Talk Franklin - a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office

FM #1319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1319 in the series.

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

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 the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Jamie and I were joined in the roundtable discussion by (in order of appearance):

● Cory Shea, Town of Franklin Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy

● John Ristaino: Franklin Cultural Council Chair

● Sue Cass: Franklin Cultural District Committee member

● Lauren Kloos & Roger Trahan: Franklin Farmers Market

● Raye Lynn Mercer: Artistic & Executive Director at Franklin Performing Arts Company

● Kayla Nisbet: Franklin Artist; graphic designer, muralist & new Franklin Cultural Council Member

The recording runs about 62 minutes. Let’s listen to this conversation on the new & exciting cultural happenings in Franklin.

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

Cultural District page https://www.franklinculture.org/

Cultural Council page https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-council

Franklin Farmers Market page https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/

Franklin Performing Arts Company page https://fpaconline.com/

A Wreath of Franklin sign up page https://form.jotform.com/242634718318056

Community calendar https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

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

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

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.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"

FM #1275 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1275 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares our “Talk Franklin” discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Lucas Giguere. We had our conversation in the Town Administrator's office on Monday, September 9, 2023.

September brings

● Renovation to Town offices, process improvements

● School re-opening

● Redistricting planning

● Joint Budget Subcommittee starts Sep 11 to work on budget for FY 2026

● More engaged now, need to bring them along the discussion on wish list items, what do we really need, and then prioritize accordingly

The recording runs about 50 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lucas

Topics for this session

Water & Sewer

• Beaver Stream Interceptor
• PFAS mitigations

Stormwater

• New fee abatement cycle opens April 1

Trash & recycling

• Composting coming

GIS (graphical information service)

• The storymaps and the “data”

Fleet management

• Over 200 registered vehicles
• Another 80 unregistered devices (large & small)
• Always looking for efficiencies

Engineering

• Baron Road out to bid for work this year (ARPA funded)

Highway/ & Grounds

• The most visible working section of the DPW

The recording runs about 96 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & the DPW group on Thursday, February 22, 2024

This session of the radio show shares a new format for "Talk Franklin" with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

This episode features a conversation on the 2024 elections with Town Clerk Nancy Danello. We recorded our discussion in person in the 3rd floor Training Room on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Topics for this session

Quick news highlights

• Franklin Ridge received $8.5M funding

• Town Council goals set for next 2 years

• Jamie elected as Vice-President of Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA)

Elections for 2024

• Presidential Primary - March 5

• State Primary - September 3

• Presidential Election - November 5

Quick outlook

• Council Meeting - Jan 31

• Finance Mtg - Feb 6

• Council Mtg - Feb 28

• Joint Budget Cmte - March 6

The recording runs about 47 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Nancy on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. They talk about...

• Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

• 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

○ Police Dept - $559,000

○ Sewer projects - $500,000

○ Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

○ SAFE Coalition - $100,000

○ YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

• ARPA Direct funds announced for :

○ $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

○ $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

• Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)
• Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

• 2023 year in review, January 3, hit the ground working on 2024

The recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie, Amy & Tom on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. They talk about...

• Budget cycle starting new
• Tough decisions in FY25 and beyond
• Migrant housing status stabilized

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti. They talk about...

• Ribbon cutting held for Schmidt’s Farm
• Ground breaking for Beaver St. Interceptor
• FY 2024 budget adjustments
• Tax rate Hearing
• Tri-County debt exclusion
• Election Turnout
• Thanksgiving break
• Turkey Trot
• FHS Football at Fenway

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

They talk about...

• Davis Thayer “Expression of Interest”
• Ribbon cutting held for Brick School Renovation, scheduled for Schmidt’s Farm purchase, Oct 27 at 11 AM
• La Cantina Winery/Brewery expansion, licenses approved
• SAFE Coalition update from Jen Knight-Levine
• Migrant housing status update
• Nov 7 election

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and our new Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

They talk about...

• Finance Committee Recap
• Migrant Update
• Municipal Aggregation
• Town Council Outlook - Open Space Plan, Council Goals Update, Tri-County Ballot Question, Demolition Bylaw, Spring St. Decommission

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and our new Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

They talk about...

• Notification on State placement of migrants in Franklin

• Davis Thayer Reuse update

• Economic Development, Small zoning change

• Police Station Building Committee update
• School opens, drive safely

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and our new Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

They talk about...

• Full House for the Joint Budget Subcommittee, One Franklin

• Davis Thayer Reuse Committee meeting

• Town Council meeting, override do’s and don’ts

• Municipal Aggregation contract renewal at $.15/kwh, total of $11.5 million in savings

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and our new Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti.

They talk about...

• Introduce Amy Frigulietti, The new Deputy Town Administrator with Amy Frigulietti
• Recap of FY 23 budget and the start of the FY24 Budget

Joint Budget Subcommittee – Aug 2 the start of discussions around what is needed to be sustainable going forward.

