Chair Mercer condenses the Sep 4, 2024 Town Council meeting in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1272 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1272 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, September 5, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

APPOINTMENTS

a. Conservation Commission: Lui Puga (term expiration correction to 2026)

b. Council on Aging: Tina Powderly

c. Finance Committee: Ken Ojukwu

d. Franklin TV Board of Directors

i. Anne Bergen

ii. William “Ken” Norman

a. Vote to reopen the June 26, 2024 Public Hearing: Transfer, Change of Location, Pledge of Collateral and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: Rye's Wine Incorporated d/b/a Pour Richard’s Wine & Provisions Located at 835 West Central Street, Suite 2, Franklin, MA 02038

b. Vote to reopen the June 26, 2024 Public Hearing: Transfer, Change of Location and Approval of Manager of a Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Pete Fasciano - Franklin TV

Chapter 61B Right of First Refusal on Maplegate Country Club

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/memo_-_chapter_61b_right_of_first_refusal_on_maplegate_country_club.pdf 

c. Davis-Thayer Reuse

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8c._1_-_memo_-_davis_thayer_reuse.pdf 

c. Resolution 24-55: Health Care Group Insurance Transfer

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-55 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-56: Gift Acceptance - Recreation Department ($2,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-56 - Majority Vote)

The recording runs about 32 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, September 5, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1272-town-council-quarterbacking-09-05-24/

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Town Council agenda Sep 4, 2024

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-09-04_town_council_agenda_0_0.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->    https://www.youtube.com/live/eZ51XEq57_U?si=DnXqGMfyZU1OEX7S&t=89

Town Council recap -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/09/town-council-reopens-hearing-to-approve.html 

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ojJYhfyLslZxv7XQ8dhevA3R0jMyHcj5/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

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"

right of first refusal on the Maplegate Country Club property was previewed

Town Council receives Elks donations, approves debt exclusion question for Tri-County school (audio)

FM #1066 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1066 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 20, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

• Three appointments to individual committees were unanimously approved.  a. Council on Aging - Collette Ferguson  b. Finance Committee - Heather Sanscoucy   c. Municipal Affordable Housing Trust - Kimberly Mu-Chow 

• Franklin Elks Riders presented a donation of $1k, the Franklin Elks Bingo donated $10k to the Town of Franklin veterans services

• Council goals review, a long list of accomplishments, a list to be proud of

• The funds previously allocated for purchase of a new ambulance were authorized to be paid to the vendor to hold the contract and avoid a price increase - Resolution 23-54: Ambulance Transfer & Appropriation

• The Council discussed and approved placement of the debt exclusion to fund the Franklin portion of the Tri-County RVTHS new building. The question language approved was as follows: 

"Shall the Town of Franklin be allowed to exempt from the provisions of proposition two and one-half, so-called, the amounts required to pay the Town’s allocable share of the bonds issued by the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District to pay costs of designing constructing and equipping a new high school to be located at 147 Pond Street, in Franklin, including the payment of all costs incidental or related thereto?"

• The Open Space & Recreation Plan developed over the course of 15 months, multiple meetings and 3 public hearings was approved by the Council. IT will be submitted to the State and assuming their acceptance will also be part of the Master Plan Update now underway

• Town Administrators report provided updates on the migrant housing situation, the demolition delay report and a report on decommissioning a section of Spring Street.

The recording runs 2 hours and 16 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Sep 20, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1066-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-09-20-23

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Town Council agenda doc ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_sept_20_2023.pdf 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provided an update. This audio segment of the meeting was shared separately. https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/town-administrators-report-on-migrant_20.html  

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/bF13Dgn_6qs   

My full set of notes captured via Twitter during the meeting are collected in a single PDF for easier reading  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1khvMQCoANrW3vZxzRHMYP1pPlrpfAfP4/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

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"

Mark Ellis presenting the $10,000 check from bingo

Elks riders presenting the check for $1000

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

June 21, 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. May 24, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._may_24_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Community Preservation Committee  

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

i. Citizen At Large: Michael Giardino

ii. Citizen At Large: Lisa Oxford

iii. Conservation Commission: Jeffrey Livingstone

iv. Historical Commission: Phyllis Malcolm

v. Housing Authority: Christopher Feeley

vi. Planning Board: Jay Mello

vii. Recreation Advisory Board: Wayne Simarrian

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-900: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-900 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._23-900_-_parking_map_revision_0.pdf

b. Resolution 23-41: Appropriation Transfers FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-41 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9b._23-41_appropriation_transfers_fy23.pdf

c. Resolution 23-42: Sewer Enterprise Fund Supplemental Appropriation FY23 (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-42 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._1_-_resolution_23-42_-_sewer_enterprise_fund_supplemental_appropriation_fy23.pdf

d. Resolution 23-43: Transfer of FY23 Regional Dispatch Appropriation to the MECC/Public Safety Stabilization Fund (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-43 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9d._1_-_resolution_23-43_-_fy23_transfer_of_mecc_appropriation.pdf

e. Resolution 23-44: Appropriation of Funds to Enable Town to Implement Chapter 193 of Legislative Acts of 2018, Landfill Land Swap Legislation, So-Called (Motion to Approve Resolution 23-44 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9e._23-44_-landfill_land_swap_legislation.pdf

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-898: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 9, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements (Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-898R to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9f.23-898_-_grv.pdf

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-899: Marijuana Use Overlay District, A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map

(Motion to Refer Bylaw Amendment 23-899 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9g._23-899_-_marijuana_overlay_district.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Introduction of Deputy Town Administrator

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

The agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_june_21_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for June 21, 2023 Meeting

Back to back meetings Wednesday Night: Economic Development & Town Council - Dec 14, 2022

*** First: at 5:45 PM

Mark Bobrowski is the guest presenter to review and answer questions on 40R - Smart Growth Zoning & Housing Production

Economic Development Subcommittee 

Steering Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 2022 - 5:45 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building, 2nd floor, Council Chambers

You can review his article and presentation in advance of the meeting

i. 40R Article  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nsr3AZscWA6m61C941Z7dHJBtzNjOVJ6/view?usp=share_link

ii. 40R PowerPoint  ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NmZArDb0LoUWh0aW5MTuIjliZNqGkrai/view?usp=share_link

You can find the full agenda and documents released (including remote participation info) online   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_edc_agenda.pdf 

***c Second: at 7 PM

A full agenda is set for this last Town Council meeting of the calendar year. Among the key items on the agenda are 4 appointments, the annual alcohol license renewals, and the annual snow planning update from DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi.

APPOINTMENTS

a. Mark LePage - Conservation Commission

b. Alison Rheaume - Disability Commission

c. Francesca Ricci - Disability Commission

d. Lloyd (Gus) Brown - Sealer of Weights and Measures

LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. 2023 Annual Alcohol License Renewals - See attached 2023 Town of Franklin Alcohol Licenses Renewals   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_licenses.pdf

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works    ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

You can find the full agenda and documents released (including remote participation info) online  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/12-14-22_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda & Documents for Dec 14, 2022 7:00 PM

Franklin Food Pantry changing daytime curbside pickup to indoor shopping by appointment

Hello neighbors!

 

Tuesday's daytime curbside pick up will be eliminated starting Nov 1, 2022

 

Daytime shopping 

- Tuesday's - 9 AM - 1 PM, indoor only, by appointment only - call 508-528-3115 or email ->   ldu@franklinfoodpantry.org 

Evening curbside pick up 

- Tuesday's 5:30 PM - 7 PM - No appointment needed

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1584903872069394433

Franklin Food Pantry changing daytime curbside pickup to indoor shopping by appointment

Town Council approves Committee appointments, RFP for South Meeting House, and tables parking bylaw amendment to clear way for updated version (audio)

FM #853 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 853 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, September 28, 2022. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

• Appointments

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

• Approved Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House"

• Voted to table Bylaw Amendment 22-880 as a newer version of that is coming in the next meeting

• 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

• Chair recused himself, Vice-Chair took Council into Executive Session not to return to open meeting

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on September 28, 2022.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-853-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-09-28-22

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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 

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

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"

Old South Meeting House, Washington St