Talk Franklin - a podcast from the Town Administrator's Office: Recent Episodes
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.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Police Lt Jason Reilley, and Kallie Montagano, Co-Response Program Manager on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.
We get a very brief recap of current events (it’s all about the budget) and then get into the evolution of the “jail diversion” program to the “co-response” program now managed by Kallie with 2 other clinicians (Sonja and Caroline). There is no typical day.
We close out with discussion and laughter around the Top 20 songs of Hope. (playlist below)
Our conversation runs about 45 minutes.
Contact info: for Jamie & Amy: https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Police Department page: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department
Contact info for Lt Reilly: jreilly@franklinma.gov
Contact info for Kallie: kmontagano@franklinma.gov
Co-Response Program page: https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/pages/co-response-program
Songs of Hope YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLL2XKlvMgLAldLSI4Eiro2M-gyEz73X2n
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 www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/
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 #1184 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1184 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander and Recreation Director Ryan Jette on Monday, April 29, 2024.
We get a very brief recap of current events (it’s all about the budget) and jump right into Earth Day and the other activities of the Conservation and Recreation departments
Conservation
- Projects more this year than last
- Friends of Conservation group forming
Recreation
- Growth in participation
- Field upgrades at Fletcher & King St
- Beaver Pond has a new kayak launch
We close out with discussion and laughter around the Top 35 songs about weather
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Eu2npqGS0fH9N0Uc0iB5WCitoawIMFdJ/view?usp=drive_link
Our conversation runs about 41 minutes.
Contact info: for Jamie & Amy:
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator
Conservation page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation
Recreation page:
https://www.franklinma.gov/recreation-department
Fact checking update:
● In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, to first be observed on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a proclamation written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations. A month later, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson proposed the idea to hold a nationwide environmental teach-in on April 22, 1970. He hired a young activist, Denis Hayes, to be the National Coordinator. Nelson and Hayes renamed the event "Earth Day" https://www.earthday.org/history/
● The group garnered worldwide attention with 1987 album Diesel and Dust. Its singles
"The Dead Heart" and " Beds Are Burning" illuminated the plight of indigenous Australians
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_Oil
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 www.franklin.news/ or www.Franklinmatters.org/
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"
This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Town Administrator Amy Frigulietti, School Superintendent Lucas Giguere, and Assistant Superintendent Dr Tina Rogers on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
We get a brief recap of current events and the dive into the major discussion of the budget and the timeline around its final development. Information on the key questions that remain to be answered are discussed.
Budget timeline:
● April 9 - School Committee vote on school’s budget
● April 12 - Town FY 2025 budget released
● April 17 - Finance Committee meeting
● April 24 - Joint meeting of School Committee & Town Council at FHS Auditorium
● May 6, 8, and 15 - Finance Committee budget hearings
● May 22, 23 - Town Council budget hearings
We close on a lighter note with discussion and laughter around the Top 20 songs about schools:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AEq1QElhBShhGAMjH-S_uEceAfNPftlC/view?usp=drive_link
Our conversation runs about 55 minutes.
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 and Town Administrator Jamie Hellen.
They talk about:
- Earth Day Celebration: April 21, 2023
- Town FY 2024 Budget released
- 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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey discuss the new Pop Up Shop Grant and the Economic Development this will bring to Downtown Franklin. One shop recently opened on Main Street and another will open soon on East Central Street.
The Maple Hill Right of First refusal was discussed and mentioned when the next public hearings would be for the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee.
Thank you to Franklin TV & Radio for their assistance in creating this podcast!
Listen in to hear Town Administrator Jamie Hellen chat with Steve Sherlock about the latest topics in Franklin including:
- Budget Hearings (two nights, 4+ hours)
- Passed Budget
- Maple Hill Right of First Refusal
Long term topics:
- Housing Production Plan
- Stormwater
- School Budget
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Marketing & Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey, and Steve Sherlock chat about important topics in town including:
- Budget
- Housing
- Maple Hill
- Pop up Shop Grant
- ArtWALK Celebration
Listen in a stay updated with what is happening in Franklin!
