Franklin Farmers Market opens Friday, June 3

The Franklin Farmers Market opens June 3, and is scheduled to operate every Friday through October (except for the July 4th weekend). Hours are scheduled for 2 to 6 PM. 

The Farmers Market brings community together to buy local and support small businesses. The Library will have activities for children. Coordination with the Recreation department will bring "Concerts on the Common", movie nights, and visits from food trucks.

When and where is all this goodness happening? Fridays on the Town Common!

• For more information on the vendor schedule please visit ->   https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/vendors
• The event schedule can be found ->    https://www.franklinfarmersmarketma.com/events
• Follow the Farmers Market Instagram account for updates ->   https://www.instagram.com/franklinfarmersmarketma/

Franklin Farmers Market opens Friday, June 3

Celebrate with PRIDE - June 26, 2022

Join the Franklin LGBTQ+ Alliance for an afternoon of celebrating.

LGBTQ+ and allies will be at the Franklin Town Commons 

performing, creating, dancing, singing, eating, and drinking. 

Come to the community party!

#FranklinCANCelebrateWithPRIDE - June 26, 2022

Donate here: https://givebutter.com/celebratewithpride

Performances: Krisanthi Pappas and an open mic (with day of sign up)

Activities: Community Art, Selfie Station, Crafts, Art Show, Ask a Sociologist

Food Trucks: Caribbean Press, Juniper Farms Ice Cream, Yai’s Kitchen

Venders: Escape into Fiction LGBTQIA+ Book Sale, Chrissy’s Beads, BFCCPS Rainbow Ribbons, Love People Gifts

Thank you to our community partners: Franklin High School’s SAGA, OUT MetroWest, MetroWest Visitors Bureau, Franklin Interfaith Council, Franklin Public Library, and Franklin Senior Center

Please check back and follow for updates and parking information.

If you are interested in volunteering or submitting art, please email FranklinLGBTQAlliance@gmail.com. 

When: Sunday, June 26, 12 - 4 PM

Follow the event on Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1186629228740240

Franklin Cultural District Committee Meeting - Agenda - May 5 - 7 PM

Cultural District Committee Meeting

Thursday, May 5, 2022 7:00 PM 

Virtual Meeting

Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes

•  March 23, 2022 Cultural District Committee Meeting
•  April 6, 2022 Cultural District Committee Meeting

FCD Goals for FY23

•  Review, discuss and vote FY23 Goals

CDC Terms of Service

•  Review of current CDC membership.

FCC MetroWest Symposium

• Update

ArtWALK 2022 Update

•  Members report

FCD Blog Update

• Publishing schedule; sharing; outreach

FCD Budget Funds and remaining MCC Grant Funds

• Opportunities to fund performances/events within the Cultural District
• Purchase of materials and supplies
• Rain Check Program

FCD Passport

•  Pat presentation

FCD Partners Meetings

• Discussion of May 12, 2022 7:00 p.m. Meeting Agenda
• Discussion of Meeting Topics and Possible New Format

CD Committee Meeting Dates, June 2022 - May 2023

• Discussion and vote on dates

 Adjourn

Future Meetings:

• FCD Partners Meeting: Thursday May 12, 2022, 7:00 p.m. 

Agenda doc & remote connection info ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/events/cultural_district_committee_meeting_agenda_-_may_5_2022.pdf

Franklin Cultural District Committee Meeting - Agenda - May 5 - 7 PM

67 Degrees celebrates Second Anniversary - Feb 26, 2022

"SAVE THE DATE, SAVE THE DATE. 

Whose bringing the confetti 🎊!?!? 

Another revolution around the 🌞 and we are happy to invite you to celebrate our second year in existence on Saturday 2/26  from 12 - 10 PM @67degrees.brew

We have a day full of food with 

@fresh_start.market for lunch 12 - 4 PM, 

@thecaribbeanpress for dinner 4 - 8 PM, 

tasty treats by @leonasbakingco, 

and music with @damgaardscott @ 5 PM, 

of course tasty brews and other goodies. 

SAVE THE DATE. See you then. Cheers!"

