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Sunday, October 19, 2025

2nd try at the very full Town Council agenda scheduled for Wednesday, Oct 22 at 7 PM (same agenda was scheduled for Oct 15)

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 15, 2025 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Franklin Municipal Building

355 East Central Street - 2nd Floor, Council Chambers

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.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. September 3, 2025
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7164/3a-September-3-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review-1
b. September 17, 2025
https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7165/3b-September-17-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing in of promoted employees
i. Fire Chief Charles Allen
ii. Battalion Chief Sean Lovely
iii. Lieutenant Jaden Brodeur

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee - See "Appointments" legislation in agenda packet for list of names
i. Legislation for Action #9a https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7166/5a-Appointment-250

b. 2025 Election Workers - See "Appointments" legislation in agenda packet for list of names
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7167/5b-Appointment-Election

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street
i. License Transaction #7a. https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7168/6a-Kings-Public-Hearing

b. Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central Street
i. License Transaction #7b
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7169/6b-LW-Public-Hearing

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Bassam Michael as the Manager - BMRG LLC d/b/a Kings Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, Located at 370 King Street Franklin, MA 02038

b. Multiple modifications of a Section 15 Package Store All Alcoholic Beverages License: Change of License Manager, Change of Officers/Directors & Change of Stock - Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Historical Museum 2.0 - Alan Earls, Historical Commission Chair

b. Historic District Commission Process - Will Lee, Historical Commission Member & Rowan Lowell, Town Archivist

c. Town Council & Town Administrator 2024-2025 Goals Update - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7172/8c-2024-2025-Town-Council-and-Town-Administration-Goals---Oct-2025

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-63: Increasing the Maximum Number of Members Allowed on Franklin's 250th Anniversary Celebration Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-63 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 25-64: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs Associated with the Franklin Stormwater Asset Management Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-64 - ½ Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7174/9b-1---25-64

c. Resolution 25-65: Authorizing the Town Administrator to File Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Application (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-65 - Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7175/9c-1---RESOLUTION-25-65---Authority-to-File-CWSRF

d. Resolution 25-66: Adoption of the Schmidt Farm and Maple Hill Master Plans

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-66 -Majority Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7178/9d-1----Adopting-Master-Plans---Schmidt-and-Maple-Hill

e. Bylaw Amendment 25-943: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Section 139-14, Sewer System Map (Symphony Dr.) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-943 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7179/9e-Symphony-Sewer

f. Bylaw Amendment 25-944: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 179, Section 179-9.l Water System Map (Symphony Dr.) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-944 -Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7180/9f-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-944---Water-Map-Amendment---Symphony-Dr

g. Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 65, Collection Containers - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-945 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7181/9g-Collection-Containers

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7182/9h-1-25-938

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 81 Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7183/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule-1

J. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82. Fees. Municipal Service. by Adding a New Service Fee (Residential Commercial Kitchen) (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-940 - Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7184/9j---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185. Section 4. Districts Enumerated - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7185/9k-25-929

I. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185. Section 5. Zoning Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6932/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

m. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6925/9l-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule_202507180815594442

n. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6926/9m-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-932---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Dimensional-Regulations_202507180820461004

o. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking. Loading and Driveway Requirements - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 - ½ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6928/9n-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

p. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4. 20 & 31 - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 -½ Majority Roll Call Vote)

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, acting
through its Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR),
has under consideration the acquisition
of an interest in 19.51 +/- acres of
land in the Town of Franklin

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6927/9o-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a. Department of Conservation and Recreation (OCR) Public Notification & SNETT Trail Update https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/7186/10a-DCR-Notice-of-Proposed-Land-Acquisition

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Joint Budget Subcommittee
d. Police Station Building Committee
e. 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

Meeting agenda contains remote participation info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10152025-1953

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Department of Conservation & Recreation publishes plans for SNETT

Department of Conservation &
Recreation publishes plans for SNETT

Last year, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) had prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex.

The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) was one of the properties targeted for improvements.

Earlier this year, DCR posted the finalized version of the RMP for the SNETT. Go to our website to read about some of the highlights in the report for our section of the trail. -> https://www.franklinbellinghamrailtrail.org/2025/06/01/department-of-conservation-recreation-publishes-plans-for-snett/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DKX81RRS7yr/

Friday, May 30, 2025

Healey- Driscoll Administration Declares May 30 “Growing Wild Day”

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Department of Agricultural Resources and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) today announced the launch of the fifth year of the Growing Wild program, encouraging the public to preserve and protect pollinator habitats by inspiring residents to plant native species and pledge their gardens in support of pollinators. To commemorate this initiative, Governor Maura Healey proclaimed May 30 as “Growing Wild Day” in Massachusetts, marking a major milestone in the state’s expanding effort to protect native species and restore pollinator habitats.

