Tuesday, May 11, 2021

FM #536 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 05/06/21 (audio)

FM #536 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 536 in the series. 


This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting: 


  • ok, what just happened? 

  • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


We cover the following key topics

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS  

Brutus Cantoreggi, Public Works Director - American Public Works Association, Public Works Director of the Year Award

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS     

La Cantina Winery/La Cantina Brewery, Change of Category on their Farmer Series Pouring Permit from Wines to Wine and Malt Beverages, 355 Union Street, Franklin, MA 02038

 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS        

a. Melanson & Heath - FY20 Audit

b. Franklin TV - Pete Fasciano

c. Anne Marie Tracey - Town Communications and Civic Engagement Update

 

Maple hill – 120 days to react


The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.


Our conversation runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e02e2c0d-4cc6-4aae-901b-f1c71a9c6b84



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Agenda document (and released supporting materials) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda


My notes from the Town Council meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-town-council-meeting-050521.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


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"

 

FM #536 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 05/06/21 (audio)
FM #536 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 05/06/21 (audio)

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What is Acceptable Use? School Choice?

What is Acceptable Use? School Choice? 

Among the items on the Franklin MA - School Committee agenda are answers to these questions:

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. Policy - 1st Readings
I recommend moving the following policies to a second reading as discussed:
1. IJNDB - Acceptable Use Policy
2. IJNDB-E1 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades 6-12
3. IJNDB-E2 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades K-5

B. School Choice Vote
I recommend not accepting any new School Choice students for the 2021-2022 School year.

C. Franklin High School Summer School Revolving Account
I recommend the approval to establish a Franklin High School Summer School Revolving Account as discussed.   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_c_-_summer_revolving_account.pdf

The full agenda and documents released for the meeting

What is Acceptable Use? School Choice?
What is Acceptable Use? School Choice? 


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HockomockSports.com: 2021 Hockomock League Baseball Preview

HockomockSports.com has published the baseball previews for the Hockomock League for the Spring 2021 season. The FHS preview is shared here. The link to the complete league listing is provided below.

FRANKLIN
2019 Record: 22-3
2019 Finish: Reached Super 8
Coach: Zach Brown

"While Franklin won’t be able to make it three straight appearances in the Super 8 with the tournament not happening this year (and possibly for a couple of years), there is something the Panthers can do: defend their Kelley-Rex division title.

The Panthers were nearly perfect in league action during the 2019 season (15-1) and will be one of the favorites for the title again this year. But it will be almost an entirely new cast of players doing so. Franklin had 10 seniors on that team plus another seven juniors that graduated last year, meaning just a handful of players from the roster are back. Of that group, just one starter is back in senior Jake Fitzgibbons, who played second base at the time.

Now Fitzgibbons moves behind the plate and will be in charge of handling a pitching staff that is new to the varsity level. Having him behind the plate should make it easier for the likes of junior Jacob Jette and sophomore Alfred Mucciarone, who figure to be two of the key components of Franklin’s rotation this season. And when needed, Fitzgibbons will switch out from behind the plate and take the mound himself.

Seniors Nate Cooke and CJ Jette serve as captains alongside Fitzgibbons and will provide leadership both on and off the field. Cooke is slated to start at first base and will bring a big bat to the lineup while Jette will see time both in the outfield and at designated hitter. Seniors Luc Boudreau (outfielder) and Nick Quinn (right-handed pitcher) have impressed early on as well.

“As always the cornerstone of our program is pitching and defense,” said head coach Zach Brown. “We believe we have the right mix of athletes and arms to compete daily this season. Offensively, we believe that our line-up can be pretty athletic. Obviously, we are all in the same boat missing last season so it will be an exciting season to get back out onto the field. I know the players and our coaching staff are really excited for the games to start up.”

