Finance Committee reschedules their deep dive on Technology until the fall (audio)

FM #1467 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1467 in the series. 

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Committee initially struggled to make a quorum needing 5 members. It had one, then 2, 3, and 4. Discussion on whether to hold the meeting as quorum appeared to be in jeopardy. 2 more arrived to make quorum. 

Given the nature of the topic, a deep dive on Technology, that 3 new members of the committee will be appointed in July and should participate, that 1 present wouldn’t be returning, it was decided to postpone the meeting and topic until the fall.

For the record, the decision was formalized with the ‘official’ meeting opening and closing in less than one minute. 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1467-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-06-11-25/

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Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781

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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"

Beaver St. Interceptor Project: BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Starting Monday (6/16) at 7 AM, Beaver Street will be closed at the MBTA train tracks.  The area will be closed 24 hours a day until Friday (6/20) at 4 PM.  

 BEAVER STREET 24/7 ROAD
CLOSURE NOTICE!!

Those needing to access 242 to 290 Beaver Street will be able to use Rt. 140 only.  This includes access to Franklin Glass, Panera Fresh Dough Facility and Franklin Recreation. Access to all other locations on Beaver Street, including the Town of Franklin Recycling Center, Beaver Street Recreation Area, and the businesses on Master Drive will be accessed from Grove St.

The work on Beaver Street will continue into the week of June 23rd as well.

Monday (6/16) through Friday (6/20): The construction crew will also be working off the road within the Franklin Village Mall area to connect the new sewer main. No traffic impacts are expected.

At the Franklin Recreation Center, the construction of the new Beaver Street Interceptor Pump Station will continue with construction of the exterior building structure.

Please reference the interactive map and posted signs for details and updates.

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 as work progresses.

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

We exist!  

When turbulence blows in and lives become rattled, we unite to grow stronger.  We strengthen our community and use our actions and voices to resist.  

The LGBTQIA+ community and their allies have weathered these ferocious storms in the past, and we will again!  

Existence as Resistance Sunday, June 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM

Our existence is our resistance, and once again we must stand strong against the opposing winds!  

The FUSF Welcoming Congregation Team will be sharing their personal stories. Please join us and gather together in solidarity.  

The First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) is a Unitarian Universalist Welcoming Congregation located at 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Our Interim Minister is Reverend Beverly Waring. For more information about FUSF please visit our website at Fusf.org. You can also contact us at info@fusf.org or by calling 508-528-5348.  

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 5

The Franklin First Newsletter (Vol 5) was published June 13 and can be found here   -> https://www.franklinma.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=64

or directly here -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5960/Franklin-First-Newsletter-Volume-5---June-13-2025

Franklin First Newsletter - Volume 5

Franklin Food Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team to Host Fundraiser to Combat Food Insecurity

The Franklin Food Pantry's Falmouth Road Race Team is lacing up to fight food insecurity! Come support the team as they take on the challenging 7-mile Falmouth Road Race on Sunday, August 17, with a goal of raising funds to support The Pantry.

Franklin Food Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team

To kick off their fundraising efforts, the team will host a special event:

• What: Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the Franklin Food Pantry Falmouth Road Race Team
• When: Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 1 to 5pm
• Where: Pour Richard's Wine and Provisions, 835 W Central St., Franklin, MA

Tickets: $30 online (or $35 at the door). Admission includes a door-prize ticket, a wine-tasting flight, and small bites. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items.

Can't make it to the fundraiser? You can still support the team and the Franklin Food Pantry by making a donation HERE.

Property Insurance Costs Can be High in Every U.S. Region

"You don’t have to live on the hurricane-prone Gulf Coast or in “Tornado Alley” to face high property insurance costs.

At least one state in each of the nation’s four census regions (the Northeast, South, Midwest and West) made the list of the most expensive in which to insure a mortgaged home.

Property Insurance Costs Can be
High in Every U.S. Region

Over 5.3 million households paid more than $4,000 a year for their property insurance in 2023 but costs varied across the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS).

Information on property insurance cost is collected from all homeowners, regardless of whether their home has a mortgage, and is counted as part of their monthly housing costs."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/06/property-insurance.html

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday, June 14, 2025

Yes, Franklin has it's own radio station -> wfpr.fm. Franklin Public Radio has a brand new schedule for the locally produced shows that fill our air waves. 

It is available anywhere, anytime at wfpr.fm or in the local Franklin, MA area at 102.9 on the FM dial.

Tune in to listen to the following:

 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 

Franklin Public Radio - wfpr.fm schedule for Saturday

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Friday, June 13, 2025 ???

Friday, June 13

• Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit (during Franklin Historical Museum Open Hours)

8:30am Franklin Football Panther Cup (New England Country Club)

9:00am Kennedy 5th Grade Patriotic Concert (John F. Kennedy Memorial School)

10:00am Knitting Group (Franklin Public Library)

1:00pm Thrifty Threads (Franklin Federated Church)

2:00pm Farmers Market (Franklin Town Common)

3:00pm Moxie (live music) (Franklin Town Common)

4:00pm Strawberry Stroll 

7:00pm Urinetown, the Musical (Franklin High School)

For additional details on Library & Senior Center events ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37,24&showPastEvents=false

**  Town Meetings today   **

Franklin School Committee Community Relations Subcommittee - Strawberry Stroll

Friday, June 13 Time: 4:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06132025-1767

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What's happening today in Franklin? 

