Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is continuing to collect data to help towns respond to the impact of Covid-19 on the arts, artists and cultural organizations.

They are hoping to hear from as many artists, performers, musicians and cultural institutions as possible. Thank you very much to all who have already completed this survey. If you have not already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the survey which can be found at the following link:  https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Thank you all for your help with this.

Regards,

Nancy Schoen
Chair, Franklin Cultural District Committee
nschoenfranklinculture@gmail.com 

Arts and Creatives Survey Reminder: if you haven't yet replied, please do so

MAPC: "Across the region, arts and culture has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic"

MAPC (@MAPCMetroBoston) tweeted on Wed, Feb 17, 2021:

"Artists and creative workers from Arlington, Beverly, Boston, and Franklin are sharing how they're impacted by COVID-19."

Learn more: https://t.co/Db4iREyE1T  

 

Shared from Twitter: https://t.co/PwQj6QGJot

MAPC: "Across the region, arts and culture has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic"

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Town of Franklin, City of Beverly, City of Boston, and Town of Arlington, is collecting data from artists and creative workers to help municipalities respond to impacts of COVID-19 on artists, arts organizations, creative activity, and civic life. 

Please take five to ten minutes to fill out our survey to help the arts thrive in our region! We’ll use the results to assess the effect of COVID on artists and creative organizations and to create strategies for local governments to help.  

To learn more about the project visit  https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/arts-indicators/

Action =>  Artists and creatives can respond to the survey    https://mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1QRuz8Ww3Jwu1A9

Artists and creatives should respond to this survey!

FM #358 EDC Listening Session Number 1 - 9/30/20 (audio)

FM #358 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 358 in the series.

This shares the Franklin, MA Economic Development SubCommittee "Listening session" that was held on Wednesday, September 30, 2020. The session was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

A quick recap:

• The first of several “listening sessions” was held on Weds, Sep 30.
• While the meeting was delayed in opening officially, there was a healthy interactive discussion among the non-Council Chamber folks while waiting. The conversation unfortunately did not continue when the meeting opened.
• It is a known problem with “listening sessions” where those doing the listening tend to respond to ideas rather than absorbing and asking no more than clarification questions like: please elaborate, what could work, what could be done… and that happened here too.

The meeting runs just about 88 minutes, so let’s listen to the EDC ‘listening session’ of Sep 30, 2020.  Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDx4fRhK

 

 

-----------

The agenda doc, including connection info
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-30_edc_listening_session_1_agenda.pdf
 
Listening Session schedule
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/business_listening_flyer_-_final_2_1_1.pdf
 
My notes taken via Twitter during the meeting are summarized here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/economic-development-subcommittee.html
 
Photos used in the Twitter thread can be found in the Google photo album
https://photos.app.goo.gl/DKJbMzaqHNqfLs5KA

--------------
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/
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" 

EDC Chair Melanie Hamblen

 

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen 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: 

• Re-opening

• Election

• Recap/set up

• Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting; 

• #thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23

• EDC/ MAPC 

• Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled

• MECC grant

• Senior center office hours 8/20

• Councilor Earls leaves for law school

The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h

 

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

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/

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"

'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020

 August 20, 2020 =  6:00 PM

Agenda:

1.      Reopening Phase 3 Discussion

2.      Economic Development update

3.      Market Analysis & Market Position Presentation Discussion & Work Plan

For the connection information (via Zoom) along with the MPAC Market Study, find the agenda doc on the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020

FM #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/20 (audio)

FM #322 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 322 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting held on Thursday, July 30, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Melanie Hamblen opens the meeting at 6:01 PM. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides a brief update on Reopening Phase 3. Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development provides a recap of presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner presented the study the day before at the Town Council meeting.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 90 minutes, so let’s listen to the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting of July 30.

