FM #480 - Economic Development Subcommittee Mtg - 03/03/21 (audio)

FM #480 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 480 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Subcommittee meeting that was held on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The meeting recording runs about fifty nine minutes.  Audio file =   https://player.captivate.fm/episode/aada591e-6ed2-401b-90de-d949d30e7ab1

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Meeting agenda including bylaw revision for food trucks and draft "Business Guide" 
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-of-economic-development-meeting.html

Quick Recap:

• Modification to bylaw requirement for up to 25% of the space allowed for the tasting room proposed for removal. Few other communities require such. Approved to bring to Council. Would still require approval process loop through the Planning Board and back to Council before effective
• Discussion on draft of new Franklin Business Guide. Good suggestions made. If you have any, please send to Anne Marie Tracy
• Discussion on proposal to change restrictions on food trucks. Would allow for private parties on private property. For a public event on private property (i.e. a business like Pour Richard's) they could get a permit for it. The current zone for food trucks would remain in place at the Town Common. Plans for them during the summer (assuming COVID protocols allow) for Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common. Approved to bring to Council for further discussion

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbwWoeJjCLhCyHDY8

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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/ 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"

 

cover of the draft "Business Guide" 

Recap of Economic Development meeting - Mar 3, 2021 - modification to tasting room bylaw and food trucks approved

Quick Recap:

• Modification to bylaw requirement for up to 25% of the space allowed for the tasting room proposed for removal. Few other communities require such. Approved to bring to Council. Would still require approval process loop through the Planning Board and back to Council before effective
• Discussion on draft of new Franklin Business Guide. Good suggestions made. If you have any, please send to Anne Marie Tracy
• Discussion on proposal to change restrictions on food trucks. Would allow for private parties on private property. For a public event on private property (i.e. a business like Pour Richard's) they could get a permit for it. The current zone for food trucks would remain in place at the Town Common. Plans for them during the summer (assuming COVID protocols allow) for Farmers Market/Concerts on the Common. Approved to bring to Council for further discussion

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/PbwWoeJjCLhCyHDY8

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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  #edc0303 
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0303&src=typeahead_click 

• Economic development Committee meeting start at 5:45 PM #edc0303  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf   Proposal to modify tasting room bylaw, proposal for food trucks modification, and draft of business guide up for review
• Real time reporting underway for the Economic Development meeting #boh0303 link shared earlier Chair Hamblen covers the meeting protocol message, all votes will be via roll call
• First up, the tasting room proposal as modified, changes the current bylaw by removing the % requirement of space for tasting area. Prior meeting had covered details, this is in response to that discussion. #edc0303 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf
• #edc0303 Bissanti thinks it is great, anything to help business. Jones, ditto. Frongillo agree most don't have restrictions. Planning Board approved current operations under prior plan, this affects new entities. Existing businesses would have to request a change if they want
• #edc0303 some business also have waivers and would not help existing businesses as they already have an exception, under this they would not comply. Motion to move bylaw amendment proposal to Council for full discussion, second, passes 4-0 via roll call.
• Next up business guide in draft up for review.  #edc0303 up for review, do you find what you need? If not contact Anne Marie Tracy to provide the input - page 5 of the agenda doc  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf
• #edc0303 consider colors to differentiate chapters, ensure links are good, doesn't really say where the zoning map is, where is R1, R2, etc. Highlight specific areas, downtown, Clark Cutler, Crossing, etc. A vacant registry? Need a larger conversation on town wide branding
• #edc0303 each business owner would take their own journey to open; my suggestion to develop a flow chart to help with the navigation; maybe having a planning board member at the tech review meeting, also they apparently aren't notified of EDC meetings
• #edc0303 Chair heard also that they went thru the tech review easily and yet runs into difficulty with Planning Board. Tech review is for staff dept heads to provide input, they do line up folks with what was presented. Planning Brd advised not to participate to avoid conflict
• #edc0303 back to business guide: love the idea of a flow chart. Bissanti thinks you need Plng Brd. Moving on to food truck proposal, add a fee for temp food truck event, fact sheet in packet. Page 35 has table of fees with addition of a food truck fee. Mostly internal approval
• No permit needed if private and public not invited, fee yes #edc0303 same for one day license, i.e. Pour Richards for a tasting with a food truck, fee required. Food truck friendly zone around Town Common remains as is. I.e. for events and summer concerts.
• A nonprofit like ArtWeek, etc. could arrange for the Common for their event and get food trucks. There is also a requirement to avoid conflicts with same foods, 500' buffer. Ex. a taco truck couldn't be in the parking lot across from Sante Fe Grille. #edc0303
• Bissanti food trucks have a place in Franklin. #edc0303 Jones fine with this. Frongillo what is the permit process? Hellen hadn't been aware of food trucks operating based here. There are mobile vendor codes to abide by, health safety, Chrissy works on this with the staff
• #edc0303 once familiar with business, they tend to be more of a 'rinse/repeat' and go quickly. Food service permit req'd from BoH for private events. A concern with parking where the food truck would appear in case enforcement is required. We want these to work.
• #edc0303 motion to move to Town Council, second, passes via roll call 4-0 
• Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call 
• Catch you in a few for Town Council!

modification to tasting room bylaw and food trucks approved

 

Franklin Food Pantry: unloading the Greater Boston Food Bank food truck

#ICYMI Our latest #FAQFriday.  Learn how we unload the Food Truck from the Greater Boston Food Bank at The Franklin Food Pantry 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/FranklinFoodPan/status/1366381311271837703

YouTube video link =  https://youtu.be/evH5F5RV81Y

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Mar 3, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

March 3, 2021 - 5:45 PM 

Agenda:
1. Tasting Room bylaw proposal
2. Franklin Business Guide (Draft Attached)
3. Food Trucks materials update

Agenda doc and meeting materials, including connection info for this virtual meeting

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_3-3-2021.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Mar 3, 2021

FM #452 Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 02/03/21 (audio)

FM #452 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 452 in the series.

This shares the Economic Development Committee meeting that was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid mode; some of the key participants were in the Council Chambers, the Chair Melanie Hamblen led the meeting remotely along with many others via Zoom conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Links to the meeting agenda and my notes are in the show notes. The recording runs about an hour and eight minutes (~68 mins)  Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HsJsQlRS


 

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Meeting agenda including bylaw revision for food trucks  
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_revised_2-3-2021.pdf

My notes captured via Twitter and shared here in summary form
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/02/economic-development-subcommittee_5.html

Quick Recap:

• Very enlightening listening session this time. Good info gleaned from participants all around. Food trucks are not inanimate objects, they have people and families to support behind them
• Where did the 25% requirement for tasting space come from; the manufacturing bylaw allows 25% for a manufacturer to have that amount of space for a retail operation
• Tasting rooms as designed in the bylaw are shifting to be more than that per some of the participants; what should they have, how should they be operated, how can the service be 'safe'....
• Food requirement for tasting makes sense but then brings complications, patio space outside counted against space requirements, which then drive capacity and parking; need to be careful of making changes without considering other effects especially unintended ones
• the food truck experience is not the same as a table service, should not be considered competitive, they are distinctly different
• No pun intended but there is plenty of food for thought here, more to come as the info is reviewed and solution or options designed for next discussion (TBD)

 
Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nZAY5RwEoNGH37wt8

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

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"

 

FM #452 Economic Development SubComm Mtg - 02/03/21 (audio)

Economic Development Subcommittee - meeting recap - 02/03/2021

Quick Recap:

• Very enlightening listening session this time. Good info gleaned from participants all around. Food trucks are not inanimate objects, they have people and families to support behind them
• Where did the 25% requirement for tasting space come from; the manufacturing bylaw allows 25% for a manufacturer to have that amount of space for a retail operation
• Tasting rooms as designed in the bylaw are shifting to be more than that per some of the participants; what should they have, how should they be operated, how can the service be 'safe'....
• Food requirement for tasting makes sense but then brings complications, patio space outside counted against space requirements, which then drive capacity and parking; need to be careful of making changes without considering other effects especially unintended ones
• the food truck experience is not the same as a table service, should not be considered competitive, they are distinctly different
• No pun intended but there is plenty of food for thought here, more to come as the info is reviewed and solution or options designed for next discussion (TBD)
  

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nZAY5RwEoNGH37wt8

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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  #edc0203

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23edc0203&src=typeahead_click

• Real time reporting underway for the Economic Development subcommittee meeting #edc0203 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_revised_2-3-2021.pdf
• Chair Hamblen takes role call of members as she is remote (Bissanti, Jones, and Frongillo in Chambers) #edc0203 discussion to begin on bylaw of section 19 license. Agenda doc includes some historical reference points https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_revised_2-3-2021.pdf
• TA Hellen provides some of the history/background on the development of the proposal. #edc0203 recall beer garden at ArtWeek event in 2019, wanted to do more, COVID most recently has presented challenges
• Three businesses open and others in queue to do so. Use this as a listening session, open to business comment. Bob Vozella, La Cantina Winery, thanks for enabling the business, expanding the option for food trucks outside of the Town Common area would be beneficial #edc0203
• Do provide small plates and would like to provide more for the customers, do have menus and service in from the neighborhood restaurants. #edc0203 food trucks would provide another option.
• Yes it was said: "There is an appetite for food trucks to coexist with small businesses in Franklin". #edc0203 how much of difference does it make between a permanent restaurant or a temporary food truck as competition for town business?
• Food truck owner comments that she has worked for 10 years between Worcester and Boston and it is sad that she can't work in her home (Franklin) #edc0203 it doesn't just help Olivier sell their beer, it helps beyond that. Compliments the drink establishments.
• Food trucks are not inanimate objects, they also represent the business and the family behind it. The Bubbleman pivoted to do a hotdog truck in addition to bubbles, and can't work here. Board of Health won't allow this as a 'zoning issue' #edc0203 even in a private party
• Issue with bylaw as written forces larger facilities to generate enough money, corridor counts as part of the taproom. Could exclude it with a door, really. Consider patio or outdoor space as separate? #edc0203 burden placed on business re: rent and SQ footage larger than could
• Patrick D "The regs are driving residents to eat out at Patriot Place instead of downtown Franklin" Bissanti - "We don't want to hurt the existing businesses with food trucks" #edc0203
• T Padula reminds that the tasting rooms are expanding beyond what they were supposed to be, they should taste and leave; they are staying longer and competing with restaurants. #edc0203 Patrick D, Glen Pharma 25% on tasting room, not sure how derived, arbitrary #
• Burden on space, parking, safety, all make sense, but where the 25% comes from doesn't make sense. Owner has responsibly to manage the crowd. #edc0203 did look at food truck angle and ended up with a restaurant; food trucks are here to stay, folks want them
• "A food truck is not table experience, it is different." Olivier - 67 Degrees, grateful for bylaw to allow us to operate. 25% requirements hinders us operationally. Talked with Canton (Trillium, etc) parking/bathrooms required, but not limitation on tasting room size #edc0203
• #edc0203 25% clashes with other zoning requirements, needed to get 2 special permits to expand within 6 months of operation and do the same thing. A food truck at 67 should not affect other restaurants, especially in COVID times, would help now and long term
• Halligan, #edc0203 25% was designed for sample and short term visit to leave with product, it is growing into more than tasting, functions, entertainment, families, dogs, etc. Proposing larger footage if kitchen present, increases parking, drainage, etc. raises other issues
• Not an easy solution, where to go next. Need to close out discussion tonight and continue next time. #edc0203 "folks already eat out elsewhere, so improving options here will help not hurt" - Frongillo Manufacturing is only allowed 25% for retail, hence the derivation
• More to come, stay tuned, work to be done. Motion to adjourn, seconded, passes via roll call 4-0 #edc0203 

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - meeting recap - 02/03/2021

 

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting

Agenda & Meeting Packet

February 3, 2021 - 5:45 PM

Agenda:

1. Section 19 Farmer Series License - Bylaw and Food Truck review for Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries

Agenda doc contains the connection info

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/edc_agenda_revised_2-3-2021.pdf

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting - Feb 3, 2021

Town Council Meeting Recap - Oct 21, 2020

Quick Recap:

• Update by Town Clerk on election processing and four confirmed candidates for Town Council special election on Dec 5
• Update by Police Chief TJ Lynch on identity theft and unemployment claims. Cybercriminals are active especially in this time of uncertainty, please take precautions. If you have been affected please notify the police
• Drought status worsens, we are over 10 inches of rainfall behind normal. THe recent rain events help but are not sufficient to make up the gap that remains
• Committee appointments approved
• Fire Department swore in three new firefighter paramedics (replacing retirements) and Police did two new officers (also replacing retirements) recognizing one of the retirees in the session
• The project analysis on the Beaver St interceptor was presented. This will be the largest public works project outside of a school the town has faced Estimates for three scenarios range from $9 to $25M. Much more to come as this proposal develops, the work does need to be done and done well sooner rather than later.
• Proposal for food trucks and other 3rd parties as an option for the farm license (67 Degrees, La Cantina, etc.) tabled after extensive discussion.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in the album  https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZQpcAz2ZNSgTUC2XA

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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  #tc1021
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc1021&src=typed_query