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

Strawberry Stroll - Entertainment Schedule - Friday, June 13, 2025

4:00 PM – 

• Ribbon Cutting at Historical Museum Strawberry Patch 

• Dom DeBaggis at performance area by Dean Bank (4:00 to 5:45) 

• The Padula Band at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (4:00 to 5:45) 

• MyFM 101.3 is by the Railroad Bridge performance area for the afternoon 

4:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

• Upcycled/Recycled Fashion Show hosted by First United Methodist Church Community Closet on Historical Museum Porch

 

5:00 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

Strawberry Stroll - June 13, 2025

5:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, at Little Shop Parking Lot 

5:45 PM – 

• Desi Swag Queens by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:00 PM -

 • Heath Nisbett at performance area by Dean Bank (6:00 to 7:45) 

• Rep. Jeff Roy at performance area by Public Library/Dean College (6:00 to 7:45) 

6:10 PM – 

• Feet in Motion School of Dance by MyFM 101.3 at Railroad Bridge performance area 

6:30 PM – 

• Science Experiment at Children’s Museum Pop-up, Little Shop Parking Lot 

Note: Times may be subject to change.

Visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership website for news and schedule updates.

https://franklindowntownpartnership.org/

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 13, 2025 ??

We are glad you asked.  

Thanks to the good folks operating the Franklin Farmer's Market, we have the answers to share. 

For additional info, you can also check the Farmers Market page ->   https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

What vendors and activities are at the Farmer's Market today - June 13, 2025 ??

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 2025-2026 season announced

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse 2025-2026 season announced

We have an amazing 2025-26 season coming up.

Tickets to all these shows are now available. -> https://www.circlefolk.org/schedule

Reminder: Road closures for Friday’s Strawberry Stroll - June 13

Strawberry Stroll-Friday, June 13th 4:00-8:00

Reminder: Road closures for Friday’s Strawberry Stroll - June 13

Reminder:

• Main Street will be closed at 2:00
• No parking on Main St starting at 1:00
• Plenty of parking in downtown parking lots

“Chip Sealing” is happening in various subdivisions around Franklin

“Chip Sealing” is happening in
various subdivisions around Franklin

via the DPW: 

“Chip Sealing” is happening now in various subdivisions in Town. If you do not know, chip sealing is a very cost-effective pavement preservation process that will add years of life to a roadway surface.  

In the simplest explanation, it is the process of adding liquid asphalt emulsion then covering it with stone.  

It covers and seals all the cracks in the roadway surface so water cannot get in and create potholes. It also improves traction of the roadway surface.

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/16Kr4apYG6/

Town Council follows through approving the forecasted $3.8M budget cuts resulting from failed override (audio)

FM #1466  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1466 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)

• Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed override

• Supt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the district as well as the fees would need to remain as they are this year

• The public then had an opportunity to comment or question the cuts as proposed. Those in Chambers went first before those on Zoom, and all were covered before the Councilors had their turn.

• The vote finally came to approve the cuts as proposed:

• 2 personnel from Police Dept (currently open slots not to be backfilled as had been planned)

• 2 personnel from Fire Dept (currently 1 open position not backfilled, and the last hired will also be leaving)

• This does take the 3rd ambulance offline increasing response times and creates a lose of revenue (for the ambulance runs if required to hospital)

• 1 admin position for Town Administrator's office

• 1 from Planning & Community Development

• 1 from Board of Assessors

• the part-time nurse at the Senior Center

• DPW cuts their summer intern program (unspecified number of positions for summer help)

• Library Sunday hours (during the winter, there are open during the summer)

• additional expenses were reduced to bring to the total required (see Option B for details)

• Personnel cuts by my tally = 8 Town side, 12 school side, plus expenses (PS - this tally was confirmed with our Town Administrator Jamie Hellen via email) 

• The meeting then went through the long series of votes to approve the final budget, the salary for the Town Clerk, the Community Preservation Act budget before closing just after 11 PM

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1466-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-04-25/

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Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/_f72Yd8VXz0?&t=316 

The agenda doc was updated Wednesday afternoon to add the Option B and Options A & B comparisons for the discussion on the budget cuts.

Option A & B Comparison ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5883/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-COMPARISON 

Option B -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5882/FY26-Control-Sheet-and-Voting-Doc-OPTION-B 

Full agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042025-1769

My full set of notes as written during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1718wLXj_U_hdqq82Jb1rVrgeomNdeHaO/view?usp=drive_link 

The 3 slides Jamie talked to in his explanation of Option B

https://photos.app.goo.gl/oxfbkEcNhB5mpjHB8 

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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!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"