The chock full agenda for the only July meeting of the Franklin Town Council kept the group active until almost 11 PM (6 PM start).
All 9 councilors participated initially. Councilor Frongillo recused himself during the Crossing Neighborhood discussion and did not return for the remainder of the session.
Councilors Dellorco and Hamblen were commended twice by Chair Mercer for coming to the meeting in person (from their vacation) to allow the group to avoid roll call on every vote (not just the bylaw acceptance that requires it whether remote or not)
The Franklin TV video for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Dc10zX_m3k
The agenda docs and supporting material -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829
Recap:
Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides update on forthcoming local election in Nov, nomination papers available Aug 4 by appointment only with Clerk's office. Due back by Sep 15, Sep 22 to withdraw before ballot goes to print. Early voting dates, etc. coming later
Citizen Comments
Bob Kaufman provides view on the decision to hot accept the donation to fund the position cut by the override repercussions. Council on Aging voted to recommend not accepting, his vote was the only one for accepting
the donation
E Ambrose, teacher speaking for school resource officers. Benefit of k9 unit to help students arrive and stay in school, for those who are the most at risk. Multiple other types of support, having a female officer is also a good role model
D Doherty teacher not returning this Sep, speaking for the resource officers return if and when funds available
Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic = i. Jeffrey Wolcott
a backfill for an existing & funded position
Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names. Motion to approve, second, discussion. Measure passed 9 to 0
ABCC Transactions
New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038. Attorney provides overview of new operation. Manager is tips trained, all staff will be tips trained, depending upon contractors for minor renovations. License will be held until inspections completed. Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038
Public hearing opens, Moving 2 front of building, gaining more space. Hearing closes, no questions comments from audience or council. Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Legislation for Action
Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital. Moved, second, discussion. The presentation to the community preservation committee earlier this year. Preservation and restoration of the exterior of the United Methodist Church next door to the Historical Museum After discussion it was approved by CPC for review here. After much discussion, clarification questions, per Attny Cerel, "not a precedent", legally defensible for preservation funds. Motion carries, 9-0
Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street. Attorney and Project consultant presenting, 39 units, 10 will be Affordable, Deed restricted, triplex units, 4 bedrooms all second floor, (found typo on 3 vs 4 bedrooms) actually 4. Volatile to forecast as to what the actual Affordable rate would be. K Miller 246 Washington Street: What is the money for? Projecting 100 kids from the project , pulled info from town reports ... Rezoning in 2012, streets will be private, kids come to Washington Street to meet the school buses, industrial development across the street, retention pond close to the existing houses; is it sized properly? 6 percent grade slope, the water is going down. $800K mentioned at planning board, project across the street is still in construction zone 3.5years, how long will it take? 255000 sq ft warehouse off King St not yet built is the neighbor. After much discussion, Vote on the motion, 9-0
4 minute recess
Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy
Skipping ahead as TA Hellen is not yet back
j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Ref to the PB Motion to refer to planning board, 2nd, discussion This is residential area with restriction to not on town sewer State code limitations, and board of health governance; only a 1/3 of the houses are on septic systems so this is the area of opportunity. Vote on the motion, 9-0
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board
Moved to refer, second, Vote on the motion, 9-0
Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading. Moved to 2nd, second, discussion. Fee commensurate with others, passes 9-0
Back to the started resolution (Jamie had returned to Chambers shortly after changing topic earlier)
Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy, moved, second, discussion Jamie here to speak to the proposal, codifies the prior process. Frongillo this takes away our ability, direct contrast to master plan... Doesn't support as drafted, does have language to modify this. Dellorco doesn't like the "affordable" when it really is not. Cormier-Ledger we are not solving the issue of the need for low income households, it does acknowledge that we have listened. Discussion around affordability, lack thereof, 40b and state requirements, talk with Jeff & Becca when they come in September. The survey results clearly call for rental priorities. If Franklin Ridge and St John's are rentals would be forced.
- Motion to Amend, fails 4-5
- Motion to table and deliberate at a future meeting, Seconded. Nondebatable - Via roll call, passes 5-4 to be tabled for later date (Yes - Sheridan, Frongillo, Pellegri, Hamblen, Mercer; No - Cormier-Leger, Chandler, Jones, Dellorco)
Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4,Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board Motion to referral, secondNext 6 votes all relate to this one
Jamie provides update on copying downtown commercial to create the Crossing Neighborhood; only 2 big differences, restriction to 3 story; parking added back as a requirement (not in commercial)Amy Love chimes in on the togetherness of the proposal.Note: Frongillo recused
Did amend to add a parking facility to allow additional parking if proposedAfter the discussion on this first Bylaw, the remainder should be easier with less discussionConfirm currently at 50 feet with special permits, changing to 3 story is goodDiscussion on multiple steps if they do happen future changes to remove the commercial parking could be considered. Need the MBTA lot at the corner, which will take time
- Vote on the motion, 8-0-1 (1 recused)
- Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map -Referral to the Planning Board Waived reading, moved to refer, passes 8-0-1
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, motion to refer sec, passes 8-0-1
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, Referral passes 8-0-1
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, Referral passes 8-0-1
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 -Referral to the Planning Board Reading waived, Referral passes 8-0-1
Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading - Reading waived, motion to approve 8-0-1 via roll call
Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82,Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading
Reading waived, motion passes 8-0-1 via roll call
Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) - Motion to approve, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent, Frongillo did not return to session after recusing earlier)
TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
- Thanks to Julie, Karen insurance program maxed credits, saved $53k off bill
- 25k grant for fitness equipment at senior center
- Supportive day program invited to State to present
- Congrats to Kerri Bertone appointed to Norfolk County Municipal Officers body
- Research forthcoming on alcohol license handling. Options for other than the Council
- Local aid cut $231,000 from final State budget
- Further pressure next year, Aug 11 Finance Cmte
- Raelyn has a new position, Amy has a new position in Yarmouth
Motion to adjourn - That's all for tonight, catch you next time
My full set of notes:
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