Talk Franklin: Strong Towns, FY 2022 budget adjustments, Critical Conversations and restaurant alcohol licenses (audio)

FM #660 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 660 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communication Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation in person in Jamie’s office in the Franklin Municipal Building.

We talk about: 

The Strong Towns event at THE BLACK BOX

Finance Committee

• Budget adjustments

• Overall budget cycle, tax rate hearing coming to close, but capital budget for FY 2023 underway

Town Council

• Swearing in, re-org

• Open meeting law, Ethics, records review

• Meeting conduct reminders

Critical Conversations – Nov 18

• Substance abuse and mental health panel and breakout sessions

Links to the key references are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily.

Audio file ->  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/96623c72-eadb-4095-b468-70bd35dab55e

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

Finance Committee meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-11-10_finance_committee_agenda_1.pdf

My meeting notes & meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/fm-655-finance-committee-mtg-111021.html 

Town Council Agenda (98 page PDF agenda and docs released for this meeting)    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_nov_17_2021.pdf

The Worcester Regional Research Bureau restaurant license report referenced during our conversation ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/191cph8dOCd8DJnmB8xQg1rpwkfwRhqz8/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

 

Talk Franklin:  Strong Towns, FY 2022 budget adjustments, Critical Conversations and restaurant alcohol licenses (audio)

HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Kaitlyn Carney, Franklin Field Hockey

"Franklin junior Kaitlyn Carney has been selected as the HockomockSports.com Player of the Week, presented by Morse Insurance, for Nov. 8 through Nov. 14. Carney is the 10th player chosen as Player of the Week for the 2021-22 school year.

Carney was the Hockomock League’s leading scorer in the regular season, and she has continued that form in the playoffs, leading the Panthers with five goals and two assists in three tournament games, helping the Panthers march to their first state semifinal appearance.

“Kaitlyn proved why she is one of the most talented field hockey players in the state with her goal against Central Catholic and her two goals and assist against Winchester,” said Franklin head coach Michelle Hess. “Her two goals against Winchester were very impressive…one was a beautiful penalty stroke and the other was on a corner top shot that was one of the hardest drives I have seen all year. Kaitlyn is an extremely talented player that gives 110% or more every time she steps on the field!”

Continue reading the article about Kaitlyn

https://hockomocksports.com/player-of-the-week-kaitlyn-carney-franklin-field-hockey/ 

HockomockSports.com: Player of the Week - Kaitlyn Carney, Franklin Field Hockey

Massachusetts Wins in The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Recently, the House of Representatives passed and sent to the president's desk The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a transformational and bipartisan law that will create good jobs and raise Massachusetts' infrastructure up to 21st century standards. It will fix roads and bridges, upgrade transit, expand high-speed internet, and invest in clean water and clean energy. I want to highlight how passage of this bill will directly impact Massachusetts: Historic Investments in Clean Water — Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, based on the traditional state revolving fund formula, Massachusetts would receive approximately $1.1 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure clean drinking water.  Repair and Rebuild Our Roads and Bridges — Massachusetts would receive approximately $4.2 billion for federal-aid highway apportioned programs and $1.1 billion for bridge replacement and repairs over five years. Improve Public Transit — Massachusetts would receive approximately $2.5 billion over five years to improve public transportation options across the state.  Invest in Sustainable and Clean Transportation Options — Massachusetts would receive approximately $63 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state. Massachusetts will also have the opportunity to apply for the $2.5 billion in grant funding dedicated to electric vehicle charging in the bill. Expand Access to Affordable High-Speed Internet — Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Massachusetts will receive a minimum allocation of $100 million to help provide broadband coverage across the state, including providing access to the at least 137,000 people in Massachusetts who currently lack it. And, under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, 1,340,000 or 19% of people in Massachusetts will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access. Prepare for Extreme Weather and Cyber Attacks — Based on historical formula funding levels, Massachusetts would receive approximately $5.8 million over five years to protect against wildfires and $15.7 million to protect against cyberattacks. Bay Staters will also benefit from the bill's historic $3.5 billion national investment in weatherization which will reduce energy costs for families. Improve Airports — Under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Massachusetts would receive approximately $244 million for infrastructure development for airports over five years. From fixing roads to guaranteeing clean water, this infrastructure bill will deliver results for every American, all while creating jobs right here at home to get it done. As we work with this Administration on a build back better policy, Massachusetts can lead the way. From Taunton to Newton and beyond, we have the talent and tools to build a more fair and prosperous economy. All we need is better infrastructure. Now, we can build it. Sincerely, Jake Auchincloss Member of Congress OFFICE LOCATIONS WASHINGTON DC OFFICE • 1524 Longworth House Office Building • Washington, DC 20515 • Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON DISTRICT OFFICE • 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 • Newton, MA 02458 • Phone : (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO DISTRICT OFFICE • 8 N. Main St. Suite 200 • Attleboro, MA 02703 • Phone : (508) 431-1110   WEBSITE  |   Click Here to view this email in your browser