As part of this year’s program, Growing Wild is offering free pollinator starter kits at 18 nurseries and six DCR parks across the state starting on Friday, May 30, 2025. Additionally, DCR, for the first time, has partnered with Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, and Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe to offer plants to Indigenous communities for their use and enjoyment. Native plants like Milkweed and Joe Pye Weed are valued in Indigenous culture and traditions. In honor of the program’s fifth year, state and local leaders will gather at Rogers Spring Hill Garden Center in Haverhill for a public launch event celebrating the program’s continued growth and impact across the state.

May 30 “Growing Wild Day”

"Growing native plants and attracting pollinators in our gardens is a great way to show our commitment to protecting nature and wildlife,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Growing Wild program helps us to transform lawns into safe havens for pollinators like bees and butterflies. I am proud to be a part of the Growing Wild community and to use native plants in my own backyard.”

As part of this year’s initiative, and in celebration of the start of National Pollinators Month in June, Growing Wild is offering free starter kits that include two one-gallon native perennial plants, native seed packets, and educational resources on pollinator-friendly gardening. Kits will be available starting on Friday, May 30, while supplies last at 18 participating nurseries and three Tribal community sites, participating in the program for the first time this year. Kits will also be available at the six DCR parks on the following days and times:

Holyoke Heritage State Park - Wednesday, June 4, 12-2 p.m.
Mt. Greylock Reservation in Lanesborough- Wednesday, June 4, 1 –3 p.m.
Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in East Falmouth- Wednesday, June 4, 2-4 p.m.
Middlesex Fells State Reservation in Stoneham - Thursday, June 5, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Blackstone Heritage Corridor Visitor Center in Worcester - Thursday, June 5, 1 – 3 p.m.
Lawrence Heritage State Park - Monday, June 9, 1 – 3 p.m.

“The Growing Wild program enables us to partner with our state agency and nursery partners to give residents the tools to create and nurture their own pollinator and native plant gardens, helping make our landscapes more resilient,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “Through this program and the free Growing Wild starter kits, we are fostering a sense of shared stewardship of our public and private green spaces, protecting biodiversity, enhancing the natural beauty of our communities. Together, we are nurturing a brighter, greener future, one garden at a time.”

“We are excited to see the Growing Wild program grow year after year,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “Residents who plant native and supporting pollinators are helping to build a more resilient food system, so this kind of public engagement initiative is important for agricultural sustainability in Massachusetts.”

Pollinators—primarily bees, butterflies, and other insects—are critical to our ecosystems. Approximately 75% of flowering plants and 35% of the crops we consume depend on them to reproduce. In Massachusetts, native pollinators are essential to sustaining biodiversity and ensuring a healthy food system. Yet, these species face mounting threats from habitat loss, invasive plants, pesticide use, and climate change. Growing Wild offers residents a powerful way to help reverse this trend—one native plant at a time.

Whether using a Growing Wild starter kit or purchasing native plants independently, Massachusetts residents can help make an environmental impact by registering their gardens on the Massachusetts Pollinator Map, a growing visual record of native plantings across the state. The statewide pollinator map not only shows this collective progress but also reinforces Massachusetts’ leadership in sustainability and climate resilience.

“As green industry professionals, we’re proud to support residents in creating beautiful, healthy, and environmentally responsible landscapes,” said MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner. “Local nurseries across Massachusetts are here to help people identify native plants and make pollinator-friendly choices that have a real impact.”

Since its launch, Growing Wild has distributed nearly 6,000 starter kits since 2021, totaling an estimated 6.5 acres of pollinator habitat across the state. To learn more, find educational materials, native plant guides, find a nursery, pledge your garden, and for a full list of participating nurseries visit the MNLA Growing Wild website, mnla.com/growingwild.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. The agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr. Contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov.

Thursday, December 26, 2024

MA DCR first day hikes - Jan 1, 2025

"Join us for our brand new First Day Hike in the metro Boston area at Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester this New Years Day!

Or check the link for details on one of more than a dozen First Day Hikes happening near you this January 1st!"

The listing of First Day Hikes -> bit.ly/DCRFDH

Download the flyer as a reminder or to share -> https://www.mass.gov/doc/first-day-hikes-2025-statewide-flyer/download

Shared from -> https://x.com/MassDCR/status/1871171504227979395

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Final Days - DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT

View this email in your browser

October 31 Deadline - DCR is seeking Public Comments on plans for SNETT

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has prepared draft Resource Management Plans (RMPs) for several locations inside the Blackstone Complex. The Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) is one of the properties targeted for improvements. Copies of the plan for the SNETT are available on the Blackstone RMPs web page.

A meeting was conducted on October 8 where DCR presented an initial draft of the RMPs for the Blackstone Complex. A recording of the meeting and the slideshow from the meeting are available online. DCR encourages the public to share additional feedback, with a deadline for receipt of comments by DCR of October 31st, 2024. Comments may be submitted via the DCR public comment portal. Please be sure to select "Blackstone RMPs" from the "Topic Selection" drop down so that your comments are included with the correct project. Please note that the content of comments you submit to DCR, along with your name, town, and zip code, will be posted on DCR's website. Additional contact information required when commenting, notably email address, will only be used for outreach on future updates on the subject project or property.

Warm regards,

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee