In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie takes on some myth busting (audio)

FM #1318 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1318 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in his office on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.  

Jamie has mentioned in many meetings that he doesn’t spend time on social media. So I took some of the top items that generally get wrapped around misinformation and brought them to have Jamie provide his trusted source input

• Franklin doesn't have enough water, we have a water ban every year

• How come the Town of Franklin is building so many apartments

• What happening with Davis Thayer building

• I thought the old museum was being developed by Habitat for Humanity 

• Get more grants

• Regionalization will save us

• Parmenter school deed restriction

The recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation and bust some myths floating around some of the social media in Franklin. Audio link -> https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin--A-Podcast-from-the-Town-Administrators-Office---November-19--2024-e2r8g6v/a-abl13mt

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Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/ 

Community calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar 

Water system 3 part podcast 

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug

Franklin TV News Awareness Survey

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/your-input-is-requested-for-franklin-ma.html 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

In this "Talk Franklin" episode Jamie takes on some myth busting (audio)

Economic Development Subcmte views branding refinements and makes recommendation to Council (video)

The Franklin (MA) Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Nov 20. The meeting agenda was short and all 4 members were present in Council Chambers.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHJT5eyhqDQ

The agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-11-20_edc_agenda_.pdf

Quick recap:

• The subcommittee review the tweaks to the work in progress for the new branding logo, seal, etc. Designer, Franklin resident AJ Ribecci walked through the modifications based upon prior feedback. 
• Ultimately the vote to recommend to the Council was for Option B on the logo and C2 for the seal refinements

Additional images are captured in the photo album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/DnqaiuRjR7d4CjFY8

Option B (center items)

C2 (bottom right corner)

Come to 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting Thursday, Nov 21 (virtual meeting)

Hi, everyone!

Our 350 Mass Greater Franklin Node meeting will be tomorrow night at 7 PM! Our meeting will be a Zoom only meeting from 7:00-9:00pm. Please join us!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81930304274?pwd=Tm9VdGxYcDFaVTVDUkwyT3YvUnlFdz09

Meeting ID: 819 3030 4274    Passcode: 350ma
Dial-in +1 646 876 9923

Take a look at a full rundown of the climate bill that passed last week and we'll discuss at the meeting. 

We could also talk about a useful article in this authoritarian time. 

Come to 350 Mass Greater Franklin node meeting Thursday, Nov 21  (virtual meeting)

I'm not entirely sure what else we should talk about at tomorrow's meeting, so I want to encourage you to send me an email with suggestions.

Come learn what more you can do!  

For more news about ongoing and upcoming events, please sign up for the Climate Weekly email. Also, check out upcoming events on the 350 Mass website.

WE NEED YOUR THOUGHTS AND VOICES, JOIN US!

With gratitude,

Node Co-coordinators 

Carolyn Barthel and Steve Derdiarian

508-335-0848 Carolyn's cell

Franklin Food Pantry says "THANK YOU to Leo and Daddario Hardware and Supply for the cereal drive"

via the Franklin Food Pantry 

THANK YOU to Leo and Daddario Hardware and Supply for the cereal drive that they hosted at the store!

They raised 153 lbs of cereal & $1,400.00!! We are so grateful! 

Their support and yours feeds our neighbors and helps our mission to alleviate food insecurity in our community.

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

For more about how you can help the Pantry ->  https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

For more about Daddario Hardware  https://daddariohardware.com/

Franklin Food Pantry says "THANK YOU to Leo and Daddario Hardware and Supply for the cereal drive"

Holiday Toy Drive underway by Franklin Police

Holiday Toy Drive underway by Franklin Police

It’s that time of year again. Our Holiday Toy Drive is back! We will be accepting new and unwrapped toys until December 16.

How can you donate?

Easy... We have added items to our Amazon wish list, where you can purchase and get them shipped directly to us.  Link: https://a.co/86Wf4eE

Option 2: There is a box in the lobby of the station where you can hand deliver it.

Meanwhile, save some dates:

• November 29 - Annual Fill the Cruiser Event at Marshalls, BJ’s and the Raillery Public House. (9a-3p)
• December 8 - Santa and Mrs. Claus will take over the Chief’s Office for pictures (9a-12p)

DO NOT MISS OUT!

For more information: Contact Officer Rosa at 508-528-1212 ext. 1556 or arosa@franklinma.gov

Water conservation is more important than ever

Rebecca Tepper (@EEASecretary) posted on Tue, Nov 19, 2024:

Climate change is reshaping our region's weather patterns, resulting in warmer & drier fall and winter seasons. 

Water conservation is more important than ever. 

We urge municipalities, residents, and businesses to help us reduce stress on our water systems. https://t.co/gi7QUbr0ZS  or https://www.mass.gov/conservemawater

Shared from ->  https://x.com/EEASecretary/status/1858930953323778388

Water conservation is more important than ever

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Nov 21, 2024

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Thursday

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p Turntable – "Enjoy a fun experience with co-hosts The Vibe and Pauly G sharing personal discussions about a featured rock n roll vinyl record (1st hour) and the best, all music Vibe Playlist (2nd hour)" = Turntable Show 11 

This week's Show 11 features the "Brothers and Sisters" album by the Allman Brothers Band (ABB).  This record was ABB's first #1 album released August 31, 1973.   On the record is "Ramblin' Man", one of four Dicky Betts' contributed songs which rose to number two on the Billboard Hot 100

• Show 11 Playlist ->   https://tinyurl.com/TurntablePlaylists

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Frank Presents – Notable Local Conversations

 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:00 am Fallen Heroes Pt 8

7:30 am Veterans' Call: VA Pension

9:00 am Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Task Force

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Red Pepper Soup

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Stuffing

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 3

3:00 pm Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

5:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

6:30 pm Sons & Daughters of Italy: Italian Cookies

7:00 pm Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

8:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

9:00 pm Endless Konnections: Kevin Barthelemy

10:30 pm The Circuit Breakers

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

7:00 am Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2021

8:30 am Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

11:00 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Walpole 11-09-24

1:30 pm FHSTC - Flowers for Algernon

2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Belmont 11-06-24

8:00 pm Franklin Footlighters: Footloose

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 11-14-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 11-13-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 11-14-24

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals REMOTE  974 4552 9998

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, November 20, 2024 ???

Wednesday, November 20

• Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
• Winter Coat Drive (3 drop off locations)

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

1:00pm Where's the Toast? Memory Cafe (Franklin Senior Center)

1:00pm Writer's Group (Franklin TV and Radio)

4:00pm Winter Sing-Along (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Teensgiving (Franklin Public Library)

5:00pm Weekly Trivia Night (GlenPharmer Distillery)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Economic Development Subcommittee (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date:  Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 5:45pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2024-11-20_edc_agenda_.pdf

Town Council Meeting  (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date:  Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_nov_20_2024_0.pdf

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

Attention Franklin Residents and Businesses - Full Water Ban Effective Today! - Nov 20, 2024

Please see our website for more details on Water Conservation - https://www.franklinma.gov/water.../pages/water-conservation

Also, Customers can use WaterSmart to monitor total household water use for sudden increases, which often indicate leaks. - https://franklinma.watersmart.com/index.php/welcome

Attention Franklin Residents and Businesses - Full Water Ban Effective Today! - Nov 20, 2024

Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition, Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response

On Oct. 27, Senator Ed Markey visited SAFE Coalition in Franklin to discuss the state of substance use and mental health crises in the area and the organization’s proactive response strategy. State Representative Jeffrey Roy, a founding SAFE board member, also attended.  

SAFE, a nonprofit founded to combat the rising threat of opioid addiction and overdose in southeastern Massachusetts, hosted Markey for an in-depth discussion, exploring topics like the role public perception plays in access to substance misuse and mental health support. 

Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition

“The link between addiction and mental health must be destigmatized before people can get help,” Markey said. “No one can will their way out of it.”

The conversation highlighted SAFE’s initiatives, including regular Narcan trainings at Dedham Jail, early intervention educational small groups for local children, and support groups for individuals and families affected by substance use. SAFE’s approach to community-wide, wraparound care was notable for Senator Markey. 

“I understand the mission,” Markey said. “Because if one person suffers, everyone suffers.” 

Senator Ed Markey Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response

The nonprofit’s CEO Jen Levine said SAFE helps many people who arrive at the office on one of the hardest days of their lives. 

“We are also here for them long before then, in small and straightforward ways,” said Levine, “so that if their worst day ever arrives, they know where they can turn.”

Many are first introduced to SAFE through services like the organization’s free diaper and car seat bank or community events like medication takeback and CPR trainings.

Markey has championed substance use intervention at the state and national levels throughout his political career. His first encounter with SAFE was at the 2015 National Prescription Drug and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, which he attended with President Obama.

SAFE now serves over 37 towns across the state with recovery and support groups, referral services, one-on-one nonclinical recovery support, resource connection, community trainings, educational programming for adolescents and schools, events like film screenings and talks, sober art and music nights, and trauma-informed yoga. SAFE also voluntarily advises opioid abatement funding boards in municipalities across the state.

For more information on SAFE’s services or collaboration opportunities, contact SAFE at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org.

Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2025 - Charts Updated

The Annual Tax Rate Hearing for FY 2025 is on the Town Council agenda Wednesday, Nov 20. There will be a public hearing before the Council votes to set the rate. A couple of helpful charts have been updated in advance of the hearing.

The key decision at the tax rate hearing is to maintain the single tax rate or move to a split tax rate. The Board of Assessors memo to the Council lays out the argument distinctly:

"A single tax rate means that all property classes (residential, commercial, industrial and personal) are taxed at the same tax rate. A dual tax rate means the commercial-industrial-personal tax rate is increased while the residential rate is decreased. In other words, some of the residential tax burden is shifted towards commercial, industrial and personal properties.

Please note that a dual tax rate does not produce more tax revenue, it simply shifts the burden." (Bold added for emphasis)

Franklin has historically had an approximate 80-20 split between residential and commercial/industrial as shown in the following chart.

approximate 80-20 split between residential and commercial/industrial 

As the assessed valuation increases over time, the tax rate will drop. As the valuation decreases, the tax rate will increase. The tax rate is a good talking point but is simply the result of math driven by the assessed values and the amount to be raised to meet the budget.

assessed valuation and the tax rate have an inverse relationship

The rate means little to the average home owner. Whether the rate goes up or down, it is more important to know what the valuation of the residence is. The chart will show that over time, the tax rate can go up or down but the average tax bill will continue to increase due to the automatic 2.5% increase voted by the Council. 

the tax rate can go up or down but the average tax bill will continue to increase 

Download these updated charts in a PDF to share ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FkysSnKyZRt799taHEmliz7XBzNrWxGq/view?usp=drive_link

Tax classification hearing info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._1_-_tax_classification_hearing_-_google_docs_0_0.pdf

(BEN) 4 Franklin to be recognized as a "Rookie of the Year group" by Abundant Housing MA, Inc

Over the past year, two new pro-housing groups have really made an impact in their community and hit the ground running. To celebrate their achievements, we will be honoring Norwood For All and Building Equitable Neighborhoods For Franklin as this year's Rookies of the Year! 

Launched in May 2024 by resident advocates, Gino and Pandora Carlucci, Cobi Frongillo, Mark Minnichelli, Maxwell Morrangiello, Ndoumbe Ndoye, Lisa Oxford and Emma Snellings, Building Equitable Neighborhoods (BEN) 4 Franklin’s mission is to advocate for a Franklin with abundant, affordable housing for all, a walkable, economically vibrant downtown and neighborhoods that evolve in a fiscally responsible manner. 

Building Equitable Neighborhoods (BEN) 4 Franklin

BEN envisions an inviting, diverse, environmentally sustainable, and fiscally strong Franklin where all can be engaged and find a home.  BEN advocates for smart land use practices and zoning policies in the areas of housing, transportation, economic development, culture, environmental sustainability and fiscal solvency. 

In a year, BEN 4 Franklin has…

• Built a growing base of 90+ pro housing advocates
• Hosted a launch event in May that featured a panel discussion on pro-housing advocacy on the state and town level
• Hosted a Jane Jacob's Walk to stimulate conversations about density, walkability and zoning in downtown Franklin
• Tabled at Franklin's annual Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival to gain interest in BEN’s cause
• Successfully advocated for the reduction and elimination of parking minimums for Franklin’s proposed 3A district. On August 14, nine town councilors voted unanimously in support of Franklin’s proposed zoning ordinance to comply with the MBTA Communities Law! In contrast to towns that have settled for “paper compliance”, Franklin went steps further: concentrating the new zoning district in the downtown core, allowing for mixed use development to stimulate a walkable, livable district, removing parking minimums for commercial properties and reducing parking minimums from 1.5 to 1 spaces for residential properties
• Appointed numerous BEN-affiliated members to the Zoning Board and Master Plan Committee
• Created website and regular newsletter featuring “BEN’s Take” on proposed development projects and policies before planning and zoning boards

Resolution 24-74: Authorization of Purchase of Land from CSX for Rail Trail Extension and Appropriation of Funding

PURCHASE OF LAND FROM CSX FOR RAIL TRAIL EXTENSION AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATION

WHEREAS, the Town of Franklin, acting by and through the Franklin Town Council, desires to acquire by purchase, the land of CSX Transportation, INC of approximately nineteen point five one (19.51 acres) of unimproved land located at Grove Street to Union Railroad line, Franklin, County of Norfolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shown on Franklin Assessor’s maps: Map 287 Parcel 073 (5.7

acres) and Map 295 Parcel 014 (10.4 acres) and Town intends to acquire all of said land for an agreed upon purchase price of two million, five hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($2,570,000); and

WHEREAS, the Town’s purchase of said land will permit extension of the existing SNETT Rail Trail for public recreation.

Purchase of Land from CSX

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Franklin purchase approximately nineteen point five one (19.51) acres of land at Grove Street to the Union Railroad line, Franklin, County of Norfolk, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, shown on Franklin Assessor’s maps: Map 287 Parcel 073 (5.7 acres) and Map 295 Parcel 014 (10.4 acres) for the sum of two million, five hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($2,570,000); to permit extension of the existing SNETT Rail Trail for public recreation, and that the Town Administrator, in consultation with the Town Attorney, be authorized to execute a purchase and sales agreement containing said price and such other terms and conditions as the Town Administrator determines to be in the Town’s interest and execute any other documents and take any other action necessary to consummate the purchase, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the sum of one million nine hundred forty nine thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars ($1,949,750) be appropriated from the Open Space Stabilization account to fund said purchase, together with related engineering, legal, and other closing expenses, if any. 

Said transfer is to be combined with ARPA funds in the amount of six hundred twenty thousand two hundred and fifty dollars ($620,250). For a total authorized funding of two million, five hundred and seventy thousand dollars ($2,570,000).

This Resolution shall become effective according to the provisions of the Town of Franklin Home Rule Charter.

The resolution document also contains the map of the proposed rail trail purchase

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-74_authorize_purchase_of_land_from_csx_for_rail_trail_extension_and_appropriate_funding.pdf