Audio file: https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-322-edc-mapc-market-study-7-30-20

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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the Town Council meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.html

Audio segment from the Town Council meeting on MAPC Market Study
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study.html

My notes from the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/economic-development-subcommittee-recap.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/
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 #322 EDC MAPC Market Study - 7/30/30 (audio)

FM #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20 (audio)

FM #319 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 319 in the series.

This session shares a key segment of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, July 29, 2020. The meeting was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Chair Tom Mercer opened the meeting on schedule at 7:00 PM. After running through several appointments, the agenda gets to the item for the presentation and discussion on the Market Study prepared by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). Raul Gonzalez, Senior Planner leads the presentation after an introduction by Bryan Taberner, Director of Planning and Community Development.

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda and to the individual documents referenced.

This meeting segment runs just about 44 minutes, so let’s listen to the presentation and discussion on the Market Study.

Audio file:  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-319-town-council-mapc-market-study-7-29-20

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

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html

Market Study Report
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Market Study presentation
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/mapc_franklin_market_analysis_102219.pdf

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/07/town-council-recap-reluctantly-approves.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/
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 #319 Town Council - MAPC Market Study - 7/29/20  (audio)

Town Council Recap: reluctantly approves water rate increase

• The Town Council heard a presentation on the Market Study performed by MAPC. Details of the study will be picked up for action by the Economic Development Subcommittee (beginning July 30 6:00 PM).

• The Town Council heard a presentation on the PACE Program and voted to enroll in it so businesses (for profit or non-profit) can take advantage of this opportunity.

• The Town Council 'reluctantly' voted for the final time to approve the water rate increase which has been planned for years and most recently (March 2020) was also cause of much discussion around the 'poor timing.' Poor timing because we are in the middle of a pandemic, folks are economically stressed or hurting, and we are also in the middle of construction to fix the water treatment for wells 3 & 6 which if we didn't would result in a default on contracts and likely larger legal fees that the water rate increase will raise. Oh, and by fixing the wells we get access to over 700,000 gallons of water which we need.

• The meeting was the first conducted with Zoom installed in the Council Chambers for the Council to be physically together in person. The meeting technically was a success broadcast via Zoom, the cable channels, and live streamed via Franklin TV.

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 #tc0729
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0729?src=hashtag_click

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

• Real time reporting underway for #tc0729 meeting
• Motion for approval mins may 6 meeting passed with 1 abstain; motion for may 20 passed, Jun 3 passed, June 17 passed #tc0729
• Appt for Ag comm, motion made, passed ; conservation comm, motion made, passed https://franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html? cultural council 2 individuals, motion made separately for each, both passed #tc0729

Market Study

• Next up MAPC market analysis #tc0729 good starting point to help recover from whatever is needed post COVID. EDC will pick up the details to be worked going forward.
• Data gathering all done before COVID-19, some things may change but the info should be good. Slides to be posted later #tc0729
• Full market analysis doc is posted to ToF page good reading / study material https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf #tc0729
• BTW this meeting is hosted on Zoom in the Council chambers, live streamed via Franklin TV (via Town of franklin page) as well as broadcast to the two cable channels. A first !!! #tc0729 currently about 18 via Zoom but that includes the council etc in Chambers
• Chandler comment/question on how to get workers to turn right into town rather than taking the left from the industrial parks and head home #tc0729 Kelly, affordability of Franklin is an issue, commuter housing is needed
• #tc0729 Jones, thanks for the work putting the report together, push to EDC for further review (it is scheduled to do so) Hamblen, looking to complete streets and extend the rail trail downtown, how to recruit minority businesses to here?
• Bissanti, thanks, read just about all of it, not all doom and gloom on housing, need to explore the banking avenues, it is a great investment for a home owner #tc0729 Dellorco, thanks, what scares me is the COVID issue. No one wants to ride mass transit today
• Mercer, COVID has changed what the future will look like. Is there any funding to relook at the study for a COVID recap? #tc0729 Raul will look to see if there are any options
• Will go to the EDC for further action, next meeting 7/30 6 PM agenda and virtual link posted

