Franklin Charter Discussion - Frank & Steve close out with Part 3 - 11/29/21 (audio)

FM #730 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 730 in the series. 

This shares part 3 of my conversation with Frank Falvey, of Franklin Presents, a long time Franklin resident and cable show host. This is part of a three-part series on the Town Charter, the process to change it, and some of the possible revisions that Frank and I discuss.  

 

Links to the current Town charter (modified in 2013) and the charter report for 1995 (prior changes) are included in the show notes. 

The recording runs about 40 minutes: Let’s listen to this recording of Frank and I talk about the charter.  Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-730-franklin-charter-discussion-p3-of-3-11-29-21

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Feedback via email -> info@franklin.tv

Current Town Charter ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf 

Charter Commission Report - 1995

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeUlRYUpQeFd0QXc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-afykQfGLjmP3-DNzc-H-uA

MA General Law Chapter 34  https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVI/Chapter34A/Section4 

Division of Local Services (DLS) - newsletter summarizing change change process https://www.mass.gov/doc/october4thpdf/download 

Part 1 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/12/falvey-and-sherlock-talk-about-town.html 

Part 2 - https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/01/franklin-town-charter-discussion-frank.html 

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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!

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

Falvey and Sherlock in FHS for the first live broadcast on wfpr.fm Nov 2019

Falvey and Sherlock talk about the town Charter - P1 (audio)

FM #686 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 686 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Frank Falvey, of Frank Presents, a long time Franklin resident and cable show host. This is the first of a series on the Town Charter, the process to change it, and some of the possible revisions that Frank and I discuss.  We start our discussion by painting the picture of the development of cable and radio broadcasting in Franklin and our individual show expansion.

 

Links to the current Town charter (modified in 2013) and the charter report for 1995 (prior changes) are included in the show notes. 

The recording runs about 34 minutes: Let’s listen to this recording of Frank and I talk about the charter.  Audio file => https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-686-charter-discussion-with-frank-falvey-p1

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

Feedback via email -> info@franklin.tv

Current Town Charter ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/revised_2013_1.pdf 

Charter Commission Report - 1995

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0wjbnXDBhczeUlRYUpQeFd0QXc/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-afykQfGLjmP3-DNzc-H-uA

MA General Law Chapter 34  https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleVI/Chapter34A/Section4 

Division of Local Services (DLS) - newsletter summarizing change change process https://www.mass.gov/doc/october4thpdf/download 

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

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"

 

Falvey and Sherlock in FHS for the first live broadcast on wfpr.fm Nov 2019

Recap: Town Council meeting - deserved recognitions made; 2 restaurant alcohol licenses approved; open meeting law complaint received and addressed

Quick Recap:

• Two sets of recognitions: one for officer Mellor leaving to go to law school; second, for the multiple police and fire personnel from Franklin and Norfolk who responded to the Winter St fire
• Two restaurant all alcohol licenses issued, one for Sierra Brick Over Pizza, the other for Proof to operate the second floor as a separate restaurant in the same building as Glen Pharma
• Open meeting complaint received and acknowledged for not approving meeting minutes in the timely manner as required by law; changes being made to adjust process
• Two transactions to help close out the FY 2021 finances, both about 200K in total and considering these are the adjustments on a over $100+ budget during a pandemic year, the Town did (and does) well managing their budget
• Veterans Officer Dale Kurtz to retire, replacement to be hired
• parking bylaw change referred to Planning Board for their review and decision before it comes back to the Council for 2 readings before final vote

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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

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/guZrk1xe1hnUSs5C6

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #schcom0608

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23schcom0608&src=typeahead_click 

 

Agenda folder -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/june-23-town-council-agenda

 

Agenda doc (including connection info) ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-23-21_town_council_agenda.pdf

 

 

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. The agenda doc can be found. #tc0623 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/a
  
• Dial in info for the session can be found in the image #tc0623
  
• Frongillo participating remotely, Dellorco not present in the ViceChair spot. Steve Gilmore talking of the Be The Match for Gigi, link and info shared earlier https://franklinmatters.org/2021/06/be-match-for-gigi-june-26-video.html?m=1. #tc0623
  
