Town Council hears of update on Open Space, discusses flag policy and leans toward an ad-hoc cmte to resolve that topic (audio)

FM #981 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 981 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

• A License ownership transfer and change for the alcohol license at 7-11 Union St was approved

• Farmers Market alcohol license for La Cantina Winery was approve

• Conservation Agent Breeka Li Goodlander provided an update on the progress for the Open Space & Recreation Plan that is in process, 2 public hearings completed, a series of focus group meetings continuing, the final public hearing to review the draft plan is scheduled in June

• The proposal for enabling the raising of the Pride Flag for June prompted a discussion on the viability of such a measure given the developing legal status and the fear it would open the door for other flags that many folks would not approve of. It generally was a rather good civil conversation except for the last commenter. The general consensus was for appointment of an ad-hoc subcommittee to further address the proposal for fute, especially since the current June Pride situation can be worked around satisfactorily

• Approval for additional ARPA funding from Norfolk County was received

The recording runs about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on April 26, 2023. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-981-town-council-mtg-04-26-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-fQYmqnEnma1RPjufiBjVjft3nJ5-GW/view?usp=share_link  

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/VTsQ6p7Pc_w?feature=share 

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

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"

Letter to Town Council on Display of Flags on Town Property (agenda item for Council Mtg - 04/26/23)

Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the meeting to what it means for Franklin residents & taxpayers (audio)

FM #980 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 980 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 Apr 26, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

2 license transactions

• Transfer of Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License and Approval of Parth Patel as the Manager - Marlboro Food, Inc. d/b/a 7-Eleven, Located at 664 Union St.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._1_license_transaction_-_7-eleven_transfer_of_section_15.pdf 

• Robert Vozzella / La Cantina Winery - Farmer-Winery, Farmer’s Market License    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7b._license_transaction_-_la_cantina.pdf 

1 piece of legislation

• Resolution 23-28: Town Council Approval of County ARPA Funds  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-28 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._23-28_arpa_700k.pdf 

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Open Space & Recreation Plan Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Agent and Natural Resources Manager  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._1_-_memo_-_osrp_presentation_.pdf 

b. Discussion: Display of Flags on Town Flagpoles or Property     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf 

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

Our conversation runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded Apr 27, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-980-town-council-quarterbacking-04-27-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-fQYmqnEnma1RPjufiBjVjft3nJ5-GW/view?usp=share_link 

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/VTsQ6p7Pc_w?feature=share 

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

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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for April 26, 2023 meeting

Letter to Town Council on Display of Flags on Town Property (agenda item for Council Mtg - 04/26/23)

April 21, 2023

To: Town Council

From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator

Re: Display of Flags on Town Property

As requested by a few Councilors and several people in the community, tonight the Council will host a discussion on the idea of allowing flags, banners and/or symbols, including the Pride Flag, to be placed on a Municipal Building flagpole and/or other flag poles in town.

Supporting Materials

I have attached the current flag policy of the Town, a recent Supreme Judicial Court of the United States of America decision on a case recently involving the City of Boston and articles from NPR and the NYT summarizing the issue in that case.

The Choices

As I have said before, the Council has two choices on this matter:

● Do not allow town flagpoles to be used for the purposes of allowing third party organizations or individuals to essentially lease the flagpole for various purposes; OR

● Allow town flagpoles to be used for the purposes of allowing third party organizations or individuals to essentially lease the flagpole for various purposes.

If the latter is chosen, the Council will need to identify the pole(s) that can be applied for (presumably only the Municipal Building). Staff will need to work with the DPW and Town Attorney on a revised policy.

Furthermore, a permitting process will be required to ensure equity, inclusion and coordination among all citizens or organizations who would want to display a flag, banner or any symbol. I would also anticipate more events being requested at the Municipal Building. Applicants would be from within the Town of Franklin and also from outside the Town of Franklin. Just like on the Town Common with religious symbols, the Town cannot limit the applicant from just Franklin. There will unquestionably be a fee to do so, as this will take a significant amount of staff time to permit, coordinate and actually perform the work.

Staff recommendation

My professional recommendation, along with the Town Attorney and DPW Director, is to NOT allow the town flagpoles to be used for such purposes. If the Council chooses to move forward, we will all fully respect that decision. However, at a minimum, we request all of you to allow the staff an appropriate amount of time to develop a policy, application, fee and further details. A fee would have to also be  enacted by the Council. Many details would need to be coordinated. For example, most of the flagpoles come with a purpose already, such as the war memorial on the Town Common, or the Town Administration Building, which traditionally has the US Flag, State Flag and Town Flag. These are the standard 3 flags at Massachusetts Town Halls. Additionally, there is a federal flag code for those who die in the line of duty, or deaths of certain dignitaries among others.

If you do not choose to move forward, we have worked closely with many organizations through the years on alternatives and continue to pledge to do so. Many groups are satisfied with our suggestions.

At the end of the day, this is an all or nothing policy decision. While I fully recognize the fact some groups will want to show unified support for a cause, there are NO restrictions or limitations on who can apply or to what the message is. If allowed, the Town should prepare for messages, flags and banners we all support and from those we do not support.