PACE Program

• Next up PACE program up for discussion and vote later. Council does need to approve of the community entry to this program. #tc0729 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf
• An important economic development tool to reduce energy costs
• Property Assess Clean Energy (PACE) finance for energy improvement. #tc0729 betterment assessment aligned with the property, 22 states offer this program. Wendy is the program director
• Municipal opt in a one time requirement, hence the vote by TC tonight #tc0729 energy cost savings must be cost positive, 3rd party capital provider. Property placed on a lien if approved.
• #tc0729 Hamblen, is there a downside? Financing facilitated between parties, should work out.
• Pellegri, no fee to participate in program. Because of payment via betterment assessment need the municipal approval, just launched this week
• #tc0729 Bissanti, property owner gets energy audit or Mass development? Property owner does and then comes to us to help facilitate the financing agreement. Advantage is long term, 20 years. Assessment secured by a lien

Subcommittee reports

• Next up subcommittee reports: capital no meeting, EDC Thursday as noted, budget, nothing from the state yet. #tc0729

Legislation for Action

• https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf  #tc0729 PACE approval vote (note all 9 councilors present, confirmed via video and voice) (prior approval Committee appts were 9-0) Vote on this item passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf  #tc0729 motion to accept donations, passed 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf #tc0729 motion to accept donations, passed 9-0 Pellegri talks of the changes to the museum to handle/display the storage and security of the items
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-45_easement_overhead_system_-_final.pdf #tc0729 grant of easement to electric company/Verizon, motion to approve, passed 9-0; related to water treatment plant in construction on Grove st next item is same
• Franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_underground_electric_system_-_final.pdf #tc0729 easement related to earlier motion to support water treatment plant construction on Grove St, motion to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call.
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf #tc0729 motion for payment of prior year bill, passed 9-0 closes out FY 2020 for solid waste enterprise account, 2/3 need but not roll call needed,
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/resolution_20-48_gift_acceptance_-_fire_department.pdf #tc0729 motion to accept donation passes 9-0 thanks for their support
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf #tc0729 zoning bylaw changes for lot line clean up for area along Beaver and Oak sts. Motion to waive reading, passed 9-0; motion to refer to Planning Board, passed 9-0

Water Rate

• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf #tc0729 water rate increase up for second approval, already heard once, required to fund the water treatment plant under construction, not seeking sewer rate increase this or next year.
• #tc0729 question on water ban, would like to lift but given the weather is a consideration each week; Beaver St interceptor up for presentation Sep/Oct, difference between ban and conservation measures, wells regulations by State, Kelly concerned about the timing of this.
• #tc0729 drought condition a cause of ban, wells 3 & 6 need to be fixed to give us more water and water quality, hence the rate now is needed, 726000 gallons of capacity for water and fire safety, about half built, if we can't pay it with this increase how?
• #tc0729 is there any place we could take for this? $500,000 a year. About 40/unit. Water conservation is the annual useage with limit of once per week allowance; the water ban eliminates the once a week allowance due to drought this year and in 2016? And last year's fire
• #tc0729 it is a utility and a use, this fixes and pays for our infrastructure. Yes it is an expense. Gallon costs less than a tenth of a cent from Franklin (not the Poland spring rate) where would we find a half million to finish the projects, if we don't find it, we default
• #tc0729 people can regulate the water being used to a sense, if we don't approve we're in trouble. We're pigeon holed, for funding this. What have we done with the usage year over year, how much is there a change? What about the dual water meter option? Bring someone in
• #tc0729 Kelly, I guess I need to be a yes as our lawsuit will cost us more. Jones, a lot of families will struggle with this, this is painful. It is a far greater cost if we don't. Where can we roll back some rates down the line? Bissanti, This all came out in March
• #tc0729 we have to think of the greater good for Franklin. Chandler, this is the hardest thing we need to do. Vote on the motion (finally) 9-0 reluctantly by a few!

