Franklin Matters Radio

This session shares the Franklin (MA) MasterPlan Update Committee meeting held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. 11 members participated, 10 in the 3rd floor training room, 1 remote (Frongillo), 2 were absent (Williams, Power).

Quick recap:

Meeting opened by Chair Jones, round of updates from each subcommittee chair, many have not met since the public hearing to incorporate the feedback gathered, one had, others scheduling, or have scheduled such sessionsMuch time spent reviewing the internal committee working doc on objectives section by sectionDoc formatting to be worked on by Beta & Barrett to set up goals, objectives, and actions for subcommittees to fill...

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, June 17, 2024.  7 members were present in Council Chambers, one participated remotely (Cormier-Leger), one was absent (Hamblen). For the time when Cormier-Leger participated all votes were recorded via roll call.

Quick summary

A number of citizens comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundly defeated by an 8-0-1 (1 absent) vote.The override and budget discussion resulted in two actions. One...

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Economic Development Subcmte Meeting conducted on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.  The meeting was held  in the Council Chambers with. Vice-chair Cobi Frongillo led this session with Councilors Chandler & Sheridan present. Chari Hamblen was absent.

Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti provided an update on the marketing and branding project to date as well as the draft RFP for the next step, hiring a consultant to do the work of creating a new town logo.

The Town of Franklin seal would remain in use for official documents but the ne...

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 for the first meeting of the Fiscal Year 2025. We met Thursday morning to recap the 3 hour session. 

We look to focus on 

ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

A  number of citizens’ comments accounted for approx. 30 minutes of the meeting before the Council began its business.The zoning change for the parcel on King St while forwarded to second reading by a 5-4 vote was roundl...

This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with local author J.M. Celi. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Public Radio studio on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. 

Our conversation lets you find out more about Jamie and his second independently published work “The Vampires of 1863.” 

This is a prequel to the work we had talked about in November 2023 “The Unlife of Lisa Cooper: Conviction.” 

We talk about Jamie’s writing process from draft through multiple reviews and edits to publication, as well as the magic of writing when it can happen.

This session shares the audio for the Davis Thayer Reuse Advisory Subcmte meeting held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The meeting was conducted in a hybrid manner from the Council Chambers. 

2 members were in the Chambers, 3 remote via Zoom, and 1 via phone call  (speaker phone) for a total of 6 of the 9 members participating and hence a quorum. 

The purpose of the meeting was for the Committee to review and approve their prior meeting minutes which had been delayed in being prepared. Each set of minutes were raised for approval, seconded, and passed by the same 6 (yes) - 0 (no...

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Master Plan Update Committee Public Hearing held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. 10 members participated, 9 in chambers, 1 remote (for a portion of session, she did join in person - Williams), 3 were absent (Gallagher, Hagen, Halligan).

Quick recap:

Overview presentation coordinate by Chair Jones, and each subcommittee chair, before getting into the public portionPresentation doc was not included with the agenda very few (outside of the committee) likely had time to preview the goals before the sessionGood input from the multiple commenters both in person and participating remotelyNext meeting for the committee scheduled for...

This session shares the Franklin (MA) School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. 6 members participated, 5 in chambers, one remote (Gallagher), one was absent (Sompally).

Quick recap:

FY 2025 budget update - provided status on the hiring process, 29 open positions, multiple moving parts, jobs posted, recruiting active, some already hired (# not specified). Awaiting word on possible move of the Town Council to add another $1M at their meeting July 17. These funds, if approved, would be used for non-personnel restoration of programs, supplies, etc.Redistricting status update - work progressing, principals announced, asst principals announcement forthcoming, work on the d...

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 for the last meeting of the Fiscal Year 2024. As the session was a marathon one, extending into Thursday morning, completing at 12:45 AM, we met on Friday to recap the long 5 hour and 45 minute session. 

We look to focus on 

ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

Recognition of Rabbi Tom Alpert retiringOf Gabrielle “Ellie” Dalton & Community Outreach Dog, “Officer” Ben FranklinFailed to approve the license transfers between BJs...

This session shares my conversation with Mitzi Gousie, Programming and Outreach Librarian with the Franklin Public Library. We had our discussion at the Franklin TV Studios on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

 We talk about 

Reviewed the regular open hours, and month ending holiday timesSummer hours, closed on Sundays (until Sept)Closed on Thursday, July 4 for the holidayBook sale weekend July 19 & July 20Library events for June 2024Special eventsKiddos, or “littles”FamilyAdults

The 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...