- Public hearing on License Modification - Change of LLC Managers & Change of Ownership (Beneficial Membership) Interest of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: Franklin Shed, LLC d/b/a The Shed, Located at 340 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038
- After explanation, measure approved. Effectively, the 2 existing owners expanded ownership to include two of their employees.
- 2 Public hearings were opened as the items were directly and intimately related to each other and needed to be reviewed together.
- Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: DeVitas Market, LLC d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St
- Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Table & Vine, Inc., Located at 348 East Central St
- Attorney Cornetta carefully explained the moving parts that would effectively transfer the beer & wine license from the Big Y to DeVita's and the all alcohol license at DeVita's would transfer to Big Y. As the 2 licenses are so close to each other, the transfer was not in the realm of denying based upon the case law already established.
- The prior transfer Big Y attempted was successfully and legally denied as it would have changed the mix of licenses in the East Central neighborhood. This current transfer simply swapped licenses within the half mile locations and did not materially change the overall license impact.
- Mr Halligan is establishing an LLC to purchase DeVitas, maintain operation with the beer & wine license, allowing Mr Donovan to retire from the business. He will also upgrade the building and operations including installation of a grease trap.
- The Big Y has successfully operated other all alcohol licenses without issue in MA, including the current beer & wine license in Franklin. They will bring in a new manager for the license and rotate the current manager within their operations as they normally do.
- Councilor Dellorco expressed his frustration with the move and acknowledged that aside from the legalities, he would vote no. He left the public hearing before the vote.
- Councilor Cormier-Leger attempted to motion to have the transfer vote tabled to a future meeting, it did not get the majority vote (tied 3-3) so the votes proceeded as scheduled and both transfers passed 5-1-3 (5 for, 1 against (Cormier-Leger) and 3 absent)
- The second FY 2026 Budget hearing was opened, after some discussion, it was continued to the June 4 Town Council meeting.
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Friday, May 23, 2025
Town Council expresses frustration with ABCC regs, approved license transfer (video)
Monday, May 19, 2025
Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting May 22, 2025 at 7 PM
i. FY26 Voting Document ->https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5662/FY26-Voting-Document-2ii. FY26 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1)https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5322/FY26-Budget-Narrativeiii. Appendix A Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2)https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5246/Appendix-A-Town-Administrator-Recommended-Voting-Document-and-Budget-Bookiv. Appendix B Franklin Public School District Budget Bookhttps://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4780/FPSD/5269967/-FY26_Franklin_Budget_Book_.docx_-_Google_Docs_1_.pdf
Friday, May 9, 2025
Town Council Quarterbacking condenses the almost 3 hour meeting May 7, 2025 to 30 minutes (audio)
FM #1443 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1443 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, May 7, 2025. Our conversation condensed the Town Council meeting of May 7, 2025.
We focus on two questions:
ok, what just happened?
What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?
Quick recap:
Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
Recognition
Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department
Public hearing
New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine.
Public hearing
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Presentation:
FY 24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
Legislation for action
Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading;
Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading;
Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
TA Report highlights
Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the override results are available
How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1443-town-council-quarterbacking-05-08-25/
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The Franklin TV recording is available for review -> https://www.youtube.com/live/BjLJUaJedMc&t=389
The agenda and released documents for this session -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05072025-1719
My notes collected in one PDF -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YrOYu85-re20L0v7tmmAvCY2e54ir5sY/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"
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Town Council hears of clean audit and renewal of AAA rating among items on a varied and busy meeting (video)
- Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides some updates on the early voting, last day to register, etc. for the FY 2026 override special election June 3
- School Committee Chair Dave Callaghan provides some updates on the redistricting efforts, how the savings will lay the foundation for the future assuming the override does pass
- Citizens comments:
- J Callaway-Tripp, thanks for the Parmenter property deed adjustment; Future use of whatever the property be designated for, requesting a Town wide vote as it did back in the early 1950's; Request a town committee to determine the future of the property
- M Minnichelli quotes Yogi Berra, reminding that we should set a target, the 10% is a state requirement
- J Nutting speaking for the override
- Sherlock spoke to the FinCom budget hearings (watch, listen, read almost complete) and Pen to Picture event May 10 at the Library
- J Cohen asking for help in speaking for clarity on the issues around the override, stopping building is not the same as voting on the override
- Recognition
- Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer, Tyler Hosley
- Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police, Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department
- Public hearing
- New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine. Attorney and applicant participated remotely. Applicant had started ABCC application without legal assistance, withdrew it from ABCC and with legal guidance resubmitted. No real changes to application operational details; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
- Public hearing
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District. No comments or questions from public or Council, had also been approved by Planning Board Motion to move to 3nd reading, second, passes 9-0
- License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau, Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
- Presentation:
- FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ, we have a clean audit result this year. Scott compliments to the Town for preparing and executing in the audit, Entirely new set of staff to conduct this audit, a clean audit opinion. This reflects an evaluation of the internal controls of the Town operations
- Jamie also updated that the recent bond application resulted in renewal of our AAA rating, a major accomplishment to continue this
- What does the triple AAA mean? The lowest interest rate is available to use and will save us millions of dollars; Beaver St interceptor project is at 1.5% interest, in today's market it would be about 4%
- Legislation for action
- Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund; Motion to approve, second, passes 9-0
- Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading; & Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading; Both measures Motion to approve, second; Discussion, there has been interest expressed; Passes 9-0 via roll call
- TA Report highlights
- Budget hearing May 21-22, will be continued to June 4 to do the votes that night after the
- override results are available
- How does development affect the budget? Jamie will do his best to address, will be beneficial for community discussion as part of the hearing 5/22. Jamie will be attending the ZBA meeting at the request of the chair and members. Will be part of other discussions on the 444 East Central St item for as long as it goes
- Best Western no longer housing emergency shelter as of July. Budget issues were not being created by that State item. The Town has not spent a dollar on that
- Bids came in on budget for the cupola, hopefully work will start June/July when contractor will be available
- Cricket field being built and opening here on Pond St (behind Kennedy)
- Sculpture Park new features there
- Porchfest will also feature a Cornhole competition June 7
License swaps scheduled for public hearing: Table & Vine, Inc. to DeVitas Market; DeVita’s Market to Table & Vine
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License swaps scheduled for public hearing: Table & Vine, Inc. to DeVitas Market; DeVita’s Market to Table & Vine |
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for meeting scheduled May 7 at 7 PM
Agenda & Meeting Packet
May 7, 2025 - 7 PM
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.
