Franklin Matters

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Dollars & Sense shares video clips on how we got here (video)

From the volunteers who brought you OneFranklin, we hope this newsletter serves as a monthly resource for busy Franklinites interested in our town's financial health. We'll include important upcoming meetings, action steps you can take, and more!

"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget

Part 2 of the series which began on Wednesday (Part 1 link below)

Get Involved! - December's Actions

Attend the Joint Budget Subcmte (JBSC) or Town Council Meetings in person or on Zoom
Ask a question about potential cuts at the JBSC or Town Council meeting
Write an email to all members of the Town Council (Email onefranklinvolunteers@gmail.com for example template)

Clips We're Watching

Finance Committee Chair: "There's no fat...there's no hidden money."

Watch 23:45-25:30 to see George Conley assure that after going line by line through the budget, there's no waste.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/jR7RPb5Q66Q?si=yJW59-Asndb0dgQ-&t=1424

School Committee Chairs: We're looking ahead at "a stark reality".

Watch 13:00-15:00 to see Dave Callahan and Dave McNeill of the School Committee petition the Town Council to engage the community in their efforts to support an override.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/Y4WPC4cB_S4?si=grihsTFxBiSaPyfZ&t=795

For more context: All town department heads

In this longer clip (2:03-2:41), department heads advocate for their employees and for the services they provide our town. This was 11 weeks before the failed override.

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/w9nkmKHkrxA?si=T8LhwX6heATK7O5v&t=7383

Stay tuned for more clips from elected officials, advocates, and neighbors!

Reach out to this email for any questions, corrections, or clarifications onefranklinvolunteers@gmail.com

Part 1 of the Dollars & Sense series -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/12/dollars-sense-in-franklin-shares.html

Master Plan Update Committee sets additional subcmte sessions and final review before bringing to Planning Board (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met for under an hour on Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024. 10 members participated, 7 in Council Chambers, 3 remotely.

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/3yl_-0_Uvgc?si=ycbQ7gKYW1H2J3b2&t=84

The agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-december_4_2024-_with_minutes_to_approve.pdf

Quick recap:

The 'final' draft is to be updated with comments and potential feedback, subcommittees need to review and coordinate where there are some potential conflicts
Planning Board is the ultimate approval at Town level (they should actually be preparing the report) although Town Council does have approval before submittal to State
Discussion on the nature of changes, some are potential, not all need to be considered, respectfully; i.e. if a Planning Board chair makes a suggestion how is it handled? It depends...
Discussion on adding a subcommittee meeting to the schedule to review/process the changes, use of spreadsheet rather than updating the live
doc directly. The full committee will decide on the individual changes before they are made. For example, the pedestrian, walk ability changes even if the doc doesn't have the exact wording, when the work required gets is actually getting done, the final regulations will need to be ADA compliant to whatever is the current standard
Discussion on scheduling joint subcommittee meetings to resolve some around overlap items (Housing, Land Use)
Likely another full Committee session in January before bringing to Planning Board/ Town Council; discussion on processing inputs and turning around before getting to the Planning Board, discussion reiterates the Master Plan Committee is charged with development of the 10 year plan
Suggestion to give the Planning Board a 'redline' view of the final changes, could be easier for Planning Board for their review.
Consensus on the full Committee to meet Jan 15 to vote on changes, Planning Board would get the final copy redlined on the 27th; meeting starts at the same time, 6:30 PM
Chair thanks everyone for the work done this far, wishes all great holidays, Motion to adjourn, second, passes 10-0 via roll call

My full set of notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NLCQrQ5sHv274HqRzT1G01isgi61QG4o/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Update Committee sets additional subcmte sessions and final review before bringing to Planning Board (video)

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ALERT: 350 Mass Greater Franklin node MEETING CHANGED from Dec 5 to Dec 11

Hi everyone,

Because of the holidays and the Statewide Campaign presentation being recorded Monday, Dec 9, for nodes to review and discuss to determine our campaign focus for the foreseeable future, we need to change our meeting date.

