Converse and Conserve Workshop - Location Change: Room 326A

Converse and Conserve Workshop 

- Location Change: Room 326A

Please note that the Converse and Conserve Workshop will now take place in Room 326A at Town Hall, instead of Council Chambers.

Your land is a part of your legacy. Deciding what will happen to your land after you are gone is the next critical step of being a good land steward and furthering that legacy. Who will own your land and how will it be used? What will your legacy continue to be? These are questions that the "Converse and Conserve" workshop on Wednesday, March 29 from 4p-6p at Town Hall, Room 326A can answer for you.

Join the Franklin Conservation Department, Franklin Assessor's Office, Franklin Agricultural Commission, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Metacomet Land Trust, and DDCRW Law in learning about your options. Come learn about applicable tax incentive programs for forestland, agricultural land, and open space; learn about resource management for your natural environment; and even learn how to endow your land to ensure its lifelong protection. Estate planning, whether for now or for the future, is not just for the wealthy or for those who own "estates" – if you own land, then estate planning is a necessary and valuable step to ensure that the legacy of your land is a positive one!

Food and beverages will be provided by Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen.

RSVP for a free gift. 

For more information or to RSVP contact bgoodlander@franklinma.gov/(508) 520-4847

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/converse-and-conserve-workshop-location-change-room-326a

Converse and Conserve Workshop - Location Change: Room 326A

Town Council authorizes purchase of Schmidt's Farm, witness 2 firefighter swear in's, and visit with State delegation (video)

In the regular meeting, Wednesday, Oct 19 the Town Council witnessed the swearing in of two firefighter/paramedics, spent time with the Franklin State delegation: Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Becca Rausch, and State Representative Jeff Roy, before getting into the legislation portion of the meeting. 

The Council made two unanimous votes to approve and authorize CPA funding for the purchase of Schmidt's Farm via the first right of approval. The Community Preservation Committee had recommended the purchase in their meeting (10/4) and the Finance Committee had also unanimously approved in their meeting on Tuesday (10/18).

Additional funds ($50K) for the exterior renovation of the Red Brick school were also approved during the session. $200K had been initially budgeted for the repairs but the actual work has shown to be increased due to inflation hence, the additional funds required. $250,000 is the total for the exterior.

With the recent 2020 census results, the resulting redistricting has shifted the Senate districts so Senator Rausch's district covers all of Franklin where previously 3 precincts had been covered by Spilka. The session was the 'final' official visit of all three and the Council recognized Spilka with a proclamation for her service over the years. Both Rausch and Roy have contested elections this November.

Watch the Franklin.TV video replay -> https://youtu.be/2vd8NUH0kt0

Agenda doc ->     https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_19_town_council_agenda.pdf

Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic

Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic

Both photos courtesy of the Franklin Fire Dept Twitter account:

https://twitter.com/FranklinMAfire/status/1582875690231566336

Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen discusses parking, municipal aggregation, Schmidt's Farm and more (audio)

FM #864 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 864 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen. We had our conversation via conference bridge.  

Topics for this session

• Municipal aggregation 

• Right of First Refusal – Schmidt’s Farm purchase recommended by CPC and public hearing held by Town Council;  CPA funding key

• Downtown parking bylaws pending 2nd reading (Nov 2 meeting)

• Dean student parking issues (Chancellor Augustus) did hold first neighborhood alliance meeting

• Election, vote by mail ballots being sent by Town Clerk’s office

The conversation runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie

Audio file -> https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Schmidts-Farm--Downtown-Parking-and-Election-Information-e1phind/a-a8njdi0

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Municipal aggregation information

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/municipal-aggregation 

Town Council meeting video ->  https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8

Town Council meeting audio -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-100522.html 

Election collection for Nov 8, 2022 -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html 

Community & Cultural District calendar https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.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"

Talk Franklin with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen discusses parking

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for Oct 18, 2022 meeting at noon

Finance Committee Meeting 

Agenda & Meeting Packet 

Tuesday, October 18, 2022 -12:00 PM 

Agenda 

1. Call to Order 

2. Vote to Recommend the Following: 

a. Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Land Acquisition: Land of Schmidt’s Farm, Inc. off Prospect Street in the amount of $3,800,000.00 

3. Adjourn

This meeting will be conducted via Zoom only. Check the full agenda for access info ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10-18-22_fin_com_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda for Oct 18, 2022 meeting at noon

Town Council Quarterbacking with Council Chair Tom Mercer - Recap of the Oct 5, 2022 meeting (audio)

FM #863 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 863 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. This is one of a series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior Council meeting. Akin to one of the many sports post-game analysis broadcasts we are familiar with in New England,  this would be a discussion focused on the Franklin Town Council meeting of Oct 5, 2022: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

Right of first refusal – Schmidt’s Farm

Norfolk County Commission Update

Special liquor license for Dacey’s Market

4 bylaws for parking changes downtown

How to address habitual offenders for Dean parking/Neighborhood Alliance

Gift acceptance to Police/Fire

Our conversation runs about 30 minutes:

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

Let’s listen to this session of Town Council Quarterbacking recorded Oct 13, 2022

Audio file ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-864-town-council-quarterbacking-10-13-22

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Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.05.22_town_council_agenda.pdf

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

 

The meeting video is also available for viewing on YouTube   https://youtu.be/N6qHB7PJMq8

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

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 your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

The Town Council held a public hearing on the right of first refusal to purchase the Schmidt Farm property with CPA funding

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda for Oct 19, 2022 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 19, 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.

