Talking about the Master Plan Committee with Glenn Jones - 02/06/23 (audio)

FM #941 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 941 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town Councilor Glenn Jones. We met in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio to talk about the opportunity to help develop the “Master Plan” for Franklin. 

The Committee was recently established by the Town Council (01/04/23 meeting). Glenn has just been appointed as Chair. Councilor Cobi Frongillo will be Vice-Chair and Councilor Melanie Hamblen will be Clerk of the committee.

Applications for the 6 resident members of the committee are open and due by March 3, 2023.

The audio recording runs about 38 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Glenn on the Master Plan and all that it will involve. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-941-master-plan-opportunity-with-glenn-jones-02-06-23

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Applications for the Master Plan committee and other volunteer opportunities as discussed https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities

Master Plan charter (Town Council resolution creating committee) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/9h._23-07_master_plan_update_comm.pdf 

Master Plan from 2013 (full 200+ pages) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/master-pan-2013 

Master Plan from 2013 (abridged version) -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/goals-policies-and-implementation-plan 

Master Plan update as of 2020 ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/planning-community-development/files/2020-master-plan-update 

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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"

The current Master Plan was completed in 2013 and due for an update

Finance Committee hears from the Town permitting departments and reviews the stormwater credit manual (audio)

FM #939 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 939 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Finance Committee meeting held on Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023. 

Five members of the Finance Committee participated (4 absent); present in the Council Chambers were M Hamilton, N Corbosiero, Chair G Conley, N Riley, T Hansen. 

The Finance Committee continued their 'deep dive' series to hear about the permit organizations within the Town of Franklin and their first view of the stormwater credit manual currently in draft. 

These departments account for the "local receipts" portion of the Town revenue stream. The departments in order of presentation were Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development (including Conservation) and Health.

Interesting to note that while MA general law does not require us to have a police or fire department, it does mandate these other departments.

The meeting recording runs 1 hour and 56 minutes, so let’s listen to the Finance Committee meeting Feb 8, 2023. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-939-franklin-ma-finance-cmte-mtg-02-08-23

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Meeting agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/fin_com_agenda_-_feb_8_2023.pdf 

Draft stormwater credit manual -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/draft_stormwater_utility_credit_manual_rev_3_10.24.22_watermark.pdf 

Franklin TV Video link ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/cWmkflTkiMs?feature=share 

My notes in one PDF (including screen grabs of the presentations)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-PEcRqSbqUS-9YEEv4tAgGBb32ksUOo/view?usp=share_link 

Link to Finance Committee => https://www.franklinma.gov/finance-committee 

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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!

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

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

multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water

Franklin TV video of Finance Committee meeting 2/08/23 is available for replay (video)

The Finance Committee met on Wednesday February 8, 2023 and continued their 'deep dive' series to hear about the permit organizations within the Town of Franklin and their first view of the storm water credit manual currently in draft. 

These departments account for the "local receipts" portion of the Town revenue stream. The departments in order of presentation were Building & Inspections, Community Planning and Development (including Conservation) and Health.

Interesting to note that while MA general law does not require us to have a police or fire department, it does mandate these other departments.

Meeting agenda ->

Franklin TV Video link ->  

https://www.youtube.com/live/cWmkflTkiMs?feature=share

My notes in one PDF (including screen grabs of the presentations)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a-PEcRqSbqUS-9YEEv4tAgGBb32ksUOo/view?usp=share_link

My recap and the meeting audio will be available in a couple of days.

multiple views of Derek Adams and Kate Sjoberg talking about storm water

Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!

Town Volunteer Opportunities

Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee, Master Plan, Police Station and more!

Have you ever desired to volunteer for a town board or committee to enhance the great quality of life in Franklin? Below is a list of open vacancies on town boards and committees, including three new committees that have recently been established on major community-defining projects in town.  

Board/ Committee	# of Vacancies
Davis-Thayer Building Reuse Advisory Committee (NEW) The Davis-Thayer Citizens committee will explore options for reuse of the former school.	5
Master Plan Update Committee (NEW)  Applicants should expect a 12-18 month process to develop a ten-year vision for the community, including town facilities, arts and cultural development, housing, infrastructure, open space and economic development and much more.  Read the current town-wide Master Plan.	6
Police Station Building Committee (NEW) Applicants must have a background in engineering or in construction management.  The committee will evaluate and plan a Police Station.	2
Cultural District Committee The Committee promotes arts and cultural development in the district as part of the Town's  certification with the Commonwealth.	3
Design Review Commission (DRC) The DRC recommends sign design and style to the Planning Board.	1 (Associate)
Franklin Cultural Council The Cultural Council awards grants to local arts organizations every year and assists in sponsoring major events like the Cultural Festival And Annual Arts Symposium.	2

To apply, submit a Volunteer Application Form.  Deadline to apply is March 3, 2023. 

Paper copy forms and prospective applicants may also visit in person or call the Town Administrator's Office at 508-520-4949 and speak with Executive Assistant, Julie McCann. The staff are willing to assist anyone submitting an application by not using the online application portal. 

Shared from the Town of Franklin page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/town-volunteer-opportunities

Town of Franklin has a number of Volunteer Opportunities - one of these could be a good fit for you!

Annual Report Of The Design Review Commission - FY 2021

Note: FY 2021 is last year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The report was prepared to cover the business for the FY 2021 period. This year’s report FY 2022 (July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022) is in preparation now and is normally available for distribution at the polls for the November election.

The Design Review Commission (DRC) was established in 1998 when the Town Council adopted a new Zoning Bylaw that established a sitting Design Review Commission. The 1997 Master Plan recommended that Franklin should adopt design standards to re-establish a sense of traditional New England villages. The design standards would assist in shaping the community as a whole, as well as establish a commercial appeal of individual establishments and businesses.

The Commission is responsible to interpret the design guidelines to establish a sense of character in commercial and industrial areas and in sign installations so as to enhance the appearance of the Town while ensuring compliance with Town codes and bylaws. The DRC has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals on Site Plans for landscaping and lighting, and Building Plans for exterior design, colors and materials.

The DRC is composed of 5 regular members and 2 alternate members. All members are residents and volunteers who are appointed by the Town Administrator and ratified by the Town Council. The Commission is currently composed of James Bartro, Chairman; Samuel Williams, Vice Chair; Mark Fitzgerald, Venkata KP Sompally, Gerald Wood, and Chris Baryluk, Associate.

During FY 2021, the commission processed a total of 45 DRC Applications. There were 39 Sign approval applications and 6 Site Plan approval applications. Reviews included projects such as the condominiums in the greater downtown area and the new commercial re- development of sites formerly used for manufacturing.

Due to concerns regarding the COVID-19 virus over the past year, Design Review meetings are being conducted remotely via the Zoom platform. In an effort to ensure citizen engagement and comply with open meeting law regulations, citizens are able to dial into the meeting using the provided phone number (Cell phone or landline required) or participate by a link embedded in the Agenda for Meetings.

Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month, with the exception of December when it normally holds one meeting. Meeting times, dates and agendas are posted on the DRC page: https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission.

Respectfully submitted, 

James Bartro, Chairman

The full Annual Report for 2021 can be found

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/2021_annual_report.pdf

The collection of Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/town-franklin-annual-reports

Annual Report Of The Town of Franklin - FY 2021

Reminder: Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

 

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

FM #610 - Complete Streets Public Discussion - 09/22/21 (audio)

FM #610 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 610 in the series. 

This shares the Complete Streets Public Discussion meeting that was held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. 

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

Yes, I do participate in this session to ask about the documentation shared to those in the room and not yet available for those remote. I also raise a few points on safe walking issues around town.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about twenty-six minutes (~:26) .  Let’s listen to the Complete Streets Public Discussion for Sep 22

** Audio file =>  https://player.captivate.fm/episode/673635f4-cffc-4396-8017-b4f2e5498161

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Town of Franklin Complete Streets page ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/engineering/pages/complete-streets

Meeting agenda  (including connection info) ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/2021-09-22_complete_streets_public_meeting_1.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/09/franklins-complete-streets-feedback.html 

Presentation doc from February 2021 ->     https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XSOruj9Z6L9rJD5E6dhQsdKq0s3ITIv0/view?usp=sharing

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

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"

 

What's with Complete Streets?

Recap: Economic Development Subcommittee discusses wayfinding signs and branding

Quick Recap:

• Wayfinding signs an open recommendation to be worked on, also involves discussion on 'branding' before getting into what signs where
• Needs to be a collaborative effort across multiple stakeholders in the community, will likely be a multiyear effort and cost a few dollars.
• Update on initial scope possible for Oct 20 meeting  

 
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As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting although this time, reporting live from the Council Chambers.
 
The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #edc0915 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0915&src=typeahead_click
 
Agenda doc (including connection info) ->   
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/_2021-09-15_edc_agenda_.pdf
 
 

• Live reporting for the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting about to begin Agenda: 1. Wayfinding signs discussion #edc0915 full agenda doc -> https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/
  
• Chair Hamblen opens meeting, Frongillo and Jones present, Bissanti not; #edc0915
  
• why wayfinding signs? it was part of the report delivered to the town as a recommendation (link to be added later) #edc0915 a subgroup had started looking at this, Lily now here will pick this up
  
• what are the elements of the wayfinding program, not just signs and colorcoding; what do you point to? Where will people want to go? Coordinate with the Cultural District (for example) #edc0915
  
• Example of North Adams and their branding #edc0915 (screen grab)
  
• it will take time and discussions (multiple of them) to build consensus on what to highlight and how to do so; aside from the actual branding of the sign/community itself. #edc0915
  
• who are we? do we use the 'standard' Ben images, which already have quite a few varieties #edc0915 ToF had prepared a grant some years ago for a wayfinding project.
  
• I got up to add: 2028 is a key year for Franklin (250th anniversary); could the listing be shared so others can view and prepared for this discussion? #edc0915
  
• can get an update for the Oct 20th meeting; meeting adjourns #edc0915
  

 

Audio recording of meeting to be available in couple of days
 

screengrab of an example from North Adams and what they did

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

The purpose of the Design Review Commission (DRC) is to promote safe, functional, and attractive development of business and commercial areas to unify commercial properties, both visually and physically, with surrounding land uses and to protect and preserve the unique and cultural features within the Town. The Commission uses the Town codes and bylaws to ensure new developments and sign installations enhance the New England character of the Town’s commercial centers and thoroughfares. The DRC has approval authority on signage and recommendation input to the Planning Board on Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and Building Plans as to exterior design, colors, and materials.

The DRC is comprised of 5 regular members and 2 associate members. Currently there are vacancies on the Commission: one full time regular member and two associate members. All members are resident volunteers who are appointed by the Town Council. Current Commission members are Mark Fitzgerald, Chair, Chris Baryluk, Vice Chair, Samuel Williams, and James Bartro.

During FY20 the DRC reviewed and addressed several Site Plans as to landscaping and lighting and exterior Building Plans as to elevations, design, colors, and materials. Reviews included projects such as the apartments at Dean Avenue Downtown. In addition, sign applications were received, hearings held, and decisions issued for over 50 signs during the past fiscal year.

Due to concerns regarding the Covid-19 virus, Design Review Commission Meetings are held remotely via Zoom. Anyone wishing to attend a meeting may do so by clicking on the Zoom link or by calling the phone number provided.

Meetings are held at 7:00 pm on two Tuesdays a month. Meeting times, dates, and agendas are posted on the Town’s website:  https://www.franklinma.gov/design-review-commission

Respectfully submitted, 

Mark Fitzgerald, Chair 

The full Annual Report for 2020 can be found online
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/files/town-franklin-annual-report-2020

Prior Annual Reports can be found online

https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk/pages/annual-reports

Franklin Annual Report - 2020: Design Review Commission

First Pop Shop Franklin site opens with Greco Design Company

"Our very first Pop Shop Franklin location is opening on Friday, June 11th!  We welcome Greco Design Company to our Downtown!  This new shop features unique home decor, gifts, custom signage, original artwork, clothing, accessories, and more! 

Join us for a GRAND OPENING celebration at 2A Main Street!  Greco Design Company will be open this weekend on Friday and Saturday from 12-6pm and Sunday from 1-5pm.  Stop by to check out this exciting new business in town!  

Thank you to the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development for making this possible!"

 #popshopfranklin #economicdevelopment #downtownrevitalization #franklinma #downtown #SupportSmallBusiness

https://www.facebook.com/OfficialTownofFranklin/posts/528890128478094

Greco Design Company

Pop Shop Franklin