MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress

Our State Representative Jeff Roy made the news this week with one of his hearings this week. He had the utilities (NationalGrid, Eversource, etc.) in for a hearing and he raised some questions on the MassSave program. NewsCenter 5 had been running a series on rebate issues with MassSave so it was timely and got some action. There is still more to be done, so if you have MassSave issue, let Jeff know.

"Massachusetts state lawmakers are now demanding answers from the state's utility companies after NewsCenter 5's reporting about ongoing problems at Mass Save.

That's the energy efficiency program the utilities are required by state law to run, paying homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient.

Mass Save is critical to Massachusetts meeting its climate goals, but over the past two years the program has been plagued by long delays in issuing rebates, difficult-to-reach customer service and even bounced checks. Dozens of consumers from across the state have told NewsCenter 5 they can't get adequate explanations about what's slowing their rebates from Mass Save.

The program is funded by billions of dollars paid by utility customers across the state through a surcharge on monthly utility bills. The current three-year Mass Save program is funded at $4 billion."

Continue reading on the NewsCenter 5 page with the video clip ->   https://www.wcvb.com/article/massachusetts-lawmakers-demand-answers-utilities-mass-save-delays/45738082

MassSave Rebate Issues Raised, there may be hope for progress

Manufacturing Caucus Hosts 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony at Polar Park

Xpression Prints, Inc. of Franklin, Massachusetts received the Manufacturer of the Year Award for the 10th Norfolk District at the 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony held in the DCU Club at Polar Park in Worcester. 

Xpression Prints, Inc. of Franklin, MA

Xpression Prints, Inc. was nominated by State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  Xpression Prints, Inc. was built from the ground up by dedicated and enthusiastic professionals and is driven to offer customers access to any type of custom printed items they need. And the company delivers these products quickly, efficiently and at a fair price. 

The Legislature, under the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka, has spearheaded several major economic development packages which focus on improving the renaissance of manufacturing, with the goal of making Massachusetts the best place to build things. 

State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy

During his open remarks Representative Roy observed that “manufacturing provides high-paying jobs, contributes significantly to the state’s economy, and plays a vital role in driving innovation and technological advancements.  The state’s manufacturing industry is also known for its focus on innovation and sustainability, with many companies investing in research and development to create new products and processes that reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve energy efficiency.”  

The event was the state’s 8th Annual Manufacturing Award Ceremony hosted by the Legislature’s Manufacturing Caucus.  Sponsored by MassMEP and MassTech Collaborative, this was the third time the event was held in the DCU Club at Polar Park. 

Christine Nolan, Director for the Center of Advanced Manufacturing and Kathie Mahoney, President and CEO of MassMEP offered remarks at the ceremony along with Brooke Thomson, President of AIM. Senate President Karen E. Spilka and Secretary of Housing & Economic Development Yvonne Hao addressed the audience via pre-recorded video. 

After the successful event Representative Roy added, “Manufacturing output here is at its highest level in history and accounts for about 10 percent of the state’s economy and employs about 7% of the workforce with $56 billion in manufactured goods exported from the Commonwealth each year.  During the 8th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, we celebrated 68 manufacturing awardees from across the state of Massachusetts. These are truly great companies who make our economy soar and contribute to these statistics. These manufacturers are examples of what is means to Make it in Massachusetts.”

Formed in August 2014, the Manufacturing Caucus includes 71 legislators from around the Commonwealth. Lawmakers focus on training for manufacturing employees; encouraging innovation by helping start-ups access resources; and expanding apprenticeship opportunities in key manufacturing sectors.

St Rep Jeff Roy joins Ted & I in this Making Sense of Climate episode talking about Ireland, wind power, & more (audio)

FM #1067 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1067 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Ted McIntyre, Franklin resident and climate activist via the Zoom conference bridge Tuesday, September 19, 2023.  

In this episode we are joined by our MA State Representative Jeffrey Roy,. Jeff provides insights from 

• his trip to Ireland 

• his visit to the offshore wind turbine construction underway

• his efforts with legislation underway 

Along the way we find out about the Northern Ireland Parliament not having met in 3 years and the origin of Robert's Rules of Order in New Bedford.

Links to the articles we talk of are collected below.   

This discussion continues our journey understanding the MA roadmap toward net zero and while it helps me “make sense of climate”, we hope it helps with your understanding as well. 

If you have climate questions or Franklin specific climate questions, send them in and we’ll try to answer them in a future session.  

The conversation runs about 55 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Ted and Jeff as we help ‘make sense of climate.’ Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1067-making-sense-of-climate-32-09-19-23

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Links to articles referenced:

Drone footage of turbine leaving New Bedford harbor  https://youtu.be/4locoph2dMg 

CommonWealth Magazine article on wind power quoting Jeff https://commonwealthmagazine.org/energy/governors-including-healey-raise-concerns-about-offshore-wind-pricing/ 

New Bedford - Robert’s Rules of Order -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/12/new-bedford-leads-in-value-of-fish.html 

Solar power technical potential map from State of MA  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/technical-potential-of-solar-study#report-and-storymap- 

** See the page that collects all the “Making Sense of Climate” episodes -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/02/making-sense-of-climate-collection.html 

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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 www.franklin.news/ or  www.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"

Drone footage of turbine leaving New Bedford harbor

State Representative Jeffrey Roy Secures $50,000 for Franklin Food Pantry’s Capital Campaign

Massachusetts Legislature Allocates Funds to Address Food Insecurity in the Commonwealth

The Franklin Food Pantry, a private, nonprofit organization offering supplemental food assistance in Franklin, Massachusetts, and the surrounding community, was allocated $50,000 in the Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2024 State Budget. State Representative Jeffery Roy assisted in securing the much-needed funding for The Pantry’s capital campaign, which will support enhanced client programs and services, and subsidize the purchase, renovation, and maintenance of a new building located at 341 W Central Street in Franklin.

Since moving to its new location, The Pantry has seen a sharp increase in client visits. This past July, average weekly visits to The Pantry increased by 35 percent compared to the same month last year. Pantry staff attributes the increased client need to the continued high cost of food, housing, utilities, clothing, and other expenses.

Executive Director Tina Powderly with State Rep Jeff Roy at the Ribbon Cutting in June 2023

“The Franklin Food Pantry is essential to Franklin and surrounding towns, providing supplemental food assistance to more than 1,300 individuals each year,” said State Representative Jeffery Roy (D-Franklin). “The Pantry’s new building offers access to nutritious food in a dignified, modernized, larger space and I am pleased to advocate for such a worthy community partner.”

The state budget also designated funding for no-cost school meals for Massachusetts public school children in grades K-12, including the nearly 5,000 children enrolled in the Franklin Public Schools.

 

“The Franklin Food Pantry is committed to addressing child-level food insecurity, and we are extremely proud of our advocacy work with Project Bread and the Greater Boston Food Bank to ensure students are well nourished,” said Tina Powderly, Executive Director, Franklin Food Pantry. “We are grateful to Rep. Jeff Roy, Sen. Becca Rausch, Governor Maura Healey, and the entire Massachusetts Legislature for making universal school meals free for all and investing in our children and their future.”

The Franklin Food Pantry also partners with the Franklin Public Schools to provide meals and snacks to children over the weekend. As with all services at The Pantry, the Weekend Backpack Program is free to clients and depends on support and donations from individuals, corporations, foundations, and other strategic partners. To support the Franklin Food Pantry’s programs and daily operations, or to provide support for the new building campaign please visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

About the Franklin Food Pantry, Inc.

The Franklin Food Pantry, Inc. offers supplemental food assistance and household necessities to more than 1,300 individuals per year. The Franklin Food Pantry is not funded by the Town of Franklin. We are grateful for our many partnerships, including that with the Greater Boston Food Bank, that allow us to achieve greater buying power and lower our costs. 

Donations and grants fund our food purchases, keep our lights on, and put gas in our food truck. Programs include home delivery, a weekend backpack program for Franklin school children in need, mobile pantries, emergency food bags, and holiday meal packages. The Pantry is located at 341 W. Central St. in Franklin, Massachusetts on Route 140. Visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org for more information.

State Rep Jeff Roy FY 2024 budget wins for Franklin

Via the Franklin Food Pantry: 

"A huge thank you to State Rep Jeff Roy for his continued support and advocacy for The Pantry. We are so grateful!"

State Rep Jeff Roy FY 2024 budget wins for Franklin

Shared from -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02yXaeAtChJCF93bc9Y9JYXsTsoFmeK3pomWgh9RAtKFTuu2pYZxguLoXH5re963Gyl&id=100064488767698&mibextid=Nif5oz

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

FM #1024 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1024 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town Council meeting. 

Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England, this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of July 19, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative Delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes. 

Our conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded July 20, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1024-town-council-quarterbacking-07-20-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

Rausch & Roy provide updates to Town Council; Council approves accessory dwelling unit (ADU) bylaw changes (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 for an almost 3 hour session. All nine councilors were present in Chambers for this session.

Approx. 90 minutes of the meeting was in the update from the Franklin legislative delegation: State Senator Becca Rausch and State Representative Jeff Roy. Just before the updates and follow up questions, Senator Rausch provided Kaye Kelly with a certification to recognize her selection as a "Heroine of the Commonwealth" as announced during June.

The Access Dwelling Unit (ADU) zoning bylaw changes were approved unanimously. This is a significant accomplishment for the Town to have approved inclusionary zoning AND the ADU changes. As was mentioned during the discussions, other communities stopped work unable to achieve the compromise necessary to reach an agreement. Franklin was able to compromise to take this significant step forward. As was also mentioned, this may not be all we need but it is a step in the right direction.

Other legislation:

• Several appointments were approved to board and committees. This complete the bulk of the renewals that occur annually. Aside from the Town Council and School Committee, all the other board and committee, elected or appointed have staggered terms of office to enable some continuity for the work that each group has underway. 
• The new parking regulations were tweaked to modify the overnight parking on Sunday through Thursday and separately on Friday-Saturday. The new kiosks are functional for the additional 70+ parking spots in the former commuter restricted parking at Ferrara's and on Depot St.
• Authorization of a Intermunicipal agreement with Norfolk County for them to provide weights & measures services to Franklin (and initially 3 other communities) was approved.
• Authorization for the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork required to complete the conservation restrictions on the two parcels of land that the Town kept when the Brookview condominiums were created along Pond St. The land provides access to the trail network along Mine Brook.
• Acceptance of donations to Veterans Service and Police department was approved 

The full agenda and documents released for this meeting can be found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

The Franklin TV video link ->  https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 19, 2023 -  7 PM

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 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. May 25, 2023

b. June 7, 2023

c. June 21, 2023

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee

i. Sue Cass

ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission

i. Amy Adams

ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee

i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Carol Fletcher

ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., d/b/a Shaw’s, Located at 255 East Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Legislative Delegation: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading   (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-900R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-45 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-46 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-47 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

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

The agenda document contains remote participation info along with the documents released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM