“There isn’t anything more local than a public access studio"

"If you’re one of many people in the United States who has decided to do away with cable in the last few years — or never had it to begin with — you’re not alone. 

But the exodus is cutting in to the revenue that makes certain services possible. Specifically, Public, Education and Government channels, or PEG channels. 

What are PEG channels? 

Parents who have tuned in to school committee meetings to scope out reopening plans or residents who’ve watched city council meetings for updates on construction projects— or done so after the fact — likely have PEG channels to thank. 

“If you put on your local government channel, and you watch it, I call it the best reality on television,” said Scott Mercer, executive director of Access Framingham, the nonprofit that runs the PEG channels in Framingham. “We are the ones who maintain and produce and support the citizens of Framingham to have a television station.”

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/story/news/2021/11/01/cutting-cord-cable-tv-has-bigger-implications-than-you-may-think/8539447002/

“There isn’t anything more local than a public access studio"

Franklin TV: Bob Dean (1946-2021)

Born: November, 1946, Deceased: May 16, 2021
https://www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com/obituaries.html

First, the backstory:

For many years cable carriers were legally obligated to provision and manage a local access TV studio for free use by residents. Some still do. When Verizon came to Franklin in 2006 they offered some funding to support the existing Comcast local access studio. (We don’t need two studios.) Comcast in turn wanted to do the same. So Comcast transferred its 13 Main St. studio and staff over to the Town of Franklin and ultimately, from Franklin to us, a new, independent nonprofit group at the end of 2011. 

Franklin TV: Bob Dean (1946-2021)

Through all that time Bob was laying plans, pinching pennies, and preparing the way for the entity that would eventually become Franklin●TV. Just as things were finally coming along with the legal formation of Franklin Community Cable Access, dba Franklin●TV as a nonprofit organization with a charter, bylaws, an agreement with Franklin, etc., Bob fell ill, suffering a series of debilitating strokes early in 2012.

Bob’s work was conducted in conjunction with a Cable Advisory Board that he helped to form; recruiting volunteers who helped to chart the new studio’s future.

Most of them continue to serve as board members for Franklin●TV.

Here, in their own words – warm remembrances of Bob Dean: 

Rose Turco:

I recall the visit Bob made to my home, inviting me to become a board member of this new organization. Bob realized my hesitation in agreeing to something so new to me but for which he had a vision. Needless to say he was successful, and for that I am so appreciative. Here was my former student teaching the teacher!

Pandora Carlucci:

I remember him and the filming of town council and school committee meetings in council chambers at the Former Emmons Street town hall. He was a dedicated advocate for cable access.

Wes Rea:

Unlike some of you who knew Bob from town, I did not know him other than his name and his association with the public access studio. Once it was clear that Franklin Cable TV was going to be created and become an independent entity [from Comcast], I contacted Bob and asked to be involved. He was a little hesitant and maybe a little suspicious–  “Who was this guy that wanted to get involved in local TV?”  At the time I was a relative new comer, had only been in Franklin for 23 or 24 years. But after we talked, he welcomed me into the group. He was protecting something that was not only important to him but so important to the Town of Franklin. Bob was a ground-breaker, and Franklin was lucky to have him. And although I knew him for only a short while, I consider myself lucky for that time.

John Milot:

He started me filming at the church every other week. Really a great person!

Jay Horrigan:

I was lucky enough to have met Bob and worked with him at the old Franklin TV. And, like Ken, I remember clearly him pulling up to me in his truck asking me to help him with creating the new version of Franklin TV. Back then there were only a few of us that “worked” for Franklin TV. He and I, and also Ken spent a ton of time reading and going over by-laws Bob created to present to the town about this new TV concept. We sat in meeting after meeting with Jeff Nutting among others. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot from Bob. The big thing he taught me was to be careful saying ‘yes’ when someone pulls up alongside you, hands you an envelope with bylaw ideas inside and says, “No, no, this won’t take up any time at all!” I am so glad I did it, and I am even more thankful for the time I got to spend with Bob, and the knowledge he tried to pass along.

Ken Norman:

Jay, I cannot take any credit for the by-laws.  I came on board after the Corp was formed in Nov 2011. I do remember asking Bob if there was any heavy lifting (figuratively) about joining.  At the time I was actively involved in several projects. Bob of course said, “No, just a few meetings a year.”  Next thing I know Bob has had a stroke, and I am now the President of a new Corporation I knew nothing about. It has been one of the best jobs I have had in town. Building the new studio on Hutchinson St. with Peter was the most rewarding. I only wish Bob could have seen and enjoyed the ground work he had set out for us.