For other baseball previews for the Hockomock League



FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
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FHS teams posts wins on Monday: baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, boys and girls tennis, and wrestling

From HockomockSports.com and Twitter we share the FHS spring sports results: 


Baseball = Milford, 3 @ Franklin, 13 – Final 
– Sophomore Alfred Mucciarone earned a win in his debut on the mound for the Panthers, allowing just two runs on five hits and three walks, striking out five in four innings of work for Franklin. Ethan Voellmicke (three strikeouts) and James Kuczmiec (two strikeouts) each tossed a scoreless inning in relief. Ben Jarosz led the offensive charge with three hits, including a pair of doubles, drove in two runs, and scored once himself. Ryan Gerety (two runs, RBI), Jack Marino (two doubles, two RBI, three runs), and Eisig Chin (two runs, RBI) each had two hits for Franklin.

Softball = Franklin @ Milford – Postponed to Wednesday, 5/12 at 3:45.

Boys Lacrosse = Sharon, 1 @ Franklin, 21 – Final 
– Franklin had 11 players find the back of the net in a big win over visiting Sharon. Sophomore Jayden Consigli led the charge with seven goals and one assist while classmate Luke Davis scored four goals and had one assist.

Girls Lacrosse = Sharon, 4 @ Franklin, 23 – Final 
– Franklin defended its home turf against visiting Sharon as 13 players found the back of the net for the Panthers. Katie Ryan, Maura Cogavin, and Emma Sousa each scored their first varsity goal in the win.

Boys Tennis = Franklin, 5 @ Milford, 0 – Final 
– Franklin went on the road and won all five matches in straight sets over Milford. Liam Marr picked up a 6-0, 6-1 win at first singles, Vayshnav Malhotra didn’t drop a game in a 6-0, 6-0 win at second singles, and Drew Mahoney earned a 6-0, 6-2 win at third singles. The team of Anish Gundimeda and Sameen Shaik took home a 6-0, 6-1 decision at first doubles while Thomas Broyles and Jay Gorgas notched a 6-1, 6-1 win at second doubles.

Girls Tennis = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
"FHS Girls Tennis defeats Milford 5-0!
Vedika Vinayak, Hailey Morin & Sarah Schiavo all winners in singles along with doubles teams of Jess Pingeton/Chloe Barca & Amulya Jayam/Shria Rajesh"

Wrestling = Franklin, 18 @ Stoughton, 14 – Final
"Hard fought win against Stoughton 18-14. Pins from Carlucci, Fracassa, and Cogavin. Simply epic."
For other results around the Hockomock League on Monday


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
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Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21 - Cantoreggi recognized, LaCantina license changed, Franklin TV and communications updates

Quick Recap:
  • DPW Director Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi was recognized as a Top 10 Director across USA
  • Public hearing on stormwater legislation language cleanup; Bissanti so against anything stormwater, he voted against closing the public hearing
  • Addition of brewing to LaCantina license (granted in Legislation for Action) Neighbor comments on noise, parking to be addressed by Town Administrator
  • Melanson Heath audit provides a real clean report with no management letter (best report in years)
  • Franklin TV presentation provides insights in to how it is funded via cable fees, provides services to the Town via contract and programing for TV and radio of great value
  • Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey provided an enthusiastic overview of the progress made in sharing awareness on what is happening
  • Town receives notification on sale of Maple Hill property finally to start the 120 day close on right of first refusal. Stay tuned to this one
 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0505
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0505&src=typeahead_click 
 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/L6zifqjy7rspqDPB6
 