Spring means budget season here in Franklin and we have information related to FY22. Finance Committee meetings are scheduled for April 27 - 29th and also on May 4th. Each evening focuses on a different set of Town Departments.
We also talk about Earth Day clean-up activities, the Animal Control Rabies Clinic, and more!
It's springtime in Franklin and that means it's budget season, along with plenty of other news! Tune in to the latest episode of Talk Franklin to learn more about the FY22 Budget as well as the latest on grants, economic development, street acceptances, and upcoming events.
In this episode of Talk Franklin, Jamie Hellen, Steve Sherlock, and Anne Marie Tracey chat about plenty of topics in town, including:
- Reopening Phase IV, Step 1
- Vaccinations
- Library Opening
- Budget Cycle topics
- Upcoming Franklin events
Tune in and stay informed!
In this episode of Talk Franklin, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Marketing & Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey, and Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters/Franklin TV & Radio discuss plenty of topics of interest to residents!
- Pandemic recovery
- Vaccination information
- Library reopening
- Finance Committee
- Budget Information
- Earth Day events and more!
In this episode of Talk Franklin, we discuss the following topics of interest to our community:
- Vaccination Information
- New Reopening Guidance from the state
- School Committee Recap
- FinCom overview
- Community Preservation Committee
- Legislative Forum
- Upcoming Meetings: Board of Health, Economic Development, and the Town Council
Plenty to talk about! Tune in to hear more regarding:
● Vaccine distribution readiness
● School Committee News: Davis Thayer decision
● The Stormwater discussion continues
● A preview of Town Council mtg
○ Complete streets
○ Community Preservation Committee appointments possible
● Hearts of Kindness on Town Common
● #ThinkFranklinFirst, #ProjectEnvoy
The latest episode of Talk Franklin is now available! Jamie Hellen and Steve Sherlock talk about a variety of topics of interest in Franklin right now, such as:
- Storm Water and EPA Adjustments
- Street Acceptance
- Complete Streets
- Current information on the COVID-19 pandemic
- Vaccine Distribution
Listen in a stay informed about what is happening (and will be happening!) in Franklin! Many thanks, to Steve Sherlock and Franklin TV & Radio for their support!
In our first episode of 2021, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Marketing & Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey, and Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters/Franklin TV & Radio discuss important Topics in Franklin including:
- Hazard plan
- Beaver St interceptor authorization
- Vendetti Playground donation
- Updated COVID-19 dashboard
- State restrictions extension for 2 weeks
- Vaccine for first responders
- EDC Business Listening: stormwater and complete streets
Jamie Hellen, Anne Marie Tracey, and Steve Sherlock closeout 2020 with details on Franklin's red covid status, Community Preservation Committee information, the water treatment plant project, and plans for the new year! Tune in to stay up-to-date with what is happening in Frankin! We hope you all enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season!
As we enter the last month of 2020, there is plenty to talk about! Listen in to hear more about the recent tax rate hearing, updates on the spear-phishing incident, and the new contract with Comcast. Plus learn about our latest economic development collaboration, Think Franklin First Gift Cards.
In this episode of Talk Franklin, Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey discuss upcoming Economic Development topics, including the new Franklin Gift Card program, and upcoming EDC Business Listening sessions. The December 5th Town Election is also covered, with details on voting options and schedules. Finally, the Town Budget is discussed, with information regarding Fin Com and more. Stay updated and informed about what is happening in Franklin!
Steve Sherlock talks with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing & Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracey about current COVID-19 case counts, the 2020 election and voting processes, EDC Business Listening Sessions, grant opportunities for local businesses, and Fire and Police Department staff updates. Subscribe and start in touch with what is happening in Franklin.
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Marketing & Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey, and Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters discuss current events in Franklin including the upcoming elections, mail-in ballot information, expanded drive-thru hours, the recent spear-phishing incident, PFAS testing, upcoming events, meetings, and more!
