Franklin (MA) Matters

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--------------Policy Brief on per pupil spendinghttps://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 analysisMicrosoft Excel format ->https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1uQE3e2_4RSj3zZRQ-9p7biDI-3Kk6E6d/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=101938843903614700

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 326Discussion on branding efforts complicated by heavy web presence of Franklin Tennessee and wanting to avoid confusion with themWill have booth at Harvest Festival, discussion on logo, branding desire to have something ready to handout or engagement with community at boothProceeding 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 quantitativelyextended 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 answ

This session of the radio show shares the Police Station Building Cmte Meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Brief recapFirst 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 OPMWork with the OPM to select an architectSite visits to current station (what is) and other community stations (what could be)Schematic designDesign developmentConstruction documentsBiddingConstructionThe 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 Stat

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G JonesTown Administration: J Hellen, B TabernerBrief recapBrief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all ove

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 as scheduled.  Six members were present (1 absent - Whitmore).Quick recapSeveral updates, including personnel hiring status, were provided by Superintendent Lucas GiguereIn the first of 2 Discussion/Actions items, the 2023-24 Student & Family Handbook Approval was received. Among the elementary and middle school changes most were housekeeping, minor corrections, updates to names and roles, etc. Most of the principals were available either in person or via Zoom for questions.FHS Principal Josh Hanna spent some time on the updates to the high school handbook to address the Credit Attendance policy, Updated Cell Phone / Electronic Device policy, Updated Academic Dishonesty (Artificial Dishonesty), and Clarity around Bathroom Use policyPrincipal Hanna and Supt Giguere also spent time explaining the rationale behind the graduation date change. It had initial been set as the "first Friday in June" as that was the standard, then as they look

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, August 21, 2023.  In this episode we have another wide running conversation with a starting point on the headlines, and how to avoid doom scrolling.  Links to the articles we talk of are collected in one PDF linked to below.  This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  The conversation runs about 46 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as we help ‘make sense of climate.’--------------Links to articles referenced:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KdmIkPGFpCYIrbHXakDQZ0vJpcq6keY8/view?usp=drive_link ** See the page that collects all

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers; Jones was absent, Hamblen covered as clerk for the meeting.Quick recap:One appointment to the Agricultural Commission was approved. Daniel Morse moved from an associate role to a full seat. Likely a future appointment coming for a new associate.Two PUBLIC HEARINGS were conducted. These previously were reviewed by the Economic Development Subcommittee and forwarded with unanimous approval. Both measures passed by 8-0-1 (8 for, 0 against, 1 absent)a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  Presentation: DPW Project Update

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of August 16, 2023: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?We cover the following key topicsAPPOINTMENTS a. Agricultural Commission   i. Daniel Morse  PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements  b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map  Presentation: DPW Project Updates - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Directori. Current Project Updat

This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones (absent)Town Administration: J Hellen, B TabernerBrief recapThe previous sidewalk snow removal bylaw was repealed as unenforceable in 2017The sidewalks covered by the Town in their snow removal plan have not been updated in yearsSmall sections were discussed and proposed to add to the Town removal coverage (along 140 near the Westerly Apts., the East/West Streets neighborhood, the Alpine/Milliken neighborhood)Discussion on the parameters for clearing, when to have completed, etc. were reviewed, also the need for marketing and education to build a culture of "we can do this" and take care of the neighbors who are unable to do so.The Town staff will work on the revisions as discussed, basic text of the prior bylaw is a good start to work with, add the map (new areas), etc.Motion to adjournThe recording runs 57 minutes, so let’s listen to

This session of the radio show shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 in the Council Chambers. The committee heard and discussed many ideas for possible reuse of the former school building. Police station, community arts center, housing, and recreation headquarters were among the key items mentioned. Splitting the land into 2 parcels was suggested. Another was to build a new municipal building in addition to the police station and sell off the current municipal building was a new idea.Multiple parties apparently being invited to the next meeting proposed for Sep 19 at 7 PM. Police Chief, arts and recreation, and housing trust representatives among the key participants suggested to provide insights to the discussion.Arrangements being finalized for movers to clear the facility to enable open houses for the community (and committee) to view the building, Open houses likely to be scheduled in October. The recording runs about 80 minutes, so let’s

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Suzanne Gendreau, Franklin Food Pantry board member and Building Campaign Committee Chair along with Donna O’Neill, Food Pantry volunteer and ambassador extraordinaire. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many years, their needs had outgrown the space. We spend much of the time sharing stories about the community involvement that is what makes the Food Pantry a successful operation assisting our neighbors.Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.The recording runs about 32 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Suzanne and Donna.--------------The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, b

