Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting very briefly conducted Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The Committee initially struggled to make a quorum needing 5 members. It had one, then 2, 3, and 4. Discussion on whether to hold the meeting as quorum appeared to be in jeopardy. 2 more arrived to make quorum. Given the nature of the topic, a deep dive on Technology, that 3 new members of the committee will be appointed in July and should participate, that 1 present wouldn’t be returning, it was decided to postpone the meeting and topic until the fall.For the record, the decision was formalized with the ‘official’ meeting opening and closing in less than one minute. --------------Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06112025-1781-------------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 c

This session shares the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The FY 2026 second budget hearing continued from May 22, was reopened to make the adjustments due to the failed override June 3, 2025. All 9 Council members participated in the Council Chambers. Quick recap:After the 5 minutes late start, the public hearing on the FY 2026 budget was resumed from the May 22 session.Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walked through the recap and explained the Option A & B using 3 slides (see below) as well as the Option A & B voting docs (linked below)Chief Lynch, Chief McLaughlin, Supt Giguere, and Library Director Oti spoke of the cut impacts to their operations but approved of them as necessary due to the failed overrideSupt Giguere confirmed the full details of their cuts would be reviewed with the School Cmte at their meeting June 10. Of the projected 10-15 personnel, he confirmed likely 12 FTE positions,  some teachers, some retirees not being backfilled and other personnel across the

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Chris Correnti and Winslow Woodacre. We had our conversation in the newly renovated Fyzical Balance Therapy building on Main St in downtown Franklin on Monday, June 9, 2025. Our conversation provides an introduction to Chris, Winslow, and the new physical and balance therapy services they can provide to the community. Discussion items: How they got located here in Franklin Services provided Free balance analysisIntake process to confirm insurance coverageThe conversation runs about 30 minutes so let’s listen --------------Fyzical webpage  https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-maChris Correnti’s LinkedIn page-> https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-correnti-a40a2b5/ Staff page (Winslow’s info) ->  https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma/About/StaffContact form, or stop by during open hours -> https://www.fyzical.com/franklin-main-street-ma/Contact --------------We are now producing t

This session shares my conversation with Sarah Amaral, Senior Center Director and Jillian Rochat, Administrative Assistant, both with the Franklin Senior Center. We had our discussion in the Franklin Radio Studio on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.We talk about All the key event highlights for JuneSenior OlympicsIntroduction of myactivecenter.com/  for online Senior Center registrationTeasers for July & van trips in the future The show notes include links to the Senior Center page, the calendar of events, and to subscribe to the monthly newsletter. The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin Senior Center page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/583/Franklin-Senior-Center-Council-on-Aging June 2025 newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5701/Franklin-Connection-June-2025?bidId= Senior Center calendar view (just FSC events) -> https://franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false Subscribe to th

This session shares my conversation about the Summer Reading Blitz and the middle school program “Meet Me in the Middle.”  We talk with Erin O’Leary and Caleigh Keating, the collaborators who fill in the details on summer reading efforts for readers of all ages. We recorded this conversation virtually on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Caleigh Keating, Youth Services LibrarianErin O’Leary, Reading Specialist at Horace Mann Middle SchoolWe cover the following in our conversationLibrary events for the June school half daysReading program sign up for grades 0-6, teens, and adultsMiddle school “Meet Me in the Middle” reading programThe middle school will begin in September with some common points around reading (the 6 books)The recording runs about 37 minutes--------------Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library Meet Me in the Middle info page ->  https://www.franklinps.net/o/hmms/article/2230185 Erin O’Leary email address -> olearye@franklin

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of June 4, 2025 and the closeout of the FY 2025 budget approval in light of the failed override June 3, 2025.We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Discussion items: FY 2026 Budget adjusted for Option B and approvedThanks to all involved for their efforts and collaboration through the Joint Budget process and in resolving the required cutsWhat’s next, another Joint Budget series starts in the fallThe next couple of budget years are going to be equally tough, we need to work together to figure this outTHis weekend brings the Farmers Market opening, FHS Class of 2025 graduation, PorchFest returns on Saturday, there is a lot happeningThe conversation runs about 25 minutes--------------Franklin TV vid

This session shares my conversation about the 15th Anniversary of The Drummers Studio. I talk with Kris Russell, owner, operator, and drummer extraordinaire. We recorded this conversation in the “Honeycomb Hive” or “Chemistry Lab” on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. We cover the following in our conversationKris’ journey to FranklinCreation of The Drummers StudioEducational approach15th Anniversary celebration June 21 at Bellingham HighKris gives us about a 2 minute musical sample, the drum track to David Bowie's Let’s Dance song.The recording runs about 53 minutes--------------The Drummers Studio -> https://thedrummersstudio.com/ Kris plays the drum part of David Bowie’s Let’s Dance, about 2 minutes worth …https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbD_kBJc_gI Links to some of the items mentioned during our conversation The California based drum corp -> https://muiralumnidrumcorp.org/  (Note: link doesn’t work in all browsers, must be some host based security setting at issue)Recent guest to the

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. 6 members participated all in Council Chambers, 1 absent (Gallagher). Quick recap:In the Superintendent's Report, Supt Giguere used some time to recognize the FHS students who won MICCA awardsThe students who achieved the State of MA Biliteracy certificates were recognized. 13 were presentIn the Guests/Presentations segment, the school district personnel retiring this year were recognizedCivics Presentation by Students featured Mrs Ambrose from Remington MS and Kayla who share her project on autism awareness (photos of the presentation below)The District Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan Update featured a portion on MS Math which was provided earlier this year--------------Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 The meeting folder where other docs

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in person on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 27, 2025. We cover MICCA award recognitionsBiliteracy certificate recognitionsSchool personnel retiree recognitionsDistrict Improvement Plan/School Improvement Plan updatesOverride discussion, vote June 3; any questions, please reach out to find outThe recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBa7M7YI4A4 The agenda doc -> https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05272025-1761 The meeting folder where other docs will be posted after the meeting -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/school-c

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meetings of May 21 & May 22, 2025. We focus on two questions:ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?FY 2026 Budget hearing process summary Wednesday, May 21Wednesday, the first night, the line item summary for each of the departments was read aloud by the Clerk of the Council. As it was read, members placed a hold on a department line item for follow-up (question, comment, etc.). A few departments were held automatically by the Chair (Police, Fire, Schools, DPW, Facilities). Another 14 departments were held by one or members of the Council.After the list of holds was confirmed, they started back at the beginning of the listing (account number order per voting document) to address the question for that item. Councilors firs

This session (1456) shares the FY 2026 first budget hearing held by the Franklin (MA) Town Council on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. All 9 of the members started the meeting in Council Chambers (1 left not feeling well during the meeting).  This session (1457) shares the FY 2026 second budget hearing held by the Town Council Meeting of Thursday, May 22, 2025. The budget hearing happens after the ABCC license transactions are completed. 7 members started the meeting (2 absent), 1 left during the meeting, leaving only 6 to make the final votes.Budget hearing #1 recap ->Budget hearing process summaryThis first night, the line item summary for each of the departments is read aloud by the Clerk of the Council. As read, members can place a hold on a department line item for follow-up (question, comment, etc.). A few departments were held automatically by the Chair (Police, Fire, Schools, DPW, Facilities). Another 14 departments were held by one or more members of the Council.After the list of holds was

This session (1456) shares the FY 2026 first budget hearing held by the Franklin (MA) Town Council on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. All 9 of the members started the meeting in Council Chambers (1 left not feeling well during the meeting).  This session (1457) shares the FY 2026 second budget hearing held by the Town Council Meeting of Thursday, May 22, 2025. The budget hearing happens after the ABCC license transactions are completed. 7 members started the meeting (2 absent), 1 left during the meeting, leaving only 6 to make the final votes.Budget hearing #1 recap ->Budget hearing process summaryThis first night, the line item summary for each of the departments is read aloud by the Clerk of the Council. As read, members can place a hold on a department line item for follow-up (question, comment, etc.). A few departments were held automatically by the Chair (Police, Fire, Schools, DPW, Facilities). Another 14 departments were held by one or more members of the Council.After the list of holds was

This session of the radio show shares the audio of the Town of Franklin Memorial Day ceremony held on the Town Common at the end of the parade on Monday, May 26, 2025. The day was sunny, a few passing clouds with a gentle breeze. Veterans Service Officer Shannon Nisbett is the master of ceremonies and introduces each speaker, and walks us through the program. The ceremony runs about 47 minutes. --------------My photos (for both the parade & ceremony) are found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/w7AdGvP6PDGimFT88 --------------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 neighborsIf you don't like something here, please let me knowThrough this feedback loop we can cont

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. We had the opportunity to recap the School Committee meeting of May 13, 2025. We cover Theatre group recognitionTraffic study and mitigations Horace Mann renaming discussionSuperintendent evaluationOverride discussion, vote on or before June 3; any questions, please reach out to find outThe recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   Franklin TV video for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/TPngAPt1WHs?&t=110  The meeting agenda can be found ->   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05132025-1735 Documents released for this agenda after the meeting can be found -> https://www.franklinps.net/documents/departments/

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Jones). Change in membership acknowledged as Chandler is no longer part of the subcmte and Jones returns to the group.Quick recapDiscussion on the proposed zoning change to enable a commercial kitchen in residential areas if they are on septic systemsHealth Dept Cathy Liberty and Planner Amy Love present for the discussion; Fee is the same as other permits Health covers, and also commensurate with neighboring communitiesClarification questions around coverage of this residential bylaw as proposed, there is a limitation on the kinds of foods prepared in this wayConsideration for this to be enabled for sewer system users would be problematic for monitoring and enforcement if requiredThis is a start and we'll be able to check out for potential enhancementsResident M

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Brenna Johnson, Franklin High School art/ceramics teacher and Empty Bowls (EB) coordinator. We met to record in the ceramics room at FHS on Thursday, May 15, 2025. The FHS EBers introduce themselves as we go around the table: Grace GeogheganEvie Weir Kat RosenbergerCleo St. Vrain LarryThe conversation runs about 25 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with the FHS Empty Bowls Club core group --------------Tickets for Empty Bowls -> https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E188424&id=95 Prior Year Recordings2024 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/04/this-episode-talks-about-working-with.html 2023 ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/05/the-empty-bowls-club-talks-about.html 2021 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/fm-561-inside-empty-bowls-2021-060821.html 2020 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-263-fhs-empty-bowl-club-stars-50420.html&nbs

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote (Gallagher). The audio for the meeting leaves out the approx 30 minute executive session that the committee spent on negotiation strategy. A brief sound bit highlights the gavel to go into and then the gavel is heard again as they return.  Quick recap:Recognition of the FHS student Theater groupPresentation update on the traffic study and mitigation efforts underwayLink to presentation in the notes section below NO projects to address the traffic flow will be completed before the Sep 2025-2026school year.Currently the traffic queues will more than double in SeptemberAlternatives are being reviewed before making decisions on which projects wouldbe beneficial for traffic as well as at minimal expenseAdditional updates will be sent to families during the summer by the respective school principals“It is not going to be perfect on day 1”BICO Board

Sharing the Franklin (MA) Town Clerk Robocall sent out on Early Voting - 05/16/25

This session shares my conversation with Franklin High School junior Tuhina Pal. Tuhina recently published a book of her poems on her journey to recovery. We recorded this conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. We cover the following in our conversationHow normal anxiety worsened during the pandemicHow she recognized that, got help and has been on the recovery journeyHow recovery is not a linear journeyPoetry was a vehicle for her to work through her issuesThe recording runs about 36 minutes--------------FHS Active Minds Club announcement of book -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DH_IsYluNwM/ Follow Tuhina’s Instagram account for updates -> https://www.instagram.com/tuhinapal.poetry/ The book is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org  -> https://bookshop.org/p/books/they-didn-t-know/b519f506fefb8083?ean=9798218477141&next=t -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin

This session (1448) shares the FY 2024 Fiscal Audit presentation and discussion from the Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. This includes the announcement of the AAA bond rating renewal. Meeting recap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-hears-of-clean-audit-and.html The Audit Segment runs about 56 minutes--------------The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389 The agenda and released documents for this session ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719 My full set of notes captured during the meeting -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/view?usp=drive_link FY 2024 Audit report ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/539 Other audit reports can be found -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Archive.aspx?AMID=36 S&P Bond Rating letter dated May 6, 2025https://ma-franklin.c