Showing posts with label King St. Show all posts
Showing posts with label King St. Show all posts

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled Wednesday, February 28, 2024. the first 2 hours covered the earlier portions of the meeting and most of the time was spent on a healthy conversation around the proposed zoning change from residential to business for two lots on King St near the Fire station. 

The Council after spending almost 2 hours listening to the proposal (no specific business use proposed) (the real question was should the lot be residential or business?) the Council decided to take "no action". This move allows them to refer  the zoning change back to the Planning Board which while they had a quorum discuss this previously, the recommended was with only 3 votes, not the full 5 of the Board (due to the recent election).

The Franklin TV recording is available -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqa0QHtahmQ


My notes captured during the session via Twitter can be read in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CBubvtPzSJSvQakhmMx1X7M44cCPu7W_/view?usp=drive_link

Photos captured during the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/sH38Yj6iD5yE6KPQ9

Aside from the zoning discussion:
  • Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge
  • The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved
  • The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously
  • FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved
    • associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved
  • The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”
  • The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved
  • Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50)  were approved with thanks
  • Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)
  • Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas
  • Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase
  • Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1


Monday, January 8, 2024

Town Council approves King St Cafe all alcohol license and sets work plan for next 2 years (audio)

FM #1128 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1128 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Quick recap:

  • Approved a New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street 

  • Reviewed, took community input, and discussed adjustments to the work plan for the next 2 years. These Council "goals" are a mix of projects not completed in prior years (Historical Museum cupola), place holders for work coming (Objectives TBD from the Master Plan), and wordsmithing to better provide opportunity to accomplish the "aggressive" plan put forward by Town Administration 

    • Community input could be summarized in 3 areas: affordable housing, addressing climate change, and finding a workable solution even if a flag policy can't be found

  • Agreed to an increase for the ambulance rates. This is done annually to ensure the Town recovers appropriate costs as well as maintain competitive rates vis a vi neighboring communities. This was the first reading, the second reading will likely be the next Council meeting

  • The Council also approved Acceptance of Parcel A, Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street


The recording runs just about 2 hours. It was edited to remove the “Zoom bombing” incident. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Jan 3, 2024. 

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1128-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-03-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSJhP-o9mKE 


Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PAyli8_q5IIawWv8HKWNHeOP8mrfaFwi/view?usp=drive_link 


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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"


Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
January 3, 2024 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask
the Town Administrator to review the matter.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM
a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._king_st._cafe_-_legal_ad.pdf
i. See License Transactions #7a.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._license_transaction_-_king_st._cafe_new_section_12_all_alcohol_restaurant_1.pdf
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Discussion: 2024-2025 Town Council & Town Administration Work Plan  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._24-01_tc_and_ta_goals.pdf
i. See Legislation for Action #9b.
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading
(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-904 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-904_ambulance_fees.pdf
b. Resolution 24-01: Adoption of 2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-01 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._24-01_tc_ta_work_plan.pdf
c. Resolution 24-02: Acceptance of Parcel A, Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-02 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-02_drainage_lot_acceptance.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
f. Police Station Building Committee
g. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.
15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains supporting documentation as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.pdf

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - L Truaxx King Street Cafe Inc. dba King Street Cafe

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, located at 390 King St., Franklin for a new Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License. 

This hearing will take place during the Town Council Public  meeting beginning at 7:00 PM on January 3, 2024 and will provide an open forum for discussion. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after December 29, 2023 for updated meeting information. 

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information.

Submitted by,
Julie McCann 

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - L Truaxx King Street Cafe Inc. dba King Street Cafe
Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - L Truaxx King Street Cafe Inc. dba King Street Cafe


Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Amie Hazel Interiors invites builders and contractors to breakfast, Sep 26

Amie Hazel Interiors of Franklin wants to invite all builders and contractors to a special breakfast on Tuesday, September 26. Come join designer Amie Hazel at King Street Café on King Street in Franklin from 7-9 AM to discuss how she can help your business through design. 

In addition to working closely with clients, you can learn how Amie Hazel Interiors works in tandem with contractors and installers to execute the best solutions for each project. Amie’s desire is to make the entire process run as smoothly as possible for everyone. 

So, come support local business at King Street Café in Franklin on Tuesday, September 26 from 7-9.

Amie Hazel Interiors invites builders and contractors to breakfast, Sep 26
Amie Hazel Interiors invites builders and contractors to breakfast, Sep 26

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (audio)

FM #1046 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1046 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. 


Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones

Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner


Brief recap

  • Brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business. 

  • A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.

  • One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.

  • The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).


The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1046-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-23-23



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You may access the agenda for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf 


Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023 


My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link 


Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI 


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


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!