My advice: Watch out for guys in pickup trucks.

There are also a couple more reflections on Bob Dean from the archives of prior years. You can find them in the full copy of this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes    

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18r3HMnNzt9e0z3x94Zuje-HyEbBRwRFG/view?usp=sharing

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

More Open, More Engagement.
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 03/07/2021

Per Massachusetts Open Meeting Laws, many communities have their government meetings televised on a dedicated cable channel. In Franklin, it’s Town Hall TV on Comcast 11 and Verizon 29.
 

Back in 2019 BP – (Before Pandemic) we covered the following meetings regularly: 

• M - Planning Board
• T -  School Committee
• W -  Town Council
• T - Conservation Commission – or – Zoning Board of Appeals Finance Committee

Recently, we’ve added:

• Economic Development Committee Town Administrator’s Review Budget Subcommittee
• Community Preservation Committee – Their inaugural meeting was last week.  
• Candidates’ Forum – Special meetings for Town Council Elections 
• Agriculture Commission – May begin soon with a limited series.
  

Check this week’s schedule of live and replay meetings on our last page.

Today we also stream the government channel meetings live on our website. Just click on the Town Hall TV logo. Past meetings are searchable on demand as well.

Adding our live Zoom connection has been a real game chan– um, a meeting changer. Our government meetings, whether originating in town Chambers or remotely, Zoom makes citizen participation possible and convenient. What you see over Zoom is very much like what you see at home on TV, but you can participate easily. Just remember your Zoom etiquette. Please keep your microphone muted until you are addressed by the meeting chairperson during the public portion of the meeting. Place your computer in a quiet location that is well lit. Note that because you can see everyone – everyone can also see you.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching.

 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online

http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  

or for archive purposes   https://drive.google.com/file/d/12XtEe_HZCYR-CVu4GYw6eqWIscn2jHu5/view?usp=sharing

 

 

Franklin TV: "More Meetings"

FM #420 Town Council Quarterbacking - 12/17/20 (audio)

FM #420 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 420 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is the second 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: ok, what just happened? What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

‘regular business’

• Lot lines clean up changes continue

• Cable fund transfer authorized

• GPS lease/purchase approved

 

‘Important business’

• Community Preservation Committee bylaw approved

• Authorization of emergency funds for Water Treatment plant billing (replaces spear phishing funds)

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

Our conversation runs about 37 minutes, so let’s listen in.

Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HWw2SfvS

 

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

Town Council - meeting agenda and packet

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html 

My meeting notes

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-recap-dec-16-2020.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/

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 Chair Tom Mercer opens the meeting 12/16/20

Town Council meeting recap - Dec 16, 2020: bylaw for Community Preservation Committee approved

Quick Recap:

• new Councilor Cobi Frongillo welcomed (apparently sworn in previously)
• set of lot line clean up bylaw changes heard in public hearing and approved
• annual alcohol license renewals approved, some licenses open as British Beer and Uptowne Pub closed, some licenses held (as usual) for outstanding permit payments/inspections
• Community Preservation Committee bylaw back as amended per prior discussion (see the Town Council 12/02/20meeting) after discussion on who should be the reviewer of the application pool (Council vs. Town Administrator), motion approved unanimously to use regular process for Town Administrator vetting of the candidates to provide to Council for their approval
• GPS upgrade for DPW registered vehicles approved. All lease/purchase arrangements require legislative body approval (as opposed to standard purchase arrangements -once funded, can be completed by purchasing agent - per MA general law)
• Note - early votes showed 9-0 approvals and until Dellorco arrived remotely during the Community Preservation discussion, they should have been recorded as 8-0-1 (8 for, zero against, one absent). This was noted in the Twitter thread but the prior tweets couldn't be changed.
• vote to authorize transfer of emergency funds from the water enterprise account to make payment to vendor that had previously not been made due to the spear phishing incident (for details on that see Town Council meeting 12/02/20)

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZvfqAjHWzwMGpKPi9

----
As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc1216
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1216&src=typeahead_click 

