Ribbon cutting at Schmidt's Farm recognizes CPA funding for purchase of 200 acres of open space (photos & audio)

The ribbon cutting Friday at Schmidt's Farm acknowledged the purchase of over 200 acres of open space with Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds. A significant accomplishment for Franklin! 

Town Council Chair Tom Mercer opened the brief ceremony with a few remarks. (Most were caught on the audio recording):

"Good morning. Thank you for joining us on this beautiful day to recognize the Town of Franklin’s recently acquired land at Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm for the purpose of preserving open space!

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize John Schmidt of Schmidt’s Farm, who worked with the Town during the acquisition of the approximately 115 acres we are standing on today. 

I would also like to acknowledge Kathy Dalzell who is here representing the Dalzell family. The Dalzell family generously provided the Town with 15 acres of land connecting these two parcels - a gift we were extremely grateful for. Please express our gratitude to your family, Kathy. 

We are very excited to celebrate this marked occasion of the purchase of over 200 acres of public natural resources through the recently adopted Community Preservation Act."

a view from partway into the large open field

the ribbon cutting

the barn has hopes of being restored with CPA funds

(L-R) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Councilor Melanie Hamblen, Council Chair Tom Mercer, State Rep Jeff Roy (minding Rosie Melanie's dog)

Photo album of the ceremony and of a brief walk across the open field

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Wz79C3HCF4ZYXxsX7

Town of Franklin recognizes the 3 ribbon cuttings this year: https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/status/171799700345026190

Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1090-schmidts-farm-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-10-27-23

Brick School Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13, 2023 (photo essay)

Friday the 13th was a good day for the brief outdoor ceremony to acknowledge completion of the Brick School exterior renovations. The renovations were funded by the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds approved by the Franklin voters in 2020.

This is the first of the historical preservation projects to be completed with this funding. The Historical Museum cupola is also scheduled to be funded with CPA. Much has also been made of the 200 acres of open space purchased through the CPA funds.

the front view as newly renovated

the original sign was restored by "Signs by Cam

banner of the Alarm Robotics group renting the facility

sign acknowledging the use of CPA funding

Councilor Debbie Pellegri & Chair Tom Mercer share a laugh

the ribbon cutting moment

Additional photos can be found in the album online ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/rNo6sntFN2TFSZTcA

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 21, 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. May 24, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._may_24_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Community Preservation Committee  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._appointments_-_cpc.pdf

i. Citizen At Large: Michael Giardino

ii. Citizen At Large: Lisa Oxford

iii. Conservation Commission: Jeffrey Livingstone

iv. Historical Commission: Phyllis Malcolm

v. Housing Authority: Christopher Feeley

vi. Planning Board: Jay Mello

vii. Recreation Advisory Board: Wayne Simarrian

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-900 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._23-900_-_parking_map_revision_0.pdf

b. Resolution 23-41: Appropriation Transfers FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-41 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._23-41_appropriation_transfers_fy23.pdf

c. Resolution 23-42: Sewer Enterprise Fund Supplemental Appropriation FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-42 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._1_-_resolution_23-42_-_sewer_enterprise_fund_supplemental_appropriation_fy23.pdf

d. Resolution 23-43: Transfer of FY23 Regional Dispatch Appropriation to the MECC/Public Safety Stabilization Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-43 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._1_-_resolution_23-43_-_fy23_transfer_of_mecc_appropriation.pdf

e. Resolution 23-44: Appropriation of Funds to Enable Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018, Landfill Land Swap Legislation, So-Called (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-44 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._23-44_-landfill_land_swap_legislation.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-898R to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f.23-898_-_grv.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map

(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-899 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Introduction of Deputy Town Administrator

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 agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_21_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Nason Street tot lot reopened after renovation with CPA funds

The Nason Street tot lot was reopened on Wednesday evening with a brief ribbon cutting ceremony and dozens of kiddos big and small ready to play. Recreation Director Ryan Jette was the master of the ceremony. Recreation Advisory board member and Community Preservation Committee member Wayne Simarrian were the speakers. Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding paid for the renovations.

The video captures the event (approx. 10 minutes) -> https://youtu.be/me9ePjAfgwk

Additional photos of the event including details of the playground can be found in one album -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/rcShXw7E2Bf7joX96

memorial marker for Henry "Ski" Faenza

Town Clerk Nancy Danello, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen having some fun

CPA sign at entrance to Nason St tot lot

Recreation Director Ryan Jette

Community Preservation Committee March 7, 2023 meeting video available (video)

The Community Preservation Committee met on Tuesday, March 7. The meeting video is available from Franklin TV -> https://www.youtube.com/live/CzckKCFq074?feature=share

The agenda doc has additional supporting info on the CPC budgeting proposal ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_march_7_2023.pdf

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM

If it is Tuesday, it must be time for

• 5 PM to 7 PM -> 

The first stop of the Arts & Culture Listening Tour - at Dean College, More details on the event -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/youre-invited-to-franklin-arts-culture.html

• 6 PM to 8 PM -> 

Franklin Public Schools seeks public input on proposed options amid redistricting analysis process (also a virtual event is scheduled for March 13, same information both nights) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/franklin-public-schools-seeks-public.html

• 7 PM -> 

Community Preservation Committee review the proposed FY 2024 budget for allocation of the CPA funds for projects - Agenda and supporting materials ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/community-preservation-committee.html

