Town Council approves Committee appointments, RFP for South Meeting House, and tables parking bylaw amendment to clear way for updated version (audio)

FM #853 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 853 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

• Appointments

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

• Approved Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House"

• Voted to table Bylaw Amendment 22-880 as a newer version of that is coming in the next meeting

• Municipal aggregation protects Franklin residents from the proposed NationalGrid electric rate increase

• Touch a truck – Oct 15 (10 AM to 2 PM)

• Red Brick School exterior renovation underway

• State flag resolution request – Oct 19 state legislation (Roy, Rausch, & Spilka) visits Council

• Harvest Festival – Sat Oct 1, rain date Oct 2

• Chair recused himself, Vice-Chair took Council into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on September 28, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-853-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-09-28-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf 

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAHa49OpU8nK1RDzU42n74iDy77-smig/view?usp=sharing 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube  https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Finance Committee votes new leadership slate, approves recommendation of additional funds for Red Brick renovation (audio)

FM #852 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 852 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: 7 members of the Finance Committee were in the Council Chambers along with some of the public, 1 member was remote along with some members the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period. 

First item of business was to vote for new Chair, Vice Chair, and Clerk. Only 8 members for this meeting, the 9th was approved by the Town Council in the meeting after this so they will be available for the next meeting.

• voted to select new Chair - George Conley; Vice-Chair - Natalie Riley; Clerk - Nicole Corbosiero
• Discussion on 5 year fiscal outlook provided by Town Administrator
• Approves recommendation of $50K additional for Red Brick exterior renovation
• Reviews stabilization funding balances and how they pay in the fiscal outlook for the Town
• Future meeting items requested Board of Assessors, School Committee

The meeting recording runs about thirty-three minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Sep 28, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-852-finance-committee-mtg-09-28-22

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Meeting agenda =>  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-09-28_finace_committee_meeting_agenda.pdf  

 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

My notes for the meeting =>  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khlAwYemfQS4-lc8OyBd-YnStwRzaHHB/view?usp=sharing 

YouTube recording => https://youtu.be/9ANddS7JyAA

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

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"

 

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee agenda for meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022 at 6:00 PM

School Committee hears the District Improvement Plan, elementary improvement plans, and approves consultant expense for redistricting study (audio)

This session shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Sep 27, 2022. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. 

School Committee Chair Denise Spencer opens the meeting at 7:00 PM. 

The show notes contain a link to the agenda and to my notes.

The recording runs about two hours, thirty-five minutes, so let’s listen to the Franklin School Committee on Sep 27, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-851-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-09-27-22

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Meeting agenda ->   https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_9-27-22.pdf

Meeting Packet Folder ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-27-2022-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1M0YYtKEh0vN20tg-CBcslcVsPE4D183W/view?usp=sharing 

Photos from the meeting (mostly screen shots of the presentations not yet posted to the packet folder)  https://photos.app.goo.gl/RD7WtNS9FvkdDwaS6

YouTube video replay for this meeting ->   https://youtu.be/buy1Dv9_HUk

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

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"

Boston Globe: With Ballot "Question 4, GOP wants to trade safety for votes"

 

"Florida and Texas aren’t the only states where Republicans are fear-mongering about immigrants to whip up support in November.

It’s happening here, too, with a GOP-led ballot question that would repeal a law, passed by state lawmakers in June, allowing undocumented residents to apply for driver’s licenses.

What’s happening here is almost as naked and heartless a political ploy as Governor Ron DeSantis trying to strand planeloads of Venezuelan asylum-seekers on Martha’s Vineyard. Worse, Question 4 is an attempt to win votes at the expense of public safety.

The Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police, and a majority of the state’s sheriffs and district attorneys, support allowing undocumented immigrants to have driver’s licenses, and for good reason. Tens of thousands of those immigrants are driving anyway, mostly to get to work. We are all safer if everybody on the roads is tested, licensed, and insured."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/09/28/metro/with-question-4-gop-wants-trade-safety-votes/

The Massachusetts State House CRAIG F. WALKER/GLOBE STAFF

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Notice from the Office of the Treasurer/ Collector:

Treasurer Collector Kerri A. Bertone has mailed the Fiscal 2023 second quarter real estate and personal property tax bills.  Payment is due by November 1, 2022.  Payments received after the due date are charged 14% interest.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/notice-treasurer-collector-fy-23-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills-second

Notice from the Treasurer/ Collector: FY 23 Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills - Second Quarter

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Friday, Sep 30, 2022

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Friday

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick  Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

7:30 am Franklin Art Association: Vincent Crotty

9:00 am Frank Presents: Dashe Videira

10:00 am Physician Focus: Concussions and Brain Injury

11:00 am Senior Connection: COVID Updates

12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese

12:30 pm Sandhya: Macaroons

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Show 3

3:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Youth Sports

6:30 pm Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: FireSense

7:30 pm Concerts on the Common: Ken DoRosario

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Event: Concert Hour Day 1

8:30 am It Takes A Village: Gretchen Scotland

9:30 am Cultural District: Brent Selby

11:30 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v North Attleboro 09-22-22

1:00 pm All-Town Showcase: Chorus & Orchestra

2:40 pm FHS PCC: Vaping Forum

6:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Youth Sports

9:30 pm FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Sharon 09-20-22

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 09-08-22

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 09-08-22

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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Raye Lynn Mercer shares some stories of 38 years at 38 Main St (audio)

FM #850 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 850 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and Director of the Franklin School for Performing Arts. We recorded this in the Franklin Public Radio Studio on Hutchinson St Wednesday, Sep 14, 2022.  

Starting their 38th year at 38 Main St in downtown Franklin, Raye Lynn shares the development of the Franklin School for Performing Arts (FSPA), and organic expansion over the years to include the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), getting their own performance home with THE BLACK BOX, the development of the equity actors agreement, and the current season of performances that was just announced.

We cover a lot of ground in about 35 minutes but there are more stories to come so let’s listen to my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-850-raye-lynn-mercer-38-years-at-38-main-09-14-22

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Relevant links for the organic growth from the origin point at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts

Franklin School for the Performing Arts  https://www.fspaonline.com/ 

Franklin Performing Arts Company https://www.fpaconline.com/ 

THE BLACK BOX   https://www.theblackboxonline.com/ 

Intermission   https://www.intermissioncafeonline.com/ 

Ballet Franklin   https://balletfranklin.com/ 

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

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"

Raye Lynn Mercer shares some stories of 38 years at 38 Main St (audio)

Reverend Doreen Cullen Oughton celebrates her first service as new pastor at Franklin Federated Church - Oct 2, 10 AM

The Franklin Federated Church is thrilled to announce that the Reverend Doreen Cullen Oughton was confirmed as our new pastor by a congregational vote on August 7, 2022. She will begin her ministry at our church on September 26, and her first worship service will be on Sunday, October 2nd at 10 AM.  

Please join us! 

Reverend Doreen Oughton

The Reverend Doreen Oughton has an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Northeastern University and earned her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. She is an experienced pastor who has served as a solo, fulltime pastor for over twelve years. Prior to her ministry, she worked for many years as a therapist in addictions treatment. She is the current chair of the UCC Central Association Committee on Ministry and has served on the Board of Directors and Restorative Justice Committee. She has also been actively involved in the NAACP for many years and is a certified Racial Justice Facilitator.

We are excited to call a pastor with such a wealth of experience and a soulful energy and enthusiasm for the work of the church.    

All in the community are welcome to attend Rev. Oughton's first service on October 2 beginning at 10 AM.  Fellowship with light refreshments will follow the service.

Franklin Federated Church is:  A Community of Abundant Welcome to All, Growing Together in Christ and serving with Love   https://franklinfederated.org/

FHS girls and boys cross country, boys soccer, field hockey, golf, and volleyball teams posts wins on Wednesday

HockomockSports.com posted the results of Hockomock League competition on Wednesday, Sep 28, 2022. We share the FHS results here and provide the link to the full set below.

Boys Soccer = Canton, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Behind a pair of goals in each half, Franklin pushed its unbeaten streak to six games with a win over visiting Canton. Trey Lovell and Andrew O’Neill each had a goal and an assist in the win, bookending the scoring for the hosts. The two hooked up for the opener as O’Neill set Lovell in the 13th minute to make it 1-0. Lovell then assisted on Franklin’s second goal from center back Rex Cinelli to double the advantage. Sophomore Vignan Kamarthi opened his account in the 60th minute, taking a pass from Bradley Herndon for the Panthers’ third goal. O’Neill capped Franklin’s scoring, notching a goal in the second straight game off an assist from Garrett Scagliarini in the 75th minute. Franklin coach Fran Bositis praised the play of his midfield, noting the strong efforts from Noah Cain along with centerbacks Will Klawson and Cinelli.

