EDC decides 3-1 to recommend residential use case for RFP for Old South Meeting House to Town Council (audio)

FM #805 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 805 in the series. 

This session of the radio show is the audio recording of the Franklin, MA Economic Development Subcommittee meeting conducted on Thursday, May 26, 2022. All four members of the subcommittee were eventually present and participated in the vote. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen informed the subcommittee their objective in the meeting was not to pick a proposal but to determine a use case if we were to go forward with an RFP. After much discussion including input from representatives of the two expressions of interests actually received (some dozens of inquiries were also made), the recommendation was put forward to propose an RFP for residential housing, preferably affordable housing. The motion passed 3-1. The nay had attempted to amend the motion to include religious use but the amendment request was not seconded (hence it died).

The meeting runs about 65 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-805-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-26-22

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Agenda:

1. Expressions of Interest results for the Old South Church on Washington Street

a. Expressions of Interest submitted   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/expressions_of_interest.pdf

b. Expression of Interest solicitation document  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

c. 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

d. 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

e. Old South Church document website  

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-26_edc_agenda_.pdf

   

My notes via Twitter -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rMeilXyVIDewCp5grfWXsKm1RrV2KmKI/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Economic Development Committee - Agenda - May 26, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 26, 2022 - 5:30 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers

355 East Central Street

Agenda:

1. Expressions of Interest results for the Old South Church on Washington Street

a. Expressions of Interest submitted   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/expressions_of_interest.pdf

b. Expression of Interest solicitation document  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

c. 2020 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

d. 2015 Old South Church Existing Conditions report  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

e. Old South Church document website  

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2022-05-26_edc_agenda_.pdf

 

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Request for Expressions of Interest for the purchase or lease and redevelopment of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House of 762 Washington Street.

Request for Expressions of Interest (REI)
for the purchase, or lease and redevelopment 

of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House 
of 762 Washington Street

In an effort to ensure productive reuse of the building and remaining land, the Town of Franklin has released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REI) for the purchase, or lease and redevelopment of the South Franklin Congregational Meeting House of 762 Washington Street. 

Expressions of Interest are due to the Town Administrator's Office by April 29, 2022 at 10:00 AM.

Open House/Site Tours - The Town offers you the opportunity to learn more about the site through participation in one of two Open House and Site Tours scheduled for the following dates/times:

• Monday, March 14, 2022 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM
• Monday, April 11, 2022 between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM

Those interested in submitting a proposal can access the full REI here:   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/news/2022_request_for_eoi_-_762_washington_street_-_03072022.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Shared from Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/request-expressions-interest-purchase-or-lease-and-redevelopment-south-franklin

FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)

 FM #745 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 745 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. 

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

The recording runs about one hour and thirty minutes (1:30 )

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of March 2, 2022 Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-745-town-council-meeting-03-02-22

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Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf  

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V68RACg-cfE7DL80uaXkOSwQhTPWL2yC/view?usp=sharing 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom.html

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #745 - Town Council Meeting - 03/02/22 (audio)

Town Council Quarterbacking with Tom Mercer - 03/03/22 (audio)

FM #744 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 744 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 March 3, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-15: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-15 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-16: Authorization for Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute New Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. for PEG Programming and Access Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-16 - Majority Vote)

 

Subcommittee Reports

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee – Mar 3, then to full Council likely March 16

b. Budget Subcommittee – Joint meeting – Mar 10 (Finance Cmte meeting - March 9)

c. Economic Development Subcommittee – met Weds before Council meeting, Franklin For All forum Mar 7

Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents released for this meeting are included in the show notes.  The recording runs about 25 minutes.

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Mar 3, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-744-town-council-quarterbacking-with-tom-mercer-03-03-22

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

Town Council Agenda document -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf 

My notes for the meeting -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V68RACg-cfE7DL80uaXkOSwQhTPWL2yC/view?usp=sharing 

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

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"

 

OPEB consultant Dan Sherman participated remotely

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 2, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 2, 2022 - 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers, 355 East Central Street

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify 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. February 16, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/february_16_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

6. HEARINGS - 7:00pm

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

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

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Resolution 22-15: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-15 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._interest_in_congregational_meeting_house_property.pdf
• b. Resolution 22-16: Authorization for Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute New Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. for PEG Programming and Access Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-16 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._agreement_with_fcca.pdf
• c. Resolution 22-17: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-17 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._peg_verizon_89815.32.pdf
• d. Resolution 22-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($350) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-18 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._gift_acceptance_-_vets.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda doc including remote connection info -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - 01/26/22

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 2, 2022 - 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 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. January 19, 2022

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Proclamation: Priscilla Cornetta, Friends of Franklin
b. Recognition / Promotion: Police Department - Deputy Chief James West
c. Recognition / Promotion: Police Department - Lieutenant Eric Zimmerman
d. Recognition / Promotion: Police Department - Sergeant Michael Colecchi

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Michael R. Rein - Conservation Commission

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm - None Scheduled

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager: Let’s Eat Franklin, LLC d/b/a 3 Restaurant, Located at 461 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
 
b. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors: Rare Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steakhouse; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a. Old South Church - Mike D’Angelo, Director of Public Facilities
i. Old South Church Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review Study. September 2020.  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

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

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 22-07: Creation of the Joint Budget Subcommittee
(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-07 - Majority Vote)
b. Resolution 22-08: Adoption of Revisions to the Procedures Manual of the Franklin Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-08 - Majority Vote)
c. Resolution 22-09: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($1,000.00) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-09 - Majority Vote)
d. Resolution 22-10: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,
§53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-10 - Majority Vote)
e. Resolution 22-11: Acceptance of Private Road Covenant With Owner-Developer of Smits Estates, A Two-Lot Subdivision (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-11 - Majority Vote)
f. Resolution 22-12: Order of Layout, Acceptance and Taking of Brandywine Road and a Portion
of Charles Drive and Drainage and Utility Easements: Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Resolution 22-12 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEM

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

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 Board.
i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street

15. ADJOURN

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

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_2-2-22.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review

New Report: The South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf

Previous report in 2015  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/old_south_meeting_house_on_washington_street_1.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Existing Conditions Report and Peer Review

Town Council approves $692K of free cash for projects

Another source for timely news about Franklin is MyFM 103. Given the total of the $692 was approved, it included the $24K for study and analysis the old South Meeting House. We'll need to wait for the Actions Taken document to be published to confirm.

"The Franklin Town Council unanimously approved a resolution to transfer $692,000 in freecash Wednesday evening, left over money from the town's snow and ice account that will be used for several projects. Most of the free cash $448,000 will be used for roads and infrastructure it’s estimated Franklin has a $40 million backlog of road work. Two appropriations of $100,000 is earmarked for improving public safety radio communications and for the wage settlement account, to pay for some unanticipated contractual obligations."

Continue reading the article online
https://myfm1013.com/news/franklin-town-council-approves-resolution-transfer-of-692000

Capital Budget Subcommittee agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/capital-budget-subcommittee-meeting.html

Town Council agenda
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-june-26.html

funds for a study of the old South Meeting House on Washington St were approved as part of the free cash allocation

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 26 - 6:00 PM

June 21, 2019

To: Capital Subcommittee and Town Council 
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Re: FY 2019 Capital Plan Proposal Round 2

After the winter snow season has come to a close, the Town has $692,000 left in free cash to appropriate. Based on the requests made this year and a few other odds and ends that have come up, which need immediate attention, the following is the recommended appropriations. The full Council will be considering these recommendations later this evening.

1. $448,000 for Roads and Infrastructure. As we all know, the Town has a $40 million backlog of road work and we the Town had to cut funds in this year's operating budget and hope to get that back in for FY 2021. I will have another request later this year to appropriate the hotel revenue to continue to help on roads.

2. $24,000 for the Old South Church Study. This money will be used for historic preservation consultants to evaluate the cost to fully renovate and bring up to code the Old South Church.

3. $100,000 for Public Safety Communications Infrastructure. Verizon informed us earlier this year they are replacing all of the copper wires in Town that helped our public safety officials communicate via handheld radio to communicate on scene to the station. Staff spent the last several months meeting with Verizon and our consultants to develop a long-range game plan for coverage townwide. We are using $87,000 in previously authorized capital funds for the Fire Department for these purposes, $100,000 from the rebate from the MECC being delayed and this free cash appropriation to complete Phase I and Phase II. See attached plan for details.

4. $100,000 wage settlement account. This is a rare and one-time request to help pay for anticipated contractual obligations, retirements, and departmental reorganizations that will occur in the next six months.

5. $20,000 - Beaver Street recycling center. This the start of the land swap with the state. Funds will be used for various state requirements to swap the property, including environmental assessments, legal fees, surveys and appraisals over the next couple years.

The full agenda document and supporting docs for the Capital Budget Subcommittee meeting:




https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XtMnyaYf_j8IekcfYegZpSuTvzI4XQ2Z/view?usp=sharing

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 26 - 6:00 PM

Town Council Actions Taken for April 24, 2019

The Actions Taken provide a quick summary of the specific actions taken by the Town Council. For more details we'll need to await the Franklin TV broadcast via on demand or the full minutes once approved by the Town Council.


Get your copy here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SP3acgckXUTpujK8YTC62ST5LSEBBJuA/view?usp=sharing

old South Meeting House on Washington St

Franklin, MA: Town Council - April 24, 2019 - Agenda

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2018

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/april_24_2019_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Agenda Item	Summary
Town Council Meeting Agenda	Meeting of April 24, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS	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.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS	a. 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	April 10, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS	Swearing in of Police Officers
5. APPOINTMENTS	None
6. HEARINGS	None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS	None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS	Old Meeting House on Washington Street Discussion
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS	a. Capital Budget Subcommittee b. Budget Subcommittee c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION	Bylaw Amendment 19-841: Municipal Service Fees- Ten Day Recycling Sticker- 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 19-841 to a 2nd Reading- Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT	S&P Bond Rating
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION	Collective Bargaining: All Municipal Units Pending Litigation: Litigation Challenging  Current GR-V Zoning at 278-300 West Central Street
15. ADJOURN

old South Meeting House on Washington St