This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

FM #1315 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1315 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Thursday, November 14, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• The Council approved a Farmer-Winery Farmers Market License - Blisspoint LLC d/b/a Blisspoint Meadery to enable them to participate in the Winter Farmers Market at Fairmont Fruit Farms

• In the first of 2 legislative items: Resolution 24-65: FY25 Budget Amendment (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-65 - Majority Vote). This was previewed at last week's Finance Committee meeting. Relatively minor adjustment to the FY 2025 budget (compared to prior years) before setting the tax rate at the next Council meeting

• The second item was more of a paperwork item. The Metacomet Health Alliance had been operating under an MOU and with increased State DPH involvement they needed to switch to the IMA format.   Resolution 24-66: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with Towns of Wrentham and Norfolk for Shared Public Health Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-66 - Majority

The recording runs about 15 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1315-town-council-quarterbacking-11-14-24/

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Town Council agenda Nov 13, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/nov_13_2024_tc_agenda.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/au24NNBzlCA?si=ogNVB5P13M-xFNiy&t=149 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11fx7jrHj8y4rJ__8K9XNxv0-_vym5fH7/view?usp=drive_link 

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the short Council meeting to 15 minutes (audio)

Board of Health approves new agreement, hears of coat drive, supports Norwood Hospital (audio)

FM #1309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1309 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the Board and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Vote on IMA for the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant, discussion that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously used is being replaced State documentation (IMA) with an advisory board, C Liberty is asking board to approve, confident of it being good to go, Town Administrator and others have concurred in changes. So moved, pass 3-0 via roll

• Blood pressure kits being set up for Library of Things as part of American Heart Assoc program, coordinating support, including an Ask the Nurse evening monthly for folks to confirm the basics. First library in MA to do this, coordinate with Senior Ctr nurse also

• Community coat drive, homelessness advertorial for Nov. Milford has been doing a drive the past 20 years. Partnering with FUMC, drop off at Y, Church, or fire station. Coat giveaway on Dec 14th, From 10 AM to 2 PM 

• Inspector out doing one at this time so not participating in this session Nurse update: did get more COVID test kits at Senior Ctr. Only 2 flu cases this far, it hits differently every season. Central Park terrace part of regular activities. Exhibit at Senior Expo. Kids flu clinic held, left over vaccines used via house visits 

• Norwood hospital support memo discussed, to be drafted and then signed by Board members individually

Motion to adjourn, second passes via 3-0

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 6, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1310-chalkboard-chat-11-04-24/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11-6-24.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-45Dt7pUp8ebdcsV5UUopzVxEgOTiPkk/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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 of Franklin Board of Health meeting agenda for scheduled session Nov 6 at 5 PM (virtual)

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

"Disagree Better - Saving Your Family Dinner" - (video)

Mónica Guzmán (@moniguzman) tweeted on Fri, Jul 14, 2023:

"Want better, braver politics? Share the heck out of this video. 

Then ask *your* elected officials what *they're* doing to save our family dinners... & the whole American experiment.

Thanks @GovCox & @GovofCO for stepping the f UP! 🇺🇸"

video link ->  https://t.co/NCX0TC13yD  or  https://youtu.be/Ltm0wb9lFAY

Shared from ->  https://twitter.com/moniguzman/status/1679974627622244352

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 2, 2022 - 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 2, 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. February 16, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/february_16_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

6. HEARINGS - 7:00pm

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Other Post-Employment Benefits - Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._presentation_materials_-_opeb_report.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

• a. Resolution 22-15: Direction for Issuance of Request for Expressions of Interest for Town Property Containing “South Franklin Congregational Meeting House” Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-15 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/10a._interest_in_congregational_meeting_house_property.pdf
• b. Resolution 22-16: Authorization for Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute New Agreement Between Town and Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. for PEG Programming and Access Services (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-16 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._agreement_with_fcca.pdf
• c. Resolution 22-17: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-17 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._peg_verizon_89815.32.pdf
• d. Resolution 22-18: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($350) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-18 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._gift_acceptance_-_vets.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

a. Exemption #3: Collective Bargaining (all Town unions) - 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. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Full agenda doc including remote connection info -> 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_-march_2_2022.pdf

South Franklin Congregational Meeting House

Franklin DPW: Memorandum of Agreement 2015-2018

Side Letter - Attachment B

Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance at the Franklin High and Horace Mann Middle Schools

Not withstanding the settlement of the parties' 2015 to 2018 collective bargaining agreement, the parties shall have continuing discussions about the impacts of the Franklin High School outside grounds, court yard and new athletic playing fields.

The expected impacts and costs to maintain these new areas with current staffing levels of DPW personal are unknown. ·

Specifically, the costs associated with the man power, equipment and materials needed to maintain the school grounds can only be estimated. It is anticipated with the burden of maintaining these new areas at the High School, man power and resources will be drained from other areas of the DPW. The current overall "high maintenance level" at the Town and School departments will suffer not only at the High School, but at other Town and School facilities.

From July 1, 2015 through November 2018 the Town will have the right to outsource the following work to determine the cost of labor and resources at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School:

• Mowing and trimming of all "passive grass areas" i.e.: lawns around school buildings, lawns around parking areas, islands in parking areas, MS4·green spaces, and any area that is not used for athletics.
• Providing and installing Mulch to all planting beds.
• The picking up of litter in all passive grass areas mulched planting beds.
• Spring and Fall clean-ups, which may include mowing, weeding, leaf pick-ups for all "passive grass areas" outlined above and planting beds.

Due to the skill set of present DPW personnel and equipment already owned by DPW, DPW will continue to maintain all "active grass areas" i.e. sports fields at the High School and Horace Mann Middle School, which will include mowing and trimming of grass areas, litter pick up, and emptying of all trash containers. It also may include limited fertilization and line painting as determined by Director.

The Town has the right to outsource such work, subject to three conditions:

1. No member of the bargaining unit will be laid off solely as a result of such outsourcing.
2. The Town will bargain with the union about any demonstrable impacts on conditions of employment.
3. The Town will provide a copy of the bid documents for the out sourcing of said work, all costs associated with said work for future discussions.

This was part of the set of documents released for the Town Council agenda 2/24/16 (page 43 of 45)

http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_CouncilAgendas/2016%20Complete/02242016.pdf

Or a copy of the single page here:

one of the new ball fields at Franklin High School

Franklin: 188 King Under Agreement

Franklin: 188 King Under Agreement, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Walking late Friday, Dolores and I noticed that the house at 188 King St which I have posted progress shots on during its construction is actually under agreement.

This is a good sign!

A process to reach agreement on joint maintenance

Following up on the issue and need to reach an agreement raised earlier, I have the following as a process to achieve this. There are other ways but we just need to execute on one that will allow the key stake holders a say in the process.


Using the talking stick concept, the stake holders should come together in a circle.

Stakeholders:

• Town Council
• School Committee
• School Administration
• Dept of Public Works
• Town Administration
  
• parents
• principals
• custodians
• tax payers
• are any left out?
  

Sitting in a circle with two representatives from each group. Representatives can not sit next to another of their own group.

Several white boards or flip charts to record the key points

Volunteers solicited to assist in the recording of the key points

First round records all the objectives, or goals, or constraints of each group that they feel need to be part of the ultimate agreement. Let's get all the issues on the table.

For example:

• cost savings
• principals control people working within their school
• education reform act requirements
  
• labor contracts
• etc.

Second Round prioritizes the goals, objectives, constraints as outlined in Round One

Third Round entertains proposals from each stake holder group on how they would meet the overall goals as outlined in Round One and prioritized in Round Two

Fourth Round works to build consensus on the proposals from Round Three

There should be a break between the second and third rounds to provide time for the individual stake holder groups to prepare their proposals

There may need to be more than four rounds but that will depend upon the openness of the discussion and how well the group is able to come to a consensus

It may be required to review the current maintenance agreement which the town believes is working and at least from the point of view as expressed by one custodian, clearly isn't. We will need to address any and all issues with this process. We need a working process, not a broken process. If the current process has some flaws, let's address them, agree to fix them and then agree to move on. If we don't fix them, we will not be able to make significant progress on a new process for the custodians.