Franklin (MA) Matters

This session shares the Capital Budget Subcmte Meeting held Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in the Council Chambers. All four members participated. 1. FY25 Capital Plan & Subcommittee recommendations a. Town Administrator Memo  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4098/2025-01-29-CBSC-Agenda---1a-FY25-Capital b. FY25 Department Summary Requests & Capital Plans  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4117/1b---Capital---Dept-Requests-and-5-Year-Plans c. Quotes  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4116/1c-Quotes The votes to approve all recommendations were 4-0The agenda doc https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01292025-1526The recording runs about 3 hours , so let’s listen in.--------------My full set of notes in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GNNvCsoWOmoEZ8ReL0iqH6B9MO9Moj96/view?usp=drive_link -------------We are now producing this in collabora

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math** 1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the endQuick recapThe middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested,

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file*** 1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the endQuick recapThe middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).1364 is the full school committee meeting in one audio file1365 is the start of the meeting through to the end of the Middle School Math1366 starts with the FY 2026 budget presentation and runs to the endQuick recapThe middle school math curriculum program is being revised to meet MA Curriculum Framework guidelines and to better meet the needs for a solid foundation in math for all students. Photos of the presentation were recorded into one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/73DtDSCgcRCPiPHz9 Actual presentation doc posted after the meeting (normal process) https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5247238/January_28__2025_MS_Math_Update_to_SC_for_Website.pdf The FY 2026 budget was presented and multiple questions from the committee to clarify the details. $80M is being requested, 3.

This session shares the “State of the Schools” event presented by School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan and Vice-Chair David McNeill. The event was held with about a dozen folks at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, January 27, 2025. The presentation slide deck is included in the show notes. They cover the presentation with some Q&A along the way and more at the end of the slides.  There are more of these events being planned, as the dates are available, they will be shared.The recording runs about 95 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Presentation deck -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EB4kyIdNW4btBpqGJCAG5jIpVfL7TUxm/view?usp=drive_link  Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   Contact info for Dave McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee  -------------We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 22, 2025. All 9 of the members participated in Council Chambers. Quick recap:APPOINTMENTS - Police Station Building Committee - Andrew WoodwardPUBLIC HEARING - rescheduled to Feb 5; New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian CuisinePRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION on Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Signs, first reading and approved to move to second reading2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for their second reading, and receiving unanimous final approvalGrant of Underground Gas Distribution System Easement for work by Eversource at the Pump Station near the Recreation Dept.Approval of a donation for the Senior CenterTOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORTEmergency housing potentially ended by year end (if not sooner)New website, agenda issue for Jamie,

This session shares my conversation with Stephenie Heath, Ph.D., MSW who works as a Community Outreach Counselor for the SAFE Coalition. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studios on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.We talk about Stephanies’s path to SAFE The housing program funded through the ARPA grant  Postpartum support sessions with the YMCA Suspension diversion program with area high schoolsThe recording runs 25 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------SAFE Coalition web page -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/ Support programs offered -> https://www.safecoalitionma.org/get-support -------------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 some

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, January 23, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:• ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessionAPPOINTMENTS - Police Station Building Committee - Andrew WoodwardPUBLIC HEARING - rescheduled to Feb 5; New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian CuisinePRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION on Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Signs, first reading and approved to move to second reading2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for their second reading, and receiving unanimous final approvalGrant of Underground Gas Distribution System Eas

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee Budget Workshop held on Wednesday, January 22, 2024. All 5 members participated in the 3rd floor Training Room (2 absent; O’Sullivan, Sompally). Quick recapSuperintendent Lucas Giguere and Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch shared in presenting the overview and answered detailed questions on the developing FY 2026 school budgetThis is a ‘zero based’ budget to the extent that to develop the budget the prior year format with 9 schools can’t be used this year. The redistricting is bringing 5 elementary into 4 schools (2 buildings), and 3 middle schools into 1 middle school (1 building)The redistricting does provide a significant savings to the community. If the redistricting was not in process for implementation in September 2025, the proposed budget would be asking for $6M moreThe “Tale of Two Budgets” presents a level service budget and a level service plus budget. Terminology is key to understanding

This session shares my conversation with Colleen Bunnewith on Monday, January 20, 2025 in the Pour Richard’s Wine store. The store interior is being renovated with new colors and layout. Colleen is co-owner with her husband Corey.We talk about How they got to opening Pour Richard’s under their ownership Plans for beer, wine, and provisions Plans for an expanded beer section Plans for bringing in cheese & prepared foods, charcuterie boards, etc. Events, “Pennywise” rebranded as “Bacchus Busters” Grand re-opening set for Feb 8The recording runs 20 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Web page (under revision as of 1/22/25) -> https://pourrichardswine.com/ On Facebook at -> https://www.facebook.com/pourrichardswine On instagram at -> https://www.instagram.com/pourrichardswinema/ -------------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 Fra

This session shares the Master Plan Update Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The recording runs almost 1 hour and 54 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98wFbUo0ugEAgenda and supporting documents for this session ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-january_15_2025.pdf“Final” version of the Master Plan (at least as of 1/20/25) -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/franklin_master_plan_final_report-submitted_to_town-01-15-2025.pdf -------------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 li

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 at the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. We recapped the School Committee meeting of January 14, 2025. We cover Cheerleader recognition, approval for trip to NationalsFHS update & program of studiesRedistricting updates mostly in Superintendent Update, action items did include approval of notification of the school names for interim usageApproval of the capital budgetFranklin TV presentation, issue of cable cutting and alternative revenue sourceState of the Schools, January 27 at 7 PM at the TV StudioThe recording runs about 40 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net   School Committee Meeting InfoFranklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWsDrfRwZuM Meeting agenda -&