• Match entries on Saturday will be entered into a drawing for tickets to a Patriots game when #12 visits this season #tc0623 Citizen commenting on the condition of the Brick School. Unipay payments fee will be waived beginning in July (hurrah!) For bank transfer
  
• Paperless payments coming to more payments, fee waivers at 35 cents vs. postage at 55 cents #tc0623 per Kerri Bertone the Treasurer/Collector
  

Recognitions

• Officer Mellor leaving Police Dept to go to law school. #tc0623
  
• Plaque presented #tc0623
  
• Chair Mercer lists the fire and police personnel from Franklin and elsewhere who were involved in the Winter St fire #tc0623 2 min recess to allow for in person recognitions
  

Annual Appointments

• Clerk Jones reads the listing of annual appointments to boards and committees #tc0623
  
• Motion to approve appointments, second, passes (Kelly also not present during break) (although both are expected some time for the meeting) #tc0623 vote via roll call 7-0-2
  

License approvals

• License approval for https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7a._sierras.pdf sierra brick oven pizza #tc0623 Attny Doherty speaks for the applicant who is present via zoom; ABCC licenses for restaurants capacity of 40; unlimited qty for us; motion and seconded, passes 7-0-2 2 absent
  
• Another license for Proof https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/7b._proof.pdf #tc0623 motion and second, proof to open on 2nd floor of the space at Glen Pharma vote on motion via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Interesting stat from the 495/MetroWest partnership showed that the largest sector of employment in Franklin was restaurants #tc0623 a copy of the stat can be found in this doc
  

Presentations/Discussion

• Next up, open meeting complaint about Town Council meetings not approved timely. #tc0623 well handled with response by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
  
• "This is petty, of all the things we do, and this is the worse thing to happen?" #tc0623 "I hope Mr Higgins isn't reading my thought bubbles" "A rule is a rule, a law is a law, and we must comply." Attny Cereal recommends an authorized response (vote by council) vote ->
  
• Motion and second, via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent) EDC met last Weds, two discussions, HPP and home based business;

Legislation for action

• Legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10a._21-33_fletcher.pdf #tc0623 motion and second for Fletcher Foundation funding for recreation via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Downtown zoning and marketing capital account https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10b._21-34_dt_zoning_marketing_commerical.pdf #tc0623 motion and second; last time study like this was done in 2003; civic engagement targeted for Sep/Oct/Nov vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Appropriation transfers https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10c._21-35_fy21_aprop._transfers.pdf #tc0623 motion and second, only a $70+K transfer on a over $100M budget is a good thing, especially during the pandemic vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10d._21-36_pd_gift_100.pdf gift acceptance, motion and second, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Termination of veterans services Agreement, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10e._21-37_term._vets._agrmnt.pdf Dale Kurtz to retire in Sep 2021 motion and second, vote 7-0-2 (2 absent) kudos for Dale from all the Councilors and TA Jamie Hellen
  
• Acceptance of gift https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10f._21-26_historical_donation.pdf #tc0623 Motion and second, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  
• Zoning bylaw amendment referral to planning board, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/10g._21-875_dt_parking.pdf #tc0623 motion to refer to Planning Board, vote via roll call 7-0-2 (2 absent)
  

Town Administrator's Report

• TA report, will look at the red brick school house, was scheduled for historical tour for CPC #tc0623 job posting to replace Anne Marie Tracey was made, interviews hopefully in July. Looking to fill before Sep. Chrissy will be leaving and part of transition; Alysia ->
  
• Will replace Chrissy, backfilling for Chrissy, job posted In council comments, cool story on the 2nd performance of Bright Stars during the storm Sat night. #tc0623 Chair Mercer recognizes that the police and fire personnel come out in good numbers in recognition of some ->
  
• That the public may not always be aware of or see,

Executive Session

• Motion to move to executive session (to return) via roll call 7-0-2 #tc0623
• They're supposed to come back to open session but that's all for me tonight, catch you next time! #tc0623

