Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 19, 2023 -  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. May 25, 2023

b. June 7, 2023

c. June 21, 2023

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission

i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee

i. Sue Cass

ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission

i. Amy Adams

ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee

i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council

i. Carol Fletcher

ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc., d/b/a Shaw’s, Located at 255 East Central Street

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Legislative Delegation: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading   (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 23-900R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R - Majority Roll Call Vote)

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

e. Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-45 - Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-46 - Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-47 - Majority Vote)

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

e. Master Plan Committee

f. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

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

The agenda document contains remote participation info along with the documents released for this session ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for July 19, 2023 at 7 PM

Town Council recognizes Electric Youth, approves annual appointments, authorizes additional funds for School budget (audio)

FM #1009 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1009 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

Recognition

• Electric Youth 2023 were recognized with a proclamation and provided  song for the Council (and audience). They have a pair of 'Bob Voyage' concerts June 16 & 17 at THE BLACK BOX and then leave on their European tour the week after

Appointments

• The Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees was approved, there are a few positions still open, some are in process of being filled, some are still looking for candidates

• Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee recommendations by year end

Public hearings

• License corporate formalities

• Zoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling units

• The set of zoning bylaws was moved to a second reading with modification to one of the three measures in the set of three. There are three as one covers the bylaw language, one covers the definition, and one covers the use table. The use table received the modification to revert the language to what originated from the EDC Plus committee. 

• The Town Council in their actions during the April 12, 2023 meeting modified the use table to expand coverage for 'by right' for additional residential zones. The Planning Board did not like the expansion and in turn recommended the 'original' language over the modified. The Town Council after some discussion agreed to the original language and moved that to second reading

Pair of resolutions to adjust the FY 2024 Budget to provide an additional $736K to the schools

• Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustment 

• Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24 

• Folks may recall that at the end of the Finance Committee budget hearings and repeated at the end of the Town Council budget hearings, Town Administrator laid out the plan for providing additional funding for the school budget. The MA Senate passed their version of the State FY 2024 which set into play this "plan b" earlier than Jamie had outlined. The two resolutions passed unanimously. The additional funds restore 8 of the 30 positions targeted to balance the budget. Of the 22 that remain to be cut, some number (I recall it was 16) were going to be cut anyway as the result of declining enrollment. Stay tuned for the School Committee meeting scheduled for June 13 where they will approve the 'final' budget and confirm the number affected

• Interesting to note that while most if not all of the Town departments that gave up the funds to enable this transfer were present, only Dave McNeill, the School Committee Budget Subcmte Chair spoke to acknowledge the transfer to increase the school budget and express appreciation for this action. If other members of the School Committee were present virtually, they remained quiet. (They were not in the Council Chambers.) 

The recording runs about 3 hours and 15 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on June 7, 2023. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1009-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-06-07-23

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Franklin TV video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?feature=share

Council agenda and documents released for the meeting ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf 

My notes in this ThreadReader PDF -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hc2egjV3zKOqJmIziMKApdR4z24gNMya/view?usp=drive_link 

Photos from the meeting -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/KnXuTmSfcwAEXFxe6

The FY 2024 budget document folder ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

The Franklin TV video replay for    https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?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"

Town Council recognizes Electric Youth, approves annual appointments, authorizes additional funds for School budget (audio)

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 06/07/23 meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

FM #1008 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1008 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 June 7, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

Recognition: Electric Youth

APPOINTMENTS

• Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees - a few positions still open
• Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee - recommendations by year end

Public hearings

• License corporate formalities
• Zoning Bylaw for Accessory Dwelling units

FY 2024 Budget - Additional $736K for school budget

• Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustments
• Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24 

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

Our conversation runs about 35 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded June 8, 2023

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1008-town-council-quarterbacking-06-08-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf 

FY 2024 budget documents https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/webforms/fy-24-budget-materials 

My notes in one PDF file -> 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hc2egjV3zKOqJmIziMKApdR4z24gNMya/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/eejInS90WgM?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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 06/07/23 meeting to about 35 minutes (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for June 7, 2023

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 7, 2023 - 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. April 12, 2023 -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._april_12_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review_1.pdf

b. April 26, 2023 - 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._april_26_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

c. May 3, 2023 -  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3c._may_3_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Recognition: Electric Youth

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments of Boards and Committees

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for names -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._committee_renewals_2023.pdf

b. Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee

i. See “Appointments: Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee” in packet for names  -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._davis_thayer_committee_appointments.pdf

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest: Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. See 7: License Transactions (a) below -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._liquor_world.pdf

b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (formerly 23-895): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units

i. Legislation for Action Item #9b 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks

i. Legislation for Action Item #9c  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6b-d._adu_hearings.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors/LLC Managers, Change of Stock Interest: Dharma Bhakti Corporation d/b/a Liquor World, Located at 365 West Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - First Reading  (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._bylaw_amendment_23-894_-_185-3_definitions.pdf
• b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (formerly 23-895): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._bylaw_amendment_23-895r_-_185_attachment_8_1.pdf
• c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - First Reading  (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._bylaw_amendment_23-896_-_185-19_accessory_buildings_and_structures.pdf
• d. Resolution 23-39: FY2024 Budget Adjustment (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-39 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d_23-39_budget_adjustment.pdf
• e. Resolution 23-40: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY24 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-40 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._resolution_23-40_mecc_stabilization_transfer_to_mecc_fy24.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. GATRA Advisory Board

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 participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_7_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for June 7, 2023 

Town Council approves Curry House alcohol license change, hears about health alliance, moves Inclusionary Zoning along to 2nd reading (audio)

FM #973 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 973 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, April 12, 2023. 8 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers (D Pellegri absent & unable to participate).

Quick recap:

• License ownership changes for the alcohol license at The Curry House were approved

• Health Director Cathleen Liberty provides insights on the Metacomet Health Alliance and the benefits to Franklin  

• The inclusionary zoning proposal back from the Planning Board review was moved to a second reading, one step closer to approval

• The 3-part package of zoning changes for accessory dwelling units was moved forward from the EDC Plus recommendation with a contentious somewhat modification to refer to the Planning Board for their review. It will come back to the Town Council for their review and potential approval vote sometime in the near future

• FY 2024 budget should be ready for review by Friday, with the Finance Committee and Town Council hears set for May

The recording runs 2 and 40 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on April 12, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-973-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-12-23

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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_12_2023.pdf 

Metacomet Health Alliance presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_metacomet_2.pptx.pdf 

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OcCY239kVmLdAiMS2FFZSMQyS7JWcCoZ/view?usp=share_link 

My quick notes and the meeting video -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/04/town-council-moves-inclusionary-zoning.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"

Town Council approves Curry House alcohol license change, hears about health alliance, moves Inclusionary Zoning along to 2nd reading (audio)