DPW Provides a Snow Update for the Franklin School Committee - 12/12/23 (audio)

FM #1115 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1115 in the series. 

The audio is extracted from the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 12, 2023.  All seven members participated in Council Chambers.

School Superintendent Lucas Giguere introduces the DPW team. 

Robert (Brutus) Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provides an update on the annual snow program. He is joined by Carlos Rebelo, Highway & Grounds Superintendent and Tony Brunetta, Assistant Highway & Grounds Superintendent. The group engaged in an extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances of snow removal operations as possible.

Let’s listen to this segment of the School Committee meeting Dec 12,2023.  The total meeting audio runs about 45 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1115-dpw-snow-update-4-the-school-cmte-mtg-12-12-23

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

DPW Snow Presentation ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/snow 

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

The agenda -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf 

Meeting Packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVm3PER71UQ 

My notes collected via PDF (captured during meeting via Twitter)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmyqSv0kI2UiuIAplhRBkjz4kiPJ4whc/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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

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"

DPW Provides a Snow Update for the School Committee - 12/12/23 (audio)

5th, 6th & 7th graders, sign up for the Franklin Recreation 3x3 basketball tournament - Dec 29

Calling all young basketballers! 

Save the date: December 29th, 2023! 

 

Get ready for an epic showdown at our Co-ed 3v3 Basketball Tournament for grades 5th-7th! 

Lace up those sneakers and bring your A-game as we hoop it up on the court at Annie Sullivan Middle School! It's time to showcase your skills, make new friends, and have a blast before the year ends! 

• Date: December 29th, 2023
• Location: Annie Sullivan Middle School
• Grades: 5th-7th
• Format: Co-ed 3v3

Registration is NOW OPEN! Secure your spot by visiting franklinma.myrec.com. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of this thrilling tournament!

5th, 6th & 7th graders, sign up for the Franklin Recreation 3x3 basketball tournament - Dec 29

Shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinRecreationDepartment/posts/pfbid0Wx3K2S7CEqwHDCF5jrKqbdLg3Px4T9hXK8zdMg4iVEJgZMFjMH623Qz8uxgsWg8sl?__cft__[0]=AZVKkyYc_r9M9ZTR4KMXDRJTKunju0Ami9aBtMs5_HhusdF0W_h-D41m0vdvlNc6S3hPPEt5jZbq8ydX5p_WUoKw372y_qDceo1HVSLPoCtm-JRmdyuxTQpiezzJXS0BFrmlmz2ybYjw3f6nVEg3eEEs&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R

School Committee recognizes FHS Cheerleaders, hears of food services, Lifelong Learning, and snow preparations (audio)

FM #1114 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1114 in the series. 

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 as scheduled.  All seven newly elected members participated in Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions (again). Proposal in the process of coming to authorize a trip to the National Championships (details TBD)

• Colin Boisvert, Food Services Director, provided an update on the operation and delivery of the school lunch program and gradual expansion of breakfast. Also highlighted was the use of local food sources and providing healthy options including fish

• Patricia Gay, Lifelong Learning Director, provided an update on the programs offered through the year. School Choice (before & after school programs), Community Learning (a variety of workshops, classes and exercise programs), Music Academy (year round music education and tutoring), and the Summer programs (including High School Experience). Lifelong Learning is self funded via registrations fees for the programs

• Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director, provided and update on the annual snow program and engaged in a extensive Q&A with the Committee to cover as many of the nuances as possible

Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of Dec 12.  The total meeting audio runs about 2 hours & 8 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1114-franklin-ma-school-committee-mtg-12-12-23

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

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

The agenda -> https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_12-12-23.pdf 

Meeting Packet folder -> 

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/december-12-2023-school-committee-meeting-packet 

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVm3PER71UQ 

My notes collected via PDF (captured during meeting via Twitter)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YmyqSv0kI2UiuIAplhRBkjz4kiPJ4whc/view?usp=drive_link 

Food Service Update presentation ->

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/food-svc

Lifelong Learning Update ->  

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/lll

DPW Snow Presentation ->   

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/snow 

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

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 franklin.news/ or Franklinmatters.org/

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"

FHS Cheerleaders recognized as State Champions

MMA: "Governor signs economic development plan"

"Gov. Maura Healey yesterday signed the administration’s first economic development plan, which aligns its economic development priorities, funding and legislative initiatives within three main areas of focus: investing in the fundamentals to enable economic growth; retaining and attracting talent; and supporting businesses.