• Upcoming Town Council Meeting on July 19

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Budget 

• Community Engagement

• New Nason Street Playground and Sculpture Park

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Budget season  FY 2024
• Finance Committee budget hearings held May 8, 10, & 11

• Town Council hearings scheduled for May 24 & 25

• Quality of life

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Arts & Culture listening session (2nd of 3 scheduled)
• Senior Center volunteer recognition event
• Finance Committee budget hearings scheduled May 8, 10, & 11
• Town Council hearings scheduled for May 24, 25

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This episode is a crossover between our regular Talk Franklin episodes and the Town Council Quarterbacking session.

The combined session also ends abruptly but we’ll have more to talk about in future sessions. 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 Mar 15, 2023.

We talk about:

• March 15th, 2023 Town Council Meeting
• The ‘friendly 40b’ proposal that failed by a 4-5 vote

• The Town budget as previewed during the Joint Budget Subcommittee

Economic Development Subcmte

• Chapter 40B Breakdown: Preview of 121 Grove St.

Master Plan preparations

• Open Space public hearing, focus groups underway
• Arts and Culture listening sessions scheduled for March 7th, April 28th and May 19th
• Board and Committee applications open until March 3 (also Davis Thayer, Police Station, etc.)

Town Council preview Mar 1 meeting

• Gov Healey’s budget release 3/1

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing 2/7/23 
• Finance Committee 2/8/23
• Community engagement opportunities: Master Plan, Davis Thayer Reuse, Police Building Committee and more!
  • Town Council outlook for 2/15/23: Inclusionary zoning and first pass at the Capital plan.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Massachusetts Municipal Association Conference Overview
• Inhouse Commercial Drivers License (CDL) program with the Department of Public Works
• Town Council Outlook: Town Administrator Review, Inclusionary Zoning (Economic Development Subcommittee), Tri-County building proposal
• Community Preservation Committee public hearing February 7th, 2023
• Ample opportunities for citizen participation: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory, Police Station, Master Plan committee opportunities, Open Space & Recreation Plan update underway.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Open Space and Recreation Plan

Town Council Recap: Four committees Authorized

• Arts & Culture prep for Master Plan – complete Jun 2023
• Master Plan – approx. 18 months
• Davis Thayer reuse – complete Dec 2023
• Police Station likely 3-4 years

Finance Committee Recap

• Compensation plan, multi year implementation
• Capital budget for FY 2023 ( increase to debt stabilization account)

Hiring for backfills continues

Preview of Town Council

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Assistant to the Town Administrator Alecia Alleyne.

They talk about:

• Open Space - 200 acres open space preserved with last 17 months
• Franklin Library Association ends it long service
• Economic Development - Inclusionary zoning, MBTA, Franklin For All, etc.
• Capital budget, Community Preservation Committee, ARPA
• Compensation and Classification study
• Job opportunities across a variety of Dept/functions
• Farewell to our Assistant to the TA Alecia

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Assistant to the Town Administrator Alecia Alleyne.

They talk about:

• Open Space - 200 acres open space preserved with last 17 acres
• Franklin Library Association ends it long service
• Economic Development - Inclusionary zoning, MBTA, Franklin For All, etc.
• Capital budget, Community Preservation Committee, ARPA
• Compensation and Classification study
• Job opportunities across a variety of Dept/functions
• Farewell to our Assistant to the TA Alecia

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Assistant to the Town Administrator Alecia Alleyne.

They talk about:

• Community Preservation Committee
• Finance Committee: Deep dive into the Franklin Public Schools Budget
• Town Council preview: Alcohol license renewals
• Holiday Happenings: Fire Dept Polar Express night, Police toy drive, photos with Santa and more!

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer and Assistant to the Town Administrator Alecia Alleyne. This episode is a crossover between our regular Talk Franklin episodes and the Town Council Quarterbacking session.

We talk about:

• Town Proclamation honoring  Becki Carloni, a Firefighter/ Paramedic with the Franklin Fire Department who was honored for her life saving off duty efforts.
• Recreation Department Presentation with Ryan Jette, our Recreation Director
• Davis Thayer Reuse Subcommittee
• Upcoming Legislation for action:  Senior Tax Work Off Program
• Budget adjustment prior to tax rate hearing
• Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Process

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• FinCom recap; Minor adjustments $542k on $128m is only .004
• Budget cycle
• SNETT work completed by MA Department of Conservation & Recreation
• Town Council teasers

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Assistant to the Town Administrator Alecia Alleyne.

