Todd Monjar and Jim Derick discuss their thoughts surrounding the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio link = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ma4tu-e0105e
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Monday, July 6, 2020
Franklin Annual Report 2019: Purchasing Office
From the 2019 Franklin Annual Report:
Over the past year, the Purchasing Office has made a concerted effort to modernize the Department while also assisting Department Heads with a number of significant projects. These projects include a continued focus on improving the Town’s overall utility based infrastructure.
PROCUREMENT CHANGES
The Purchasing Office continues to oversee the implementation of various improvements in the way vendors can access bid documentation. One of the more significant advancements is the change we made to the distribution of plans & specifications. Vendors no longer need to wait for the bid packages to be mailed, emailed, or picked in person. With the web based platform, vendors can download the entire bid package from the Town website, thus improving the accessibility of the documents while at the same time cutting municipal costs in a number of areas.
This change has been very well received, particularly by those doing business with the Town. The upgrades have also further reinforced our continued approach to modernizing the way procurement is handled.
FUNCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The function of the Purchasing Department is to assist other departments in obtaining the highest quality of services and supplies for the best price, all while remaining in compliance with applicable procurement laws. Our objective is to promote fair, prompt and courteous consideration to all suppliers; and observe the highest ethics in all transactions and correspondence.
Respectively submitted:
John Bugbee
Chief Procurement Officer
Town of Franklin
Download your copy of the 2019 Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019
Visit the Purchasing Dept online https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing
Over the past year, the Purchasing Office has made a concerted effort to modernize the Department while also assisting Department Heads with a number of significant projects. These projects include a continued focus on improving the Town’s overall utility based infrastructure.
PROCUREMENT CHANGES
The Purchasing Office continues to oversee the implementation of various improvements in the way vendors can access bid documentation. One of the more significant advancements is the change we made to the distribution of plans & specifications. Vendors no longer need to wait for the bid packages to be mailed, emailed, or picked in person. With the web based platform, vendors can download the entire bid package from the Town website, thus improving the accessibility of the documents while at the same time cutting municipal costs in a number of areas.
This change has been very well received, particularly by those doing business with the Town. The upgrades have also further reinforced our continued approach to modernizing the way procurement is handled.
FUNCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The function of the Purchasing Department is to assist other departments in obtaining the highest quality of services and supplies for the best price, all while remaining in compliance with applicable procurement laws. Our objective is to promote fair, prompt and courteous consideration to all suppliers; and observe the highest ethics in all transactions and correspondence.
Respectively submitted:
John Bugbee
Chief Procurement Officer
Town of Franklin
Download your copy of the 2019 Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019
Visit the Purchasing Dept online https://www.franklinma.gov/purchasing
 |
| Franklin Annual Report 2019: Purchasing Office |
"Talking the Blues" - Epic Blues - Apr 30, 2020
What makes a song "Epic". Jim Derick ad Todd Monjar explore some of their favorite "Epic" songs of all time... with some surprising cover artists.
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ekupv-db5f59
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ekupv-db5f59
Sunday, July 5, 2020
Franklin Annual Report 2019: Planning Board
From the Franklin Annual Report 2019
The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for
The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By- Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues, and works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.
In FY2019, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. One major project the Planning Board approved was a Hotel located at 725 Union Street. The Site Plan and Special Permit proposes a major development, includes 5-story hotel with 100 rooms, indoor pool and associated paved access drive, landscaping, lighting, utilities and stormwater infrastructure.
The Planning Board reviewed and approved a 35,000 sq/ft Marijuana Cultivation building at 105 Constitution Blvd for the use of growing and processing of non-medical marijuana.
The Planning Board received a submittal of a 57-single family subdivision located on Prospect Street. There was also several large scale solar farms proposed on Spring Street, Upper Union Street and Summer Street. Solar farms are permitted through the Planning Board with a Special Permit and Site Plan application.
