Showing posts with label Davis Thayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Davis Thayer. Show all posts

Friday, March 15, 2024

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Purchase/Lease and Redevelopment of the Former Davis Thayer Elementary School

Request for Expressions of Interest for the Purchase/Lease and Redevelopment of the Former Davis Thayer Elementary School Located at 137 West Central St. in Franklin

The Town of Franklin is pleased to present this Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) in an effort to generate ideas for reuse of the former Davis Thayer Elementary School building and land, located at 137 West Central St.

Deadline:  Expressions of Interest must be submitted to the Purchasing Office by May 31, 2024 at 1:00 PM.

Information Sessions and Site Tours:  The Town offers you the opportunity to learn more about the site through participation in an Information Session and Site Tour scheduled for April 17, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM and May 1, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Those interested in submitting a proposal can access the full REI here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/2024-02-26_rei_davis_thayer_1.pdf

Davis Thayer corridor mural
Davis Thayer corridor mural

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/request-expressions-interest-purchaselease-and-redevelopment-former-davis-thayer

Photos from the Open House in October 2021 can be found in one album ->     https://photos.app.goo.gl/tXnMSzjQCuRwcUvu6


Thursday, March 14, 2024

Town Council approves Request for Expression of Interest to be issued for Davis Thayer, refers zoning change to Planning Board (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The agenda document can be found on the Town page -> 

Franklin TV recorded and live broadcast the session to Zoom, Comcast/Verizon, & YouTube. The YouTube video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm3tlPhSrWw

Quick recap:
  • Citizens comments were active, one person speaking against the potential reinstatement of the suspended DPW Director. The others speaking for. The matter might have been on the Executive Session agenda. We'll know for sure some time later
  • The minutes for the Feb 28, 2024 session were approved
  • The  Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905 for Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street was moved to refer to the Planning Board by an 8-1 vote. Pellegri cast the one "No" vote
  • Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St was passed by an 8-0-1 vote. Jones recused himself from the discussion as his residence is an abutter to the property
    • The results of the Request for Expressions of Interest are non-binding. Input is due back May 31. At which time the Advisory Committee will spend time in June/July to review and bring back their recommendation to the Council for approval and possible further action
  •  Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48). "This donation is especially meaningful as it marks the final gift from the Franklin Library Association, which after 150 years of operation, has closed its doors"
  • The Council entered Executive Session to not return to public meeting with a 9-0 vote via roll call. 
My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F_0S4RpGVb3mVuf_kutMg_uvXuW8zrvO/view?usp=drive_link


Sunday, March 10, 2024

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
March 13, 2024 - 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 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. 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
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-905: Zoning Map Changes From Single Family Residential III To Business, An Area On Or Near King Street
(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 24-905 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/zoning_bylaw_amendment_24-905.pdf
b. Resolution 24-14: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Purchase / Lease and Redevelopment of Former Davis Thayer Elementary School, 137 West Central St. (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-14 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/resolution_24-14.pdf
c. Resolution 24-15: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($4,817.48) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-15 - Majority Vote)  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-15-_gift_acceptance_library_0.pdf
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
f. Police Station Building Committee
g. GATRA Advisory Board
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exemption #1:To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or to discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or Individuals. 
b. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (Police, Fire, Public Works, Facilities, Library) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.
15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting


Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for the March 13, 2024 Meeting

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Molly Dee talks about her work on the Artsy Box Project near Davis Thayer (audio)

FM #1129 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1129 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my recorded conversation with Molly Dee. Molly is one of the artists who were selected for the Franklin Cultural District Artsy Box Project. The Artsy Box Project is now fully visible in and around downtown Franklin.


This is the second of a 2 part series. This is my conversation with Molly Dee. She is the artist who did the utility box at the corner near the former Davis Thayer School. It was good to talk with Molly. She surprised me with an answer to a simple question. 


The show notes contain links to the photos showing the before, in process, and finished works.


I hope you learn something about their art and appreciate a little more about the role of art in Franklin.


Let’s listen to my conversation with Molly. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1129-artsy-box-project-part-2-of-2-molly-dee



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


For more about Molly Dee  https://www.mollydee.com/ 


Photo album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/jsb9UJfHbzpA13qp6   


Franklin Cultural District -> https://www.franklinma.gov/cultural-district-committee 


The first part is my conversation with Shilpa Adduri, Jeni LaBollita, and Julia Dwinell. These three conversations were recorded before the Artsy Box painting started (April 2023). Each artist provided some of their background, about their work, and in particular on their Artsy Box project.  The Recording of Part 1 ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/01/shilpa-jeni-julia-talk-about-their-work.html 



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


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"


Molly Dee talks about her work on the Artsy Box Project near Davis Thayer (audio)
Molly Dee talks about her work on the Artsy Box Project near Davis Thayer (audio)

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Town Council closes out calendar year multiple resolutions and recognition of Ken Norman (audio)

 FM #1118 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1118 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. All 9 members  of the Council participated in the Council Chambers. 


Quick recap:

  • Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman - Ken was recognized with a Town proclamation and State House of Representative resolution for many years of service on the Board of Assessors (16 years) and many other committees.

  • 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - all approved, 8 being held for payment and final inspection completion

  • Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds - Council approved application to Norfolk County for ARPA awards in the total amount of $1,359,000

    • Police Dept - $559,000

    • Sewer projects - $500,000

    • Franklin Food Pantry - $100,000

    • SAFE Coalition - $100,000

    • YMCA Bernon Family Branch - $100,000

  • ARPA Direct funds announced for

    • $1M to reconstruct Baron Road

    • $420,000 for replacement & construction of visitor bleachers at the high school field

  • Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading - approved by 7-2 vote (Jones, Dellorco voted no)

  • Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading - mattress fee raised to $65, unanimously approved (9-0)

  • Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report - 

  • Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

  • Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation - new MA General Law requirements for separate transaction to make this accounting for approx. $7,000 complete

  • Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) - community continues to be generous, thank you

  • Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 - quarterly transfer also per MA General Law requirements to account for the fund transfer - for which Franklin TV & Radio very much appreciates as it allows them to provide the broadcast services for Town & School meetings, School sporting events, and for which community does benefit


The recording runs 1 hour and 30 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Dec 20, 2023.  Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1118-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-12-20-23



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


The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Ehd1OodT0   


Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_12.20.23_0.pdf 


My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A1QMobHrI25X20jG3tFX8XpFgcon6tTH/view?usp=drive_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"



Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman
Board of Assessors Chair Chris Feeley presenting the ToF  proclamation to Ken Norman


Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy
Ken posing with State Representative Jeff Roy

Sunday, December 17, 2023

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting

Franklin Town Council
Agenda & Meeting Packet
December 20, 2023 - 7 PM

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.
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. November 1, 2023  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._november_1_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
b. November 15, 2023  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._november_15_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
c. November 21, 2023  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._november_21_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: William “Ken” Norman
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. 2024 Annual Alcohol License Renewals
i. See attached “2024 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals”  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._license_renewals_2024.pdf
 
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 23-71: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds

b. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-902 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._23-902_snow_removal.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 23-903: A Bylaw to Amend the code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading
(Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-903 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._23-903_mattress_fee.pdf

d. Resolution 23-72: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee Charge - Extension of Committee Terms and Deadline to Make Final Report

e. Resolution 23-73: Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule

f. Resolution 23-74: Receipts Reserved for Appropriation Transportation Network Companies (TNC) Ride Assessment Transfer and Appropriation

g. Resolution 23-75: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($5,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,145) & Senior Center ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-75 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._1_-_23-75-_gift_acceptance_-_pd_vets_sr._ctr._1.pdf

h. Resolution 23-76: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-76 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9h._-_23-76_-_peg_comcast_verizon.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Budget Subcommittee
d. Master Plan Committee
e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee
f. Police Station Building Committee
g. 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



Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for December 20, 2023 meeting

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Cmte Pauses until after Expression of Interest generate returns (video)

The Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee met as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov 25 at 7 PM. They got an update on the "Expression of Interest" (EOI) and given little other work to do immediately determined to suspend meetings for a few months until the EOI provided some information, assuming someone did reply to the EOI.

Agenda:
1. Town Administrator Updates
  • a. Expression of Interest
  • b. Appraisal
  • c. Kaestle Boos Study
2. Continued discussion of potential future uses and Open Houses


The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer
The Artsy Box creation by Molly Dee brightens up the corner near Davis Thayer