Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
What will be the major topic(s) requested for CPA funds for this year?
Last year, in the hearings, there was a chorus of requests for more pickleball courts. The plans are being developed for adding some additional courts to the King St Memorial fields as well as other improvements to this recreation area.
The Community Preservation Committee is holding their annual public hearing on Tuesday, Feb 7 at 7:00 PM. The purpose of the public hearing is to solicit ideas on how to use the CPA funds for the next fiscal year.
Use the online form, or participate in the meeting to make your request or idea known.
FM #878 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 878 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.
Topics for this session
FinCom recap; Minor adjustments $542k on $128m is only .004
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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
On the Horizon - Budget, SNETT Upgrades and Town Council Teasers (audio)
In the regular meeting, Wednesday, Oct 19 the Town Council witnessed the swearing in of two firefighter/paramedics, spent time with the Franklin State delegation: Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeff Roy, before getting into the legislation portion of the meeting.
The Council made two unanimous votes to approve and authorize CPA funding for the purchase of Schmidt's Farm via the first right of approval. The Community Preservation Committee had recommended the purchase in their meeting (10/4) and the Finance Committee had also unanimously approved in their meeting on Tuesday (10/18).
Additional funds ($50K) for the exterior renovation of the Red Brick school were also approved during the session. $200K had been initially budgeted for the repairs but the actual work has shown to be increased due to inflation hence, the additional funds required. $250,000 is the total for the exterior.
With the recent 2020 census results, the resulting redistricting has shifted the Senate districts so Senator Rausch's district covers all of Franklin where previously 3 precincts had been covered by Spilka. The session was the 'final' official visit of all three and the Council recognized Spilka with a proclamation for her service over the years. Both Rausch and Roy have contested elections this November.
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.
c.Municipal Aggregation
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.
a.Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
b.Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
6.HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.
7.LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a.License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038
b.Resolution 22-65: Town of Franklin’s Exercise of Town’s Chapter 61A, Section 14 First Refusal Option, Re: Land of Schmidt’s Farm, Inc. off Prospect Street, Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Title Reference: Book 11712, Page 405 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-65 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-65_schmidts.pdf
The Town Council meeting went over 3 hours long on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022 in the process of reviewing multiple topics.
Norfolk County Commissioners provided some updates on what they do and how they do it. Some councilors appear stuck on the Federal decision to award the ARPA funds to the county and not directly to the Town but that is neither in control of the Town nor the County. The 3% management fee the County collects they are working for in managing the funds and they clearly stated the case during the evening.
The best Council move was to approve The Town Council held a pubic hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding. There was no vote on the purchase. Several Councilors acknowledged they approved but the vote will come at a future meeting. A number of residents in person and via Zoom spoke in favor of this move as it is perfectly was the CPA funds were meant to be used for. The presentation doc (shared at the CPC meeting on Tuesday is now on the Town page) (updated 10/13/22)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/schmidt_farm_61a_presentation.pdf
A passionate discussion raised issues that are mostly still to be resolved on parking. The set of 4 bylaws did all move forward to a second reading; one only by a 5-4 vote, the others by 9-0. Open question on should the Council allow the Town Administrator to set the rate. On what the rate should be? (It should be at least equal to the MBTA parking rate, otherwise the MBTA commuters albeit less of them, will park in these spaces and save money - which won't provide the spaces for what they were provided for - to enable shoppers downtown).
A 6-3 vote approved a request to obtain the 'authority' to issue an all liquor license to replace a beer/wine license already held which would put two all liquor license establishments within .3 mile of each other and near the Keller Sullivan schools. The legislation if approved by the State would still require a formal hearing and vote by the Council to actually approve the license. Tonight is only a step in the process.
The Community Preservation Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, Oct 4, 2022. The meeting recording is now available for replay and review from Franklin TV. Video link -> https://youtu.be/htBcHT9SCp8
Note: The Schmidt's Farm presentation document will be posted to the Town pages in advance of the Town Council meeting on Wednesday at 7 PM. Photos of almost all of the slides shared were captured and can be found in one album. -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/At7CqqHSEMYzG3Ah8
Community Preservation Committee recommends purchase of Schmidt Farm with CPA funds (video)
The Finance Committee met and did their business in about thirty minutes before the Town Council came into the Council Chambers for their meeting to start at 7 PM on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
The Finance meeting did start a little after 6, so you get to listen to the intro of my radio show interview with Health Director Cathleen Liberty before the live stream of the meeting jumps into YouTube. If you want to continue listening to the health episode follow this link -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/conversation-with-town-of-franklin-ma.htmlor find Franklin Matters on your favorite podcast app.
FM #821 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 821 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, June 23, 2022. The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, June 22.
·ok, what just happened?
·What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation and Performance: Electric Youth
b. Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Recognition
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Richard Salve - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
b. Timothy Sweeney - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department
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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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
cupola at the Franklin Historical Museum, an approved project for CPA funds
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"
Electric Youth posed with Town Council after performance
