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

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

By Town of Franklin, MA

This podcast provides a trusted information source from the Town Administrators office, featuring news, alerts, department info and more. Created in coordination with Franklin TV and Radio and Franklin Matters.
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Town of Franklin Updates 4/7/20

Talk Franklin - a podcast from the Town Administrator's OfficeApr 07, 2020

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Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - February 22, 2024

Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - February 22, 2024

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

Feb 26, 202401:38:56
Talk Franklin - A Podcast from the Town Administrator's Office

Talk Franklin - A Podcast from the Town Administrator's Office

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.

Jan 29, 202447:31
Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - December 21, 2023

Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - December 21, 2023

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.

Jan 03, 202437:58
Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - November 28, 2023

Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - November 28, 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

Dec 12, 202339:24
Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - November 14, 2023

Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - November 14, 2023

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
Nov 27, 202325:36
Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - October 20, 2023

Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - October 20, 2023

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

Oct 30, 202342:60
Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - Sept 18, 2023

Talk Franklin, a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office - Sept 18, 2023

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
Sep 22, 202338:01
State Placement of Migrants & Committee Updates

State Placement of Migrants & Committee Updates

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


Sep 10, 202339:38
Budget Engagement & Community Savings

Budget Engagement & Community Savings

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

Aug 16, 202343:45
Introducing Amy & FY 23 Budget Recap

Introducing Amy & FY 23 Budget Recap

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

Jul 18, 202343:17
Good News: Nason St. Playground, Sculpture Park, Budget and More

Good News: Nason St. Playground, Sculpture Park, Budget and More

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


Jun 14, 202338:60
Budget Season Continues: FY 24 Awaits

Budget Season Continues: FY 24 Awaits

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


May 16, 202327:37
State of Franklin - May 2023

State of Franklin - May 2023

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
May 04, 202301:00:03
FY24 Budget Season & Earth Day
Apr 24, 202326:37
Quarterbacking Crossover: Talk Friendly 40B, FY24 Town Budget

Quarterbacking Crossover: Talk Friendly 40B, FY24 Town Budget

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
Mar 21, 202329:02
Foundation for Franklin's Future - Master Planning

Foundation for Franklin's Future - Master Planning

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
Feb 28, 202336:45
Police Building, Davis Thayer Reuse, Master Plan Committee opportunities and more for residents!

Police Building, Davis Thayer Reuse, Master Plan Committee opportunities and more for residents!

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.
Feb 15, 202328:48
Citizen Participation on the Menu for 2023 - Davis-Thayer, Master Planning and more!

Citizen Participation on the Menu for 2023 - Davis-Thayer, Master Planning and more!

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.
Feb 01, 202340:57
2023 - A Year of Planning for Franklin's Future

2023 - A Year of Planning for Franklin's Future

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

Jan 17, 202331:46
Outlook: Inclusionary Zoning, MBTA, Budget Meetings and Compensation and Classification Study

Outlook: Inclusionary Zoning, MBTA, Budget Meetings and Compensation and Classification Study

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
Dec 28, 202243:52
Outlook: Inclusionary Zoning, MBTA, Budget Meetings and Compensation and Classification

Outlook: Inclusionary Zoning, MBTA, Budget Meetings and Compensation and Classification

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
Dec 28, 202243:52
Open Space, School Budget and Holiday Happenings!

Open Space, School Budget and Holiday Happenings!

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!
Dec 12, 202229:38
Talk Franklin with the Town Council!

Talk Franklin with the Town Council!

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


Nov 29, 202246:38
On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers

On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers

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
Nov 14, 202228:21
Election Information & the Purchase of Schmidt's Farm

Election Information & the Purchase of Schmidt's Farm

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
Nov 02, 202225:33
Schmidt’s Farm, Downtown Parking and Election Information.

Schmidt’s Farm, Downtown Parking and Election Information.

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
Oct 20, 202235:24
Fall Festivities and Proposed Changes to Parking

Fall Festivities and Proposed Changes to Parking

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 
Sep 27, 202234:28
Drought Status and Downtown Priorities

Drought Status and Downtown Priorities

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

Sep 13, 202229:29
Franklin's Forecast

Franklin's Forecast

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
Aug 31, 202235:01
The End of the Heat Wave, Hydrant Painting, and the New Friendly 40b Process!

The End of the Heat Wave, Hydrant Painting, and the New Friendly 40b Process!

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

Jul 29, 202246:12
Community Collaboration with Events,  Upcoming Vacancies and a Davis Thayer Update

Community Collaboration with Events, Upcoming Vacancies and a Davis Thayer Update

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
Jun 27, 202228:37
Franklin Festivities and Future Prospects

Franklin Festivities and Future Prospects

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
Jun 16, 202222:45
Talk of the Town - Budget and Upcoming Events

Talk of the Town - Budget and Upcoming Events

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.
May 31, 202244:25
Accolades Across the Board for Franklin

Accolades Across the Board for Franklin

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.

May 18, 202240:56
Fire Department Accolades, Restaurant Revitalization and New Legislation

Fire Department Accolades, Restaurant Revitalization and New Legislation

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
Apr 12, 202231:27
Talks on the Town - Franklin Newcomers, Critical Conversations and Budget Season

Talks on the Town - Franklin Newcomers, Critical Conversations and Budget Season

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
Mar 29, 202224:02
Franklin For All & the Return of the Storm Water Fee to Town Council

Franklin For All & the Return of the Storm Water Fee to Town Council

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
Mar 15, 202241:23
Working towards "a more perfect union" in Franklin.

Working towards "a more perfect union" in Franklin.

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  



Mar 01, 202234:05
Town Council Goals, Franklin For All and Pop Shop Program Success

Town Council Goals, Franklin For All and Pop Shop Program Success

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 

Feb 08, 202224:34
New Year, New Beginnings

New Year, New Beginnings

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
Jan 18, 202240:44
Community Strength, Civility and a 2021 Reflection

Community Strength, Civility and a 2021 Reflection

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.
Dec 23, 202140:18
Upcoming Improvements to Grove Street, Economic Growth and Community Preservation.

Upcoming Improvements to Grove Street, Economic Growth and Community Preservation.

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.

Dec 13, 202131:09
Thankful Reflections and Projections - Upcoming Council Topics

Thankful Reflections and Projections - Upcoming Council Topics

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

We talk about:

● Thanksgiving, time for recap, time for thanks

● Council recap

● Council look ahead – tax rate hearing

Nov 24, 202142:45
New Council - New Business: Strong Towns, Budget, and FPS Critical Conversations

New Council - New Business: Strong Towns, Budget, and FPS Critical Conversations

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

We talk about:

The Strong Towns event at THE BLACK BOX

Finance Committee

● Budget adjustments

● Overall budget cycle, tax rate hearing coming to close, but capital budget for FY 2023 underway

Town Council

● Swearing in, re-org

● Open meeting law, Ethics, records review

● Meeting conduct reminders

Critical Conversations – Nov 18

● Substance abuse and mental health panel and breakout sessions

Nov 16, 202142:45
Talk Franklin Pop Up Shops, Election and School Committee Commentary

Talk Franklin Pop Up Shops, Election and School Committee Commentary

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communications Specialist Lily Rivera "talk Franklin" with Steve Sherlock from a new location!

This episode covers...

Popup Shops

     ○ Escape into Fiction

     ○ Doglio Coffee

● Nov 3 – Town Council

     ○ Swearing in of Town Clerk

     ○ Swearing in of Town Council

     ○ Town Council re-organized (election of officers)

     ○ Open Meeting Law review

● Work on civil discussion around the issues

     ○ Collaborating with Superintendent Sara Ahern

Nov 02, 202127:08
Finance Committee - Programs for Veteran's and Seniors, Town Council and Maple Hill Updates

Finance Committee - Programs for Veteran's and Seniors, Town Council and Maple Hill Updates

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

This episode covers the following...

● Finance Committee meeting

○ Human Resources presentation by Karen Bratt

○ Veterans tax rate increase

○ Senior Workoff program increase

■ Both pending approval by Town Council

○ ARPA accounting

● Oct 20 – Town Council

○ New precinct plan per 2020 Census data

○ Maple Hill purchase finalized

Oct 20, 202126:49
Fall Festivals and Future Franklin: Updates and Sneak Peeks

Fall Festivals and Future Franklin: Updates and Sneak Peeks

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

This episode covers the following...

● Community Preservation Committee

● 215 Prospect St Chap 61 process

● Complete Streets

● Cultural Festival

● Harvest Festival

● Housing Production Plan – Planning Board – 9/27

● Oct 6 – Town Council

Sep 28, 202139:59
Summer Recap: Personnel Changes, Maple Hill Approval and Cultural Festival

Summer Recap: Personnel Changes, Maple Hill Approval and Cultural Festival

Conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. 

This episode covers:

● Heat wave, Summer recap

● Personnel changes; Lily Rivera, marketing and communications specialist and Dale Kurtz retirement

● Maple Hill approval, paperwork to complete the transaction underway

● Cultural festival – Sep 12; food trucks, beer/wine garden, music, dancing lessons, etc.

● Harvest Festival – Oct 2

Aug 31, 202126:02
4th of July Recap, Farmer's Market, Concerts on the Common and Other Local Updates

4th of July Recap, Farmer's Market, Concerts on the Common and Other Local Updates

This discussion with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen will cover 4th of July, the Farmer's Market, Concerts on the Common, the Fire Department and the Red Crosses response to the lightning strike in town, Maple Hill ROFR, and the retirement of our long time Veteran's Agent, Dale Kurtz amongst other notable upcoming recognitions.

Jul 12, 202133:48
Maple Hill Status Update, Staff Changes, Re-opening Updates and Upcoming Events in Town

Maple Hill Status Update, Staff Changes, Re-opening Updates and Upcoming Events in Town

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen discussed the the Maple Hill Right of First refusal status.  He mentions some staff changes in the town and the reappointment of members to various boards and committees.

Reopening updates were discussed as well as the schedule of events happening in town through the summer and fall.

Thank you to Franklin TV & Radio for their assistance in creating this podcast!

Jun 29, 202130:18