Shared from Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CaD8839LwMP/

67 Degrees celebrates Second Anniversary - Feb 26, 2022 

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX Online! Featuring The Cousins Maine Lobster Food Truck!  

Lineup: 

1:30 - Berkshire Valley Boys 

2:30 - The DayBreakers 

3:30 - The Inflatables

4:30 - InTransition  

General Admission: $10

Berkshire Valley Boys  - After 21 years together, the Berkshire Valley Boys  still enjoy the party! Their shows blur the line between band and guests as they encourage interactive experience.  Songs from  six decades along with originals enhance the fun.  

DayBreakers  - Steadily climbing the ranks of New England's roots rock and roll scene, the DayBreakers reached new peaks in 2021. This summer featured a nomination for Blues Act of the Year by the New England Music Awards, supporting sets in some of the regions most respected rooms (Jonathan's in Ogunquit, Maine, Chan's in Woonsocket, RI, and Black Box in Franklin, Mass.), and a continuation of their weekly residency at the Gavel Public House in Wrentham, Mass. Over the last three years, the band released an Americana Music Association (AMA) Top 200 charting record and opened for James Montgomery, Entrain, The High Divers, Reverend Peyton, and more. 

The Inflatables, featuring long time recording artist Agona Hardison bring a full-size band sound with a unique jam style experience to 60-80s rock songs that you may not hear out in other venues.  Band Members: Dean Najarian, David Porter, John Cangiano, Agona Hardison, Jeff Smith, Ted Abely and Ron D'Attilio

 

The InTransition Band (aka InTransition) is a local Wrentham Band that plays an Eclectic Range of Classic and Contemporary  Blues,  Country,  Rock,  R&B and Irish Music.  Featuring Becca Zitomer on Vocals and Flute with Bill Zitomer on Lead Guitar, Fred Holmes on Rhythm and Lead Guitar, Tom Black  , Drums and Vocals and Dennis McHale, Bass and Vocals. InTransition has been playing in the MA Metro West Area for over 12 years. 

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/theblackboxonline/posts/4111479755640811

Enjoy lobster and local music this Sunday at THE BLACK BOX

Franklin Cultural Festival "Community Unity" - photo essay

How does one determine the success of the Franklin Cultural Festival "Community Unity" event held on Sunday, Sep 12, 2021 in great weather.

Kaye Kelly and group at the end of the "Sari Showcase"

• The crowd and lines were steady from the opening at noon through 3:30 or so. Some may have decided to check out the sports event on TV. For those that remained, salsa lessons and great music continued.

the wise owl greeted young and young at heart

• The variety and number of food trucks. Could there have been more, yes, if the food truck owners had followed through. For those who ran out of food early, maybe they'll be better prepared next time. For those trucks that didn't participate, their missed opportunity. It is a great start.

Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra

• The Kid's corner and puppet shows were pleasing based upon the hoots and hollers from those watching the show.

some of the crowd at the second puppet show

• The line up of artisan crafters was multifaceted. Many of the booths reported good business from the great amount of traffic.

The Pamela Means Project performed

• The beer and wine garden was busy when I stopped by. Got my wrist band after getting my license checked. Then some liquid refreshment to go with my food truck tacos on the lawn in the shade. I was not alone. Dozens of others were under the tent at tables or spread around the lawn as well.

two chicken tacos were delicious

• Cultural diversity was achieved with one view of the salsa dance lessons. Participants spread among the ages from young to young at heart, mostly women (but a few men). A youngster with a Patriots jersey learning the salsa inline with a couple of young ladies wearing saris. 

salsa dance lessons lead by RI Dance

At least for this day, the smiling faces seemed to be enjoying the art based event. Let's work together for more of this. And yes, Franklin Matters is proud to be in good company in helping to sponsor this event.