As we enter a new season in 2020, there is plenty to discuss! In this episode of Talk Franklin, we discuss the temporary Town Clerk position, upcoming business listening sessions as part of the Economic Development subcommittee efforts, the negotiated electric rate beginning in November, and micro-enterprise grant opportunities for local business. Tune in to stay informed!
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen chats with Steve Sherlock about elections, stormwater, restaurant extensions, our police department featured on the news, and more. Tune in to stay in the know and keep up with what is going on in your town!
Tune in to hear more from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Marketing & Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey and Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters! Topics discussed include town reopening status, economic development, scheduled business listening sessions, solar farm/municipal aggregation, FY21 budget, and election options. Stay updated and informed!
Steve Sherlock chats with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communication Specialist Anne Marie Tracey about what is going in Franklin including reopening info, upcoming election details, economic development, a special election in December, and more! Tune in and stay updated!
Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey chat about the latest news in Franklin, including the Fire Department promotions, the ThinkBlueFranklin Contest, Concerts on the Common plus lots of upcoming info sessions and meetings on solar energy, cannabis, and hazard mitigation. The new state travel guidelines are discussed as well as Franklin's plastic bag ban. Plus a new Senior Center Spotlight! Tune in to stay updated!
Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey chat about current topics of interest in our town. Tune in and stay in the know!
Steve Sherlock and Jamie Hellen chat about current events and news in town, including water conservation, budget, more reopening steps, and Concerts on the Common and Movie nights scheduled for late July and August! Tune in to stay updated!
Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey discuss current topics in our town including Phase two reopening, Covid-19 case counts, town budget, our latest department spotlight on technology, and more. Tune in and stay informed!
Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey discuss current events in Franklin including the reopening of restaurants, retail, etc..., upcoming Town Budget hearings, the difference between capital and operating budgets, economic development, and more! We hope you will tune in to stay updated about Town of Franklin happenings!
Steve Sherlock talks to Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey about Phase II reopening, Town budget, Recreation planning, and upcoming meetings. Plus learn more about the Town Clerk's office! Stay informed about what is happening in Franklin!
Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey discuss the reopening process, town budget, and other current news, including the new Senior Center Curbside Cafe!
Steve Sherlock talks to Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey about the reopening plan and Governor Baker's 4 phase approach, the town budget and upcoming finance committee meetings, a new Department Spotlight on Recreation, and more.
Steve Sherlock talks with Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey about re-entry plans, expectations, a new Department Spotlight and more!
On this episode of Talk Franklin, Steve Sherlock Talks with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey about steps to re-entry after the initial COVID-19 closings, budget discussions, and other upcoming news and announcements.
Steve Sherlock Talks with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey about current events and happenings in Franklin.
Steve Sherlock, Jamie Hellen, and Anne Marie Tracey discuss current topics in our town including planning for the future, meeting schedules, face masks, DPW updates, and our new Department Spotlights. Tune in and stay informed!
Steve Sherlock, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, and Marketing & Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey talk about tax delay options in town, Earth Day plans, Recycling Center Updates and the Downtown Partnership's effort to keep us all connected with our small businesses.
Steve Sherlock talks to Jamie Hellen and Anne Marie Tracey about current topics of interest including COVID-19, local blood drives and how to stay connected.
Steve Sherlock talks with Franklin Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey about current events, changes in the calendar, and what our departments are doing to keep the community connected during the restrictions.
Steve Sherlock speaks with Town Administrator Jaime Hellena and Communications Specialist, Anne Marie Tracey regarding town business and school updates due to the coronavirus closures.
Steve Sherlock of Franklin Matters and Franklin Tv & Radio talks with our new Town Administrator Jamie Hellen about his background prior to his role as Franklin's Town Administrator, information about stormwater, succession planning, and the Community Preservation Act. Follow us to stay in touch with what is happening in Franklin!