"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)

FM #1117 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1117 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares a special year end episode combining "Talk Franklin'' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Deputy Administrator Amy Frigulietti and “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, December 21, 2023.  

Topics for this session

• 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. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1117-talk-franklin-special-year-end-episode-12-21-23

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Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Talk Franklin podcast page -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin 

Town Council agenda for Dec 20, 2023 meeting ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf 

Recap & video for Town Council session 12/20/23 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/12/town-council-closes-out-calendar-year.html 

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

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"

"Talk Franklin" Special Year End Episode combines with Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/21/23 (audio)

Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Dec 20, 2023. This was their last meeting of the calendar year. Several key items of business were closed out, recognition was given to Ken Norman for his service on Board of Assessors and other committees, and many wishes for happy holidays, new year, etc. were extended.

The Council will begin work on January 3, 2024 with a session that includes setting goals and objectives for the next two years.

Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman

Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Quick recap:

• 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)
• Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 
• Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule
• Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete
• Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you
• Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit

Franklin TV video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0

Town Council agenda and supporting documents ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting via Twitter and collected in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_link

Additional photos of the recognition ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/kRuMhZWFWMazjjfG6

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 20, 2023 - 7 PM

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.

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

a. November 1, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._november_1_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. November 15, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._november_15_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

c. November 21, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._november_21_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals

i. See attached “2024 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals”  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._license_renewals_2024.pdf

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-71 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._23-71_arpa_funds.pdf

b. 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

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-902 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._23-902_snow_removal.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-903 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._23-903_mattress_fee.pdf

d. Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-72 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._23-72_davis_thayer_extension.pdf

e. Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-73 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._23-73_-revised_2024_tc_schedule.pdf

f. Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-74 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f._23-74_-_tnc_ride_assessment_transfer_and_appropriation_1.pdf

g. Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-75 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._1_-_23-75-_gift_acceptance_-_pd_vets_sr._ctr._1.pdf

h. Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-76 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._-_23-76_-_peg_comcast_verizon.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 - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_dec_20_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

April 26, 2023 - 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 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

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

a. March 15, 2023 -   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._march_15_2023_town_council_minutes_-_draft.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven 37380B, Located at 664 Union St.  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_-_7-eleven_legal_ad_application_redacted.pdf

i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdf

b. Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Manager   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdf

b. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Property   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 23-28: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds

(Motion to Approve Resolution 23-28 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-28_arpa_700k.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The Complete Agenda 109 page doc 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

Franklin Housing Authority meeting recording available (30 mins) (audio)

FM #877 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 877 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of the Franklin Housing Authority meeting held on Monday, November 14, 2022 in the Common Room at Central Park Terrace. 

Participating were:

• GEORGE DANELLO, CHAIR 

• CHRIS FEELEY (a few minutes late to session)

• PETER BRUNELLI

• ANDREW M KEPPLE, STATE APPOINTEE

• CHRISTOPHER LENNON

• Lisa M. Audette, Housing Authority Agent

The recording of the meeting runs about 30 minutes.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-877-franklin-ma-housing-authority-mtg-11-14-22

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Meeting agenda doc ->  

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/franklin_housing_authority_agenda.pdf

Franklin Housing Authority web page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/housing-authority 

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10LJDmQDEUDJFTUysGKhsIGSG-d2Ct8Wu/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin Observer posted their notes on the meeting (added 11/17/22)

https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/131544/housing-authority-board-meets-updated-state-mandates-affordable-home

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

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"

Franklin Housing Authority

CommonWealth Magazine: ARPA funding for broadband expansion approved; is DPU proper agency for MBTA oversight; Sommerville's new municipal aggregation contract offers hope

"Massachusetts gets $145 million to expand broadband  
ARPA funding approved by White House"

"MASSACHUSETTS HAS BEEN awarded $145 million in federal money to expand broadband internet access, the White House announced Thursday. 

Jacob Leibenluft, US Treasury Chief Recovery Officer, said in a conference call with reporters that an estimated 16,000 Massachusetts locations, homes and businesses, will be connected to high-speed internet through these initiatives. That represents 27 percent of those in Massachusetts who still lack high-speed internet.  

Sen. Ed Markey, a longtime leader in Congress on telecommunications, said it is a “national tragedy” that people still lack access to high-speed internet, given how important connectivity is to modern life. “Massachusetts has cutting edge technological innovations, but we can still see the holes in the Berkshires, which is rural,” Markey said. “Black, brown, and immigrant families, they are left behind.” 

The money was allocated through the American Rescue Plan Act, part of a $10 billion Capital Projects Fund. The fund was intended to pay for projects that provide digital connectivity for people to participate in remote work, education, and health care, with a focus on broadband. "

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/massachusetts-gets-145-million-to-expand-broadband/

Lawmakers question whether DPU is right for MBTA safety oversight

Agency officials blame most problems on difficulties in hiring

"TWO KEY Beacon Hill lawmakers on Thursday questioned whether the Department of Public Utilities is the right agency to hold the MBTA’s feet to the fire on safety issues.

At a legislative oversight hearing, the chair of the DPU and the head of the agency’s transportation oversight division acknowledged the arm of the agency that oversees the MBTA’s safety efforts is understaffed and has been understaffed for years.

The DPU, an agency known mostly for overseeing electric and gas utilities, is currently trying to double the size of the transportation division to roughly 14 people, and may need more employees. The Federal Transit Administration, in a recent safety inspection report, criticized the MBTA and the DPU’s transportation division.

“The division seems stuck,” said Sen. Michael Barrett of Lexington. “Safety seems to have been submerged, seriously, within the DPU.”

Continue reading the article online -> 

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/transportation/lawmakers-question-whether-dpu-is-right-for-mbta-safety-oversight/

"Somerville’s new electricity contract offers some hope"

(for those residents using municipal aggregation)

"SOMERVILLE THIS WEEK offered some hope to those worried about the high cost of electricity ever since National Grid said its basic service rate would be jumping to a record 33.9 cents per kilowatt hour on November 1.

The city said it signed a contract starting November 1 with Direct Energy that will provide electricity to residents at a much lower price — 14.9 cents a kilowatt hour for basic service, 15.7 cents a kilowatt hour for power with 20 percent more renewable energy, and 18.6 cents a kilowatt hour for all-renewable electricity.

Somerville’s contract will last two years, while National Grid’s rate will remain in place for only six months. A lot can happen over the next two years in energy markets, so locking a price in for that length of time carries some risk. But Somerville’s new rates suggest municipalities and individuals may be able to find some relief for soaring electricity prices by shopping around."

Continue reading the article online ->

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/somervilles-new-electricity-contract-offers-some-hope-2/

Franklin's Municipal aggregation information

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation

Franklin's Municipal Aggregation program

This "Talk Franklin" episode: Jamie Hellen covers ISO Class 1, licenses, storm water fee, ARPA, and more (audio)

FM #771 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 771 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge.

Conversation around the following topics: 

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - 3 Restaurant

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Birchwood Bakery

More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic, so fortunate

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee

Community Needs Discussion Forums (Franklin Senior Center) Tuesday April 12th at 6pm

Outlook for Council agenda

The recording runs about 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie as we “Talk Franklin”. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Fire-Department-Accolades--Restaurant-Revitalization-and-New-Legislation-e1h31v3/a-a7o97t4

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Town of Franklin meeting calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar 

ARPA accounted for -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/pandemic-related-stimulus-funds 

Town budget page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Storm water fee comes back to Council among items in this "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen (audio)