Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 23, 2021

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 23, 2021 - 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 Council Members participating remotely

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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

None Scheduled

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Police Department Recognition: Patrol Officer David Mellor
b. Fire & Police Department Recognition: Winter Street Incident

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Reappointments

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm
None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

• S&J Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Sierra’s Brick Oven Pizza & Pub, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 648 Old West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038.
• Proof Restaurant, LLC d/b/a Proof, New Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Manager, located at 862 West Central Street, 2nd Floor, Franklin, MA 02038.

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
Open Meeting Law (OML) Complaint from Patrick Higgins: Failure to approve Town Council meeting minutes in a timely manner.

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-33: Expenditure - Recreation Department Expenses, Fletcher Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-33 - Majority Vote)
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-34: Appropriation - Franklin Downtown Zoning and Marketing Capital Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-34 - Majority Vote)
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-35: FY21 Appropriation Transfers (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-35 - Majority Vote)
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-36: Gift acceptance - Police, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-36 - Majority Vote)
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-37: Termination of the Veteran’s Services Agreement (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-37 Majority Vote)
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 21-26: Gift Acceptance - Historical Museum, $100 (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-26 - Majority Vote)
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 21-874: Amendment to CH. 185 Section 21 Parking, Loading, and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 21-874 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator
b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: all eight Town unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION
a. Ratify collective bargaining agreements relative to Juneteenth holiday, subject to Executive Session outcome.

Legislation for action: 
Resolution 21-38: Ratify collective bargaining agreements relative to Juneteenth holiday (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-38 Majority Vote)
b. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome
Legislation for action: 
Resolution 21-39: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-39 Majority Vote)

ADJOURN

Note: 

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

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 23, 2021

FM #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)

FM #560 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 560 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin, MA School Committee meeting held on Tuesday, June 8, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: some of the School Committee members were in the Municipal Bldg, other members joined the public via conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. My notes taken during the meeting are also linked to.

The recording runs about 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes), so let’s listen to the School Committee meeting for June 8. 

Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/e489002f-fddb-4d36-ab7e-353d36d9a7d9

 

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

School Committee agenda

https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/agenda-6-8-21

Meeting packet folder

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-8-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet 

My notes captured during the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-school-committee-hears-davis.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"

 

FM #560 - School Committee Meeting - 06/08/21 (audio)

Recap: School Committee meeting, May 25, 2021

Quick Recap:

• After a brief audio issues, those in the Council Chambers couldn't hear folks on Zoom (but we could), the FHS students presented their updates
• Slight decrease in MA Senate version of Chap 70 but they still need to vote on it and then the House reconcile before it goes to Gov Baker for his approval, good news is no major change at this point
• Multiple retirees recognized virtually "it was a tough year to be your last" 
• Policies up for second reading were approved, one policy approve for elimination as no longer needed (made redundant by others in place)
• New website for SWAC https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net
• Consent agenda approved, Executive Session entered  

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0511

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0525&src=typeahead_click 

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/BKFnD14AkxYgddia8

 

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf

 

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-25-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

 

• Getting ready for the #schcom0525 meeting tonight agenda contains connection info https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf
• Audio in the Council Chambers is not working, we hear them, they can't hear us. #schcom0525
• Audio resolved, FHS students providing updates #schcom0525

Superintendent Updates 

• School district prepared to support students and families affected by the fire on Monday. #schcom0525
• MA Senate budget released chap 70 funding, slight decrease in aid for Senate but will still need to go through deliberation and then reconciliation with House. No major changes this far. #schcom0525
• Mike D'Angelo to present to MA sch building group on healthy buildings re: the UVGA units installed #schcom0525 Does VLA have anything in end of school year planned, highlight coming to meeting soon ? Yes, options but nothing in person

recognition of retirees 

• Now recognition of retirees by school #schcom0525 list of retirees https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/retiree_list.xlsx.pdf
• Chair Bergen acknowledges "it was a tough year to be your last" #schcom0525 "don't forget how much you mattered"

discussion action items 

• Moving to discussion action items: policies for action, second read https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-policy-2nd-read #schcom0525 Motion to accept, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Policy elimination https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/disc-b-policy-elim #schcom0525 no longer needed, replaced by other policies. Motion to approve, second, passes 6-0-1 (D'Angelo no answer) via roll call

Reopening status 

• Reopening status, exams at FHS are challenges #schcom0525 https://franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/files/reopening-status-update-5-21-21 Cleaning practices won't change
• DESE has not yet provided guidance for fall, are planning for in person 3-foot distancing, summer school under current guidance #schcom0525 exploring a vaccine clinic locally, stay tuned for info

Information Matters 

• Info matters: budget hearing at Town Council Weds/Thurs this week. Community relations did not meet, posters made to be shared, adhoc meeting Jun 1, policy meeting Jun 17; last joint PCC meeting yesterday, #schcom0525
• New website for SWAC #schcom0525 https://sites.google.com/franklinps.net
• July 27 date changes to workshop from 4-8 in training room #schcom0525 Communications update next meeting, Consent agenda, motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 via roll call
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to public meeting, second, passes 7-0 via roll #schcom0525 That's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

Franklin School Committee

May 25, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Call to Order 

Pledge of Allegiance 

Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business

A. Review of Agenda

B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made…. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments

D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations

A. Retiree Recognition

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/retiree_list.xlsx.pdf

III. Discussion/Action Items

A. Policy – 2nd Reading / Adoption

I recommend adoption of the following policies as discussed:

1. IJNDB - Acceptable Use Policy

2. IJNDB-E1 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades 6-12

3. IJNDB-E2 - Acceptable Use Student Agreement Grades K-5

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_a_-_policy_2nd_reads.pdf

B. Policy Elimination

I recommend elimination of Policy GBAC - Policy for Conditions for Employment as discussed.