The plan will likely provide a foundation for an economic development bill expected to be filed by the governor early in 2024.

At an unveiling event on Dec. 6, Gov. Maura Healey said the plan — Team Massachusetts: Leading Future Generations — outlines a strategy to “put us on a path to future success by powering short- and long-term economic growth, retaining and attracting the world’s best talent, and supporting our businesses,” particularly in sectors like climate technology, life sciences and advanced manufacturing."

Continue reading the article at MMA -> https://www.mma.org/governor-signs-economic-development-plan/

Find the Economic Development Plan online -> https://www.mass.gov/economic-development-plan   or direct to the PDF download  ->  https://www.mass.gov/doc/economic-development-plan/download

The press release for the Economic Development Plan ->    https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-2023-economic-development-plan 

the PDF download  ->  https://www.mass.gov/doc/economic-development-plan/download

Franklin Library: Kid's Paint Party - Dec 16

Saturday December 16th 1:00 - 3:00 PM

FOR KIDS AGES 5-11!

Join local instructor Denise Palmieri for this step-by-step paint party specifically for kids! All materials will be provided and you'll get to take home your very own penguin masterpiece!

REGISTRATION REQUIRED!! The same painting will be taught at the December, January, and February events - please only register for 1 date.

Register here -> https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?curOrg=FRANKLIN&curName=2023/12/16_Kid%27s_Paint_Party

Franklin Library: Kid's Paint Party - Dec 16

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/kids-paint-party-3

MassCEC: Deadline Extended for Neighborhood Electrification RFI

Deadline extended until January 12, 2024

View this email in your browser Request for Information: Neighborhood Electrification The Neighborhood Electrification RFI submission deadline has been extended until January 12, 2024! MassCEC seeks stakeholder interest and input in potential neighborhood electrification demonstration projects. For purposes of this Request for Information, "neighborhood electrification" is the strategic electrification of the building stock and decommissioning of the natural gas system in defined geographic areas—such as street segments, neighborhoods, or zones—to leverage cost-effective opportunities for electrification  over reinvestment in the gas system (e.g., pipeline repair). Given the Department of Public Utilities' "Order on Regulatory Principles and Framework" in its 20-80 docket, we are extending the RFI submission deadline until January 12, 2024 and adding an additional question in the RFI to give respondents an opportunity to respond to the implications of the order on neighborhood electrification efforts. This RFI does not commit MassCEC to offer any program associated with neighborhood electrification, award any funds, pay any costs incurred in preparing a response, or procure or contract for services or supplies. MassCEC welcomes responses from all stakeholders. In particular, we are hoping to gather perspectives from utilities, municipalities, large landowners (e.g., universities or affordable housing owners), technical experts, legal/regulatory experts, community-based organizations, and advocacy organizations. Thank you for your time and insights! Learn More & Provide Input Our mailing address is: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center 294 Washington St. Suite 1150 Boston, MA 02108 USA

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Dec 15, 2023

• 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 6, Verizon 26) = FRIDAY

9:00 am Frank Presents: Jay Elias Pt 1

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: Erin Gallagher

11:00 am Senior Connection: Joe Landry

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Meatballs

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Theater in the Open

1:00 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 6

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Districts

4:00 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 4 - Dicenso Clark

5:00 pm Second Sunday Speaker Series: Wrentham 350

8:30 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = FRIDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: MICCA Showcase Pt. 2 03-14-18

8:30 am Menthal Health: Donna Grady

10:00 am FHS Varsity Field Hockey: v Beverly 11-03-23

12:30 pm ArtWeek: Art + Music

1:30 pm Public School Event: Annie Sullivan Winter Music 2022

3:00 pm Critical Conversations: Social Media

5:30 pm FHS Varsity Swimming: v Taunton 01-13-22

8:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer: v Milford 10-26-23

• Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) =  FRIDAY

8:00 am  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

2:00 pm  Zoning Board of Appeals 11-09-23

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

Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Sustainability Subcommittee schedules their meeting at the Winter Farmers Market - Dec 16

Did you catch that the Master Plan - Sustainability Subcommittee has scheduled their regular meeting at the Winter Farmers Market on Saturday, December 16, 2023?

