"Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity wants to build a cluster of up to 20 homes on a sliver of town-owned land off Route 41 in Housatonic.Continue reading the article at the Berkshire Eagle: https://t.co/LHiuyNR0YQ
The project would create the town’s first homes designated as affordable — nearly half of the units would be reserved for households making 80 percent or less of the area’s median income.
The town acquired the 7.5-acre parcel, known as the Alden property, last year for $175,000, and entrusted its development to the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The Habitat proposal was the only one submitted for the site.
The formal vetting of the plan got underway Friday, when the board heard details about the plan via Zoom. Habitat is proposing 14 to 20 homes at varying costs, to be built in phases, said Carolyn Valli, Habitat’s CEO. It would begin with seven homes, and more would be added gradually, in collaboration with Construct Inc. and the community."
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Wednesday, February 3, 2021
"The town, using Community Preservation Act money, bought the lot"
Friday, January 22, 2021
Reminder: Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates - application deadline, Sunday - Jan 24, 2021
If you are interested in serving please apply here:
http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/signed_cpc_bylaw_20-864.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cpc_vacancy...
Shared from the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/community-preservation-committee-seeks-large-candidates
Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates |
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates
Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates
If you are interested in serving please apply here:
http://franklinmaboards.vt-s.net/newcaf.php
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/signed_cpc_bylaw_20-864.pdf
https://www.franklinma.gov/community-preservation-committee
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/cpc_vacancy...
Shared from the Town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/community-preservation-committee-seeks-large-candidates
Community Preservation Committee seeks At-Large Candidates |
Monday, December 21, 2020
FM #418 Town Council Meeting - 12/16/20 (audio)
FM #418 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 418 in the series.
This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Dec 16, 2020.
The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the public was remote via Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. The recording runs about one hour and fifty minutes
Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting of Dec 16, 2020. Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HZZbRDPS
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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF)
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-dec-16.html
Spear phishing update folder
https://franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/spear-phishing
My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-recap-dec-16-2020.html
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
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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"
Sunday, December 20, 2020
Town Council meeting recap - Dec 16, 2020: bylaw for Community Preservation Committee approved
- 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
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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.
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 |
Friday, December 18, 2020
Town Council approves creation of Community Preservation Committee
Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said last night he expects to announce applications for the four at-large seats will be available in January. The 5 boards which have standing representatives will also begin work to consider which of each committee's current members wishes to serve on the initial CPC.
If you are considering applying for either an at-large seat or a board rep seat, please know that training will be available through the Town and our friends at the state coalition!
Two of the initial at-large seats will have one year terms, and two will have two year terms to stagger the terms.
Town Council approves creation of Community Preservation Committee |
Sunday, December 13, 2020
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Dec 16, 2020
- Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes
- Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting
Rudolph gets in the spirit of the season at Four Corners (East Central - King St - Chestnut St) |
Sunday, August 4, 2019
Are they calling your name? - 7 Committee and Board vacancies waiting to be filled
When I checked Saturday morning, there were 7 spots open:
- BOARD OF REGISTRARS (1 vacancies)
- CULTURAL DISTRICT COMMITTEE (1 vacancies)
- Design Review Commission (1 vacancies)
- Finance Committee (2 vacancies)
- Franklin Cultural Council (2 vacancies)
- Historical Commission (1 vacancies)
Committee - Board vacancies waiting to be filled -Are they calling your name? |
Sunday, June 23, 2019
Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 26, 2019
(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)
Agenda Item | Summary |
---|---|
Town Council Meeting Agenda |
Meeting of June 26, 2019
|
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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.
|
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS |
a. 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 |
a. May 22, 2019
b. May 23, 2019
|
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS |
a. Kevin Petriello- Finance Intern
b. Swearing in of Police Officer, Police Sergeant and New Firefighter
|
5. APPOINTMENTS |
a. Annual Board/Committee Appointments
b. Reappointment of Election Workers
|
6. HEARINGS |
None
|
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS |
None
|
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS |
a. Franklin July 4th Coalition
|
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS |
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
|
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION | |
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-41: Acceptance of Gift-Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-41 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-42: Appropriation Transfers FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-42 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-43: Appropriation FY19 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-43 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-44: Appropriation Public Safety Communications Infrastructure (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-44 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-45: Appropriation Wage Settlement Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-45 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-46: Appropriation Historical Museum Artifacts Preservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-46 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-47: Authority For Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute Tax Agreement with Owner Of Ground-Mounted Solar Facility Located Off Spring Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-47 - Majority Vote (5))
|
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
Resolution 19-48: Dissolution of the Franklin Community Garden Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-48 Majority Vote (5))
|
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION |
19-843: Bylaw Amendment- Chapter 25 Human Resource Management - 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-843 - Majority Vote (5))
|
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT | |
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS | |
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS | |
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION |
None Scheduled
|
15. ADJOURN |
The 4th of July schedule is shared at the Town Council meeting June 26, 2019 |
Monday, March 11, 2019
Roy appointed Chair of Joint Committee on Higher Education; Member of House Personnel and Administration Committee
“I am honored to lead the Committee and continue my work in the education arena where Massachusetts continues to lead,” said Roy. “I am grateful to Speaker DeLeo for this opportunity and look forward to working with my colleagues to address affordability, student success, workforce development, student loans, and other ways to increase opportunities for advancement for our students.”
The Joint Committee on Higher Education is assigned bills on a wide variety of issues relating to public and private higher education institutions in the state, including bills directed at strengthening the state’s economy and the well-being of all its residents by increasing affordable, high quality higher education opportunities for all those who want to pursue them.
The House Committee on Personnel and Administration oversees the operations of the House of Representatives, institutes proper procedures and protocols in the House and its offices, and facilitates training for House members and staff.
Additionally, to work with the House Business Office to develop, implement and make future changes in a plan providing for the allocation of office space for members and staffs of the various committees under the jurisdiction of the House. The Committee will establish a plan containing staffing levels for committees under the jurisdiction of the House together with a classification plan for employees.
Roy was first elected to represent Franklin and Medway in November 2012, and then reelected in 2014, 2016 and 2018.
Rep Roy with Town Councilor Melanie Hamblen on the recognition of the Agricultural Commission |
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Live Reporting: Presentations - Goals, OPEB
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS |
None
|
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS | |
8a. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS |
2018-2019 Goals Update
|
8b. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS |
OPEB Actuarial Presentation - Daniel Sherman
|
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS |
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
|
back to the goals section at 7:45 PM
the Town Council goals document.items in red are brief updates as to where they are
Jan 10, 2018 these were put together
what else should be added to this listing?
Are those items that remain still valid?
20-25M for renovation or expansion of the Police Station would require a debt exclusion sometime; still needs to get more formal work done, study funding in the capital budget request process coming up soon
DelCarte - capital subcommmittee met earlier, looking for 20K for invasive weed project; the invasive fish project is further out, would be additional cost
municipal aggregation goes to bid periodically, we need to get something of a penny or more to make the move, not getting the right bids to move yet
request for expressions of interest for Red Brick School
coming out soon, goal to get some interest by the end of March
looking for some substantial proposals for educational uses
NuStyle under P&S, owner working through the development process, Conservation, etc.
has a year to get the permits, etc. wants to remove the existing building and build a new showroom with parking spaces
Would it be worthwhile putting out an RFI for the Washington St meeting house (former museum); does have problems with zoning for re-use; might be good to do an RFI to see if something comes back
put it on a future agenda for a discussion, solicit the neighbors to weigh in
would it be far fetched to obtain the building next door, move the meeting house next door
to allow for the museum to use in a 'complex'
met this evening, more coming
c. Economic Development Subcommittee