Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

FM #1170 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1170 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcmte meeting held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 4 members participated; (3 in Chambers, 1 remote (Frongillo).

Quick meeting recap:

• Bryan Taberner provided an update on moving to compliance with the MBTA requirements and per the update from MAPC, changing the commercial mixed use parking requirements would provide sufficient units to become compliant

• The initial proposal would be to remove commercial parking minimums for mixed use, keeping residential parking minimums. This would not change the other single use commercial requirement for parking minimums. The calculation would produce enough units to be compliant with MBTA community requirements. It would also require a definition of "mixed used", something already recommended from the Franklin For All project

• The ensuing discussion revolved around removing parking minimums (period). arguments put forward on both sides, ultimately agreeing to move the proposal as amended to remove all parking minimums for discussion at the Town Council and if consensus to further the process by referring to the Planning Board, etc.

My notes captured via Twitter are in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZBuN7285kwDl9mt_RnGF3PfkCk36saMm/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting recording runs about 60 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1170-franklin-ma-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-04-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztRXEC8UgQw

The meeting agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_edc_meeting_agenda_final_fixed.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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Economic Development moves proposal to reduce parking minimums to Town Council (audio)

School Committee votes to approve $81M budget, now has to work to get it funded all or in part, and deal with the results (audio)

FM #1169 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1169 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 in the Council Chambers. All 7 members participated; (6 in Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher).

Quick meeting recap:

• Horace Mann Middle School provided an update on their school year , goals and objectives

• The School Committee voted for their budget totaling $81,319,261.00. Now they need to work with the Town Council to fund it all or in part and deal with the results

• Joint meeting April 24 at FHS Auditorium with Town Council and School Committee

• The School Committee voted unanimously not to accept new School Choice students for the 2024-2025 School year. Not a change, likely to be possible in future depending upon school district long term planning results available later this year (i.e. redistricting)

• Voted unanimously to adopt policy JFABB – Admittance of Foreign Exchange Students

My notes captured via Twitter are available in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nL3N1QI_hV-xrY0VllU2iZyJw4HOREcK/view?usp=drive_link 

The meeting recording runs about 90 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1169-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-04-09-24

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The Franklin TV broadcast of the session is available for replay on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8KxgjR7dhk

School Committee agenda ->  https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_4-9-24.pdf 

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/april-9-2024-school-committee-meeting-packet

Photos of the presentation doc shared ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/PxKxwydbV64HKmFx9

School Budget page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget 

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

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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

one slide from the HMMS presentation on curriculum flow & delivery

FHS girls & boys tennis matches postponed on Friday, new date = TBD

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Friday, Apr 12, 2024.

Boys Tennis = Franklin @ Sharon – Postponed to TBD

Girls Tennis = Sharon @ Franklin – Postponed to TBD

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-04-12-24/

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

Beaver Street Interceptor: traffic detour update for week of April 15, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor

 

 

 

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE:

Continuing on Monday, April 15th, the dead end section of Old West Central serving Ledgewood Condominiums and Franklin Crossing will continue to be closed at Tri-County Drive.  Those residents will continue to use the right-hand turn only detour onto Rt 140 by the Dunkin Donuts.
This detour will be in place Monday-Friday 7AM thru 4PM.

We appreciate the public's continued support and understanding and will
continue to communicate regularly via social media, our dedicated email list, and the construction map below as work progresses.

BEAVER STREET INTERCEPTOR HOTLINE: 508-553-5526
(PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE AND WE WILL RETURN YOUR CALL)
EMAIL: BSI-info@franklinma.gov 

 

Beaver Street Interceptor: traffic detour update for week of April 15, 2024

Beaver Street Interceptor Rehabilitation/Replacement Project

This project consists of the replacement and repair of Franklin's largest piece of sewer infrastructure,
originally constructed in 1914.

For additional info please visit the Beaver Street Interceptor page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/pages/beaver-street-interceptor

*Franklin* Planet Fitness Club Offers Free Recovery for Boston Marathon Runners

Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, invites Boston Marathon runners to work out and recover for FREE at Planet Fitness locations in Massachusetts from race day on April 15 through April 19.

*Franklin* Planet Fitness

This year marks the 128th Boston Marathon and in recognition of the world's most elite runners, Planet Fitness is allowing FREE use of their state-of-the-art equipment and Black Card® Spa for anyone with a race bib. Everyone taking advantage of this free offer will need to provide ID at the front desk. You do NOT have to be a member to participate.

Most importantly, runners will need to recover after the big race and Planet Fitness is opening its doors for them to do so all week. Relax before or after in the PF Black Card® Spa or try a cool down workout. Enjoy HydroMassage Loungers, Cryo Loungers, massage chairs, and the RelaxSpace Wellness Pod, where members can reset and focus on their mental health for 15 minutes by selecting videos, scents and even temperatures while learning more about diet, nutrition, breathing, and the benefits of exercise. Locations with a RelaxSpace Wellness Pod are noted below with a single asterisk and locations with a Cryo Lounger have a double asterisk. Some clubs offer both. Planet Fitness locations also offer dedicated stretching areas.

All Planet Fitness locations are spacious, clean and judgement free, with free fitness training for members.

WHEN:    April 15 through April 19

WHERE:  Massachusetts

Planet Fitness – Franklin 

166 Grove St

Franklin, MA 02038

About Planet Fitness

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the world by number of members and locations. As of December 31, 2023, Planet Fitness had approximately 18.7 million members and 2,575 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico and Australia. The Company's mission is to enhance people's lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®. More than 90% of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent business men and women.

Town of Franklin, MA: FY 2025 Budget released for review and discussion

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen released the proposed FY25 Budget as required by the Franklin Home Rule Charter. 

To view the proposed FY25 Budget, click on the link below:

https://t.co/QXneD0RCgk

Town of Franklin, MA: FY 2025 Budget released for review and discussion

Note: The Town budget is required to be balanced. The number shown from the Schools request is NOT the School budget amount approved by the School Committee on April 9, 2024. The full impact of what would be cut to bring the budget into balance or be considered as an override amount will be the focus of the joint meeting with Town Council and the School Committee on April 24 at the Franklin High School Auditorium (7 PM). 

There won't be a vote April 24 but there will be community input accepted. The Town Council will vote on the major questions If, when, and what amount, at their May 1 meeting.

Town Administrator's Recommended FY25 Budget Materials

• FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)
• Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)
• Appendix B1 - Franklin Superintendent's Recommended FY25 Budget Executive Summary
• Appendix C1 - Historic Data: Budget Breakdown
• Appendix C2 - Historic Data: Operating Revenue
• Appendix C3 - Historic Data: Fixed Cost
• Appendix C4 - Historic Data: Local Aid
• Appendix C5 - Historic Data: Local Receipts
• Appendix C6 - Historic Data: Assessments
• Appendix C7 - Historic Data: New Growth
• Appendix C8 - Historic Data: Free Cash Balances
• Appendix C9 - Historic Data: FC & RE

Franklin Public Library: April 2024 school vacation schedule of events for kiddos 0 to 5

"April School Vacation week is just around the corner and all the fun begins tomorrow Friday, April 12th with "Animals in Spring"! 

Yes, there will be real, live animals!!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5oXkBUrkX7/

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

Franklin Public Library: April 2024 school vacation schedule of events for kiddos 0 to 5

Escape into Fiction halts gift card sales; still accepts them

Given the pending sale (and or closure) of Escape Into Fiction, they have halted sales of their gift cards to avoid the risk of not being able to redeem them in the future. They are still accepting gift cards for redemption.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5le2rGOmqK/

Escape into Fiction halts gift card sales; still accepts them

Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station - Invitation for Bid

IFB - Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station

In accordance with MGL c. 30 section 39m, it is the intention of the Town of Franklin to retain the services of a company for the Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station Project in the Town of Franklin.

Additional Information:  Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station Project

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing/bids/ifb-franklin-ridge-booster-pump-station

Franklin Ridge Booster Pump Station - Invitation for Bid

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 12, 2023 to April 18, 2024

Friday, April 12

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Animals in the Spring (Franklin Public Library)

7:30pm James Montgomery Band with the Daybreakers (THE BLACK BOX)

Saturday, April 13

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

10:30am Animal Affair (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm Holi Celebration (Franklin Public Library)

3:00pm April Fool’s Concert (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Silent Saturdays: "Metropolis" (Franklin Historical Museum)

Sunday, April 14

1:00pm Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

1:15pm Second Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum)

2:00pm Eid Celebration (Franklin Public Library)

Monday, April 15 - Tax Day/Marathon Monday/Patriots Day

be wishes to all the runners and their supports for a good running weather day

Tuesday, April 16

10:30am Toe Jam Puppet Band! (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Table Top (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Trivia Night (Raillery Public House)

7:30pm Voice of Franklin, part of Toastmasters International (Franklin TV Studio)

Wednesday, April 17

9:00am Fallen Hero: John J. Kell (Franklin Veterans Walkway, Town Common)

10:30am Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show (Franklin Public Library)

11:00am Franklin Q&A (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Petite Picassos (Franklin Public Library)

Thursday, April 18

8:30am Town Council Office Hours (Franklin Senior Center)

10:30am The BenAnna Band! (Franklin Public Library)

1:30pm Thinking Money for Kids (Franklin Public Library)

5:30pm Teen Wire Wrapping Workshop (Franklin Public Library)

6:30pm How to Steal a Masterpiece (Franklin Public Library)

7:00pm Community Coffee Conversations: One Franklin (Birchwood Bakery)

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Why have multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

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 Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin's Event Outlook: April 12, 2023 to April 18, 2024