Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 04/07/22 (audio)

FM #770 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 770 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. 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 April  6, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

 

APPOINTMENTS

a. New Employee: Fire Department - James Koch

b. New Employee: Fire Department - Michael Eaton

 

HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Street Acceptances: Brandywine Drive and Portion of Charles Drive

i. Legislation for Action Item: 9b

 

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - NDO Enterprises, LLC d/ b/a Pour Richard’s Wine and Spirits, Located at 14 Grove Street

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant, Located at 461 West Central Street

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika Matunin as the Manager - Windtop Acres d/b/a Birchwood Bakery, Located at 17 East Central Street

*** More restaurants operating now than pre-pandemic

 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

·   Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

 

Legislation

·   Storm water fee – final approval

·   Passport photo fee

Our conversation runs about 37 minutes:

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking April 7, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-770-tc-quarterbacking-04-07-22

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

Town Council Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf 

Town Council recap & Audio ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/04/town-council-hears-of-iso-class-1-for.html

My notes for the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KnmcHPUOPMAUQ7TgXS8YMvDbUHTxTGa/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

Franklin Fire Chief James McLaughlin

Town Council hears of ISO Class 1 for Fire Dept, approves storm water fee, passport fee, and ARPA funding allocation (audio)

FM #769 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 769 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, April  6, 2022. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Quick recap:

• Fire department achieves ISO Class 1 rating, only one of 9 in MA and one of 15 in New England to do so. Contact your insurance company. Whether a business or residence, there could be a savings with this higher rating on insurance policies. Doc on Fire Department web page to send to company to support the potential savings.

• 2 new hires for Fire Dept sworn in. These are experienced firefighters coming from other areas to backfill open positions with the Fire Dept.

• Three alcohol license approvals were voted on. One to approve the move of Pour Richards, one to approve the permanent set up of outdoor dining at 3 Restaurant, and one to approve a license for the Birchwood Bakery & Café downtown. As a sign of how well Franklin has survived the pandemic, we now have more restaurant liquor licenses post pandemic than we did pre-pandemic.

• Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update on ARPA funds and how they would be allocated. Council approved the allocation which will now be submitted to the County for disbursement of the funds. Some of the $10M allocated to Franklin (approx. $2M) comes directly to the Town, some (approx. $6M) comes through the County.

• The second approval for the storm water utility fee was approved. The fee will first appear in July 2023 (FY 2024). There is time to confirm your impervious coverage area (see the town storm water page) and order a rain barrel to help with mitigation of storm water and save on the potential fee.

• Passport photo fee was approved so the Town when processing your passport application can now provide a ‘one-stop’ shop service. The photo fee is $10 per photo. The fee for the passport is set at the Federal level.

The recording runs under two hours (1:58). The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of April 6, 2022. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-769-town-council-meeting-04-06-22

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

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14KnmcHPUOPMAUQ7TgXS8YMvDbUHTxTGa/view?usp=sharing 

Photos from the meeting can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/Zr6wAJwNbr61Yhob6

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

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.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"

 

Firefighter Michael Eaton getting pinned by his daughter

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 6, 2022

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, April 6, 2022 7 PM

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.

c. ISO Class-1 Announcement, Franklin Fire Department

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

a. New Employee: Fire Department - James Koch

b. New Employee: Fire Department - Michael Eaton

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Street Acceptances: Brandywine Drive and Portion of Charles Drive

i. Legislation for Action Item: 9b

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification: Change of Location - NDO Enterprises, LLC d/ b/a Pour Richard’s Wine

and Spirits, Located at 14 Grove Street

b. License Modification: Alteration of Premises - Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant,

Located at 461 West Central Street

c. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Veronika

Matunin as the Manager - Windtop Acres d/b/a Birchwood Bakery, Located at 17 East Central

Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: ARPA Update - Town Administrator Jamie Hellen

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-24: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act

Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-24- Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-12: Order of Acceptance of Brandywine Drive and Portion of Charles Drive as

Public Ways (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-12- Two Thirds Majority Vote)

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-876: Chapter 153 Stormwater Management - Corrective Legislation

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-876 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-877: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees, Amended at Section 82-6

Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection A. Administration: Stormwater Utility Fee (Motion to

Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-877 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Bylaw Amendment 22-878: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees, Amended at Section 82-6

Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection A. Administration: Passport Photo Fee (Motion to

Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-878 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

f. Resolution 22-25: Gift Acceptance: Conservation Commission ($1,000.00) and Veterans’

Services Dept. ($300) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-25 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. FY23 Budget Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes 

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc and connection info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/april_6_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - April 6, 2022

MA News roundup: ballot question funding, federal aid priority discussion; and 3 views on local aid

