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 

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

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

How can you help?

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

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

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

For additional information, please visit 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!

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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

Change the Mass Flag informational meeting scheduled for Jun 21 - 7 PM

Join us at a Change the Mass Flag informational meeting being led by David Detmold at 7 PM on June 21, 2022 at the Franklin Public Library.  

Steve Derdiarian and I, both Franklin residents, will be joining David as we work toward adoption of a Resolution Supporting changes to the commonwealth of Massachusetts Flag, Seal, and Motto, by the Franklin Town Council.

We are currently preparing to present this Resolution in Support of Changing the MA Flag to Franklin Town Council by providing education about the history of the development of the current Flag, Seal, and Motto, and of the efforts to create a flag and seal that stands for peace, justice, equality, and inclusion.    We are also acquiring Franklin resident signatures on a petition in support of the changes.  

Below are websites that provide more background information:

https://vimeo.com/715680582         

changethemassflag.com

 

Thank you, 

Kathy Trefethen  781-789-9974

Stephen Derdiarian 

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

Note: there is a Special Commission chartered at the state level to do this. they have a virtual hearing June 7th  https://malegislature.gov/Commissions/Detail/565/Hearings

Commonwealth of MA state seal