This session shares the Finance Committee meeting conducted Wednesday, January 15, 2025. 7 members of the Committee were present in Council Chambers on the 2nf floor of the Town of Franklin municipal building for this session (2 absent). Many of the Town department leaders were present and participating as needed. School Superintendent Lucas Giguere participated as did Interim School Business Administrator Jana Melotti along with consultant Dr Bob Dutch.Quick recap Town Administrator Jamie Hellen walking the committee thru the memo on the capital budget https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/04a._fy25_capital_improvement_plan_memo.pdf Many clarification questions on what for when, as well as possible reallocation of the recommendation. Chart on free cash is for information purposesFirst resolution on use of free cash for the capital budget resulted in a discussion around amending the amount and creating a technology stabilization fund but ultimately that did not get amen

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Jan 14, 2024. 6 of the 7 members participated (6 in Chambers,  1 absent - Sompally).Quick recapFHS Cheerleaders recognized for winning multiple championships, approved for travel to the National ChampionshipSuperintendent's report included multiple updates on redistricting efforts underwayFHS school update provided insights in the school year thus farFHS Program of Studies update raised some clarification questions and at least one surprise that the community service hours added to the graduation requirements are not being monitored this year due to the budget cut that removed the individual who would have done that tracking. Community hours were being done by students, no one single person was tracking to ensure all the students were doing so this school yearFranklin TV provided an update on the programming provided to the community including the live broadcast of this meeting (across town, 2 school concerts were also broadc

This session of the radio show shares conversation with Pam and Joe Formosa, who are leading the revitalized Santa Foundation. We had our conversation in the new facility at 275 Washington St, Suite a6.We talked aboutThanking the community and all who helpedHow Pam & Joe ended up in this rolePlanning for the future underwayThe recording of our conversation runs about 34 minutes.   --------------Visit the Santa Foundation online at -> https://www.sfjoy.org/Or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SantaFoundation --------------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 know And if you have interest in reporting on me

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, January 8, 2025. All 9 of the 9 members participated in Council Chambers. Quick recap:2 public hearings on the accessory dwelling unit bylaw changes were opened and closed after discussion. Later the legislation for action approved by 9-0 vote to move both measures to second reading2 public hearings on sign bylaw changes as proposed were opened and continued to the Jan 22 meeting without further discussion. Later in the legislation for action, those two measures were also rescheduled to the Jan 22 meeting by 9-0 votesPresentation on Franklin Ridge, a senior affordable housing project update was provided that with the recent funding made available on 2 front for Town work and for the private development of the 60 units, given the current schedule, ground could break in June 2025. Bryan Taberner, Director Planning & Community Development provided the update.Bryan continued with a second presentation on the sustainable housing inve

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 in Council Chambers. All 4 members of the subcommittee participated in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan, Frongillo & Chandler).Quick recapGoals update, discussion on setting what priorities there should beOpen Space plan not yet approved by State, comments sent back to Town and they will take time to adjust and incorporateRound among the subcommittee as they shared their priorities, except for ChandlerAfter the round, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - The Crossing and 40r would probably be best to start with. Home business, taking a reasonable step forward re: water and sewer. Current bylaws restrict auto and food prep from home use, as well as medical. At scale, it gets to be a problem for the infrastructure. Possible joint discussion with Board of Health, Health Dept, along with DPW to talk about the issues they see. Attempting to provide an overview to someone to answer "H

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, January 9, 2024.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:• ok, what just happened? • What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?Topics for this sessiona. Franklin Ridge Senior Affordable Housing Project Update - Bryan Taberner, Director ofDepartment of Planning and CommunityConstruction to commence later this summer, after Town finishes its infrastructure workb. Residential Development & Subsidized Housing Inventory (SHI, aka Chapter 40B) Update - Bryan Taberner, Director of Department of Planning and CommunityAt 10.86% (the guideline is more than 10%) A summary of what’s approved and or in the planning processOver 1,000 housing units, approx. 400 would be “Affordable”"A 1% increase in new supply; i) lowers average rents by 0.19%, ii) effectively red

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Jan 8, 2025. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the 2 members of the Board (Harris, Mu-Chow) (1 absent - Sweet) and Health Dept members apparently were present together. Quick Recap:Discussion on new oversight board and appointment of Director Liberty as representative. Motion made and approved 2-0Coat drive update: successful, collected over 600 new/used costs, distribution of 325 or so to families, some of the left over coats went to a church in Milford. Total among the distribution and collections, approx 1,000 coats, etc. delivered to families who wanted them.427 Oakland Park update, coordinated with Attny General; owners did start work with a contractor on the roof, letter/ notification of process is underway147 Pleasant St septic exemption requested, relatively minor recommended, so moved, passes 2-0Health

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion virtually on Monday, December 23, 2024.We talk about Reviewed the regular open hours, book sale and holiday scheduling for the monthOpen on Sundays Book sale weekend January 17 & 18Closed Monday, Jan 20 for Martin Luther King Jr Day Library events for December 2024Family eventsKiddos, or “littles”TeensAdultsThe show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.The recording runs about 24 minutes, so let’s listen in.--------------Mitzi Gousie’s email -> mgousie@minlib.net Franklin Public Library page ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library New event calendar -> https://franklinma.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/2025-january/ January newsletter -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/news/january-202