Town Administrator's report through to closing

• #tc0729 3 active cases of Covid in Community currently, editorial slightly, phase 3, this Community has done very well, the rest of the country is scary. Keep it up.
• Re-opening, inspections resuming! Assessor inspections resumed, recreation bball started one of few
• #tc0729 concerts on the common started last week, good to see, check the schedule, food trucks coming, do the right thing, we can continue to expand, coordination with Farmers market; about $100k through a grant process for businesses locally details coming by end of month
• #tc0729 FY 2020 revenue came in at 102% so we did cover all our bills. Thanks to fire dept for the pinning date; thanks for Pete and Franklin TV to be back here in Chambers, feels good to be here
• #tc0729 question on accept of private roads; people are happy with the nets at the high school; thanks to Franklin TV; thanks to chief McLaughlin for the ceremony last week, hybrid meeting tonight, almost normal; first class event last week, made a good decision last year
• #tc0729 masks are important, we can't fall back per Pellegri, just wear it, trying to help you. Etc. etc. Thanks to the SchComm and department for handling things in this trying time. Apologies to the town for last week's non-meeting, was a technical challenge and we did it now
• #tc0729 thanks to Pete and his crew for their work to bring this to fruition, we should be able to continue this, allows citizens to speak from their homes via the Zoom call. Being under 10 is great, thanks to the community for masks, social distance, etc
• motion to adjourn, catch you next time folks #tc0729

Chair Tom Mercer opens meeting

Raul (on left) Bryan (on right) on the Market Study

Wendy leads the PACE Program

summary work flow of PACE Program

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautions the Council on default of contract if water rate isn't passed

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - July 30, 2020

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

July 30, 2020

6:00 PM

Remote Meeting - Held on “Zoom” Platform

Agenda:
1. Reopening Phase 3 Discussion
2. Market Analysis & Market Position Presentation Discussion



You can find the agenda and Market Analysis on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-30-2020_edc_meeting_agenda.pdf

or the Google doc displayed here (same contents

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - July 30, 2020

Town of Franklin: Market Study

The Market Study is on the listing of Presentations scheduled for the Town Council meeting on July 22, 2020. Link to the full agenda can be found below. 

From the MAPC Market Analysis 
for the Town of Franklin:

"The Town of Franklin, its community partners, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, through research, outreach, and analysis, have worked to create the following Market Study. Within this study, the input of residents, businesses, and students and staff from Dean College were incorporated. The three focus areas of the study were Downtown Franklin, the Mixed Business Innovation District, and the Crossing, as well as the Franklin Cultural District. 

Research included demographic, housing, transportation, and business data, with consumer spending habits, and market potential, and expenditures incorporated within the study. Additionally, the Town of Franklin Market Study held multiple community engagement sessions, with a town-wide open house, a Business Roundtable, a Dean College Roundtable consisting of students and staff, and a town-wide survey, in addition to the Cultural District Roundtable already mentioned. Furthermore, a town Economic Development Survey was provided, with over 700 responses. 

Through research, interviews, and public outreach, a list of eleven recommendations were created in ranked order. These recommendations build upon the strengths of Franklin’s history, its arts and culture community, its active boards and committees, its inspiring college, and its distinctive neighborhood businesses. A full breakdown these recommendations can be found at the end of the study.

...
Based on results from the market study, along with input from the community (through the Open House, Business Roundtable, Arts & Culture Roundtable, Dean College Roundtable and Economic Development Survey), a set of recommended goals, strategies and actions were developed. Recommended goals, strategies and actions focus on marketing Franklin’s existing and potential future amenities to attract more business activity; concentrating development in the existing economic corridors of Franklin Center, The Crossing, and the Mixed Business Innovation District; and growing industry sectors identified in the market study as holding the potential for growth."