c. Municipal Aggregation

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 28, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3a._september_28_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. October 5, 2022   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/3b._october_5_2022_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. Victor DaCosta - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

b. Nicholas Brosseau - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Department

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Officers/Directors: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 250 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin, MA 02038

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

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Legislative Delegation: Senate President Karen Spilka, Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-64: Appropriating Funds by Borrowing to Pay Costs of Land Acquisition: Land of Schmidt’s Farm, Inc. off Prospect Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-64 - Two-Thirds Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._schmidts_farm.pdf

b. Resolution 22-65: Town of Franklin’s Exercise of Town’s Chapter 61A, Section 14 First Refusal Option, Re: Land of Schmidt’s Farm, Inc. off Prospect Street, Norfolk County Registry of Deeds Title Reference: Book 11712, Page 405 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-65 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._22-65_schmidts.pdf

c. Resolution 22-66: FY23 Community Preservation Appropriation of Funds - Red Brick School House (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-66 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._22-66_-_red_brick_school_appropriation.pdf

d. Resolution 22-67: Cable Funds in Support of PEG Service and Programming per MGL Ch. 44,   §53F3/4 (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-67 - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._22-67_-_franklin_tv_appropriation.pdf

e. Resolution 22-68: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($1,000), Veterans’ Services Dept. ($100)  (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-68 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9e._22-68_gift_acceptance_-_pd_1000_vets_100_1.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc with remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_19_town_council_agenda.pdf

exterior renovation of the Red Brick School is in process

Franklin, MA: Town Council meeting agenda for October 5, 2022 session

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 5, 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.

c. Municipal Aggregation Electricity Rates.

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 - None Scheduled.

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled.

6. HEARINGS - 7:00 pm

a. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 113 Acres of Land together with any and all buildings and any other improvements thereon, located at 215 Prospect St., Franklin.   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/6a._1_-_memo_-_schmidts_farm_rofr.pdf

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. License Modification - Change of Manager: Mormax Corporation d/b/a BJ’s Wholesale Club #105, Located at 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/7a_bjs_change_of_mgr.pdf

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Discussion: Norfolk County Commission

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 22-62: Request for Special Legislation Re: Authority for the Town of Franklin Acting Through the Franklin Town Council to Grant an All Alcoholic Beverages Not to be Drunk on the Premises Alcoholic Beverages License in Excess of the Town’s Quota to Madd Deli, Inc. D/B/A Dacey’s Market (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-62 - Majority Roll Call Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9a._web_22-62_daceys_market.pdf

b. Bylaw Amendment 22-884: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations, D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-884 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9b._web_22-884_parking_map.pdf

c. Bylaw Amendment 22-885: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, §170-20, Additional regulations; violations and penalties. - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-885 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9c._-_bylaw_amendment_22-885_amendment_chapter_170_ta_auth_to_set_fees.pdf

d. Bylaw Amendment 22-886: Chapter 82, Fees, Municipal Service, § 82-6, Subsection K. Police - First Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 22-886 to a Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9d._-_bylaw_amendment_22-886_amendment_chapter_82_municipal_service_fees_striking_quarterly_fees.pdf

e. Bylaw Amendment 22-879: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Appendix A, Fines, Parking Violations - First Reading (Motion to Take off the Table and Move Bylaw Amendment 22-879 to Second Reading - Majority Vote)   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/bylaw_amendment_-_parking_fees.pdf

f. Resolution 22-63: Gift Acceptance - Police Dept. ($2,550), Fire Dept. ($2,500) (Motion to Approve Resolution 22-63 - Majority Vote)  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9f._web_22-63_gift_acceptance.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Beaver Street Interceptor

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Budget Subcommittee

c. Economic Development Subcommittee

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION

16. ADJOURN

Note:

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting 

Agenda and documents released for this meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/10.05.22_town_council_agenda.pdf

Franklin, MA: Town Council meeting agenda for October 5, 2022 session

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with another "Talk Franklin" episode - 09/24/21(audio)

FM #613 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 613 in the series. 

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

We talk about: 

• Community Preservation Committee

• 215 Prospect St Chap 61 process

• Complete Streets

• Cultural Festival

• Harvest Festival

• Housing Production Plan – Planning Board – 9/27

• Oct 6 – Town Council joint session with School Committee

 

Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 36 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Lily.

** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c717bcfd-8bb7-4040-b371-518b49230af0

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Community Preservation Committee

• Agenda - 9/29  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-09-29_cpc_agenda_3.pdf 

• Agenda - 10/4 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/2021-10-01_cpc_agenda_1.pdf 

Harvest Festival scheduled for October  https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2021/04/harvest-festival-scheduled-for-october.html 

Housing Production Plan (revised draft) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/preliminary_final_housing_production_plan_-_august_2021.pdf 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen with another "Talk Franklin" episode -  09/24/21(audio)

FM #609 - Community Preservation Committee Meeting - 09/21/21 (audio)

FM #609 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 609 in the series. 

This shares the Community Preservation Committee meeting that was held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; committee members present were in the Council Chambers, along with some public participants and the Town Administration staff. Others were able to via the Zoom conference bridge. 

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about fifty minutes (~50 mins).  Let’s listen to the Community Preservation Committee  meeting for Sep 21

** Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/083c2b2f-c461-41ca-8e6a-0e7a3c453b74

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Meeting agenda  (including connection info) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee/agenda/cpc-agenda-4 

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/recap-community-preservation-committee.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"

 

Questions on housing being answered by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen