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  

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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!

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

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 Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 09/07/22 meeting (audio)

FM #841 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 841 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 7, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

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

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 8, 2022

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-841-town-council-quarterbacking-09-08-22

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

Meeting agenda =>    

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

My notes -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hu5l46PgJoXVhDVRme0VNqgxapTyakZC/view?usp=sharing 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube

https://youtu.be/2rg4JCAXD-M 

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

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"

DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi & Water Superintendent Doug Martin

Dean College President Kenneth Elmore J.D. and Chancellor Edward M. Augustus, Jr

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - insights on the meeting of Aug 17, 2022 (audio)

FM #837 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 837 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday morning, September 1, 2022.  The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, August 17. Our combined schedules delayed us getting together for this the only Town Council meeting in August.

·        ok, what just happened? 

·        What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following agenda items

5. APPOINTMENTS 

a. Cultural Council - Brianna Cummings 

b. Cultural Council - Lauren Sanford 

c. Design Review - Cassandra Bethoney 

d. Design Review - Paul Lopez 

e. Finance Committee - Stephanie Koke 

f. Historical Commission - Scott Mason 

g. Historical Commission - Janice Prentice 

h. Historical Commission - William Lee - Associate 

i. Housing Authority Tenant Seat - Christopher Lennon

 

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS 

a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Arthur Tgibedes as the Manager - ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, Located at 391 East Central Street 

 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. Discussion: Franklin Cultural Council - Kaye Kelly, Chair, Franklin Cultural Council https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._fcc_presentation.pdf

 

b. Presentation: Green Community Status - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Alecia Alleyne, Assistant to the Town Administrator   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._green_community_presentation_0.pdf 

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION 

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-881: Chapter 7 Affordable Housing Trust Fund: Add Vice Chair and Clerk Positions, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-881 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-882: Chapter 4 Admin. of Govt.: Authorize Town Clerk to Make Format Changes, 2nd Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 22-882 - Majority Roll Call Vote) 

 

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-883: Amendment to Water System Map, 1st reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-883 to Second Reading - Majority Vote) 

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-837-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-09-01-22

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Meeting agenda =>    

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/august_17_2022_agenda.pdf

YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430 

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

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"

YouTube video of meeting -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqNx065s430

Town Council Quarterbacking: 07/20/22 - Ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers? (audio)

FM #829 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 829 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council Quarterbacking session with Council Chair Tom Mercer on Thursday, Jul 21, 2022. The Town Council meeting was held on Wednesday, July 20.

• Ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers? 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Proclamation: Margaret (Peg) Simpson

b. Proclamation: FHS Unified Basketball Team

 

5. APPOINTMENTS

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

new resolutions to be a regular feature for approval prior to elections

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Presentation: Elks Rider Donation Presentation – donation to Veterans Services

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

b. Resolution 22-44: Authoring Tax Increment Financing, Plansee USA LLC, 115 Constitution Boulevard (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-44 - Majority Vote) 

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)  

Town Administrator Updates

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 (forthcoming and may not be a good outlook)

 

Executive session for contract approvals; Returned to open session to vote on the 6 contracts

The show notes contain a link to the Town Council agenda.

The recording runs just about 38 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session of July 21, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-829-town-council-quarterbacking-07-21-22

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Town Council agenda

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/july_20_2022_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

Town Council video (YouTube)  https://youtu.be/xsn7kOA_S9I 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1y8HddB5SGMKVe_vvGpy_5seRpyASnCsT/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"

 

Town Council pose with coaches and athletes of the goal medalist FHS Unified Basketball team