Ordinarily we'd meet this Thursday, Dec 5, but at our next meeting we need to discuss and provide feedback to the Statewide Steering Team for their Jan 8 meeting to vote on statewide campaign(s).

As our next meeting time, Dec 19, is too close to the busy holidays, Steve and I decided we'd change the next node meeting to be Wed, Dec 11, at 7:00 PM, at First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin.

If you cannot come Dec 11, please let me know and I'll send the recorded presentation to you (after Dec 9). You can view the recording and either call or email me your preferences and thoughts.

If you can come but you'll be late, that's OK. I'd rather you come if you can.

The meeting will be hybrid, both in-person and Zoom. We should be able to have both options available, but it would be best to be in person for a full-fledged discussion.

350 Mass Greater Franklin node

PLEASE PUT THIS CHANGE ON YOUR CALENDAR! 😁

🧀 🍪 🎄🎄🎄🎄 🍪 🧀

Also, as the holidays are upon us now, we'll have a little holiday party (we won't be ALL WORK as we discuss the campaign selection), so if you'd like to bring something simple and yummy, either hors d'oeuvres or sweets, to share, that would be fun! Rand and I will bring some cider and cheese and crackers. No big deal! 😁

I hope this works for you all. December is always problematic with families having busy holiday plans!

Zoom link:

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

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

Please join us!

With gratitude,

Carolyn and Steve

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Franklin Police Station - Dec 8

Looks like Santa and Mrs. Claus are trading in the sleigh for a squad car this year! Watch out, naughty list - the Franklin Police Department just got a festive upgrade!

This Sunday, December 8 from 9 AM to 12 PM, Santa and Mrs. Claus will take over the Chief's Office.

This event is free, however we do ask for a toy donation (new and unwrapped).

Toys collected through our toy drive go back to the children in our community who need a little extra Christmas cheer.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14TEZdRLX6/

2nd Annual Cookie Walk Scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14

The First Universalist Society in Franklin 2nd Annual Cookie Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 14, 2024 from 10 AM - 1 PM. More than 40 bakers will provide you with lots of holiday goodies at only $10/lb.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CrpEkPzZ8/

St Mary's Christmas Mass Schedule for Dec 2024

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/14RSibifkp/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Dec 5, 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)"

This week's Show 13 features the band Journey and the "Infinity" album. Infinity is Journey's fourth studio album released on January 30 1978. Yes, one week before the Blizzard of 1978. It was the band's first album with vocalist Steve "The Voice" Perry and "Wheel in the Sky" was a top hit!
Playlist -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/10N7j_37I6EZtNY8owopfLfayFHEWax8V/view?usp=drive_link

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: Tune It Out

9:00 am Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2024

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Chicken Salad

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Stuffing

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: White Pizza

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

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: Katherine Kennedy

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:00 pm Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter

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 Franklin Interfaith Thanksgiving 2023

10:30 pm Metrowest Arts & Culture Symposium 2023

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

4:30 am FHS Varsity Swimming v Attleboro 01-12-24

7:00 am Public School Event: FHS Winter Music 2021

8:30 am All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra

1:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

4:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball v Stoughton 09-23-24

6:30 pm FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

9:00 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey v Concord Carlisle 09-18-24

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 11-14-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 11-14-24

6:00 pm Master Plan Committee 11-14-24

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

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Wednesday, Dec 4, 2024 ???

Wednesday, Dec 4

Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library)
Winter Coat Drive (4 drop off locations)
Franklin Art Association, Art Show & Sale (Norfolk Public Library)

10:00am Veterans Coffee Social (Franklin Senior Center)

5:00pm Weekly Trivia Night (GlenPharmer Distillery)

5:00pm Musical Bingo: Carol Edition (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm Annie Sullivan MS Winter Concert (Horace Mann Middle School Auditorium)

6:30pm Winter Wreath Design Class (Fiori and Fern)

7:00pm Karaoke Night (La Cantina Winery)

** Town Meetings today **

Board of Health Meeting (virtual meeting)

Event Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 5:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/december_4_2024_agenda.pdf

Master Plan Update Committee (Council Chambers & broadcast)

Event Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-december_4_2024-_with_minutes_to_approve.pdf

What's happening today in Franklin?

