- Brownie troop 64085 led the pledge as part of the work on the Democracy badge
- The minutes for the Jan meeting were approved
- The OPEB financial report was presented and reviewed, we are in a better position than we were previously
- FY24 Capital Improvement Plan was approved
- associated transfers to account for the funding approval were also approved
- The Council voted to support the Pending State Legislation Entitled “The Municipal Empowerment Act”
- The Revised 2024 Town Council Meeting Schedule was approved
- Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,900), Senior Center ($200), Police Dept. ($50) were approved with thanks
- Designation of “Special Municipal Employee” Under State Ethics Law were approved for newly create committees not previously covered by this move (housekeeping)
- Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 actually 2 resolutions were approved. If the "empowerment Act noted above becomes law, this kind of approval would disappear from Council agendas
- Council entered executive session to not return to open meeting for discussion of a matter regarding a real estate purchase
- Joint Budget SubCmte meeting on March 6 will begin work on how to resolve a $10.5M budget deficit across town and school budgets. Agenda and budget details to be released Friday March 1
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 *
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Town Council spends 2 hours and takes "no action" on zoning proposal (video)
Monday, January 8, 2024
Town Council approves King St Cafe all alcohol license and sets work plan for next 2 years (audio)
FM #1128 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1128 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. All 9 members of the Council participated in the Council Chambers.
Quick recap:
Approved a New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Street
Reviewed, took community input, and discussed adjustments to the work plan for the next 2 years. These Council "goals" are a mix of projects not completed in prior years (Historical Museum cupola), place holders for work coming (Objectives TBD from the Master Plan), and wordsmithing to better provide opportunity to accomplish the "aggressive" plan put forward by Town Administration
Community input could be summarized in 3 areas: affordable housing, addressing climate change, and finding a workable solution even if a flag policy can't be found
Agreed to an increase for the ambulance rates. This is done annually to ensure the Town recovers appropriate costs as well as maintain competitive rates vis a vi neighboring communities. This was the first reading, the second reading will likely be the next Council meeting
The Council also approved Acceptance of Parcel A, Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street
The recording runs just about 2 hours. It was edited to remove the “Zoom bombing” incident. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Jan 3, 2024.
Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1128-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-01-03-24--------------
The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSJhP-o9mKE
Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/jan_3_2023_town_council_agenda.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/1PAyli8_q5IIawWv8HKWNHeOP8mrfaFwi/view?usp=drive_link
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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"
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024 |
Sunday, December 31, 2023
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting - January 3, 2024
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
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 askthe Town Administrator to review the matter.
a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Streethttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._king_st._cafe_-_legal_ad.pdfi. See License Transactions #7a.
a. New Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Lisa Ann Truax as the Manager - L Truax King Street Cafe Inc. d/b/a King Street Cafe, Located at 390 King Streethttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/7a._license_transaction_-_king_st._cafe_new_section_12_all_alcohol_restaurant_1.pdf
a. Discussion: 2024-2025 Town Council & Town Administration Work Planhttps://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._24-01_tc_and_ta_goals.pdfi. See Legislation for Action #9b.
a. Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading(Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-904 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._24-904_ambulance_fees.pdfb. Resolution 24-01: Adoption of 2024-2025 Town Council and Town Administration Work Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-01 - Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._24-01_tc_ta_work_plan.pdfc. Resolution 24-02: Acceptance of Parcel A, Drainage Lot, on Westerly Side of Maple Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-02 - Majority Vote)https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._24-02_drainage_lot_acceptance.pdf
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body.
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - L Truaxx King Street Cafe Inc. dba King Street Cafe
Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License - L Truaxx King Street Cafe Inc. dba King Street Cafe |
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
Amie Hazel Interiors invites builders and contractors to breakfast, Sep 26
Saturday, August 26, 2023
Economic Development Subcommittee agrees to proposal on zoning change for 2 lots from Residential to Business (audio)
FM #1046 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1046 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.
Chair: M Hamblen, C Frongillo, P Sheridan, G Jones
Town Administration: J Hellen, B Taberner
Brief recap
Brief discussion around the proposal to change the zoning of 2 lots on King St near Fire Station 2 from residential to business.
A few questions to clarify the matter considering the process and kind of business operation to be allowed were asked. These are more likely to be better understood/considered during the formal hearing process assuming the measure continues to get referred by the Town Council to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will review and make their recommendation back to the Council which in turn holds their own public hearings before voting on it.
One of the nuances on the timeline, by starting now, it could get completed (i.e. a final decision by the Council) before the November election, at which point if it was still in limbo, it would need to start all over.
The measure was approved by 4-0 to bring to the Town Council at the next meeting (Sep 6).
The recording runs about 18 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcmte discussion on Aug 23, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1046-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-08-23-23
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You may access the agenda for this meeting here: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_aug_23_2023.pdf
Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/economic-development-subcommittee-meeting-august-23rd-2023
My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting can be found in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eVFLdGt46ZwOiBLGURB-X6aeax6QRdU3/view?usp=drive_link
Franklin TV video replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/oqw7ereD3uI
--------------
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"
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Friendly Reminder: Pickleball start time is 8 AM at King St Memorial Park
"As you know, there is opposition to the sport of pickleball and the noise it creates in other parts of the country/state. Many Towns are being forced to shut down courts and facilities due to neighbors that do not like the sound. I'm not sure if this group knows, but we have neighbors of the King Street courts that are not happy with the noise.
Especially with early morning play on weekends. I received another complaint today of someone playing pickleball at 6:20 AM. This really isn't fair to the neighborhood.
We have advertised start time would be no earlier than 8:00am. Just to reiterate, the hours at King Street courts are:Open Play-8:00am-12:00pmReservations-12:00-4:00pmOpen Play-4:00-8:00pmPlease continue to use the Team Reach app on your mobile device: Group code: KingStPB
With our hope for additional courts in FY2024, we really need to spread the word that pickleball can not start before 8am. These players breaking the rules will force the Town to shut down courts, like they have in other communities.
We have all worked too hard for this to happen. Please respect our neighbors and follow the rules.
Thank you,
Ryan Jette"
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
Check out the Pickleball paddle holder, order of play system at King St Memorial Fields
"Who's up Next?
Check out our brand new pickleball paddle holder at the King Street pickleball courts.
Let's Play!"
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 7 at 7 PM
a. FY24 Budget Approvalb. FY24 Project slate
i. Open Space Appropriationsii. Fletcher Field Playground Improvements - $150,000iii. Nason Street site work preparation - $25,000iv. Beaver Street Challenge Course - $150,000
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Dec 6, 2022 - Community Preservation Committee meeting video available via YouTube
- Committee: Chair C Feeley, M Doyle, J Livingstone, P Malcolm,W Simarian, R Power (remote), L Oxford - [D McNeill, M Giardino absent]
- Town Administration: J Hellen, A Alleyne,
The committee approved the minutes of the prior meeting via roll call vote (7-0-2; 7 for, 0 against, 2 absent).
Motion to accept the proposed meeting scheduled for 2023, seconded, passes via voice vote (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides project updates on work underway
Red Brick School exterior renovation - doors and windows backordered
Nason St Tot lot site prep work being done now in advance of renovation in the spring
King St Memorial Field estimate and draft depiction of the field layout and work proposed. Timeline and funding remains TBD. Would be adding pickleball courts, would be including a paved path all around the park, would also be adding parking; questioned on if handicap access for the community garden is considered? I added that when the garden opened in 2010, it did have a stonedust entrance and among the first four beds on each side of the main gate. It was covered with mulch a few years ago. The base likely could be restored.
Jamie also provided a financial update, it had a minor error and would be further enhanced to better reflect what was approved vs allocated vs. spent, etc.
Committee entered executive session via roll call vote not to return to open meeting (7 for, 0 against, 2 absent)
depiction of proposed King St Memorial park improvements
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Community Preservation Committee meeting scheduled for Dec 6 at 7 PM
a. October 4, 2022
a. Red Brick School Houseb. King Street Memorial Park Design
a. 2022 CPA Trust Fund Distributionb. Community Preservation Act Fund Balances
a. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Community Preservation Committee Meeting - Agenda for Oct 4 session includes Schmidt's Farm purchase
a. June 7, 2022
a. Request for Appropriation: $50,000 for the Red Brick Schoolhouseb. Other project updates:
i. Nason Street Tot Lotii. Historical Museum Cupolaiii. King Street Memorial Parkiv. Townwide Open Space & Recreational Planv. State Matching Fund update