The Planning Board voted to endorse (5) five 81-P ANR plans, and accepted four (4) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. The Planning Board also approved (17) seventeen Special Permit applications including the Hotel, Marijuana Cultivation, Solar Farms, a Brewery with Tasting Room and a Distillery. The table below is a summary of Planning Board Activity during the 2019 Fiscal Year.
The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes including changing setbacks for poultry in residential zones and building height changes in the Commercial zone. The Planning Board has also reviewed and recommended a new zoning district, known as Mixed Business Innovation zoning district, which consisted of several properties near the downtown. The new zone allows for more mixed use business and retail, gearing towards the smaller business owners. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.
The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.
Planning Board Membership
The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms.
Below is a list of current Planning Board members:
Anthony Padula, Chairman
Joseph Halligan, Vice Chairman
John Carroll, Clerk
Gregory Rondeau
William David,
Rick Power, Associate Member
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony Padula, Chairman
Download your copy of the Franklin Annual Report for 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019
Visit the Planning Board online https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board
The Planning Board, as established by MGL. Ch. 41 sec.70, is responsible for
“…making plans for the development of the municipality, with special reference to proper housing of its inhabitants.”
The Board is charged with administering the State’s Subdivision Control Law (MGL. 41 Ch.81K) and the local subdivision rules and regulations (Chapter 300). The Board makes recommendations to the Town Council on Zoning By- Law amendments and may at its own discretion adopt new subdivision regulations. The Board is also designated as the permitting authority for various site plan and special permit submittals under the Town’s Zoning Bylaw (Ch. 185). The Board receives recommendations from the Design Review Commission on building design, elevation, and signage for commercial site plan permits, and from the Conservation Commission on wetland related issues, and works closely with the Planning & Community Development and Public Works Departments.
In FY2019, the Planning Board reviewed and issued decisions for several projects throughout the year. One major project the Planning Board approved was a Hotel located at 725 Union Street. The Site Plan and Special Permit proposes a major development, includes 5-story hotel with 100 rooms, indoor pool and associated paved access drive, landscaping, lighting, utilities and stormwater infrastructure.
The Planning Board reviewed and approved a 35,000 sq/ft Marijuana Cultivation building at 105 Constitution Blvd for the use of growing and processing of non-medical marijuana.
The Planning Board received a submittal of a 57-single family subdivision located on Prospect Street. There was also several large scale solar farms proposed on Spring Street, Upper Union Street and Summer Street. Solar farms are permitted through the Planning Board with a Special Permit and Site Plan application.
The Planning Board voted to endorse (5) five 81-P ANR plans, and accepted four (4) Form H - Certificate of Completions. Acceptance of a Form H indicates all work has been completed according to Site Plans or Subdivision Plans previously approved by the Planning Board. The Planning Board also approved (17) seventeen Special Permit applications including the Hotel, Marijuana Cultivation, Solar Farms, a Brewery with Tasting Room and a Distillery. The table below is a summary of Planning Board Activity during the 2019 Fiscal Year.
The Planning Board held public hearings on several proposed Zoning Bylaw changes including changing setbacks for poultry in residential zones and building height changes in the Commercial zone. The Planning Board has also reviewed and recommended a new zoning district, known as Mixed Business Innovation zoning district, which consisted of several properties near the downtown. The new zone allows for more mixed use business and retail, gearing towards the smaller business owners. The Board continues to help property owners make the desired changes and improvements to their properties while fostering responsible growth and development in the Town of Franklin.
The Planning Board typically meets twice a month on Mondays at 7:00 PM in the Municipal Building. All Board meetings are open to the public, and are televised via Community Cable Access.
Planning Board Membership
The Planning Board consists of five members and one associate member. The associate member participates in all hearings but only votes on Special Permits if one of the members is unable to act. The Board members are elected and serve 4-year terms.