Note: I did not wait for their return. Per conversation with Chair Mercer the morning after, one of the two items for the session were in fact brought to a vote, the other was held due to the 2 absent councilors (Dellorco, Kelly)

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days

 

The Winter St heroes, Franklin police and fire along with some Norfolk personnel

Library of Congress: Copyright Public Modernization Committee Announced

Library Announces Copyright Public Modernization Committee The Library of Congress announced today the membership of the new Copyright Public Modernization Committee (CPMC), which is being convened to enhance communication and provide a public forum for the technology-related aspects of the U.S. Copyright Office's modernization initiative.  The first CPMC meeting will be hosted by the Library on July 22, 2021. Click here for more information -> https://www.loc.gov/item/prn-21-034/library-of-congress-announces-copyright-public-modernization-committee/2021-06-22/

Town of Franklin, MA: Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 2

Community Preservation Committee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 2, 2021 = 5:00 PM

 

Agenda:

1.    Organize: Chair, Vice-Chair, and Clerk
2.    Next Steps & Committee responsibilities
3.    Committee meeting schedule

Recommended Committee Homework & Reading:
1.    Open Space & Recreation Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf
 

2.    Community Preservation Act Coalition

https://www.communitypreservation.org/
 

3.    Master Plan & Master Plan Update

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/2013plan.pdf

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/masterplan_update_materials.pdf
 

4.    Franklin Ridge Senior Housing Development

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/19-31_franklin_ridge_senior_housing.pdf

5.    South Franklin Congregational Meeting House Report

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/20-0930_sfmh_existing_conditions_report_issued_2.pdf
 

6.    Historical Museum website and Instagram

https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/       https://www.instagram.com/franklinhistoricalmuseum

7.    Affordable Housing Profile

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/housing_development_update_-_edc_meeting_-_20210112_1.pdf

8.    Most Current Housing Production Plan

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/ahs.pdf

 

Full agenda doc and connection info  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-3-2_cpc_agenda.pdf

Community Preservation Committee Meeting - March 2

FM #470 - Interview with State Rep Jeff Roy - 02/22/21 (audio)

FM #470 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 470 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin’s State Representative Jeffrey Roy. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about: 

• Indoor riding to prepare for his 19th PanMass Challenge
• Thursday night continues COVID-19 modified rehearsal with Ben Gardner’s Boat 
• Outlook for 2021
• Pandemic, vaccine, oversight of Gov Baker and pandemic process
• Committee assignment: Joint Committee on Telecommunication, Utilities, and Energy
• What bills did you Intro/or re-introduce for this session

Links to Jeff's personal web page as well as his Legislative pages are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 42 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jeff.  Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c7fea725-a210-4022-8eeb-1024c04e576a

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Rep Roy’s State Legislator profile page which lists the bills he filed for the 192nd Session  https://malegislature.gov/Legislators/Profile/JNR1 

Rep Roy’s personal page  https://jeffreyroy.com/ 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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"

Rep Roy on his tour of UMass Medical in Nov 2019 as part of his visits to all 29 MA Commonwealth public colleges

"The Senate now decides how to handle the House’s changes"

 

"HOUSE LAWMAKERS spent over an hour locked in a tense debate Wednesday afternoon on an unsuccessful transparency amendment to the Legislature’s 2021-2022 joint rules before ultimately adopting a rules package to govern interactions between the two branches that strips a few elements of the Senate’s proposed reforms.

The House approved a rules package on a 128-31 vote that would keep a notice requirement for committee hearings at 72 hours, rather than the one week proposed by the Senate; make public only the names of committee members who vote against favorably reporting a bill, instead of providing a complete accounting of how all members vote, as the Senate version would; and remove Senate language which would have mandated that committees share copies of public testimony when asked by members of the public.

Most of the debate Wednesday centered on an amendment  that would have made details of all committee votes public, mandated a one-week notice for committee hearings, and made public testimony on bills available to the public upon request. The House rejected the amendment on a 36-122 vote with nearly all Republicans and eight Democrats voting in favor."