Additional photos from the event can be found in one album

https://photos.app.goo.gl/M6WyaM47TNnQaa5T9

Franklin Matters is proud to be in good company in helping to sponsor this event

Franklin Cultural Festival updates for the Sep 12 event

More highlights of what will be available at the Cultural Festival September 12, 2021

Franklin Cultural Festival updates for the Sep 12 event

Follow the Cultural Council Facebook page for additional updates ->   https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil

Shared from Facebook -> https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCulturalCouncil/posts/1492199197800569  

and Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/CS4ZHdBNc-_/?utm_medium=copy_link

Ben & Jerry's Ice cream truck scheduled for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12

someone say...ice cream?

We really do hope you'll be joining us on the Town Common in September for this! Better get there early to get in line for this big boy!

Sunday, September 12, 12-6pm!

Shared from  https://www.instagram.com/p/CSK_9ziLbhd/?utm_medium=copy_link

Ben & Jerry's Ice cream truck scheduled for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - July 18

Sunday July 18th Schedule (Originally the Saturday May 29th lineup) 

(*Please note that Sunday’s event has been moved inside the theater. )

5:00 PM – Kaye Kelly
6:00 PM – Racky Thomas
7:00 PM – Ken DoRosario
8:30 PM – Diane Blue 

Tickets can be purchased online ->  https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - July 18 

Franklin gearing up for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12, 2021

The Franklin Cultural Council is gearing up for the Franklin Cultural Festival, a large community gathering, held on Sunday, September 12 from 12 PM - 6 PM on the Franklin Town Common. The theme of the Franklin Cultural Festival this year is “Community Unity”. 

The festival is intended to bring community together to celebrate Franklin and celebrate arts and culture. Eight sweet and savory food trucks will allow sampling of various cuisines from seafood to Italian to frozen treats. Both La Cantina and 67 Brewery will be on hand to serve craft beer and wine. 

A series of live dance and music performers, including the headliner and nationally known Salsa Band “Eguie Castrillo & Mar del Norte Salsa Orchestra“. Salsa lessons will be given on the commons during this performance.

There will be an Indian Sari Showcase on the mainstage as well as performances given by local talent.  Over 30 artisans will show their handmade wares in the juried Craft Fair that will be spread across the town common. 

For more information about the Franklin Cultural Festival, or to apply to be a vendor, please email franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com. The Craft Fair and live performances are all free to attend. 

 

Franklin gearing up for the Franklin Cultural Festival - Sep 12, 2021

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

THE BLACK BOX supports the return of live music and enthusiastically welcomes food trucks to Downtown Franklin!

When not attending this special event, please support our local restaurants!

Saturday, May 29th and and Sunday, May 30th from 5-10 PM, General Admission tickets are $20 per day.

Saturday, May 29

• 5:00 Racky Thomas
• 6:00 Kaye Kelly
• 7:00 Ken DoRosario
• 8:30 Diane Blue
  

Sunday, May 30

• 5:00 Britt Connors Duo
• 6:00 David Thorne Scott
• 7:00 Honest Mechanik
• 8:30 The Gravel Project
  

Food trucks include Caribbean Press, Pangea Cuisines and Larry Joes' New England Fire Pit  

Tickets = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1458

 

THE BLACK BOX: Food Truck and Live Music Festival - May 29-30

Recap: Town Council meeting - Apr 7, 2021 - capital budget approved, streets accepted, DPW presentation, complete streets policy

Quick Recap:

• Public hearing on street acceptances for four streets, two of which were in the 'normal' process timing and were approved. Two were part of the backlog, coming through on a revised process and not approved as they lacked Planning Board approval. The full process will be needed for these two so they'll come back for approval some time TBD
• Enlightening and fact filled presentation by DPW on their operations.
• Lengthy set of legislation for action. The capital budget (previously approved by FinComm and Capital Budget subcommittees) a set of separate actions all passed
• The stormwater bylaw technical adjustments were finally approved after once again being challenged as something nefarious to force the stormwater fee into operation (no, this item has nothing to do with the fee itself. That is scheduled for discussion during the budget hearings and likely will be a long and challenging discussion.)
• The food truck permit for private property was approved (yahoo!)

----
 

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/9A7nKejgy9p44DuUA

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0407
https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0407&src=typeahead_click 

• Town Council meeting coming up, real time reporting for this about to begin. Follow along with the agenda here #tc0407  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-04-07_town_council_agenda.pdf  Connection info in doc
• Meeting opens, #tc0407 20+ on Zoom to open with.
• 2 councilors not present (Pellegri and Kelly), Hamblen remote via Zoom. #tc0407 citizen comments, none tonight Approval of minutes of Mar 17, second, passes 7-0 via roll call 
• A little early for public hearing to start. Subcommittee reports: capital budget did meet …
• Budget meeting april 12, 5:30 Joint budget Subcommittee EDC just met earlier tonight, talked about the ladybug trail, discussed the business guide as developed, #edc0407 Community planning grant and other items to be covered in next meeting

Public hearing

• Public hearing on street acceptance opens: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2021-03-24_web_street_acceptances_2_-_milford_daily_news_legal_notice.pdf… #tc0407 next set of non-accepted streets (over 100 to be done) Town Administrator Jamie Hellen provides overview
• Bissanti questioning why these 'newer' ones are coming in where others could be here and aren't. These are in the regular process and currently being done - others lack plans and/or data and require more work. #tc0407 general process assumes acceptance unless a special item
• #tc0407 street acceptance does chap 90 funding, pavement management plan, $40m backlog of those to bring up to quality. If we did not accept, legally we wouldn't need to clear snow etc. That is a safety issue and a systemic issue on overall funding and priority
• #tc0407 laws are written in favor of developers and also Municipal entities are not able to add fees for road acceptance to recover funds. Chap 90 is the only revenue we gain on roads. We have a legal obligation to accept (assuming I special items)
• Q on gas tax funding roads, it goes to the Commonwealth, the allotment we get is Chap 90. Hotel tax is a local option revenue collected through the State then to us, mostly appropriated to roads, this year due to pandemic and decline in hotel occupancy #tc0407
• Moving to Brandywine and Charles Drive for the acceptance process. #tc0407 Attny Cerel provides some background on the acceptance process for subdivisions which weren't covered in the original legislation. Planning Board didn't recommend to accept hence can't proceed tonight
• #tc0407 Brandywine et al had not been originally thru planning board so they did not want to recommend. Public hearing closes. Moving to DPW presentation, doc to be added later.

DPW presentation

• Slides on overview #tc0407
• 60 acres of playing fields to manage and take care of #tc0407 35 flags maintained; 102 trash, recycling barrel sets;
• 1813 signs in town, street line striping along with parking lots, 30 traffic lights, 328 crosswalks in Town; central motors for all town vehicles 167 road vehicles with registration #tc0407
• #tc0407 grew from 1200 customers to over 3,000 at the recycling center, Beaver St.
• #tc0407 with 23 lift stations, some refuse gets lifted 7 times before it gets to where it needs to, would have been nice to have a master plan for sewer; elevated tanks to provide water pressure dropped from 3.1 to 2.6 million gallons due to water conservation measures
• #tc0407 second water treatment plant (off Grove St) coming online later this year.
• #tc0407 it is cost efficient to do much of the vehicle maintenance inhouse some stuff does make sense to send out, however we are 1st responders and would need to get a truck or police car turned around quickly
• DPW "the work they do touches everyone in Town". They are short staffed and doing more with what they have. #tc0407 you give us the money, we get to spend it. Could add fencing to create a small dog zone at the dog park.
• Trash vs recycling mix is bad if over a 10% mix (bad in with the good), audit just done and we came in low at 7% #tc0407

