Chair Mercer condenses the Sep 4, 2024 Town Council meeting in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1272 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1272 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, September 5, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

APPOINTMENTS

a. Conservation Commission: Lui Puga (term expiration correction to 2026)

b. Council on Aging: Tina Powderly

c. Finance Committee: Ken Ojukwu

d. Franklin TV Board of Directors

i. Anne Bergen

ii. William “Ken” Norman

a. Vote to reopen the June 26, 2024 Public Hearing: Transfer, Change of Location, Pledge of Collateral and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: Rye's Wine Incorporated d/b/a Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions Located at 835 West Central Street, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Vote to reopen the June 26, 2024 Public Hearing: Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Pete Fasciano - Franklin TV

Chapter 61B Right of First Refusal on Maplegate Country Club

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/memo_-_chapter_61b_right_of_first_refusal_on_maplegate_country_club.pdf 

c. Davis-Thayer Reuse

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8c._1_-_memo_-_davis_thayer_reuse.pdf 

c. Resolution 24-55: Health Care Group Insurance Transfer

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-55 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-56: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($2,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-56 - Majority Vote)

The recording runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1272-town-council-quarterbacking-09-05-24/

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Town Council agenda Sep 4, 2024

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-09-04_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=DnXqGMfyZU1OEX7S&t=89

Town Council recap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-council-reopens-hearing-to-approve.html 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ojJYhfyLslZxv7XQ8dhevA3R0jMyHcj5/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"

right of first refusal on the Maplegate Country Club property was previewed

Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - Sep 11 at 7 PM

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

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

September 11, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Agenda

1. Committee Charge

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

2. Annual Budget Calendar for Town Departments

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2._fy26_budget_calendar_-_google_docs.pdf

3. Town Administrator Budget Memo & Five Year Fiscal Forecast packet   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3_0.pdf

a. Sample borrowing schedules for Remington-Jefferson and Horace Mann capital projects.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/estimates.pdf

4. Next Steps/Meetings

a. October 23, 2024 - JBSC

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/september_11_2024_joint_budget_subcommittee_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda for the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting - Sep 11 at 7 PM

Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - Sep 10, 2024

Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

Master Plan Subcommittee

Agenda for September 10, 2024

Virtual session

1. Role Call

2. Meeting Minutes Approval

a. February 12, 2024

b. March 18, 2024

c. May 14, 2024

3. Review of Open Space and Recreation & Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources

Goals and Objectives

4. OSR & NCHR Implementation Plan

Agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/osrp_and_nchr_subcommittee_agenda_-_sept_10_2024.pdf

Open Space and Recreation, and Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources - Sep 10, 2024

Franklin TV: Town Council Presentation

Venimus, Vidimus, Concurrimus 

We Came, We saw, We Concurred

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 09/08/2024

Franklin.TV appeared before Wednesday’s Town Council meeting to provide an update on our status and activities. After a long (90-minutes) and somewhat contentious discussion regarding liquor license transfers we provided a crisp PowerPoint overview (10 minutes) leading to the key take-away that we and the Council seek the support of our Beacon hill legislators regarding House and Senate Bills that would shore up our dwindling income from cable access fees.

Our presentation on YouTube begins at 1:48:45 in Wednesday’s meeting (link to video below), and the PowerPoint that we presented is also at the end of this week’s Program Guide (link to doc below).

The Council members were most supportive of our efforts and in complete agreement regarding voicing their support for these pending bills.

Both House and Senate bills are crafted in identical language, and the House bill is also available at the end of this Program Guide (link to doc below). The streaming industry would bear the costs and pay the same access fees that cable carriers currently provide. This would offset our increasing losses from cord-cutting and ensure our future.

You can help preserve and support local media in Franklin by contacting your MA legislators and voicing support for these bills.