• 7 PM ->

Peonies: Love of My Life presentation hosted by the Franklin Garden Club at the Franklin Public Library - additional details ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/reminder-peonies-love-of-my-life-march.html

If it is Tuesday, it must be time for

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 7, 2023 - 7:00 PM

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes: February 7, 2023

2. Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Budget

a. FY24 Budget Approval

b. FY24 Project slate

i. Open Space Appropriations

ii. Fletcher Field Playground Improvements - $150,000

iii. Nason Street site work preparation - $25,000

iv. Beaver Street Challenge Course - $150,000

3. Adjourn

The agenda doc has additional supporting info on the CPC budgeting as well as remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_march_7_2023.pdf

Photos of the Challenge Course taken in Nov 2022 ->

https://photos.app.goo.gl/b77egXDgxSephAK67

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM

Community engagement, everywhere you turn, there's an opportunity tops this Talk Franklin discussion (audio)

FM #943 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 943 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 on Thursday, February 8, 2023.  

Topics for this session

Community Preservation Cmte – public hearing Tuesday

Finance Cmte (will be conducted after we record)

Community engagement opportunities

• Master plan

• Davis Thayer

• Police Station

Town Council outlook for the Feb 15 meeting

• inclusionary zoning

• capital plan (first pass) 

The conversation runs about 27 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Police-Building--Davis-Thayer-Reuse--Master-Plan-Committee-opportunities-and-more-for-residents-e1v1ags/a-a9bepvf

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Town Council agenda for 2/15/23

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/feb_15_2023_agenda.pdf 

Community Preservation Committee meeting (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/community-preservation-cmte-public.html 

Finance Committee meeting (video)

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/franklin-tv-video-of-finance-committee.html 

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

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

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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"

Community engagement, everywhere you turn, there's an opportunity tops this Talk Franklin discussion (audio)

Community Preservation Cmte public hearing gets ideas on ADA access for trails among other items (video)

The Community Preservation Committee held it public hearing on Tuesday Feb 7 at 7 PM. The hearing recording only runs 27 minutes. 

Ideas were submitted in person and via email. As this is now our second year of operation, while the hearing is legally required to be posted and held once a year, the idea and proposal generation is effective open all the time and consideration will be provided when such are received.

Ideas and/or projects can be submitted via email or the forms on the Town page. 

https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/pages/2022-cpa-funding-application

Meeting agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_feb_7_2023.pdf

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/xhTzBf8dZ-g

CPC public hearing gets ideas on ADA access for trails among other items

How should the CPA funds be used? You have the chance to provide input!

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.

CPA funding applications -> https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/pages/2022-cpa-funding-application

Current CPA funding approved by the Town Council for FY 2023 ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/06/town-council-to-review-and-vote-on.html

The current CPA plan ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2022_cpa_plan_v.2_4.pdf

CPA funds were allocated to renovate the exterior of the Red Brick School

Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing - February 7, 2023

Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing 

February 7, 2023

The Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 7pm.

This informational hearing will involve a discussion of Franklin's needs, possibilities and resources regarding community preservation and the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these issues, as permitted by the CPA.

Agenda:

1. Approval of Minutes: December 6, 2022

2. Approval of Executive Session Minutes: December 6, 2022

3. 2023 Annual Public Hearing

a. Anyone may suggest a Community Preservation Act project 

b. To file a suggestion, idea or proposal, please visit our online permitting system, or attend in person and make a suggestion  

c. All ideas are welcome via online, in person or a simple email to the Town Administrator at jhellen@franklinma.gov

4. CPA Budget financial review
5. Adjourn

You may access the agenda and links here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/cpc_agenda_-_feb_7_2023.pdf

The audio recording of the public hearing held Jan 2022 can be found here ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/recap-community-preservation-committee.html

Community Preservation Committee Public Hearing - February 7, 2023

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - Annual Hearing - Feb 7. 2023

The Franklin Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7 at 7:00 PM. This informational hearing will involve a discussion of Franklin’s needs, possibilities and resources regarding community preservation and the use of Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to address these issues, as permitted by the CPA.

This meeting will be held in person in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, Municipal Building at 355 East Central Street and remotely via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town Website (Franklinma.gov) and click on the Town Calendar for up to date information on how to access the meeting.

If you have any questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2023-01-24_cpc_legal_ad_for_website.pdf

This was originally scheduled for Jan 17, 2023 and canceled.

https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/agenda/january-17-cpc-agenda-canceled

Updated meeting schedule for 2023 ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2023_cpc_meeting_schedule.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - Community Preservation Committee - Annual Hearing - Feb 7. 2023

Town Council approves open space purchase, Town Administrator contract, annual alcohol license renewals, and more (audio)

FM #900 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 900 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works

Legislation for Action

d. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

e. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B

f. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land 

g. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County 

i. Resolution 22-95: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($109,832.25)

Executive session, return approx. 35 mins later

b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk 

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action: 1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract 

The recording runs about 2 hours and 16 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on December 14, 2022. (Due to the Executive Session, approx. 35 minutes, the total time on Wednesday was longer. The recording excludes the Executive Session but does include the return to open meeting).

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-900-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-14-22

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Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/dec_14_tc_mtg_agenda-revised.pdf

The Snow presentation ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube ->  https://youtu.be/qVbiUMlcbL8

My notes in one threaded PDF document -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TT_f9Y9eVXExUtjlcCD2XKtSTjcwG582/view?usp=share_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

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, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM