FM#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

FM #604 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 604 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 of September 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4.       PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a.        Police Department:

i.          Sergeant Lee Drake - Retirement

ii.         Sergeant Louis Marguerite - Promotion

 

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Janice Prentice - Associate member, Historical Commission   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_-_prentice.pdf 

b.        Chuna Keophannga - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5b._appointment_-_keophannga.pdf 

c.         Tyrel Hansen - Finance Committee   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5c._appointment_-_hansen.pdf 

 

7.        LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a.        Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a Franklin Shed, New Section 12 Restaurant, All Alcoholic Beverages, and approval of manager, located at 340 East Central Street, Franklin, MA.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._web_franklin_shed.pdf 

 

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        SAFE Coalition, Jennifer Knight-Levine, Executive Director

b.        Delcarte Conservation Area Weed Remediation, Jennifer Delmore, Conservation Agent  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._delcarte_weeds_pres.pdf

 

10.      LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-53: Gift Acceptance, Franklin Public Library $5,890, Veterans’ Service Department $300, Fire Department $200 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-53 - Majority Vote)

b.        Bylaw Amendment 21-875: Chapter 82, Trash and Recycling Fee Increase - Second Reading

(Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 21-875 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10b._21-875_trash.pdf 

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

Our conversation runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/9ff2fbfe-abca-4e0b-893e-e69b66a08c5c

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Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-introduction-retirement-promotion.html 

Volunteer form -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

The report tab is configured for two reports, one on vacancies -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php 

And one on expiring terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/et.php  

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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#604 - Town Council Quarterbacking - 09/15/21 (audio)

Franklin TV: Wine & Blues - Because, hey! Wine & Blues

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director   09/19/2021

So, what say we start with a little wine?

Our amazing wine experts Mark Lenzi of franklinliquors.com and Kim Simone of vinitaswineworks.com have been talking wine for almost 4 years now. Every single episode of The Wonderful World of Wine is a ‘spirited’ adventure  (rimshot).
This year their podcast is nominated as a national finalist for a People’s Choice Podcast Award  (Fingers crossed).

You can listen to Mark & Kim on wfpr●fm 102.9 – Wednesdays at 10:00 AM / 1:00 PM / 7:00 PM.

Franklin TV: Wine & Blues - Because, hey! Wine & Blues

This week Jim Derick and Todd Monjar get even more serious Talkin’ bout the Blues.  They will be expanding their authoritative blues program to two hours. I’m down with that. Check it out – Mondays at 9:00 AM / 12:00 noon / 6:00 PM.

So, pour a glass, turn up the earbuds – and chill. Because, hey! – Wine & Blues.

And – as always –  

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.  

And, thank you for watching Franklin TV

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 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a1v1NX9Drpb3kCma1hBXq8FKpr2l-7Vy/view?usp=sharing

Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) Meeting Agenda - Monday, Sep 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM

Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN)

FANN Meeting Agenda 

Monday, September 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM

1. 700 PM - Call to order, review agenda and any housekeeping Steve Sherlock

2.    Introductions

        715 PM     open

        720 PM open

        725 PM open

        730 PM open 

              

3. 7:35 PM (or 7:10ish) Review and approval of Mission, Vision and Core Values https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/2021/08/fann-steering-committee-has-two-updates.html

4. 7:45 PM (or 7:20ish) Round table on outlook for each group; what items are you working on to add to the community calendar of events?

Link to meeting day of week preference ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/quick-survey-results-wednesday-evening.html

Action: To submit a community or cultural event, please use this form:

https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

5. 8:00 PM (or 7:35ish) Steering Committee, Actions, Next Month agenda, Wrap Up Bo Kinney/Steve Sherlock

4. 820 PM (0r 7:45ish) Adjourn

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Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88526616859?pwd=cGJ6QXlMaG5OdjhzVXJsZ3hySmJpZz09

Meeting ID: 885 2661 6859

Passcode: wfpr1029

One tap mobile

+16465588656,,88526616859#,,,,*02277432# US (New York)

+13017158592,,88526616859#,,,,*02277432# US (Washington DC)

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The Franklin Area Nonprofit Network page is now live and functioning. 

https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/

Check out the listing of nonprofits   https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html

Use the form to make updates, changes, or additions

https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/directory-addchange.html

Franklin Area Nonprofit Network (FANN) Meeting Agenda - Monday, Sep 20, 2021 – 7:00 PM

Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reminds consumers if they have a Registry question, the answer is just a phone call away by dialing the Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101. The department is open Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

“The Customer Service Center is a one-stop shop for Norfolk County homeowners and institutional users who have land related document questions,” said O’Donnell. “These questions can vary such as confirming the current ownership of a particular property, or verifying if a discharge of a property’s mortgage has been filed after the loan has been paid off. We are glad to help with any inquiry, whether you come through our doors or call us by phone.”

Register O’Donnell further noted, “The department can also inform customers about the various cost for filing and receiving land documents. Upon a customer’s request -whether it’s by visiting us here at the Registry or by a direct mail request - we can provide copies of documents to you for a fee of $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 per document to cover the cost of postage.”

The Registry only accepts cash or check payments. In addition, the Customer Service Center staff is happy to answer questions about the Homestead Act, a law which provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.

O’Donnell went on to say, “For many, trying to ascertain information about land documents can be a very frustrating and intimidating experience. Please know our trained customer service staff is well-versed in all areas of land document research. By utilizing our state-of-the-art land document research system, which is also available via www.norfolkdeeds.org, people can get answers to their property questions.”

Notary services are also offered by the Customer Service Center. “All staff members are notary publics. We are more than glad to notarize any land document provided the person requesting the service appears before us and presents satisfactory proof of identification by showing either their driver’s license or passport,” said O’Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Providing first-class customer service is a core objective of the Registry’s mission to serve the public. We strive to ensure our customers have a positive experience when interacting with us. The bottom line is: We are glad to be of service to you.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham.  The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information.  All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org.  Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org

 

Register O’Donnell Highlights Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center

Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021

An update on the Recycling event held Saturday, Sep 18, 2021 via State Representative Jeff Roy, one of the co-sponsor: 

"We had a very successful Franklin Recycling and Energy Event at Chilson Beach Parking Lot on Beaver Street today. Over 300 cars were served and over 100 dehumidifiers were delivered in exchange for $30 and a rebate on a new purchase. 

The program typically brings in 1,600 dehumidifiers annually across the state, and we did 100 in just one day in Franklin. We also collected four truckloads of furniture for Habitat for Humanity and two truckloads of electronics for recycling. We had folks from Eversource and Mass Save to sign up customers for energy savings repairs in their homes. It was a great way to help fight climate change and reduce energy costs. 

Much thanks to Fred Frederick Cullen at Green Team Junk Removal, Marcie Rappa, National Grid, MassSave, Habitat for Humanity, and the Town of Franklin for helping put it all together and make it a success. And thank you to the residents for helping save the planet by showing up and turning in your unused goods and recycling them."

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/534850033/posts/10165383002125034/

The notification of this event including the listing of sponsors

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/attention-franklin-recycling-and-energy.html

Recap: Franklin Recycling and Energy Event - Sep 18, 2021

CommonWealth Magazine: "Listen to what food insecure people say they need"

"NEARLY 20 PERCENT of Massachusetts households struggle to access food — a number that has more than doubled during the pandemic. It’s a serious and growing issue, and there’s no shortage of proposed solutions. But to address this problem, we must first properly diagnose it, and there’s one group of people who know better than anyone how to improve food support systems: people who are themselves food insecure. So we asked them. And the results were clear and consistent.

In a survey of over 500 food insecure people across Massachusetts, two common themes emerged: proximity and choice. Across all demographics, those struggling to provide fresh, healthy food for themselves and their families pointed to these same two areas when asked how they could better be served by our food aid systems. By trusting people, bringing food directly to those who need it, and by giving them the freedom and agency to select food they will actually eat, we can build a more effective model for addressing food insecurity."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/listen-to-what-food-insecure-people-say-they-need/

Direct link to MassInc Survey results

https://www.massincpolling.com/the-topline/to-improve-food-access-people-experiencing-food-insecurity-call-for-greater-flexibility-and-ease-of-access

 

Editors Note: This report reinforces the approach the Franklin Food Pantry has taken in addressing our local needs. Yes, there was a change in their plans for the new building but it shows the courage that the Food Pantry had in acknowledging the change in circumstances. Their plans for the 138 West Central building were underway pre-pandemic, and the pandemic affected the delivery model the Food Pantry used, hence the building would not have meet the future needs of the Pantry clients. As a former Board member and regular financial backer of the Food Pantry, I wholeheartedly endorse their approach.

MassInc Survey results

Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 21, 2021

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 21, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd Floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes for 6/17/21.
2. Historical Tours Dates Discussion

a. September 29th from 4-6PM at the Franklin Historical Museum and Red Brick Schoolhouse.

b. October 1st from 9-11 AM at the same venues.