Legislation for Action

• Moving to legislation for action: https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._web.pdf… capital appropriation for FY 2022.  #tc0407 motion to approve, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent) to use $1.5m free cash. There is a large backlog of items for future.
• Next up, funding OPEB trust fund  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10b._town_council_resolution_21-14_free_cash_opeb_fy21.pdf … #tc0407 Motion and second, 10% of free cash per TC policy, update next week for the overall OPEB status and Q&A. Passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Field stabilization funding https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10c._town_council_resolution_21-15_free_cash_stabilization_transfers_fy21.pdf  … #tc0407 motion and second; annual transfer to save for future. Passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Water enterprise fund, to approve use of retained earnings per capital expense as authorized https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10d._town_council_resolution_21-16_fy21_water_retained_earnings_to_water_line_resolution.pdf  #tc0407 motion and second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Next up easement for approval https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10e._web_0.pdf … #tc0407 motion and second; passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Next up street acceptance, motion to waive reading, second, passes 7-0; motion and second on resolution, passes 7-0 (2 absent) #tc0407
• Complete streets policy #tc0407 https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10h._complete_streets.pdf … motion and second; first step in process for a master plan for transportation via all modes, enables us to gain grants, admin policy likely to be adjusted overtime more easily than a bylaw, passes 7-0, (2 absent)
• Moving to next item special regulations https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10j._web.pdf … #tc0407 motion to move to a second reading, no change to stormwater fee, a technical clean up, needed to go to planning board, which approved 5-0; Bissanti is this the mechanism for the billing? No …
• ... need to be clear this is not a trojan horse. It has nothing to do with the billing. Technical clean up on verbiage of the permit. When will we get to the billing? During the budget hearing. #tc0407 passes via roll call 6-1 (Bissanti no, 2 absent).
• New permit fee for food truck on private property, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10k._web.pdf #tc0407 this is second reading, already passed before, this is second time around for adoption, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• Sewer bylaw adjustments   https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10l._web.pdf
• #tc0407 motion and second to move to second reading, this is a technical clean up re: Charles River Pollution control district, separate org - passes 7-0 (2 absent)

Town Administrator report

• That is the end of the Legislation for tonight, first aggregation report posted to Town page, we are saving money. #tc407 
• May 5th passport renewals will resume at municipal bldg.  Verizon is exercising option to remain in Franklin. $200k grant for affordable senior housing
• Continue the TA report: fire dept grant - $188k popup store grant for downtown for this summer partner with Wrentham, citizen discount one page guide posted to Town page (and shared) #tc0407  Town opening more likely after Memorial Day. Still under capacity limits ..
• Likely to look at some reservation system. #tc0407  Comments: Dean returned request to pay for vehicle as a "pilot" payment. Disappointed. Police reform had great conversation, girl up at high school also had good conversation. Scam attempt today. Stay vigilant.
• ... homeless feedback/info coming from Bissanti (from webinar he attended)
• #tc0407 thanks to Franklin fire for their burn session, quite informative. Thanks to the staff for the beginning of the capital program. A grueling task. Motion to adjourn, second, passes 7-0 (2 absent)
• That's all for tonight, catch you next time! #tc0407

DPW overview presentation doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/dpw_town_council_presentation_4_7_2021.pdf

 

Town of Franklin: DPW Overview 04/07/21 from Franklin Matters

one page of the DPW overview on Central Motors

FM #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio)

FM #496 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 496 in the series. 

This session shares part 2 of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, Mar 17, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: most members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, at least one member of the Council was remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the almost two hour minute meeting into two logical segments:

• First - covers the opening through the retirement recognitions and new hire swearing in ceremonies (56 minutes)
• *** Second *** - covers the committee reports, the two items for legislation and the remainder of the meeting up to entering Executive Session, not to return to public meeting (42 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this agenda. 

Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Mar 17, 2021

Audio file = https://player.captivate.fm/episode/55f99c80-cd8f-4cc7-a41b-26df44d75643

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Agenda document (and released supporting materials in one PDF) 
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/franklin-ma-town-council-agenda-mar-17.html 

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/03/recap-town-council-meeting-mar-17-2021.html  

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

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" 

FM #496 - Town Council Meeting - 03/17/21 - P2 of 2 (audio)

Recap -Town Council meeting Mar 17, 2021 - opens with moment of silence remembering 42 lost to COVID-19

Quick Recap:

• opens with moment of silence remembering 42 lost to COVID-19 
• Citizens Comment: reminder on bricks for the Veterans Walkway purchased by April 1 will be installed for Memorial Day; announcement of a Franklin Area Non-profit Network beginning March 29
• Recognition of retirees from DPW and Police along with the swearing in of new Police and Fire personnel 
• First passage of fee for food trucks for private parties
• Bylaw proposal referred to Planning Board on removal of restrictions for space for tasting room
  

