Town Council and School Committee hear from residents for or against an override, for June, or for Nov (audio in 2 parts)

FM #1179-80 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1179-80 in the series. 

This session shares the Joint Town Council & School Committee meeting of Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in 2 parts. All 9 Town Councilors and all 7 School Committee members participated.  Many town and school department managers were also present in the first couple of rows of the auditorium.

Over 400 folks were in the FHS auditorium, another 2-300 were online via YouTube at one point or another (and that tallied 800+ unique individuals by the time the meeting ended).

Part 1 

Covers the first 90 minutes of the meeting

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented the FY 2025 budget

• School Superintendent Lucas Giguere accompanied by Business Administrator Dr Bob Dutch presented the school budget and issues

Audio link P1 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1179-joint-town-council-school-cmte-mtg-04-24-24-p1-of-2

Part 2

The remaining 1 hour and 40 minutes covered the public comment and question section. Speakers were allocated 1 minute, most kept to the point.

Audio link P2 -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1180-joint-town-council-school-cmte-mtg-04-24-24-p2-of-2

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The Franklin TV broadcast of the 3 hour plus session is available for replay on YouTube ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/xMN27_nBPUU?si=aeSWZvxA-SMPJ6wo

Agenda for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

Town presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-04-24_fy25_budget_update_joint_sc_tc_meeting.pdf

School presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_super_budget_sc_tc_presentation_4_24_24.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h_7qKlYxPivFDjatz9mjtDg8lU-WMY_q/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qiHMQqYaertGjcqSA 

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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!

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

best depiction of 4 budgets for the portrait of a graduate

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Friday, Apr 26, 2024

• 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

7:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

8:30 am Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

10:00 am Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

11:00 am Senior Connection: Disabilities Commission

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Parmesan

1:00 pm Master Plan Committee Open House

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

6:30 pm Joe Landry: Funeral Homes

8:00 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction

8:04 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1

9:00 pm Circle of Friends: Cheryl Wheeler

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

7:00 am Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

8:30 am Mental Health: Jeff Roy

9:30 am Rec Basketball: 7th & 8th Grade Boys Championship

11:00 am FHS Varsity Softball v Braintree 04-19-24

1:30 pm Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

3:00 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

6:30 pm FHS Track and Field: v North Attleboro 05-09-23

10:00 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

12:00 pm Economic Development 04-10-24

2:00 pm Zoning Board of Appeals 04-11-24

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

Key events for Thursday, April 25, 2024

A Dream Shared - an art exhibit & talk back 

When:  April 25, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM

Where: Franklin Historical Museum

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/a-dream-shared-art-exhibit-talk-back-on.html

Should be a good event with art and conversation about art, a great way for me to begin my evening of reporting

Comprehensive Facilities Planning Subcommittee Meeting 

April 25 at 5 PM

Municipal Building 3rd Floor Training Room

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/fps-comprehensive-facilities-planning.html

What is this latest redistricting effort going to bring forward? This may be the preview for the subcommittee before the School Committee gets to see it. Kinda a sneak peak! We should at least find out find out where they are in the process.

Franklin, MA: School Committee Special Meeting 

April 25, 2024 - 6:30-7:30 PM

Municipal Building – Council Chambers

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/franklin-ma-school-committee-special.html

Yes, a special committee meeting to interview the next school business administrator. Folks should recall that Miriam Goodman retired last year. Dr Bob Dutch has stepped in for this year. The meeting will help determine the next individual to fill this critical role.

BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School (free concert)

WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE: Franklin High School Auditorium

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/franklin-public-schools-to-host-btalc.html

Funded by the Franklin Cultural Council and MASS Cultural Council, a great way to close the day with some big band and jazz sounds

Key events for Thursday, April 25, 2024

Why are there multiple calendars?

There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events      https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/pages/calendar

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Public Schools to Host BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25

Superintendent Lucas Giguere invites community members to attend a free performance by the BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School. 

WHEN: Thursday, April 25 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

WHERE: Franklin High School Auditorium, 218 Oak St.

WHAT: Franklin Public Schools is hosting a free concert featuring the BT/ALC Big Band.

 BT/ALC Big Band at Franklin High School - April 25

Led by trombonist Brian Thomas and trumpeter Alex Lee-Clark, the BT/ALC Big Band employs the traditional instrumentation of Duke Ellington and Count Basie while infusing funk, soul, hip hop, afro-beat, reggae and jazz styles. The BT/ALC Big Band has created a unique sound they dub "Big Band Funk." Since 2011, the band consisting of five saxophones, four trumpets and four trombones has released five full-length albums and five singles. Brian and Alex met at UMASS Amherst studying composition and arranging with Jeff Holmes. They travel the state committed to education and providing performances, clinics, and workshops for students focusing on confidence and creativity. 

"Franklin Public Schools stresses the importance of a strong music curriculum, reinforced by community events such as this concert," Superintendent Lucas Giguere said. "It should be a stellar performance!"

