Town Council approves Committee appointments, RFP for South Meeting House, and tables parking bylaw amendment to clear way for updated version (audio)

FM #853 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 853 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

• Appointments

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

• Approved Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House"

• Voted to table Bylaw Amendment 22-880 as a newer version of that is coming in the next meeting

• 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

• Chair recused himself, Vice-Chair took Council into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on September 28, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-853-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-09-28-22

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

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 

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

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"

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Franklin TV: Town Council meeting replay available - 09/28/22 (video)

The Town Council had a relatively productive but light agenda before heading into Executive Session just before 8 PM on Wednesday.

The video replay is available on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE

My notes will be shared here shortly. 

The agenda and documents released for the meeting can be  found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House”

September 23, 2022

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator

Re: Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street

________________________________________________________________

The action before the Council is to allow the Town Administration to release a Request for Proposals on the South Franklin Meeting House, which will include a provision for both a permanent affordable housing restriction and a historic preservation restriction.

At the July 20th Town Council meeting there was a discussion regarding the disposition of the Town-owned land that contains the South Franklin Meeting House, and Council decided to accept the recommendation from the EDC to move forward with affordable housing.

As a reminder, an Expression of Interest went out for a two month period in the Spring to see if there were any interested parties willing to take on this preservation project. The Town received two formal, non-binding written proposals. At the May EDC meeting, the committee weighed both proposals, in addition to other qualitative information from the two open houses, and had a detailed discussion. They voted 3-1 (Yes: Hamblen, Jones and Frongillo; No: Sheridan) to recommend to the full Town Council to instruct the staff to put an RFP out for parties to bid on affordable housing projects only.

The Expressions of Interest we received are attached, as is the Solicitation Document that was posted on the Town website.

Please see below for links to related materials:

● 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

● 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

● Old South Church document website   https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-projects

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Note: This is one of the key items on the Town Council agenda for Sep 28, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 28, 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. August 17, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._august_17_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. September 7, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._september_7_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5._appointments.pdf

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

 

9. 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)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._old_south_church_rfp.pdf

10. 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

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. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body

i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street

15. ADJOURN

Agenda doc (includes remote connection info) ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

From the heat to the proposed 'friendly 40b' process, to the 5 year fiscal outlook, we cover these and more in this Talk Franklin episode - 07/26/22

FM #832 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 832 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing & Communications Specialist Lily Rivera. We had our conversation at the Municipal Building in Jamie’s office. 

Topics for this session

• This heat wave broke, the drought is continuing 

• Weekly Farmers Market, Concert on the Common, food trucks, movie nights

• Hydrant painting contest by DPW, applications due Aug 12, winner announcement in October

• Friendly 40b

• EDC to do their ‘short list’ for the MAPC recommendations at Aug 10 meeting

• Green community presentation at August Town Council meeting

• 5 year fiscal outlook (not published yet but highlights covered)

• Old South Meeting House

• Davis Thayer deed processing underway, discussion in Fall on how best to use it

The conversation runs about 45 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily. Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/The-End-of-the-Heat-Wave--Hydrant-Painting--and-the-New-Friendly-40b-Process-e1lrjsg/a-a8ak6mi

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

Hydrant painting contest  https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/news/hydrant-painting-starts-today

40b collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/what-is-40b-why-is-town-of-franklin.html

Beaver St collection

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/07/what-is-beaver-st-interceptor-why-does.html

Franklin for All webpage 

https://www.mapc.org/resource-library/franklin-for-all/

Green Community story map https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/green-community 

Town budget page  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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"

From the heat to the proposed 'friendly 40b' process, to the 5 year fiscal outlook, we cover these and more in this Talk Franklin episode - 07/26/22

Recap: Town Council recognizes 100th birthday, FHS Unified Basketball team, grants TIF for Plansee, approves 6 contracts

Quick recap:

• Margaret (Peg) Simpson was recognized for her 100th birthday. The FHS Unified Basketball Team was recognized for the Special Olympics Gold medal
• The elections workers for the Sept primary and November election were approved. Early voting will be available the week before the Sept 6 State primary. All voting will be held at Franklin High School. The Council also approved resolutions approving for the police security coverage and other election details per recent legislation
• The Elks Riders presented a donation of $1000 for Veterans Services
• The Old South Meeting house expression of interest results were reviewed. The Council consensus was to proceed with an RFP for residential use with covenants to keep the property affordable, maintain the historical exterior and give priority to Franklin residents. The Town will prepare such paperwork to bring back to the Council for approval before putting it as a public offering
• After a contested discussion, the Council approved tax increment financing (TIF) for Plansee USA LLC to expand their current location. Lack of understanding of the process and purpose of the TIF incentive apparently drove the discussion. The TIF financing is limited to specific industrial zones but the Council can expand it if they chose to do so. Vote was 7-2 for the TIF
• The process of accepting the Davis Thayer School was formally started by the Council. The deed paperwork will proceed. Eventually a committee will be selected to determine the best use of the site
• A "friendly 40b" application process was developed by the Town and presented to the Council for their review and understanding
• The five year fiscal forecast was not yet ready for sharing but given the current inflation effects, it is anticipated that the FY 2023 budget will be difficult to complete as funded. An example was touted as the SNETT trail work put out to bid was expected to be in the $200K arena, the bids received back ranged from $300K to 800K. Stay tuned, we'll help to keep an eye on this inflation effect during the year as it could have major implications for future budgets
• The Council entered executive session to discuss the status of contract negotiations and returned to open session to approve 6 contracts. Apparently with an increase of 2.5% which highlights that the School Committee's approval of 4% increases for the teachers contract is an issue to be worked as things progress

My full set of notes via Twitter from the meeting ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y8HddB5SGMKVe_vvGpy_5seRpyASnCsT/view?usp=sharing

Photos from the meeting can be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/tptZmBMX44z85Px79

The Franklin TV recording of the meeting ->  https://youtu.be/xsn7kOA_S9I

Margaret (Peg) Simpson and Councilor Melanie Hamblen

Council Chair Tom Mercer and the FHS Unified Basketball team and coaches

Veterans Officer Shannon Nisbett with the Elks Riders accepting the donation

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Meeting Agenda - July 20, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 20, 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 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. June 8, 2022   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._june_8_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. June 22, 2022  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._june_22_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Margaret (Peg) Simpson

b. Proclamation: Unified Basketball Team

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. 2022 Election Workers  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5a._appointment_election_0.pdf

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Rider Donation Presentation

b. Discussion: Disposition of Town-owned land containing South Franklin Meeting House  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._old_south_church.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-43: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($2,000) (Motion to

Approve Resolution 22-43 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._22-43.pdf

b. Resolution 22-44: Authoring Tax Increment Financing, Plansee USA LLC, 115 Constitution

Boulevard (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-44 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._1_22-44.pdf

c. Resolution 22-45: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Davis-Thayer

Elementary School from School Committee to Town Council (Motion to Approve Resolution

22-45 - Two Thirds Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._1_22-44.pdf

d. Resolution 22-46: Gift Acceptance - Historical Commission ($2,000) (Motion to Approve

Resolution 22-46 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d-e._memo_22-46_47_res_22-46.pdf

e. Resolution 22-47: Gift Acceptance - Disability Commission ($2,000) (Motion to Approve

Resolution 22-47 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-47.pdf

f. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk positions, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-881 to Second Reading -

Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-881.pdf

g. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to make format changes, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-882 to Second Reading -

Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._22-882.pdf

h. Resolution 22-55: Town Council’s Local Authorization and Approval for Conduct of 2022 State Elections, as Required by Chapter 92 of Legislative Acts of 2022 (Motion to Approve

Resolution 22-55 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._22-55.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. “Friendly 40B” Application   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/friendly_chapter_40b_process.docx.pdf

b. Town Administrator Five Year Fiscal Forecast

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. Collective Bargaining

i. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (DPW, Custodians, Facilities, Library, Firefighters, Police Sergeants) - 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. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

a. Resolution 22-48: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Public Library Staff Association and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-48 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

b. Resolution 22-49: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the DPW Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-49 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

c. Resolution 22-50:Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Custodians Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-50 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Resolution 22-51: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Public Facilities Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-51 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 22-52:Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Professional

Firefighters of Franklin and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-52 -

Majority Roll Call Vote)

f. Resolution 22-53: Ratification of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Franklin Police Sergeants Union and the Town of Franklin (Motion to approve Resolution 22-53 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Agenda doc and docs released for this meeting ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/july_20_2022_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

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

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

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