 

----

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

 

Photos captured during the meeting and shared via Twitter can be found in one folder  https://photos.app.goo.gl/nFjW3RwqtrzycAGW7

 

The Twitter hashtag can be found online  #tc0317

https://twitter.com/search?q=%23tc0317&src=typeahead_click

• Getting ready for the town Council meeting #tc0317 https://franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/march-17-town-council-agenda Agenda doc has the connection info to view via cable, live stream or Zoom.
• Reminder on bricks for sale for the Veterans Walkway available for purchase by Apr 1, the cut off would be for brick to be installed this Memorial Day. #tc0317 I announced the kick off meeting for the Franklin Area Nonprofit Network on Mar 29 at 7 PM more info to come
• Citizen commenting against the stormwater fee but confusing it with the water and sewer enterprise funding process #tc0317 valid comments on any increase needs to be considered.
• Ciccone question and confusion around the stormwater, also confusing about what is where on the budget. Also confusing the capital vs operational budget spending. #tc0317 Motion on minutes from prior meeting, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Recognition of - David Allard - Retirement Recognition, Franklin DPW #tc0317
• Recognition of - Kevin Ryan - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317 served 44 years, under 5 chiefs Resolutions from House and Senate presented by Rep Roy
• Brief break to allow for movement of folks within the chambers Recognition of Detective John Maloney - Retirement Recognition, Franklin Police Department #tc0317
• Recognition of Kristopher Smith - Achievement Recognition, graduation from the Massachusetts Fire Academy #tc0317
• Swearing in of new officers for Police - (1) Rob Burchill - New Patrol Officer Ceremonial Swearing In & Badge Pinning, Police Department (2) Derek Tetrault - New Patrol Officer Ceremonial Swearing In & Badge Pinning, Police Department #tc0317 sworn in by town clerk N Danello
• Brian Armstrong - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Jeffrey Ward - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Kent Parsons - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept Benjamin Angelo - New Hire, Firefighter/Paramedic - Fire Dept #tc0317
• The four firefighter/paramedics are starting Monday, being sworn in tonight. #tc0317 and pinned by family members
• Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick W. McDermot was rescheduled for a future meeting Subcommittee meetings for capital and budget being confirmed #tc0317
• Moving to legislation for action, temporary food truck event fee, https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/10a._food_trucks.pdf #tc0317 only vote needed for a new fee to help expand food trucks in Franklin, private property owners. Fact sheet in agenda doc motion to 2nd reading, second, passes 9-0 via roll call
• Motion to refer to Planning Board,  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/21-872_tasting_room.pdf #tc0317 Change in requirements for tasting room for new establishments, does not apply to existing unless they come back to Planning Board. Passes 9-0 via roll call
• Town Admin report congratulations to cultural District for first state grant, housing grant received for affordable housing, chapter 90 allotment just under $1M, thanks to legislative delegation for keeping local aid coming, Gov Baker apparently to move to Phase 4 #tc0317
• #tc0317 Sr coffee hour at 8:30 AM, police reform discussion coming 3/24 at 7 PM, need to recognize and note hate crimes Homeless forum on 3/25 Congrats to retirees and new hires Lost 42 Franklinites to COVID Recognition of access to police hiring, not full pool of candidates
• #tc0317 #talkfranklinfirst gift cards sold over $42k so far, money to stay here. Thanks to Anne Marie for her efforts on the gift cards Historical Museum open, looking for volunteers. Sundays 1-4pm. thanks to the library for their efficiency during the closed period
• #tc0317 stay safe, be careful. We're not done yet, SAFE is very busy, help someone, reach out. Condolences to those who lost any one to this pandemic. Don't forget to do what we need to do, masks, social distance... Happy st patrick's
• Motion to enter executive session, not to return to open meeting 9-0 via roll call That's all for tonight, catch you next time #tc0317 

 

Chief Lynch checking the inscription on the plaque

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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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