Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, February 18, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 

Most of the first 2 hours was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use was proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?), the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommendation came back with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

Quick recap:

• Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge

• The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved

• The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously

• FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved

• associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved

• The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”

• The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved

• Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks

• Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)

• Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas

• Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase

• Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1

The recording runs almost 3 hours. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Feb 28, 2024.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-02-28-24

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

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ 

Town Council agenda doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_2.28.24.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/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

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

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.

If you have interest in reporting on the various Town and School meetings, let me know. Training and mentoring is available.

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"

Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge

Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 258: interview David Glancy (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 258

Exploring all things wine with you!

In this episode Kim and Mark interview David Glancy founder of The San Francisco Wine School.  

In this captivating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) we had the pleasure of interviewing David Glancy, the visionary founder of the San Francisco Wine School.  David's remarkable wine journey has led him to become a Master Sommelier and a Certified Wine Educator,  a distinction held by very few in the world.

Here are the highlights from our conversation:

1. David's Wine Odyssey; We delved into David's impressive wine background, exploring his path to becoming a Master Sommelier and the passion that drives him. His expertise and dedication have shaped the San Francisco Wine School into a beacon of wine education.

2. School's Out: We discussed the diverse array of classes offered at the San Francisco Wine School. From introductory courses to advanced tastings, the school caters to wine enthusiasts, professionals, and curious minds alike.

3. Meeting Muhammad Ali: David shared an unforgettable encounter with the legendary Muhammad Ali.  Their exchange left a lasting impression on David's life.

4. Navigating the Aisles: David generously provided tips on shopping for wine. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, his insights will enhance your wine-buying experience.

5. Certifications Unveiled: We explored the value of wine certifications. Are they worth the investment? David weighed in, shedding light on the benefits and considerations.

Connect with David Glancy at The San Francisco Wine School

www.sanfranciscowineschool.com and embark on your own vinous journey. Cheers!

#thewonderfulworldofwine #wine #thesanfranciscowineschool 

Audio link -> Episode 258-David Glancy Interview-The San Francisco Wine School by The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)

Podcast: The Wonderful World Of Wine (WWW

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 258-David Glancy Interview-The San Francisco Wine School

FHSTC's "Flowers For Algernon" advances in METG Competition

"Prelims are over, but the run of Flowers For Algernon is not! 

Last night (03/01/24), our company received multiple all star awards for both excellence in acting and technical excellence. Congratulations to all of our all star award recipients and to both @nrhsmasquers and @fourthwallplayers for advancing to the semi final round of festival along with FHSTC! #letsgotco #fhstc #metg

Want to see the show? 

Get your tickets to Flowers For Algernon in our bio! Friday at 7:00 pm: you don’t want to miss it!" 

Tickets -> https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/franklin-high-school-theatre-company/65c4c6a049768f0e3702878e 

FHSTC's "Flowers For Algernon" advances in METG Competition

Shared from ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/C4EFhF2utbg/

Register O'Donnell reveals Norfolk County’s top 20 real estate sales from 2023

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that during 2023, twenty properties, a mix of commercial and residential, sold for more than $18,000,000, with an average price of $50,868,490.

The prices on the properties listed in this article relate to real estate sales during the period of January 1st, 2023, through December 31st, 2023 that occurred in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County.

The twenty real estate properties were:

20. 2121 Central Street & Henry Street, Stoughton, a 91-unit, 277-room assisted living facility, sold in April for $18,713,000;

 

19. 210 Grove Street, Franklin, a 167,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, sold in July for $19,500,000;

 

18. 85 John Road, Canton, a 435,600-square-foot research and development facility on 10 acres, sold in August for $22,750,000;

 

17. 102–104 Revere Street, Canton, a 3-story apartment building known as “Millside at Heritage Park,” housing 60 units built on 2.24 acres, sold in February for $26,625,000;

 

16. 206 Grove Street, Franklin, a 150,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, sold in July for $28,000,000;

 

15. Wheeler Circle, Stoughton, the 280-unit apartment complex, known as Stone Ends Apartments, sold in July for $28,972,000;

 

14. 176 Grove Street, Franklin, a 171,000-square-foot freight transportation center and warehouse, was sold in May for $29,500,000;

 

13. 25 & 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin, A multi-building storage and distribution center with a combined 200,000 square feet of space was sold in July to Boston Infill LLC for $37,500,000;

12. 40 Allied Drive, Dedham/Westwood, The Hilton hotel on the Dedham Westwood border sold in June for $41,900,000;

 

11. 57 Littlefield, Avon, multiple portions of land known as the "Avon Business Center" sold in July for $47,250,000;

 

10. 23.07 acres of land from the former U.S. Naval Air Station in Weymouth, sold in September for $50,000,000;