Recap: Strong Towns event fostering discussion across rather than within a vertical and reframing a question to get at the issue

Quick Recap:

• Multi-level discussion around how to create sustainable communities. Lots of participation from area communities as well as a good representation of State legislators
• This is a time with the infrastructure bill to help correct some of the imbalance in the liabilities local communities face. Parallel noted to what was done with infrastructure spending coming out of the World War II period to help the economy shift gears from war production to goods production.
• To fix a problem it maybe important to reframe the question to address the broader issue. An example of this is around congestion. If we consider that "Congestion is a demand to be in a place", then congestion is a good thing, so let's create alternatives to get there. Let's not always use auto transportation as the first approach. Parking is heavily subsidized. Consider walking and biking as more than 'exercise'.
• A good start to enabling the conversation we need to have. Consider going across rather than always staying in a vertical approach. Need to be aware of issues with being able to utilize the grants and programs coming. The timeline and resource requirements for such may not be enough to utilize them all due to other economic constraints (i.e. supply chain issues).

-------

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter while I participated in the event at THE BLACK BOX. 
 
The Twitter hashtag #st1115 can be found online The thread begins with https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/1460255606804201475

 

Photos from the event can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/T8ZRubvQKEE6Ab5x6

• Strong Towns event getting underway here at @BLACK_BOXonline with Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, State Rep Jeff Roy, Congressman Auchincloss and Charles Marohn from Strong Towns #st1115
  
• Little note of interest in that in Cobi's prep for running for the open spot last year he found Strong Towns in the bio of Congressman Auchincloss. #st1115
  
• Both Cobi and Rep Roy remark on the collaboration among the three levels of government as key to getting things done and particularly here in Franklin #st1115
  
• Congressman Auchincloss participating remotely as he needed to be in WDC for the signing of the infrastructure bill later today #st1115  part of the wonders of tech to make this happen with Franklin TV live streaming the event
  
• Charles Marohn talks of the choices to build infrastructure in the post WWII era as a way to avoid going back into the depression of the 30's. The parallel is there to what can be done today #st1115
  
• We have responsibilities to address the liabilities created at the local level. The macro economy needs to serve the needs of the local leaders. What does it look like? Pipes in the ground; walking, exercise opportunity  #st1115
• This is a moment where we can connect the macro level to the local leadership #st1115
  
• Question: how do we address messaging around what Newton saw where single family housing was proposed to restricted? #st1115 foster a mixed neighborhood and intergenerational existence
  
• Lets look at how we can allow folks to remain in their house and to gain additional income to do what they need, i.e. fix their roof #st1115
  
• Question: on how to address infrastructure and schooling costs when faced with new development? #st1115 we have lost capacity to address needs at an intermediate step or approach, need to find a way to neighborhood level growth
  