Everyone has to ask themselves, is this the only, or most effective way, to increase support for a cause? In the end, policies on offering town flagpoles up for lease generally become political or religious messaging, affirmation of constitutional rights, or those for a common cause such as a fundraising effort for a family tragedy or social service cause. Is this what you want for the Municipal Building flagpole and/or other flagpoles? The staff are not convinced this effort would reap the short term rewards that are sought. The long term ramifications are challenging to predict.

Letter to Town Council on Display of Flags on Town Property (agenda item for Council Mtg - 04/26/23)

The issue before the Council tonight is not about whether there is or is not overwhelming support for the LGBTQ community in Franklin. We already know voters have spoken overwhelmingly in favor of the elected leaders of the Town Council, School Committee and other boards that have widespread, if not unanimous, support for the LGTBQ community. Furthermore, both the Town Council and School committee have hired a Town Administrator and Superintendent of Schools who are extremely supportive and very engaged on these issues. Both the Town and School Administrations are very proud of the progress we have made as an organization to support the LGTBQ community in Franklin and will continue to do so. In fact, if its height one seeks in a flagpole, then your faith and confidence in me as the Town Administrator is equal to, or exceeds, the actual pole height outside. The message all of you have sent is far greater than any flag could have. Ditto for Superintendent Giguere.

The conversation this evening is much more expansive than the LGBTQ community. The debate is whether to allow commercial leasing of public space to members of the public, the pros and cons of that policy and what are the parameters. There are many sub questions that will need to be answered as well.

Shared from the Town Council agenda package ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_april_26_2023_0.pdf

Memo from Town Administrator ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._flags_0.pdf

Boston Globe: "What should be on the Massachusetts state flag? Readers weigh in"

"Massachusetts is reexamining its state seal and motto — and by extension the state flag — after a special commission voted unanimously in May to recommend replacing both. The decision was seen as a win for activists and members of the state’s Indigenous population, who have long objected to the current image, which depicts a Native American man standing before a blue shield, a bow in one hand and a downward pointing arrow in the other. Above him is a broadsword brandished by an upraised arm; below him is the Latin motto, which translates to “By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty.”

But as reported in August, divisions still existed among the 19-member volunteer commission. One Indigenous member said he regretted his vote and worried that an important piece of history would be lost should the state seal be replaced."

Continue reading the Boston Globe article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/10/25/lifestyle/what-should-be-massachusetts-state-flag-readers-weigh/

Boston Globe: "What should be on the Massachusetts state flag? Readers weigh in"

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

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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

Town Council - Sep 7, 2022 - video replay available via YouTube

The video replay of the Franklin Town Council meeting of Sep 7, 2022 is available

Video link -> https://youtu.be/2rg4JCAXD-M

The agenda and released documents for this meeting can be found ->

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_7_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - September 7 Meeting Agenda

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL
Agenda & Meeting Packet
September 7, 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. July 20, 2022  -?   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._july_20_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Dean College President Kenneth Elmore J.D. and Chancellor Edward M. Augustus, Jr.
b. Discussion: Drought Conditions - Brutus Cantoreggi, DPW Director & Doug Martin, Water/Sewer Superintendent
c. Discussion: Massachusetts State Seal & Motto  ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8c._state_seal_motto_-_google_docs.pdf
 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 2nd Reading (Motion to
Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-883 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_22-883_water_map_0.pdf
b. Resolution 22-59: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-59 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-59_peg_verizon.pdf
c. Resolution 22-60: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($3,289), Senior Center ($250), Franklin Historical Museum ($200) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-60 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-60_gift_acceptance.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 - None Scheduled.
 

15. ADJOURN
 

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

Agenda doc and remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_7_2022_town_council_agenda.pdf

Dean's mascot "Boomer" out on the lawn for major events

Change the Mass Flag information session - 06/21/22 (audio)

FM #819 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 819 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the information session held at the Franklin Public Library on the possible change to the Commonwealth of MA seal and flag. The session was held Tuesday, June 21, 2022.  

Kathleen Trefethen, a local supporter of the Change the Mass Flag movement  introduces organization founder David Detmold who then walks through a few slides depicting some of the changes to the seal & flag over the years before 1898. The current image has not changed since then. 

The information session runs about 57 minutes. Let’s listen to the discussion and some of the pros/cons on this topic.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-819-ma-state-seal-flag-change-info-session-06-21-22

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PDF of information sheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7_9prafUIiWB3gXgoynNpoad0CieMD3/view?usp=sharing 

Change the MA Flag web page - https://changethemassflag.com/ 

Change the MA Flag - history https://changethemassflag.com/history/ 

A copy of the flyer for the event at the Library:   https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Yn1C3OK4z-c4zhlVbEgMmKZJJJWvpVm/view?usp=sharing 

There is a formal commission to make recommendations that coincidentally met earlier on Tuesday. The recording of that is available -> https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/4311 

Alan Earl’s Franklin Observer recap of the session https://franklinobserver.town.news/g/franklin-town-ma/n/84872/groups-says-now-time-change-state-flag 

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

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"

current state seal/flag image and origination of elements it contains

David Detmold with one version of the seal/flag