Bylaw Amendments 23-902 and 23-903 - Second Reading & Final Vote - Dec 20, 2023

The Franklin Town Council will hold a second reading and final vote on the adoption of two Town Code Bylaw Amendments as follows:

• 23-902: Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - Adds a new bylaw which imposes requirements upon abutting property owners to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks as indicated in the proposed map titled “Sidewalk Snow Removal Required By Property Owner” 
• 23-903: Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, § 82-6 Schedule of Service Fees, Subsection L. Public Works - Revises the fee schedule to increase the cost to recycle a mattress and/or box spring from $10 to $65 

The second reading and final votes on adoption of each of these bylaw amendments will take place during the Town Council Public Meeting beginning at 7:00 PM on December 20, 2023; 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 including full text of proposed bylaw amendments, including the proposed map, and for up to date meeting information, on and after December 15, 2023.

Please call the Town Administrator’s Office at (508) 520-4949 if you require further information.

Submitted by,

Julie McCann

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/2023-12-20_-_bylaw_amendments_23-902_snow_and_ice_removal_and_23-903_mattress_fee_increase_-_web_legal_ad.pdf

Bylaw Amendments 23-902 and 23-903 - Second Reading & Final Vote - Dec 20, 2023

Town Council doesn't like the snow removal bylaw wording, hears migrant housing status update, and Joint Budget Subcmte update (audio)

FM #1079 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1079 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers. 

Quick recap:

Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  - the proposal failed to get moved to a second reading (by a 4-5 vote - 4 for, 5 against), it will go back for further work by Administration and come back for another first reading

Migrant update – nothing major is new

Joint Budget Subcmte Mtg

• Brief update on FY 24, change in new growth coming, reduction of $250K, implications remain TBD

• Schools updated some of their numbers, planning for FY 25, to include the 4 years after, due approx.. Mar/Apr; looking into comparable communities (i.e. Hockomock League)

• Next Joint session in Jan 2024

The recording runs 1 hour and 46 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on Oct 11, 2023.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1079-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-10-11-23

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The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk

Town Administrator's Report: Migrant Status from the Town Council Mtg Oct 11, 2023 (audio) https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-administrators-report-migrant.html

Town Council agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

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/1SZ4uXFaq0j33jI4XaFIjXCcU7S_f6b3S/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"

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Town Council discusses and does not move to second reading the snow removal bylaw (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 in the Council Chambers, all 9 members participated (2 remotely - Dellorco & Frongillo)

The Franklin TV video is available for replay ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7gfH__gYXk  

Quick recap

Key item for discussion was the first reading of the snow removal bylaw coming up from the Economic Development Subcommittee which advanced it for discussion by a 3-1 vote. It failed to move to a second reading by a 4-5 vote (4 for, 5 against). The language will be reworked in discussion with the "no" votes to address their concerns.

a. Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_discussion_memo_-_bylaw_amendment_23-902_-_snow_removal_.pdf

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a.  

• Town Administrator's Report: Migrant Status from the Town Council Mtg Oct 11, 2023 (audio) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/town-administrators-report-migrant.html

• The agenda doc -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 11, 2023 - 7 PM

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. September 6, 2023   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._september_6_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._1_-_discussion_memo_-_bylaw_amendment_23-902_-_snow_removal_.pdf

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a.  

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Bylaw Amendment 23-902: A Bylaw to Amend the Code of the Town of Franklin by Inserting Chapter 147, Snow and Ice, Removal Of - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 23-902 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._23-902_-_snow_removal_bylaw.pdf

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 - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The agenda doc contains remote participation info -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_oct_11_2023.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council Agenda for Wednesday, Oct 11, 2023 at 7 PM

Economic Development Subcommittee considers updates to a revised sidewalk snow removal bylaw (video)

Three of the four Economic Development Subcommittee members met on Wednesday as scheduled before the full Town Council meeting to hear about possible revisions to a sidewalk snow removal bylaw.

Chair Melanie Hamblen, Cobi Frongillo, Patrick Sheridan, Glenn Jones (absent)

Brief recap

• The previous bylaw was repealed as unenforceable in 2017
• The sidewalks covered by the Town in their snow removal plan have not been updated in years
• Small sections were discussed and proposed to add tot he Town removal coverage (along 140 near the Westerly Apts., the East/West Streets neighborhood, the Alpine/Milliken neighborhood)
• Discussion on the parameters for clearing, when to have completed, etc. were reviewed, also the need to marketing and education to build a cultural of "we can do this" and take care of the neighbors who are unable to do so.
• The Town staff will work on the revisions as discussed, basic text of the prior bylaw is a good start to work with, add the map (new areas), etc.
• Motion to adjourn

Franklin TV video of the session is available for replay ->   https://www.youtube.com/live/v0pTxjdGlIo

My notes captured via Twitter during the meeting canbe found in one PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12loCjrT1sEa9Gfc9Y4gSrauJJohznz_q/view?usp=drive_link

taken in 2017 on a walk Sunday morning, approx. 12 hours after the storm ended

Downtown Zoning Discussion with D'Errico, Frongillo & Hamblen - 01/18/23 (audio)

FM #922 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 922 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the audio recording of my conversation with Joel D’Errico, Melanie Hamblen and Cobi Frongillo. Joel, Melanie and I were in the Franklin TV Studio on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. Cobi joined us for almost all of the discussion via phone.

