Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (audio)

 FM #1118 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1118 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

• Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

• Police Dept - $559,000

• Sewer projects - $500,000

• Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

• SAFE Coalition - $100,000

• YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

• ARPA Direct funds announced for

• $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

• $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

• Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 

• Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

• Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete

• Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you

• Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit

The recording runs 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Dec 20, 2023.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1118-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-20-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0   

Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf 

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_link  

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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!

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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"

Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman

Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Town of Franklin: Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - NOI - 121 Grove St - Jan 11, 2024

Pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Ch. 131, s.40 (Wetlands Protection Act), the Franklin Conservation Commission will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 7:10 PM for a Notice of Intent filed by Christopher Lucas of Lucas Environmental, LLC, Quincy, MA on behalf of Robert Hewitt of Fairfield Grove Street LLC, Braintree, MA.

Proposed work includes the construction of a multi-building residential development with associated parking, utilities, and stormwater management. Approximately 3,180 square feet (sf) of work is proposed within Bordering Vegetated Wetlands (BVW) and Isolated Vegetated Wetlands (IVW), with 63,480 sf of work occurring within the 25-foot “No Disturbance”  zone of BVW and IVW, and 453,500 sf of work occurring within the 100-foot Buffer Zone of BVW. Additionally, 320 feet of work along Inland Bank is proposed. 

The Project is located at 121 Grove Street, Map 294 and 295 Lots 7 and 1, in the Industrial Zone.

The hearing will provide an open forum for the discussion. This meeting will be done remotely via the “ZOOM” platform and “In-person” in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 355 East Central Street. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

All records and files for this project can be viewed at the Conservation Office located on the first floor of the Franklin Municipal Building.

Any person or organization so wishing will be afforded an opportunity to be heard.

The hearing location is accessible to persons with physical disabilities. If you require a translator or accommodations for a hearing impairment, contact the Conservation Department at the Municipal Building or by calling (508) 520-4929.

Meghann Hagen

Conservation Chair

Town of Franklin: Conservation Commission - Public Hearing - NOI - 121 Grove St - Jan 11, 2024

Trash/Recycling delayed pickup during Christmas week 2023

With Christmas falling on Monday, the trash & recycling schedule is delayed by one day this week. Monday will be picked up Tuesday, Tuesday on Wednesday, etc.

(Note, this will also happen next week with New Year's falling on Monday)

The curbside flyer with full schedule

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_program_guide_2023-2024.pdf

Trash/Recycling delayed pickup during Christmas week 2023

Applause announces new hours for Winter

"Starting December 28th, we begin new winter hours! 

Save this post for the next time you’re craving our authentic gelato, Austrian Hot Chocolate, or a sweet treat!"

Applause announces new hours for Winter

 For more about Applause, visit their web page -> https://www.applausefranklin.com/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C1FPzZBL7az/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Dec 26, 2023

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

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am The Black Box: Tappy Christmas 2019

9:00 am Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

10:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 2

11:00 am Frank's Musings: Israel

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime

1:00 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November

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

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 9

4:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: James McLaughlin

5:30 pm Physician Focus: Telemedicine

6:00 pm Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

7:00 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley

8:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Legally Blonde

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18

9:00 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

11:30 am FHS Varsity Wrestling: v Taunton 05-29-21

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November

2:00 pm Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

3:00 pm Public School Event: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

4:30 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Foxboro 12-20-23

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Canton 12-20-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am  School Committee: 12-12-23