• Getting ready for the Town Council meeting at 7 PM; agenda and connection info in agenda doc here https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-21-town-council-agenda #tc1021
• Multiple options to watch/listen to meeting; Comcast channel 11 or Verizon channel 29, also live streamed from town of Franklin page https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/live-meetings-stream as well as the Zoom info in doc linked earlier #tc1021 oh, and you can call in via phone as well!
• Real time reporting underway for the Town Council meeting, #tc1021
• Town clerk Nancy Danello updates to #tc1021 2600 early voters this far, another 7500 mail ballots received (12,000 sent out). Mail ballot processing in advance of Nov 3 scheduled and being done per schedule
• Four candidates for special Town Council election on Dec 5 names to be provided later #tc1021 Chief Lunch provides update on unemployment claim filing being investigated and followed by FBI and other resources
• 58,000 fraudulent claims filed as of July and caught at MA unemployment. Victims of identity theft find out after the fact, a second waive targeting Municipal employees Worcester has over 500 #tc1021 238 fraud related claims since march for Franklin alone.
• Watch for unauthorized transactions, watch for pages mimicking official pages esp when asked to provide personal info. Don't give, if they were legit, they already had it #tc1021 call and claim with Franklin police in addition to the credit bureaus, etc.
• DPW Cantoreggi introduce Doug Martin as water supervisor and drought update, down over 11 inches year to date even though we had some rain events. Using less now, a half million gallons more/day (folks are home, not going to work) #tc1021
• #tc1021 additional slides on drought, one slide shows a Worcester reservoir down 80%, the other shows DPW Director Cantoreggi
• Motion to approve minutes, second, passes 8-0 (pending confirmation of those present in room) #tc1021 Appointment to registrar, seconded passes 8-0.https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/gail_karner_1.pdf
• Appointment to Finance Committee https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/fincom_natalie_riley.pdf #tc1021 motion to approve, seconded, passes 8-0
• Catching up with 3 sworn in for fire department. 2 for police dept, and recognition for one retirement for Police. #tc1021 a batch of photos will be added to the website with the meeting notes.
• Fire Department Pinnings: Joshua Impey, Joshua Sables, Kristopher Smith #tc1021 Police Department: i. Pinnings - Jonathan Giron, Nicholas Storelli ii. Retiree - Doug Nix
• Moving to presentation/discussion section on emergency management for power outages #tc1021 Chief McLaughlin back up to provide overview and details on planning and execution during and event work on trees can't be done in wind over 30 mph for safety
• During camera scan of chambers during the pinning ceremony (albeit socially distanced) was able to see all 8 councilors present (1 open spot to be filled with special election Dec 5) #tc1021
• Town budget for trees is for maintenance of town owned property, trees in or interfering with a power line need to be done by nationalGrid. They have a plan and are working the circuits on a cycle to cut them back. #tc1021 northside of town is worse than rest, why?
• Moving to the Beaver St interceptor #tc1021 collects about 70% of the sewerage in town and is over 106 years old. A huge asset but also a liability https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/8b._presentation_-_beaver_street_interceptor_.pdf
• It is not known if there is a worse location; a brook on one side, train track on other side, and then the plaza and i495 - has at least been cleaned, manholes rehabbed #tc1021 I&I infiltration and intrusion plan been executed for many years, approx 3M gals/day
• Has reduced the flow where possible, batching flow via a holding tank to avoid peaks, water conservation is good for this, low flow toilet helps sewer flow, #tc1021 as much as we have done, still need to do more and it will cost money
• Hydraulic model show here Cottage St is high end and it flows down along the tracks and then to 140 Franklin Village #tc1021
• Three alternatives not just costed but also benefit analysis added across 8 factors. Alt 3 while expensive is better long term. #tc1021
• Project sized for flows of 2070 so it does have growth built into this. Timing to move to actually save money is to go now, avoids failures sooner finances cheaper now that could be #tc1021 rather than digging 140, they'd do the hole like they used for East Central
• #tc1021 alternative 1 and 2 keeps pipe in and along Mine Brook, if you get a failure on 1 or 2 you'd still need to do alt 3 Q on overflow along Cottage by Franklin Paint did see that in 2010. Alt 2 is effectively the baseline analysis.
• Bissanti doesn't understand how to spend money to go first class with money we don't have. #tc1021 Jamie - financial model and impact to rate payers is not in this presentation, we do need to examine it. It is a question to be answered but we haven't yet
• A 25 year bonded project but it could be paid off earlier. The Charles River assessment has been less because we did work to reduce the outflow to them. That can be a factor. #tc1021
• Subcommittee reports, budget not meeting in Oct. EDC had another listening session on Monday, long lots of feedback, next one in November (Nov 16) #tc1021
• Moving to action items: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-61_food_truck.pdf Authorization for farm series license temporary for on premise food service provided by others. #tc1021. Similar to outdoor dining, expands food truck dining to 67 Degrees, La Cantina and Glen Pharma
• SafeServe certificate could also be an alternative for catering here and other businesses, employee of site would need to be SafeServe certified. #tc1021 when state of emergency goes away, this does too. Glen Pharma has a restaurant may not need to use it
• Board of health would be involved, $100 food vendor permit for a year. #tc1021 questions on how it work. Would also need to look at cater and regulations to see what can be done, folks have left here because the opportunity was elsewhere
• Ice cream truck operations get CORI'd but food truck doesn't per state Legislation. Debate about food trucks vs regular restaurants is hard to quantify, it is a discussion point. What does the Town want to do? #tc1021 let's review other Communities with food truck bylaws
• Would 3 or the Rome be interested in doing it via a food truck? #tc1021 Moonlight Chef owner speaks on business during COVID-19, why are we going to allow food trucks all if sudden, not a good move, reconsider please
• This allows contracting for 3rd party whether restaurants or food trucks. Still issue with SafeServe and who has it. Motion to table res 20-61, seconded, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10b-legislation-action-39 motion to approve, second, passes 8-0
• https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda-items/10c-legislation-action-33 motion to refer to planning board, second, passes 8-0
• franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/20-862_longhill_and_pleasant.pdf Motion to move to planning board, second, passes 8-0
• Town administrator report. Gov baker emergency order for outdoor dining extended. 33 active cases of COVID, largest increase since June. Firefighter memorial this Sunday at station #tc1021
• The Town does not regulate Halloween. Schools are moving ahead with plan. #tc1021 white dots are on grass for demarcation. "Some of the worse advice I ever got was from legal counsel" need answers on the $522K, there could have been another way to do the grass
• #tc1021 "this too will pass" thanks to both chiefs for bringing the pinning forward tonight, it has been awhile and good to do. We have to listen to our legal experts, we will bring something forward. Add the additional handicap spots right in the roadway
• #tc1021 looking like we're going for a high turnout voting. Motion to adjourn, passed 8-0 So that does it for me tonight catch you next time 

 

Town Clerk Nancy Danello provides an update to the Council meeting

Attention Potential Volunteers: New volunteer position at the Franklin Food Pantry

The Franklin Food Pantry is looking for a Truck Assistant. It's a volunteer position and the job description is below.

• Assist the Operations Manager with morning pickups at our local Retail Partners. This entails evaluating the product donation in terms of quality and quantity, accepting and loading boxes (anywhere from 5 to 25) of up to 50 lbs each onto the pantry truck. Unload of the donation back at the pantry and help to sort and put away product into various areas.
• Time: Tuesdays from 7:30 – 10:30 am. We are also looking for someone who can serve as a dedicated sub (trained and able to fill in as needed)
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work quickly and efficiently. Heavy repeated lifting of food donations. Transport of donations up and down stairs. 

To apply please fill out our volunteer application form.
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/give-help/volunteer/sign-up-form/ 

For more information, visit the Franklin Food Pantry online
https://www.franklinfoodpantry.org/

Attention Potential Volunteers: New volunteer position at the Franklin Food Pantry

Taste of ArtWeek Festival Announces Food Truck Line Up

Taste of ArtWeek, a kick-off celebration to Franklin ArtWeek, announced today that it will feature nine food trucks from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. 

Five savory trucks will include iGottaQ BBQ, Away Café offering Thai and American favorites, Moe's Street Eats featuring Italian cuisine, The Dogfather's gourmet hot dogs, and The Cod Squad's award-winning seafood from Captain Marden's. 

Four sweet trucks include The Whoo(pie) Wagon's multiple flavors of whoopie pies, Sarcastic Sweets offering cupcakes, brownies, cake pops and cookies, Shishkaberry's famous chocolate-dipped strawberries and frozen cheesecake, and Like No Udder's vegan ice cream. 

Taste of ArtWeek is intended to give attendees a "taste" of what ArtWeek is all about. Food truck tickets are $20 for four items for adults and $10 for two items for kids. Tickets can be purchased at www.randomsmile.org/festival.

Taste of ArtWeek is on Saturday, April 27 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, and will also include free live performances, a craft fair, and a demo and hands-on tent on the Franklin Town Common, as well as a beer and wine garden and a fine art exhibition across the street at Hayward Manor.

Taste of ArtWeek is being organized by the Franklin Cultural Council, in partnership with Random Smile Project charity. Proceeds from the event will benefit both organizations.

The Cod Squad's award-winning seafood from Captain Marden's -
one of several food trucks to participate in Taste of ArtWeek