Monday, August 28, 2023

Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)

FM #1049 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1049 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares some Mass Property Tax Data Insights as analyzed by Max Morrongiello. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV studio on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  


Max shares some insights from the linear regression analysis he performed with the available data from the US Census and Mass Dept of Revenue among other resources.


For example, Franklin property tax bills are about 4% less than the linear regression analysis would predict them to be.


The recording runs about 28 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Max on Thursday, August 10, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1049-property-tax-data-insights-08-10-23


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Policy Brief on per pupil spending

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LP5fI1Gm0NKkUuAYaWTKF2HSadjfinNY/view?usp=drive_link 


Are Franklin’s taxes low?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LJHukt7tGB3-dTLWyX5NoIJE8J8jZib3/view?usp=drive_link 


Data files used for the analysis

Microsoft Excel format ->

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uQE3e2_4RSj3zZRQ-9p7biDI-3Kk6E6d/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700481&rtpof=true&sd=true 


Comma Separated Value format (CSV)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E90EFjLb0GkMrAFy75zXR7wqHHh5XgTV/view?usp=drive_link 


Info on JASP -> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JASP   and   https://jasp-stats.org/jasp-materials/ 


Max’s LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxmorrongiello/  

And specifically on metrics and statistical analysis -> Maxwell Metrics: Policy Analytics & Consulting


You can contact Max via email -> Max.Morrongiello @ gmail dot com


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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"


Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)
Talking Property Tax Data Insights with Max Morrongiello - 08/10/23 (audio)


More Perfect Union - wfpr.fm: 88 - More Indictments (audio)

In this episode, the group sits down to discuss the recent indictments against Trump, what he's being called for, what his response has been, how this will (or won't) affect his voter base, the 2024 election and much more.



Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)
wfpr.fm: A More Perfect Union (audio)
More Perfect Union - WFPR
Discussing American Politics and Current Events
Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.
Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Master Plan Update Committee discusses timeline, outreach, survey and more in 2 hour session (audio)

FM #1048 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1048 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.


  • The Master Plan Update Committee met in the 3rd floor Training Room/ RM 326

  • Discussion on branding efforts complicated by heavy web presence of Franklin Tennessee and wanting to avoid confusion with them

  • Will have booth at Harvest Festival, discussion on logo, branding desire to have something ready to handout or engagement with community at booth

  • Proceeding with "Form Franklin's Future"

  • Recommendations from multiple members to obtain input in map based form, for multiple good reasons to help visualize and work with qualitatively, if not quantitatively

  • extended discussion on survey and use of an incentive to increase participation, action to run this by the Town Attny for 2 answers, one if the committee could do so (per meeting likely not); alternatively, might another non-town org (i.e. Dean College) run the survey (and include incentive) to enable the data to be used by the committee. Amy to get answers

  • Amy to create spreadsheet for committee members to use to add orgs and other contact points for outreach effort

  • The 2020 update to the Master Plan is the one to use for status of which of the prior plans objectives and actions items were completed or not. Ginelle has marked up the spreadsheet with color coding on completion status and will share to the drive from other members to work with

  • Meeting adjourns


Listen to the recording of the Master Plan Update Cmte meeting held on August 23, 2023. The meeting runs about 2 hours.


Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1048-master-plan-update-cmte-mtg-08-23-23



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The agenda doc is rich with links to the prior master plan and associated materials     

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_august_23rd_2023_0.pdf  


The Master Plan update Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee 


My notes captured during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aIOl7qtMIACVrUlp5-hYD6KkQRleMdo_/view?usp=drive_link 


The meeting video is available for replay ->   

https://www.youtube.com/live/1sLTy6XZK48 


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


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"


Master Plan Update Committee discusses timeline, outreach, survey and more in 2 hour session (audio)
Master Plan Update Committee discusses timeline, outreach, survey and more in 2 hour session (audio)

Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Monday, Aug 28, 2023

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM A More Perfect Union – Discussing American Politics and Current Events - Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, State Rep Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong hold a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.

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

9:00 am     SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
12:00 pm Brooke'n'Cookin: Mac'n'Cheese
12:30 pm Drink Responsibly: Flat Breads
1:00 pm     Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Black Bean, Roasted Pepper & Garlic Pizzetta
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 8
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Spring 2019 Show 2
3:30 pm     Veterans' Call: SHINE
4:30 pm     Norfolk County Prevention Coalition: Fire Safety
5:00 pm Physician Focus: Too Much Medicine?
5:30 pm     Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker
6:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Shaun Hart Pt 2
8:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly
9:00 pm 4th of July 2022: School of Rock
10:23 pm 4th of July 2022: Matt Zajac

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

8:00 am FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Bishop Feehan 04-18-23
10:00 am FHS Varsity Volleyball: v North Attleboro 09-22-22
11:30 am Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2
12:00 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Leominster 11-10-22
2:00 pm Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 05-14-19
3:30 pm     U. S. Army: Jazz Ambassadors 04-01-19
6:00 pm SAFE Coalition: Michelle Palladini
7:00 pm     FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v King Philip 09-12-22
9:30 pm     Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 1 03-14-18


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

8:00 am Planning Board: 08-21-23
11:00 am Davis Thayer Re-Use Advisory: 08-15-23
12:30 pm Police Station Building Committee: 08-23-23
2:00 pm Planning Board: 08-21-23
5:00 pm Master Plan Update Cmte Meeting: 08-23-23

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

Sunday, August 27, 2023

The Comcast Franklin TV Channels are Changing - Aug 29, 2023

A new P/E/G channel lineup for Comcast viewers.

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/27/2023

On Tuesday August 29 Comcast will change our P/E/G channels lineup. Only Comcast customers are affected. Verizon and YouTube streams are not affected. This is a technical change that Comcast is making. They are moving our programs to TV channels that are being vacated by other services.

