Town Council FY 2026 Budget Hearing #1 & #2 - Held on May 21 & May 22, 2025 (audio)

FM #1456-1457  This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1456-1457 in the series. 

This session (1456) shares the FY 2026 first budget hearing held by the Franklin (MA) Town Council on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. All 9 of the members started the meeting in Council Chambers (1 left not feeling well during the meeting).  The Full Budget hearing #1 recording runs about 4 hours 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1456-town-council-mtg-budget-hearing-1-05-21-25/

This session (1457) shares the FY 2026 second budget hearing held by the Town Council Meeting of Thursday, May 22, 2025. The budget hearing happens after the ABCC license transactions are completed. 7 members started the meeting (2 absent), 1 left during the meeting, leaving only 6 to make the final votes. The Second meeting recording runs about 2 hours

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1457-town-council-mtg-budget-hearing-2-05-22-25/

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Budget hearing #1

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->     https://www.youtube.com/live/OBuOFLY5kZY?&t=184 

The Council agenda and associated budget documents can be found here ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05212025-1752  

My notes captured via Twitter/X during the session are collected in one PDF file

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11W1dMjvh9zB0X9Bqw8CgfLus5YZG7arZ/view?usp=drive_link 

FM posting of video & recap ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/05/town-council-spends-4-hours-reviewing.html

Budget hearing #2

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/KxgDYAmr-zM?&t=95 

The agenda and released documentation for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1753

My notes as captured via Twitter/x during the session can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zc-q92nV-paFAQ3DXWbqcucn-NRwRCVE/view?usp=drive_link 

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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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Town Council FY 2026 Budget Hearing #1 & #2 - Held on May 21 & May 22, 2025 (audio)

Town Council expresses frustration with ABCC regs, approved license transfer (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met on Thursday, May 22 for it's second budget hearing as outlined in Town bylaws. Given that the questions on the FY 2026 budget were effectively covered on Wednesday, and with the special election scheduled for June 3, the hearing was continued to June 4 to close out the budget process.

Depending upon the results of the vote on June 3, if the override is successful, then the budget can be approved as proposed. If the override fails to pass, then the proposed cuts will need to be determined before the budget is finally approved.

7 of the Councilors were present for Thursday's session (Chandler and Pellegri absent). Dellorco left the Council Chambers during the public hearing on the alcohol license transfer and did not return.

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/KxgDYAmr-zM?&t=95

The agenda and released documentation for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05222025-1753 

Quick recap:

• Public hearing on License Modification - Change of LLC Managers & Change of Ownership (Beneficial Membership) Interest of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a The Shed, Located at 340 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
• After explanation, measure approved. Effectively, the 2 existing owners expanded ownership to include two of their employees.
• 2 Public hearings were opened as the items were directly and intimately related to each other and needed to be reviewed together.
• Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: DeVitas Market, LLC d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St
• Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central St
• Attorney Cornetta carefully explained the moving parts that would effectively transfer the beer & wine license from the Big Y to DeVita's and the all alcohol license at DeVita's would transfer to Big Y. As the 2 licenses are so close to each other, the transfer was not in the realm of denying based upon the case law already established. 
• The prior transfer Big Y attempted was successfully and legally denied as it would have changed the mix of licenses in the East Central neighborhood. This current transfer simply swapped licenses within the half mile locations and did not materially change the overall license impact.
• Mr Halligan is establishing an LLC to purchase DeVitas, maintain operation with the beer & wine license, allowing Mr Donovan to retire from the business. He will also upgrade the building and operations including installation of a grease trap.
• The Big Y has successfully operated other all alcohol licenses without issue in MA, including the current beer & wine license in Franklin. They will bring in a new manager for the license and rotate the current manager within their operations as they normally do.
• Councilor Dellorco expressed his frustration with the move and acknowledged that aside from the legalities, he would vote no. He left the public hearing before the vote.
• Councilor Cormier-Leger attempted to motion to have the transfer vote tabled to a future meeting, it did not get the majority vote (tied 3-3) so the votes proceeded as scheduled and both transfers passed 5-1-3 (5 for, 1 against (Cormier-Leger) and 3 absent)
• The second FY 2026 Budget hearing was opened, after some discussion, it was continued to the June 4 Town Council meeting.

My notes as captured via Twitter/x during the session can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zc-q92nV-paFAQ3DXWbqcucn-NRwRCVE/view?usp=drive_link

Town Council expresses frustration with ABCC regs, approved license transfer (video)

Support Metacomet Land Trust with a Community Shopping Bag when shopping at the Big Y Market!

Heads up if you shop for groceries in Franklin!

During June, Metacomet Land Trust will receive a small donation if our members and friends purchase a reusable "Community Shopping Bag” at the Big Y Market, 348 East Central Street. If you're in the vicinity -- or have family or friends who shop in Franklin -- please support MLT’s mission of land conservation in this way. Each large, sturdy bag costs $2.50 with $1.00 going to the Land Trust.

Big Y has helped over 1,900 local charities since 2019 through this program. Every month, leadership at each store location chooses a local nonprofit to be the default beneficiary from the Community Bag Program. This is the first time Metacomet has been chosen by the store’s leadership. Look for MLT’s name to be posted on the reusable bag rack during June.

Also, please plan to join us for our Annual Membership Meeting, which will be Thursday, June 13th in Upton! Our speaker will be Meghan Crawford, a MassWildlife community engagement biologist, who wrote a fascinating article on coyotes in the most recent issue of the Massachusetts Wildlife. Link here: "Living With the Eastern Coyote" 

Thanks to our generous Board members who are often inspired to share creative gifts and books they've loved, we will once again have a small Silent Auction of crafted items, a gift certificate to Rushford & Son brew pub, a wildlife photograph or two, and books on environmental topics. Refreshments will also be offered.

Support Metacomet Land Trust with a Community Shopping Bag!

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2022

1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS – Town Council Chair, Vice-Chair & Clerk

2. 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. Franklin Police Department Accreditation

3. 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.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.

5. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

6. APPOINTMENTS

a. Cultural Council - Swati Rao

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._appointment_swati_rao_fcc.pdf

7. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

8. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager: Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant, Located at 461 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._3_rest.pdf

b. License Modification - Change of Manager: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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

c. Transfer of License & Change of Location: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8c._table_and_vine_license_transfer.pdf

9. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. National Register Historic Districts in Franklin - Vicki Earls, Franklin Public Library

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-69: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Creation of the Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan and Authorizing the Town Administrator to File State Revolving Fund Loan Application and to Take Other Action as Needed (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-69 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-69_lsl_dwsrf.pdf

b. Resolution 22-70: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($1,845), Fire Dept. ($486)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-70 - Majority Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-70_gift_acceptance_-_fd_480_vets_1845.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-884, as Amended: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-884, as Amended - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-884_parking_map.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-885: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §170-20, Additional regulations; violations and penalties. - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-885 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._-_bylaw_amendment_22-885_amendment_chapter_170_ta_auth_to_set_fees.pdf

e. Bylaw Amendment 22-886: Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, § 82-6, Subsection K. Police - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-886 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._-_bylaw_amendment_22-886_amendment_chapter_82_municipal_service_fees_striking_quarterly_fees.pdf

f. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-879 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._bylaw_amendment_22-879.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

13. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

14. COUNCIL COMMENTS

15. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

16. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/november_2_town_council_meeting.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Nov 2, 2022

Voices of Franklin: Mark and Mike Lenzi on the proposed Transfer of an all alcoholic license to Table & Vine (Big Y)

Franklin Liquors, Inc.

333 East Central St,

Franklin, MA 02038

October 23, 2022

Town of Franklin

Municipal Building

355 E Central St, 

Franklin, MA 02038

RE: Transfer for all alcoholic license to Table & Vine (Big Y) at 348 East Central St hearing

Hello, 

This is regarding the liquor license upgrade/transfer request and hearing on November 2nd 2022.

Introduction:

Franklin Liquors, located at 333 East Central St, has been family owned since 1978.  Mark and Mike Lenzi are the owners, full time employees, and lifelong Franklin residents. 

History:

In the past we fought Table & Vine (Big Y) in getting a beer and wine license.  At that time, we were told a business can’t use competition, distance, or public need for a town to deny a license, and it was approved.

Table & Vine (Big Y) Request:

Please consider the points we make in this letter to you.  Table & Vine (Big Y) will tell you they want an upgrade to a full liquor license, as their customers are asking for it.  In our opinion, this request is because they can’t compete without it.  You may recall, recently the council received a request from Dacey’s Market to also upgrade to a full liquor license. The market is changing; if Franklin Liquors cannot object to a license on grounds of competition, how can Table & Vine (Big Y) be approved for saying they can’t compete without it? 

Exposure and control of alcohol:

This transfer request from Village Mall Liquors to Table & Vine (Big Y) would take control from an alcohol-only store to a supermarket.  You may ask, why does this matter?  For that you must think of the safety of the community. People that don’t drink, those affected by alcoholism, and those who don’t want to expose their children to alcohol don’t need to, and won’t go into a liquor store such as Franklin Liquors.  Those same people must go into a supermarket to purchase essential daily supplies. This will increase exposure. Please also think about workers in these stores- many underage employees will now be exposed significantly more. 

Articles on Exposure:

Consumer alcohol exposure in supermarkets: legislatively adherent, but a societal problem

“Alcohol misuse is a well-known public health problem. Supermarkets provide relatively easy access to alcohol for consumers; this is linked to an increase in alcohol misuse”

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1753-6405.12963

Children's exposure to alcohol marketing within supermarkets: An objective analysis using GPS technology and wearable cameras

“One mechanism by which on-site alcohol marketing influences child non-drinkers to consume alcohol is by its conflation with everyday consumer goods sold at supermarkets,”

https://health.geo.msu.edu/peer-reviewed/chambers2017.pdf

Effects of Alcohol Advertising Exposure on Drinking Among Youth

“Youth who saw more alcohol advertisements on average drank more”

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/204410

Young people and under-age exposure

“Further, alcohol was found to be located near staple foods such as bread and milk, reinforcing the perception of alcohol as just another ordinary food stuff.”

http://www.ourhealthhb.nz/assets/Alcohol-in-schools/Alcohol-and-schools-dont-mix-Young-people-and-under-age-exposure-full-report.pdf

Call to ban alcohol in supermarkets after cameras reveal over-exposure to children

“The over-exposure of alcohol to children put it on par with everyday products such as bread and milk, causing children to drink alcohol earlier in their life”

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/97763336/call-to-ban-alcohol-in-supermarkets-after-cameras-reveal-overexposure-to-children

Note: This study also noticed by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs

https://www.jsad.com/doi/10.15288/jsad.2019.80.158

The relationship between exposure to alcohol advertising in stores, owning alcohol promotional items, and adolescent alcohol use

“This study provides clear evidence of an association of adolescent drinking with weekly exposure to alcohol advertising in stores and with ownership of alcohol promotional items. Given their potential influence on adolescent drinking behavior, retail ads, and promotional items for alcohol deserve further study.”

https://academic.oup.com/alcalc/article/42/2/143/123532

Alcohol exposure in NZ supermarkets 'like advertising candy' to children, researcher says

“Children grow up seeing it offered every Friday, every Saturday, samples being given to adults," 

https://www.1news.co.nz/2020/02/04/alcohol-exposure-in-nz-supermarkets-like-advertising-candy-to-children-researcher-says/

Note On Exposure: 

Many town residents and councilors have made comments about alcohol miniatures (nips) on our streets.  That is an example of overexposure to our community through the form of trash and waste. People are already being inundated with the sight of alcohol in their daily lives. Take a walk into Shaw's, BJ’s, or Table & Vine (Big Y)- seeing alcohol line the shelf in a big box is even greater exposure to the community, and our youth, who have no choice to avoid these stores, either for work or purchasing supplies.

The town CAN say no:

Table & Vine (Big Y) currently sells beer and wine, so this will not prevent the sale of alcohol at the store.  You will prevent them from increasing exposure by not allowing a full alcohol license.  As a corporation they also have the option to pursue this request in many of their other stores in Massachusetts: this isn’t their only store to expand in.  Here are some resources for you to see other towns who have denied supermarkets, even one that regrets giving a beer and wine license to Table & Vine (Big Y).

Stop And Shop Denied

A transfer request denied in Harwich

https://www.connelllawoffices.com/stop-shop-denied-a-liquor-license-but-vows-an-appeal/

And follow up after denial

Stop & Shop withdraws alcohol license request

“He added that the town and its residents clearly didn't want the supermarket to be able to sell liquor, and that the store, which already sells liquor in three of its other stores across the state, should look elsewhere.”

https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/news/2012/09/19/stop-shop-withdraws-alcohol-license/49401249007/

As selectboard airs concerns about Big Y, Price Chopper liquor license denied

“That members of the sober community might be unnecessarily tempted by the alcoholic offerings,”

“Board member Ed Abrahams added that he had voted to give Big Y the all-alcohol license a few years ago and now regrets it. “

https://theberkshireedge.com/as-selectboard-airs-concerns-about-big-y-price-chopper-liquor-license-denied/

Distance And Public Need:

In the past Franklin Liquors brought to the attention of the council the number of licenses on East Central Street.  Currently, Table & Vine (Big Y), Franklin Liquors, Shaw's, And Devita's all occupy the same area, less than one mile.  Devita's and Franklin Liquors sell full alcohol.  Here is a CDC study that is a guide to measuring “density” for alcohol.

Guide for Measuring Alcohol Outlet Density

“High alcohol outlet density, defined as a high concentration of retail alcohol outlets in a small area, is known to be an environmental risk factor for excessive drinking. To prevent excessive drinking, the Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends “limiting alcohol outlet density through the use of regulatory authority (e.g., licensing and zoning),” which is based on strong scientific evidence of intervention effectiveness.”

“There is strong scientific evidence that regulating alcohol outlet density is one of the most effective strategies for reducing excessive alcohol consumption and related harms.”

https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/pdfs/cdc-guide-for-measuring-alcohol-outlet-density.pdf

Section 16C: Licenses for premises located near schools or churches:

We know the applicant has done all the steps to notify abutters and the church within 100 and 500 feet.  Other town departments will also sign off on this request. Many don’t know that New England Chapel hosts Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Do town council members ever follow up with the community or research impact after getting license request?. How does adding additional alcohol exposure impact these community programs in previous safe spaces? Other organizations, such as the Safe Coalition, would be skeptical of this increase. 

https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter138/Section16C

Conclusion:

Franklin Liquors would like the Town Council to consider denying this transfer request based on:

• Great Exposure and Limited Control of Alcohol

• Distance And Public Need

• The Use of Can’t Compete Requests

• Other Towns Having Denied OR Regretted These Transfer Requests

• Table & Vine (Big Y) Already Has Beer/Wine-Not Preventing them from selling alcohol

• This would be the first Table & Vine (Big Y) Full Liquor in Eastern MA

• Table & Vine (Big Y) Has MANY other Store in State in Can Do This In 

• Franklin Already Has Alcohol Exposure In 3 of 4 Big Box Stores- IF you approve this Table & Vine (Big Y) gives up their Beer/Wine. If Village Mall closes, chances are Stop & Shop will then apply for that. 