The Council also concluded with their regular approval of town transfers to us of the quarterly access funds collected by Comcast and Verizon.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Town Council video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=usfbLD-SDPWzEcmh&t=6525

Presentation copy ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/16hoaCE7dpDoM1N1jtEfgS_12mSXM_h3J/view?usp=drive_link

House 4631 proposed legislation -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16lNAJ0-N_brytkWv_BVgU63rLdsx6gx6/view?usp=drive_link

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

State Rep Jeff Roy reminds of his campaign launch party at La Cantina Winery - Sep 10

Hello Franklin,

I wanted to remind you that we are launching our 2024 campaign on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 on the heels of our wonderful primary election results. It will take place at the enchanting La Cantina Winery on Tuesday, September 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This event has always been an extraordinary opportunity for us to come together, celebrate, and further strengthen the ties that bind our community.

I am also pleased to report that Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll will be there to offer remarks along with House Ways & Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz.

And, after the event, we will be hosting a Presidential debate watch for those who want to stay and watch it in the company of friends.

State Rep Jeff Roy campaign info

TEDxNew England scheduled for Groton Hill Music Center - Sep 25

TEDxNewEngland will host its inaugural conference on September 25, 2024, at the Groton Hill Music Center in Groton, Massachusetts.

Join the brightest minds in science at our 2024 conference, where we’ll spotlight groundbreaking scientific ideas, featuring 11 brilliant speakers plus two performances.

Tickets and additional info -> https://tedxnewengland.com/events/2024

TEDxNewEngland scheduled for Groton Hill Music Center - Sep 25

FBTRC schedules Monthly Meeting Sep 10 at the Franklin TV Studio

Meeting Tuesday night at Franklin.TV. We'd love to see you there

View this email in your browser FBTRC schedules Monthly Meeting Sep 10 at the Franklin TV Studio

September Monthly Meeting Hello!   Tuesday night we will have our monthly meeting at Franklin.TV, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin at 7pm. The meeting will be BYOB.  We'd love to see you there! The minutes from our previous meeting can be found here on our web site. The agenda for this month's meeting is here.   Warm regards, Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

Copyright © 2024 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you have opted in to stay informed about the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Our mailing address is: Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee PO Box 68 Franklin, Ma 02038

Senior Center menu for week of Sep 9 to Sep 13

week of Sep 9 to Sep 13

 

Check out our weekly specials for September 9-13!  

Plus our regular menu is always served up fresh! #franklinma #franklinseniorcenter #commongroundcafe

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/share/uGyjVk85ZNyKhY43/

Check out all the upcoming events online ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/2024-09

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, September 7, 2024?

Saturday, September 7

8:00am Bottle/Can Drive (Pirelli Veterans Arena/Franklin Ice Rink) 

9:00am Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

10:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

12:00pm Open House (Creative Corner Art Studio)

5:30pm Comedy fundraiser for the Hockomock YMCA (Plainridge Park Casino)

8:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)

** No  Town Meetings today   **

What's happening today in Franklin? 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024

Franklin School Committee

September 10, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

Call to Order Mr. Callaghan

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Payment of Bills Mr. Callaghan

C. Payroll Mr. McNeill

D. FHS Student Representative Comments

E. Superintendent’s Report

II. Executive Session - The committee will convene in Executive Session - then return to open session.

A. To conduct collective bargaining sessions related to the grievance filed by the Franklin Education Association

B. To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares

III. Guests/Presentations

A. None

IV. Discussion/Action Items

A. 2024-25 District Improvement Plan Approval

I recommend approval of the 2024-25 District Improvement Plan (DIP) as discussed.

B. Franklin TV Board Appointment

I recommend the appointment of Rose Turco to the Franklin TV Board for 2024-2027 as discussed.

V. Discussion Only Items

A. Staffing Report

B. Transportation Update

VI. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports

B. School Committee Liaison Reports

VI. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes from your August 27, 2024 School Committee meeting as detailed.

B. Backpacks/School Supply Donation

I recommend acceptance of the donation of backpacks and school supplies (approximate value $300.00) from America’s Best Defense for supplemental supplies district wide as detailed.

