and challenges surrounding biodynamics.
“In reality, they amount to another corporate scam"
"The US Department of Energy has selected seven projects for a $7bn program to launch the development and production of hydrogen fuel, the White House announced on Friday.The Biden administration says the program will constitute a major boost to the country’s nascent clean hydrogen industry, helping it achieve its climate goals. But many climate advocates are skeptical that it will actually help reduce emissions.Unlike coal, oil and gas, when burned, hydrogen does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. It can be produced using carbon-free energy, but roughly 96% of it is currently derived from planet-heating fossil fuels – something the Biden administration hopes to change.“With this historic investment, the Biden-Harris administration is laying the foundation for a new, American-led industry that will propel the global clean energy transition,” said Jennifer Granholm, the secretary of energy, in a statement."
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| A 2021 Toyota Prius that runs on a hydrogen fuel cell on display at the Denver auto show on 17 September 2021. Photograph: David Zalubowski/AP |
Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Oct 16, 2023
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY
Sunday, October 15, 2023
48th Annual Franklin Newcomers Craft Fair November 18, 2023
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| Franklin Newcomers |
Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee Subcommittee - agenda for Meeting Oct 17, 2023
Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Oct 18 at 11 AM
What is going on with .... ?What happened to ....?How come .... ?
Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session.
What is the session about?
• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have
When: Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM
Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom
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| Your Franklin questions answered, in person or remotely - Oct 18 at 11 AM |
Franklin TV: DPW, Better & Better
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| Franklin TV: DPW, Better & Better |
And – as always –Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.And, thank you for watching.
Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council Meeting October 18, 2023 at 7 PM
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may askthe Town Administrator to review the matter.
a. Police Department - Swearing In of New Patrol Officersi. Officer Parker Lutherii. Officer Joseph Medinaiii. Officer Robert Youngiv. Officer Martin Zimeib. Police Department - Introductionsi. Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Managerii. Frankie, Therapy Dog
a. New Section 19B(n) Farmer-Winery Pouring Permit and Approval of Robert Vozzella as the Manager - La Cantina Winery Company, Located at 341 Union Street
i. License Transaction #7a.
b. New Section 19C(n) Farmer-Brewery Pouring Permit and Approval of Robert Vozzella as the Manager - La Cantina Winery Company, Located at 341 Union Street
i. License Transaction #7b.
c. License Modification: Alteration of Premises to combine Section 19B(n) Farmer-Winery Pouring Permit and Section 19C(n) Farmer-Brewery Pouring Permit to create a Section 19H Farmer-Winery / Farmer-Brewery Pouring Permit and Approval of Robert Vozzella as theManager - La Cantina Winery Company, Located at 341 Union Street
i. License Transaction #7c.
a. New Section 19B(n) Farmer-Winery Pouring Permit and Approval of Robert Vozzella as the Manager - La Cantina Winery Company, Located at 341 Union Streetb. New Section 19C(n) Farmer-Brewery Pouring Permit and Approval of Robert Vozzella as the Manager - La Cantina Winery Company, Located at 341 Union Streetc. License Modification: Alteration of Premises to combine Section 19B(n) Farmer-Winery Pouring Permit and Section 19C(n) Farmer-Brewery Pouring Permit to create a Section 19H Farmer-Winery / Farmer-Brewery Pouring Permit and Approval of Robert Vozzella as the Manager - La Cantina Winery Company, Located at 341 Union Street
a. Discussion: SAFE Coalition - Jennifer Knight-Levine, SAFE Coalition CEO & Co-Founder
a. Resolution 23-57: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($3,205)(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-57 - Majority Vote)
a. Migrant Housing Update
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
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| The expansion of La Cantina Winery is progressing |