• Support of the growing “shop small” movement in Franklin

Thank you for your time in reviewing these details.  We hope you think of all the information provided and choose to deny this transfer. 

Mark And Mike Lenzi

Franklin Liquors 

https://franklinliquors.com/about.html

Vintage 1978 

Voices of Franklin:  Mark and Mike Lenzi 

Big Y: On The Spot Hiring Event! - March 1, 2022

SHOP | SAVE | MYBIGY

Click Here to Apply Before the Event

"to better enable customers to practice social distancing"

From the Milford Daily News, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Hours and days for early shopping vary depending on the individual store. Shaw’s, Big Y and Price Chopper are providing them every day of the week from 6-7 a.m., while Market Basket is offering them from 5:30-7 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Hannaford offers them from 6-7 a.m. on those three days.

Grocery chains throughout the region, including Market Basket, Price Chopper, Hannaford, Shaw’s and Big Y, have begun to offer early shopping hours for seniors to help protect them from both coronavirus exposure and the increasing difficulty of securing high-demand products.

Customers aged 60 and over will have first access to food and supplies in the store, with younger patrons asked to come later.

Older people are most at risk of health complications and death from coronavirus, and are encouraged to minimize contact with potential carriers of the virus, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200320/area-grocery-chains-carve-out-morning-hours-for-shoppers-60-and-older

Big Y - Franklin, MA

"called the use of such bags 'an inordinate amount of waste'"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

As of Aug. 1, if you don’t bring your own bags to Big Y supermarkets in Massachusetts and Connecticut, prepare to break out your coin purse.

Big Y Foods, Inc. announced Thursday afternoon that it moved up its planned elimination of single-use plastic bags at check-out counters, from 2020 to August 2019. Customers without their own bags can pay for paper bags at checkout at 10 cents a pop.

The company owns 80 supermarkets and specialty stores in Massachusetts and Connecticut, including one each in Franklin and Milford.

“Big Y has been complying with single-use plastic bag bans in several Massachusetts communities since 2014,” a press release announcing the change said. “Coming off of recent changes to laws in various towns across the New England region, Big Y has moved up its 2020 timeline to eliminate single-use plastic at checkouts in all of its locations in order to streamline operations and to do its part to support sustainability.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190711/big-y-moves-up-plastic-bag-ban-to-aug-1

The MDN article referenced this brief video released by Big Y on how to clean the re-usable bags.



I'll need to re-think about where I keep my supply of bags (curretnly in the car).

 

The Big Y under construction in 2012

The Big Y was under construction during 2012 and this collection of photos showed the progress at that time.



or go directly to Flickr
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157629561316680/

In the News: plastic bags eliminated by BIG Y; breathalyzer tests require validation

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Plastic bags being eliminated by BIG Y

"In a decision affecting all 70 Big Y supermarket locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, Big Y Foods, Inc. this week announced it will eliminate plastic bags from checkout counters. 

That includes the store in Milford, off Rte. 109 and one in Franklin on Rte. 140.
The company uses 100 million plastic bags at checkout counters each year. 

“Single-use plastic bags create an inordinate amount of waste,” a press release from the company says. “Big Y recognizes its responsibility to cut down on unnecessary plastic waste that contributes to litter, harms the environment and can endanger wildlife.” 

The change won’t happen until 2020, allowing employees and customers to get used to the idea, and make the switch to reusable bags."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/milford-franklin-big-ys-to-eliminate-plastic-bags-in-2020

Recall that some FHS students in 2016 had created an online petition, brought forward a proposal, worked their way through the local legislative process before ultimately getting dismissed by the Economic Development Committee of the Town Council in one of their lesser highlight moments. The students can be happy now.
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/11/nearly-60-massachusetts-municipalities.html

FHS students discussing the proposal with the EDC Nov 30, 2016

Balance of power plays out

"Prosecutors trying to get convictions for people suspected of driving drunk have seen their jobs get much more difficult after a Massachusetts judge ruled this week that Breathalyzer tests cannot be used as evidence in court. 

Judge Robert Brennan, who was hearing a consolidated test case that involved more than 400 Breathalyzer exams throughout the state, ruled the tests can’t be used until the Office of Alcohol Testing proves it results are accurate. 

Brennan’s ruling is being hailed by MetroWest defense attorneys as fair. 

“I think it’s the right decision,” said David Levinson, a Framingham lawyer. “There have been so many issues with the various testing devices. There has to be some kind of accountability.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190111/breathalyzer-court-ruling-roils-prosecutors-police

Interesting that many of the Google provided links to the MA Office of Alcohol Testing all end up at the District Attorneys page. There is also this reference but no page link. The office must truly being being rebuilt.  https://www.mass.gov/service-details/forensic-chemistry-sections

In the News: Big Y gets the license, 2 more arrested at the clothing bin

After listening to arguments for and against the request, the Town Council Wednesday granted a liquor license to the Big Y supermarket. 

The family-owned chain, which has a location on East Central Street, applied for the town’s only available malt and wine license to open one of its Table & Vine shops. 

Big Y’s application met with some opposition from residents, including the owners of a decades-old local business, who argued that the area did not need another beer and wine merchant.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150507/NEWS/150507362/1994/NEWS

My notes from the meeting and discussion Wednesday can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/live-reporting-license-transactions.html

For a second time in two weeks, police say they thwarted a pair of thieves who were stealing clothing donations, finding one hiding in the locked donation bin. 

Kevin Santos, 22, of Brockton, and Valdir Barros, 27, of Central Falls, Rhode Island, were charged Monday with breaking into a depository and trespassing, as well as larceny over $250 after allegedly stealing from a Society of St. Vincent de Paul donation bin kept in a parking lot on Main Street. 

Two Brockton men targeted the same donation bin last week, police said, leaving with more than 50 trash bags of clothing.

Continue reading the article here
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150506/NEWS/150507402/1994/NEWS

Last week's article can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2015/05/in-news-2-men-in-van-arrested.html

Has the process been followed?

Given that the following resolution was passed in May 2014, did you see any notifications or announcements about a license being available in the past several weeks?

No, neither did some other folks. Franklin announcements are usually posted here:

Franklin news and announcements

Why is there a license award coming up for the Town Council meeting on Wednesday?

Or is this the same one that brought about the discussion in March 2014 that lead to the policy?
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/03/live-reporting-town-council-mar-5-2014.html



- - - - - - - - - -

TOWN OF FRANKLIN 

RESOLUTION 14-36 

ISSUING AVAILABLE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES (PACKAGE STORE) LICENSES POLICY 

Whereas: The Town Council has asked for a fair and equitable policy for the disposition of available alcoholic beverages (Package Store) Licenses;

Whereas: In order to provide an opportunity to all potential businesses to compete for an available (either because census results in additional license or existing licensee surrenders license) Liquor or Beer and Wine license, the Town Council wishes to adopt the following process.

• When the Town Administrator becomes aware of an available license he/she shall:
• Give notice to Town Council at the next Council meeting.
• Advertise the availability of the license via the Town Web page and other appropriate means. The advertisement will state the date the applications must be submitted and the hearing date before the Town Council.
• Conduct a hearing at which the applicants will be allowed to make their case before the Council in support of their application.
• Council will make a determination whether a public need exists based on a set of criteria which may include:

o Proximity of existing establishments.
o Will the license be used to enhance the economic development of a neighborhood?
o Impact on neighborhood.
o Is it near a school or place of worship?
o Other? 

• Council may determine that no public need exists, not withstanding applicant(s)

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The policy was posted on the Franklin webpage here
http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_Admin/licensing/policy.pdf

David vs. Goliath

Franklin Liquors (yes, the one located just down the street from the Big Y) posted this
https://franklinliquors.wordpress.com/2015/05/01/david-vs-goliath-we-need-your-support/