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. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None Scheduled.
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Police Department - Swearing in of New Police Officer
i. Tyler Hosley
b. Police Department - Recognition of New Town of Upton Chief of Police
i. Chief Nicholas Palmieri, former Sergeant of the Franklin Police Department
5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.
a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, Located at 14 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038
i. License Transaction #7a.
b. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District
i. Legislation For Action #9a. https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5509/6b-Floodplain
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, Located at 14 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5506/7a-1---LICENSE-TRANSACTION---Kaushik-Restaurants-Inc-d_b_a-Mirchi-Indian-Cuisine---Google-Docs
b. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License: The Chateau Restaurant of Franklin, Inc. d/b/a The Chateau; Located at 466 King St., Franklin, MA 02038 https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5525/7b-Chateau-Change-of-Manager
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION
a. Presentation: FY24 Financial Audit - Scott McIntire, CPA, Managing Director, CBIZ
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 24, Floodplain District - First Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-935 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5507/9a-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-935---Flood-Plain---Google-Docs
b. Resolution 25-28: Extension of the Time Period for the Automatic Reverter Contained in the Deed of Former Town-owned Land Off Panther Way Previously Conveyed to the Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-28 - ⅔ Majority Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5515/9b-25-28---Extension-of-Time-Period-for-Automatic-Reverter---Panther-Way
c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of The Code Of The Town of Franklin, Definitions (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-927 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5512/9c-27-927-and-27-928---Shared-Kitchens
d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 3, Use Regulation Schedule, Part II Principal Uses (Shared-Use Commercial Kitchen) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-928 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote) https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5513/9d-1---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-928---Use-Regulations---Shared-Use-Commercial-Kitchen-1
10. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Joint Budget Subcommittee
d. Police Station Building Committee
e. GATRA Advisory Board
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled
Sunday, April 27, 2025
Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for meeting April 30, 2025 at 7 PM
Agenda & Meeting Packet
April 30, 2025 = 7 PM
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.
c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.
4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS
a. Police Department - Promotioni. Sergeant John Godinob. Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detectivei. Tara Lagoac. Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
d. Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development
a. Agricultural Commission6. PUBLIC HEARINGSi. Matthew Stoltzb. Disability Commissioni. Kelly Quinlan
a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central,
Located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA 02038
i. License Transaction # 7a.
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
a. Transfer of Section 12 Restaurant Common Victualer All Alcohol License and Approval of Dolores Costa as the Manager - Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central, Located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA 02038
8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.
9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
a. Resolution 25-29: Transfer of Care, Custody, Management and Control of Town-owned Property Containing the Building Known as “Gerald Murdock Parmenter Elementary School” from the Franklin School Committee to the Franklin Town Council, for Municipal Purposes (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-29 - ⅔ Majority Vote)
b. Resolution 25-30: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($40) & Recreation ($1,415)
(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-30 - Majority Vote)
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Gerald M Parmenter Elementary School |
a. FY26 Town Administrator Budget11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS
b. Previous Requests:i. 300 Fisher Street
ii. Chestnut Street Apartments
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
b. Economic Development Subcommittee
c. Joint Budget Subcommittee
d. Police Station Building Committee
e. GATRA Advisory Board
Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Notice of Public Hearing - Transfer of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License From ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats to Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central
FRANKLIN, MA
Transfer of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License
From ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats to Franklin Hospitality
Group, LLC d/b/a The Tavern on Central
Respectfully Submitted by,
Julie McCann
Licensing Administrator
Monday, February 3, 2025
Franklin MA: Town Council agenda for Feb 5, 2025 meeting
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by othersb. Chair to identify members participating remotelyc. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events
a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact
a. January 22, 2025 https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4308/_-January-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs
a. Fire Department - Promotionsi. Captain Matthew Kellyii. Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward
a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easementsi. Legislation for Action Item 9a
b. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine,Located at 14 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 - Continued from January 22, 2025i. License Transaction Item 7a
a. New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Karan Goswami as the Manager - Kaushik Restaurants Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, Located at 14 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 - Continued from January 22, 2025
a. ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kayei. Legislation for Action Item 9b.
a. Capital Budget Subcommitteeb. Economic Development Subcommitteec. Budget Subcommitteed. Master Plan Committeee. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committeef. Police Station Building Committeeg. GATRA Advisory Board
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New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License - Mirchi |