This session shares my conversation with Franklin School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We are joined by Food Service and Operations Director Colin Boisvert. This is another episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Municipal Bldg on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

We cover

• Details behind the reorganization process
• Focus on balancing within the guidelines to create an equitable distribution
• Davis Thayer exemption, transportation study, teacher alignments
• ECDC expansion
• While conducting a school year, and redistricting, they are also redeveloping a budget from scratch to reflect the new organizational structures
• Communication of information as it develops is key

The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Contact info for Superintendent Giguere -> giguerel@franklinps.net

Redistricting page https://www.franklinps.net/o/fpsd/page/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment

• Most recent update to School Cmte (11/12/24) https://5il.co/30zc4

Email to send redistricting feedback -> district-reorganization@franklinps.net

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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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen in his office on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Jamie has mentioned in many meetings that he doesn’t spend time on social media. So I took some of the top items that generally get wrapped around misinformation and brought them to have Jamie provide his trusted source input

• Franklin doesn't have enough water, we have a water ban every year
• How come the Town of Franklin is building so many apartments
• What happening with Davis Thayer building
• I thought the old museum was being developed by Habitat for Humanity
• Get more grants
• Regionalization will save us
• Parmenter school deed restriction

The recording runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation and bust some myths floating around some of the social media in Franklin.

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Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/

Community calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

Water system 3 part podcast

https://www.franklinma.gov/water-sewer-division/news/franklin-matters-conversations-regarding-franklins-sewer-services-doug

Franklin TV News Awareness Survey

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/11/your-input-is-requested-for-franklin-ma.html

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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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

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

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024. 8 members were present in Council Chambers, Frongillo was remote.

Quick recap:

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms
• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting
• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under and MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format. Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority Vote)
• Entered Executive Session for contract negotiations, not to return to open meeting

Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs over an hour. Audio link ->

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Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149

The Town Council full agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf

My set of notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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!

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

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

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Economic Development Subcommittee (EDC) held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 in the Council Chambers.

Three members of the subcommittee participated; 2 in Chambers (Hamblen, Sheridan), 1 remote (Frongillo). Chandler was absent.

Quick recap:

• Starting late awaiting quorum. Chandler absent, Frongillo participating remotely hence roll call for any votes at this session
• Town administrator Jamie Hellen provides updates on affordable housing legislation becoming effective this year (recently passed) Retrofit of offline units most immediate turn for housing increase ... Bond bill authorization money not available for awhile.
• Next agenda item, definition of accessory dwelling units. Amy Love and Gus Brown sit at the table to provide updates.
• Currently we have by special permit, new state regulations call for 'by right' for residential zones First unit by right, second unit on same parcel would be by special permit (via ZBA for us) State will go through their regulation process to determine the final regs ... Likely next year,
• We can at least move these changes through our process to go through Planning Board and Town Council possibly by Feb 2025.
• Motion to move this set of recommendations to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call.
• Separately voted on definition and use table
• On to sign, small change in commercial effectively along 140 where there is limited residential.
• Looking for digital and electronic boards to be allowed (not currently) GlenPharmer for, but not present tonight. Would go to Council, then Planning Board & back to Council
• Per Gus, these are not inexpensive so not going to get a rush on these. 2 amendments, one an exclusion that refers back to the full wording of the original. Off premise signs are not allowed anywhere in Franklin.
• Will loop in the Design Review for their input on this.
• Motion to move the zoning bylaws amendment sign changes to recommend to the Town Council, second, passes 3-0 via roll call
• Second motion on changes also to refer to Council, passes 3-0 via roll call
• Marketing & branding project with AJ Updates since last time
• Slides captured in album https://photos.app.goo.gl/ucVeRz3FmZMeSQPC6
• Councilors discussion on variations in the slides around specific elements of the design
• Colors were chosen to enable a safe standard replication across screen, digital and print

Motion to adjourn, passes 3-0 via roll call

The recording of the meeting runs just over 1 hour.

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Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnEIUW2vwrY

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/november_13_2024_edc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rycp5mTWEcFuRL5mbl5Ybuo6uC7dcd0N/view?usp=drive_link

Additional info on the branding process can be found ->

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, November 14, 2023.

• ok, what just happened?

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms
• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting
• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under an MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format. Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority

The recording runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 2024

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Town Council agenda Nov 13, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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...