Read the full report on the Town of Franklin page or the copy below
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-franklin-market-study

Agenda and documents released for the Town Council meeting July 22, 2020
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Town of Franklin: Market Study

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020

The public will NOT be permitted to enter the building or participate in person. Only pre-approved participants on the meeting agenda will be allowed to enter the Building and participate in person. Residents can attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

A NOTE TO RESIDENTS: Due to the continued concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus and Governor Baker’s declared State of Emergency, we will be conducting a remote/virtual Town Council Meeting for all public access and participation. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens will be able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or Landline Required) OR citizens can participate by clicking on the attached link (Phone, Computer, or Tablet required). The attached link and phone number will be active for the duration of the meeting for citizens to ask questions/voice concerns.

If residents are just interested in watching the meeting it will also be live-streamed by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29.

Link to access meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86025870247
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID # 860 2587 0247 --Then press #

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
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.

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

• a. May 6, 2020
• b. May 20, 2020
• c. June 3, 2020
• d. June 17, 2020

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
- None Scheduled

5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Board & Committee Appointments

• i. Agricultural Commission: Charles J. (CJ) Koshivas
• ii. Conservation Commission: Patrick Gallagher
• iii. Cultural Council: Joni Magee
• iv. Cultural Council: Pushpa Jangareddi

6. HEARINGS
- None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
- None Scheduled

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Town of Franklin Market Study & Economic Profile
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._town_of_franklin_market_study_and_economic_profile.pdf

b. PACE Program Presentation: MassDevelopment
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS

• a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
• b. Budget Subcommittee
• c. Economic Development Subcommittee

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-42: Authorization to Participate in the Massachusetts Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Program (PACE Massachusetts) (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-42- Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-43: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Police Department, $250 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-43 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-44: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Historical Museum (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-44 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-45: Easement - Overhead System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-45 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resoltuion_20-45_easement_-_overhead_system.pdf

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-46: Easement - Underground Electrical Distribution System (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-46 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_-_underground_electrical_system.pdf

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 20-47: Solid Waste Prior Year Bill (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-47 - Two Thirds Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-858: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Beaver and Oak Streets - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 20-853 to the Planning Board - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Bylaw Amendment 20-855: Chapter 82, Water Fee Increase - Second Reading (Motion to adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-855 - Majority Roll Call Vote)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
COVID-19 Update

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURN

Note:

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

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - July 22, 2020

In the News: Franklin Food Pantry lands new home; MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home

"After three years of searching for a new home, the Franklin Food Pantry has finally found it - and it’s not too far from where it is now.

On Monday, the Franklin Food Pantry announced that it had purchased the former Dante’s Motors Inc. building at 138 East Central St. and that it intended to make that location its new home. The existing pantry is at 43 West Central St., just a mile away.

“It works - it’s close to where we are now and it’s an empty shell,” said pantry Executive Director Lynn Calling of the new building. She said it allows the pantry to continue serving those who find the current location convenient. The new location is just as accessible and has sidewalks leading to it, she said.

The price to acquire 138 East Central St. was $465,000, according to the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds. The building is 5,360 square feet, according to real estate website Loopnet.com. By comparison, the current space where the pantry operates is 3,600 square feet."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/franklin-food-pantry-lands-new-home-after-decade-at-current-space

Franklin Food Pantry lands new home

MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool

"A regional planning agency has developed a new tool to help communities streamline the way they catalog greenhouse gases emitted in their communities.

The Boston-based Metropolitan Area Planning Council has launched its so-called “Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool” - an Excel document that provides a template for municipalities to track greenhouse gas emissions by sector and year.

Accompanying the Excel document is one that outlines how municipalities can use it.

The agency hopes that by providing centralized documents that outline the state’s approach to calculating greenhouse gas emissions, municipalities will be better equipped to accurately, consistently and uniformly track how residents are emitting greenhouse gases."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200429/tool-to-help-communities-get-grip-on-greenhouse-gases

The tool and guide are available at the organization’s website
https://www.mapc.org/planning101/community-ghg-assessment/

MAPC provides Community Greenhouse Inventory Tool