They talk about:

• The upcoming November 8 election and early voting opportunities for Franklin Voters
• Town council recap: Legislative delegation visit, Schmidt’s Farm purchased approved with CPA funds
• What's on the horizon including parking by laws; budget adjustment, tax rate hearing scheduled for Nov 30 & a snow update

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

They talk about:

• Municipal aggregation
• Right of First Refusal – Schmidt’s Farm purchase recommended by CPC and public hearing held by Town Council; CPA funding key
• Downtown parking bylaws pending 2nd reading (Nov 2 meeting)
• 1st Neighborhood Alliance meeting with Chancellor Augustus to address Dean Student Parking
• Election, mail-in ballots being sent by Town Clerk’s office

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• Oct 1 – Harvest Festival
• Oct 15 - Touch a truck, hydrants painting winners announced (10 AM to 2PM)
•  Oct 19 - Heath fair – Library (3 to 6 PM)
• Oct 22 – Del Carte Fall Gathering (9 AM to 12PM)
• Franklin For All prioritizations and timeline
•  Proposed changes to downtown parking
• Benefits to Municipal Aggregation 

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

● Recap of Council meeting

● Drought & Water Status

● Work underway or pending

● Economic Development Committee meeting 9/21 at 6 PM

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• Franklin for All priorities designated by the Economic Development Subcommittee
• Green Community designation, Cultural Council presentation to Town Council
• New Dean College leadership - President & Chancellor
• 5 year fiscal forecast

Topics for this session

● This heat wave broke, the drought is continuing

● Weekly Farmers Market, Concert on the Common, food trucks, movie nights

● Hydrant painting contest by DPW, applications due Aug 12, winner announcement in October

● Friendly 40b

● EDC to do their ‘short list’ for the MAPC recommendations at Aug 10 meeting

● Green community presentation at August Town Council meeting

● 5 year fiscal outlook (not published yet but highlights covered)

● Old South Meeting House

● Davis Thayer deed processing underway, discussion in Fall on how best to use it

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• Grassroots efforts for event programming in Franklin
• Community Preservation Plan and initial funding approved by Town Council
• EDC to do their ‘short list’ for the MAPC recommendations at Aug 10 meeting
• Beaver St interceptor funding authorized
• Davis Thayer Process
• Green Community Funding
• Downtown parking & town lots

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• Upcoming Festivities - Pride, July 4th, Harvest Festival, Cultural Festival
• Community Preservation Plan and initial funding, Council meeting June 22
• EDC to do their ‘short list’ for the MAPC recommendations at Aug 10 meeting
• Beaver St interceptor funding authorized
• Davis Thayer decision potentially by School Committee
• Downtown parking & town lots

This session of the radio show shares the special combination of “Talk Franklin” with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Marketing and Communications Specialist Lily Rivera, and Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer.

We talk about...

• The FY23 Budget and State of Affairs
• Franklin for All booth at the Strawberry Stroll
• Upcoming events such as... Graduation, the Farmers Market, ArtWALK and the Ladybug Trail.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

● Fire Dept ISO Class 1

● Clean Audit Report

● AAA Bond Rating

● DPW Water Conservation Award

Looking forward at the Budget, Town Council and MAPC recommendations for Franklin for All.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department
• Restaurant Revitalization
• Legislation - Storm water fee and passport photo fee

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• Franklin Newcomers
• Critical Conversations: The Impact of Social Media
• FY23 Budget Season - Schools and Town
• Franklin For All Survey Deadline of April 1st

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• Franklin For All
• Finance Committee / FY23 Budget Season
• Storm water fee comes back to the Town Council

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Lily Rivera.

We talk about:

• Franklin Public School's DEI Presentation to Town Council
• Preview of our next Town Council Meeting.
• Full-time Conservation Agent  

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

Conversation around current events

● Town Council goals; Town goals, Town Administrator review base

● Franklin For All; EDC plus, MAPC planning, Forum Mar 7th at FHS Lecture Hall

● Pop shop success stories 

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Lily Rivera.

As 2022 kicks off, we reflect on a solemn start to the new year. We cover the following...

• The passing of Former Town Council Andy Bissanti
• The move of Superintendent Sara Ahern to a position in Barnstable effective July 1
• New leadership at the Senior Center; Director Danielle Hopkins and Deputy Director Christina LaRose
• COVID-19 – change to remote meetings? Given positivity of 23%
• Finance Committee, budget timeline, lesson on revenue process
• Reminder on Municipal aggregation – direct mailer coming
• Community Preservation Act - public hearing, priority list starting
• Town Council to hear from DPW on their budget overview

A conversation with Steve Sherlock and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.

We talk about:

• The recent tragedy in Franklin.
• Civil discourse and gratitude for what we do have.
• Challenges and opportunities of 2022.

A conversation with Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Lily Rivera.

This week we cover the upcoming finance and community preservation committee meetings. As well as the opening of Botera, NETA and Franklin's visit with Lt. Governor Karyn Polito to celebrate our MassWorks grant.