The Town Council meeting of Oct 30 gets condensed to 34 minutes in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

FM #1306 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1306 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares our “Town Council Quarterbacking” with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. We had our conversation via the Zoom Conference Bridge on Tuesday, November 5, 2023.  

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session

Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics

• Paul Schleicher Jr.

• Michael Dumican

• Corey Rafter

• Steven Osorio

• Shea Hurley

The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello

• Lieutenant Michael Colecchi 

• Sergeant Cody Landry

Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. 

License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. 

Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. 

Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100)

Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) 

Friendly 40B Policy Update introduced by Jamie in response to what has been heard from the community. 

Joint Budget recap - Council action item at a February meeting to determine Override vote (yes/no), if yes, date, if yes, amount

The recording runs about 34 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Tom as we recap the Council meeting of Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1306-town-council-quarterbacking-11-05-24/

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

Town Council agenda Oct 30, 2024 -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet_2.pdf 

Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNbkQwNvQkA 

My notes captured during the meeting and now in one PDF file ->  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zqgR9Lc2lYE9H3f8WOor2CoM-XPxaUG3/view?usp=drive_link

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

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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

The Town Council meeting of Oct 30 gets condensed to 34 minutes in this Quarterbacking session (audio)

Town Council approves Rescission of license transfer, accepts Bogan's Way, welcomes Fire Dept news hires & Police Dept promotions (video)

The Town Council met as scheduled on Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024. 8 members participated, one was absent (Frongillo),

The Franklin TV video is available for replay -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNbkQwNvQkA

The agenda doc can be found here ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet_2.pdf

Quick recap:

• After multiple citizen comments on a variety of topics the Council got to their agenda items
• Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics
• Paul Schleicher Jr.
• Michael Dumican
• Corey Rafter
• Steven Osorio
• Shea Hurley
• First time to have 60 firefighters on staff, need to keep up with the growing needs of the community. All 60 are licensed paramedics 
• The Police Department had 2 Promotions, Both sworn in by Town Clerk Nancy Danello
• Lieutenant Michael Colecchi 
• Sergeant Cody Landry
• Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market. Jamie explains quick background on the recession as the "easy" way for the parties to resolve the issues they have, including allowing DaVita's to reapply for a renewal of the license Building code issues need to be resolved to enable the transfer. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)
• Public hearing on Bogan's way; Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Bogans Way and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Easements. Planning did approve acceptance, Continuing to chip away on all the public streets in town Public hearing closed with no comments. vote passes 8-0-1 (8 - yes, 0 - no, 1 absent)
• License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s. So moved, second, passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher, joined by architect and Brad Chaffee, Camford Property Group. Presentation slides ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/4SqkayuitiSFjuzU8
• Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24- 63 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 (1 absent)
• Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-64 - Majority Vote). So moved, second Passes 8-0-1 ,1 absent)
• Friendly 40B Policy Update introduced by Jamie in response to what has been heard from the community. After some discussion, when it wasn't really an item for discussion, it is not clear if it is in effect as proposed, or if it is being referred to a subcommittee and/or future agenda for further discussion. Editor's note: there should be a further review and potentially additional changes made to this. It is not a policy that is clearly understood and appreciated by either the Council or the community  

Fire Dept news hires pose with Town Council

Police Dept promotions pose with Town Council

Franklin, MA: Town Council agenda for meeting Oct 30, 2024 at 7 PM

Franklin Town Council

Agenda & Meeting Packet

October 30, 2024 = 7:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building

2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street 

1. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE CHAIR

a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 9 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.

b. Chair to identify members participating remotely.

c. Upcoming Town Sponsored Community Events.

2. CITIZEN COMMENTS

a. Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to three minutes on a matter that is not on the agenda. In compliance with G.L. Chapter 30A, Section 20 et seq, the Open Meeting Law, the Council cannot engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter. Nothing herein shall prevent the Town Administrator from correcting a misstatement of fact.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

a. October 16, 2024

4. PROCLAMATIONS / RECOGNITIONS

a. Fire Department - Swearing In of New Firefighter / Paramedics

• i. Paul Schleicher Jr.
• ii. Michael Dumican
• iii. Corey Rafter
• iv. Steven Osorio
• v. Shea Hurley

b. Fire Department - Promotion: Fire Lieutenant Joseph McGann 

c. Police Department - Promotions

• i. Lieutenant Michael Colecchi
• ii. Sergeant Cody Landry

5. APPOINTMENTS - None Scheduled

6. PUBLIC HEARINGS - 7:00 PM

a. Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Rescission of Prior Approval of Pledge of Liquor License, and Rescission of Prior Approval of Bhaveshkumar Patel as the Manager - Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market,

Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

i. License Transaction #7a

b. Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Bogans Way and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Easements

i. Legislation for Action Item #9a

7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS

a. Rescission of Prior Approval of Transfer of Section 15 All Alcoholic Beverages Package Store License, Rescission of Approval of Pledge of Liquor License, and Rescission of Approval of Bhaveshkumar Patel as the Manager - Heeru Corporation d/b/a DeVita’s Market, Located at 198 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/rescission_of_license_transfer_-_devitas_0.pdf

b. License Modification - Change of Manager of a Section 15 Retail Package Store License: Shaw’s Supermarkets, Inc. d/b/a Shaw’s; Located at 255 East Central St., Franklin, MA 02038

8. PRESENTATIONS / DISCUSSIONS

a. Franklin Children's Museum - Meghan Hagen & Erin Gallagher

9. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION

a. Resolution 24-62: Order of Layout, Acceptance, and Taking of Bogans Way and Drainage Lot Parcel A and Easements (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-62 - ⅔ Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/9a._1_-_resolution_24-62_-_bogans_way_-_google_docs.pdf

b. Resolution 24-63: Gift Acceptance: Senior Center ($100) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-63 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-63_-_gift_acceptance_-_sr._ctr_0.pdf

c. Resolution 24-64: Town Council Approval of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds ($8,304) (Motion to Approve Resolution 24-64 - Majority Vote)  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/24-64_-_arpa_8304.pdf

10. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

a. Friendly 40B Policy Update  

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/uploads/10a._-_friendly_40b_policy_-_revised.pdf

11. SUBCOMMITTEE & AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Capital Budget Subcommittee

b. Economic Development Subcommittee

c. Budget Subcommittee/Joint Budget Subcommittee

d. Master Plan Committee

e. Police Station Building Committee

f. GATRA Advisory Board

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

13. COUNCILOR COMMENTS

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION - None Scheduled

15. ADJOURN

 

Note: Two-Thirds Vote: requires 6 votes

Majority Vote: requires majority of members present and voting

Agenda doc also contains info on remote participation -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/town_council_meeting_october_30_2024_packet.pdf

DaVita's Market (image from their Facebook page)

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

FM #1229 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1229 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Town Council Chair Tom Mercer. The Council met on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 for the first of their 2 normal meetings for June.  Our schedules coordinated to talk on Thursday morning to recap the long 4 hour session the night before..

We look to focus on 

• ok, what just happened? 

• What does it mean for Franklin residents and taxpayers?

Topics for this session:

• Electric Youth high point of session

• Verizon cable contract renewal

• Farmers Market licenses for La Cantina, Blisspoint Meadery

• Public Hearing on King St business zoning proposal

• Moved to second reading by 5-4 vote

• Final approval requires 6 Yes votes

• Friendly 40b approved by 5-4 vote

• Still needs to work through the permit process, etc.

• Zoning bylaws referral to Planning Board

• 3 measures regarding MBTA compliance

• Mixed use zoning definition

• EDC recommendation changed on parking minimums

• Still to come back to Council for discussion & vote

• TA Emergency shelter update

• No town funds spent for anything

• Schools reimbursed from State for their additional support costs

The recording runs about 26 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Tom.

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1230-town-council-quarterbacking-06-06-24

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

The Franklin TV broadcast 06/05/24  ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps1PnsDuPwE 

Agenda and supporting documents -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/june_5_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes for this meeting  captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/190oyby8h5rC5ivDqN4lKAOV5PBP2UCM4/view?usp=drive_link 

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

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"

This Town Council Quarterbacking session recaps the 4 hour Council meeting in about 25 minutes (audio)

Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)

FM #1173 & 1174 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, numbers 1173 & 1174 in the series. 

This session shares the Town Council meeting of Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in 2 parts. All 9 councilors took part, 8 in Chambers and 1 was remote for all but the last few minutes (Frongillo).

Part 1 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1173-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-10-24-p1-of-2

This part covers the first hour of the meeting

• Citizen Comments

• Approval of Minutes - March 13, 2024

• Appointment to Design Review Commission - Priya Natarjan

• 2 ABCC license transactions

And then skips past the 40b section to include the last 30+ minutes of the meeting

• Legislation for Action

• Town Administrator’s Report

• Subcommittee reports

• Future Agenda Items

• Council Comment

• Enter Executive Session (not to return to open session)

Part 2 Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1174-franklin-ma-town-council-mtg-04-10-24-p2-of-2

This part includes the entire section around the proposed “friendly 40b” development of the Stobbarts Nursery (approx. 2.5 hours)

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

The Franklin TV broadcast of the 4 hour session is available for replay on YouTube ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4WPC4cB_S4 

Agenda and supporting documents for this session -> 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/april_10_2024_town_council_meeting_agenda.pdf 

My notes captured via Twitter can be found in one PDF file -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1labnvYVykW4HGk01mHIQDk7d725ikuLn/view?usp=drive_link 

Photo album with the slides as captured during the presentation on Wednesday

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WC1n843rA3AQwjTg7 

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

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"

Audio for the April 10, 2024 Town Council meeting in 2 parts: P1 for opening & closing sections; P2 for the friendly 40b discussion (audio)