This Town Council "Quarterbacking" session condenses the 11/30/22 meeting to about 28 minutes (audio)

FM #891 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 891 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior 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 Nov 30, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Dec 1, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-891-town-council-quarterbacking-12-01-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Town Council accepts Elk Riders donation, sets tax rate, approves sale of South Meeting House and more (audio)

FM #890 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 890 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. 7 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers, one member remote (Pellegri) and one member absent (Dellorco), hence all votes were via roll call.

Quick summary of meeting:

• Accepted donation from Elks Riders for the Veterans Services and Veterans Fund

• Held the Tax Classification Public Hearing prior to approving the single rate at 12.58%. Overall residential assessments rose approx 17% resulting in the drop of the rate from 14.05 to 12.58. There were a series of votes to complete the formal process to set the rate for this Fiscal Year 2023

• Approval to sell the Old South Meeting House to the Habitat for Humanity to convert to a single family affordable housing was granted by the Town Council to allow the Town Administrator to complete the paperwork and actions for the transaction

• Formal approval to purchase the new kiosks to be used in the town parking lots to implement the parking bylaw changes approved in the prior meetings was granted

• The Town Council approved as amended the calendar year 2023 meeting schedule. The one change was from Apr 9 to Apr 26. The document also included the Finance Committee and Community Preservation Committee proposed meeting schedules for reference. Those groups need to respectfully approve their own schedule

• The policy to formally call out the process and approvals required for naming any public property was approved. It had been referenced many times that such a policy existed but when it was looked for it could not be found, hence this is now in place.  

The recording runs about 1 hour and 50 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on November 30, 2022.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-890-town-council-mtg-11-30-22

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/FXWkMcix63s

My notes in one threaded PDF document (one correction, on the vote for the single tax rate my notes said the no vote was cast by Chandler when it was really Sheridan. Twitter doesn’t allow for editing tweets hence this note of acknowledgment.)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uTxaQe3MXLug8od6xq5C_bqLzbDLoEjY/view?usp=share_link 

My 4 key tax rate charts as discussed in this session

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/good-news-tax-rate-is-going-down.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"

Members of the Elks Riders presented a donation to the Veterans Fund

Town Council meeting recapped & more as we join TC Quarterbacking with Talk Franklin for this session (audio)

FM #888 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 888 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the combined Town Council Quarterbacking session with our "Talk Franklin" conversation. I am grateful for the alignment of the schedules to have Town Council Chair Tom Mercer along with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Asst Administrator Alecia Alleyne. We conducted our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

• Becki Carloni - Franklin Fire Department 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

• Presentation: Recreation Department, Ryan Jette, Director of Recreation

• Discussion: Davis-Thayer Reuse Committee   

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

• raise to minimum wage & 

• Increase in opportunity for veterans to take advantage

• If a disabled veteran, can have a family member do the work for the benefit

• budget adjustment prior to tax rate hearing

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

• Franklin Open Space and Recreation Plan Process   

Town Council teasers

• Tax hearing coming Nov 30

• Old South Meeting House

• Annual license renewals

The conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom, Jamie, and Alecia

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Talk-Franklin-with-the-Town-Council-e1rfsjn

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

Town Administrator page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator

Town Council page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council 

Nov 16, 2022 agenda -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-nov-16.html

Nov 30, 2022 agenda ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

And the Doug Flutie anniversary was indeed on Nov 23, 1984 (the day after we recorded this session)  https://www.boston.com/sports/college-sports/2019/11/22/doug-flutie-hail-mary-miracle-in-miami/ 

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

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"

Town Council meeting recapped & more as we join TC Quarterbacking with Talk Franklin for this session (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for Nov 30, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 30, 2022 - 7:00 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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Franklin Tax Classification Hearing

i. Legislation for Action Items: 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._elks_riders_presentation.pdf 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-76: Gift Acceptance - Elks Riders Donation to Veterans’ Services Department

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-76- Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-76_gift_acceptance_vets.pdf

b. Resolution 22-77: Tax Classification Residential Factor

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-77 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-77_tax_classification_residential_factor.pdf

c. Resolution 22-78: Tax Classification Open Space Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-78 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-78_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption.pdf

d. Resolution 22-79: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-79 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-79_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption.pdf

e. Resolution 22-80: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-80 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-80_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption.pdf

f. Resolution 22-81: Tax Classification Senior Means Tested Exemption

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-81 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-81_-_tax_classification_senior_means_tested_exemption.pdf

g. Resolution 22-82: Declaration of Town-owned Property Containing “South Franklin

Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street as Surplus and Authorization for Disposition (Sale) to Old Colony Habitat for Humanity

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-82 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._22-82_old_south_church_w_proposal_redacted.pdf

h. Resolution 22-83: Downtown Parking Lot Kiosks Authorization  

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-83 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._22-83_parking_kiosks.pdf

i. Resolution 22-84: 2023 Town Council Meeting Schedule

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-84 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9i._22-84_tc_schedule.pdf

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-887: Zoning Map Changes on or Near Lincoln Street and

Lincolnwood Drive (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw 22-887 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-887_bylaw_amendment_zoning_changes_0.pdf

k. Resolution 22-85: Public Property Naming & Memorial Installation Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-85 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9k._22-85_naming_policy.pdf

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

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

Meeting agenda and documents released for this session ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/nov_30_town_council_agenda.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Town Council Quarterbacking: the short version of Wednesday's (Sep 28, 2022) Council meeting (audio)

FM #854 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 854 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior 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 Sep 28, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Appointments

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House" Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-61 - Majority Vote) 

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map

Municipal aggregation protects Franklin residents from the proposed NationalGrid electric rate increase

Touch a truck – Oct 15 (10 AM to 2 PM)

Red Brick School exterior renovation underway

State flag resolution request – Oct 19 state legislation (Roy, Rausch, & Spilka) visits Council

Harvest Festival – Sat Oct 1, rain date Oct 2

Our conversation runs about 27 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Sep 29, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-854-town-council-quarterbacking-09-29-22

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

Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf 

My notes -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eAHa49OpU8nK1RDzU42n74iDy77-smig/view?usp=sharing 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube  https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE 

Volunteer for boards & committees

http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php 

Vacant terms -> http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/vt.php  

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

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"

Old South Meeting House, Washington St