3. Chapter 61A Update - 215 Prospect Street change of use.
4. Affordable Housing Update - Town Administration and Community Development and Planning Offices

a. Draft 2021 Housing Production Plan  (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/preliminary_final_housing_production_plan_-_august_2021.pdf)

b. Affordable Housing Update   (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/maht_december_14_2020.pdf)

c. 2020 Town Master Plan Update   (

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf)

 

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-09-21_cpc_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee - Sep 23, 2021

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX Online! Featuring The Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck!  

Lineup: 

1:30 - Berkshire Valley Boys 

2:30 - The DayBreakers 

3:30 - The Inflatables

4:30 - InTransition  

General Admission: $10

Berkshire Valley Boys  - After 21 years together, the Berkshire Valley Boys  still enjoy the party! Their shows blur the line between band and guests as they encourage interactive experience.  Songs from  six decades along with originals enhance the fun.  

DayBreakers  - Steadily climbing the ranks of New England's roots rock and roll scene, the DayBreakers reached new peaks in 2021. This summer featured a nomination for Blues Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards, supporting sets in some of the regions most respected rooms (Jonathan's in Ogunquit, Maine, Chan's in Woonsocket, RI, and Black Box in Franklin, Mass.), and a continuation of their weekly residency at the Gavel Public House in Wrentham, Mass. Over the last three years, the band released an Americana Music Association (AMA) Top 200 charting record and opened for James Montgomery, Entrain, The High Divers, Reverend Peyton, and more. 

The Inflatables, featuring long time recording artist Agona Hardison bring a full-size band sound with a unique jam style experience to 60-80s rock songs that you may not hear out in other venues.  Band Members: Dean Najarian, David Porter, John Cangiano, Agona Hardison, Jeff Smith, Ted Abely and Ron D'Attilio

 

The InTransition Band (aka InTransition) is a local Wrentham Band that plays an Eclectic Range of Classic and Contemporary  Blues,  Country,  Rock,  R&B and Irish Music.  Featuring Becca Zitomer on Vocals and Flute with Bill Zitomer on Lead Guitar, Fred Holmes on Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Tom Black  , Drums and Vocals and Dennis McHale, Bass and Vocals. InTransition has been playing in the MA Metro West Area for over 12 years. 

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/theblackboxonline/posts/4111479755640811

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24

The Franklin Garden Club will sell real and artificial fall arrangements at the Friday, September 24, Franklin Farmers Market from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. 

Small succulents will also be sold in painted pots.  The arrangements, made by Garden Club members, will be in containers reflecting traditional fall colors of bronze, gold, orange and black and will be reasonably priced from $5 - $10.  

It is a great opportunity to purchase flowers for yourself or to give as gifts to others.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit Garden Club activities that include planting and caring for the Town Common Garden and urns at the Franklin Library, as well as sponsoring the pine tree sapling program and an annual scholarship. 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24

"Opioid epidemic grinds on in Mass. at elevated rates"

"AS THE COVID-19 pandemic continues to fill headlines, the opioid epidemic grinds on with few signs of improvement. In this research brief we analyze recent data on opioid-related deaths in Massachusetts, including data from the COVID time period, to help us keep sight of a crisis that continues wreaking havoc on lives to this day.

At the peak of the opioid epidemic in 2016, Massachusetts reached 29.7 deaths per 100,000 residents, more than two times the national rate (for further detail on the causes of this increase, please see our 2018 report Opioid Addiction Is a National Crisis. And It’s Twice as Bad in Massachusetts). While this rate has stopped climbing quite so dramatically, as of 2016 it has held steady at historically high rates, remaining in the high 20s per 100,000 and spiking back up to 30 per 100,000 during the peak of the COVID pandemic in 2020.

Fortunately, there are signs that opioid-related overdose deaths may yet decrease in 2021. During a Public Health Council meeting in August, MassDPH presented preliminary data showing that the first six months of 2021 saw an estimated 5 percent decrease in total deaths from the same period in 2020, which would roughly bring Massachusetts back to 2019 levels. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/health/opioid-epidemic-grinds-on-in-mass-at-elevated-rates/ 

Direct link to report -> https://www.bostonindicators.org/reports/report-website-pages/opioids-2018

"Opioid epidemic grinds on in Mass. at elevated rates"

Franklin Cultural Council accepting grants for new funding cycle until Oct 15, 2021

"Apply Now!

Applications for cultural grants are now being accepted at https://massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com until October 15th.

All are encouraged to apply and please share this with your friends and colleagues who may be interested. 

Apply now for GRANTS funding projects and events in the ARTS, HUMANITIES and SCIENCES!"

Guidelines for grant applications -> https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/franklin/

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1515417705478718

Franklin Cultural Council accepting grants for new funding cycle until Oct 15, 2021

CHIA Report: "‘Frequent flyers’ account for 9.4% of ER visits"

"As state policymakers seek ways to slow the growth in health care costs and improve access to care, a new report by the Center for Health Information and Analysis on emergency department usage highlights some areas policymakers may want to look at.

The report, released Thursday, is the health policy agency’s first statewide report on how emergency rooms are being used. It analyzes data from 2016 through 2019, before the COVID pandemic. CHIA executive director Ray Campbell said it is meant to provide a baseline for government, health care providers, researchers, and insurers to better understand how the emergency room is being used. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/frequent-flyers-account-for-9-4-of-er-visits-2/
 

Direct link to the report ->  https://www.chiamass.gov/assets/docs/r/pubs/2021/CMSR-Emergency-Department-FY2019-Report.pdf

For more about the Center for Health Information and Analysis  visit https://www.chiamass.gov/

CHIA Report:  "‘Frequent flyers’ account for 9.4% of ER visits"

South Station Air Rights Project: Construction Update - September 17, 2021

View this email in your browser The following is an update on construction activity for the South Station Air Rights Project. As construction progresses into Stage 2, work will transition from the station and concourse areas into established construction work zones adjacent to Atlantic Avenue, including Track 13 on east side of the railyard and the primary Tower Work Zone. We will continue to send construction advisories to outline the project progress and schedule, as well as any passenger impacts. We also encourage you to visit the project website and check out the updated Project Photos and Documents page to see the new gallery of construction photos.  During construction, crews will continue to work as efficiently as possible to minimize impacts to the traveling public. We appreciate your patience and engagement during this time.  Construction Update - September 17, 2021 Suffolk Construction, the contractor for the South Station Air Rights Project, will continue daytime and overnight construction at South Station. Please allow extra time (5–10 minutes) as you get used to new construction zones and paths of travel at the station. Trains might arrive and depart on a different track than what is typical. Be sure to check your track number before boarding. Photo taken on September 14, 2021 showing work on the steel structure that will cover the railyard.  Activity on Tracks and Platforms The contractor is currently erecting a steel structure that will cover the entire railyard, which will support the expanded bus terminal. The next phase of steel erection has begun, and the structure (which is currently over Tracks 1-6) has begun to cover Tracks 7, 8, 9 & 10. The contractor will continue to place concrete on the new steel structure above the tracks as the structure is completed.    In the Tower Work Zone, the contractor is continuing with pre-excavation operations to support installation of the tower deep foundation elements, which will begin in October. This work will be entirely behind the construction barriers, but customers may hear work and experience vibrations from it.    In the next few weeks, a second crane will be set up to assist with the construction of the steel structure and the expansion of the bus terminal. This crane will be located between the station and the Post Office (adjacent to Track 13). Once it is operational, Track 13 will continue to operate normally during the day, but will be closed between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The overhead canopy, located between Tracks 12 and 13 will be removed in October. This work will occur at night. Pedestrian travel routes will be maintained at all times and clearly delineated. There will be access to CharlieCard validators used for the Fairmount Line.   The common platform has expanded around the work zone, providing direct access to all tracks. Passengers can use the new bifold doors near Tracks 1 and 2 to access the outdoor concourse and platforms. The other sets of doors are now closed. The contractor has also completed the infill of Tracks 1 and 2, further expanding the platform. Activity in Atlantic Avenue Area A crane, located in the Atlantic Avenue Work Zone, is currently erecting the steel structure for the new bus terminal expansion and parking garage overbuild.   The lane on Atlantic Avenue formerly available for parking will continue to be used for pedestrian access around the work zone while steel erection work continues.   Commuters traveling between the South Station concourse and the South Station bus terminal are encouraged to use the Platform A walkway to bypass the expanded Atlantic Avenue Work Zone. Activity in Summer Street Plaza Area Work in this area is taking place behind construction barriers. This area serves as the main construction access for the Tower Work Zone. A uniformed police officer is stationed in the area when the gate is in use. Pedestrian travel routes will be maintained at all times and clearly delineated. There will be access to CharlieCard validators used for the Fairmount Line.  For more information: Visit the project website, www.southstationairrights.com If you have questions, please email the project team: team@southstationairrights.com  Project hotline (for complaints, emergencies, and general inquiries): 617-445-3500 The schedule for this infrastructure project is weather dependent and subject to change without notice. Please encourage your friends, colleagues, and neighbors who may be interested in this project to sign up for email alerts as well. Visit www.southstationairrights.com for more information.

South Station Air Rights · 51 Franklin St Ste 400 · Boston, MA 02110-1335 · USA