12:00 pm  Finance Committee: 12-13-23

2:00 pm  School Committee: 12-12-23

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

Call for Water

  I

When thirsty, your body signals a call for water

A turn of the faucet, or a flush of the toilet, starts a call for water

The signal may require a long walk, to the well, or stream,

To return with a full yellow container to answer the call for water

The faucet at the sink will start the flow through the pipes

in the house, the street, pump, or water tower to answer the call for water

When the hot water faucet is turned, the water flows under pressure,

with a diversion through heating coils, to answer the call for water

When the toilet is flushed, the water flows carrying the refuse liquid

and, or solid, before refilling the device in the call for water

The refuse, liquid and solid, moves through gravity flow pipes

to get processed before returning to the stream to answer the call for water

  II

Science tells us human males are about 60% water, females about 55%,

which shows why we need to respond to the call for water

The earth's surface is about 70% water but 97% of that is salt water

requiring treatment before answering the call for water

We have to take care of the 3% fresh water, use it as needed,

conserve it to help with the call for water

Science can help determine a good economic process

for conversion of salt water to better answer the call for water

We need to foster those scientific efforts, and trust the science,

as it evolves to provide a solution to the call for water

There are those among us near and far, who need shorter walks,

or better access, to answer the call for water

So Sherlock, are you all wet yet? Or will you help Frank,

and Lynn when they initiate their call for water?

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originally shared at quietpoet.com/

https://www.quietpoet.com/2023/12/call-for-water.html

During 2021, I was able to record a three-part series on the Franklin water system. My conversation with Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent has aged well. Some of the numbers may change but the overall process we review doesn't change much.

The three-part audio series can be found here ->

• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-588-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-589-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/08/fm-590-franklin-ma-dpw-water-series.html

three-part series on the Franklin water system

During 2023, I was able to record a three-part series on the sewer side of the business. Doug Martin, Franklin’s Water and Sewer Superintendent and Jake Standly, the Assistant Water/Sewer Superintendent, joined me again as we talked about the flushing side of the side handling our waste water.

• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer.html
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_02109748944.html
• https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/07/all-about-town-of-franklin-sewer_0306615856.html

Construction of the Beaver Street Interceptor. The houses in background are West Central Street, Panther Way area.

Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)

On the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the annual Franklin Interfaith Council Service was held and live streamed by Franklin TV. 

The video replay of that service is available here ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjdn5lUg0Kc

For more about the Franklin Interfaith Council and the work they do, please visit their page ->  https://franklininterfaith.org/

Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023 (video)

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Dec 25, 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 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

9:00 am FPAC Holiday Production: The Nutcracker

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Waffles

12:30 pm Mrs. Claus Storytime

1:00 pm Cooking Thyme: Centerpieces

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

2:00 pm The Black Box: Tappy Christmas 2019

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: John Milot

4:30 pm Winter Wonderland 2023

5:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November

5:30 pm Winter Wonderland: Elvis Presley

7:00 pm Santa On The Common 2022

7:30 pm Frank Presents: Jim Derick

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Ellis Paul

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Mansfield 12-20-23

10:00 am Public School Event: FHS Chorus & Orchestra 2023

11:30 am Public School Concert: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2023

1:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes October November

2:30 pm Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament

4:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Foxboro 12-20-23

6:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball: v Oliver Ames 12-12-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am Planning Board: 12-18-23

12:00 pm Finance Committee: 12-13-23

2:00 pm Planning Board: 12-18-23

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

Franklin TV: "Yes, Virginia" and a response "Yes, Ginny"

Yes, Virginia

by Francis Church, New York Sun, September 21, 1897

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no child-like faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

"Yes, Virginia"

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

(But, Church’s Santa story is not over. Read on.)

Yes, Ginny

by Pete Fasciano, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm, 12 / 24 / 2023

Ginny, your little friends are wrong. While skeptics may argue their doubts regarding the existence of Santa, there are likewise good reasons to believe – to know – that Santa is real. He is as real as the warming Sun, and just as you can feel the Sun’s warmth, even on the coldest days you can feel the glow of Santa’s warmth as well – whenever you may wish – wherever you chance to be – and however you so choose to embrace his goodly spirit.

Yes, Ginny, there is a Santa Claus. Across the centuries, Santa has been there for children everywhere as a jolly countenance – a timeless exemplar – of niceness above naughtiness. He reminds us annually that good can and must prevail against the travails of our world.