• Real time reporting for the Town Council meeting about to begin #tc1216 agenda doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-16-town-council-agenda 
• Chair Tom Mercer opens and makes standard statement outlining protocol and info for phone connection #tc1216
• #tc1216 info to connect via phone
• Welcome to new councilor Cobi Frongillo (apparently already sworn in)
• DPW Director Cantoreggi makes reminder on parking ban and trash delay due to impending storm. Citizen complaint about town clerk action on election 150' rules. #tc1216 complaint about the Dominion Software used and election integrity, speculation.
• #tc1216 move to approval of minutes for Nov 18. https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/3a._november_18_2020_tc_meeting_minutes_-_draft_for_review.docx.pdf …  Motion, second, as amended (correction of person's name and sex reference) 
• Public hearings opened on lot line clean up effort. Bryan Taverner provides update  https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/6-hearings-710pm-11
• #tc1216 questions but no concerns raised previously. Did pass EDC and planning board. Motion to close hearing, second, passes 9-0 
• License renewals for 2021 annual, motion to approve, second, with exception of those with fees outstanding to be held until cleared
• Clarification that the name, address of each to be ready for the record. Reading commences by council clerk. Doc is located on agenda page https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/license_renewals.pdf …
• #tc1216 There are always some open and usually cleaned up by year end, 3 restaurants not renewing (British beer, Uptown Pub, ?)  Motion carries by 9-0 vote 
• #tc1216 subcommittee meetings, EDC did have a listening session last week 2 award winners of manufacturing here in town.
• #tc1216 EDC next listening session Jan 13, 2021  Legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-861_oak_0.pdf …  Motion made to waive reading, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent) Motion to adopt, second, 8-0-1 via roll call
• Note other votes recorded should be restated as 8-0-1 (1 absent) and not 9-0  https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-862_longhillpleasant_0.pdf … Passes 8-0-1   #tc1216
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-864_cpc_1.pdf … Community Preservation Committee back for second reading as amended (per discussion at 12/02/20 meeting) #tc1216 motion to approve, second, passes Jamie updates on changes, will do an application for the open spots, time TBD, but early next year
• #tc1216 one change discussed but not voted to include was considered and is not part of this; this aligns the appointment process with all the other committee/board appointments. We are getting good folks and have all spots filled so the process is working. All the other
• Communities appointment in the same way. Attny Cerel interjects that the proposal would violate the state statue, need to have a level of independence. Otherwise the council would control the people and the approval of the projects. #tc1216
• #tc1216 most recent Committee established was the agriculture commission. I vet and get the best decisions for you to make a good vote and out forth the best civic stewards, looking for passion, open minds, collaboration, this is new and can get complicated
• If you know someone, give them a recommendation letter to help the application process. #tc1216 have some guts to say no. We have hired Jamie to do this. Protocol and perception, why do we want to go out and vet the candidates? The process we have works, we have final say
• #tc1216 I have the utmost belief that the administrator will bring forward the best and most qualified Councilor Dellorco has joined via zoom (he was missing earlier) Trahan speaking for the proposal, Jamie has experience with CPA, nicely mentions uninformed comments can be
• Hurtful. Spears speaking for the proposal, it is about procedure and protocol, meetings will be public (like other committees) and when projects come forward to Council for approval others will be able to speak for, against at that time #tc1216
• #tc1216 there is no reason for personal attacks on personnel or councilors, esp when they are misinformed. Doherty, and now Doyle speaking in favor and for the committee as proposed. If Dellorco joins it makes the meeting remote and requires a roll call vote.
• Pellegri backs off request for interview process and wants to make this a unanimous vote. #tc1216 doesn't want to have a damper on this. Vote as amended, via roll call 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-75_gps_lease.pdf … #tc1216 new devices for DPW via lease finance requires a 2/3 vote to approve. Upgrade of 4G devices it does save money and requires special vote approx. 60 units for all the vehicles in the fleet. They do work and are very effective, any with registration
• Vote on motion, via roll call passes 9-0   #tc1216   https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-76_water_treatment.pdf … this allocates the funds for the payment previously misdirected via the spear phishing event, if further restoration is available, will replace the emergency funds
• Motion and seconded, vote via roll call - passes via 9-0 #tc1216 need to complete the water treatment plant to add the 700K gallons, vendor has not charged any interest. Citizen with question on clarification, any future funds will replenish the emergency balance
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-77_peg.pdf… standard processing of cable funds thru to Franklin TV Motion to approve, second, passes 8-1-0 (Bissanti no)! via roll call first quarterly statement from Comcast; Bissanti doesn't understand cable competition Kelly speaks for competition, cable on way out
• #tc1216 motion to vote on the Council calendar of meetings for next year https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-78_2020_council_schedule_-_memo_resolution_office_hours.pdf…  Vote 9-0
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-29_police_gift.pdf… #tc1216 vote to accept gift to police dept. Motion passes 9-0 via roll call.
• https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10i._library_gift.pdf…  #tc1216 acceptance of gift to Library for digitization and programs  Vote to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call thanks to Scott Nolan and Franklin Library Assoc.
• TA report: Down to 95 active cases of COVID buildings closed in AM folks will be working. Water ban lifted #tc1216 happy holidays and new year to all, thanks to all the citizens for making this a year like no other. Only 2 weeks away from 2021.
• Bissanti wants a citizen advisory committee, feels it is needed #tc1216  Comments: Frongillo excited to begin work, remember to #thinkfranklinfirst this season 
• Bissanti thanks the other three candidates.  #tc1216 Pellegri invites all to museum on Sunday (only open then 1-4) stop by and get an ornament. Happy holiday season to all. See you next year! Thanks to the town workers it was a tough year. Be safe. Old generator from high school was stored and will be redeploy 2 Parmenter
• Request for debt exclusion listing and when they roll off the taxes, would be good to know. #tc1216 happy holiday season and vaccine filled 2021  That's all for tonight, catch you next time (not next year yet, some meetings to before then)! 

