Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

July 23, 2025 at 6:00 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 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 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. June 4, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6270/3a-June-4-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

b. June 18, 2025  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6285/3b-June-18-2025-TC-Meeting-Minutes--Draft-for-Review

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedic

i. Jeffrey Wolcott

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Annual Reappointments and New Appointments of Boards and Committees Members

i. See “Committee Appointments” in packet for member names  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6294/5a-Committee-Renewals

 

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7a  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6273/6a---ABCC-application-Kojo-Franklin-Packet

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction # 7b  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6272/6b---Little-Shop-of-Olive-Oils-Packet

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. New Section 12 Restaurant All Alcoholic Beverages License and Approval of Xiao Xia Zhang as the Manager - Kojo Asian Fusion LLC d/b/a Kojo, Located at 28 East Central Street,

Franklin, MA 02038 

 

b. License Modification - Change of Location of a Section 15 Wine and Malt Beverages Package Store License: The Little Shop of Olive Oils Inc. d/b/a The Little Shop of Olive Oils,, Located at 5 Main St., Franklin, MA 02038 

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION - None Scheduled

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION -

a. Resolution 25-27: FY26 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-27 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6288/9a-25-27---Methodist-Church

b. Resolution 25-49: Franklin Town Council Support for Proposed GL Chapter 40B Affordable Housing Project at 202 Washington Street Pursuant to DHCD’s Local Initiative Program (LIP): (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-49 - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6279/9b-25-49---202-Washington-Street

c. Resolution 25-50: Adoption of Local Initiative Program “Friendly 40B” Policy

(Motion to Approve Resolution 25-50 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6291/9c-25-50---Friendly-40B-Policy

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929: Creation of the Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 4, Districts Enumerated - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-929 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6280/9d-Crossing-Neighborhood-Zoning

e. Zoning Bylaw 25-930: Zoning Map Changes: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 5, Zoning Map - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-930 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6290/9e-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

f. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931: The Crossing Zoning Use Regulations - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Use Regulation Schedule, Part I through Part VII - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-931 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6261/9f-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-930---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Zoning-Map

g. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932: The Crossing Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Schedule of Lot, Area, Frontage, Yard and Height Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-932 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6262/9g-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-931---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Use-Regulation-Schedule

h. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933: Crossing Neighborhood Zoning District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Section 21, Parking, Loading and Driveway Requirements - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-933 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6265/9i-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-933---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Parking-etc-reqs

i. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934: Crossing Neighborhood Crossing District - A Zoning Bylaw Amendment to the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 185, Sections 3, 4, 20 & 31 - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-934 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6264/9j-ZONING-BYLAW-ADMENDMENT-25-934---Crossing-Neighborhood-District---Chapter-185-Sections-3-4-20-31

j. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin - Referral to the Planning Board (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-938 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6289/9j-25-938---Home-Occupation-Bylaw-1

k. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939: Residential Commercial Kitchens - A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part Vii: Accessory Uses - Referral to the Planning Board

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 25-939 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)   https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6276/9k-ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-939---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen-Use-Regulation-Schedule

l. Bylaw Amendment 25-940: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, by Adding a New Service Fee: Residential Commercial Kitchen - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 25-940 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6281/9l---ZONING-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-940---CHAPTER-82-FEES-MUNICIPAL-SERVICE---Residential-Commercial-Kitchen

m. Bylaw Amendment 25-936: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 73, Departmental Revolving Funds (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-936 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6283/9m-25-936-and-937---EV-Charging-Stations

n. Bylaw Amendment 25–937: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service (EV Charging Stations) - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 25-937 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6284/9n-BYLAW-AMENDMENT-25-937---Ch-82-Fees---EV-Charging-Stations

o. Resolution 25-51: Acceptance of Gifts - Senior Center ($1,646), Veterans’ Services ($400), Fire Department ($1,025), Police Department ($1,000), Recreation (AED) (Motion to Approve Resolution 25-51 - Majority Vote)  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/6286/9o-25-51--Gift-Acceptance---Sr-Ctr-Veterans-Fire-Police-Rec

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

Franklin, MA: Chock full Agenda for the
Town Council Meeting, yes, it starts at 6 PM

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

The agenda doc includes associated supporting materials as well as remote participation info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07232025-1829

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Town Council hears of Chief McLaughlin retirement, Electric Youth performance, and approves union contracts (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 in the Council Chambers with 8 present initially and the 9 joined in progress.

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/live/RpRNbG1tXVw?&t=188

Agenda doc ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06182025-1788

Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number

Quick recap:

• Fire Chief McLaughlin reads statement announcing his retirement on or before Oct 1, 2025. He lists the accomplishments of his time here including that the Department has multiple qualified candidates to replace him. Town Administrator Jamie Hellen confirms later in the meeting that the position posting will be for internal candidates only.
• Electric Youth made their annual 'bon voyage' appearance to perform an a cappella number fittingly "Time of my Life" from the Dirty Dancing movie
• Appointment to the Council on Aging: Elizabeth Sawyer, approved
• Appointment to the Disability Commission: Cheryl Fisher, approved
• La Cantina was approved for their Farmers Market license
• The Community Survey results were released and explained. Results can be compared with over 500 communities. Good response rate, among the best at 20%, effectively a better representation of the sense of the community with the random sample selection. Paid via Federal grant money as a pilot program. No definitive timeline for a next survey. Likely a discussion later this year on what the results can be used for
• Report ->  https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/5956/8a-Polco-Survey-Final-Report
• Presentation doc ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5945/Polco---The-NCS-Presentation-Franklin-MA-2025
• Town presentation doc by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen ->   https://franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5946/Town-of-Franklin---The-NCSPresentation
• All the details in the survey are posted on one Town page ->   https://franklinma.gov/974/National-Community-Survey
• Motion made and approved to create the Franklin 250 Celebration Committee. Up to 13 members with some specific representation and some at large residents, Term thru June 30, 2029. Plan the year long celebration, engaging, calendar, programs, access, etc. The committee needs to be of people who are willing to do the work. Town staff as ex officio to assist the committee, the committee needs to do the work. Discussion on council membership in "at large role"
• Resolution 25-39: FY25 Budget Transfers. Balancing the books better before they close out June 30. Out of $150m budget balancing on $40k is amazing
• Councilor Cormier-Leger arrives at 9:25 PM. Council enters Executive Session shortly after to discuss contract negotiation.  They returned approx. 15 minutes later to approve 7 motions certifying the contract with Town side bargaining units. All received the same 2.5% COLA that the School teachers agreed to, for a 3 year term.
• Meeting adjourned

My complete set of notes captured during the meeting

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOaCgv7a1pv5MHGIqweTwmKy2MkAEjW/view?usp=drive_link

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

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

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"

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  

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

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