Below is a list of current Planning Board members:
Anthony Padula, Chairman
Joseph Halligan, Vice Chairman
John Carroll, Clerk
Gregory Rondeau
William David,
Rick Power, Associate Member
Respectfully submitted,
Anthony Padula, Chairman
Download your copy of the Franklin Annual Report for 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019
Visit the Planning Board online https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-board
|
| Franklin Annual Report 2019: Planning Board |
"Talking the Blues" - High Energy Blues - Apr 29, 2020
Jim Derick and Todd Monjar talk high energy blues in this episode
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kybek-db5fb0
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-kybek-db5fb0
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Franklin Annual Report 2019: Finance Committee
Annual Report Of The Finance Committee: Year In Review - 2019
Our fiscal year, July 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2019, began with budget adjustments and transfers as detailed in Resolution 18-59. Primary reasons were higher than expected revenues and consolidation of departments. The committee approved unanimously a motion to recommend passage to the Town Council. We also were informed by the Town Administrator that the risk management study had been completed. No major exceptions were noted.
During the year the committee met 5 times. Four of those meetings were focused on the FY 2020 budget process, with the result being unanimous approval of a projected
$129.40M operating budget for the town. The budget allows for the town to provide services at the same level as FY 2019. Approximately $385K will be transferred from the budget stabilization account to balance the overall FY 2020 budget.
The long term financial plan continues to project financial challenges over the next several years. While our town continues to provide excellent services with little increase in resources, our reserve levels continue to be challenging. A concerning indicator is shown in the Franklin Public Schools need to draw on their reserves at an unsustainable pace. Housing units are growing and the impact on the school budget will need to be monitored on a regular basis.
A highlight of the budget was a reduction of 3% in the Police department while adding 5 additional officers to the force. Additionally, the Library budget was funded to ensure certification is retained.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow committee members for their ongoing dedication to continued improvements and the financial well being of our town.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Dufour
Chairman, Franklin Finance Committee
Download your copy of the Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019
Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html
Budget hearing #3 - 6/02/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-3.html
Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_6.html
Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html
Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html
Our fiscal year, July 1, 2018 thru June 30, 2019, began with budget adjustments and transfers as detailed in Resolution 18-59. Primary reasons were higher than expected revenues and consolidation of departments. The committee approved unanimously a motion to recommend passage to the Town Council. We also were informed by the Town Administrator that the risk management study had been completed. No major exceptions were noted.
During the year the committee met 5 times. Four of those meetings were focused on the FY 2020 budget process, with the result being unanimous approval of a projected
$129.40M operating budget for the town. The budget allows for the town to provide services at the same level as FY 2019. Approximately $385K will be transferred from the budget stabilization account to balance the overall FY 2020 budget.
The long term financial plan continues to project financial challenges over the next several years. While our town continues to provide excellent services with little increase in resources, our reserve levels continue to be challenging. A concerning indicator is shown in the Franklin Public Schools need to draw on their reserves at an unsustainable pace. Housing units are growing and the impact on the school budget will need to be monitored on a regular basis.
A highlight of the budget was a reduction of 3% in the Police department while adding 5 additional officers to the force. Additionally, the Library budget was funded to ensure certification is retained.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank my fellow committee members for their ongoing dedication to continued improvements and the financial well being of our town.
Respectfully submitted,
Michael Dufour
Chairman, Franklin Finance Committee
Download your copy of the Annual Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2019
 |
| Franklin Annual Report 2019: Finance Committee |
Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html
Budget hearing #3 - 6/02/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-3.html
Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_6.html
Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html
Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20
audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html
"Talking the Blues" - Ana Popovic - Mar 26, 2020
Jim Derick and Todd Monjar talk the blues of Ana Popovic (http://anapopovic.com/home)
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z78td-d84551
You can listen to this show on Franklin Public Radio, wfpr.fm anywhere via your browser or at 102.9 on the local Franklin FM radio dial.
Thursday = 11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Saturday = 5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition
Audio file = https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-z78td-d84551
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