Town Council conducts business in shortest meeting of this year, to allow for executive session (video)

The Town Council conducted its shortest meeting of this calendar year. The agenda was brief to accommodate a joint executive session to discuss contract negotiation strategy in conjunction with the School Committee.

Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149

The Town Council full agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms
• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting
• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under and MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority Vote)  

My set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/view?usp=drive_link

Police Station Building Cmte selects KBA for architectural services on new police station (video)

The Police Station Building Committee met on Thursday evening for a long session to interview 3 firms and chose one to be the architect for the project.

The three firms had been pre-selected from a number of response to the RFQ. Each would have time (est. 30 mins) to present their team and reasons to be selected and answer questions for another 15 mins.

There would be approx. 15 minutes between each of the three firms. There was also time at the end of the three presentations for the Committee to compare notes and select KBA as the firm for the architectural services for the new police station.

Franklin TV video of the session -> https://www.youtube.com/live/z6BCi2B6NAs?si=GsT8HY6d4kNPi0vb&t=517

Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-11-14_police_station_building_committee_agenda.pdf

The three firms presented in order per the agenda doc

• 6:15 - 7:15: Interview #1: Kaestle Boos Associates  https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee/files/kaestle-boos-associates-designer-proposal

• 7:15 - 8:15: Interview #2: Tecton Architects https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee/files/tecton-architects-designer-proposal

• 8:15 - 9:15: Interview #3: Context Architecture https://www.franklinma.gov/joint-budget-subcommittee/files/context-architecture

My notes for the portion of the meeting attended ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1b0LKNBS5u3mAjTPJ7a5LWB_4CweL04Yx/view?usp=drive_link

Context Architecture presenting in hybrid

Heading Home Welcomes Heather Martin as its New Chief Operating Officer

Heading Home, the Boston area's largest provider of services for homeless families with children, has announced the appointment of Heather Martin as its new Chief Operating Officer. Heather Martin brings over 20 years of extensive experience in nonprofit management, strategy, and operations to her role. She has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and financial stewardship within mission-driven organizations.

 

Heading Home

"Through her experience managing both local and national nonprofits, Heather has demonstrated the importance of balancing growth strategy with cost efficiency, which is essential for navigating the next stage of mission delivery for our organization," said Danielle Ferrier, CEO of Heading Home. "She has already stepped seamlessly into her role managing a staff here that has grown to more than 200 people, and that served more than 8,000 people last year."

 

Prior to joining Heading Home, Heather served as Vice President of Operations at March of Dimes, where she led enterprise operations, including financial planning, budgeting, facilities management, and event logistics. 

She also spent 18 years as Chief Finance and Operations Officer at 18Doors/InterfaithFamily.com, Inc. There, she spearheaded strategic planning initiatives, led digital transformation efforts, and navigated organizational leadership transitions. Heather oversaw HR, IT, finance, and administrative functions while driving sustainable growth through effective resource allocation and financial management.

 

Heather holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, where she honed her expertise in organizational leadership and operational strategy. She is deeply committed to leveraging her skills to support Heading Home's mission of ending homelessness through innovative, community-focused solutions.

 

ABOUT HEADING HOME 

Heading Home is a leading provider of housing and support services in the Boston area for homeless and formerly homeless families and individuals. Heading Home supported more than 8,000 people in the past year across more than 30 communities across the Greater Boston area, including the City of Boston. Now in its 50th year, and one of the few area shelter providers serving both populations, the nonprofit organization offers emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, along with supportive services around economic mobility & workforce development that include life-skills development; career coaching; financial education; agency-matched savings opportunities and assistance in obtaining basic benefits, child care and transportation. 

 

To learn more about its mission to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing a supported pathway to self-sufficiency, visit HeadingHomeInc.org. 

What's behind that rail fence at DelCarte? a new turtle habitat !!!

via Breeka Li Goodlander: 

"It’s not very often I have 13 lbs. of native seeds in my hands to throw. I enjoyed every second of it. 

The DelCarte turtle habitat and biodiversity area 1 are finally seeded and ready for a winter sleep. 

Curious as to what we are doing? 

Check out our storymap here:   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/fbc95d3dacc547ba9b20ab9f169f30c1

What's behind that rail fence at DelCarte? a new turtle habitat !!!

