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 *
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
2nd Annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk - set for Saturday, April 20
Spring is just around the bend!
Join us for the 2nd annual Ladybug Trail Spring Walk!
More info and Maps to come!! Saturday, April 20!
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C4HO8Dbxw9r/
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Ladybug trail spring walk - set for Saturday, April 20 |
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Mar 5, 2024
- wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era
- Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY
- Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY
Monday, March 4, 2024
Second Sunday Speaker Series: Joe Landry - "The Thomson Press Building " - March 10
Save the date for PMC Kids ride - Sunday, June 9, 2024
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Save the date for PMC Kids ride - Sunday, June 9, 2024 |
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
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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
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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.
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!
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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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Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge |
Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 258: interview David Glancy (audio)
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!
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
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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
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.
Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee - Mar 13, at 5 PM
"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."
o School Facilities Educational Adequacy Update
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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
Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Mar 4, 2024
- 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, March 3, 2024
Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together”
a. Town Administration Memohttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdfb. Committee Chargehttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/joint_budget_subcommittee_memo_2.pdfc. FY25 Revenue & Control Sheethttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_control_sheet_budget_model.pdfd. February 13, 2024 School Committee Budget Discussion Slideshowhttps://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
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Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting starts discussion on Preliminary Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Budget Model - “We’re All in this Together” |