• Question: on unfunded mandates, how do we break that cycle? #st1115  infrastructure bill trying to square up with this funding to cover local liabilities. "subject to appropriation" language added to bills to ensure funding
• Auchincloss advocates looking to find more of education at a national level, special Ed is probably the largest MA local requirement #st1115  a more broad approach could create more equality in the delivery
  
• Question: what do you do to include public engagement? #st1115 four step plan mentioned (will add link to more on this later) a humble approach to address issues, cities are a co-creation, not something someone else does
  
• Question: from Attleboro resident, how do deal with nodes of congestion; #st1115 how do we connect the rest of the Town to the downtown? "Congestion is a demand to be in a place" or congestion is good, let's create alternatives to get there
  
• "No neighborhood should have radical change, nor should any neighborhood be exempt from change" #st1115
  
• Question: Rehoboth no public water, a right to farm community, no master plan and rapid growth residentially #st1115 not a sustainable process, protection of farms to avoid turnover, (master plan?)
  
• Question: from a MassBike advocate on transportation, how do we move away from an 'alternative' and 3 years out from disabilities act; #st1115 reliability of public transportation we need to make it dependable and resilient
  
• To the extent that we subsidize parking is an issue, until we change that we won't make progress; biking and walking is not just exercise, needs to be a policy shift #st1115
  
• Question on the grant requirements and capacity of being able to get things done and recognize that it will take time to do, across state and local levels; thought to make it easier to build things? #st1115
  
• Let's look to more coordination across the local levels rather than at a grant single focus level. It is a burden #st1115 Brookline Q - can't ink development with MBTA and developers bifurcation between state and local levels
  
• Q - how do we deal with an unnamed online retailer who has brought in distribution, warehouses, etc. #st1115 how do we communicate the quality of life associated with it? Need to have the local discussion
  
• Q - what about the sustainability of transit? The train station is permanently subsidized, it is not likely sustainable, only bus transportation comes close to sustainable for a node like ours. What about the regional context? Franklin got to be what it is due to problems created in other Boston neighborhoods  that got folks to move out here
• Thanks around from Rep Roy, etc. #st1115
  

More about Strong Towns can be found online -> https://www.strongtowns.org/
 

Cobi Frongillo talked about the Strong Towns four step approach in his interview preparing for the local election in Nov 2021:

A lot of people around me might hear me talk about a group called Strong Towns. I like a lot of what they say, but I particularly like their four-step approach to community leadership. The first step is to humbly observe where people struggle in your community. Second step is figure out the next small thing you can do to fix that struggle. Third is do that thing, do it right away. And the fourth is repeat that process. I do think that that's the strongest approach to public policy.

The full interview audio (and edited text) can be found ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/fm-611-town-council-candidate-cobi.html

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Charles Marohn from Strong Towns; Congressman Auchincloss attended remotely

Diwali Festival celebrated at Franklin Library

The Indian Diwali Festival was celebrated by around 400 people on Saturday afternoon. 4th District Congressman Jake Auchincloss along with District Director Dana Hanson joined the festivities at America's First Public Library. 

The significance of the Indian Festival of Lights Diwali is victory of Good over Evil.

The program started with prayer and followed by colorful Bollywood Dances and Indian traditional kid dances.

Yummy sweets and brunch boxes were served for Vegetarians and Non-Vegetarians.

Photos and text submitted by community correspondent KP Sompally

Congressman Auchincloss poses with some of the gathering

Congressman Auchincloss gives remarks to the gathering

some of the sweets gathered comments

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements

(in person) The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths on Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

(online) In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram from December 6 – 20. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma (https://www.instagram.com/franklingardenclubma/). The sales will benefit several different club activities.

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens.  They will be reasonably priced from $25 - $35.  The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $25.

Payment for the wreaths and centerpieces may be made through credit card, check, cash, or Venmo.

Club Co-Presidents Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club. All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.   https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements 

Franklin TV: Still Growing - The Only Constant is Change

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV & wfpr●fm 11/14/2021

There are brief moments when I believe (mistakenly) that at some point (Soon?) our technical facilities will be finalized and complete.  Silly me.