Audio segments for the meeting will be available in a couple of days


  • Getting ready for the Town Council meeting, agenda page and connection info found here https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/may-5-town-council-agenda #tc0505
  • Meeting opens shortly after 7 PM  #tc0505
  • Citizen comments for up to 5 minutes for an item not on the agenda #tc0505 Colin Cass speaking for the dog park, a section for smaller dogs exists in Medway but it is not used. Shouldn't be subtracted from the existing space, should be added to.
  • DPW Director Cantoreggi recognized as a "Top 10" professional out of 30,000 across the industry. Clean water is one of his specialties. #tc0505
  • 2 minute recess for photo op #tc0505
Public Hearing
  • Back to order, hearing for bylaw amendment, chap 185, special regulations. #tc0505 this was also required to get approval by planning board. Motion to close hearing, roll call 8-1 to close hearing
License transaction
  • La Cantina change of permit https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._la_cantina.pdf from wine to wine and brewery, motion and second, pouring permit expands to include malt (beer). Clarification on Gov Baker for COVID emergency order on food requirements. Farmer series excludes food #tc0505
  • Back to normal on May 29, not relevant to point in order. #tc0505  neighbor expressing concerns with problems with loud music and parking overflow in the neighborhood. Town had not heard of these problems will be setting up time to address concerns
  • #tc0505 this is the right thing to do and look at the impact on the area. Additional parking now available through the Downtown Sports space. Finally get to the vote via roll call 9-0. Neighbor muted to get to the vote with reminder to contact the Town Administrator
Melanson Heath audit report
  • Melanson Heath with audit results current audit for FY 2020  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/franklin_ma_fs20_-_final.pdf #tc0505 audit went well, account balances were reconciled in timely basis. Prior audit reports available on ToF page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/audits  no exceptions found
  • Page 7 takes numbers to words, page 17 liability and fund balance section; net pension and OPEB, assumptions changed so results are shown here. #tc0505 page 19 general fund and stabilization funds unassigned fund balances of $11m what bond rating agencies look at
  • Right in target and a healthy position. Budget vs actual page 59  3.1m of free cash used 
  • Revenues over budget a decrease over prior year (motor vehicle and license permits) decent due to COVID. Expenses not as high within budget also due to pandemic albeit consistent #tc0505
  • No management letter this year, small side letter but no major items  #tc0505 page 12 of PDF  Next item is Franklin TV
Franklin TV presentation
  • Anticipating another percent reduction in cable fees as folks continue to cut the cord. (Slides to be added later) #tc0505 the Comcast and Verizon won't go away overnight as a way of generating revenues. i.e. working with TBB to generate programs
  • Next up Anne Marie Tracey, with a great lead from Pete!
Marketing and Communications
  • #tc0505 presentation doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/communications_and_marketing.pdf 
  • Communications needs are as diverse as the communications required. #tc0505 the menu is available to meet all needs via the social media options audiences include current residents, employees as well as potential residents, business and employees
  • Top pages of the town #tc0505
  • Much done on the Town side is replicated on the Schools side as well #tc0505
  • Capital budget round two approved tonight, coming to council in future. #tc0505 EDC meeting next Weds talking about restaurant, downtown parking, etc.
Legislation for action
Town Administrator report
  • Town Administrator report, town back to green, plans to gradually reopening. Passport renewals Weds until July, hiring part time agent and photo booth services in July. Senior Ctr gradually opening too, newsletter updates, Common ground cafe possible after Memorial Day #tc0505
  • Full budget hearings May 26-27  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy-22-budget-materials 
  • Went for bond rating, asking what will it take to get a AAA rating, EPA working again at 300 Fisher St
  • P&S received for Maple St property, clock starts today, legal review required before discussion on Maple hill ->
  • Purchase price $4.5m, have time to respond to this #tc0505 
Council comments, Closing
  • Kudos to acting clerk, got something in 10 minutes that it can take 10 days elsewhere. 
  • Pellegri - folks are following FinComm meetings via cable not Zoom. 
  • Thanks to the FinComm for the great job they did
  • Thanks to the Administration and to the audit team for a great audit. Pete is doing a great job, looking forward to many more. The enthusiasm of Anne Marie, a real pleasure and joy  #tc0505 Motion to adjourn, via roll call 9-0  That's all for tonight catch you next time

 

Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21
Recap - Town Council Meeting - 05/05/21

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Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - May 12


Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Click here to find the agenda and links for the upcoming Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting on May 12 at 5:30 PM.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/edc_agenda_for_may_12.pdf 

Topics that will be discussed are:
  1. Restaurant Revitalization Fund
  2. Downtown Parking Commercial & C1 Zoning Draft Bylaw Amendment
  3. Housing Production Plan Draft
Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by
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Hockomock League Lacrosse: FHS Players to Watch for 2021

HockomockSports.com has published the lacrosse players to watch for the Hockomock League for the Spring 2021 season. The FHS student athletes are shared here. The link to the complete league girls and boys lacrosse listings are provided below. 


