Saturday, February 8, 2025

Town Council approves capital budget, new victualler license, gives final approval to sign bylaw changes & water/sewer connections for Franklin Ridge (audio)

FM #1376  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1376 in the series. 


This session shares the Franklin (MA) Town Council Meeting of Wednesday, February 5, 2025. 7 of the members participated in Council Chambers, 2 were absent (Chandler & Hamblen). 


Quick recap:

Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

PUBLIC HEARINGS

     a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

     b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye


Legislation for action (all votes passed with the same via roll call or voice vote 7-0-2 (2 absent)

  •      Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

  •      Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

  •      Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

  •      Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan

  •      Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

  •      Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

  •      Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

  •      Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map

  •      Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map

  •      Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4

  •      Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405)


Let’s listen to the meeting recording which runs about 2 hours and 45 minutes.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1357-master-plan-update-cmte-mtg-01-15-25/



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


Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161 


The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546 


Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId= 


My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link 


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

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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"


from Fire Dept presentation on call volume
from Fire Dept presentation on call volume

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Saturday, February 8, 2025 ???

Saturday, February 8
9:00am Women's Faith Formation (St. Mary's Parish)
10
:00am Winter Farmers Market (Fairmount Fruit Farm)
10
:00am Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
10
:00am Lunar New Year Celebration! (Franklin Public Library)
10:30am 6th Annual Valentine’s Brunch (Central Park Terrace)
12
:00pm Monday Night Jazz Band EE Regional (Endicott College)
4
:00pm Galentine's Candle Party (ticketed event) (Greco Design)
6:30pm Galentines Night Out, Annual Fundraiser (ticketed event) (Fiori and Fern)
7
:00pm FREE Community Concert - The Padula Trio (Franklin United Methodist Church)
7:30pm Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry (live music) (Circle of friends Coffeehouse)
8
:00pm Karaoke Night (Raillery Public House)
 
 
 
**   NO  Town Meetings today   **


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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false


Franklin Arts, Culture & the Creative Economy


Dear Franklin Community,


As I celebrate my first year as Director of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, I am deeply grateful for your support and enthusiasm.


Together, we have strengthened connections among local businesses, artists, and residents, fostering a dynamic network that sustains and inspires cultural activity.

Our collective efforts have not only enriched Franklin's cultural landscape but also contributed to economic growth, creating a thriving community where creativity and collaboration flourish.


Click here to review our 2024 year together in the arts and cultural scene.


I look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead!


-Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy

Up next for FranklinMA250 Programs - Click here.


Call for Artists | Franklin Sculpture Park

click the headers below to learn more.

About the Sculpture Park

Currently on View

Descriptions

Partnership with Wheaton College

Accessibility

The Franklin Sculpture Park Fairy House Exhibit is dedicated to fostering environmental awareness and strengthening community connections through public art.


This exhibit invites participants of all ages to create and enjoy fairy houses crafted from eco-friendly materials, celebrating both creativity and environmental respect.

Dates to Note March 22nd - Deadline for participation sign up April - Drop off Pieces at the Park [Dept, will contact via email date/times.

May - October - On exhibit.

November - Exhibition closes.

Sign Up Here

By making art accessible and free to everyone, we aim to inspire a shared appreciation for nature, encourage sustainable practices, and build a welcoming community space where imagination and conservation come together.

Learn More about the Park

Franklin Community Calls for Artists & Other Creative Opportunities

Franklin Art Association

1st Annual Fakes and Forgeries Exhibit.


No Entry fee, open to all ages.


Presented at the Franklin Historical Museum June 7 - June 22. 

Registration deadline of May 23rd. 


Have questions? Email the Franklin Art Association at faasecretary@gmail.com

Artist Professional Development Suggestions


Artist Lab: 2024 Tax Preparation for Artists and Creative Entrepreneurs


Free Tax Course

Other Calls for Artists


New Bedford Art Museum


Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US


Constant Contact

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)

FM #1375 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1375 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, February 6, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night (Feb 5) with a focus on two questions:


ok, what just happened? 

What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?


Topics for this session

  • Fire Department - Promotions Captain Matthew Kelly & Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

  • PUBLIC HEARINGS

    • a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

    • b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

  • PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

  • Legislation for action

    • Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

    • Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

    • Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report

    • Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan

    • Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

    • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.)

    • Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.)

    • Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map

    • Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map

    • Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4

    • Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405)


Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1375-town-council-quarterbacking-02-06-25/


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


Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161 


The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546 


Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId= 


My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link 



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


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

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


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"

 

Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)
Tom Mercer & I condense the Town Council meeting of Feb 5 in this "Quarterbacking" session (audio)