P/E/G is a shorthand acronym for our three local cable TV channels:

Our Public Access channel (on Comcast 6) offers full production support for local TV programs created by your Franklin friends and neighbors (or perhaps you).

Our Educational channel (on Comcast 8) covers as many school sports and student events as we can fit into our busy production schedule. Many are carried live.

Our Government channel (on Comcast 9) covers Council, Committee and Board meetings each week from our two TV control facilities in the Municipal Building.

Comcast Franklin TV Channels
Comcast Franklin TV Channels
Again, our local P/E/G programming, normally on Comcast 8/96/11, will move to Comcast 6/8/9, on Tuesday, August 29th. Verizon channels 26/28/29 and our YouTube streams are not affected.

While there may be a bit of confusion through September, the channel reassignments place our local channels squarely within the Boston area TV station lineup. These changes will likely prove to be beneficial for Comcast customers (and for us) in the long run.

As we so often say on TV – Stay tuned. 

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   

Police Station Building Committee starts work at first meeting (audio)

FM #1047 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1047 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 


Brief recap

First step getting sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello was quickly accomplished.


Round of introductions by the members of the committee was conducted.


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided a brief overview. Facilities Director Mike D'Angelo walked through the overall process they will get into.


High level process (additional detail in memo)

  • Request for a Proposal (RFP) for an Owner Project Manager (OPM)

  • Select an OPM

  • Work with the OPM to select an architect

  • Site visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)

  • Schematic design

  • Design development

  • Construction documents

  • Bidding

  • Construction


The site and site selection are important as is the funding and approval for such. While the actual building process was talk of being done in about 2 years, the entire process is more likely to run 3-5 years.


The recording runs 59 minutes, so let’s listen to the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting of August 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1047-police-station-building-cmte-mtg-08-23-23



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Meeting agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-23_police_station_building_committee.pdf 


Committee page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/police-station-building-committee 


Franklin TV video replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/57woRz_bSKo 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DirbGHhnp78PdFxzbiXjEx_qDqszqMK8/view?usp=drive_link 


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


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"


Police Station Building Committee stands for swearing in
Police Station Building Committee stands for swearing in

What is the ONE question would you ask of each candidate for the Town of Franklin 2023 Election?

The candidates are in their final days to gather signatures for the November 2023 Biennial Town of Franklin Election. The nomination papers are due to the Town Clerk by September 6. 

It is now time for us (together) to prepare the set of interview questions. 

  • Which one question would you ask of a Town Council candidate? School Committee candidate? etc...

Submit one question per elected position via the form below. 

Your email is required to avoid nefarious folks from interfering with this process. Your email will only be used (1) to verify the question if not completely understood, and (2) to ensure you get a copy of the final set of questions. 

Note: the question set would likely be similar to prior years. We would have 3-4 questions that would generally apply to all candidates and at least 1 (maybe 2) for specific positions. I want the question set short so we (the candidates and interviewers) can proceed efficiently, and concise to provide answers so Franklin voters can make an informed choice for each elected position.

Based upon feedback obtained after the last election, every effort will be made to provide interviews in all three formats (video, audio, and text transcript). The video interview would be recorded, audio extracted, and audio transcribed. This will require the coordination and willingness of the candidates to be available for this interview to be scheduled in time to turn it all around.

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The current listing of candidates as of Thursday, August 24 can be found here ->

The question set used for the candidates in 2021 -> 

Franklin Election Collection - 2023
Franklin Election Collection - 2023

Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters looking for volunteer to serve as secretary

Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters (@FranklinXCTrack)
"We are still looking for a volunteer for our open secretary position for the upcoming year. Without this position filled, it will be very difficult for us to continue to provide the services we do for the program and for the athletes and their families.

It requires uploading/maintenance of email lists on MailChimp, sending periodic email updates, creating signup genius for volunteers, monitoring/responding to boosters email, and voting on board decisions for the boosters. 1 to 2 hrs/wk with addl 1 to 2 hrs to start each season"


Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters looking for volunteer to serve as secretary
Franklin HS XC/Track & Field Boosters looking for volunteer to serve as secretary

More Perfect Union - wfpr.fm: 87 - The Headlines Coming from Florida and Texas, Rudy Giuliani and Lying (audio)

In this episode, the group sits down to discuss Florida and Texas, the backwards policy changes taking place, the stacking of the courts by both parties, the increased polarization in the country, Rudy Giuliani lying and much more.


Franklin.TV: A More Perfect Union (audio)
wfpr.fm: A More Perfect Union (audio)
More Perfect Union - WFPR
Discussing American Politics and Current Events
Peter Fasciano, Dr. Michael Walker Jones, Dr. Natalia Linos, Jeff Roy, and Nick Remissong host a round table discussion on current events and American politics, bringing about thoughtful conversation, compelling discourse, and a look at what the future might hold for the United States.
Find all the More Perfect Union episodes online -> https://more-perfect-union.captivate.fm/episodes  or subscribe with your favorite podcast app

Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic

Via the National Hurricane Center -> https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/graphics_at3.shtml?start#contents   as of 5 AM, Sunday, August 27, 2023

Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic
Hurricane Franklin continues out in the Atlantic


Wind Speed Probabilities for Hurricane Franklin
Wind Speed Probabilities for Hurricane Franklin

NASA shares images from space to monitor North American air quality

via NASA
TEMPO, the first space-based instrument to continuously monitor North American air quality with the resolution of a few square miles, released its first maps: https://t.co/qJoWiM128F

TEMPO studies the effects of traffic, fertilizer, and fire to the neighborhood level.

Shared from -> https://t.co/97qUjHccUg


NASA shares images from space to monitor North American air quality
NASA shares images from space to monitor North American air quality