Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for meeting April 30, 2025 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council
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.

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

a.    April 16, 2025

4.    PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a.    Police Department - Promotion

i.    Sergeant John Godino

b.    Police Department - Swearing in of New Court Prosecutor / Detective

i.    Tara Lagoa

c.    Proclamation: Franklin High School Theater Group
d.    Proclamation: Bryan Taberner, Director, Department of Planning and Community Development

5.    APPOINTMENTS

a.    Agricultural Commission

i.    Matthew Stoltz

b.    Disability Commission

i.    Kelly Quinlan

6.    PUBLIC HEARINGS
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)

Gerald M Parmenter Elementary School

10.    TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT

a.    FY26 Town Administrator Budget
b.    Previous Requests:

i.    300 Fisher Street
ii.    Chestnut Street Apartments

 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

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 full agenda doc includes remote participation info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1709 

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
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

 

 

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Franklin Hospitality Group, LLC for a transfer to it of a Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License presently held by ACT Hospitality, Inc. d/b/a Box Seats, located at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA, to continue to be exercised at 391 East Central Street, #5, Franklin, MA. 

 

This public hearing will take place during the Town Council Public Meeting beginning at 7:00 pm on April 30, 2025; there will be an opportunity for public input during the process. 

 

Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central Street, Franklin, and also via the “ZOOM” platform. Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) town calendar to review the agenda and for up to date meeting information, on and after April 25, 2025. 

 

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information or to make arrangements for translation services.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Julie McCann
Licensing Administrator

 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04302025-1679

 

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: Town Council agenda for Feb 5, 2025 meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 5, 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

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 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

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. January 22, 2025   https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4308/_-January-22-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Reviewdocx---Google-Docs

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Promotions

i. Captain Matthew Kelly

ii. Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

i. 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, 2025

i. License Transaction Item 7a

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

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

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION 

a. ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye

i. Legislation for Action Item 9b.

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 25-07: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-07 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4306/9a-RESOLUTION-25-07---Street-Acceptance---September-Dr-and-Countryside-Ln

b. Bylaw Amendment 25-924: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - First Reading

(Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-924 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4303/9b-25-924_-Ch-82-Municipal-Service-Fees---Comstar-New-Rates

c. Resolution 25-10: Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-10 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4302/9c--25-10---Master-Plan-Approval

d. Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-04 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4309/9d-FY25-Capital-Improvement-Plan

e. Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-02 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4310/9e-Opioid

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Signs (at C. 3.) - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-919 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4314/9f-24-919-Signs

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185 Section 20 of the Code of the Town of Franklin- Signs (at E.2.) - Second Reading

(Motion to Approve Zoning Bylaw Amendment 24-920 - ⅔ Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4315/24-920-signs

h. Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-922 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4316/9h-Sewer-and-Water-Maps---Veterans-Memorial-Dr-1

i. Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-923 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4317/9i-1---BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-923---Water-System-Map---Veterans-Memorial-Dr

j. Resolution 25-08: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-08 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4318/9j---25-08-PEG

k. Resolution 25-09: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($50), Veterans’ ($2,550), & Recreation ($8,405) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-09 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/4319/9k-GIFTS

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

New Common Victualler Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License - Mirchi

Tom Mercer condenses the Jan 22, 2025 Town Council meeting in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1360 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1360 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, January 23, 2025.  Our conversation condenses the Council meeting of Wednesday night with a focus on two questions:

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

• APPOINTMENTS - Police Station Building Committee - Andrew Woodward

• PUBLIC HEARING - rescheduled to Feb 5; 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

• PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION on Maple Hill and Schmidt Farm Update - Breeka Li Goodlander, Conservation Director

• 2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for Signs, first reading and approved to move to second reading

• 2 Zoning Bylaw Amendments for their second reading, and receiving unanimous final approval

• Grant of Underground Gas Distribution System Easement for work by Eversource at the Pump Station near the Recreation Dept.

• Approval of a donation for the Senior Center

• TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

• Emergency housing potentially ended by year end (if not sooner)

• New website, agenda issue for Jamie, kins to be worked out

• Senior Center heating issue, funding planned for ‘permanent’ fix

Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Town Council meeting held this week. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1360-town-council-quarterbacking-01-23-25/

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

Franklin TV video available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/whUEjE1HPjY?&t=149 

The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_town_council_agenda_1.pdf 

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

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"

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FRANKLIN, MA

New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License

Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing on an application by Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine, located at 14 E. Central St., Franklin for a new Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License. 

This hearing will be held on January 22, 2025 at 7:00 PM and will provide an opportunity for public input. 

Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central

St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after January 17, 2025 for updated meeting information. For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2025-01-22_legal_ad_-_mirchi_liquor_license_-_legal_ad.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - New Section 12 All Alcoholic Beverages License Kaushik Restaurants, Inc. d/b/a Mirchi Indian Cuisine

The Town Council meeting of Oct 30 gets condensed to 34 minutes in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1306 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1306 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 Tuesday, November 5, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics

• Paul Schleicher Jr.

• Michael Dumican

• Corey Rafter

• Steven Osorio

• Shea Hurley

The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

• Lieutenant Michael Colecchi 

• Sergeant Cody Landry

Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. 

License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. 

Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. 

Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100)

Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) 

Friendly 40B Policy Update introduced by Jamie in response to what has been heard from the community. 

Joint Budget recap - Council action item at a February meeting to determine Override vote (yes/no), if yes, date, if yes, amount

The recording runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1306-town-council-quarterbacking-11-05-24/

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

Town Council agenda Oct 30, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet_2.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNbkQwNvQkA 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zqgR9Lc2lYE9H3f8WOor2CoM-XPxaUG3/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"

The Town Council meeting of Oct 30 gets condensed to 34 minutes in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

Notice of Public Hearing - Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License - DeVita's Market

The Franklin Town Council will hold a Public Hearing to consider rescinding its approval dated November 15, 2023 of an application by Heeru Corporation d/b/a Devita’s Market, located at 198 East Central Street, Franklin, MA for a transfer to it of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License presently held by Devita’s, Inc. d/b/a Devita’s Market, to be exercised at the same location for noncompliance with the time requirements set out in G.L. Chapter 138, Section 16B. 

This hearing will be held on October 30, 2024 at 7:00 PM and will provide an open forum for discussion. Location: Municipal Building, 2nd floor Council Chambers, 355 E. Central St., Franklin and will also be available via the “ZOOM” platform. 

Residents can visit the Town website (Franklinma.gov) calendar on and after October 25, 2024 for updated meeting information. 

For questions, please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-10-30_-_rescission_of_devitas_license_transfer_-_legal_ad_-_website_1.pdf

Notice of Public Hearing - Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License