Costly ballot fights ahead on gig economy, income tax amendment
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/the-download/costly-ballot-fights-ahead-on-gig-economy-income-tax-amendment-2/

Unprecedented federal funding is chance to push for priorities
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/unprecedented-federal-funding-is-chance-to-push-for-priorities/

3 views on same issue

Municipal officials slam Polito local aid projection
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/government/municipal-officials-slam-polito-local-aid-projection/

Mass Municipal Assoc (MMA) reporting on the update

https://www.mma.org/at-mma-annual-meeting-lt-gov-polito-announces-2-7-local-aid-increase-in-fy23-budget-proposal/

Baker seeks level funding for local road projects in next year’s budget

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/01/22/metro/baker-seeks-level-funding-local-road-projects-next-years-budget/

Senate Prioritizes Veterans’ Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Senate Prioritizes Veterans' Services in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Financial support for veterans' services expanded during Senate debate

 The Massachusetts State Senate on Wednesday (11/10/2021) passed a $3.82 billion blueprint to invest funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to meet the urgent needs of the Commonwealth's ongoing recovery. The bill includes increased investments for veteran services and supports that target housing security, transportation, and mental and behavioral health care, among other areas.

"For too many veterans, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented physical, mental and financial challenges," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Reaffirming our commitment to veterans is an important piece of this legislation's broader goal of ensuring an equitable COVID-19 recovery and reimagining our future. I am truly grateful to the many veterans who have given so much for the security of our nation, including Senators Velis, Rush, and Cronin, and I am proud to live in a state where so many of us have worked to build the best veterans' services in the nation, including with these investments. I'd like to thank Senator Rodrigues for his leadership of the ARPA process, as well as Senators Velis, Rush, and Moore for their contributions to this legislation and their steadfast commitment to serving veterans in our Commonwealth." 

"As we continue to build our post-pandemic future, we must recognize our veterans who made sure that future was possible," said State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I am proud that our Senate ARPA spending plan includes measures to strengthen housing security, transportation services, and food distribution for veterans, while also ensuring proper recognition for Massachusetts service men and women who died in the line of duty. Thank you to Senate President Spilka for her leadership and Senators Moore, Rush, and Velis for their diligent work to support our cherished veterans."

Many of the provisions strengthening veterans' services were passed as amendments on An Act relative to immediate COVID-19 recovery needs (S. 2564). The Senate's ARPA plan would invest $150 million in supportive housing, including $75 million for the chronically homeless population. Priority for permanent supportive housing would be given to veterans, along with individuals and families who are chronically homeless, experiencing behavioral health or substance misuse needs, survivors of domestic violence, involved in the foster care system, or seniors. An amendment proposed by Senator Rush and adopted directs $20 million be invested in supportive housing for veterans located across the state in areas not primarily served by either the Chelsea or Holyoke Soldiers' Homes.

"Veterans who have served this nation and have been willing to give their life for our freedom deserve a place to call home," said Senator Michael F. Rush (D-Boston), Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Thank you to the Senate President and Ways and Means Chair for their leadership to ensure all our Veterans have that home."

Senator Velis, Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, contributed two additional amendments relevant to veterans. The first of these allocates $500,000 to newly created transportation services for participants in the Massachusetts Veterans' Treatment Courts in order to reduce regional inequities and provide services to veterans across the state. The second explicitly ensures that the Massachusetts Medal of Liberty can be awarded to service men and women who have died as a result of training accidents while in the line of duty. 

"As we approach Veterans Day, we are reminded of the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Veterans throughout our communities and the importance of recognizing those who have served our nation," said Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield), Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. "Extending the Medal of Liberty to those who died as a result of a training accident will ensure that we are properly honoring the sacrifices that those service members and their families have endured. Additionally, the critical funding allocated to our Commonwealth's Veteran Treatment Courts will resolve the transportation barriers that keep Veterans from participating in this valuable program and getting the help they need. I am grateful to the Senate President and the Chairman of Ways and Means for their leadership and commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts is the premiere state for our Veterans and their families. These important amendments are a continued step in that direction."

An amendment offered by Senator Michael O. Moore extends $1 million of state financial support to the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation, Inc. for 'empowerment centers' which distribute food services to veterans in need in Worcester County.

"The brave men and women who have served in our armed forces are true heroes, and we should be doing everything in our power to make their transition back to civilian life as easy as possible," said Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury). "Through their programs, events and other resources the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation has become a leader when it comes to providing services for our veterans. Because of this I am both grateful and proud that we were able to allocate funding for them so that they can continue to provide exceptional service for our service members." 

With both the House and Senate having passed their own versions of ARPA spending plans, the two bills must now be reconciled before heading to the Governor's desk.