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/discussion_action_b_-_policy_elimination.pdf

IV. Discussion Only Items

A. Reopening School Status Update – May 21, 2020-2021

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/reopening_schools_status_update_may_21_2020-2021.pdf

V. Information Matters

A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)

B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council, Franklin Racial & Social Justice Task Force)

VI. New Business

A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda

A. Approval of Minutes

I recommend approval of the minutes for your May 11, 2021 meeting as detailed.

B. Transfers

I recommend approval of the budget transfers as detailed.

C. Scholarship

I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from Sheila Lima for a scholarship as detailed.

D. JFK Gift

I recommend acceptance of 2 checks totaling $3,590.44 from the JFK PCC as detailed:

$1070,.80 - Supplemental Supplies

$2,519.64 - Supplemental Supplies

E. Districtwide Gift

I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from the Norfolk County District Attorney for in-house enrichment as detailed.

F. JFK Donation

I recommend acceptance of the donation of Table Talk Pies, valued at $63.00 for the JFK 4th graders as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Atty. Pond-Pfeffer

X. Executive Session

A. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel.

B. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to litigation as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares.

XI. Adjournment

The agenda doc includes connection info

https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/agendas/scagenda_5-25-21.pdf

The meeting packet folder containing the documents released for this session

https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/may-25-2021-school-committee-meeting-packet

School Committee - Meeting Agenda - May 25, 2021

FM #546 - special Town Council Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

FM #546 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 546 in the series. 

This session shares the special Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, Attorney Cerel was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The special meeting was called to conduct an executive session for the Town Council and after the session to announce the plan of public meetings to discuss the right of first refusal for the Maple Hill property. The recording is less than 12 minutes total. [About five minutes at the opening of the meeting and then the rest when they reentered the public meeting. The 60 odd minutes of executive session silence you can provide on your own time (if you choose).]

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of May 19, 2021. Audio file => https://player.captivate.fm/episode/6a9f21df-9869-46e2-998e-64e3390a1cf8

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

Agenda document 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-19_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 

My notes from the meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-special-town-council-mtg-public.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 www.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"

 

FM #546 - special Town Council Meeting - 05/19/21 (audio)

Recap: Special Town Council Mtg -> public hearing set for June 9 to discuss right of first refusal process for Maple Hill property

Quick Recap:

• The Town Council met in an executive session to review and determine dates for public hearings on the Maple Hill property and right of first refusal
• June 9 is the official public hearing by the Town Council. This meeting will provide additional details on the property and the right of first refusal process
• The June 15 meeting of the Community Preservation Committee and the June 16 meeting of the Finance Committee will also be opportunities for the community to discuss and provide input. 
• No decisions will be made at these June meetings. The Town has 120 days to decide.
  

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0519

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0519&src=typed_query

 

The agenda doc for this meeting can be found

https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-19_town_council_agenda_1.pdf

• Town council up next at 7 for an added session to review the right of first refusal for the Maple Hill property. Mostly to be done in executive session. So it will be interesting to see how that works with Zoom. They are supposed to come out and make a statement before closing
• Town Council agenda doc https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-05-19_town_council_agenda_1.pdf #tc0519 includes the connection info
• Meeting opens #tc0519
• Motion and second to go to executive session. Passes 9-0 So they put us all back in the Zoom waiting room. We will sit and wait until they come out and let us back in again. Stay tuned! #tc0519
• Note: The recording of the ‘real’ meeting time will exclude the approx 60 minutes of silence (Tweet time stamped at 7:08 PM to enter executive session; tweet announces return at 8:05 PM)
• Resuming at approx 8:05 PM #tc0519
• Required public hearing date set Jun 9, 7 PM #tc0519 full agenda is not yet set. Overview presentation on right of first refusal (process) by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. In person participation will be limited due to construction at building, register individual ->
• Representing, Zoom capacity expanded to 300 to accommodate the hearing and any speakers. Jun 15, Community Preservation Committee will consider, as well as Finance Committee on Jun 16 #tc0519 there will be time for considerations
• There is no final vote or decision on Jun 9 ( or the other public meetings) #tc0519 Motion to adjourn, seconded, passes 9-0 Thanks, that's all for tonight, catch you next time!

 

 

Recap: Special Town Council Mtg - May 19, 2021

FM #543 - Talk Franklin - 05/14/21 (audio)

FM #543 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 543 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Budget and upcoming Town Council hearings 5/26-27

• Housing plan out for public comment

• Maple Hill right of first refusal clock started

• Pop up grant received

• ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f6565222-dc69-409d-9db4-d1805fee4f22

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

Town of Franklin budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Franklin Schools budget page  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

Recap of the EDC meeting includes links to the Housing Plan

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/recap-economic-development-subcomm.html

Added Town Council meeting for Maple Hill right of first refusal

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

Pop Shop Franklin -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/town-of-franklin-ma-pop-shop-franklin.html 

ArtWALK - hold the dates -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/05/hold-dates-franklin-artwalk-celebration.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"

 

FM #543 - Talk Franklin - 05/14/21 (audio)