newly elected Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

FM #408 Talk Franklin - 12/04/20 (audio) - #thinkfirstfranklin gift cards, tax rate, spear phishing, etc.

FM #408 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 408 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• December closing the year out
• #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards
• Tax rate hearing
• Comcast contract
• Spear phishing update

We’ll record a session of Talk Franklin each week leading to Christmas and take the holiday week off to begin again in 2021

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. 

Audio file = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/December-2020-in-Franklin-Tax-Rate--Spear-Phishing--Comcast-and-Franklin-Gift-Cards-enhdje

 

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#ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards  https://franklingiftcard.com/ 

Town Council meeting agenda and docs
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing 

Town Council meeting summary
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-comcast-contract.html

Spear phishing presentation
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-of-franklin-spear-phishing.html

Business Listening Session - Dec 9
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/business-listening-session-3-dec-9-2020.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/

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 Administrator Jamie Hellen updates the Town Council during the 12/02/20 meeting

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Agenda
 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS    
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.
 

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS   
Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five 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   
None Scheduled
 

4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS   
None Scheduled
 

5. APPOINTMENTS   
None Scheduled
 

6. HEARINGS - 7:10pm   
  1  Franklin Tax Classification Hearing
     -   Legislation for Action Items: 10a., 10b., 10c., 10d.
  2  Comcast of Massachusetts II, INC. Cable Television Renewal License 12/2/2020 - 12/1/2030
        Legislation for Action Item: 10e.
  3  Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season
        Legislation for Action Item: 10f.

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS   
None Scheduled
 

8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS   
Cyber Fraud Spear Phishing Incident: Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen & IT Director, Tim Rapoza
 

9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS   
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
 

10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-68: Tax Classification Residential Factor (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._20-68.pdf
 

10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-69: Tax Classification - Open Space Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-69 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._20-69_resolution_-_tax_classification_open_space_exemption_0.pdf
 

10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-70: Tax Classification Small Business Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-70 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._20-70_resolution_-_tax_classification_small_business_exemption_0.pdf
 

10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-71: Tax Classification Residential Property Exemption (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-71 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._20-71_resolution_-_tax_classification_residential_property_exemption_0.pdf
 

10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-72: Comcast of Massachusetts II, Inc. Cable License Renewal (Motion to approve Resolution 20-72 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._20-72_cable_0.pdf
 

10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Bylaw Amendment 20-863: Chapter 82, Municipal Service Fees - Temporary reduction in Municipal Service Fees for Common Victualer All Alcohol and Wine & Malt Licenses for the 2021 License Renewal Season - Second Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 20-863 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._20-863_fees_0.pdf
 

10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-73: Gift acceptance - Police Department, $2,025 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-73 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._20-73_gift_pd.pdf
 

10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION   
Resolution 20-74: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44, §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 20-74 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._20-74_peg.pdf
 

11. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT   
 

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS   
 

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS   
 

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION   
None Scheduled

 

ADJOURN   

Note:
Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

 

Connection info for this meeting contained in the agenda doc

• Meeting folder  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing

 

 

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 2, 2020

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

The four candidates for the open Town Council seat will meet in a live broadcast for a candidates night moderated by former police chief Larry Benedetto.

 

The candidates (ballot order)

• Alan R. Earls
  
• Cobi Frongillo
  
• Gregory R. Chiklis 
• KP Sompally 

How to watch

• Three options for watching the candidates night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29  #SECN1123  1/3
• Three options for watching the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = use your web browser to watch the Live Stream https://franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream   #SECN1123 2/3 
• Three options for watching/participating in the candidates night  - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM  = Connect via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83643671854 )  #SECN1123   3/3 

Why a special election?

Franklin, MA voters should be aware that there will be a special election to fill the seat recently vacated by Eamon McCarthy Earls. He left at the beginning of September to enter law school in Virginia. The special election is scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2020 to meet the 90 day requirement of the Charter. 

Audio interviews available

• Town Council candidate - Gregory R Chiklis (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-393-town-council-candidate-greg.html
• Town Council candidate - KP Sompally (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/11/fm-382-town-council-candidate-kp.html
• Town Council candidate - Alan R Earls (audio interview) = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-369-town-council-candidate-alan.html
• Town Council candidate Cobi Frongillo (audio interview) =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/10/fm-359-town-council-candidate-cobi.html

 

Candidates Night - Monday, Nov 23 - 7:00 PM

Live Events – Online

We are – LIVE! Online!  by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 10/18/2020

 

Our Franklin●TV channels are all streaming live in HD – online, anytime. Finding the channel you want is also easy. In a Google search we are always the first listing – Numero Uno!

You can watch our live sports on our Franklin Pride school channel, on Comcast 96 or Verizon 28. We are now streaming our three channels online in high definition.

How can you find our live streams? Visit our Franklin●TV website.

Click on the channel you want. Easy-peasy!

We will also post our games for Video-on-Demand replays.   Click on “Past Shows”. Video on Demand postings may take a week or so after a live event.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 

And, thank you for watching. 

 

Program guide - http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

For historical purposes, the program guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/194ObpSxF4s5to0peqBK5r5AIW1_zj53p/view?usp=sharing

 

http://franklin.tv/

Zooming into the Future, Part 4

A small step forward – toward our new normal 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/02/2020

On Wednesday evening the Town Council conducted its first meeting in Chambers since- uhh- (??) Yes, it was that long ago. We’re on Covid time, and the days, weeks, months are a bit fuzzier without the cadence of the Mon-Fri work week. Working from home is absent the normal familiar boundaries of time and space, doing what we must when we must. However, I am deliberately grateful. I can work. Those who can’t work from home are exposed to the viral threat. Those who have no work are exposed to financial hardship and ruin. I’m exposed to longer hours. I’ll take it. Gratitude is a rare moment in these times. We all owe it to ourselves to seek it.

I found it in abundance among our Town Council members on Wednesday evening. They were grateful to experience some sense of normalcy. They were grateful just to be back doing the work of the Council – in Chambers. They were grateful simply to be socially distanced yet socially together, while also being socially connected to others via Zoom. What is also notable is that they work as volunteers, stepping up and giving of their time in gratitude.

Those of us who can master the art of grace and gratitude for the small things – the things we took for granted – will fare better in our new normal.

And – as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching.

Find the full program guide for this week  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf
or this copy of the PDF
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yljeA0mlTFbVBI-FRdtRwc-7EzqJvIJi/view?usp=sharing

Zooming into the Future, Part 4

Town Council Recap: reluctantly approves water rate increase

• The Town Council heard a presentation on the Market Study performed by MAPC. Details of the study will be picked up for action by the Economic Development Subcommittee (beginning July 30 6:00 PM).

• The Town Council heard a presentation on the PACE Program and voted to enroll in it so businesses (for profit or non-profit) can take advantage of this opportunity.

• The Town Council 'reluctantly' voted for the final time to approve the water rate increase which has been planned for years and most recently (March 2020) was also cause of much discussion around the 'poor timing.' Poor timing because we are in the middle of a pandemic, folks are economically stressed or hurting, and we are also in the middle of construction to fix the water treatment for wells 3 & 6 which if we didn't would result in a default on contracts and likely larger legal fees that the water rate increase will raise. Oh, and by fixing the wells we get access to over 700,000 gallons of water which we need.

• The meeting was the first conducted with Zoom installed in the Council Chambers for the Council to be physically together in person. The meeting technically was a success broadcast via Zoom, the cable channels, and live streamed via Franklin TV.

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0729
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0729?src=hashtag_click

The full agenda doc (162 pages) can be found here
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/07-22-2020_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-22-town-council-meeting

• Real time reporting underway for #tc0729 meeting
• Motion for approval mins may 6 meeting passed with 1 abstain; motion for may 20 passed, Jun 3 passed, June 17 passed #tc0729
• Appt for Ag comm, motion made, passed ; conservation comm, motion made, passed https://franklinmatters.org/2020/07/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-july-29.html? cultural council 2 individuals, motion made separately for each, both passed #tc0729

Market Study

• Next up MAPC market analysis #tc0729 good starting point to help recover from whatever is needed post COVID. EDC will pick up the details to be worked going forward.
• Data gathering all done before COVID-19, some things may change but the info should be good. Slides to be posted later #tc0729
• Full market analysis doc is posted to ToF page good reading / study material https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8a._final_town_of_franklin_market_study_1.pdf #tc0729
• BTW this meeting is hosted on Zoom in the Council chambers, live streamed via Franklin TV (via Town of franklin page) as well as broadcast to the two cable channels. A first !!! #tc0729 currently about 18 via Zoom but that includes the council etc in Chambers
• Chandler comment/question on how to get workers to turn right into town rather than taking the left from the industrial parks and head home #tc0729 Kelly, affordability of Franklin is an issue, commuter housing is needed
• #tc0729 Jones, thanks for the work putting the report together, push to EDC for further review (it is scheduled to do so) Hamblen, looking to complete streets and extend the rail trail downtown, how to recruit minority businesses to here?
• Bissanti, thanks, read just about all of it, not all doom and gloom on housing, need to explore the banking avenues, it is a great investment for a home owner #tc0729 Dellorco, thanks, what scares me is the COVID issue. No one wants to ride mass transit today
• Mercer, COVID has changed what the future will look like. Is there any funding to relook at the study for a COVID recap? #tc0729 Raul will look to see if there are any options
• Will go to the EDC for further action, next meeting 7/30 6 PM agenda and virtual link posted

PACE Program

• Next up PACE program up for discussion and vote later. Council does need to approve of the community entry to this program. #tc0729 https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._pace_program_presentation_-_massdevelopment.pdf
• An important economic development tool to reduce energy costs
• Property Assess Clean Energy (PACE) finance for energy improvement. #tc0729 betterment assessment aligned with the property, 22 states offer this program. Wendy is the program director
• Municipal opt in a one time requirement, hence the vote by TC tonight #tc0729 energy cost savings must be cost positive, 3rd party capital provider. Property placed on a lien if approved.
• #tc0729 Hamblen, is there a downside? Financing facilitated between parties, should work out.
• Pellegri, no fee to participate in program. Because of payment via betterment assessment need the municipal approval, just launched this week
• #tc0729 Bissanti, property owner gets energy audit or Mass development? Property owner does and then comes to us to help facilitate the financing agreement. Advantage is long term, 20 years. Assessment secured by a lien

Subcommittee reports

• Next up subcommittee reports: capital no meeting, EDC Thursday as noted, budget, nothing from the state yet. #tc0729

Legislation for Action

• https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._resolution_20-42_pace_massachusetts.pdf  #tc0729 PACE approval vote (note all 9 councilors present, confirmed via video and voice) (prior approval Committee appts were 9-0) Vote on this item passes 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._resolution_20-43_gift_acceptance_police_department.pdf  #tc0729 motion to accept donations, passed 9-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._resolution_20-44_gift_acceptance_historical_museum.pdf #tc0729 motion to accept donations, passed 9-0 Pellegri talks of the changes to the museum to handle/display the storage and security of the items
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._resolution_20-45_easement_overhead_system_-_final.pdf #tc0729 grant of easement to electric company/Verizon, motion to approve, passed 9-0; related to water treatment plant in construction on Grove st next item is same
• Franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._resolution_20-46_easement_underground_electric_system_-_final.pdf #tc0729 easement related to earlier motion to support water treatment plant construction on Grove St, motion to approve, passes 9-0 via roll call.
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10f._resolution_20-47_prior_year_solid_waste_bill.pdf #tc0729 motion for payment of prior year bill, passed 9-0 closes out FY 2020 for solid waste enterprise account, 2/3 need but not roll call needed,
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/resolution_20-48_gift_acceptance_-_fire_department.pdf #tc0729 motion to accept donation passes 9-0 thanks for their support
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10g._zoning_bylaw_amendment_20-858_beaver_and_oak_streets.pdf #tc0729 zoning bylaw changes for lot line clean up for area along Beaver and Oak sts. Motion to waive reading, passed 9-0; motion to refer to Planning Board, passed 9-0

Water Rate

• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._bylaw_amendment_20-855_water_fee_increase.pdf #tc0729 water rate increase up for second approval, already heard once, required to fund the water treatment plant under construction, not seeking sewer rate increase this or next year.
• #tc0729 question on water ban, would like to lift but given the weather is a consideration each week; Beaver St interceptor up for presentation Sep/Oct, difference between ban and conservation measures, wells regulations by State, Kelly concerned about the timing of this.
• #tc0729 drought condition a cause of ban, wells 3 & 6 need to be fixed to give us more water and water quality, hence the rate now is needed, 726000 gallons of capacity for water and fire safety, about half built, if we can't pay it with this increase how?
• #tc0729 is there any place we could take for this? $500,000 a year. About 40/unit. Water conservation is the annual useage with limit of once per week allowance; the water ban eliminates the once a week allowance due to drought this year and in 2016? And last year's fire
• #tc0729 it is a utility and a use, this fixes and pays for our infrastructure. Yes it is an expense. Gallon costs less than a tenth of a cent from Franklin (not the Poland spring rate) where would we find a half million to finish the projects, if we don't find it, we default
• #tc0729 people can regulate the water being used to a sense, if we don't approve we're in trouble. We're pigeon holed, for funding this. What have we done with the usage year over year, how much is there a change? What about the dual water meter option? Bring someone in
• #tc0729 Kelly, I guess I need to be a yes as our lawsuit will cost us more. Jones, a lot of families will struggle with this, this is painful. It is a far greater cost if we don't. Where can we roll back some rates down the line? Bissanti, This all came out in March
• #tc0729 we have to think of the greater good for Franklin. Chandler, this is the hardest thing we need to do. Vote on the motion (finally) 9-0 reluctantly by a few!

Town Administrator's report through to closing

• #tc0729 3 active cases of Covid in Community currently, editorial slightly, phase 3, this Community has done very well, the rest of the country is scary. Keep it up.
• Re-opening, inspections resuming! Assessor inspections resumed, recreation bball started one of few
• #tc0729 concerts on the common started last week, good to see, check the schedule, food trucks coming, do the right thing, we can continue to expand, coordination with Farmers market; about $100k through a grant process for businesses locally details coming by end of month
• #tc0729 FY 2020 revenue came in at 102% so we did cover all our bills. Thanks to fire dept for the pinning date; thanks for Pete and Franklin TV to be back here in Chambers, feels good to be here
• #tc0729 question on accept of private roads; people are happy with the nets at the high school; thanks to Franklin TV; thanks to chief McLaughlin for the ceremony last week, hybrid meeting tonight, almost normal; first class event last week, made a good decision last year
• #tc0729 masks are important, we can't fall back per Pellegri, just wear it, trying to help you. Etc. etc. Thanks to the SchComm and department for handling things in this trying time. Apologies to the town for last week's non-meeting, was a technical challenge and we did it now
• #tc0729 thanks to Pete and his crew for their work to bring this to fruition, we should be able to continue this, allows citizens to speak from their homes via the Zoom call. Being under 10 is great, thanks to the community for masks, social distance, etc
• motion to adjourn, catch you next time folks #tc0729

Chair Tom Mercer opens meeting

Raul (on left) Bryan (on right) on the Market Study

Wendy leads the PACE Program

summary work flow of PACE Program

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen cautions the Council on default of contract if water rate isn't passed