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

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

Reminder: Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements - Sat, Dec 7

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths, swags, patio and cemetery boxes, and sleds and skates on Saturday, December 7, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.

In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram and Facebook beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities. Payment for all purchases can be made with cash, check, or credit card.

Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements

The fresh wreaths and swags will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens, as will the patio and cemetery boxes. Pricing for all items will range from $25 - $40.

Club Co-Presidents Pat Donnelly and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club. This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club."

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public.

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.

"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget

Welcome!

"Dollars & Sense in Franklin" shares the potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget

Potential Cuts

At the October 23 Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting, Town Administrator Hellen was asked what cuts the Town might have to make in light of the expected multimillion dollar shortfall (~1:51-1:54). He responded that, while numbers could change, the tiers presented at the 6/26/24 Town Council meeting (2:25-2:50) were the likeliest cuts.

This means that the following cuts are likely in 2025. These cuts would not restore any cut services to the school system, nor would they close the entire deficit. Additional potential cuts, including to Franklin Public Schools, will be covered in future Dollars and Sense.

potential cuts for the FY 2026 budget

Important Dates

12/10 @ 7:00 School Committee Meeting
12/11 @ 7:00 Finance Committee Meeting
12/17 @ 7:00 Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting (JBSC)
12/18 @ 7:00 Town Council Meeting

Zoom links are released with meeting agendas 48 hours in advance. All meetings are streamed on Franklin Town Hall YouTube (https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall).

These are items shared from the email newsletter Dollars & Sense. Additional items will be shared over the next couple of days. You can download the full PDF version -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/15pPqEXZrlBAplHHjtbNbxe8tGpClZeW5/view?usp=drive_link

Lifelong Community Learning: Winter registration is open!

There's something for everyone at Lifelong Community Learning!

For information and to register, visit:

Lifelong Community Learning All Classes

Lifelong Learning Institute - Franklin Public Schools | 218 Oak Street Room 137 | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3

Governor Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) posted Tue, Dec 03, 2024:

"We brought together labor and lawmakers, industry and advocates to end the years-long delays tying up clean energy infrastructure – and they got it done.

With this bill, we're cutting through the red tape and clearing the way for good jobs, cleaner air and lower energy costs for https://t.co/HijcirX8Ge"

Environmental League of Massachusetts (@EnviroLeagueMA) posted Tue, Dec 03, 2024:

"MA leads the way! @MassGovernor celebrated signing the 2024 #ClimateBill today, which will transform #CleanEnergy siting & permitting, improve community engagement & increase #RenewableEnergy access.

We applaud the signing of this bill & its acceleration of a clean energy future. https://t.co/tMUpPsC1Ye

Celebration of the 2024 MA Climate Bill held on Tuesday, Dec 3

Franklin's Rep Roy captures a selfie at the event

Rep Roy posted to his blog

https://jeffreyroy.com/2024/12/04/governor-signs-climate-and-energy-bill/

The formal, public bill signing happened on Tuesday, Dec 3 as noted above. The legislation did get signed earlier and the press release (including link to the actual legislation item) can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/governor-healey-signs-climate-law-to.html

Women's Faith Formation: next meeting scheduled for Dec 7 at 9:00 AM

The St Mary Women's Faith Formation group will hold monthly meetings the second Saturday of each month (with the exception of December which will be the 1st Saturday) from 9:00 - 10:00 AM in person.

Since the fire recovery efforts are underway, the meeting will be held using the modular unit attached to the school. Please take the ramp to enter.

Women's Faith Formation

We plan to watch a short video and then break into small groups for discussion. Light refreshments will be served. This is an informal, welcoming group of women open to sharing insights with each other.

We are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones!

Note: Meeting dates will be December 7th, January 11th, February 8th, March 8th, April 8th, and May 10th