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

Franklin TV: Town Council meeting replay available - 09/28/22 (video)

The Town Council had a relatively productive but light agenda before heading into Executive Session just before 8 PM on Wednesday.

The video replay is available on YouTube -> https://youtu.be/oZ84NlUKaNE

My notes will be shared here shortly. 

The agenda and documents released for the meeting can be  found ->    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Meeting scheduled Sep 28, 2022

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

September 28, 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. August 17, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._august_17_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. September 7, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._september_7_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

5. APPOINTMENTS

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/5._appointments.pdf

a. Agricultural Commission - Daniel Morse

b. Conservation Commission - Meghann Hagen

c. Council on Aging - Kimberly Mu-Chow

d. Finance Committee - Michael Hamilton

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm - None Scheduled.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled.

 

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-61: Direction for Issuance of Request for Proposals for Town Property Containing "South Franklin Congregational Meeting House" Located at 762 Washington Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-61 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._old_south_church_rfp.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Bylaw Amendment 22-880: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map

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. Considering the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the Public Body

i. Schmidt’s Farm, Prospect Street

15. ADJOURN

Agenda doc (includes remote connection info) ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/september_28_town_council_mtg_agenda.pdf

Old South Meeting House, Washington St

MA offers in-home COVID-19 vaccinations - call to set an appointment

Massachusetts offers in-home COVID-19 vaccinations for anyone who has difficulty getting to or using a community clinic, including young children. 

Learn more: http://ow.ly/J96M50KofYY. 

To sign up for an in-home vaccination appointment, call (833) 983-0485.

Shared from Twitter -> https://twitter.com/MassGov/status/1568253496503291906 

MA offers in-home COVID-19 vaccinations - call to set an appointment

FM #683 - Town Council Meeting - 12/15/21 (audio)

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The recording runs about one hour and twenty minutes (1:20 )

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Dec 15, 2021

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-683-town-council-meeting-12-15-21

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

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf 

My notes from the meeting  ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-hears-update-on.html 

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair.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 www.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 hears update on Human Resources from Director Karen Bratt

Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio)

FM #681 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 681 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior 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 December 15, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Appointments

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Katherine Botelho

Franklin Cultural District Committee: Patrick Timmons

Community Preservation Committee: Richard (Rick) Power

 

2022 Annual Alcohol License Renewals

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a._license_renewal_memo_list_motion.pdf

 

Presentation - Human Resources: Karen Bratt, Human Resources Director

The recording runs about 27 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this recording of Town Council Quarterbacking Dec 16, 2021

** Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-681-town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair-tom-mercer-12-15-21

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

Town Council Agenda document ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/december_15_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/recap-town-council-hears-update-on.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 Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 12/16/21 (audio) 

FM #623 - Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/07/21

FM #623 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 623 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior 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 October 6, 2021: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

4.        PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS

a.        Franklin Cultural Council - 2021 Cultural Fest

5.        APPOINTMENTS

a.        Susan Younis - Municipal Affordable Housing Trust

b.        Candice Narsasian - Cultural District Committee

c.        Anne Bergen - Franklin TV Board of Directors

d.        Ken Norman - Franklin TV Board of Directors

8.        PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS

a.        Franklin School Department Update to Town Council: Dr. Sara Ahern, Superintendent of Schools, Miriam Goodman, Business Manager

 

10.     LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a.        Resolution 21-54: A Resolution  Adopting the Town  of Franklin 2021  Housing Production Plan  (Motion to Approve Resolution 21-54 - Majority Vote)

The show notes include links to the meeting agenda and associated documents.

Our conversation runs about 28 minutes, so let’s listen in to my quarterbacking session with Tom Mercer. ** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ec4c1045-452b-4d37-99fd-9704c0ee8a04

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

Agenda doc (including connection info) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-06-21_town_council_agenda.pdf 

Franklin Public Schools presentation -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8a._school_presentation_town_council_school_update_10_6_2021.pdf  

Town budget info -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget 

School budget info -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget 

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

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"

 

FM #623 Town Council Quarterbacking with Chair Tom Mercer - 10/07/21