It may be one of the longest meetings for a subcommittee that I have seen but should provide opportunity for us to stop by and talk with the members of the subcommittee during the market open hours from 1o AM to 2 PM.

The full agenda doc confirming this is ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/sustainability_-agenda_2023-12-16_0.pdf

Cool graphic put together to create attentions to this meeting at the Market:

Sustainability Subcommittee schedules their meeting at the Winter Farmers Market - Dec 16

Graphic shared from ->   https://www.facebook.com/100069087412655/posts/pfbid0zCRAyq3Ddq4NgE5cHGQjxLniNQTcbTdyd2KpzpwjQdWhkNxHuYaP6eb9oHqDnPF2l/

And have you responded to the survey yet?

Survey link -> https://forms.gle/NCfcPF6mAr2yLw8n9

Finance Committee takes a 'deep dive' (sorta) into the Faculties budget (video)

The Finance Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, Dec 13, 2023. The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4WDEAYIeJU

6 members participated, 4 in Chambers (Chair Conley, Hamilton, Riley & Nagel), 2 participated remotely (Keophannga & Sansoucy)

Quick recap:

• State revenue forecast for FY 2024 not meeting expectation, no cuts yet per Governor, does likely mean less revenue for next years budget although local aid is usually one of the last to get affected, something to stay tuned into
• Budget hearings for May 2024 were confirmed as May 6 for General Government, May 8 for Public safety (Police, Fire, & Dispatch) and DPW (water, sewer, storm water) and Schools on May 15. Proposed meeting calendar to be updated with this decision
• Discussion on the list of facilities provided, yes it is facilities not just the buildings
• Extended discussion on the solar farm which we don't own but for which we own the electrical output and which leads to credits on the Town electrical bill that are used for multiple other electrical improvements, upgrades
• This turned into a discussion on the heating efficiencies of some buildings; FHS for example was built with better insulation and the walls are R40, vs. the 3 middle school complex buildings are rated R19. This means the heating cots for those buildings are higher due to the less efficient (i.e. insulation factors)
• While mentioned in passing that the Master Plan Committee has a subcommittee on facilities, and the Schools are working on their long range comprehensive facilities plan, there was not further details added at this time. Members of the School Committee and Central office were present but did not get to provide any additional info
• The 10 year projection of expenses across the buildings was split evenly between Town and School per Chair Conley. It was not discussed how these expenses would be funded. It was mentioned that the Facilities budget is the first to get hit when a budget shortfall is needed to be adjusted for. Projects get postponed until funding is available (hence the listing of projects that exists, some of which have been awaiting for some time)
• Discussion on the 10 year report of grants received by the Town and Schools. These made for interesting reading although some of them are not purely "grants" (i.e. the cable access fees are included, they are present due to the accounting for them). One quick takeaway from the grant report is that the Town has been quite successful over time in obtaining grants and while they will continue to do so, the grant amounts are not sufficient to really make on impact on either the Town or School budget. Averaging approximately 4 million (combined Town & School) on a $150M budget is small change

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vn59WoX94X8yvI0CFWCqw1X6A9m5ePjd/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for meeting Dec 13, 2023

Master Plan Update Committee -video replay for Dec 13, 2023 meeting (video)

The Master Plan Update Committee met as scheduled on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - 6:30 PM in the 3rd floor conference room. The meeting was broadcast via Franklin TV on the Pride or education channel (the Town Hall channel had the Finance Committee meeting).

The video is available for replay via YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jJ6gJOOzCc

The meeting agenda can be found on the Town page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-december_13_2023.pdf

And have you responded to the survey yet?

Survey link -> https://forms.gle/NCfcPF6mAr2yLw8n9

Master Plan Update Committee Dec 13, 2023