Continue reading the article online

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/house-crushes-transparency-rules-amendment/ 

 

Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Appointments

Scheduled for the Town Council meeting, Weds Feb 17, 2021

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/february-17-town-council-agenda

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February 16, 2021

To:    Town Council
From: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator
Chrissy Whelton, Assistant to the Town Administrator

Re: Community Preservation Committee (CPC) Appointments

Standing Committee Appointments

The Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Housing Authority, Planning Board and Recreation Advisory voted unanimously to send forward the following members to be appointed by the Council to serve on the CPC. The five nominees to be ratified this evening are:

• Chris Feeley - Housing Authority
• Joseph Halligan - Planning Board
• Phyllis Malcolm - Historical Commission
• Wayne Samarrian - Recreation Advisory Board
• Jeff Livingstone - Conservation Commission

Note: these appointments will be automatically renewed in June for the upcoming fiscal year and the staggered terms will begin July 1, 2021. All appointments to expire June 30, 2022. The five standing committees are annual appointments.

At-Large Membership

The Town received thirty (30) applications for the four At Large members of the CPC. We interviewed twenty-eight out of the 30. Two applicants did not get back to us for scheduling. Interviews were held virtually on Monday February 1st and Tuesday February 2nd for approximately twenty minutes each. Nine of the 30 applicants currently serve on another board or committee in Franklin.

The Town Administrator nominates the following candidates for ratification by the Town Council for the four Citizens at Large seats on the CPC as follows:

1.    At-Large Seat #1 (2-year Term) - Michael Giardino.

Mr. Giardino is a lifelong resident and open space, recreation and athletics advocate for Franklin seeking to volunteer and give back to the community that gave so much to him.
 
He is no stranger to Franklin athletics, youth sports and recreation. As many in town know, he has been heavily involved with Franklin Youth Sports and years of running little league baseball and Franklin High School athletics. Michael has volunteered his time for years to St. Rocco’s Festival. As an avid outdoorsman, Michael wants to help preserve Franklin's open space, recreation and historical assets.

2.    At-Large Seat #2 (2-year term) - Lisa Oxford.

Ms. Oxford is a lifelong, third generation resident in Franklin with an interest in preserving open space and trail networks in town for outdoor recreation. Lisa has worked closely with the elderly community and understands the need for affordable housing for seniors and less fortunate or disabled populations. Lisa has strong collaboration skills and looks forward to assisting and adopting a vision for this committee on affordable housing and recreation, trails and open space.

3.    At-Large Seat #3 (1-year term) - David McNeill.

Mr. McNeill is a lifelong resident of Franklin currently working as the Legislative Director for the House Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture where he works on policy and legislation on the topic of the environment. As a child who attended swim lessons at Beaver Pond, he has a strong commitment to preserving the Town’s natural resources for future generations, as well as Franklin’s unique historical character. As a lifelong Franklin resident who cannot afford a house in Franklin, he hopes to bring a different perspective to the committee.

4.    At-Large Seat #4 (1-year term) - Monique Doyle.

Ms. Doyle is a longtime resident of Franklin with a strong interest in preserving open space, creating additional recreation spaces and expanding the community garden. Ms. Doyle worked with the CPA committee to educate the public on how the CPA would be an asset to Franklin. Throughout the process, we heard from several individuals who wished to have a member of the grassroots CPA Coalition to have a representative for the inaugural CPC committee.

Summary

After interviewing all of the candidates, we believe this group of nominees reflects a great diversity of interest to get the inaugural committee started. The committee nominees have representation and interest on all of the issues the CPC will be looking at: open space and trails, recreation and ballfields, historical preservation and affordable housing for all residents. All of the candidates expressed a sincere interest in preserving open space and were vested in being advocates for all of the uses and needs of CPC. All candidates expressed a commitment to share their expertise or interests, but also maintain an open mind on matters they may not be as familiar with.

We are happy to answer any questions you may have. 

The full doc with the voting pages for each of the candidates and their application info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/cpc_updated_memo.pdf