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" session with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. We had our conversation in the Municipal Building on Thursday, August 10, 2023.  Topics for this sessionJoint Budget Subcommittee recap, OneFranklinDavis Thayer Reuse Committee meetingTown Council meeting, override do’s & don’tsMunicipal Aggregation contract renewal at $.15/kwhThe recording runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie & Amy on Thursday, August 10, 2023--------------Town FY 2024 budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administratorDavis Thayer Reuse Committee agenda & links ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/_2023-08-15_davis-thayer_reuse_agenda_.pdf Town Council agenda for 08/16/23 meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/file

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Monday, August 7, 2023.  In this episode we have another wide running conversation with a starting point on the ship tracks  Links to the articles we talk of are located in a section below.  This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  The conversation runs about 46 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre as we help ‘make sense of climate.’--------------Links to articles referenced:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Fu_Yg-0pQc4mNpYBMQnwgwfq3f0_vSvX/view?usp=drive_link ** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes ->

The Franklin (MA) School Committee met on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 as scheduled.  Five members were present (2 absent) but the 5 provided quorum to enable official business. They did break for an Executive Session, returned to open meeting to authorize a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the cafeteria workers “as discussed (in the executive session). Let’s listen to the School Committee meeting of August 8. The time they left the room for their Executive Session was shortened for airplay and replaced by a brief audio bit. The total meeting audio runs about 49 minutes.--------------School Committee page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee Franklin TV Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/live/iSxi_lTYFe4You can find the full agenda dochttps://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_8-8-23.pdfMy notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QjbZCZ5vs2CHatsKM6MEUOBGdNiTFRs5/view?usp=drive_linkTh

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Anne McGillis, Director of Operations, and Yianna Zicherman, Warehouse Manager of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. We talk about their respective roles in the operation of the Pantry. We get some insights into what happens behind the scenes to process the donations and food purchases to help our neighbors. Donations are always welcomed to help keep this operation running smoothly. The recording runs about 16 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Anne & Yianna.Note: As part of my long association with the Franklin Food Pantry, I contribute financially to the building capital campaign. --------------The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Franklin School Committee member Dave Callaghan. We had our conversation in person in the Franklin TV Studio on Friday, August 4, 2023. Our primary topic was a recap of the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held earlier on Wednesday, Aug 2. We also spent time on the forthcoming Aug 16 Town Council meeting which will provide a historical update on Franklin’s override results. Importantly, there will also be a presentation and discussion on the do’s/don’t for town employees, and others on conducting a  campaign abiding by the rules and regulations of campaign finance.The recording runs about 35 minutes so let’s listen to my “chalkboard chat” with Dave Callaghan.--------------School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/fy24budget Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting August 2, 2023Recap & video ->https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/0

This session of the radio show shares my conversation at the Creative Corner Art Studio with owner Amy Saltamacchia. We talk about the new classes starting this fall, one to help with middle school performing arts, one to help with elementary art, both are after school programs.We also heard a tease for some additional programming coordinating with Dean College as well as a possible street art project for students. Both of these we’ll keep an ear out for.The audio recording runs 20 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Amy--------------Creative Corner Art Studio web page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/ Registration page -> https://www.creativecornerartstudiofranklin.com/elementaryclasses Find Create Corner on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087442720678 Follow them on Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/creativecornerartstudio/ --------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public R

This session shares the Town of Franklin (MA) Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, Aug 2, 2023. The meeting was conducted in the Council Chambers. Remote participation was enabled for the public for this session. The Joint Budget Subcommittee is composed of the budget subcommittee of the Town Council, 3 members of the Finance Committee and of the School Committee to avoid a committee quorum for each of the respective bodies.Chair - Tom Mercer, Brian Chandler, Cobi Frongillo and Melanie Hamblen of the Town CouncilGeorge Conley, Nicole Corbosiero, and one not present of the Finance CommitteeDavid McNeill, David Callaghan, and Denise Spencer of the School CommitteeBrieflyChair Tom Mercer opened meeting setting the stage for the processAn overview of the 5 year forecast was provided by Town Administrator Jamie HellenTown Council meeting of Aug 16 will include more details on the override process, including the Campaign and Political Finance rules and regulations that need to be followed (note

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Tina Powderly, Executive Director of the Franklin Food Pantry. We had our conversation in the new location of the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s. We talk about the happy news that the Food Pantry has their own home, finally. While they are appreciative of the space Rockland Trust has let them use for many, their needs had outgrown the space. Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear about my background with the Food Pantry and that I have committed to this capital campaign.The recording runs about 25 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tina.--------------The Franklin Food Pantry is here for you. If you need us, we are here with not only food, but useful programs and resources for individuals, seniors and families struggling with food insecurity. If you can support us, we thank you - visit franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Thursday, July 27, 2023.  In this episode we welcome Town of Franklin (ToF) Fire Chief James McLaughlin. The Chief is also the ToF Emergency Management Director. Given the headlines and climate weather related emergencies around us, it was a good time to talk about Franklin’s planning efforts.  Links to the articles we talk of are located in a section below.  This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  The conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted McIntyre and Chief McLaughlin as we help ‘make sense of climate.’--------------Links