Town Council approves capital budget, new victualier license, gives final approval to sign bylaw changes & water/sewer connections for Franklin Ridge (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025. Seven members were participating in Council Chambers and 2 absent.

Franklin TV video is ready for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/live/4rx-pHX5q_Q?&t=161

The Agenda doc and most materials released for this session ->   https://franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02052025-1546

Quick recap:

• Fire Department - Promotions, i.Captain Matthew Kelly & ii.Lieutenant Jeffrey Ward
• Hearings Opened and Closed with passage of the applicable legislation by same 7-0-2 (2 absent) votes
• Public hearing: 1 - Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of September Drive and Countryside Lane and Drainage Lots Parcels A and B and Easements
• Public hearing: 2 - 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
• Presentation on the ALS/BLS Trends - EMS Battalion Chief Billy “Numbers” Blanchard, EMS Captain Laurie Kaye
• Adoption of the 2025 Master Plan for the Town of Franklin
• By law, the Planning Board is the only approval required, given the amount of work required - 295 page document - https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4018/Final-Report
• The next legislative items were all approved by the same 7-0-2 (2 absent)
• Resolution 25-04: Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution 25-02: Statewide Opioid Settlement Fund Appropriation
• 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
• 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
• Bylaw Amendment 25-922: Amendment to Sewer System Map - Second Reading (for Franklin Ridge)
• Bylaw Amendment 25-923: Amendment to Water System Map - Second Reading (for Franklin Ridge)

Fire Dept presentation on call volume leading to an increase in ambulance rates

https://www.franklinma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4402/Fire-EMS-Presentation-2525?bidId=

My notes in one PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z9V6bpd4oFls9lbGgb1nzVoDhi8wu6cV/view?usp=drive_link

The Town Council meeting of Oct 16, 2024 condensed to 30 minutes in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1291 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1291 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, October 17, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

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.

APPOINTMENTS

a. 2024 Election Workers

PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Presentation: Franklin Branding Project - AJ Rebecchi 

LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-61: Local Acceptance of G.L. Chapter 40, Section 8J (Disability Commission) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-61 - Majority Vote)  

b. Bylaw Amendment 24-914: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-914 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  

c. Bylaw Amendment 24-915: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 139, Sewers - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-915 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  

d. Bylaw Amendment 24-916: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-916 - Majority Roll Call Vote)  

e. Resolution 24-60: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($2,125), Senior Center ($275) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-60 - Majority Vote)  

The recording runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1291-town-council-quarterbacking-10-17-24/

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Town Council agenda Oct 16, 2024

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_10.16.24.pdf

Franklin TV video is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-31yEe5Lk   

Photos of the branding presentation ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/hAFLbh9iGmNCZM819

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

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WfDsPHUko2WK1i-xRMQFP24JZDvYI8rN/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!

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

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 16, 2024 condensed to 30 minutes in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

Town Council gets update on branding efforts, approves additional election workers, after 30 minutes of citizen comments (video)

The Franklin MA Town Council met on Wednesday, Oct 16, 2024 in the Council Chambers with all nine members present. 

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0-31yEe5Lk

Agenda doc  -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/tc_agenda_10.16.24.pdf

Photos of the branding presentation ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/hAFLbh9iGmNCZM819

The Council approved the following bylaw changes all via roll call by 9-0 votes

● Bylaw Amendment 24-914 will amend the town code relative to fees. The updates reflect increases, decreases, additions, deletions or corrections to existing fees due to changes in state law or state code, changes in market conditions for municipal fees and/or calculations to the costs of service.

● Bylaw Amendment 24-915 will remove old pipe materials (i.e. asbestos-cement pipe) as acceptable as well as clean up language for the drain layers license to conform with the fee schedule and current practice.

● Bylaw Amendment 24-916 will authorize the DPW Director to waive compliance with the bylaw, as well as the associated noncompliance fine, based on a determination of undue hardship of private residential property owner(s).

While the citizen comment instructions included a slight wording change, it wasn't applicable to the 40 minutes of various comments.

"The First of Many' a new tag line proposed for Town marketing efforts

My notes captured during the meeting ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WfDsPHUko2WK1i-xRMQFP24JZDvYI8rN/view?usp=drive_link

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (audio)

FM #1244 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1244 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin (MA) Master Plan Update Committee Public Hearing held on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. 10 members participated, 9 in chambers, 1 remote (for a portion of session, she did join in person - Williams), 3 were absent (Gallagher, Hagen, Halligan).

Quick recap:

• Overview presentation coordinate by Chair Jones, and each subcommittee chair, before getting into the public portion

• Presentation doc was not included with the agenda very few (outside of the committee) likely had time to preview the goals before the session

• Good input from the multiple commenters both in person and participating remotely

• Next meeting for the committee scheduled for July 24 to incorporate the feedback from this session, and then begin work on the objectives (which have not yet been revealed) to assign them to responsible Town departments, etc.

The recording runs about 77 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1244-master-plan-update-cmte-public-hearing-07-10-24

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK0miWgTjaU 

Agenda doc  -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/master_plan_agenda_-_july_10_2024.docx.pdf    

Presentation doc ->  

https://www.franklinma.gov/master-plan-update-committee/files/draft-goals-presentation 

My notes in one PDF ->  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nF1FzxJfke50IOjftj5Xqum8QFtSDozP/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"

Master Plan Update Cmte conducts public hearing, gets feedback to consider (audio)

Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

May 23, 2024  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 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. 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. FY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget HearingFY25 Town Council Annual Operating Budget Hearing

i. FY25 Voting Document FY25 Voting Document

ii. FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1) FY25 Town Administrator Budget Message (per Town Charter Section 6-4-1) 

iii. Appendix A1 - Town Administrator Recommended Budget Voting Document & Budget Book  (per Town Charter provision 6-5-1 & 6-5-2) doc

iv. Appendix B1 - Franklin Superintendent's Recommended FY24 Budget Executive Summary  summary

4. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-28: Adoption of FY2025 Budget

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-28 - Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 24-29: MECC Stabilization Account Transfer to MECC Appropriation FY25

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-29 - Majority Vote)

c. Resolution 24-30: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-30 - Majority Vote)

d. Resolution 24-31: Expenditure Limits for FY2025 on Departmental Revolving Funds Established by Franklin Town Code Chapter 73, as Provided in MGL Chapter 44, §53E½, as Amended (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-31 - Majority Vote)

e. Resolution 24-32: Creation of Snow & Ice Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-32 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

f. Resolution 24-33: Creation of Property Acquisition Stabilization Fund, as Authorized by G.L. Chapter 40, Section 5B and Transfer of Funds Thereto (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-33 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

g. Resolution 24-26: Community Preservation Fund: Annual Appropriations and Reservations (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-26 - Majority Vote)

h. Resolution 24-27: FY25 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds-Capital (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-27 - Majority Vote)

i. Resolution 24-34: Rescission of Unissued Balances of Authorizations to Borrow (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-34 - Majority Vote)

j. Resolution 24-35: Authorizing the Borrowing of Money to Pay Costs of Various Renovations to Remington/Jefferson and Horace Mann Schools

(Motion to Approve Resolution 24-35 - ⅔ Majority Vote)

k. By-Law Amendment 24-910: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Water Usage Rates - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-910 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

l. By-Law Amendment 24-911: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Curbside Trash Fee - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-911 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

m. By-Law Amendment 24-912: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Stormwater Service Charge - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 24-912 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)

5. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

6. COUNCIL COMMENTS

7. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

8. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc contains remote participation info ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_may_23_2024.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Budget Hearing #2 for FY 2025, May 23, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin grease trap policy proposed to be formalized in Town bylaw (audio & video)

FM #1193 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1193 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Franklin (MA) Economic Development Subcmte Meeting conducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.  The meeting was held at the Municipal Bldg and conducted in a hybrid manner. Chair Melanie Hamblen, Councilors Brian Chandler & Cobi Frongillo were in the Council Chambers. Councilor Sheridan was absent.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 5:45 and actually started at 5:55 (not 6:55 as is announced by Chair Hamblen). There was technical difficulty with the Zoom video but not with the YouTube video or any channel audio. Turned out to be a setting in the meeting set up that turned the video off for this session. (Duly noted for future sessions).  

Quick summary

• Current policy across Health Dept, Building Inspection and DPW calls out the requirements for grease traps for commercial use. Those policies would be combined into one Town bylaw to formalize and remove possible confusion or contention as to which one takes precedence.

• The draft bylaw was recommended to be moved to the Town Council for their review and approval. This one would not need to include the Planning Board for review.

The meeting runs about 26 minutes.    Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1193-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-05-01-24

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Economic Development Subcmte page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/economic-development-subcommittee 

Meeting agenda ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2024-05-01_edc_agenda_packet.pdf 

Franklin TV video on YouTube -> https://www.youtube.com/live/YKganfWutTA?si=EJQ77tsztrptv4Mi&t=100

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

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.franklin.news/ or  www.Franklinmatters.org/ 

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"

Franklin grease trap policy proposed to be formalized in Town bylaw (audio & video)

Franklin Town Council approves flying Pride flag during June, Planning Board associate & elections workers (video)

The Franklin (MA) Town Council took action Wednesday:

a. Joint Town Council and Planning Board Vote To Fill Associate Planning Board Vacancy    https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._pb_appointment_mark_mucciarone.pdf

Jointly voting with the Planning Board to unanimously approve Mark Mucciarone for the role of associate

b. 2024 Election Workers

i. See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._election_workers_appointment.pdf

Vote via roll call 9-0 to approve of appointments

a. Street Acceptance: Portion of Farrington Street

i. Legislation for Action Item 9a  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/6a._farrington_st._acceptance.pdf

Vote via roll call 9-0 to approve of street acceptance

b. Bylaw Amendment 24-904: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin at Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service - Second Reading (Motion to Approve Bylaw Amendment 24-904 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

Vote via roll call 9-0 to approve of ambulance fee increase

c. Resolution 24-07: Town of Franklin Flag Policy for Display of Flags at Franklin Municipal Building (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-07 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9c._flag_policy.pdf

Much of the meeting was consumed by the discussion and passionate arguments on both sides. The vote was 6-3 to approve. Chandler, Pellegri and Dellorco voted no.

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

Agenda doc holds the remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_jan_31_2024.pdf

My notes captured during the meeting ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wKLR_XbWaMMndP78VY91-cZESlBkl5WK/view?usp=drive_link

Photo album of key points in the meeting -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/swdbzNRRWe5b7Rky6

Franklin Town Council approves flying Pride flag during June, Planning Board associate & elections workers (video)