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! True, there are Santa naysayers whose hearts can run cold. Indifferent to the darker conditions that beset these times, they deny their own light; a light to be kindled within each of us. Here present is the Santa imperative. He is the quintessence of that most festive light of good will. A supernal light of charity; returning each year to rid the darkest days and uplift our better spirits.

Some say that nobody can see Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. Some say Santa is everywhere. Better said, he is never far away. In point of fact, he is as near and dear to our giving hearts as a simple Christmas wish – and deed – joining others in joy and peace – and sharing the fulgent, yet unseeable beauty of this season – this life.

Yes, Ginny, we may open our eyes and gaze upon Santa’s good works as we so choose. Better still, by opening our generous hearts to humanity, humility, wonder and whimsy, enchantment, lyric lore, faith, hope, and yes, charity – we discover a most profound truth. Santa’s gift of love for each child grows with and within that child; as love, received in childhood, is then so given, shared and shared again tenfold throughout that child’s life.

And, dear Ginny, in that magical moment of giving – joy abides. Through giving moments across centuries gone and centuries yet to be, Santa lives on. His Christmas Spirit finds those givers of the heart. As we embrace Santa’s spirit, he in turn embraces us – young and old alike in fullest measure. And, gladly, we all become Santa – jolly, merry, real and true.

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   

Franklin TV: "Yes, Virginia" and a response "Yes, Ginny"

Christmas week at the Franklin Public Library is an eventful place

Special Events for Kids & Families 

Gingerbread Scavenger Hunt! December 22-30
Some mischievous little gingerbread "cookies" have disguised themselves as some of your favorite characters! Are you able to find them all?

Pancakes & Pajamas! Saturday December 23^rd @10:30AM
Keep your jammies on and join us for a cozy pancake breakfast, hot cocoa, and holiday music with Jamie Barrett! What better way to celebrate the warmth of the season than in the coziest way we can think of!

Scott Martell Magic Show! Tuesday December 26^th @10:30AM
Join us as we welcome Magician Scott Martell and enjoy a family magic show featuring lots of comedy and surprises! Suggested Ages: 4-12

Music at the Blissful Concert! Wednesday December 27^th @10:30AM
Funky Monkeys Unite! Join us for a fun, high energy music program for children and their grownups! Musician Evan Haller brings the energy to get the whole crowd up and dancing!

Buildwave Family Night! Wednesday December 27^th @6:00PM
Buildwave is a creative building program that feels like a video game! Over the course of the workshop families will create with over a dozen different building materials, including Lego®, PlusPlus®, and custom-made Buildwave materials!

Interactive Puppet Storytime! Thursday December 28^th @10:30AM
Enjoy 30 minutes of interactive stories & songs performed by the puppets! After the show, enjoy a hands-on Puppet Free Play session, where kids are invited to try out some of the hand puppets & finger puppets!

Noon Year's Eve Party! Friday December 29^th @11:00AM
Let’s send off 2023 in style! Join us for an end of the year bash as we ring in 2024 early! We’ll have snacks, games, and a super new year’s celebration! See you there!

Holiday hours for the Franklin Library

For additional info please visit the Library page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library

Christmas week at the Franklin Public Library is an eventful place

FHS boys hockey top Pope Francis, wrestling tops Norton on Saturday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the fall sports competition for Franklin High School on Saturday, Dec 23, 2023. 

Boys Hockey = Franklin, 5 @ Pope Francis, 4 – Final 

Franklin 5 Pope 4. Paterson 2gs, McEvoy 1g, Marchand 1g and Lampasona 1g 3  POG goes to Jack O’Connor in net.

https://twitter.com/FHS_PuckCoach/status/1738642909946134647

Wrestling = Hingham Quad (Franklin, Sharon) – 

Solid wrestling in Hingham with a final record of 1-2. First match was a W against Norton (51-23) then 2 close losses to Hingham(39-26) and Sharon (37-36). Undefeated performances from Sauer, Carlucci, and Rosenburg 

https://twitter.com/FHSWrestle/status/1738636228369522972

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-12-23-23/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com