FM #585 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 07/22/21 (audio)

FM #585 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 585 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  

a. Retirement: Patti Wyllie, Treasurer-Collector's Department 

b. Retirement: Tommy Gundstrom, DPW 

c. Recognition: Ndoumbe Ndoye, Franklin High School, Commonwealth Heroines Award

Acknowledged – Chrissy Welton relocating to FL, hiring to backfill

Transition planning

 

Dean College all alcohol license

Right of first refusal for Maple Hill, first use of CPA funds

Town Administrator contract minor modifications and extension

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

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/54ea70a2-5181-4415-92f9-81216f7b4319

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Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/recap-town-council-approves-dean.html 

Town Council audio recording -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-audio.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!

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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 #585 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 07/22/21 (audio)

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting - July 28, 2021

Policy Sub Committee Meeting

Municipal Building - Council Chambers (Virtual Link in Agenda)

Wednesday, 7/28/2021 

TIME: 6:00 - 7:30 pm

I. Electronic Distribution of Approved Policies
1. JFAB - Student Moving Procedures
2. JFABE - Educational Opportunities for Military Children
3. JFABF - Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care
4. JFAA-R - School Admission/Residency (pending SC adoption 7/13/21)
5. Policy Distribution Folder

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. COVID-related policies for return to school 2021-2022
B. Review of Policy EEA - Student Transportation Policy and Eligibility
C. Review of Policy JFAA - New Resident Procedures
D. Continued review of Policy Section G

Shared from Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/7_28_21_policy_sub_com_agenda.pdf

Policy Subcommittee Meeting - July 28, 2021

SAFE Coalition is hiring

The SAFE Coalition is looking to hire a full time community outreach coordinator. 

Shared from Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/p/CRrFED0NUOe/

or Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/safecoalitionma/posts/2295089797287880

SAFE Coalition is hiring

Franklin Downtown Partnership Prepares for Harvest Festival - October 2, 2021

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is making plans for its 18th annual Harvest Festival, a family-fun community event, scheduled for Saturday, October 2, 2021.

The Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Franklin from noon to 5 PM on Main Street, Dean Avenue, West Central Street, and Depot Street, as well as the large parking area behind Rockland Bank. The event’s rain date is Sunday, October 3. 

During the event, visitors will be treated to exciting local entertainment, delicious fall flavors from local restaurants, fun kid crafts and activities, shop specials, artwork and crafts by area artisans and helpful information from community groups and vendors. There will also be an Oktoberfest featuring local breweries and wineries.

"We’re thrilled to be able to bring back the Harvest Festival this year after last year’s COVID-imposed break,” said Scott Martin, president of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Harvest Festival chairperson. “The Harvest Festival is a great opportunity to invite people to gather downtown, learn more about local businesses and organizations, and catch up with their neighbors.”

Registration for vendor booth spaces will open on Aug 10, 2021, and organizers expect booth space to sell out. Partnership members receive a booth for free; non-members pay $125. Downtown businesses must register to ensure store-front space. Booths are assigned on a first-come first-serve basis. Please add a $35 late fee if you register after September 15. Registration will close on September 20. Email Chris Peterson, Harvest Festival vendor relations coordinator, at fdpevent@gmail.com with questions about the event.

The Partnership also welcomes businesses to help support the Harvest Festival. Sponsor forms are posted on the website, or business owners can contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com. Harvest Festival sponsors can promote and advertise their business while supporting the Harvest Festival. Sponsors get prominent booth locations and publicity prior, during and after the event.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Learn more about the Partnership at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org. 

 

Planning underway for Franklin Harvest Festival - Oct 2

Franklin Dog Park needs your financial support

The Franklin Dog Park needs your help.  Last year, due to COVID, both major fund raising venues for the park were cancelled.  As a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership we relied on the generosity of those who stopped by our booth during both the Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festivals to enroll in our raffle, make a token donation for a handmade doggie bandana and enjoy the freebie treats.  Many attendees first learned of the dog park during their visit to our booth.

The Furry Friends purchases all the supplies for the park (doggie waste bags, hand sanitizer, toys).  Several years ago we purchased two benches and this year we had helpful signs made to display around the park.  On the average we spend annually up to $1,000.00 and sometimes more.  We do not receive any financial assistance from the Town of Franklin although, the DPW is a wonderful supporter doing all necessary repairs at the park.  

The Franklin Dog Park is the “people’s park.” As such every effort is made to keep it clean and safe for the dogs and their owners – many of whom travel from surrounding towns.  Please consider making a donation to help us cover costs.

The Furry Friends has a checking account at the Dean Bank in downtown Franklin.  Your donation will go directly into that account.  We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.  Your contribution is tax deductible to the extent provided by law. 

Please make your check out to: Furry Friends of Franklin, Inc.  Either stop by Dean Bank or mail your check to Dean Bank, 21 Main Street, Franklin, MA 02038.  

Submitted by Furry Friends of the Franklin Dog Park  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDogPark

Franklin Dog Park needs your financial support

Franklin, MA Town Council Meeting - audio recording of 07/21/21 - three parts

FM #582, 583, and 584 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 582, 583, and 584 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some of the public participated in person, some were remote via the Zoom conference bridge, as we move to come out of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost 3 hour meeting into three logical segments:

• First - covers the opening with 3 recognitions, and the public hearing on the tasting room definition zoning bylaw change (~37 mins)

• Second - covers the Dean College alcohol license discussion and new vote. Dean had been denied in 2020, appealed to the ABCC, and the ABCC determined the Council had improperly denied the license. (~1:09  or 69 mins)

• Third - covers the legislation for action including funding approval and acceptance of the first right of refusal for the Maple Hill purchase with CPA funds. They enter Executive Session and return about 30 minutes later. The update on the Town Administrators contract was provided, approved via vote, and then the meeting closed. (~44 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of July 21, 2021

Part 1 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ee8310e1-b1af-4c4f-89d7-d389d89c43ff

Part 2 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/180ef474-54f9-47be-a075-17f497737b5d

Part 3 - https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9cd624de-b710-47ac-82d3-39e42aef4b2b

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Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-07-21_town_council_agenda_2.pdf

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-21-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/recap-town-council-approves-dean.html 

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

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 www.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"

Franklin, MA Town Council Meeting - audio recording of 07/21/21 - three parts

"Affordable housing projects often draw resistance from neighbors"

"Housing costs are soaring across southern Maine, driving families from the towns where they were raised and bringing tensions to a boil as young residents and retirees struggle to compete against an influx of out-of-staters and well-off buyers.