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


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


map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St
map showing location of the 2 lots in question on King St

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Friendly Reminder: Pickleball start time is 8 AM at King St Memorial Park

Shared from the Franklin Recreation page:
"As you know, there is opposition to the sport of pickleball and the noise it creates in other parts of the country/state.  Many Towns are being forced to shut down courts and facilities due to neighbors that do not like the sound.  I'm not sure if this group knows, but we have neighbors of the King Street courts that are not happy with the noise.  
Especially with early morning play on weekends.  I received another complaint today of someone playing pickleball at 6:20 AM.  This really isn't fair to the neighborhood.  
We have advertised start time would be no earlier than 8:00am.  Just to reiterate, the hours at King Street courts are:
Open Play-8:00am-12:00pm
Reservations-12:00-4:00pm
Open Play-4:00-8:00pm
Please continue to use the Team Reach app on your mobile device: Group code:  KingStPB 
With our hope for additional courts in FY2024, we really need to spread the word that pickleball can not start before 8am.  These players breaking the rules will force the Town to shut down courts, like they have in other communities.  
We have all worked too hard for this to happen.  Please respect our neighbors and follow the rules.   
Thank you,  
Ryan Jette"

Check out the Pickleball paddle holder, order of play system at King St Memorial Fields
Check out the Pickleball paddle holder, order of play system at King St Memorial Fields

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Check out the Pickleball paddle holder, order of play system at King St Memorial Fields

"Who's up Next? 
Check out our brand new pickleball paddle holder at the King Street pickleball courts. 
Let's Play!"


Check out the Pickleball paddle holder, order of play system at King St Memorial Fields
Check out the Pickleball paddle holder, order of play system at King St Memorial Fields

Saturday, March 4, 2023

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 7, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes: February 7, 2023

2. Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget
a. FY24 Budget Approval
b. FY24 Project slate
i. Open Space Appropriations
ii. Fletcher Field Playground Improvements - $150,000
iii. Nason Street site work preparation - $25,000
iv. Beaver Street Challenge Course - $150,000

3. Adjourn


The agenda doc has additional supporting info on the CPC budgeting as well as remote participation info ->

Photos of the Challenge Course taken in Nov 2022 ->

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

Dec 6, 2022 - Community Preservation Committee meeting video available via YouTube

The Community Preservation Committee met Tuesday Dec 6, 2022 with 7 members participating (6 in Council Chambers, 1 remote).

The Franklin.TV recording is available for replay via YouTube

Quick Recap:

  • Committee: Chair C Feeley, M Doyle, J Livingstone, P Malcolm,W Simarian, R Power (remote), L Oxford - [D McNeill, M Giardino absent]
  • Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne,  


The committee approved the minutes of the prior meeting via roll call vote (7-0-2; 7 for, 0 against, 2 absent). 


Motion to accept the proposed meeting scheduled for 2023, seconded, passes via voice vote (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)


Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides project updates on work underway

  • Red Brick School exterior renovation - doors and windows backordered

  • Nason St Tot lot site prep work being done now in advance of renovation in the spring

  • King St Memorial Field estimate and draft depiction of the field layout and work proposed. Timeline and funding remains TBD. Would be adding pickleball courts, would be including a paved path all around the park, would also be adding parking; questioned on if handicap access for the community garden is considered? I added that when the garden opened in 2010, it did have a stonedust entrance and among the first four beds on each side of the main gate. It was covered with mulch a few years ago. The base likely could be restored.


Jamie also provided a financial update, it had a minor error and would be further enhanced to better reflect what was approved vs allocated vs. spent, etc.


Committee entered executive session via roll call vote not to return to open meeting  (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)


depiction of proposed King St Memorial park improvements
depiction of proposed King St Memorial park improvements


Franklin, MA: Community Gardens - Opening Day
Community Garden opening day, 2011 shows the stone dust (grey) around
 the first 8 garden beds at the entrance
 


Saturday, December 3, 2022

Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 6, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes
a. October 4, 2022
2. 2023 CPC Meeting Schedule

3. Town Administrator Project Updates
a. Red Brick School House
b. King Street Memorial Park Design

4. Finance Update:
a. 2022 CPA Trust Fund Distribution
b. Community Preservation Act Fund Balances

5. Executive Session:
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body

The agenda doc and remote connection info ->

Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM
Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda for Oct 4 session includes Schmidt's Farm purchase

Community Preservation Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
October 4, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd Floor, Council Chambers
355 East Central Street

Agenda:
1. Approval of Minutes
a. June 7, 2022

2. Chapter 61, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 113 Acres of Land off 215 Prospect Street. Discussion and vote on recommending use of CPA funding for purchase to the Town Council.

3. Community Preservation Master Plan v. 2
a. Request for Appropriation: $50,000 for the Red Brick Schoolhouse
b. Other project updates:
i. Nason Street Tot Lot
ii. Historical Museum Cupola
iii. King Street Memorial Park
iv. Townwide Open Space & Recreational Plan
v. State Matching Fund update

Agenda doc and remote connection info


cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum
cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum