Franklin, MA: Agenda for Town Council meeting Nov 1, 2023 at 7 PM

FRANKLIN TOWN COUNCIL

Agenda & Meeting Packet

November 1, 2023 - 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 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask

the Town Administrator to review the matter.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. September 20, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3a._september_20_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

b. October 11, 2023  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/3b._october_11_2023_tc_meeting_minutes_-draft_for_review.pdf

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS - None Scheduled.

5. APPOINTMENTS

a. 2023 Election Workers

i. See Exhibit 1 of Appointment Transaction in agenda packet for list of names  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5a._appointments_-_election_workers.pdf

b. Conservation Commission

i. Roger Trahan  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/5b._con_com_appointment_roger_trahan.pdf

c. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighters/Paramedics

i. Kenneth Cotnoir

ii. Douglas Jasper

iii. Christopher Rose

iv. Ovidiu Ticlea

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

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS - None Scheduled.

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSION

a. Town Charter Presentation - Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator & Mark Cerel, Town Attorney  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/8a._charter_presentation.pdf

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION - None Scheduled.

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Migrant Housing Update

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Davis-Thayer Reuse Advisory Committee

f. Police Station Building Committee

g. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCIL COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled.

15. ADJOURN

Note: 

Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_agenda_-_nov_1_2023.pdf

ribbon cutting at Schmidt Farm to acknowledge the open space purchase with CPA funds

Franklin Residents: Join our iNaturalist Project!

Join our iNaturalist Project!

The Conservation Department has recently created a project in iNaturalist to help track species throughout our conservation areas and open spaces. We invite you to download the iNaturalist app on your mobile device, join our project called "Franklin, MA Conservation Areas and Open Spaces", and start documenting species! We are looking for any species that you observe - whether that be birds, mammals, amphibians, plants, native or invasive - you get the picture. You see it, we want to know about it. 

Visit www.inaturalist.org/projects/franklin-ma-conservation-areas-and-open-spaces to join the project. Visit www.inaturalist.org/pages/getting+started to learn how to navigate the iNaturalist app. Questions? Contact bgoodlander@franklinma.gov. 

Read more

Franklin Residents: Join our iNaturalist Project!

Upcoming Events - Saturday, October 14 = Archaeology at Franklin State Forest and DPW Touch A Truck

Now that the rain has subsided, it is time to get outside and enjoy some of our open spaces! 

• Archaeology at Franklin State Forest

For the history buffs out there, celebrate Archeology at the Franklin State Forest with DCR, Franklin Historical Commission, and Franklin Museum. Travel back in time to the 1930s and visit the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) historic campsite - right in the State Forest! Uncover the hidden truths of our land, meet a state archaeologist, and immerse yourself in nature.

Archaeology at Franklin State Forest

• DPW Touch a Truck

For those with children or those that just really like big engines, come to the DPW Touch a Truck event and sit in Conservation's newest equipment - the "Conservation Flotation", our 10-foot boat to help mitigate beaver dams, clear stormwater infrastructure, and other odd jobs. 

While you're there, come visit our Conservation table for some fun handouts, demonstrations, and trail maps.

Both events are scheduled for Saturday, October 14 from 10 AM - 2 PM. 

Can't choose which one to attend? Go to both! 

DPW Touch A Truck

Archeology -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/upcoming-events-saturday-october-14

DPW Touch a Truck -> https://www.franklinma.gov/public-works/events/438446

A Regional Collaboration - Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC)

A Regional Collaboration

Charles River Climate Compact Municipal Member Since 2019

Did you know that Franklin has been a member of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) since its creation in 2019? 

The CRCC is a regional collaborative effort to increase climate resilience for the people and natural ecosystems in the Charles River watershed by implementing climate adaption and mitigation solutions. 

We work monthly with our neighboring communities to achieve these goals. Participating communities include Arlington, Bellingham, Belmont, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Dedham, Dover, Holliston, Hopkinton, Lincoln, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Sherborn, Somerville, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wellesley, Weston, Westwood, and Wrentham. 

For more information on the work we do, visit https://www.crwa.org/climate-compact.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/regional-collaboration

Franklin has been a member of the Charles River Climate Compact (CRCC) since its creation in 2019

Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Apply to this project if you are a hiker, a birder, a biker, a forager, or want to contribute to a sustainable future for our world's forests.

Do you like to travel and explore outside of Franklin? Do you frequent western and southern Massachusetts? Help further the knowledge of tulip poplar in the state until December 31, 2023 through the Timber Tracking Project. 

WHAT: Collect leaves, twigs, and in some cases wood cores

WHEN: Now through December 31, 2023

WHERE: Public lands (forests, refuges, reserves, parks) throughout sampling range pictured above

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate. May require off-trail travel for short or moderate distances. Multiple sample types. May require accessing leaves in the high canopy; Training and tools are provided to do so.

You can collect by yourself or with as many partners as you'd like! You can apply with up to 3 partners and your team will receive one gear kit for the field sampling. There is no requirement that you organize a big group or cohort, but if you have friends that want to participate, you can each apply and sample together. 

To apply please visit the Timber volunteer page where you will be able to find the application and learn more about the project and mission. Once you apply, you will get access to the online training for how to identify and sample tulip poplars. 

Here are the volunteer qualifications:

• Must be 18 years of age or older (minors are welcome to join sampling outings but asked not to lead data collection)
• Able to use a smartphone to collect data
• Have the experience and ability to travel in the outdoors with at least one partner safely
• Previous field data collection experience is preferred, but not required
• Adventure Scientists will supply you with the tools and training necessary to collect samples from the forest. You are required to follow all environmental, safety, and permitting protocols.

Happy trails and safe sampling!

Shared from ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/conservation/news/adventure-scientists-help-protect-tulip-poplar-liriodendron-tulipifera

Adventure Scientists - Help Protect Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera)

Town Council approves Accessory Dwelling bylaws, hears from State legislative delegation (audio)

FM #1025 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1025 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town Council meeting held in Council Chambers on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. All 9 members of the Council were present in the Council Chambers.

Quick recap:

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino     iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

The recording runs about 2 hours and 50 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council meeting on July 19, 2023. 

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1025-town-council-mtg-07-19-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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"

L-R: Kaye Kelly, Senator Becca Rausch

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)

FM #1024 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1024 in the series. 

This shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer in our Town Council Quarterbacking session. This is one of the series of conversations meant to provide a recap of the prior night’s Town 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 July 19, 2023: 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

We cover the following key topics

APPOINTMENTS

a. Agricultural Commission i. Nick Capoccia

b. Cultural District Committee i. Sue Cass ii. Patrick Conlan

c. Design Review Commission i. Amy Adams ii. Jim Bartro

d. Finance Committee i. Lauren Nagel

e. Franklin Cultural Council i. Carol Fletcher ii. John Ristaino

iii. Jean Wolf

Legislative Delegation visit: Senator Rebecca Rausch, Representative Jeffrey Roy

Bylaw Amendment 23-900R: Chapter 170, Vehicles and Traffic, Article IV, Stopping, Standing and Parking, §170-15 Parking Prohibitions and Limitations , D. Parking Prohibited, Downtown Parking Map Amendment - Second Reading  

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

b.     Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-894: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 3 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to add Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Definition - Second Reading  

c. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-895R (As Further Revised): To Amend Chapter 185, Attachment 8, Use Regulations Schedule Part VII: Accessory Uses of the Franklin Town Code to Add Accessory Dwelling Residential Units - Second Reading

d. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 23-896: To Amend Chapter 185, Section 19 of the Code of the Town of Franklin to Add on Accessory Dwelling Unit Setbacks - Second Reading  

Resolution 23-45: Authorization for Intermunicipal Agreement with County of Norfolk for County of Norfolk to Provide Sealer of Weights and Measures Services to Town of Franklin  

Resolution 23-46: Acceptance of and Authorization for Town Administrator to Execute Conservation Restriction on Two Open Space Parcels at Brookview Condominium located off Pond Street 

Resolution 23-47: Gift Acceptance - Veterans’ Services Dept. ($600), Fire Dept. ($300)  

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

Our conversation runs about 42 minutes. Let’s listen to the Town Council Quarterbacking session recorded July 20, 2023.

Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1024-town-council-quarterbacking-07-20-23

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The agenda doc can also be found on the Town of Franklin page ->   

 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/july_19_2023_tc_agenda.pdf

My notes in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nt4hKCkbmVavbV-XCPyr9d1lJTpsF3pK/view?usp=drive_link

Franklin TV meeting video ->   https://youtu.be/O8_1FbZyKJI

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

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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session condenses the 7/19/23 Council meeting from 3 hours to 40 minutes (audio)