That dynamic, which has intensified across the country during the pandemic, has unsettled quiet Cape Elizabeth, an affluent coastal community just south of Portland, where a proposal to build the town’s first affordable housing project in 50 years has pitted neighbor against neighbor and raised hard questions of who can afford to live here.

“This is a community of tremendous privilege and wealth, but there are other people in this town who are not well-off,” said Jamie Garvin, the Town Council chairman who supports the 49-unit project. “People are being priced out of the community they’ve lived in for a number of years.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/07/23/metro/affordable-housing-plan-divides-affluent-portland-suburb/ 

Portland, Maine is not alone in having this affordable housing discussion. With the Housing Production Plan being worked on currently, this is a timely topic. Public comment on the Plan closed at the end of June. The revised draft is expected to come back out for review and comment as it needs approval from both the Planning Board and the Town Council. The plan is a component of the overall "Master Plan" for Franklin for which the update process is scheduled to begin next year.

Current draft of the Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/franklin_housing_production_plan_-_may_2021_public_draft.pdf

Current Master Plan  https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/pages/master-plan

The most recent virtual meeting on Housing took place July 14, 2021 and the audio recording is available here  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/07/fm-580-community-conversation-on.html

FM #580 - Community Conversation on Housing & Race - 07/14/21 (audio)

Franklin Senior Center: Email Blast - July 23, 2021

Hello Everyone!

Staying Connected

Link to the Senior Center - https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

Link to the Senior Center Calendar https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/day 

Link to Franklin Matters - https://www.franklinmatters.org/ and www.franklin.news 

Link to the Town's webpage - https://www.franklinma.gov/

Link to the Franklin Observer - https://franklinobserver.town.news/ 

Link to Mass.Gov COVID - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information 

Tips

Sleeping with science - 6 tips for getting a good night's sleep

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0kACis_dJE 

Paul Eugene low impact 30 minute workout - He's coming at you from the beach! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yf4lcz8CsAg 

Music

The classical period.  A brief history of classical music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhooZG6jiOM 

25 bizarre facts about classical music

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1lUR7tLjLA 

Romantic mandolin music - Venetian serenade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L04V4OFKOLk 

Just for Fun

Kids try banned food

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-G2WgBs0AU 

How one man in Egypt is keeping a 200 year old tradition alive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5x7GLl-mMo 

Humor

Candid Camera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6UzgBALsxco 

Cats interrupting work (anyone working remotely with pets can relate to this!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-Es4gkwGkY 

Kindness Matters

A valuable lesson for a happier life (What an incredible message and reminder!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqGRnlXplx0 

Color your world with kindness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdA2sByFX1I 

Upcoming Events

*Monday 

9:00 Hairdresser / Barber by appt. 

9:30 Italian Conversation 

9:30 Mexican Train Dominoes 

1:00 Chair Volleyball 

1:00 American MahJong 

1:15 Movie: "Hamilton"

 6:00 Cribbage 

*Tuesday

 9:00 Cribbage 

9:30 Busy Bees Crafter 

9:30 Low Impact w/Shirley $3 

9:30 Hand & Foot Cards 

10:00 Virtual Chair w Judith 

11:00 Cardio, Strength $3 

1:00 Bingo 

1:00 Cribbage Instruction 

1:00 Quilting 

1:00 Mindful Movements $3 

5:00 Quarantini Time Zoom 

 *Wednesday

8:30 Blood Pressure & Sugar 

9:45 Chair Yoga $3 

10:00 Knitting 

10:00 Scrabble 

10:00 Asian MahJong 

11:00 Zumba $3 

1:00 Chair Volleyball 

1:00 Line Dancing $2 

1:00 Senior Scribblers 

1:00 Bridge 

1:00 Hairdresser by appt. 

4:00 Alzheimer's Caregivers Support Group 

*Thursday 

8:30 Blood Pressure & Sugar 

9:00 Cribbage 

9:30 Busy Bees Crafters 

9:30 Bocce Ball 

9:30 Low Impact w Shirley $3 

10:00 Virtual Chair w Judith 

10:00 Discussion Group 

11:00 Cardio, Strength $3 

11:00 Balance Class w Trish 

12:30 Painting Space 

1:00 Bingo 

1:15 Tai Chi $3 

 

*Friday  

9:30 Hand & Foot Cards 

10:00 Woodcarving 

11:00 Sunshine Zoom Group 

12:00 T.O.P.S. 

1:00 Pokeno

Attached you will find Donna's fun filled activity pages

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LHOLgvReZxRZJV0GnHwYh907CjH6MlTF/view?usp=sharing

Time is short so remember to make the most of every day.  Tell your friends what you enjoy about them, let your family know you love them and spread some kindness!

Ariel

--

Ariel Doggett

Virtual Program Coordinator

Respite Coordinator

Supportive Day Coordinator

"We rise by lifting others" - Robert Ingersoll

There is no act of kindness too small