KAITLYN CARNEY, SOPHOMORE – FRANKLIN

After two seasons as a standout for the field hockey team, Carney will finally get the chance to show off her skills for the Panthers on the lacrosse field. Coming into a dominant program and an already loaded roster, Carney will bring an aggressive mindset and a physical presence to the Franklin midfield. Already drawing national attention for her club play, Carney gets the chance to showcase those skills for Franklin this spring and continue the program’s dominance in the Hockomock, as it looks to bring home another Kelley-Rex title and keep its long unbeaten run intact.

KATIE JONES, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Between injuries and then a pandemic, Jones has yet to really have a chance to show what she is capable of in the Franklin attack. She has made several appearances, including a four-goal performance against Concord-Carlisle in the 2018 Div. 1 East final as a freshman, but the UConn-commit will be hoping her senior season can be her best. With the size, athleticism, and ability to find open spaces in the defense, Jones is a weapon around the cage that the Panthers will look to exploit. Surrounded by playmakers, Jones should have plenty of scoring chances this spring to try and keep Franklin’s remarkable unbeaten run in the league going for another season and retain the Kelley-Rex title.

LUKE DAVIS, SOPHOMORE – FRANKLIN

The Panthers are definitely a program that reloads rather than rebuilds and it seems like each spring there are new underclassmen ready to step in and become stars. Davis looks to be the next attacker to continue that tradition. Davis has made an immediate impact. In his debut, he scored six goals and showed off the combination of quickness, stick skills, shot strength and accuracy, and willingness to combine with his fellow attackers that made his brother Jake a standout too. Franklin enters every season with the expectation of being the top team in the Kelley-Rex division and bringing in new faces like Davis every season makes it easier to meet those lofty goals.

MATT LAZZARO, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

Two years ago, Lazzaro broke out as one of the league’s top scorers, racking up more than 100 points and helping Franklin to another league title. He was named a first-team All-American after scoring 59 goals and dishing out 48 assists, more than tripling his 30 points as a freshman. The Penn State commit showed that he had the lethal combo of being able to score at will but also be unselfish and find openings for his teammates. He also had big games against the best opponents, including a six-goal, three-assist performance against defending state champ BC High. This spring, Lazzaro will be the focal point of the Panthers’ attack and looks ready to put up even bigger numbers for the Kelley-Rex favorites.


Girls = https://hockomocksports.com/girls-lacrosse-ten-players-to-watch-for-2021/

Boys = https://hockomocksports.com/boys-lacrosse-ten-players-to-watch-for-2021/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
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CommonWealth Magazine: "Baker suggests he may lift emergency COVID order August 1"

 

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER suggested for the first time Monday that he may lift the COVID-19 state of emergency at the same time as he allows businesses to fully reopen, which is now scheduled for August 1. 

Baker said his administration is still figuring out various issues around the emergency order, which has allowed him to put in place a wide range of state guidelines governing everything from gathering sizes to business closures. But, Baker said, “It’s our view that by the time we get to August 1 … that would certainly be a time at which we’d go to some sort of standard that would be a traditional public health standard, not something that would operate under the rubric of an [emergency order].” 

Continue reading the article online
 
Press Conf direct link -> https://youtu.be/ORBEJhkVPjM


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Franklin High School News: Important Information and Dates - May - June 2021

School News: Important Information and Dates

May-June 2021

FHS calendar at a glance
May 11            -MCAS ELA for current 10th graders (Remote students must be in their assigned room at FHS by 7:35AM;arrange to be picked up@11 AM)
May 12            -MCAS ELA for current 10th graders (Remote students must be in their assigned room at FHS by 7:35AM;arrange to be picked up@11 AM)
May 13            -MCAS Math for current 10th graders (Remote students must be in their assigned room at FHS by 7:35AM;arrange to be picked up@11 AM)
May 14            -MCAS Math for current 10th graders (Remote students must be in their assigned room at FHS by 7:35AM;arrange to be picked up@11 AM)
May 14            -Music Awards Night @6:30 PM in the FHS Cafeteria
May 19            -Jazz Cafe- @6:00 PM (rain date May 20th) -Click here for in person tickets and live stream information
May 25            -Senior Final Exams (A & B)
May 26            -Senior Final Exams (F & G)
May 26th         -Senior Chromebook & charger return 10 AM to 1:00 PM in front of the FHS building
May 27            -Senior Final Exams (D & E)
May 27th         -Senior Chromebook & charger return 10 AM to 1:00 PM in front of the FHS building
May 27            -Oskey presented by the FHS Theater Dept. @ 7:30 PM
May 28            -Senior Final Exam (C & Make up)
May 28th         -Senior Chromebook & charger return 10 AM to 1:00 PM in front of the FHS building
May 31            -No School Memorial Day
June 1-3          -Senior Week Activities click HERE to view and print schedule for Senior Week
June 1             -Prom #1 for class of 2021 (click here for contract)-arrive at Lake Pearl at 6:00PM, noone admitted after 6:30 PM.
June 2             -Prom# 2 for class of 2021 (click here for contract)-arrive at Lake Pearl at 6:00PM, noone admitted after 6:30 PM.
June 4             -FHS Graduation @ 5 PM (rain date Saturday June 5th) Click for Graduation Information page
June 5             -Graduate Car Parade 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (starting from different locations-information coming soon)
June 8, 9         -Bio MCAS for Grade 9
June 8-11        -MCAS ELA and MATH for those 11th graders opting to take the exams
June 16           -Final Exam for 9th, 10th, 11th grade (E)
June 17           -Final Exams for 9th, 10th, 11th grade (F & G)
June 18           -Final Exams for 9th, 10th, 11th grade (A & B)
June 21           -Final exams for 9th,10th, and 11th grade students (C & D)
June 22           -Last day of school- Make up final exams only; students do not have to attend if they have no make-up exams
__________________
Snow Days:
1. Tuesday, February 2nd 

 

Shared from the FHS Page -> https://www.franklinps.net/fhs/news/school-news-important-information-and-dates

Franklin High School News: Important Information and Dates - May - June 2021
Franklin High School News: Important Information and Dates - May - June 2021


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Monday, May 10, 2021

Franklin TV: The Podcasts Are Coming!

The Dials – They Are-a-Changing – with the Times. by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 05/09/2021

“Tune in next week. Same time; same station. Until then, this is [announcer’s name] reminding you to drink your Ovaltine.”

Podcasts Are Coming
Podcasts Are Coming

Remember being ‘Tuned in’? Unless you have an old analog radio on a shelf somewhere, we don’t tune in any more. In our digital world there’s no ‘fine-tuning’. We step-select channels. We enter numbers or a URL. We scroll links.

Radio has come a long way since it’s commercial beginning in 1922. Next year, radio will be a century old technology, yet it will continue to become ever newer as its journey continues.

Radio found its way to FM, to stereo, to digital form as HD, to the internet as streaming media – and to Podcasts; which first appeared 30 years ago, long before video-on-demand. Today, podcasting is a rapidly growing two-billion-dollar industry.

Radio first appeared in the car in the 1930’s. It constitutes a fair amount of our daily listening – as radio’s ‘drive time’.

Radio is portable, ubiquitous. Radio always finds its way to where the ears are. We at wfpr.fm are doing the same. Now you can find your way to many of Franklin Public Radio’s programs as podcasts.

What lies in the mists of the future? On-Air Radio & the Internet. Hybrid Radio. (Wait!  What?)

Broadcasters will soon be transmitting background metadata along with their programs. This information will turn your radio into a multimedia player. This will find its way into your future dashboard, most likely via your smartphone as it links its phone-screen interface, widgets and all, to your dashboard’s touch screen.

That means your car also will have internet access through your phone. All of it. Car-based browsers will emerge and evolve – for driving convenience and safety.

Being ‘tuned in’ is about to see some srsly major changes. As  [announcer’s name]  always says, “ But wait!  There’s more!”

You can look for Franklin Public Radio Programs Online at Google Podcasts, Apple Play, and wherever you get your podcasts. We will also be posting these links and more  (copy/paste into your browser)  on our wfpr.fm website.

 
SAFE Coalition Radio

Chapters with Jim Derick  (Player.fm) https://player.fm/series/series-2920877

Are you dialed in? 

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.


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


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FM #535 - Capital Budget SubComm Mtg - 05/05/21 (audio)

FM #535 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 535 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: the Capital Budget SubCommittee members, Town Administrator and key personnel, were in the Council Chambers; the public was remote via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:
  • The capital budget round two was reviewed, questions answered and vote conducted on each item along the way. At the there was another vote on the grand total which effectively recorded a second vote of approval for the items.
  • Funding for a study of the police station options was approved. Long a discussion item, now the growth of the department is forcing the issue be faced as the space doesn't meet the needs of the staffing. The options of renovate, build new, including where, all need to be sorted out before a decision can be made. Good timing to study now with School also looking at their facility master plan along with updated population numbers to help with the planning.
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting. 
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Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 
Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

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"

FM #535 - Capital Budget SubComm Mtg - 05/05/21 (audio)
FM #535 - Capital Budget SubComm Mtg - 05/05/21 (audio)


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FM #534 - Board of Health Meeting - 05/05/21 (audio)

FM #534 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 534 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the Board of Health members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick Recap:
  • No change in mask requirements for sports, may see change after May 10
  • Improper demolition of building at 76 Jordan Road becoming more of a mess, asbestos found, mitigation steps with DEP and others now involved
  • Winter St deed not filed yet, watching and ready for next steps
  • Grant from Metacomet received, more to come on this as it makes progress
  • Problem with improper addition to residence at 274 Prospect St and Title 5 documentation
Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 29 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for May.  


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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

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

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" 

FM #534 - Board of Health Meeting - 05/05/21 (audio)
FM #534 - Board of Health Meeting - 05/05/21 (audio)


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HockomockSports.com: 2021 Hockomock League Softball Preview

HockomockSports.com has published the softball previews for the Hockomock League for the Spring 2021 season. The FHS preview is shared here. The link to the complete league listing is provided below.


FRANKLIN
2019 Record: 16-7
2019 Finish: Reached Div. 1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Katie Holbrook

After coming within a game of sharing the league title with Taunton in 2019 (and within one run of facing the Tigers in the South semifinal), Franklin returns only two players and has a new coaching staff with Katie Holbrook taking over this season. Despite all the new faces, the Panthers expect to be in the mix for the league title again this year.

Senior Gabby Colace is the lone player on the roster with significant varsity experience and she will be counted on to be a run producer. Fellow senior Molly Collins will join Colace in the middle infield positions and the Panthers have players who are versatile to play multiple positions. Franklin has a potentially strong lineup with Libby Carter, Georgia Harvey, and Lauren Cote all capable of coming up with big hits and driving in a lot of runs. Juniors Julia White and Aislinn Lavery, and senior Jenny Maciel give Franklin good pitching depth and will try to keep the opposition off-balance and allow the defense to make plays behind them. Sophomore Hailey Fales will get the call behind the plate.

“They have already shown in just one scrimmage and a couple of practices great strides in gelling as a team and their commitment to team unity,” said Holbrook. “What we lack in experience we are making up for in determination and commitment to growth. I am impressed with the depth and solid foundation of all the players and it will give us a lot of options with lineups.”

For other softball previews for the Hockomock League

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers
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Franklin High School newsletter - Vol 3 - May 2021

Franklin High School newsletter is available Vol 3 - May 2021

Shared from Facebook:
Franklin High School newsletter - Vol 3 - May 2021
Franklin High School newsletter - Vol 3 - May 2021


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