When Franklin●TV began in 2012 it was crude – steampunk compared to today’s digital world. We simply played back DVDs and video tapes over three standard TV channels provided by Comcast and Verizon. Done.

The decade has been a whirlwind of technical change and growth. It hasn’t let up. Today is about multimedia, multichannel, multiplatform publishing.  Multi-challenges.  (Yikes!)  Our old SDTV channels live on. Now we also stream our programs and live events over the internet in High Definition. We also provide Videos-on-Demand, we broadcast on the FM dial (102.9) 24/7. We produce and post many new podcasts each week on our radio website, wfpr●fm. We’ve also seen requests for copies of our shows shift from DVDs to High Definition Downloads.

Sooooo- what’s upcoming? What else are we working on? Instant On Demand Video posting immediately after each live meeting and event. Expanded government meetings and live location events coverage. Adding closed captions to many of our programs. This in turn will provide text of interviews and meetings via Franklin Matters.

We are also expanding our network to studios in nearby towns. More sports events are being cablecast regionally. Yes, we are still growing, and that doesn’t happen by standing still – not even for a brief moment.

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  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fb9bLbkIs2T0p52CiIvp9VRtY7FPftjX/view?usp=sharing

Franklin TV: Still Growing - The Only Constant is Change

Town Council - 11/10/21 - re-organization, open meeting law, council comments (audio)

FM #657-658-659 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 657-658-659 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, November 10, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about one hour and fifty minutes (1:50 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• Part 1 -> covers the opening, Town Clerk swearing in, Town Council swearing, organization vote to select Chair, Vice-chair and Clerk, citizen comments, appointment approvals of four for the Cultural Council and multiple license transactions (~34 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f43eaefe-d2ea-4926-a275-074746a41c9f

• Part 2 -> covers the Open Meeting Law, Ethics, and Records presentation and Q&A session led by Attorney Mark Cerel (~ 43 minutes)  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e54c21c9-2901-4d32-8ab3-b87e725b095e

• Part 3 -> covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments, then they enter Executive Session not to return to open meeting (~ 33 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/0ebadfc4-56b9-4ac7-8a40-57f0e4479b08

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Nov 10, 2021

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

Agenda document -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/recap-town-council-reorganizes-sort-of.html

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/11/town-council-quarterbacking-111221-audio.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"

Chair Tom Mercer, flanked by Vice Chair Bob Dellorco (left), Clerk Glenn Jones (right)

Franklin High School - yes, there are THREE final four games scheduled this week!

First up FHS field hockey takes on Andover on Tuesday, Nov 16

Full MIAA bracket ->  http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5764

FHS field hockey takes on Andover on Tuesday, Nov 16

Then FHS volleyball takes on Needham on Wednesday, Nov 17

Full MIAA bracket -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5756

FHS volleyball takes on Needham on Wednesday, Nov 17

And last but not least, FHS football takes on Springfield Central on Saturday, Nov 20

Full MIAA bracket -> http://miaa.statebrackets.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=5746

FHS football takes on Springfield Central on Saturday, Nov 20

Franklin, MA: Industry in Franklin - video by Joe Landry

This video highlights the many mills and factories that were in Franklin over the years.

video link -> https://youtu.be/AlVAnMVnQ_M

YMCA - Open House for Group Exercise & Personal Training Programs - Nov 19-20

Join us on Friday, November 19th and Saturday, November 20th for an Open House to experience our Group Exercise and Personal Training programs at the Y! This is a 2-day health & wellness celebration at our Y to try something new and challenge yourself. Bring your friends (for free) to the Open House, too! No registration required.

We will have personal trainers, wellness floor staff, and our nutritionist available to welcome you and answer your wellness questions. See you at the Y! 

For more information visit the Y online -> https://www.hockymca.org/wellness-open-house/ 

YMCA - Open House for Group Exercise & Personal Training Programs - Nov 19-20