"After years of deliberations, negotiations and regulatory rollout — and some well-publicized “agita” in the corner office — a handful of Massachusetts cities and towns can now significantly limit the use of fossil fuels in new building projects.The state’s Department of Energy Resources gave seven communities the final green light to begin a groundbreaking experiment: they will require new construction and major renovation to embrace fossil fuel-free infrastructure for uses like heating and cooling.They include Acton, Aquinnah, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lincoln and Lexington, which can now effectively mandate that most construction or significant renovation projects within their borders abstain from oil and gas hookups.Effective dates vary by community. In several cases, the rules will take effect within three months, though Lincoln’s will not kick in for roughly six months and Aquinnah’s appears to have already started on Jan. 1."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Saturday, January 6, 2024
First communities in Mass. to ban gas appliances get final state OK
A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept
§ 170-61 Activation of parking ban.A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:A. Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.B. The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours.
Effect of parking ban.The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout of the right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public or on any municipally owned property is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect.
Violations and penalties.A. Winter storm overnight parking ban violators shall be charged a fine of $25 for each offense.B. In addition to the foregoing penalty or in lieu thereof, the Town may have the violator's vehicle towed and stored at the violator's expense.C. For purposes of this section, the vehicle's registered owner and any permitted user shall be deemed a violator.
Effective time period.This article shall be in effect from October 15 to April 15.
Enforcement.
The Franklin Police Department shall enforce the provisions of this article and shall be solely responsible for issuance of tickets and authorization of towing.
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A friendly Winter Parking Ban reminder from Franklin Police Dept |
Friday, January 5, 2024
Franklin's Event Outlook: January 5, 2023 to January 11, 2024
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If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication: https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6
The School district calendar is found https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26
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Franklin's Event Outlook: January 5, 2023 to January 11, 2024 |
First 2024 meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio)
This session of the radio show shares the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. The meeting was held in the 3rd floor training room.
Participating in the room: D Callaghan, A Charles, Supt. Giguere, Dr. Dutch, Dr. Rogers, Mike D’Angelo. Participating remotely: E Gallagher
Quick recap:
District did issue an RFP with pricing separately, once qualifications were confirmed, Fran Locker & Assoc selected for visioning and planning aspects to work with Kaestle Boos report as baseline
D’Angelo provides info on building work around the Town, all the schools built; Across the three complexes, Remington Jefferson roof needs to be placed; fire alarm system, heating/cooling systems all need to be replaced (except interior air handlers); Similar story for the other two complexes, eventually
Built out a ten year projection for the facilities across the district with details on the items for replacement, etc. McKibben demographics updated with 2020 census info, presentation coming to School Committee. Educational visioning exercise (Locker & Assoc), tour of buildings scheduled to view educational spaces and utilizations. Kaestle Boos (KBA) report then gets updated with the additional pieces, (visioning), and facilities costing
Timeline still good to get the report/analysis done before end of this school year
The meeting runs about 45 minutes so let’s listen to the FPS Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee meeting held on Jan 3, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1126-fps-comprehensive-school-facility-planning-mtg-01-03-24
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School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee
Meeting Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-1_3_24.pdf
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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"
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First meeting of the Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee gets understanding timeline for end of year report can be met (audio) |
Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops
- Managing Behavior Challenges
- Neuropsychological Evaluations 101
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Franklin & Medway SEPACs announce 2 workshops |
Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, 1/06/24
- 1/06 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Stop & Shop
- 1/06 8:30 AM - 12 noon @ Post Office on Main St
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Girl Scout Cookies for sale this weekend - Saturday, 1/06/24 |
LGBTQ Brunch with Friends - Jan 6 at 10:00 AM
Franklin Democratic Town Cmte: Standout for Democracy - Jan 6
2024 Janie Avenue Neighborhood Roadway Improvements (RFP)
2024 Janie Avenue Neighborhood Roadway Improvements
In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a construction firm for the purposes of constructing approximately 4,850 feet of roadway improvements along Janie Avenue, Schofield Drive, Eldon Drive, and Richard Lane within the Town of Franklin.
Additional Information: 2024 Janie Avenue Neighborhood Roadway Improvements
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/2024-janie-avenue-neighborhood-roadway-improvements
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2024 Janie Avenue Neighborhood Roadway Improvements (RFP) |
Rockland Trust: Now Accepting 2024 Scholarship Applications



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MA State of the Commonwealth address scheduled for Jan 17, 2024
"This week, we'll mark one year since @MassLtGov and I were sworn in.
A year of saving people money.
A year of creating opportunity.
A year of making Massachusetts stronger.
On January 17th, tune in as I deliver my first State of the Commonwealth Address. #MASOTC " https://t.co/sVjBGDmx3n
Franklin Health Dept: January is Winter Safety Awareness Month
"January is Winter Safety Awareness Month! Hypothermia kills on average 25,000 people in the U.S. a year.
Avoid the risk of frostbite and hypothermia by dressing in layers, covering exposed skin, and limiting time outdoors.
If someone might be experiencing either condition, seek medical attention immediately — and know your actions. "
weather.gov/safety/cold-during
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Franklin Health Dept: January is Winter Safety Awareness Month |
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Jan 5, 2023
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = FRIDAY
Thursday, January 4, 2024
FPAC performs "Bright Star!" this weekend at THE BLACK BOX
Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with Music Direction by Hallie Wetzell and Choreography by Hannah Rezendes.
Tickets available at FPAConline.com or by calling the box office at 508-528-3370!