Consider this a continuation of the downtown zoning discussion from the “Franklin For All” project which is underway with review and discussion at the Economic Development Subcommittee Plus that Melanie Chairs and for which Cobi is Vice-Chair.  

We were joined by Joel for this session to include his insights as a lifelong Franklinite, a property owner, and a former Town Councilor.

The recording of our conversation on zoning runs about 56 minutes. Let’s listen in.

Audio recording -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-922-town-of-franklin-downtown-zoning-discussion-01-18-23

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47 Summer St as referenced during the discussion

• Google map ->  https://goo.gl/maps/UsP5DQJXsVGTmQ7WA 

• Storm water map -> https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/e45452a3047e4c83b27170a8f4f79aa5

Prior discussion with Melanie and Cobi in December -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/12/downtown-zoning-discussion-with.html 

Prior discussion with Cobi on housing conference -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/05/conversation-with-town-councilor-cobi.html

Prior discussion on Franklin For All project -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/03/this-franklin-for-all-discussion.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"

Google Maps photo of 47 Summer St

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

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

December 14, 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. November 2, 2022

b. November 16, 2022 

 

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. 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

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

7. 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

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Franklin Library Association Presentation of Gift - Scott Nolan, President, FLA

b. Snow Removal Presentation: Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi, Director of Public Works  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/8b._snow_presentation.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-86: Gift Acceptance - Franklin Public Library ($70,000)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-86 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._gift_acceptance_fla.pdf

b. Resolution 22-87: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Department ($565)

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-87 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._gift.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-888: Chapter 170, Vehicles And Traffic, Section 170-22, Subsection A, Location of Stop Signs - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-888 to a second reading - Majority Roll Call Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-888_stop_signs.pdf

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Attachment 7. Part VI, Use Regulations Schedule: Residential Uses

(Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-889 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d_1.pdf

e. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890: A Zoning Bylaw to Amend the Franklin Town Code at  Chapter 185, Section 51.  (Motion to Refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 22-890 to the Planning Board - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-890.pdf

f. Resolution 22-88: Local Acceptance of MGL Ch40, Section 5B, Fourth Paragraph

(Motion to Approve Resolution 22-88 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._22-88.pdf

g. Resolution 22-89: Creation of the Massachusetts Statewide Opioid Settlement Stabilization Fund, as Authorized b GL Chapter 40, Section 5B (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-89 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9g._1_-_resolution_22-89_-_town_council_creation_of_the_opiod_settlement_stabilization_fund.pdf

h. Resolution 22-90: Authorization of and Appropriation for Purchase of Three Parcels of Unimproved Land (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-90 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h.pdf

i. Resolution 22-91: Authorization for Town Administrator to Submit American Rescue Plan Act Applications to Norfolk County (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-91 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/91._22-91.pdf

j. Resolution 22-92: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-92 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9j._22-92.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

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

a. Exception #2: Contract negotiations with non-union personnel, namely: Town Administrator

b. Exception #3: Strategy with respect to collective bargaining: Police Patrol, Police Sergeants and Fire Department unions

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

a. Vote on approving Administrator contract, subject to Executive Session outcome

i. Legislation for action:

1. Resolution 22-93: Approval of Town Administrator’s Contract (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-93 Majority Vote)

b. Resolution 22-94: Salary Schedule: Full-Time Elected Official - Town Clerk (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-94 - Majority Roll Call Vote)

16. ADJOURN

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

The full agenda doc also contains remote participation info ->

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

Town Council holds hearing on purchase of Schmidt Farm using CPA funds, moves parking bylaws to 2nd reading; hears from Norfolk County, and more in 3 hour plus session (video)

The Town Council meeting went over 3 hours long on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022 in the process of reviewing multiple topics. 

Norfolk County Commissioners provided some updates on what they do and how they do it. Some councilors appear stuck on the Federal decision to award the ARPA funds to the county and not directly to the Town but that is neither in control of the Town nor the County. The 3% management fee the County collects they are working for in managing the funds and they clearly stated the case during the evening. 

The best Council move was to approve The Town Council held a pubic hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding. There was no vote on the purchase. Several Councilors acknowledged they approved but the vote will come at a future meeting.  A number of residents in person and via Zoom spoke in favor of this move as it is perfectly was the CPA funds were meant to be used for.  The presentation doc (shared at the CPC meeting on Tuesday is now on the Town page)   (updated 10/13/22)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/schmidt_farm_61a_presentation.pdf

A passionate discussion raised issues that are mostly still to be resolved on parking. The set of 4 bylaws did all move forward to a second reading; one only by a 5-4 vote, the others by 9-0. Open question on should the Council allow the Town Administrator to set the rate. On what the rate should be? (It should be at least equal to the MBTA parking rate, otherwise the MBTA commuters albeit less of them, will park in these spaces and save money - which won't provide the spaces for what they were provided for - to enable shoppers downtown).

A 6-3 vote approved a request to obtain the 'authority' to issue an all liquor license to replace a beer/wine license already held which would put two all liquor license establishments within .3 mile of each other and near the Keller Sullivan schools. The legislation if approved by the State would still require a formal hearing and vote by the Council to actually approve the license. Tonight is only a step in the process.

The full agenda and links can be found here ->
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-meeting-agenda.html

Franklin TV - YouTube Video link -> https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8 

My notes taken during the meeting via Twitter can be found in one PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LS8OhA3BKWQuqto4tv82cb4YmvRRz5Dk/view?usp=sharing

The best Council move was to approve the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding

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