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024. All 7 members participated, 6 in Council Chambers, 1 remotely (Gallagher)

Quick recap:

• School committee voted to continue their leadership team. Griffin was nominated as well as Callaghan for Chair but Callaghan prevailed with a 5-2 (Griffin, Gallagher) vote. McNeill continues as Vice-Chair by a 7-0 vote. Both votes via roll call
• Announcement of MASS student awards for Ella Mahoney and Noah Gorgas
• Middle school presentation & update; If we had more money we could have more clubs and reach more students and their interests Hopeful with the single school next year to be able to do more for the whole population of middle schoolers, more flexibility and opportunities
• Update on the district reorganization From Colin & Lucas
• 29 of the 54 possible students for the DT exemption committed to do so, Staff placement being worked, All dependent upon the budget
• Pond St facility (former Kennedy school) would be the site for an expansion for the ECDC not a replacement of, ECDC was purpose built and will remain, but expanding capacity by using space at Pond St is what is being planned
• Clarification on ECDC expansion, it would be done in phases, the focus is to provide the education space for ECDC population, which is growing, and we won't be able to utilize the Middle school space we have used at Horace Mann
• Key stat 97% of the K-5 teachers got their first choice. There is the plus one for 2nd at North and down one on South so it is budget neutral not a $75K cost as might have been in worst case
• Consideration for moving staff and furniture with the teachers where possible, Capital planning underway, don't know enough details yet but as they rise up, they will be shared

Entered executive session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 1 hour & 55 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZaZ-akfth8

School Committee agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/events/fps_meeting_1.pdf

My notes for the full session are captured in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r6Fpd_A-8cBzKBLdigphSMvcxcy53mfo/view?usp=drive_link

Photos of the redistricting update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/ADsFSJtAkHctX7Rq8

Photos of the Middle School update -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/mJFrSfDhaJYbojfh8

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

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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show

This session shares my conversation with School Committee Vice-Chair Dave McNeill. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion via the Zoom conference bridge on Thursday, November 7, 2024. We recapped the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of Oct 23, 2024.

We cover

• The budget work continues with Joint Budget revelation of $3.7M shortfall
• Reorganization provides minimal savings, mostly in Facilities on Town side
• Level service means no additions to current budget which was significantly cut and added fees due to the failed override
• Ultimately the Subcommittee came together that there is a significant hole for FY 2026
• Town to add their wish list to go along with the Tier 2, 3, & 4 cuts as presented in June
• School to bring updated figures forward months earlier than normal
• Subcommittee to work through the wish list to get to the needs, review priorities
• Town Council committed to discuss an override question (yes or no) at a February 2025 meeting; assuming yes, then also to set date, and choose an amount
• No reason not to begin discussions with community around the minimum shortfall and how to handle it

The recording runs about 27 minutes, so let’s listen in.

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Contact info for Dave McNeill -> mcneilld@franklinps.net

Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting

• Agenda for Oct 23, 2024 session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jbsc_agenda_revised_oct_23_2024.pdf
• Franklin TV video of session -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWmbJdKWrAY
• wfpr.fm audio of the session -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/10/joint-budget-subcmte-meeting-oct-23-24.html

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

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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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...

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Erin Campbell, Franklin Turkey Trot organizer and with Jen Johnson, Franklin Food Pantry Event Coordinator. We had our conversation at the Franklin Food Pantry at Edwin’s.

We talk about the Turkey Trot coming up on Thanksgiving morning.

We talk about how the race has evolved, sponsorship opportunities, the community event itself, free raffle prizes in addition to awards by race age category & more.

Disclosure: during the conversation you will hear that I am happy to be a sponsor of this event, and that the recording is separately part of my overall public service effort for Franklin.News/Franklin Public Radio.

The recording runs about 21 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Erin and Jen.

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Turkey Trot webpage (register online through Tuesday, and in person Wednesday night (7 - 9 PM) or Thursday morning (from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM)) http://franklinturkeytrot.org/

Food Pantry current needs page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/pantry-needs/

Amazon wish lists -> https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2SIL7UR08ZZUC?ref_=wl_share

Schedule a food & fund drive page -> https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/get-involved/food-and-fund-drives/

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 www.franklinfoodpantry.org to explore volunteering, donating funds, donating food, or supporting our Capital Campaign to keep the lights on and the programs, from food elves to weekend backpack stuffing. It truly takes a village to keep our food pantry running and supporting the increasing demand, supporting our Franklin neighbors.

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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
• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.franklin.news or www.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...