Field Hockey = Franklin, 4 @ Canton, 2 – Final 

– Canton took the led on an early goal in the first quarter, but Franklin rallied with three straight to grab the lead and a win over its fellow division leader. Izzy Digirolamo put the Bulldogs in front after two minutes, but Payten Crandall tied it with the first of her three goals. The game remained tied until the third quarter. Haley Wernig put the Panthers in front off assists from Sophia Cuneo and Shaw Downing. Crandall’s second unassisted goal of the night made it 3-1 in the fourth but Canton answered back on a goal from Carolyn Schiavo. Crandall capped her hat trick and sealed the points by finishing off a pass from Emily Carney in the final minute. Devon Barry made one save for the Panthers.

Volleyball = Franklin, 3 @ Canton, 0 – Final 

– Franklin returned from a trip to Canton with a dominant 3-0 (25-11, 25-13, 25-15) sweep of the Bulldogs. Taylor Lacerda continued to do it all for the Panthers, notching 12 digs, 10 kills, and a pair of aces while Makayla Kuykendall had a strong game with 11 kills, nine digs, and four aces. Sophomore Zoe Scibelli and junior Kelly Schiavo played great defense for Canton, adding six aces.

Boys Cross Country = King Philip, 31 @ Franklin, 27 – Final

Congrats to the boys on a big win vs KP today! Scoring five were: Tyler Apicella (2), Jake Vaccarezza (4), Will Boozang (6), Josh Diehl (7), and Jonathan Pink (8)

https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1575319805107871746

Girls Cross Country = King Philip 45 @ Franklin, 18 – Final 

– For King Philip, senior Kate Burban took third overall in 21:10 while senior Leah Burke (10th) clocked in at 22:35 and junior Rachel Bailer (12th) came in at 22:51.  

Congrats to the girls on a resounding win vs KP today! Scoring 5 were Alex Batla (1), Fiona Morrison (2), Ashley Tighe (4), Carli Walbert (5), and Abby Baker (6)

https://twitter.com/FranklinXCTrack/status/1575319731254468609

Golf = North Attleboro, 164 @ Franklin, 155 – Final 

– In a crossover clash between two of the top squads in the Kelley-Rex division, Franklin defended its home turf with a win over visiting North Attleboro. Tyler O’Brien and Jack Hagerty shared medalist honors in the win, each shooting a 37 on the day. CJ Steel added a 40 in the win and Caden Sullivan rounded out the Panthers’ scoring with a 41. Jordan Paradis led the visiting Rocketeers with a team-low round of 38.

Girls Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Canton, 2 – Final 

Josh Perry,  Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides the game recap:

"Over the weekend, Canton played a tough, physical game against division rival Oliver Ames. It was Canton’s first loss of the season. Just a few days later, on Wednesday night at WWII Veterans Memorial Field, the Bulldogs had another competitive, physical encounter against division-leading Franklin. 

This time, the Bulldogs started the game without leading scorer Emily McCabe. The senior forward was nursing an injury and would likely only be able to play a half, so head coach Idris Senyonjo left her out of the starting lineup. Canton struggled without the focal point of its attack, but McCabe emerged in the second half and sparked a massive turnaround. 

With McCabe up front for the final 40 minutes, Canton put the pressure on the Panthers, rallying from a goal down for the second time in a week and pulling out a 2-1 victory."

Continue reading the game recap

https://hockomocksports.com/canton-girls-soccer-rallies-in-second-half-to-beat-franklin/

For a Photo Gallery from this game  https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2022-2023/Fall-2022/Canton-Franklin-Girls-Soccer-09-28-22/

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/wednesdays-schedule-scoreboard-09-28-22/

the proper kind of ball watching during the FHS vs Canton girls soccer game (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Franklin TV: Town Council meeting replay available - 09/28/22 (video)

The Town Council had a relatively productive but light agenda before heading into Executive Session just before 8 PM on Wednesday.

The video replay is available on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE

My notes will be shared here shortly. 

The agenda and documents released for the meeting can be  found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Franklin TV: Finance Committee meeting available for replay - 09/28/22 (video)

The Finance Committee met and did their business in about thirty minutes before the Town Council came into the Council Chambers for their meeting to start at 7 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.

The Finance meeting did start a little after 6, so you get to listen to the intro of my radio show interview with Health Director Cathleen Liberty before the live stream of the meeting jumps into YouTube. If you want to continue listening to the health episode follow this link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/conversation-with-town-of-franklin-ma.html   or find Franklin Matters on your favorite podcast app.

Finance Committee link to YouTube -> https://youtu.be/9ANddS7JyAA

Meeting agenda and documents released for this meeting ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/franklin-ma-finance-committee-agenda.html

Franklin TV: Finance Committee meeting available for replay - 09/28/22 (video)