Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Reminder: Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21

The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, 1 Church Square (masks required) and live streamed at stmarysfranklin.org, then  click Live-stream Masses.

This year, the service features preacher Rev. Dr. Marylayna Schmidt, Interim Minister at Franklin Federated Church, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit Gilly’s House addiction treatment center in Wrentham (gillyshouse.com).

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. 

The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :

      First Universalist Society in Franklin

      St. John’s Episcopal Church

      Temple Etz Chaim

      St. Mary’s Catholic Parish

      Franklin Federated Church

      Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

       Franklin United Methodist Church

For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook:  Franklin Interfaith Council. 

Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21
Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21

Get your Franklin questions answered - Franklin Matters Q&A - Nov 18

Event Date:  Thursday, November 18, 2021 - 1:00 PM

Join Steve Sherlock at the Franklin Senior Center or on Zoom as he discusses all things Franklin. Bring your questions! To join via Zoom: 

Join Zoom Meeting  ->  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89150444140?pwd=cytEcDRhTjVVMDJnUk1sZ0pPbW5UUT09

Meeting ID: 891 5044 4140
Passcode: wfpr1029 

Get your Franklin questions answered - Franklin Matters Q&A - Nov 18
Get your Franklin questions answered - Franklin Matters Q&A - Nov 18


Urgent: Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations - PENDING PRELIMINARY CERTIFICATION

Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations - PENDING PRELIMINARY CERTIFICATION

Please see the following notice from the Board of Assessors:

The Town of Franklin has completed a revaluation as required by the Department of Revenue and has received permission to disclose the proposed values pending preliminary certification from the DOR.  The Fiscal Year 2022 values are based on the value of property as of January 1, 2021 and were developed analyzing Calendar Year 2020 sales and also income and expense information received for apartment, commercial and industrial properties.  The analysis by the Assessors' Department indicates that over the prior year assessments, single family properties increased in value by about 8%, residential condominiums increased by about 7%, residential vacant land stayed about the same overall, apartments increased by about 22%, commercial property increased by about 11% and industrial property increased by about 10%.

These are preliminary statistical averages.  Some properties increased in value, some properties remained essentially the same in value and some properties decreased in value.  Some properties have a substantial increase in value due to additions and/or renovations to the property or due to corrections in the property data descriptions resulting from a review, a re-measure and/or a re-inspection in the course of our town-wide cyclical review and revaluation programs.

From November 17, 2021 to November 23, 2021 real and personal property values are available for review at the Franklin Municipal Building during normal business hours from 8 AM to 4 PM on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Wednesday, and 8 AM to 1 PM on Friday.  A listing alphabetically by street address is available.  Real property values by Location, Owner or Parcel ID are available on the Town's website at www.franklinma.gov under Departments, then Board of Assessors and then select FY 2022 Proposed Real Estate Assessments.

Any taxpayer who is concerned with the accuracy of the valuation of their property should contact the staff at the Assessors' Office at the Franklin Municipal Building (508) 520-4920. Remember in accordance with Massachusetts General Law that these assessed values represent property values as of January 1, 2021 based primarily on Calendar Year 2020 actual market data and not the current or any projected future property market indicators.

At the end of the public disclosure period, we will request final certification of the FY 2022 revaluation assessment program from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. Please note that this is pending Preliminary Certification from.

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/alerts/franklin_fiscal_year_2022_public_disclosure_-_press_release.11.16.2021.docx.pdf

Visit the Town of Franklin Assessors page to inquire on your property ->  http://franklin.patriotproperties.com/default.asp?br=exp&vr=6


Urgent: Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations
Urgent: Public Disclosure of the new FY 2022 Real and Personal Property Valuations


Have you registered for the Turkey Trot yet?

The Franklin Food Pantry is pleased to announce that the annual Franklin Turkey Trot is back in-person on Thanksgiving, November 25, 2021 at 8:00 AM and is celebrating its ten year anniversary! The 5K starts at 91 Jordan Road, Franklin, MA and follows a lollipop route in a local neighborhood.

The registration fee goes directly to the Franklin Food Pantry, keeping donations local to help feed those in need. Participants can register online here. Due to COVID restrictions, the Franklin Food Pantry will not be able to accept food donations instead of the fee. Thank you for understanding this change in policy. Runners can also purchase a t-shirt directly from the registration page to commemorate their experience.

“In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, The Pantry has shifted its distribution model to meet our neighbors’ changing needs for food and services. This month, we are moving to a hybrid distribution model, offering both in-person and drive-up distribution. We have added home delivery and mobile pantries to reach our neighbors who cannot come to us and increased office hours to assist neighbors who may need more than food,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “We are so grateful for the continued tradition of the Franklin Turkey Trot to help fund our many services. These programs help us provide hunger relief to our community, especially during these
challenging times.”


Race web page for info on the race, course, etc. ->   http://www.franklinturkeytrot.org/

About the Franklin Food Pantry
The Franklin Food Pantry offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,000 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.
The pack is off and running in the 2019 Franklin 5K Turkey Trot
The pack is off and running in the 2019 Franklin 5K Turkey Trot

Franklin Historical Museum - Winter Hours Reminder

As the days grow shorter and colder the museum has switched to our Winter schedule. 

We’re open weekends only, Saturday mornings 10AM-1PM and Sunday afternoons 1PM-4PM.  

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and visit our website Franklinmuseum1778.com for event schedules and updates. We are ADA compliant and admission is always free.

Franklin Historical Museum - Winter Hours Reminder
Franklin Historical Museum - Winter Hours Reminder


The wfpr.fm Franklin Matters Radio show schedule for Nov 17 and Nov 20, 2021

The wfpr.fm Franklin Matters Radio schedule for this week: Wednesday, Nov 17 and Saturday, Nov 20, 2021:

  • Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer is scheduled Wednesday at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM 
  • The recent "Talk Franklin" episode with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing/Communication Specialist Lily Rivera is scheduled for airplay on Wednesday at 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM 

On Saturday both shows replay

  • 9:00 AM => Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer
  • 3:00 PM => "Talk Franklin" episode of Nov 15, 2021

Where can I listen to wfpr.fm?
  • wfpr.fm is available anywhere in your internet browser at wfpr.fm and in the local Franklin, MA radio dial on the FM band at 102.9.

And if you can't listen to the radio schedule, the podcast (or on-demand) version is available. Individual audio files:


You can also find all episodes at https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/fm-podcasts.html  or within your favorite podcast player

The wfpr.fm Franklin Matters Radio show schedule for Nov 17 and Nov 20, 2021
The wfpr.fm Franklin Matters Radio show schedule for Nov 17 and Nov 20, 2021

Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive

"12 Days of Donating" Campaign Celebrates 16 Years

The Franklin Food Pantry announces Food Elves 2021. This year the Franklin Food Elves "12 Days of Donating" Campaign marks 16 years of helping neighbors in need during the holiday season and beyond. Starting on December 1 and running through December 12, the neighborhood collection by local middle and high school students serves as the largest fundraiser for The Pantry. In 2020, the Food Elves collected over $80,000 and we are excited to see if they can beat that total.

The Elves collect monetary donations only for The Franklin Food Pantry. With dozens of food and fund drives underway, the Pantry is quickly filling up its small and limited warehouse. The Pantry uses monetary donations to purchase chicken, beef and other meats, dairy products, eggs, fresh vegetables and fruits at a deep discount from the Greater Boston Food Bank at a time when the need for those items is highest.

"Our community is very engaged at this time of year, collecting food for the Pantry and educating our community about food insecurity," said Tina Powderly, Executive Director for the Franklin Food Pantry. "We are grateful for the incredible amount of food we receive. But, after the holidays, when end-of-year giving naturally subsides and food drives lessen, monetary donations help us through the lean months that follow. The Food Elves program is a wonderful way to engage our younger community members to create a lifelong commitment to service."

"Our Food Elves are amazing students who are dedicated to giving back to the community. We appreciate their commitment and hard work as well as the tireless efforts of our district parents. Special thanks to Colleen Bond, Lisa Frankina, Deb Morandi, Denise Flynn Wright, Kathleen McGuigan and Kristen DeMayo."

The Food Elves will distribute flyers and envelopes in their neighborhoods about their donation drive. The Elves have switched this year from their signature purple envelope to a standard white envelope, but personalized labels and flyers will direct community members about how to donate. Donations can be made in two ways: through a check donation that the Elves will pick up personally; or through each Elf's own online personal campaign page. Each Elf set their own fundraising goal and will be able to keep track of how much they personally raise.

If an Elf doesn't visit your neighborhood, you can donate to the general page here.


About the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. As a private, nonprofit organization, it depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other strategic partners. It is grateful for its many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. Donations and grants fund food purchases, keep the lights on, and put gas in the food truck. Other programs include home delivery, Weekend Backpack Program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantry, emergency food bags and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 43 W. Central St. in Franklin on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.


Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive
Franklin Food Elves Launch Holiday Drive

Volunteers needed for Winter decorating, maybe you can help!


Franklin Downtown Partnership
WINTER DECORATING
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers needed for Winter decorating, maybe you can help!
Winter Decorating Day has been scheduled for Sat., Nov. 20 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help install wreaths, bows and greenery. Please email Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to help dress up the downtown for the holidays!

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

Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by
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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


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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)
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

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


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.


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,

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