This concert is made possible by a grant from the Franklin Cultural Council, the Franklin Music Boosters, and Franklin Public Schools. The event was organized by Leighanne Rudsit, Franklin High School's Band Director. 

"I know Brian Thomas and Alex Lee-Clark personally, both as educators and professional musicians," she said. "I jumped at the opportunity to share their unique sound with the rest of the community."

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse schedule for the Fall of 2024; Runa, Abbie Gardner, & David Francey start the season

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse announces their fall 2024 shows.

Tickets are available on their website -> https://circlefolk.org/sched.html

Runa, Abbie Gardner, & David Francey start the season

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/MbM7rF5vJ17iZ27a/

Town Council and School Committee hear from residents for or against an override, for June, or for Nov (video)

The Joint Town Council and School Committee meeting took place last night with over 400 in attendance at Franklin High School and at least another 200 viewing via YouTube (over 800 views on YouTube as this went to press before midnight).

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/xMN27_nBPUU?si=aeSWZvxA-SMPJ6wo

My notes collected in one PDF can be found ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h_7qKlYxPivFDjatz9mjtDg8lU-WMY_q/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of the slides shared (the slides will be posted sometime)

https://photos.app.goo.gl/qiHMQqYaertGjcqSA

Town presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-04-24_fy25_budget_update_joint_sc_tc_meeting.pdf

School presentation

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/fy25_super_budget_sc_tc_presentation_4_24_24.pdf

Quick recap:

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen presented town side of the FY 2025 budget and financial outlook
• School Superintendent Lucas Giguere accompanied by Dr Dutch, Business Administrator, presented the school budget summary and cost drivers as well as potential cuts if the proposed override does not come to pass
• Town Council Chair Tom Mercer then opened the floor for resident comments. They lined up individually at one aisle or the other to raise a question or make their comment.
• The Town Council will take this information to their May 1 meeting and decide on IF, when, and What the $ amount would be. From that set of decisions, additional info can be prepared on both side as to what the override would bring us, and what failure to pass would mean
• The budget hearings by the Finance Committee (May 6, May 8 & May 15)  as well as the Town Council (May 22, & May 23) would still happen to work out the details of the budget.

TA Jamie Hellen, School Supt Lucas Giguere

FHS baseball, softball, and boys tennis teams post wins on Wednesday

Via Twitter and our subscription to HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the Spring sports competition for Franklin High School on Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024.

Baseball = Franklin, 10 @ Canton, 1 – Final 

– Franklin bounced back from an extra innings loss on Monday with a big win on the road over Canton, scoring seven runs in the final two innings to pull away for good. The host Bulldogs got on the board in the bottom of the fifth to cut the deficit down to 3-1 but the Panthers pushed a pair across in the sixth and added five more in the top of the seventh. Henry Digiorgio (RBI, run) and Mike Davide (two RBI, two doubles) each had two this for Franklin while senior Rex Cinelli added a double, two RBI, and a run. Matt Miller got the win on the mound for the visitors, scattering five hits and two walks with just one unearned run allowed, striking out four in six innings. Brian Auciello tossed a scoreless inning in relief for the Panthers. Sophomore Shane Kelleher had a pair of hits for the Bulldogs, Nick Gillis added a double, and Kyle Redquest hit a triple.

Softball = Canton, 4 @ Franklin, 9 – Final 

– Franklin established an early lead with a five-run first and a two-run second and never looked back to take down visiting Canton. Junior Josie Drucker went 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI while junior Marley Allen (double) recorded a pair of RBI and scored once. Sarah Boozang added a triple and drove in one run for the Panthers. Senior Maddie Bergeron got the win in the circle, scattering 10 hits and two walks, surrendering four runs with four strikeouts in a complete game effort. Jess Wright (run) and Laura Valkanas (RBI) each had two hits for the Bulldogs while Hannah King had a hit and an RBI.

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

– Franklin defended home court with a singles sweep plus one more win from doubles play against visiting Canton. Jay Gorgas (first singles, 6-3, 6-1), Ahan Shetty (second singles, 6-2, 6-1) and Vikram Chakrabhavi (third singles, 7-6 (6), 6-4) swept singles action with straight-set victories for the Panthers, and the team of Gabe Terry and AJ Trull secured a 6-0, 6-3 second doubles win. Canton’s Matt Wright and Noah Burke teamed up at first singles and rallied from a one-set deficit for a 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 win.

Girls Tennis = Franklin @ Canton, 3:45

For other results around the Hockomock League (subscription required) 

https://hockomocksports.com/category/schedule-scoreboard/

FHS Panther sports results shared via Twitter & subscription to HockomockSports.com

Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt and help the Empty Bowls fund raising efforts!

"Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt! Designed by a Club member, t-shirt proceeds help with costs to create pottery auctioned at the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Fundraiser. 