C. Recurring NY City Trip

I recommend approval of the request of Diane Plouffe to take music students to see an Opera and a Broadway show from April 15-16, 2025 as detailed.

VII. Good of the Order

VIII. Citizen’s Comments

IX. New Business

To discuss any future agenda items

X. Adjournment

Agenda doc contains remote participation info

https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/4809590/SCAGENDA_9-10-24.pdf

Meeting packet folder ->  https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-committee/meeting-packets/2024---25-meeting-packets/september-10%2C-2024-meeting-packet/701015

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda for meeting Tuesday, Sep 10, 2024

SAFE to Host Free Narcan Trainings, Yoga, and Concert in September

SAFE Coalition, based out of Franklin, will offer free Narcan training, trauma-informed yoga classes, and a concert with local band The Elastic 5 this September.

SAFE Coalition

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, SAFE will host free Narcan training at the public libraries in Norfolk (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.), Medway (10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.), and Wrentham (11:30 a.m. to noon). Attendees will learn how to recognize overdose, practice administering Narcan, and develop confidence in responding to an overdose. 

“Hosting community Narcan trainings increases access to Narcan and decreases stigma related to the disease of addiction,” says  Jennifer Levine, CEO and co-founder of SAFE. “Here in Norfolk County, we still see the impact of opioids within our communities and to know we have over 5000 doses of Narcan in the hands of our citizens is incredibly powerful.”

Trainings are supported by Norfolk, Medway, and Wrentham Opioid Abatement Funds. People can also contact SAFE to request one-on-one or group Narcan training.

Starting Sept. 7, SAFE will offer trauma-informed yoga sessions led by Michelle Palladini. Palladini, Norfolk deputy chief of police and founder of the L.E.A.P. program, is active in providing knowledge and training to the community, focusing especially on trauma, empowerment, and wellness. 

trauma-informed yoga sessions

“Physical and emotional wellness is the cornerstone of healing,” says Palladini. “I’ve found mindfulness to be incredibly helpful and enjoy sharing the practice with others. We all have something to heal from, and this is one path along the journey.”

Trauma-informed yoga focuses on mindfulness and body awareness. This practice is more sensitive to trauma triggers and teaches participants how to recognize trauma-associated spikes in one’s nervous system. 

These free sessions will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays through November and take place at the SAFE office. Registration is required: tinyurl.com/safeyogareg 

On Sept. 21, local band The Elastic 5 will perform at the SAFE office as part of the SAFE After Dark series. Based out of Boston, the Elastic 5 plays tributes to 20th century music, from the British Invasion to 80s/90s alternative, Rock & Roll to Power Pop.  The evening will begin with Open Mic from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. followed by The Elastic 5’s performance from 8:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

SAFE After Dark is a "Sober Coffeehouse" where artists, comedians, and musicians of all levels of age and experience are welcome to share the open mic 

“There are very few places that artists in recovery can perform that offer a safe, sober, and supportive environment,” says James Derick, director of Family Recovery and co-founder of SAFE. “We recognized this and wanted to provide an alternative.”

“Anyone is encouraged to perform,” says Derick. “Musicians, poets, comedians, spoken word—all are welcome.”

Anyone interested in performing can reserve their spot by sending an email to Derick at jderick@safecoalitionma.org

SAFE is in the Moseley Mill building at 31 Hayward Street, Suite 2C, in Franklin. Contact SAFE at info@safecoalitionma.org or 508-488-8105 for more information on these events or to request Narcan training at a different date.  

With support groups, educational courses, events, training, support services and more, SAFE provides a whole-person, whole-family, whole-community approach to addiction, prevention, and recovery. To learn more about SAFE’s offerings or volunteer, visit the SAFE website -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/

Economic Development Subcmte gets update on branding project, Franklin consultant selected (video)

The Economic Development Subcmte met on Wednesday Sep 4, 2024 as scheduled. All four members participated, one (Frongillo) initial was remote and then joined in person).

Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti provided an overview of the consultant selection process which was put out to bids, the bids reviewed, consultants interviewed, and then Franklin resident A.J. Rebecchi was announced as selected.

The branding survey responses and other materials collected in this effort will be shared with AJ as work on the branding continues. 

The town seal will remain for official documents. The branding effort will better position Franklin departmental information with a consistent look & feel, better enable sharing of info via the social channels, and be utilized gradually in the planned wayfinding signs, vehicles markings, etc.

Agenda doc  -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_-_sept_4_2024.pdf

The 5 vendor submissions can be found in the agenda doc. The winning selection (AJ's) is here ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/aj_rebecchi_branding_proposal_1.pdf

Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sONSboI1JCM

My recap is based upon a late arrival to the meeting (Board of Health meeting ran later than normal), and a review of the video replay. I did not make a PDF of my Twitter notes as they were minimal given the shortness of this meeting (20 minutes) and nature of the information shared.

Marketing and Branding efforts

Both FHS field hockey & volleyball teams post wins over King Philip on Friday

Via Twitter, Franklin TV, and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Fall sports competition for Franklin High School on  Friday, September  6, 2024

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ King Philip, 0 – Final 

– Franklin secured a close win in the first set on the road and went on to take more to complete the 3-0 sweep (25-22, 25-17, 25-17) at King Philip. Junior Makayla Kuykendall had a strong all-around game with 13 kills, 10 digs, a pair of blocks and a pair of aces for the Panthers while senior Brooke Daniels dished out 20 assists in the win. Olivia Alberti was strong at the net (six kills, three blocks) and the service line (three aces) while freshman Emerson Delleo played well with 10 digs, four kills, and an ace. Senior Alex Pauline anchored the Warriors’ defense with 18 digs and junior Cece Mullen registered six aces and six digs for KP.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ King Philip, 0 – Final

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap

"Franklin head coach Michelle Hess wasn’t happy with her team’s play in the opening quarter of Friday afternoon’s Kelley-Rex title showdown at Macktaz Fied. Sure, the Panthers had dominated possession, pinned King Philip in the shadow of its own goal, earned four corners to just one for the hosts, but Franklin had no shots on goal to show for it. Hess made sure to let her team know that they needed to find another gear if they wanted to earn the win.

The message was well-received.

Franklin scored twice in the second and third quarters and then put the game away with three more in the fourth, securing an impressive 7-0 victory over its rival, taking an early lead in its quest for a sixth straight league title, and extending its league unbeaten streak to 80 games (75-0-5) dating back to 2018."

Continue reading the recap (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-field-hockey-rolls-in-kelley-rex-showdown-at-king-philip/

For a photo gallery from this game -> 

https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2024-2025/Fall-2024/King-Philip-Franklin-Field-Hockey-09-07-24

"Big WIN tonight for Franklin Field Hockey Varsity Team with their 7-0 Win vs KP!  Proud of the adjustments we made on the field… let's keep working hard to accomplish our GOALS " https://t.co/0QupyFhIkQ

Golf = Franklin, 197 @ St. John’s Shrewsbury, 179 – Final (5 cards) 

– Franklin ran into a very strong St. John’s team on its home course, dropping a 179-197 decision. The Pioneers had six golfers shoot under 40 on the day including a low-round of 33 from Adam Trani. Franklin’s Jack Nelson had a team-low round of 37 while Liam Lewandowski was the only other Panther sub-40 with a 38.

"Panthers lose a tough one to Saint John’s Shrewsbury 179-197 at Wachusett. #notbutter

Jack Nelson: 37 (+1)

Liam Lewandowski: 38 (+2)

Caden Sullivan: 40 (+4)

Cam/Carter/Ben: 41 (+5)  "

https://x.com/FHSGolfTeam/status/1832191881674887661

For other results across the Hockomock League (subscription required)

https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-09-06-24/

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