Shared from -> https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bgoodlander_its-not-very-often-i-have-13-lbs-of-native-activity-7260003392314306562-x4Qe

FHS Theatre Company schedules a Skating party at Pirelli Arena Nov 15

FHS Theatre Company 

"Looking for something fun to do tomorrow (Friday, Nov 15) night? Come to the Pirelli Veteran’s Arena to help support the theatre company!

Our FHSTC boosters are doing a concessions takeover, so all profits from the concession stand will go directly back to supporting FHSTC and our future endeavors.

Make your way out from 8-10 and skate, get some hot chocolate, and have some fun! We hope to see you there!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DCW7pAwupPg/

67 Degrees is looking for a place to open a taproom

"When are we opening our new taproom?! 

That’s a great question!

67 Degrees is looking for a place to open a taproom

We are in search of the PERFECT location to reopen a local taproom for all of our amazing patrons.

The problem?

We need to find the right place first!

That’s where YOU come in!

Are you local to MetroWest MA? Send us all the (dog friendly!) listings you can find and help us make our 2025 goal a reality!

Know someone that can help us find the perfect place?

Tag them in the comments or share this video with them - we will love you forever! 

Love the 67 Brew Crew!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCRjw_3unlB/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Nov 15, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

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

7:00 am    Sons and Daughters of Italy: Carlo Geromini

8:30 am    Frank Presents: Christel Akouri

10:00 am    Riffing on Main Street: Michael Walker Jones

11:00 am    Senior Connection: Senior Expo 2024

12:00 pm    Brook'n'Cookin: Scones

12:30 pm    Cooking with Linda: Green Bean Casserole

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

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

3:00 pm    Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm    Metrowest Symposium: Equity & Access in Arts & Culture

5:30 pm    Veterans' Call: VA Pension

8:00 pm    Endless Konnections: Kevin Barthelemy

9:30 pm    Second Sunday Speaker Series: Rod & Gun Club

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

7:00 am     Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2022

8:30 am     Mental Health: Amy Frigulietti

9:30 am     MSAA Open Meeting 10-17-24

11:00 am     FHS Track and Field: v Attleboro 04-04-23

2:00 pm     Cultural Council: BT ALC Big Band

4:00 pm     FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

8:30 pm     FHS Theater Company: Cinderella

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 11-07-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 11-07-24

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Thursday, November 14, 2024 ???

Thursday, November 14

7am Fiber Art Installation (Franklin Public Library) 

1pm Meet Maudie the Chicken!  (Franklin Public Library) 

4pm Pizza & Movie Night: Reagan (Franklin Senior Center)

5pm Board Game Night (Pete's Nerd Emporium) 

6:30pm Ken Gloss: Book Antiques and Collecting (Franklin Public Library) 

7pm Cultural District Cmte (Franklin Historical Museum)

7:30pm My Favorite Year (Dean College Main Stage)

**  Town Meetings today   **

Charles River Pollution Control District (meeting room - Medway)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 3:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/crpcd_meeting_2.pdf

Police Station Building Committee Meeting (Council Chambers) 

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 6:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-11-14_police_station_building_committee_agenda.pdf

Master Plan Final Draft Presentation (3rd floor training room)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 6:30pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-november_14_2024.pdf

Conservation Commission Meeting (virtual meeting)

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11-14_conservation_agenda.pdf

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 7:00pm

no agenda posted

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School agenda (charter school) 

Event Date:  Thursday, November 14, 2024 - 7:00pm

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/bot_agenda_11142024.docx_1.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

Maxwell Morrongiello to Kickoff Town Council Campaign December 3rd, with Games, Evening Brunch, and More!

Franklin activist Maxwell Morrongiello is putting a fresh spin on the traditional campaign kickoff by combining it with a birthday celebration that promises to be anything but ordinary. Set for Tuesday, December 3rd, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Mak's Roast Beef, this unique event features board games, trivia contests, and an evening brunch that breaks all the rules.

State Representative Jeffrey Roy will join the kickoff as blackjack dealer, adding experienced political gravitas to the festivities.

"We wanted to create an event that truly brings people together," says Morrongiello, who is running for Franklin Town Council in the November 2025 election. "Politics doesn't always have to be serious—sometimes the best conversations happen over brunch and board games."

The evening offers attendees multiple ways to engage: compete in trivia for prizes, challenge friends to board games, or simply enjoy the breakfast buffet while connecting with neighbors and discussing Franklin's future. This unconventional approach reflects Morrongiello's campaign style, which emphasizes building bridges and fostering civil discourse within the community.

Maxwell Morrongiello to Kickoff Town Council Campaign

A dedicated community activist, Morrongiello's platform focuses on:

• Expanded tax relief for low-income senior citizens

• Responsible fiscal management

• Enhanced mental health awareness and support

• Promoting civil discourse and community unity

Don't miss this opportunity to meet your potential future town councilor while enjoying an evening brunch and some friendly competition. Join us for an evening that proves local politics can be both meaningful and fun. 

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday Evening, December 3

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Location: Mak's Roast Beef, 451 West Central Street, Franklin

Tickets: Available at birthday.votemax.us

Includes: Breakfast buffet, game night participation, and chances to win delightful awards

For more information about Maxwell Morrongiello's platform and compelling life story, visit www.votemax.us.

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in November

What is going on with .... ?

What happened to ....?

How come .... ?

Join Steve Sherlock, Franklin Matters & wfpr.fm Community Information Director (volunteer), for an informal and informative Q&A session. 

What is the session about?

• Steve provides some updates on what's happened in the past month in the first 10-15 minutes, then opens the floor to answer whatever questions you have.

When: Monday, Nov 18, 2024 at 6:30 PM  

Where: Franklin Public Library (Community Room) and via Zoom

  Or

When: Wednesday, Nov 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM  

Where: Franklin Senior Center (2nd floor conf room) and via Zoom

If you want the Zoom link, please use this form, or check with the Senior Center front desk, or email me:  https://forms.gle/Ur2r66T8L49UfWpG9

Download this flyer as a reminder ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D_DZ4BNXMkxPAuiKGx0lm6SYtl53BhzO/view?usp=drive_link

2 chances to get your Franklin Questions Answered in November

School Committee keeps leadership, gets update on Middle Schools, and redistricting progress (audio)

FM #1314= This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1314 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. All 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely (Gallagher)

Quick recap:

• School committee voted to continue their leadership team. Griffin was nominated as well as Callaghan for Chair but Callaghan prevailed with a 5-2 (Griffin, Gallagher) vote. McNeill continues as Vice-Chair by a 7-0 vote. Both votes via roll call

• Announcement of MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas

• Middle school presentation & update; If we had more money we could have more clubs and reach more students and their interests Hopeful with the single school next year to be able to do more for the whole population of middle schoolers, more flexibility and opportunities

• Update on the district reorganization From Colin & Lucas

• 29 of the 54 possible students for the DT exemption committed to do so, Staff placement being worked, All dependent upon the budget

• Pond St facility (former Kennedy school) would be the site for an expansion for the ECDC not a replacement of, ECDC was purpose built and will remain, but expanding capacity by using space at Pond St is what is being planned

• Clarification on ECDC expansion, it would be done in phases, the focus is to provide the education space for ECDC population, which is growing, and we won't be able to utilize the Middle school space we have used at Horace Mann

• Key stat 97% of the K-5 teachers got their first choice. There is the plus one for 2nd at North and down one on South so it is budget neutral not a $75K cost as might have been in worst case

• Consideration for moving staff and furniture with the teachers where possible, Capital planning underway, don't know enough details yet but as they rise up, they will be shared

Entered executive session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1314-franklin-ma-school-cmte-mtg-11-12-24/

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

Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZaZ-akfth8 

School Committee agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_meeting_1.pdf 

My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r6Fpd_A-8cBzKBLdigphSMvcxcy53mfo/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos of the redistricting update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADsFSJtAkHctX7Rq8 

Photos of the Middle School update ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/mJFrSfDhaJYbojfh8 

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

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 reachout. 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"






MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas

Economic Development reviews multiple bylaw adjusts & recommend referral to Town Council (video)

The Economic Development Subcommittee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024. 2 members present in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo), 1 absent (Chandler).

Franklin TV video of the session ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY

The agenda doc ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

Quick recap:

• Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session 
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ...  Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.
• Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates. 
• Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year, 
• We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025. 
• Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call. 
• Separately voted on definition and use table 
• On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential. 
• Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council 
• Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin. 
• Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this. 
• Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call 
• Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call 
• Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time
• Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6
• Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design 
• Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call 

My notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link

Additional info on the branding process can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee/webforms/edc-branding-presentations

Option A left, Option B right