Shirts will be distributed at the fundraiser on May 23, 2024.

https://bit.ly/T-Shirt Purchase 

Please note that a separate ticket is required to attend the event. Purchase in advance at www.franklinfoodpantry.org ->

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=86

Get your Empty Bowls T-shirt and help the Empty Bowls fund raising efforts!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/UntfJbxvnTAM9b6K/

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

From the Franklin Food Pantry Facebook posting: 

"From an idea over 30 years ago, The Pantry has blossomed into a beacon of hope, nourishing over 660 households last year - and Temple Etz Chaim has been there from the beginning. We are humbled by their unwavering support and deeply honored to receive the Tree of Life Award for service to the community.  

Photo: Rachel Flum, Chair, Board of Directors (R) accepts the Tree of Life Award on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry alongside Isaac Chartoff (L) who was also awarded for his individual service."

Franklin Food Pantry recognized for service to the community with Tree of Life Award by Temple Etz Chaim

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/5wYPW4Cdx1tjYVen/

Comment period open until May 31 for the MassDOT "Beyond mobility" plan

Thank you for your interest in Beyond Mobility, MassDOT's next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. This email provides an update on the plan progress and new information available on the Plan website.

 

Extension of Public Comment Period

Thank you for the comments you have provided on the Beyond Mobility plan so far. Since the start of the comment period, we have already received many comments. This feedback will be reviewed and incorporated into the final plan as appropriate.

 

Comment period open until May 31

With this update, we are sharing that the public comment period is being extended to 60 days and will now end on May 31^st, 2024. With this extension, we hope to provide you with more time to review the plan and provide feedback.

 

The press release on the extension of the comment period is available on the MassDOT website.  Secretary Tibbits-Nutt's quote in the press release states that “We have extended the public comment period from 30 to 60 days to make sure people have ample opportunity to review this incredibly comprehensive but very important document.”

 

The full Beyond Mobility plan and the executive summary are available for review on the plan website.

 

How to Provide Feedback

Comments on any part of the document will be accepted during the comment period through the online comment form. You may also email any comments to BeyondMobility@dot.state.ma.us.  

"Beyond Mobility is the next Statewide Long Range Transportation Plan. The plan is structured by six Priority Areas: Safety, Reliability, Supporting Clean Transportation, Destination Connectivity, Resiliency, and Travel Experience. These Priority Areas, informed directly by over 5,000 pieces of unique public feedback received as part of the development of the plan, serve as the backbone of Beyond Mobility.

 

Over 100 action items across these priorities have been identified within the plan for MassDOT and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to take to achieve a safer and more equitable, reliable, and resilient network.

For more information on Beyond Mobility please visit the Plan website. 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C6JnAcfNoap/

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not By Jim Kreidler Before you spend money on that celebrity-endorsed premium cookware, weight loss product, or can't-miss money-making opportunity, pause. Take a breath. Are you sure a celebrity or influencer is really endorsing that product or program?  Maybe a scammer is behind that online ad. Scammers are using fake celebrity and influencer testimonials and endorsements — complete with doctored video and audio that seems like the real thing — to generate buzz and profits. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/did-celebrity-really-endorse-maybe-not

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Thursday, Apr 25, 2024

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

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p   A Priest, A Minister, and a Rabbi

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p   Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey and Jim Derick

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm   Frank Presents – Frank Falvey Presents

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = Thursday

7:00 am Town of Franklin Fallen Heroes Pt 2

8:00 am Veterans' Call: VA Pension

9:00 am Arts Advocacy: Fundraising

10:30 am SAFE Coalition: Woody Geissman

11:30 am Cooking Thyme: Lasagna

12:00 pm Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers

12:30 pm Cooking with Linda: Chicken Parmesan

1:00 pm Master Plan Committee Open House

1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Shrimp, Tomato & Greens Pizzetta

2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 7

3:00 pm Riffin' on Main Street: James Johnston

4:00 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage Pt1

5:00 pm Celebration of the Arts

6:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Season 10 Show 2 - Paul Kelly

8:00 pm Frank Presents: Jacob Juncker

9:00 pm Endless Konnections: Introduction

9:04 pm Endless Konnections: Natasha Ward Pt 1

10:00 pm ArtWeek: Airmen of Note

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

7:00 am MICCA Festival 2019

8:30 am Public School Concert: Horace Mann Winter Music 2023

10:00 am FHS Varsity Baseball v Catholic Memorial 04-17-24

1:30 pm FHS Theater Company: Lord of the Flies

2:30 pm Winning Ways with the MIAA: Referee Shortage 2

5:30 pm Public School Concert: FHS Spring Jazz '22

9:30 pm Critical Conversations: Student Wellbeing

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

8:00 am Conservation Commission 04-18-24

12:30 pm Master Plan Committee 04-17-24

2:00 pm Conservation Commission 04-18-24

7:30 pm Zoning Board of Appeals  LIVE Remote  959 4354 5760

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