 

9. Finnell Drive Industrial Park, the 5-building, 246,625-square-foot industrial park located in Weymouth, sold on the last day of August for $51,000,000;

 

8. 45 Maple Street, Stoughton, a 49.98-acre asphalt and pavement quarry, sold on the first day of December for $62,000,000;

 

7. 135 Will Drive, Canton, a 417,014-square-foot warehouse and logistics facility on 26.3 acres of land, sold in December for $68,000,000;

 

6. 1284 Beacon Street, Brookline, the 8-story, 148-unit apartment building known as Pelham Hall, sold in December for $70,000,000;

 

5. Walpole Mall, which sits on 31 acres of land along the Boston Providence Highway, sold in July for $71,950,000 to LCR Walpole LLC;

 

4. 175-185 Campanelli Drive, Braintree, the 494,520-square-foot former United Liquors warehouse and distribution facility, sold in December for $77,500,000;

 

3. 51 Trotter Road, Weymouth, known as the MIO Apartments, an upscale residential studio apartment complex, sold in July for $94,600,000;

 

2. 8 Upland Woods Circle, Norwood, the 262-unit apartments complex known as One Upland, sold in December for $114,300,000;

 

1. The 472-unit apartment complex on the border of Canton and Randolph, known as Prynne Hills, sold in October for $143,500,000.

The top sales appear to have been a combination of apartment complexes, retail, industrial and warehouse space, and distribution facilities.

Register O'Donnell reveals Norfolk County’s top 20 real estate sales from 2023

"The industrial and commercial nature of these developments bodes well for the Norfolk County economy, both in terms of employment and revenue," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. "This also indicates that Norfolk County is not only a desirable place to both live and work but is also a magnet for business, industry, and trade."

Excise taxes mandated by state law from these 20 real estate sales totaled more than $4,639,206 for the state and county.

"Despite a slowdown in overall real estate activity throughout Norfolk County in 2023, there were still pockets of the market that saw significant growth and development, particularly in commercial real estate and rental property," noted Register O’Donnell.

In 2023, there were 8,192 property sales recorded in Norfolk County, down 20% compared to 2022. The average real estate sales price, which include commercial and residential property, was $1,083,609, down 8% from last year.

"With many observers of the market predicting mortgage interest rates to decrease in the first half of the upcoming year in 2024, we hope to see more robust real estate activity in 2024, with continued growth in commercial real estate, rental, and residential properties," said Register O’Donnell.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee - Mar 13, at 5 PM

Franklin Public Schools

Franklin School Committee

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee

March 13, 2024 = 5:00 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

A G E N D A

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law."

 

● Kate Jessup KBA

o School Facilities Educational Adequacy Update

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/comprehensive_facilities_planning_subcom-3_13_24.pdf

 

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee - Mar 13, at 5 PM

Check out the highlight events for the Franklin Senior Center this week! March 4 through March 8, 2024

Check out the highlight events for the Franklin Senior Center this week! 

One update is that the Scribblers writing group is on a new schedule. We're meeting on the 2nd Wednesday at the Senior Center and the last Wednesday at the Franklin TV Studio to record our monthly radio show. Note: the 'last' Wednesday can be either the 4th or 5th depending upon how the days fall out on the calendar for that month.

The Senior Center calendar is found at   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2024-03

Check out the highlight events for the Franklin Senior Center this week!  March 4 through March 8, 2024

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Mar 4, 2024

• 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 SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

9:00 am Sons & Daughters of Italy: Paolo DiGregorio

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

12:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

1:00 pm Comfort Food: Comfort Food

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 4

3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 1

3:30 pm Veterans' Call: VA Pension

4:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety

5:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to TD Garden

6:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 5 - Matt Stubbs Antiguas

7:00 pm Frank's Musings: More About Israel

7:30 pm Frank's Musings: Pride Flag

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Joe Jencks

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

10:00 am FHS Jazz Cafe 2024

11:30 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

2:30 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini

4:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Andover 02-29-24

6:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: The Road to TD Garden

7:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Bridgewater-Raynham 03-01-24

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

8:00 am Planning Board 02-26-24

2:00 pm Planning Board 02-26-24

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

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together”

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

(Members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee)

March 6, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building 355 East Central Street - 2nd floor, Council Chambers

Agenda

1. Town Administrator’s Preliminary FY25 Budget Model

a. Town Administration Memo  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf

b. Committee Charge  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdf

c. FY25 Revenue & Control Sheet  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_control_sheet_budget_model.pdf

d. February 13, 2024 School Committee Budget Discussion Slideshow  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/feb_2024_school_committee_budget_update_0.pdf

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen writes:

"The Perfect Storm has arrived. In anticipation of the March 6th meeting, we have prepared a preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) budget model based on the information we have to date. The deficit, established from initial assumptions in the budget model, is $10.095 million or just a hair under $10.1 million. 

FY25 Budget Process Update
We have met with every department and received preliminary assessments from outside entities (Animal Control, MECC, CRPC District, Retirement Board, etc.) that are reflected in the town's budget.
We have included Governor Healey’s H1 budget numbers into the model which represents a $76,782 decrease in local aid, however we do not expect any substantial increases in local aid by the end of July. Although the legislative session ends July 31st, we expect the FY25 state budget will last deep into the summer, thus we should not expect an avalanche of additional state aid to arrive to solve any of these financial pressures. Furthermore, the Chapter 70 formula and how it relates to Franklin has been well documented and discussed for many years. We need to keep this in mind as we continue budget discussions. 

In the coming weeks, line items will continue to be altered as new information becomes available through mid-April when our formal budget is released, tentatively scheduled for April 12, 2024. The Finance Committee budget hearings are May 6th (General Government, Culture & Recreation, Senior Center, Benefits, Debt/Interest, etc.), May 8th (Public Safety, Public Works, Inspections) and May 15th (Education). Town Council budget hearings are May 22nd and May 23rd. 

We will present a new five year fiscal forecast with the April 12th budget submission. 

Please visit the budget website for the process and archival budget materials"

The full agenda and supporting docs can be found ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda_-_march_6_2024.pdf

 

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together”

Master Plan & Subcommittee meetings for Week of March 4

Master Plan-Land Use & Zoning Subcommittee

Event Date:  Monday, March 4, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/landusezoningagenda_-_2024-03-04.pdf

CSFC Subcommittee

Event Date:  Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - 5:15pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/csfc_subcommittee_agenda_-_march_6th_2024.pdf

Master Plan Committee

Event Date:  Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-march_6_2024.pdf

Housing and Economic Development Subcommittee

Event Date:  Thursday, March 7, 2024 - 5:00pm

agenda not yet posted

Master Plan & Subcommittee meetings for Week of March 4

In this Chalkboard Chat session, we talk of the School Budget as released for the Feb 13 School Committee Mtg (audio)

FM #1150 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1150 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in person at the Franklin TV Studio on Monday, February 26, 2024. 

The School Committee had their regular meeting on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. We recap that meeting in our discussion. 

Recall that Tuesday, a snow storm was forecast, school canceled, the meeting went virtual and the snow didn’t fully come to pass in the amount expected.

Topics:

• SAFE Coalition Overview - Jennifer Knight-Levin

• Budget Overview

• Costa Rica Field Trip Proposal

• Italy Field Trip Proposal

• Joint Budget Subcommittee of March 6 starts the formal process to develop the FY 2025 budget

The recording runs about 43 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1150-chalkboard-chat-02-26-24

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

Contact info for Dave Callaghan  callaghand@franklinps.net 

School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

2/13/24 meeting Agenda doc  ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_2-13-24docx.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/february-13-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpgZMxaUY0I 

The “Chalkboard Chat” image was the result of a joint collaboration with Mickayla Callaghan. Thank you!

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

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"

In this Chalkboard Chat session, we talk of the School Budget

Franklin TV: The MIAA Bracket Reveal

For High School Sports – This is a Big Event

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/03/2024

I ended last week with:

“ Saturday: 7:30am call time. Prepare to go live – statewide – with our first MIAA bracket reveal programs. Several other PEG studios will carry our programs live. “

I’m pleased to report that in a ‘first’ at Franklin.TV, working with MASSLive.com and MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association), our studio was connected across the state via several other PEG facilities, and over the internet via YouTube LIVE. We conducted two one-hour broadcasts hosted by Meredith Perri of MASSLive, along with Franklin.TV’s Jay Horrigan and Pete Royce. Thanks to Jim Clark and Steve Dubzinski at MIAA for their work on the stats and brackets.

In the studio, L to R: School Sports Historian, Michael Richard, Jay Horrigan and Meredith Perri interview a student athlete. Chris Flynn is at the studio controls.

All in, more than 3,000 folks statewide; athletes, athletic directors, coaches, and others, tuned in to Franklin.TV or their local cable station, or they watched online via YouTube Live to see the MIAA results immediately as they were released.

Events like this are also opportunities to produce more challenging ‘reach’ projects that advance our studio capabilities and staff skills. We’re already planning more technical updates to facilitate and improve our future Live MIAA events.

Let the word go forth – from MIAA.

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

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

In case you want to watch the Hockey show ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewhCmw602g4

or the Basketball show ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBbJxr0MHbQ

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